Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons^™

Targets To Increase Hiv Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (Prep) Uptake Among Communities In Northeast Georgia, Kaley E. Parchinski, Molly Hirsh, Andrew Cheng, Nia Kalifa, Manvi Manyam

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: This study seeks to identify targets to increase HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake in Athens-Clarke County, GA, a non-urban area with high HIV burden and poor PrEP utilization.

Methods: A cross sectional survey of adults attending HIV outreach screenings in Athens, GA between November 2022 and March 2023 describes participant demographics and validated scales measuring PrEP knowledge, attitudes, stigma, descriptive norms, and intentions.

Results: Of 136 total participants, key demographic groups included Black (N=84, 61.8%), Latinx (N=10, 8.1%), LGBTQ+ (N=25, 18.4%), and persons who use injection drugs (N=19, 15%); overall, less than half of the PrEP knowledge items were …

A Sex Comparison Of Fall And Fracture Occurrence In The Elderly Diabetic Population: A Quantitative Study, Fahamina Ahmed, Kaylin Miller, Meva Beganovic, Ali Siddiqui, Candice Smith

School of Medicine Faculty Publications

AIMS: To assess differences in falls and fractures in men and women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) within a diverse population in Southeast Louisiana. METHODS: A list of 1200 patients was generated through an electronic health record system using keywords: diabetic diagnosis, falls, and fractures to conduct this retrospective cohort study. This chart review included adults with T2DM who experienced at least one fall and/or fracture between January 2018 and May 2023 at East Jefferson General Hospital located in Metairie, Louisiana. Only falls and fractures that resulted in a hospital visit were included. Results were compared between males and …

Volunteers Needed To Join Effort To Alleviate Pain And Restore Hope, Stacy Mcilduff Cfre

The New York State Dental Journal

The New York State Dental Foundation is pleased to share an inspiring opportunity for dentists to make a difference for one of the most underserved groups in the Hudson Valley community — approved and documented refugees who are being resettled with the help of private citizens through the community sponsorship model. Hearts & Homes for Refugees (HHR) is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting refugee families who arrive with documentation. We are inviting dental professionals to join the effort to alleviate dental pain and restore hope for those who have endured extraordinary hardship.

Altered Thermal Preference By Preoptic Estrogen Receptor Alpha Neurons In Postpartum Females, Nan Zhang, Meng Yu, Qianru Zhao, Bing Feng, Yue Deng, Jonathan C Bean, Qingzhuo Liu, Benjamin P Eappen, Yang He, Kristine M Conde, Hailan Liu, Yongjie Yang, Longlong Tu, Mengjie Wang, Yongxiang Li, Na Yin, Hesong Liu, Junying Han, Darah Ave Threat, Nathan Xu, Taylor Smiley, Pingwen Xu, Lulu Chen, Tianshu Zeng, Yanlin He, Chunmei Wang

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate how reproductive experience (RE) alters thermal preference and thermoregulation in female mice, with a focus on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα)-expressing neurons in the preoptic area (POA).

METHODS: Thermal preference and body temperature were measured in female mice with and without RE, and virgin female mice with selective deletion of ERα from the POA (ERα

RESULTS: We showed that female mice prefer a cooler environment starting from late pregnancy and persisting long term postpartum. Female mice with RE (>4 weeks post-weaning) displayed lower body temperature and a lower thermal preferred temperature, and lost preference …

The Cross-Sectional Association Between Lifestyle Behaviors And Breast And Cervical Cancer Screening Among Hispanic Women Along The Texas-Mexico Border, Paul Gerardo Yeh, Audrey C Choh, Susan P Fisher-Hoch, Joseph B Mccormick, David R Lairson, Belinda M Reininger

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Objective: Lifestyle behaviors may influence timely cancer screening, but their relationship is unknown among Hispanic women who have low cancer screening rates.

Methods: We used Cameron County Hispanic Cohort data from 2014 to 2022 to evaluate the relationship between lifestyle and compliance with mammography and Papanicolaou (Pap) screening guidelines ("up-to-date") among Hispanic women along the Texas-Mexico border. The 2018 World Cancer Research Fund scoring system characterized cancer-preventive lifestyle adherence. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between lifestyle behaviors and mammography and, separately, Pap screening.

Results: Among 385 age-eligible women for mammography and 412 age-eligible women for Pap test screening, up-to-date …

Interim Estimates Of 2024-2025 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness - Four Vaccine Effectiveness Networks, United States, October 2024-February 2025, Aaron M Frutos, Seana Cleary, Emily L Reeves, Haris M Ahmad, Ashley M Price, Wesley H Self, Yuwei Zhu, Basmah Safdar, Ithan D Peltan, Kevin W Gibbs, Matthew C Exline, Adam S Lauring, Sarah W Ball, Malini Desilva, Sara Y Tartof, Kristin Dascomb, Stephanie A Irving, Nicola P Klein, Brian E Dixon, Toan C Ong, Ivana A Vaughn, Stacey L House, Kiran A Faryar, Mary Patricia Nowalk, Manjusha Gaglani, Karen J Wernli, Vel Murugan, Olivia L Williams, Rangaraj Selvarangan, Geoffrey A Weinberg, Mary A Staat, Natasha B Halasa, Leila C Sahni, Marian G Michaels, Janet A Englund, Marie K Kirby, Diya Surie, Fatimah S Dawood, Benjamin R Clopper, Heidi L Moline, Ruth Link-Gelles, Amanda B Payne, Elizabeth Harker, Kristina Wielgosz, Zachary A Weber, Duck-Hye Yang, Nathaniel M Lewis, Jennifer Decuir, Samantha M Olson, Jessie R Chung, Brendan Flannery, Lisa A Grohskopf, Carrie Reed, Shikha Garg, Sascha Ellington, Cdc Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Collaborators

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months in the United States. Interim influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) was calculated among patients with acute respiratory illness–associated outpatient visits and hospitalizations from four VE networks during the 2024–25 influenza season (October 2024–February 2025). Among children and adolescents aged <18 years, VE against any influenza was 32%, 59%, and 60% in the outpatient setting in three networks, and against influenza-associated hospitalization was 63% and 78% in two networks. Among adults aged ≥18 years, VE in the outpatient setting was 36% and 54% in two networks and was 41% and 55% against hospitalization in two networks. Preliminary estimates indicate that receipt of the 2024–2025 influenza vaccine reduced the likelihood of medically attended influenza and influenza-associated hospitalization. CDC recommends annual receipt of an age-appropriate influenza vaccine by all eligible persons aged ≥6 months as long as influenza viruses continue to circulate locally.

Survey Of Mosquito Larval Habitats At The Ksu Field Station, Rose Sofia, Eli Lovvorn, Aspen Hartman, Andrew Haddow

Symposium of Student Scholars

The greater Atlanta metropolitan area hosts numerous mosquito species that are nuisance biters and can transmit arthropod-borne diseases to humans. We surveyed the Kennesaw State University (KSU) Field Station – an incredibly biodiverse location – where student, staff, and faculty-led groups engage in outdoor research and teaching activities. The KSU Field Station located in Cobb County, GA is a heavily trafficked 25-acre property that may attract various mosquito species capable of transmitting pathogens to humans and animals alike. On August 27th, 2024, our team investigated the KSU Field Station to quantify and record potential water-holding containers that serve as mosquito …

Addressing Obesity In Cancer Survivorship: Referral Gaps And Patient Engagement In Nutrition And Lifestyle Interventions, Brian Dinh, Kelly Nguyen, Whittney Thoman, Katherine Gilmore, Ying Qiao, Kathy Carpenter, Zayed Razouki, David Santos, Michael Roth

Cancer Survivorship Research Retreat

No abstract provided.

A Comprehensive Study On Clinical Management Of Hypertension Among The Patients From Selected Suburban Region Of Tirupati, Jyothi Basini, Prasanna Rajy Y, Jagadeesh M, Anusha K, Asiya S, Chandrakala G, Nivetha D, Navyasree K, Amarnath Reddy B

International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is the major public health concern and non communicable disease affects 29% of global population by 2025.

Aim: This is study was aimed to explore the awareness and knowledge of hypertension and clinical symptoms among adult hypertensive patients in and around suburban/rural region of Tirupati Municipality.

Method: The assessment study was conducted with aid of informed consent, patient demographic and questionnaire forms. Both male and female participants about 250 at the age above 18 years were included. The study was performed in off-line and on-line mode.

Results: Out of 250 study population 106 …

Cervical Cancer Screening And Hpv Vaccine Intentions: An Egyptian Population Assessment Through University Channels, Rita Hany Ebeid

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Cervical cancer remains a significant global health burden, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. While HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programs have shown promise in reducing incidence and mortality, access to these interventions remains limited in Egypt. The purpose of this study was to analyze female and male beliefs, knowledge of, and perceptions related to cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination, and how these factors influence women and men’s intentions to respectively undergo or promote these behaviors in Egypt. This study also aimed to develop recommendations for more effective cervical cancer prevention measures that promote greater uptake among …

Building Blocks For New Kinship Partnerships And Coalitions, Kathy L. Dial, Daniel J. Koltz, Janet Salo, Erin Beasley

GrandFamilies: The Contemporary Journal of Research, Practice and Policy

Building successful kinship partnerships and coalitions requires intentional effort to establish trust, align goals, and foster inclusivity. These collaborations are essential for addressing the unique and evolving needs of kinship families, who often face limited access to resources due to the informal nature of many caregiving arrangements. Effective partnerships prioritize clear missions, open communication, and active engagement with stakeholders, particularly those with lived experiences such as kinship caregivers. Research demonstrates that coordinated efforts among organizations enhance resource availability, improve advocacy capabilities, and strengthen service delivery. By integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, coalitions can ensure that diverse perspectives shape solutions …

Disparities In Pap Smear Rates Among Diverse California Populations: A Data-Driven Analysis, Julie Paik, Thrisha Reddy, Giovanna Park, Angela Nguyen, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Barriers In Dietary Approaches To Stop Hypertension (Dash): Acculturation And Adherence In Asian American Populations, Angela Nguyen, Michelle Lee, Thrisha Reddy, Sherli Koshy-Chenthittayil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Using Variations In The Circadian Rhythm To Identify Optimal Vaccination Times In Healthy Adults Who Receive An Influenza Vaccine, Payson Broome, Karen Duus, Thrisha Reddy, Krystal Robinson, Jutta Ward, Michael Desouza, Samuel Park, Terry Ann Else, Deborah Bell-Pedersen

Annual Research Symposium

This proof-of-concept quasi-experiment investigated the relationship between circadian phase and immune response to the 2024-2025 influenza vaccine. This study will provide insight into the ideal physiological circadian phase to receive the influenza vaccine, better defining the relationship between circadian biology and immunity, and supporting a simple and cost-effective strategy to optimize influenza vaccine efficacy.

Nhpi Health Of The Ninth Island, Sydney Unciano, Momilani Tupu, Reina Takaki-Nakagawa, Sherli Chenthittayil, Monica Morales-Hernandez

Annual Research Symposium

Since the 1970s, the population of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NPHI) in Clark County, NV has increased. Between 2011 and 2021, a 40% growth in NHPIs was documented; thus terming Las Vegas Valley as the "Ninth Island.” Socioeconomic demands associated with the cost of living in Hawaii have been the primary reason for this diaspora. Despite moving to mitigate economic challenges, healthcare disparities among NHPIs persist. Throughout the United States, NHPI populations experience among the highest COVID-19 death rates, have a 19.8% prevalence of self-reported diabetes, and have disproportionate cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors compared to White and Asian …

The Impact Of Teleophthalmology On Underserved Populations: A Review Of Literature, Rutu H. Vyas, Marietta Kaloyan, Brian Leung, Isha Gondi, Yinwen Wang, Sherli Chenthittayil

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Drug Addiction On Oral Health: Unveiling The Link Between Substance Abuse, Rahi [email protected], Kamran Awan

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Perspectives Of African American And Hispanic/Latino Individuals On Hiv Molecular Cluster Detection, Maxwell Richardson, Brendan H. Pulsifer, Jane Yoon Scott, David Holland, Eleanor W. Garlow, Pascale Wortley, Daniel Mauck, Jenna Gettings, Valeria Cantos, Masonia Traylor, Eric Rangel, David Folkes, Carlos Saldana

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Responding to HIV clusters detected using molecular data has been shown to reduce transmission and improve testing, treatment, and prevention. However, there are varied opinions about the use of cluster detection activities, and some advocates have raised concerns about patient consent, data security, and the potential for HIV criminalization. Incorporating the perspectives of marginalized populations that are disproportionately affected by HIV is essential to understanding the diversity of those perspectives, yet it is often overlooked in the literature. Thus, our study seeks to highlight the perspectives of Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino individuals in the Southern United States on HIV …

Investigating The Impact Of Tirzepatide Treatment On Alcohol And Cigarette Consumption, Yvannia Gray, Benjamin Latey, Hayden Mcaffee, Karissa Mccown, Seth Maki, Victoria Nguyen, Andrew Payne

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

The Opportunities And Barriers Surrounding The Use Of Digital Health And Telemedicine In Sub-Saharan Africa, Aveline Langmead, Afua Osei-Wusu, Erica Tutuwan, Sara Mcmahon, Porter Biggs

Annual Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Characteristics And Outcomes Of Adults Hospitalized With Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Brian S. Shaw, Cara Slaton, Ian P. Murphy, Michael Mcalister, Daniel Egan, Kwabena Ayesu

The University of Louisville Journal of Respiratory Infections

Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a negative sense single-stranded RNA virus (ssRNA) that primarily causes respiratory infections in both children and older adults. We examined clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized adult patients who tested positive for RSV.

Methods: This was a multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study that examined adult patients admitted with a positive RSV test over two years across eight hospitals in Orlando, Florida.

Results: A total of 120 patients were included, of which 88 (73%) were 60 years old and older. Overall, patients with RSV infection were caucasian (62%) with a median age of 70 years and …

Red Meat Consumption And Hypertension: An Updated Review, Tara S Allen, Michael Najem, Alexis C Wood, Danielle J Lee, Lorena S Pacheco, Lori B Daniels, Matthew A Allison

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertension (HTN) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The global prevalence of HTN and related CVD mortality continues to rise. The development of HTN is influenced by genetic predisposition and modifiable risk factors, including diet. One area of ongoing debate is the relationship between red meat consumption and risk of HTN.

RECENT FINDINGS: Processed red meat has become increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis and morbidity of HTN, though randomized control trials comparing HTN-related outcomes associated with red meat subtypes have yielded heterogenous results. This review summarizes the existing relevant literature and highlights the methodological …

Lifestyle Attitudes And Habits In A Case Series Of Patients With Cancer And Metabolic Syndrome, Kimberly Siu, Isabel Martinez Leal, Natalia I Heredia, Jessica T Foreman, Jessica P Hwang

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased cancer risk and poor cancer prognosis. The current study applied a mixed methods approach to better understand attitudes about making lifestyle changes and current dietary and physical activity behaviors among cancer patients with MetS at a cancer center and to explore the suitability of brief lifestyle questionnaires to help providers understand their patients' lifestyle attitudes and habits. Qualitative interviews were used to obtain patients' perspectives about lifestyle changes, and 3 quantitative questionnaires-the Readiness Ruler, Rate Your Plate, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF)-were used to measure patients' readiness for lifestyle change, …

One Center's Experience Of Pulmonary Embolism After Covid-19: Impact Of Vaccination Status, Cara Gose, Kaylee Dixon, Andrea M. Bodine Md

Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery

Background: The incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) has increased since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and may be due to the observed hypercoagulable state. There is conflicting evidence that thromboembolism risk increases after vaccination and that vaccines decrease the probability of having a thromboembolic event. This study aimed to explore how vaccination status impacts occurrence of PE after a positive COVID-19 test. The hypothesis was that vaccinated, immunocompetent patients have a lower incidence of PE after COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated patients.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review at a teaching hospital in New England from 1/01/2021 to 3/31/2023 …

Unveiling The Pathophysiology Of Hpv And Cervical Cancer, Yazeth Gonzalez, Maria F. Lozano Bonilla, Maria Camila Gonzalez Tovar, Bria Okere

MEDI 9331 Scholarly Activities Clinical Years

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that causes HPV-associated diseases such as vaginal, penile, cervical, and oropharyngeal cancer. Each year in the United States, about 13,000 cases of cervical cancer develop, and an estimated 4,000 deaths are attributed to it. Approximately 35,000 of U.S. citizens develop an HPV-related cancer every year. There are disparities in the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer across ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and regions. In the United States, Hispanic individuals comprise only 18% of the population, yet Hispanic women have the highest incidence of cervical cancer. The Rio Grande Valley’s (RGV) cervical cancer …

Hybrid Versus Vaccine Immunity Of Mrna-1273 Among People Living With Hiv In East And Southern Africa: A Prospective Cohort Analysis From The Multicentre Covpn 3008 (Ubuntu) Study, Nigel Garrett, Asa Tapley, Aaron Hudson, Sufia Dadabhai, Bo Zhang, Nyaradzo M Mgodi, Jessica Andriesen, Azwidihwi Takalani, Leigh H Fisher, Jia Jin Kee, Craig A Magaret, Manuel Villaran, John Hural, Erica Andersen-Nissen, Guido Ferarri, Maurine D Miner, Bert Le Roux, Eduan Wilkinson, Richard Lessells, Tulio De Oliveira, Jackline Odhiambo, Parth Shah, Laura Polakowski, Margaret Yacovone, Taraz Samandari, Zvavahera Chirenje, Peter James Elyanu, Joseph Makhema, Ethel Kamuti, Harriet Nuwagaba-Biribonwoha, Sharlaa Badal-Faesen, William Brumskine, Soritha Coetzer, Rodney Dawson, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Andreas Henri Diacon, Samantha Fry, Katherine Margaret Gill, Zaheer Ahmed Ebrahim Hoosain, Mina C Hosseinipour, Mubiana Inambao, Craig Innes, Steve Innes, Dishiki Kalonji, Margaret Kasaro, Priya Kassim, Noel Kayange, William Kilembe, Fatima Laher, Moelo Malahleha, Vongane Louisa Maluleke, Grace Mboya, Kirsten Mcharry, Essack Mitha, Kathryn Mngadi, Pamela Mda, Tumelo Moloantoa, Cissy Kityo Mutuluuza, Nivashnee Naicker, Vimla Naicker, Anusha Nana, Annet Nanvubya, Maphoshane Nchabeleng, Walter Otieno, Elsje Louise Potgieter, Disebo Potloane, Zelda Punt, Jamil Said, Yashna Singh, Mohammed Siddique Tayob, Yacoob Vahed, Deo Ogema Wabwire, M Juliana Mcelrath, James G Kublin, Linda-Gail Bekker, Peter B Gilbert, Lawrence Corey, Glenda E Gray, Yunda Huang, Philip Kotze, Covpn 3008 Ubuntu Study Team

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

BACKGROUND: With limited access to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in lower income countries, and people living with HIV (PLWH) largely excluded from clinical trials, Part A of the multicentre CoVPN 3008 (Ubuntu) study aimed to assess the safety of mRNA-1273, the relative effectiveness of hybrid versus vaccine immunity, and SARS-CoV-2 viral persistence among PLWH in East and Southern Africa during the omicron outbreak.

METHODS: Previously unvaccinated adults with HIV and/or other comorbidities associated with severe COVID-19 received either one (hybrid immunity) or two (vaccine immunity) 100-mcg doses of ancestral strain mRNA-1273 in the first month, depending on baseline evidence of prior …

Gheard: An Open-Access Modular Curriculum To Incorporate Equity, Anti-Racism, And Decolonization Training Into Global Health Education, Amy R L Rule, Heather A Haq, Adelaide Barnes, Demarco Bowen, Msandeni Chiume-Kayuni, Whitney Cameron, S Aya Fanny, Elizabeth Groothuis, Bethany Hodge, Cindy Howard, James C Hudspeth, Sheridan Langford, Megan S Mchenry, Ijeoma Nnodim Opara, Beena D Kamath-Rayne, Parminder S Suchdev, Reena P Tam, Franci Taylor, Victor Musiime

Faculty, Staff and Students Publications

Background Global health (GH) interest is rising among graduate medical education (GME) trainees, yet GH engagement is marred by the impact of colonization or racism, and there remains a lack of training to confront these challenges.

Objective To develop a modular, open-access curriculum that provides training in decolonization for GH GME and evaluate its feasibility and impact on learners’ critical reflection on decolonization.

Methods From 2019 to 2022, 40 GH educators, including international and indigenous scholars from diverse organizations, created the Global Health Education for Equity, Anti-Racism, and Decolonization (GHEARD) curriculum. Using Kern’s 6 steps of curriculum development, critical gaps …

Pengaruh Pemberian Edukasi Kepatuhan Konsumsi Tablet Tambah Darah (Ttd) Terhadap Peningkatan Pengetahuan Dan Sikap Remaja Putri Dan Orang Tua Di Kabupaten Bangkalan, Welldelin Yufuria Christiansi, Diah Indriani, Nendy Putra Salsabilla, Riska Oktaviana, Rery Afianto, Giovanny Yan Mario Paridy Man, Iitdrie Iitdrie, Aldiella Ayu Prasetya Astuti, Aziza Zahrotul Adha, Sri Hardianti, Aprillia Nurhayati, Tesalonika Arina Pambudi

Perilaku dan Promosi Kesehatan : Indonesian Journal of Health Promotion and Behavior

Background. The results of the Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) in 2023 showed that the prevalence of anaemia in adolescents was 14.6%. Knowledge about blood tablets is one of the factors that can influence someone’s blood tablets consumption behavior. Increasing knowledge and attitudes regarding blood tablets consumption can be done through education.

Aim. This study aims to analyse the effect of providing education on improving the knowledge and attitudes of parents and adolescent girls regarding anaemia prevention and consumption of blood supplement tablets in Socahah District, Bangkalan Regency.

Method. This study used a quasi-experimental design by designing one …

Establishing A Student-Run Mobile Clinic In Appalachian Kentucky: A Community-Based Pilot Program To Address Health Inequities, Bradley A. Firchow, John C. Cornelius

Journal of Appalachian Health

The establishment of a student-run mobile clinic in Morehead, Kentucky, led by students from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine’s (UKCOM) Rural Physician Leadership Program (RPLP), aims to address health inequities in rural Appalachian communities. This pilot program is designed to serve vulnerable populations, including the unhoused, by delivering free, accessible healthcare services directly to underserved populations. This program serves as a model for expanding access to healthcare in rural regions while promoting a collaborative, community-based approach to addressing social determinants of health.

Impaired Driving Among Rural Appalachian Women In The Year Following Incarceration, J. Matthew Webster, Megan F. Dickson, Shawn M. Jamison, Michele Staton

Journal of Appalachian Health

Introduction: Despite the known risks associated with substance use following incarceration, no studies have examined substance-impaired driving as a post-incarceration health risk behavior in rural Appalachia.

Purpose: The present study examined differences by impaired driving following incarceration and identified predictors of impaired driving in sample of rural Appalachian women with a history of drug use and risky sex.

Methods: Women (N=340) from three rural Appalachian jails completed a baseline interview in jail and follow-up interviews at six and 12 months post-release. Interview questions included demographic characteristics and information on substance use risk, mental health, criminal legal system involvement, and impaired …