|
Journal of Public Health Management and Practice
Journal Prestige (SJR): 0.797  Citation Impact (citeScore): 1 Number of Followers: 5  Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)ISSN (Print) 1078-4659 - ISSN (Online) 1550-5022 Published by LWW Wolters Kluwer  [330 journals]
|
- Beyond Stricter Gun Control Measures: Lessons From the Nashville Shooting
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Yang; Y. Tony; Sudarshan, Sawali
Abstract: No abstract available
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Practical Guidance for the Development of Rosie, a Health Education
Question-and-Answer Chatbot for New Mothers-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Mane; Heran Y.; Channell Doig, Amara; Marin Gutierrez, Francia Ximena; Jasczynski, Michelle; Yue, Xiaohe; Srikanth, Neha Pundlik; Mane, Sourabh; Sun, Abby; Moats, Rachel Ann; Patel, Pragat; He, Xin; Boyd-Graber, Jordan Lee; Aparicio, Elizabeth M.; Nguyen, Quynh C.
Abstract:
Communities of color experience higher maternal and infant mortality, as well as a host of other adverse outcomes, during pregnancy and postpartum. To address this, our team is developing a free, user-friendly, question-answering chatbot called Rosie. Chatbots have gained significant popularity due to their scalability and success in individualizing resources. In recent years, scientific communities and researchers have started recognizing this technology's potential to inform communities, promote health outcomes, and address health disparities. The development of Rosie is an interdisciplinary project, with teams focused on the technical build of the application (app), the development of machine learning models, and community outreach, making Rosie a chatbot built with the input from the communities it aims to serve. From June to October 2022, more than 20 demonstration sessions were conducted in Washington, District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, where a total of 109 pregnant women and new mothers of color could interact with Rosie. Results from the live demonstrations showed that 75% of mothers searched for maternity and baby-related information at least once a week and more than 90% of participants expressed the likelihood to use the app. Most of the participants inquired about their baby's development, nutrition for babies, and identifying and addressing the causes of certain symptoms and conditions, accounting for about 80% of the total questions asked. Mother-related questions in the community demonstrations were mainly about pregnancy. The high level of interest in the chatbot is a clear indication of the need for more resources. Rosie aims to help close the racial gap in maternal and infant health disparities by providing new mothers with easy access to reliable health information.
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Design and Implementation of the Diabetes Impact Project: A Multisector
Partnership to Reduce Diabetes Burden in Indianapolis Communities-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Staten; Lisa K.; Weathers, Tess D.; Nicholas, Celeste; Grain, Tedd; Haut, Dawn P.; Duckett-Brown, Patrice; Halverson, Paul K.; Caine, Virginia
Abstract:
Context: Community-level health disparities have not arisen suddenly but are the result of long-term systemic inequities. This article describes the design and implementation of a community-engaged multisector partnership to address health disparities by reducing the diabetes burden in 3 Indianapolis communities through the implementation of evidence-based strategies across the prevention continuum.Program: The project has 5 foundational design principles: engage partners from multiple sectors to address community health, focus on geographic communities most affected by the health disparity, practice authentic community engagement, commit for the long term, and utilize a holistic approach spanning the prevention continuum.Implementation: The design principles are incorporated into the following project components in each community: (1) health system community health workers (hCHWs), (2) neighborhood CHWs (nCHWs), (3) community health promotion initiatives, and (4) resident steering committees, as well as a backbone organization responsible for overall coordination, project communication, evaluation, and partnership coordination.Evaluation: This complex multilevel intervention is being evaluated using data sources and methodologies suited to each project component and its purpose overall. Each component is being evaluated independently and included holistically to measure the impact of the project on the health and culture of health in the communities. Key Performance Indicators were established upon project initiation as our common metrics for the partnership. Because complex interventions aiming at population-level change take time, we evaluate Diabetes Impact Project—Indianapolis Neighborhoods (DIP-IN), assuming its impact will take many years to achieve.Discussion: Health disparities such as the diabetes prevalence in project communities have not arisen suddenly but are the result of long-term systemic inequities. This complex issue requires a complex holistic solution with long-term commitment, trusted partnerships, and investment from diverse sectors as seen in this project. Implications for policy and practice include the need to identify stable funding mechanisms to support these types of holistic approaches.
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Setting Priorities and Managing Time: Core Leadership Skills
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Baker; Edward L.; Murphy, Susan A.
Abstract: No abstract available
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Reducing Overdose Through Policy Interventions: ASTHO's Recommendations
for State and Territorial Health Officials and Agencies-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Pless; Victoria; McClure, JoAnne; Davis, Maggie; Farfalla, Jennifer; Onufrey, Yaryna; Humm, Kayley; Ranade, Richa; Terzian, Mary
Abstract:
No abstract available
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Opportunities to Support Secondary Data Access Needs Among Local Health
Departments-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Hall; Kellie; Royster, Jordan
Abstract:
No abstract available
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Navigating Resource-Sharing Agreements: Key Insights for Successful
Relationships-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Orr; Jason; Chudgar, Reena
Abstract: No abstract available
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Recruiting New Talent for Public Health Jobs With Evidence-Based Job
Descriptions and Attractive Job Postings-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Krasna; Heather; Kulik, Phoebe K. G.; Karnik, Harshada; Leider, Jonathon P.
Abstract:
Context: With $7.4 billion from the American Rescue Plan funding new hires in the public health workforce, health departments could benefit from well-written, accurate job descriptions and job postings/advertisements to attract candidates.Program: We wrote accurate job descriptions for 24 jobs common in governmental public health settings.Implementation: We searched the gray literature for existing templates of job descriptions, job task analyses, lists of competencies, or bodies of knowledge; synthesized several currently posted job descriptions per occupation; utilized the 2014 National Board of Public Health Examiners' job task analysis data; and gathered feedback from current public health professionals in each field. We then engaged a marketing specialist to change the job descriptions into advertisements.Discussion: Several occupations examined did not have available job task analyses, while others had multiple. This project appears to be the first time that a list of existing job task analyses have been compiled together. Health departments have a special opportunity to replenish their workforce. Having evidence-based and vetted job descriptions that can be tailored for specific health departments' usage will accelerate their recruitment efforts and attract more qualified candidates.
PubDate: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Use of Evidence-Based Interventions to Promote Healthy Weight, Nutrition,
and Physical Activity in Community Health Improvement Plans from Large
Local Health Departments-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Dupuis; Roxanne; Reiner, Jennifer F.; Silver, Santana; Barrett, Jessica L.; Daly, James G.; Lee, Rebekka M.; Gortmaker, Steven L.; Cradock, Angie L.
Abstract:
We sought to identify evidence-based healthy weight, nutrition, and physical activity strategies related to obesity prevention in large local health department (LHD) Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIPs). We analyzed the content of the most recent, publicly available plans from 72 accredited LHDs serving a population of at least 500 000 people. We matched CHIP strategies to the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps' What Works for Health (WWFH) database of interventions. We identified 739 strategies across 55 plans, 62.5% of which matched a “WWFH intervention” rated for effectiveness on diet and exercise outcomes. Among the 20 most commonly identified WWFH interventions in CHIPs, 10 had the highest evidence for effectiveness while 4 were rated as likely to decrease health disparities according to WWFH. Future prioritization of strategies by health agencies could focus on strategies with the strongest evidence for promoting healthy weight, nutrition, and physical activity outcomes and reducing health disparities.
PubDate: Tue, 20 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Understanding Health Equity in Public Health Practice in the United States
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Brownson; Ross C.; Mazzucca-Ragan, Stephanie; Jacob, Rebekah R.; Brownson, Carol A.; Hohman, Katherine H.; Alongi, Jeanne; Macchi, Marti; Valko, Cheryl; Eyler, Amy A.
Abstract:
Context: Understanding the extent to which equity-focused work is occurring in public health departments (eg, in chronic disease programs) can identify areas of success and what is needed to move the needle on health equity.Objective: The study objective was to characterize the patterns and correlates of equity-related practices in US state and territorial public health practice.Design: The design was a multimethod (quantitative and qualitative), cross-sectional study.Setting: The setting included US state and territorial public health departments.Participants: Chronic disease prevention practitioners (N = 600) completed self-report surveys in July 2022 through August 2022 (analyzed in September 2022 through December 2022).Main Outcome Measures: Health equity data were obtained across 4 domains: (1) staff skills, (2) work unit practices, (3) organizational priorities and values, and (4) partnerships and networks.Results: There was a wide range in self-reported performance across the health equity variables. The highest values (those agreeing and strongly agreeing) were related to staff skills (eg, the ability to describe the causes of inequities [82%]). Low agreement was reported for multiple items, indicating the lack of systems for tracking progress on health equity (32%), the lack of hiring of staff members who represent disadvantaged communities (33%), and limited use of principles for community engagement (eg, sharing decision-making authority with partners [34%]). Qualitative data provided tangible examples showing how practitioners and their agencies are turning an array of health equity concepts into actions.Conclusions: There is urgency in addressing health equity and our data suggest considerable room for enhancing health equity practices in state and territorial public health. To support these activities, our findings provide some of the first information on areas of progress, gaps in practice, and where to target technical assistance, capacity building efforts, and accreditation planning.
PubDate: Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Integrating Contact Tracers Into Point-of-Care Testing Workflow to
Accelerate the Tracing of People With Exposure to COVID-19,
August-December 2020, New York City-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Udeagu; Chi-Chi N.; Gbedemah, Misato; Pitiranggon, Masha; Feldman, Samantha; Cordoba, Evette; Goldenberg, Shifra; Keeley, Chris; Blaney, Kathleen; Vora, Neil M.; Long, Theodore
Abstract:
Objectives: We assessed the timeliness of contact tracing following rapid-positive COVID-19 test result at point-of-care testing (POCT) sites in New York City (NYC).Design: Interviewed case-patients to elicit exposed contacts and conducted COVID-19 exposure notifications.Settings: Twenty-two COVID-19 POCT sites in NYC, the 2 NYC international airports, and 1 ferry terminal.Participants: Case-patients with rapid-positive COVID-19 test results and their named contacts.Main Outcome Measures: We quantified the proportions of interviewed individuals with COVID-19 and notified contacts and assessed the timeliness between the dates of the rapid-positive COVID-19 test results and the interviews or notifications.Results: In total, 11 683 individuals with rapid-positive COVID-19 test results were referred for contact tracing on the day of their diagnosis; 8878 (76) of whom were interviewed within 1 day of diagnosis, of whom 5499 (62%) named 11 486 contacts. A median of 1.24 contacts were identified from each interview. The odds of eliciting contacts were significantly higher among individuals reporting COVID-19 symptoms than among persons with no symptoms (51% vs 36%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.70) or living with 1 or more persons than living alone (89% vs 38%; aOR = 12.11; 95% CI, 10.73-13.68). Among the 8878 interviewed case-patients, 8317 (94%) were interviewed within 1 day of their rapid-positive COVID-19 test results and 91% of contact notifications were completed within 1 day of contact identification. The median interval from test result to interview date and from case investigation interview to contact notification were both 0 days (IQR = 0).Conclusions: The integration of contact tracers into COVID-19 POCT workflow achieved timely case investigation and contact notification. Accelerated contact tracing can be used to curb COVID-19 transmission during local outbreaks.
PubDate: Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- The Navajo Nation Healthy Diné Nation Act: Community Support of a 2%
Tax on Unhealthy Foods-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Curley; Caleigh; Eddie, Regina; Tallis, Kristen; Lane, Taylor S.; Yazzie, Del; Sanderson, Priscilla R.; Lorts, Cori; Shin, Sonya; Behrens, Timothy K.; George, Carmen; Antone-Nez, Ramona; Ashley, Christine; de Heer, Hendrik D.
Abstract:
Context: The Healthy Diné Nation Act (HDNA) of 2014 included a 2% tax on foods of little-to-no-nutritious value (“junk foods”) on the Navajo Nation. The law was the first ever in the United States and any Indigenous nation worldwide with a population at a high risk for common nutrition-related conditions. To date, research on community support for food tax legislation among Indigenous nations is entirely lacking.Objective: To assess the extent of support for the HDNA and factors associated with support including sociodemographic variables, knowledge of the HDNA, nutrition intake, and pricing preferences.Design: Cross-sectional survey.Setting: The Navajo Nation.Participants: A total of 234 Navajo Nation community members across 21 communities.Outcome Measures: The percentage of participants who were supportive of the HDNA.Results: Participants were 97% Navajo, on average middle-aged, 67% reported an income below $25 000 annually, and 69.7% were female. Half of the respondents said they “support” (37.4%) or “strongly support” (13.0%) the tax, while another 35% of people said they were neutral or somewhat supportive; 15% did not support the tax. Participants with higher income (P = .025) and education (P = .026) and understanding of the legislation (P < .001 for “very well” vs “not at all”) had increased odds of greater support, as did people who believed that the HDNA would make Navajo people healthier (vs not, P < .001). Age, gender, language, and reported nutrition intake (healthy or unhealthy) were not associated with HDNA support, but participants willing to pay 5% or 12%-15% higher prices for fast food and soda had increased odds of greater support (P values range from .023 to
PubDate: Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Building Machine Learning Models to Correct Self-Reported Anthropometric
Measures-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: An; Ruopeng; Ji, Mengmeng
Abstract:
Monitoring population obesity risk primarily depends on self-reported anthropometric data prone to recall error and bias. This study developed machine learning (ML) models to correct self-reported height and weight and estimate obesity prevalence in US adults. Individual-level data from 50 274 adults were retrieved from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2020 waves. Large, statistically significant differences between self-reported and objectively measured anthropometric data were present. Using their self-reported counterparts, we applied 9 ML models to predict objectively measured height, weight, and body mass index. Model performances were assessed using root-mean-square error. Adopting the best performing models reduced the discrepancy between self-reported and objectively measured sample average height by 22.08%, weight by 2.02%, body mass index by 11.14%, and obesity prevalence by 99.52%. The difference between predicted (36.05%) and objectively measured obesity prevalence (36.03%) was statistically nonsignificant. The models may be used to reliably estimate obesity prevalence in US adults using data from population health surveys.
PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Developing the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Gorzkowski Hamilton; Julie; Horowitz, Lisa M.; Standley, Corbin J.; Ryan, Patrick C.; Wei, August X.; Lau, May; Yu Moutier, Christine
Abstract:
Suicide and suicidal behavior among youth and young adults are a major public health crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrated by increases in suicidal ideation and attempts among youth. Supports are needed to identify youth at risk and intervene in safe and effective ways. To address this need, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in collaboration with experts from the National Institute of Mental Health, developed the Blueprint for Youth Suicide Prevention (Blueprint) to translate research into strategies that are feasible, pragmatic, and actionable across all contexts in which youth live, learn, work, and play. In this piece, we describe the process of developing and disseminating the Blueprint. Through a summit and focus meetings, cross-sectoral partners convened to discuss the context of suicide risk among youth; explore the landscape of science, practice, and policy; build partnerships; and identify strategies for clinics, communities, and schools—all with a focus on health disparities and equity. These meetings resulted in 5 major takeaways: (1) suicide is often preventable; (2) health equity is critical to suicide prevention; (3) individual and systems changes are needed; (4) resilience should be a key focus; and (5) cross-sectoral partnerships are critical. These meetings and takeaways then informed the content of the Blueprint, which discusses the epidemiology of youth and young adult suicide and suicide risk, including health disparities; the importance of a public health framework; risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs; strategies for clinical settings, strategies for community and school settings; and policy priorities. Following the process description, lessons learned are also discussed, followed by a call to action for the public health community and all who serve and support youth. Finally, key steps to establishing and sustaining partnerships and implications for policy and practice are discussed.
PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Trusted Sources of Information and COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake in a Sample of
Latinx Sexual and Gender Minorities in South Florida-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Metheny; Nicholas; Scott, Dalton; Buch, Juan; Fallon, Stephen; Chavez, Jennifer
Abstract:
Objective: To examine factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake in a sample of Latino/a/x sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) individuals in South Florida.Design: Data were collected via an online survey from March 2021 to August 2022, as part of the Community Engagement Alliance Against COVID-19 Disparities. A multivariate regression analysis was fit using completion of a COVID-19 vaccine regimen as the outcome. Key covariates included trusted sources of information (eg, doctor, media), COVID-19–related challenges (eg, accessing medication, transportation), and dominant wave of SARS-CoV-2 at the time of data collection.Setting: Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Florida.Results: White Latino/a/x, bachelor's educated respondents, and those with high levels of trust in community organizations had significantly greater odds of vaccination.Conclusion: Community organizations may be key to improving vaccine uptake among marginalized Latino/a/x SGM for COVID-19 and other emerging communicable diseases, such as meningitis and Mpox (monkeypox). The results of this study suggest that tailored public health messaging and additional funding for vaccine distribution are needed to better equip community organizations with the resources they need to serve this population.
PubDate: Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Hospital Catchment Areas Characteristics and Geographic Regions Associated
With Higher COVID-19 Veterans Health Administration Hospitalization During
the Omicron Surge-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Wong; Michelle S.; Frochen, Stephen; Steers, W. Neil; Washington, Donna L.
Abstract:
Context: Surges in the ongoing coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic and accompanying increases in hospitalizations continue to strain hospital systems. Identifying hospital-level characteristics associated with COVID-19 hospitalization rates and clusters of hospitalization “hot spots” can help with hospital system planning and resource allocation.Objective: To identify (1) hospital catchment area–level characteristics associated with higher COVID-19 hospitalization rates and (2) geographic regions with high and low COVID-19 hospitalization rates across catchment areas during COVID-19 Omicron surge (December 20, 2021-April 3, 2022).Design: This observational study used Veterans Health Administration (VHA), US Health Resource & Services Administration's Area Health Resources File, and US Census data. We used multivariate regression to identified hospital catchment area–level characteristics associated with COVID-19 hospitalization rates. We used ESRI ArcMap's Getis-Ord Gi* statistic to identify catchment area clusters of hospitalization hot and cold spots.Setting and Participants: VHA hospital catchment areas in the United States (n = 143).Main Outcome Measures: Hospitalization rate.Results: Greater COVID-19 hospitalization was associated with serving more high hospitalization risk patients (34.2 hospitalizations/10 000 patients per 10-percentage point increase in high hospitalization risk patients; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 29.4, 39.0), fewer patients new to VHA during the pandemic (−3.9, 95% CI: −6.2, −1.6), and fewer COVID vaccine-boosted patients (−5.2; 95% CI: −7.9, −2.5).We identified 2 hospitalization cold spots located in the Pacific Northwest and in the Great Lakes regions, and 2 hot spots in the Great Plains and Southeastern US regions.Conclusions: Within VHA's nationally integrated health care system, catchment areas serving a larger high hospitalization risk patient population were associated with more Omicron-related hospitalizations, while serving more patients fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 and new VHA users were associated with lower hospitalization. Hospital and health care system efforts to vaccinate patients, particularly high-risk patients, can potentially safeguard against pandemic surges.Hospitalization hot spots within VHA include states with a high burden of chronic disease in the Great Plains and Southeastern United States.
PubDate: Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Using Artificial Intelligence to Identify Sources and Pathways of Lead
Exposure in Children-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Sambanis; Apostolis; Osiecki, Kristin; Cailas, Michael; Quinsey, Logan; Jacobs, David E.
Abstract:
Context: Sources and pathways of lead exposure in young children have not been analyzed using new artificial intelligence methods.Objective: To collect environmental, behavioral, and other data on sources and pathways in 17 rural homes to predict at-risk households and to compare urban and rural indicators of exposure.Design: Cross-sectional pilot study.Setting: Knox County, Illinois, which has a high rate of childhood lead poisoning.Participants: Rural families.Methods: Neural network and K-means statistical analysis.Main Outcome Measure: Children's blood lead level.Results: Lead paint on doors, lead dust, residential property assessed tax, and median interior paint lead level were the most important predictors of children's blood lead level.Conclusions: K-means analysis confirmed that settled house dust lead loadings, age of housing, concentration of lead in door paint, and geometric mean of interior lead paint samples were the most important predictors of lead in children's blood. However, assessed property tax also emerged as a new predictor. A sampling strategy that examines these variables can provide lead poisoning prevention professionals with an efficient and cost-effective means of identifying priority homes for lead remediation. The ability to preemptively target remediation efforts can help health, housing, and other agencies to remove lead hazards before children develop irreversible health effects and incur costs associated with lead in their blood.
PubDate: Thu, 27 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Evaluation of Health Promotion Program at the Community Level in Mexico:
Is the Program Efficient and Effective'-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Alcalde-Rabanal; Jacqueline E.; Flores-Loera, Yuliana; Chivardi, Carlos; Ruelas-González, Ma. Guadalupe; Macías, Nayeli; González-Robledo, María Cecilia
Abstract:
Context: Health promotion programs have been encouraged in the Americas since 1990. In Mexico, health program promotion at the community level was implemented by the Ministry of Health in 2001 to encourage community health status improvement. Despite the longtime of its implementation, evaluations of its efficiency and effectiveness are scarce.Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of the Healthy Environments and Communities Program (HECP) through 2 means: (1) efficiency of the implementation and (2) technical efficiency, as well as to evaluate its effectiveness.Setting: Target communities of the HECP of 32 Mexican states during 2013-2017. The HECP developed community interventions to improve community organization, health behaviors, and family and communitarian sanitation.Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate the efficiency of HECP implementation and estimated the inclusion of target communities (focalization index), the retention of communities (continuity index), and the desertion of communities in the program (desertion index). To evaluate the adequate use of the program resources (technical efficiency), we used data-enveloped analysis and the Tobit regression model to identify external factors that can influence results. Finally, to evaluate the program's effectiveness, we estimated the index of the communities that improved their health indicators and were certified as healthy (community certification).Results: The median rate of focalization was 3.44 (1.31-85.13); the continuity of communities' rate was 0.50 (0.16-2.67). Regarding technical efficiency to reach healthy communities, only 2 states reached the optimal efficiency (score 1); where the efficiency was adjusted for external factors, 6 states reached a score of 1. The median of global effectiveness was 0.19 (0.01-0.78). We found differences in efficiency and effectiveness scores among states.Conclusion: We found lower efficiency of the implementation and technical efficiency, as well as poor effectiveness of the program to reach healthy communities. To achieve HECP purpose, it is necessary to revise its guidelines, improve its strategies to work in communities, and establish the right mechanisms to monitor its implementation. It is essential to focus on the resources used to enhance technical efficiency and effectiveness at the community level.
PubDate: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Influenza Vaccination and Predictors of
Influenza Vaccination in Japan: A Cross-sectional Study-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Shojima; Kensaku; Kobayashi, Taiichiro; Tabuchi, Takahiro
Abstract:
Objective: With the current global pandemic of COVID-19, there is concern that an influenza outbreak could exacerbate the health care burden. Improving the influenza vaccination rate is becoming more critical because controlling the spread of influenza is essential for reducing excess mortality. Therefore, we investigated whether the influenza vaccination rate changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and identified the factors associated with influenza vaccination uptake.Design: This cross-sectional study used data from an Internet survey with adjustments to approximate a nationally representative estimate using inverse probability weighting.Setting: A total of 23 142 respondents, aged 15 to 80 years, were evaluated to estimate weighted percentages and prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals of influenza vaccination in the period 2020-2021.Results: Overall, in the period 2020-2021, the influenza vaccination rate rose from 38.1% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 44.6%. “Using traditional media” was a positive predictor of influenza vaccination uptake. “Using social media,” “COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy,” and “living in a prefecture with a high proportion of COVID-19 cases” were negative predictors.Conclusions: It is crucial to use predictors of influenza vaccination, such as how to use the media, for promoting a more widespread influenza vaccination uptake. The results of this study may be helpful in improving influenza vaccination rates, which could reduce the burden on health care services during outbreaks of influenza and COVID-19.
PubDate: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Protecting First Responders While Maintaining Personal Privacy During the
COVID-19 Pandemic: One County's Approach-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Fifolt; Matthew; McMahon, Sean; Hoff, Christopher; Smith, Lisa; Ayala, Karen
Abstract:
In this case study, the authors discuss a special situation infectious disease alert process for first responders. Issues explored include the development of this infectious disease alert process and legal issues that the DuPage County Health Department addressed to share protected health information between public health and public safety. The authors illustrate the important relationship between a local health department and its legal counsel as they balanced the needs of different stakeholder groups and identified a solution that satisfied both without infringing on individual privacy. The case study closes with a discussion regarding the value of multisector collaborations and opportunities to improve information sharing between sectors.
PubDate: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Using an Exposure Call Center to Help Mitigate Outbreaks, Such as
COVID-19, on a University Campus-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Hayden; Meredith E.; Burns, Leann; Farquhar, Sola; Tanabe, Kawai O.; Bernheim, Ruth G.; Holstege, Christopher P.
Abstract:
Rapid identification and management of close contacts is an important component of an effective university mitigation strategy for highly contagious infectious diseases such as measles and coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Institutions of higher education must plan for an associated large influx of calls that can overwhelm standard student health and local public health operations. In fall 2020, a large state public university's Department of Student Health and Wellness created a dedicated exposure call center (ECC), in close collaboration with the local public health department, to quickly assess students who learned of a COVID-19 exposure outside of the formal contact tracing process. The ECC operated 7 days a week and fielded 3361 calls: 3187 from students and 174 from staff, faculty, and parents. The ECC provided rapid assessment and guidance for students with COVID-19 exposure, allowing for prompt quarantine and medical assessment when warranted. Call centers can increase the bandwidth of university health centers and also reduce the burden on health care providers and other public health resources during periods of crisis or high demand.
PubDate: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Child Maltreatment: A Comparison of Wisconsin Children Identified in
Health Care and Child Protective Services (CPS) Records, 2018-2019-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Imm; Pamela; Pac, Jessica
Abstract:
Context: Child Protective Services (CPS) reports and health records (hospital inpatient and emergency department visits) are the primary data sources to measure child maltreatment; yet, they are not linked at the state or national level. Linking provides novel insight into the demographic characteristics of the populations served by one or both agencies, thus informing opportunities for prevention and intervention.Objective: This study compares children identified as maltreated in health records (based on International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-10-CM] codes indicating suspected or confirmed child maltreatment) and/or CPS reports.Design: Three mutually exclusive comparison groups were created: group 1- children with a nonfatal hospitalization and/or emergency department visit with a maltreatment ICD-10-CM code and an investigated CPS report; group 2- children with a maltreatment ICD-10-CM code in a health record without an investigated CPS report; and group 3- children with an investigated CPS report without a health record with a maltreatment ICD-10-CM code. Descriptive statistics and tests for statistically significant differences were conducted.Setting and Participants: Wisconsin children with maltreatment ICD-10-CM code in health record and/or CPS-investigated report from 2018 to 2019.Main Outcome Measure: Demographic and maltreatment type differences between groups.Results: Group 1 children were significantly younger than those in other groups (P
PubDate: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- The Barriers to Bowel Cancer Screening Scale: Examining Structural
Validity, Measurement Invariance, and Criterion Validity-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Myers; Larry; Goodwin, Belinda; Viljoen, Bianca; Roe, Corina Galicher; Ireland, Michael J.
Abstract:
Objective: The success of national cancer screening programs, such as the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) in Australia, depends on public participation, which is currently an alarming 43.5% for the NBCSP. Understanding the barriers that impede screening participation requires valid measurement instruments. This study aims to cross-validate such an instrument with a new, large, and varied sample, as well as assess measurement invariance across subsamples at a greatest risk of nonparticipation (ie, testing whether the scale functions in similar ways across groups).Design, Setting, and Participants: A cross-sectional sample of 1158 participants from the target screening population (50-74 years) provided demographic information, responses to the Barriers to Home Bowel Screening (BB-CanS) scale, and information on their previous screening participation.Results: Both the full and the brief versions of the BB-CanS scale showed good model fit for the full sample and for gender and age subsamples. Despite the inter-factor correlations being high, the unidimensional and bi-factor models exhibited poorer fit. Improvement in fit was observed with scale refinement involving the removal of 7 items. All versions of the BB-CanS scale were invariant across gender and age subsamples. Age and gender differences emerged across several barriers and variance in all 4 barriers significantly predicted prior screening participation.Conclusion: The BB-CanS scale is a valid measure of 4 highly correlated barriers to home bowel cancer screening: disgust relating to screening, avoidance of test outcomes, practical difficulty (or challenges), and the need for a sense of greater autonomy. All versions of the instrument measure the equivalent construct across age and gender groups. Observed differences in barriers across at-risk groups provide targets for future intervention.
PubDate: Fri, 21 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Examining the Comprehensiveness of Amended Flavored Tobacco Product Sales
Restrictions-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Donovan; Emily M.; Azadi, Mona; Akbar, Maham; Schillo, Barbara A.
Abstract:
Context: Flavored tobacco products contribute significantly to youth tobacco initiation and tobacco use disparities. In the last decade, 362 jurisdictions have enacted policies restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products; however, many policies are not fully comprehensive due to menthol and adult-only retailer exemptions. Although several of these restrictions have been amended since their original passage, to date, little is known about how amendments have affected policy comprehensiveness.Objective: To describe how amendments to flavored tobacco product sales restrictions affect policy comprehensiveness.Design: We identified flavored tobacco product sales restrictions that had been amended at least once using an internal database of US state and local flavored tobacco product sales restrictions. To characterize policy comprehensiveness, we applied a 6-level flavored tobacco policy classification scheme—level 6 being most comprehensive—to amended restrictions. We conducted a descriptive analysis of each initial policy and its most recent amendment to identify changes in retailer, product, and flavor inclusions, as well as overall comprehensiveness.Main Outcome Measure(s): Comprehensiveness of amended flavored tobacco product sales restrictions.Results: As of March 31, 2022, no states and 50 localities had amended their flavored tobacco product sales restriction. Amendments largely increased policy comprehensiveness; most laws prior to amendment were categorized as level 1 (n = 28, 56.0%), while after amendment, the plurality were categorized as level 6 (n = 25, 50.0%). Most commonly, amendments removed menthol exemptions (n ≥ 30, 60.0%) and adult-only retailer exemptions (n = 12, 24.0%).Conclusions: Several local flavored tobacco product sales restrictions have been amended. Nearly all amendments increased policy comprehensiveness, primarily by removing exemptions for menthol products and exemptions for adult-only retailers. While policy advocates remain focused on passing comprehensive policies at initial passage, amendments have served as a tool to strengthen existing sales restrictions. This study along with ongoing flavored tobacco product sales restriction surveillance can inform policy advocacy and evaluation efforts.
PubDate: Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Diabetes Self-management Education and Support Completion Before and
During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From Local Health Departments in
North Carolina-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Luo; Huabin; Cummings, Doyle M.; Xu, Lei; Watson, Angie; Payton, Corissa
Abstract:
Objective: To assess diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) completion rate and explore the differences in DSMES completion by different delivery models.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 2017-2021 DSMES data at 2 local health departments (LHDs) in Eastern North Carolina. We evaluated DSMES completion by 2 delivery models.Results: From 2017 to 2021, the overall DSMES completion rate was 15.3%. The delivery model of two 4-hour sessions was associated with a higher completion rate than the delivery model of four 2-hour sessions (P < .05). Patients with less than a high school education and without health insurance were less likely to have completed their DSMES training (P < .05).Conclusion: The DSMES completion rate at LHDs in North Carolina is very low. A delivery model consisting of 10 hours of education delivered in fewer sessions may contribute to a higher DSMES completion rate, but more research is needed. Targeted programs are needed to engage patients and improve DSMES completion.
PubDate: Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Increases in IUD Provision at Alabama Department of Public Health Clinics
From 2016 to 2019-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Smith; Michael G.; Beatty, Kate E.; Khoury, Amal J.; Gilliam, Lynda; de Jong, Jordan
Abstract:
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) began allocating Title X funding to intrauterine device (IUD) provision at family planning clinics in 2019, instated more training opportunities, and expanded nurse practitioner scope of practice to include IUD placements. We assessed IUD provision and protocols at ADPH Title X clinics in 2016 and 2019 before and after ADPH policy changes. Generalized binomial regression models assessed differences between years. The proportion of ADPH clinics reporting offering any IUD on-site increased by 61.6 percentage points (P < .001), stockpiling IUDs on-site increased by 85.9 percentage points (P < .001), IUD placement/removal training increased by 71.4 percentage points (P < .001), and same-visit IUD placement trainings increased by 64.1 percentage points (P < .001). Advanced practice nurses were significantly more likely to place IUDs in 2019 compared with 2016 (P < .001). These findings highlight the positive impact of policy changes related to Title X funding allocation and scope of practice on provision of a full range of contraceptive methods. These changes in policies and practices at the state and local levels within ADPH have expanded the availability of the full range of contraceptive options across the state of Alabama. This expanded access to contraceptive options is especially important given the rapid changes in reproductive health policies occurring in Alabama and across the United States.
PubDate: Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Leveraging Community Resources and Local Expertise to Build a Safe
Learning Environment for K-12 Students During COVID-19: A Field Experience
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Masterson; Evelyn; Chung, Sarita; Shen, Renata; Singh, Bindiya; Savoia, Elena; Rajabiun, Serena
Abstract:
Objective: To share the experiences of stakeholders in a school district's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially related to supporting the district in the reopening process and sharing key decision points, challenges, facilitators, and overall lessons learned that may be applied to future emergencies.Design: A descriptive study of participants' experience that included (1) a content analysis of policy documents and recommendations that were developed and published by key stakeholders and (2) interviews with stakeholders in the school system that were coded to identify patterns and themes.Setting: Remote interviews conducted over Zoom. Participants live or work in Brookline, Massachusetts.Participants: Fifteen qualitative interviews were conducted with school committee members, principals, members of school leadership, school nurses, school staff, parents, advisory panel members, and physicians collaborating with the school district.Main Outcome Measures: Whether patterns and themes related to challenges, solutions, and recommendations for future management of public health emergencies in the district could be identified.Results: Challenges experienced during a school district's response included staffing burdens, changing scopes of services, the difficulty of successfully enforcing social distancing, addressing staff and family fears, meeting informational needs, and limited resources. Multiple interviewees shared that they felt there should have been a greater emphasis on mental health in the district's response. Successes of the response included the creation and implementation of a consistent communications system, recruiting volunteers and mobilizing the community to address critical needs, and effective technology expansion and usage in schools.Conclusions: Leadership and community collaboration were essential to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to strategies used to enhance coordination and communication and relay information across the community.
PubDate: Thu, 30 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Policy Opportunities and Legal Considerations to Reform SNAP-Authorized
Food Retail Environments-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Pomeranz; Jennifer L.
Abstract:
Context: There is an invigorated national interest in nutrition security, with emphasis on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) playing a key role.Objective: To support healthy food purchasing, several strategies have emerged to modify the food retail environment. However, the legal feasibility of several such policy options has not been established.Design: Research was conducted using Lexis+ to evaluate statutes, regulations, and case law to determine the legal feasibility of requiring retail-based SNAP signage and nutrition disclosures, healthy endcaps and checkout aisles, and tying advertising restrictions to the licensing of SNAP retailers.Setting: US in-store and online food retail retailers.Main Outcome Measure: Legal feasibility.Results: Requiring retailers that designate certain foods or locations as SNAP-eligible to consistently do so in all SNAP-eligible pages/locations is likely feasible. If properly drafted to focus on the nutritional quality of food, healthy checkout and endcap restrictions are legally feasible. It is of unclear legal feasibility to require retailers (especially in-store) to disclose nutrition-related labeling, shelf tags, or nonfactual symbols indicating the relative healthfulness of products. Restricting or banning advertising is not legally feasible even if the government ties the restrictions to retail licensing requirements.Conclusions: Entities seeking to support healthy food retail should not seek to restrict advertising or compel retailers to convey messages against their interests. The government can license retailers and require them to abide by laws and other requirements that do not violate their constitutional rights. The government can also use its own speech through public service announcements, billboards, and transit advertising to encourage healthy food consumption for all shoppers including those who use SNAP. Additional research is warranted into online retail practices to evaluate variations in online checkout pages and to determine whether online retailers treat SNAP participants differently from non-SNAP participants.
PubDate: Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Characterizing the Role of International Graduates of the Epidemic
Intelligence Service in Increasing the Epidemiological Capacity and
Diversity of the United States Public Health Workforce-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Temate-Tiagueu; Yvette; Winquist, Andrea; Davis, Meagan; Dietz, Stephanie; Robinson, Byron; Pevzner, Eric; Arvelo, Wences
Abstract:
Context: A trained and diverse public health workforce is needed to respond to public health threats. The Epidemic Intelligence Service (EIS) is an applied epidemiology training program. Most EIS officers are from the United States, but some are from other countries and bring unique perspectives and skills.Objectives/Evaluation: To characterize international officers who participated in the EIS program and describe their employment settings after training completion.Design: International officers were people who participated in EIS and who were not US citizens or permanent residents. We analyzed data from EIS's application database during 2009-2017 to describe officers' characteristics. We used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) workforce database for civil servants and EIS exit surveys to describe jobs taken after program completion.Main Outcome Measures: We described the characteristics of the international officers, jobs taken immediately after program completion, and duration of employment at CDC.Results: Among 715 officers accepted in EIS classes of 2009-2017, 85 (12%) were international applicants, with citizenships from 40 different countries. Forty (47%) had 1 or more US postgraduate degrees, and 65 (76%) were physicians. Of 78 (92%) international officers with available employment data, 65 (83%) reported taking a job at CDC after program completion. The remaining took a public health job with an international entity (6%), academia (5%), or other jobs (5%). Among 65 international officers who remained working at CDC after graduation, the median employment duration was 5.2 years, including their 2 years in EIS.Conclusions: Most international EIS graduates remain at CDC after program completion, which strengthens the diversity and capacity of CDC's epidemiological workforce. Further evaluations are needed to determine the effects of pulling away crucial talent from other countries needing experienced epidemiologists and to what extent retaining those persons can benefit public health globally.
PubDate: Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Preparing for the Next Pandemic or Public Health Crisis
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: Dobbs; Thomas; Heyer, Kate; Lee, Grace
Abstract: No abstract available
PubDate: Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
- Sentiment Analysis of Tweets on Soda Taxes
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Authors: An; Ruopeng; Yang, Yuyi; Batcheller, Quinlan; Zhou, Qianzi
Abstract: Context: As a primary source of added sugars, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption may contribute to the obesity epidemic. A soda tax is an excise tax charged on selling SSBs to reduce consumption. Currently, 8 cities/counties in the United States have imposed soda taxes.Objective: This study assessed people's sentiments toward soda taxes in the United States based on social media posts on Twitter.Design: We designed a search algorithm to systematically identify and collect soda tax–related tweets posted on Twitter. We built deep neural network models to classify tweets by sentiments.Setting: Computer modeling.Participants: Approximately 370 000 soda tax–related tweets posted on Twitter from January 1, 2015, to April 16, 2022.Main Outcome Measure: Sentiment associated with a tweet.Results: Public attention paid to soda taxes, indicated by the number of tweets posted annually, peaked in 2016, but has declined considerably ever since. The decreasing prevalence of tweets quoting soda tax–related news without revealing sentiments coincided with the rapid increase in tweets expressing a neutral sentiment toward soda taxes. The prevalence of tweets expressing a negative sentiment rose steadily from 2015 to 2019 and then slightly leveled off, whereas that of tweets expressing a positive sentiment remained unchanged. Excluding news-quoting tweets, tweets with neutral, negative, and positive sentiments occupied roughly 56%, 29%, and 15%, respectively, during 2015-2022. The authors' total number of tweets posted, followers, and retweets predicted tweet sentiment. The finalized neural network model achieved an accuracy of 88% and an F1 score of 0.87 in predicting tweet sentiments in the test set.Conclusions: Despite its potential to shape public opinion and catalyze social changes, social media remains an underutilized source of information to inform government decision making. Social media sentiment analysis may inform the design, implementation, and modification of soda tax policies to gain social support while minimizing confusion and misinterpretation.
PubDate: Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT-
-
