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Purpose: Although research has explored the effects of racism on mental health, few studies have investigated the effects of racism on physical health. In this study, we examined the influence of racial discrimination and racerelated stress and coping on blood pressure within a cohort of Black/African American women. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of 226 Black/African American women from the Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood Pressure study. Experiences of racial discrimination and coping, measured by the Experiences of Discrimination scale and the Race-Related Events Scale, were analyzed in relation to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Multiple linear regression was used to explore the interaction effect of coping and discrimination on blood pressure for both scales. Results: Age and elevated body mass index were associated with increased SBP and DBP, and low income was associated with increased DBP. Among individuals who reported no personal experience of discrimination, more active coping strategies were associated with higher DBP. There was no evidence of a relationship between type of coping strategies used and blood pressure among individuals who did report experiences of discrimination. Conclusion: Differences in coping strategy in response to racism were not found to have a significant moderating effect on DBP in Black/African American women.

Purpose The purpose of this review was to explore the effects of psychosocial stress from life trauma and racial discrimination on epigenetic aging. Design A systematic review of the last 10 years was conducted using four databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsychInfo, and CINAHL. Methods Articles were identified using the following terms: ([(DNA methylation) AND (epigenetic clock)] OR [(DNA methylation) AND (epigenetic age)]) AND (discrimination OR trauma)). Original research articles published in English measuring life trauma, post-traumatic stress, experience of discrimination, and epigenetic clocks or aging were analyzed using PRISMA guidelines. Results Ten articles met inclusion criteria. The study sample size ranged from 96 to 1163 and most study populations had a mean age under 50 and included predominantly White male participants. One study identified accelerated epigenetic aging associated with discrimination using Hannum’s clock; 33% of studies evaluating life trauma reported epigenetic age acceleration using GrimAge or Horvath’s clock; 25% of studies evaluating childhood trauma reported epigenetic age acceleration using Horvath’s clock; and 71% of studies assessing post-traumatic stress observed epigenetic age acceleration with all clocks, while one study reported deceleration using Horvath’s clock. Conclusions The experiences of life trauma, post-traumatic stress, and discrimination may be associated with accelerated epigenetic aging that can be consistently detected using different epigenetic clocks. Additional studies inclusive of diverse populations and other psychosocial stressors are needed. Relevance Nursing scholars and other health scientists who utilize epigenetic age acceleration to assess health risks may need to consider including psychosocial stressors in their studies as covariates.

Aims and objectives To examine the association of nursing work environments and health‐promoting behaviours with shift‐work nurses’ sleep disturbance. Background Shift‐work nurses reportedly have sleep problems, which affect their sleep quality and quantity. Given the high risk of developing performance decrements and medication errors in sleep‐disturbed nurses, factors related to sleep disturbance among shift‐work nurses should be investigated. Design A cross‐sectional secondary data analysis. Methods Our study analysed data from 339 nurses who had been involved in rotating shift work including night shifts for more than 6 months. To examine associations of nursing work environments and health‐promoting behaviours with sleep disturbance, multiple linear regression models were generated. This study is reported in accordance with the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology guideline. Results Nurses with more collegial relations with physicians were significantly less likely to have high levels of sleep disturbance (B = −4.01, p = 0.04). Those with higher levels of sleep disturbance were significantly more likely to report less stress management (B = −9.56, p < 0.01) and higher health responsibility (B = 9.30, p < 0.01). Conclusions To alleviate shift‐work nurses’ sleep disturbance, organisational supports for collaborative relations with physician and increased healthcare accessibility are needed. Individual nurses should develop healthy lifestyles to reduce occupational stress and alleviate sleep disorders. Relevance to clinical practice To improve shift‐work nurses’ sleep, collegial relations with physicians and healthy lifestyles should be promoted.

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