Public Health Departments Research Articles

Design of a Bilingual and Bicultural Dementia Screening Toolkit Integrated in the Electronic Health Record

AbstractBackgroundBased predominantly on longitudinal cohort studies, the prevalence of Alzheimer’ disease (AD) is estimated to be 3‐10% in individuals over 65 years old and has increased risk (1.5‐2.0 times) in Black and Hispanic/Latinx individuals. In our prior analyses of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) electronic health record (EHR), we found that only 1% of patients over 65 years old are diagnosed with AD, and AD is less likely to be diagnosed in Black and Hispanic/Latinx patients compared to white patients (relative risk 0.86‐0.9). One solution to the underdiagnosis of AD in real‐world clinical care, is to screen for dementia.MethodsRecent work by several University California AD Centers and the California Department of Public Health developed a short (<5 min) dementia screening tool (DST). The DST includes a three‐question questionnaire for the patient and an informant if present, followed by the Mini‐Cog if applicable (Figure 1). The questions ask about changes in language, memory, and personality (Figure 2). The DST is considered positive if any question is answered “Yes” by the patient or informant, or if the Mini‐Cog score is <3 out of 5 points. To improve care for non‐English speaking patients, we developed the questionnaire in Spanish, which was adapted to Hispanic/Latinx culture.ResultsThe DST is integrated in the EHR. The questionnaires are sent to patients prior to the visit via the messaging system. Answers to the questionnaire and the Mini‐Cog are entered into a flowsheet in an easily accessible EHR tab. We also created a documentation link that automatically loads the DST results, final score, and recommendation into provider notes. The DST is live at a diverse UCLA family medicine clinic, which sees HL and Black patients. In the first three weeks, 178 patients were screened with the toolkit and eight patients were referred for specialty care.ConclusionsWe have developed a cultural and linguistic responsive DST that is integrated in the EHR. We will continue evaluating its ability to increase appropriate diagnosis of dementia in diverse racial and ethnic groups, and share our DST including EHR integration so it can be implemented elsewhere.

Leadership Lessons in Crisis Management: A Case Study in Hospital Incident Command System in Response to Ebola Virus Disease

This article reviews the leadership lessons related to crisis management. A 402-bed licensed Level I academic trauma hospital was given eight hours notice to prepare to receive a patient under investigation for Ebola virus disease. The patient, who was returning to the United States from Uganda with fever, was referred to our hospital at the recommendation of the local city department of public health in consultation with the CDC. The leadership team set up a hospital incident command system and quickly put up a containment area in our emergency department. The leadership team applied Kotter’s eight-step change management model to help manage through the crisis. Emphasis was placed on using safety huddles and ensuring communication across the organization, led by the hospital incident command. Leadership was able to ensure accountability, efficiency, and the desired outcome by ensuring standard work, communicating across the organization, and engaging with the employees. The teams were successful: we ultimately were able to ensure the safety of the patient, healthcare workers, and the community while minimizing panic.

Examining Characteristics of Local Public Health Systems With Exceptional Tribal Organization Participation.

To learn feasible ways to increase multisector community partnership with tribal organizations, meaning tribal health authorities or American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN)-serving organizations, by examining characteristics of local public health systems with exceptional tribal organization participation. In total, 728 local public health departments were surveyed in 2018 to generate a nationally representative sample of local public health systems in the United States. A positive deviance approach using logistic regression helped identify local public health systems that had tribal organization participation despite characteristics that make such participation statistically unlikely. Local public health systems with exceptional tribal organization participation were compared with systems with conventional participation, examining measures known to impact the formation of public health partnerships. This study used an exploratory logistic regression approach to identify unique characteristics of local public health systems with exceptional tribal organization participation. Of 728 health systems surveyed, 21 were identified as having exceptional tribal organization participation. Across varying thresholds to identify exceptional participation, having a higher network density and prioritizing equity in public health activities were found to consistently distinguish exceptional tribal organization participation in both nonrural and rural areas. Public health partnerships with tribal organizations are possible even in circumstances that make them unlikely. Efforts to build denser networks of collaborating organizations and prioritize equity may help public health systems achieve success with tribal organization partnerships.

Knowledge, Perception and Utilization of Herbal Medicine in Treatment of Malaria in Southwestern Nigeria

Malaria control has been a challenge around the world for decades. In malaria endemic nations like Sub-Saharan Africa, traditional herbal medicine is the most common option for treating malaria. About 80% of the world's population relies on the use of herbal medicine to treat a variety of diseases, and the use of plant materials in the treatment of illnesses has continuously expanded. This study sought to assess the level of knowledge and attitudes towards the use of traditional medicine in the treatment of malaria in southwest Nigeria. Descriptive design and multistage sampling techniques were utilised. During the first stage, three States were chosen through a balloting process utilising random sampling methods. Four (4) sections of the questionnaire were used to collect sociodemographic data and other factors that were important to the achievement of the given objectives. The findings revealed that 31.7% of the respondents had inadequate knowledge about traditional medicine for treatment of malaria. 20.8% had positive perceptions to the common herbal medicines used in the treatment of malaria. Majority stated malaria is not a serious disease to be concerned about, and that traditional medicine is superior to modern medicine. Conclusively, the results highlighted the respondent’s lack knowledge on the consequences of traditional medicine. A strong correlation between traditional medicine uses and perception in the treatment of malaria in southwest Nigeria was also discovered. The result of the study prompted a recommendation that the public health department of the ministry of health need to intensify campaign against use of unapproved herbs for treatment of malaria. Keywords; Malaria, Herbal Medicine, Treatment of Malaria.

Barriers and Facilitators to HIV Service Access among Hispanic/Latino Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men in Metropolitan Atlanta-a Qualitative Analysis.

Hispanic/Latino persons are disproportionately impacted by HIV in the US, and HIV diagnoses among Hispanic/Latino men in Georgia have increased over the past decade, particularly in metropolitan Atlanta. In 2022, the Georgia Department of Public Health detected five clusters of rapid HIV transmission centered among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (HLMSM) in metropolitan Atlanta. We conducted in-depth interviews with 65 service providers and 29 HLMSM to identify barriers and facilitators to HIV service access for HLMSM. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and translated, if needed. Initial data analyses were conducted rapidly in the field to inform public health actions. We then conducted additional analyses including line-by-line coding of the interview transcripts using a thematic analytic approach. We identified four main themes. First, inequity in language access was a predominant barrier. Second, multiple social and structural barriers existed. Third, HLMSM encountered intersectional stigma. Finally, the HLMSM community is characterized by its diversity, and there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to providing appropriate care to this population. The collection of qualitative data during an HIV cluster investigation allowed us to quickly identity barriers experienced by HLMSM when accessing HIV and other medical care, to optimize public health response and action. Well-designed program evaluation and implementation research may help elucidate specific strategies and tools to reduce health disparities, ensure equitable service access for HLMSM, and reduce HIV transmission in this population.

1618. Assessing and Improving Accurate Diagnosis and Reporting of Congenital Syphilis in a Tertiary Care Children's Hospital

Abstract Background Congenital syphilis (CS) occurs due to transplacental passage of active infection to the fetus during pregnancy. Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic to severe permanent disability. Nationally, the incidence and prevalence of syphilis among cisgender females ages 15-44 have increased, with proportional increases in rates of CS. In 2020, 19 cases of CS were reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), a 138% increase from 2019 (8 cases). There are circumstances where infants with a non-reactive rapid plasma reagin (RPR-) may potentially contract syphilis in the context of inadequate maternal treatment per national guidelines. (Figure 1) Currently, only infants with RPR reactivity (RPR+) are reported to CDPH, potentially underestimating the true incidence. Our project sought to identify RPR- infants who received treatment to improve reporting to CDPH, more accurately reflect the prevalence of CS in Chicago, and ultimately guide interventions to reduce and eliminate CS.Figure 1:2021 Center for Disease Control (CDC) Possible Congenital Syphilis Definition Methods Data was collected via electronic medical record (EMR) review for infants born at Comer Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL between 2012 and 2022, filtered using ICD-9 code (090) and ICD-10 code (A50.9) for CS. Infants were excluded if diagnosis code was used in error, there was no RPR result, or diagnosis occurred at an outside institution. (Figure 2) Infants were stratified as having CS with RPR+ or RPR-. Retrospectively, each infant was also classified with a diagnosis of less likely CS, possible CS, and proven CS per national guidelines.Figure 2:Patient Stratification by ICD-9 and ICD-10 Code for Congenital Syphilis and RPR Reactivity. RPR = Rapid Plasma Reagin Results 68 infants with CS were identified. 57 infants received IV PCN with diagnoses of proven or possible CS (84%). 51 (75%) patients were RPR+ and 17 (25%) were RPR-. (Figure 3) Of the 17 RPR-, 11 had a diagnosis of possible CS (65%) and received IV PCN while 6 (35%) had less likely CS and received one dose of intramuscular (IM) PCN (Table 1). None of the RPR- infants were reported to CDPH.Figure 3:Total Number of Congenital Syphilis Cases Based on CDC Definition. CS = Congenital Syphilis, CDC = Center for Disease ControlTable 1:Total Number of Days of Intravenous or Intramuscular Penicillin Administration per RPR reactivity.. Aq PCN = Aqueous Penicillin G, Ben PCN = Benzathine Penicillin G, IM = Intramuscular, IV = Intravenous Conclusion In this retrospective analysis, reporting CS based solely on a reactive infant RPR leads to underreporting. As we confront the rising incidence of CS, (Figure 4) it is critical that we have a complete understanding of the epidemiology which may lead to increased support for public health initiatives focused on decreasing and eliminating CS.Figure 4:Timeline of Total CS and RPR- CS Cases at Hospital per Year. CS = Congenital Syphilis Disclosures Allison H. Bartlett, MD, MS, CVS/Caremark: Honoraria Jessica Ridgway, MD, Gilead Sciences: Expert Testimony

Evaluation of outpatient prescription patterns of COVID-19 drugs in Iran: comparison of real practice with local therapeutic recommendations

BackgroundA comprehensive guideline named “Diagnostic Therapeutic Flow Chart for Covid-19″ (DTFC) was released by the Scientific Committee of Covid-19 of Iran’s Ministry of Health and Medical Education and regularly was updated. The aim of this study was to compare the prescription pattern of drug treatment in outpatient Covid-19 patients with the DTFC.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on the prescription pattern of drugs given to outpatients with a diagnosis of Covid-19, in Isfahan City from June to September 2021 (concurrent with the fifth peak of Covid-19 in Iran) taking into account the recommendations of the 9th version of DTFC (December 2020). A total of 8250 prescriptions were retrieved from the Public Health Department of Isfahan City.ResultsFamotidine 20, 40 mg tablets (N = 936 patients) was the most prescribed drug followed by dexamethasone ampule (N = 588), prednisolone 5, 50 mg tablets (N = 478), azithromycin 250, 500 mg capsules (N = 452), diphenhydramine syrup (N = 362), vitamin D3 soft gel 50,000 Iu (N = 526), naproxen 250, 500 mg tablets (N = 266) and favipiravir 200 mg tablet (N = 191). The following drugs were administered against the recommendation of the DTFC-9: azithromycin, favipiravir, remdesivir, cetirizine, corticosteroids, vitamin C, vitamin B12, multivitamins, proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omperazole, anticoagulants (rivaroxaban,….), aspirin and ivermectin. Administration of analgesics, famotidine, hydroxychloroquine, vitamin D3, diphenhydramine and statins were in concordance with the DTFC-9.ConclusionIn this study, we showed frequent use of drugs with unproven efficacy in outpatient cases of Covid-19 mostly attributed to corticosteroids and antibiotics use. Our research highlights the discrepancy between recommendations for care and clinical practice and the need for strategy to bridge gaps in evidence-based informed decision-making.

Surveillance of Complicated Mpox Cases Unresponsive to Oral Tecovirimat in Los Angeles County, 2022.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health established a surveillance system to identify complicated (advanced human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] or hospitalized) mpox cases. From 1 August to 30 November 2022, we identified 1581 mpox cases, of which 134 (8.5%) were complicated. A subset of 8 cases did not recover after either initiating or completing a course of oral tecovirimat. All 8 patients were HIV positive and had advanced HIV (CD4 count <200 cells/μL). We identified 8 distinct mutations previously associated with tecovirimat resistance in specimens collected from 6 patients. Ongoing surveillance of viral evolution requires close coordination between health departments and frontline providers.

Effective population size of Culex quinquefasciatus under insecticide-based vector management and following Hurricane Harvey in Harris County, Texas.

Introduction: Culex quinquefasciatus is a mosquito species of significant public health importance due to its ability to transmit multiple pathogens that can cause mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile fever and St. Louis encephalitis. In Harris County, Texas, Cx. quinquefasciatus is a common vector species and is subjected to insecticide-based management by the Harris County Public Health Department. However, insecticide resistance in mosquitoes has increased rapidly worldwide and raises concerns about maintaining the effectiveness of vector control approaches. This concern is highly relevant in Texas, with its humid subtropical climate along the Gulf Coast that provides suitable habitat for Cx. quinquefasciatus and other mosquito species that are known disease vectors. Therefore, there is an urgent and ongoing need to monitor the effectiveness of current vector control programs. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the impact of vector control approaches by estimating the effective population size of Cx. quinquefasciatus in Harris County. We applied Approximate Bayesian Computation to microsatellite data to estimate effective population size. We collected Cx. quinquefasciatus samples from two mosquito control operation areas; 415 and 802, during routine vector monitoring in 2016 and 2017. No county mosquito control operations were applied at area 415 in 2016 and 2017, whereas extensive adulticide spraying operations were in effect at area 802 during the summer of 2016. We collected data for eighteen microsatellite markers for 713 and 723 mosquitoes at eight timepoints from 2016 to 2017 in areas 415 and 802, respectively. We also investigated the impact of Hurricane Harvey's landfall in the Houston area in August of 2017 on Cx. quinquefasciatus population fluctuation. Results: We found that the bottleneck scenario was the most probable historical scenario describing the impact of the winter season at area 415 and area 802, with the highest posterior probability of 0.9167 and 0.4966, respectively. We also detected an expansion event following Hurricane Harvey at area 802, showing a 3.03-fold increase in 2017. Discussion: Although we did not detect significant effects of vector control interventions, we found considerable influences of the winter season and a major hurricane on the effective population size of Cx. quinquefasciatus. The fluctuations in effective population size in both areas showed a significant seasonal pattern. Additionally, the significant population expansion following Hurricane Harvey in 2017 supports the necessity for post-hurricane vector-control interventions.

Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections among recipients of tixagevimab-cilgavimab prophylaxis: A citywide real-world effectiveness study.

There are limited real-world data on the effectiveness of tixagevimab-cilgavimab as pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19. We describe lessons learned when coordinating data collection and identifying breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections among patients across indications and institutions in a major US city. The Chicago Department of Public Health requested patient-level tixagevimab-cilgavimab administration data from all prescribing providers in Chicago, for treatments December 8, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Records were matched to COVID-19 vaccinations and laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections through December 31, 2022. Due to difficulty collecting data from all providers, targeted follow-up was conducted to improve completeness on key variables (demographics, vaccination status, clinical indication for prophylaxis). Over half of reported tixagevimab-cilgavimab administrations were to patients residing outside Chicago. Five hundred forty-four Chicago residents who received at least one dose of tixagevimab-cilgavimab were included in this analysis. Most were age 50 years or older (72%), Black non-Latinx (33%) or White non-Latinx (29%), and fully vaccinated (80%). Seventy-five patients (14%) had laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. Patients with and without breakthrough infections were demographically similar. Clinical indication was missing for >95% of cases, improved to 64% after follow-up; the most frequently specified was hematologic malignancy (10%). Severe outcomes were uncommon: 16% had documented COVID-19-related hospitalizations, one death was identified. Tixagevimab-cilgavimab recipients in Chicago had a lower rate of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection than reported among other untreated high-risk patients, including during predominance of non-neutralizing variants. Improving stakeholder collaboration is essential for generation of real-world effectiveness data, informing pandemic preparedness and optimizing use of medical countermeasures.

There is hope and help: Reach and reception of a methamphetamine education campaign in Los Angeles County, California

IntroductionIn the context of increasing rates of methamphetamine (meth) overdose in Los Angeles County, California, USA, in 2021 the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health relaunched Meth Free LA County, a methamphetamine public education campaign built on Rescue Agency’s Decision BlocksTM Strategic Framework. MethodsTo assess campaign reach and reception, we examined media data and an online cross-sectional post-campaign survey in 2021 with a convenience sample of 750 county residents ages 18–54 who had used meth, were at-risk, or had personal relationships with people at-risk. We assessed campaign awareness, receptivity, and perceived effectiveness. Participants also reported concern about meth use in their community, recall of 10 facts from campaign content, and if they had taken promoted actions such as seeking help. We compared proportions between campaign-aware and unaware participants and explored if recall predicted these measures. ResultsMost participants recalled the campaign (84.1%), felt it offered a new way of looking at meth (73.8%), and reported it made them feel that help is available (84.0%) or that it could help reduce their own use (82.4%). Video advertisements received high perceived effectiveness scores. Greater campaign recall was associated with significantly increased odds of being concerned about meth use in the community, recalling facts, and taking promoted actions. ConclusionIn 2021, Meth Free LA County reached its high-risk audiences. Unlike fear-based campaigns its message resonated with high-risk individuals, providing an example of how public education campaigns on meth and similar illicit substances can connect with their audiences.

The effectiveness of Carie-Care™, chemomechanical caries removal technique in primary teeth: randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundChemomechanical techniques for caries removal have been introduced to overcome the shortcomings of the conventional rotatory instruments. This study aimed to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of the chemomechanical method of caries removal (Carie-Care™) over mechanical caries removal through the Atraumatic Restorative Technique in pediatric patients.MethodsA randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Fifty children fulfilling inclusion criteria were recruited from the outpatient clinic of Pediatric and Dental Public health department, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University. Fifty open carious primary molars were randomly assigned into 2 equal groups according to the method of caries removal. In Group I (test group), caries was removed using the Carie-Care™ system and in Group II (control group), by using mechanical caries removal through the atraumatic restorative technique. Resin modified glass ionomer was used for teeth restoration, the two techniques were compared in each child according to time taken for caries removal, efficacy of caries removal, pain assessment, and child behavior.ResultsThe mean time taken for caries removal in the Carie-Care™ treatment group was (575.6 ± 114.8) seconds which was statistically significant higher as compared with the ART treatment group (346.1 ± 97.4) seconds (p < 0.001). The mean score of efficacy in caries removal was (0.6 ± 0.8) in the Carie-Care™ group, and (1.3 ± 0.7) in the ART treatment group. When compared to ART, Carie-Care™ was significantly more efficient in caries removal (p < 0.002). When pain was assessed by the SEM scale, it was observed that the Carie-Care™ caries removal technique showed statistically significantly more comfort during the procedure compared with the ART procedure (p < 0.001).Moreover, children in the Carie-Care™ group enjoyed the process and showed more cooperative behavior when assessed at the end of procedure than those in the ART group with statistically significant difference (p = 0.002).ConclusionsRemoval of carious tissue in primary teeth using Chemomechanical Carie-Care™ gel proved to be more time consuming than ART, but on the other hand it was more efficient, comfortable, and accepted by the pediatric patients.

Evaluating a Targeted Minimum Loss-Based Estimator for Capture-Recapture Analysis: An Application to HIV Surveillance in San Francisco, California.

The capture-recapture method is a common tool used in epidemiology to estimate the size of "hidden" populations and correct the underascertainment of cases, based on incomplete and overlapping lists of the target population. Log-linear models are often used to estimate the population size yet may produce implausible and unreliable estimates due to model misspecification and small cell sizes. A novel targeted minimum loss-based estimation (TMLE) model developed for capture-recapture makes several notable improvements to conventional modeling: "targeting" the parameter of interest, flexibly fitting the data to alternative functional forms, and limiting bias from small cell sizes. Using simulations and empirical data from the San Francisco, California, Department of Public Health's human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) surveillance registry, we evaluated the performance of the TMLE model and compared results with those of other common models. Based on 2,584 people observed on 3 lists reportable to the surveillance registry, the TMLE model estimated the number of San Francisco residents living with HIV as of December 31, 2019, to be 13,523 (95% confidence interval: 12,222, 14,824). This estimate, compared with a "ground truth" of 12,507, was the most accurate and precise of all models examined. The TMLE model is a significant advancement in capture-recapture studies, leveraging modern statistical methods to improve estimation of the sizes of hidden populations.

Fatal Occupational Asthma in Cannabis Production - Massachusetts, 2022.

Multiple respiratory hazards have been identified in the cannabis cultivation and production industry, in which occupational asthma and work-related exacerbation of preexisting asthma have been reported. An employee working in a Massachusetts cannabis cultivation and processing facility experienced progressively worsening work-associated respiratory symptoms, which culminated in a fatal asthma attack in January 2022. This report represents findings of an Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection, which included a worksite exposure assessment, coworker and next-of-kin interviews, medical record reviews, and collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Respiratory tract or skin symptoms were reported by four of 10 coworkers with similar job duties. Prevention is best achieved through a multifaceted approach, including controlling asthmagen exposures, such as cannabis dust, providing worker training, and conducting medical monitoring for occupational allergy. Evaluation of workers with new-onset or worsening asthma is essential, along with prompt diagnosis and medical management, which might include cessation of work and workers' compensation when relation to work exposures is identified. It is important to recognize that work in cannabis production is potentially causative.

The ethics of using COVID-19 host genomic information for clinical and public health decision-making: A survey of US health professionals

Several genetic variants linked to COVID-19 have been identified by host genomics researchers. Further advances in this research will likely play a role in the clinical management and public health control of future infectious disease outbreaks. The implementation of genetic testing to identify host genomic risk factors associated with infectious diseases raises several ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSIs). As an important stakeholder group, health professionals can provide key insights into these ELSI issues. In 2021, a cross-sectional online survey was fielded to US health professionals. The survey explored how they view the value and ethical acceptability of using COVID-19 host genomic information in three main decision-making settings: (1) clinical, (2) public health, and (3) workforce. The survey also assessed participants' personal and professional experience with genomics and infectious diseases and collected key demographic data. A total of 603 participants completed the survey. A majority (84%) of participants agreed that it is ethically acceptable to use host genomics to make decisions about clinical care and 73% agreed that genetic screening has an important role to play in the public health control of COVID-19. However, more than 90% disagreed that it is ethically acceptable to use host genomics to deny resources or admission to individuals when hospital resources are scarce. Understanding stakeholder perspectives and anticipating ELSI issues will help inform policies for hospitals and public health departments to evaluate and perhaps adopt host genomic technologies in an ethically and socially responsible manner during future infectious disease outbreaks.

Factors Associated with Maternal Deaths in Cotonou Hospitals, Benin

Background: Maternal mortality remains a major public health issue in Benin. This study aimed to determine the hospital-based maternal mortality ratio and factors related with maternal deaths. Subjects and Method: We conducted a case-control study over two years from 1st January 2020 to 31 December 2021 in four Cotonou hospitals. It included 264 maternal deaths (case) matched to 264 controls by delivery mode. The dependent variable was the status at discharge. Independent variables included socio-demographic characteristics, gyneco-obstetric information, medical and gynecologic history as well as type of complications. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify the factors associated with maternal deaths. Results: The hospital-based maternal mortality ratio was 1403 deaths per 100,000 live births. Age superior than or equal to 30 years old (OR= 3.09; 95% CI= 1.52 to 6.41; p=0.002), admission by a referral from public health facility (OR=4.26; 95% CI= 2.60-7.10; p&lt;0.001) or private health facility (OR= 4.52; 95% CI= 2.49-8.38 ; p&lt;0.001); parity between 1 and 3 (OR=2.72; 95% CI= 1.27 to 6.15; p= 0.012), gestational age less than or equal to 31 weeks (OR=3.77; 95% CI= 2.13 to 6.84 ; p&lt;0.001) and the occurrence of non-infectious (OR= 1.94; 95% CI= 1.27 to 2.97; p= 0.002) and fetal com­pli­cations (OR= 1.98; 95% CI= 1.13 to 3.54; p=0.018) were the factors associated to maternal deaths. Conclusion: Strengthening policies aiming to increase access to modern methods of contraception and safe abortion, improving the referral system, and implementing multifaceted contextualized interventions could contribute to reducing maternal mortality. Keywords: maternal death, maternal mortality, associated factors, Benin. Correspondence:Gottfried Agballa. Department of Public Health; Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Population and Diseases Control; Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Humaine et en Démographie, Benin. Email: gottfried.­ag­ba­lla­@yahoo.fr Telephone number: +22995278136

Community-Based Pediatric Palliative Care: How Services Support Children's and Families' Quality of Life.

Background: The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Pediatric Palliative Care Network (PPCN) provides Community-Based Pediatric Palliative Care (CBPPC) to children with life-limiting conditions and their families. CBPPC services aim to improve children and families' quality of life (QOL). Objectives: To identify perceived domains of QOL important for children and families and to understand whether and how CBPPC supports QOL. Design: A community-based participatory research framework was used to develop recruitment and data collection materials for eight focus groups and seven interviews. Collected data were transcribed and analyzed with an inductive approach. Setting/Subjects: A convenience sample of 33 PPCN caregivers, 20 providers, and seven key informants, including policymakers, community organizations, and hospital-based clinicians, were interviewed virtually in the United States. Measurements: Perceived QOL domains for children and families, respectively, and perceived impact of CBPPC services on QOL. Results: Reported QOL domains described as important for children were socialization/community integration and accessibility; expression/play; and physical wellness. Control or autonomy, psycho-emotional wellness, and self-care were identified as important for families. Clinical services were described as "integral to mental health" through offered spiritual support; advocacy in the community; and education. PPCN's integrative services were noted as distractions from pain and helped improve communication and bonding. Sibling support and bereavement care were also mentioned as impactful on QOL. Conclusions: Family-centered CBPPC was described as supportive of children's and families' QOL. Future studies should consider using population-based QOL measures, leveraging the QOL domains identified through this analysis and other outcome measures in a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Population mobility data provides meaningful indicators of fast food intake and diet-related diseases in diverse populations

The characteristics of food environments people are exposed to, such as the density of fast food (FF) outlets, can impact their diet and risk for diet-related chronic disease. Previous studies examining the relationship between food environments and nutritional health have produced mixed findings, potentially due to the predominant focus on static food environments around people’s homes. As smartphone ownership increases, large-scale data on human mobility (i.e., smartphone geolocations) represents a promising resource for studying dynamic food environments that people have access to and visit as they move throughout their day. This study investigates whether mobility data provides meaningful indicators of diet, measured as FF intake, and diet-related disease, evaluating its usefulness for food environment research. Using a mobility dataset consisting of 14.5 million visits to geolocated food outlets in Los Angeles County (LAC) across a representative sample of 243,644 anonymous and opted-in adult smartphone users in LAC, we construct measures of visits to FF outlets aggregated over users living in neighborhood. We find that the aggregated measures strongly and significantly correspond to self-reported FF intake, obesity, and diabetes in a diverse, representative sample of 8,036 LAC adults included in a population health survey carried out by the LAC Department of Public Health. Visits to FF outlets were a better predictor of individuals’ obesity and diabetes than their self-reported FF intake, controlling for other known risks. These findings suggest mobility data represents a valid tool to study people’s use of dynamic food environments and links to diet and health.

Locations of COVID-19 vaccination provision: Urban-rural differences.

Our goal was to compare locations of COVID-19 vaccine provision in urban and rural communities over the course of the pandemic. We used the Iowa Immunization Registry Information System (IRIS) to identify the organizations providing COVID-19 vaccines (eg, pharmacies, public health departments, and medical providers). Proportions of first-dose vaccines by organization type and patient census-based statistical area were generated. We calculated Chi-square tests to assess differences among metropolitan, micropolitan, and noncore communities. IRIS data revealed that 64% (n = 2,043,251) of Iowans received their first COVID-19 vaccine between December 14, 2020, and December 31, 2022. For metropolitan-dwelling individuals, most first doses were administered at pharmacies (53%), with similar trends observed for micropolitan (49%) and noncore (42%) individuals. The second most common location for metropolitan individuals was medical practices (17%); public health clinics and departments were the second most common provider for micropolitan (26%) and noncore (33%) individuals. These trends shifted over time. In December 2020, hospitals were the most common vaccine provider for everyone, but by December 2022, medical providers were the most common source for metropolitan individuals, and pharmacies were most common for micropolitan and noncore individuals. Trends in the type of vaccine provider differentiated metropolitan residents from micropolitan and noncore residents. For the latter groups, local public health departments played a more significant role. Across all groups, pharmacists emerged as a critical vaccine provider. Our findings can be used to plan for seasonal vaccine campaigns as well as potential future mass vaccination campaigns.

Risk Factors Associated with Congenital Syphilis, Georgia, 2008-2015.

Congenital syphilis (CS) is associated with significant perinatal morbidity and mortality. The study objectives were to compare risk factors among women with syphilis infection whose pregnancies did and did not result in CS cases and to evaluate other geographic and socioeconomic characteristics of county of residence as a measure of healthcare inequity. This study linked maternal and congenital syphilis data from the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), 2008-2015. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) reporting guideline was followed. Demographic, behavioral, and case characteristics were compared among women with syphilis infection who did and did not have an infant with CS. Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and multivariate regression analyses were performed using STATA 14.2 (College Station, TX). Of 505 women with syphilis infection, 23% had an infant with CS, while 77% did not. After adjusting for race/ethnicity, factors associated with CS outcome were age greater than 35 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-14.89), hospital/emergency department diagnosis of syphilis (aOR 3.43; 95% CI 1.54-7.62), and high-risk behaviors such as exchanging sex for money or drugs (aOR 3.25; 95% CI 1.18-8.98). There were no associations between characteristics of county of residence and CS outcome. This study highlights risk factors that may be associated with CS incidence and the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with CS. Further work is needed to study improved data collection systems, contributing factors related to CS as well as prevention measures in the United States.