UA cloudflare authentication

Theses and Dissertations - Department of Psychology

Permanent URI for this collection

https://ir.ua.edu/handle/123456789/128

Browse

Browsing Theses and Dissertations - Department of Psychology by Subject "African American studies"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Relating racial identity, religiosity and neighborhood conditions to health and life outcomes
    (University of Alabama Libraries, 2012) Smith, Gabrielle; McCallum, Debra M.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    Racial identity, religiosity and neighborhood conditions were utilized to predict physical/mental health and life outcomes for a low income African American population. Data from 1,181 adult interviews, which were part of the Mobile Youth Survey (MYS) were engaged in a secondary data analysis to answer the research questions. For the analyses, a Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM) framework, implemented in SAS PROC MIXED using maximum likelihood (ML) methods was used. From the various models tested, six of the eight potential dependent variables yielded significant results: physical health change and mental health change were not significant. Results suggested that all three of the predictor variables (racial identity, religiosity and neighborhood conditions) are variables that are significant predictors of the dependent variables (health and life outcomes). Interesting patterns arose in relation to the specific scales used to measure each of the independent variables. There were distinct differences in the predictive patterns of the sub-scales for discrimination and racial identity, as well as emerging predictive trends for the sub-scales related to religiosity. Also, there is a discussion regarding future research to help determine whether racial identity, religiosity and neighborhood conditions are exclusive items or inseparable constructs for African American populations.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Thinking ahead project: a pilot intervention study to increase acceptability of advance care planning among African American middle-aged and older adults
    (University of Alabama Libraries, 2015) Huang, Chao-Hui; Crowther, Martha R.; University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
    This pilot study investigates the feasibility and provides a limited efficacy testing of an innovative intervention, the Thinking Ahead Project (TAP), designed to increase acceptability of advance care planning (ACP) among African Americans. A mixed-method randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted to examine the feasibility and efficacy of the TAP intervention. 30 African Americans aged 45 and above were recruited and randomized to either the intervention group (n=15), or the control group (n=15). Feasibility was assessed with a program satisfaction survey. ANCOVAs and/or regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of the intervention on the primary outcomes, including acceptability, knowledge, preference, and intention to complete an advance directive (AD). Semi-structured interview data were analyzed using thematic content analysis to identify barriers to engage in ACP discussions, strategies to overcome barriers, stages of health behavior change, and experiences during the TAP intervention. Feasibility data demonstrated successful implementation and acceptability of the multi-component TAP intervention. All participants reported increased intention to complete an AD at post-intervention regardless of the group assignment. A significant increase in knowledge from baseline to post-intervention was found in the intervention group, t (14) = -3.055, p = .009, eta squared =.41. The intervention participants also reported a preference for the health literacy adapted advance directive form over the standard form, especially among those with low health literacy. "Lack of information on ACP" was identified as one of the primary barriers for individuals to engage in ACP discussions. Overall, the TAP intervention demonstrates promise as a brief intervention to increase acceptability of ACP among African Americans. Findings can be applied to develop culturally sensitive intervention programs that improve acceptability and engagement in ACP among racial/ethnic minorities.