Public Health Commons^™

Rapid Escape Of New Sars-Cov-2 Omicron Variants From Ba2-Directed Antibody Responses, Aiste Dijokaite-Guraliuc, Raksha Das, Daming Zhou, Helen M Ginn, Chang Liu, Helen M E Duyvesteyn, Jiandong Huo, Rungtiwa Nutalai, Piyada Supasa, Muneeswaran Selvaraj, Thushan I De Silva, Megan Plowright, Thomas A H Newman, Hailey Hornsby, Alexander J Mentzer, Donal Skelly, Thomas G Ritter, Nigel Temperton, Paul Klenerman, Eleanor Barnes, Susanna J Dunachie, Optic Consortium, Cornelius Roemer, Thomas P Peacock, Neil G Paterson, Mark A Williams, David R Hall, Elizabeth E Fry, Juthathip Mongkolsapaya, Jingshan Ren, David I Stuart, Gavin R Screaton

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

In November 2021, Omicron BA.1, containing a raft of new spike mutations, emerged and quickly spread globally. Intense selection pressure to escape the antibody response produced by vaccines or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection then led to a rapid succession of Omicron sub-lineages with waves of BA.2 and then BA.4/5 infection. Recently, many variants have emerged such as BQ.1 and XBB, which carry up to 8 additional receptor-binding domain (RBD) amino acid substitutions compared with BA.2. We describe a panel of 25 potent monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) generated from vaccinees suffering BA.2 breakthrough infections. Epitope mapping shows potent …

The Effects Of Multiple Micronutrient Fortified Beverage And Responsive Caregiving Interventions On Early Childhood Development, Hemoglobin, And Ferritin Among Infants In Rural Guatemala, Alysse J. Kowalski, Victor Alfonso Mayen, Silvia De Ponce, Kaley B. Lambden, Nick Tilton, Lisa M. Villanueva, Ana M. Palacios, Greg A. Reinhart, Kristen M. Hurley, Maureen M. Black

Health Policy & Community Health: Faculty Publications

Undernutrition and a lack of learning opportunities can jeopardize long-term growth and development among infants in low- and middle-income countries. We conducted a 6-month 2 × 2 cluster-randomized trial to assess the effects of multiple micronutrient-fortified beverages and responsive caregiving interventions among infants 6–18 months in 72 community sectors in southwest Guatemala. We administered baseline and endline assessments of childhood development (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development) and socioemotional development (Brief Infant Toddler Socio-Emotional Assessment) and measured ferritin and hemoglobin on a subsample. The trial was analyzed using linear mixed models. At the baseline, the mean age (SD) was …

2023-04-24_Michiganoverview_Covidbedppe, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Hospital Data

Contains the tables Statewide Hospital Capacity Report for COVID-19, COVID-19 Metrics, Statewide Hospital Available PPE Tracking for COVID-19, as well as the tables PPE Days On Hand and Patient Census.

Comparing Levels Of Situational Empathy Based On Medium Of Exposure To Covid-19 Mortality Information And Proximity To Others, Beth Durkin

Honors Projects

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people expressed a lax attitude to the policies put in place to keep the public safe despite the high risk of infection and its devastating effects on health across the United States. It is possible that this response may be partially due to a “numbness to numbers,” a phenomenon that describes diminished empathy for a large group of people experiencing a negative event (eg. COVID-19). The present study explored the relationship between levels of situational empathy and the medium of exposure to COVID-19 mortality information (eg. personal story or fact sheet) in an …

An Occupational Therapy Approach To Promote Body Positivity In Middle School Aged Youth, Janis Galindez, Jazminne Orozco Arteaga

Spring 2023 Virtual OTD Capstone Symposium

Middle school aged children are in a vulnerable developmental period that pose challenges toward maintaining a positive body image. Consequently, body image can be a mental health concern that can lead to a decrease in occupational performance in education, leisure, and social participation.

School settings currently do not have the appropriate resources or mental health initiatives to address occupational performance problems related to body image with middle school aged youth. However, occupational therapists (OTs) have the potential to provide mental health services to address body image in school and community settings that promote skills needed for meaningful participation in education, …

Covid-19 Coagulopathies: Highlights Of 2020–2021 Reported Data, Shreya Anil Kumar, Anushka Pradhan, Abdelrahman Elsebaie, Karina Fainchtein, Abdelrahman Noureldin, Yousra Tera, Sajida Kazi, Maha Othman

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved dramatically over the past two years, and literature on COVID-19 coagulopathy has been overwhelming, which complicates the process of understanding the literature or assessing the quality of the data available. The objective of this narrative review was to highlight and analyze data reported on COVID-19-induced coagulopathy and its outcomes in patients with severe or critical disease over two years of the pandemic.

Methods: Studies published in high-impact journals reporting on hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients, their coagulation parameters, and their thrombotic complications were included. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Ovid between Dec 1, 2019 and …

Awareness And Implementation Of Tobacco Control Practices In Rural Louisiana Federally Qualified Health Centers, Michael D. Celestin, Runet Bryant, Tung-Sung Tseng, Krysten Jones-Winn, Qingzhao Yu

School of Public Health Faculty Publications

Association for Clinical and Translational Science, ACTS 2023, April 18 - 20, 2023, Washington DC

Brief Report: Out Of Sight Out Of Mind - Preventable Childhood Kidney Disease In The Far North, Johanna Neville, Allison Hempenstall, Caroline Taunton, Valmay Fisher, Malcolm Mcdonald

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

APSGN is an immune-mediated kidney disease that occurs after a Streptococcus pyogenes skin or throat infection in children and contributes to chronic kidney disease later in life. It is a disease of poverty and regrettably common in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. There have been seven documented APSGN outbreaks across Far North Queensland in the last nine years. Despite this disease being notifiable in both Western Australia and the Northern Territory, Queensland is yet to acknowledge the importance of early notification in the management of APSGN. Notification-driven publication of APSGN incidence should help raise its profile and stimulate better …

Exploring The Experiences Of The Consent Process For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander People Having Cardiac Surgery And Participating In Medical Research: A Study Protocol, Julieann Coombes, Keziah Bennett-Brook, Kate Hunter, Tamara Mackean, Edward Litton, Jacquita S. Affandi, Courtney Ryder, Bobby Porykali, Brea Grant, Kenneth Yakubu, Colin Garlett, Camila A. Kairuz Santos

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Background: Gaining informed consent is a critical step before any medical procedure, and before taking part in medical research. Cultural differences in concepts of health and healing, communication, language, and racism, can play a part in forming barriers to gaining informed consent for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, a lack of informed consent can worsen distrust and contribute to continuing health disparities. This protocol describes a study aimed at providing a better understanding of informed consent experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people undergoing heart surgery and participating in research. This …

What Works For Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Men? A Systematic Review Of The Literature, Jack R. Menges, Marie L. Caltabiano, Alan Clough

Journal of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men experience significantly higher rates of suicide, trauma, alcohol related deaths and unemployment than other Australian men. Despite significant levels of government intervention, rates of family violence, unemployment and incarceration continue to increase in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. As a subset of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, there has been a lesser focus on how to meaningfully improve the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. This systematic review seeks to understand what interventions, programs and activities are successful in improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men …

A Pharmacoepidemiological Study Of Myocarditis And Pericarditis Following The First Dose Of Mrna Covid-19 Vaccine In Europe, Joana Tome, Logan Cowan, Isaac Fung

Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Environmental Health Sciences: Faculty Publications

This study assessed the myocarditis and pericarditis reporting rate of the first dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in Europe. Myocarditis and pericarditis data pertinent to mRNA COVID19 vaccines (1 January 2021–11 February 2022) from EudraVigilance database were combined with European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)’s vaccination tracker data. The reporting rate was expressed as events (occurring within 28 days of the first dose) per 1 million individuals vaccinated. An observed-to-expected (OE) analysis quantified excess risk for myocarditis or pericarditis following the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. The reporting rate of myocarditis per 1 million individuals vaccinated was 17.27 (95% …

Reviewer Acknowledgments, Randy Wykoff Md, Mph & Tm, Rachel E. Dixon Mphil

Journal of Appalachian Health

As we reach our fifth year, we are particularly thankful for the contributions of our peer reviewers. The knowledge, expertise, and guidance offered by the people listed below have ensured that we can continue to share timely research to effect health and well-being across Appalachia.

Review Of: Appalachian Health: Culture, Challenges, And Capacity, Danielle M. Davidov

Journal of Appalachian Health

The Journal of Appalachian Health is committed to reviewing published media that relates to contemporary concepts affecting the health of Appalachia. This is a review of the text Appalachian Health: Culture, Challenges, and Capacity. This book is an ideal starting point for anyone interested in Appalachian history, public health, and health disparities research.

Piloting An Oral History Approach To Investigate Cancer Perspectives Among Residents Of Appalachian Kentucky, Courtney Martin, Lauren Hudson, Nathan L. Vanderford

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Kentucky ranks first in the U.S. in overall cancer incidence and mortality rates. Areas of the state that fall within the Appalachian Region, along Kentucky’s eastern border, experience disproportionately high rates of cancer compared to non-Appalachian counties.

Purpose: This pilot study investigates whether oral history interviews can be used to understand perspectives on cancer among residents of Appalachian Kentucky.

Methods: In 2020, participants (n = 5) who identified as being from and/or having strong connections to Appalachian Kentucky were recruited to participate in this pilot study. Participants included individuals working in cancer-related fields, oncology professionals, and those with personal …

A Better Life: Factors That Help And Hinder Entry And Retention In Mat From The Perspective Of People In Recovery, Adam D. Baus, Martha Carter, Jennifer Boyd, Erin Mcmullen, Trey Bennett, Alexandra Persily, Danielle M. Davidov, Christa Lilly

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Opioid addiction and opioid-related overdoses and deaths are serious public health problems nationally and in West Virginia, in particular. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective yet underutilized treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD).

Purpose: Research examining factors that help individuals succeed in MAT has been conducted from provider and program perspectives, but little research has been conducted from the perspective of those in recovery.

Methods: This study, co-developed with individuals in recovery, took place in West Virginia-based MAT programs using an exploratory sequential mixed methods approach. The survey was open February through August 2021. Data were analyzed late 2021 …

Prevalence And Factors Of Self-Medication With Antibiotics In Claiborne County, Tennessee, Kimberly A. Carney, Lauren Wisnieski, Tristan Lackey, Donald Noah

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern to public health, causing an estimated 35,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Misuse of antimicrobials increases the rate of AMR. Self-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is a primary contributor to AMR that can be addressed through education. SMA has been reported at rates of 3% to 66% in the U.S. but has not been evaluated in Appalachia.¹ Low health literacy and barriers to accessing care have been correlated with SMA and are common in many areas of Appalachia.

Purpose: This study aims to assess factors associated with SMA, demographic differences in knowledge …

Factors Associated With Physical Activity Increases And Decreases Among A Sample Of Appalachian Residents During The Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study, Christiaan G. Abildso, Angela M. Dyer, Shay M. Daily, Christa Lilly, Emily A. Sarkees, Samantha I. Moyers, Thomas K. Bias

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) can prevent and reduce the deleterious physical and mental health effects of COVID-19 and associated lockdowns. Research conducted early in the pandemic demonstrates that a greater proportion of adults in the U.S. have decreased than increased PA, and the effects vary by sociodemographic factors. Ongoing evidence is important to identify patterns in PA changes during the pandemic.

Purpose: This study aims to identify factors associated with increases and decreases in PA during the COVID-19 pandemic in a convenience sample of adults residing in Appalachia.

Methods: Surveys were collected from a convenience sample of adults from eight …

Cancer Screening Behaviors And Associations With Childhood Trauma, Resiliency, And Patient–Provider Relationships: Findings From An Exploratory Study Of Appalachian Cervical Cancer Survivors, Dannell Boatman, Stephenie Kennedy-Rea, Lesley Cottrell, Hannah Hazard-Jenkins

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with increased cancer risk. ACEs may affect this risk in a variety of ways, including cancer screening compliance. ACEs can contribute to mistrust in the medical profession, inhibit patient­–provider relationships and cause at-risk individuals to miss critical access points to preventive services. Protective factors may play an important role in mitigating ACE-related consequences by supporting resiliency.

Purpose: This study assesses the associations between ACEs, protective factors, patient–provider relationships, stage of cancer at diagnosis, and cancer screening behaviors for West Virginia (WV) cervical cancer survivors.

Methods: WV cervical cancer survivors diagnosed between 2000 and …

Rural Appalachian Women Will Suffer Disproportionately If Attempts To Further Restrict Emergency Contraception Are Successful, Amie M. Ashcraft, Sarah Dotson, Sara Farjo, Courtney S. Pilkerton, Pamela J. Murray

Journal of Appalachian Health

The removal of federal abortion protection has incited fear that restrictions on contraception may be next. Many states now imposing abortion restrictions and bans are in the South and Appalachian Regions of the U.S., where rates of unplanned pregnancy and poor health outcomes are already disproportionately high. Numerous studies have documented variable access to levonorgestrel EC (LNG EC) in community pharmacies, with particularly low rates of access at independent pharmacies that are more likely to be located in rural communities than chain pharmacies. Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, some large chain pharmacies and online retailers are restricting …

We Welcome Findings From Further Afield, Randy Wykoff Md, Mph & Tm, Rachel E. Dixon Mphil

Journal of Appalachian Health

For the past five years, the Journal of Appalachian Health has published timely, high-quality research from within Appalachia. We also welcome submissions from those working outside of Appalachia who produce quality research of direct relevance to our region.

2023-04-21_Michiganoverview_Covidbedppe, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 Hospital Data

Contains the tables Statewide Hospital Capacity Report for COVID-19, COVID-19 Metrics, Statewide Hospital Available PPE Tracking for COVID-19, as well as the tables PPE Days On Hand and Patient Census.

An Analysis Of Burnout And Wellness Of Healthcare Workers Based On Patient Population And Healthcare Worker Location, Spencer Brandenburg

Undergraduate Theses

Healthcare workers, even with all of the positive work that they do, often suffer from increased burnout and decreased wellness/quality of life. This problem is not new and has been steadily worsening for many years, however, there are factors which impact burnout and wellness that have not been analyzed or have produced mixed results in prior burnout and wellness literature. There has been little to no research done on the impact of patient population demographics on burnout and wellness in healthcare workers, and the research analyzing the impacts of demographic healthcare worker location has consistently produced mixed results often based …

Advance Care Planning: An Evidence-Based Practice Project, Gabrielle Alanna Harvey

Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports

Advance care planning (ACP) is a topic that can be difficult for patients and providers to discuss due to lack of time, knowledge, communication skills, and discomfort surrounding the subject (Barkley et al., 2019; Hafid et al., 2021; Halpert et al., 2022; Marin, 2022). Delayed or absent ACP discussions may lead to nonbeneficial care, increased healthcare costs, end of life suffering and increased post-death family distress (Halpert et al., 2022; O’Hanlon et al., 2018). The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to increase the discussions and documentation regarding ACP in a family practice setting. The PICOT question guiding …

Evaluating The Feasibility Of Implementing A Prescription Drug Misuse Prevention Intervention In The Community: A Mixed Methods Study, Tamara Al Rawwad, Vaishnavi Tata, Matthew A. Wanat, Danielle Campbell, Douglas Thornton

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

Background

This study is part of a state-wide effort to promote the safe disposal of prescription medications and mitigate prescription drug misuse. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a two-component prevention intervention through Community Prevention Organizations (CPOs) in Texas. The first component involved the distribution of in-home disposal products (IHDP) and the second focused on providing education of the risks of prescription drug misuse.

Methods

This study followed a mixed methods sequential explanatory study design. In the quantitative phase, the extent to which CPOs carried out the intervention was determined by the distribution rate – …

Building Before: Community Resiliency As Emergency Management, Alexandria Rinne

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This project seeks to address gaps in emergency preparedness education related to tornado response. Through an examination of current research about best practices for tornado emergency management response and an examination of the needs of FEMA Regions 7 and 8, the author has identified key strategies and stakeholders to increase positive outcome through building community engagement and resiliency. Three presentations were created for delivery to key community stakeholders—local government officials; non-governmental organizations, social networks, and associations; and individual private citizens. The project offers an overview of background research and provides presentation slide decks, scripts, and discussion guides, all created with …

Open Data Indicates That Collegedale Could Be A Bluezone, Tristan Deschamps, Alva Johnson

Campus Research Month

A blue zone is an indicator of exceptional health in a community. Adventists have a blue zone community in Loma Linda, but there has been little research into other Adventist populated areas that could be blue zones. Therefore, our goal is to show that open data suggests that a blue zone may exist near Southern Adventist University, specifically in Collegedale. This data has been gathered from different federal sources, including, the CDC, the US Census Bureau, the Tennessee Department of Health, official state records, and federal documents that are available to the public.

Understanding And Addressing The Prevalence Of Diarrheal Diseases In Monterrico, Guatemala, Asonganyi Aminkeng, Justa Ndobegang Ewalu

Liberty University Research Week

Graduate

Applied

Patient And Provider Experience With Artificial Intelligence Screening Technology For Diabetic Retinopathy In A Rural Primary Care Setting, Brian M. Nolan, Emma R. Daybranch, Kerri Barton, Neil Korsen

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: The development of autonomous artificial intelligence for interpreting diabetic retinopathy (DR) images has allowed for point-of-care testing in the primary care setting. This study describes patient and provider experiences and perceptions of the artificial intelligence DR screening technology called EyeArt by EyeNuk during implementation of the tool at Western Maine Primary Care in Norway, Maine.

Methods: This non-randomized, single-center, prospective observational study surveyed 102 patients and 13 primary care providers on their experience of the new screening intervention.

Results: All surveyed providers agreed that the new screening tool would improve access and annual screening rates. Some providers also identified …

A Cascade Of Care Of Patients With Hepatitis C Infection In A Rural State, Wollelaw Agmas, Wendy Craig, Kathleen Fairfield, Brian F. King, Elizabeth Eisenhardt, Kinna Thakarar

Journal of Maine Medical Center

Introduction: The substance misuse epidemic has fueled an increase in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Despite the availability of sensitive screening and curative treatment, relatively few people are aware of their diagnosis and engaged in care. In this study, we aimed to identify local gaps in HCV care and inform strategies for improvement.

Methods: In this retrospective study, we assessed adult patients seen at a tertiary care center from 2015 to 2019 and who were eligible for HCV screening based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Inclusion criteria were birth from 1945 to 1965, long-term dialysis …

2023-04-20_Michiganoverview_Misc, Michigan Department Of Health & Human Services

Michigan COVID-19 MIS-C Data

The MIS-C Data page was obtained from Michigan's COVID-19 data page: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/stats/mis-c-reporting.

This report is created by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services from data self-reported by health care providers and local health departments. Data is updated on the first and third Thursdays of the month.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a condition in children and adolescents under 21 years of age where multiple organ systems become inflamed or dysfunctional which occurs in association with illness. Children with MIS-C may have a fever and various symptoms, including abdominal (gut) pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neck pain, rash, …