Dr. Jacqueline F Thomas

Purpose: The prevalence of HIV among Black women is higher than the prevalence among other ethnic groups. Although antiretroviral therapy reduces HIV transmission and mortality, Black women still face health disparities when it comes to receiving health care. The purpose of this scoping review is to synthesize research regarding health disparities and health inequities faced by Black women living with HIV (BWLH).Methods: We searched three scholarly databases, PsychNet, MEDLINE, and CINAHL, and 18 peer-reviewed complete studies that met the inclusion criteria.Results: Several themes emerged from the literature, including discrimination, poverty, mental and physical health, health care, and social support. Each theme had a role in the progression of BWLH along the HIV care continuum.Conclusion: Black women continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, which involves active engagement in HIV care to sustain viral suppression to prevent the spread of the virus. Factors continue to exist that contribute to health disparities and inequities, such as discrimination, internal and enacted HIV-related stigma, and poverty. Thematic findings in this review indicate that patient-centered care and support systems can positively impact BWLH experiences along the HIV continuum.

Background: Approximately 3.4 million people died from COVID-19 globally. After the first COVID-19 vaccine became available in May 2021, many people declined it. Approximately 17% of the U.S. population has received the updated booster as of October 2023. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the factors that influence COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or resistance using the Health Belief Model to explore cultural beliefs and health-directed behaviors influencing attitudes toward vaccination.

The purpose of performing a needs assessment is to systematically examine the gap between an organization's current and desired state and the factors contributing to that gap (Cuiccio & Husby Slater, 2018)
The authors are conducting a needs assessment at the University of West Florida to identify gaps in trauma-informed care in higher education to better support nursing students working in complex healthcare environments where they treat traumatized patients

•Adults living with HIV are susceptible to various types of infections that are usually preventable by vaccinations.
•Vaccines recommended for adults living with HIV include pneumococcal and meningococcal vaccinations and hepatitis A and B virus vaccines if there is no evidence of immunity.
•Adults living with HIV immune status may contribute to their response to vaccines administered.

Trauma-informed care (TIC) Is a commonly used term without a universal definition.
Patient care should be approached in a way that does not induce or reactivate any past trauma.
Recognizing patients' past trauma will allow providers to deliver patient-centered care and create a safe environment.
The goal of this review is lo clarify the borrowed concept of TIC in the field of nursing.
TIC may contribute to improving health outcomes.

Hypertensive disorders occur in 10% of all pregnancies in the US, and may develop at as early as 20 weeks into the pregnancy or as late as 12 weeks after delivery.
These hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase women's chances of poor maternal and fetal outcomes.
A blood pressure reading ≥140/90 mm Hg in a clinical setting and ≥135/85 in an outpatient setting should be treated immediately in order to lower the risk for maternal and fetal complications (Brown et al., 2018).
Telemonitoring, or the monitoring of home vitals under the care of a physician, nurse practitioner, or nurse midwife, has the potential to empower patients to engage in prenatal self-care and reduce clinic and emergency care visits (Feroz et al., 2020).

Interpreting syphilis screening tests can be a challenge for health care providers. Clinical laboratories primarily use the reverse algorithm to screen for syphilis; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the traditional algorithm. Both algorithms require the interpretation of 2 different serologic assays for screening and confirmation. Serologic testing used in both algorithms is reviewed for nurse practitioners to correctly interpret test results to establish a timely diagnosis and provide stageappropriate treatment. (C) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.