Public Health Commons^™

Suicide Prevention: The Role We Play, Tanesha Slocumb, Delores P. Quasie-Woode, Fayth M. Parks

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Bridging Disparities: Mass Incarceration Among African American Men, Eghosa Asemota, Jonathan A. Grubb

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Need For A Multidimensional And Interdisciplinary Approach For Opioid Addiction Prevention Intervention, Prachi Joshi, Atin Adhikari

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

A Scoping Review Of Theoretical Models And Conceptual Frameworks Used In Public Health Services And Systems Research (Phssr) Literature, Zahra Shahin, Anna Messick, Jenna Harris, Kristie C. Waterfield, Gulzar H. Shah

Health Policy & Community Health: Faculty Publications

Objectives

Theoretical models and conceptual frameworks are often used to design research methods. This study aims to provide an overview of the application of theoretical models and conceptual frameworks in Public Health Services and Systems Research (PHSSR). We also examine how the integration of such terms in research can improve intervention designs and support the decision-making process within the field of public health practice.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using publications from public health journals to identify relevant articles in the field of PHSSR. The eligibility of studies was determined after performing evaluations through a full-text review of each …

Public Health Implications Of Early Marriage, Prachi Joshi, Bettye Apenteng, Tilicia Mayo-Gamble

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Applying The Socio-Ecological Model To Improving Maternal Mental Health In Georgia, Kim Harris, Janet Choongo, Joanne Chopak-Foss

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Feasibility Of Long Acting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) In Rural Communities, William Mase, Ellie Purdy

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Exploring Strategies To Enhance Access To Mental Health Services During Covid-19 Among Expectant Mothers In Medically Underserved Communities, Janet Choongo, Dziyana Nazaruk

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Augmenting Public Health Informatics Capacity To Better Manage Covid-19, Pascal Felix, Gulzar H. Shah

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

First Response To Opioid Overdose On College Campuses, Randall Ford, Ho-Jui Tung

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

A Content Analysis Of Institutions Of Higher Education's Sexual Assault Policies: Assessing Response To Sexual Assault In Georgia, Brianna Williams

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Sexual assault is a public health concern that must be systematically addressed. The existence of a comprehensive sexual assault policy and compliance with federal regulations can guide institutions of higher education in responding to and preventing sexual assault on campus. Federal laws hold institutions accountable for providing a safe environment for students. The purpose of this qualitative content analysis was to assess compliance with federal policy and assess the response to sexual assault by IHE in Georgia. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics was utilized to identify Georgia's institutions receiving federal aid during 2018-2019. Using a proportionate stratified …

The Movement From Research Translation To Community Transformation, Tabia H. Akintobi

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

The theme of this special issue is Moving Translational Approaches to Community Transformation. Its emphasis is on the work of multidisciplinary teams that implement and assess the impact of translational research, policy, practice and educational initiatives on the transformation of community/population health in the State of Georgia. Research on team science, the science of team science, is designed to foster understanding of the factors that interact to influence success of research teams. Cross- disciplinary teams and related research, that prioritizes the integration of concepts, theories, approaches from more than one discipline, are more likely to collaborate. Translational research …

Improving Access To Hepatitis C Treatment For Uninsured Patients In Southeast Georgia, Bonzo K. Reddick, Marianna O'Ree

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In this brief report, we discuss enhancing access to hepatitis C treatment for uninsured patients in Southeast Georgia.

Methods: Through our screening program for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in a local safety net emergency department, the Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Initiative studied the rates of linkage to care for newly diagnosed patients with HCV and sought ways to improve linkage to care for those who did not have health insurance.

Results: Our multidisciplinary team partnered with a local federally qualified health center (FQHC) and a wholesale laboratory service to offer affordable care options, thus increasing the percent …

Maternal Mortality Among African American Women In The State Of Georgia, Causes, Policy, And Ethical Considerations, Zahra Shahin, Isabella Hardwick, Nancy Jeffery, Jalisa Jordan, William A. Mase

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background

The U.S. is currently one of thirteen countries where maternal mortality rates (MMR) is worse now than it was fifteen years ago. Reducing maternal mortality is one of the significant challenges facing the health system in the United States, especially in the State of Georgia, which has one of the highest MMR in the nation. The purpose of this review is to explore the causes, policy, and ethical contextual factors contributing to increased maternal mortality rates among African American women in the State of Georgia. Also, identifying and addressing weaknesses and gaps that exist in the healthcare system and …

Racial Segregation As A Social Determinant Of Health: Evidence From The State Of Georgia, Simon Medcalfe, Catherine P. Slade, Divesia Lee

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Despite decades of research, determining the causes of racial disparities in health remains a pernicious problem in the public health arena. Challenges include further refining definitions of health as well as expanding frameworks for social determinants of health to include relevant and related predictors. Racial segregation as a social determinant of health is understudied but of growing interest in the discourse on health disparities. This paper explores empirically the relationship between racial segregation and other predictors of social determinants of health and their collective impact on health outcomes defined in both objective and subjective terms.

Methods: Ordinary least squares …

Effects Of Centeringpregnancy On Pregnancy Outcomes And Health Disparities In Racial Groups Versus Traditional Prenatal Care, Adrianne M. Smith, Mehak Zainab, Brad Lian

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Group prenatal care has been shown to be effective in reducing health disparities in pregnancy outcomes between racial/ethnic groups. Here, we assess the effectiveness of CenteringPregnancy, a group prenatal care program offered as an alternative to traditional prenatal care.

Purpose: Our multidisciplinary team assessed the effectiveness of an innovative prenatal program intended to improve health outcomes for infants and mothers and reduce health disparities among populations.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to examine differences with respect to several pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight

Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on pregnancy …

Examining The Effectiveness Of A Nutrition Education Intervention For Hispanic Participants, Ginnefer O. Cox, Britt Rotberg, Melanie K. Ng, Sarah T. Henes, Silvia Q. Giraudo

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Food Talk nutrition education curriculum in the state of Georgia was specifically tailored towards Hispanic EFNEP participants in order to test the effectiveness of the intervention in the Hispanic population.

Methods: 455 Hispanic EFNEP individuals ages 18-61 in the state of Georgia participated in the data collection. Measures collected include a 24 hour diet recall, and a food behavior checklist to compare consumption and food behavior practices both before and after nutrition education intervention.

Results: Measurable objectives of the study include statistically significant (p<.001) in fruit, vegetable and milk consumption and consumption of fruits, vegetables and milk group foods closer to the recommended levels of USDA MyPlate guidelines for the nutrition education intervention group. Results also showed statistically significant (p<.0001) improvements in nutrition-related behaviors.

Conclusion: This study supports a nutrition intervention …

Serving Their Needs: A Qualitative Examination Of Nutrition Policy Implementation In The Early Care And Education Setting, Caree J. Cotwright, Jori Hall, Nicole M. Arrington, Nathalie Celestin, Hayley Sanders, Taylor Ragan, Sarah Stotz, Leann Birch

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Childhood obesity is a growing problem in the United States and results in increased risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Thirteen percent of youth in Georgia are obese. Identifying strategies to assist children in establishing healthy habits is essential to reduce the risk of childhood obesity. The Early Care and Education (ECE) setting is ideal for the implementation of obesity prevention practices. However, there are barriers present for implementing nutrition policies in this setting. This report explores the implementation of food and beverage best practices in the ECE setting and highlights barriers to and …

Redefining Our Understanding Of The Impact Of Firearm-Related Injury In The State Of Georgia: A White Paper By The Violence Prevention Task Force Of Iprce, Omar K. Danner Md, Lauren Hudak Md, Mph, Rana Bayakly Mph, Carol Koplan Md, Alexander Kelly, Sharon L. Nieb Phd, Msw, Sheryl L. Heron Md, Mph

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Abstract: Background: Firearm-related injury is a crisis that afflicts vulnerable populations of all ages, ethnicities, races and gender. The purpose of this white paper is to delineate the impact of firearm-related violence on the health and well-being of citizens and communities across Georgia based on the available literature and data. The aim of this white paper is to examine and characterize the currently available data on the impact of firearm violence and injury from a statewide perspective, principally as it relates to the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) report for Georgia.

Materials and method: We performed a literature review …

Leveraging Community Health Worker Program To Improve Healthcare Access For Sickle Cell Disease In Georgia, Jeanette H. Nu'man, Milford Greene

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

A five-year project, Access to Care was developed and implemented by the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia (SCFG) leveraging community resources and partnerships to increase access and improve the quality of healthcare and healthcare coordination in an adult sickle cell disease (SCD) population in underserved and rural areas of Georgia. The project is comprised of three phases: (Phase 1) the Community Health Worker Program - to improve the health outcomes of individuals living with SCD through healthcare coordination; (Phase 2) the CME-accredited Provider Training Program - to increase the knowledge of non-specialty providers in Georgia to increase provider capacity and …

Bridge Builders To Health Equity: The High School Community Health Worker Training Program, Arletha D. Williams-Livingston, Christopher E. Ervin, Gail G. Mccray

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: During the summers of 2016- 2019, Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) with the support of community partners, developed, piloted and implemented an innovative Community Health Worker Training Program for High School students (HSCHW). Training high school community health workers can impact health and social disparities in underserved populations and demonstrates pipeline of future workers in community health and other health careers. The program has achieved promising outcomes, and access to the program model has been requested many universities and community-based organizations.

Method: The HSCHW training consists of summer classroom instruction, field instruction and monthly continuing education during the school …

Improving The Public’S Health Through Sustained, Multidisciplinary Academic And Community Partnerships: The Msm Model, Desiree A. Rivers Phd, Carla Durham Walker Ma, Ashley K. Mitchell Drph, Msph, Shirleta Lawrence, Carey Roth Bayer Edd, Med, Bsn, Rn, Cse

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: To meet the growing needs of communities with increased chronic conditions, decreased access to health services, and a changing sociocultural environment, there is a critical need for community-oriented physicians equipped with the skills to attend to the health of underserved populations. The Morehouse School of Medicine Community Health Course’s (CHC) purpose is to inculcate service-learning and public health techniques to equip community-oriented physicians with empathy and tools to effectively engage diverse communities and provide care that addresses the social determinants of health to achieve health equity. The purpose of this practice note is to discuss CHC multidisciplinary strategies used …

Assessing Public Health Workforce Informatics Competencies: A Study Of Three Health Departments In Metro Atlanta, Olatanwa Adewale

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Background: There is a need for the public health workforce to be current and versatile in technology usage. Public health leveraging technology usage in service delivery has the potential to improve efficiency and bring it to the forefront in the provision of healthcare services. The purpose of this study was to assess public health workforce informatics competencies in select Atlanta health districts and determine the correlates of public health informatics proficiency.

Methods: A 10-item instrument adapted from the recommendations of a Working Group document by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the 2015 Informatics Capacity and …

Smoking And Covid-19, Willie P. Rajvong, Yelena Tarasenko

Eagles Talking About the Public’s Health

No abstract provided.

Standardized Knowledge And Behavior Of Food-Protection Staff To Help Reduce The Potential For Incidences Of Foodborne Illness, Joshua A. Dufresne

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Background: Environmental public health has always been at the forefront of issues that affect the health and wellbeing of the general public when it comes to food safety. However, with the workforce moving from one of technological laggards toward faster progress toward new and improved systems in performing food service, the question becomes: What are the needs of the environmental health and food safety workforce, and how does one get there? Logically, another question follows: are our current training programs helping to make a difference in the number of foodborne-illness risk-factor violations being issued?

Purpose: This study was to …

Utilization Of A Community-Based Participatory Approach To Design And Implement A Peer-Led Parenting Pilot Intervention To Influence Child Nutritional And Physical Activity Behaviors, Tabia K. Henry Akintobi, Phd, Mph, David Satcher, Victor Ede, Mbbs, Glenda Wrenn, Md, Cassandra Bolar, Phd, Aneeqah Ferguson, Evonne Perdue, Martha Okafor, Kisha Holden, Leroy Reese, Phd

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Parents and primary child guardians within the household play critical roles in shaping their children’s nutritional and physical activity behaviors, which are among the individual-level determinants of childhood obesity and other chronic conditions. There are well-established correlations between race, socioeconomic status and the risk for obesity calling for both contextually- and individual-centered interventions that are community-driven. The Using Quality Parenting (UQP) pilot intervention was a peer-led, parenting education intervention developed in collaboration with community residents in Atlanta, Georgia to influence child nutritional and physical activity behaviors in African American low socioeconomic status communities. A community-based participatory research (CBPR) framework was …

Perceptions Of Physical Activity Engagement Among African American Emerging Adults At Georgia Southern University - Statesboro Campus, Addison Mickens

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Physical Activity (PA) is critical to the health and well-being of African American emerging adults, ages 18-25. Research suggests that African American (AA) college students engage in less PA than other racial/ethnic groups. Few studies have examined the relationship between the collegiate built environment (CBE) impact on PA in this population. The Social Ecological Model (SEM) and the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) were used to show how the environment facilitates influence on the behavior through physical and social factors affecting the behavior of engaging in PA. Methods: The purpose of this cross-sectional, concurrent multi-method study was to determine barriers …

Factors Associated With Hiv Testing In Liberia: Findings From The 2013 Demographic Health Survey, Miatta M.E. Dennis

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is among the world’s most serious challenges. The African region is severely affected with nearly one in 25 adults being HIV infected –accounting for over two-thirds of HIV infected people worldwide. In 2013, approximately three in four men and half of women aged 15-49 had never been HIV tested. In 2018, over 7,000 Liberians were HIV positive. Increasing HIV testing rates is the primary step to reducing HIV infection rates. This study examines factors associated with HIV testing behavior among Liberians using the Knowledge Attitude Behavior (KAB) model as a conceptual framework. The 2013 Liberia Demographic …

Lessons Learned In The Early Stages Of A Community-Academic Partnership To Address Health Disparities In A Rural Community, Tiffany R. Washington, Brian M. Rivers, L. Sherrié Raleigh, Natalie D. Hernandez, Mindy Le, A. Keith Green, Jeffery Lawrence, Henry N. Young

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

In rural Georgia, African American men are burdened by chronic health diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Community-academic partnerships that leverage community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles can facilitate the adaptation and translation of multilevel programs to address chronic disease prevention and management in rural areas. The objective of this study was to explore key components of the CBPR process that bolstered the early stages of a partnership established between rural-residing community leaders and academic partners in Georgia. Qualitative methodology was used to collect and assess data regarding the initial engagement between the community and academic partners. Findings indicate …

Fitnessgram Assessment Results In Five Rural Counties Of Georgia, Tara L. Underwood, Jimmie H. Smith Jr, Dawood H. Sultan

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Childhood obesity continues to be more prevalent in the United States (US) than ever before. Youth who reside in rural areas tend to experience higher risks of obesity and overweight status, mainly due to barriers to physical activity. Even though the US federal government has mandated a daily requirement of physical activity for all school-age children, the majority of youth from rural communities tend to not achieve the recommended Health Fitness Zone (HFZ) goals.

Methods: The FITNESSGRAM is the instrument that has been used to measure and report students’ physical activity and body mass index (BMI) based …