Associations Between Religiosity and Medical Mistrust: An Age-Stratified Analysis of Survey Data from Black Adults in Chicago.

Medical mistrust is associated with poor health outcomes, ineffective disease management, lower utilization of preventive care, and lack of engagement in research. Mistrust of healthcare systems, providers, and institutions may be driven by previous negative experiences and discrimination, especially among communities of color, but religiosity may also influence the degree to which individuals develop trust with the healthcare system. The Black community has a particularly deep history of strong religious communities, and has been shown to have a stronger relationship with religion than any other racial or ethnic group. In order to address poor health outcomes in communities of color, it is important to understand the drivers of medical mistrust, which may include one's sense of religiosity. The current study used data from a cross-sectional survey of 537 Black individuals living in Chicago to understand the relationship between religiosity and medical mistrust, and how this differs by age group. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data for our sample. Adjusted stratified linear regressions, including an interaction variable for age group and religiosity, were used to model the association between religiosity and medical mistrust for younger and older people. The results show a statistically significant relationship for younger individuals. Our findings provide evidence for the central role the faith-based community may play in shaping young peoples' perceptions of medical institutions.

Cause-Specific Mortality and Racial Differentials in Life Expectancy, Chicago 2018-2019.

BACKGROUND: In Chicago in 2018, the average life expectancy (ALE) for NH Blacks was 71.5 years, 9.1 fewer years than for NH Whites (80.6 years). Inasmuch as some causes of death are increasingly recognized products of structural racism, in urban areas, such causes may have potential for reducing racial inequities through public health intervention. Our purpose is to allocate racial inequities in ALE in Chicago to differentials in cause-specific mortality. METHODS: Using multiple decrement processes and decomposition analysis, we examine cause-specific mortality in Chicago to determine the causes of death that contribute to the gap in life expectancy between NH Blacks and NH Whites. RESULTS: Among females, the racial difference in ALE was 8.21 years; for males, it was 10.53 years. We find that cancer and heart disease mortality account for 3.03 years or 36% of the racial gap in average life expectancy among females. Differences in homicide and heart disease mortality rates comprised over 45% of the disparity among males. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies for improving inequities in life expectancy should account for differences between males and females in cause-specific mortality rates. In urban areas with high levels of segregation, reducing inequities in ALE may be possible by dramatically reducing mortality rates from some causes. CONTRIBUTION: This paper illustrates the state of inequities in ALE between NH Blacks and NH Whites in Chicago for the period just prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a well-established method of decomposing mortality differentials for sub-populations.

A Review of Community Health Worker Integration in Health Departments.

Community health workers (CHWs) are frontline public health workers who bridge the gap between historically marginalized communities, healthcare, and social services. Increasingly, states are developing the CHW workforce by implementing training and certification policies. Health departments (HDs) are primarily responsible for community health through policy implementation and provision of public health services. The two objectives of this study are to explore: (1) state progress in establishing CHW training and certification policies, and (2) integration of CHWs in HD workforces. In this scoping review, we searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2012 and 2022. We looked for articles that discussed state-level certification and training for CHWs and those covering CHWs working with and for city, county, state, and federal HDs. We excluded studies set outside of the US or published in a language other than English. Twenty-nine studies were included for review, documenting CHWs working at all levels of HDs. Within the included studies, HDs often partner with organizations that employ CHWs. With HD-sponsored programs, CHWs increased preventative care, decreased healthcare costs, and decreased disease risk in their communities. Almost all states have begun developing CHW training and certification policies and are at various points in the implementation. HD-sponsored CHW programs improved the health of marginalized communities, whether CHWs were employed directly by HDs or by a partner organization. The success of HD-sponsored CHW programs and state efforts around CHW training and certification should encourage increased investment in CHW workforce development within public health.

Pre-pandemic trends and Black:White inequities in life expectancy across the 30 most populous U.S. cities: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Racial inequities in life expectancy, driven by structural racism, have been documented at the state and county levels; however, less information is available at the city level where local policy change generally happens. Furthermore, an assessment of life expectancy during the decade preceding COVID-19 provides a point of comparison for life expectancy estimates and trends post COVID-19 as cities recover. METHODS: Using National Vital Statistics System mortality data and American Community Survey population estimates, we calculated the average annual city-level life expectancies for the non-Hispanic Black (Black), non-Hispanic White (White), and total populations. We then calculated the absolute difference between the Black and White life expectancies for each of the 30 cities and the U.S. We analyzed trends over four time periods (2008-2010, 2011-2013, 2014-2016, and 2017-2019). RESULTS: In 2017-2019, life expectancies ranged from 72.75 years in Detroit to 83.15 years in San Francisco (compared to 78.29 years for the U.S.). Black life expectancy ranged from 69.94 years in Houston to 79.04 years in New York, while White life expectancy ranged from 75.18 years in Jacksonville to 86.42 years in Washington, DC. Between 2008-2010 and 2017-2019, 17 of the biggest cities experienced a statistically significant improvement in life expectancy, while 9 cities experienced a significant decrease. Black life expectancy increased significantly in 14 cities and the U.S. but decreased significantly in 4 cities. White life expectancy increased significantly in 17 cities and the U.S. but decreased in 8 cities. In 2017-2019, the U.S. and all but one of the big cities had a significantly longer life expectancy for the White population compared to the Black population. There was more than a 13-year difference between Black and White life expectancies in Washington, DC (compared to 4.18 years at the national level). From 2008-2010 to 2017-2019, the racial gap decreased significantly for the U.S. and eight cities, while it increased in seven cities. CONCLUSION: Urban stakeholders and equity advocates need data on mortality inequities that are aligned with city jurisdictions to help guide the allocation of resources and implementation of interventions.

Racial Health Equity Plans in the 30 Largest US Cities.

BACKGROUND: Racial inequities in life expectancy vary significantly across US cities, with city-level gaps ranging from zero to more than 10 years. Given that these inequities are rooted in racism and maintained through social structures and policies, population-level solutions are needed. Local health departments (LHD) are well-situated to lead these types of changes. METHODS: We conducted an environmental scan and document review of formal health plans of the LHDs with jurisdictions covering the 30 most populous US cities. We assessed the inclusion of equity priorities and specific and measurable equity goals. Secondary outcomes related to organizational structures, data, formal declarations, and other practices were also assessed. Data were collected between January and August 2022. RESULTS: The extent of focus on racial equity in the identified strategic health plans varied. Less than half of the cities with a formal public health plan (13 of 29) listed racial health equity as an area of focus. Only seven cities (all of which had a health plan focusing on racial health equity) had specific goals related to racial health equity. Twenty-five LHDs provided local data on racial health inequities. All but seven cities had declared racism a public health crisis. About half of the LHDs had positions or divisions focused on racial equity, or specified equity as an area of focus for Covid-19 efforts. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal that few large cities translate growing support for anti-racism into their formal planning. While most LHDs acknowledge (and provide data pointing to) gaps in racial health equity in their jurisdictions, more attention is needed to incorporate specific and measurable racial health equity goals into strategic plans, and provide adequate structure and resources to attain those goals.

Developing and Implementing Racial Health Equity Plans in Four Large US Cities: A Qualitative Study.

CONTEXT: Local health departments (LHDs) and their partners are critical components of the fight for racial health equity, particularly given the variation in levels of, and pathways to, inequities at the local level. OBJECTIVE: To inform continued progress in this area, we qualitatively examined the development and implementation of equity-related plans and initiatives of LHDs within 4 large US cities: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia. DESIGN AND MEASURES: We conducted 15 semistructured interviews with 21 members of LHDs, academic institutions, health systems, and community-based organizations involved with health equity strategies or activities in their respective cities. Outcomes included perceptions of the effectiveness of the local health equity plan, participation in other equity-related initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and best practices. RESULTS: We contacted 49 individuals, of whom 2 declined and 21 accepted our interview invitation. Recruitment was stopped after we reached saturation. Thematic analysis identified 5 themes across interviews: (1) organizations were flexible in reallocating resources to address racial and health equity; (2) multidisciplinary teams are necessary for effective development and implementation of health equity plans; (3) community collaboration is required for meaningful and sustainable change; (4) there is a direct relationship between racism, structural inequities, and health outcomes; and (5) health departments have prioritized health equity plan development, but further work is required to address root causes. CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, health departments have begun to develop and implement strategic health plans focused on equity. However, the extent to which these plans result in actual initiatives (both internal and external) varied across cities. The current study increases our understanding of how different partners are working to implement structural changes, programs, and policies to reach equity-related goals in our largest urban areas, providing valuable insight for urban health advocates across the country.

Life Expectancy Gaps Among Black and White Persons and Contributing Causes of Death in 3 Large US Cities, 2018-2019.

Importance: US cities have substantial, but varying, levels of racial mortality inequities, a consequence of structural racism. As committed partners increasingly pledge to eliminate health inequities, local data are required to focus and unify efforts. Objective: To analyze the contributions of 26 cause-of-death categories to Black to White life expectancy gaps within 3 large US cities. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cross-sectional study, data were extracted from the 2018 and 2019 National Vital Statistics System Multiple Cause of Death Restricted Use data files for deaths by race, ethnicity, sex, age, place of residence, and underlying and contributing causes of death in Baltimore, Maryland; Houston, Texas; and Los Angeles, California. Life expectancy at birth was calculated for non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White populations overall and by sex using abridged life tables with 5-year age intervals. Data analysis was performed from February to May 2022. Main Outcomes and Measures: Using the Arriaga method, the proportion of the Black to White life expectancy gap was calculated overall and by sex for each city that was attributable to 26 cause-of-death categories defined using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes for underlying and contributing causes of death. Results: A total of 66 321 death records from 2018 to 2019 were analyzed, with 29 057 individuals (44%) were identified as Black, 34 745 (52%) as male, and 46 128 (70%) as aged 65 years and older. Black to White life expectancy gaps were 7.60 years for Baltimore, 8.06 years for Houston, and 9.57 years for Los Angeles. Circulatory diseases, cancer, injuries, and diabetes and endocrine disorders were top contributors to the gaps, although the order and magnitude varied by city. The contribution of circulatory diseases was 11.3 percentage points higher in Los Angeles than in Baltimore (3.76 years [39.3%] vs 2.12 years [28.0%]). The contribution of injuries to Baltimore's racial gap (2.22 years [29.3%]) was twice as large as in Houston (1.11 years [13.8%]) and Los Angeles (1.36 years [14.2%]). Conclusions and Relevance: By assessing the composition of Black to White life expectancy gaps for 3 large US cities and categorizing deaths at a more granular level than past studies, this study provides insight into the differing underpinnings of urban inequities. This type of local data can support local resource allocation that more effectively addresses racial inequities.

Black-White Inequities in Kidney Disease Mortality Across the 30 Most Populous US Cities.

OBJECTIVES: To examine city-level kidney disease mortality rates and Black:White racial inequities for the USA and its largest cities, and to determine if these measures changed over the past decade. METHODS: We used National Vital Statistics System mortality data and American Community Survey population estimates to calculate age-standardized kidney disease mortality rates for the non-Hispanic Black (Black), non-Hispanic White (White), and total populations for the USA and the 30 most populous US cities. We examined two time points, 2008-2013 (T1) and 2014-2018 (T2), and assessed changes in rates and inequities over time. Racial inequities were measured with Black:White mortality rate ratios and rate differences. RESULTS: Kidney disease mortality rates varied from 2.5 (per 100,000) in San Diego to 24.6 in Houston at T2. The Black kidney disease mortality rate was higher than the White rate in the USA and all cities studied at both time points. In T2, the Black mortality rate ranged from 7.9 in New York to 45.4 in Charlotte, while the White mortality rate ranged from 2.0 in San Diego to 18.6 in Indianapolis. At T2, the Black:White rate ratio ranged from 1.79 (95% CI 1.62-1.99) in Philadelphia to 5.25 (95% CI 3.40-8.10) in Washington, DC, compared to the US rate ratio of 2.28 (95% CI 2.25-2.30). Between T1 and T2, only one city (Nashville) saw a significant decrease in the Black:White mortality gap. CONCLUSIONS: The largest US cities experience widely varying kidney disease mortality rates and widespread racial inequities. These local data on racial inequities in kidney disease mortality can be used by city leaders and health stakeholders to increase awareness, guide the allocation of limited resources, monitor trends over time, and support targeted population health strategies.

Suicide Rates and Differences in Rates Between Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White Populations in the 30 Largest US Cities, 2008-2017.

OBJECTIVES: Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and rates vary by race and ethnicity. An analysis of suicide across large US cities is absent from the literature. The objective of this study was to examine suicide rates among the total population, non-Hispanic Black population, and non-Hispanic White population in the United States and in the 30 largest US cities. METHODS: We used data from the National Vital Statistics System to calculate non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and total age-adjusted suicide rates for the 30 largest US cities and for the entire nation during 2 periods: 2008-2012 and 2013-2017. We also examined absolute and relative differences in suicide rates among non-Hispanic White populations and non-Hispanic Black populations in each city. RESULTS: The overall age-adjusted suicide rate per 100 000 population in the United States increased significantly from 12.3 in 2008-2012 to 13.5 in 2013-2017. Total suicide rates were stable in most cities; rates increased significantly in only 1 city (Louisville), and rates decreased significantly in 2 cities (Boston and Memphis). The non-Hispanic White suicide rate was significantly higher-1.3 to 4.3 times higher-than the non-Hispanic Black suicide rate in 24 of 26 study cities during 2013-2017. From 2008-2012 to 2013-2017, non-Hispanic White suicide rates decreased significantly in 3 cities and increased significantly in 3 cities; non-Hispanic Black suicide rates increased significantly in 5 cities and decreased in none. Absolute differences in suicide rates among non-Hispanic White populations and non-Hispanic Black populations increased significantly in 1 city (Louisville) and decreased significantly in 2 cities (Memphis and Boston). CONCLUSIONS: Our study may inform the use of evidence-based programs and practices to address population-level risk factors for suicide.

HIV mortality across the 30 largest U.S. cities: assessing overall trends and racial inequities.

BACKGROUND: Despite decreases in overall HIV mortality in the U.S., large racial inequities persist. Most previous analyses of HIV mortality and mortality inequities have utilized national- or state-level data. METHODS: Using vital statistics mortality data and American Community Survey population estimates, we calculated HIV mortality rates and Black:White HIV mortality rate ratios (RR) for the 30 most populous U.S. cities at two time points, 2010-2014 (T1) and 2015-2019 (T2). RESULTS: Almost all cities (28) had HIV mortality rates higher than the national rate at both time points. At T2, HIV mortality rates ranged from 0.8 per 100,000 (San Jose, CA) to 15.2 per 100,000 (Baltimore, MD). Across cities, Black people were approximately 2-8 times more likely to die from HIV compared to White people at both time points. Over the decade, these racial disparities decreased at the national level (T1: RR = 11.0, T2: RR = 9.8), and in one city (Charlotte, NC). DISCUSSION: We identified large geographic and racial inequities in HIV mortality in U.S. urban areas. These city-specific data may motivate change in cities and can help guide city leaders and other health advocates as they implement, test, and support policies and programming to decrease HIV mortality.

Influenza and Pneumonia Mortality Across the 30 Biggest U.S. Cities: Assessment of Overall Trends and Racial Inequities.

Influenza and pneumonia account for substantial morbidity in the United States and show a demonstrated racial inequity. Detailed race-specific analysis at the city level can be used to guide targeted prevention efforts within the most at-risk communities. The purpose of this study is to analyze city-level data of influenza/pneumonia mortality rates and racial disparities across the 30 biggest U.S. cities over time. We assess racial inequities in influenza/pneumonia mortality in the 30 biggest cities and compare city-level trends overtime through age-adjusted overall and race-specific mortality rates calculated from public death records for the years 2008-2017. The national influenza/pneumonia mortality rate significantly decreased as did 45% of the cities included in the study. Nationally, the Black mortality rate was 16% higher than White mortality rate, and a significant disparity was seen within about one-third of the biggest cities. Over half (56%) of the cities showed reductions in both Black and White mortality; however, there was no overall trend in racial equity with some cities reducing the inequities between the Blacks and Whites and others increasing the inequities. Elevated mortality rates in communities of color can be traced to structural racism, social factors, and access to treatment and prevention services. We recommend an approach utilizing community outreach administered through localized public health organizations and supported by data at the city level.

Religious Beliefs About Health and the Body and their Association with Subjective Health.

Evidence supports an association between religion and spirituality and health outcomes. The aim of this study is to examine religious beliefs related to health and their relationship to self-rated health in a large and diverse population-based sample in Chicago. Three religious beliefs were assessed-the importance of prayer for health, God's will as the most important factor in getting well, and sanctity of the body. All three beliefs were highly prevalent, especially among racial/ethnic minorities. Unadjusted models showed a significant association between two of the beliefs and self-rated health, which did not persist in the adjusted models. This study provides insight into different belief patterns among racial/ethnic groups and has practical implications for both clinicians and public health practitioners.

Diabetes mortality across the 30 biggest U.S. cities: Assessing overall trends and racial inequities.

AIMS: National data suggest that diabetes mortality disproportionately affects Blacks compared to whites. We aimed to (1) calculate diabetes mortality rates (where diabetes was an underlying cause of death) among the general population of the U.S. and the largest 30 cities; (2) calculate Black/white mortality rate ratios and rate differences; and (3) compare changes in mortality rates and inequities across two 5-year periods (2008-2012 (T1) and 2013-2017 (T2)). METHODS: We used vital statistics mortality data and American Community Survey population estimates. RESULTS: The U.S. diabetes mortality rate at T1 was 20.91 per 100,000, and significantly increased to 21.05 at T2. El Paso had the highest diabetes mortality rate at both time points (T1 = 33.06; T2 = 35.98), while San Francisco had the lowest rate (T1 = 11.41; T2 = 13.18). The U.S. Black mortality rate was 2.21 times higher than the white rate at T2 (95%CI [2.19-2.23]). Eleven cities had significantly higher rate ratios than the U.S. at T2. The Black:white rate ratio in Washington, D.C. was approximately three times higher than the national rate ratio. CONCLUSIONS: This city-level data is important to inform more targeted local policy interventions and programming to promote health equity, particularly within cities with the greatest inequities.

Comparison of All-Cause Mortality Rates and Inequities Between Black and White Populations Across the 30 Most Populous US Cities.

Importance: To address elevated mortality rates and historically entrenched racial inequities in mortality rates, the United States needs targeted efforts at all levels of government. However, few or no all-cause mortality data are available at the local level to motivate and guide city-level actions for health equity within the country's biggest cities. Objectives: To provide city-level data on all-cause mortality rates and racial inequities within cities and to determine whether these measures changed during the past decade. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional study used mortality data from the National Vital Statistics System and American Community Survey population estimates to calculate city-level mortality rates for the non-Hispanic Black (Black) population, non-Hispanic White (White) population, and total population from January 2016 to December 2018. Changes from January 2009 to December 2018 were examined with joinpoint regression. Data were analyzed for the United States and the 30 most populous US cities. Data analysis was conducted from February to November 2020. Exposure: City of residence. Main Outcomes and Measures: Total population and race-specific age-standardized mortality rates using 3-year averages, mortality rate ratios between Black and White populations, excess Black deaths, and annual average percentage change in mortality rates and rate ratios. Results: The study included 26 295 827 death records. In 2016 to 2018, all-cause mortality rates ranged from 537 per 100 000 population in San Francisco to 1342 per 100 000 in Las Vegas compared with the overall US rate of 759 per 100 000. The all-cause mortality rate among Black populations was 24% higher than among White populations nationally (rate ratio, 1.236; 95% CI, 1.233 to 1.238), resulting in 74 402 excess Black deaths annually. At the city level, this ranged from 6 excess Black deaths in El Paso to 3804 excess Black deaths every year in Chicago. The US rate remained constant during the study period (average annual percentage change, -0.10%; 95% CI, -0.34% to 0.14%; P = .42). The racial inequities in rates for the US decreased between 2008 and 2019 (annual average percentage change, -0.51%; 95% CI, -0.92% to -0.09%; P =0.02). Only 14 of 30 cities (46.7%) experienced improvements in overall mortality rates during the past decade. Racial inequities increased in more cities (6 [20.0%]) than in which it decreased (2 [6.7%]). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, mortality rates and inequities between Black and White populations varied substantially among the largest US cities. City leaders and other health advocates can use these types of local data on the burden of death and health inequities in their jurisdictions to increase awareness and advocacy related to racial health inequities, to guide the allocation of local resources, to monitor trends over time, and to highlight effective population health strategies.

Co-Creation of Knowledge: A Community-Based Approach to Multilevel Dissemination of Health Information.

Background. Conventionally, public health researchers disseminate their work to peers via academic journals and conferences, with little emphasis on sharing results across sectors or with community members. To improve translation of health research into practice, it is essential to use a broader "solutions-focused" approach that includes strategic dissemination of findings. Methods. An urban research institute in Chicago, IL, leveraged knowledge transfer and community engagement principles to disseminate the results of a large, community-driven population health survey to a diverse set of stakeholders. We designed dissemination activities that (1) co-created knowledge by, for, and with communities; (2) shared survey results widely; and (3) minimized barriers to accessing and using public health data. Results. We tailored dissemination to specific audiences, including community residents, public health practitioners, and academic partners. We communicated key messages via various mechanisms, such as community forums, health profiles and videos, and a media event. Conclusions. With dedicated planning, staff, and funding, it is feasible for public health researchers to disseminate findings to diverse audiences using a community-engaged approach. To improve the capacity of public health practitioners in this critical skill, more examples of community-focused dissemination activities are warranted.

Homicide Mortality Inequities in the 30 Biggest Cities in the U.S.

INTRODUCTION: Homicide is a leading cause of death across the U.S., and it disproportionally affects Blacks in urban areas. This study fills a gap in the literature by examining homicide mortality and Black-White homicide disparities in the 30 biggest U.S. cities and for the entire U.S. across 2 time periods (2008-2012 and 2013-2017). METHODS: Using data from the National Vital Statistics System for 2008-2017, this study calculated age-adjusted homicide mortality rates (per 100,000) for the total, White, and Black populations in the 30 biggest cities, and the U.S. Black-to-White rate ratios were calculated to examine homicide mortality across the time periods. Data were analyzed in 2020. RESULTS: A total of 26 cities were included in the final analysis. Results show that U.S. homicides increased slightly but significantly across the time periods (p<0.05). A total of 6 cities saw significant increases in homicides and 5 saw significant decreases. Homicide mortality rates were 1.8 times to >20 times greater for Blacks than for Whites, and these disparities persisted across the time periods for most cities. Only 2 of 26 cities had mortality rates and racial inequities in rates that were lower than the national average. CONCLUSIONS: Homicide mortality increased slightly across the U.S. and most cities from 2008 to 2017. The majority of cities faced high homicide mortality rates and large inequities. Black-White disparities in homicide remain substantial at the national and city levels. These findings can inform city leaders in their efforts to address the homicide, violence, and racial inequities associated with them through the implementation of policies and programs.

A Community-Driven Probability Survey of Disadvantaged Populations in Chicago: Sinai Community Health Survey 2.0.

BACKGROUND: Community-level health data are needed to identify and prioritize the most pressing health issues at the local level. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a community-driven probability health survey of disadvantaged Chicago communities in 2015-2016. METHODS: A safety-net hospital completed questionnaire development and dissemination in close partnership with a Community Advisory Committee (CAC), so the data captured accurately reflected community priorities. LESSONS LEARNED: The final survey sample included 1,543 adult interviews and proxy reports for 394 children, well below our original recruitment goal. Although ideal for area probability sampling, face-to-face surveys are challenging given declining response rates. Nevertheless, these data provide representative community-level data that is otherwise unavailable. CONCLUSIONS: Hyper-local data are especially critical for diverse and segregated cities such as Chicago. Lessons learned can be applied to future community surveys done by hospital systems, health departments, and community advocates to maximize the usefulness of findings.

Perceived discrimination in medical settings and perceived quality of care: A population-based study in Chicago.

Perceived discrimination in medical settings remains prevalent within the U.S. health care system. However, the details of these experiences and their associations with perceived quality of care are not well understood. Our study assessed multiple measures of perceived racial/ethnic discrimination in medical settings and investigated the locations and purported perpetrators of the discriminatory experiences within a population-based sample of 1,543 Black, White, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Other adults. We used logistic regression to estimate associations between perceived discrimination in the medical setting and three quality of care indicators. Overall, 40% of the sample reported one or more types of perceived discrimination in a medical setting, with significant differences by race/ethnicity. Discrimination was perceived across health settings and from a variety of providers and staff. In adjusted logistic regression models, individuals reporting discrimination had more than twice the odds of reporting fair or poor quality of care (OR = 2.4 [95% CI: 1.4-4.3]). In addition, perceived discrimination in medical settings was significantly associated with report of not having enough time with the physician and not being as involved in decision-making as desired. These findings expand our understanding of perceived discriminatory experiences in health care and the consequences of it for patients, providers, and health care systems. This information is essential for identifying future provider interventions and improving the training of health care professionals.

Predictors of Food Insecurity in Selected Chicago Community Areas.

OBJECTIVE: Examine associations between food insecurity and multiple demographic, socioeconomic, acculturation, social risk factor, and food access variables. DESIGN: Data are from Sinai Community Health Survey 2.0, a cross-sectional, population-based probability survey of adults. SETTING: Ten selected community areas in Chicago. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged 18 years and over who completed the Household Food Security Scale (HFSS) portion of the survey were included in the analysis (n = 1,041). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Food insecurity as defined by the HFSS was the dependent variable. Independent variables included multiple demographic, socioeconomic, acculturation, social risk factor, and food access variables. ANALYSIS: Multivariate logistic regression, along with a manual backward selection process, was used to examine predictors of food insecurity. A P of .05 was used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS: Respondents reporting English as their primary language (odds ratio [OR] = 0.31; P = .002) had significantly lower odds of experiencing food insecurity. Respondents who reported feeling lonely (OR = 1.86; P = .024) had significantly higher odds of experiencing food insecurity. Emergency food use (OR = 3.89; P = .001) and food stamp benefit receipt (OR = 2.79; P = .001) were also associated with food insecurity. Race/ethnicity demonstrated a strong relationship with food insecurity in early models, but this relationship appeared to be mediated by language and social risk factors. In the final adjusted model, most demographic and socioeconomic variables, including race/ethnicity, gender, and education were not significantly associated with food insecurity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The burden of food insecurity was not shared equally across populations. This analysis sheds light on significant predictors of food insecurity in several diverse communities in Chicago. Findings can help inform tailored interventions by guiding food assistance programs to those most in need.

Keys to the Successful Implementation of Community-Based Outreach and Navigation: Lessons from a Breast Health Navigation Program.

The well-documented racial disparities in breast cancer mortality have prompted an aggressive response from the public health community, including the development and implementation of breast health education and breast cancer navigation programs. Many programs are successfully reaching women and providing education and motivation to get screened, and separately, many programs are successfully navigating women who have received abnormal results from a screening mammogram and need follow-up. However, a crucial gap in services remains, where women in the community are not receiving systematic navigation to their initial screening mammogram. This paper describes a community-based, community health worker-led breast health education and screening navigation program, details the metrics used to measure navigation outcomes, and discusses unique features of this project which could be adapted within other settings to initiate similar programming.