Public Health Commons^™

The Zika Virus In The United States: A Comprehensive Review, Daniel R. Lindsey, Martin H. Greenberg

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: With a series of outbreaks spanning the globe, the Zika virus has transitioned, in a short time, from an obscure virus to a public health emergency. Locally transmitted Zika has reached the United States, leading to increased concern regarding further transmission and the potential impact on public health.

Methods: The present study was conducted to examine the propagation and effects of Zika in the United States by reviewing published literature regarding Zika in conjunction with updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To gauge the regional response, including prevention and control efforts, interviews were conducted with public …

Engaging Homeless Service Providers In Educational Efforts During A Tuberculosis Outbreak In Atlanta, Preetha Nandi, Mary Claire Worrell, Tom Andrews, Rose-Marie Sales, Jeff Mcmichael, Kristen H. Hamptom, Neela D. Goswami

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: During an outbreak of tuberculosis (TB) in the homeless population of metropolitan Atlanta, education of homeless service providers (HSPs) about the implementation of local infection control measures was imperative to limiting the spread of TB and to preventing future outbreaks.

Methods: By use of educational sessions and teaching posters, two interventions were designed to focus educational efforts from November 2014 to August 2015: 1) a spatially-targeted approach that identified HSPs within an area of Fulton County, GA (which includes downtown Atlanta) with high TB case density (cases per square mile) from 2009 – 2014, and 2) an organizational meeting …

Planning A National-Level Data Collection Protocol To Measure Outcomes For The Colorectal Cancer Control Program, Anamika Satsangi, Amy Degroff

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funded 30 grantees to partner with health systems with the goal of increasing screening for colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods: Evaluators applied CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation to design a national level outcome evaluation for measuring changes in CRC screening rates in partner health systems.

Results: The resulting evaluation design involves the collection and reporting of clinic-level CRC screening rates supplemented by various tools to support the reporting of high quality, reliable data.

Conclusions: The CRCCP evaluation represents a strong design to measure the primary …

Violence Related Injuries Among Individuals Admitted To A Level I Trauma Center In Atlanta, 2011-2013, Fahruk O. Akinleye, Gemechu Gerbi, Omar Danner, Elaine Archie-Booker, Stephanie Miles-Richardson

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Violence related injuries (VRIs) are a major public health problem in the United States (US). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), homicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US and the third leading cause of death among persons aged 15-24 years old. Among African Americans aged 10-34, homicide is the leading cause of death and is the fifth leading cause of death among those 35-44 years old. One form of homicide that can result in injury resulting in death is firearm violence. The objective of this study is to assess the rates …

Intersecting Motivations For Leaving Abusive Relationships, Substance Abuse, And Transactional Sex Among Hiv High-Risk Women, Naomi S. David, Sophia A. Hussen, Dawn L. Comeau, Ameeta S. Kalokhe

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Women bear a significant burden of the HIV epidemic in the United States. Women classified as ‘HIV high-risk’ often bring co-existing histories of intimate partner violence (IPV), drug use, and transactional sex. To help inform future comprehensive HIV prevention strategies, we aimed to explore common motivating reasons and barriers to leaving and/or terminating engagement in each of these riskpromoting situations.

Methods: Between August and November 2014, in-depth interviews were conducted with 14 HIV high-risk women in Atlanta, Georgia who had experienced IPV in the previous 12 months, and used drugs and/or engaged in transactional sex in the previous five …

Air Pollution, Physical Activity, And Markers Of Acute Airway Oxidative Stress And Inflammation In Adolescents, Emily Pasalic, Matthew J. Hayat, Roby Greenwald

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The airway inflammatory response is likely the mechanism for adverse health effects related to exposure to air pollution. Increased ventilation rates during physical activity in the presence of air pollution increases the inhaled dose of pollutants. However, physical activity may moderate the relationship between air pollution and the inflammatory response. The present study aimed to characterize, among healthy adolescents, the relationship between dose of inhaled air pollution, physical activity, and markers of lung function, oxidative stress, and airway inflammation.

Methods: With a non-probability sample of adolescents, this observational study estimated the association between air pollution dose and outcome measures …

The Eating And Cooking Healthy (Teach) Kitchen: A Research Protocol, Sashia White, Roberto Alva-Ruiz, Lucia Chen, Jason Conger, Christopher Kuang, Cameron Murphy, Najeah Okashah, Eric Ollila, Selina A. Smith, Benjamin E. Ansa

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Diet-related chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia have affected millions of individuals, resulting in disease-related complications and mortality. Strategies that may improve the outcome of chronic disease management include modification of lifestyle risk factors such as unhealthy diets. TEACH Kitchen is an experiential education program related to community nutrition, the goal of which is to teach patients management of chronic disease through dietary change.

Methods: Adults (n=144) ≥18 years old and their children (n=144) 7-17 years old will complete four 2-hour sessions. Components of each session will include brief nutrition education (20 min), an interactive cooking …

Syphilis In Georgia, 2009-2014, Kathryn Moore, Leonardo Parker, Joy Wells

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: In the period of 2002-2014, Georgia has ranked among the top three states in the United States for rates of primary and secondary syphilis cases, creating a continuing need to analyze the data and to plan and implement disease prevention efforts.

Methods: The present effort involved analysis of data from Georgia’s electronic disease reporting system, State Electronic Disease Surveillance System (SendSS), including demographic characteristics by year for the period of 2009-2014 and behavioral data obtained from interviews with communicable disease specialists.

Results: In Georgia, from 2009-2014, primary and secondary syphilis, the infectious stages of the disease, were seen most …

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 …

The Effect Of A Nutrition Intervention On Parents Living In A Rural Georgia Community, Regina Elliott-Walker, Dawn M. Hayes, Emeka Oraka, Rashunda Lewis, Andre Leon

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Childhood obesity is a concern for public health organizations. Nearly one in four children living in rural communities are obese, and children living in rural Georgia communities are no exception. For rural communities, prevention efforts are needed to address challenges to reducing childhood obesity. The objective of the present effort was to increase the knowledge of parents in a rural community of the benefits of fruit and vegetable consumption and other healthy options.

Methods: The “We Can Energize Families” curriculum, developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute was implemented in a rural Georgia community. Pender’s Health Promotion …

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

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

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Reducing And Eliminating Health Disparities Through Prevention And Public Health, Daniel S. Blumenthal

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

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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

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

87th Annual Georgia Public Health Association Meeting & Conference Report, Dianne Mcwethy, Regina Abbott, Christy Sims, Brian Morgan, Nicholle Harrison, Angela Peden, David Gowan

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

The 87th Annual Meeting of the Georgia Public Health Association (GPHA) was held in Atlanta, Georgia, on March 22-23, 2016, with pre-conference (March 21st) and post-conference (March 23rd) Executive Board meetings. As Georgia’s leading forum for public health researchers, practitioners, and students, the annual meeting of the GPHA brings together participants from across the state to explore recent developments in the field and to exchange techniques, tools, and experiences. In recent years the venue for the GPHA annual conference has been Atlanta, with the 2017 GPHA Annual Meeting and Conference also scheduled to be held in Atlanta. Several new initiatives …

Attitude Towards Research Among Undergraduate Nursing Students, Anunay Bhattacharya, Marian M. Tabi

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: This study investigated undergraduate nursing students’ attitude towards research. It has been shown in numerous studies that there exists a negative attitude towards research among undergraduate students and this attitude acts as a barrier. This negative attitude affects the willingness and efforts of students to excel in a research course.

Methods: A 15-item pre and post-test questionnaire was administered to undergraduate nursing students to identify the factors that may have an effect on their attitude towards research. The Georgia Southern University Institutional Review Board approved the study. Statistical analysis was performed using paired sample t-test and IBM SPSS 23.0. …

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 …

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 …

Local Youth Groups In Georgia Working Towards Policy, Systems, And Environmental Changes, Anne-Marie L. Coleman, Kenneth Ray, Kia Toodle, Alina Chung, Jean O'Connor

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: The Georgia Youth Tobacco Survey (YTS) is a survey of public middle school (MS) and high school (HS) students. The Georgia YTS was first conducted in 2001. According to YTS, students who attended a tobacco free schools’ youth summit were significantly more likely to be aware of students who use tobacco products (MS: 21% for smoking and 20% for smokeless tobacco; HS: 42% for smoking and 39% for smokeless tobacco) on school property than students who did not attend a tobacco free schools’ youth summit (MS: 10 % for smoking and 9 % for smokeless tobacco; HS: 32 % …

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 …

A Central Georgia Asthma Prevalence Assessment Of School-Age Children And Compliance With Senate Bill 472, Cheryl L.R. Gaddis, Jimmie Smith

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: A common theme among the counties of the North Central Health District is the disparity between the number of asthma-related visits of African-American and white children ages 1-14 to the emergency department. In 2013, 858 children ages 1-14 in the district had emergency room visits related to asthma. The purpose of this study was to assess North Central Health District (NCHD) schools to determine the prevalence of self-reported asthma by parents and school age children and the adequacy of students’ access to maintenance inhalers at school, and to identify schools that qualify for Asthma Friendly School Recognition.

Methods: The …

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 …

Bridging The Gap Between Local Public Health And The Healthcare Community: The Public Health Talk, Puja Bharucha, Rachel Franklin

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: District epidemiologists often rely on healthcare providers for medical information regarding reportable diseases in order to properly investigate cases. It becomes difficult when providers do not share patient information due to apprehension and/or lack of knowledge of HIPAA exemption laws. It is also challenging when the provider staff is not knowledgeable regarding disease specific information. When information is withheld, there is a delay in completing investigations, and high priority cases and outbreaks such as emerging infectious diseases can be missed or lost to follow up.

Methods: The Public Health Talk (The Talk) initiative was established at Cobb and Douglas …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …