Oza-Frank R, Warnock AL, Calancie L
… +4 more, Bassarab K, Palmer A, Cooksey Stowers K, Harris D
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39784113
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: Food policy councils (FPCs) are frequently used to facilitate change in food systems at the local, state, and regional levels, or in tribal nations. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalenc...INTRODUCTION: Food policy councils (FPCs) are frequently used to facilitate change in food systems at the local, state, and regional levels, or in tribal nations. The objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of food policy councils and similar coalitions among US municipalities and their associations with healthy food access policies. METHODS: We used data from the 2021 National Survey of Community-Based Policy and Environmental Supports for Healthy Eating and Active Living, administered to municipal officials from May through September 2021. We used logistic regression models to examine associations between 1) having an FPC and 2) FPC membership composition and healthy food access policies. We grouped policies into 4 categories based on topic modules in the survey instrument: supporting new or existing food stores to sell healthy foods, financial or electronic benefits transfer (EBT) supports, transportation-related supports for accessing locations to purchase food, and consideration of local food supports in community planning. RESULTS: Municipalities with FPCs (27.6%) had significantly higher odds than municipalities without FPCs of having policies supporting access to food retail stores (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.9), access to farmers markets (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.7-2.7), access to transportation supports (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.8-2.8), and objectives in community planning documents (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.6-2.5). Among municipalities with FPCs, those with a health/public health representative (42.1%) or a community representative (65.1%) were more likely to report having any healthy food access policies. CONCLUSION: This study emphasized the positive association between FPCs and healthy food access policies. This study also highlights the potential importance of FPC membership composition, including health/public health and community representatives.
Hulbert L, Mensa-Wilmot Y, Rutledge S
… +3 more, Owens-Gary M, Skeete R, Cannon MJ
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39784112
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: Men in racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely than non-Hispanic White men to participate in programs designed to improve health, despite having a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. We sought t...INTRODUCTION: Men in racial and ethnic minority groups are less likely than non-Hispanic White men to participate in programs designed to improve health, despite having a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes. We sought to understand 1) the interests and preferences of racial and ethnic minority men, with or at risk for type 2 diabetes, in programs designed to improve health and 2) factors that influence participation and health practices. METHODS: We designed a 43-question web-based survey on facilitators and barriers to participation in a healthy living program. The survey was administered from August 27, 2019, through September 3, 2019. Our analytic sample consisted of 1,506 men at risk for or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in racial and ethnic minority groups. We conducted descriptive and regression analyses of survey data. RESULTS: Most men (59%) were interested in participating in a healthy living program and/or program elements such as incentives (67%), male-specific health topics (57%), and the inclusion of family (63%). Flexibility was important, since "exercising when it is convenient for me" was the most frequently selected facilitator of physical activity and "the hours were inconvenient" was identified as a challenge in previous programs. Men in this survey were significantly more likely to be interested in participating in a health improvement program for several reasons, including if they were physically active 150 minutes or more per week (vs not) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6-3.0) and had previously been in a healthy living program (vs not) (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.1). CONCLUSION: Our findings can be useful for recruiting and retaining racial and ethnic minority men with or at risk for type 2 diabetes in programs designed to improve health and ultimately reduce disparities in the prevalence of diabetes.
Edelstein BL, Basch CE, Zybert P
… +8 more, Wolf RL, Custodio-Lumsden CL, Levine J, Trent R, Estrada I, Koch PA, Andrews HF, Kunzel C
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39745944
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: Early childhood caries (ECC), dental cavities in children younger than 6 years, is common, consequential, and inequitably concentrated among socially disadvantaged children. The World Health Organization an...INTRODUCTION: Early childhood caries (ECC), dental cavities in children younger than 6 years, is common, consequential, and inequitably concentrated among socially disadvantaged children. The World Health Organization and authoritative clinical and public health agencies promote 4 chronic disease management (CDM) approaches that are low-cost and can be delivered in home and community sites: pharmacologic, behavioral, monitoring, and minimally invasive dentistry (MID). The extent of adoption of these approaches among US pediatric dentists is unknown. METHODS: From November 2021 through July 2023, trained research staff members administered and videorecorded via Zoom a semistructured survey on ECC management to 1,639 clinically active pediatric dentists in the US, including 170 thought leaders (organizational and academic leaders). Data collected included treatment approaches, time allocated to counseling, and personal, practice, and patient population characteristics. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 27.7%. Among CDM approaches, 88.7% cited pharmacologic approaches, 43.4% behavioral, 41.1% monitoring, and 39.3% MID approaches. MID was significantly associated with thought leaders and with more recent graduates engaged as associates in larger practices or in safety-net settings serving high volumes of low-income children and children with a history of caries. We noted fewer significant associations between other CDM approaches and the characteristics of dentists, practices, and populations served. CDM was not associated with the race or ethnicity of dentists or patients, the numbers of ancillary personnel in practice, or dental management organizations. One-third (32.4%) of respondents reported scheduling 5 or fewer minutes for counseling on caries. CONCLUSION: Except for pharmacologic treatments and despite professional guidelines, CDM approaches are underused. We posit that CDM approaches hold strong promise to enhance oral health equity as value-based care arrangements expand in dentistry.
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39745943
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: Physical inactivity is a major health risk factor for multiple chronic diseases and early death. Despite evidence supporting diet and physical activity behavioral counseling interventions, physical inactivi...INTRODUCTION: Physical inactivity is a major health risk factor for multiple chronic diseases and early death. Despite evidence supporting diet and physical activity behavioral counseling interventions, physical inactivity is rarely measured or managed in primary care. A need exists to fully explore and demonstrate the value of screening patients for physical inactivity. This study aimed to 1) compare health profiles of patients screened for inactivity versus patients not screened for inactivity, and 2) compare health profiles of inactive, insufficiently active, and active patients as measured by the Exercise Vital Sign screener. METHODS: The study sample comprised adult patients attending a well visit from November 1, 2017, through December 1, 2022, at a large midwestern university hospital. We extracted data from electronic medical records on exercise behavior reported by patients using the Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) questionnaire. We extracted data on demographics characteristics, resting pulse, encounters, and disease diagnoses from PCORnet Common Data Model (version 6.1). We used the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index to determine disease burden. We compared patients with complete and valid EVS values (n =7,261) with patients not screened for inactivity (n = 33,445). We conducted further comparisons between screened patients reporting 0 minutes (inactive), 1 to 149 minutes (insufficiently active), or ≥150 minutes (active) minutes per week of moderate-vigorous physical activity. RESULTS: Patients screened for inactivity had significantly lower rates of several comorbid conditions, including obesity (P < .001), diabetes (P < .001), and hypertension (P < .001) when compared with unscreened patients. Compared with insufficiently active and inactive patients, active patients had a lower risk of 19 inactivity-related comorbid conditions including obesity (P < .001), depression (P < .001), hypertension (P < .001), diabetes (P < .001), and valvular disease (P < .001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest inactive and insufficiently active patients are at increased risk for multiple inactivity-related chronic conditions. These findings further support existing recommendations that inactive patients receive or be referred to evidence-based lifestyle behavioral counseling programs.
Thompson JR, Burus T, McAfee C
… +9 more, Stroebel C, Brown M, Francis K, Rogers M, Knight J, Russell E, Sorrell C, Westbrook E, Hull PC
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39724002
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: Kentucky has the highest all-site cancer incidence and death rate in the US. In 2021, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center convened a steering committee to conduct a statewide community cancer ne...INTRODUCTION: Kentucky has the highest all-site cancer incidence and death rate in the US. In 2021, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center convened a steering committee to conduct a statewide community cancer needs assessment (CNA). The goal of the final CNA phase was to gather community input on prioritizing Kentucky's cancer-related needs and ways to address them. METHODS: In 2021, we recruited 162 people to participate in online concept mapping, a participatory mixed method, to explore connections and identify priority areas. Fifty-one community members and 111 organizational partners participated in survey-based activities to prioritize 80 items representing key CNA findings and discussion groups to explore key focus areas and strategies for Kentucky communities. RESULTS: Concept maps display perceived similarity of the 80 items and a 6-cluster solution. High-priority focus areas included lung cancer screening, smoking, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, and disparities driven by social determinants among rural, Appalachian, Black, and Hispanic residents. High-priority strategies to address needs included expanding health communication on risks, screening guidelines, and insurance benefits; patient navigation; accessible, culturally appropriate treatment information and self-efficacy in treatment decisions; access to care through financial assistance, mobile clinics, and at-home screening; and patient-provider trust and communication. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate the utility of the concept mapping process to facilitate the prioritization of wide-ranging catchment area needs and ways to address them. Moving forward, the prioritized focus areas and strategies can inform Kentucky's new state cancer plan and future research to reduce the state's cancer burden and disparities.
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39700074
·
Full text
While it is known that epilepsy often co-occurs with psychiatric disorders, few studies have examined nonpsychiatric comorbidity. We analyzed 2021 and 2022 National Health Interview Survey Sample Adult data. Compared wit...While it is known that epilepsy often co-occurs with psychiatric disorders, few studies have examined nonpsychiatric comorbidity. We analyzed 2021 and 2022 National Health Interview Survey Sample Adult data. Compared with adults with no epilepsy, the 1.2% of US adults (about 3.0 million) with active epilepsy had a higher prevalence of nearly all 21 conditions examined and were more likely to have 4 or more co-occurring chronic conditions. Health care and social service providers can promote healthy behaviors and preventive screening for common comorbidities, improve access to care, and refer people with epilepsy to evidence-based self-management programs.
Fallon EA, Foster AL, Boring MA
… +2 more, Brown DR, Odom EL
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39700073
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the recency, correlates, and content of health care provider (HCP) counseling about physical activity (PA) among adults with arthritis. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Porter Novell...INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the recency, correlates, and content of health care provider (HCP) counseling about physical activity (PA) among adults with arthritis. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Porter Novelli FallStyles cross-sectional survey of noninstitutionalized US adults. Among adults with arthritis, we assessed the recency of HCP counseling about PA; counseling content, including PA assessment/screening and advice/counseling; and recommendations. Data were weighted by sex, age, household income, race and ethnicity, household size, education, census region, and metropolitan status. RESULTS: Among adults with arthritis (n = 1,113), 16.8% received HCP counseling within the past 6 months, 9.6% received counseling between 6 months and a year ago; 27.7% received HCP counseling more than a year ago; 30.4% never received HCP counseling; and 15.5% did not recall. Prevalence of HCP counseling about PA was higher for those reporting obesity (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.3) and chronic pain (PR = 1.2), compared with those without these conditions. The most and least common content of HCP counseling were assessment of PA level (74.7%) and receiving a physical activity prescription (6.1%), respectively. The most frequent recommendations for PA type were flexibility exercises (40.1%), aerobic activities (39.8%), specific modalities of PA (eg, swimming, walking, dancing; 38.1%), and muscle-strengthening exercises (36.6%). Only 4.4% received a recommendation for arthritis-appropriate PA programs. CONCLUSION: HCP counseling about PA among adults with arthritis for arthritis symptom management is lacking in frequency, actionable content, and recommendations to engage in evidence-based PA interventions. Dissemination and implementation of policies and programs facilitating frequent high-quality HCP counseling and recommendation to PA programs for arthritis remains a public health priority.
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39666872
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: Childhood mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders (MBDD) are common and are associated with poor health and well-being. Monitoring the prevalence of MBDDs among children and factors that may influen...INTRODUCTION: Childhood mental, behavioral, and developmental disorders (MBDD) are common and are associated with poor health and well-being. Monitoring the prevalence of MBDDs among children and factors that may influence health outcomes is important to understanding risk and promoting population health. METHOD: We examined trends in parent-reported lifetime MBDDs among children and associated health promotion and risk indicators from 2016 through 2021 by using data from the National Survey of Children's Health. Estimates of prevalence and average annual percentage change were stratified by specific MBDDs and demographic characteristics (eg, sex, age, race and ethnicity). Children with any MBDDs versus none were compared overall and by MBDD subgroup on health care, family, and community indicators. RESULTS: From 2016 through 2021, MBDD prevalence among children aged 3 to 17 years increased from 25.3% to 27.7%; increases were specific to anxiety, depression, learning disability, developmental delay, and speech or language disorder. Unmet health care needs increased annually by an average of approximately 5% among children with MBDDs. Each year from 2016 to 2021, approximately 60% of children with MBDDs received mental or developmental services in the past 12 months. Each year, a higher percentage of parents of children with MBDDs compared with children without MBDDs reported poor mental health (14.7% MBDD, 5.7% no MBDD) and economic stress (21.6% MBDD, 11.5% no MBDD). CONCLUSION: Increasing prevalence of certain MBDDs and MBDD-associated indicators, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlights the need for improved pediatric mental health training for health care providers, for prevention and intervention efforts, and for policies addressing economic stability and equitable access to mental health services.
Simpson SE, Malek AM, Wen CC
… +10 more, Neelon B, Wilson DA, Mateus J, Pearce J, Chundru KJ, Korte JE, Florez H, Alkis M, Finneran M, Hunt KJ
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Dec · PMID 39666870
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: We examined trends in prepregnancy obesity and gestational weight gain, with a focus on racial and ethnic differences, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina. METHODS: Hospital and emerge...INTRODUCTION: We examined trends in prepregnancy obesity and gestational weight gain, with a focus on racial and ethnic differences, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina. METHODS: Hospital and emergency department discharge codes were linked to birth certificates. Prepregnancy obesity was defined as a body mass index (kg/m) of 30 or higher. Gestational weight gain was defined as inadequate, adequate, or excessive based on the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. A generalized linear model with a multinomial distribution and glogit link estimated the risk of inadequate weight gain and excessive weight gain with adequate weight gain as the reference group. The generalized linear model with a modified Poisson distribution and log link estimated prepregnancy obesity risk with nonobese as the reference group. RESULTS: Our study included 306,344 full-term, singleton live births among 239,597 mothers from 2015 through 2021. The prevalence of inadequate weight gain increased across all racial and ethnic groups prepandemic (relative risk [RR] = 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02) and attenuated during the pandemic (RR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.96-1.01). The prevalence of excessive weight gain was high and remained stable across all races and ethnicities before and during the pandemic. The prevalence of prepregnancy obesity increased across all racial and ethnic groups prepandemic; the prevalence after the start of the pandemic increased only among women of "other" races and ethnicities (RR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05-1.19) while attenuating among Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and non-Hispanic White women. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic did not alter trends of gestational weight gain; however, it did have a small effect on trends in prepregnancy obesity, with differential effects across racial and ethnic groups. The prevalence of prepregnancy obesity, inadequate weight gain, and excessive weight gain remains high among pregnant women in South Carolina. Obesity and weight gain are risk factors for many adverse maternal and infant pregnancy outcomes. Their high prevalence indicates the importance of developing effective weight management programs for women of childbearing age and pregnant women.
Hacker K, Thomas CW, Zhao G
… +3 more, Claxton JS, Eke P, Town M
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39602222
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: The relationship between social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social needs (HRSN) and some chronic diseases at the population level is not well known. We sought to determine relationships...INTRODUCTION: The relationship between social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social needs (HRSN) and some chronic diseases at the population level is not well known. We sought to determine relationships between SDOH/HRSN and major chronic diseases among US adults by using data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). METHODS: We used data from the new Social Determinants and Health Equity (SD/HE) module, conducted in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 territories as part of the 2022 BRFSS. These data yielded a sample of 324,631 adult participants (aged ≥18 y). We examined 12 indicators of SDOH/HRSN and 9 chronic diseases. We calculated weighted prevalence estimates for each SDOH/HRSN measure for each chronic disease and associations between each SDOH/HRSN and each chronic disease. RESULTS: Two-thirds of participants (66.3%) had 1 or more chronic diseases, and 59.4% reported 1 or more adverse SDOH/HRSN. Prevalence estimates for individual SDOH/HRSN measures were generally higher among participants with chronic diseases (except cancer). The more chronic diseases reported, the more likely participants were to have SDOH/HRSN (P < .05 for linear trend). The leading SDOH/HRSN measures associated with each chronic disease varied; however, the most common were mental stress, receiving food stamps or participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, cost as a barrier for needed medical care, and life dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: From a treatment and prevention perspective, health care providers should consider the influence of SDOH/HRSN on people with or at risk for chronic diseases. Additionally, human service and public health systems in communities with high rates of chronic disease should consider these findings as they plan to mitigate adverse SDOH.
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39571089
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of chronic conditions is increasing worldwide. The objective of this study was to describe the trajectory of the occurrence of multiple chronic conditions during 6 years of follow-up and inve...INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of chronic conditions is increasing worldwide. The objective of this study was to describe the trajectory of the occurrence of multiple chronic conditions during 6 years of follow-up and investigate their association with demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral health characteristics of older adults in Southern Brazil. METHODS: We used data from a longitudinal study (the Como Vai? study) of noninstitutionalized adults aged 60 or older living in the urban area of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. We assessed the number of chronic conditions based on a list of 24 conditions in 3 interviews, conducted in 2014, 2016-2017, and 2019-2020. We used group-based semiparametric modeling to identify groups of participants based on the number of chronic conditions. For associations with participant characteristics, we performed multinomial logistic regression and considered a low, moderate, and high burden of chronic conditions. RESULTS: Of the 1,451 older adults in the cohort, 1,098 (75.7%) were included in analysis. Almost one-third (30.9%) had a low burden (2.3 conditions), more than half (52.0%) had a moderate burden (5.6 conditions), and 17.1% had a high burden (9.7 conditions). Men (relative risk [RR] = 6.10; 95% CI, 3.64-10.22), those aged 80 years or older (RR = 2.33; 95% CI, 1.15-4.72), those with no education (RR= 4.78; 95% CI, 2.19-10.45), and former smokers (RR = 1.53; 95% CI, 0.96-2.44) had a higher risk of being classified in the high-burden group than in the low-burden group. CONCLUSION: Most older adults belonged to the group with a moderate number of chronic conditions. Several sociodemographic characteristics were associated with belonging to the trajectory with a greater number of conditions.
Wang C, Yang J, Testa J
… +3 more, Gill M, Leonard M, De Groot AS
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39571088
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate changes in metabolic biomarkers among participants in Bridging the [Health Equity] Gap (BTG), a free program run by Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic (CEHC)...INTRODUCTION: We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate changes in metabolic biomarkers among participants in Bridging the [Health Equity] Gap (BTG), a free program run by Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic (CEHC) for Spanish-speaking immigrants without health insurance in Rhode Island. METHODS: From July 2019 through June 2021, 471 people volunteered to participate in the BTG program. Participants enrolled in lifestyle change classes and visited quarterly with health care providers. We reviewed medical records to collect data on blood glucose, total cholesterol, hemoglobin A (HbA), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 21 months after enrollment. We used paired t tests to identify changes in measurements and conducted a regression analysis to analyze trends in longitudinal patient outcomes. RESULTS: From baseline to 6-month follow-up, we observed significant decreases in all participants' mean HbA (-0.71%), systolic (-5 mm Hg), and diastolic blood pressure (-2 mm Hg). At 12 months, significant decreases in mean HbA persisted among participants with diabetes and prediabetes (-1.07%). At 12 months, participants with mean systolic blood pressure >120 mm Hg also had significant decreases in mean systolic blood pressure (-9 mm Hg), and patients with diastolic blood pressure >80 mm Hg had significant decreases in mean diastolic blood pressure (-9 mm Hg). Local population-level surges in COVID-19 due to Delta and Omicron variants were associated with increases in HbA and blood glucose measurements above trendlines. CONCLUSION: The BTG program demonstrated resilience in supporting improvement in the metabolic biomarkers of participants, despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the continued engagement of participants in self-care despite limited health care access, and underscores the positive role of free clinics among low-income, Spanish-speaking immigrants.
Zakeri M, Lal LS, Abughosh SM
… +3 more, Sansgiry S, Essien EJ, Sansgiry SS
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39541588
·
Full text
INTRODUCTION: Understanding health outcomes among people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is crucial for improving treatment strategies and patient quality of life. This study investigated racial and ethnic disparities...INTRODUCTION: Understanding health outcomes among people with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is crucial for improving treatment strategies and patient quality of life. This study investigated racial and ethnic disparities in perceived health status among non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White adults with CVD. METHODS: The study had a retrospective cross-sectional design and used data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey spanning 8 calendar years (2014-2021). The study population consisted of adults diagnosed with various CVDs. We used ordinal logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, CVD severity, comorbidities, and health care expenditures to assess racial and ethnic differences in perceived health status. RESULTS: Among the 11,715 (weighted frequency, 15,431,283) adults with CVD, we observed significant differences in perceived health status across racial and ethnic cohorts. The unadjusted analysis showed that non-Hispanic Black adults had significantly higher odds than non-Hispanic White adults of perceiving their health as poorer (odds ratio [OR]= 1.89; 95% CI, 1.74-2.07; P < .001), with a similar observation among Hispanic adults (OR = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.85-2.26; P < .001). Although female sex, higher education, and better income had protective effects on perceived health status independent of race, we found significant racial and ethnic differences in the effect of older age, physical and cognitive limitations, and health insurance status on perceived health status. CONCLUSION: This study revealed substantial racial disparities in perceived health status among adults with CVD, with notable differences in the effects of predictive factors. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions to improve health care access and enhance socioeconomic conditions tailored to the needs and experiences of racial and ethnic populations.
Zaganjor I, Saelee R, Onufrak S
… +5 more, Miyamoto Y, Koyama AK, Xu F, Bullard KM, Pavkov ME
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39541587
·
Full text
We analyzed 2021 and 2022 National Health Interview Survey data to describe the prevalence of past 12-month telemedicine use among US adults with no prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis, diagnosed prediabetes, and diagnosed...We analyzed 2021 and 2022 National Health Interview Survey data to describe the prevalence of past 12-month telemedicine use among US adults with no prediabetes or diabetes diagnosis, diagnosed prediabetes, and diagnosed diabetes. In 2021 and 2022, telemedicine use prevalence was 34.1% and 28.2% among adults without diagnosed diabetes or prediabetes, 47.6% and 37.6% among adults with prediabetes, and 52.8% and 39.4% among adults with diabetes, respectively. Differences in telemedicine use were identified by region, urbanicity, insurance status, and education among adults with prediabetes or diabetes. Findings suggest that telemedicine use can be improved among select populations with prediabetes or diabetes.
Hoelscher DM, van den Berg A, Roebuck A
… +9 more, Flores-Thorpe S, Manuel K, Menendez T, Jovanovic C, Hussaini A, Menchaca JT, Long E, Crowley DM, Scott JT
Prev Chronic Dis
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39509645
·
Full text
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: Significant barriers to the implementation of evidence-based policy exist. Establishing an infrastructure and resources to support this process at the state level can accelerate the translation of...PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES: Significant barriers to the implementation of evidence-based policy exist. Establishing an infrastructure and resources to support this process at the state level can accelerate the translation of research into practice. This study describes the adaptation and initial evaluation of the Texas Research-to-Policy Collaboration (TX RPC) Project, focusing on the adaptation process, legislative public health policy priorities, and baseline researcher policy knowledge and self-efficacy. INTERVENTION APPROACH: The federal Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) method was adapted to the Texas legislative process in 2020. Policymakers and public health researchers were recruited using direct outreach and referrals. Legislators or their aides were interviewed to determine health policy needs, which directed the development of legislator resources, webinars, and recruitment of additional public health researchers with specific expertise. Researchers were trained to facilitate communication with policymakers, and TX RPC Project staff facilitated legislator and researcher meetings to provide data and policy input. EVALUATION METHODS: Baseline surveys were completed with legislators to assess the use of health researchers in policy. Surveys were also administered before training to researchers assessing self-efficacy, knowledge, and training needs. Qualitative data from the legislator interviews were analyzed using inductive and deductive approaches. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for scales and individual survey items. RESULTS: Legislative offices (n = 21) identified health care access, mental health, and health disparities as key health issues. Legislators reported that health data were important but did not actively involve researchers in legislation. Researchers (n = 73) reported that policy informed their work but had low engagement with legislators. Researcher training surveys indicated lower policy self-efficacy and knowledge and the need for additional training. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Adaptation of the RPC model for state-level health policy is feasible but necessitates logistical changes based on the unique legislative body. Researchers need training and resources to engage with policymakers.