Disparities in Cancer Screening in Sexual and Gender Minority Populations: A Secondary Analysis of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data.

OBJECTIVES: To describe cancer screening characteristics and better understand individual-, environmental-, and organizational-level barriers of sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations. . SAMPLE & SETTING: This study was conducted using a combined sample from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) national dataset from 2014 and 2016. METHODS & VARIABLES: Chi-square tests for independence and logistic regression analysis tests were performed to determine whether relationships existed between SGM status and demographics. RESULTS: Black respondents or those who reported their race as other, were female, had some college or technical school or more, and had healthcare coverage were less likely to present for cancer screening. SGM respondents who were in good or better health; were unmarried; were aged 18-44 years or 45-55 years; or were Asian, Native American, or Hawaiian, or reported their race as other, had higher odds of screening for cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Disparities in cancer screening among SGM populations are not well documented. These findings will inform structured education and preventative interventions to improve screening participation among SGM populations.

Feasibility of an mHealth self-management intervention for children and adolescents with sickle cell disease and their families.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hemoglobinopathy that leads to blood vessel occlusion and multiorgan complications, including pain, that may be experienced daily. Symptom management often begins at home, and tools are needed to support self-management strategies that can be implemented by children with SCD and families. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of the mHealth self-management intervention (application) Voice Crisis Alert V2 for children with SCD and families. Feasibility assessment was guided by the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Data were collected with 60 dyads (children with SCD/caregivers) at four time points. Self-management data were collected via application use, and postintervention interviews were conducted. Analyses included descriptive statistics and constant comparison with directed content analysis. Recruitment was completed in 28 weeks, with 82% retention at end-of-intervention. Mobile Application Rating Scale scores and interview data indicated high satisfaction. From baseline to mid-intervention, 94% of dyads used the application (75% of total use); 45% used the application from mid-intervention to the end-of-intervention. Dyads made 2,384 actions in the application; the most commonly used features were recording health history and recording and tracking symptoms. Few reported issues with the application; most issues occurred early in the study and were corrected. After the intervention period was completed, 37% continued to use the application. Feasibility was confirmed by meeting recruitment and retention goals, high adoption of the application, and high reported satisfaction with the application. Challenges with sustained use were encountered, and areas for improvement were identified.