Racial discrimination, knowledge, and health outcomes: The mediating role of hepatitis B-related stigma among patients with chronic hepatitis B.

It is well described in current literature that Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects Asian Americans more than any other racial group in the United States and that there is a stigma attached to this condition. The effects of stigma can be lasting, penetrating physiologically and psychologically, yet few studies have focused on the consequences of this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of stigma in the effect of racial discrimination and knowledge (of HBV sequelae) on health status of Korean Americans with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Three hundred sixty-five CHB patients were recruited and enrolled from two clinics in Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Question-9 (PHQ-9), physical health via self-rated health survey and stigma via hepatitis B quality of life (HBQOL)-stigma survey. Perceived racial discrimination and knowledge of CHB sequelae were independent variables. The cohort had an average age of 60.1 years (range 19-84, SD 10.7), 56% were male and 94% were born in South Korea. Mediational analysis found that stigma was a significant mediator between both racial discrimination (indirect effect = .037, Bootstrap 95% CI = [.010-.064]) and sequelae knowledge (indirect effect = .097, Bootstrap 95% CI = [.018-.176]) and depressive symptoms. Stigma also had a direct effect on depressive symptoms (ß = .136, p < .01) and self-rated health (ß = .018, p < .05). In addition, age, gender, education and employment were related to health outcomes. The findings of this study indicate that HBV-related stigma is an important mediator of mental health outcomes in this population. Future studies should identify other psychosocial factors to develop effective intervention programs to reduce stigma and improve quality of life among CHB patients.

Racial disparities in new-onset diabetes mellitus in prostate cancer patients on androgen deprivation therapy: a retrospective analysis of TriNetX data.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men in the US and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the most frequently used systemic therapy for PCa. Data suggest that ADT is associated with an increased risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) and cardiovascular complications. As the incidence and mortality of PCa are highest among the African American (AA) population, it is important to evaluate the difference in the incidence of NODM and ischemic heart disease (IHD) between AA men compared to Caucasian men. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study utilizing the TriNetX database to assess NODM and IHD risk, risk difference, and risk ratio (RR) after recent ADT initiation in an AA cohort and a Caucasian cohort of patients with PCa. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed by age, BMI, and confounding comorbidities. RESULTS: After matching, the cohort included 1159 AA patients and 843 Caucasian patients with NODM after ADT initiation. The IHD cohort included 1269 AA patients and 1248 Caucasian patients. The risk of incidence of NODM is higher among AA men at 11.6% risk compared to Caucasian men at 7.4%. The risk difference is 4.1% (95% CI = 3.4, 4.9) p = 0.000. The RR is 1.56 (95% CI = 1.43, 1.70). In contrast, risk difference and risk ratio of IHD was not significant between AA and Caucasian groups. CONCLUSION: ADT exposure increases the risk of NODM in men with PCa, especially among AA men compared with Caucasian men. Men receiving ADT should be monitored routinely for signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Targeted close monitoring of AA men on ADT would be critical to prevent and treat metabolic complications with potential of reducing disparities in PCa morbidity.

Individual- and neighborhood-level characteristics of lung cancer screening participants undergoing telemedicine shared decision making.

BACKGROUND: Although lung cancer screening (LCS) for high-risk individuals reduces lung cancer mortality in clinical trial settings, many questions remain about how to implement high-quality LCS in real-world programs. With the increasing use of telemedicine in healthcare, studies examining this approach in the context of LCS are urgently needed. We aimed to identify sociodemographic and other factors associated with screening completion among individuals undergoing telemedicine Shared Decision Making (SDM) for LCS. METHODS: This retrospective study examined patients who completed Shared Decision Making (SDM) via telemedicine between May 4, 2020 - March 18, 2021 in a centralized LCS program. Individuals were categorized into Complete Screening vs. Incomplete Screening subgroups based on the status of subsequent LDCT completion. A multi-level, multivariate model was constructed to identify factors associated with incomplete screening. RESULTS: Among individuals undergoing telemedicine SDM during the study period, 20.6% did not complete a LDCT scan. Bivariate analysis demonstrated that Black/African-American race, Medicaid insurance status, and new patient type were associated with greater odds of incomplete screening. On multi-level, multivariate analysis, individuals who were new patients undergoing baseline LDCT or resided in a census tract with a high level of socioeconomic deprivation had significantly higher odds of incomplete screening. Individuals with a greater level of education experienced lower odds of incomplete screening. CONCLUSIONS: Among high-risk individuals undergoing telemedicine SDM for LCS, predictors of incomplete screening included low education, high neighborhood-level deprivation, and new patient type. Future research should focus on testing implementation strategies to improve LDCT completion rates while leveraging telemedicine for high-quality LCS.

Disparities in awareness of the HPV vaccine and HPV-associated cancers among racial/ethnic minority populations: 2018 HINTS.

OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that currently infects nearly 80 million people in the United States (U.S.) and can lead to cancer. HPV vaccination provides safe, effective, and lasting protection against HPV infections. Nevertheless, vaccination rates remain suboptimal. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, HPV and HPV vaccine awareness, and knowledge of HPV-associated cancers among U.S. adults. DESIGN: Using responses from 3504 U.S. adults (aged 18 years and older) from the Health Information National Trends Survey 5 Cycle 2 (January-May 2018), we performed descriptive analysis to assess the level of awareness of HPV and HPV vaccines and knowledge of HPV-associated cancer. Multivariable regression analysis (including race, gender, age, level of education, marital status, number of children younger than 18) was conducted with weighted analysis. RESULTS: About 62% of respondents had heard of HPV and HPV vaccine. Asians had a lower level of awareness than non-Hispanic Whites of HPV (36.4% vs. 66.1%) and HPV vaccine (48.7% vs. 67.1%). Multivariable analysis showed that race/ethnicity was associated with outcomes, with Asians being less likely to have heard about HPV (aOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.38) and non-Hispanic Blacks (aOR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35-0.91) and Hispanics (aOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36-0.80) being less likely to have heard of the HPV vaccine than non-Hispanic Whites. In addition, gender, age, marital status, and education were associated with awareness of HPV and the HPV vaccine; in particular, individuals who were female, younger (18-45), married, and more highly educated were more likely to have heard of HPV and HPV vaccine. CONCLUSION: Results highlight disparities in HPV and HPV vaccine awareness among racial/ethnic minority populations. Future interventions and legislation should target racial/ethnic minority populations to foster improvements in HPV vaccine uptake and reduce disparities in HPV-associated cancers.

Racial difference in BMI and lung cancer diagnosis: analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial.

BACKGROUND: The inverse relationship between BMI and lung cancer diagnosis is well defined. However, few studies have examined the racial differences in these relationships. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships amongst race, BMI, and lung cancer diagnosis using the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) data. METHODS: Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the BMI, race, and lung cancer diagnosis relationships. RESULTS: Among 53,452 participants in the NLST cohort, 3.9% were diagnosed with lung cancer, 43% were overweight, and 28% were obese. BMI was inversely related to lung cancer diagnosis among Whites: those overweight (aOR = .83, 95%CI = .75-.93), obese (aOR = .64, 95%CI = .56-.73) were less likely to develop lung cancer, compared to those with normal weight. These relationships were not found among African-Americans. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the inverse relationship of BMI and lung cancer risk among Whites is consistent, whereas this relationship is not significant for African-Americans. In consideration of higher lung cancer incidence among African Americans, we need to explore other unknown mechanisms explaining this racial difference.

Outreach to primary care patients in lung cancer screening: A randomized controlled trial.

Current guidelines recommend annual lung cancer screening (LCS), but rates are low. The current study evaluated strategies to increase LCS. This study was a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of patient outreach and shared decision making (SDM) about LCS among patients in four primary care practices. Patients 50 to 80 years of age and at high risk for lung cancer were randomized to Outreach Contact plus Decision Counseling (OC-DC, n = 314), Outreach Contact alone (OC, n = 314), or usual care (UC, n = 1748). LCS was significantly higher in the combined OC/OC-DC group versus UC controls (5.5% vs. 1.8%; hazard ratio, HR = 3.28; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.98 to 5.41; p = 0.001). LCS was higher in the OC-DC group than in the OC group, although not significantly so (7% vs. 4%, respectively; HR = 1.75; 95% CI: 0.86 to 3.55; p = 0.123). LCS referral/scheduling was also significantly higher in the OC/OC-DC group compared to controls (11% v. 5%; odds ratio, OR = 2.02; p = 0.001). We observed a similar trend for appointment keeping, but the effect was not statistically significant (86% v. 76%; OR = 1.93; p = 0.351). Outreach contacts significantly increased LCS among primary care patients. Research is needed to assess the additional value of SDM on screening uptake.

A comparison of the influencing factors of chronic pain and quality of life between older Koreans and Korean-Americans with chronic pain: a correlational study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is one of the most common health problems for older adults worldwide and is likely to result in lower quality of life. Living in a different culture may also influence chronic pain and quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore how multifaceted elements affect chronic pain and quality of life in older Koreans living in Korea and in older Korean-Americans (KAs) living in the USA. METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis of data from 270 adults aged 65 years or over (138 Koreans and 132 KAs). We compared the effects of multifaceted elements on pain and quality of life by testing structural equation models (SEMs) for each group, using a maximum likelihood estimation and bootstrapping. RESULTS: SEMs for both Korean and KAs showed that age and depressive symptoms directly affected quality of life. The number of comorbidities and depressive symptoms had mediating effects on quality of life through chronic pain in both groups. In older Koreans only, perceived financial status directly affected quality of life. In older KAs only, sleep quality indirectly affected quality of life through chronic pain. CONCLUSION: The data showed that multimorbidity and depressive symptoms play critical roles for explaining chronic pain in older Koreans and KAs and ultimately negatively influence quality of life. Future intervention program to improve quality of life in older adults with chronic pain should consider the different cultural aspects affecting quality of life for Koreans and KAs.

Process evaluation of an academic-community-government partnership to reduce liver diseases attributable to hepatitis B virus.

BACKGROUND: Racial/ethnic minorities have higher incidence and mortality rates of liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma, than non-Hispanic Whites. As such, the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Area Hepatitis B Virus (WB-HBV) Demonstration Project, a community-based participatory research (CBPR)-driven academic-community-government (ACG) partnership, was established in 2019 to address disparities and implement strategies to improve the HBV screening and vaccination infrastructure for at-risk communities. CBPR is a partnership of community members, organizational leaders, and academic researchers with a common aim to collectively share and contribute their input at every phase of the project. Herein, we describe the process evaluation of the WB-HBV Project and extract themes and insights to benefit future ACG partnerships and community-engaged research. The process evaluation has been conducted to determine whether CBPR-driven partnership and programmatic activities have been implemented as intended and have resulted in building expanded research capacity for future ACG partnership HBV community-level initiatives. METHODS: A WB-HBV Project Task Force was convened and comprised of eight organizations: four community organizations, three government organizations, and one academic institution. Through a mixed-methods process evaluation, an online survey and key informant interviews were conducted to provide context for program implementation barriers and facilitators. Descriptive statistics were conducted, and interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 14 of 20 partnership members (70.0%): two academic, eight community, and four government members. Partnership members showed general agreement across 14 domains: organization and structure of meetings; trust; decisions; impact; general satisfaction; strategic planning; ACG policy impact; community-based participatory research and government; participation in meetings; assessment of participation; partnership operations and capacity; communication; challenges/limitations associated with ACG involvement; and benefits compared to challenges associated with ACG involvement. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 of the 20 members (75.0%): two academic, nine community, and four government members. Four themes emerged: partnership involvement, project goals and accomplishments, project challenges and barriers, and partnership involvement in government or policy. CONCLUSIONS: The process evaluation presents insights into developing strategies to enhance partnership functioning and increase the ability of present and future ACG partnerships to improve community health outcomes.

Prevalence and correlates of depression among South Korean older adults living in relative poverty.

This secondary analysis of the Tailored Health Visiting Service Program examined depression prevalence and associated factors among 1181 community-dwelling, South Korean older adults (range: 65 to 99 years) who live in relative poverty. Depression was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale short form. Generalized linear models with Poisson family and log link functions were employed to identify factors associated with depression. The overall depression prevalence was 46.3%, with most subjects mildly depressed. Better self-rated health and healthy activities were associated with lower depression prevalence, while having a disability was associated with higher prevalence. The factors identified in this study should be considered in community mental health interventions for older adults, especially those who experience economic disadvantage.

Racial disparities in occupational risks and lung cancer incidence: Analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial.

The relationship between racial disparities in occupational risk and lung cancer diagnosis is not well defined. We examined occupational exposure to asbestos, silica, and other workplace chemicals, fumes, or dusts as reported in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST). Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression models were performed. Among the NLST study cohort, 3.9% were diagnosed with lung cancer. African-Americans had a higher rate of lung cancer diagnosis than White individuals (4.3% vs. 3.9%). About 28% reported at least one occupational exposure, including 6.5% exposed to silica and 4.7% to asbestos. African-Americans reported occupational exposure more frequently than White participants, including exposures to asbestos and silica. In a multivariate model, the interactions of all measures of occupational exposures and smoking status were significant. Current smokers with occupational exposures had higher odds of lung cancer diagnosis (aOR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.76-2.30 for any exposure as well as higher odds after silica (aOR = 2.35, 95% CI = 1.89-2.91) or asbestos (aOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.52-2.56) exposure compared to former smokers without any exposures. African-Americans had higher odds of lung cancer diagnosis than White individuals (aOR = 1.24 to 1.25, 95% CI = 1.01-1.54). Our findings indicate that we need more effective public health prevention programs, especially for minorities who may have disproportionately greater occupational exposures due to socioeconomic constructs and barriers. Interventions may include education about occupational risks and lung cancer screening or instituting workplace policies for smoke-free environments with tobacco cessation support.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Patient-Provider Communication and the Role of E-Health Use.

Although the health care industry has strived to address racial/ethnic disparities in health communication, several gaps remain. Previous findings suggest that communication technology might help narrow the gaps; however, they do not provide a comprehensive picture of how or why. To answer these questions, we examined the potential role of communication technology in mitigating the racial/ethnic disparities in patient-provider communication. Data analysis of the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey (N= 3,504) revealed that the levels of perceived quality of communication with health care providers were lower among Asians and Hispanics than non-Hispanic Whites while no difference emerged between Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites. Although the adoption of communication technology was relatively high across minority groups, its use appeared to play different roles in different racial/ethnic populations. The Internet and patient portals showed no particular associations with patient-provider communication except for Black Internet users, who reported poorer experiences with patient-provider communication than non-users. Among Asians and Hispanics, social media and mobile communication appeared to play different roles in impacting communication experiences with health care providers. The findings suggest that communication technologies need to be strategically utilized and tailored to better meet the communication needs of racial/ethnic minorities.

Black patients referred to a lung cancer screening program experience lower rates of screening and longer time to follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Racial disparities are well-documented in preventive cancer care, but they have not been fully explored in the context of lung cancer screening. We sought to explore racial differences in lung cancer screening outcomes within a lung cancer screening program (LCSP) at our urban academic medical center including differences in baseline low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) results, time to follow-up, adherence, as well as return to annual screening after additional imaging, loss to follow-up, and cancer diagnoses in patients with positive baseline scans. METHODS: A historical cohort study of patients referred to our LCSP was conducted to extract demographic and clinical characteristics, smoking history, and lung cancer screening outcomes. RESULTS: After referral to the LCSP, blacks had significantly lower odds of receiving LDCT compared to whites, even while controlling for individual lung cancer risk factors and neighborhood-level factors. Blacks also demonstrated a trend toward delayed follow-up, decreased adherence, and loss to follow-up across all Lung-RADS categories. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, lung cancer screening annual adherence rates were low, regardless of race, highlighting the need for increased patient education and outreach. Furthermore, the disparities in race we identified encourage further research with the purpose of creating culturally competent and inclusive LCSPs.

Intra-Ethnic Differences in Chronic Pain and the Associated Factors: An Exploratory, Comparative Design.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare the levels of pain severity and pain interference, pain catastrophizing, and associated factors between elderly Koreans living in South Korea and Korean Americans living in the United States with chronic pain. METHODS: An exploratory, comparative design was used for this study. A total of 270 individuals (138 Koreans living in South Korea and 132 Korean Americans living in the United States), aged more than 65 years, with self-reported chronic pain, and defined as at least 3 months of persistent musculoskeletal pain, is included. Outcome variables were pain severity, pain interference, and pain catastrophizing. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to examine factors associated with the outcome variables. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, Korean Americans had higher levels of pain severity and pain catastrophizing than Koreans. Depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life were significant factors for pain severity, pain interference, and pain catastrophizing for both groups. Among those factors, health-related quality of life was the most significant factor for predicting pain severity and pain interference, whereas depressive symptoms were the most significant factor for predicting pain catastrophizing for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-ethnic differences in pain severity and pain catastrophizing were found between elderly Koreans living in South Korea and Korean Americans living in the United States. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Because unfamiliar sociocultural and environmental factors may influence the pain responses, cultural differences and language barriers should be taken into account in pain research and management strategies for Asian immigrants in the United States. Psychological factors, including depressive symptoms, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life, should also be considered in chronic pain management for both elderly Koreans and Korean Americans.

Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis in Foreign-Born Populations in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area, 2009-2015.

While the majority of viral hepatitis is experienced in the developing world, migration of people from high prevalence countries contributes to health outcomes in the United States. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in foreign-born immigrants living in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. This study used cross-sectional data from 5982 individuals screened at community events held from 2009 to 2015. Descriptive statistics were generated to describe the screening results. Positive results for HBV infection (HBsAg+) and HCV infection (HCVAb+) were analyzed according to age, gender, and country of birth. Of 5982, the majority of participants were born in Asia (77.8%). The prevalence of infection was 6.1% for HBV and 3.8% for HCV in Asia-born immigrants compared to 3.7% for HBV and 2.8% for HCV in Africa-born immigrants. Among participants who were Asia-born, prevalence of HBV infection was highest for those from Cambodia (11.9%) compared to Vietnam (8.2%), China (8.1%), Laos (6.1%), and Korea (4.6%). Among participants who were Africa-born, prevalence of HBV was highest for those from Liberia (6.7%) and Sierra Leone (6.7%), followed by Cameroon (4.4%) and Nigeria (4.2%). The highest HCV prevalence occurred among those from Cambodia (10.8%) and Myanmar (4.9%) in Asia and those from Cameroon (11.4%) and Nigeria (4.8%) in Africa. This study suggests that screening data are disaggregated by country of birth, then improvements can be made to programs for prevention, earlier diagnosis, and linkage to care.

The Association Between Perceived Stress and Hypertension Among Asian Americans: Does Social Support and Social Network Make a Difference?

Prior research suggests that stress plays role in the etiology and progression of hypertension. To lend a more accurate depiction of the underlying mechanisms between stress and hypertension, this study aims to assess the associations between perceived stress and hypertension across varying levels of social support and social network among Asian Americans. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data on 530 Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese Americans recruited from a liver cancer prevention program in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore metropolitan area. Hypertension prevalence was 29.1%. Individuals with high perceived stress were 61% more likely to have hypertension compared to those with low levels of perceived stress (odds ratio 1.61, 95% confidence interval 1.15, 2.46). There was no evidence that social support and social network acted as effect modifiers. Social support had a direct beneficial effect on hypertension, irrespective of whether individuals were under stress. The relationship between perceived stress and hypertension was modified by gender and ethnicity whereby a significant positive association was only observed among male or Chinese participants. Our study highlights the importance of understanding the associations between stress, social support, and hypertension among Asian American subgroups. Findings from the study can be used to develop future stress management interventions, and incorporate culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies into community outreach and education to decrease hypertension risk within the Asian population.

Prevalence of Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infection in Mongolian Immigrants in the Washington, District of Columbia, Metropolitan Area, 2016-2017.

INTRODUCTION: Mongolia has the highest liver cancer incidence in the world. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most prevalent primary liver cancer, and the most common risk factors are hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Although viral hepatitis occurs mostly in the developing world, migration of people from high prevalence countries contributes to the health outcomes of the United States. Data on Mongolian Americans is limited. The objective of this study was to estimate HBV and HCV infection prevalence among Mongolia-born immigrants living in the Washington, District of Columbia, metropolitan area. METHODS: We tested Mongolia-born immigrants for chronic hepatitis at community-based screening events from 2016 to 2017. Descriptive statistics were generated to describe the screening results. Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between hepatitis prevalence and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Of 634 participants, most did not speak English primarily, were uninsured, and did not have a regular primary care provider. Eighty-two participants (12.9%) had chronic HBV or HCV infection after accounting for HBV and HCV co-infection. Thirty-nine (6.2%) were chronically infected with HBV, and 233 (36.8%) were susceptible to HBV. Sixty-three (9.9%) participants were positive for HCV exposure, and 45 (7.1%) had confirmed chronic HCV infection. While no sociodemographic characteristics were associated with HBV infection, age and primary spoken language (Mongolian) were significantly associated with HCV exposure. CONCLUSION: Foreign-born immigrants such as Mongolian Americans have a high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis infection. Targeted screening, vaccination, and treatment programs can help decrease immigrant risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma.

The Chinese and Korean American immigrant experience: a mixed-methods examination of facilitators and barriers of colorectal cancer screening.

OBJECTIVE: Among Asian Americans, colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. Despite strong evidence that screening can reduce CRC-related mortality, fewer Chinese and Koreans receive screening as compared to non-Hispanic whites and blacks. The objective of this study was to examine facilitators and barriers as well as strategies to promote CRC screening in this population. DESIGN: This study employed a mixed-methods design. We conducted 17 key informant interviews and 12 focus groups in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. 120 Chinese and Korean focus group participants, aged 50 to 85, also provided quantitative data through self-administered surveys. All participants were asked to discuss facilitators and barriers of CRC screening, including in relation to culture. RESULTS: Participants who had a regular physician and doctor's recommendation for CRC screening were more likely to ever receive a colonoscopy (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.26, 9.79 and aOR = 6.61; 95% CI: 2.63, 16.65, respectively). A doctor's recommendation was also significantly associated with receipt of a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) (aOR = 4.00; 95% CI: 1.43, 11.15). In terms of barriers, those who reported having no time and not having symptoms were less likely to have a colonoscopy (aOR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.82 and aOR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.23, respectively) than those who had time and symptoms. Preventive healthcare was often not viewed as a priority, particularly for those living the'immigrant life,' who gave precedence to work. Cultural barriers to CRC screening included language (e.g. limited English proficiency and low health literacy); fear of finding CRC and burdening the family especially children; fatalism; and stigma towards cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Future interventions and programs aiming to increase CRC screening among Chinese and Korean Americans should address both cultural and non-cultural factors that influence CRC screening uptake.

The association of perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms among Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans.

OBJECTIVES: Few studies have investigated ethnic differences in discrimination and depressive symptoms, and the link between them among foreign-born Asian Americans. This study identifies if depressive symptoms and perceived discrimination differ by Asian ethnicity, and if perceived discrimination is associated with depressive symptoms among foreign-born Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans. METHODS: This study uses data from the Asian American Liver Cancer Prevention Program (N = 600). Using nonprobability sampling, foreign-born Asian American adults (58% female, Mage = 47.3 years, SD = 11.82) were recruited from the community in the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. Perceived discrimination was defined using everyday and major discrimination scales; the Centers for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale defined the outcome of depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regressions were conducted to determine if this association exists. RESULTS: A high prevalence of depressive symptoms (one third to one fifth per ethnicity) and ethnic differences between foreign-born Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans were found; increased perceived discrimination was associated with worse depressive symptomology. Those with "high" and "mild discrimination" had greater odds of being depressed than those who had never experienced discrimination; those with "unfair treatment" had greater odds of being depressed than those who had none. Major experiences of discrimination were less common and less likely associated with depressive symptoms than everyday experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign-born Asian Americans experience substantial discrimination and depressive symptoms. Future studies should stratify by Asian ethnicity and examine the differences between minor and major experiences of discrimination to provide appropriate mental health prevention and treatment for this population. (PsycINFO Database Record

Effects of a community-based nutrition promotion programme on child feeding and hygiene practices among caregivers in rural Eastern Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based participatory nutrition promotion (CPNP) programme involving a 2-week group nutrition session in improving child feeding and hygiene practices among caregivers. DESIGN: Cluster randomized trial. In the intervention area (six clusters), the CPNP programme was added to the context of government nutrition programmes; the control area (six clusters) received the government programme only. Child feeding practices were assessed every 3 months using a 24 h dietary recall questionnaire, and hand washing with soap was assessed every 6 months, over a period of 12 months. Feeding and hygiene measures at each visit were scored and the scores summed up for the entire follow-up period. SETTING: Habro and Melka Bello districts, Ethiopia. SUBJECTS: Randomly selected mothers with a child aged 6-12 months (n 1790). RESULTS: A total of 1199 mothers, 629 in the control and 570 in the intervention areas, were assessed at all visits and included in the analysis. Mothers in the intervention area showed higher scores than those in the control area regarding meal frequency (difference: 1·04, 95 % CI 0·35, 1·73), composite feeding score_1 (difference: 1·25, 95 % CI 0·37, 2·13; a summing score of currently breast-feeding, meal frequency and dietary diversity) and composite feeding score_2 (difference: 1·40, 95 % CI 0·49, 2·32; a summing score of meal frequency and dietary diversity). However, there were no differences in the scores of breast-feeding, dietary diversity and hand washing between the two areas (all P>0·05). CONCLUSIONS: The CPNP programme was effective in improving some child feeding behaviours in rural Eastern Ethiopia.

Social Norm, Family Communication, and HBV Screening among Asian Americans.

Individuals' behaviors are influenced by those of others in their social environment (i.e., descriptive norms), as well as by how individuals perceive they should behave in that environment (e.g., injunctive norms). Although social norms are thought to play an important role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening, limited theoretical or empirical guidance exists on how the underlying process works. In addition, norms are social phenomena that are spread through family discussion about the importance of getting HBV screening. Using the theory of normative social behavior (TNSB), this study examined the roles of injunctive norms (IN), descriptive norms (DN), and family discussion in HBV screening behavior among Asian Americans. Data from a survey of Asian Americans in the Baltimore Washington metropolitan area (N = 877) were used to test underlying theoretical propositions. DN and family discussion emerged as key factors in HBV screening behavior among all Asian Americans. IN were associated with HBV screening among Chinese and Korean Americans, but not for Vietnamese Americans. Family discussion moderated the influence of DN on behavior among Chinese and Vietnamese Americans. However, the main effect of DN on screening behavior was not modified by IN (no interactions between DN and IN). The results indicate that family discussion and social norms are integral in enabling Asian Americans to undergo HBV screening and warrant sensitivity in the design and implementation of a liver cancer prevention program in this high-risk group of Asian Americans.