Cheryl Killion

Linking African American Mothers Across Life Stage and Station Through Photovoice

Homeless young African American women and low-income, elderly African American women have housing needs specific to their age cohorts, yet they also have parallel and complementary housing, health, and personal needs. The young struggle to afford decent housing, while the old may have difficulty maintaining their homes. In this pilot study, intergenerational contact was established between young homeless women and elderly independently housed women through photovoice. Over six months, five African American women discussed photographs they had taken that focused on their current living arrangements and activities. Although the women spanned three generations, had different life experiences, and resided in a variety of home settings, the sharing of photographs revealed many commonalities. In the process of discussing photographs, fa women established mutual respect, exercised reciprocal affirmation, and built alliances. The preliminary study is preparatory to exploring the feasibility of establishing house-sharing arrangements for mutual assistance between these cohorts.

Nursing student perceptions of community in online learning

Abstract Nursing faculty need to understand the unique aspects of online learning environments and develop new pedagogies for teaching in the virtual classroom. The concept of community is important in online learning and a strong sense of community can enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes in online courses. Student perceptions of community in online learning environments were explored in this study. Five focus group sessions were held and online nursing students were asked to give examples of experiences related to sense of community. Fifteen major themes emerged: class structure, required participation, teamwork, technology, becoming, commonalities, disconnects, mutual exchange, online etiquette, informal discussions, aloneness, trepidation, unknowns, nonverbal communication and anonymity. Themes sorted into the categories of structural, processual and emotional factors. Theme descriptions show how sense of community can be enhanced and/or diminished in online courses. This study adds depth and detail to the limited body of research on sense of community in distance education in nursing courses.

Dance and Peer Support to Improve Diabetes Outcomes in African American Women

Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to test a dance intervention and explore the role of peer support to improve the diabetes outcomes of A1C, weight, body fat, and blood pressure in African American women with type 2 diabetes. Methods This study was conducted in a community-based outpatient clinic. A mixed methods design was used. A total of 46 women, 26 to 83 years of age, were randomized to either the 12-week dance group or usual care group. Both between group and intraindividual group differences were analyzed from baseline to 12 weeks. Focus group interviews explored the role of peer support through semistructured discussions for the women enrolled in the dance group. Results Results showed significant group mean differences in systolic blood pressure (BP) and body fat. Paired t tests showed significant reductions in all the diabetes outcomes for the dance group and significant increases in glycolated hemoglobin (A1C) and systolic BP for the usual care group. The emergent themes of the focus groups were that a diabetes diagnosis was devastating, and changing eating habits and taking medications was often difficult. Peer support in the dance group was expressed as camaraderie, enjoyment, and laughter, which fostered attendance. Conclusions Dancing 2 times per week for 12 weeks produced significant group differences in systolic BP and body fat and significant intraindividual changes. The implications are that dancing in a supportive environment with peers may be an effective strategy for diabetes educators to help those with diabetes to become more physically active and improve diabetes outcomes and overall health.

Me and my computer: emotional factors in online learning.

ABSTRACT This study focused on nursing student perceptions of sense of community in the online classroom. Using qualitative analysis of data gathered from five student focus groups, themes related to the affective domain in online learning were identified: aloneness, anonymity, nonverbal communication, trepidations, and unknowns. This article provides detailed examples of student experiences under each theme and suggests that greater attention to the affective domain is needed, particularly in asynchronous online learning. Pedagogical strategies that foster a sense of community in online courses between students and faculty enhance cognition through affective engagement of students. Strategies for instructors are given.

Making Mental Health a Priority in Belize

Belize, Central America, the most sparsely populated country in Central America, has taken gigantic steps to improve the mental health of its citizens. This article profiles mental health in this country and explicates contextual factors circumscribing manifestations, treatment, and care of mental illness. An overview of mental health services is provided, with particular focus on the role of psychiatric nurse practitioners. Other innovative approaches in promoting mental health and providing care to the those who are mentally ill are highlighted. Current and future challenges for nursing care and mental health services are presented. Recommendations for future action are offered.

Barriers and Facilitators to Engaging Communities in Gender- Based Violence Prevention following a Natural Disaster

Humanitarian workers in disaster settings report a dramatic increase in gender-based violence (GBV). This was true after the 2010 Haiti earthquake when women and girls lost the relative security of their homes and families. Researchers from the United States Virgin Islands and the United States mainland responded by collaborating with Haitian colleagues to develop GBV-focused strategies. To start, the research team performed a situational analysis to insure that the project was culturally, ethically, and logistically appropriate. The aim of this paper is to describe how the situational analysis framework helped the researchers effectively approach this community. Using post-earthquake Haiti as an exemplar, we identify key steps, barriers, and facilitators to undertaking a situational analysis. Barriers included logistics, infrastructure, language and community factors. Facilitators included established experts, organizations and agencies. Researchers in such circumstances need to be respectful of community members as experts and patient with local environmental and cultural conditions.

Uncertain lives, uncertain health for children of Latino day laborers.

Latino children of parents who work as day laborers are particularly vulnerable for poor health through economic difficulty and unstable living conditions. The purpose of this community-based participatory research was to explore the perceptions of Latino day laborer parents regarding barriers and assets to health for the children, and to identify strategies for change. Two focus groups were conducted with parent participants and interviews were conducted with community stakeholders. Findings revealed themes of difficulty accessing healthcare, perceptions of poor healthcare, and experiences of fear and chronic uncertainty. Strategies for change included help negotiating the healthcare system, family support, and relationship-based care. Findings give insight into the experience of Latino day laborer parents and inform strategies for community healthcare providers.

Families' and Victims' Characteristics Influencing Child Sexual Abuse

The purpose: Child sexual abuse is considered an important national public health problem that must be addressed with a sense of urgency. This paper was to provide a comprehensive information on the child and family characteristics which may influence the vulnerability of child sexual abuse. Recent findings: Underreporting of child sexual abuse may be due to family’s and children’s and their families’ characteristics. These include their demographics and personal characteristics. Summary: The important role of healthcare providers as well as parents to be aware of children’s and families’ characteristics which may influence child sexual abuse. It is discussed along with implications for praxis.

“Maybe This Generation Here Could Help the Next Generation”: Older African American Women's Perceptions on Information Sharing to Improve Health in Younger Generations

The prevalence of hypertension is highest among African American women, who often occupy caregiving roles. The purpose of the current study is to describe intergenerational caregiving and communication themes that emerged during focus groups with African American older adult women (mean age = 73 years) on information sharing and self-management of hypertension. Thematic analysis revealed two overarching themes: Caregiving Responsibilities and Improving the Health of Younger Generations. Women wanted to help younger generations better manage their blood pressures. These findings suggest that intergenerational relationships may have an important role in managing health conditions, such as hypertension. Further examination of intergenerational relationships as targets for blood pressure self-management intervention is warranted to: (a) address the need for women to share their wisdom, and (b) help improve blood pressure management among African American individuals across the lifespan. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2018; 11(1):39-47.].

Strategies to Build Authorship Competence Among PhD Students.

Publication in refereed journals is an important responsibility of PhD-prepared nurses. Specialized writing skills are crucial for effective professional publication. The capacity to develop and publish articles is best learned during doctoral education. This Western Journal of Nursing Research Editorial Board Special Article addresses multi-dimensional strategies to develop authorship competence among doctoral students. The article outlines structured PhD program experiences to provide the context for students to develop authorship capacity. The authors identify multi-faceted faculty endeavors and student activities that are essential to foster authorship competence. Students who embrace opportunities to acquire authorship qualifications will be well prepared for their post-graduation role as stewards of the nursing discipline.