Publications

Abstract

Objective: To determine the validity of diagnostic hospital billing codes for complications of prematurity in neonates <32 weeks gestation. Study Design: Retrospective cohort data from discharge summaries and clinical notes (n = 160) were reviewed by trained, blinded abstractors for the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grades 3 or 4, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), stage 3 or higher, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and surgery for NEC or ROP. Data were compared to diagnostic billing codes from the neonatal electronic health record. Results: IVH, PVL, ROP and ROP surgery had strong positive predictive values (PPV > 75%) and excellent negative predictive values (NPV > 95%). The PPVs for NEC (66.7%) and NEC surgery (37.1%) were low. Conclusion: Diagnostic hospital billing codes were observed to be a valid metric to evaluate preterm neonatal morbidities and surgeries except in the instance of more ambiguous diagnoses such as NEC and NEC surgery.

Abstract

Background Emerging adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; however, there are both barriers and facilitators to achieving ideal cardiovascular health in this stage of their lives. Objectives The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the barriers and facilitators of achieving ideal levels of cardiovascular health in a sample of emerging adults with T1DM ages 18-26 years. Methods A sequential mixed-methods design was used to explore achievement of ideal cardiovascular health using the seven factors defined by the American Heart Association (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1C [substituted for fasting blood glucose]). We assessed the frequency of achieving ideal levels of each cardiovascular health factor. Using Pender's health promotion model as a framework, qualitative interviews explored the barriers and facilitators of achieving ideal levels of each factor of cardiovascular health. Results The sample was mostly female. Their age range was 18-26 years, with a diabetes duration between 1 and 20 years. The three factors that had the lowest achievement were a healthy diet, physical activity at recommended levels, and hemoglobin A1C of <7%. Participants described lack of time as a barrier to eating healthy, being physically active, and maintaining in-range blood glucose levels. Facilitators included the use of technology in helping to achieve in-range blood glucose and social support from family, friends, and healthcare providers in maintaining several healthy habits. Discussion These qualitative data provide insight into how emerging adults attempt to manage their T1DM and cardiovascular health. Healthcare providers have an important role in supporting these patients in establishing ideal cardiovascular health at an early age.

Abstract

Background: The objectives were to assess (a) the association between poor oral health and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Hispanic/ Latino immigrants and (b) potential modification effects on this association by age at immigration. Methods: Data were from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and its ancillary study—the Study of Latinos–Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging. MCI, a binary outcome variable, defined by the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association criteria. The main exposure was significant tooth loss (STL), defined as a loss of 8 or more teeth, and periodontitis, classified using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and American Academy of Periodontology case classification. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between STL/periodontitis and MCI and test moderation effects of age at immigration. The analytical sample comprised 5 709 Hispanic/Latino adult immigrants. Results: Hispanic/Latino immigrants with STL (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.85) were more likely to have MCI than those with greater tooth retention. Overall, migration to the United States after age 18 was associated with greater odds of MCI than migration at a younger age. A significant interaction effect between STL and age at immigration revealed that the effect of STL on MCI is even higher in those who immigrated to the United States at ages 35–49 years. Conclusions: STL is a significant risk factor for MCI and age at immigration had a modification effect on the association between STL and MCI. Better access to dental care, health education on risk factors of MCI, and promotion of good oral health may mitigate the burden of cognitive impairment in Hispanics/Latinos.

Abstract

Trauma is a complex phenomenon that has varying degrees of intensity and impairment for individuals who experience it. As a result, many develop chronic behavioral and physical health sequela that increase their interactions within the healthcare system. The chronicity of these symptoms is further complicated by their overarching adoption of shame, as an unintended chronic coping skill. Shame becomes a master or blanket emotion that suppresses other healthier emotions and healthy interactions with others and the individual’s community. As the majority of individuals have had traumatic exposures, it is hard for healthcare providers to know on the onset which of their patients experience ongoing sequela or not. Subsequently, unintended interactions with the healthcare system have worsened the trauma-related symptoms for many. Over the years, healthcare providers have been encouraged to adopt universal precautions for all blood-borne encounters. Similarly, healthcare providers are encouraged to implement trauma-informed care, universally, to all patients as a means to create healthier environments for healing.

Abstract

Repeat kidney transplantation (re-KT) is the preferred treatment for patients with graft failure. Changing allocation policies, widening the risk profile of recipients, and improving dialysis care may have altered the survival benefit of a re-KT. We characterized trends in re-KT survival benefit over 3 decades and tested whether it differed by age, race/ethnicity, sex, and panel reactive assay (PRA). By using the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipient data, we identified 25 419 patients who underwent a re-KT from 1990 to 2019 and 25 419 waitlisted counterfactuals from the same year with the same waitlisted time following graft failure. In the adjusted analysis, a re-KT was associated with a lower risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61-0.65). By using the 1990-1994 era as a reference (aHR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.69-0.85), incremental improvements in the survival benefit were noted (1995-1999: aHR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.67-0.78: 2000-2004: aHR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.55-0.63: 2005-2009: aHR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.56-0.63: 2010-2014: aHR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.53-0.62: 2015-2019: aHR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.57-0.73). The survival benefit of a re-KT was noted in both younger (age = 18-64 years: aHR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.61-0.65) and older patients (age ≥65 years: aHR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.58-0.74; Pinteraction = .45). Patients of all races/ethnicities demonstrated similar benefits with a re-KT. However, it varied by the sex of the recipient (female patients: aHR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.56-0.63: male patients: aHR = 0.66; 95% CI, 0.63-0.68; Pinteraction = .004) and PRA (0-20: aHR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.65-0.74: 21-80: aHR = 0.61; 95% CI, 0.57-0.66; Pinteraction = .02; >80: aHR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.53-0.61; Pinteraction< .001). Our findings support the continued practice of a re-KT and efforts to overcome the medical, immunologic, and surgical challenges of a re-KT.

Abstract

Peer health workers (peers) are commonly engaged interventionists in the HIV care spectrum. The objective of this scoping review was to examine the range of evidence on training strategies and approaches for peer-led HIV behavioral interventions in the United States. Four electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PsycINFO) were searched for peer-reviewed published literature (2010-2021) of peer-led HIV behavioral interventions directed to improving antiretroviral therapy adherence and/or retention in care. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven studies referenced manualized training materials, and nine used role-play as part of their curricula. Peer training content and duration varied across studies, as well as evaluation of intervention fidelity, and peer competency. Findings highlight heterogeneity in peer training strategies and approaches. The expansion and sustainability of peer engagement in the HIV care continuum will require greater consensus among members of the research community on best practices for training.

Abstract

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) experience multiple psychological symptoms. Few studies have provided information on central and bridge psychological symptoms among PLWH. This information has implications for improving the efficiency and efficacy of psychological interventions. Our study aimed to identify the central and bridge psychological symptoms of PLWH and to explore the interconnectedness among symptoms and clusters. Methods: Our study used data from the HIV-related Symptoms Monitoring Survey, a multisite, cross-sectional study conducted during 2017–2021. We used R to visualize the network of 16 symptoms and analyzed the centrality and predictability indices of the network. We further analyzed the bridge symptoms among the three symptom clusters. Results: A total of 3,985 participants were included in the analysis. The results suggested that sadness had the highest strength (rS = 9.69) and predictability (70.7%) compared to other symptoms. Based on the values of bridge strength, feeling unsafe (rbs = 0.94), uncontrollable worry (rbs = 0.82), and self-abasement (rbs = 0.81) were identified as bridge symptoms. We also found a strong correlation between sadness and self-abasement (r = 0.753) and self-loathing and self-blame (r = 0.744). Conclusion: We found that sadness was the central psychological symptom of PLWH, indicating that sadness was the center of the psychological symptom network from a mechanistic perspective and could be a target for intervention. Deactivating bridge symptoms, including “feeling unsafe,” “self-abasement,” and “uncontrollable worry,” could be more effective in preventing symptom activation from spreading (e.g., one symptom activating another).

Abstract

Background: Perceived insufficient milk is a primary reason for early breastfeeding cessation. Some breastfeeding mothers may use galactagogues (ie, foods, beverages, herbal supplements, and pharmaceuticals) to try to increase milk supply. However, milk production requires frequent and effective milk removal, and there is limited evidence on the safety and efficacy of galactagogues. Additional research on the use of galactagogues is needed to inform breastfeeding support. Objective: Describe the prevalence of use and perceived effects of galactagogues and compare galactagogue use by maternal characteristics. Design: Cross-sectional online survey. Participants/setting: A convenience sample of 1,294 adult women breastfeeding a singleton child and living in the United States were recruited using paid Facebook advertisements between December 2020 and February 2021. Main outcome measures: Self-reported current or previous use of galactagogues and their perceived effects on milk production. Statistical analyses performed: Frequencies and percentages described the use and perceived effects of galactagogues. The χ2 test of independence and independent t tests compared galactagogue use by select maternal characteristics. Results: More than half of participants (57.5%) reported using any galactagogues, 55.4% reported consuming foods or beverages, and 27.7% reported using herbal supplements. Few participants (1.4%) reported using pharmaceuticals. Participants reported varying effects of specific galactagogues on milk production. Reported galactagogue use was higher among participants who reported first-time breastfeeding (yes: 66.7% vs no: 49.3%; P < 0.001), breastfeeding pumped milk (yes: 63.1% vs no: 50.4%; P < 0.001), formula supplementation (yes: 66.8% vs no: 50.4%; P < 0.001), and perceived insufficient milk (yes: 78.8% vs no: 53.8%; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Breastfeeding mothers in the United States commonly reported using galactagogues to increase milk production, highlighting the need for research on the safety and efficacy of galactagogues and enhanced breastfeeding support.

Abstract

Background: The Self- and Family Management Framework (SFMF) identifies factors and outcomes of patient and family management of chronic illness. In a previous citation analysis, we reported the frequency and nature of use of the SFMF. Purpose: We conducted a sub-analysis of quantitative articles in the citation analysis to examine testing of relationships depicted in the SFMF. Methods: We analyzed study purposes, independent and dependent variables, study implications, and text that referred to the SFMF in 40 articles. Findings: The SFMF has been used largely to explore factors affecting SFM behaviors, focusing on patient versus family self-management. Independent variables included all categories of facilitators/barriers specified in the SFMF. Dependent variables included all SFMF components (Facilitators/Barriers, Processes, Proximal and Distal Outcomes). Racial/ethnic diversity was limited among study participants. Study implications pertained mostly to psychosocial outcomes. Most studies referred to the SFMF generally. Discussion: Findings will contribute to revision of the SFMF.

Abstract

Objective This study aims to show the usefulness of incorporating a community-based geographical information system (GIS) in recruiting research participants for the Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease (ACAD) study for using the subgroup of Korean American (KA) older adults. The ACAD study is the first large study in the USA and Canada focusing on the recruitment of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese older adults to address the issues of under-representation of Asian Americans in clinical research. Methods To promote clinical research participation of racial/ethnic minority older adults with and without dementia, we used GIS by collaborating with community members to delineate boundaries for geographical clusters and enclaves of church and senior networks, and KA serving ethnic clinics. In addition, we used socioeconomic data identified as recruitment factors unique to KA older adults which was analysed for developing recruitment strategies. Results GIS maps show a visualisation of the heterogeneity of the sociodemographic characteristics and the resources of faith-based organisations and KA serving local clinics. We addressed these factors that disproportionately affect participation in clinical research and successfully recruited the intended participants (N=60) in the proposed period. Discussion Using GIS maps to locate KA provided innovative inroads to successful research outreach efforts for a pilot study that may be expanded to other underserved populations across the USA in the future. We will use this tool subsequently on a large-scale clinical genetic epidemiology study. Policy implication This approach responds to the call from the National Institute on Aging to develop strategies to improve the health status of older adults in diverse populations. Our study will offer a practical guidance to health researchers and policymakers in identifying understudied and hard-to-reach specific Asian American populations for clinical studies or initiatives. This would further contribute in reducing the health and research disparity gaps among older minority populations.

Abstract

The Future of Nursing Report 2020-20301 calls for nursing education to integrate the social determinants of health (SDoH) in the curriculum to prepare future nurses to take an active role in identifying and addressing health inequities. Nurse faculty and schools of nursing face multiple challenges that pose as barriers to meet this demand. These challenges include a crowded curriculum, lack of a coherent curricular framework, and a dearth of evidence-based teaching strategies to ensure that concepts on SDoH, health equity, and social justice are seamlessly integrated in the nursing curriculum.

Abstract

Background: There are persistent racial/ethnic disparities in the occurrence of severe maternal morbidity. Patient-centered medical home care has the potential to address disparities in maternal outcomes. Objectives: To examine (1) the association between receiving patient-centered medical home care and severe maternal morbidity outcomes and (2) the interaction of race/ethnicity on patient-centered medical home status and severe maternal morbidity. Design/Methods: Using 2007 to 2016 data from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey, we conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the association between receipt of care from a patient-centered medical home and the occurrence of severe maternal morbidity, and racial-specific (White, Black, Asian, Other) relative risks of severe maternal morbidity. Our study used race as a proxy measure for exposure racism. We identified mothers (⩾15 years) who gave birth during the study period. We identified patient-centered medical home qualities using 11 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey questions and severe maternal morbidities using medical claims, and calculated generalized estimating equation models to estimate odds ratios of severe maternal morbidity and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Among all mothers who gave birth (N = 2801; representing 5,362,782 US lives), only 25% received some exposure patient-centered medical home care. Two percent experienced severe maternal morbidity, and this did not differ statistically (p = 0.11) by patient-centered medical home status. However, our findings suggest a 85% decrease in the risk of severe maternal morbidity among mothers who were defined as always attending a patient-centered medical home (odds ratios: 0.15; 95% confidence interval:0.01–1.87; p = 0.14) and no difference in the risk of severe maternal morbidity among mothers who were defined as sometimes attending a patient-centered medical home (odds ratios: 1.00; 95% confidence interval:0.16–6.42; p = 1.00). There was no overall interaction effect in the model between race and patient-centered medical home groups (p = 0.82), or ethnicity and patient-centered medical home groups (p = 0.62) on the severe maternal morbidity outcome. Conclusion: While the rate of severe maternal morbidity was similar to US rates, few mothers received care from a patient-centered medical home which may be due to underreporting. Future research should further investigate the potential for patient-centered medical home-based care to reduce odds of severe maternal morbidity across racial/ethnic groups.

Abstract

Fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive collaborative research networks is important for advancing the field of aging research. Despite sizeable investment in research consortia and career development programs, there has been only moderate progress toward diversifying the research workforce studying aging. Without critically examining what works and what does not, continuing to place more resources into these same strategies may not result in a substantial improvement in diversity or the creation of collaborative networks. Using meta-research to rigorously evaluate potential strategies to promote diversity and collaboration may yield important insights that can be used to improve upon current efforts. For this reason, we sought to describe meta-research and highlight how its principles can be used to achieve the aging research community's collaboration and diversity goals.

Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Minority HIV Research Initiative (MARI) funded 8 investigators in 2016 to develop HIV prevention and treatment interventions in highly affected communities. We describe MARI studies who used community-based participatory research methods to inform the development of interventions in Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx communities focused on sexual minority men (SMM) or heterosexual populations. Each study implemented best practice strategies for engaging with communities, informing recruitment strategies, navigating through the impacts of COVID-19, and disseminating findings. Best practice strategies common to all MARI studies included establishing community advisory boards, engaging community members in all stages of HIV research, and integrating technology to sustain interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing community-informed approaches is crucial to intervention uptake and long-term sustainability in communities of color. MARI investigators’ research studies provide a framework for developing effective programs tailored to reducing HIV-related racial/ethnic disparities.

Abstract

Background: Cervical cancer oncogenesis starts with human papillomavirus (HPV) cell entry after binding to host cell surface receptors; however, the mechanism is not fully known. We examined polymorphisms in receptor genes hypothesized to be necessary for HPV cell entry and assessed their associations with clinical progression to precancer. Methods: African American women (N =1,728) from the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study were included. Two case-control study designs were used-cases with histologybased precancer (CIN3 ) and controls without; and cases with cytology-based precancer [high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL)] and controls without. SNPs in candidate genes (SDC1, SDC2, SDC3, SDC4, GPC1, GPC2, GPC3, GPC4, GPC5, GPC6, and ITGA6) were genotyped using an Illumina Omni2.5-quad beadchip. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations in all participants and by HPV genotypes, after adjusting for age, human immunodeficiency virus serostatus, CD4 T cells, and three principal components for ancestry. Results: Minor alleles in SNPs rs77122854 (SDC3), rs73971695, rs79336862 (ITGA6), rs57528020, rs201337456, rs11987725 (SDC2), rs115880588, rs115738853, and rs9301825 (GPC5) were associated with increased odds of both CIN3 and HSIL, whereas, rs35927186 (GPC5) was found to decrease the odds for both outcomes (P value ≤ 0.01). Among those infected with Alpha-9 HPV types, rs722377 (SDC3), rs16860468, rs2356798 (ITGA6), rs11987725 (SDC2), and rs3848051 (GPC5) were associated with increased odds of both precancer outcomes. Conclusions: Polymorphisms in genes that encode binding receptors for HPV cell entry may play a role in cervical precancer progression.

Abstract

In the current study, we conducted one-on-one interviews with primary care providers (PCPs) and family care partners (FCPs) and held focus groups with interdis-ciplinary adult day service center (ADSC) staff to understand the perspectives of care providers across community settings regarding early warning signs of acute illnesses in persons living with dementia (PLWD). We used content analysis to analyze qualitative data. Warning signs of acute illnesses in PLWD fell into one of five categories, including new onset changes in (a) physical functions, (b) moods or be-haviors (psychological), (c) social interactions, (d) speech, or (e) appearance. FCPs (n = 11) focused on physical changes, whereas ADSC staff (n = 33) emphasized changes in speech and social interactions in addition to the other categories. Al-though ADSC staff and PCPs (n = 22) focused on changes in functions and moods, each group described these changes differently. ADSC staff possess rich information that can be used to identify acute changes in PLWD and describe a broader range of warning signs compared to PCPs and FCPs. FCPs may benefit from further training in distinguishing between normal disease progression and acute illness. Future research should focus on the implementation of standardized tools across community-based care providers to simplify the identification and reporting of early warning signs in PLWD.