Oral

The utility of the lifecourse approach is offered as a way to conceptualize the accumulation of health exposures, particularly those that originate as early life experiences and are associated with disparities across populations of women. Four lifecourse concepts are identified in this session. First, women affected by life-threatening chronic illnesses document their experience through interviews and photographic data to understand the role of social and physical influences that shape adult behavior. Photovoice serves as a novel methodological approach to explore contextually relevant themes to plan interventions that influence women’s health and wellbeing. Second, the linking of distinct events, experiences and behaviors enable one to map pathways from childhood. Resultant maps have an impact on subsequent quality of life. For example, empirical research suggests that exposure to stress and traumas during pivotal stages of early life have profound long-term psychological and physical consequences. Third, the differential experience to repetitive racial and ethnic discrimination is a major cause of stress and other mental disorders over the course of life. Women who are depressed, anxious or distressed are unable to carry out daily life activities such as being compliant with mammography screening recommendations. Fourth, there is a persistent racial and ethnic minority gap among African American women and increased cardiovascular disease. To elucidate the origins of this health inequality, speakers examine the perceptions of risk and susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. These studies suggest that exposure to health-damaging physical and social environments at different stages of life may accumulate over time and result in adverse chronic disease outcomes.

Session Objectives: At the completion of the session, participants will be able to: Describe how photovoice provides opportunities for women living with HIV/AIDS to characterize themselves as having a chronic condition. Identify the role of lifetime exposure to traumatic events as a risk for continued substance abuse and engagement in HIV risk behaviors. Discuss racial and ethnic discrimination and mental well-being as a potential predictor of mammography compliance. Explain African American women’s perception of risk and whether increasing awareness affects susceptibility to cardiovascular disease.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)