Jennifer Erves - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Jennifer Erves

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a Tailored Mobile Phone–Based Intervention to Facilitate Parent-Child Communication and Build Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Confidence: Formative Qualitative Study

JMIR Formative Research

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy is on the rise, and provider communicatio... more Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy is on the rise, and provider communication is a first-line strategy to address parental concerns. The use of the presumptive approach and motivational interviewing by providers may not be enough to influence parental decision-making owing to the providers’ limited time, self-efficacy, and skills to implement these strategies. Interventions to enhance provider communication and build parental HPV vaccine confidence have been undertested. Delivering tailored patient education to parents via mobile phones before they visit the health care provider may address time constraints during clinic visits and positively affect vaccine uptake. Objective This study aimed to describe the development and evaluate the acceptability of a mobile phone–based, family-focused intervention guided by theory to address concerns of HPV vaccine–hesitant parents before the clinic visit, as well as explore intervention use to facilitate parent-child commun...

Research paper thumbnail of Past Year Ob/gyn Visitation and the Association of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Uptake among College Women in the Southeastern United States

College student journal, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a Theory-based, Sociocultural Instrument to Assess Black Maternal Intentions to Vaccinate Their Daughters Aged 9 to 12 Against HPV

Journal of cancer education : the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education, Sep 17, 2015

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could assist in reducing the cervical cancer disparity exi... more The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could assist in reducing the cervical cancer disparity existing between Black and White women. Understanding factors influencing Black maternal intentions to vaccinate their daughter is essential in improving vaccination uptake. However, existing instruments do not comprehensively assess factors (e.g., culture) influencing maternal intentions. This paper describes the development of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Survey for Black Mothers with Girls Aged 9 to 12 (HPVS-BM), the first instrument to measure knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and cultural beliefs relating to Black maternal intentions to vaccinate their daughters aged 9 to 12 years against HPV. The items and scales were refined using content review by experts, as well as cognitive interviews and pilot testing with target audience participants. The final version of the HPVS-BM was administered to 242 Black mothers with adolescent daughters. Internal reliability was determin...

Research paper thumbnail of HPV Vaccination of College Males: Strategizing against HPV Infection in College Students

College student journal, 2015

The disease burden of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among females and its associated sequelae ha... more The disease burden of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among females and its associated sequelae have been widely studied by social and behavioral science researchers and medical professionals. Approved for administration to males as young as nine years old, the vaccination of males continues to spark much debate when older age groups are brought into the conversation (i.e. college students). Controversy stems from a review of cost-effectiveness models, social equity, cultural norms, ethics, and the contribution of HPV to the overall healthcare burden. College student health centers must determine if they are going to offer the HPV vaccine to any student and establish guidelines for offering the vaccine to females and/or males. This paper will discuss benefits and barriers to HPV vaccination of college males and demonstrate that a need for prevention programs is imperative so that both genders will seek out the vaccination. Key words: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination, colle...

Research paper thumbnail of Motivators and Barriers to COVID-19 Research Participation at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Black Communities in the USA: an Exploratory Study

Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities, Dec 13, 2022

Introduction Black individuals in the USA continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials with... more Introduction Black individuals in the USA continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials with low participation rates in COVID-19 research studies. Identifying participation barriers is necessary as we develop more vaccines and other treatments to address SARS-CoV-2 and associated sequelae. The purpose of this explorative, qualitative study is to apply the theory of planned behavior to understand motivators and barriers to COVID-19 research participation at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these factors is important to ultimately lead to increased vaccination rates among Black individuals, especially in strategies that increase preparedness in response to public health emergencies. Methods A phenomenological qualitative study design was conducted between May and September 2020 among 62 Black participants. The participants were purposefully selected from vulnerable subgroups of the Black population: essential workers, young adults, parents, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. An inductive-deductive content analysis approach was used to analyze the interview data. Results Majority (54.8%) reported willingness to participate in COVID-19 research. The following themes emerged from the interviews: (1) positivity toward research exists yet fear and distrust remain; (2) views toward COVID-19 research vary; (3) motivators to COVID-19 research participation; (4) barriers to COVID-19 research participation; and (5) potential strategies to increase COVID-19 research participation. Conclusions Based on our findings, majority of the participants reported willingness to participate in research with observational research being the most commonly cited type of research. Providing data on the attitudes and perspectives of Black individuals and their intentions for COVID-19 research participation using TPB informs intervention targets for healthcare providers and policy makers for an equitable emergency response. Our results suggest improved communication on the research process, research opportunities, and participant testimonial through trusted sources could increase the likelihood of participation. This is especially important as we continue through the pandemic and new treatments for COVID-19 vaccines become readily available.

Research paper thumbnail of A community-informed recruitment plan template to increase recruitment of racial and ethnic groups historically excluded and underrepresented in clinical research

Contemporary Clinical Trials, Feb 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Understanding Physical Distancing and Face Mask Use Across High-Risk African American Subgroups During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Application of Health Belief Model

Health Promotion Practice, Jan 29, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 Vaccination: Comparison of Attitudes, Decision-Making Processes, and Communication among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Black Americans

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Feb 16, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Validation of the Perceptions of Research Trustworthiness Scale to Measure Trust Among Minoritized Racial and Ethnic Groups in Biomedical Research in the US

JAMA network open, Dec 29, 2022

IMPORTANCE Historically, trust in biomedical research has been lower among minoritized racial and... more IMPORTANCE Historically, trust in biomedical research has been lower among minoritized racial and ethnic groups who are underrepresented in and excluded from research, with the same groups experiencing worse health outcomes. Unfortunately, instruments that measure trust may not capture components of trust relevant to minoritized racial and ethnic groups. OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a scale to measure trust in biomedical research among minoritized racial and ethnic groups. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional, community-based survey study compared trust and distrust in biomedical research among Black, Latino, and White subgroups in the US using the Perceptions of Research Trustworthiness (PoRT) scale. The scale was developed

Research paper thumbnail of Psychosocial Stressors and Coping Strategies Among African Americans During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Qualitative Study

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

Objectives The disproportionate impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on African Americans along with ... more Objectives The disproportionate impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on African Americans along with associated inequities in social determinants of health (SDOH) and racism increase their vulnerability to the psychosocial impact of COVID-19. This qualitative study applied the socio-ecological model (SEM) to explore psychosocial stressors, coping styles, and needs to improve psychosocial health among unique subgroups of African Americans in early pandemic stages. Methods Sixty-two African Americans (16 parents, 15 young adults, 16 essential workers, and 15 individuals with underlying medical conditions) participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews between May and September 2020. Interview data were analyzed based on the SEM using thematic analysis. Results The majority (84%) reported being stressed with parents having the highest level. Four themes emerged : (1) our COVID-19 pandemic state of mind, (2) top stressors in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, (3) coping strategies during COVID-19, and (4) needs during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce stress. While there were similarities, different stressors were experienced among subgroups, which yielded different coping styles and needs from stakeholders across multi-levels to improve their psychosocial health. Conclusions Findings suggest current and future pandemic response plans need targeted strategies across multiple levels of influence to address the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on African Americans.

Research paper thumbnail of Healthcare providers’ practice protocols, strategies, and needed tools to address parental HPV vaccine hesitancy: An exploratory study

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

Research paper thumbnail of Development of strategies for community engaged research dissemination by basic scientists: a case study

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a Theory-Based, Culturally Appropriate Message Library for Use in Interventions to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination Among African Americans: Formative Research

JMIR Formative Research

Background Disparities in COVID-19 incidence, hospitalization, and mortality rates among African ... more Background Disparities in COVID-19 incidence, hospitalization, and mortality rates among African Americans suggest the need for targeted interventions. Use of targeted, theory-driven messages in behavioral and communication interventions could empower African Americans to engage in behaviors that prevent COVID-19. Objective To address this need, we performed a formative study that aimed to develop and design a culturally appropriate, theory-based library of messages targeting concerns around COVID-19 vaccines that could be used in behavioral and communication interventions for African Americans. Methods Message development occurred between January 2021 and February 2022. Initial messages were designed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, community leaders, and community members. Kreuter’s 5 strategies (ie, linguistic, peripheral, evidential, sociocultural, and constituent-involving strategies) were used to achieve cultural appropriateness. After forming a community-academic p...

Research paper thumbnail of African Americans and the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative inquiry of preparedness, challenges, and strategies on how we can move forward

Social Science & Medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Georgia Southern: Engaging Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research

Article about Georgia Southern faculty member Tilicia Mayo-Gamble contribution to the academic ar... more Article about Georgia Southern faculty member Tilicia Mayo-Gamble contribution to the academic article, Engaging Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research: A Community Health Ambassador Training Model .https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/hpch-facmedia/1004/thumbnail.jp

Research paper thumbnail of Reducing HPV Associated Cancers and Disparities: Engaging African American Men to Develop a Culturally-Appropriate Program that Addresses their Needs

American Journal of Health Education, 2021

Background: The Healthy Men, Health Communities program aims to improve preventive behaviors amon... more Background: The Healthy Men, Health Communities program aims to improve preventive behaviors among African American men to reduce HPV-related cancer disparities. Purpose: We describe the development of an educational intervention using cultural-targeting strategies (i.e., linguistics, peripherals, evidence, socio-culture, and constituent-involving). Methods: After building capacity of community-based organization (CBO) leaders as research team members, we conducted 3 focus groups, 30 surveys, and a community review and program evaluation with African American men. Results: Focus group themes were: 1) The Known and Unknown of Cancer, HPV, and the vaccine; (2) Personal experiences with cancer were commonplace; (3) Barriers to Engaging HPV Cancer Preventive Behaviors; (4) Multi-Modal Strategies are needed to improve preventive behaviors; and (5) Actual versus Preferred Sources of Information. Survey data indicated men desired information on penile (52%) and oral cancers (48%). The preferred education format was a

Research paper thumbnail of Patient Centered Outcomes Research Tennessee Sickle Cell Disease Network: An Operational Manual for Engaging Sickle Cell Patient Families in Patient Centered Outcomes Research

Thompson, sickle cell warrior and champion for the sickle cell community. Without his devotion an... more Thompson, sickle cell warrior and champion for the sickle cell community. Without his devotion and efforts to support sickle cell consumers this work would not have been possible. This manual was created through a collaborative process that included members from Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee, as well as members of our foundation advisory boards in Chattanooga, Nashville, and Memphis. Many thanks to all of you for your insights, suggestions and review. We could not do this work without you.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a Framework to Enhance Dissemination of Tailored Research Results to Communities

Presentation given at the MeTRC Health Disparities Conference

Research paper thumbnail of African Americans views of COVID-19 contact tracing and testing

American Journal of Infection Control, 2022

Increasing COVID-testing and contact tracing is necessary to control the COVID-19 pandemic consid... more Increasing COVID-testing and contact tracing is necessary to control the COVID-19 pandemic considering suboptimal vaccine rates. We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore views towards contact tracing and testing among 62 African Americans. Based on our findings, participants identified COVID-19 testing and contact tracing as beneficial, yet medical and governmental mistrust, stigma associated with SARS-CoV-2, lack of access, poor communication, and costs as major barriers. This study also highlights intervention targets to improve COVID-testing and contact tracing.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors influencing intent to receive COVID-19 vaccination among Black and White adults in the southeastern United States, October – December 2020

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2021

Vaccination intent is foundational for effective COVID-19 vaccine campaigns. To understand factor... more Vaccination intent is foundational for effective COVID-19 vaccine campaigns. To understand factors and attitudes influencing COVID-19 vaccination intent in Black and White adults in the US south, we conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional survey of 4512 adults enrolled in the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS), an ongoing study of racial and economic health disparities. Vaccination intent was measured as "If a vaccine to prevent COVID-19 became available to you, how likely are you to choose to get the COVID-19 vaccination?" with options of "very unlikely," "somewhat unlikely," "neither unlikely nor likely," "somewhat likely," and "very likely." Reasons for intent, socio-demographic factors, preventive behaviors, and other factors were collected. 46% of participants had uncertain or low intent. Lower intent was associated with female gender, younger age, Black race, more spiritual/religious, lower perceived COVID-19 susceptibility, living in a greater deprivation area, lower reading ability, and lack of confidence in childhood vaccine safety or COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness or safety (p < .05 for all). Most factors were present in all racial/gender groups. Contextual influences, vaccine/vaccination specific issues, and personal/group influences were identified as reasons for low intent. Reasons for higher intent included preventing serious illness, life returning to normal, and recommendation of trusted messengers. Hesitancy was complex, suggesting tailored interventions may be required to address low intent.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a Tailored Mobile Phone–Based Intervention to Facilitate Parent-Child Communication and Build Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Confidence: Formative Qualitative Study

JMIR Formative Research

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy is on the rise, and provider communicatio... more Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine hesitancy is on the rise, and provider communication is a first-line strategy to address parental concerns. The use of the presumptive approach and motivational interviewing by providers may not be enough to influence parental decision-making owing to the providers’ limited time, self-efficacy, and skills to implement these strategies. Interventions to enhance provider communication and build parental HPV vaccine confidence have been undertested. Delivering tailored patient education to parents via mobile phones before they visit the health care provider may address time constraints during clinic visits and positively affect vaccine uptake. Objective This study aimed to describe the development and evaluate the acceptability of a mobile phone–based, family-focused intervention guided by theory to address concerns of HPV vaccine–hesitant parents before the clinic visit, as well as explore intervention use to facilitate parent-child commun...

Research paper thumbnail of Past Year Ob/gyn Visitation and the Association of Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Uptake among College Women in the Southeastern United States

College student journal, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a Theory-based, Sociocultural Instrument to Assess Black Maternal Intentions to Vaccinate Their Daughters Aged 9 to 12 Against HPV

Journal of cancer education : the official journal of the American Association for Cancer Education, Sep 17, 2015

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could assist in reducing the cervical cancer disparity exi... more The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could assist in reducing the cervical cancer disparity existing between Black and White women. Understanding factors influencing Black maternal intentions to vaccinate their daughter is essential in improving vaccination uptake. However, existing instruments do not comprehensively assess factors (e.g., culture) influencing maternal intentions. This paper describes the development of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Survey for Black Mothers with Girls Aged 9 to 12 (HPVS-BM), the first instrument to measure knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and cultural beliefs relating to Black maternal intentions to vaccinate their daughters aged 9 to 12 years against HPV. The items and scales were refined using content review by experts, as well as cognitive interviews and pilot testing with target audience participants. The final version of the HPVS-BM was administered to 242 Black mothers with adolescent daughters. Internal reliability was determin...

Research paper thumbnail of HPV Vaccination of College Males: Strategizing against HPV Infection in College Students

College student journal, 2015

The disease burden of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among females and its associated sequelae ha... more The disease burden of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) among females and its associated sequelae have been widely studied by social and behavioral science researchers and medical professionals. Approved for administration to males as young as nine years old, the vaccination of males continues to spark much debate when older age groups are brought into the conversation (i.e. college students). Controversy stems from a review of cost-effectiveness models, social equity, cultural norms, ethics, and the contribution of HPV to the overall healthcare burden. College student health centers must determine if they are going to offer the HPV vaccine to any student and establish guidelines for offering the vaccine to females and/or males. This paper will discuss benefits and barriers to HPV vaccination of college males and demonstrate that a need for prevention programs is imperative so that both genders will seek out the vaccination. Key words: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), HPV vaccination, colle...

Research paper thumbnail of Motivators and Barriers to COVID-19 Research Participation at the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Black Communities in the USA: an Exploratory Study

Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities, Dec 13, 2022

Introduction Black individuals in the USA continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials with... more Introduction Black individuals in the USA continue to be underrepresented in clinical trials with low participation rates in COVID-19 research studies. Identifying participation barriers is necessary as we develop more vaccines and other treatments to address SARS-CoV-2 and associated sequelae. The purpose of this explorative, qualitative study is to apply the theory of planned behavior to understand motivators and barriers to COVID-19 research participation at the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding these factors is important to ultimately lead to increased vaccination rates among Black individuals, especially in strategies that increase preparedness in response to public health emergencies. Methods A phenomenological qualitative study design was conducted between May and September 2020 among 62 Black participants. The participants were purposefully selected from vulnerable subgroups of the Black population: essential workers, young adults, parents, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. An inductive-deductive content analysis approach was used to analyze the interview data. Results Majority (54.8%) reported willingness to participate in COVID-19 research. The following themes emerged from the interviews: (1) positivity toward research exists yet fear and distrust remain; (2) views toward COVID-19 research vary; (3) motivators to COVID-19 research participation; (4) barriers to COVID-19 research participation; and (5) potential strategies to increase COVID-19 research participation. Conclusions Based on our findings, majority of the participants reported willingness to participate in research with observational research being the most commonly cited type of research. Providing data on the attitudes and perspectives of Black individuals and their intentions for COVID-19 research participation using TPB informs intervention targets for healthcare providers and policy makers for an equitable emergency response. Our results suggest improved communication on the research process, research opportunities, and participant testimonial through trusted sources could increase the likelihood of participation. This is especially important as we continue through the pandemic and new treatments for COVID-19 vaccines become readily available.

Research paper thumbnail of A community-informed recruitment plan template to increase recruitment of racial and ethnic groups historically excluded and underrepresented in clinical research

Contemporary Clinical Trials, Feb 1, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Understanding Physical Distancing and Face Mask Use Across High-Risk African American Subgroups During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Application of Health Belief Model

Health Promotion Practice, Jan 29, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of COVID-19 Vaccination: Comparison of Attitudes, Decision-Making Processes, and Communication among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Black Americans

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Feb 16, 2023

Research paper thumbnail of Development and Validation of the Perceptions of Research Trustworthiness Scale to Measure Trust Among Minoritized Racial and Ethnic Groups in Biomedical Research in the US

JAMA network open, Dec 29, 2022

IMPORTANCE Historically, trust in biomedical research has been lower among minoritized racial and... more IMPORTANCE Historically, trust in biomedical research has been lower among minoritized racial and ethnic groups who are underrepresented in and excluded from research, with the same groups experiencing worse health outcomes. Unfortunately, instruments that measure trust may not capture components of trust relevant to minoritized racial and ethnic groups. OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a scale to measure trust in biomedical research among minoritized racial and ethnic groups. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional, community-based survey study compared trust and distrust in biomedical research among Black, Latino, and White subgroups in the US using the Perceptions of Research Trustworthiness (PoRT) scale. The scale was developed

Research paper thumbnail of Psychosocial Stressors and Coping Strategies Among African Americans During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Qualitative Study

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

Objectives The disproportionate impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on African Americans along with ... more Objectives The disproportionate impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on African Americans along with associated inequities in social determinants of health (SDOH) and racism increase their vulnerability to the psychosocial impact of COVID-19. This qualitative study applied the socio-ecological model (SEM) to explore psychosocial stressors, coping styles, and needs to improve psychosocial health among unique subgroups of African Americans in early pandemic stages. Methods Sixty-two African Americans (16 parents, 15 young adults, 16 essential workers, and 15 individuals with underlying medical conditions) participated in qualitative, semi-structured interviews between May and September 2020. Interview data were analyzed based on the SEM using thematic analysis. Results The majority (84%) reported being stressed with parents having the highest level. Four themes emerged : (1) our COVID-19 pandemic state of mind, (2) top stressors in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, (3) coping strategies during COVID-19, and (4) needs during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce stress. While there were similarities, different stressors were experienced among subgroups, which yielded different coping styles and needs from stakeholders across multi-levels to improve their psychosocial health. Conclusions Findings suggest current and future pandemic response plans need targeted strategies across multiple levels of influence to address the psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on African Americans.

Research paper thumbnail of Healthcare providers’ practice protocols, strategies, and needed tools to address parental HPV vaccine hesitancy: An exploratory study

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics

Research paper thumbnail of Development of strategies for community engaged research dissemination by basic scientists: a case study

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a Theory-Based, Culturally Appropriate Message Library for Use in Interventions to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination Among African Americans: Formative Research

JMIR Formative Research

Background Disparities in COVID-19 incidence, hospitalization, and mortality rates among African ... more Background Disparities in COVID-19 incidence, hospitalization, and mortality rates among African Americans suggest the need for targeted interventions. Use of targeted, theory-driven messages in behavioral and communication interventions could empower African Americans to engage in behaviors that prevent COVID-19. Objective To address this need, we performed a formative study that aimed to develop and design a culturally appropriate, theory-based library of messages targeting concerns around COVID-19 vaccines that could be used in behavioral and communication interventions for African Americans. Methods Message development occurred between January 2021 and February 2022. Initial messages were designed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers, community leaders, and community members. Kreuter’s 5 strategies (ie, linguistic, peripheral, evidential, sociocultural, and constituent-involving strategies) were used to achieve cultural appropriateness. After forming a community-academic p...

Research paper thumbnail of African Americans and the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative inquiry of preparedness, challenges, and strategies on how we can move forward

Social Science & Medicine

Research paper thumbnail of Georgia Southern: Engaging Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research

Article about Georgia Southern faculty member Tilicia Mayo-Gamble contribution to the academic ar... more Article about Georgia Southern faculty member Tilicia Mayo-Gamble contribution to the academic article, Engaging Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease in Patient-Centered Outcomes Research: A Community Health Ambassador Training Model .https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/hpch-facmedia/1004/thumbnail.jp

Research paper thumbnail of Reducing HPV Associated Cancers and Disparities: Engaging African American Men to Develop a Culturally-Appropriate Program that Addresses their Needs

American Journal of Health Education, 2021

Background: The Healthy Men, Health Communities program aims to improve preventive behaviors amon... more Background: The Healthy Men, Health Communities program aims to improve preventive behaviors among African American men to reduce HPV-related cancer disparities. Purpose: We describe the development of an educational intervention using cultural-targeting strategies (i.e., linguistics, peripherals, evidence, socio-culture, and constituent-involving). Methods: After building capacity of community-based organization (CBO) leaders as research team members, we conducted 3 focus groups, 30 surveys, and a community review and program evaluation with African American men. Results: Focus group themes were: 1) The Known and Unknown of Cancer, HPV, and the vaccine; (2) Personal experiences with cancer were commonplace; (3) Barriers to Engaging HPV Cancer Preventive Behaviors; (4) Multi-Modal Strategies are needed to improve preventive behaviors; and (5) Actual versus Preferred Sources of Information. Survey data indicated men desired information on penile (52%) and oral cancers (48%). The preferred education format was a

Research paper thumbnail of Patient Centered Outcomes Research Tennessee Sickle Cell Disease Network: An Operational Manual for Engaging Sickle Cell Patient Families in Patient Centered Outcomes Research

Thompson, sickle cell warrior and champion for the sickle cell community. Without his devotion an... more Thompson, sickle cell warrior and champion for the sickle cell community. Without his devotion and efforts to support sickle cell consumers this work would not have been possible. This manual was created through a collaborative process that included members from Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee, as well as members of our foundation advisory boards in Chattanooga, Nashville, and Memphis. Many thanks to all of you for your insights, suggestions and review. We could not do this work without you.

Research paper thumbnail of Development of a Framework to Enhance Dissemination of Tailored Research Results to Communities

Presentation given at the MeTRC Health Disparities Conference

Research paper thumbnail of African Americans views of COVID-19 contact tracing and testing

American Journal of Infection Control, 2022

Increasing COVID-testing and contact tracing is necessary to control the COVID-19 pandemic consid... more Increasing COVID-testing and contact tracing is necessary to control the COVID-19 pandemic considering suboptimal vaccine rates. We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore views towards contact tracing and testing among 62 African Americans. Based on our findings, participants identified COVID-19 testing and contact tracing as beneficial, yet medical and governmental mistrust, stigma associated with SARS-CoV-2, lack of access, poor communication, and costs as major barriers. This study also highlights intervention targets to improve COVID-testing and contact tracing.

Research paper thumbnail of Factors influencing intent to receive COVID-19 vaccination among Black and White adults in the southeastern United States, October – December 2020

Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2021

Vaccination intent is foundational for effective COVID-19 vaccine campaigns. To understand factor... more Vaccination intent is foundational for effective COVID-19 vaccine campaigns. To understand factors and attitudes influencing COVID-19 vaccination intent in Black and White adults in the US south, we conducted a mixed-methods cross-sectional survey of 4512 adults enrolled in the Southern Community Cohort Study (SCCS), an ongoing study of racial and economic health disparities. Vaccination intent was measured as "If a vaccine to prevent COVID-19 became available to you, how likely are you to choose to get the COVID-19 vaccination?" with options of "very unlikely," "somewhat unlikely," "neither unlikely nor likely," "somewhat likely," and "very likely." Reasons for intent, socio-demographic factors, preventive behaviors, and other factors were collected. 46% of participants had uncertain or low intent. Lower intent was associated with female gender, younger age, Black race, more spiritual/religious, lower perceived COVID-19 susceptibility, living in a greater deprivation area, lower reading ability, and lack of confidence in childhood vaccine safety or COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness or safety (p < .05 for all). Most factors were present in all racial/gender groups. Contextual influences, vaccine/vaccination specific issues, and personal/group influences were identified as reasons for low intent. Reasons for higher intent included preventing serious illness, life returning to normal, and recommendation of trusted messengers. Hesitancy was complex, suggesting tailored interventions may be required to address low intent.