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Member Information
Christopher Lance Coleman, PhD, MPH, APRN-BC, ACRN
Assistant Professor
Center for Health Disparities Research
Graduate Program in Public Health Studies
Office Phone: (215) 898-0760
Office Fax: (215) 573-7496
Email: Colemanc@nursing.upenn.edu
Websites: http://www.Nursing.upenn.edu
Education: PhD, 1996, University of California , San Francisco; Post Doctoral Studies, 1998, University of California , Los Angeles; MPH, 2004 Johns Hopkins University
Keywords: African American, HIV/AIDS, Middle-aged men, Risk Behaviors, Symptom Management
Research and /or clinical interests:
Dr. Coleman's research focuses on understanding factors that influence health-promoting behaviors of HIV infected middle-aged and older African American men and HIV risk factors among vulnerable populations who are homeless and mentally ill. Additionally, he is interested in symptom management strategies used by HIV infected populations.
Summary:
Dr. Coleman's earlier research focused on exploring the contribution of spirituality to psychological and physical well-being in HIV infected African Americans. The findings revealed that spirituality contributed to psychological well-being accounting for 55% of the variance. Additionally, the study participants reported experiencing moderate to severe HIV symptoms and this did contribute to the variance in psychological well-being. Further, the data showed that older participants who were older and heterosexual indicated more depression, anxiety, poorer physical functioning, and less hope compared to non-heterosexuals.
During his post-doctoral program, Dr. Coleman conducted a pilot study in 60 middle-aged and older adults to determine whether or not spirituality was associated with a decrease in high risk sexual behavior, with a focus on risk factors for HIV infection among adults middle-aged and older. Analysis showed that not only was spirituality an important factor in the lives of older adults who were either HIV infected or at risk; but also indicated that those reporting greater spiritual well-being .Substance abuse was found to be a problem among the sample of HIV seropositive individuals and those with AIDS. In addition, there was a significant relationship between age and the quality of life; middle-aged and older individuals who were heterosexual and HIV seropositive demonstrated poorer functional status.
In a recent study, Dr. Coleman explored whether perceived health beliefs and sociodemographics predicted high-risk sexual behavior in a sample of 130 middle-aged and older HIV infected Black (non-Hispanic) men. Logistic regression analyses showed that sexual orientation, AIDS knowledge and Perceived Barriers predicted condom use during anal sex; relationship status and anal sex predicted safe sex discussions; relationship status, safe sex discussion and religious well-being predicted condom use during oral sex; relationship status, safe sex discussion and religious well-being predicted condom use during vaginal sex. These findings suggest that middle-aged and older HIV infected Black (non-Hispanic) men may have not benefited from national prevention efforts; therefore, further study is needed to develop culturally and age appropriate interventions to reduce risky sexual behavior among middle-aged and older HIV infected Black (non-Hispanic) men.
Additional, research conducted both nationally and internationally focused on symptom management strategies among HIV infected patients. Dr. Coleman identified that the use of prayer for managing HIV related symptoms was more prevalent among African Americans when compared to other ethnic groups.
Currently, Dr. Coleman is investigating the impact of HAART on health related quality of life among HIV infected African American men and women residing in urban areas. The study is on-going.
Representative Publications:
Coleman, C.L. (2003). Transmission of HIV infection among older adults: a population at risk. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS C are, (14). 82-85
Coleman, C.L. (2003). The Relationship of Spirituality and Sexuality to Mental Well-Being and Functional Health Status in HIV Infected African-Americans. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 43 (5) 457-464
Coleman, C.L. (2003) Determinants of HIV and AIDS among young African American men who have sex with men: a public health perspective. Journal of National Black Nurses Association, 14, 2, 25-29.
Coleman, C.L. (2004) The contribution of religious and existential well-being to depression among African American Heterosexuals with HIV infection. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 25, 103-110
Coleman, C.L. (2004). Transmission of HIV/AIDS Among African American Intravenous Drug Users: Implications for Public Health Policy. The ABNF Journal, 15, 94-96.
Portillio, C.J., Mendez, M.R., Holzemer, W.L., Corless, I.B., Nicholas, P.K., Coleman, C.L .et al. ( 2005). Quality of life of ethnic minority persons living with HIV/AIDS. Journal of Multicultural Nursing & Health, 11 (1), 31-37.
Coleman, C. L. (2005). The impact of spirituality and religion on depression among African American heterosexuals with HIV infection: Implications for mental health clinicians. Directions in Psychiatric Nursing, 11(7), 81-88.
Coleman, C. L., & Hummel, D. (2005) Sexual orientation a predictor of depressive symptoms among HIV infected Black men: a descriptive correlational Study . Archives in Psychiatric Nursing, 19 (5), 236-241
Coleman , C.L., Eller, L.S, Nokes, K., Bunch, E., Reynolds, N., Corless, I. , et.al. (2006). The use of Prayer as a Complimentary Health Strategy for Managing HIV Related Symptoms among an Ethnically Diverse Sample. Holistic Nursing Practice, 20(2): 66-72
Coleman, C.L. (in press) Health beliefs and high-risk sexual behavior among HIV infected African American men. Applied Nursing Research.
Kemppainen, J., Eller, L.S., Bunch, E., Hamilton, M.J., Dole, P., Holzemer, W.L., Kirksey, K., Nicholas, P., Corless, I., Coleman, C. L., et al. (in press). Strategies for self-management of HIV-related anxiety. AIDS Care
