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Building Advocacy In The Younger Generation Through The Adopt A School Program Of The University Of South Florida College Of Public Health Activist Lab-A Commentary, Karen Liller, Madison Sanders, Erin Millsapps, Truc Ho, Kanika Chandra, Rolando Trejos

Florida Public Health Review

No abstract required as this is a commentary.

The Hiv/Aids Epidemic In Miami: Perspectives Of Stakeholders And Frontline Providers, Tracy Pugh, Carrigan L. Parish, Pedro C. Castellon, Allan Rodriguez, Michael A. Kolber, Lisa R. Metsch

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Miami, Florida persists as an epicenter of HIV/AIDS nationally and has been more delayed than other areas with high HIV burden in implementing public health measures that mitigate transmission risk. These issues among other social and structural-level determinants have complicated progress in addressing HIV/AIDS in Miami.

Purpose: The stagnated progress in improving HIV outcomes in Miami necessitated a more comprehensive understanding of the experiences and insights of stakeholders within the system. We used a stakeholder analysis approach to understand the complexity of driving factors and key challenges facing this HIV epidemic.

Methods: A stakeholder analysis was conducted …

Trends In The Utilization Of Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery (Mbs) Procedures By Race And Ethnicity In Florida (2006-2017), Siyao Liu, Sarah E. Messiah, Denise C. Vidot, Preesha Malladi, Wayway M. Hlaing

Florida Public Health Review

Abstract

Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an increasingly common treatment option for individuals with severe obesity, but utilization disparities remain with race and ethnic minority groups completing the procedure less frequently than non-Hispanic Whites. We examined the trends in MBS procedure types and prevalence of utilization by race and ethnicity among Florida inpatients.

Discharge records with any MBS using the International Classification of Diseases 9th or 10th edition Procedure Coding System (ICD-PCS), were extracted from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) inpatients’ data (2006 to 2017). Those who completed either Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy …

Oral Dosages Of The Nsaid Aspirin Decreased The Growth Rate Of Species Found In The Human Gut Microbiome Including Akkermansia Muciniphila, Bacteroides Fragilis, Clostridium Sordellii, And Clostridium Difficile, Wyatt H. Greenbaum, Garrett J. Greenbaum, Anna Spiezio

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Over past few decades, new insight has been revealed in the scientific community about the importance of the human gut microbiome relating to general health. It is known that imbalances in the species that reside in the human gut can cause organism-wide problems in humans. When prescribing or injecting oral medications, the thought of the downstream effects on the gut microbiome are not always considered. By exposing known healthy members of the gut; Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium sordellii, and Clostridium difficile to the Aspirin, this study attempted to provide insight into the effects of the drug on bacterial growth. …

Association Between Lgb Status And Levels Of Mental Distress, Florida Brfss 2017-2019, Tammie M. Johnson, Torhonda Lee

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Poor mental health is a significant determinant of health in the US and is associated with several adverse health outcomes. Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) measures help assess the mental distress burden on individuals and populations. This study examines mental distress health disparities at and above the frequent mental distress threshold among Florida adults who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB).

Methods: We used data from the 2017-2019 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). A total of 39,876 adults aged 18 years and older were included in the analyses. The key dependent variables used for the study …

Workplace Traumatic Stress And Mental Health Sequelae Among Public Safety Telecommunications Officers In Florida, Kellie O'Dare, Tammie M. Johnson, Erin A. King, Joseph Herzog, Dana R. Dillard, Kimberley Powell, Arthur R. Kirby, Leah Atwell

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Public safety telecommunications officers (PSTCOs), aka emergency “dispatchers,” are exposed to workplace traumatic stress and can experience situations characterized by uncertainty, communication difficulties, and a lack of resources. Traumatic stress experienced by emergency dispatchers has led to mental health symptoms. Purpose: This paper aims to describe the results of a study examining the patterns of workplace traumatic stress and the relationship between workplace traumatic stress and mental health concerns among a sample of PSTCOs. Methods: PSTCOs (n=54) participated in a cross-sectional, anonymous survey including screeners for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal thoughts, and harmful alcohol use. …

Assessing The Effects Of Health Insurance Status On Compliance With Diabetes Care, Sara L. Colosimo, Leann N. Petschonek, Uvina S. Allen, Dominique L. Rogers, Sericea Stallings-Smith

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people in the United States. Compliance with treatment plans is important for preventing life-threatening complications of the disease. However, many diabetics forgo recommended testing and other management standards due to lack of health insurance.

Purpose: This study aims to assess the effect of health insurance status on compliance with diabetes care.

Methods: This study was a secondary analysis using 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. For participants who reported having diabetes, compliance with care was assessed based on insurance status. Compliance indicators included hemoglobin A1C check by …

Low English Proficiency In The United States Associated With Reduced Healthcare Access Under The Affordable Care Act, Benjamin L. Siegel, Jessica M. Waddell

Florida Public Health Review

Background:

From 2014-2018, the US Census Bureau reported that 8.3 percent of Americans had limited English proficiency (LEP), defined as speaking English less than very well. Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) ensures meaningful access to care for individuals with LEP.

Purpose:

This research aims to identify the current relationship between LEP and healthcare access.

Methods:

Data used in this study were obtained from electronic files from the 2019 Full Year Consolidated File of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, or MEPS. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between insurance coverage and whether an individual speaks …

School Bullying And Health Risk Behavior Outcomes Among Adolescents In Florida, Amanda Raymond, Stephanie Grant, Rima Tawk

Florida Public Health Review

Background: School bullying is a major social and public health threat as it presents a variety of developmental and psychological adolescent hazards that stretch into adulthood problems. Bullying victimization has been linked with a plethora of adverse health risk behavior outcomes.

Purpose: To examine the association between bullying (in-person and electronic) and health risk behaviors related to school violence, mental and sexual health risks, substance abuse, and weight control practices.

Methods: Data were drawn from the Florida Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). A 4-level variable was generated using the in-person and electronic bullying questions resulting in four mutually …

The Development Of A New Scale To Measure Food Insecurity Among Older Adults Using The International Classification Of Functioning, Disability, And Health (Icf) Framework, Carol N. Freiria, Leslie Van Horn, James Epps, Jenifer M. Ross, Lauri Wright

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Older adults face different barriers to accessing adequate food, and none of the current food security scales address the unique issues that aging could present to food security among this population.

Purpose: This study aims to understand the components of nutrition functioning in relation to food insecurity among older adults to develop a food insecurity screening tool specific to the older adult population.

Methods: Cross-sectional qualitative study with semi-structured interviews. The interviews occurred via Google Voice and were simultaneously recorded using Zoom. Two researchers coded transcriptions from interview audio recordings separately, and thematic analysis based on the International Classification …

Walking The Talk: A Qualitative Exploration Of Gatekeeping Staff Perceptions Surrounding Implementation Of Nutrition Policy In Florida Food Banks, Rachel Lynn Mccandless

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Food insecurity is an independent risk factor for adverse health outcomes; providing nutrient-dense food through the emergency food system to individuals who regularly seek assistance can impact population-level health disparities. This research explored the extrinsic and intrinsic barriers and facilitators surrounding formal nutrition policy implementation as seen by the logistical gatekeepers in a sample of Feeding Florida food banks. A secondary aim of this research was to explore the change readiness of these same logistical decision-makers in nutrition policy implementation. Research Questions included the following: What are the critical gatekeeping staff perceptions of the barriers and facilitators to implementing formal …

Exploring Medical Marijuana Knowledge And Perceptions Among A Community-Based Sample, Lan'tejuana S. Cooper, Jullet Davis Weaver, Vanessa Crowther, Marisa Lewis

Florida Public Health Review

Exploring Medical Marijuana Knowledge and Perceptions among a Community-Based Sample

Abstract

Background: The increasing number of states legalizing marijuana suggests that a growing majority of adults now see marijuana as offering more benefits than risks. As use increases, the need to better understand user characteristics and the nature of their beliefs also increases. Purpose: This exploratory study investigates the knowledge and perceptions of medical marijuana among community-based individuals. We theorize that demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, social network, health status, and knowledge about marijuana are associated with the number of conditions the person believes marijuana treats. Methods: The study utilizes a …

Risk Factors For Emergency Medical Care Or Hospitalization Due To Heat-Related Illness Or Injury: A Systematic Review, Blair Litwiller, Amber N. Barnes

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Temperatures globally have been predicted to increase due to changes in the climate. As the earth gets warmer, it is expected that heat-related illness will also increase worldwide. An effective and appropriate public health response will be critical. Purpose: The aim of this review was to identify risk factors associated with heat-related illness and injury to provide target areas for future interventions. Methods: A review of existing literature was analyzed for risk factors that may increase the likelihood of being admitted to an emergency department for a heat related illness or injury. Results: Of the …

Community Approaches To Veterans And Active-Duty Service Member Suicide Prevention Through Public Health Outreach: A Commentary, Joe Bohn, Tommy Childers, Christopher Baglivo

Florida Public Health Review

We discuss insights on a West Central Florida community-based Veterans suicide prevention effort- a series of Veterans coffee socials. Noted as a public health crisis which has been well documented, the article provides an overview of the importance of public health approaches and academic public health engagement at a local level to addressing suicide prevention at community levels. An active-duty service member’s perspective is provided that points to common pain points that that extend to the Veterans community with reintegration challenges. A community-based participatory research methodology has been applied which stressed the importance of community partners (e.g., public, private and …

Programmatic Impacts Of Utilizing Various Staffing Options For Covid-19 Contact Tracers: Recommendations And Lessons Learned, Michael Wiese, Alison Oberne, Laura Rusnak, Patrick Rodriguez, Matawal Makut

Florida Public Health Review

Background: The rapidly expanding COVID-19 pandemic created an immediate demand for the Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) Epidemiology Program to supplement its contact tracing workforce; and, because of the long duration of the response, a sustained workforce was needed. The DOH-Hillsborough Epidemiology Program’s COVID-19 response, broadly referred to as “contact tracing”, included case investigations, outbreaks, and identification and notifications to exposed individuals. To meet contact tracing staffing needs, several staffing options were utilized, including Core Epidemiology Staff, Reassigned DOH-Hillsborough staff (Reassigned Staff), Contracted staffing agency hires (Contract Staff), State of Florida hires (State Level Hires), County hires (DOH-Hillsborough …

Disparities In Covid-19 Case Counts And Incidence In Florida By Race And Ethnicity At The County And State Level, Elizabeth Weaver

Florida Public Health Review

Background: In 2020, as COVID-19 spread across the United States, reports of disparities in COVID-19 incidence and mortality by race and ethnicity soon followed. This study assessed COVID-19 case counts and incidence by race and ethnicity at county and state levels focusing on Florida.

Methods: Counts of COVID-19 were collected from June through December 2020. Chi square analyses assessed disparities in case distribution and linear regressions assessed disparities in incidence and potential interaction between predictors.

Results: Race and ethnicity were significant predictors of COVID-19 incidence. Mean incidence was 4.9, 6.6, and 14.3 per 1,000 people among White, Black, and Other …

Occupational Health And Safety Trainees Reflect On Their Education And Future Careers During Covid-19., Jennifer Marshall Phd, Mph, Cph, Vidya Chandran Mba, Mph, Cph, Bds, Davies Toluhi Mbchb, Mph, Cph, Karen D. Liller Phd, Mph, Cph, Saloni Mehra Mph, Cph, Candace Burns Phd, Ms, Aprn, Faaohn

Florida Public Health Review

Background: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) funded Education and Research Centers (ERCs), located at 18 universities, with the mission to train occupational safety and health (OSH) leaders. The Florida Sunshine ERC has trained hundreds of students since its inception in 1997 through seven programs that collaboratively foster interdisciplinary education and applied research and practice. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented practical challenges for educators, students, and trainees, forcing institutions to move to remote learning. The pandemic also magnifies the importance of public health and OSH.

Purpose: This evaluation elicited feedback from ERC trainees early in the …

Exploring The Association Of Physician Characteristics To Patient Requests For Genetic Testing, Vanessa B. Crowther, Sandra G. Suther, Jullet Davis Weaver, Clement K. Gwede, Matthew T. Dutton, Dongming Cui, Ivette A. López

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Cancer genomic testing improves health outcomes for individuals at risk, drives cost-efficiency, and facilitates healthcare equity; however, little is known about how physician demographic and practice characteristics influence patient requests for genetic testing. Purpose: To explore whether (and to what extent) physician demographic and practice characteristics are associated with patient requests for cancer genetic testing. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design survey was distributed to 1240 primary care physicians registered with the state health department who had active licenses and main practices in Florida. Primary care physicians were defined as those who practice family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics, and gynecology. …

Covid-19 Vaccination: Public Health Lessons From A Large Indoor Gathering, Nidhi Manikkoth, Kirthika Venkatesan, Subrahmanya Bhat, Madhavan V Pillai, Nisha Nigil Haroon

Florida Public Health Review

COVID-19 transmission rates among vaccinated persons attending large gatherings have not been reported widely. This research was intended to track the potential incidence of COVID-19 among physicians and their families who attended a large in-person gathering in Atlanta in August 2021. After the successful conclusion of a large-scale indoor gathering, we encouraged all attendees to self-report the incidence of COVID-19 illness. In addition, an online questionnaire was disseminated to collect basic information about age, gender, place of residence, vaccination status including the number of doses, type, and date of each dose as well as behavioral and convention factors that would …

A Comparison Of Diet And Physical Activity Behaviors Of High School Students In Duval County And Nationally: 2019 Yrbs, Bethley Luctama, Sydney Bridges, Kaitlyn Kol, Jack Sparkman, Judith Rodriguez

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Establishing proper physical activity and dietary behaviors during adolescence is crucial because these habits will carry on with the individual into adulthood. Proper physical activity and nutrition reduce the risk of illness and ailments.

Purpose: Identifying physical activity and dietary behaviors of adolescents in Duval County, FL, and the U.S. nationally. This study examines the differences between the Duval County and national samples using gender and grade comparisons.

Methods: The study utilized data from the 2019 Youth Behavior Risk Survey for high school students. Analysis was conducted for eight questions encompassing both physical activity and dietary behaviors to examine …

Homelessness In Urban Communities In The Us: A Scoping Review Utilizing The Socio-Ecological Model, Rolando F. Trejos Saucedo, Carla Y. Salazar Marchan, Lauren Linkowski, Shannon Hall, Lynette Menezes, Karen Liller, Joe Bohn

Florida Public Health Review

Homelessness remains a core element of the current housing stability crisis in the United States, especially in urban communities. Disparities are an important part of the pathway to homelessness, but they alone are not enough to generate and perpetuate homelessness in the US. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze existing literature to provide an evidence-based framework to help inform homeless-related policies, programs, and interventions to improve the quality of life for homeless individuals. This scoping review aims to map the last five years' literature around homelessness in U.S. urban communities by utilizing the socioecological model to analyze system-based implicated factors. …

Sexual Hookups Via Dating Apps: A Qualitative Study Exploring The Experiences Of Black Men Who Have Sex With Men In Florida, Brandon A. Moton, Rima Tawk, Ivette A. López, John Malone, Salimah El- Amin Witherspoon, Sandra G. Suther

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Sexual hookups via social media dating apps have been understudied among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM). Purpose: The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the role of dating apps on hookup culture and to describe the sexual experiences among BMSM in Florida. Specifically, this research delves into various sexual hookup themes. Methods: Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with BMSM participants aged 18 to 25 in Florida who self-identified as frequent dating app users. A grounded theory approach was applied to thematically analyze the hookup encounters and the factors that drive these perceptions and experiences …

Analysis Of Step Therapy Reform On Floridians With Autoimmune Conditions, John M. Kirkley Iii, Eren Tatari

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Step therapy is a cost-saving measure employed by insurance companies to reduce rising drug costs; however, studies have indicated this policy has neutral or – in some cases – negative effects on patients. Specifically for indivdiuals with autoimmune diseases, the delay of proper treatment, increased risk of negative, irreversible side effects, and an underdeveloped preferred drug lists harm autoimmune patients because of the disconnect between the heterogeneity of autoimmune disease and the one-size-fits-all approach of step therapy. Objective: To determine the most effective policy for dealing with the harms of step therapy as they currently affect Floridians. Methods: Five …

The Potential Mediating Effects Of Social Support Network Size And Physical Activity On Cognitive Function And Mortality Risk, Madeline Zipperer

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Low cognitive function has been shown to be an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality. Social support network size and total physical activity volume (TPAV) are two modifiable factors which have been shown to be independently associated with cognitive function and mortality risk. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating effects of social support network size and TPAV on cognitive function and all-cause and CVD-related mortality risk in a large, nationally representative sample of U.S. adults.

METHODS: Study sample (N =2,550) included older adult (≥ 60 years of age) participants …

Health Care Capacity Surge Strategies, Jennifer L. Wenhold

Florida Public Health Review

While streamlining emergency powers might offer some advantages, recent events demonstrate how Florida’s Department of Health worked collaboratively to address the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As Florida began experiencing a need for increased health care capacity, Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) officials reviewed health care practitioners’ licensing and regulatory framework to identify mitigation strategies to boost staffing of front-line responders where needed. Florida officials responded quickly to the spread of COVID-19 and adopted health care workforce strategies that were grouped into three categories: (1) those involving licensed practitioners, (2) those involving soon-to-be licensed practitioners, and (3) those …

Provider Perception And Office Practices Of The Initial Prenatal Visit Pre – Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic, Arlin Delgado, Emma Hale, Jay Schulkin, Charles Macri, Kimberly Fryer

Florida Public Health Review

Background Prenatal Care is a critical aspect of women’s health and current literature shows adequate care significantly reduces risk of adverse outcomes. With scientific advancement, the initial prenatal visit is increasingly tasked with more objectives that leave providers with barriers to provide appropriate and adequate care.

Purpose The aim of this survey study was to determine clinical practices of the initial prenatal visit – regarding history taking, counseling, lab work and screening prior to the onset of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Methods A one-time anonymous provider survey was distributed electronically to all obstetrics providers in the Tampa Bay Region in Florida. Descriptive …

Testing Multi-Theory Model (Mtm) In Explaining Sunscreen Use Among Florida Residents: An Integrative Approach For Sun Protection, Manoj Sharma, Matthew Asare, Erin Largo-Wight, Julie Merten, Mike Binder, Ram Lakhan, Kavita Batra

UNF Faculty Research and Scholarship

Florida residents have the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the nation. Sunscreen usage was found to be the one of the most effective integrative health approaches for reducing risk of skin cancer. Given the limited information on the likelihood of adopting and continuing sunscreen usage behavior, this cross-sectional study aimed to examine the correlates of initiating and sustaining sunscreen usage behavior among Florida dwellers, using the fourth-generation, multi-theory model (MTM) of behavior change. A web-based survey containing 51 questions was emailed to Florida residents aged 18 years or above, who were randomly selected from the state voter file. …

Hope2 Addresses Hispanic Health Inequity In Northeast, Fl: A Call To Action To Local And State Officials. A Commentary., Catherine Saenz, Judith C. Rodriguez, Manisha Salinas, Richard O. White Iii

Florida Public Health Review

No abstract provided.

#Selfcare On Instagram: Proactive Mental Health Has Its Moment, Collin Mullis, Luke Nguyen, Calista Pappas

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

While widely used by clinicians, self-care has recently emerged as a trending topic in mainstream and social media. Informal health and support communities have formed on social media sites such as Instagram, which hosts more than one billion monthly users and ranks as the second most popular social networking application in the United States (U.S). This study investigates how the term self-care is portrayed on Instagram. In particular, the researchers were interested in whether or not current portrayals of self-care on Instagram aligned with the health themes previously established in the clinical definitions of self-care. Using the search term #selfcare, …

Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss Drinks: Portrayal On Pinterest, Sydney Chamberlain, Jana Mitchell, Davis Major, Lena Elemam, Cassandra Cleland

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Apple cider vinegar has shown great promise for weight loss in controlled lab settings, yet these claims are widely shared on social media and may not yield the same benefits. This study used directed content analysis to examine how apple cider vinegar weight loss drinks were portrayed on Pinterest, a social media website utilized to bookmark online content. Using the search terms “apple cider vinegar weight loss drinks,” researchers sampled every fifth pin to collect 200 relevant pins. A codebook was developed, pilot tested and used to code pins. Of the 200 pins, the majority of pins (66%) positively portrayed …