Pilgrimage to wellness: an exploratory report of rural African American clergy perceptions of church health promotion capacity.

Churches serve vital roles in African American communities, where disease burden is disproportionately greater and healthcare access is more limited. Although church leadership often must approve programs and activities conducted within churches, little is known about their perception of churches as health promotion organizations, or the impact of church-based health promotion on their own health. This exploratory study assessed perceptions of church capacity to promote health among 27 rural, African American clergy leaders and report the relationship between their own health and that of their congregation. Results indicate a perceived need to increase the capacity of their churches to promote health. Most common were conducting health programs, displaying health information, kitchen committee working with the health ministry, partnerships outside of the church, and funding. Findings lay the foundation for the development of future studies of key factors associated with organizational change and health promotion in these rural church settings.

Breakout session: Gender disparities in knee osteoarthritis and TKA.

BACKGROUND: Biologically derived (sex-based) and behaviorally influenced (gender-based) disparities exist in knee osteoarthritis and treatment with TKA. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought to highlight sex- and gender-based differences with respect to knee osteoarthritis and its treatment. Our purposes were to (1) define where we are now, (2) outline where we need to go, and (3) generate solutions to how we can get there. WHERE ARE WE NOW?: A growing body of evidence shows sex- and gender-based disparities contribute to differences in the incidence, treatment, and outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis. Moreover, the influence of unconscious provider bias in disparities in care is becoming recognized. WHERE DO WE NEED TO GO?: Sex- and gender-based differences need to be identified and translated into clinical practice to effect patient-centered sex- and gender-based medicine. Equitable and evidence-based care must be provided. HOW DO WE GET THERE?: Research must continue to focus on sex-based differences in cartilage degeneration and gender-related factors influencing the development and progression of knee osteoarthritis. Development of evidence-based guidelines for optimal timing of TKA would assist patients and clinicians with surgical decision-making. Training of healthcare providers to mitigate again unconscious basis is essential. Care must be patient-focused, with patients empowered to be full partners with providers in healthcare outcomes.

Intimate partner violence among Latinas in eastern North Carolina.

This article explores the correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among rural, southern Latinas. A sample of 1,212 women in blue-collar work sites in rural North Carolina completed a questionnaire assessing IPV and other social, demographic, and health-related variables. Social and demographic correlates of IPV were examined. Adult lifetime prevalence of IPV in Latinas was 19.5%, similar to that of non-Latinas. As compared to Latinas who did not experience IPV and non-Latinas who experienced IPV, Latinas who experienced IPV were more likely to lack social support and to have children in the home. Agencies that provide services to victims of IPV in the rural South need to be prepared to meet the unique needs of Latina immigrants.

Positive affect, exercise and self-reported health in blue-collar women.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if positive affect is related to the self-reported health and health behaviors of blue-collar women. METHODS: Analysis of baseline survey data of 1093 women participating in a worksite health promotion intervention at 12 workplaces in 5 rural counties. RESULTS: Positive affect was related to women's self-reported health and exercise. Also, positive coping behaviors were related to exercise. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that incorporating strategies to encourage positive emotional states and positive coping into health promotion interventions might be helpful for improving women's levels of physical activity and overall reported health.