Low-income African American patients have experienced unequal and discriminatory treatment, which can result in a cultural mistrust of providers; yet, providers in this study were able to engender high trust and satisfaction among these respondents. Still, the sociocultural effects of race concordance require further exploration to better understand the impact on trust in the patient-provider relationship. Finally, the high levels of trust in the NMC may offer a promising solution to the health disparities of African Americans; yet, more research is needed.

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Despite efforts to examine social influences and provide interventions that lead to safer sexual practices for African American (AA) adolescent girls, statistics have demonstrated this population continues to have the highest rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV when compared with adolescent girls of other races. Guided by the principles of Black Feminist Thought and Photovoice and focus group methodology, this descriptive study aimed to discover the social realities influencing a group of eight AA adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years. Data from individual interviews and a focus group session were collected from November 11, 2012, to February 1, 2013. Analysis of selected photographs, interviews, and focus group conversations through a feminist lens suggests AA adolescents of low socioeconomic status continue to foster racial and mental inferiority stereotypes by using their sexuality as a bargaining tool for acceptance, value, and even love.

Background and purpose Research on Arab‐Americans as a distinct ethnic group is limited, especially when considering the health of Arab‐American youth. This study describes health risk (substance use, violence); health promotive behaviors (hope, spirituality); and sexual activity (oral, vaginal, anal sex) of Arab‐American adolescents and emerging adults (aged 15–23) within their life context, as well as the association between these behaviors. Methods A secondary analysis of data on a subset of Arab‐American participants obtained from a randomized‐control trial was utilized to conduct mixed methods analyses. Qualitative analyses completed on the open‐ended questions used the constant comparative method for a subsample (n = 24) of participants. Descriptive quantitative analyses of survey data utilized bivariate analyses and stepwise logistic regression to explore the relation between risk behaviors and sexual activity among the full sample (n = 57). Conclusions Qualitative analyses revealed two groups of participants: (a) multiple risk behaviors and negative life‐events, and (b) minimal risk behaviors and positive life‐events. Quantitative analyses indicated older youth, smokers, and those with higher hope pathways were more likely to report vaginal sex. Implications for practice The unique cultural and social contexts of Arab‐American youth provide a framework for recommendations for the prevention of risk behaviors.

The purpose of this study was to examine the sociocultural factors related to weight behaviors in African American adolescents utilizing a social ecological approach. A descriptive correlational design included a sample of 145 African American adolescents. Perceived familial socialization, ethnic identity, physical activity, and eating behavior patterns were measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlations, and multiple regression equations. Perceived maternal socialization was significantly related to adolescent eating behaviors and physical activity whereas perceived paternal socialization was significantly related only to their physical activity. The adolescents' ethnic identity was not significantly related to their eating behaviors or physical activity. Health care providers who work with adolescents and their families can use the initial findings from this study to encourage healthy weight-related behaviors while reducing the obesity epidemic within the African American adolescent population in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive manner.

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