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Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Care Continuum Of Youth Living With Hiv: Qualitative Study Of The Scale It Up Program Clinical Sites, Tyra Dark, Sitaji Gurung, Mary Dooley, Kit N. Simpson, Seyram A. Butame, Sylvie Naar Jun 2022

Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Care Continuum Of Youth Living With Hiv: Qualitative Study Of The Scale It Up Program Clinical Sites, Tyra Dark, Sitaji Gurung, Mary Dooley, Kit N. Simpson, Seyram A. Butame, Sylvie Naar

Publications and Research

The study objective was to explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the clinics’ ability to provide continuous healthcare services to youth (15–24 years) living with HIV (YLWH). One focused semi-structured interview was conducted with each HIV clinic site—resulting in ten interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques assisted by NVIVO coding software and themes indicating barriers and facilitators to providing uninterrupted healthcare were elicited. Six themes were identified that affected the care continuum of YLWH: Timeframe of clinic preparation to address COVID-19 restrictions; impact on treatment cascade monitoring data; impact on patient care; impact on staff and …


Feasibility Of Using Electronic Health Records For Cascade Monitoring And Cost Estimates In Implementation Science Studies In The Adolescent Trials Network For Hiv/Aids Interventions, Tyra Dark, Kit N. Simpson, Sitaji Gurung, Amy L. Pennar, Marshall Chew, Sylvie Naar Apr 2022

Feasibility Of Using Electronic Health Records For Cascade Monitoring And Cost Estimates In Implementation Science Studies In The Adolescent Trials Network For Hiv/Aids Interventions, Tyra Dark, Kit N. Simpson, Sitaji Gurung, Amy L. Pennar, Marshall Chew, Sylvie Naar

Publications and Research

Background:One of the most difficult areas in the fight against HIV/AIDS is reaching out to youth aged 13 to 24 years. The proportion of youth living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and who are virally undetectable is low, highlighting significant challenges for reaching the Joint United Nations Program on HIV targets.

Objective:This study aimed to assess the feasibility of obtaining key clinical indicators and monitoring treatment, viral suppression, and retention components of the youth HIV treatment cascade in Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions clinics using electronic health record (EHR) downloads and to provide baseline characteristics for the study …


From Abortion Rights To Reproductive Justice: A Call To Action, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Judith L.M. Mccoyd, Mery Diaz Feb 2022

From Abortion Rights To Reproductive Justice: A Call To Action, Erica Goldblatt Hyatt, Judith L.M. Mccoyd, Mery Diaz

Publications and Research

As aggressive cultural and legislative attacks on abortion rights and access continue, we call upon social workers to pursue the liberatory aims of the reproductive justice (RJ) movement. We argue that the RJ framework, rooted in feminist theory, aligns with social work’s social justice ethos and goals, appropriately guiding advocacy and intervention. After outlining the central aims and tenets of the RJ movement, we consider policies that impair RJ and those that could promote RJ, focusing on enhancing body sovereignty, childbearing, and parenting. We conclude with concrete recommendations for how social workers can pursue RJ professionally and personally.


Congenital Zika Syndrome - Background And Nutrition Care Of Affected Infants, Ann Gaba, Ghada Soliman Apr 2020

Congenital Zika Syndrome - Background And Nutrition Care Of Affected Infants, Ann Gaba, Ghada Soliman

Publications and Research

This review provides a history and overview of Zika infection, with special attention to resultant birth defects and the nutrition care required by Zika affected infants.


Prenatal Choline Supplementation During High-Fat Feeding Improves Long-Term Blood Glucose Control In Male Mouse Offspring, Hunter W. Korsmo, Kaydine Edwards, Bhoomi Dave, Chauntelle Jack-Roberts, Huanling Yu, Anjana Saxena, Marie Salvador, Moshe Dembitzer, Jaskomal Phagoora, Xinyin Jiang Jan 2020

Prenatal Choline Supplementation During High-Fat Feeding Improves Long-Term Blood Glucose Control In Male Mouse Offspring, Hunter W. Korsmo, Kaydine Edwards, Bhoomi Dave, Chauntelle Jack-Roberts, Huanling Yu, Anjana Saxena, Marie Salvador, Moshe Dembitzer, Jaskomal Phagoora, Xinyin Jiang

Publications and Research

Maternal obesity increases the risk of metabolic dysregulation in rodent offspring, especially when offspring are exposed to a high-fat (HF), obesogenic diet later in life. We previously demonstrated that maternal choline supplementation (MCS) in HF-fed mouse dams during gestation prevents fetal overgrowth and excess adiposity. In this study, we examined the long-term metabolic influence of MCS. C57BL/6J mice were fed a HF diet with or without choline supplementation prior to and during gestation. After weaning, their pups were exposed to either a HF or control diet for 6 weeks before measurements. Prenatal and post-weaning dietary treatments led to sexually dimorphic …


Altered Growth Trajectory In Children Born To Mothers With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus And Preeclampsia, Yonglin Huang, Wei Zhang, Karen Go, Kenji J. Tsuchiya, Jianzhong Hu, Daniel W. Skupski, Sheow Yun Sei, Yoko Nomura Jan 2020

Altered Growth Trajectory In Children Born To Mothers With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus And Preeclampsia, Yonglin Huang, Wei Zhang, Karen Go, Kenji J. Tsuchiya, Jianzhong Hu, Daniel W. Skupski, Sheow Yun Sei, Yoko Nomura

Publications and Research

Purpose: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia are leading causes of mortality and morbidity in mothers and children. High childhood body mass index (BMI) is among their myriad of negative outcomes. However, little is known about the trajectory of the child BMI exposed to GDM and co-occurring preeclampsia from early to mid-childhood. This study examined the independent and joint impact of GDM and preeclampsia on childhood BMI trajectory.

Methods: A population-based sample of 356 mothers were recruited from OB/GYN clinics in New York. Their children were then followed annually from 18 to 72 months. Maternal GDM and preeclampsia status were …


Choline: Exploring The Growing Science On Its Benefits For Moms And Babies, Hunter W. Korsmo, Xinyin Jiang, Marie A. Caudill Aug 2019

Choline: Exploring The Growing Science On Its Benefits For Moms And Babies, Hunter W. Korsmo, Xinyin Jiang, Marie A. Caudill

Publications and Research

The importance of ensuring adequate choline intakes during pregnancy is increasingly recognized. Choline is critical for a number of physiological processes during the prenatal period with roles in membrane biosynthesis and tissue expansion, neurotransmission and brain development, and methyl group donation and gene expression. Studies in animals and humans have shown that supplementing the maternal diet with additional choline improves several pregnancy outcomes and protects against certain neural and metabolic insults. Most pregnant women in the U.S. are not achieving choline intake recommendations of 450 mg/day and would likely benefit from boosting their choline intakes through dietary and/or supplemental approaches.


Why Doula Services Should Become An Essential Health Benefit In New York State, Jalisha Hanshaw, Amy White Apr 2019

Why Doula Services Should Become An Essential Health Benefit In New York State, Jalisha Hanshaw, Amy White

Publications and Research

Doulas are birth workers who assist expecting mothers through pregnancy, birth and postpartum using holistic techniques. Techniques include: prenatal yoga, birth affirmations and induction acupuncture. Doulas are underrated healthcare providers who deserve the same respect as clinical and non-clinical providers. Doulas are well-rounded alternative care providers who focus on mental, emotional, and physical well being of mothers. Also, they know special alternative medical techniques that prevent mothers from maternal mortality among other negative health outcomes. The amount of time and effort doulas perform with expecting mothers are equal or more than the average medical healthcare provider and should be a …


Involuntary Sterilization Among Hiv-Positive Garifuna Women From Honduras Seeking Asylum In The United States: Two Case Reports, Holly G. Atkinson, Deborah Ottenheimer Apr 2018

Involuntary Sterilization Among Hiv-Positive Garifuna Women From Honduras Seeking Asylum In The United States: Two Case Reports, Holly G. Atkinson, Deborah Ottenheimer

Publications and Research

Voluntary sterilization is one of the most widely used forms of contraception by women worldwide; however, involuntary sterilization is considered a violation of multiple human rights and grounds for asylum in the United States. Women have been disproportionately affected by this practice. We report two cases of involuntary sterilization in HIV-positive Garifuna women from Honduras who sought asylum in America and were medically evaluated at the request of their attorneys. Key lessons can be drawn from these cases with regard to the importance of medical evaluations in establishing persecution. These include the need for a detailed account of the events …


Do Mothers Affect Daughter’S Behaviors? Diet, Physical Activity, And Sedentary Behaviors In Kuwaiti Mother–Daughter Dyads, Lemia H. Shaban, Joan A. Vaccaro, Shiryn D. Sukhram, Fatma G. Huffman Dec 2017

Do Mothers Affect Daughter’S Behaviors? Diet, Physical Activity, And Sedentary Behaviors In Kuwaiti Mother–Daughter Dyads, Lemia H. Shaban, Joan A. Vaccaro, Shiryn D. Sukhram, Fatma G. Huffman

Publications and Research

The objective of the study was to evaluate 169 Kuwaiti mother– daughter dyads and their associations with health behaviors for eating healthy, engaging in physical activity, daughters perceived body weight, time spent with computer/video, and time viewing television. Female students aged 10–14 years were selected from private and public schools in the State of Kuwait. Results demonstrated that daughters exhibited similar behaviors to their mothers in their perceived eating behavior, physical activity, computer/ video game use, and TV screen time. Future research is essential to determine the role of mothers in effective health behavior intervention strategies for female Kuwaiti adolescents.


Doula Services Within A Healthy Start Program: Increasing Access For An Underserved Population, Mary-Powel Thomas, Gabriela Ammann, Ellen Brazier, Philip Noyes, Aletha Maybank Dec 2017

Doula Services Within A Healthy Start Program: Increasing Access For An Underserved Population, Mary-Powel Thomas, Gabriela Ammann, Ellen Brazier, Philip Noyes, Aletha Maybank

Publications and Research

Purpose: Women of color in the United States, particularly in high-poverty neighborhoods, experience high rates of poor birth outcomes, including cesarean section, preterm birth, low birthweight, and infant mortality. Doula care has been linked to improvements in many perinatal outcomes, but women of color and low-income women often face barriers in accessing doula support.

Description: To address this issue, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Healthy Start Brooklyn introduced the By My Side Birth Support Program in 2010. The goal was to complement other maternal home-visiting programs by providing doula support during labor and birth, along …


Mode Of Delivery And Child And Adolescent Psychological Well-Being: Evidence From Hong Kong’S “Children Of 1997” Birth Cohort, Cherry Y. Leung, Gabriel M. Leung, C. Mary Schooling Nov 2017

Mode Of Delivery And Child And Adolescent Psychological Well-Being: Evidence From Hong Kong’S “Children Of 1997” Birth Cohort, Cherry Y. Leung, Gabriel M. Leung, C. Mary Schooling

Publications and Research

Mode of delivery (vaginal or cesarean section) is thought to affect gut microbiota, which in turn may affect psychological well-being. As such, mode of delivery is potentially a modifiable factor for psychological well-being. Here we examined the association of mode of delivery with child and adolescent psychological well-being. We used multivariable linear regression in a populationrepresentative Hong Kong Chinese birth cohort, “Children of 1997,” to examine the adjusted associations of mode of delivery with behavioral problems assessed from parent-reported Rutter score at ~7 (n = 6294) and ~11 years (n = 5598), self-esteem assessed from self-reported Culture-Free Self- Esteem Inventory …


Maternal Choline Supplementation Alters Fetal Growth Patterns In A Mouse Model Of Placental Insufficiency, Julia H. King, Sze Ting (Cecilia) Kwan, Jian Yan, Kevin C. Klatt, Xinyin Jiang, Mark S. Roberson, Marie A. Caudill Jul 2017

Maternal Choline Supplementation Alters Fetal Growth Patterns In A Mouse Model Of Placental Insufficiency, Julia H. King, Sze Ting (Cecilia) Kwan, Jian Yan, Kevin C. Klatt, Xinyin Jiang, Mark S. Roberson, Marie A. Caudill

Publications and Research

Impairments in placental development can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. The bioactive nutrient choline may mitigate some of these impairments, as suggested by data in humans, animals, and human trophoblasts. Herein, we investigated the effects of maternal choline supplementation (MCS) on parameters of fetal growth in a Dlx3+/− (distal-less homeobox 3) mouse model of placental insufficiency. Dlx3+/− female mice were assigned to 1X (control), 2X, or 4X choline intake levels during gestation. Dams were sacrificed at embryonic days E10.5, 12.5, 15.5, and 18.5. At E10.5, placental weight, embryo weight, and placental efficiency were higher in 4X versus 1X choline. Higher concentrations …


Identifying Inequities In Maternal And Child Health Through Risk Stratification To Inform Health Systems Strengthening In Northern Togo, Katharine J. Mccarthy, Sandra Braganza, Kevin Fiori, Christophe Gbeleou, Vivien Kpakpo, Andrew Lopez, Jennifer Schechter, Alicia Singham Goodwin, Heidi E. Jones Mar 2017

Identifying Inequities In Maternal And Child Health Through Risk Stratification To Inform Health Systems Strengthening In Northern Togo, Katharine J. Mccarthy, Sandra Braganza, Kevin Fiori, Christophe Gbeleou, Vivien Kpakpo, Andrew Lopez, Jennifer Schechter, Alicia Singham Goodwin, Heidi E. Jones

Publications and Research

Objective
In Togo, substantial progress in maternal and child health is needed to reach global development goals. To better inform clinic and community-based health services, this study identifies factors associated with maternal and child health care utilization in the Kara region of Northern Togo.

Methods
We conducted a population-representative household survey of four health clinic catchment areas of 1,075 women of reproductive age in 2015. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model individual and structural factors associated with utilization of four maternal and child health services. Key outcomes were: facility-based delivery, maternal postnatal health check by a health professional within …


Reproductive History Before And After Hiv Diagnosis: A Cross-Sectional Study In Hiv-Positive Women In Spain, Victoria Hernando, Belen Alejos, Marta Montero, M Jesús Pérez-Elias, José Ramón Blanco, Livia Giner, Juan Luis Gómez-Sirvent, Jose Antonio Iribarren, Enrique Bernal, Francisco Bolumar Feb 2017

Reproductive History Before And After Hiv Diagnosis: A Cross-Sectional Study In Hiv-Positive Women In Spain, Victoria Hernando, Belen Alejos, Marta Montero, M Jesús Pérez-Elias, José Ramón Blanco, Livia Giner, Juan Luis Gómez-Sirvent, Jose Antonio Iribarren, Enrique Bernal, Francisco Bolumar

Publications and Research

The aim of this study is to examine the reproductive history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive women, before and after HIV diagnosis, to describe the characteristics of women with pregnancies after HIV diagnosis, and to assess the prevalence of mother-to-child transmission.

A cross-sectional study was performed among women within reproductive ages (18–49) selected from the cohort in the Spanish AIDS Research Network (CoRIS). A descriptive analysis of the pregnancy outcomes was made according to women’s serostatus at the moment of pregnancy and association of women’s characteristics with having pregnancy after HIV diagnosis was evaluated using logistic regression models.

Overall, 161 …


Associations Of Birth Order With Early Adolescent Growth, Pubertal Onset, Blood Pressure And Size: Evidence From Hong Kong’S “Children Of 1997” Birth Cohort, Man Ki Kwok, Gabriel M. Leung, C. Mary Schooling Apr 2016

Associations Of Birth Order With Early Adolescent Growth, Pubertal Onset, Blood Pressure And Size: Evidence From Hong Kong’S “Children Of 1997” Birth Cohort, Man Ki Kwok, Gabriel M. Leung, C. Mary Schooling

Publications and Research

Background: Birth order has been proposed as a cardiovascular risk factor, because the lower birth weight and greater infant weight gain typical of firstborns could programme metabolism detrimentally.

Methods: We examined the associations of birth order (firstborn or laterborn) with birth weight-for-gestational age, length/height and body mass index (BMI) z-scores during infancy, childhood, and puberty using generalized estimating equations, with age at pubertal onset using interval- censored regression and with age-, sex- and height-standardized blood pressure, height and BMI z-scores at 13 years using linear regression in a population-representative Chinese birth cohort: “Children of 1997” (n = 8,327).

Results: Compared …


Adipokine Levels During The First Or Early Second Trimester Of Pregnancy And Subsequent Risk Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review, Wei Bao, Aileen Baecker, Yiqing Song, Michele Kiely, Simin Liu, Cuilin Zhang Jun 2015

Adipokine Levels During The First Or Early Second Trimester Of Pregnancy And Subsequent Risk Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review, Wei Bao, Aileen Baecker, Yiqing Song, Michele Kiely, Simin Liu, Cuilin Zhang

Publications and Research

Objective—We aimed to systematically review available literature linking adipokines to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) for a comprehensive understanding of the roles of adipokines in the development of GDM.

Methods—We searched PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for published studies on adipokines and GDM through October 21, 2014. We included articles if they had a prospective study design (i.e., blood samples for adipokines measurement were collected before GDM diagnosis). Random-effects models were used to pool the weighted mean differences comparing levels of adipokines between GDM cases and non-GDM controls.

Results—Of 1,523 potentially relevant articles, we included 25 prospective studies relating …


Maternal Characteristics And Clinical Diagnoses Influence Obstetrical Outcomes In Indonesia, Asri Adisasmita, Carl V. Smith, Ayman A.E. El-Mohandes, Poppy Elvira Deviany, Judith J. Ryon, Michele Kiely, Quail Rogers-Bloch, Reginald F. Gipson Feb 2015

Maternal Characteristics And Clinical Diagnoses Influence Obstetrical Outcomes In Indonesia, Asri Adisasmita, Carl V. Smith, Ayman A.E. El-Mohandes, Poppy Elvira Deviany, Judith J. Ryon, Michele Kiely, Quail Rogers-Bloch, Reginald F. Gipson

Publications and Research

This Indonesian study evaluates associations between near-miss status/death with maternal demographic, health care characteristics, and obstetrical complications, comparing results using retrospective and prospective data. The main outcome measures were obstetric conditions and socio-economic factors to predict near-miss/death. We abstracted all obstetric admissions (1,358 retrospective and 1,240 prospective) from two district hospitals in East Java, Indonesia between 4/1/2009 and 5/15/2010. Prospective data added socio-economic status, access to care and referral patterns. Reduced logistic models were constructed, and multivariate analyses used to assess association of risk variables to outcome. Using multivariate analysis, variables associated with risk of near-miss/death include postpartum hemorrhage (retrospective …


Increasing Maternal Or Post-Weaning Folic Acid Alters Gene Expression And Moderately Changes Behavior In The Offspring, Subit Barua, Kathryn K. Chadman, Salomon Kuizon, Diego Buenaventura, Nathan W. Stapley, Felicia Ruocco, Umme Begum, Sara R. Guariglia, W. Ted Brown, Mohamad Junaid Jul 2014

Increasing Maternal Or Post-Weaning Folic Acid Alters Gene Expression And Moderately Changes Behavior In The Offspring, Subit Barua, Kathryn K. Chadman, Salomon Kuizon, Diego Buenaventura, Nathan W. Stapley, Felicia Ruocco, Umme Begum, Sara R. Guariglia, W. Ted Brown, Mohamad Junaid

Publications and Research

Background: Studies have indicated that altered maternal micronutrients and vitamins influence the development of newborns and altered nutrient exposure throughout the lifetime may have potential health effects and increased susceptibility to chronic diseases. In recent years, folic acid (FA) exposure has significantly increased as a result of mandatory FA fortification and supplementation during pregnancy. Since FA modulates DNA methylation and affects gene expression, we investigated whether the amount of FA ingested during gestation alters gene expression in the newborn cerebral hemisphere, and if the increased exposure to FA during gestation and throughout the lifetime alters behavior in C57BL/6J mice.

Methods …


Prepregnancy Low-Carbohydrate Dietary Pattern And Risk Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study, Wei Bao, Katherine Bowers, Deirdre K. Tobias, Sjurdur F. Olsen, Jorge Chavarro, Allan Vaag, Michele Kiely, Cuilin Zhang Apr 2014

Prepregnancy Low-Carbohydrate Dietary Pattern And Risk Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study, Wei Bao, Katherine Bowers, Deirdre K. Tobias, Sjurdur F. Olsen, Jorge Chavarro, Allan Vaag, Michele Kiely, Cuilin Zhang

Publications and Research

Background: Low-carbohydrate diets (LCDs) have been vastly popular for weight loss. The association between a low-carbohydrate dietary pattern and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remains unknown.

Objective: We aimed to prospectively examine the association of 3 prepregnancy low-carbohydrate dietary patterns with risk of GDM.

Design: We included 21,411 singleton pregnancies in the Nurses’ Health Study II. Prepregnancy LCD scores were calculated from validated food-frequency questionnaires, including an overall LCD score on the basis of intakes of carbohydrate, total protein, and total fat; an animal LCD score on the basis of intakes of carbohydrate, animal protein, and animal …


The Association Between A Medical History Of Depression And Gestational Diabetes In A Large Multi-Ethnic Cohort In The United States, Katherine Bowers, S. Katherine Laughon, Sungduk Kim, Sunni L. Mumford, Jennifer Brite, Michele Kiely, Cuilin Zhang Jul 2013

The Association Between A Medical History Of Depression And Gestational Diabetes In A Large Multi-Ethnic Cohort In The United States, Katherine Bowers, S. Katherine Laughon, Sungduk Kim, Sunni L. Mumford, Jennifer Brite, Michele Kiely, Cuilin Zhang

Publications and Research

Background: Both major depression and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are prevalent among women of reproductive age. Our objective was to determine whether a medical history of depression is related to subsequent development of GDM.

Methods: The Consortium on Safe Labor was a US retrospective cohort study of 228 562 births between 2002 and 2008. Exclusion criteria for the present analysis included multiple gestation pregnancies (n = 5059), pre-existing diabetes (n = 12 771), deliveries(n = 395), site GDM prevalence (

Results: The final analytic population included 121 260 women contributing 128 295 pregnancies, of which 5606 were affected by GDM. …


Reducing Psychosocial And Behavioral Pregnancy Risk Factors: Results Of A Randomized Clinical Trial Among High-Risk Pregnant African American Women, Jill G. Joseph, Ayman El-Mohandes, Michele Kiely, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty, Marie G. Gantz, Allan A. Johnson, Kathy S. Katz, Susan M. Blake, Maryann W. Rossi, Siva Subramanian Sep 2011

Reducing Psychosocial And Behavioral Pregnancy Risk Factors: Results Of A Randomized Clinical Trial Among High-Risk Pregnant African American Women, Jill G. Joseph, Ayman El-Mohandes, Michele Kiely, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty, Marie G. Gantz, Allan A. Johnson, Kathy S. Katz, Susan M. Blake, Maryann W. Rossi, Siva Subramanian

Publications and Research

Objectives. We evaluated the efficacy of a primary care intervention targeting pregnant African American women and focusing on psychosocial and behavioral risk factors for poor reproductive outcomes (cigarette smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, depression, and intimate partner violence).

Methods. Pregnant African American women (N=1044) were randomized to an intervention or usual care group. Clinic-based, individually tailored counseling sessions were adapted from evidence-based interventions. Follow-up data were obtained for 850 women. Multiple imputation methodology was used to estimate missing data. Outcome measures were number of risks at baseline, first follow-up, and second follow-up and within-person changes in risk from baseline to the …


Smoking Cessation And Relapse Among Pregnant African-American Smokers In Washington, Dc, Ayman El-Mohandes, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty, Michele Kieley, Marie G. Gantz Jun 2011

Smoking Cessation And Relapse Among Pregnant African-American Smokers In Washington, Dc, Ayman El-Mohandes, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty, Michele Kieley, Marie G. Gantz

Publications and Research

Smoking is the single most preventable cause of perinatal morbidity. This study examines smoking behaviors during pregnancy in a high risk population of African Americans. The study also examines risk factors associated with smoking behaviors and cessation in response to a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention. This study is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial addressing multiple risks during pregnancy. Five hundred African-American Washington, DC residents who reported smoking in the 6 months preceding pregnancy were randomized to a CBT intervention. Psycho-social and behavioral data were collected. Self-reported smoking and salivary cotinine levels were measured prenatally …


Maternal Exposure To The Holocaust And Health Complaints In Offspring, Janine D. Flory, Linda M. Bierer, Rachel Yehuda Jan 2011

Maternal Exposure To The Holocaust And Health Complaints In Offspring, Janine D. Flory, Linda M. Bierer, Rachel Yehuda

Publications and Research

Although the link between chronic stress and the development of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases of adulthood has been known for some time, there is growing recognition that early environmental influences may result in developmental programming via epigenetic mechanisms, thereby affecting the developmental trajectory of disease progression. Previous studies support the idea that offspring of Holocaust survivors may have been subjected to early developmental programming. We evaluated the relationship between parental exposure to the Holocaust and selfreported health ratings and disorders made by their adult offspring (i.e., second generation Holocaust survivors). A total of 137 subjects were evaluated. Regression analyses demonstrated …


Estimated Birth Weight And Adult Cardiovascular Risk Factors In A Developing Southern Chinese Population: A Cross Sectional Study, C. Mary Schooling, C. Q. Jiang, T. H. Lam, B. J. Cowling, S. L. Yeung, W. S. Zhang, K. K. Cheng, G. M. Leung May 2010

Estimated Birth Weight And Adult Cardiovascular Risk Factors In A Developing Southern Chinese Population: A Cross Sectional Study, C. Mary Schooling, C. Q. Jiang, T. H. Lam, B. J. Cowling, S. L. Yeung, W. S. Zhang, K. K. Cheng, G. M. Leung

Publications and Research

Background: Birth weight is negatively associated with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, but the associations are less well-established in developing populations where birth weight is often unavailable. We studied the association of birth weight and cardiovascular risk, using birth rank as an instrumental variable, in Southern China.

Methods: We used published data on birth weight by birth rank from an appropriate population and baseline data from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study phases 2 & 3 (2005-8) to examine the adjusted associations, using instrumental variable analysis, of birth weight with clinically measured cardiovascular risk factors and the metabolic syndrome in older …


An Intervention To Reduce Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure Improves Pregnancy Outcomes, Ayman El-Mohandes, Michele Kiely, Susan M. Blake, Marie G. Gantz, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty Apr 2010

An Intervention To Reduce Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure Improves Pregnancy Outcomes, Ayman El-Mohandes, Michele Kiely, Susan M. Blake, Marie G. Gantz, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty

Publications and Research

Objective—We tested the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention in reducing environmental tobacco smoke exposure (ETSE) and improving pregnancy outcomes among African-American women.

Methods—We recruited 1,044 women to a randomized controlled trial during 2001-2004 in Washington, DC. Data on 691 women with self-reported ETSE were analyzed. A subset of 520 ETSE women and salivary cotinine levels (SCLs)/ml was also analyzed. Individually tailored counseling sessions adapted from evidence-based interventions for ETSE and other risks, were delivered to the intervention group. The usual care group received routine prenatal care as determined by their provider. Logistic regression models were used to predict …


Acceptance, Communication Mode And Use Of Audio Computer- Assisted Self Interview Using Touchscreen To Identify Risk Factors Among Pregnant Minority Women, Jutta S. Thornberry, Kennan B. Murray, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty, Michele Kiely Jan 2010

Acceptance, Communication Mode And Use Of Audio Computer- Assisted Self Interview Using Touchscreen To Identify Risk Factors Among Pregnant Minority Women, Jutta S. Thornberry, Kennan B. Murray, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty, Michele Kiely

Publications and Research

This paper evaluates the acceptability, communication mode and use of audio computer-assisted self-interview (A-CASI) among minority pregnant women receiving prenatal care in six Washington, DC sites. A total of 2,913 women were screened for demographic eligibility (18+ years old,gestation, Black/African-American or Hispanic) and risk (smoking, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, depression, intimate partner violence). Questions were displayed on touch screen laptop monitors and heard through earphones. The mean length of time to complete the screener was almost 6 minutes.

A-CASI experience, which included difficulty in using the computer, acceptability (enjoyment), and preferred communication mode, was compared across sites, the eligibility and …


Prediction Of Birth Weight By Cotinine Levels During Pregnancy In A Population Of African American Smokers, Ayman A.E. El-Mohandes, Michele Kiely, Marie G. Gantz, Susan M. Blake, M Nabil El-Khorazaty Oct 2009

Prediction Of Birth Weight By Cotinine Levels During Pregnancy In A Population Of African American Smokers, Ayman A.E. El-Mohandes, Michele Kiely, Marie G. Gantz, Susan M. Blake, M Nabil El-Khorazaty

Publications and Research

Objective—The goal was to investigate the association between maternal salivary cotinine levels (SCLs) and pregnancy outcome among African Americans smokers

Methods—In a randomized controlled trial conducted in 2001-2004 in Washington, D.C. 714 women (126 active smokers (18%)) were tested for SCLs at the time of recruitment and later in pregnancy. Sociodemographic health risks and pregnancy outcomes were recorded.

Results—Birth weights were significantly lower for infants born to mothers with baseline SCLs of ≥20 ng/ml compared to/ml (p=0.024), ≥50 ng/ml compared to/ml (p=0.002), ≥100 ng/ml compared to/ml (p=0.002), in bivariate analyses. In linear regression analyses adjusting for sociodemographic …


Environmental Tobacco Smoke Avoidance Among Pregnant African-American Nonsmokers, Susan M. Blake, Kennan D. Murray, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty, Marie G. Gantz, Michele Kiely, Dana Best, Jill G. Joseph, Ayman El-Mohandes Mar 2009

Environmental Tobacco Smoke Avoidance Among Pregnant African-American Nonsmokers, Susan M. Blake, Kennan D. Murray, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty, Marie G. Gantz, Michele Kiely, Dana Best, Jill G. Joseph, Ayman El-Mohandes

Publications and Research

Background—Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure during pregnancy contributes to adverse infant health outcomes. Limited previous research has focused on identifying correlates of ETS avoidance. This study sought to identify proximal and more distal correlates of ETS avoidance early in pregnancy among African-American women. Methods—From a sample of low-income, black women (n=1044) recruited in six urban, prenatal care clinics (July 2001–October 2003), cotinine-confirmed nonsmokers with partners, household/ family members, or friends who smoked (n=450) were identified and divided into two groups: any past-7-day ETS exposure and cotinine-confirmed ETS avoidance. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with ETS …


An Integrated Intervention In Pregnant African Americans Reduces Postpartum Risk: A Randomized Trial, Ayman El-Mohandes, Michele Kiely, Jill G. Joseph, Siva Subramanian, Allan A. Johnson, Susn M. Blake, Marie G. Gantz, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty Sep 2008

An Integrated Intervention In Pregnant African Americans Reduces Postpartum Risk: A Randomized Trial, Ayman El-Mohandes, Michele Kiely, Jill G. Joseph, Siva Subramanian, Allan A. Johnson, Susn M. Blake, Marie G. Gantz, M. Nabil El-Khorazaty

Publications and Research

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy of an integrated multiple risk intervention delivered mainly during pregnancy, in reducing such risks (smoking, environmental tobacco smoke exposure, depression and intimate partner violence) postpartum.

Design—Data from this randomized controlled trial were collected prenatally and on average 10 weeks postpartum in six prenatal care sites in the District of Columbia. African Americans were screened, recruited and randomly assigned to the behavioral intervention or usual care. Clinic-based, individually tailored counseling was delivered to intervention women. The outcome measures were number of reisks reported postpartum and reduction of these risks between baseline and postpartum.

Results—The …