African American faith-based organizations (FBOs) can play an important role in addressing health disparities. Increasingly, churches offer health fairs, screenings, or education within their health ministries. However, little is known about how to link these organizations with the many evidence-based interventions (EBIs) developed by research. This study explored 1) factors that facilitate or impede health ministry activities, including the adoption of EBIs, and 2) opportunities to use technology to support/enhance the capacity of FBOs to sustain health-related activities. We conducted 18 key informant interviews with African American pastors and FBO leaders and six focus groups with members. A popular health ministry strategy was distribution of print materials. There was limited awareness of EBIs and how to access them. Challenges included maintaining qualified volunteers, financial resources, and technical assistance needs. Participants used technology and social media but older adults did so less often. Findings have implications for dissemination/implementation research in FBOs, in relation to the translational continuum.

Background/Objectives Previous analyses of the Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health (REACH II) intervention have found that it was less effective for African American than for Hispanic or White caregivers. We examined whether there were race/ethnicity group differences in REACH II intervention delivery. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Community-based intervention delivered at 5 sites across the United States. Participants 323 family caregivers of persons with dementia who were randomized to the active intervention condition. Intervention Nine in-home sessions (90 mins each) and 3 telephone sessions (30 mins each) were intended to be delivered and designed to reduce caregiver burden and depression, improve caregivers’ self-care and social support, and help caregivers manage behavior problems in persons with dementia. Measurements Interventionists recorded the type (home or telephone), start and stop times, and whether specific intervention content modules (e.g., stress management, social support) were administered in each session. Results Overall, REACH II intervention delivery was high, with over 80% of randomized caregivers completing at least 5 in-home sessions and receiving 8 or more hours of intervention contact. African American caregivers, however, completed fewer in-home sessions (M = 6.98) than either Hispanics (M = 7.84) or Whites (M = 8.25) and received less total intervention contact time (M = 683 mins) than either Hispanics (M = 842 mins) or Whites (M = 798 mins). No significant differences in exposure to content by race/ethnicity were found after controlling for demographic covariates. Conclusion African Americans in REACH II received significantly less intervention contact. Similar multicomponent interventions should examine whether there are systematic differences in intervention delivery across specific demographic subgroups and explore implications for treatment outcomes.

Death rates from homicide among AI/ANs were higher than previously reported and varied by sex, age, and region. Violence prevention efforts involving a range of stakeholders are needed at the community level to address this important public health issue.

BackgroundMedical Visit Companions (MVCs) are encouraged for older adults’ routine medical encounters. Little data exist on the experiences and contributions of non-spouse companions for the growing population of older adults without a living spouse.MethodsWe conducted six focus groups with forty non-spouse MVCs identified through churches in Baltimore, Maryland. Thematic analysis was used to identify key issues before the visit, during the visit itself, after the visit, and in the overall companion experience.ResultsMVCs described their experiences positively but also highlighted many challenges related to the role that extended far beyond the visit itself. These included scheduling, transportation, communication, and coordination of care expectations.ConclusionOur increasingly complex healthcare system can be challenging for older adults to navigate successfully. The diverse nature of tasks performed by companions in this study highlight the many benefits of having a companion accompany older patients to medical visits. The positive experience of the companions studied and their willingness to continue their role in the future highlights the untapped potential for increased social facilitation to improve the quality of healthcare visits and achieve patient-centered care for all older patients.

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