The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66645

Ana Lopez - De Fede, PhD, MEd¹, Muriel J. Harris, PhD, MPH², Carol Posey, MPH¹, and Joseph Kinney, MSW¹. (1) Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, 937 Assembly Street - Carolina Plaza, Columbia, SC 29208, 803-777-5789, adefede@gwm.sc.edu, (2) Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Health Sciences Building, Room 216, Columbia, SC 29208

Social and cultural dimensions of health care shape and influence health care practices and health seeking behaviors. This study focuses on understanding the sociocultural factors that influence the continued high prevalence of tuberculosis among African Americans This study conducted 150 face-to-face interviews with individuals having had within the past five years tuberculosis. Respondents were asked about knowledge, attitudes, values, and sociocultural factors related to testing, diagnosis, treatment and services to treat and identify tuberculosis. 50 key informant interviews were conducted with community stakeholders. GIS applications examined the socioeconomic variables in the community where the study participants reside and work. Data was analyzed using NVivo. A comparison is presented of the sociocultural and behavioral factors found among African Americans in South Carolina and their implication for health education and promotion.

Learning Objectives:

• List three census indicators used to construct a vulnerability index for African Americans at risk for tuberculosis.
• Discuss implications of the role of social and cultural factors on the delivery health education and health promotion strategies with this population.
• Discuss the implication of these findings in program planning and policy development efforts.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, Access and Services

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Division of Infectious Disease, TB Unit
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.