Minority Success in Non-Majority Minority Districts: Finding the “Sweet Spot”

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Lublin ◽  
Lisa Handley ◽  
Thomas L. Brunell ◽  
Bernard Grofman
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Maximum Likelihood ◽  
Congressional Elections ◽  
Racial Minorities ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Sweet Spot ◽  
Electoral Success ◽  
Legal Challenges ◽  
Minority Candidate ◽  
State Legislative

AbstractThough African-American and Latino electoral success in state legislative and congressional elections continues to occur almost entirely in majority-minority districts, minorities now have new opportunities in districts that are only 40–50% minority. This success can primarily be explained in terms of a curvilinear model that generates a “sweet spot” of maximum likelihood of minority candidate electoral success as a function of minority population share of the district and the proportion of the district that votes Republican. Past racial redistricting legal challenges often focused on cracking concentrated racial minorities to prevent the creation of majority-minority districts. Future lawsuits may also follow in the steps of recent successful court challenges against racially motivated packing that resulted in the reduction of minority population percentage in a previously majority-minority district in order to enhance minority opportunity in an adjacent non-majority-minority district.

A Logical Model for Predicting Minority Representation: Application to Redistricting and Voting Rights Cases

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
YUKI ATSUSAKA
Keyword(s):  
Voting Rights ◽  
Voting Rights Act ◽  
Minority Representation ◽  
Logical Model ◽  
Exact Probability ◽  
Electoral Success ◽  
Candidate Emergence ◽  
General Elections ◽  
Minority Candidate ◽  
State Legislative

Understanding when and why minority candidates emerge and win in particular districts entails critical implications for redistricting and the Voting Rights Act. I introduce a quantitatively predictive logical model of minority candidate emergence and electoral success—a mathematical formula based on deductive logic that can logically explain and accurately predict the exact probability at which minority candidates run for office and win in given districts. I show that the logical model can predict about 90% of minority candidate emergence and 95% of electoral success by leveraging unique data of mayoral elections in Louisiana from 1986 to 2016 and state legislative general elections in 36 states in 2012 and 2014. I demonstrate that the logical model can be used to answer many important questions about minority representation in redistricting and voting rights cases. All applications of the model can be easily implemented via an open-source software logical.

Is the equalization/normalization lens dead? Social media campaigning in US congressional elections

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 718-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason Gainous ◽  
Andrew Segal ◽  
Kevin Wagner
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Power Structure ◽  
Congressional Elections ◽  
Campaign Spending ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electoral Success ◽  
The Masses ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Early information technology scholarship centered on the internet’s potential to be a democratizing force was often framed using an equalization/normalization lens arguing that either the internet was going to be an equalizing force bringing power to the masses, or it was going to be normalized into the existing power structure. The purpose of this paper is to argue that considered over time the equalization/normalization lens still sheds light on our understanding of how social media (SM) strategy can shape electoral success asking if SM are an equalizing force balancing the resource gap between candidates or are being normalized into the modern campaign. Design/methodology/approach SM metrics and electoral data were collected for US congressional candidates in 2012 and 2016. A series of additive and interactive models are employed to test whether the effects of SM reach on electoral success are conditional on levels of campaign spending. Findings The results suggest that those candidates who spend more actually get more utility for their SM campaign than those who spend less in 2012. However, by 2016, spending inversely correlates with SM campaign utility. Research limitations/implications The findings indicate that SM appeared to be normalizing into the modern congressional campaign in 2012. However, with higher rates of penetration and greater levels of usage in 2016, the SM campaign utility was not a result of higher spending. SM may be a greater equalizing force now. Practical implications Campaigns that initially integrate digital and traditional strategies increase the effectiveness of the SM campaign because the non-digital strategy both complements and draws attention to the SM campaign. However, by 2016 the SM campaign was not driven by its relation to traditional campaign spending. Originality/value This is the first large N study to examine the interactive effects of SM reach and campaign spending on electoral success.

scholarly journals Community Engagement in the Development of an mHealth-Enabled Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health Intervention (Step It Up): Pilot Focus Group Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joniqua Nashae Ceasar ◽  
Sophie Elizabeth Claudel ◽  
Marcus R Andrews ◽  
Kosuke Tamura ◽  
Valerie Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Community Based Participatory Research ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
American Women

BACKGROUND Community-based participatory research is an effective tool for improving health outcomes in minority communities. Few community-based participatory research studies have evaluated methods of optimizing smartphone apps for health technology-enabled interventions in African Americans. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to utilize focus groups (FGs) for gathering qualitative data to inform the development of an app that promotes physical activity (PA) among African American women in Washington, DC. METHODS We recruited a convenience sample of African American women (N=16, age range 51-74 years) from regions of Washington, DC metropolitan area with the highest burden of cardiovascular disease. Participants used an app created by the research team, which provided motivational messages through app push notifications and educational content to promote PA. Subsequently, participants engaged in semistructured FG interviews led by moderators who asked open-ended questions about participants’ experiences of using the app. FGs were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim, with subsequent behavioral theory-driven thematic analysis. Key themes based on the Health Belief Model and emerging themes were identified from the transcripts. Three independent reviewers iteratively coded the transcripts until consensus was reached. Then, the final codebook was approved by a qualitative research expert. RESULTS In this study, 10 main themes emerged. Participants emphasized the need to improve the app by optimizing automation, increasing relatability (eg, photos that reflect target demographic), increasing educational material (eg, health information), and connecting with community resources (eg, cooking classes and exercise groups). CONCLUSIONS Involving target users in the development of a culturally sensitive PA app is an essential step for creating an app that has a higher likelihood of acceptance and use in a technology-enabled intervention. This may decrease health disparities in cardiovascular diseases by more effectively increasing PA in a minority population.

Latina and African American Women: Continuing Disparities in Health

1993 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 555-584 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marsha Lillie-Blanton ◽  
Rose Marie Martinez ◽  
Andrea Kidd Taylor ◽  
Betty Garman Robinson
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Social Class ◽  
Health Services ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Social Conditions ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
American Women

Women of all races have faced incredible challenges as they sought to realize the promises of America. For women of color, these challenges were compounded by the second-class citizenship of U.S. racial and ethnic minority population groups. In an effort to assess the quality of life experienced by Latina and African American women, this article provides descriptive information on racial/ethnic differences in women's social conditions, health status, exposure to occupational and environmental risks, and use of health services. When possible, indices are stratified by family income to limit the effects of social class on the comparison of racial differences. The authors provide evidence that Latina and African American women are more likely than nonminority women to encounter social environments (e.g., poverty, densely populated neighborhoods, hazardous work conditions) that place them at risk for ill-health and injury. Although persistent racial disparities in health are often attributed to the lifestyle behaviors of racial minority populations, they are undoubtedly a consequence of poorer social conditions as well as barriers in access to quality health services. To achieve further gains, public policies must reduce social inequalities (i.e., by gender, race, and social class) and assure greater equity in access to resources that facilitate healthier environments and lifestyles. Public health initiatives should be community-based, reflecting a shared partnership that actively engages minority women in decision-making about their lives.

Incidence of Bone Marrow (BM) Fibrosis in Multiple Myeloma (MM) Patients and Its Relationship to Cytogenetic (CG) Abnormalities in a Minority Population

Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 5077-5077
Author(s):  
Gurinder Sidhu ◽  
Rabia Latif ◽  
Jinli Liu ◽  
Constantine Axiotis ◽  
Ratesh Khillan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
World Health ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Kings County ◽  
Cytogenetic Data ◽  
The World ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Abstract 5077 Background: The incidence of BM fibrosis in MM is low and uncertain, and its causes are not known. Cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in some MM patients reveals prognostically significant anomalies. Methods: Records of patients with MM seen at Kings County Hospital from 2004 through 2010 were reviewed, the histological sections of patients reported to have fibrosis we re-examined. The degree of fibrosis was graded according to the World Health Organization system. Results: Records of 113 patients were reviewed, 110 (97%) were African American (AA). Of these, 62 (55%) were female and 51 (45%) male. Their age ranged (median 65) from 38 to 89 years. Cytogenetic data (CGD) was available in 46 patients; and abnormal in 10 (22%) and normal in 36 (78%) of those. All patients with abnormalities of chromosomal number were hyperdiploid. Of 113 patients, 62 (55%) were female, 110 were African American. Ages ranged from 38–89 (median 65) years. Cytogenetic data was available for 46 patients and abnormal in 10 (22%). All patients with abnormal chromosome numbers were hyperdiploid. FISH studies to detect abnormalities in chromosomes 13, 14 and 17 were available in 25 and abnormal in 2 (8%). BM fibrosis had been initially noted in 27 of 113 patients (24%), and confirmed by another hematopathologist; 17 (63%) were women. The ages of the patients with fibrosis ranged from 4–79 years: median age was 67, 67 for the women and 62 for the men. Focal and grades 1, 2 and 3 fibrosis were noted in 2 (7%), 12 (44%), 7 (26%) and 6 (22%) of patients. Grade 3 fibrosis was found in 24% of the women and 20% of the men with fibrosis. CG data was available for 17 fibrosis patients and abnormal (hyperdipliod) in 2 (18%). FISH studies for chromosomes 13, 14 and 17 were normal in the 7 patients studied. CGD for all 8 of the female fibrosis patients studied were normal, and abnormal in 2 of the 9 men (22%). Conclusions: Of our 113 AA myeloma patients 25% had detectable BM fibrosis, but it was grade 3 in only 5%. Female preponderance was more marked in the patients with fibrosis than in the whole MM group. CG and FISH data did not distinguish patients with and without fibrosis. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Do psychosocial factors affect readmission in heart failure patients? A single centre study in a veteran population in south Florida, USA

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mahabir ◽  
V Kittipibul ◽  
B Zarrabian ◽  
A Alarcon-Calderon ◽  
N Olarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
African American ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Perceived Health ◽  
South Florida ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Health Competence ◽  
Patients With Heart Failure ◽  
Perceived Health Competence

Abstract Background We aim to determine the influence of psychosocial factors on readmission rates in a south Florida hospital serving a largely minority Veteran population with unique psychosocial co-morbidities that impact their health care. Purpose We aim determine which psychosocial factors are predictors of readmission in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods This is a retrospective study conducted at the Miami Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) in South Florida, USA. Patients who were admitted for heart failure exacerbations from September 2018 to August 2019 were identified and included in this study. Data on baseline charateristics and co-morbidities was obtained from review of patients' electronic health records. Psychosocial assessment was done via telephone interview using a previously validated questionnaire on gender, self-reported ethnicity, level of education, marital status, employment status, homelessness, monthly financial strain, overall stress level, neighbourhood safety and social interaction. Perceived health competence was assessed with the two items Perceived Health Competence Scale (PHCS-2). Results We identified 185 patients during the study period (mean age 70.8±11.9 years, 98% male). Thirty-eight of these patients had one or more readmissions within one year. Our cohort was 22% White, 15% Hispanic and 60% African American based on self-reported race. We interviewed 78 patients; 14 with readmission, 64 without readmission. 21% had died at the time of our follow-up and we were unable to contact 27% of patients. On univariate analysis, homelessness and ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% were significantly associated with HF readmission (OR 8.3 p=0.002 and OR 6.8 p=0.008, respectively). No significant differences in other psychosocial characteristics were noted between groups. After adjustment for age in multivariate analysis, homelessness and LVEF <40% remained significant predictors for HF readmission (OR 13.4 p=0.005 and OR 8.8 p=0.02, respectively). Conclusions Our study population was largely a minority population (15% Hispanic and 60% African American). After comparing multiple psychosocial factors, homelessness was found to be a significant and independent risk factor for heart failure readmission. This suggests that the recent focus on heart failure readmissions may need to include social interventions targeting homelessness. Future research should aim to determine whether multidisciplinary interventions aimed at addressing homelessness in patients with heart failure would help reduce hospital readmissions for congestive heart failure. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

scholarly journals PrEP Uptake and Emergent HIV infections in Southern Arizona: Is There A Disconnect?

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. S438-S439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anca Georgescu ◽  
Cesar Egurrola ◽  
Spencer Schaff ◽  
Julia Fisher ◽  
Shannon Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
African American ◽  
American Indian ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Border Region ◽  
Hiv Care ◽  
Minority Population ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Populations At Risk ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Background Despite expansion of antiretroviral therapy in recent years and growing evidence for PrEP (pre exposure prophylaxis) efficacy, HIV incidence has continued to rise while PrEP uptake has remained low, particularly in populations at risk. Our goal is to compare these populations and further identify discrepancies in populations at risk in Southern Arizona. Methods We retroactively reviewed health records for patients evaluated at Banner University Medical Center Tucson outpatient clinics between January 2014 and September 2016, either with a new HIV diagnosis or prescribed tenofovir/emtricitabine for PrEP. Results We identified 147 patients with new HIV diagnoses and 65 patients evaluated for PrEp. 63% of the newly diagnosed HIV were of Hispanic, African American or American Indian descend (46%, 14% and 3% respectively) while the majority of PrEP patients were White (58%) with a statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.006). There was no significant difference between the age groups [28 (19%) of the HIV and 13 (20%) of the PrEP were 18–24] or gender (88% of people accessing HIV care were men, vs. 91% men seen for PrEP). Insurance information at the time of presentation was available for 145 HIV and 64 PrEP patients with statistically significant differences between the groups. 31(21%) newly diagnosed HIV had no insurance and 71 (49%) had a Medicaid plan while 45 (70%) of PrEP patients has a private insurance plan (P < 0.001). None of the people accessing PrEP reported iv drug use as a risk factor compared with 16 (11%) of the newly diagnosed (P = 0.003). Retention in care at 3 months was similar (76% of HIV and 75% of PrEP). The predominant risk categories were MSM with multiple partners and/or condomless anal sex for both groups. Conclusion To our knowledge this is the first study evaluating HIV and PrEP health care disparities in a border region of the Southwestern US, which is home to a large Hispanic minority population. Our findings suggest that low income minority populations, such as Hispanic, African American and American Indian in this region continue to have a higher risk for HIV acquisition and highlights the ongoing need to expand research on how these populations perceive their risk for HIV and navigate complex systems, such as health insurance, when seeking clinical services for PreP. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Revisiting recent findings on gated communities and racial homogeneity

2021 ◽  
pp. 239980832110389
Author(s):  
Daniel S Scheller
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Major Change ◽  
Gated Communities ◽  
Racial Minorities ◽  
Gated Community ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Housing Type

This paper seeks to determine the propensity of racial minorities to live in gated communities. A recent study by Plaut in this journal finds that nonwhites are more likely to live in gated communities than whites for both renters and homeowners. Such a finding would indicate a major change in housing patterns. I replicate and build upon her study by including multiple years of data, disaggregating the nonwhite variable into its important racial components, and then interacting race with specific housing type (multi-family units vs. single family units). I find that her potentially innovative results are statistical artifacts. For homeowners, the results generally indicate that nonwhite individuals are not more likely to own a home in a gated community, especially for single family detached units. At best, they are no more or no less likely than white residents to own a home in a gated community. Minority renters are sometimes more likely to indicate that they live in a gated community, but generally only for multi-family rental units. Differences between African American and Latino gating patterns are also discussed.

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