Social Work in Public Health最新文献

Despite not displaying higher overall rates of substance use compared to White Americans, the social consequences of substance use disorders for Black Americans, particularly among Black American men, are more damaging. Furthermore, recent data suggest an uptick in substance use-related deaths among Black Americans, raising serious concerns about a growing health disparity that warrants the need for studies to identify factors associated with prevention. For decades, Black cultural theorists have argued that Afrocentric norms are important buffers against maladaptive behaviors in Black Americans, but the association in the context of substance use is still an emerging area. The present study investigated the associations between Afrocentric norms, Afrocentric self-regard, internalized negative stereotypes, and substance use attitudes and behaviors among Black young adults. Self-report questionnaires were administered to measure internalized negative stereotypes, Afrocentric norms, Afrocentric self-regard, substance use attitudes, and substance use from a sample of Black young adults (N = 619). Favorable attitudes toward substance use were found to be positively associated with internalized negative stereotypes but were inversely associated with Afrocentric norms and Afrocentric self-regard. Similarly, substance use reports within the past 30 days were inversely associated with Afrocentric norms, but the relationship to cannabis use was non-significant. Gender differences between Black men and women were also found. Implications for social work are discussed.

Traditional masculine norms state men are tough, protective, and sexually assertive. Young Black men must weigh the rewards and costs of adhering to or deviating from these norms within the college environment, as their choices can be detrimental to their health. Using the ecological-exchange framework, we examined adherence to or deviation from traditional masculine norms from focus groups with 13 Black heterosexual men at two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and one Minority-Serving Institution. Participants formed their masculinity through experiences with male role models and mothers but felt conflicted in their need to adhere to or deviate from norms. This reflects the processes men go through to develop their masculinity and highlights needed interventions focused on cultivating healthy masculinity.

In the United States, the burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) health complications and outcomes is higher in Black men, and the diabetes disparities are escalating. Previous evidence-based research underscored the need to explore gender-specific experiences of chronic illness in social-cultural, historical, and clinical contexts. Our community-engaged qualitative study focused on learning from the live experiences of Black men (n = 15) in the Arkansas Delta area. Applying a narrative approach, we explored and learned from the participants about their perception of the consequences of T2D on manhood and the usefulness of T2D management instructions. Findings indicate that an integrated public health approach contextualizes social-cultural norms, cognitive scripts, and gender-centered expressions of manhood, a promising direction in T2D healthcare; social support is essential for emotional and physical help in continued T2D management; and connecting with Black men and their insights are vital to develop relevant and appropriate guidelines for T2D management care.

The research is limited to the role of African American (AA) fathers in maternal health. African American fathers are largely not included in perinatal care, and their contribution may be essential in addressing the Black maternal health disparity crisis. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to examine the evidence of African American fathers involvement in supporting maternal health during the perinatal period. This conceptual paper will summarize research findings and will focus on 1) the evolution of the concept of fatherhood and the role of African American fathers; 2) the extent of African American fathers engagement during the perinatal period; and 3) the potential for African American fathers to play a key role in improving maternal health. Findings from this paper will enhance the evidence base on fathers' involvement in maternal health, highlight the research gaps, and opportunities to focus on African American fathers in addressing maternal morbidity and mortality among African American women.

African American men face chronic illness earlier in life and earlier death due to higher severity of illness and poor control of chronic diseases than their white male counterparts. Preexposure and post-exposure prophylaxis PrEP and PREP have improved the odds of survival among those living with HIV. However, the anti-retroviral treatments, though effective, are only as effective as early prevention and detection and in cases where patients can adhere to treatment regimens. The mean age of participants (N = 11) was 56.44 (SD = 5.175, range = 47-63). The current study employs qualitative methodology to propose an ecosystems-driven intersectional model to identify resilience and the influence of personal, social, and societal forces shaping the lives of older African American men living with HIV. Findings determine stigma, community violence, and structural barriers to care as crucial stress areas. Participants discussed self-advocacy and family as constituent elements of resilience. Several implications for practice and research emerged. Practice must design and deploy assessment instruments to include exposure to racism and violence, including emotional and structural violence. Practice must include advocacy at the micro, meso, and macro levels. Assessment must also be self-reflexive. Organizational assessment should involve internal and structural reviews of barriers to meeting client preferences.

In the United States, African American (AA) men disproportionately experience kidney failure, representing 16.6% of all cases in 2018-more than double their percentage in the general population. This significant health disparity arises from socioeconomic factors, access issues, and higher disease prevalence. The article highlights the importance of adopting a patient-centered and culturally competent approach to improve health outcomes for AA men with kidney disease. It advocates for ongoing research and educational efforts to enhance cultural competence in healthcare settings. By exploring current practices and the benefits of culturally informed training, the article underscores the crucial role of cultural competence in advancing healthcare equity. It calls for healthcare institutions to not just adopt, but actively implement, patient-centered and culturally sensitive care models, promoting social justice and better health outcomes for all.

This article introduces a conceptual framework rooted in social work principles to support the mental well-being of Black males within the nurturing and supportive setting of the Black Church. It addresses how historical trauma, societal views of Black masculinity, and social determinants of health have made Black men more likely to experience mental health challenges. The framework combines vulnerability theory and social work theory to focus on Black men's strengths and cultural sensitivities. It emphasizes the Black Church as a critical resource for promoting mental wellness and resilience. The approach includes implementing effective interventions to challenge stigma, improve the availability of mental health services, and encourage Black men to seek assistance. This article presents a holistic approach aimed at addressing mental health disparities experienced by Black males. It proposes using the strengths of the Black Church to promote resilience, facilitate healing, and encourage Black men to prioritize their mental well-being.

Thousands of youth are sexually trafficked each year in the United States. In order to address this concern, anti-trafficking advocates often emphasize the importance of uniform screening protocols to assist with the identification of survivors. Unfortunately, an oft-overlooked component of sex trafficking identification is what to do once a victim has been identified, and how to best meet survivors' complex needs. In this article, the authors provide social work practitioners and other advocates with best practice guidelines for how to design and evaluate anti-sex trafficking advocacy programs for children and youth. These guidelines include considerations related to direct services with clients, community partnerships, and organizational capacity, as well as recommendations for how to begin and then evaluate programming. Regardless of the form selected for the program, all anti-sex trafficking programs should be designed to provide effective, client-centered follow-up and advocacy once a positive identification is made in the community. The recommendations included in this paper are based upon extant literature, the authors' practice experience with survivors, and insights from anti-sex trafficking program evaluations.