Gunderson, Justine

Background: This study aimed to analyze the geographic distribution of diabetes and sedentary behavior across Florida counites, identifying high-risk areas to inform targeted public health interventions. We seek to inform targeted public health interventions and address health disparities, particularly in rural areas. Methods: Data from the 2017-2019 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were analyzed, among adults aged 18 years and older. Diabetes status was determined by self-reported diagnosis, and sedentary behavior was assessed based on physical activity participation. Respondents who declined to answer or were unsure were excluded. Results: The statewide prevalence of diabetes diagnosis in Florida was 11.7% (95% CI: 10.8-12.6), with substantial geographic variation across counties. Sedentary prevalence varied significantly across the state, compared to the statewide rate of 26.5% (95% CI: 25-28). Counties with high diabetes prevalence often had elevated rates of sedentary behavior. Rural northern panhandle counties had higher concentrations of both diabetes and sedentary behavior. BRFSS design variables and weights ensured representative estimates for Florida. Conclusion: This study highlights the elevated prevalence of diabetes and sedentary lifestyles in the northern counties of Florida. The geographic patterns underscore the need for targeted, county-level interventions. Despite troubling rise in diabetes and sedentary behavior, there is a significant opportunity to mobilized community and outreach services, ensuring they are effectively deployed to these high-risk areas.

Objectives Communication barriers, such as channels, comfort, and location, can negatively impact Black prostate cancer survivors’ experiences and health outcomes after treatment. Addressing these barriers promotes a survivor-centric approach that views survivors as active partners in their care. This study explored the communication preferences of Black prostate cancer survivors, focusing on preferred channels, sources, and locations for enhanced quality of life. Design Using grounded theory methodology, we conducted engaged in-depth interviews with 7 Black prostate cancer survivors, centering on their post-treatment experiences. We analyzed participant transcripts to develop codes and themes. Communication accommodation theory (CAT) was applied to examine how survivors adapt their communication styles to navigate barriers and improve their quality of life. CAT helped identify key patterns of survivors’ convergence and divergence in their communication with healthcare providers, crucial for developing survivor-centric communication strategies. Results The analysis revealed the importance of acknowledging cultural and racial perspectives in post-treatment survivorship. Themes extracted from the transcripts included communication barriers, preferences for information channels, and favored locations for sharing information. Survivors expressed a preference for a balance between face-to-face interaction and telehealth, with environments that provide safety and support playing a key role in encouraging vulnerability and open dialogue. Inclusive healthcare practices were seen as essential in empowering Black survivors to engage in meaningful communication without feeling silenced or undervalued, thus fostering a dignified quality of life. Conclusion Tailoring post-treatment communication practices to incorporate cultural sensitivity, inclusive healthcare, and safe spaces is pivotal to supporting Black survivors. These findings provide a pathway to improving survivors’ experiences and empower them to actively shape their survivorship journey. Moreover, they highlight Black men’s need for trustworthy communication with healthcare providers and peers during the post-treatment period, emphasizing the importance of direct, personalized interactions.