Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Create Workshop 2014: Leveraging Mobile Technology And Social Media In Behavioral Research, Andre M. Müller

Andre M Müller

The 2014 CREATE workshop brought together some forty young health behavior researchers from thirteen different countries, all sharing an interest in mobile technology and social media research. The three- day workshop was held in Innsbruck, Austria,...

The Family Options Project: Implementing An Innovative Intervention For Parents With Mental Illnesses And Their Families, Joanne Nicholson, Kathleen Biebel, Valerie F. Williams, Elizabeth A. Aaker, Karen Albert, Bernice Gershenson, Brenda Warren, Katherine Woolsey

Kathleen Biebel

The Family Options Project reflects a productive partnership between researchers and providers at the UMMS Center for Mental Health Services Research and Employment Options, Inc., Marlborough, MA The Family Options Intervention is an evidence-informed psychiatric rehabilitation intervention, developed and tested within the context of a community-based agency setting.

Attitudes Of Women In Their Forties Toward The 2009 Uspstf Mammogram Guidelines: A Randomized Trial On The Effects Of Media Exposure, Autumn Davidson, Xun Liao, B. Magee

B. Dale Magee

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess women's attitudes toward 2009 US Preventive Services Task Force mammography screening guideline changes and evaluate the role of media in shaping opinions. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred forty-nine women, aged 39-49 years, presenting for annual examinations randomized to read 1 of 2 articles, and survey completion comprised the design of the study. RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent overestimated the lifetime breast cancer (BrCa) risk. Eighty-nine percent want yearly mammograms in their 40s. Eighty-six percent felt the changes were unsafe, and even if the changes were doctor recommended, 84% would not delay screening until age …

Missed Opportunities In Hpv Vaccination, B. Dale Magee, Autumn S. Davidson, Leslie Regh

B. Dale Magee

Objective: To use the 3 dose Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine administration (given at 0, 1-2 and 6 months) to quantify opportunities to improve efficacy in the delivery of preventive health services. Methods: This was a retrospective, claims-based analysis using data provided by a single managed care plan. Female patients aged 9-26 who were continuously enrolled between 2009 through 2011 and received ≥ dose of the HPV vaccine during 2010 were analyzed. The proportion of initiators who did and did not completed the vaccine series, the timing and location of doses, and the number of outpatient visits during which the vaccine …

Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself, Mary Gura, Deborah Baresic

Deborah Baresic

Women of the poor community of Cien Fuegos, Dominican Republic often use folklore or self-treatment for symptoms of vaginitis. Based on assessment of women in Cien Fuegos, an education program was developed called Respect Yourself, Protect Yourself. The need to increase empowerment and self respect was clearly evident for the women of this community. The program focuses on issues of vaginal hygiene, vaginitis, sexually transmitted infections and women's rights and self-protection. To provide sustainable education, the module will be sent to Cien Fuegos and implemented by local health providers.

Does Functional Gain And Pain Relief After Tkr And Thr Differ By Patient Obese Status?, Wenjun Li, Jeffrey Lange, Leslie R. Harrold, Jeroan J. Allison, Courtland Lewis, Thomas Bowen, David C. Ayers, Patricia D. Franklin

Jeroan J. Allison

Introduction: Obesity is an important predictor of functional status and pain after total knee (TKR) and total hip (THR) replacement. However, variations in pre-post TKR and THR changes in function and pain by obesity status remain to be examined.

Material & Methods: Pre- and 6 month post surgery data were collected on 2,964 primary TKR and 2,040 primary THR patients between 5/2011 and 3/2013. Data included demographics, comorbidities, operative joint pain severity based on the Knee Injury or Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS/HOOS), WOMAC pain (higher is better), physical function (SF-36 PCS, higher is better), mental health (SF-36 …

Community Health Education Methods: A Practical Guide, Robert Bensley, Jodi Brookins-Fisher

Robert J Bensley

The Third Edition Of Community Health Education Methods: A Practical Guide Teaches Students To Effectively Communicate Health Education Messages And Positively Influence The Norms And Behaviors Of Both Individuals And Communities. This Text Explores The Methods Used By Health Educators, Including Didactic Techniques Designed To Guide Others Toward The Pursuit Of A Healthy Lifestyle. The Authors Explain The Essential Tools Involved In Communicating Messages To Specific Audiences, Providing Readers With A Full Grasp Of The Skills Necessary In Making A Difference.

Understanding The Role Of Promotora In A Latino Diabetes Education Program, Lynn Deitrick, Hannah Paxton, Alicia Rivera, Eric Gertner, Nyann Biery, Abby Letcher, Lissette Lahoz, Edgar Maldonado, Debbie Salas-Lopez

Debbie Salas-Lopez MD, MPH

No abstract provided.

Meaning Of The Family-Cap Policy For Poor Women: Contraceptive And Fertility Decision-Making, Diana Romero, Hannah Fortune-Greely, Jorge Verea, Debbie Salas-Lopez

Debbie Salas-Lopez MD, MPH

In 1996 the US Congress enacted welfare reform legislation. In addition to new lifetime time limits and work requirements for those receiving cash and other forms of social assistance, the states could impose policies pertaining to reproductive-related behaviors of poor women. One such policy is the so-called “family-cap,” which denies additional income support to poor women who have a baby while receiving cash assistance; 24 states have implemented such policies. The ostensible goal of the policy is to limit fertility among current cash assistance recipients. This pilot study sought to explore whether poor women in a family-cap state (NJ) base …

Striving For Cultural Competence In An Hiv Program: The Transformative Impact Of A Microsystem In A Larger Health Network, Judith N Sabino, Timothy Friel, Lynn Deitrick, Debbie Salas-Lopez

Debbie Salas-Lopez MD, MPH

No abstract provided.

Perspectives On Cancer Screening Among Latino Community Members And Internal Medicine Residents, Debbie Salas-Lopez, Dawne Mouzon, Jonnie Marks, Neil Kothari, Ana Natale-Pereira

Debbie Salas-Lopez MD, MPH

BACKGROUND: Latinos have lower rates of cancer screening, partially because of cultural beliefs that conflict with those of health care professionals. Moreover, established programs for training physicians in cultural competency often fail to incorporate input from the community.

METHODS: To explore beliefs about cancer and cancer screening among Latino community members and internal medicine residents. Three focus groups of Latino community members (n = 31) and one focus group of internal medicine residents (n = 9) were conducted to compare ideas regarding cancer and cancer screening.

RESULTS: We identified clear disconnects between residents and Latino community members regarding their understandings …

Community Cancer Services, Clinical Trials, And Quality Initiatives—Year 1 Ncccp At Lehigh Valley Health Network, Gregory R. Harper Md, Phd, Ada M. Rivera Ba, Eliot L. Friedman Md, Kathleen A. Leies Rn, Ocn, Nadesda Mack Rn, Bsn, Mba, Ocn, Lenore Mcgonigle Med, Suresh G. Nair Md, Tara Namey Ms, Cgc, Debbie Salas-Lopez Md, Mph, Facp, Ronald W. Swinfard Md, Facp

Debbie Salas-Lopez MD, MPH, FACP

No abstract provided.

The Neighborhood Cancer Center, Gregory R. Harper Md, Phd, Debbie Salas-Lopez Md, Mph, Keith J. Weinhold Mha, Elliot J. Sussman Md, Mba

Debbie Salas-Lopez MD, MPH

No abstract provided.

Cancer Prevention And Control: A Multidisciplinary Approach, Michael Preston

Michael Preston

The Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy is a year-long training program in leadership development and advocacy. Over 52 leaders from across the 8 state Delta Regional Authority service area (Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) who work in the public, private and nonprofit sectors attended this session. At each session, the leaders study best practices in community and economic development, and learn from experts who share resources that these leaders can apply in their communities. This session provided findings on the economic burden of health disparities and interventions being used to address health disparities related to cancer.

Depicting Estimates Using The Intercept In Meta-Regression Models: The Moving Constant Technique, Blair T. Johnson Dr., Tania B. Huedo-Medina Dr.

Blair T. Johnson

In any scientific discipline, the ability to portray research patterns graphically often aids greatly in interpreting a phenomenon. In part to depict phenomena, the statistics and capabilities of meta-analytic models have grown increasingly sophisticated. Accordingly, this article details how to move the constant in weighted meta-analysis regression models (viz. “meta-regression”) to illuminate the patterns in such models across a range of complexities. Although it is commonly ignored in practice, the constant (or intercept) in such models can be indispensible when it is not relegated to its usual static role. The moving constant technique makes possible estimates and confidence intervals at …

Prediction Of Dengue Disease Severity Among Pediatric Thai Patients Using Early Clinical Laboratory Indicators, James A. Potts, Robert V. Gibbons, Alan L. Rothman, Anon Srikiatkhachorn, Stephen J. Thomas, Pra-On Supradish, Stephenie C. Lemon, Daniel H. Libraty, Sharone Green, Siripen Kalayanarooj

Alan Rothman

BACKGROUND: Dengue virus is endemic in tropical and sub-tropical resource-poor countries. Dengue illness can range from a nonspecific febrile illness to a severe disease, Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), in which patients develop circulatory failure. Earlier diagnosis of severe dengue illnesses would have a substantial impact on the allocation of health resources in endemic countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We compared clinical laboratory findings collected within 72 hours of fever onset from a prospective cohort children presenting to one of two hospitals (one urban and one rural) in Thailand. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to develop diagnostic algorithms using different …

Examining The Influence Of Farmers' Market Managers’ Perceived Roles On Access To Healthful Foods For Low-Income Households And Business Opportunities For Small- And Moderate-Size Farms, Rachel K. Ward

Rachel K Ward

Farmers’ markets are increasingly promoted as mechanisms for improving access to healthful foods for low-income households, as they are relatively inexpensive to establish and they can provide affordable food for low-income households by offering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer (SNAP/EBT). SNAP/EBT at markets also expands revenue opportunities for participating farmers. Market mangers provide a critical role in overseeing SNAP/EBT at markets and influencing business opportunities for farmers. Using a mixed-method approach, this study aimed to evaluate how managers’ motivations influence SNAP/EBT availability and participation at markets, and business opportunities for small- and moderate- sized farms. To develop a …

Health Care Reform: Colorectal Cancer Screening Expansion, Before And After The Affordable Care Act (Aca), Michael Preston

Michael Preston

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in the United States. In 2014, the American Cancer Society estimated over 140,000 new cases of colorectal cancer and approximately 50,000 deaths. Health care reform was introduced in 2010 and became the cornerstone for Americans seeking change in the health care system. Health care reform is a critical factor in increasing CRC screenings by increasing coverage rates for all Americans.

Health Care Reform: Colorectal Cancer Screening Disparities, Before And After The Affordable Care Act (Aca), Michael Preston

Michael Preston

Colorectal Cancer is the third most common cancer found in men and women in the United states. In 2014, the American Cancer Society estimates over 142,000 new cases of colorectal cancer and approximately 50,000 deaths. Although the overall death rate for colorectal cancer has decreased over the past 20 years, disparities remain among medically underserved populations.

A New Brief Scale To Assess Suicidality: Scale For Impact Of Suicidality-Management, Assessment And Planning Of Care (Sis-Map- Brief Scanner), Amresh Srivastava, Megan Johnston, Miky Kaushal, Robbie Campbell, Charles Nelson

Amresh Srivastava

Purpose: In this study we examine merit of a short version (Brief Interview Screener (SIS-MAP-scn )of a previously developed and validated 108 item scale, known as ‘ Scale for Impact of Suicidality-Management, Assessment and Planning of Care ( SIS MAP), for rapid assessment in challenging clinical settings e.g. primary care and emergency room. Background: Generally suicide risk is assessed clinically and structured assessments optimize the direction for decision-making across various settings e.g. inpatient care, emergency rooms and crisis centers. We believe that measures with accurate and valid information should be based upon multifactorial risk-constituent domains, e.g. biological, social, psychological, environmental …

Weight-Based Discrimination And Medication Adherence Among Low-Income African Americans With Hypertension: How Much Of The Association Is Mediated By Self-Efficacy?, Michael Richardson, Molly Waring, Monica Wang, Lisa Nobel, Yendelela Cuffee, Sharina Person, Sandral Hullett, Catarina Kiefe, Jeroan Allison

Monica L. Wang

OBJECTIVES: Much of the excessive morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease among African Americans results from low adherence to anti-hypertensive medications. Therefore, we examined the association between weight-based discrimination and medication adherence. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from low-income African Americans with hypertension. Ordinal logistic regression estimated the odds of medication non-adherence in relation to weight-based discrimination adjusted for age, sex, education, income, and weight. RESULTS: Of all participants (n = 780), the mean (SD) age was 53.7 (9.9) years and the mean (SD) weight was 210.1 (52.8) lbs. Reports of weight-based discrimination were frequent (28.2%). Weight-based discrimination (but not …

The Role Of Multiple Sclerosis As A Risk Factor For The Development Of Osteoporosis, Christopher Perrone, Christine M. Foley, Linda C. Churchill, Sybil L. Crawford, Judith K. Ockene, Carolina Ionete

Sybil L. Crawford

Background: Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in the United States, and it is particularly common among women with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, despite this association, the temporal relationship between these two conditions has not been previously studied. Data from the Women’s Health Initiative provides a unique opportunity to examine the risk of developing osteoporosis over time in individuals diagnosed with MS. Objective: The purpose of this study is to refine the relationship between MS and osteoporosis, clarifying the impact of environmental and pharmacologic factors on each condition, as well as addressing treatment and preventative efforts for a patient …

Uncovering The Evidence: Systematic Review Of Interventions To Reduce Oral Health Disparities Between Adults With Intellectual Disability And The General Population, Christine J. Clifford, Alexandra Bonardi, Nancy E. Harger, Matthew Holder

Nancy E. Harger

Oral health is a public health concern for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). Research consistently shows that the population with I/DD experiences poorer oral hygiene, higher prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, and higher incidence of untreated caries when compared to the general population. Poor oral health can cause chronic pain, affect the ability to eat and communicate, and adversely affect physical health and quality of life. Intervention strategies include enhanced prevention, increased routine care, expanded insurance coverage, and training for dentists and hygienists. Research is needed to identify the most effective interventions. A standard systematic literature review …

Breakout Session: "Paths To Obtaining Funding For Community Engaged Research", Laura L. Hayman, Stephenie C. Lemon

Laura L. Hayman

Discusses the UMass CCTS Community Engagement & Research Section Pilot/Feasibility Grants Program and other potential sources of funding for community engaged research.

Physical Activity And Screen Time In Metabolically Healthy Obese Phenotypes In Adolescents And Adults, Sarah Camhi, Molly Waring, Susan Sisson, Laura Hayman, Aviva Must

Laura L. Hayman

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to examine levels of physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) in metabolically healthy obese (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) adolescents and adults. Methods. NHANES data from obese adolescents (12-18 years, BMI z-score >/= 95th percentile) and adults (19-85 years, BMI >/= 30 kg/m(2)) were pooled from 2003-2005 cycles. Metabolic phenotypes were categorized as MHO (0 or 1 cardiometabolic risk factor; triglycerides, HDL-C, blood pressure, or glucose) or MUO (>/=2 cardiometabolic risk factors). Logistic regression models estimated associations between phenotype and PA/ST adjusted for age, gender, BMI, race/ethnicity, menopausal status, and …

Attitudes Toward Sexuality And Sexual Behaviors Of Asian-American Adolescents: Implications For Risk Of Hiv Infection, Connie S. Chan

Connie Chan

Until 1990, Asian Americans represented an ethnic minority group that was perceived to be at lower risk than African Americans or Hispanics/Latinos for HIV infection, the presumed causal agent for AIDS. Reasons cited for this perception include behavioral differences in intravenous drug use, sexual behavioral habits, and underidentification of AIDS cases. However, in urban areas such as San Francisco, Toronto, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Seattle, where Asians have immigrated and settled in large numbers, cases of HIV infection and AIDS have begun to increase dramatically, perhaps reflecting the rise in the number of AIDS cases in Asia. In …

Effect Of The Planet Health Intervention On Eating Disorder Symptoms In Massachusetts Middle Schools, 2005-2008, S. Bryn Austin, Jennifer L. Spadano-Gasbarro, Mary L. Greaney, Emily A. Blood, Anne T. Hunt, Tracy K. Richmond, Monica L. Wang, Solomon Mezgebu, Stavroula K. Osganian, Karen E. Peterson

Monica L. Wang

INTRODUCTION: The Planet Health obesity prevention curriculum has prevented purging and abuse of diet pills (disordered weight control behavior [DWCB]) in middle-school girls in randomized trials, but the effects of Planet Health on DWCB when implemented by schools under dissemination conditions are not known. METHODS: Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts disseminated Planet Health as part of the 3-year, Healthy Choices obesity prevention program in middle schools. We conducted an evaluation in 45 schools from fall 2005 to spring 2008. We gathered data from school staff to quantify intervention activities, and we gathered anonymous …

Appalachian Regional Model For Organizing And Sustaining County-Level Diabetes Coalitions, Richard Crespo, Molly Shrewsberry, Darrlyn Cornelius-Averhart, Henry B. King Jr.

Richard Crespo

This article describes a model for developing diabetes coalitions in rural Appalachian counties and presents evidence of their sustainability. The rural Appalachian coalition model was developed through a partnership between two federal agencies and a regional university. Coalitions go through a competitive application process to apply for one-time $10,000 grants. The project has funded 7 to 9 coalitions annually since 2001, reaching 66 total coalitions in 2008. Sustainability of the coalitions is defined by the number of coalitions that voluntarily report on their programs and services. In 2008, 58 of 66 (87%) coalitions in the Appalachian region continue to function …

Imagining Possibilities For Healthy Appalachian Communities In An Emerging Postindustrial Landscape, Brian Hoey

Brian A. Hoey, Ph.D.

This paper explores how community might be re-imagined to promote incipient social and economic agendas born increasingly of broad-minded citizen initiatives within the Appalachian region aimed at what is generally understood as “development,” but of a form distinct from the prevailing models of a more industrial age. I would like to ask whether a city like Huntington, West Virginia can emerge as a progressive example of what we might term postindustrial, urban regeneration and perhaps what we might call community healing—specifically through grassroots movement now finding local governmental support in collective attempts to transform this place from one defined primarily …

Hungry And Overweight, Jody Vogelzang

Jody L Vogelzang PhD, RDN, FAND, CHES

With the recent cut in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, food availability in low income households may not meet family needs. In addition, neighborhoods in low-income urban areas generally have fewer quality, low-cost food outlets in which to spend their limited food dollars. These facts help answer the paradox of how can hungry kids be overweight? This presentation explores the bio-social-pycho aspects of hunger and obesity in America.