Aim: To examine factors that influence intrapartum health outcomes among Black childbearing persons, including cisgender women, transmasculine and gender-diverse birthing persons. Background: Black childbearing persons are three to four times (243%) more likely to die while giving birth than any other racial/ethnic group. Black birthing persons are not just dying from complications but also from inequitable care from healthcare providers compared to their white counterparts. Design: Discursive paper. Method: Searching national literature published between 2010 and 2021 in PubMed, CINAHL, Embase and SCOPUS, we explored factors associated with poor intrapartum health outcomes among Black childbearing persons. Discussion: Several studies have ruled out social determinants of health as sufficient causative factors for poor intrapartum health outcomes among Black birthing persons. Recent research has shown that discrimination by race heavily influences whether a birthing person dies while childbearing.Conclusions: There is a historical context for obstetric medicine that includes harmful stereotypes, implicit bias and racism, all having a negative impact on intrapartum health outcomes. The existing health disparity among this population is endemic and requires close attention.Impact on Nursing Practice: Nurses and other healthcare professionals must understand their role in establishing unbiased care that promotes respect for diversity, equity and inclusion.

BACKGROUND: A major public health concern is the growing incidence of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The highest rate of HPV is found in college-age students with persistent infection noted in young African-American women (AAW). Certain oncogenic strains of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, and in the United States, AAW are more likely to die of cervical cancer than any other racial/ethnic group. While the causes of this disparity is multifactorial, past studies indicate that young AAW have limited understanding of the etiology, modes of transmission, risk, prevention, and treatment of cervical cancer. While screening before the age of 21 is not recommended, providing appropriately-tailored education to young adult AAW can assist in achieving health-promoting behavior and provide opportunity to reduce mortality risk. As a first step, this study sought to expand the paucity of research that focuses on knowledge and attitudes toward HPV and cervical cancer among AAW attending a historically black college and university (HBCU). METHOD: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional survey of English-speaking, self-identified AAW or African descent, 18-26 years old, recruited from a HBCU in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Consenting participants completed a survey battery to assess knowledge and attitudes toward HPV and cervical cancer, sexual practices, sources utilized for health literacy, and demographic characteristics. Cumulative and individual knowledge scores were calculated for each participant, and analysis was performed to identify items associated with adequate knowledge scores. Pearson's correlation analysis was computed to examine relationships between HPV and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes and health beliefs. RESULTS: The sample included 298 AAW undergraduate respondents (25% freshmen, 22.1% sophomores, 20.5% juniors, and 31.5% seniors). The AAW in this sample reported moderate knowledge of HPV with scores ranging from 1 to 13 (M =7.84, SD=1.92); however, individual item analysis suggests there were deficits in basic knowledge (etiology and transmission of HPV, screening and prevention strategies). Approximately 40% of the respondents reported receiving the HPV vaccination. Three fourths of the participants indicated that that they have had two or more sexual partners, while 40% indicated that they do not use protection during sexual practices. The respondents felt that their best source for health literacy was from family and friends (67.8%). Cancer screening attitudes were associated with greater HPV knowledge (r=.173, p<.01). Stronger feelings of fatalism were negatively correlated with HPV knowledge (r=-.158, p<.01). These findings suggest that the more participants are in control of their health, the less likely they exhibit fatalistic or pessimistic attitudes toward cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with prior research, the current findings revealed gaps in HPV/cervical cancer knowledge and preventive behaviors. Individual analysis further revealed deficits in knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer, unsafe sexual practices, and fatalistic attitudes. Recommendations for developing reliable educational programs within colleges to better equip students with preventive and positive health strategies should be encouraged. Ultimately, identifying knowledge gaps within this at-risk population would highlight where interventions need to be directed. Citation Format: Terra L. Bowen-Reid, Deborah Olumuyiwa, Natalee McFarlane, Grace Oni, Oluwafunmilayo Ayeni, Lynn Richards-McDonald, Laundette Jones. African American college women knowledge and attitudes toward human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer screening. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A61.

Background and objective: The burden of heart failure is growing, affecting more than 6 million Americans and an estimated of 26 million worldwide. Heart failure is the most common cause of hospital readmission in the United States and is identified as a marker of poor health outcomes. Thirty day readmission contribute to more than $30 billion dollars in health care expenditures, underscoring a need for the development and implementation of programs that reduce readmission and improve outcomes for individuals with heart failure. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a heart failure education program to increase attendance to a transitional care clinic and reduce 30-day readmissions.Methods: We included 22 individuals who received heart failure education, focused on symptom management and transitional care. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed to examine attendance to the transitional care clinic and 30-day readmission.Results: There was a statistical significance between individuals attending follow-up at the designated transitional care clinic and 30-day hospital readmission (p ≤ .05). Of the (N = 22) participants, 64% were not readmitted into the hospital 30 days after discharge.Conclusions: The findings of this project demonstrate that a nurse-led evidence-based heart failure education program can improve attendance to transitional care programs and reduce 30-day readmissions. A well-designed plan for transitional care remains a critical component of patient care necessary to address complications and optimize continuity of care after discharge.