Recommendations on eliminating racial disparities in multiple myeloma therapies: a step toward achieving equity in healthcare.

African Americans are at higher risk of multiple myeloma (MM) yet underrepresented in clinical trials and reap less benefits from novel therapies of the disease. To improve representation of African Americans in MM clinical trials, researchers, providers, patients, industry partners and regulators at the FDA-AACR workshop developed recommendations to all stakeholders. The outlined principles offer a roadmap to addressing disparities broadly in clinical trials.

African American Patients With Multiple Myeloma: Optimizing Care to Decrease Racial Disparities.

The incidence of multiple myeloma in African Americans is two to three times higher than in other ethnicities and is the leading hematologic malignancy in African Americans. Despite the high incidence of multiple myeloma in African American individuals, a vast majority experience delays in diagnosis and reduced usage of effective therapies, including stem cell transplantation, as well as low participation in clinical trials. Racial disparities, social and financial health disparities, and barriers to earlier access to care can lead to poorer patient outcomes. There are also unique characteristics in the disease manifestation in African Americans with multiple myeloma that are imperative for oncology nurses to understand and recognize to provide optimal care.

Diagnosis and management of impetigo.

Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection that involves the superficial layers of the skin, is one of the most common skin infections in children ages 2 to 5 but can occur in individuals across the lifespan. This article discusses the diagnosis and management of impetigo in primary care.

African Americans' Culturally Specific Approaches to the Management of Diabetes.

Spirituality is an important multidimensional cultural resource and coping strategy used by many African Americans for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes. Yet, few studies examine meaning and interpretation of colloquial terms frequently used for coping within the context of a community culture. We designed an interpretive qualitative study to gain a deeper understanding of a colloquial phrase, "I ain't claiming it," used among Project SuGar research participants when discussing diabetes. Thematic analysis revealed two major themes, Acknowledgment and Denial, as coping mechanisms through an active or passive relationship with God. Sub-theme of acknowledgment was presented as front seat driver and sub-theme for denial of the disease presented as back seat driver. These meanings encompass a range of culturally specific coping strategies for self-management that health providers should consider and implement as part of providing patient-centered care to enhance better outcome strategies.

Non-Biological (Fictive Kin and Othermothers): Embracing the Need for a Culturally Appropriate Pedigree Nomenclature in African-American Families.

Although the Family Health History (FHH) is the most cost-effective tool in the staratification of disense risk, it is not designed to collect information from non-biological family members (NBFM). Significant NBFM, defined as "fictive kin and othermothers," tend to play a major role in the transmission of culture, health promotion, and decision-making; yet, their influence cannot be captured using the standard FHH. Participants attending the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) 2012 genetic workshop were divided into groups to role-play FHH. All participants (N = 50) indicated difficulties with the standard FHH, ranking collection of sensitive data as the number 1 challenge. Consequently, a new symbol was developed with support from NBNA genetics workshop participants. Having such a symbol afforts an apportunity for inclusion of all NBFM to help guide risk-specific recommendations for disense management, prevention, and health promotion of common chronic diseases. This report will describe the process, presentation, and adoption of the symbol.

An evidence-based parenting intervention with inner-city teen mothers.

The consequences of teen pregnancy have a substantial negative impact on both the teen mother and her child. Recent evidence clearly supports parenting education as the most effective means for improving adolescent parenting skills. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based program using an evidence-based educational intervention to improve parenting style in high school teen mothers. Teen mothers, from 15 to 18 years of age, in a Title 1 high school were recruited from the Early Head Start program. Two groups of teens (N = 10) completed a pre-parenting style survey, enrolled in an 8- or 12-week group educational session, and completed a post-parenting style survey. While quantitative data did not yield a change in parenting style, qualitative findings highlighted a strong need for teens to "tell their story" and to share personal experiences related to parenting. These findings lend support for the role of parenting educational interventions in high schools with teens at high risk for pregnancy.