Last data update: Apr 22, 2024. (Total: 46599 publications since 2009)
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Query Trace: Foster M [original query] |
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Mental health, suicidality, and connectedness among high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic - Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, United States, January-June 2021
Jones SE , Ethier KA , Hertz M , DeGue S , Le VD , Thornton J , Lim C , Dittus PJ , Geda S . MMWR Suppl 2022 71 (3) 16-21 Disruptions and consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including school closures, social isolation, family economic hardship, family loss or illness, and reduced access to health care, raise concerns about their effects on the mental health and well-being of youths. This report uses data from the 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, an online survey of a probability-based, nationally representative sample of U.S. public- and private-school students in grades 9-12 (N = 7,705), to assess U.S. high school students' mental health and suicidality during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also examines whether mental health and suicidality are associated with feeling close to persons at school and being virtually connected to others during the pandemic. Overall, 37.1% of students experienced poor mental health during the pandemic, and 31.1% experienced poor mental health during the preceding 30 days. In addition, during the 12 months before the survey, 44.2% experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, 19.9% had seriously considered attempting suicide, and 9.0% had attempted suicide. Compared with those who did not feel close to persons at school, students who felt close to persons at school had a significantly lower prevalence of poor mental health during the pandemic (28.4% versus 45.2%) and during the past 30 days (23.5% versus 37.8%), persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (35.4% versus 52.9%), having seriously considered attempting suicide (14.0% versus 25.6%), and having attempted suicide (5.8% versus 11.9%). The same pattern was observed among students who were virtually connected to others during the pandemic (i.e., with family, friends, or other groups by using a computer, telephone, or other device) versus those who were not. Comprehensive strategies that improve feelings of connectedness with others in the family, in the community, and at school might foster improved mental health among youths during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. |
Region-wide assessment of National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) using the NITAG Maturity Assessment Tool (NMAT) - Experience from the Eastern Mediterranean Region of the World Health Organization, 2023
Sume GE . Vaccine 2024 National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) are independent bodies that help improve national immunization programmes in decision making on immunization policy. The new NITAG Maturity Assessment Tool (NMAT) provided an opportunity to conduct a region-wide assessment to improve NITAG capacity and foster institutional growth. We share experience of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) of the World Health Organization (WHO) in using NMAT and the use of findings to develop improvement plans. NITAG chairs and secretariats from 22 EMR countries attended a virtual NMAT training in 2023. They self-assessed their NITAGs using the tool and developed improvement plans. An algorithm used the data to determine maturity levels for seven indicators. We consolidated results for the region by income groups. Of 22 countries (or NITAGs), 20 (91%) submitted NITAG assessment findings and 19 an improvement plan. The proportion of criteria met per indicator varied from 36% for independence and non-bias to 74% for establishment and composition. Maturity level varied by indicator. Of 20 NITAGs, less than half had an intermediate or higher-level maturity for the indicators of independence and non-bias 1 (5%), operations 3 (15%), making recommendations 4 (20%), stakeholder recognition 6 (30%), and resources and secretariat support 7 (35%). Meanwhile 11 (55%) NITAGs had an intermediate or higher maturity level for the indicators of establishment and composition and for integration into policy making process. Participants described NMAT as a concise, useful, user-friendly tool. NMAT is a practical tool that can be used by NITAGs to provide insights and strategic direction for individual countries and regionally. Prevention and management of conflict of interest is the domain that requires the most improvement in EMR. Planned activities should be implemented, monitored and a follow up assessment conducted in 2025. |
Assessing a digital scorecard on global immunization progress: Stakeholder views and implications for enhancing performance and accountability
Weeks R . Vaccines (Basel) 2024 12 (2) Global health agencies and regional and national stakeholders collaborated to develop the Immunization Agenda 2030 Scorecard, a digital data visualization platform displaying global, regional, and country-level immunization progress. The scorecard serves to focus attention and enable strategic actions around the measures visualized. To assess the scorecard's usability, appropriateness, and context for use, we interviewed 15 immunization officers working across five global regions. To further understand the implementation context, we also reviewed the characteristics of 15 public platforms visualizing population health data. We integrated thematic findings across both methods. Many platforms highlight service gaps and enable comparisons between geographies to foster political pressure for service improvements. We observed heterogeneity regarding the platforms' focus areas and participants' leading concerns, which were management capacity and resourcing. Furthermore, one-third of platforms were out of date. Results yielded recommendations for the scorecard, which participants felt was well suited to focus the attention of decision makers on key immunization data. A simpler design coupled with implementation strategies that more actively engage policymakers would better align the scorecard with other public platforms engaging intended users. For population health platforms to serve as effective accountability mechanisms, studying implementation determinants, including usability testing, is vital to meet stakeholder needs. |
Racial/ethnic differences in prevalence of arthritis, severe joint pain, and receipt of provider counseling about physical activity for arthritis among adults aged ≥18 Years-United States, 2019
Wise A , Boring MA , Odom EL , Foster AL , Guglielmo D , Master H , Croft JB . Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024 OBJECTIVE: This study examined the racial/ethnic differences in self-reported doctor-diagnosed arthritis, severe joint pain, and provider counseling for physical activity among US adults with arthritis. METHODS: We estimated prevalence by race/ethnicity among 31,997 adults aged ≥18 years in the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. We used multiple logistic regression models to investigate associations between outcomes and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Compared with non-Hispanic White adults (22.9%), we found a significantly higher age-adjusted prevalence of arthritis among American Indian/Alaska Native adults (30.3%). Among adults with arthritis, higher age-adjusted prevalence of severe joint pain among American Indian/Alaska Native (39.1%), non-Hispanic Black (36.4%), and Hispanic adults (35.7% versus 22.5% [White]) and higher provider counseling for physical activity among non-Hispanic Black adults (58.9% versus 52.1% [White]) were observed and could not be fully explained by differences in socioeconomic factors, body mass index, depression history, and comorbid conditions. Additional models also containing inability to pay medical bills and food insecurity did not explain racial/ethnic differences. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight a need for multi-level interventions to mitigate social and environmental barriers to physical activity and eliminate disparities in arthritis and severe joint pain. |
Lessons learned from early implementation of the Growing Expertise in E-health Knowledge and Skills (GEEKS) program in Nigeria, 2019 - 2021
Rachlin A , Adegoke OJ , Sikare E , Adeoye OB , Dagoe E , Adeyelu A , Tolentino H , MacGregor J , Obasi S , Adah G , Garba AB , Abah AU , Friday J , Oyiri F , Porter AM , Olajide L , Wilson I , Usman R , Usifoh N , Fasogbon O , Franka R , Ghiselli M , Nguku P , Waziri N , Lam E , Bolu O . Pan Afr Med J 2023 46 81 INTRODUCTION: the Growing Expertise in E-health Knowledge and Skills (GEEKS) program is an applied apprenticeship program that aims to improve informatics capacity at various levels of the national health system and create a sustainable informatics workforce. Nigeria adapted the GEEKS model in 2019 as a mechanism to strengthen data quality and use of routine immunization (RI) and vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance data among Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) staff. Since the start of the GEEKS-EPI program, there has not been a formal assessment conducted to measure the extent to which GEEKS-EPI has been able to build local informatics workforce capacity and strengthen RI and VPD surveillance (VPDS) data quality and use in Nigeria. METHODS: we conducted a qualitative assessment to inform the extent to which GEEKS-EPI has been able to build informatics skillsets to enhance local workforce capacity, foster collaboration across government agencies, and create a sustainable informatics workforce in Nigeria. In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with GEEKS-EPI supervisors, mentors, and mentees from previous GEEKS-EPI cohorts. RESULTS: while there were challenges reported during early implementation of the GEEKS-EPI program in Nigeria, particularly early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, participants and supervisors reported that the fellowship provided a framework for building a sustainable RI and VPDS informatics workforce through regular mentorship, peer-to-peer exchanges and Subject Matter Expert (SME)-led trainings. CONCLUSION: lessons learned from early implementation of GEEKS-EPI in Nigeria will help to inform its implementation in other countries, where strengthened national RI and VPDS informatics capacity is the primary objective. |
Density of host-seeking Ixodes scapularis nymphs by region, state, and county in the contiguous United States generated through national tick surveillance
Foster E , Holcomb KM , Eisen RJ . Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024 15 (3) 102316 The majority of vector-borne disease cases reported annually in the United States are caused by pathogens spread by the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. The number and geographic distribution of cases have increased as the geographic range and abundance of the tick have expanded in recent decades. A large proportion of Lyme disease and other I. scapularis-borne diseases are associated with nymphal tick bites; likelihood of such bites generally increases with increasing nymphal densities. National tick surveillance was initiated in 2018 to track changes in the distribution and abundance of medically important ticks at the county spatial scale throughout the United States. Tick surveillance records, including historical data collected prior to the initiation of the national program, are collated in the ArboNET Tick Module database. Through exploration of ArboNET Tick Module data, we found that efforts to quantify the density of host-seeking I. scapularis nymphs (DON) were unevenly distributed among geographic regions with the greatest proportion of counties sampled in the Northeast and Upper Midwest. Submissions covering tick collections from 2004 through 2022 revealed extensive variation in DON estimates at collection site, county, state, and regional spatial scales. Throughout the entire study period, county DON estimates ranged from 0.0 to 488.5 nymphs/1,000 m(2). Although substantial variation was recorded within regions, DON estimates were greatest in the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and northern states within the Southeast regions (Virginia and North Carolina); densities were intermediate in the Ohio Valley and very low in the South and Northern Rockies and Plains regions. The proportion of counties classified as moderate or high DON was greater in the Northeast, Ohio Valley, and Southeast regions during the 2004 through 2017 time period (prior to initiation of the national tick surveillance program) compared to 2018 through 2022; DON estimates remained similarly low between these time periods in the South and the Northern Rockies and Plains regions. Despite the limitations described herein, the ArboNET Tick Module provides useful data for tracking changes in acarological risk across multiple geographic scales and long periods of time. |
A public health approach to osteoarthritis in the United States
Ambrose KR , Huffman KF , Odom EL , Foster AL , Turkas N , Callahan LF . Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2023 A National Public Health Agenda for Osteoarthritis: 2020 Update (OA Agenda) states, “We envision a nation in which adults with osteoarthritis (OA) are able to live full lives with less pain, stiffness, and disability; greater mobility; and preserved function and independence.”1 OA affects more than 528 million or 7% of people worldwide, and 32.5 million or 1 in 7 adults in the United States (US).1, 2 Countries with established market economies, older adult populations, and populations with high rates of obesity may have higher prevalence.2 |
Stepping up counseling and referral to effective physical activity interventions for adults with osteoarthritis
Fallon EA , Brown DR , Callahan LF , Foster AL , Kim JS , Lo GH , Piercy KL . J Rheumatol 2023 In "Stepping Forward: A Scoping Review of Physical Activity in Osteoarthritis," White and colleagues(1) aimed to help patients, policymakers, investigators, and healthcare providers (HCPs) better understand how physical activity (PA) is defined and measured, the benefits of PA for knee osteoarthritis (KOA), the potential role of PA in the development and/or progression of KOA, and the PA guidelines for Americans.(2) This correspondence aims to reinforce the importance of PA for adults with arthritis; clarify definitions for "inactive" and "insufficiently active" from the PA guidelines for Americans(2) and supplement White and colleagues' scoping review by (1) highlighting arthritis-appropriate evidence-based interventions (AAEBIs) for PA and self-management education; and (2) providing resources to facilitate HCP screening, counseling, and referral to evidencebased PA interventions for adults with arthritis. |
CDC recommendations for hepatitis C testing among perinatally exposed infants and children - United States, 2023
Panagiotakopoulos L , Sandul AL , Conners EE , Foster MA , Nelson NP , Wester C . MMWR Recomm Rep 2023 72 (4) 1-21 The elimination of hepatitis C is a national priority (https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/Viral-Hepatitis-National-Strategic-Plan-2021-2025.pdf). During 2010-2021, hepatitis C virus (HCV) acute and chronic infections (hereinafter referred to as HCV infections) increased in the United States, consequences of which include cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. Rates of acute infections more than tripled among reproductive-aged persons during this time (from 0.8 to 2.5 per 100,000 population among persons aged 20-29 years and from 0.6 to 3.5 among persons aged 30-39 years). Because acute HCV infection can lead to chronic infection, this has resulted in increasing rates of HCV infections during pregnancy. Approximately 6%-7% of perinatally exposed (i.e., exposed during pregnancy or delivery) infants and children will acquire HCV infection. Curative direct-acting antiviral therapy is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for persons aged ≥3 years. However, many perinatally infected children are not tested or linked to care. In 2020, because of continued increases in HCV infections in the United States, CDC released universal screening recommendations for adults, which included recommendations for screening for pregnant persons during each pregnancy (Schillie S, Wester C, Osborne M, Wesolowski L, Ryerson AB. CDC recommendations for hepatitis C screening among adults-United States, 2020. MMWR Recomm Rep 2020;69[No. RR-2]:1-17). This report introduces four new CDC recommendations: 1) HCV testing of all perinatally exposed infants with a nucleic acid test (NAT) for detection of HCV RNA at age 2-6 months; 2) consultation with a health care provider with expertise in pediatric hepatitis C management for all infants and children with detectable HCV RNA; 3) perinatally exposed infants and children with an undetectable HCV RNA result at or after age 2 months do not require further follow-up unless clinically warranted; and 4) a NAT for HCV RNA is recommended for perinatally exposed infants and children aged 7-17 months who previously have not been tested, and a hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) test followed by a reflex NAT for HCV RNA (when anti-HCV is reactive) is recommended for perinatally exposed children aged ≥18 months who previously have not been tested. Proper identification of perinatally infected children, referral to care, and curative treatment are critical to achieving the goal of hepatitis C elimination. |
Arthritis prevalence among veterans - United States, 2017-2021
Fallon EA , Boring MA , Foster AL , Stowe EW , Lites TD , Allen KD . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (45) 1209-1216 Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition and a leading cause of chronic pain and disability. Because arthritis prevalence is higher among U.S. military veterans (veterans), and because the veteran population has become more sexually, racially, ethnically, and geographically diverse, updated arthritis prevalence estimates are needed. CDC analyzed pooled 2017-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to estimate the prevalence of diagnosed arthritis among veterans and nonveterans, stratified by sex and selected demographic characteristics. Approximately one third of veterans had diagnosed arthritis (unadjusted prevalence = 34.7% [men] and 31.9% [women]). Among men aged 18-44 years, arthritis prevalence among veterans was double that of nonveterans (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.9-2.2), and among men aged 45-64 years, arthritis prevalence among veterans was 30% higher than that among nonveterans (PR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.3-1.4). Among women aged 18-44 years, arthritis prevalence among veterans was 60% higher than that among nonveterans (PR = 1.6; 95% CI = 1.4-1.7); among women aged 45-64 years, arthritis prevalence among veterans was 20% higher than that among nonveterans (PR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.1-1.3). Cultivating partnerships with veteran-serving organizations to promote or deliver arthritis-appropriate interventions might be advantageous, especially for states where arthritis prevalence among veterans is highest. The high prevalence of arthritis among female veterans, veterans aged ≥65 years, and veterans with disabilities highlights the importance of ensuring equitable access and inclusion when offering arthritis-appropriate interventions. |
Knowledge, training, and support needs for identification and appropriate care of children with prenatal alcohol and other drug exposures in the child welfare system
Morehouse Erin , Ingoldsby Erin , Newburg-Rinn Sharon , Bertrand Jacquelyn , Usher Kristen . Child Welfare 2023 101 (3) 51-76 This study was conducted to explore what professionals working in child welfare and caregivers know about prenatal substance exposure, emphasizing prenatal alcohol exposure, and their perceived training needs. This was part of a descriptive mixed methods study conducted in 22 local child welfare agencies across five states. Findings showed that despite widespread awareness of prenatal substance exposure, professionals have misperceptions about prenatal substance exposure effects that likely affect practice and offer important targets for improvements. Professionals and caregivers also raised targeted needs and requests for more training in many areas. Findings from this study provide initial insights into the knowledge, policies, practice, and educational needs of child welfare agencies, professionals who work in child welfare, and caregivers. Professionals and agencies can use these findings to inform approaches, practices and trainings which may help improve developmental outcomes for children and improve family functioning, thereby reducing the risk of child maltreatment and foster care placements. This study adds to the limited research published on professional's knowledge of prenatal substance exposure and to practical child welfare training applications. |
A comprehensive analysis of neuroblastoma incidence, survival, and racial and ethnic disparities from 2001 to 2019
Campbell K , Siegel DA , Umaretiya PJ , Dai S , Heczey A , Lupo PJ , Schraw JM , Thompson TD , Scheurer ME , Foster JH . Pediatr Blood Cancer 2023 71 (1) e30732 BACKGROUND: We characterize the incidence and 5-year survival of children and adolescents with neuroblastoma stratified by demographic and clinical factors based on the comprehensive data from United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) and the National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR). METHODS: We analyzed the incidence of neuroblastoma from USCS (2003-2019) and survival data from NPCR (2001-2018) for patients less than 20 years old. Incidence trends were calculated by average annual percent change (AAPC) using joinpoint regression. Differences in relative survival were estimated comparing non-overlapping confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: We identified 11,543 primary neuroblastoma cases in USCS. Age-adjusted incidence was 8.3 per million persons [95% CI: 8.2, 8.5], with an AAPC of 0.4% [95% CI: -0.1, 0.9]. Five-year relative survival from the NPCR dataset (n = 10,676) was 79.7% [95% CI: 78.9, 80.5]. Patients aged less than 1 year had the highest 5-year relative survival (92.5%). Five-year relative survival was higher for non-Hispanic White patients (80.7%) or Hispanic patients (80.8%) compared to non-Hispanic Black patients (72.6%). CONCLUSION: Neuroblastoma incidence was stable during 2003-2019. Differences in relative survival exist by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and stage; patients who were male, older, non-Hispanic Black, or with distant disease had worse survival. Future studies could seek to assess the upstream factors driving disparities in survival, and evaluate interventions to address inequities and improve survival across all groups. |
Prevalence of diagnosed arthritis - United States, 2019-2021
Fallon EA , Boring MA , Foster AL , Stowe EW , Lites TD , Odom EL , Seth P . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (41) 1101-1107 Arthritis includes approximately 100 conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a leading cause of activity limitations, disability, and chronic pain, and is associated with dispensed opioid prescriptions, substantially contributing to health care costs. Combined 2019-2021 National Health Interview Survey data were analyzed to update national prevalence estimates of self-reported diagnosed arthritis. An estimated 21.2% (18.7% age-standardized) of U.S. adults aged ≥18 years (53.2 million) had diagnosed arthritis during this time frame. Age-standardized arthritis prevalences were higher among women (20.9%) than men (16.3%), among veterans (24.2%) than nonveterans (18.5%), and among non-Hispanic White (20.1%) than among Hispanic or Latino (14.7%) or non-Hispanic Asian adults (10.3%). Adults aged ≥45 years represent 88.3% of all U.S. adults with arthritis. Unadjusted arthritis prevalence was high among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (57.6%), dementia (55.9%), a disability (54.8%), stroke (52.6%), heart disease (51.5%), diabetes (43.1%), or cancer (43.1%). Approximately one half of adults aged ≥65 years with COPD, dementia, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer also had a diagnosis of arthritis. These prevalence estimates can be used to guide public health policies and activities to increase equitable access to physical activity opportunities within the built environment and other arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based interventions. |
Engagement with traditional healers for early detection of plague in Uganda
Apangu T , Candini G , Abaru J , Candia B , Okoth FJ , Atiku LA , Griffith KS , Hayden MH , Zielinski-Gutiérrez E , Schwartz AM , McCormick DW , Mead PS , Kugeler KJ . Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023 109 (5) 1129-1136 In rural Uganda, many people who are ill consult traditional healers prior to visiting the formal healthcare system. Traditional healers provide supportive care for common illnesses, but their care may delay diagnosis and management of illnesses that can increase morbidity and mortality, hinder early detection of epidemic-prone diseases, and increase occupational risk to traditional healers. We conducted open-ended, semi-structured interviews with a convenience sample of 11 traditional healers in the plague-endemic West Nile region of northwestern Uganda to assess their knowledge, practices, and attitudes regarding plague and the local healthcare system. Most were generally knowledgeable about plague transmission and its clinical presentation and expressed willingness to refer patients to the formal healthcare system. We initiated a public health outreach program to further improve engagement between traditional healers and local health centers to foster trust in the formal healthcare system and improve early identification and referral of patients with plaguelike symptoms, which can reflect numerous other infectious and noninfectious conditions. During 2010-2019, 65 traditional healers were involved in the outreach program; 52 traditional healers referred 788 patients to area health centers. The diagnosis was available for 775 patients; malaria (37%) and respiratory tract infections (23%) were the most common diagnoses. One patient had confirmed bubonic plague. Outreach to improve communication and trust between traditional healers and local healthcare settings may result in improved early case detection and intervention not only for plague but also for other serious conditions. |
Testing for hepatitis C during pregnancy among persons with Medicaid and commercial insurance: Cohort study
Khan MA , Thompson WW , Osinubi A , Meyer Rd WA , Kaufman HW , Armstrong PA , Foster MA , Nelson NP , Wester C . JMIR Public Health Surveill 2023 9 e40783 BACKGROUND: The reported incidence of acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is increasing among persons of childbearing age in the United States. Infants born to pregnant persons with HCV infection are at risk for perinatal HCV acquisition. In 2020, the United States Preventive Services Task Force and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all pregnant persons be screened during each pregnancy for hepatitis C. However, there are limited data on trends in hepatitis C testing during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: We estimated hepatitis C testing rates in a large cohort of patients with Medicaid and commercial insurance who gave birth during 2015-2019 and described demographic and risk-based factors associated with testing. METHODS: Medicaid and commercial insurance claims for patients aged 15-44 years and who gave birth between 2015 and 2019 were included. Birth claims were identified using procedure and diagnosis codes for vaginal or cesarean delivery. Hepatitis C testing was defined as an insurance claim during the 42 weeks before delivery. Testing rates were calculated among patients who delivered and among the subset of patients who were continuously enrolled for 42 weeks before delivery. We also compared the timing of testing relative to delivery among patients with commercial or Medicaid insurance. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with testing. RESULTS: Among 1,142,770 Medicaid patients and 1,207,132 commercially insured patients, 175,223 (15.3%) and 221,436 (18.3%) were tested for hepatitis C during pregnancy, respectively. Testing rates were 89,730 (21.8%) and 187,819 (21.9%) among continuously enrolled Medicaid and commercially insured patients, respectively. Rates increased from 2015 through 2019 among Medicaid (from 20,758/108,332, 19.2% to 13,971/52,330, 26.8%) and commercially insured patients (from 38,308/211,555, 18.1% to 39,152/139,972, 28%), respectively. Among Medicaid patients, non-Hispanic Black (odds ratio 0.73, 95% CI 0.71-0.74) and Hispanic (odds ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.51-0.56) race or ethnicity were associated with lower odds of testing. Opioid use disorder, HIV infection, and high-risk pregnancy were associated with higher odds of testing in both Medicaid and commercially insured patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis C testing during pregnancy increased from 2015 through 2019 among patients with Medicaid and commercial insurance, although tremendous opportunity for improvement remains. Interventions to increase testing among pregnant persons are needed. |
Perspectives of public health organizations partnering with refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities for comprehensive COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing
Dawson-Hahn E , Fredkove W , Karim S , Mohamed F , Abudiab S , de Acosta D , Ebengho S , Garcia Y , Hoffman S , Keaveney M , Mann E , Thomas C , Yu K , Yun K . Front Public Health 2023 11 1218306 OBJECTIVES: To understand public health organizations' experiences providing comprehensive COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing, and related promising practices with refugee, immigrant and migrant communities. METHODS: We interviewed public health professionals (September 2020 to February 2021) from local and state health departments using a geographically stratified, purposive sampling approach. A multidisciplinary team at the National Resource Center for Refugees, Immigrants and Migrants (NRC-RIM) conducted a thematic analysis of the data. RESULTS: Six themes were identified: understanding community and public health context, cultivating relationships, ensuring linguistic and cultural concordance, communicating intentionally, evolving response, and implementing equity. The interconnection of themes and promising practices is explored. CONCLUSION: As public health continues to learn from and build upon COVID-19 response experiences, the thematic findings and potential promising practices identified in this project may foster proactive, community-engaged solutions for public health, and other organizations working and partnering with refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities. Implementing these findings with COVID-19 into current and future public health crisis responses may improve public health, collaborations with refugee, immigrant, and migrant communities, and staff wellbeing. |
Evaluating event-based surveillance capacity in Africa: Use of the Africa CDC scorecard, 2022-2023
Tetuh KM , Salyer SJ , Aliddeki D , Tibebu B , Osman F , Amabo FC , Warren LK , Buba MI , Kebede Y . Prev Med Rep 2023 36 102398 INTRODUCTION: Event-based surveillance (EBS) is a critical component of Early Warning, Alert and Response (EWAR) capacity needed for outbreak prevention and control. To better understand existing EBS and monitor the progress of capacity-building efforts over time, Africa CDC developed an EBS scorecard as part of a revision to the EBS Framework. METHODS: We distributed the scorecard to African Union (AU) Member States (MSs). Survey responses from the MSs' human health sector were aggregated, cleaned, and analysed. MS, regional, and continental EBS capacity was assessed. RESULTS: Between 21 July 2022 and 4 April 2023, a total of 63 respondents representing 49 (89%) of 55 MSs completed the survey. Given Africa CDC's public health mandate, we acknowledged the importance of One Health collaboration in MSs but focused on and analysed only the human health sector responses. Thirty-four (71%) MSs stated having EBS in place; hotline was the most common type of EBS implemented (76%). Seventeen (50%) MSs reported multisectoral, One Health collaboration as part of EBS implementation. Scorecard outcomes showed a minimal (score of <60%) to average (score between 60-80%) level of EBS capacity in 29 and five (5) MSs respectively. DISCUSSION: Current EBS capacity levels need to be strengthened in Africa to ensure the continent remains prepared for future public health threats. The Africa CDC EBS scorecard provides a useful way to measure and track this capacity over time. Results can be used to advocate for and target resources for capacity building to foster public health emergency preparedness efforts. |
Prevalence of five human pathogens in host-seeking Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus by region, state, and county in the contiguous United States generated through national tick surveillance
Foster E , Maes SA , Holcomb KM , Eisen RJ . Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023 14 (6) 102250 The majority of vector-borne disease cases reported in the United States (U.S.) are caused by pathogens spread by the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. In recent decades, the geographic ranges of the tick and its associated human pathogens have expanded, putting an increasing number of communities at risk for tick-borne infections. In 2018, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated a national tick surveillance program to monitor changes in the distribution and abundance of ticks and the presence and prevalence of human pathogens in them. We assessed the geographical representativeness of prevalence data submitted to CDC as part of the national tick surveillance effort. We describe county, state, and regional variation in the prevalence of five human pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (s.s.), Borrelia mayonii, Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Babesia microti) in host-seeking I. scapularis and I. pacificus nymphs and adults. Although I. scapularis and I. pacificus are widely distributed in the eastern and western U.S., respectively, pathogen prevalence was estimated predominantly in ticks collected in the Northeast, Ohio Valley, and Upper Midwest regions, where human Lyme disease cases are most commonly reported. Within these regions, we found that state and regional estimates of pathogen prevalence generally reached predictable and stable levels, but variation in prevalence estimates at the sub-state level was considerable. Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. was the most prevalent and widespread pathogen detected. Borrelia miyamotoi and A. phagocytophilum shared a similarly broad geographic range, but were consistently detected at much lower prevalence compared with B. burgdorferi s.s. Babesia microti was detected at similar prevalence to A. phagocytophilum, where both pathogens co-occurred, but was reported over a much more limited geographic range compared with A. phagocytophilum or B. burgdorferi s.s. Borrelia mayonii was identified at very low prevalence with a focal distribution within the Upper Midwest. National assessments of risk for tick-borne diseases need to be improved through collection and testing of ticks in currently under-represented regions, including the West, South, Southeast, and eastern Plains states. |
When positive is negative: Health literacy barriers to patient access to clinical laboratory test results
Lazaro G . J Appl Lab Med 2023 8 (6) 1133-1147 BACKGROUND: Health literacy is a multidimensional set of skills (e.g., narrative, numeracy, digital, medication) that patients need to access and understand health information timely and accurately to make evidence-based informed decisions. CONTENT: Multiple barriers prevent patients from effectively interacting with health information. The most salient barriers are poor overall health literacy skills and linguistic proficiency in English. As patients prefer direct access to laboratory test results, especially those of routine tests, contextualization and provider-directed interpretation of results are required to foster shared decision-making to address their healthcare issues and improve health outcomes. SUMMARY: The use of systematic approaches that account for poor health literacy skills and include culturally and linguistically appropriate planning and availability of resources is warranted at individual and population health levels (e.g., human-centered design of patient portals). |
Acceptability of 4-poster deer treatment devices for community-wide tick control among residents of high Lyme disease incidence counties in Connecticut and New York, USA
Nawrocki CC , Piedmonte N , Niesobecki SA , Rowe A , Hansen AP , Kaufman A , Foster E , Meek JI , Niccolai L , White J , Backenson B , Eisen L , Hook SA , Connally NP , Hornbostel VL , Hinckley AF . Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023 14 (6) 102231 The 4-Poster Tick Control Deer Feeder (4-poster) device applies acaricide to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and can reduce populations of the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), which transmits the agents of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus disease in the Northeastern United States. While 4-poster devices have the potential to provide community-wide management of blacklegged ticks in Lyme disease endemic areas, no recent study has assessed their acceptability among residents. We conducted a survey of residents from 16 counties with high annual average Lyme disease incidence (≥ 10 cases per 100,000 persons between 2013 and 2017) in Connecticut and New York to understand perceptions and experiences related to tickborne diseases, support or concerns for placement of 4-poster devices in their community, and opinions on which entities should be responsible for tick control on private properties. Overall, 37% of 1652 respondents (5.5% response rate) would support placement of a 4-poster device on their own property, 71% would support placement on other private land in their community, and 90% would support placement on public land. Respondents who were male, rented their property, resided on larger properties, or were very or extremely concerned about encountering ticks on their property were each more likely to support placement of 4-poster devices on their own property. The primary reason for not supporting placement of a 4-poster device on one's own property was the need for weekly service visits from pest control professionals, whereas the top reason for not supporting placement on other land (private or public) was safety concerns. Most respondents (61%) felt property owners should be responsible for tick control on private properties. Communities considering 4-poster devices as part of a tick management strategy should consider targeting owners of larger properties and placing devices on public lands. |
Pragmatic selection of larval mosquito diets for insectary rearing of Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti (preprint)
Benedict MQ , Hunt CM , Vella MG , Gonzalez KM , Dotson EM , Collins CM . bioRxiv 2019 740142 Larval mosquitoes are aquatic omnivorous scavengers which scrape food from submerged surfaces and collect suspended food particles with their mouth brushes. The composition of diets that have been used in insectaries varies widely though necessarily provides sufficient nutrition to allow colonies to be maintained. Issues such as cost, availability and experience influence which diet is selected. One component of larval diets, essential fatty acids, appears to be necessary for normal flight though deficiencies may not be evident in laboratory cages and are likely more important when mosquitoes are reared for release into the field in e.g. mark-release-recapture and genetic control activities.In this study, four diets were compared for rearing Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti, all of which provide these essential fatty acids. Two diets were custom formulations specifically designed for mosquitoes (Damiens) and two were commercially available fish foods: Doctors Foster and Smith Koi Staple Diet and TetraMin Plus Flakes. Development rate, survival, dry weight and adult longevity of mosquitoes reared with these four diets were measured. The method of presentation of one diet, Koi pellets, was additionally fed in two forms, pellets or a slurry, to determine any effect of food presentation on survival and development rate.While various criteria might be selected to choose ‘the best’ food, the readily-available Koi pellets resulted in development rates and adult longevity equal to the other diets, high survival to the adult stage and, additionally, this is available at low cost. |
Arthritis among children and adolescents aged <18 years - United States, 2017-2021
Lites TD , Foster AL , Boring MA , Fallon EA , Odom EL , Seth P . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (29) 788-792 Arthritis affects persons of all ages, including younger adults, adolescents, and children; however, recent arthritis prevalence estimates among children and adolescents aged <18 years are not available. Previous prevalence estimates among U.S. children and adolescents aged <18 years ranged from 21 to 403 per 100,000 population depending upon the case definition used. CDC analyzed aggregated 2017-2021 National Survey of Children's Health data to estimate the national prevalence of parent-reported arthritis diagnosed among children and adolescents aged <18 years. An estimated 220,000 (95% CI = 187,000-260,000) U.S. children and adolescents aged <18 years (305 per 100,000) had diagnosed arthritis. Arthritis prevalence among non-Hispanic Black or African American children and adolescents was twice that of non-Hispanic White children and adolescents. Co-occurring conditions, including depression, anxiety, overweight, physical inactivity, and food insecurity were associated with higher prevalences of arthritis. These findings highlight that children and adolescents should be prioritized for arthritis prevention and treatments by identifying risk factors for arthritis, developing self-management interventions to improve arthritis, physical activity or weight control, and screening and linking to mental health services. Health systems and payors can take steps to ensure equitable access to therapies (e.g., physical therapies and medications). |
Comparison of in vitro and in vivo repellency bioassay methods for Ixodes scapularis nymphs
Burtis JC , Ford SL , Parise CM , Foster E , Eisen RJ , Eisen L . Parasit Vectors 2023 16 (1) 228 BACKGROUND: Numerous bioassay methods have been used to test the efficacy of repellents for ticks, but the comparability of results across different methods has only been evaluated in a single study. Of particular interest are comparisons between bioassays that use artificial containers (in vitro) with those conducted on a human subject (in vivo) for efficacy testing of new potential unregistered active ingredients, which most commonly use in vitro methods. METHODS: We compared four different bioassay methods and evaluated three ingredients (DEET [N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide], peppermint oil and rosemary oil) and a negative control (ethanol) over a 6-h period. Two of the methods tested were in vivo bioassay methods in which the active ingredient was applied to human skin (finger and forearm bioassays), and the other two methods were in vitro methods using artificial containers (jar and petri dish bioassays). All four bioassays were conducted using Ixodes scapularis nymphs. We compared the results using nymphs from two different tick colonies that were derived from I. scapularis collected in the US states of Connecticut and Rhode Island (northern origin) and Oklahoma (southern origin), expecting that ticks of different origin would display differences in host-seeking behavior. RESULTS: The results between bioassay methods did not differ significantly, even when comparing those that provide the stimulus of human skin with those that do not. We also found that tick colony source can impact the outcome of repellency bioassays due to differences in movement speed; behavioral differences were incorporated into the assay screening. DEET effectively repelled nymphs for the full 6-h duration of the study. Peppermint oil showed a similar repellent efficacy to DEET during the first hour, but it decreased sharply afterwards. Rosemary oil did not effectively repel nymphs across any of the time points. CONCLUSIONS: The repellency results did not differ significantly between the four bioassay methods tested. The results also highlight the need to consider the geographic origin of ticks used in repellency bioassays in addition to species and life stage. Finally, our results indicate a limited repellent efficacy of the two essential oils tested, which highlights the need for further studies on the duration of repellency for similar botanically derived active ingredients and for evaluation of formulated products. |
Evidence of protozoan and bacterial infection and co-infection and partial blood feeding in the invasive tick Haemaphysalis longicornis in Pennsylvania
Price KJ , Khalil N , Witmier BJ , Coder BL , Boyer CN , Foster E , Eisen RJ , Molaei G . J Parasitol 2023 109 (4) 265-273 The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, an invasive tick species in the United States, has been found actively host-seeking while infected with several human pathogens. Recent work has recovered large numbers of partially engorged, host-seeking H. longicornis, which together with infection findings raises the question of whether such ticks can reattach to a host and transmit pathogens while taking additional bloodmeals. Here we conducted molecular blood meal analysis in tandem with pathogen screening of partially engorged, host-seeking H. longicornis to identify feeding sources and more inclusively characterize acarological risk. Active, statewide surveillance in Pennsylvania from 2020 to 2021 resulted in the recovery of 22/1,425 (1.5%) partially engorged, host-seeking nymphal and 5/163 (3.1%) female H. longicornis. Pathogen testing of engorged nymphs detected 2 specimens positive for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, 2 for Babesia microti, and 1 co-infected with Bo. burgdorferi s.l. and Ba. microti. No female specimens tested positive for pathogens. Conventional PCR blood meal analysis of H. longicornis nymphs detected avian and mammalian hosts in 3 and 18 specimens, respectively. Mammalian blood was detected in all H. longicornis female specimens. Only 2 H. longicornis nymphs produced viable sequencing results and were determined to have fed on black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax. These data are the first to molecularly confirm H. longicornis partial blood meals from vertebrate hosts and Ba. microti infection and co-infection with Bo. burgdorferi s.l. in host-seeking specimens in the United States, and the data help characterize important determinants indirectly affecting vectorial capacity. Repeated blood meals within a life stage by pathogen-infected ticks suggest that an understanding of the vector potential of invasive H. longicornis populations may be incomplete without data on their natural host-seeking behaviors and blood-feeding patterns in nature. |
Travel-related diagnoses among U.S. nonmigrant travelers or migrants presenting to U.S. GeoSentinel Sites - GeoSentinel Network, 2012-2021
Brown AB , Miller C , Hamer DH , Kozarsky P , Libman M , Huits R , Rizwan A , Emetulu H , Waggoner J , Chen LH , Leung DT , Bourque D , Connor BA , Licitra C , Angelo KM . MMWR Surveill Summ 2023 72 (7) 1-22 PROBLEM/CONDITION: During 2012-2021, the volume of international travel reached record highs and lows. This period also was marked by the emergence or large outbreaks of multiple infectious diseases (e.g., Zika virus, yellow fever, and COVID-19). Over time, the growing ease and increased frequency of travel has resulted in the unprecedented global spread of infectious diseases. Detecting infectious diseases and other diagnoses among travelers can serve as sentinel surveillance for new or emerging pathogens and provide information to improve case identification, clinical management, and public health prevention and response. REPORTING PERIOD: 2012-2021. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: Established in 1995, the GeoSentinel Network (GeoSentinel), a collaboration between CDC and the International Society of Travel Medicine, is a global, clinical-care-based surveillance and research network of travel and tropical medicine sites that monitors infectious diseases and other adverse health events that affect international travelers. GeoSentinel comprises 71 sites in 29 countries where clinicians diagnose illnesses and collect demographic, clinical, and travel-related information about diseases and illnesses acquired during travel using a standardized report form. Data are collected electronically via a secure CDC database, and daily reports are generated for assistance in detecting sentinel events (i.e., unusual patterns or clusters of disease). GeoSentinel sites collaborate to report disease or population-specific findings through retrospective database analyses and the collection of supplemental data to fill specific knowledge gaps. GeoSentinel also serves as a communications network by using internal notifications, ProMed alerts, and peer-reviewed publications to alert clinicians and public health professionals about global outbreaks and events that might affect travelers. This report summarizes data from 20 U.S. GeoSentinel sites and reports on the detection of three worldwide events that demonstrate GeoSentinel's notification capability. RESULTS: During 2012-2021, data were collected by all GeoSentinel sites on approximately 200,000 patients who had approximately 244,000 confirmed or probable travel-related diagnoses. Twenty GeoSentinel sites from the United States contributed records during the 10-year surveillance period, submitting data on 18,336 patients, of which 17,389 lived in the United States and were evaluated by a clinician at a U.S. site after travel. Of those patients, 7,530 (43.3%) were recent migrants to the United States, and 9,859 (56.7%) were returning nonmigrant travelers.Among the recent migrants to the United States, the median age was 28.5 years (range = <19 years to 93 years); 47.3% were female, and 6.0% were U.S. citizens. A majority (89.8%) were seen as outpatients, and among 4,672 migrants with information available, 4,148 (88.8%) did not receive pretravel health information. Of 13,986 diagnoses among migrants, the most frequent were vitamin D deficiency (20.2%), Blastocystis (10.9%), and latent tuberculosis (10.3%). Malaria was diagnosed in 54 (<1%) migrants. Of the 26 migrants diagnosed with malaria for whom pretravel information was known, 88.5% did not receive pretravel health information. Before November 16, 2018, patients' reasons for travel, exposure country, and exposure region were not linked to an individual diagnosis. Thus, results of these data from January 1, 2012, to November 15, 2018 (early period), and from November 16, 2018, to December 31, 2021 (later period), are reported separately. During the early and later periods, the most frequent regions of exposure were Sub-Saharan Africa (22.7% and 26.2%, respectively), the Caribbean (21.3% and 8.4%, respectively), Central America (13.4% and 27.6%, respectively), and South East Asia (13.1% and 16.9%, respectively). Migrants with diagnosed malaria were most frequently exposed in Sub-Saharan Africa (89.3% and 100%, respectively).Among nonmigrant travelers returning to the United States, the median age was 37 years (range = <19 years to 96 years); 55.7% were female, 75.3% were born in the United States, and 89.4% were U.S. citizens. A majority (90.6%) were seen as outpatients, and of 8,967 nonmigrant travelers with available information, 5,878 (65.6%) did not receive pretravel health information. Of 11,987 diagnoses, the most frequent were related to the gastrointestinal system (5,173; 43.2%). The most frequent diagnoses among nonmigrant travelers were acute diarrhea (16.9%), viral syndrome (4.9%), and irritable bowel syndrome (4.1%).Malaria was diagnosed in 421 (3.5%) nonmigrant travelers. During the early (January 1, 2012, to November 15, 2018) and later (November 16, 2018, to December 31, 2021) periods, the most frequent reasons for travel among nonmigrant travelers were tourism (44.8% and 53.6%, respectively), travelers visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) (22.0% and 21.4%, respectively), business (13.4% and 12.3%, respectively), and missionary or humanitarian aid (13.1% and 6.2%, respectively). The most frequent regions of exposure for any diagnosis among nonmigrant travelers during the early and later period were Central America (19.2% and 17.3%, respectively), Sub-Saharan Africa (17.7% and 25.5%, respectively), the Caribbean (13.0% and 10.9%, respectively), and South East Asia (10.4% and 11.2%, respectively).Nonmigrant travelers who had malaria diagnosed were most frequently exposed in Sub-Saharan Africa (88.6% and 95.9% during the early and later period, respectively) and VFRs (70.3% and 57.9%, respectively). Among VFRs with malaria, a majority did not receive pretravel health information (70.2% and 83.3%, respectively) or take malaria chemoprophylaxis (88.3% and 100%, respectively). INTERPRETATION: Among ill U.S. travelers evaluated at U.S. GeoSentinel sites after travel, the majority were nonmigrant travelers who most frequently received a gastrointestinal disease diagnosis, implying that persons from the United States traveling internationally might be exposed to contaminated food and water. Migrants most frequently received diagnoses of conditions such as vitamin D deficiency and latent tuberculosis, which might result from adverse circumstances before and during migration (e.g., malnutrition and food insecurity, limited access to adequate sanitation and hygiene, and crowded housing,). Malaria was diagnosed in both migrants and nonmigrant travelers, and only a limited number reported taking malaria chemoprophylaxis, which might be attributed to both barriers to acquiring pretravel health care (especially for VFRs) and lack of prevention practices (e.g., insect repellant use) during travel. The number of ill travelers evaluated by U.S. GeoSentinel sites after travel decreased in 2020 and 2021 compared with previous years because of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions. GeoSentinel detected limited cases of COVID-19 and did not detect any sentinel cases early in the pandemic because of the lack of global diagnostic testing capacity. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: The findings in this report describe the scope of health-related conditions that migrants and returning nonmigrant travelers to the United States acquired, illustrating risk for acquiring illnesses during travel. In addition, certain travelers do not seek pretravel health care, even when traveling to areas in which high-risk, preventable diseases are endemic. Health care professionals can aid international travelers by providing evaluations and destination-specific advice.Health care professionals should both foster trust and enhance pretravel prevention messaging for VFRs, a group known to have a higher incidence of serious diseases after travel (e.g., malaria and enteric fever). Health care professionals should continue to advocate for medical care in underserved populations (e.g., VFRs and migrants) to prevent disease progression, reactivation, and potential spread to and within vulnerable populations. Because both travel and infectious diseases evolve, public health professionals should explore ways to enhance the detection of emerging diseases that might not be captured by current surveillance systems that are not site based. |
The importance of understanding neighborhood environments in neurology care
Kobau R , Moura LMVR . Neurology 2023 100 (23) 1079-1080 Compared with US adults without epilepsy, adults with epilepsy are more likely to report an inability to afford prescription medicine and specialty care and delayed care because of transportation barriers or were in families having problems paying medical bills.1 Although social needs (e.g., public transportation and medication assistance programs) are experienced at the individual level, they may reflect community-level resources that, when present, foster health and, when absent, thwart it. Social determinants of health (SDOH) include the social, economic, institutional, and environmental factors that affect health outcomes.2,3 Although substantial research has documented disparities in individual-level social needs in people with epilepsy, scant research exists examining associations between community-level SDOH and epilepsy outcomes.3-5 |
Health Care-Associated Infections Studies Project: An American Journal of Infection Control and National Healthcare Safety Network Data Quality Collaboration.
Watkins J , Gross C , Godfrey-Johnson D , Allen-Bridson K , Hebden JN , Wright MO . Am J Infect Control 2021 49 (8) 1075-1077 This case study is part of a series centered on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance definitions. This specific case study focuses on the application of the Pneumonia (PNEU), Ventilator-associated event (VAE), and Bloodstream infections (BSI) surveillance definitions to a patient with COVID-19. The intent of the case study series is to foster standardized application of the NHSN HAI surveillance definitions among Infection Preventionists (IPs) and encourage accurate determination of HAI events. |
PCD 2021 Student Research Collection: Building Public Health Research Capacity in Real-World Settings and the 2022 Call for Papers
Jack L Jr . Prev Chronic Dis 2021 18 E68 With this student collection, PCD celebrates the 10-year anniversary of our efforts to build scientific publishing skills and abilities among students. The primary aims of PCD’s student manuscripts have evolved over the years. Specifically, we aim to 1) provide an opportunity to become familiar with a journal’s manuscript submission requirements and peer review process; 2) foster connections among student knowledge and training, the conduct of quality research, and a journal’s publication expectations; 3) develop research and scientific writing skills to become producers of knowledge, rather than just consumers of knowledge; 4) provide an opportunity to become a first author on a peer-reviewed article; and 5) promote supportive, respectful, and mutually beneficial mentee relationships that strengthen students’ ability to generate and submit scholarly manuscripts throughout their professional careers (1). We believe that committing time, attention, and resources to providing student authors with valuable feedback (whether or not manuscripts are accepted) serves as a key capacity-building resource. Providing this feedback not only benefits PCD in the future but other peer-reviewed journals as well. |
Investigating Hazardous Substance Exposures Associated with Mining or Smelting in U.S. Communities
Karwowski M . J Environ Health 2018 81 (4) Communities across the United States face potential exposures to hazardous substances that originate from a variety of sources, including active and historic industrial facilities and hazardous waste sites. For communities living near sites associated with current or former mining or smelting operations, residents are at risk of exposure to toxic metals that have the potential to harm human health. (Eckel, Rabinowitz, & Foster, 2001; United States Environmental Protection Agency) | | The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) partners with government, academic, and community organizations to conduct hazardous waste exposure investigations (EIs) in U.S. communities. By characterizing environmental exposures to community members, ATSDR provides critical information to stakeholders that guides public health action including risk mitigation. |
Health care-associated infections studies project: An American journal of infection control and national healthcare safety network data quality collaboration case study - laboratory-identified event reporting validation
Lewis N , Leaptrot D , Witt E , Smith H , Hebden JN , Wright MO . Am J Infect Control 2023 51 (10) 1172-1174 This case study is part of a series centered on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance definitions. This specific case study focuses on the application of common surveillance concepts included in Laboratory-Identified (LabID) Event Reporting [Chapter 12 of the NHSN Patient Safety Manual - Multidrug-Resistant Organism &Clostridioides difficile Infection (MDRO/CDI) Module] used with validation efforts. The intent of the case study series is to foster standardized application of the NHSN surveillance definitions and encourage accurate event determination among Infection Preventionists (IPs). |
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