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Uzzi M, Whittaker S, Esposito MH, Dean LT, Buggs SA, Pollack Porter KM. Racial capitalism and firearm violence: Developing a theoretical framework for firearm violence research examining structural racism. Soc Sci Med 2024; 358:117255. [PMID: 39197276 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024]
Abstract
Despite the early promise of centering structural racism in explanatory models of firearm violence, there are noticeable gaps in what's been produced thus far; in particular, a deeper and more serious engagement with long-standing theories of racism is needed to further enrich our understanding of how structural inequalities produce unequal burdens of firearm-related harms. Thus, building on theories and concepts from a range of academic fields and Black philosophical perspectives, we developed a theoretical framework to help explain the role of place-based structural racism on firearm violence disparities. A central component of our framework is the concept racial capitalism, which contends that racial exploitation and the accumulation of assets depend on and reinforce one another. In this article, we present our framework and highlight how two processes related to racial capitalism-racialized dispossession and racialized spatial stigma-are connected with geographic disparities in firearm violence. We also present the results of an ecological cross-sectional study that reveals a potential key association between racial capitalism and firearm violence disparities on the neighborhood-level. We used a structural intersectionality approach and descriptive epidemiological methods to highlight and quantitatively describe spatial firearm violence disparities that could potentially be linked to the varying exposure of two dimensions of racial capitalism-historical redlining and contemporary racialized subprime mortgage lending. We found that sustained disadvantaged census tracts (tracts that were historically redlined and experienced higher contemporary subprime lending) experienced the highest burden of firearm violence in Baltimore City between 2015 and 2019. Our research suggests that racial capitalism could potentially be a root cause of firearm violence disparities. A theoretical framework based on racial capitalism can inform the development and usage of indicators and analytic methods for racism-related firearm violence research. Moreover, this framework can identify factors to prioritize in equity-based violence prevention policies and programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudia Uzzi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 750 East Pratt Street, 15th floor, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA.
| | - Shannon Whittaker
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, USA
| | | | - Lorraine T Dean
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | - Shani A Buggs
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Keshia M Pollack Porter
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 750 East Pratt Street, 15th floor, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA
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Colbeth HL, Riddell CA, Thomas M, Mujahid M, Eisen EA. Impact of increasing workforce racial diversity on black-white disparities in cardiovascular disease mortality. J Epidemiol Community Health 2024:jech-2024-222094. [PMID: 39251342 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2024-222094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural racism's influence on workforce policies and practices presents possible upstream targets for assessing and reducing racial health disparities. This study is the first to examine workforce racial diversity in association with racial disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. METHODS This retrospective cohort study of 39 693 hourly autoworkers from three Michigan automobile plants, includes 75 years of follow-up (1941-2015). Workforce racial diversity (per cent black autoworkers) was a plant and year level variable. Annual exposure was cumulated over each individual's working life and divided by time since hire. This time-varying measure was categorised into low, moderate and high. We estimated age-standardised rates of CVD and Cox proportional HRs by race. RESULTS CVD mortality per 100 000 person-years decreased among autoworkers over the study period; however, black workers' rates remained higher than white workers. Among black workers, we observed a strong protective association between greater workforce racial diversity and CVD mortality. For example, at the Detroit plant, the HR for moderate exposure to racial diversity was 0.94 (0.83, 1.08) and dropped to 0.78 (0.67, 0.90) at the highest level. Among white workers, results were mixed by plant, with protective effects in plants where less than 20% of workers were black and null results where black workers became the majority. CONCLUSION Our findings provide evidence that workplace racial diversity may reduce CVD mortality risk among black workers. Workplace practices encouraging diverse hiring and retention have potential to improve all workers' health; particularly the socially racialised groups in that workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary L Colbeth
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Corinne A Riddell
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- School of Public Health, Division of Biostatistics, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Marilyn Thomas
- Departments of General Internal Medicine and Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mahasin Mujahid
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Ellen A Eisen
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
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Shkembi A, Zelner J, Park SK, Neitzel R. Workplace Exposures Vary Across Neighborhoods in the US: Implications on Social Vulnerability and Racial/Ethnic Health Disparities. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024:10.1007/s40615-024-02143-5. [PMID: 39212906 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-024-02143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Ignoring workplace exposures that occur beyond the local residential context in place-based risk indices like the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) likely misclassifies community exposure by under-counting risks and obscuring true drivers of racial/ethnic health disparities. To investigate this hypothesis, we developed several place-based indicators of occupational exposure and examined their relationships with race/ethnicity, SVI, and health inequities. We used publicly available job exposure matrices and employment estimates from the United States (US) Census to create and map six indicators of occupational hazards for every census tract in the US. We characterized census tracts with high workplace-low SVI scores. We used natural cubic splines to examine tract level associations between the percentage of racial/ethnic minorities (individuals who are not non-Hispanic White) and the occupational indicators. Lastly, we stratified each census tract into high/low occupational noise, chemical pollutant, and disease/infection exposure to examine racial/ethnic health disparities to diabetes, asthma, and high blood pressure, respectively, as a consequence of occupational exposure inequities. Our results show that racial/ethnic minority communities, particularly those that are also low-income, experience a disproportionate burden of workplace exposures that may be contributing to racial/ethnic health disparities. When composite risk measures, such as SVI, are calculated using only information from the local residential neighborhood, they may systematically under-count occupational risks experienced by the most vulnerable communities. There is a need to consider the role of occupational justice on nationwide, racial/ethnic health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abas Shkembi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Jon Zelner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Social Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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Sprague Martinez L, Sharma N, John J, Battaglia TA, Linas BP, Clark CR, Hudson LB, Lobb R, Betz G, Ojala O'Neill SO, Lima A, Doty R, Rahman S, Bassett IV. Long COVID impacts: the voices and views of diverse Black and Latinx residents in Massachusetts. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2265. [PMID: 39169314 PMCID: PMC11337633 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19567-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand how Long COVID is impacting the health and social conditions of the Black and Latinx communities. BACKGROUND Emerging research on Long COVID has identified three distinct characteristics, including multi-organ damage, persistent symptoms, and post-hospitalization complications. Given Black and Latinx communities experienced significantly higher COVID rates in the first phase of the pandemic they may be disproportionately impacted by Long COVID. METHODS Eleven focus groups were conducted in four languages with diverse Black and Latinx individuals (n = 99) experiencing prolonged symptoms of COVID-19 or caring for family members with prolonged COVID-19 symptoms. Data was analyzed thematically. RESULTS Most participants in non-English language groups reported they were unfamiliar with the diagnosis of long COVID, despite experiencing symptoms. Long COVID impacts spanned financial and housing stability to physical and mental health impacts. Participants reported challenging encounters with health care providers, a lack of support managing symptoms and difficulty performing activities of daily living including work. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for multilingual, accessible information about Long COVID symptoms, improved outreach and healthcare delivery, and increased ease of enrollment in long-term disability and economic support programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Sprague Martinez
- Health Disparities Institute, UConn Health, 241 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA.
- School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | | | - Janice John
- Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tracy A Battaglia
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Linda B Hudson
- Tufts University School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Lobb
- Boston University Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gillian Betz
- Health Disparities Institute, UConn Health, 241 Main Street, Hartford, CT, 06106, USA
| | | | - Angelo Lima
- Archipelago Strategies Group, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ross Doty
- Archipelago Strategies Group, Boston, MA, USA
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Shahidi FV, Liao Q, Landsman V, Mustard CA, Robson L, Biswas A, Smith PM. Precarious employment and the workplace transmission of COVID-19: evidence from workers' compensation claims in Ontario, Canada. J Epidemiol Community Health 2024:jech-2024-222373. [PMID: 39089871 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2024-222373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association between precarious employment and risk of work-related COVID-19 infection in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We combined data from an administrative census of workers' compensation claims with corresponding labour force statistics to estimate rates of work-related COVID-19 infection between April 2020 and April 2022. Precarious employment was imputed using a job exposure matrix capturing temporary employment, low wages, irregular hours, involuntary part-time employment and a multidimensional indicator of 'low', 'medium', 'high' and 'very high' overall exposure to precarious employment. We used negative binomial regression models to quantify associations between precarious employment and accepted compensation claims for COVID-19. RESULTS We observed a monotonic association between precarious employment and work-related COVID-19 claims. Workers with 'very high' exposure to precarious employment presented a nearly fivefold claim risk in models controlling for age, sex and pandemic wave (rate ratio (RR): 4.90, 95% CI 4.07 to 5.89). Further controlling for occupational exposures (public facing work, working in close proximity to others, indoor work) somewhat attenuated observed associations. After accounting for these factors, workers with 'very high' exposure to precarious employment were still nearly four times as likely to file a successful claim for COVID-19 (RR: 3.78, 95% CI 3.28 to 4.36). CONCLUSIONS During the first 2 years of the pandemic, precariously employed workers were more likely to acquire a work-related COVID-19 infection resulting in a successful lost-time compensation claim. Strategies aiming to promote an equitable and sustained recovery from the pandemic should consider and address the notable risks associated with precarious employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz V Shahidi
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qing Liao
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victoria Landsman
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cameron A Mustard
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lynda Robson
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aviroop Biswas
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter M Smith
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Ngandu DN, Sclar GD, Ahmed A, Awale SA, Fernandes C, Goldstein J, Hashmi H, Joshi S, Mallipeddi S, Mudasigana ML, Nicoll L, Parker DE, Price G, Tucker A, Vinton EA, Volkers A, Jacobs EA, Fairfield KM. Reaching Structurally Vulnerable Populations Using Low-Barrier COVID-19 Testing Clinics Co-Created with Community-Based Organizations. J Gen Intern Med 2024:10.1007/s11606-024-08889-2. [PMID: 39020226 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08889-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected people from structurally vulnerable communities. There was a need to improve COVID-19 testing in these communities to reduce viral spread and connect to treatment. OBJECTIVE We created a partnership between an academic medical center and three community-based organizations (CBOs) to offer low-barrier COVID-19 walk-up testing clinics in Portland, Maine. Our objective was to examine whether the co-created testing clinics reached structurally vulnerable populations. DESIGN The clinics offered COVID-19 rapid antigen tests three times a week outside CBO sites from January 2022 to May 2023. Clinic staff administered a brief survey on reason for testing and then instructed participants on how to self-swab. While staff processed the test, participants were invited to complete an additional survey about their demographics and testing perceptions. PARTICIPANTS Adults seeking COVID-19 testing with specific outreach to people who are unhoused, immigrants, and low-income and/or uninsured. MAIN MEASURES Number of tests conducted and result, reasons for testing, and testing perceptions. KEY RESULTS Of 246 completed tests, 18 were positive for COVID-19 (7%). Participants sought testing for a variety of reasons, including symptoms (60%), close contact exposure (29%), and/or need for a negative test result to access services or an activity (33%). Overall, people primarily tested due to symptoms with only 7% testing due to close contact exposure alone. The clinics reached vulnerable populations. Among the 130 people completing the participant survey, 39% were unhoused, 22% spoke a language other than English at home, 23% were uninsured, and 46% earned less than $20,000 in 2019. Qualitative field notes captured key elements of clinics that influenced reach, and how this collaboration with CBOs helped build trust with our target populations. CONCLUSIONS Providing low-barrier walk-up clinics partnering with trusted CBOs was observed to be helpful in reaching structurally vulnerable populations for COVID-19 testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Ngandu
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Gloria D Sclar
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Ambia Ahmed
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Sumayo A Awale
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | | | - Joshua Goldstein
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hina Hashmi
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | | | | | | | - Leslie Nicoll
- Friends of the Portland Community Free Clinic, Portland, ME, USA
| | | | - Grace Price
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA
- Department of Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Ann Tucker
- Greater Portland Health, Portland, ME, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Vinton
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Kathleen M Fairfield
- MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME, USA.
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Gebreegziabher E, Bui D, Cummings KJ, Frederick M, Nguyen A, Collins C, Melton D, Yang A, Jain S, Vergara X. Demographic changes in COVID-19 mortality during the pandemic: analysis of trends in disparities among workers using California's mortality surveillance system. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1822. [PMID: 38977988 PMCID: PMC11232202 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19257-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited information on the extent and patterns of disparities in COVID-19 mortality throughout the pandemic. We aimed to examine trends in disparities by demographics over variants in the pre- and post-vaccine availability period among Californian workers using a social determinants of health lens. METHODS Using death certificates, we identified all COVID-19 deaths that occurred between January 2020 and May 2022 among workers aged 18-64 years in California (CA). We derived estimates for at-risk worker populations using the Current Population Survey. The waves of COVID-19 mortality in the pre-vaccine availability period were March 2020-June 2020 (wave 1), and July 2020-November 2020 (wave 2), and in the post-vaccine availability period: December 2020-May 2021 (wave 3), June 2021-January 2022 (wave 4), and February 2022-May 2022 (wave 5). Poisson regression models with robust standard errors were used to determine wave-specific mortality rate ratios (MRRs). We examined the change in MRR across waves by including an interaction term between each demographic characteristic and wave period in different models. The role of potential misclassification of Race/ethnicity on death certificates was examined using probabilistic quantitative bias analysis as sensitivity analysis. RESULTS Among the 24.1 million working age CA population included in the study, there were 26,068 COVID-19 deaths in the period between January 2020 and May 2022. Compared with their respective reference groups, workers who were 50-64 years old, male, Native Hawaiian, Latino, or African American, foreign-born; individuals who had lower education; and unmarried were disproportionately affected by COVID-19 mortality. While disparities by sex, race/ethnicity and foreign-born status narrowed in later waves (post-vaccine availability), disparities by age, education level and marital status did not change substantially across waves. CONCLUSION Demographic disparities in COVID-19 mortality narrowed in the post-vaccine availability waves. However, the existence of disparities across all waves of the pandemic, even in an era of widespread vaccine coverage, could indicate remaining gaps in prevention and differential vulnerability. Addressing the underlying social, structural, and occupational factors that contribute to these disparities is critical for achieving health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Gebreegziabher
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA.
- Heluna Health, 13300 Crossroads Pkwy. N #450, City of Industry, CA, 91746, USA.
| | - David Bui
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
- Heluna Health, 13300 Crossroads Pkwy. N #450, City of Industry, CA, 91746, USA
| | - Kristin J Cummings
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
| | - Matthew Frederick
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
- Public Health Institute, Oakland, CA, 94607, USA
| | - Alyssa Nguyen
- Infectious Diseases Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
| | - Caroline Collins
- Heluna Health, 13300 Crossroads Pkwy. N #450, City of Industry, CA, 91746, USA
- Infectious Diseases Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
| | - David Melton
- Heluna Health, 13300 Crossroads Pkwy. N #450, City of Industry, CA, 91746, USA
- Infectious Diseases Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
| | - Alice Yang
- Heluna Health, 13300 Crossroads Pkwy. N #450, City of Industry, CA, 91746, USA
- Infectious Diseases Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
| | - Seema Jain
- Infectious Diseases Branch, California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
| | - Ximena Vergara
- Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Richmond, CA, 94804, USA
- Heluna Health, 13300 Crossroads Pkwy. N #450, City of Industry, CA, 91746, USA
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Sabbath EL, Pan Y, McTernan ML, Peters SE, Lovett SM, Stelson EA, Wagner GR, Hopcia K, Boden LI. Adding injury to insult: Unfair treatment at work and occupational injury among hospital patient-care workers. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:667-676. [PMID: 38738969 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospital patient-care workers have high occupational injury rates. While physical hazards within hospital work environments are established determinants of injury, social exposures may also contribute. This study examined how reports of unfair treatment at work, a dimension of work-related experiences of discrimination, were associated with injury among hospital-based patient-care workers. METHODS We used data from the Boston Hospital Workers Health Study, a longitudinal cohort of nurses and nursing assistants at two Boston-area hospitals. In 2018, we conducted a worker survey asking about three types of unfair treatment at work and occupational injuries during the past year. We used mixed-effects logistic regression models to evaluate associations between specific types, total load, and high-frequency exposure of unfair treatment with injury, adjusting for age, gender, race and ethnicity, job title, and unit type. RESULTS Among 1001 respondents, 21% reported being humiliated in front of others at work, 28% reported being watched more closely than other workers, and 47% reported having to work twice as hard as others for the same treatment. For each type of unfair treatment, we observed a monotonic relationship with occupational injury wherein increasing frequency of exposure was associated with increased odds of injury. We also observed monotonic relationships between total load and high-frequency exposure to unfair treatment and odds of injury. CONCLUSIONS Work-related unfair treatment is associated with injury among hospital workers. Programs and policies that focus on preventing unfair treatment may lessen injury burden in hospital workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika L Sabbath
- Boston College School of Social Work, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yixin Pan
- Academic Research Services, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melissa L McTernan
- Academic Research Services, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Susan E Peters
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sharonda M Lovett
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Stelson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory R Wagner
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karen Hopcia
- Occupational Health Services, Mass General Brigham, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leslie I Boden
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Diao JA, He Y, Khazanchi R, Nguemeni Tiako MJ, Witonsky JI, Pierson E, Rajpurkar P, Elhawary JR, Melas-Kyriazi L, Yen A, Martin AR, Levy S, Patel CJ, Farhat M, Borrell LN, Cho MH, Silverman EK, Burchard EG, Manrai AK. Implications of Race Adjustment in Lung-Function Equations. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:2083-2097. [PMID: 38767252 PMCID: PMC11305821 DOI: 10.1056/nejmsa2311809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adjustment for race is discouraged in lung-function testing, but the implications of adopting race-neutral equations have not been comprehensively quantified. METHODS We obtained longitudinal data from 369,077 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, U.K. Biobank, the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Using these data, we compared the race-based 2012 Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI-2012) equations with race-neutral equations introduced in 2022 (GLI-Global). Evaluated outcomes included national projections of clinical, occupational, and financial reclassifications; individual lung-allocation scores for transplantation priority; and concordance statistics (C statistics) for clinical prediction tasks. RESULTS Among the 249 million persons in the United States between 6 and 79 years of age who are able to produce high-quality spirometric results, the use of GLI-Global equations may reclassify ventilatory impairment for 12.5 million persons, medical impairment ratings for 8.16 million, occupational eligibility for 2.28 million, grading of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for 2.05 million, and military disability compensation for 413,000. These potential changes differed according to race; for example, classifications of nonobstructive ventilatory impairment may change dramatically, increasing 141% (95% confidence interval [CI], 113 to 169) among Black persons and decreasing 69% (95% CI, 63 to 74) among White persons. Annual disability payments may increase by more than $1 billion among Black veterans and decrease by $0.5 billion among White veterans. GLI-2012 and GLI-Global equations had similar discriminative accuracy with regard to respiratory symptoms, health care utilization, new-onset disease, death from any cause, death related to respiratory disease, and death among persons on a transplant waiting list, with differences in C statistics ranging from -0.008 to 0.011. CONCLUSIONS The use of race-based and race-neutral equations generated similarly accurate predictions of respiratory outcomes but assigned different disease classifications, occupational eligibility, and disability compensation for millions of persons, with effects diverging according to race. (Funded by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.).
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Diao
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Yixuan He
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Rohan Khazanchi
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Max Jordan Nguemeni Tiako
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Jonathan I Witonsky
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Emma Pierson
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Pranav Rajpurkar
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Jennifer R Elhawary
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Luke Melas-Kyriazi
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Albert Yen
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Alicia R Martin
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Sean Levy
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Chirag J Patel
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Maha Farhat
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Luisa N Borrell
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Michael H Cho
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Edwin K Silverman
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Esteban G Burchard
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
| | - Arjun K Manrai
- From the Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School (J.A.D., P.R., L.M.-K., C.J.P., M.F., A.K.M.), the Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital (J.A.D., A.K.M.), the Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit (Y.H., A.R.M.) and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.F.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Combined Residency Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center (R.K.), the François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights, Harvard University (R.K.), the Department of Medicine (M.J.N.T.) and the Channing Division of Network Medicine and the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine (M.H.C., E.K.S.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (S.L.), Boston, and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge (Y.H., A.R.M.) - all in Massachusetts; the Departments of Pediatrics (J.I.W.), Medicine (J.R.E., E.G.B.), and Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences (J.R.E., E.G.B.), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco; the Department of Computer Science, Cornell University, Ithaca (E.P.), and the Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College (E.P.), and the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York (L.N.B.), New York - all in New York; the Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom (L.M.-K.); and the Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago (A.Y.)
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10
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McClure ES, Ranapurwala SI, Nocera M, Richardson DB. Heat-related fatalities in North Carolina 1999-2017. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:551-555. [PMID: 38624268 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research shows the highest rates of occupational heat-related fatalities among farm laborers and among Black and Hispanic workers in North Carolina (NC). The Hispanic population and workforce in NC have grown substantially in the past 20 years. We describe the epidemiology of heat-related fatal injuries in the general population and among workers in NC. METHODS We reviewed North Carolina death records and records of the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify heat-related deaths (primary International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision diagnosis code: X30 or T67.0-T67.9) that occurred between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2017. Decedent age, sex, race, and ethnicity were extracted from both the death certificate and the medical examiner's report as well as determinations of whether the death occurred at work. RESULTS In NC between 1999 and 2017, there were 225 deaths from heat-related injuries, and 25 occurred at work. The rates of occupational heat-related deaths were highest among males, workers of Hispanic ethnicity, workers of Black, multiple, or unknown race, and in workers aged 55-64. The highest rate of occupational heat-related deaths occurred in the agricultural industry. CONCLUSIONS Since the last report (2001), the number of heat-related fatalities has increased, but fewer were identified as workplace fatalities. Rates of occupational heat-related deaths are highest among Hispanic workers. NC residents identifying as Black are disproportionately burdened by heat-related fatalities in general, with a wider apparent disparity in occupational deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S McClure
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Shabbar I Ranapurwala
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Maryalice Nocera
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David B Richardson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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11
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Sosin AN, Carpenter-Song EA. Reimagining Rural Health Equity: Understanding Disparities And Orienting Policy, Practice, And Research In Rural America. Health Aff (Millwood) 2024; 43:791-797. [PMID: 38830148 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2024.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
A narrative has taken hold that public health has failed the US. We argue instead that the US has chronically failed public health, and nowhere have these failures been more apparent than in rural regions. Decades of underinvestment in rural communities, health care, and public health institutions left rural America uniquely vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural communities outpaced urban ones in deaths, and many rural institutions and communities sustained significant impacts. At the same time, the pandemic prompted creative actions to meet urgent health and social needs, and it illuminated opportunities to address long-standing rural challenges. This article draws on our cross-disciplinary expertise in public health and medical anthropology, as well as our research on COVID-19 and rural health equity in northern New England. In this Commentary, we articulate five principles to inform research, practice, and policy efforts in rural America. We contend that advancing rural health equity beyond the pandemic requires understanding the forces that generate rural disparities and designing policies and practices that account for rural disadvantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne N Sosin
- Anne N. Sosin , Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
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12
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Ameen K, St Jean DT, Woko C. "They Don't Really Consider Us Essential, But We Are": a Qualitative Investigation of Vaccine Acceptance and Perceived Workplace Safety Among Black Transit Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1269-1279. [PMID: 37219734 PMCID: PMC10204654 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01606-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Black Americans face a higher risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) morbidity and mortality due to adverse social determinants of health, including their overrepresentation in the frontline workforce. Despite these inequities, increasing vaccine acceptance among this subpopulation has been challenging. We conducted semi-structured qualitative focus groups with Black public transit workers living in the USA to explore behavioral intentions regarding COVID-19 vaccine uptake, occupational health challenges, and the perceived impact of racism on workplace health and safety during the pandemic. A thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the final transcripts. We completed three focus groups (n=10 participants) in October and November of 2021. Enabling factors for vaccination included opportunities for vaccination in the workplace, flexible hours of operation, and walk-in vaccine clinics. Disabling factors included excessive wait times. Some participants also cited lack of cleanliness, inconsistent enforcement of COVID-19 safety protocols, and unclear workplace policies regarding sick and hazard pay as major safety barriers. Perceptions regarding the role of racism in their experiences with COVID-19 as transit workers were mixed. Though occupational health and safety concerns were high, there are opportunities for transit agencies and government officials to improve both vaccine uptake and working conditions for Black transit workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijah Ameen
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, Georgia State University School of Public Health, 140 Decatur St SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
| | - Denise T St Jean
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chioma Woko
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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McClure ES, Martin AT, Ranapurwala SI, Nocera M, Cantrell J, Marshall S, Richardson DB. Forty years of struggle in North Carolina: Workplace segregation and fatal occupational injury rates. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:539-550. [PMID: 38606790 PMCID: PMC11081859 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess workplace segregation in fatal occupational injury from 1992 to 2017 in North Carolina. METHODS We calculated occupational fatal injury rates within categories of occupation, industry, race, age, and sex; and estimated expected numbers of fatalities among Black and Hispanic male workers had they experienced the rates of White male workers. We also estimated the contribution of workforce segregation to disparities by estimating the expected number of fatalities among Black and Hispanic male workers had they experienced the industry and occupation patterns of White male workers. We assessed person-years of life-lost, using North Carolina life expectancy estimates. RESULTS Hispanic workers contributed 32% of their worker-years and experienced 58% of their fatalities in construction. Black workers were most overrepresented in the food manufacturing industry. Hispanic males experienced 2.11 (95% CI: 1.86-2.40) times the mortality rate of White males. The Black-White and Hispanic-White disparities were widest among workers aged 45 and older, and segregation into more dangerous industries and occupations played a substantial role in driving disparities. Hispanic workers who suffered occupational fatalities lost a median 47 life-years, compared to 37 among Black workers and 36 among White workers. CONCLUSIONS If Hispanic and Black workers experienced the workplace safety of their White counterparts, fatal injury rates would be substantially reduced. Workforce segregation reflects structural racism, which also contributes to mortality disparities. Root causes must be addressed to eliminate disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. McClure
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
| | - Amelia T. Martin
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
| | - Shabbar I. Ranapurwala
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
| | - Maryalice Nocera
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
| | - John Cantrell
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
| | - Stephen Marshall
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA 27599
| | - David B. Richardson
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA 92697
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14
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Zadeh H, Curran M, Del Castillo N, Morales C, Dukes K, Martinez D, Salinas JL, Bryant R, Bojang M, Carvour ML. Epidemiological approaches to multivariable models of health inequity: A study of race, rurality, and occupation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 94:42-48. [PMID: 38642626 PMCID: PMC11326713 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Methods for assessing the structural mechanisms of health inequity are not well established. This study applies a phased approach to modeling racial, occupational, and rural disparities on the county level. METHODS Rural counties with disparately high rates of COVID-19 incidence or mortality were randomly paired with in-state control counties with the same rural-urban continuum code. Analysis was restricted to the first six months of the pandemic to represent the baseline structural reserves for each county and reduce biases related to the disruption of these reserves over time. Conditional logistic regression was applied in two phases-first, to examine the demographic distribution of disparities and then, to examine the relationships between these disparities and county-level social and structural reserves. RESULTS In over 200 rural county pairs (205 for incidence, 209 for mortality), disparities were associated with structural variables representing economic factors, healthcare infrastructure, and local industry. Modeling results were sensitive to assumptions about the relationships between race and other social and structural variables measured at the county level, particularly in models intended to reflect effect modification or mediation. CONCLUSIONS Multivariable modeling of health disparities should reflect the social and structural mechanisms of inequity and anticipate interventions that can advance equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Zadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Department of Sociology and Criminology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, 401 North Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Michaela Curran
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 North Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Nicole Del Castillo
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Carol Morales
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC10-5550, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, United States
| | - Kimberly Dukes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Denise Martinez
- Department of Family Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Jorge L Salinas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Department of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Rachel Bryant
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 North Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
| | - Matida Bojang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Martha L Carvour
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 North Riverside Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
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15
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Jason K, Wilson M, Catoe J, Brown C, Gonzalez M. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black and Hispanic Americans' Work Outcomes: a Scoping Review. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1157-1172. [PMID: 37117935 PMCID: PMC10147367 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01594-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
In early 2020, it was hypothesized that COVID-19 would lead to disproportionately negative health and work outcomes for Black and Hispanic adults, but sufficient data had yet been collected to fully support this claim. Now, we have empirical evidence, but little has been done to aggregate this information to fully understand its impact on these communities. Utilizing 44 articles from a scoping review of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Business Source Complete), this study seeks to identify the primary work-related risks that help explain Black and Hispanic adults' disparate COVID-19-related work outcomes (e.g., loss of hours, job disruption, stress). Findings illuminate four primary risks faced by Black and Hispanic workers: (1) being an essential worker, (2) type of work performed, (3) workplace factors; and (4) community and geographic factors. We conclude with policy recommendations that will help inform policy and practice for economic recovery from the pandemic for other marginalized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra Jason
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Miguel Wilson
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jamel Catoe
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Courtney Brown
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mayleen Gonzalez
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
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16
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Hetherington E, Darling E, Harper S, Nguyen F, Schummers L, Norman WV. Inequalities in access to prenatal care during the COVID-19 pandemic: Analysis of a population-based cohort. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol 2024; 38:291-301. [PMID: 38339962 DOI: 10.1111/ppe.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Before the COVID-19 pandemic, access to prenatal care was lower among some socio-demographic groups. This pandemic caused disruptions to routine preventative care, which could have increased inequalities. OBJECTIVES To investigate if the COVID-19 pandemic increased inequalities in access to prenatal care among those who are younger, live in rural areas, have a lower socio-economic situation (SES) and are recent immigrants. METHODS We used linked administrative datasets from ICES to identify a population-based cohort of 455,245 deliveries in Ontario from January 2018 to December 2021. Our outcomes were first-trimester prenatal visits, first-trimester ultrasound and adequacy of prenatal care. We used joinpoint analysis to examine outcome time trends and identify trend change points. We stratified analyses by age, rural residence, SES and recent immigration, and examined risk differences (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) between groups at the beginning and end of the study period. RESULTS For all outcomes, we noted disruptions to care beginning in March or April 2020 and returning to previous trends by November 2020. Inequalities were stable across groups, except recent immigrants. In July 2017, 65.0% and 69.8% of recent immigrants and non-immigrants, respectively, received ultrasounds in the first trimester (RD -4.8%, 95% CI -8.0, -1.5). By October 2020, this had increased to 75.4%, with no difference with non-immigrants (RD 0.4%, 95% CI -2.4, 3.2). Adequacy of prenatal care showed more intensive care as of November 2020, reflecting a higher number of visits. CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that inequalities between socio-economic groups that existed prior to the pandemic worsened after March 2020. The pandemic may be associated with increased access to care for recent immigrants. The introduction of virtual visits may have resulted in a higher number of prenatal care visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Hetherington
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- ICES McMaster, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Darling
- ICES McMaster, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sam Harper
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics & Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Laura Schummers
- Collaboration for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wendy V Norman
- Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Galiatsatos P, Garibaldi B, Yao D, Xu Y, Perin J, Shahu A, Jackson JW, Piggott D, Falade-Nwulia O, Shubella J, Michtalik H, Belcher HME, Hansel NN, Golden S. Lack of racial and ethnic disparities in mortality in minority patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in a mid-Atlantic healthcare system. BMJ Open Respir Res 2024; 11:e002310. [PMID: 38692710 PMCID: PMC11086483 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2024-002310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the USA, minoritised communities (racial and ethnic) have suffered disproportionately from COVID-19 compared with non-Hispanic white communities. In a large cohort of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in a healthcare system spanning five adult hospitals, we analysed outcomes of patients based on race and ethnicity. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort analysis of patients 18 years or older admitted to five hospitals in the mid-Atlantic area between 4 March 2020 and 27 May 2022 with confirmed COVID-19. Participants were divided into four groups based on their race/ethnicity: non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white, Latinx and other. Propensity score weighted generalised linear models were used to assess the association between race/ethnicity and the primary outcome of in-hospital mortality. RESULTS Of the 9651 participants in the cohort, more than half were aged 18-64 years old (56%) and 51% of the cohort were females. Non-Hispanic white patients had higher mortality (p<0.001) and longer hospital length-of-stay (p<0.001) than Latinx and non-Hispanic black patients. DISCUSSION In this large multihospital cohort of patients admitted with COVID-19, non-Hispanic black and Hispanic patients did not have worse outcomes than white patients. Such findings likely reflect how the complex range of factors that resulted in a life-threatening and disproportionate impact of incidence on certain vulnerable populations by COVID-19 in the community was offset through admission at well-resourced hospitals and healthcare systems. However, there continues to remain a need for efforts to address the significant pre-existing race and ethnicity inequities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic to be better prepared for future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dapeng Yao
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yanxun Xu
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jamie Perin
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andi Shahu
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - John W Jackson
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Ren J, Gao Q, Zhou X, Chen L, Guo W, Feng K, Huang T, Cai YD. Identification of key gene expression associated with quality of life after recovery from COVID-19. Med Biol Eng Comput 2024; 62:1031-1048. [PMID: 38123886 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-023-02988-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is a persistent complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection that includes symptoms, such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, and respiratory distress. These symptoms severely affect the quality of life of patients after their recovery from COVID-19. In this study, a group of machine learning algorithms analyzed the whole blood RNA-seq data from patients with different PASC levels. The purpose of this analysis was to identify the gene markers associated with PASC and the special expression patterns for different PASC levels. By comparing the quality of life of patients after the acute phase of COVID-19 and before the disease, samples in the dataset were divided into three groups, namely, "Better," "The Same," and "Worse." Each patient was represented by the expression levels of 58,929 genes. The machine learning-based workflow included six feature-ranking algorithms, incremental feature selection (IFS), and four classification algorithms. The feature ranking algorithms were in charge of assessing feature importance, whereas IFS with classification algorithms were used to extract essential genes and to construct efficient classifiers and classification rules. The expression of top genes in the results was associated with the immune response to viral infection, which is supported by the published literature. For example, patients with low CCDC18 expression and high CPED1 expression had good quality of life, whereas those with low CDC16 expression had poor quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- JingXin Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Qian Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - XianChao Zhou
- Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM) & Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences (SIBS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - KaiYan Feng
- Department of Computer Science, Guangdong AIB Polytechnic College, Guangzhou, 510507, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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Baharuddin IH, Ismail N, Naing NN, Ibrahim K, Yasin SM, Patterson MS. Content and face validity of Workplace COVID-19 Knowledge & Stigma Scale (WoCKSS). BMC Public Health 2024; 24:874. [PMID: 38515056 PMCID: PMC10956301 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17614-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to fear, rumours, and stigma, particularly against those infected with the virus. In Malaysia, the manufacturing industry is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 clusters, making it critical to assess stigma attitudes among workers. To address this issue, The Workplace COVID-19 Knowledge & Stigma Scale (WoCKSS) was developed specifically for use in the manufacturing industry which served as the sample population for testing this scale. It was developed in the Malay language to ensure alignment with the local context. This study examines the content and face validity of WoCKSS, which can help assess the level of knowledge and stigma associated with COVID-19 among workers. METHODS The WoCKSS was developed with 20 and 31 items for knowledge and stigma domains, respectively, based on an extensive review of COVID-19 literature. Content validation was conducted by four experts using a content validation form to assess the relevancy of each item to the intended construct. Content Validity Index (CVI) was calculated to measure the agreement between the experts on the relevance of each item to the intended construct. Face validation was then conducted by randomly selecting 10 respondents from the manufacturing industry, who rated the clarity and comprehension of each item using a face validation form. The Item Face Validity Index (I-FVI) was calculated to determine the clarity and comprehension of each question, and only items with an I-FVI ≥ 0.83 were retained. RESULTS The WoCKSS achieved excellent content validity in both knowledge and stigma domains. Only 19 items from the knowledge domain and 24 items from the stigma domain were retained after CVI analysis. All retained items received a CVI score of 1.00, indicating perfect agreement among the experts. FVI analysis resulted in 17 items for the knowledge domain and 22 items for the stigma domain. The knowledge domain achieved a high level of agreement among respondents, with a mean I-FVI of 0.91 and a S-FVI/UA of 0.89. The stigma domain also showed high agreement, with a mean I-FVI of 0.99 and a S-FVI/UA of 0.86. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the WoCKSS demonstrated high content and face validity. However, further testing on a larger sample size is required to establish its construct validity and reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izyan Hazwani Baharuddin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurhuda Ismail
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Nyi Nyi Naing
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Campus, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Jalan Sultan Mahmud, 20400, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Khalid Ibrahim
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Munira Yasin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA Selangor Campus, Jalan Hospital, 47000, Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Megan S Patterson
- Department of Health Behavior, 1226 Texas A&M University, College Station, , Texas, 77843, USA
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20
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Noppert GA, Clarke P, Hoover A, Kubale J, Melendez R, Duchowny K, Hegde ST. State variation in neighborhood COVID-19 burden across the United States. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:36. [PMID: 38429552 PMCID: PMC10907669 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A lack of fine, spatially-resolute case data for the U.S. has prevented the examination of how COVID-19 infection burden has been distributed across neighborhoods, a key determinant of both risk and resilience. Without more spatially resolute data, efforts to identify and mitigate the long-term fallout from COVID-19 in vulnerable communities will remain difficult to quantify and intervene on. METHODS We leveraged spatially-referenced data from 21 states collated through the COVID Neighborhood Project to examine the distribution of COVID-19 cases across neighborhoods and states in the U.S. We also linked the COVID-19 case data with data on the neighborhood social environment from the National Neighborhood Data Archive. We then estimated correlations between neighborhood COVID-19 burden and features of the neighborhood social environment. RESULTS We find that the distribution of COVID-19 at the neighborhood-level varies within and between states. The median case count per neighborhood (coefficient of variation (CV)) in Wisconsin is 3078.52 (0.17) per 10,000 population, indicating a more homogenous distribution of COVID-19 burden, whereas in Vermont the median case count per neighborhood (CV) is 810.98 (0.84) per 10,000 population. We also find that correlations between features of the neighborhood social environment and burden vary in magnitude and direction by state. CONCLUSIONS Our findings underscore the importance that local contexts may play when addressing the long-term social and economic fallout communities will face from COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace A Noppert
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
| | - Philippa Clarke
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Andrew Hoover
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - John Kubale
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Robert Melendez
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Kate Duchowny
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Sonia T Hegde
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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21
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MacCallum-Bridges CL, Hirschtick JL, Allgood KL, Ryu S, Orellana RC, Fleischer NL. Cross-sectional population-based estimates of a rural-urban disparity in prevalence of long COVID among Michigan adults with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19, 2020-2022. J Rural Health 2024; 40:303-313. [PMID: 37974389 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To (1) assess whether residential rurality/urbanicity was associated with the prevalence of 30- or 90-day long COVID, and (2) evaluate whether differences in long COVID risk factors might explain this potential disparity. METHODS We used data from the Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study, a population-based probability sample of adults with COVID-19 (n = 4,937). We measured residential rurality/urbanicity using dichotomized Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes (metropolitan, nonmetropolitan). We considered outcomes of 30-day long COVID (illness duration ≥30 days) and 90-day long COVID (illness duration ≥90 days). Using Poisson regression, we estimated unadjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) to compare 30- and 90-day long COVID between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan respondents. Then, we adjusted our model to account for differences between groups in long COVID risk factors (age, sex, acute COVID-19 severity, vaccination status, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health care access, SARS-CoV-2 variant, and pre-existing conditions). We estimated associations for the full study period (Jan 1, 2020-May 31, 2022), the pre-vaccine era (before April 5, 2021), and the vaccine era (after April 5, 2021). FINDINGS Compared to metropolitan adults, the prevalence of 30-day long COVID was 15% higher (PR = 1.15 [95% CI: 1.03, 1.29]), and the prevalence of 90-day long COVID was 27% higher (PR = 1.27 [95% CI: 1.09, 1.49]) among nonmetropolitan adults. Adjusting for long COVID risk factors did not reduce disparity estimates in the pre-vaccine era but halved estimates in the vaccine era. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence of a rural-urban disparity in long COVID and suggest that the factors contributing to this disparity changed over time as the sociopolitical context of the pandemic evolved and COVID-19 vaccines were introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jana L Hirschtick
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kristi L Allgood
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Soomin Ryu
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert C Orellana
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Nancy L Fleischer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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22
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Bentley-Edwards KL, Adisa O, Ruff KE, McClure ES, Robinson WR. Race, racism, and covid-19 in the US: lessons not learnt. BMJ 2024; 384:e076106. [PMID: 38408791 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Keisha L Bentley-Edwards
- Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Olanrewaju Adisa
- Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
| | - Kennedy E Ruff
- Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity at Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth S McClure
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Whitney R Robinson
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
- Division of Women's Community and Population Health, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, USA
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23
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Graetz N, Hepburn P, Gershenson C, Porter SR, Sandler DH, Lemmerman E, Desmond M. Examining Excess Mortality Associated With the COVID-19 Pandemic for Renters Threatened With Eviction. JAMA 2024; 331:592-600. [PMID: 38497697 PMCID: PMC10879945 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.27005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Importance Residential evictions may have increased excess mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective To estimate excess mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic for renters who received eviction filings (threatened renters). Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study used an excess mortality framework. Mortality based on linked eviction and death records from 2020 through 2021 was compared with projected mortality estimated from similar records from 2010 through 2016. Data from court records between January 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021, were collected via the Eviction Lab's Eviction Tracking System. Similar data from court records between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, also collected by the Eviction Lab, were used to estimate projected mortality during the pandemic. We also constructed 2 comparison groups: all individuals living in the study area and a subsample of those individuals living in high-poverty, high-filing tracts. Exposures Eviction filing. Main Outcomes and Measures All-cause mortality in a given month. The difference between observed mortality and projected mortality was used as a measure of excess mortality associated with the pandemic. Results The cohort of threatened renters during the pandemic period consisted of 282 000 individuals (median age, 36 years [IQR, 28-47]). Eviction filings were 44.7% lower than expected during the study period. The composition of threatened renters by race, ethnicity, sex, and socioeconomic characteristics during the pandemic was comparable with the prepandemic composition. Expected cumulative age-standardized mortality among threatened renters during this 20-month period of the pandemic was 116.5 (95% CI, 104.0-130.3) per 100 000 person-months, and observed mortality was 238.6 (95% CI, 230.8-246.3) per 100 000 person-months or 106% higher than expected. In contrast, expected mortality for the population living in similar neighborhoods was 114.6 (95% CI, 112.1-116.8) per 100 000 person-months, and observed mortality was 142.8 (95% CI, 140.2-145.3) per 100 000 person-months or 25% higher than expected. In the general population across the study area, expected mortality was 83.5 (95% CI, 83.3-83.8) per 100 000 person-months, and observed mortality was 91.6 (95% CI, 91.4-91.8) per 100 000 person-months or 9% higher than expected. The pandemic produced positive excess mortality ratios across all age groups among threatened renters. Conclusions and Relevance Renters who received eviction filings experienced substantial excess mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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24
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Hayes-Larson E, Ackley SF, Turney IC, La Joie R, Mayeda ER, Glymour MM. Considerations for Use of Blood-Based Biomarkers in Epidemiologic Dementia Research. Am J Epidemiol 2024; 193:527-535. [PMID: 37846130 PMCID: PMC10911539 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia represents a growing public health burden with large social, racial, and ethnic disparities. The etiology of dementia is poorly understood, and the lack of robust biomarkers in diverse, population-representative samples is a barrier to moving dementia research forward. Existing biomarkers and other measures of pathology-derived from neuropathology, neuroimaging, and cerebrospinal fluid samples-are commonly collected from predominantly White and highly educated samples drawn from academic medical centers in urban settings. Blood-based biomarkers are noninvasive and less expensive, offering promise to expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of dementia, including in participants from historically excluded groups. Although largely not yet approved by the Food and Drug Administration or used in clinical settings, blood-based biomarkers are increasingly included in epidemiologic studies on dementia. Blood-based biomarkers in epidemiologic research may allow the field to more accurately understand the multifactorial etiology and sequence of events that characterize dementia-related pathophysiological changes. As blood-based dementia biomarkers continue to be developed and incorporated into research and practice, we outline considerations for using them in dementia epidemiology, and illustrate key concepts with Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (2003-present) data. We focus on measurement, including both validity and reliability, and on the use of dementia blood-based biomarkers to promote equity in dementia research and cognitive aging. This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - M Maria Glymour
- Correspondence to Dr. M. Maria Glymour, Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118 (e-mail: )
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25
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Riley T, Schleimer JP, Jahn JL. Organized abandonment under racial capitalism: Measuring accountable actors of structural racism for public health research and action. Soc Sci Med 2024; 343:116576. [PMID: 38237286 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the shifting nature of structural racism historically and across institutions is vital for effective action towards racial health equity. While public health research on structural racism is rapidly increasing, most studies are missing the interdependence of policies and institutional practices over time that shape power imbalances and lead to entrenched health inequities. Here, we discuss Ruth Wilson Gilmore's concept of organized abandonment - the intentional disinvestment in communities which, in turn, creates opportunities for extraction, revenue generation, and carceral enforcement to fill the cracks of a compromised social infrastructure - to encourage action-oriented public health research that is grounded in history and an understanding of racial capitalism. We present a case example using publicly-available data on redlining, gentrification and policing in Seattle, Washington. We mapped the intersections of redlining and gentrification and estimated their neighborhood-level association with police activity using Bayesian spatial Poisson regression models. We found that histories of racist housing policies like redlining and processes of gentrification are interdependent and shape contemporary neighborhood racial and economic segregation and police activity. Compared to structurally advantaged neighborhoods, police stops were higher in neighborhoods that were 1) historically disinvested (i.e. redlined) and remain low-income and structurally disadvantaged and 2) formerly industrial and business districts that were not redlined and are now gentrified. Notably, we found that policing practices were significantly more intensive in neighborhoods that were both high redlined and gentrified. Together, these findings illustrate how the place-based racialized processes of dispossession, displacement and policing are deeply intertwined to maintain racial capitalism. Our findings also highlight the importance of examining multiple racialized processes simultaneously to fill critical gaps in the existing literature that are necessary for sustainable solutions to address structural racism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Riley
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Julia P Schleimer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jaquelyn L Jahn
- Ubuntu Center on Racism, Global Movements, and Population Health Equity, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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26
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Crawshaw AF, Kitoko LM, Nkembi SL, Lutumba LM, Hickey C, Deal A, Carter J, Knights F, Vandrevala T, Forster AS, Hargreaves S. Co-designing a theory-informed, multicomponent intervention to increase vaccine uptake with Congolese migrants: A qualitative, community-based participatory research study (LISOLO MALAMU). Health Expect 2024; 27:e13884. [PMID: 37831054 PMCID: PMC10726157 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disparities in the uptake of routine and COVID-19 vaccinations have been observed in migrant populations, and attributed to issues of mistrust, access and low vaccine confidence. Participatory research approaches and behaviour change theory hold the potential for developing tailored vaccination interventions that address these complex barriers in partnership with communities and should be explored further. METHODS This study used a theory-informed, community-based participatory research approach to co-design a culturally tailored behaviour change intervention aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccine uptake among Congolese migrants in London, United Kingdom (2021-2022). It was designed and led by a community-academic partnership in response to unmet needs in the Congolese community as the COVID-19 pandemic started. Barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination, information and communication preferences, and intervention suggestions were explored through qualitative in-depth interviews with Congolese migrants, thematically analysed, and mapped to the theoretical domains framework (TDF) and the capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour model to identify target behaviours and strategies to include in interventions. Interventions were co-designed and tailored in workshops involving Congolese migrants. RESULTS Thirty-two Congolese adult migrants (24 (75%) women, mean 14.3 (SD: 7.5) years in the United Kingdom, mean age 52.6 (SD: 11.0) years) took part in in-depth interviews and 16 (same sample) took part in co-design workshops. Fourteen barriers and 10 facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination were identified; most barrier data related to four TDF domains (beliefs about consequences; emotion; social influences and environmental context and resources), and the behavioural diagnosis concluded interventions should target improving psychological capability, reflective and automatic motivations and social opportunities. Strategies included culturally tailored behaviour change techniques based on education, persuasion, modelling, enablement and environmental restructuring, which resulted in a co-designed intervention comprising community-led workshops, plays and posters. Findings and interventions were disseminated through a community celebration event. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates how behavioural theory can be applied to co-designing tailored interventions with underserved migrant communities through a participatory research paradigm to address a range of health issues and inequalities. Future research should build on this empowering approach, with the goal of developing more sensitive vaccination services and interventions which respond to migrant communities' unique cultural needs and realities. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patient and public involvement (PPI) were embedded in the participatory study design and approach, with community members co-producing all stages of the study and co-authoring this paper. An independent PPI board (St George's Migrant Health Research Group Patient and Public Involvement Advisory Board) comprising five adult migrants with lived experience of accessing healthcare in the United Kingdom were also consulted at significant points over the course of the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F. Crawshaw
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Deal
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondonUK
| | - Jessica Carter
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Felicity Knights
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Tushna Vandrevala
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and EducationKingston University LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Sally Hargreaves
- The Migrant Health Research Group, Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt George's University of LondonLondonUK
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27
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Silver SR, Sweeney MH, Sanderson WT, Pana-Cryan R, Steege AL, Quay B, Carreón T, Flynn MA. Assessing the role of social determinants of health in health disparities: The need for data on work. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:129-142. [PMID: 38103002 PMCID: PMC10842318 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work is a key social determinant of health. Without the collection of work-related information in public health data systems, the role of social determinants in creating and reinforcing health disparities cannot be fully assessed. METHODS The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains or supports a number of public health surveillance and health monitoring systems, including surveys, case-based disease and exposure systems, vital status records, and administrative data systems. We evaluated a convenience sample of these systems for inclusion of information in three work-related domains: employment status, industry and occupation, and working conditions. RESULTS While 12 of 39 data systems were identified as collecting work-related data, this information was often minimal (e.g., only employment status), restricted to a subset of respondents, or only gathered periodically. Information on working conditions was particularly sparse. CONCLUSION Historically, the limited and inconsistent collection of work-related information in public health data systems has hindered understanding of the role work plays in health disparities. Current CDC data modernization efforts present opportunities to enhance the identification and mitigation of health disparities by prioritizing inclusion of an expanded set of work-related data elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon R Silver
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Informatics Branch, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Marie H Sweeney
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Informatics Branch, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Wayne T Sanderson
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention, Central Appalachian Regional Education Research Center, College of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Regina Pana-Cryan
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Economic Research and Support Office, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Andrea L Steege
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Health Informatics Branch, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian Quay
- National Institutes of Health (work performed at NIOSH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tania Carreón
- World Trade Center Health Program, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael A Flynn
- Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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28
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King DE, Lalwani PD, Mercado GP, Dolan EL, Frierson JM, Meyer JN, Murphy SK. The use of race terms in epigenetics research: considerations moving forward. Front Genet 2024; 15:1348855. [PMID: 38356697 PMCID: PMC10864599 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1348855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of environmental epigenetics is uniquely suited to investigate biologic mechanisms that have the potential to link stressors to health disparities. However, it is common practice in basic epigenetic research to treat race as a covariable in large data analyses in a way that can perpetuate harmful biases without providing any biologic insight. In this article, we i) propose that epigenetic researchers open a dialogue about how and why race is employed in study designs and think critically about how this might perpetuate harmful biases; ii) call for interdisciplinary conversation and collaboration between epigeneticists and social scientists to promote the collection of more detailed social metrics, particularly institutional and structural metrics such as levels of discrimination that could improve our understanding of individual health outcomes; iii) encourage the development of standards and practices that promote full transparency about data collection methods, particularly with regard to race; and iv) encourage the field of epigenetics to continue to investigate how social structures contribute to biological health disparities, with a particular focus on the influence that structural racism may have in driving these health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon E. King
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Pooja D. Lalwani
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Gilberto Padilla Mercado
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Emma L. Dolan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Johnna M. Frierson
- IDEALS Office, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Joel N. Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
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Kandula S, Keyes KM, Yaari R, Shaman J. Excess Mortality in the United States, 2020-21: County-level Estimates for Population Groups and Associations with Social Vulnerability. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.14.24301290. [PMID: 38293208 PMCID: PMC10827264 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.14.24301290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
To assess the excess mortality burden of Covid-19 in the United States, we estimated sex, age and race stratified all-cause excess deaths in each county of the US during 2020 and 2021. Using spatial Bayesian models trained on all recorded deaths between 2003-2019, we estimated 463,187 (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 426,139 - 497,526) excess deaths during 2020, and 544,105 (95% UI: 492,202 - 592,959) excess deaths during 2021 nationally, with considerable geographical heterogeneity. Excess mortality rate (EMR) nearly doubled for each 10-year increase in age and was consistently higher among men than women. EMR in the Black population was 1.5 times that of the White population nationally and as high as 3.8 times in some states. Among the 25-54 year population excess mortality was highest in the American Indian/Alaskan Native (AI/AN) population among the four racial groups studied, and in a few states was as high as 6 times that of the White population. Strong association of EMR with county-level social vulnerability was estimated, including positive associations with prevalence of disability (standardized effect: 40.6 excess deaths per 100,000), older population (37.6), poverty (23.6), and unemployment (18.5), whereas population density (-50), higher education (-38.6), and income (-35.4) were protective. Together, these estimates provide a more reliable and comprehensive understanding of the mortality burden of the pandemic in the US thus far. They suggest that Covid-19 amplified social and racial disparities. Short-term measures to protect more vulnerable groups in future Covid-19 waves and systemic corrective steps to address long-term societal inequities are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasikiran Kandula
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | | | - Rami Yaari
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jeffrey Shaman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Columbia Climate School, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Côté D, MacEachen E, Huynh AT, León A, Laberge M, Meyer S, Majowicz S, Amoako J, Jahangir Y, Dubé J. Managing the unknown or the art of preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in workplaces in a context of evolving science, precarious employment, and communication barriers. A qualitative situational analysis in Quebec and Ontario. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1268996. [PMID: 38288436 PMCID: PMC10823371 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1268996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The issue of communications in the public space, and in particular, in the workplace, became critical in the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and was exacerbated by the stress of the drastic transformation of the organization of work, the speed with which new information was being made available, and the constant fear of being infected or developing a more severe or even fatal form of the disease. Although effective communication is the key to fighting a pandemic, some business sectors were more vulnerable and affected than others, and the individuals in particular socio-demographic and economic categories were proportionately more affected by the number of infections and hospitalizations, and by the number of deaths. Therefore, the aim of this article is to present data related to issues faced by essential workers interacting with the public and their employers to mitigate the contagion of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) at work. Methods Following the constructivist paradigm, an interpretative qualitative design was used to conduct one-on-one interviews with precarious/low-wage, public-contact workers (N = 40), managers (N = 16), and key informants (N = 16) on topics related to their work environments in the context of COVID-19 prevention. Results This article has highlighted some aspects of communication in the workplace essential to preventing COVID-19 outbreaks (e.g., access to information in a context of fast-changing instructions, language proficiency, transparency and confidentiality in the workplace, access to clear guidelines). The impact of poor pre-pandemic working relations on crisis management in the workplace also emerged. Discussion This study reminds us of the need to develop targeted, tailored messages that, while not providing all the answers, maintain dialog and transparency in workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Côté
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ellen MacEachen
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Ai-Thuy Huynh
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Amelia León
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Laberge
- School of Rehabilitation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Samantha Meyer
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon Majowicz
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Joyceline Amoako
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Yamin Jahangir
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Dubé
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Sears JM, Wickizer TM, Franklin GM, Fulton-Kehoe D, Hannon PA, Harris JR, Graves JM, McGovern PM. Development and maturation of the occupational health services research field in the United States over the past 25 years: Challenges and opportunities for the future. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:996-1008. [PMID: 37635638 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Work is an important social determinant of health; unfortunately, work-related injuries remain prevalent, can have devastating impact on worker health, and can impose heavy economic burdens on workers and society. Occupational health services research (OHSR) underpins occupational health services policy and practice, focusing on health determinants, health services, healthcare delivery, and health systems affecting workers. The field of OHSR has undergone tremendous expansion in both definition and scope over the past 25 years. In this commentary, focusing on the US, we document the historical development and evolution of OHSR as a research field, describe current doctoral-level OHSR training, and discuss challenges and opportunities for the OHSR field. We also propose an updated definition for the OHSR field: Research and evaluation related to the determinants of worker health and well-being; to occupational injury and illness prevention and surveillance; to healthcare, health programs, and health policy affecting workers; and to the organization, access, quality, outcomes, and costs of occupational health services and related health systems. Researchers trained in OHSR are essential contributors to improvements in healthcare, health systems, and policy and programs to improve worker health and productivity, as well as equity and justice in job and employment conditions. We look forward to the continued growth of OHSR as a field and to the expansion of OHSR academic training opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Sears
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas M Wickizer
- Division of Health Services Management and Policy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Gary M Franklin
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Tumwater, Washington, USA
| | - Deborah Fulton-Kehoe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Peggy A Hannon
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Harris
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Health Promotion Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Janessa M Graves
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Patricia M McGovern
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Hoerger M, Kim S, Mossman B, Alonzi S, Xu K, Coward JC, Whalen K, Nauman E, Miller J, De La Cerda T, Peyser T, Dunn A, Zapolin D, Rivera D, Murugesan N, Baker CN. Cultivating community-based participatory research (CBPR) to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic: an illustrative example of partnership and topic prioritization in the food services industry. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1939. [PMID: 37803311 PMCID: PMC10559526 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16787-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As an illustrative example of COVID-19 pandemic community-based participatory research (CBPR), we describe a community-academic partnership to prioritize future research most important to people experiencing high occupational exposure to COVID-19 - food service workers. Food service workers face key challenges surrounding (1) health and safety precautions, (2) stress and mental health, and (3) the long-term pandemic impact. METHOD Using CBPR methodologies, academic scientists partnered with community stakeholders to develop the research aims, methods, and measures, and interpret and disseminate results. We conducted a survey, three focus groups, and a rapid qualitative assessment to understand the three areas of concern and prioritize future research. RESULTS The survey showed that food service employers mainly supported basic droplet protections (soap, hand sanitizer, gloves), rather than comprehensive airborne protections (high-quality masks, air quality monitoring, air cleaning). Food service workers faced challenging decisions surrounding isolation, quarantine, testing, masking, vaccines, and in-home transmission, described anxiety, depression, and substance use as top mental health concerns, and described long-term physical and financial concerns. Focus groups provided qualitative examples of concerns experienced by food service workers and narrowed topic prioritization. The rapid qualitative assessment identified key needs and opportunities, with help reducing in-home COVID-19 transmission identified as a top priority. COVID-19 mitigation scientists offered recommendations for reducing in-home transmission. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has forced food service workers to experience complex decisions about health and safety, stress and mental health concerns, and longer-term concerns. Challenging health decisions included attempting to avoid an airborne infectious illness when employers were mainly only concerned with droplet precautions and trying to decide protocols for testing and isolation without clear guidance, free tests, or paid sick leave. Key mental health concerns were anxiety, depression, and substance use. Longer-term challenges included Long COVID, lack of mental healthcare access, and financial instability. Food service workers suggest the need for more research aimed at reducing in-home COVID-19 transmission and supporting long-term mental health, physical health, and financial concerns. This research provides an illustrative example of how to cultivate community-based partnerships to respond to immediate and critical issues affecting populations most burdened by public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Hoerger
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Departments of Psychiatry and Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Freeman School of Business, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, University Medical Center of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Louisiana Cancer Research Center, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Seowoo Kim
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Brenna Mossman
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sarah Alonzi
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Kenneth Xu
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - John C Coward
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kathleen Whalen
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Nauman
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, USA
| | - Jonice Miller
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tracey De La Cerda
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tristen Peyser
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Addison Dunn
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Dana Zapolin
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Dulcé Rivera
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Navya Murugesan
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Courtney N Baker
- New Orleans Louisiana (NOLA) Pandemic Food Collaborative, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Freeman School of Business, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Oh H. Racial Capitalism and Neighborhood Health Disparities: the COVID-19 in California Counties. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2338-2343. [PMID: 36097313 PMCID: PMC9466309 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This article explores the association between racial capitalism and neighborhood-level health disparities, with a particular focus on COVID-19 in California. METHODS This article investigates COVID-19 incidence in 58 California counties. To account for racial capitalism, the study looks at the per capita incomes ratios (1) between whites and Blacks and (2) between whites and Hispanics. Other county-level neighborhood characteristics were controlled. RESULTS Findings from spatial autoregressive models indicate that increases in white-Black and white-Hispanic income disadvantages lead to an increase in COVID-19 incidence in 58 California counties. Findings also reveal that the disadvantage that results from the white-Black income ratio in COVID-19 spread decreases in counties that report high levels of income inequality between whites and Hispanics. DISCUSSION Findings indicate that a greater income disadvantage for racial minorities is connected to a more COVID-19 incidence. With regard to racial demographics in California, the interaction effect between measures for racial income disadvantages is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunsu Oh
- Department of Sociology, McDaniel College, 2 College Hill, Westminster, MD, 21157, USA.
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Jetha A, Shahidi FV. Racism: A Neglected Piece of the Work Disability Management Puzzle. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:415-417. [PMID: 37563527 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10133-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Arif Jetha
- Institute for Work & Health, 400 University Avenue, Suite 1800, Toronto, ON, M5G 1S5, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Faraz Vahid Shahidi
- Institute for Work & Health, 400 University Avenue, Suite 1800, Toronto, ON, M5G 1S5, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Jetha A, Navaratnerajah L, Shahidi FV, Carnide N, Biswas A, Yanar B, Siddiqi A. Racial and Ethnic Inequities in the Return-to-Work of Workers Experiencing Injury or Illness: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:432-449. [PMID: 37294368 PMCID: PMC10495511 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-023-10119-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-White workers face more frequent, severe, and disabling occupational and non-occupational injuries and illnesses when compared to White workers. It is unclear whether the return-to-work (RTW) process following injury or illness differs according to race or ethnicity. OBJECTIVE To determine racial and ethnic differences in the RTW process of workers with an occupational or non-occupational injury or illness. METHODS A systematic review was conducted. Eight academic databases - Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Sociological Abstracts, ASSIA, ABI Inform, and Econ lit - were searched. Titles/abstracts and full texts of articles were reviewed for eligibility; relevant articles were appraised for methodological quality. A best evidence synthesis was applied to determine key findings and generate recommendations based on an assessment of the quality, quantity, and consistency of evidence. RESULTS 15,289 articles were identified from which 19 studies met eligibility criteria and were appraised as medium-to-high methodological quality. Fifteen studies focused on workers with a non-occupational injury or illness and only four focused on workers with an occupational injury or illness. There was strong evidence indicating that non-White and racial/ethnic minority workers were less likely to RTW following a non-occupational injury or illness when compared to White or racial/ethnic majority workers. CONCLUSIONS Policy and programmatic attention should be directed towards addressing racism and discrimination faced by non-White and racial/ethnic minority workers in the RTW process. Our research also underscores the importance of enhancing the measurement and examination of race and ethnicity in the field of work disability management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Jetha
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Lahmea Navaratnerajah
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Faraz Vahid Shahidi
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy Carnide
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aviroop Biswas
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Basak Yanar
- Institute for Work & Health, Suite 1800, 400 University Avenue, M5G 1S5, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arjumand Siddiqi
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Luck AN, Elo IT, Preston SH, Paglino E, Hempstead K, Stokes AC. COVID-19 and All-Cause Mortality by Race, Ethnicity, and Age Across Five Periods of the Pandemic in the United States. POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW 2023; 42:71. [PMID: 37780841 PMCID: PMC10540502 DOI: 10.1007/s11113-023-09817-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Racial/ethnic and age disparities in COVID-19 and all-cause mortality during 2020 are well documented, but less is known about their evolution over time. We examine changes in age-specific mortality across five pandemic periods in the United States from March 2020 to December 2022 among four racial/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian) for ages 35+. We fit Gompertz models to all-cause and COVID-19 death rates by 5-year age groups and construct age-specific racial/ethnic mortality ratios across an Initial peak (Mar-Aug 2020), Winter peak (Nov 2020-Feb 2021), Delta peak (Aug-Oct 2021), Omicron peak (Nov 2021-Feb 2022), and Endemic period (Mar-Dec 2022). We then compare to all-cause patterns observed in 2019. The steep age gradients in COVID-19 mortality in the Initial and Winter peak shifted during the Delta peak, with substantial increases in mortality at working ages, before gradually returning to an older age pattern in the subsequent periods. We find a disproportionate COVID-19 mortality burden on racial and ethnic minority populations early in the pandemic, which led to an increase in all-cause mortality disparities and a temporary elimination of the Hispanic mortality advantage at certain age groups. Mortality disparities narrowed over time, with racial/ethnic all-cause inequalities during the Endemic period generally returning to pre-pandemic levels. Black and Hispanic populations, however, faced a younger age gradient in all-cause mortality in the Endemic period relative to 2019, with younger Hispanic and Black adults in a slightly disadvantageous position and older Black adults in a slightly advantageous position, relative to before the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneliese N. Luck
- Department of Sociology and Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Irma T. Elo
- Department of Sociology and Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Samuel H. Preston
- Department of Sociology and Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Eugenio Paglino
- Department of Sociology and Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Andrew C. Stokes
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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Zovic HL, Riley T, Perez-Bill ES, Dsouza N, Mitchell C. A Call for a Transformative Public Health Training: The Necessity of Abolition. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2023; 50:465-472. [PMID: 37525984 PMCID: PMC11075666 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231177085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The societal distrust of public health alongside the complex, intersecting, and large public health crises of today and our future requires a transformation of the education of the next generation of public health leaders. The field of public health's goals of health equity for all cannot be advanced until our field interrogates and resists the prison industrial complex (PIC), which maintains White supremacy and (re)produces health inequities. As current and former public health students, we propose incorporating abolition of the PIC as a political vision, structural and power analysis, and organizing strategy into the public health curriculum. We highlight gaps in the public health curriculum and the existing similarities between stated goals of abolition and public health. We propose calls to action for individuals, faculty, and schools of public health to interrogate the carceral nature of public health and work toward contributing to the positive project of an abolitionist future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Lipo Zovic
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Taylor Riley
- University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Nishita Dsouza
- Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Brown JL. Addressing Racial Capitalism's Impact on Black Essential Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Policy Recommendations. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:1597-1604. [PMID: 35689156 PMCID: PMC9187152 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01346-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Black Americans are more likely to be essential workers due to racial capitalism. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers are less able to adhere to social distancing and stay-at-home guidelines due to the nature of their work, because they are more likely to occupy crowded households, and are more likely to possess pre-existing health conditions. To assist Black essential workers in preventing infection or reducing the intensity of symptoms if contracted, vaccination against the virus is essential. Unfortunately, Black essential workers face considerable barriers to accessing vaccinations and are hesitant to receive the vaccine due to widespread misinformation and justified historical mistrust of the American medical system. The purpose of this work is to (1) describe the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black essential workers due to racial capitalism, (2) outline the socioeconomic and racial barriers related to vaccination within this population, and (3) to suggest policy-related approaches to facilitate vaccination such as access to on-site vaccination opportunities, the funding of community outreach efforts, and the mandating of increased employee benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn L Brown
- School of Medicine, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Haro‐Ramos AY, Brown TT, Deardorff J, Aguilera A, Pollack Porter KM, Rodriguez HP. Frontline work and racial disparities in social and economic pandemic stressors during the first COVID-19 surge. Health Serv Res 2023; 58 Suppl 2:186-197. [PMID: 36718961 PMCID: PMC10339174 DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.14136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the magnitude of racial-ethnic disparities in pandemic-related social stressors and examine frontline work's moderating relationship on these stressors. DATA SOURCES Employed Californians' responses to the Institute for Governmental Studies (IGS) poll from April 16-20, 2020, were analyzed. The Pandemic Stressor Scale (PSS) assessed the extent to which respondents experienced or anticipated problems resulting from the inability to pay for basic necessities, job instability, lacking paid sick leave, unavailability of childcare, and reduced wages or work hours due to COVID-19. STUDY DESIGN Mixed-effects generalized linear models estimated (1) racial-ethnic disparities in pandemic stressors among workers during the first COVID-19 surge, adjusting for covariates, and (2) tested the interaction between race-ethnicity and frontline worker status, which includes a subset of essential workers who must perform their job on-site, to assess differential associations of frontline work by race-ethnicity. DATA COLLECTION The IGS poll data from employed workers (n = 4795) were linked to the 2018 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index at the zip code level (N = 1068). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The average PSS score was 37.34 (SD = 30.49). Whites had the lowest PSS score (29.88, SD = 26.52), and Latinxs had the highest (50.74, SD = 32.61). In adjusted analyses, Black frontline workers reported more pandemic-related stressors than White frontline workers (PSS = 47.73 vs. 36.96, p < 0.001). Latinxs reported more pandemic stressors irrespective of frontline worker status. However, the 5.09-point difference between Latinx frontline and non-frontline workers was not statistically different from the 4.6-point disparity between White frontline and non-frontline workers. CONCLUSION Latinx workers and Black frontline workers disproportionately reported pandemic-related stressors. To reduce stress on frontline workers during crises, worker protections like paid sick leave, universal access to childcare, and improved job security are needed, particularly for those disproportionately affected by structural inequities, such as racially minoritized populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alein Y. Haro‐Ramos
- Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of California Berkeley School of Public HealthBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Timothy T. Brown
- Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of California Berkeley School of Public HealthBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Julianna Deardorff
- Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of California Berkeley School of Public HealthBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
- Community Health SciencesUniversity of California Berkeley School of Public HealthBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Adrian Aguilera
- Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of California Berkeley School of Public HealthBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
- School of Social Welfare BerkeleyUniversity of California BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Keshia M. Pollack Porter
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementJohns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Hector P. Rodriguez
- Health Policy and ManagementUniversity of California Berkeley School of Public HealthBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
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Lekas HM, López-Cevallos D, Routen A. Exploring the intersections of structural inequities and health disparities: the challenge and opportunity of recognizing racism as a public health crisis. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1423. [PMID: 37491202 PMCID: PMC10369700 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16359-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although increasingly being recognized as a driver of poor health and health inequities, there is limited research on the pervasive effects of racism on population health. In this editorial, we set the context and invite contributions for a BMC Public Health Collection of articles titled, "Racism as Public Health Crisis."
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen-Maria Lekas
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research and NYU School of Medicine, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Daniel López-Cevallos
- Department of Health Promotion and Policy, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 305 Arnold House 715 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
| | - Ash Routen
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Adkins-Jackson PB, George KM, Besser LM, Hyun J, Lamar M, Hill-Jarrett TG, Bubu OM, Flatt JD, Heyn PC, Cicero EC, Zarina Kraal A, Pushpalata Zanwar P, Peterson R, Kim B, Turner RW, Viswanathan J, Kulick ER, Zuelsdorff M, Stites SD, Arce Rentería M, Tsoy E, Seblova D, Ng TKS, Manly JJ, Babulal G. The structural and social determinants of Alzheimer's disease related dementias. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:3171-3185. [PMID: 37074203 PMCID: PMC10599200 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The projected growth of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementia (ADRD) cases by midcentury has expanded the research field and impelled new lines of inquiry into structural and social determinants of health (S/SDOH) as fundamental drivers of disparities in AD/ADRD. METHODS In this review, we employ Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory as a framework to posit how S/SDOH impact AD/ADRD risk and outcomes. RESULTS Bronfenbrenner defined the "macrosystem" as the realm of power (structural) systems that drive S/SDOH and that are the root cause of health disparities. These root causes have been discussed little to date in relation to AD/ADRD, and thus, macrosystem influences, such as racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia, are the emphasis in this paper. DISCUSSION Under Bronfenbrenner's macrosystem framework, we highlight key quantitative and qualitative studies linking S/SDOH with AD/ADRD, identify scientific gaps in the literature, and propose guidance for future research. HIGHLIGHTS Ecological systems theory links structural/social determinants to AD/ADRD. Structural/social determinants accrue and interact over the life course to impact AD/ADRD. Macrosystem is made up of societal norms, beliefs, values, and practices (e.g., laws). Most macro-level determinants have been understudied in the AD/ADRD literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris B Adkins-Jackson
- Departments of Epidemiology & Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kristen M George
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Lilah M Besser
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jinshil Hyun
- The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melissa Lamar
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tanisha G Hill-Jarrett
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Omonigho M Bubu
- Departments of Psychiatry, Population Health & Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jason D Flatt
- Department of Social and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Patricia C Heyn
- Center for Optimal Aging, Marymount University, Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | - Ethan C Cicero
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - A Zarina Kraal
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Preeti Pushpalata Zanwar
- Applied Health Economics & Outcomes Research & Health Policy, Jefferson College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- NIA Funded Network on Life Course and Health Dynamics and Disparities, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rachel Peterson
- School of Public and Community Health Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
| | - Boeun Kim
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert W Turner
- Clinical Research & Leadership, Neurology, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | | | - Erin R Kulick
- MPH Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Megan Zuelsdorff
- School of Nursing, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, and School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Shana D Stites
- MA Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Miguel Arce Rentería
- Department of Neurology, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elena Tsoy
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California San Francisco, Global Brain Health Institute, University of California San Francisco and Trinity College Dublin, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Dominika Seblova
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ted K S Ng
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
- Center for Innovation in Healthy and Resilient Aging, Arizona State University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jennifer J Manly
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ganesh Babulal
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Institute of Public Health, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., USA
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
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Jahn JL, Hernandez SM. Mortality Inequities: Power, Theory, and Data Considerations. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:726-728. [PMID: 37200606 PMCID: PMC10262236 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaquelyn L Jahn
- Both authors are with the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Stephanie M Hernandez
- Both authors are with the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA
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Villatoro AP, Errisuriz VL, DuPont-Reyes MJ. Mental Health Needs and Services Utilization among Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Texas during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6066. [PMID: 37372653 PMCID: PMC10297933 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 created a global crisis, exacerbating disparities in social determinants of health (SDOH) and mental health (MH). Research on pandemic-related MH and help-seeking is scarce, especially among high-risk populations such as college/university students. We examined self-rated MH and psychological distress, the perceived need for MH services/support, and the use of MH services across the SDOH among college/university students during the start of the pandemic. Data from the COVID-19 Texas College Student Experiences Survey (n = 746) include full- and part-time undergraduate/graduate students. Regressions examined self-rated MH, psychological distress, perceived need, and service use across SDOH, controlling for pre-pandemic MH, age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Economic stability was associated with higher risk of poor MH and need for MH services/support. Aspects of the social/community context protected student MH, especially among foreign-born students. Racial discrimination was associated with both greater psychological distress and use of services. Finally, beliefs related to the sufficiency of available institutional MH resources shaped perceived need for and use of services. Although the worst of the pandemic is behind us, the inequitable distribution of the SDOH among students is unwavering. Demand for MH support is high, requiring higher education institutions to better mobilize MH services to meet the needs of students from diverse social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice P. Villatoro
- Department of Public Health, College of Arts and Sciences, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 95053, USA
| | - Vanessa L. Errisuriz
- Latino Research Institute, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Melissa J. DuPont-Reyes
- Departments of Sociomedical Sciences and Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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Eisenberg-Guyot J, Finsaas MC, Prins SJ. Dead Labor: Mortality Inequities by Class, Gender, and Race/Ethnicity in the United States, 1986-2019. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:637-646. [PMID: 36926964 PMCID: PMC10186820 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To estimate social class inequities in US mortality using a relational measure based on power over productive property and workers' labor. Methods. We used nationally representative 1986-2018 National Health Interview Survey data with mortality follow-up through December 31, 2019 (n = 911 850). First, using business-ownership, occupational, and employment-status data, we classified respondents as incorporated business owners (IBOs), unincorporated business owners (UBOs), managers, workers, or not in the labor force (NLFs). Next, using inverse-probability-weighted survival curves, we estimated class mortality inequities overall, after subdividing workers by employment status and occupation, and by period, gender, race/ethnicity, and education. Results. UBOs, workers, and NLFs had, respectively, 6.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = -8.1, -4.6), 6.6 (95% CI = -8.1, -5.0), and 19.4 (95% CI = -21.0, -17.7) per 100 lower 34-year survival rates than IBOs. Mortality risk was especially high for unemployed, blue-collar, and service workers. Inequities increased over time and were greater among male, racially minoritized, and less-educated respondents. Conclusions. We estimated considerable mortality inequities by class, gender, and race/ethnicity. We also estimated that class mortality inequities are increasing, threatening population health. Public Health Implications. Addressing class inequities likely requires structural, worker-empowering interventions. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(6):637-646. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307227).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Eisenberg-Guyot
- Jerzy Eisenberg-Guyot and Megan C. Finsaas are with the Department of Epidemiology and Seth J. Prins is with the Departments of Epidemiology and Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Megan C Finsaas
- Jerzy Eisenberg-Guyot and Megan C. Finsaas are with the Department of Epidemiology and Seth J. Prins is with the Departments of Epidemiology and Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Seth J Prins
- Jerzy Eisenberg-Guyot and Megan C. Finsaas are with the Department of Epidemiology and Seth J. Prins is with the Departments of Epidemiology and Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Sprague Martinez L, Scott JC, Rocco M, Rajabiun S, Flores Rodriguez C, Cummings R, McKinney-Prupis E, Minott M, Walker-Jones J, Downes A, Wangari Walter A. Policies enacted during COVID-19 came with unintended health benefits: why go back? BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:496. [PMID: 37194099 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of bundled interventions to improve the engagement and retention of Black women in HIV care. METHODS Pre-implementation interviews conducted between January and April 202 L with 12 demonstration sites implementing bundled interventions for Black women with HIV. Directed content analysis was employed to examine the site interview transcripts. RESULTS The pandemic intensified barriers to care and harmful social conditions. However, COVID-19 also forced pivots in health care and social service delivery and some of these changes benefited Black women living with HIV. CONCLUSIONS The continuation of policies that support the material needs of Black women with HIV and ease access to care is critical. Racial capitalism impedes the enactment of these policies and thus threatens public health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melanie Rocco
- Boston University School of Social Work, Boston, MA, US
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Weinstein ER, Balise R, Metheny N, Jose Baeza Robba M, Mayo D, Michel C, Chan B, Safren SA, Harkness A. Factors associated with latino sexual minority men's likelihood and motivation for obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine: a mixed-methods study. J Behav Med 2023; 46:116-128. [PMID: 35476250 PMCID: PMC9043889 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-022-00315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Minoritized communities are underreached by biomedical interventions, such as the COVID-19 vaccine. This mixed-methods study identified factors associated with vaccine likelihood (VL) and uptake (VU) among 187 Latino sexual minority men (LSMM) in South Florida. Regression models with LASSO variable selection and Classification and Regression Trees (CART) assessed determinants of VL and VU while open-ended questions were evaluated using thematic content analysis. VL (range 1-7; M = 6.00, SD = 1.84) and VU (63.6%) was high. LASSO modeling identified being insured, worrying about others, fear of transmitting COVID-19, and financial stress as the most influential factors for VL; working remotely from home was important for VU. Time (weeks) since addition of COVID-19 vaccination-related questions (December 2nd, 2020) was associated with both outcomes across both modeling techniques. Convergence between data suggests capitalizing on altruistic motivations and improving accessibility to vaccine campaigns are valuable assets to increase LSMM's vaccine confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raymond Balise
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Nicholas Metheny
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Miami, USA
| | | | - Daniel Mayo
- College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Bill Chan
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Miami, USA
| | | | - Audrey Harkness
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Miami, USA
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FREUDENBERG NICHOLAS. Framing Commercial Determinants of Health: An Assessment of Potential for Guiding More Effective Responses to the Public Health Crises of the 21 st Century. Milbank Q 2023; 101:83-98. [PMID: 37096607 PMCID: PMC10126974 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points The commercial determinants of health (CDH) framework can inform public health policy, practice, and research in ways that contribute to overcoming the world's most serious public health challenges. By documenting the pathways by which commercial actors shape health, the CDH framework can provide a unifying focus for collective action to prevent and ameliorate global health crises. To realize these opportunities, CDH proponents need to find synergies in the multiple emerging streams of research, practice, and advocacy and create a body of scientific evidence, methodologies, and ideas that can inform a public health practice for the 21st century.
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48
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Martinez E, Barraza E, Paredes AD. "It's Really Hard to Have Your Own Place": The At-Home Experiences of Latina/o/x Undergraduates During COVID-19. JOURNAL OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION 2023; 22:146-160. [PMID: 38603429 PMCID: PMC9672979 DOI: 10.1177/15381927221132453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the at-home lived experiences of Latina/o/x college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using Critical Race Theory as the guiding framework, the authors used storytelling to capture the at-home experiences of 19 Latina/o/x college students during the pandemic. Findings revealed how the pandemic shifted meaning of the home space, increased roles and responsibilities, and increased stress and mental health demands for students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ever Barraza
- California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona, USA
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49
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PONCE NINEZA, SHIMKHADA RITI, ADKINS‐JACKSON PARISB. Making Communities More Visible: Equity-Centered Data to Achieve Health Equity. Milbank Q 2023; 101:302-332. [PMID: 37096622 PMCID: PMC10126976 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Despite decades of research exposing health disparities between populations and communities in the US, health equity goals remain largely unfulfilled. We argue these failures call for applying an equity lens in the way we approach data systems, from collection and analysis to interpretation and distribution. Hence, health equity requires data equity. There is notable federal interest in policy changes and federal investments to improve health equity. With this, we outline the opportunities to align these health equity goals with data equity by improving the way communities are engaged and how population data are collected, analyzed, interpreted, made accessible, and distributed. Policy priority areas for data equity include increasing the use of disaggregated data, increasing the use of currently underused federal data, building capacity for equity assessments, developing partnerships between government and community, and increasing data accountability to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- NINEZ A. PONCE
- Center for Health Policy ResearchUniversity of CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Los Angeles Fielding School of Public HealthUniversity of California
| | - RITI SHIMKHADA
- Center for Health Policy ResearchUniversity of CaliforniaLos Angeles
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Lin JL, Wang YK. Lessons from the stigma of COVID-19 survivors: A Marxist criticism appraisal. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1156240. [PMID: 37064674 PMCID: PMC10097934 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1156240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Stigma refers to devalued stereotypes that create barriers for stigmatized individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the stigmatization of survivors worsened existing inequalities and triggered mass hysteria. The paper delves into the stigmatization experienced by COVID-19 survivors and the role of Marxist criticism in analyzing this issue. The main findings from the empiricist tradition approach suggest that the perception of COVID-19 stigma is higher among those who are older, belong to ethnic minorities, lack social support, have manual occupations, and possess lower levels of education. The proposed destigmatization pathways include psychological counseling services, social support, and health education. Employing a Marxist perspective can aid in illuminating how economic practices and material conditions influence prevalent ideologies related to stigma. The stigmatization of COVID-19 survivors may be perceived as a consequence of social power inequality, although the current emphasis on individual characteristics as triggers for stigma may neglect the wider systemic forces in operation. Thus, it’s crucial to establish improved social care policies to combat exploitation and oppression due to power imbalances. The ultimate objective of such an examination is to identify effective approaches to tackle and eradicate stigma regarding health-related concerns. An interdisciplinary approach integrating a pluralistic perspective would benefit investigating how social systems and individual attributes contribute to the exacerbation of social inequality and stigmatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Long Lin
- School of Marxism, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Kun Wang
- School of Sociology and Law, Shanxi Normal University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yu-Kun Wang,
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