E. Roberto Orellana

Patients’ Perception of Patient–Provider Communication in Fertility Preservation Decision Making Among Young Women With Cancer

Fertility preservation (FP) for patients with cancer is an emerging field. With the advancement of technology, patients may face a complex decision-making process about whether to preserve fertility. The purpose of this article is to explore how young women with cancer perceive patient–provider communication in FP decision making. In this study, 25 women between the ages of 18 and 39 were interviewed retrospectively. They were interviewed one time to learn about their decision-making process related to FP. Results of this analysis indicate that patients seek support and involvement from providers throughout the process of decision making. They prefer providers to be directive when referring to the fertility clinic. Later in the process, they expect a supportive style of communication from providers. Patient-accessible language, supportive and reassuring styles of communication, and an existing relationship with providers may enhance well-being of the patients.

Effective Single-Parent Training Group Program: Three System Studies

Objective: This study highlights Dr. Elsie Pinkston and colleagues’ research on the effectiveness of behavior parent training and examines the application of single-parent training group (SPG) programs to three parent–child dyads exposed to distressed family circumstances. Methods: Single-system evaluation designs were conducted with two single birth parents, one single foster parent, and each parent’s three respective children, in an effort to appraise the results of a SPG program. Results: Two of the three parent–child dyads benefited from the SPG. Results suggested that there were changes in parent reinforcement and attention behaviors and children’s noncompliant behaviors. Conclusion: Behavioral improvements in single parent and child dyads lend support for the effectiveness of the parent training group for single parents. Implications for practice and future research on SPG programs are discussed.

Structural Determinants of Indigenous Health: A Photovoice Study in the Peruvian Amazon

Indigenous populations in the Americas carry a disproportionate burden of disease. Common to populations affected by health inequities is the exposure to structural factors—social, political, environmental and economic—that shape the risks for disease. We conducted a photovoice study in three Shipibo-Konibo indigenous villages in the Peruvian Amazon. Twenty-four indigenous participants consented to take part. The study found that Shipibo-Konibo villagers are exposed to a series of structural factors such as malfunctioning latrines, lack of garbage disposal systems, lack of health services, migration, and mixing with outsiders which they see as important determinants of their health. While primary health care is urgently needed among indigenous communities in this region, any public health intervention must take into account the structural forces that affect indigenous peoples health.

Self-implemented HIV testing: perspectives on improving dissemination among urban African American youths.

We examined the potential for increasing the reach of HIV testing to African American youths through the dissemination of oral-HIV testing. From 2012 through 2013 we examined the perceptions of alternatives to pharmacy dissemination of SITs in African American youths (5 focus groups) and service providers (4 focus groups), and conducted an ethnographic study of pharmacies (n = 10). Participants perceived significant advantages to delivering SITs through community health and services for adolescents (e.g., increased confidentiality, reduced stigma) over pharmacy dissemination. Given proper attention to fit, SIT dissemination could be facilitated through distribution by health and social service sites, and by improving elements of pharmacy dissemination.

Trusting and dependable sibling relationships as social capital among African American youth

ABSTRACT Background: Although it is well known that the relationship between siblings has demonstrable influence on positive youth development, little is known about which aspects of the sibling relationship influence health promotion in African Americans. Research on the role that siblings play in buffering the exposure and use of marijuana and participation in risky sexual behavior is rare, despite the documented link between risky sex and marijuana use among African Americans. Methods: In the current study, we use the National Comorbidity Survey- Adolescent (NCS-A), which is a nationally representative face-to-face survey of adolescents aged 13–18 years to investigate the extent to which a dependable and a trusting sibling relationship moderates the relationship between marijuana use and risky sexual behavior. Results: Trusting and dependable sibling relationships moderated the relationship between marijuana use and condom use, but not between marijuana use and number of sexual partners. Conclusion: Our results suggest that interventions aiming at nurturing and strengthening sibling relationships, especially social support, may have an impact on reducing risky behaviors among African American youth.