Public Health Commons^™

Implementation Of Centering-Based Antenatal Group Care In Flanders (Belgium): Experiences Of Women And Health Care Providers; Modalities For Sustainable Integration Into The Health Care System, Bianca Eerens, Astrid Van Damme, Nathalie Leister, Florence Talrich, Christine Mccourt, Deborah Lynn Billings Phd, Marsha Orgill, Matty Crone, Marlies Rijnders, Katrien Beeckman

Faculty Publications

In Belgium, antenatal care is characterized by one-to-one care; with limited integration of community-based approaches. Centering-Based Group Care (CBGC), derived from the CenteringPregnancy^® model, offers an alternative by combining clinical follow-up, health education, and peer support in group sessions. This study focuses on the experiences of participants and facilitators with the implementation of CBGC in three Flemish cities (Aalst, Gent, Leuven) as part of the European Union GC_1000 project. We explored the experience regarding the implementation process along with factors influencing sustainable integration into the health care system.

Methods

A total of 193 women participated in 30 CBGC trajectories …

Ulk4 And Cdkn2a Polymorphisms Influence The Risk Of Developing Monoclonal Gammopathy Of Undetermined Significance, José Manuuel Sánchez-Maldonado, Angelica Macauda, Antonio José Cabrera-Serrano, Hauke Thomsen, Murat Güler, Rob Ter Horst, Bethany Van Guelpen, Pavel Vodicka, Stefano Landi, Subhayan Chattopadhyay, Pelin Ünal, Lucía Ruiz-Durán, Delphine Casabonne, Hartmut Goldschmidt, Istemi Serin, María Carretero-Fernández, Elena Cabezudo, Fernando Reyes-Zurita, Alyssa I. Clay-Gilmour, Et. Al.

Faculty Publications

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a necessary precursor condition to multiple myeloma (MM). Given the role of autophagy in modulating MM risk, we investigated whether genetic variation in autophagy-related genes influences susceptibility to MGUS. We analyzed the association of 34,042 common autophagy-related single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with MGUS across six independent cohorts, five from Europe and one from North America, comprising 2317 MGUS cases and 282,358 controls. We also assessed their impact on immune parameters, including absolute counts of 91 blood-derived immune cell subsets and 103 circulating immunological proteins. Meta-analysis revealed a genome-wide significant association between the ULK4 …

Impact Of Medicaid Enrollment Timing On Tumor Stage At Diagnosis And Survival In Breast, Colorectal, And Lung Cancer, Gabriel A. Benavidez, Stella Coker Watson Self Ph.D., Ms, Anthony Alberg Ph.D., M.P.H., Janice Probst, Jan Marie Eberth

Faculty Publications

Background: Medicaid-insured patients experience higher rates of late-stage cancer diagnosis and worse survival than non-Medicaid patients. The impact of Medicaid enrollment timing on cancer outcomes is less clear. This study examines the association between Medicaid enrollment and timing with tumor stage and cancer-specific survival for breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. Methods: We analyzed SEER-Medicaid linked data for 276,755 breast, 104,784 colorectal, and 101,058 lung cancer patients < 65 years of age. Patients were categorized as non-Medicaid enrollees, pre-diagnosis enrollees (≥12 months before), or post-diagnosis enrollees (≤12 months after). Multivariable logistic regression estimated odds ratios of late-stage diagnosis, and cause-specific Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess cancer-specific survival, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. Results: Compared to non-Medicaid enrollees, post-diagnosis enrollees had the highest odds of late-stage diagnosis (breast cancer: OR: 3.41; colorectal cancer: OR: 3.78; lung cancer: OR: 1.87). Pre-diagnosis enrollees also had increased odds, but the …

Rural–Urban Differences In Cognitive Outcomes Among Older Adults: The Roles Of Falls And Depressive Symptoms, Ayse Malatyali, Tom Cidav, Lisa A.K. Wiese, Jian Zou, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Junfeng Ma, Breno S. Diniz, Ladda Thiamwong

Faculty Publications

Background: Older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) experience a higher risk of falls. However, research lacks evidence on the effect of fall exposure on cognitive impairment and dementia. We investigated the association of falls and depressive symptoms with cognitive impairment and dementia in a nationally representative sample. Methods: We analyzed data from 6221 participants (age ≥ 65) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from the 2018–2020 waves, using Multinomial logistic regression models. Measures included the HRS health status questionnaire, HRS cognition scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Results: Prevalence of fall exposure across …

Rural–Urban Differences In Cognitive Outcomes Among Older Adults: The Roles Of Falls And Depressive Symptoms, Ayse Malatyali, Tom Cidav, Lisa A.K. Wiese, Jian Zou, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Junfeng Ma, Breno S. Diniz, Ladda Thiamwong

Faculty Publications

Background: Older adults with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) experience a higher risk of falls. However, research lacks evidence on the effect of fall exposure on cognitive impairment and dementia. We investigated the association of falls and depressive symptoms with cognitive impairment and dementia in a nationally representative sample. Methods: We analyzed data from 6221 participants (age ≥ 65) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from the 2018–2020 waves, using Multinomial logistic regression models. Measures included the HRS health status questionnaire, HRS cognition scale, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. Results: Prevalence of fall exposure across …

Modeling The Impact Of Shade Pavilions On Wet Bulb Globe Temperature And Activity Modification In Outdoor Sports Across Diverse U.S. Climates, Andrew Grundstein, Susan W. Yeargin Ph.D., Atc, Lat, Earl Cooper, Lilly Cargile

Faculty Publications

Extreme heat is an ongoing hazard for outdoor sports. In response, schools, recreation departments, and fitness clubs are increasingly installing shade pavilions over venues like football fields and tennis courts. While shading is known to improve thermal comfort and reduce heat stress, its effects on wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and related activity modification guidelines in sports remain underexplored. This study uses a modeling approach to quantify the impact of shade pavilions on WBGT and activity modification across a range of U.S. climates.

WBGT values were calculated using a model based on historical data from 221 weather stations, each with …

Cognitive And Emotional Conflict Control Among Children Affected By Parental Hiv/Aids In China, Huihui Wang, Juan Liu, Danfeng Wen, Wan Zhao, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Junfeng Zhao

Faculty Publications

Background: Children affected by parental HIV/AIDS constitute a particularly vulnerable population, often facing heightened risks in psychosocial adaptation due to family disruption, social stigma, and resource deprivation. However, the characteristics of their executive functions, particularly the core component of conflict monitoring, remain unclear.

Methods: The present study compared the performance of children affected by parental HIV/AIDS (n=32) to a control group (n=32) on a cognitive conflict and emotional conflict face-word Stroop task.

Results: The results of the cognitive Stroop task demonstrated that both groups showed better performance in congruent stimuli compared to incongruent stimuli (86.20% vs.67.30%; 568.43ms vs.586.04ms). In the …

Text Messages To Improve Young Child Diets: Results From A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial In Kanchanpur, Nepal, Kenda Cunningham, Sidney Cech, Aman Sen Gupta, Pooja Pandey Rana, Debbie Humphries, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to test whether adding a text message campaign about the importance of eating eggs and other nutrition-related behaviours to an on-going package of large-scale, diverse social and behaviour change interventions would improve four types of nutrition-related knowledge and behaviour outcomes: child diets (egg consumption as the primary outcome), maternal diets, maternal nutrition knowledge, and maternal participation in additional interventions. The cluster-randomized controlled trial involved a repeat cross-sectional design, recruiting families with children 12–23 months of age at baseline and endline in one plains district of Nepal. Throughout the 1000-day period, 51 text messages were …

Impact Of Suaahara, An At-Scale Multisectoral Nutrition Programme, On Health Workers’ Maternal And Child Health, And Nutrition Knowledge And Skills In Nepal, Deependra K. Thapa, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Shalini Suresh, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Bhim Pun, Karuna L. Shakya, Raj Mandal, Subir K. Kole, Kenda Cunningham

Faculty Publications

Suaahara, an at-scale multisectoral nutrition programme in Nepal, aimed to advance knowledge and skills of frontline health workers to improve the quality of nutrition and health services at health facility and community levels. This study assessed the impact of Suaahara interventions on knowledge and skills of health facility workers and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). The study used a quasi-experimental design in which four Suaahara intervention districts were compared with pair-matched comparison districts. One health facility worker and three FCHVs from each survey cluster were included. Baseline survey consisted of 93 health facility workers (2015) and 118 FCHVs (2012), and …

Impact Of Suaahara, An Integrated Nutrition Programme, On Maternal And Child Nutrition At Scale In Nepal, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Shalini Suresh, Deependra K. Thapa, Kenda Cunningham, Pooja Pandey Rana, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Subir Kole, Bhim Pun, Indra Kshetri, Debendra P. Adhikari, Rolf Klemm

Faculty Publications

Suaahara was an innovative, complex, multi-sectoral, large-scale, nutrition programme in Nepal to increase exposure to nutrition-related information and services, improve nutrition-related knowledge and practices among pregnant women and mothers of infants and young children, and improve their nutrition. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Suaahara to improve nutrition and nutrition-related practices by comparing changes over 10 years between intervention and comparison districts. The samples of households at baseline in 2012 and endline in 2022 were 2040 and 2480, respectively, from 120 old wards. The impact was estimated using intent-to-treat regression models in which survey year, arm and their interaction were …

Exposure To Suaahara Ii Interventions And Knowledge Of Maternal And Child Nutrition And Health Among Mothers, Grandmothers, And Male Household Heads: An Association Study In Nepal, Shalini Suresh, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Deependra K. Thapa, Ramesh P. Adhikari, Subir K. Kole, Femila Sapkota, Manisha Laxmi Shrestha, Kristine Garn, Pooja Rana Pandey, Indra Kshetri, Dipak Sharma, Kenda Cunningham

Faculty Publications

Suaahara was a USAID-funded multi-sectoral integrated nutrition program that aimed to improve the nutritional status of children under the age of five and their mothers in Nepal. The program included multiple interventions targeted to mothers and children, as well as other caregivers. Caregiver knowledge of optimal nutrition and health practices among household members is an important driver of healthy child and maternal nutrition behaviors. This study investigates the associations between exposure to Suaahara interventions and knowledge of maternal and child nutrition and health practices among mothers (n =, grandmothers (n =, and male household heads (n =. Linear and logistic …

Does Genetic Testing Influence Outcomes: Early Experience In Melanoma Case Series, Ryan Reyes, George Skenteris, Stella Coker Watson Self Ph.D., Ms, Christine Marie-Gilligan Schammel, Steven D. Trocha

Faculty Publications

Background:

The treatment and prognosis of melanoma have historically been based on histologic stage and Breslow depth; however, due to the increase in surveillance, melanomas are being identified at an earlier stage and lower Breslow depth. Advances in genetic testing, such as Decision Dx®, mean that melanoma diagnostic decisions and prognosis can now be directed by genetics. The purpose of this project was to assess the influence of a Decision Dx® high-grade (Class 2A/B) classification on the treatment of melanoma patients at a regional medical center, particularly those not deemed high risk by conventional classification methods, including Breslow depth and …

Translating Community Voices To Build Meaningful Engagement: A Community Health Worker Led Study, Lauren Workman, Julie Smithwick Msw, Chw, Kimberly C. Rawlinson, Mark M. Macauda, Lashandra Morgan, Whitney Davis

Faculty Publications

Background: Understanding community perspectives on barriers and facilitators of meaningful engagement, equitable decision making, and sustainable community improvement is critical for advancing health equity. Community Health Workers can make significant contributions to research teams, as they are bridges into communities and bring unique perspectives. This study describes community voices on barriers to authentic engagement and insights on strategies to build trust, as well as the way in which these data were translated into a tangible assessment tool and a community-facilitated learning academy.

Methods: A team of Community Health Workers led a series of 24 ‘open mic’ discussions in four South …

Association Between Dietary Folate And Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness Among African Americans And European Americans, Lihchyun Joseph Su, Sarah O'Connor, Daniela Ramirez Aguilar, Minjae Lee, Harrison Wong, Hui-Yi Lin, Jeannette T. Bensen, James L. Mohler, Lenore Arab, Longgang Zhao, Ebonee N. Butler, Laura Farnan, Susan E. Steck Phd, Mph, Rd

Faculty Publications

Background: Despite the confirmed beneficial effects on preventing neural tube defects, concerns about high intakes of synthetic folate, or folic acid, in promoting cancer progression have been raised. This study evaluated the association between folate intake and prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness among African-American (AA) and European-American (EA) males. Methods: This study included 722 AA and 775 EA men with prostate cancer. Folate intake (dietary folate equivalent (DFE), synthetic folate, natural folate) was estimated using the National Cancer Institute Dietary History Questionnaire and detailed dietary supplement use questionnaire. Analyses included univariable comparisons of demographic and clinical characteristics of the two racial …

Challenges, Stressors, And Resilience Resources Experienced By Older Black Women In Rural South Carolina Throughout The Covid-19 Pandemic, Arielle N'Diaye, Camryn Garrett, Sarah Wilcox Phd, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Shan Qiao Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background

Resilience has been established as a protective factor against mental health challenges (e.g., anxiety, depression). From an intersectional perspective, the stressors experienced by Black women living in rural communities are likely to have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to identify the challenges and stressors experienced and the resilience resources available to and relied upon by rural, Black women, during the pandemic.

Methods

Individual, in-depth, structured interviews (n = 24) were conducted among Black women living in rural South Carolina, recruited by local community health workers, from January to April of 2024. All interviews were recorded, …

Trends In Self-Reported Responses To Nutrition Facts Labels Before And After Nutrition Labeling Policy Implementation: A Comparison Of Adults In The United States And Mexico, Jim Thrasher Ph.D., Ma, Ms, Victor Vilalobos, Dai Fang, Alejandra Jáuregui, Alejandra Contreras-Manzano, Rachel Davis Ph.D., Lana Vanderlee, Christine M. White, Rachel B. Acton, James W. Hardin, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D., Simón Barquera, David Hammond

Faculty Publications

Background

Objectives

Methods

A Transcriptional Program Associated With Neurotransmission In The Living Human Brain, Alexander W. Charney, Lora E. Liharska, Eric Vornholt, Alissa Valentine, Anina Lund, Alice Hashemi, Ryan C. Thompson, Terry Lohrenz, Jessica S. Johnson, Nicole Bussola, Esther Cheng, You Jeong Park, Salman Qasim, Alisha Aristel, Lillian Wilkins, Kimia Ziafat, Hannah Silk, Lisa M. Linares, Brendan Sullivan, Claudia Feng, Beniamino Hadj-Amar Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

At the foundation of neurotransmission, and by extension at the foundation of brain function, are coordinated programs of gene expression involving many thousands of genes. These programs are poorly defined in humans because most modern studies that characterize human brain gene expression use tissue obtained in the postmortem state when neurotransmission and brain function have ceased. Here, to advance knowledge of the gene expression programs at the foundation of neurotransmission in the human brain, gene expression was characterized in 130 prefrontal cortex (PFC) samples obtained from participants of the Living Brain Project (LBP) during neurosurgical procedures in conjunction with intracranial …

Survival On Image Regression With Application To Partially Functional Distributional Representation Of Physical Activity, Rahul Ghosal, Sunwoo Emma Cho, Marcos Matabuena

Faculty Publications

Technological advancements in wearable devices and medical imaging often lead to high-dimensional physiological signals in the form of images or surfaces. To address these data structures, we develop a novel survival on image regression model with a specific focus on partially functional distributional representation of wearable data. The existing approaches for functional data and survival outcomes have been primarily developed for uni-dimensional functional predictors. Drawing on recent developments in distributional data analysis, we model temporally varying distributional patterns of physical activity (PA) as a partially functional distributional predictor within a semiparametric Cox model framework. We use tensor product splines to …

Environmental Chemicals And Maternal Depression During And After Pregnancy: A Scoping Review, Pengfei Guo, Yunyue Shi, Cindy Nguyen, Haoran Zhuo, Tormod Rogne, Zeyan Liew

Faculty Publications

Purpose of Review

There is increasing evidence that several environmental exposures may pose a risk for depression, including maternal depression. We conducted a scoping review of epidemiological evidence regarding maternal exposure to environmental chemicals and perinatal depression.

Recent Findings

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Dimensions, and Scopus, and summarized the findings from 27 articles that examined environmental chemical exposures and maternal depression. Studies of ambient air pollutants (N = 11) showed exposure to NO₂ and PM10 to be most consistently associated with antenatal or postnatal depression. Studies of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including phthalates (n = 6), …

Asian Reference Values For Handgrip Strength, Gait Speed, Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand Test, Muscle Mass And Calf Circumference, Jozo Grgic, Siew Ling Tey, Dieu Thi Huynh, Yen Ling Low, Zeljko Pedisic, Nina Schaller, Vanessa Kristina Wazny, Weilan Wang, Yasuhiko Saito, Ravindra P. Rannan-Eliya, Hala Ghattas Ph.D., Monique Chaaya, Carlos Mendes De Leon, Preeti Gupta, Ecosse L. Lamoureux, Mythily Subramaniam, Edimansyah Abdin, Rahul Malhotra, Angelique Chan, Bayasgalan Tumenbayar, Et. Al.

Faculty Publications

Background:

Handgrip strength, gait speed, Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST) performance, skeletal muscle mass and calf circumference are important health outcomes, particularly useful for diagnosing sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to establish reference (normative) values for handgrip strength, gait speed, FTSST performance, skeletal muscle mass and calf circumference by pooling individual participant data from national cohorts in Asia.

Methods:

We conducted a pooled analysis of individual participant data from 20 national cohorts representing 12 Asian countries (China, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Sri Lanka). We included cohorts with data on at least …

Group Antenatal Care Model As An Innovative And Sustainable Maternal And Child Health Service Delivery In A Northern Nigerian State, Pius I. Christopher-Izere, Abiola Ajibola, Abimbola Phillips, Dorcas Magbadelo, Ibidun Jolaoso, Obioma Azurunwa, Francis Ogirima, Collins Imarhiagbe, Anthony Onwuegbusi, David Udanwojo, Emmanuel Udeh, Victor Obagunlu, Adebola Adekogbe, Sunday Joseph, Hamza Abubakar, Neyu Iiyasu, Adetosoye Adebanjo, Barlarbe Gaya, Olayiwola Jaiyeola, Damilola Olaniyan, Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Deborah Lynn Billings Ph.D., Et. Al.

Faculty Publications

The maternal and child health situation in developing countries remains critical and deeply concerning, These regions account for 99% of global maternal and under-five deaths. In Nigeria, uptake of critical life-saving maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH) services, delivered through antenatal care (ANC), are sub-optimal, leading to poor outcomes. Group antenatal care (G-ANC) is an evolving antenatal care delivery model in low and medium-income countries. G-ANC models can improve quality and uptake of maternal health services.G-ANC model was implemented across 255 primary health facilities (PHFs) to ensure pregnant women receive components of a well-defined package of MNCH services at regular …

Individual Characteristics And National Income Modify The Association Between Cognitive Social Capital And Food Insecurity: Evidence From The Gallup World Poll, 2014–2021, Sejla Isanovic, Kegan O'Connor, Audrey L. Richards, Edward A. Frongillo Jr. Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Background: Food insecurity affects >2.4 billion people globally and persists across income levels. Characteristics such as low income, low education, and unstable employment do not fully explain this persistence. Social resources embedded in networks, specifically cognitive social capital involving trust, reciprocity, and support, may offset constraints and buffer characteristics associated with a higher probability of food insecurity.

Objectives: This study examined whether social capital was associated with a lower probability of food insecurity and whether this as sociation varied by individual characteristics and country contexts, consistent with buffering and compensation.

Methods: Data were drawn from the Gallup World Poll (2014–2021), …

Ecologic Factors Contributing To West Nile Virus Hyperendemicity In Central South Carolina: An Integrated Vector–Human–Environmental Study, Elba S. Fridriksson, Ahayla Muraleedharan, Kyndall C. Dye-Braumuller, Madeleine M. Meyer, Kia Zellars, Hiuxuan Li, Melissa S. Nolan Ph.D., Mph

Faculty Publications

West Nile virus (WNV) is an endemic arboviral infection in the United States that has undergone phyloge-netic evolution since its introduction 25 years ago. An integrated vector–human–pathogen study was conducted in the summer of 2023 to unearth contemporary Culex quinquefasciatus habitat patterns and human transmission spillover foci in South Carolina, a state with historically little WNV data. A serosurvey revealed WNV seroprevalence 10 times the national average (22% versus 2%, respectively), with unusual epidemiologic risk factors. Female Culex quinquefas-ciatus WNV positivity was low (2.7%), with viral phylogenetics 100% homologous to the WN02 clade. Mosquito vectors clustered in affluent urban neighborhoods …

Psychological Resilience In The Covid-19 Response: A Systematic Review For Future Public Health Preparedness, Atena Pasha, Abdul-Hanan Saani Inusah, Jannatun Nayem, Xiaoming Li, Shan Qiao

Faculty Publications

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of psychological resilience for well-being. While several reviews have addressed resilience in specific populations or contexts, few have synthesized global literature across diverse populations. This review examines psychological resilience across diverse populations, focusing on measurement, associated factors, and future public health preparedness strategies. Method: Guided by the PRISMA, a thorough search of PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science was conducted in February 2024, including quantitative studies considering psychological resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic published in peer-reviewed English journals from 2020 to 2024, using search terms relevant to psychological resilience and COVID-19. …

Dietary Inflammatory Index And Risk Of Colorectal Cancer In Japanese Men, Ayaka Kotemori, Kumiko Kito, Motoki Iwasaki, Taiki Yamaji, James Hébert Scd, Junko Ishihara, Manami Inoue, Shoichiro Tsugane, Norie Sawada On The Behalf Of Jphc Study Group

Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Unhealthy lifestyles lead to chronic low-grade inflammation, increasing the risk of colorectal cancer. Few studies in East Asia have examined the association between the dietary inflammation potential and colorectal cancer incidence. Therefore, we aimed to investigate this association further in the Japanese population. Methods: This study included 38,807 men aged 45–74 years who participated in the Japan Public Health Center-based prospective study (JPHC Study). The energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) was derived from a food frequency questionnaire. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Differences in risk due to a …

Protocol For The Development Of The Who Gestational Weight Gain Charts, Thais Rangel Bousquet Carrilho, Olufemi Taiwo Oladapo, Jennifer A. Hutcheon, Giovanna Gatica-Domínquez, Kathleen M. Rasmussen, Monica C. Flores-Urrutia, Richard Kumapley, Ӧzge Tunçalp, Dang Bahya-Batinda, Amel A. Fayed, Annick Bogaerts, Aris T. Papageorghiou, Cinthya Muñoz-Manrique, Dayana Rodrigues Farias, Eric Ohuma, Harshpal Sachdev, Hayfaa A. Wahabi, Helena J. Teede, Molin Wang, Nandita Perumal Phd

Faculty Publications

Introduction Gestational weight gain (GWG) is an important indicator of maternal nutrition to be monitored during pregnancy. However, there is no evidence-based tool that can be used to monitor it across all geographic locations and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) categories. The WHO is undertaking a project to develop GWG charts by pre-pregnancy BMI category, and to identify GWG ranges associated with the lowest risks of adverse maternal and infant outcomes. This protocol describes all the steps that will be used to accomplish the development of these GWG charts.

Methods and analysis This project will involve the analysis of individual …

Preferences Of Health Professions Learners: A Scoping Review Of The Use And Role Of Dces In Health Professions Education, Sarah O'Neal, Natalie Smith, Jan Ostermann Ph.D., Binbin Zheng, Laiton Steele, Chris Gillette

Faculty Publications

While discrete choice experiments (DCE), have increasingly been used in the medical literature, little is known about the use of these methods for eliciting preferences from and about students and trainees in health professions. The objectives of this scoping review are to (1) describe the extent to which DCEs have been used in health professions’ education, (2) identify which health professionals have been studied, and (3) identify thematic areas of research in which these methods have been used thematic areas. Between June and September 2024, we conducted a scoping review of the PubMed/Medline, EconLit, Web of Science, and Global Index …

Sociodemographic And Hiv-Related Characteristics Associated With Mental Health Diagnoses Among People Living With Hiv, Monique J. Brown Ph.D., Mph, Jiayang Xiao, Xueying Yang Ph.D., Bankole Olatosi Ph.D., Sharon Weissman, Xiaoming Li Ph.D., Jiajia Zhang Ph.D.

Faculty Publications

Mental health diagnoses have been linked to poor HIV treatment outcomes and poorer quality of life among people living with HIV (PLWH). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic and HIV-related characteristics, and common and serious mental health disorders among PLWH in South Carolina (SC). Data were obtained from the integrated system of statewide electronic health record (EHR) data in SC (2006–2019; N = 8,124). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between sociodemographic and HIV-related characteristics, and common mental health disorders and serious mental health disorders. Among the study population, 4% were 60 …

State Prior Authorization Prohibitions And Buprenorphine Retention Among Privately Insured Patients, Ju-Chen Hu, Shashi N. Kapadia, Hao Zhang, Ali Jalali, Kristen Underhill, Christina Andrews Ph.D., Yuhua Bao

Faculty Publications

Importance  Buprenorphine is the most commonly prescribed medication for opioid use disorder, but rates of retention in treatment remain low. Prior authorization (PA) has been identified as a barrier to the administration of buprenorphine, and patients may need multiple PAs to continue treatment; thus, many states have passed laws to prohibit the use of PA for buprenorphine in private insurance.

Objective  To examine the association between PA prohibitions and buprenorphine treatment retention overall and by branded vs generic drug status.

Design, Setting, and Participants  This cross-sectional study used a difference-in-differences design and private insurance claims data from 49 states and …

Multiple Myeloma Risk Linked To Dna Damage Response Genes, Michael Conry, Irina Ostrovnaya, Yelena Kemel, Saloni Sinha, Linda B. Baughn, Brian Avery, Kylee Maclachlan, Victoria Groner, Lauren Banaszak, Aaron Norman, Nicholas J. Boddicker, Alyssa I. Clay-Gilmour Ph.D., Shaji Kumar, Ellen Kim, Sita Dandiker, Mitul Waghmare, Susan Slager, Douglas Sborov, Judy Garber, Elizabeth E. Brown, Michelle Hildebrandt, Et. Al.

Faculty Publications

Background DNA damage response genes (DDRG), implicated in several cancers as both predisposing risk factors as well as biomarkers for aggressiveness, have not been fully explored in multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods Herein, we analyzed disease associations of pathogenic variations in nine putative candidate genes using 3 446 MM cases and 323 233 cancer-free controls.

Results Increased MM risk was found to be associated with inherited rare pathogenic mutations in TP53, ATM, CHEK2, KDM1A, and ARID1A, with an enrichment of these variants among individuals with early onset or family history of MM. Individuals with TP53 or ATM germline mutations are also …