Helena Addison

Women in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) experience intimate partner violence (IPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at disproportionate rates compared to women on the US mainland. Women in violent relationships report experiencing controlling behaviours that decrease their ability to negotiate for sex using condoms or to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Though several evidence-based interventions exist to prevent either IPV or HIV, few address them through an integrated health promotion approach or attend to particular USVI cultural mores. This article describes the systematic development of a theory based, culturally tailored, integrated health promotion intervention that addresses IPV and HIV among USVI women experiencing abuse. The process included: (i) identifying and integrating evidence-based health promotion interventions, (ii) conducting formative research using focus groups, (iii) synthesizing focus group data to inform intervention development and (iv) developing a cultur...

AIMS The aim of this review was to evaluate the current state of scientific knowledge describing the mental health of Black men who have experienced incarceration. DESIGN This systematic mixed studies review employed a sequential explanatory design integrating quantitative and qualitative published research. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Social Work and Criminal Justice databases were searched using search terms addressing core constructs of mental health, Black men, incarceration and re-entry, January 2010 through October 2021. REVIEW METHODS Articles identified through a search protocol were screened for inclusion as: peer-reviewed original research, published in English and relevant to the mental health of formerly incarcerated Black men in the United States. RESULTS Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria. Quantitative findings demonstrated significant associations between incarceration history and poor mental health, including higher levels of psychological distress, increased severity of depressive and PTSD symptoms, and delayed mental health treatment. Discrimination, negative police encounters, solitary confinement and difficulty finding employment were associated with the relationship between incarceration and mental health outcomes. Four themes were identified from the qualitative synthesis: (1) Social Determinants of Mental Health (2) Pushing Through Emotional Despair (3) Challenges to Healthcare Engagement and (4) Gender, Race and Intersections between Social Identities. IMPACT The United States has the highest rate of incarceration in the world and disproportionately incarcerates Black men. This review contextualizes the relationship between incarceration history and mental health in the lived experiences and perspectives of formerly incarcerated Black men. Findings indicate the need for interventions to support mental health needs and prevent downstream health consequences in this population. CONCLUSION Mental health concerns are pervasive in formerly incarcerated Black men; to address key gaps in current scientific understandings future research should focus on how Black men navigate help-seeking experiences and use mental health services in the context of an incarceration history.

Women experiencing reproductive coercion (RC) report more unintended pregnancies and mental health symptoms that can influence contraceptive use patterns. We examined associations between RC and contraceptive use among intimate partner violence (IPV) exposed women aged 18–35 ( N = 283). We tested depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and co-morbid depression and PTSD as effect modifiers. Though no association was found between RC and contraception, PTSD significantly modified this relationship. Among Black women ( n = 112), those reporting RC and either PTSD or comorbid PTSD and depression were less likely to use partner-independent contraception compared to those reporting RC without mental health symptoms. PTSD could be a barrier to contraceptive choice among this population.

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Background Diversity, equity, and inclusion are increasingly recognized as core values for guiding nursing education, practice, and research. The conceptual framework of cultural humility has been adapted in a variety of health care settings, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through openness, supportive interaction, self-awareness, self-reflection, and critique. Problem Nurse educators have the opportunity, but may find it challenging, to teach students about the changing landscape of health care and the populations we serve. Approach This article describes the integration of the cultural humility framework into nursing curricula to teach principles of diversity, equity, and inclusivity. We provide a practical example of a diversity panel, with student and panelist reflections, exploring the intersectionality of experiences in health care and integration of personal accounts and perspectives. Conclusion Dialogue about diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential for preparing future nurses to deliver culturally competent care and promote health equity.