BRK Global Healthcare Journal
BRK Global Healthcare Journal is a global health peer-review journal focusing on global health issues of women and other vulnerable groups around the globe. The journal accepts original work to include case studies, empirical studies, and meta-analysis and theoretical papers. Also, the journal article is written in the 6 edition of APA format. The journal articles are published biannually. The published manuscript becomes the sole property of the Journal and will be copyrighted by BRK Global Healthcare Consulting, LLC. Also, the author(s) explicitly assign(s) any copyrighted ownership he/she (they) may have in such a manuscript to the Journal. By submitting a manuscript to the Journal, the author(s) agree(s) to these conditions. If you are interested in submitting a journal article, please send the manuscript to the editor at [email protected] for publication.
The guidelines for authors’ submission are included in the attachment: BRK Journal Article Guidelines.
Disclaimer
Articles featured on this website are opinion pieces composed by the authors, and not necessarily those of the editors or BRK Global Healthcare Journal. While every effort is made to ensure that the content of this website is accurate.
BRK Global Healthcare Journal, ISBN:978-1-5323-4858-7, doi>10.35455/brk123</doi>
Editorial Board
Bernice Robert Kennedy, PhD, APRN, MSN, PMH-CNS, BC
- Professor; Researcher; Consultant
- BRK Global Healthcare Consulting, LLC
Chalice C. Rhodes (Former Jenkins), Ph.D., LPC, NCC
- Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Counseling & Family Therapy in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.
- Drexel University
Lisa T. Williams DNP, MSN/Ed., MSM, APRN, FNP-BC
- Family Nurse Practitioner- Nursing Educator/ Health Care Consultant
Owner/CEO- Assessments Unlimited, LLC
Angela Woods-Johnson, DHSc, MSN, RN, CCM
- TCM Case Manager
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Nursing Services (ONS)
Tracee Smith, PhD
- Adjunct Faculty in Human Services
- Alcorn State University
Beyonka Wilder, EdD
- BRK Global Healthcare Consulting, LLC
- Curriculum Development
Journal Articles
Year 2022
Volume 6
- COVID: 19 Pandemic and Mental Health Issues in America
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/Consultant
Abstract
In 2019, coronavirus, a respiratory virus emerged from a seafood market in Wuhan, China. Afterward, this virus spread to other countries. Currently, globally, about 6, 274, 323 deaths have been reported as a result of COVID 19 infection as of May 2022. Adverse life experiences contributed to mental illness such as trauma caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many adults reported the worsened of mental health due to the pandemic. During the pandemic, many Americans are struggling with mental health challenges. This is an analytical review of the literature on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. During the pandemic, common mental health issues included (a) quarantine, social distancing, and self-isolation; (b) community members and mental health; (c) grief and multiple losses; (d) parents, children, and mental health issues; (e) mental health conditions; and (f) COVID-19 infection and existing mental health complications. A collaborative effort is needed to address the trauma brought on by the pandemic. Enduring emotional distress and fear created by COVID-19 caused trauma in children and adults. The symptoms of trauma can manifest differently in children than in adults. In the future, many of these psychosocial and mental health consequences of the pandemic will have to be addressed by behavioral health practitioners. These mental health issues will continue when the pandemic has ceased. More research is needed on COVID-19 infection during and especially after the pandemic to address and lessen mental health problems.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2022, 978-1-5323-4858-7; doi>10.35455/brk12345678916
Key Words: COVID-19; pandemic, mental health, mental health disorders; behavior health practitioners.
Received: January 15, 2022;
Accepted: March 15, 2022;
Published: July 15, 2022
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/ Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA, Email: [email protected].
- African Americans and COVID-19 Pandemic: Spiritual Healing for Coping with Grieving After the Pandemic
Beyonka Wider, ED, Curriculum Development Consultant
Abstract
Historically, spirituality and religion have been critical components of African Americans’ lives. Spirituality is defined as a connection with oneself, others, nature, or God. For Christians, spirituality is the trust in the power of the true and living God in the Bible. Spirituality and religion help many African Americans draw strength to overcome various forms of adversities such as poverty, illness, rejection, prejudice, and racism. This paper is a brief report on the spiritual healing of African Americans for coping with grieving after the pandemic. During the pandemic and after the pandemic spirituality and religious practices will be vital in the healing of the world. African Americans especially experienced numerous losses of family members and friends during the pandemic due to their co-morbidities of chronic health conditions. Spirituality will be an important component in the healing of others after the multiple losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The faith-based community is in a key position to assist others with coping with grieving after the pandemic.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2022, 978-1-5323-4858-7; doi>10.35455/brk12345678917
Key Words: African Americans; grief; death and dying; bereavement; COVID-19; pandemic; culture; religion; spirituality
Received: January 15, 2022;
Accepted: March 15, 2022;
Published: July 15, 2022
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/ Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA, Email: [email protected].
Journal Articles
Year 2021
Volume 5
- African Americans and COVID-19 Pandemic: The Inability to have a Proper Burial and Grieve After the Death of a Loved-One
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/Consultant
Abstract
Religion and spirituality have been an integral part of the African Americans’ culture since slavery. The African American communities experienced more deaths and losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. African Americans' coping with death and dying is influenced by their culture and religious practices. However, during the pandemic, African Americans are not able to participate in sociocultural practices that facilitate their coping with death and dying. This paper is an analytical literature review of African Americans and contributing factors of the COVID-19 pandemic to their traditional cultural practices of death and dying. First, this paper will provide a conceptual perspective on African Americans’ culture of (a) collectivism, (b) communalism, (c) interconnectedness, and (d) spirituality in their relationships with others in the community and the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, African Americans experience grief and loss through the support of immediate family as well as extended family, and the larger community with an emphasis on the cultural tradition of faith and spirituality. The process of grieving for African Americans changed during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the lack of funeral services or the changes in their burial practices. The African Americans’ funeral plays an important part in managing and coping with grief and loss. Mental health professionals need to be aware of African Americans’ inability to practice their cultural traditions may interfere with their grieving process. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this disruption of the grieving process may increase the risk of complicated/ prolonged grief and contribute to mental health conditions. Future research studies need to address the cultural perspective of African Americans with death and dying after the COVID-pandemic.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2021, 978-1-5323-4858-7; doi>10.35455/brk12345678914
Key Words: African Americans; grief; death and dying; COVID-19; pandemic; culture; complicated grief; spirituality.
Received: November 15, 2021;
Accepted: December 15, 2021;
Published: January 25, 2022
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/ Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA, Email: [email protected].
- Cascading Collective Trauma and COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impact on African Americans and Communities of Color
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/Consultant
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to collective trauma or long-term psychological effects that are shared by a large group of people who all experience an event. Collective trauma is defined as an entire group’s psychological reaction to a traumatic event that affects an entire society. Collective trauma can be caused by events such as pandemics, wars, natural disasters, mass shootings, genocides, systematic and historical oppression, recessions, and famine or severe poverty. This paper is a brief report of the impact of cascading collective trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic on African Americans and other communities of color. Cascading collective traumas are defined as a series of compounding catastrophes that may be both historic and concurrent and results have stronger emotional responses with each new exposure. COVID-19 pandemic was almost immediately followed by another trauma, such as the racial unrest and reports of African Americans being beaten ferociously with no apparent causes. Collective trauma is not always equal in populations. African Americans and other communities of color in the United States are suffering disproportionately from COVID-19, compounded by historical trauma, structural racism, and persistent poverty. Policy changes are needed to address the structural racism and health inequities that negatively impact the physical and mental health of Blacks, Latinx, and other indigenous communities in the United States. More research is needed to examine cascading collective trauma and increased violence.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2022, 978-1-5323-4858-7; doi>10.35455/brk12345678915
Key Words: Blacks; African Americans; Latinx; indigenous population; collective trauma; cascading collective trauma; COVID-19; pandemic; structural racism; health inequities; communities of color; poverty
Received: November 15, 2021;
Accepted: December 15, 2021;
Published: January 25, 2022
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/ Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA, Email: [email protected].
Journal Articles
Year 2020
Volume 4
- Workplace Violence against Healthcare Workers in Health Services Organizations
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/Consultant
Chrishonda Kennedy Baker, BS, MBA, Healthcare Administration
Abstract
The healthcare environment is one of the most complex and dangerous occupational hazards for healthcare workers, especially nurses. The complexity of a culture of patient-related violence and the nature of their jobs place healthcare workers at risk for violence on the job. Workplace violence is a profoundly serious issue and continues to be a growing problem in the United States. This paper is a brief literature review of workplace violence against healthcare workers in health services organizations. These sections will be discussed (a) common workplaces where violence occurs; (b)types of workplace violence; (c)workplace violence against healthcare workers in health services organizations displayed in a conceptual model; (d) mental health and physiological problems of workplace violence on healthcare workers; (e) cost of workplace violence in health services organizations; and (e) strategies for prevention. Healthcare administrators are obligated to provide a safe environment for patients and staff. However, numerous guidelines have been developed, workplace violence continues to be at an increased rate. Continuous research studies are needed to improve the safety of healthcare workers in their diverse work settings. Also, more research is needed in healthcare settings with limited research.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2020, 978-1-5323-4858-7; doi>10.35455/brk12345678910</doi>
Key Words: workplace violence; healthcare workers; patient-related injuries; healthcare environment; health services organizations; mental health problem; physical health problems; healthcare administrator
Received: November 15, 2020; Accepted: December 15, 2020; Published: January 25, 2021
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/ Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA, Email: [email protected].
- Workplace Bullying and Incivility: Using Organization Development for Improving Healthy Work-life for Employees
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/Consultant
Beyonka Wider, ED, Curriculum Development Consultant
Abstract
Globally, a range of terms has been used to describe workplace violence at work such as bullying and incivility. Workplace bullying is an array of violent behavior in the workplace such as mobbing, assaults, emotional abuse, or incivility. Incivility is similar to bullying but more subtle and difficult to identify including behaviors as rudeness or inconsiderate. Bullying is different from aggression in that aggression may involve a single act, and bullying involves repeated acts of these ongoing patterns. The employees are the cornerstone of the organization, and management needs to work on the quality of work-life for their employees to achieve organizational goals and objectives. Therefore, workplace bullying, and incivility need to be addressed to promote a culture of trust and respect. When dealings with violence in the workplace, it must take time to improve organizational effectiveness. Therefore, Organizational development would be useful in dealing with bullying and incivility in the organization.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2020, 978-1-5323-4858-7; doi>10.35455/brk12345678911</doi>
Key Words: Bullying; incivility; workplace violence; quality of work-life; organizational development; OD practitioner; organizational culture.
Received: November 15, 2020; Accepted: December 15, 2020; Published: January 25, 2021
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/ Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA, Email: [email protected].
- The Psychological Development of Horizontal ( Lateral) Violence in Health Services
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/Consultant
Abstract
Workplace violence has a major impact on productivity, morale, increase absenteeism, turnover, patient outcome, and cost. The hierarchy of the hospital structure is based on a patriarchal system dominated by male physicians and administrators with nurses in the lower position. However, because of nurses being in a lower position of hierarchy, their frustrations are acted out laterally (horizontally) toward other nurses. This paper is an analysis of the literature in addressing the psychological process of lateral (horizontal) violence among health healthcare employees in health services organizations. A model was developed describing this psychological process with the proposed impact of preventive strategies. Horizontal hostility or lateral violence (LV) has been defined as unkind, discourteous, antagonistic interactions between employees in the workplace. Also, nurses experienced numerous physical and psychologic stress and even death. In many health services organizations, this horizontal/ lateral violence behavior is accepted and considered the norm and often overlooked and not reported. Health services organizations need to promote better working relationships among healthcare professionals to have better patient outcomes. In the hospital environment, physicians and nurses need to work more collaboratively. Therefore, nurses need to be empowered to report and advocate against violence.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2020, 978-1-5323-4858-7; doi>10.35455/brk12345678912</doi>
Key Words: Lateral violence; horizontal violence; nurses; physicians; workplace violence
Received: November 15, 2020; Accepted: December 15, 2020; Published: January 25, 2021
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/ Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA, Email: [email protected].
- Lateral Violence of Nurses in the Hospital Environment: The Need for Caring
Dee Anne Griffin, MS, APRN, Family Nurse Practitioner, BC
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/Consultant
Abstract
Nurses today are plagued with doing more with less and are forced to work in high-stress situations. These conditions lead to a stressful situation and contribute to lateral violence. While lateral violence has the potential to be present in any setting, it is more prevalent in healthcare. The adage of “nurses eat their young” is still in effect today. With a change in focus from a to-do list with a focus on genuine caring, not only the nurse but the patient as well will benefit. The purpose of this analytical review of research literature was to evaluate the prevalence of lateral violence experienced by nurses, determine ways to identify and eradicate it and educate the medical community on the incidence and eradication of lateral violence. Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring was determined to be the most comprehensive approach for guiding this review. For nurses to provide optimal care to patients, nurses must be able to work in a positive team-like atmosphere. Future strategies for improving lateral violence in the hospital environment include more educational workshops and nursing residency programs. Scholars suggested educating nursing students early in their nursing curriculum on lateral/horizontal violence to reduce the effects of lateral/horizontal violence for the future.
Key Words: Lateral violence; horizontal violence; nurses; physicians; workplace violence; Jean Watson
Received: November 15, 2020; Accepted: December 15, 2020; Published: January 25, 2021
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Researcher/ Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA, Email: [email protected].
Journal Articles
Year 2019
Volume 3
- African American Women and Domestic Violence: Addressing their Voice of Silence
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC
Chalice C. Jenkins, PhD, LPC, NCC
Abstract
Historically, during slavery, the international slave trade promoted normalization of violence against African American women. During slavery, African American women endured inhuman conditions because of the majority race views of them as being over-sexualized, physically strong, and immoral. This perception of the African American women as being highly sexual and more sexual than white women results in slave owner justifying their sexual violation and degrading of the African American women. The stereotypical representations of African American women as strong, controlling, dangerous, fearless, and invulnerable may interfere with the African American women receiving the needed services for domestic violence in the community. The Strong Black Women Archetype has been dated back to slavery describing their coping mechanism in dealing with oppression by developing a strong, less traditionally female role. The authors developed a model: The Multidimensional Perspectives of Factors Contributing to Domestic Violence of African American Women in the United States. This model depicts historically, the factors contributing to domestic violence of African American women in the United States. Also, this model addressed the African American women subscribing to the Strong Black Women Archetype to cope with domestic violence. Despite the increase in domestic violence in African American women, they focused more on the issue of racism instead of sexism in America. African American women have experienced the two obstacles of racism and sexism in America. However, African American women and men believe racism is more critical than sexism. Therefore, domestic violence in the African American population may remain silent because of cultural loyalty. However, the voice of silence of African American females is gradually changing with the upcoming generations.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2018, 978-1-5323-4858-7, <doi>10.35455/brk12345678</doi>
Key Words: African American, females; domestic violence; intimate partner violence; strong black women archetype; the voice of silence.
Received: November 15, 2019; Accepted: December 15, 2019; Published: February 13, 2020
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Research Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA. E-mail: [email protected].
- Human Trafficking “Modern Day Slavery” Promoting the Need for Adequate Screening, Assessment, and Interventions for Physical and Mental Conditions by Healthcare Professionals
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC
Abstract
Worldwide human trafficking, frequently referred to as “modern-day slavery,” is considered to be the third-largest criminal industry and one of the fastest-growing, surpassed only by arms and drug dealing. Human trafficking is a multi-faceted complex global issue that involves essentially all developed countries either as a source, transit or destination sites. It is the act of recruiting, receiving, and apprehending individuals using threat, coercion and or physical force for exploitation. This analytical review of the literature addressed existing research and literature on the current status of human trafficking. The victims of trafficking may access some healthcare organizations at some point in time during their captivity. Therefore, health professionals (e.g., advanced practice nurses, nurses) need to be able to screen, assess and identify certain clues and health conditions that are common to this population. Besides, to improve their health outcomes, this visit will be useful for their capture. The Holistic Model Based on Adequate Screening, Assessment and Interventions for Improving the Health Outcomes in Victims of Human Trafficking is a useful model for guiding health professionals in recognizing the relevance of abuse when victims present certain illnesses in diverse healthcare organizations. Strategies for improving the health outcomes for this group include: (a) adequate screening, assessment, and interventions and (b) more education for health professionals on assessing and recognizing victims of human trafficking. Policy development is needed in changing laws for the protection of victims of human trafficking around the globe.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2019, 978-1-5323-4858-7, <doi>10.35455/brk123456789</doi>
Key Words: Women, females; modern day slavery: global; human trafficking; sex trafficking; labor trafficking; health inequalities; health promotion; health disparities; treatment; policy development; health professionals; advanced practice nurses; nurses
Received: November 15, 2019; Accepted: December 15, 2019; Published: February 13, 2020
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Research Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA. E-mail: [email protected]
Journal Articles
Year 2018
Volume 2
1.African American Women and Depression: Promoting the Need for Culturally Competent Treatment
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC
Chalice C. Jenkins, PhD, LPC, NCC
Abstract
Depression is gradually increasing in African American women. These women are experiencing role changes and additional life stressors. Depressed African American women may perceive themselves as being devalued by society with fewer support systems to buffer stressful events. Depressive symptoms may develop into clinical depression and a further decrease in the quality of life for the African American woman. The assumption that all women share similar experiences does not allow for differences to emerge regarding the diagnostic process, measuring tools, and successful treatment strategies for various cultures. The authors developed a Multifaceted Model of Depression in African American Women for improving the treatment of African American women with depression and future research needs. Cultural background plays a vital role in how the symptoms of mental illnesses are developed, reported, interpreted, and how women are treated. African Americans who subscribed to the Strong Black Women Archetype (SBWA) are naturally strong, resilient, self-contained, and self-sacrificing. Also, self-reliance prevents them from reaching out for social support. This, in turn, can contribute to depressive symptoms with negative health outcomes. The African American women are more apt to have less access to routine medical care where early diagnosis and interventions can be done, so their mental health problems (e.g., depression, stress, etc.) are often more developed, complicated, and their social supports more depleted when they do access treatment. When African American women do have access to mental health care, they receive poor quality care compared to Whites.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2018, 978-1-5323-4858-7, <doi>10.35455/brk123456</doi>
Key Words: African American Women, depression; Strong Black Women Archetype; disparities; health promotion; health disparities; diagnosis; stress; social support; coping; health outcomes.
Received: October 6, 2018; Accepted: October 30, 2018; Published: May 10, 2019
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Research Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA. E-mail: [email protected].
2. Women and HIV: Gender Inequalities of Women Contributing to HIV Pandemic around the Globe
Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, PMN-CNS, BC
Chalice C. Jenkins, PhD, LPC, NCC
Abstract
HIV/AIDS is a global health problem affecting women around the globe. The term global health refers to the goal of improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide. HIV is a virus that destroys the immune system. AIDS is the last stage of the virus. During this stage, there is little to no immune system left to fight off other infections or cancers. This virus can be acquired by men, women, and children of any age. HIV is the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age. This paper is an analytical review of research and literature related to the contributing factors to the rise of HIV in women, treatment and policy development. The model: Global Model: Gender Inequalities of Women Contributing to HIV Pandemic around the Globe was used in conceptualizing gender inequality and power imbalances between men and women contributing to the incidence and prevalence of HIV of women around the globe. Global health problems such as HIV/AIDs are best addressed by collaborating efforts and solutions that involve more than one country. More research is needed collaboratively on the treatment of women around the globe. Collaborative efforts are needed for empowerment, improving treatment and educating women on HIV/AIDS. Policy development is needed in changing laws to promote gender equality for women around the globe.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2018, 978-1-5323-4858-7, <doi>10.35455/brk1234567</doi>
Key Words: Women, females; global; HIV/AIDS; inequalities; health promotion; health disparities; treatment; policy development
Received: October 6, 2018; Accepted: October 30, 2018; Published: May 10, 2019
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Research Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA. E-mail: [email protected].
Journal Articles
Year 2017
Volume 1
- Global Perspective on Violence of Women and Children: Advocacy on Preventing 21 Century Slavery
Dr. Bernice Robert Kennedy
Abstract
Violence against women and children is a public health problem. Furthermore, violence against women is a human rights issue affecting women and children around the globe. Structure violence is often embedded in the world system which is centered on social inequalities among various populations in countries especially women and children. Lack of equality and empowerment socially, culturally and politically keeps women from overcoming subjugation of violence. Around the globe, women and children lack basic rights of protection from the abuse from perpetrators. Globalization has increased the condition for “new slavery” because it transcends national borders. Therefore, knowledge and awareness of global violence of women and children have increased globally. This paper identified the common global violence acts toward women and children around the globe. The author developed a model used as a guide for conceptualizing the social inequalities of women and children around the globe contributing to their violence: Global Model for Conceptualizing Violence against Women and Children. In this model, access to health and human services is needed for women and children victims of violence around the globe. The current status and future needs of policy development are addressed.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2017, 978-1-5323-4858-7, <doi>10.35455/brk1231</doi
Key Words: Women, children, global violence; Inequalities; structure violence; health disparities.
Received: June 6, 2017; Accepted: July 30, 2017; Published: August 16, 2017
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Research Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA. E-mail: [email protected].
- African American Women Speak: A Phenomenological Study of African American Women’s Beliefs and Perceptions about Compliance to Treatment Regimen in the Healthcare System
Dr. Bernice Robert Kennedy
Abstract
African Americans comprise approximately 13% of the U.S. Population; however African American women are in the upper percentile of healthcare diseases that are preventable such as cardiovascular disorders (e.g., heart disease, blood pressure, and strokes), cancer, and diabetes and HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to provide a forum for African American women living in a southeastern state of the United States to share their experiences with the healthcare system and health practices. The Health Belief Model was a useful health promotion framework for guiding this study. This study sought to answer the following research question: (a) What do African American women report about their beliefs and perceptions about affecting treatment regimen in the healthcare system. The research study consisted of 50 African American women recruited from various communities in one rural county of a southern state in the United States. Results of findings consist of nine themes: The nine themes were as follows: (a) distrust of health care providers; (b) difficulties communicating to health provider; (c) poor quality of patient education instructions; (d) lack of knowledge about treatment regimen; (e) Inadequate time management and inability to manage health treatment regimen; (f) inadequate access to care; (f) unaffordable cost; (g) lack of healthy lifestyle practices; and (i) inadequate coping skills. The community /public health nurse is in a key position to advocate and promote health promotion programs for vulnerable groups in communities. Forming partnerships would be useful in developing programs to improve the overall health needs of African American women. Culturally competent education for health professionals remains a critical issue in the current health system when improving compliance with the treatment regimen for African Americans. Future research needs to examine the contributing psychosocial factors of African Americans and compliance with the treatment regime.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2017, 978-1-5323-4858-7, <doi>10.35455/brk1234</doi>
Key Words: African American women; compliance; treatment regimen; health belief; health disparities; access to care; culture competent.
Received: June 6, 2017; Accepted: July 30, 2017; Published: August 16, 2017
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Research Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA. E-mail: [email protected].
- Intimate Partner Violence: Promoting the Need for Adequate Screening, Assessment and Interventions for Physical and Mental Conditions Resulting from Intimate Partner Violence
Dr. Bernice Robert Kennedy
Abstract
Intimate partner violence is a public health problem having a tremendous impact on women’s health. Also, intimidate partner violence, also known as domestic violence is the primary cause of injury to women in the United States. Physical and psychiatric problems are the result of domestic violence with victims having increased use of health services compared to those not abused. Often, domestic violence is not identified in the health services organizations when victims access health care. This analytical review of the literature addressed existing research and literature on the current status of intimate partner violence. The Holistic Model Based on Adequate Screening, Assessment and Interventions for Improving the Health Outcomes in Victims of Intimate Partner Violence is a useful model for guiding health professionals in recognizing the relevance of violence when women present certain illnesses in diverse health services organizations. Strategies for improving the health outcomes for this group include: (a) adequate screening, assessment, and interventions; (b) more education for health professionals on assessing victims of violence; (c) domestic violence included in the curriculum of universities and colleges for health professionals; (d) continuing education on domestic violence in the workplace; and (e) assess for signs and symptoms of domestic violence and conduct valid screening and assessment tools on patients in certain health services organizations when women access to care. More policy development is needed for victims of intimate partner violence to improve health outcomes.
Copyright BRK Global Healthcare Journal, 2017, 978-1-5323-4858-7, <doi>10.35455/brk12345</doi>
Key Words: Women, domestic violence; intimate partner violence; inequalities; physical health conditions; mental health conditions; screening; assessment; intervention.
Received: June 6, 2017; Accepted: July 30, 2017; Published: August 16, 2017
Corresponding Author: Bernice Roberts Kennedy, PhD, APRN, PMN-CNS, BC, Research Consultant, BRK Global Healthcare Consulting Firm, LLC, P.O 90899, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209, USA. E-mail: [email protected].