Ohio Department of Health

About: Ohio Department of Health is a government organization based out in Columbus, Ohio, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Public health. The organization has 308 authors who have published 354 publications receiving 14493 citations.

Investigation of an Outbreak of Variant Influenza A(H3N2) Virus Infection Associated With an Agricultural Fair—Ohio, August 2012

Abstract: BACKGROUND In 2012, one third of cases in a multistate outbreak of variant influenza A(H3N2) virus ([H3N2]v) infection occurred in Ohio. We conducted an investigation of (H3N2)v cases associated with agricultural Fair A in Ohio. METHODS We surveyed Fair A swine exhibitors and their household members. Confirmed cases had influenza-like illness (ILI) and a positive laboratory test for (H3N2)v, and probable cases had ILI. We calculated attack rates. We determined risk factors for infection, using multivariable log-binomial regression. RESULTS We identified 20 confirmed and 94 probable cases associated with Fair A. Among 114 cases, the median age was 10 years, there were no hospitalizations or deaths, and 82% had swine exposure. In the exhibitor household cohort of 359 persons (83 households), we identified 6 confirmed cases (2%) and 40 probable cases (11%). An age of <10 years was a significant risk factor (P < .01) for illness. One instance of likely human-to-human transmission was identified. CONCLUSIONS In this (H3N2)v outbreak, no evidence of sustained human-to-human (H3N2)v transmission was found. Our risk factor analysis contributed to the development of the recommendation that people at increased risk of influenza-associated complications, including children aged <5 years, avoid swine barns at fairs during the 2012 fair season.

Oral health status and academic performance among Ohio third‐graders, 2009‐2010

Abstract: Objective Although recent literature indicated an association between dental caries and poor academic performance, previous work relied on self-reported measures. This analysis sought to determine the association between academic performance and untreated dental caries (tooth decay) using objective measures, controlling for school-level characteristics. Methods School-level untreated caries prevalence was estimated from a 2009-2010 oral health survey of Ohio third-graders. Prevalence estimates were combined with school-level academic performance and other school characteristics obtained from the Ohio Department of Education. Linear regression models were developed as a result of bivariate testing, and final models were stratified based upon the presence of a school-based dental sealant program (SBSP). Results Preliminary bivariate analysis indicated a significant relationship between untreated caries and academic performance, which was more pronounced at schools with an SBSP. After controlling for other school characteristics, the prevalence of untreated caries was found to be a significant predictor of academic performance at schools without an SBSP (P = 0.001) but not at schools with an SBSP (P = 0.833). Conclusions The results suggest the association between untreated caries and academic performance may be affected by the presence of a school-based oral health program. Further research focused on oral health and academic performance should consider the presence and/or availability of these programs.

Subtance use and type and severity of injury among hospitalized trauma cases: Ohio, 2004-2007.

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether persons who were injured severely enough to require hospitalization suffered more severe injury when substance use was involved. This was accomplished by evaluating four proxy outcome measures with Ohio Trauma Registry data from January 2004 through December 2007. Method: Four injury outcomes were identified: injury severity score, admission to an intensive care unit, presence of at least one medical complication, and hospital length of stay. We examined their association with substance (alcohol and/or other drug) use stratified by the likelihood of being tested for substance use, mechanism of injury, sex, age, race, and insurance status. Relative risks and t test scores were calculated. Results: Among 89,129 trauma cases reported to the Ohio Trauma Registry during 2004-2007, more than 21% were substance users. Those younger than 45 years of age were 65% more likely to use substances than those 45 or older, men were 110% more likely than women, Blacks were 86% more likely than non-Blacks, and uninsured persons were 127% more likely than insured persons. Stratified analyses yielded 16 comparisons (4 Injury Outcomes × 4 Age-Insurance Subgroups). For 13 of these 16 comparisons, injury severity was significantly worse (p Language: en

Usefulness of a Local Oral Health Survey in Program Development

Abstract: In 1986, the Columbus (Ohio) Health Department conducted an oral health survey of children in grades 1, 2, 6, and 7. The World Health Organization's Pathfinder methodology served as the basis for survey design. The survey was made possible through collaboration and sharing resources among the local and state health departments and two universities. The findings of the children's portion of the survey proved useful in program planning, marketing (including resource procurement), constituency building, and educating the dental profession and the public. The data were used to support successful grant requests that led to the implementation of a school-based dental sealant program. The local government expanded the health department's dental budget to continue the sealant program beyond the grant period. The state health department considered the survey to be a pilot for a statewide effort.