Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Assessment Of Early Intervention Services To Better Child Outcomes Among Part C Infants And Toddlers, Brendan Ibe, Tiffany Fowles, Seema Csukas, Jackie Conner, Grace Kelley, Donna Johnson, Cynthia Bryant, Michelle Allen

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Early intervention services have been shown to improve child outcomes. Rapid proliferation of neural connections and circuits contribute to the rapid growth of the brain in the first three years of life. These neural circuits which create the foundation for learning are most flexible in this period and become increasingly more difficult to change thereafter. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between early enrollment in Georgia’s Part C birth to three early intervention program and improved child outcome ratings upon exiting the program at 3 years of age. The study used 2013 & 2014 Annual …

Understanding Public Health: Research, Evidence, And Practice, Johanna M. Hinman

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

N/A

Fulfilling Community Health Assessment Requirements: Lessons Learned From Facilitating State-Wide Community Health Forums, Ashley Walker, Angela Peden, Stuart H. Tedders, John S. Barron, Aaron Jackson, Nicholas Williams, Bethrand Ugwu

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: A prerequisite for National Public Health Accreditation is completion of a Community Health Assessment (CHA) that presents an exhaustive profile of the population served by a particular public health agency.

Methods: The Georgia Department of Public Health (GA DPH) contracted with the Center for Public Health Practice and Research at Georgia Southern University to facilitate five state-wide community health forums.

Results: Evaluation of the forums yielded qualitative data illustrating current challenges faced by Georgians, as well as assets that could be leveraged to improve health status.

Conclusion: Lessons learned from these state-wide community health forums can be applied to …

The Importance Of Early Brain Development, Brenda Fitzgerald

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

N/A

Assessment Of Distress, Unmet Needs, And Receipt Of Care Plans Among Cancer Survivors In Georgia, Cam Escoffery, Angie Patterson, Nancy M. Paris, Logan Kirsch, Cassiopeia Frank, Jean O'Connor

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Cancer survivors have distinctive healthcare needs. The Survivorship Working Group of the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium conducted an assessment to understand the physical, psychological, practical, and spiritual needs of adult cancer survivors; patient perceptions regarding patient-provider communications; and their perceived need for services.

Methods: In 2014, a convenience sample of Georgia cancer survivors completed a paper or online survey about the presence of and distress associated with unmet physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical needs, and receipt of assistance in those areas. They were also asked about receipt of cancer treatment and survivorship care plans.

Results: Survivors were primarily female, …

Collecting Physiological Stress Measures In Research Among High-Risk Parents For Child Maltreatment: A Qualitative Investigation, Ashwini Tiwari, Shannon Self-Brown, Charles Robinson, Colleen Mccarty, Laura Carruth

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Studies on evidence-based, behavioral training programs have shown a positive reduction in self-reported stress among parents at high risk of child maltreatment (CM). However, no known studies on these programs have examined physiological biomarkers for stress, such as impaired levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and telomere length. Further, no details are known regarding the feasibility of collecting biological markers from parents. This research examined qualitative findings from a multidisciplinary neurobiology and public health study that examined physiological responses to a six week, evidence-based, behavioral parenting program, among a maternal population at risk of CM perpetration in Atlanta, Georgia. …

Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices Regarding Smoke-Free Policies In Multi-Unit Housing In Georgia, Adrienne Lefevre, Michelle C. Kegler, Bennett Mcdonald, Lily Liang, Regine Haardöerfer

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Nonsmokers living in multi-unit housing (MUH) without a smoke-free (SF) policy are vulnerable to secondhand and thirdhand smoke exposure. This study aimed to investigate the presence and type of SF policies in MUH in Georgia. Another aim was to explore knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes of property managers and owners (PM/Os) regarding SF MUH policies, including e-cigarettes.

Methods: Throughout 2015 PM/Os of MUH in Savannah and Atlanta were surveyed regarding SF policies in MUH. A list with contact information of PM/Os was obtained from the ASDE Survey Sampler. The participants were mailed an invitation letter and were called one week …

The Influence Of Georgia’S Quality Rated System On School Readiness In Pre-School Children, Dena Phillips, Nancy C. Webb

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Georgia rates the quality of early childcare learning centers using a tiered quality improvement system. Georgia’s Quality Rated system (QR) designates a star level, (one star, two stars or three stars) to each center based on a portfolio of QR standards and an onsite assessment by Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL). Childcare centers applying for QR status first submit a portfolio documenting how their practices align with QR standards centered on staff qualifications; child health, nutrition and physical activity; family engagement; holistic curricula and teacher-to-student ratios. Subsequently, an on-site assessment of the center is performed by …

Surveillance, Epidemiology, And End Results (Seer) Data For Monitoring Cancer Trends, Wonsuk Yoo, Steven S. Coughlin

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Monitoring cancer trends allows evaluation of the effectiveness of cancer screening or detection methods and determination of priorities in cancer control programs. Government officials and policy makers also use information on cancer trends to allocate resources for cancer research and prevention. Although data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End results (SEER)-affiliated cancer registry are accessible to the public, there is a shortage of published research describing cancer incidence rates for White, Black, and other residents in Georgia. The objective of this research is to provide an overview of how to use SEER data through analysis of the incidence rate …

Engaging African Americans In Developing An Intervention To Reduce Breast Cancer Recurrence: A Brief Report, Selina A. Smith, Mary S. Whitehead, Joyce Q. Sheats, Brittney Fontenot, Ernest Alema-Mensah, Benjamin Ansa

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: To develop a culturally appropriate lifestyle intervention, involvement of its intended users is needed.

Methods: Members of an African American (AA) breast cancer support group participated in two 4-hour guided discussions, which were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed to guide the content.

Results: The support group collaborated with researchers to develop 24 experiential nutrition education sessions using a social cognitive framework and incorporating self-regulation skills (goal-setting, self-monitoring, problem-solving, stimulus control) and social support to enhance self-efficacy for changes in dietary intake.

Conclusions: Community engagement fostered autonomy, built collaboration, and enhanced the capacity of AA breast cancer survivors to participate in …

Nicotine Poisoning Trends In Georgia, Oluwayomi Fabayo, Alina Chung, Ray Kenneth, Jean O'Connor

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Nicotine is a toxic chemical that can cause adverse health effects. Nicotine poisoning can result from exposure to tobacco and other nicotine containing products. It can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, dizziness, seizures, tachycardia, hypertension and edema. Nicotine poisoning can affect both adults and children.

Methods: The Georgia Department of Public Health secured data from the Georgia Poison Center in order to analyze nicotinespecific poisoning calls, including e-cigarette poisoning calls. The data on tobacco/nicotine poisoning or exposure calls were collected from April 2009 to April 2015. The data on calls related to nicotine poisoning from e-cigarettes were collected …

Evidence-Based Strategies Identified To Increase Access To Oral Health Services To Promote A Healthier Lifestyle, Breyana D. Davis, Sara S. Plaspohl

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Leading Health Indicators (LHI) are a subset of Healthy People 2020 objectives, selected to communicate at- risk health issues and actions that can be taken to address them. The number of children, adolescents, and adults who visited the dentist in the past year has decreased nationally, suggesting that oral health continues to be a problem caused by barriers preventing access to oral services.

Methods: Preliminary research was conducted on the LHI via the Healthy People 2020 website. Health-related peer reviewed articles were selected and reviewed.

Results: Evidenced-based literature shows that economic, educational, and personal barriers prevent access to oral …

Brain Development: A Look At Four Programs In Georgia That Support Optimal Brain Development, Nancy C. Webb, Madison L. Gates

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Georgia is making strides to improve its early care and education system through program development within state agencies and alliances. These timely, statewide programs are focused on improving understanding of the importance of brain development.

Methods: We reviewed the mission and information provided by four Georgia agencies with the aim of developing and improving programs and educational opportunities to instruct educators, policy makers, the general public, and others about child development in the context of brain development.

Results: For young children in Georgia, the four organizations are committed to ensuring opportunities for well-being. Georgia is moving forward in its …

The Evidence For And From Accreditation, Kaye Bender

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Public health department accreditation administered by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) began in 2007 after a series of policy briefs, field demonstration initiatives, and completion of a national feasibility study.

Methods: Evidence for accreditation was gathered from both national and state-based standards that had been tested and evaluated. Evidence from accreditation was obtained from surveys and focus groups.

Results: Preliminary analyses have indicated that the accreditation program is having its intended impact, although longitudinal analyses are planned for the future when a larger number of health departments can respond to surveys over time.

Conclusions: PHAB will continue to …

Perinatal Health And School Trajectories, Bryan L. Williams, Arianne B. Weldon, Brenda Fitzgerald, Fran Gary

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Perinatal Health and School Trajectories

Partnership Approach To Establishing Tobacco-Free Colleges And Universities In Georgia, Anne-Marie L. Coleman, Kenneth Ray, Kia Toodle, Alina Chung, Jean O'Connor

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Smoking rates in young adults ages 18-24 have been steadily declining since 2011 (2011:25.0%, 2012:22.3%, 2013:16.5% (BRFSS). The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) partnered with the Georgia Board of Regents to adopt the 100% Tobacco Free Colleges/Universities policy.

Methods: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is a state-based surveillance system, administered by the GDPH in collaboration with the CDC. The survey began in 1984 with 15 states participating, including Georgia. The data from this survey were used to inform key shareholders of smoking prevalence to encourage policy adoption as a method of decreasing tobacco use. The GDPH …

The Effectiveness Of Text Message Reminder- Recalls On Human Papilloma Virus Vaccination Coverage In Georgia, Tamira M. Moon, Nicolle Dally, Ben Sloat, Kia Bryant, Sherrionda L. Grady

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Routine vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the main cause of cervical cancer, is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for adolescents ages 11 to 12 years, yet vaccine coverage remains low. The Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Control Program and Georgia Immunization Program implemented and evaluated a textmessaging campaign aimed at improving HPV vaccination coverage, using the Georgia Immunization Registry (GRITS).

Methods: The text message reminder-recall campaign, aimed at the parents of adolescents 9 – 18 years, was launched in July 2015. A total of 208,792 adolescents in the GRITS database met the inclusion criterion, receipt of at …

Public Health For Young Adults Day: Recruiting The Next Generation, Mary-Kate Pung, Nicholas Williams, Rachel Kirkland, Angela Peden, Ashley Walker

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Public Health for Young Adults Day (PHYA Day) is a one-day program designed to educate high school-age students about the principles and values of the five core areas of public health. The goal of PHYA Day is to foster interest and ultimately increase recruitment into the field of public health. This goal is essential due to the impact of the economic recession of 2008. It was estimated that the local public health workforce decreased from 191,000 to 168,000 across the nation between 2008 and 2013. In spite of 2008’s recession, a well-trained, competent public health workforce remains an imperative …

Psychotropic Medications, Weight Gain And Chronic Diseases In A Correctional Setting: Impact On Women’S Health, Madison L. Gates, Elizabeth Ferguson, Thad Wilkins, Darra Balance, Wonsuk Yoo

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Studies with non-incarcerated populations have found a relationship between psychotropic medications and metabolic side effects, such as weight gain. Few studies have investigated the relationship between psychotropic medications associated with weight gain in prisoners, despite data showing that 73% of female and 55% of male offenders have a mental health problem and 15% have had medications prescribed.

Methods: This longitudinal study investigated the relationship among psychotropic medications and weight gain in prisoners. We hypothesized that women prescribed psychotropic medications gain more weight than men. Data were extracted from Department of Corrections’ electronic health records. All prisoners with active records …

Community Preparedness: Expanding Existing Partnerships With Academia To Build Resilience Through Experiential Learning, Nina Cleveland, Mark Palen

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Sustainability and mitigation in preparedness after grant money is gone has suddenly become a hot topic in the public health emergency preparedness world. By the same token, funding provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for individual preparedness initiatives has not had the desired mitigation impacts. The question becomes, are there alternative approaches that reach more individuals to build a culture of preparedness in communities? One solution involves the leveraging of academic and regional public health partnerships with their Medical Reserve Corps Units (MRC), to train college students in individual preparedness. The purpose of this study is to …

Assessment Of The Building Collaborative Research Capacity Model: Bridging The Community-Academic Researcher Divide, Tabia Henry Akintobi, Donoria Evans Wilkerson, Kirsten Rodgers, Cam Escoffery, Regine Haardörfer, Michelle Kegler

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Community–based Participatory Research (CBPR) can be challenging when community leaders and academic researchers have not previously co-led research or worked together with established rules guiding their relationships, roles, and respective functions. The objective of this investigation was to assess the processes and outcomes of the Building Collaborative Research Capacity Grant Program, sponsored by the Community Engagement Research Program of The Atlanta Clinical and Translational Science Institute and designed to foster CBPR.

Methods: Four competitively selected community-based organizations (CBOs) participated in capacity-building workshops designed to build research skills and receive technical assistance to plan a pilot study with academic researchers. …

Disparities In Health Insurance Coverage Among Children And Young Adults In Georgia And The U.S., Brandon K. Attell

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In this brief report, I compare rates of health insurance coverage for children and young adults in Georgia and the United States.

Methods: Utilizing data from the 2014 American Community Survey, I performed two-sample tests of weighted proportions for a variety of health insurance coverage indicators.

Results: Although there is little difference between Georgia and the United States in the proportion of those covered by Medicare and Medicaid, in Georgia there are fewer individuals with private health insurance and more uninsured individuals.

Conclusions: Progress toward universal coverage will require continued examination of insurance status at both the state and …

Exploration Of Barriers And Facilitators To Publishing Local Public Health Findings: A Mixed Methods Protocol, Selina A. Smith, Nancy C. Webb, Daniel S. Blumenthal, Bobbie Willcox, Darra Ballance, Faith Kinard, Madison L. Gates

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Worldwide, the US accounts for a large proportion of journals related to public health. Although the American Public Health Association (APHA) includes 54 affiliated regional and state associations, little is known about their capacity to support public health scholarship. The aim of this study is to assess barriers and facilitators to operation of state journals for the dissemination of local public health research and practices.

Methods: A mixed methods approach will be used to complete the 12-month study. Affiliate websites will be accessed through the APHA membership portal to evaluate organizational infrastructure and ascertain the presence/absence of a journal. …

A Cross Sectional Study Of Mostly African- American Men Examining Mental Health And Child Behavior, Matt C. Jackson, Melissa Cowart-Osborne, Shannon Self-Brown

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Home visiting receives bipartisan support at both the state and federal level, because several models have demonstrated significant results in both reduction of child maltreatment as well as parenting behavior modification. Yet, parenting research and services lack further engagement and involvement as a primary component. That is, even though research has shown that fathers play an integral role in child development, there is very little research done in which fathers are the primary focus; most of this research focuses on mothers. When it comes to serving children who are victims of child abuse and neglect, this is a problem …

Domestic Violence Intervention For Latino Families: Baseline Program Evaluation Data, Jacque-Corey Cormier, Nancy Nava, Charmaine Mora, Rebecca Rodriguez

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In the United States, Latino families affected by domestic violence (DV) often face unique challenges influenced by changing ecologies and personal/political histories. Caminar Latino is Georgia’s first and only comprehensive DV intervention program for Latino families. The program is geared towards helping family members begin their journey towards non-violence. The purpose of this evaluation is to better understand how Caminar Latino is benefiting families within the program. Baseline data of interest included perceptions of power in the relationship among family members and whether mothers and/or youth had safety plans.

Methods: A longitudinal, quasi-experimental research design was utilized to collect …

Formative Research To Develop A Lifestyle Application (App) For African American Breast Cancer Survivors, Selina A. Smith, Mary S. Whitehead, Joyce Q. Sheats, Brittney Fontenot, Ernest Alema-Mensah, Benjamin Ansa

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: There is a proliferation of lifestyle-oriented mobile technologies; however, few have targeted users. Through intervention mapping, investigators and community partners completed Steps 1-3 (needs assessment, formulation of change objectives, and selection of theory-based methods) of a process to develop a mobile cancer prevention application (app) for cancer prevention. The aim of this qualitative study was to complete Step 4 (intervention development) by eliciting input from African American (AA) breast cancer survivors (BCSs) to guide app development.

Methods: Four focus group discussions (n=60) and three individual semi-structured interviews (n=36) were conducted with AA BCSs (40-72 years of age) to assess …

Assessment Of Medical Needs Of The Hispanic Community In Macon-Bibb County, Georgia, Kim Bélanger-Giguère, Jose Pino, Brad Lian

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Little is known about the health concerns and issues among the Hispanic community in growing, mid-sized cities, such as Macon, Georgia.

Methods: A questionnaire on general health-related issues was given to a sample of 125 Hispanic participants.

Results: The top health concerns of the Hispanic community were diabetes, obesity, and dental hygiene; the most common factors preventing Hispanics from receiving medical treatment were the lack of insurance, language barriers, and copayments or deductibles being too high.

Conclusions: Lack of higher education and the inability to communicate effectively in English may be manifested as difficulties in finding proper information about …

Evaluating Public And Private Partnership To Improve Food And Language Nutrition Among Children 0-5 Years, Chinwe Ejikeme, Kia Powell-Threets, Emily Anne Vall, Laura Wagner, Luke Fiedorowicz, Audrey Idaikkadar, Jean O'Connor

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Racial and ethnic minority populations in Georgia experience increased rates of chronic disease and poor health and education outcomes, which can be prevented through enhanced public- private partnerships. Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) evaluation framework, the Evaluation Subcommittee for the Georgia Partnership for Food and Language Nutrition Project comprised of representatives from various stakeholders affiliated with state agencies, academia, and community-based organizations developed an evaluation plan to improve the collaborative effort designed to improve food and language nutrition among children 0-5 years. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to assess influential collaborative factors.

Methods: …

Evidence To Practice: Using Data To See The Faces Of Those We Serve, David A. Ross

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Evidence to Practice: Using Data to See the Faces of Those We Serve

New Recreational Water Quality Criteria And Their Impact On Beach Advisories In Coastal Georgia, Asli Aslan, Sara Benevente

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: To monitor pollution of marine beaches in Georgia, enterococci have been used as indicators of fecal contamination. For the 1986 Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQC), the beach action value (BAV) was 104 colonyforming units (CFU)/100 ml; the new RWQC, instituted in 2012, is 70 CFU/mL, a 32.6% decrease. When the beach action value is reached, authorities are to issue a beach advisory for protection of swimmer health. The present study investigated changes in compliance with the 2012 RWQC at five high-use beaches in Georgia.

Methods: In the summer of 2015, samples of water were collected from five beaches at …