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.

COVID-19 Prevention Facilitators and Barriers among Specific Ethnic Minority Communities in Rural Ohio

Abstract: Objective: To assess knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors concerning COVID-19 among Guatemalan, Marshallese, and Amish populations in rural Ohio; identify individual, interpersonal, community, and structural level challenges within each community; and provide population-specific recommendations to prevent and mitigate further SARS-CoV-2 transmission among these rural communities. Methods: We conducted 30 key informant interviews in four rural counties in Ohio, in May 2020. Three teams of two investigators conducted interviews with local health department staff, community members, meat packing plant management, and community leaders from three communities disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic [Guatemalan (N=12), Marshallese (N=7), Amish (N=11)]. We used the Social Ecological Model to identify and categorize themes. Results: Emerging and overall themes were identified and defined. Investigators identified COVID-19 knowledge gaps, myths, and misinformation, food insecurity, community cohesion, stigma, community culture and norms, lack of workplace safety policies, and access to testing as key themes to COVID-19 prevention. Conclusions: Understanding specific barriers and identifying facilitators that most effectively provide resources, healthcare services, education, and social support tailored to specific communities would help deter SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Ohio providers’ practices and barriers to use of reproductive life plans and long-acting reversiblecontraception with patients and clients

Abstract: Background: Creating reproductive life plans, assessing pregnancy intent, and discussing long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) can reduce unintended pregnancies and promote women’s health before and between pregnancies. The primary objective of this study was to collect information from Ohio health workers on knowledge, use, barriers, and perceptions of reproductive life plans. Secondary objectives were to determine whether health workers systematically ask female clients/patients about pregnancy intent, include information on LARC when discussing contraceptive options, or encounter barriers to these practices. Methods: A 13-item survey was sent electronically utilizing a snowball sampling design to Ohio Collaborative to Prevent Infant Mortality members and to nurses and providers working with women of reproductive age in Ohio who had current certifications listed in public access state licensure files. Chi-square tests were performed to identify associations between response to survey questions (yes/no) and respondent position (physician/advanced practice nurse/nurse). Results: Four hundred fifty-two responses were analyzed; 81% were physicians, advanced practice nurses, or nurses. Among respondents, 47% indicated routinely asking all reproductive age females if they plan to become pregnant in the next year; 47% indicated knowledge of reproductive life plans; 28% reported using reproductive life plans with clients/patients; and 72% reported discussing LARC with clients/patients. Significant differences in these practices were seen based on respondent position. The most commonly reported barriers were provider attitudes/knowledge, client/patient attitudes, workflow disruption, and time. Conclusions: Inconsistencies were seen in the delivery of these practices. There is a need for education about these practices and to develop solutions to barriers. Key words: pregnancy intent; reproductive life plan; long-acting reversible contraception; unintended pregnancy

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Immunocompromised Adults Hospitalized with Laboratory-confirmed Influenza in the USA, 2011–2015

Abstract: Abstract Background Data on immunocompromised (IC) adults with influenza are limited but suggest they may present differently and have worse outcomes than non-IC adults. Using a national surveillance system, we describe the epidemiology of IC adults hospitalized with influenza. Methods We analyzed data on adults (aged ≥18 years) hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza during the 2011–2012 through 2014–2015 seasons and reported to CDC’s Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET). We defined IC patients as having ≥1 of the following: HIV, AIDS, cancer, stem cell or organ transplantation, non-steroid immunosuppressive therapy, immunoglobulin deficiency, asplenia, and other rare conditions. We compared IC and non-IC patients using χ2 or Fisher’s exact tests and t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests. Results Among 35,348 adults hospitalized over four seasons, 3,633 (10%) were IC. The most common IC conditions were cancer (44%), non-steroid immunosuppressive therapy (44%), and HIV (17%). IC patients were younger than non-IC patients (mean 61 ± 17 vs. 67 ± 20 years; P < 0.01). IC patients were more likely to have underlying renal disease (27% vs. 18%) and liver disease (7% vs. 3%) and less likely to have most other chronic underlying conditions including obesity (18% vs. 23%), cardiovascular disease (40% vs. 47%), and chronic lung disease (35% vs. 41%; P < 0.01 for all). IC patients were more likely to have received influenza vaccination (53% vs. 46%; P < 0.01). Among cases with symptom data (2014–2015), IC patients were more likely to present with fever (68% vs. 61%; P < 0.01) but respiratory distress was similar (53% vs. 54%; P = 0.3). Overall, the majority of IC and non-IC patients received antivirals (87% vs. 85%; P < 0.01). IC patients had a longer duration of hospitalization (median (IQR) 4 (2–6) vs. 3 (2–6) days; P < 0.01) and were more likely to be diagnosed with pneumonia (34 vs. 31%; P < 0.01) and to require intensive care (18% vs. 16%; P = 0.01). Death during hospitalization occurred in 135 (3.7%) IC and 945 (3.0%) non-IC patients (P = 0.01). Conclusion Among adults hospitalized with influenza, IC patients had worse outcomes including a longer duration of hospitalization and higher probability of pneumonia and intensive care unit admission, and increased all-cause mortality, although these results are not adjusted for potential confounders. Disclosures W. Schaffner, Pfizer: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. Merck: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee. Novavax: Consultant, Consulting fee. Dynavax: Consultant, Consulting fee. Sanofi-pasteur: Consultant, Consulting fee. GSK: Consultant, Consulting fee. Seqirus: Consultant, Consulting fee. E. J. Anderson, AbbVie: Consultant, Consulting fee. NovaVax: Research Contractor, Research support. Regeneron: Research Contractor, Research grant. MedImmune: Research Contractor, Research grant and Research support

The State Planning Committee for Health Education in Ohio.

Abstract: The State Planning Committee for Health Education in Ohio (SPCHEO) developed and applied a model for improving comprehensive school health programs that can be adapted and facilitated by health education coalitions or professional associations in any state. The model is based on development of a well-rounded school-community health team. SPCHEO members who assume the role of team organizers facilitate a planning process that includes building a school-community health team, assessing and analyzing school health instruction, services, environment, and administration, establishing priorities, goals, and objectives, identifying resources, implementing strategies, and evaluation. The model stimulates action toward improved comprehensive school health programs. A new adaptation of the model is being explored to expand its impact.