The Day Disparities Died.

For many, many years, the public health community has grappled with health disparities. Reducing and/or eliminating health disparities are well-established goals, and have become a fixture in the public health space. The focus on health disparity elimination has permeated policy, resources, institutions of higher learning, and research agendas, to name a few. As a Black female public health professional, I believe that we play a central role in moving the country from a place of disparity to equity. Not only are our professional experiences critical for advancing public health, but our lived experiences can also contribute to the transformation that we all seek. This piece, titled "The Day Disparities Died," reflects this belief. To view the original version of this poem, see the supplemental material section of this article online.

Racial/ethnic differences in cancer prevention beliefs: applying the health belief model framework.

PURPOSE: An understanding of each racial/ethnic group's beliefs about cancer prevention is important for designing/implementing interventions to reduce cancer-health disparities. The Health Belief Model was used to examine racial/ethnic differences in beliefs about cancer and cancer prevention. DESIGN: The data were from the 2007 Health Information National Trends Survey, a biennial, cross-sectional survey using a random-digit-dial telephone frame and a mailing address frame. SETTING: A weighted, nationally representative sample of American adults. SUBJECTS: The sample consisted of 7452 individuals. MEASURES: Model construct variables (perceived susceptibility; perceived severity; perceived benefits; perceived barriers; cues to action; self-efficacy) and race/ethnicity were assessed. ANALYSIS: The Rao-Scott χ(2) test and multivariate logistic regression assessed racial/ethnic differences. RESULTS: The constructs self-efficacy, perceived benefits, and perceived susceptibility were significantly associated with race/ethnicity. The remaining three constructs were not statistically significant. Multivariate analysis revealed Hispanics were less likely to believe they could lower their chances of getting cancer than did African-Americans and whites. Hispanics, Asians, and African-Americans were more likely to believe they had a lower chance of getting cancer in the future than did whites. CONCLUSION: Culturally relevant health education/promotion interventions need to be developed and tailored to (1) empower Hispanics regarding their ability to prevent cancer and (2) educate racial/ethnic minorities about their susceptibility and risk perception for cancer.

Sociodemographic differences in fears and mistrust contributing to unwillingness to participate in cancer screenings.

Effective provider-patient relationships are vital for positive patient health outcomes. This analysis assessed sociodemographic differences in fears and mistrust related to the provider-patient relationship, which may contribute to unwillingness to participate in cancer screenings (CSs). The data are from a stratified, random-digit dial telephone questionnaire of non-institutionalized households in New York, Maryland, and Puerto Rico. Statistically significant results indicate that Hispanics, compared with Whites, were nearly two times more likely to report that fear of being a "guinea pig" and lacking trust in medical people would make them unwilling to participate in CSs. Additionally, those with less education were over two times more likely to indicate a fear of being embarrassed during the screening would make them unwilling to participate in CSs. These results highlight areas where health professionals can improve interactions with their patients and be attentive to their fears and/or mistrusts to promote CSs utilization.

Gender differences in cancer screening beliefs, behaviors, and willingness to participate: implications for health promotion.

Men have higher cancer mortality rates for all sites combined compared with women. Cancer screening (CS) participation is important for the early detection of cancer. This study explores gender differences in CS beliefs, behaviors, and willingness to participate. The data were collected from a stratified, random-digit dial survey of adults living in New York, Maryland, and Puerto Rico. Chi-square tests and logistic regressions were computed to analyze gender associations among CS beliefs, behaviors, and willingness variables. Men and women believed that CSs were effective, though a higher percentage of men had never had a past CS. Men were less willing to participate in a CS at the present time and in a skin cancer exam; however, when given descriptions of screening conditions, men indicated more willingness to participate. These gender differences highlight the need for health professionals to examine their efforts in providing enhanced CS promotion and education among men.