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ObjectiveChildhood obesity is a public health concern that often worsens with age. Although several risk factors at the child and maternal levels have been identified in cross‐sectional studies, less is known about their long‐term contribution to racial/ethnic disparities in childhood obesity. This study examines child‐ and maternal‐level factors associated with the growth trajectories of White, Black, and Latino children.MethodsGroup‐based trajectory models were used to identify BMI z score trajectories from birth to 9 years of age among White, Black, and Latino children. The associations of child‐ and maternal‐level factors with the trajectory group identified as at risk for obesity were examined using adjusted logistic regression analysis, stratified by race/ethnicity.ResultsAmong White children, fast‐food consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 1.66; 95% CI: 1.09‐2.52) was associated with higher odds of following an at‐risk trajectory. Among Black and Latino children, prepregnancy BMI was associated with following an at‐risk trajectory (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.03‐1.08 for Black children, and OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.07‐1.17 for Latino children).ConclusionsThese findings showed racial/ethnic differences in the risk factors that influence the likelihood of obesity during childhood. Further research is needed to identify modifiable racial/ethnic specific risk factors to guide obesity‐prevention interventions.

Pain is common and often severe in people with sickle cell disease (SCD), occurring as acute intermittent pain episodes called vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs), as well as chronic pain conditions including bone infarctions, avascular necrosis of joints, and neuropathic pain. Analgesics such as opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS), and anticonvulsants for neuropathic pain, although often necessary to manage these types of pain, are associated with side effects. Nonpharmacologic interventions such as to listening to music and music therapy may reduce pain. The objectives of this study were to determine whether the use of music by adolescents and young adults with SCD was helpful, and if so, the types of music that helped, and how music helped them. A convenience sample of nine English-speaking inpatients ages 13 to 21 years, with SCD and at least two prior hospitalizations for VOE, took part in interviews with music therapists. Participants were asked open-ended questions about both pain and music. Participants identified that music was helpful for pain relief as well as for mood regulation, focusing attention during cognitive tasks such as homework, distraction, relaxation, and feeling understood or connected with others. Despite this, while hospitalized, participants reported that they did not tend to use music to help with pain. These findings support the use of both music medicine and music therapy as interventions for pain and distress in adolescents and young adults with SCD.

Medical specialty camps can play an important role in the positive development of psychosocial outcomes for children and youth with sickle cell disease (SCD). This study examined how sense of mastery and attitude towards illness outcomes changed over 6 months for 100 campers aged 8–16 years with SCD. The outcomes were measured twice before and twice after camp. Latent growth curve modeling was used to analyze data. Results showed no changes in the outcomes for this study population. Implications for future research designs, populations, and outcomes are discussed, as are implications for communications about camp, and policy and practice.

Background The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends prenatal genetic testing (PGT) be offered to all pregnant persons regardless of known risk factors. However, significant racial/ethnic differences exist regarding acceptance of PGT contributing to disparities. Latinas (Latinx), one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, have low PGT acceptance rates. This systematic scoping review aimed to provide a landscape of existing literature on Latinx individuals’ knowledge of, preferences for, and experiences with prenatal and preconception genetic testing. Synthesizing the current state of the science may inform development of culturally tailored interventions to support high-quality PGT decisions (e.g., informed, aligned with a pregnant persons’ values). Methods We conducted a structured, systematic literature search of published articles and gray literature in electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Medline, Embase, Eric, Social Services Abstracts, and PsycArticles). Articles in English published prior to March 2021 were retrieved relating to genetics, pregnancy, and Latina women. Articles underwent title, abstract and full-text review by independent investigators to assess inclusion and exclusion criteria. Risk of bias was evaluated by two investigators. Iterative thematic analysis was employed to group study findings into themes to identify possible targets for interventions. Results The search generated 5511 unique articles. After title screening, 335 underwent abstract review and subsequently 61 full-text review. Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria and 7 additional studies were included after reviewing reference lists. Three overarching themes emerged: genetic knowledge/literacy (26/35, 74%), provider (mis)communication/patient satisfaction (21/35, 60%), and cross-cultural beliefs (12/35, 34%). Studies indicate discordant patient-provider language (n = 5), miscommunication (n = 4), and lack of concordant decision-making (n = 4) pose barriers to high-quality PGT decisions. Immigration status (n = 1) and religious beliefs (n = 5) are additional factors influencing PGT decisions. Conclusions Identified studies suggest that cultural and linguistic factors affect Latinx PGT decision-making. Latinx individual’s comprehension and recall of PGT information is enhanced by culturally and linguistically concordant providers—suggesting that culturally-informed interventions may enhance PGT acceptability and support high-quality decisions. Future directions to surmount PGT disparities may include community health workers and cultural brokers to empower Latinx people to make informed decisions aligned with their values and preferences.