Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

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 …

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 …

Interprofessional Collaborative Attitudes: Comparing Social Work Learners To Their Medicine And Nursing Peers, Joseph Bartholomew, Marcia Mount French, Hea-Won Kim

Florida Public Health Review

Interprofessional learning activities in higher education aim to unite healthcare professionals in their future practice, thus reducing duplication and fragmentation of services. This study uses a social learning perspective to examine advanced practice medicine, nursing, and social work learners’ attitudes toward interprofessional education and collaborative practice activities within their university programs. The authors used a cross-sectional design to administer a questionnaire that included the Interprofessional Attitudes Scale (IPAS) to 151 advanced practice health care learners (internal medicine residents, nurse practitioner students, master’s-level social work students). Findings indicated significant differences in three subsections of the IPAS. Social work learners possessed a …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

Increasing The Use Of Permethrin To Prevent Zika Infections Among University Students, Islam Khalil, Laura Yut, Kulsum Agha, Leticia Furlani Bodanese, Stephanie Barajas, Jhonsley Frederic, Andrea Catalina Silva, William W. Darrow

Florida Public Health Review

Background. In summer 2016, Miami-Dade County, Florida, declared a public health emergency when reports of locally acquired Zika infections were confirmed. Officials at a large public university in the county warned students of the risks and advocated the use of repellents and permethrin to prevent mosquito bites. A subsequent study showed few students (2.9%) sprayed their clothes with permethrin. Purpose. In the absence of a safe and effective vaccine, a team of Master of Public Health students sought to determine if a brief educational intervention might increase permethrin use. Methods. Students living in six dormitories were chosen as the …

Sars-Cov-2 Antibody Prevalence Among Healthcare Workers And First Responders, Florida, May-June, 2020, James Matthias, Emma C. Spencer, Mara Michniewicz, Thomas Bendle, Craig Wilson, Kenneth Scheppke, Carina Blackmore, Aaron Otis, Scott Rivkees

Florida Public Health Review

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for severe respiratory infection associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first confirmed in Florida on March 1, 2020. Responding to the pandemic, multi-agency collaborative partnerships put in place actions integrating point-of-care antibody testing at established large-scale COVID-19 testing sites where the baseline seropositivity of COVID-19 in health care workers and first responders in Florida at the start of the pandemic was established.

Purpose: Determine the seropositivity of healthcare workers and first responders at five drive thru testing sites using a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antibody test in Florida from May 6 through June 3, 2020.

Methods: …

When Duty Calls. A Faith & Health Collaborative Response To Covid 19 And Social Justice: A Commentary, Joe Bohn, Karen Liller

Florida Public Health Review

We provide information pertaining to an interdisciplinary collaboration in West Central Florida that launched a faith & wellness teleconference intervention in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 crisis. The collaborative partners engaged from across the 4-county region upon community lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 crisis and later addressing calls for social justice due to the deaths of George Floyd and other African Americans. For 17-weeks Christian and Muslim faith leaders provided live messages of hope along with community partners providing wellness (mental health and wellbeing) focused strategies for coping with the crisis. Thematic analysis of anecdoctal comments revealed …

Healthy Vending Policy Increases Sales And Healthy Food Choices, Lauri Wright

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Vending machines can be a source of unhealthy food and beverages, potentially contributing to obesity and obesity-related diseases. However, vending machines are often a source of revenue for schools and hospitals. As such, interventions that improve the healthfulness of the snacks and beverages purchased may be a more acceptable solution than simply banning them from host institutions.

Methods: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of a healthy vending policy to improve the quality of snacks and beverages purchased from vending machines. During the pilot, the usual snacks contained in the vending machines at a hospital …

Food Insecurity And Frequency Intakes Of Fruits And Vegetables Of Households In A Southeastern U.S. Region, Claudia Sealey-Potts, Corinne A. Labyak

Florida Public Health Review

Abstract

Objectives. We sought to determine the prevalence of food insecurity using food insecurity experience-based scales (FIES) and frequency consumption of fruit and vegetable in households with preschool-aged children.

Methods. As part of a larger study which included teacher training, a pre-assessment survey of 191 parents and caregivers of preschool children was conducted in a Florida District. Based on the food insecurity experience-based scale (FIES) that was developed for monitoring global hunger, families’ responses to nine food security questions were categorized into 4 levels: Anxiety and uncertainty about the household food supply, insufficient quality and preferences of the type of …

A Visit To The World Health Organization: Student Perceptions Of Interprofessional Learning After A Short-Term Public Health Study Abroad Course In Switzerland, Emma Apatu, Deborah M. Owen, Sericea Stallings-Smith, Aaron Spaulding, Hanadi Hamadi

Florida Public Health Review

There is a need for interprofessional learning in public health, and healthcare education and study abroad opportunities provide a unique context in which interprofessional programming can be integrated into the learning experience. Public health training programs have an important role in furthering interprofessional learning. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe a short-term study abroad course to examine students’ perceptions of interprofessional learning readiness after ten-day travel to Geneva. Mixed-methods design with pre- and post-assessments was used. The Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Survey was used to assess interprofessional learning of eleven participants. Quantitative analyses revealed that respondents had …

Health Insurance Coverage In The Gulf Coast States After Affordable Care Act By Rural And Urban Area Between 2009 And 2017, Hosik Min, Kenneth Hudson

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Although health insurance coverage for adults in each of the Gulf Coast States and the rest of the country increased after implementing the Affordable Care Act, the coverage rates in the Gulf Coast region remained lower to rural residents, compared to those in the rest of the Nation. Purpose: This study aimed to update the changes of health insurance coverage in all states and the Gulf Coast states, confirm the significance of the health policy on insurance coverage by analyzing Louisiana, and examine the relationships between socio-demographic variables and rural/urban area by using interaction variables. Methods: …

Epidemiology Of Enforcing Travel Restrictions In Us Peninsular Regions During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Kathleen Kelly, Sebastian Coupe, Cynthia Kelly

Florida Public Health Review

No abstract provided.

Cultivating Healthy Schools: The Feasibility Of An Outdoor Classroom In A Public Elementary School, Erin Largo-Wight, Caroline A. Guardino, Katrina W. Hall

Florida Public Health Review

Background: Nature contact and time outdoors is critical for healthy child development and well-being and a disconnect from nature may be problematic. Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of a nature contact intervention for children – an outdoor classroom - in a public school. Methods: Two kindergarten classes participated in this mixed-methods case study (N=2 teachers, n=36 children aged 5-6) and used an outdoor classroom every other day for language arts lesson over a six weeks observation period. The two teachers in this case study completed a survey that assessed perceived practicality and feasibility of using the …

Photovoice And Youth On Violence And Related Topics: A Systematic Review, Yingwei Yang, Andrew C. Lim, Renée E. Wallace, Stephanie Marhefka-Day, Karen D. Liller

Florida Public Health Review

Background and Purpose: Photovoice is a qualitative method that empowers youth to identify community issues and assets through photo-taking and photo discussions. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the characteristics of studies using photovoice in violence and related topics among youth, and the rationale, strengths and limitations of the photovoice methodology when applied to youth.

Methods: Inclusion criteria, search strategy, and data extraction and analysis plan were specified in advance and documented in a protocol (Registration: PROSPERO-CRD42018087290). The search strategy included three search concepts: photovoice, youth, and violence-related topics. Two rounds of formal searches were executed across …

Structural And Social Determinants Of Opioid Abuse Among Florida-Based Hospitals, Donald R. Haley, Hanadi Hamadi, Jing Xu, Mei Zhao, Anh Viet Tran Nguyen, Dayana Martinez

Florida Public Health Review

Background: With over two million people suffering from opioid abuse disorders, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has identified opioid abuse as a key priority. Florida is one of eight states labeled as a high-burden opioid abuse and is an “epicenter” for opioid use and misuse.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to discover potential predictors of opioid abuse in Florida by exploring specific healthcare delivery, geographic, and patient demographic factors.

Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study design was used to examine four years (2014-2017) of Florida inpatient administrative discharge data across 173 hospitals of opioid abuse rate. …