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Enhancing Environmental Cleaning And Disinfection Practices In Diverse Healthcare Settings During The Covid19 Pandemic, Alaina Herrington Sep 2022

Enhancing Environmental Cleaning And Disinfection Practices In Diverse Healthcare Settings During The Covid19 Pandemic, Alaina Herrington

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

PROBLEM: Inadequate cleaning and disinfection practices in the healthcare setting create an environment in which infectious pathogens can linger for days or even weeks on high-touch surfaces, presenting an increased risk of infection transmission to healthcare workers and patients. PURPOSE: This project assembled a group of stakeholders to develop and implement an evidence-based intervention to improve environmental cleaning practices and protocol compliance in three diverse healthcare settings.METHOD: The National League for Nursing (NLN) Jeffries Simulation Theory was used to guide this project by providing an organized sequence for developing and implementing a simulation-based intervention to train healthcare workers on established …


The Effect Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Calls To The Mississippi Poison Control Center, Jenna Davis, Laura Lee Beneke, Michael B. Marlin, David Vearrier Sep 2022

The Effect Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Calls To The Mississippi Poison Control Center, Jenna Davis, Laura Lee Beneke, Michael B. Marlin, David Vearrier

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to change human exposure patterns to potentially hazardous substances including cleaning products and pharmaceuticals. Purpose: To characterize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on calls received at the Mississippi Poison Control Center during the pandemic as compared to pre-pandemic years. Methods: We queried the Mississippi Poison Control Center Toxicall database for total calls, calls related to bleach, disinfectants, and hand sanitizers, calls related to ivermectin exposures, calls related to hydroxychloroquine exposures, calls related to COVID-19, and suspected suicide calls. Results: During the COVID-19 pandemic increases were seen in calls for exposures to disinfectants …


Factors Influencing Mental Health Outcomes Of University Personnel During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Rebecca C. Holland, Melissa K. Kossman, Leslie W. Oglesby, Morgan R. Eckenrod, Abigail S. Willis, Anna K. Porter Sep 2022

Factors Influencing Mental Health Outcomes Of University Personnel During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Rebecca C. Holland, Melissa K. Kossman, Leslie W. Oglesby, Morgan R. Eckenrod, Abigail S. Willis, Anna K. Porter

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Previous research links the COVID-19 pandemic to negative effects on physical and mental health; however, little is known about how those effects can be mitigated. Additionally, college campuses experience mental health issues regularly, which were heightened during the pandemic. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the current status of mental health within a university community and identify factors associated with excessive worry during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as mental health, resilience, grit, and other demographic factors. Methods: A questionnaire examining five domains (demographics, COVID-19 distancing behaviors, physical, mental, and social and economic health) was created, validated, …


American Indians And Covid-19: Morbidity And Mortality Disparities Among Indigenous Populations In The Rural South, Leslie Musshafen, Thomas E. Dobbs, Aaron Robinson, Thomas Wyatt, Michael Puskarich, Richard Summers, Seth Lirette, Caroline Compretta Sep 2022

American Indians And Covid-19: Morbidity And Mortality Disparities Among Indigenous Populations In The Rural South, Leslie Musshafen, Thomas E. Dobbs, Aaron Robinson, Thomas Wyatt, Michael Puskarich, Richard Summers, Seth Lirette, Caroline Compretta

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted health inequities among indigenous populations, with those in rural settings facing compounded barriers.Purpose To investigate morbidity and mortality experiences among hospitalized, COVID-19+ American Indian adults from rural and urban settings.Methods The described cross-sectional study used retrospective discharge data from the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Hennepin County Medical Center. Adults (≥ age 18) admitted from January 1, 2020 to August 8, 2021with a COVID-19 diagnosis and known race were included.Results A total of 3,659 inpatients met inclusion criteria. Among adults hospitalized with COVID-19 at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, American Indians (n=73) …


Racial Ethnic Disparities In Functional Limitations And Depression Symptoms During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Hui Liew Sep 2022

Racial Ethnic Disparities In Functional Limitations And Depression Symptoms During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Hui Liew

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Purpose: This study seeks to examine how the impacts of physical and mental comorbidities and functional limitations on depressive symptoms vary by the major racial ethnic groups (i.e. Whites, Blacks, and Hispanics).Methods: The empirical work of this is based on the United States using data from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) COVID-10 Project.Results: Findings suggest that physical and mental comorbid conditions, functional limitations and depressive symptoms co-occur more commonly than expected for all racial ethnic groups. Females fare worse than males in terms of functional imitations (for all racial ethnic groups) and depressive symptoms (Whites only). Education has …


Formative Research To Inform Covid-19 Vaccine Education In Mississippi, Mmesoma I. Okafor Sep 2022

Formative Research To Inform Covid-19 Vaccine Education In Mississippi, Mmesoma I. Okafor

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine rates in Mississippi are below the national average. Vaccine hesitance is particularly high among rural adults in Mississippi.Purpose. To investigate community members’ beliefs about the COVID-19 vaccine and perceived barriers and enablers of vaccination to inform the development of vaccine education materials.Methods. We conducted in-depth interviews with 20 adult community members in the Appalachian region of Mississippi. Interview notes were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results. Major themes identified were related to barriers and enablers of COVID-19 vaccination. Barriers included safety concerns such as a fear of side effects, fertility issues, death, and distrust of governing …


Relying On Young Ambassadors To Bolster Covid-19 Study Recruitment And Participation, Traci Hayes, Wendy White Sep 2022

Relying On Young Ambassadors To Bolster Covid-19 Study Recruitment And Participation, Traci Hayes, Wendy White

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

In June 2020, young adults comprised 20% of the COVID-19 cases and asymptomatic individuals were seen as “carriers” taking the virus into their homes and social settings. As with many health issues, the minority population was dealing with worse health outcomes. African Americans young adults were not excluded from this circumstance. In Mississippi, the group had some of the highest rates of COVID-19 in the state. Additionally, some young people across Mississippi were expressing that they felt unengaged and left out of the discussions on COVID-19. These concerns prompted the research project, Young Adults Against COVID-19 (YAACOV), a project under …


Student Response To Covid-19: An Academic Interprofessional Case Study, Elizabeth Franklin Sep 2022

Student Response To Covid-19: An Academic Interprofessional Case Study, Elizabeth Franklin

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges for academic medical centers in each of their tripartite mission areas of education, health care, and research. For students, in-person classes and clinical rotations were temporarily suspended in the spring of 2020. Educational and clinical leaders at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, located in Jackson, Mississippi, immediately identified how students could continue training by volunteering in numerous interdisciplinary pandemic relief efforts. They could also be rewarded with academic credit hours by completing an online course focused on principles of disaster management and document volunteer hours. The purpose of this case study …


Designing A Community Engaged Training Program For African American And Latinx Communities On Covid-19 In South Mississippi: Results From Qualitative Focus Groups Exploring Community Member Perceptions, Susan Mayfield-Johnson Phd, Mches, Tanya Funchess, Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Erica Thompson, Sandra Melvin, Mireya Alexander, Kierra Melvin, Samaria Lowe Sep 2022

Designing A Community Engaged Training Program For African American And Latinx Communities On Covid-19 In South Mississippi: Results From Qualitative Focus Groups Exploring Community Member Perceptions, Susan Mayfield-Johnson Phd, Mches, Tanya Funchess, Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, Erica Thompson, Sandra Melvin, Mireya Alexander, Kierra Melvin, Samaria Lowe

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes and perceptions on COVID awareness and education among African American and Latinx community members and stakeholders in South Mississippi through qualitative methods. Design: Virtual focus groups were conducted in Forrest, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, and Jackson Counties through Zoom meetings. Community residents and stakeholders (N=56 total) participated. Zoom meetings were audio and video recorded, transcribed, and analyzed utilizing thematic analysis. A demographic survey was also administered. Results: Knowledge about COVID 19, vaccines, attitudes towards and beliefs about preventing COVID-19, intentions to prevent COVID-19, information seeking on COVID-19 preventative behaviors, and impact …


Covid-19 Related Awareness Among Healthcare Professionals And Students At The Medical Center In The Southern United States, Eldrin Bhanat Md, Mph, Vinayak K. Nahar Md, Phd, Ms, Thomas Dobbs Md, Kenneth R. Butler Phd, Josny Thimothee Ms, Rinkuben Parmar Mbbs, Md, Mph, Patrick Bergin Md, George Russell Md, Alan Jones Md, Bhagyashri D. Navalkele Md Apr 2022

Covid-19 Related Awareness Among Healthcare Professionals And Students At The Medical Center In The Southern United States, Eldrin Bhanat Md, Mph, Vinayak K. Nahar Md, Phd, Ms, Thomas Dobbs Md, Kenneth R. Butler Phd, Josny Thimothee Ms, Rinkuben Parmar Mbbs, Md, Mph, Patrick Bergin Md, George Russell Md, Alan Jones Md, Bhagyashri D. Navalkele Md

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: In late 2019, the novel COVID-19 was reported to cause severe viral pneumonia in Wuhan, China. It has spread worldwide, resulting in a pandemic that has now infected more than 123 million people, causing more than 2.7 million deaths globally. Mississippi has become one of the hotspots for spreading the virus with a very high positivity rate. As of 6/09/2021, there were a total of 318,685 cases, and 7,347 deaths have been reported in Mississippi.Purpose: This study aimed to assess the COVID-19 related knowledge among faculty and staff working in our healthcare system. We also assessed if there are …


A False Sense Of Security: The Perceptions Of Threat And Efficacy Contributing To Vaccine Hesitancy In The Gulf States, Braden Hale Bagley Apr 2022

A False Sense Of Security: The Perceptions Of Threat And Efficacy Contributing To Vaccine Hesitancy In The Gulf States, Braden Hale Bagley

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Since the release of the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine hesitancy has been an issue in the southern states. Public health officials and communication experts have since been tasked with creating messages aimed at eliminating vaccine hesitancy.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify which perceptions regarding threat and efficacy are contributing to vaccine hesitancy in the Gulf States.Method: 226 participants from two groups, including the Gulf States and remaining U.S. states, responded to a survey measuring threat and efficacy perceptions, as well as vaccination status. Binary logistic regression was used to identify differences between the two groups.Results: Significant differences …


Launching A Human Papillomavirus Vaccination (Hpv) Campaign On A College Campus During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Eric Pittman, M. Allison Ford, Marie Barnard, Emily Tschumpter, Sally Earl, Joshua Gautreaux Apr 2022

Launching A Human Papillomavirus Vaccination (Hpv) Campaign On A College Campus During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Eric Pittman, M. Allison Ford, Marie Barnard, Emily Tschumpter, Sally Earl, Joshua Gautreaux

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

No abstract provided.


Assessment Of College Students In Understanding Beliefs, Behaviors, And Key Levels Of Influence Regarding Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake, Olivia Rosemary Hernandez, Antonio J. Gardner, Leah B. P. Pylate, Barry P. Hunt Apr 2022

Assessment Of College Students In Understanding Beliefs, Behaviors, And Key Levels Of Influence Regarding Covid-19 Vaccine Uptake, Olivia Rosemary Hernandez, Antonio J. Gardner, Leah B. P. Pylate, Barry P. Hunt

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: As Covid-19 causes increased morbidity and mortality, vaccination status is at the forefront of preventive action. However, approximately 52% of residents still need to be vaccinated in Mississippi. These rates are even higher among the 18–24-year-old demographic, where only 38% have reported full vaccination.Purpose: This study aimed to assess the underlying reasons for COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among college students in the 18-24-year-old demographic.Methods: A 21-item survey was administered to college students at a large southeastern university to assess their beliefs and vaccination status regarding COVID-19.Results: Regarding safety, intention, and severity of COVID-19, statistical significance was found between those college …


Case Report Of Myopericarditis Post Covid-19 Vaccinations In The First Female Young Adult In Ms, Vipina Nair Md, Paul Byers Md, Kathryn G. Taylor Md Apr 2022

Case Report Of Myopericarditis Post Covid-19 Vaccinations In The First Female Young Adult In Ms, Vipina Nair Md, Paul Byers Md, Kathryn G. Taylor Md

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: The advent of COVID-19 vaccinations saw a rise in myopericarditis cases among young adults all over the United States, especially among males. As of June 11, 2021, 21.5 million second doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the age group 12 to 29, with 455 reported cases of myocarditis. Purpose: This report outlines a case of myopericarditis diagnosed in the first female young adult in the state of Mississippi after administering the second dose of the Pfizer- BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The purpose of this case report is to discuss the presentation of myocarditis in a female …


Making Covid-19-Related Decisions: A Qualitative Study Of University Students, Jamie Methvin, Antonio J. Gardner, Leah B. P. Pylate, Barry P. Hunt, Holli H. Seitz, Regina Young Hyatt Apr 2022

Making Covid-19-Related Decisions: A Qualitative Study Of University Students, Jamie Methvin, Antonio J. Gardner, Leah B. P. Pylate, Barry P. Hunt, Holli H. Seitz, Regina Young Hyatt

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: SARS-Cov-2 (Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19) has impacted society greatly since its arrival to the United States. More specifically, college students have had to modify their behaviors on campus to minimize the spread of the virus.Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify benefits and barriers to testing, reporting, and quarantining of undergraduate college students attending a large southeastern university.Methods: Undergraduate students were asked to complete an open-ended Qualtrics survey to share their perceived benefits and barriers to engage in behaviors to detect and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Data was analyzed via Grounded Theory techniques to determine codes …


Public Health Policy: Internet Access To Advance Health Equity, Juanita Graham Dnp-Rn, Frsph, Victor Sutton Phd Apr 2022

Public Health Policy: Internet Access To Advance Health Equity, Juanita Graham Dnp-Rn, Frsph, Victor Sutton Phd

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Internet access could be the 21st century’s great equalizer, interrupting access barriers that negatively impact health. Mississippi reigns as the poorest state in the nation (CB, 2020), with some of the country’s worst health outcomes (UHF, 2022), particularly among rural populations. The Community Engagement Center (CEC), one of three Jackson Heart Study (JHS) centers, leverages community partnerships and connections to improve public health. In these times of public health crises, connections are relevant - that is, internet connections. Internet, or broadband, access is the far upstream approach needed to improve the social determinants that negatively impact Mississippians’ health. The National …


Following The Science: The Role Of The Academic Medical Center In The Covid-19 Pandemic, Richard L. Summers, Leslie Musshafen, Gailen Marshall, John Bates, Sarika Jain, Jake Johnston, Alexandra Castillo, Krishna Ayyalasomayajula, Ramona Sandlin, I. J. Frame, Seth Lirette, Saurabh Chandra, Ashley Robinson, Michael R. Garrett Apr 2022

Following The Science: The Role Of The Academic Medical Center In The Covid-19 Pandemic, Richard L. Summers, Leslie Musshafen, Gailen Marshall, John Bates, Sarika Jain, Jake Johnston, Alexandra Castillo, Krishna Ayyalasomayajula, Ramona Sandlin, I. J. Frame, Seth Lirette, Saurabh Chandra, Ashley Robinson, Michael R. Garrett

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

This article reviews the experience and role of an academic medical center in a response to the COVID-19 pandemic.


Influencers Of Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance In The Deep South, Katie C. Hall, Angela Duck, Tara Price Apr 2022

Influencers Of Covid-19 Vaccine Acceptance In The Deep South, Katie C. Hall, Angela Duck, Tara Price

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background: Within the Deep South, vaccine ratings fall between 48.5-58% of the state’s population being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Therefore, half of the population is at risk for the negative mortality and morbidity outcomes associated with COVID-19.Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe key influencers for accepting the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals living within the Deep South region of the US.Methods: A descriptive, secondary analysis of quantitative data was conducted from an online survey entitled COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Survey. A total of 421 participants identified as living in the Deep South, were ≥ 18 years of age, and …


Individual Correlates Of Covid-19 Concerns, Prevention Behaviors, And Experiences Among College Students, Samantha Cohen-Winans Ms, Kaitlyn Armstrong Ms, M. Allison Ford Phd, Hannah K. Allen Phd Apr 2022

Individual Correlates Of Covid-19 Concerns, Prevention Behaviors, And Experiences Among College Students, Samantha Cohen-Winans Ms, Kaitlyn Armstrong Ms, M. Allison Ford Phd, Hannah K. Allen Phd

Journal of Public Health in the Deep South

Background. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a public health crisis, and college campuses and areas in the southern U.S. are high-risk environments for disease spread. Purpose. This study examined variation in COVID-19 concerns, prevention behaviors, and related experiences among college students at a large, public university in the southeast region of the U.S. Methods. A sample of 544 undergraduate students completed an online survey in the final weeks of the Fall 2020 academic semester. Subgroup variation in level of COVID-19 concern by history of COVID-19 diagnosis and associations between individual correlates and COVID-19 outcomes were explored. Results. Students were …