BACKGROUND: Although prior studies have established the association of asthma with smoking and obesity, literature on difference-in-differences analyses involving sexual identity is sparse. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the between and within sexual identity-group differences in asthma prevalence among individuals who smoke and are obese. METHODS: We aggregated the 2017-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data on adults ( = 128,319) to perform weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis and marginal estimates and marginsplot to determine asthma prevalence by sexual identity and the status of smoking and obesity. RESULTS: About 66% of the study population reported having asthma. Among the individuals with asthma, 42% were obese, 10% were daily cigarette smokers, and 6% identified as bisexual persons. Lesbian/gay daily smokers (86%) or former smokers (75%) had a higher probability of having asthma than bisexual (daily smokers = 78% vs former smokers = 72%) and heterosexual (daily smokers = 68% vs former smokers = 65%) persons. Within each sexual identity subgroup, daily smokers (68-86%) had the highest probability of asthma. Obese bisexual (73%) or lesbian/gay (72%) persons had higher probabilities of having asthma than heterosexual persons (69%). Obese (73%) or overweight (72%) bisexual (compared to normal weight = 70% or underweight = 51%) and obese (69%) or overweight (65%) heterosexual (compared to normal weight = 62% or underweight = 57%) persons had the highest probabilities of having asthma within their groups, whereas overweight persons (overweight = 81% vs underweight = 79%, normal weight = 78%, and obese = 72%) had the highest probabilities within lesbian/gay persons. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking and obesity show heightened odds for asthma, with significant odds for sexual minorities in asthma diagnosis relative to heterosexuals. These findings provide formative information for future longitudinal and experimental studies to explore these mechanisms of asthma risks among sexual and gender minorities.

Magister Legum - LLM / Namibia is home to a number of linguistic minorities. According to the 2011 census, the Owambo constitute 49.35 per cent of the population, accounting for almost half of the country’s total population.1 The rest of the linguistic groups include the Bushman (San) (0.95 per cent), Caprivians (4.5 per cent), Herero (8.99 per cent), Kavango (10.42 per cent), Damara/Nama (11.32 per cent), Setswana (0.26 per cent), Afrikaans (8.72 per cent), German (0.54 per cent), English (2.43 per cent), other European languages (0.69 per cent), other African languages (1.74 per cent), Asian languages (0.08 per cent) and other unidentified languages (0.02 per cent).2 English is, however, the only official language in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, 1990 (“Constitution”).3

The aim of the thesis is to shed light upon how the Sweden Democrats, in their official party documents and in the party- funded newspaper Samtiden, crosses the line of hate speech. This thesis uses Parekh's model in identifying hate speech as a theory. The thesis is a comparative case study as it compares and analysis the Sweden Democrats official documents with the Samtidens articles. The method used to analyse the material is interpretive content analysis. The thesis reaches the conclusion that the documents from Sweden Democrat use an implicit and subtle form of hate speech, while the articles from Samtiden use a very explicit and aggressive form of hate speech.

While a comorbid relationship between substance abuse and depression in Caucasian adults has been widely documented, comorbid substance abuse and depression in minorities remains unexplored, leaving a gap in knowledge concerning the treatment of these comorbid disorders in the fastest growing population in the United States. Cognitive behavior theory posits that specific stressors increase the likelihood of substance abuse. These factors may include structural discrimination experienced by minorities. This quantitative, pretest-posttest archival study examined the effects of a substance abuse treatment program in reducing comorbid depressive symptoms among 317 participants from 3 minority subgroups and a comparison nonminority group enrolled in a court-mandated residential program in Texas. Depression scores were assessed at intake and 30 days later by the Client Evaluation of Self and Treatment-Psychological Functioning. Using gender and age as covariates, a 2 x 2 and a 2 x 3 mixed ANOVA design evaluated changes in depression scores among different racial groups. All participants who completed treatment experienced a significant decline in symptoms associated with depression. By adding to the existing literature regarding the successful treatment of those who participate in a CBT-oriented therapy, this study informs programs seeking successful strategies in helping minorities to enter and complete treatment, which lends itself to positive social change. Further, the efficacy of CBT-oriented therapies across all groups, regardless of race or ethnic identity, provides a unique opportunity for counselors and doctors to develop successful long-term strategies for patients struggling with comorbid substance abuse and depression.

Sexual minorities (SM) are at a greater risk for experiencing a serious mental illness (SMI) compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Furthermore, SM with a SMI continue to experience stigma and discrimination that leads to more negative outcomes and a greater need for counseling services. Current researchers have not adequately addressed the specific needs of SM with a SMI and how to prepare counselors to work with this population. Furthermore, most SM with a SMI find that counseling services are inadequate and do not meet their unique needs. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study, grounded in a Husserlian philosophical and Minority Stress Model conceptual framework, was to explore the experiences and perceptions of counselors who provide counseling services to SM with a SMI. Data was collected from six participants using a semistructured interview and followed a thematic data analysis process, ensuring thematic saturation. The results of this study highlighted many themes regarding the unique needs of SM with a SMI, such as their multiple minority stressors, negative counseling experiences, and the impact of family, as well as counselor's perception regarding the lack of preparation in graduate school to work with SM with a SMI. Study findings may improve counselors' understanding of the needs of SM with a SMI so they may provide more effective counseling services. Also, this study highlights the importance of training counselors to work with this population and may bolster the efforts of counselor educators.

Colorism, or in-group bias based on skin tone, is a persistent phenomenon within the African American community that often shapes family dynamics and results in significant negative psychosocial effects for African Americans. Researchers have examined colorism primarily as it pertains to mothers' transmission of these messages, but little research exists regarding the paternal role. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the messages fathers transmit to their daughters regarding skin tone, while comparing these messages to those transmitted to fathers in their childhood. Twelve African American men, selected through purposive sampling, participated in individual semistructured interviews. Their responses were analyzed using thematic analysis based on colorism theory. Themes included teachings to daughter, skin tone messages, influence, hard work, attractiveness, love, treatment, and trophies. Findings indicated that fathers provided a protective role in negative colorism messages for daughters, particularly those with darker skin tones. Implications for positive social change include increased understanding of the protective paternal role in transmitting skin tone messages and the potential ability for stakeholders to make inroads to eradicate the negative effects of colorism within the African American family using the protective role of fathers.

This study assessed Utah State University students perceptions of the U.S.U. Counseling Center with regard to meeting students' counseling needs. The study focused on racial background and sex of counselors as significant variables. A written questionnaire was mailed to 420 students. Fifty-three percent of the questionnaires were returned. The students' impressions of the Counseling Center were generally positive. Caucasian females were more satisfied than Caucasian males. Minority students were least satisfied. Students who had not used the center most often indicated they had no need. Many students lacked information concerning the services and availability of staff of different sex and/ or backgrounds. For most counseling situations, the majority of the students indicated that sex and racial background of the counselor were unimportant. In counseling situations concerning personal problems related to sex the availability of a staff member of a particular sex or racial background was frequently essential. Since the staff at the time of this study lacked variety, in respect to sex and racial background, some students could not have been served according to their preferences. Recommendations were made available concerning the expressed needs as ascertained by this study.

Community and urban forestry is a multifaceted field ranging from tree planting to removal, hazard assessment, and public relations. However, the racial and gender diversity of the community forestry workforce is remarkably low. To gain a better understanding of this lack of diversity, I surveyed professionals in two major community/urban forestry organizations. Age, income, and years in the profession were considered, along with education level, to determine if there is some underlying reason for low representation of women and minorities in the community/urban forestry field. I found that while white males dominated all work sectors (especially private organizations), women were concentrated in public or non-profit organizations holding positions in offices, education, or other jobs with extensive public interaction. Minorities held similar positions to women or were in entry level jobs and general tree care rather than in more professionally advanced positions. Attitudes regarding most aspects of the profession varied little based on sex or minority status, with only minor differences on advancement potential and salary.

The study is a survey of attitudes among social work practitioners and educators, both ethnic minority and and non-minority, regarding social work with minority clients. Chapter II presents a statement of the problem and the purpose of the study. Chapter III is a review of pertinent literature. Chapter IV discusses the design and methodology for the research project. Chapter V discusses the findings and limitations of the study, and Chapter VI provides a summary and further recommendations for research and practice.

Racial discrimination continues to be a major issue, particularly in the lives of minorities. In the United States, racial discrimination significantly influences many aspects of minorities’ lives such as physical health, psychological health, access to jobs, and access to higher education. In this research, discrimination is conceptualized as a psychological stressor in the lives of minority adolescents since it poses a risk to healthy adolescent development; it can lead to feelings of helplessness, derogation, and demoralization. Using a cross-sectional sample of 618 African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans, and drawing on the integrative model for the study of developmental competencies in minority children, risk and resilience, social identity, and intersectionality, this paper examines (a) the relationship between racial discrimination and mental health problems of pre-adolescents and adolescents, (b) the moderating role of the importance of racial/ethnic identity, religious importance, and other support factors, (c) the moderating influence of gender and (d) the moderating influence of neighborhood factors. Results indicate that worrying about discrimination, having a negative future outlook, high levels of policing in the neighborhood, poverty, and experiences of violence, increased depression. In contrast, importance of ethnicity, having a close relationship with parents, and the availability of services for youths, reduced depression for adolescents. In addition, experiences of violence moderated the effect of discrimination on depression for Hispanic girls only. Results for aggression indicate that negative future outlook, and experiences of violence, significantly increased aggression, while importance of ethnicity, and having a close relationship with parents decreased aggression. In addition, importance of ethnicity moderated the effect of parental closeness, while the availability of services for youths, moderated the effect of worrying about discrimination for African-American girls only. Results for withdrawal, indicate that worrying about discrimination, having a negative future outlook, high levels of policing in the neighborhood, and experiences of violence increased withdrawal. In contrast, importance of ethnicity, importance of religion, and having a close relationship with parents, reduced withdrawal for adolescents. For African-American boys only, the importance of religion moderated the effect of discrimination, while the importance of ethnicity moderated the effect of parental closeness. For Hispanic girls only, the availability of services for youths moderated the effect of discrimination.