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It Cannot Happen, Never: A Qualitative Study Exploring Youth Views On Disclosure Of Hiv Diagnosis To Their Sexual Partners In Southern Malawi, Maggie Zgambo, Diana Arabiat, Deborah M. Ireson Dr

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

With the availability of antiretroviral therapy, more children living with HIV live longer than before and grow into young adulthood. This study examined the concerns of youth about disclosure of an HIV diagnosis to their sexual partners and attempted to gain an understanding of their HIV status disclosure experiences, views, and plans. A focused ethnography was undertaken. Using semi-structured interviews, data were collected from 20 youth between the ages of 15 and 24 years who were attending an HIV clinic. The findings highlight that youth generally struggled to disclose their HIV status to their sexual partners. The most frequent reasons …

Hiv Viral Suppression Among People Living With Hiv On Antiretroviral Therapy In Haut-Katanga And Kinshasa Provinces Of Democratic Republic Of Congo, Gulzar H. Shah, Lievain Maluantesa, Gina D. Etheredge, Kristie C. Waterfield, Osaremhen Ikhile, Roger Beni, Elodie Engetele, Astrid Mulenga

Department of Health Policy and Community Health Faculty Publications

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and less-than-optimal care of people living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to challenge public health and clinical care organizations in the communities that are most impacted by HIV. In the era of evidence-based public health, it is imperative to monitor viral load (VL) in PLHIV according to global and national guidelines and assess the factors associated with variation in VL levels. Purpose: This study had two objectives—(a) to describe the levels of HIV VL in persons on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and (b) to analyze the significance of variation in VL by patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics, …

Factors Associated With Mammographic Breast Density Among Women In Karachi Pakistan, Uzma Shamsi, Shaista Afzal Saeed, Azra Shamsi, Syed Iqbal Azam, David Callen

Community Health Sciences

Background: There are no studies done to evaluate the distribution of mammographic breast density and factors associated with it among Pakistani women.
Methods: Participants included 477 women, who had received either diagnostic or screening mammography at two hospitals in Karachi Pakistan. Mammographic breast density was assessed using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. In person interviews were conducted using a detailed questionnaire, to assess risk factors of interest, and venous blood was collected to measure serum vitamin D level at the end of the interview. To determine the association of potential factors with mammographic breast density, multivariable polytomous logistic …

Social Media Usage And Transitioning Into Online Classes During Covid-19- A Survey Of Undergraduate Students In Georgia, United States, Sylvia Ofori, Janet Choongo, Mario Kekop, Gulzar H. Shah, Haresh Rochani, Joseph Telfair

Department of Health Policy and Community Health Faculty Publications

Previous studies on the use of social media (SM) during the COVID-19 pandemic have focused on the use in sustaining academic communication. This study aimed to assess the association between SM and the ease of transitioning to online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic using survey data from 872 undergraduate students. The findings showed that Snapchat and Instagram were the most preferred social media sites among participants. Compared to students who use SM for <2 hours a day, use for > 5 hours (AOR= 2.44; 95% CI, 1.13 – 5.25) or 3 to 5 hours a day (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI 1.06-3.81) increased the odds of easily …

Primary Care Practices In Western North Carolina: Adaptation To The Covid-19 Pandemic And Ongoing Challenges, Hannah R. Friedman, Joseph Konstanzer, Erica Richman, Brian Cass, Bryan Hodge, Sheri Denslow, Jacqueline Halladay

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for primary care practices while also highlighting their importance in the pandemic response. To understand primary care practice needs, a survey was conducted of practices in Western North Carolina.

Methods

Phase 2 of a primary care needs assessment was administered to 63 practices in Western North Carolina over the course of six weeks, from July 23 to August 31, 2021.

Results

Most practices were operating with normal hours, though some still operated with reduced hours. Many practices reported insufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. While most practices provided at least some care …

An Assessment Of The Diagnostic Value In Syncope Workup: A Retrospective Study, Ashan T. Hatharasinghe, Kayvon Etebar, Ryan Wolsky, Hossein Akhondi, Napatkamon Ayutyanont

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Patients with syncope often undergo costly testing, despite current guidelines and data supporting the contrary.

Objective

To determine the diagnostic value through positivity rate of electrocardiogram (EKG), computed tomography (CT) of the brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, transthoracic echocardiogram, nuclear and pharmacologic cardiac stress test, tilt table test and carotid ultrasound in patients diagnosed with syncope.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 10,036 adults presenting to the emergency department or hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of syncope at 8 acute care facilities in the southwest United States from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. …

Pharmacy-Led Medication Reconciliation Program Reduces Adverse Drug Events And Improves Satisfaction In A Community Hospital, L. Hayley Burgess, Joan Kramer, Carley Castelein, Joseph M. Parra, Victoria Timmons, Samantha Pickens, Sarah Fraker, Christopher Cameron Skinner

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Background

Pharmacy-led medication reconciliation identifies and corrects medication errors that can potentially cause moderate to severe harm. This research sought to identify the impact of pharmacy-led medication reconciliation on patient outcomes and describe the changes in healthcare workers’ perceptions of the program.

Methods

A pharmacy-led admission medication reconciliation program pilot started in July 2019, and a discharge medication reconciliation proof of concept was tested in September 2020 at a 432-bed hospital. The following periods were compared: August 2018 to February 2019 (pre-program implementation) and August 2019 to February 2020 (post-program implementation). Endpoints included patient outcomes, workforce productivity and interdisciplinary healthcare …

Nutritional Status Of Children Living Within Institution-Based Care: A Retrospective Analysis With Funnel Plots And Control Charts For Programme Monitoring, Emily Delacey, Evan Hilberg, Elizabeth Allen, Michael Quiring, Cally J. Tann, Nora Ellen Groce, James Vilus, Ethan A. Bergman, Merzel Demasu-Ay, Hang T. Dam, Marko Kerac

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of Education and Professional Studies

Objectives The aim of this study is to fill a key information gap on the nutrition-related epidemiology of orphaned and vulnerable children living within institution-based care (IBC) across six countries.

Design A retrospective analysis with Shewhart control charts and funnel plots to explore intersite and over time variations in nutritional status.

Setting We conducted a retrospective analysis of records from Holt International’s Child Nutrition Programme from 35 sites in six countries; Mongolia, India, Ethiopia, Vietnam, China and the Philippines.

Participants Deidentified health records from Holt International’s online nutrition screening database included records from 2926 children, 0–18 years old. Data were …

Evolution Or Revolution In Telehealth Regulation, George Horvath

Texas A&M Law Review

A frequently repeated adage, attributed to a wide range of authors and orators, holds that a serious crisis should never be allowed to go to waste. The moment in which we find ourselves renders this adage particularly timely. Responses to one of the defining crises of our age—the COVID–19 pandemic—have mostly been reactive. This includes the responses of multiple actors involved with telehealth. Congress, federal regulators, state legislatures, state regulators, private insurers, and health care providers, confronting the challenges of the pandemic, have responded by making ad hoc adjustments to the regulation and use of telehealth. Moving the conversation beyond …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Of Saudi Citizens On Covid-19 Pandemic: A Multi-Region Survey, Maha Sanat Alreshidi, Nojoud Abdullah Daaya Alreshidi, Ebaa Felemban, Ferdinand Gonzales

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Although policies and guidelines may not always be optimal in all settings, a tailor-fitted guideline is appropriate. This study aims to determine the differences in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Saudi citizens toward Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: A quantitative-comparative-correlational approach was carried out from March 21 to May 22, 2020. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and t-test were used to determine the differences in knowledge and demographic characteristics. Linear regression was used to determine relationships among KAP.

Results: The participants’ knowledge yielded 82.83%, positive attitudes (M = 2.10; SD = 1.15) and good …

Perceived Preparedness Of Healthcare Workers To Cope With Covid-19 Pandemic In Hail Region Hospitals, Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study, Farhan Alshammari, Evalynn Rondilla, Abdalkarem Asharari, Fahad Alshammari

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: All hospitals must have emergency plans because they play a crucial role in providing critical care. This study assesses the perceived hospital preparedness of healthcare workforces to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic regarding their demographic characteristics.

Methods: This study utilized a descriptive, cross-sectional design to investigate the preparedness of hospital and healthcare workers in the city of Hail, Saudi Arabia. A convenience and snowball sampling method was used. A total of 330 healthcare workers participated in the study, which utilized a Google Form survey and was adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Descriptive …

Depression And Behavioral Changes Associated With Social Media Dependency During Covid-19 Pandemic Among University Students In Bangladesh: A Cross- Sectional Study, Sushmita Karmokar, Md. Ashraful Islam, Mohammad Hamid Al Muktadir, Rakibul Hasan, Abu Montakim Tareq, Mohammad Nurul Amin, Talha Bin Emran

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: With its rapid spread, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a detrimental effect on students’ psychological well-being, depression, and behavioral changes due to indefinite educational leaves, lockdowns, restricted outdoor activities, and excess use of social media. This study aims to assess the relationship of social media exposure with the psychological well-being, depression, and behavioral changes of Bangladeshi university students.

Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out on 530 students from June 17 to July 10, 2020, to evaluate psychological well-being, depression, behavioral changes, and social media exposure via self-reported measures.

Results: The prevalence of …

Quality Of Life Of Pharmacy Students With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome In South India: A Cross-Sectional Study, Vinodkumar Mugada, Krishna Priya Mandarapu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: One in five women in India suffers from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the quality of life of pharmacy students suffering from PCOS and provide awareness through counseling.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 103 students with PCOS for 6 months. The Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Quality of Life (PCOSQ) questionnaire was used to determine the quality of life.

Results: The prevalence of PCOS in our study was 39.5%. The mean age of the students was 21.1 (±1.8) years. The mean duration of the disorder was 17.8 (±13.0) months. More …

Parental Differences In Knowledge, Perception, And Safety Behaviors Regarding Home Injuries In An Urban Malaysian District, Munirah Mohd Basar, Mohd Fairuz Ali, Aznida Abdul Aziz

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Parents play an essential role in the prevention of home-related injuries among children. Traditionally, mothers provided direct overall care, whereas evidence on fathers' roles in children’s injuries is limited. This study assesses the differences between parents of children attending kindergarten regarding their knowledge and perception of home injuries and safety behaviors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2018 in 10 private kindergartens in the Selangor district in Malaysia. Self-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic data, knowledge of home injuries, perceptions toward home injuries, and safety behaviors at home were distributed. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were …

Trends And Determinants Of Family Planning Utilization Among Men In Indonesia, Haerawati Idris, Willyana Syafriyanti

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Population growth rate in the world is still increasing. To control population growth, governments issue family planning programs for married women and men. However, contraception use is still dominated by women. This study aims to analyze the trends and determinants of family planning utilization among men in Indonesia.

Methods: This study is quantitative in nature with a cross-sectional design, using secondary data from the Indonesian Health Demographic Survey (2007–2017). The sample comprised married men with a total of 27,859 respondents. For the final analysis, we conducted logistic regression statistical tests to determine family planning utilization among men. …

Association Between Cigarette Smoking And Breast Milk Levels Of Nesfatin-1, Irisin, And Oxidative Stress Markers, Nesibe Yildiz, Adnan Yilmaz, Hatice Iskender, Eda Dokumacioglu

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Breast milk is a very important functional food in the prevention of metabolic and chronic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of smoking during pregnancy on the concentrations of nesfatin-1, irisin, and oxidative stress markers in breast milk.

Methods: This study included two groups of 14 smoking and 14 nonsmoking mothers. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured according to the spectrophotometric method in breast milk samples. Nesfatin and irisin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Levels of nesfatin-1 and MDA of the smoking group were significantly higher than …

2021-12-29 Michiganoverview_Covidbedppe, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Hospital Data

Contains the tables Statewide Hospital Capacity Report for COVID-19, COVID-19 Metrics, Statewide Hospital Available PPE Tracking for COVID-19, as well as the tables PPE Days On Hand and Patient Census.

2021-12-29_Michiganoverview_Covidstats, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Cumulative Michigan COVID-19 Data

The COVID Overview page was obtained from Michigan's main COVID-19 page: https:/www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-520743--,00.html.

The State of Michigan is working around the clock to test and treat COVID-19 patients. Below is the most recent data healthcare experts across the state have compiled. COVID case and testing data will be posted three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

This report is provisional and subject to change. City of Detroit and Wayne County are reported separately. MDHHS began tracking probable cases April 5, 2020. FCI indicates federal correctional institute. MDOC indicates Michigan Department of Corrections. Diagnostic tests, including nucleic acid amplification/real-time …

Covid-19 Newsletter (Vol. 101), Center For Disaster Medicine, New York Medical College

COVID-19 Newsletter

No abstract provided.

2021-12-28_Michiganoverview_Covidschooloutbreak, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Outbreak Reports

The School Outbreak Data page was obtained from Michigan's COVID-19 data page: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163_98173_102480---,00.html.

This report is created by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services from data self-reported by local health departments. Data is updated every week.

K-12 School-Related Outbreak Reporting: In accordance with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists' outbreak definition, a K-12 school-associated COVID-19 case (confirmed or probable) is defined as a student, teacher, or staff member physically present in the school setting or participated in a school sanctioned extracurricular activity within 14 days prior to illness onset (or a positive test result) OR …

2021-12-28_Michiganoverview_Covidlongtermcare, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Long Term Care Data

The COVID Long Term Care Facilities page was obtained from Michigan's COVID-19 data page: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163_98173-526911--,00.html.

This report is created by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services from data self-reported by long-term care facilities into EMResource. Data for all reporting facilities is posted weekly each Monday.

The information below represents COVID-19 data reported directly to MDHHS by licensed and operating Skilled Nursing, Home for the Aged and Adult Foster Care facilities (licensed to serve 13 or more individuals) in Michigan from January 1, 2020. All long-term care facilities additionally have an obligation to report COVID-positive residents and/or staff …

2021-12-28 Michiganoverview_Covidoutbreak, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Outbreak Reports

The Outbreak Data page was obtained from Michigan's COVID-19 data page: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163_98173_102057---,00.html.

This report is created by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services from data self-reported by local health departments. Data is updated every week.

COVID-19 outbreaks are generally defined as two or more cases with a link by place and time indicating a shared exposure outside of a household. Local health departments report the number of new and ongoing outbreaks they are investigating by the setting of the outbreak. New outbreaks are those outbreaks that were first identified during the current reporting week. Ongoing outbreaks are …

2021-12-28_Michiganoverview_Covidvaccinestats, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Data

The COVID Vaccine Dashboard page was obtained from Michigan's main COVID-19 page: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_103214-547150--,00.html.

First-dose tracker above is for entire Michigan Population. Coverage maps below are for age 5+.

Previously reported numbers of administered vaccine doses may change as new data are received. A possible lag in reporting vaccine doses will result in increases in numbers previously reported.

This report is created by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of Immunization from data reported to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).

The dashboard contained the tabs Vaccines Delivered, Delivery Trend, Primary Series Doses Administered, …

Barriers To Medication Abortion Among Massachusetts’ Public University Students: Medication Abortion Barriers, Carrie N. Baker, Julia Mathis

Study of Women and Gender: Faculty Publications

Objective

Proposed legislation in Massachusetts would require public university health centers to provide medication abortion services on campus. This study assesses need for these services by investigating current travel time, costs, wait times and insurance acceptance at off-campus, abortion-providing facilities nearest to public universities in Massachusetts.

Study Design

This investigation projected the total number of medication abortions of students at 13 Massachusetts public universities based on campus enrollment figures and age- and state-adjusted medication abortion rates in the state. Using a cross-sectional study design, the research calculated the distance and public transit time from campuses to the nearest abortion-providing facilities. …

2021-12-27_Michiganoverview_Covidstats, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Cumulative Michigan COVID-19 Data

The COVID Overview page was obtained from Michigan's main COVID-19 page: https:/www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98163-520743--,00.html.

The State of Michigan is working around the clock to test and treat COVID-19 patients. Below is the most recent data healthcare experts across the state have compiled. COVID case and testing data will be posted three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

This report is provisional and subject to change. City of Detroit and Wayne County are reported separately. MDHHS began tracking probable cases April 5, 2020. FCI indicates federal correctional institute. MDOC indicates Michigan Department of Corrections. Diagnostic tests, including nucleic acid amplification/real-time …

2021-12-27 Michiganoverview_Covidbedppe, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Hospital Data

Contains the tables Statewide Hospital Capacity Report for COVID-19, COVID-19 Metrics, Statewide Hospital Available PPE Tracking for COVID-19, as well as the tables PPE Days On Hand and Patient Census.

Epigenome-Wide Association Study Of Mitochondrial Genome Copy Number, Penglong Wang, Christina A Castellani, Jie Yao, Tianxiao Huan, Lawrence F Bielak, Wei Zhao, Jeffrey Haessler, Roby Joehanes, Xianbang Sun, Xiuqing Guo, Ryan J Longchamps, Joann E Manson, Megan L Grove, Jan Bressler, Kent D Taylor, Tuuli Lappalainen, Silva Kasela, David J Van Den Berg, Lifang Hou, Alexander Reiner, Yongmei Liu, Eric Boerwinkle, Jennifer A Smith, Patricia A Peyser, Myriam Fornage, Stephen S Rich, Jerome I Rotter, Charles Kooperberg, Dan E Arking, Daniel Levy, Chunyu Liu

Journal Articles

We conducted cohort- and race-specific epigenome-wide association analyses of mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) copy number (mtDNA CN) measured in whole blood from participants of African and European origins in five cohorts (n = 6182, mean age = 57-67 years, 65% women). In the meta-analysis of all the participants, we discovered 21 mtDNA CN-associated DNA methylation sites (CpG) (P < 1 × 10-7), with a 0.7-3.0 standard deviation increase (3 CpGs) or decrease (18 CpGs) in mtDNA CN corresponding to a 1% increase in DNA methylation. Several significant CpGs have been reported to be associated with at least two risk factors (e.g. chronological age or smoking) for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Five genes [PR/SET domain 16, nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group H member 3 (NR1H3), DNA repair protein, DNA polymerase kappa and decaprenyl-diphosphate synthase subunit 2], which harbor nine significant CpGs, are known to be involved in mitochondrial biosynthesis and functions. For example, NR1H3 encodes a transcription factor that is differentially expressed during an adipose tissue transition. The methylation level of cg09548275 in NR1H3 was negatively associated with mtDNA CN (effect size = -1.71, P = 4 × 10-8) and was positively associated with the NR1H3 expression level (effect size = 0.43, P = 0.0003), which indicates that the methylation level in NR1H3 may underlie the relationship between mtDNA CN, the NR1H3 transcription factor and energy expenditure. In summary, the study results suggest that mtDNA CN variation in whole blood is associated with DNA methylation levels in genes that are involved in a wide range of mitochondrial activities. These findings will help reveal molecular mechanisms between mtDNA CN and CVD.

Development Of A Bamlanivimab Infusion Process In The Emergency Department For Outpatient Covid-19 Patients, Danny Pham, Sandy Wong, Christina T. Nguyen, Stephen C. Lee, Kimberly J. Won

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has prompted the creation of new therapies to help fight against the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Bamlanivimab is a SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody that is administered as an intravenous infusion to ambulatory patients with mild or moderate COVID-19, but a concern that arose was deciding the optimal location for patients to receive the medication. This report describes the development and implementation of a bamlanivimab infusion center in the emergency department of three hospitals in Orange County, California, shortly after bamlanivimab received emergency use authorization. As a result, a total of 601 …

Through The Lens: Youth Experiences With Cancer In Rural Appalachian Kentucky Using Photovoice, Katie Gaines, Courtney Martin, Chris Prichard, Nathan L. Vanderford

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Rural Appalachian Kentucky experiences disproportionately high cancer incidence and mortality rates. This cancer burden is due to social determinants of health and cultural factors prominent in the region. The firsthand experiences of community members—especially young people—can highlight these factors and identify areas for improvement. The purpose of this study was to encourage Appalachian Kentucky youth to consider determinants of cancer and visualize the effects that cancer has on their families or communities by asking them to take photographs of cancer-related objects around them. Content analysis was performed on 238 photographs submitted by 25 students, and photographs were organized into themes, …

Evaluation Of A Social Determinants Of Health Screening Questionnaire And Workflow Pilot Within An Adult Ambulatory Clinic, Rachel L. Berkowitz, Linh Bui, Zijun Shen, Alice Pressman, Maria Moreno, Stephanie Brown, Anne Nilon, Chris Miller-Rosales, Kristen M.J. Azar

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

Background
There is increased recognition in clinical settings of the importance of documenting, understanding, and addressing patients’ social determinants of health (SDOH) to improve health and address health inequities. This study evaluated a pilot of a standardized SDOH screening questionnaire and workflow in an ambulatory clinic within a large integrated health network in Northern California.
Methods
The pilot screened for SDOH needs using an 11-question Epic-compatible paper questionnaire assessing eight SDOH and health behavior domains: financial resource, transportation, stress, depression, intimate partner violence, social connections, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. Eligible patients for the pilot receiving a Medicare wellness, adult …