Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe diabetes self-management practices and service utilization among Gullah families in South Carolina. Methods Data were obtained from 1276 persons with type 2 diabetes through interviews using the Family Health History Questionnaire. This was a primary analysis of a project conducted in conjunction with a parent study (Project SuGar) which focused on the molecular aspects of diabetes. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results Diabetes self-management behaviors were not consistent with recommendations from the American Diabetes Association. Over half (55.6%) reported exercising, but only 27.7% reported self-glucose monitoring. Service utilization was poor, less than half, (41.1%) reported referral to a diabetic class/diet, 32.8% reported making yearly visits to the ophthalmologist, 22.3% reported visiting the dentist, and only 12.8% reported visiting the podiatrist. Conclusions Although some self-management behaviors were identified, Gullah family members remain at risk for preventable diabetes complications. Education must reflect behaviors and beliefs valued by Gullah individuals. Culturally appropriate educational programs may increase use of health care services aimed at decreasing preventable complications of type 2 diabetes in the Gullah population.

From examinations of the literature on the influence that exposure to violence and coping strategies have on delinquent behavior and emotional outcomes, this study addresses the association between violent victimization and the moderating effects of coping strategies among 500 African-American adolescents who exhibit both externalizing behaviors such as delinquency and internalizing symptoms, including anxiety and depression. The investigation examines the development of the aforementioned adjustment problems in response to victimization, and the findings indicate a relationship between the specific indices of victimization, including peer violence, and the symptomatology and coping mechanisms utilized by the youth in this study. Suggestions for future research in this area are discussed.

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe African American teen mothers perceptions of nurse caring behaviors during the postpartum period in a rural southern state. African Americans have unique cultural needs; thus, it is critical for the science of nursing to explore and describe African American teenage mothers perceptions of nurse caring behaviors during the postpartum period. By exploring and describing African American first-time teenage mothers perceptions of nurse caring behaviors, the researcher will help nursing science gain insight into how to facilitate and enhance postpartum care for young families. An exploratory descriptive design was used and descriptive analyses were conducted on demographic characteristics and CBA subscales to answer the research question: How do African American first-time teenage mothers describe nursing behaviors and identify the most important nursing behaviors that they received during the postpartum period? Findings indicated that there was statistical significance for the independent variable, decision making for your health, and the Caring Behaviors Assessment (CBA) subscales of humanism/faith-hope/sensitivity (p = 0.050), human needs assistance (p = 0.052), and the demographic characteristics. The analysis revealed attentive to needs was a common theme. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe African American teen mothers perceptions of nurse caring behaviors during the postpartum period in a rural southern state. African Americans have unique cultural needs; thus, it is critical for the science of nursing to explore and describe African American teenage mothers perceptions of nurse caring behaviors during the postpartum period. By exploring and describing African American first-time teenage mothers perceptions of nurse caring behaviors, the researcher will help nursing science gain insight into how to facilitate and enhance postpartum care for young families. An exploratory descriptive design was used and descriptive analyses were conducted on demographic characteristics and CBA subscales to answer the research question: How do African American first-time teenage mothers describe nursing behaviors and identify the most important nursing behaviors that they received during the postpartum period? Findings indicated that there was statistical significance for the independent variable, decision making for your health, and the Caring Behaviors Assessment (CBA) subscales of humanism/faith-hope/sensitivity (p = 0.050), human needs assistance (p = 0.052), and the demographic characteristics. The analysis revealed attentive to needs was a common theme.

This study surveyed 200 incarcerated mothers to determine if treatment received in prison is related to communication with children. Emphasis is also placed on the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and treatment. Analyses showed that women who received treatment were more likely to be white. Younger women and women with only one child had the most contact with their children. Further analyses suggest that women who had participated in physical and mental illness treatment programs had more contact with their children. This study suggests the need for more treatment options for incarcerated women, and the need to formulate treatment to best fit the different sociodemographic characteristics of incarcerated women. This study further indicates the need to pursue research to determine specific reasons for differences in contact with children and treatment levels among incarcerated women with different sociodemographic characteristics.