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Short M, Dobson J, Day G, Lefferts B, Singleton R, Keck J. "You can feel the fresh air … " Rural Alaska Native household perceptions of home air purifiers and health. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2335702. [PMID: 38546171 PMCID: PMC10984226 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2335702] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Alaska Native and American Indian children experience frequent respiratory illness. Indoor air quality is associated with the severity and frequency of respiratory infections in children. High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) purifiers effectively improve indoor air quality and may protect respiratory health. In 2019, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation implemented a pilot programme that provided education and HEPA purifiers to households of children with chronic lung conditions. The team evaluated HEPA purifier acceptability and use by interviewing representatives from 11 households that participated in the pilot programme. All interviewees reported improvement in their child's health, and some believed that the health of other household members was also improved because of the HEPA purifier. Interviewees reported that the HEPA purifiers were easy to use, quiet, and not expensive to run. Five of 11 households were still using the HEPA purifier at the time of the interview, which was about three years after receipt of the unit. The most common reasons for discontinuing use were equipment failure and lack of replacement filter, suggesting that programme support could increase sustainability. Our evaluation suggests that HEPA purifiers are acceptable and feasible for use in rural Alaska Native households.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madilyn Short
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Jennifer Dobson
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Gretchen Day
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Brian Lefferts
- Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Rosalyn Singleton
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - James Keck
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Department of Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Mahon S, Reifferscheid L, Kenzie L, MacDonald SE. Regional differences in pediatric pneumococcal vaccine schedules for Indigenous children in Canada: an environmental scan. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:990. [PMID: 39187809 PMCID: PMC11348588 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11400-6] [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: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria causes substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in children under 5 years of age. Prevention of these outcomes by pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) is an important public health initiative, supported by publicly funded vaccination programs in Canada. While the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) provides national recommendations for vaccination schedules, decisions on vaccination program delivery are made regionally, creating potential for variability across the country. In addition, defining the groups that are most at risk has become a complex endeavor for provinces and territories in Canada, specifically considering Indigenous children. METHODS In this environmental scan, we reviewed policy documents, provincial/territorial and international PCV schedules, and scientific literature, and consulted with vaccination program stakeholders and experts from across the country, in order to understand the evolution of PCV vaccination guidelines and policies in Canada and identify whether and how the needs of Indigenous children are addressed. RESULTS As of March 2023, most regions do not specify particular vaccination requirements for Indigenous children; however, three provinces identify Indigenous children as "high risk" and use varying language to recommend a four dose, rather than the routine three dose, schedule. Our results also draw attention to evidence gaps supporting a differing practice for Indigenous populations. CONCLUSIONS Future PCV program innovation requires inclusive and clear policies as well as definitive evidence-based policies and practices in order to improve equitable population health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mahon
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Lisa Kenzie
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Shannon E MacDonald
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Crow R, Satav A, Potdar V, Satav S, Dani V, Simões EAF. Risk factors for the development of severe or very severe respiratory syncytial virus-related lower respiratory tract infection in Indian infants: A cohort study in Melghat, India. Trop Med Int Health 2024; 29:612-621. [PMID: 38741367 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.14003] [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: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is undoubtedly the single most important cause of severe lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) globally. While new prevention measures in young infants have become available, their use in developing countries is likely many years away. While risk factors for severe or very severe RSV LRTI in impoverished rural areas likely differ to urban areas, there are very few studies, especially those conducted in India, the major country contributing to the global burden of disease. METHODS Active surveillance for acute LRTI in enrolled infants and children <2 years of age, was conducted through weekly home visits in 93 villages of Melghat, India, from August 2016 to December 2020. Local hospitals and primary health centres were surveyed for admissions of enrolled subjects. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children with severe, or very severe LRTIs and all who died, with RSV testing using nucleic acid tests at ICMR, National Institute of Virology Pune. Risk factors for both RSV associated and non-RSV associated, severe and very severe LRTI were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS There were 483 severe or very severe RSV LRTI cases and 2807 non-RSV severe or very severe LRTI infections in a cohort of 13,318 children. Weight for age z-score ≤-2, the use of kerosene or wood for cooking, obtaining drinking water from a public tap and low gestational age significantly increased the risk of RSV LRTI. A higher wealth score index and water purification were protective. Comparison with non-RSV LRTI showed male sex as an additional risk factor. The analysis highlighted the risk of kerosene use [OR = 17.8 (3.0-104.4) (p ≤ 0.001)] and [OR = 3.4 (0.8-14.4) (p ≤ 0.05)] for RSV and non-RSV LRTIs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Nutritional status and environmental air quality are predisposing factors for developing an RSV LRI in young children, factors which are amenable to environmental and behavioural interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Crow
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Ashish Satav
- MAHAN Trust Mahatma Gandhi Tribal Hospital, Amravati, India
| | - Varsha Potdar
- National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research, Pune, India
| | - Shilpa Satav
- MAHAN Trust Mahatma Gandhi Tribal Hospital, Amravati, India
| | - Vibhawari Dani
- MAHAN Trust Mahatma Gandhi Tribal Hospital, Amravati, India
| | - Eric A F Simões
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Centre for Global Health, Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Harmon OA, Howe TS, Schaeffer JD, Adeboyejo R, Eichelberger LP. Impact of In-Home Handwashing Stations on Hand Hygiene During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Unpiped Rural Alaska Native Homes. Public Health Rep 2024; 139:81S-88S. [PMID: 38801159 PMCID: PMC11339680 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241255260] [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: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES More than 3300 rural Alaska Native homes lack piped water, impeding hand hygiene. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention partnered with 10 Tribal communities and regional Tribal health organizations to install a low-cost, intermediate-technology water and sanitation system, the Miniature Portable Alternative Sanitation System (Mini-PASS). We assessed the impact of the Mini-PASS handwashing station on handwashing, other water-related uses, and problems encountered over time. METHODS In this pre-postintervention study, we conducted semi-structured interviews by telephone seasonally with representatives of 71 households with the Mini-PASS from February 2021 through November 2022 to assess the impact of the units on water use and health. RESULTS Before Mini-PASS installation, all participating households primarily used washbasins for handwashing. Postintervention, more than 70% of households reported using the Mini-PASS as their primary handwashing method in all 3 follow-up intervals (3, 6-9, and 12 months postintervention). The proportion of households using the handwashing station for other household tasks increased during 12 months, from 51.4% (19 of 37) at 3 months postintervention to 77.8% (21 of 27) at 12 months postintervention. Although approximately 20% to 40% of households reported problems with their handwashing station during the 12 months postintervention, a large proportion of interviewees (47% to 60%) said they were able to conduct repairs themselves. CONCLUSIONS Households in rural Alaska quickly adopted the Mini-PASS for hand hygiene and other needs and were largely able to troubleshoot problems themselves. Further research evaluating the impact of improved handwashing behaviors facilitated by the Mini-PASS should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia A Harmon
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Tricia S Howe
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Chakraborty R, Armijos RX, Beidelman ET, Rosenberg M, Margaret Weigel M. Household food and water insecurity and its association with diarrhoea, respiratory illness, and stunting in Ecuadorian children under 5 years. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024:e13683. [PMID: 38873704 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Household food and water insecurity has been previously associated with adverse health consequences in children. However, these relationships are understudied in middle-income Latin American populations such as in Ecuador, where a high prevalence of food and water insecurity has been reported. Using cross-sectional data from 2018 Ecuadorian National Health and Nutrition Survey, we examined the association of household food insecurity (HFI), household water insecurity (HWI), and concurrent HFI-HWI with diarrhoea, respiratory illness (RI), and stunting in 20,510 children aged ≤59 months. HFI was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. HWI was defined when households responded negatively to one or more of four drinking water indicators. Maternal caregivers reported on child diarrhoea and RI episodes during the previous 2 weeks. Measured length or height was used to assess stunting. We constructed log-binomial regression models to estimate the associations of HFI, HWI, and concurrent HFI-HWI with child outcomes. Moderate-severe HFI was associated with a higher prevalence of diarrhoea (PR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.63) and RI (PR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.47), HWI with a higher prevalence of RI (PR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.22), and concurrent HFI-HWI with a higher prevalence of diarrhoea (PR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.62) and RI (PR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.29, 1.62). Stunting was not associated with HFI, HWI nor concurrent HFI-HWI. These findings suggest that HFI and HWI can independently and jointly act to negatively affect children's health. Policies and interventions aimed at alleviating both food and water insecurity are needed to bring sustained health improvements in Ecuadorian children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishika Chakraborty
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Rodrigo X Armijos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Center for Global Health Equity, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Erika T Beidelman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - M Margaret Weigel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Center for Global Health Equity, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Menchú-Maldonado M, Novoa DE, Joseph CN, Driver EM, Muenich RL, Conroy-Ben O. Determining the connectivity of tribal communities to wastewater treatment facilities for use in environmental contamination and exposure assessments by wastewater-based surveillance. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:424-431. [PMID: 38267618 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00612-3] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited information is available on the connectivity of Tribal communities to wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs). This is important for understanding current sanitation infrastructure which drives public health and community construction, knowledge of potential routes of exposure through lack of infrastructure and/or discharging facilities, and opportunities to assess community health through wastewater-based surveillance (WBS). OBJECTIVES The objective of this work was to assess current wastewater infrastructure for 574 Federally Recognized Indian Tribes (FRITs) in the United States (US) to determine the number and location of facilities on or adjacent to Tribal reservations and Off-Reservation Trust Lands, with the goal of determining the feasibility of employing wastewater-based surveillance within these communities and to identify areas with inadequate sanitation infrastructure. METHODS Here, we identified available National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) wastewater discharge permits in the Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Compliance History Online database to assess proximity to and within spatial boundaries of Tribal lands. These data were coupled to race data and tribal spatial boundary information from the US Census Bureau. RESULTS 94 FRITs have registered NPDES permits within Tribal boundaries including a total of 522 facilities. 210 of these are American Indian (AI)-serving (>50% AI) with the ability to reach 135,000 AI-people through the wastewater network to provide community health assessments via WBS. Of the remaining facilities, 153 predominantly serve non-Tribal populations raising concerns about infrastructure placement and indigenous sovereignty. 523 FRITs were identified as without permitted discharging WWTFs, which may suggest inadequate or alternative infrastructure. IMPACT STATEMENT Here, multiple data sources including permit information from the Environmental Protection Agency's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System and US Census Bureau data were used to determine the number of wastewater treatment facilities on or adjacent to Tribal lands and how many community members were connected to those municipal systems. This information was used to assess which Tribal communities may be a viable option for wastewater public health surveillance techniques and were used to answer supplemental questions related to basic sanitation and environmental justice concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Menchú-Maldonado
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Diego E Novoa
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Carrie N Joseph
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Erin M Driver
- Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Rebecca L Muenich
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Otakuye Conroy-Ben
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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Kryston A, Woods CG, Manga M. Social barriers to safe sanitation access among housed populations in the United States: A systematic review. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 257:114326. [PMID: 38295493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114326] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nearly six million people residing in the United States do not have access to safely managed sanitation. Housed populations may lack access to centralized wastewater treatment systems or functioning onsite wastewater treatment systems, which subsequently places them at higher risk for adverse health outcomes associated with unsafe sanitation. OBJECTIVES We sought to understand the various social barriers that impact access to safe sanitation in the United States. METHODS We included peer-reviewed studies published between January 2000 and March 2023. The publication search was conducted using Scopus, ProQuest Social Science Database, and HeinOnline. We extracted data on social barriers and physical factors associated with access to sanitation. RESULTS Twenty publications met the inclusion criteria, and data relating to 11 social barriers and two physical factors were extracted. The social barriers to safe sanitation access mentioned most frequently were found to be socioeconomic status and race-based discrimination. Studies discussed sanitation in communities in five states. DISCUSSION Barriers pertained to lack of access to centralized wastewater treatment system, inadequate repair or replacement of septic systems, and lack of safely managed onsite sanitation systems. We discuss the intersectionality of the barriers, the underlying policy and history that leads to them, and make recommendations to address inequitable access to safe sanitation. Legislation and policy must be critically reviewed at national, state, and local levels to limit or eliminate ability for utilities to be extended on the basis of a community's income and property values or racial makeup. Policy recommendations also include additional community engagement, onsite sanitation system monitoring, and knowledge dissemination and education of septic system users. More geographically diverse research and research on sanitation in specific communities such as those of migrant farmworkers, undocumented persons, and tenants are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kryston
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #7400, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7400, USA.
| | - Courtney G Woods
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #7400, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7400, USA.
| | - Musa Manga
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #7400, 135 Dauer Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7400, USA.
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Asiniwasis R, Merati N, Roesler J, Simpson EL, Aubry R, McMullen E, Fraess L, Choi UY, Hinther K, Chu DK, Jack C. The Social and Home Environment: Impacts of Determinants of Health on Atopic Dermatitis, Pathways Toward Solutions, and Unique Considerations for Rural and Remote North American Indigenous Populations. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2024; 12:290-299. [PMID: 38013155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.11.034] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Disparities in environmental and social determinants of health (DOH) are associated with morbidity in atopic dermatitis (AD). The socioecological model (SEM) is a framework that can be applied to better understand how such DOH impacts patients with AD. We include a case scenario of a remote Indigenous patient reflective of real-world situations of living with AD and examine relevant impact, gaps in knowledge, and further research needs. This review highlights a variety of social and environmental exposures as important DOH which must be addressed to achieve optimal management in AD. The "rainbow model" is a modified framework to help illustrate how complex environmental and social forces impact both AD presentation and therapeutic success. However, practical applications and outcome metrics for health promotion are limited. An inter- and transdisciplinary approach is paramount to address the complex challenges associated with AD care, as well as multistakeholder approach integrating culturally-competent equitable health frameworks. This review underscores the importance of expanding the focus of AD management beyond basic science and clinical trials to recognize and address health disparities and to promote optimal health and well-being in patients with AD, and contributes a working approach to mapping the complex interventions and patient-oriented research needed using a focus on remote North American Indigenous patients affected by AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Asiniwasis
- Division of Dermatology, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Nickoo Merati
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jordanna Roesler
- Department of Dermatology & Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Eric L Simpson
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Ore
| | - Rachel Aubry
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eric McMullen
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauren Fraess
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - U Yeong Choi
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelsey Hinther
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Derek K Chu
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolyn Jack
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Rosen RH, Epee-Bounya A, Curran D, Chung S, Hoffmann R, Lee LK, Marcus C, Mateo CM, Miller JE, Nereim C, Silberholz E, Shah SN, Theodoris CV, Wardell H, Winn AS, Toomey S, Finkelstein JA, Ward VL, Starmer A. Race, Ethnicity, and Ancestry in Clinical Pathways: A Framework for Evaluation. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2022060730. [PMID: 37974460 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-060730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical algorithms, or "pathways," promote the delivery of medical care that is consistent and equitable. Race, ethnicity, and/or ancestry terms are sometimes included in these types of guidelines, but it is unclear if this is appropriate for clinical decision-making. At our institution, we developed and applied a structured framework to determine whether race, ethnicity, or ancestry terms identified in our clinical pathways library should be retained, modified, or removed. First, we reviewed all text and associated reference documents for 132 institutionally-developed clinical pathways and identified 8 pathways that included race, ethnicity, or ancestry terms. Five pathways had clear evidence or a change in institutional policy that supported removal of the term. Multispecialty teams conducted additional in-depth evaluation of the 3 remaining pathways (Acute Viral Illness, Hyperbilirubinemia, and Weight Management) by applying the framework. In total, based on these reviews, race, ethnicity, or ancestry terms were removed (n = 6) or modified (n = 2) in all 8 pathways. Application of the framework established several recommended practices, including: (1) define race, ethnicity, and ancestry rigorously; (2) assess the most likely mechanisms underlying epidemiologic associations; (3) consider whether inclusion of the term is likely to mitigate or exacerbate existing inequities; and (4) exercise caution when applying population-level data to individual patient encounters. This process and framework may be useful to other institutional programs and national organizations in evaluating the inclusion of race, ethnicity, and ancestry in clinical guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Rosen
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexandra Epee-Bounya
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dorothy Curran
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarita Chung
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Robert Hoffmann
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lois K Lee
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carolyn Marcus
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Camila M Mateo
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Cameron Nereim
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida
| | - Elizabeth Silberholz
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Snehal N Shah
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christina V Theodoris
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hanna Wardell
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ariel S Winn
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sara Toomey
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Valerie L Ward
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Amy Starmer
- Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Baystate Children's Hospital, Springfield, Massachusetts
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Lee NR, King A, Vigil D, Mullaney D, Sanderson PR, Ametepee T, Hammitt LL. Infectious diseases in Indigenous populations in North America: learning from the past to create a more equitable future. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:e431-e444. [PMID: 37148904 PMCID: PMC10156139 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00190-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, although a profound reminder of endured injustices by and the disparate impact of infectious diseases on Indigenous populations, has also served as an example of Indigenous strength and the ability to thrive anew. Many infectious diseases share common risk factors that are directly tied to the ongoing effects of colonisation. We provide historical context and case studies that illustrate both challenges and successes related to infectious disease mitigation in Indigenous populations in the USA and Canada. Infectious disease disparities, driven by persistent inequities in socioeconomic determinants of health, underscore the urgent need for action. We call on governments, public health leaders, industry representatives, and researchers to reject harmful research practices and to adopt a framework for achieving sustainable improvements in the health of Indigenous people that is both adequately resourced and grounded in respect for tribal sovereignty and Indigenous knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi R Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Alexandra King
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Deionna Vigil
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dustin Mullaney
- Department of Biology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Priscilla R Sanderson
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Taiwo Ametepee
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Laura L Hammitt
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Smith BM, Smith TK, Holve S, Connor KA, Coleman C, Tschudy MM. Defining and Promoting Pediatric Pulmonary Health: Equitable Family and Community Partnerships. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2023062292G. [PMID: 37656028 PMCID: PMC10484323 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-062292g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimizing pulmonary health across the lifespan begins from the earliest stages of childhood and requires a partnership between the family, pulmonologist, and pediatrician to achieve equitable outcomes. The Community Pediatrics session of the Defining and Promoting Pediatric Pulmonary Health workshop weaved together 4 community-based pillars with 4 research principles to set an agenda for future pediatric pulmonary research in optimizing lung and sleep health for children and adolescents. To address diversity, equity, and inclusion, both research proposals and workforce must purposefully include a diverse set of participants that reflects the community served, in addition to embracing nontraditional, community-based sites of care and social determinants of health. To foster inclusive, exploratory, and innovative research, studies must be centered on community priorities, with findings applied to all members of the community, particularly those in historically marginalized and minoritized groups. Research teams should also foster meaningful partnerships with community primary care and family members from study conceptualization. To achieve these goals, implementation and dissemination science should be expanded in pediatric pulmonary research, along with the development of rapid mechanisms to disseminate best practices to community-based clinicians. To build cross-disciplinary collaboration and training, community-academic partnerships, family research partnerships, and integrated research networks are necessary. With research supported by community pillars built on authentic partnerships and guided by inclusive principles, pediatric lung and sleep health can be optimized for all children and adolescents across the full lifespan in the community in which they live and thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M. Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tyler K. Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Steve Holve
- Tuba City Regional Health Care, Indian Health Service, Tuba City, Arizona
| | - Katherine A. Connor
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Megan M. Tschudy
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Schreiber Y, Mallach G, Barrowman N, Tsampalieros A, Kelly L, Gordon J, McKay M, Wong CL, Kovesi T. Skin morbidity in Indigenous children in relation to housing conditions in remote communities in Northwestern Ontario, Canada. Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 48:218-224. [PMID: 36763733 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llac082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated rates of eczema and skin infections in Canadian First Nation (FN) communities are of concern to families, community leaders and healthcare professionals. AIM To determine whether skin morbidity was associated with indoor environmental quality factors in Canadian FN children living in remote communities. METHODS We quantified indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in the homes of FN children aged < 4 years of age living in four remote communities in the Sioux Lookout region of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. We conducted a quantitative housing inspection, including measuring surface area of mould (SAM), and monitored air quality for 5 days in each home, including carbon dioxide and relative humidity and quantified endotoxin in settled floor dust. We reviewed the medical charts of participating children for skin conditions and administered a health questionnaire. Relationships between IEQ and skin infections or eczema were evaluated using multivariable regression. RESULTS In total, 98 children were included in the descriptive analyses, of whom 86 had complete data and were evaluated in multivariate analyses for dermatological outcomes (mean age 1.6 years). Of these 86 children, 55% had made ≥ 1 visits to the local health centre (HC) for skin and soft tissue infections and 25.5% for eczema. Unexpectedly, annualized eczema visits were inversely associated with SAM (RR = 0.14; 95% CI 0.01-0.93). There was a trend suggesting an inverse relationship between endotoxin and HC encounters for eczema and skin and soft tissue infections. CONCLUSION Skin infections were common in this population of FN children. IEQ did not appear to be associated with skin infections or eczema. Mould exposure appeared to be inversely associated with HC encounters for eczema, possibly related to complex microorganism-host interactions occurring early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gary Mallach
- Water and Air Quality Bureau, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nick Barrowman
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anne Tsampalieros
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Len Kelly
- Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre
| | - Janet Gordon
- Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Carmen Liy Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Kovesi
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Hicks KL, Robler SK, Platt A, Morton SN, Egger JR, Emmett SD. Environmental Factors for Hearing Loss and Middle Ear Disease in Alaska Native Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from a Cluster Randomized Trial. Ear Hear 2023; 44:2-9. [PMID: 35998103 PMCID: PMC9780156 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001265] [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] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infection-related childhood hearing loss is one of the few preventable chronic health conditions that can affect a child's lifelong trajectory. This study sought to quantify relationships between infection-mediated hearing loss and middle ear disease and environmental factors, such as exposure to wood smoke, cigarette smoke, household crowding, and lack of access to plumbed (running) water, in a northwest region of rural Alaska. DESIGN This study is a cross-sectional analysis to estimate environmental factors of infection-related hearing loss in children aged 3 to 21 years. School hearing screenings were performed as part of two cluster randomized trials in rural Alaska over two academic years (2017-2018 and 2018-2019). The first available screening for each child was used for this analysis. Sociodemographic questionnaires were completed by parents/guardians upon entry into the study. Multivariable regression was performed to estimate prevalence differences and prevalence ratios (PR). A priori knowledge about the prevalence of middle ear disease and the difficulty inherent in obtaining objective hearing loss data in younger children led to analysis of children by age (3 to 6 years versus 7 years and older) and a separate multiple imputation sensitivity analysis for pure-tone average (PTA)-based infection-related hearing loss measures. RESULTS A total of 1634 children participated. Hearing loss was present in 11.1% of children sampled based on otoacoustic emission as the primary indicator of hearing loss and was not associated with exposure to cigarette smoke (PR = 1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48 to 2.38), use of a wood-burning stove (PR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.55 to 1.32), number of persons living in the household (PR = 1.06; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.16), or lack of access to running water (PR = 1.38; 95% CI, 0.80 to 2.39). Using PTA as a secondary indicator of hearing loss also showed no association with environmental factors. Middle ear disease was present in 17.4% of children. There was a higher prevalence of middle ear disease in homes without running water versus those with access to running water (PR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.03 to 2.27). There was little evidence to support any cumulative effects of environmental factors. Heterogeneity of effect models by age found sample prevalence of hearing loss higher for children aged 3 to 6 years (12.2%; 95% CI, 9.3 to 15.7) compared to children 7 years and older (10.6%; 95% CI, 8.9 to 2.6), as well as for sample prevalence of middle ear disease (22.7%; 95% CI, 18.9 to 26.9 and 15.3%; 95% CI, 13.3 to 17.5, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Lack of access to running water in the home was associated with increased prevalence of middle ear disease in this rural, Alaska Native population, particularly among younger children (aged 3 to 6 years). There was little evidence in this study that cigarette smoke, wood-burning stoves, and greater numbers of persons in the household were associated with infection-mediated hearing loss or middle ear disease. Future research with larger sample sizes and more sensitive measures of environmental exposure is necessary to further evaluate these relationships. Children who live in homes without access to running water may benefit from earlier and more frequent hearing health visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli L. Hicks
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Samantha Kleindienst Robler
- Department of Audiology, Norton Sound Health Corporation, Nome, AK
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR
| | - Alyssa Platt
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Sarah N. Morton
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC
| | | | - Susan D. Emmett
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, NC
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14
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Maréchal JYA, Hendriksen K, Hansen LT, Gundelund C, Jensen PE. Domestic water supply in rural Greenland – sufficiency, affordability and accessibility. Int J Circumpolar Health 2022; 81:2138095. [DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2138095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Y. A. Maréchal
- Arctic DTU Sisimiut Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut, DTU Sustain, Technical University of Denmark, Greenland, Sisimiut
| | - Kåre Hendriksen
- Department of Planning, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Casper Gundelund
- Section of Freshwater Fisheries and Ecology, Technical University of Denmark, DTU Aqua, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Pernille Erland Jensen
- Arctic DTU Sisimiut Ilinniarfeqarfik Sisimiut, DTU Sustain, Technical University of Denmark, Greenland, Sisimiut
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15
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Zulz T, Huang G, Rudolph K, DeByle C, Tsang R, Desai S, Massey S, Bruce MG. Epidemiology of invasive Haemophilus influenzae serotype a disease in the North American Arctic, 2006-2017. Int J Circumpolar Health 2022; 81:2150382. [PMID: 36461156 PMCID: PMC9728126 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2022.2150382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive Haemophilus influenzae type a (iHia) disease was detected in Alaska and Northern Canada in 2002 and 2000, respectively. From 2006 to 2017, 164 iHia cases (Alaska=53, Northern Canada=111) were reported. Rates of iHia disease per 100,000 persons were higher in Northern Canada compared to Alaska and were significantly higher in Indigenous (Alaska 2.8, Northern Canada 9.5) compared to non-Indigenous populations (Alaska 0.1, Northern Canada=0.4). Disease rates were highest in Indigenous children <2 years of age (Alaska 56.2, Northern Canada=144.1) and significantly higher than in non-Indigenous children <2 (Alaska 0.1, Northern Canada 0.4). The most common clinical presentation in children <5 years was meningitis of age and pneumonia in persons ≥5 years old. Most patients were hospitalised (Alaska=87%, Northern Canada=89%) and fatality was similar (Alaska=11%, Northern Canada=10%). MLST testing showed sequence types ST23 and ST576 in Northern Canada and ST576, ST23 and ST56 in Alaska. Alaska and Northern Canada have high rates of iHia disease. A vaccine is needed in these regions to protect young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Zulz
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Grace Huang
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Karen Rudolph
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Carolynn DeByle
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Raymond Tsang
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shalini Desai
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Massey
- Section of Epidemiology, Division of Public Health, Alaska Department of Health & Social Services, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Michael G Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA,CONTACT Michael G Bruce
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16
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Hassan N, Murad SMW. Does air pollution increase child mortality? Evidence from 58 developing countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:28913-28932. [PMID: 34993821 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-18319-z] [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: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the effects of air quality on child mortality in developing countries. We consider annual data covering the period from 2010 to 2016 of 58 countries and estimate the empirical models using recently developed panel quantile regression with the method of moments (MM-QR). It is found that outdoor air quality (measured by the concentration of PM2.5 in the air) has a positive and significant effect on total child mortality, post-neonatal mortality, and under-five child mortality. However, its effect on neonatal mortality is not statistically significant at lower quantiles. Furthermore, Household air pollution (HAP) also has a positive and significant effect on total child mortality, neonatal mortality, and under-five child mortality. The effect of HAP on post-neonatal mortality is not significant in most cases. Overall, the adverse effect of HAP is larger than the PM2.5. For instance, a 1% increase of PM2.5 concentration in the outdoor causes 0.231% total child mortality due to respiratory diseases at [Formula: see text], while a 1% increase of HAP causes 0.532% total child mortality at the same quantile. In many cases, the coefficients of PM2.5 and HAP increase at the higher quantiles, supporting asymmetric effects of pollutants on child mortality. However, per capita income, access to basic drinking water and sanitation facilities, and domestic and external health expenditures significantly reduce child mortality. On the contrary, open defecation increases mortality. Consequently, policymakers should take adequate measures to improve indoor and outdoor air quality to combat child mortality due to respiratory diseases in developing countries. They should also take initiatives to enhance per capita income, basic drinking water, and sanitation facilities, domestic and external health expenditures, and public awareness against open defecation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazmul Hassan
- Department of Economics, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh
| | - S M Woahid Murad
- Department of Economics, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, 3814, Bangladesh.
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17
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Fuente D, Mosites E, Bressler S, Eichelberger L, Lefferts B, January G, Singleton R, Thomas T. Health-related economic benefits of universal access to piped water in Arctic communities: Estimates for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of Alaska. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 240:113915. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Brown NE, Blain AE, Burzlaff K, Harrison LH, Petit S, Schaffner W, Smelser C, Thomas A, Triden L, Watt JP, Pondo T, Whaley MJ, Hu F, Wang X, Oliver S, Soeters HM. Racial Disparities in Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Disease-United States, 2008-2017. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:1617-1624. [PMID: 33993217 PMCID: PMC11307574 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) conjugate vaccines in the United States, invasive H. influenzae disease epidemiology has changed, and racial disparities have not been recently described. METHODS Active population- and laboratory-based surveillance for H. influenzae was conducted through Active Bacterial Core surveillance at 10 US sites. Data from 2008-2017 were used to estimate projected nationwide annual incidence, as cases per 100 000. RESULTS During 2008-2017, Active Bacterial Core surveillance identified 7379 H. influenzae cases. Of 6705 patients (90.9%) with reported race, 76.2% were White, 18.6% were Black, 2.8% were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 2.4% were American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN). The nationwide annual incidence was 1.8 cases/100 000. By race, incidence was highest among AI/AN populations (3.1) and lowest among Asian/Pacific Islander populations (0.8). Nontypeable H. influenzae caused the largest incidence within all races (1.3), with no striking disparities identified. Among AI/AN children aged <5 years, incidence of H. influenzae serotype a (Hia) was 16.7 times higher and Hib incidence was 22.4 times higher than among White children. Although Hia incidence was lower among White and Black populations than among AI/AN populations, Hia incidence increased 13.6% annually among White children and 40.4% annually among Black children aged <5 years. CONCLUSIONS While nontypeable H. influenzae causes the largest H. influenzae burden overall, AI/AN populations experience disproportionately high rates of Hia and Hib, with the greatest disparity among AI/AN children aged <5 years. Prevention tools are needed to reduce disparities affecting AI/AN children and address increasing Hia incidence in other communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Brown
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Epidemic Intelligence Service, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amy E. Blain
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kari Burzlaff
- New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Lee H. Harrison
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Susan Petit
- Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hartford, CT, United States
| | - William Schaffner
- Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Chad Smelser
- New Mexico Department of Health, Santa Fe, NM, United States
| | - Ann Thomas
- Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Lori Triden
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, United States
| | - James P. Watt
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, CA, United States
| | - Tracy Pondo
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Melissa J. Whaley
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Fang Hu
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Xin Wang
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sara Oliver
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Heidi M. Soeters
- National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC, Atlanta, GA, United States
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19
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McClure M, Miernyk K, Bruden D, Rudolph K, Hennessy TW, Bruce MG, Nolen LD. Presence of Antibodies Against Haemophilus influenzae Serotype a in Alaska Before and After the Emergence of Invasive Infections. J Infect Dis 2021; 223:326-332. [PMID: 32594132 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemophilus influenzae bacteria can cause asymptomatic carriage and invasive disease. Haemophilus influenzae serotype a (Hia) is an emerging cause of invasive disease in Alaska, with greatest burden occurring among rural Alaska Native (AN) children. The first case of invasive Hia (iHia) in Alaska was reported in 2002; however, it is unclear how long the pathogen has been in Alaska. METHODS We quantified immunoglobulin G antibodies against Hia (anti-Hia) in 839 banked serum samples from Alaska residents, comparing antibody concentrations in samples drawn in the decades before (1980s and 1990s) and after (2000s) the emergence of iHia. We also assessed serum antibody concentration by age group, region of residence, and race. RESULTS The anti-Hia was >0.1 µg/mL in 88.1% (348 of 395) and 91.0% (404 of 444) of samples from the decades prior and after the emergence of Hia, respectively (P = .17). No significant differences in antibody levels were detected between people from rural and urban regions (1.55 vs 2.08 µg/mL, P = .91 for age ≥5) or between AN and non-AN people (2.50 vs 2.60 µg/mL, P = .26). CONCLUSIONS Our results are consistent with widespread Hia exposure in Alaska predating the first iHia case. No difference in Hia antibody prevalence was detected between populations with differing levels of invasive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max McClure
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Karen Miernyk
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Dana Bruden
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Karen Rudolph
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Thomas W Hennessy
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Michael G Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Leisha D Nolen
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
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20
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Hodges E, Lefferts B, Bates E, Desnoyers C, Bruden D, Bruce M, McLaughlin J. Use of Rapid Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Remote Communities - Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region, Alaska, September 15, 2020-March 1, 2021. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2021; 70:1120-1123. [PMID: 34411078 PMCID: PMC8375707 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7033a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in Alaska is challenging. Alaska includes many remote and isolated villages with small populations (ranging from 15 to >1,000 persons) that are accessible only by air from larger communities. Until rapid point-of-care testing became widely available, a primary challenge in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in rural Alaska was slow turnaround times for SARS-CoV-2 test results, attributable to the need to transport specimens to testing facilities. To provide more timely test results and isolation of cases, the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) introduced Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag rapid antigen test (BinaxNOW) on November 9, 2020, in the rural Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region in southwestern Alaska. To evaluate the impact of implementing antigen testing, YKHC reviewed the results of 54,981 antigen and molecular tests for SARS-CoV-2 performed in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta during September 15, 2020-March 1, 2021. Introduction of rapid, point-of-care testing was followed by a more than threefold reduction in daily SARS-CoV-2 case rates during approximately 1 month before the introduction of COVID-19 vaccination. The median turnaround time for SARS-CoV-2 test results decreased by >30%, from 6.4 days during September 15-November 8, 2020, to 4.4 days during November 9, 2020-March 1, 2021 (p<0.001). Daily incidence decreased 65% after the introduction of BinaxNOW, from 342 cases per 100,000 population during the week of November 9 to 119 during the week of December 13 (p<0.001). These findings indicate that point-of-care rapid antigen testing can be a valuable tool in reducing turnaround times in rural communities where local access to laboratory-based nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is not readily available and could thereby reduce transmission by facilitating rapid isolation of infected persons, contact tracing, and implementation of local mitigation strategies.
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21
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Implications of inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure for community spread of COVID-19 in remote Alaskan communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 776:145842. [PMCID: PMC7882225 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, emerged in the human population in December 2019 and spread worldwide within a few short months. Much of the public health focus for preventing and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 has been on individual and collective behaviors, such as social distancing, mask-wearing, and hygiene. It is important to recognize that these behaviors and health outcomes occur within broader social and environmental contexts, and factors within local communities such as regional policy, historical context, cultural beliefs, and natural- and built environmental characteristics affect underlying population health and the spread of disease. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed attention to the importance of secure water and sanitation services in protecting human health; many remote Alaskan communities are particularly vulnerable to infectious disease transmission because of inadequate water and sanitation services. In addition, there are a number of socio-economic, physical, and infrastructure factors in rural Alaska (e.g., remoteness, household overcrowding, climate change impacts, limited medical facilities, and high prevalence of chronic diseases) that contribute to the potential for more severe COVID-19 disease outcomes in these predominantly Alaska Native communities.
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22
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Mattos KJ, Eichelberger L, Warren J, Dotson A, Hawley M, Linden KG. Household Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Practices Impact Pathogen Exposure in Remote, Rural, Unpiped Communities. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE 2021; 38:355-366. [PMID: 34079208 PMCID: PMC8165469 DOI: 10.1089/ees.2020.0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Household water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices in remote, rural, and unpiped communities are likely to impact exposure to pathogens beyond the fecal-oral transmission routes that are typically prioritized in WASH interventions. We studied 43 homes in two remote, rural, unpiped communities in Alaska to evaluate seasonal water haul, water sources, water quality, and water reuse, as well as greywater and human waste disposal over 1 year. Hauled quantities of water reportedly ranged from 3.0 to 5.4 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) depending on the community and season. Natural, untreated water sources contributed 0.5-1.1 gpcd to household water availability. Reported quantities of water hauled were significantly correlated with total water storage capacity in the home. Total coliforms were detected in 30-60% of stored household water samples from treated and untreated sources, and total coliform counts were significantly higher in specific sources and during specific seasons. Exposure to pathogens during periods of low water access, from untreated water reuse, from greywater disposal and from human waste disposal are important pathways of disease transmission in these remote, rural, unpiped communities. We discuss intermediate steps that can be taken at the household and community levels to interrupt exposure pathways before piped infrastructure is installed. This model of examining specific household practices to determine transmission routes can be applied to other remote communities or unique conditions to aid in the recommendation of targeted WASH interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin J. Mattos
- Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Department, the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Laura Eichelberger
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - John Warren
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Aaron Dotson
- Civil Engineering Department, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | | | - Karl G. Linden
- Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Department, the Mortenson Center in Global Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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Wallace LA, Rucks AC, Ginter PM, Katholi CR. Social factors and public policies associated with state infant mortality rates. Women Health 2021; 61:337-344. [PMID: 33722181 DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2021.1889737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite mounting evidence that social factors and public policies affect state infant mortality rates (IMRs), few researchers have examined variation in IMRs associated with those factors and policies. We quantified disparities in infant mortality by state social factors and public policy characteristics. We hypothesized that some social factors and public policies would be more strongly associated with infant mortality than others, and that states with similar factors and policies would form clusters with varying levels of infant mortality. We examined associations of women's economic empowerment, health and well-being, political participation, reproductive rights, and work and family-related policies with state IMRs in 2012 and 2015, using indicators created by the Institute for Women's Policy Research. Methods included generalized linear models, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis. Health and well-being predicted IMRs (2012, 2015, both p < .05), as did poverty and opportunity, and reproductive rights (2012, p < .10). Consistent with our hypothesis, states formed clusters, with the states in each cluster having similar social factors and public policies, and similar IMRs. Women's health status and insurance coverage were more predictive of state IMRs than other social factors. Improving health and insurance coverage may be an effective way to reduce state IMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Wallace
- Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Andrew C Rucks
- Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Peter M Ginter
- Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
| | - Charles R Katholi
- Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, USA
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Sohns A, Ford JD, Adamowski J, Robinson BE. Participatory Modeling of Water Vulnerability in Remote Alaskan Households Using Causal Loop Diagrams. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 67:26-42. [PMID: 33165646 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01387-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite perceptions of high water availability, adequate access to sufficient water resources remains a major challenge in Alaska. This paper uses a participatory modeling approach to investigate household water vulnerability in remote Alaska and to examine factors that affect water availability and water access. Specifically, the work asks: how do water policy stakeholders conceptualize the key processes that affect household water vulnerability in the context of rural Alaska? Fourteen water policy stakeholders participated in the modeling process, which included defining the problem of household water vulnerability and constructing individual causal loop diagrams (CLDs) that represent their conceptualization of household water vulnerability. Individual CLDs were subsequently combined and five sub-models emerged: environmental, economic, infrastructure, social, and health. The environmental and economic sub-models of the CLD are explored in depth. In the environmental sub-model, climate change and environmental barriers due to geography influence household water vulnerability. In the economic sub-model, four processes and one feedback loop affect household water vulnerability, including operations and maintenance funding, the strength of the rural Alaskan economy, and the impact of regulations. To overcome household water vulnerability and make households more resilient, stakeholders highlighted policy solutions under five themes: economics, social, regulatory, technological, and environmental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Sohns
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - James D Ford
- Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Adamowski
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Brian E Robinson
- Department of Geography, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Sibanda D, Singleton R, Clark J, Desnoyers C, Hodges E, Day G, Redding G. Adult outcomes of childhood bronchiectasis. Int J Circumpolar Health 2020; 79:1731059. [PMID: 32090714 PMCID: PMC7048197 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2020.1731059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent literature has highlighted the importance of transition from paediatric to adult care for children with chronic conditions. Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is an important cause of respiratory morbidity in low-income countries and in indigenous children from affluent countries; however, there is little information about adult outcomes of childhood bronchiectasis. We reviewed the clinical course of 31 Alaska Native adults 20-40 years of age from Alaska's Yukon Kuskokwim Delta with childhood bronchiectasis. In patients with chronic suppurative lung disease, a diagnosis of bronchiectasis was made at a median age of 4.5 years by computerised tomography (68%), bronchogram (26%), and radiographs (6%). The patients had a median of 75 lifetime respiratory ambulatory visits and 4.5 hospitalisations. As children, 6 (19%) experienced developmental delay; as adults 9 (29%) experienced mental illness or handicap. Four (13%) patients were deceased, four (13%) had severe pulmonary impairment in adulthood, 17 (54%) had persistent or intermittent respiratory symptoms, and seven (23%) were asymptomatic. In adulthood, only five were seen by adult pulmonologists and most had no documentation of a bronchiectasis diagnosis. Lack of provider continuity, remote location and co-morbidities can contribute to increased adult morbidity. Improving the transition to adult care starting in adolescence and educating adult providers may improve care of adults with childhood bronchiectasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Sibanda
- Research Department, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rosalyn Singleton
- Research Department, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - John Clark
- Clinical & Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Ellen Hodges
- Research Department, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Gretchen Day
- Clinical & Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Gregory Redding
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Abad ED, Ferreira DDC, Cavalcante FS, Saintive S, Goudouris E, Prado EA, Hofer C, Ribeiro M, da Silva AMP, Rosado AS, van Elsas JD, dos Santos KR. High incidence of acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Brazilian children with Atopic Dermatitis and associated risk factors. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2020; 53:724-730. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Environmental Health Consults in Children Hospitalized with Respiratory Infections. J Community Health 2020; 46:324-333. [PMID: 32785871 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-020-00886-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Indoor air pollutants contribute to respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations in children. Rural Alaska Native children experience some of the highest U.S. rates of respiratory hospitalizations, which are associated with lack of in-home running water, household crowding, and woodstove use. In our previous study, in-home education and modifications reduced respiratory symptoms, and medical visits. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of providing in-hospital environmental health consults for parents/guardians of children < 5 years old hospitalized at the Alaska Native Medical Center with respiratory infections or asthma. Environmental health specialists conducted 92 in-hospital consults and mailed Healthy Homes Toolkits to households. Local housing authorities completed low-cost home modifications in 47 eligible households. Participants reported changes in household behaviors that were specifically addressed in the consult or included in the Toolkit (e.g. allergen-impermeable pillow covers). Reported respiratory symptoms were decreased at the 6-month follow-up. Over a 2 year period the median overall medical costs for respiratory illness in study children were $70,500. Children with in-home piped water had half the daily overall medical costs than children without in-home piped water ($74 compared to $144). In this study, we demonstrate that it is feasible to provide environmental consults, mail Toolkits, and arrange home modifications to the homes of children hospitalized with respiratory illness. These findings, along with the high costs of medical care for these children, suggest in-hospital environmental health consults are a cost-effective intervention.
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Rodriguez-Lonebear D, Barceló NE, Akee R, Carroll SR. American Indian Reservations and COVID-19: Correlates of Early Infection Rates in the Pandemic. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2020; 26:371-377. [PMID: 32433389 PMCID: PMC7249493 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the household and community characteristics most closely associated with variation in COVID-19 incidence on American Indian reservations in the lower 48 states. DESIGN Multivariate analysis with population weights. SETTING Two hundred eighty-seven American Indian Reservations and tribal homelands (in Oklahoma) and, as of April 10, 2020, 861 COVID-19 cases on these reservation lands. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The relationship between rate per 1000 individuals of publicly reported COVID-19 cases at the tribal reservation and/or community level and average household characteristics from the 2018 5-Year American Community Survey records. RESULTS By April 10, 2020, in regression analysis, COVID-19 cases were more likely by the proportion of homes lacking indoor plumbing (10.83, P = .001) and were less likely according to the percentage of reservation households that were English-only (-2.43, P = .03). Household overcrowding measures were not statistically significant in this analysis (-6.40, P = .326). CONCLUSIONS Failure to account for the lack of complete indoor plumbing and access to potable water in a pandemic may be an important determinant of the increased incidence of COVID-19 cases. Access to relevant information that is communicated in the language spoken by many reservation residents may play a key role in the spread of COVID-19 in some tribal communities. Household overcrowding does not appear to be associated with COVID-19 infections in our data at the current time. Previous studies have identified household plumbing and overcrowding, and language, as potential pandemic and disease infection risk factors. These risk factors persist. Funding investments in tribal public health and household infrastructure, as delineated in treaties and other agreements, are necessary to protect American Indian communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desi Rodriguez-Lonebear
- University of Arizona School of Sociology, Tucson, Arizona (Dr Rodriguez-Lonebear); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine and the Semel Institute, Los Angeles, California (Dr Barceló); Public Policy and American Indian Studies Departments, Luskin School of Public Affairs, UCLA, Los Angeles, California (Dr Akee); Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Native Nations Institute at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (Dr Carroll)
| | - Nicolás E. Barceló
- University of Arizona School of Sociology, Tucson, Arizona (Dr Rodriguez-Lonebear); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine and the Semel Institute, Los Angeles, California (Dr Barceló); Public Policy and American Indian Studies Departments, Luskin School of Public Affairs, UCLA, Los Angeles, California (Dr Akee); Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Native Nations Institute at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (Dr Carroll)
| | - Randall Akee
- University of Arizona School of Sociology, Tucson, Arizona (Dr Rodriguez-Lonebear); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine and the Semel Institute, Los Angeles, California (Dr Barceló); Public Policy and American Indian Studies Departments, Luskin School of Public Affairs, UCLA, Los Angeles, California (Dr Akee); Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Native Nations Institute at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (Dr Carroll)
| | - Stephanie Russo Carroll
- University of Arizona School of Sociology, Tucson, Arizona (Dr Rodriguez-Lonebear); Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine and the Semel Institute, Los Angeles, California (Dr Barceló); Public Policy and American Indian Studies Departments, Luskin School of Public Affairs, UCLA, Los Angeles, California (Dr Akee); Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health and Native Nations Institute at the Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (Dr Carroll)
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Capturing a Complexity of Nutritional, Environmental, and Economic Impacts on Selected Health Parameters in the Russian High North. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12052151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The rapid pace of economic exploration of the Arctic against the backdrop of progressing environmental change put a high priority on improving understanding of health impacts in the northern communities. Deficiencies in the capability to capture the complexity of health-influencing parameters along with a lack of observations in circumpolar territories present major challenges to establishing credible projections of disease incidence across varying northern environments. It is thus crucial to reveal the relative contributions of coacting factors to provide a basis for sustainable solutions in the sphere of public health. In order to better understand the adverse effects associated with public health, this study employed six-stage multiple regression analysis of incidence rates of fourteen diseases (International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) codes most widespread in the Russian Arctic) against a set of environmental, nutritional, and economic variables. Variance inflationary factor and best-subsets regression methods were used to eliminate collinearity between the parameters of regression models. To address the diversity of health impacts across northern environments, territories of the Arctic zone of Russia were categorized as (1) industrial sites, (2) urban agglomerations, (3) rural inland, and (4) coastline territories. It was suggested that, in Type 1 territories, public health parameters were most negatively affected by air and water pollution, in Type 2 territories—by low-nutrient diets, in Type 3 and Type 4 territories—by economic factors. It was found that in the Western parts of the Russian Arctic, poor quality of running water along with low access to the quality-assured sources of water might increase the exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases and diseases of the circulatory, respiratory, and genitourinary systems. Low living standards across the Russian Arctic challenged the economic accessibility of adequate diets. In the cities, the nutritional transition to low-quality cheap market food correlated with a higher incidence of digestive system disorders, immune diseases, and neoplasms. In indigenous communities, the prevalence of low diversified diets based on traditional food correlated with the increase in the incidence rates of nutritional and metabolic diseases.
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Mosites E, Lefferts B, Seeman S, January G, Dobson J, Fuente D, Bruce M, Thomas T, Hennessy T. Community water service and incidence of respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal infections in rural Alaska, 2013-2015. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 225:113475. [PMID: 32058938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2020.113475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communities in rural Alaska have access to multiple types of water service (piped, vehicle-hauled, and self-hauled) and experience varying levels of water service coverage. We assessed the incidence rate of inpatient and outpatient infectious disease visits among communities with different water service types and coverage levels. METHODS We classified ICD-9 codes for inpatient and outpatient visits to the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation facilities between 2013 and 2015 into six infectious disease categories. Using Poisson models, we compared the incidence of visits in each category across communities with differing water service coverage levels as defined by water service billing data for the same years. Using census data, we adjusted for community median household income, median age, crowding, and health aide staffing. RESULTS We included 48 communities in this analysis. After adjusting for possible confounders, each 10% increase in piped water coverage was associated with a 4% lower incidence of pneumonia/influenza visits (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.98), a 2% lower incidence of other respiratory infection visits (adjusted IRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99), an 8% lower incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus visits (adjusted IRR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97), and a 4% lower incidence of other skin infections visits (adjusted IRR 0.96, 95% CI 0.95-0.98). Each 10% increase in vehicle-hauled water coverage was associated with a 2% lower incidence of respiratory infection visits (adjusted IRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.996) and a 3% lower incidence of skin infection visits (adjusted IRR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99), also after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of water service coverage were associated with lower incidence rates of visits for several infectious disease categories. These associations were more pronounced for communities with piped water service compared to vehicle-hauled water service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Mosites
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA.
| | - Brian Lefferts
- Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Sara Seeman
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Gerald January
- Records and Verification Electronic Network (RAVEN) Team, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Jennifer Dobson
- Office of Environmental Health and Engineering, Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - David Fuente
- School of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Michael Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Timothy Thomas
- Clinical Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Thomas Hennessy
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Hueffer K, Ehrlander M, Etz K, Reynolds A. One health in the circumpolar North. Int J Circumpolar Health 2019; 78:1607502. [PMID: 31023174 PMCID: PMC6493317 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2019.1607502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The North faces significant health disparities, especially among its many Indigenous peoples. In this article we discuss historical, environmental, and cultural variables that contribute to these disparities and propose a One Health approach to address them in a holistic and culturally appropriate manner. The One Health paradigm recognizes the interdependence among the health and well-being of people, animals and the environment. As such, the framework aligns well with many Indigenous world views. This proactive, interdisciplinary, constructivist, and collaborative approach promise earlier detection of risks and threats, as well as more effective responses, in part by engaging community level stakeholders in all stages of the process. In the far North, humans, especially Indigenous peoples, continue to live closely connected to their environment, in settings that exert significant impacts on health. In recent decades, rapid warming and elevated contaminant levels have heightened environmental risks and increased uncertainty, both of which threaten individual and community health and well-being. Under these circumstances especially, One Health's comprehensive approach may provide mitigating and adaptive strategies to enhance resilience. While many of the examples used in this manuscript focus on Alaska and Canada, the authors believe similar conditions exist among the indigenous and rural residents across the entire Circumpolar North.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Hueffer
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Mary Ehrlander
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Kathy Etz
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Arleigh Reynolds
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
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Mattos K, King E, Lucas C, Snyder EH, Dotson A, Linden K. Rainwater catchments in rural Alaska have the potential to produce high-quality water and high quantities of water for household use. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2019; 17:788-800. [PMID: 31638029 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2019.238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rainwater collection is a common source of household water in developed and developing communities where treated on-site water is not available. Although rainwater catchment has been practiced for generations in rural Alaska communities, there are little data available on the quality and quantity of rainwater resources. Forty-eight rainwater samples were collected from nine communities in Alaska over 2 years. Samples were tested for physical water quality parameters, metals, and bacteria. Characteristics of household catchments were recorded. Rainwater quantity in two communities was evaluated. Overall, high-quality water was observed in rain catchments, with average total organic carbon (TOC) and turbidity being lower than or equal to those values in other published rainwater studies. pH was consistently low. Over 80% of samples were below the United States limits for metals and met international microbiological water quality standards. However, variation was observed between households, communities, indoor/outdoor bacteria samples, covered/uncovered storage containers, and over time. The quantity of rainwater available for catchment could supply 17-40% of annual household water and is projected to increase in future decades according to Alaska climate models. Best practices are recommended for rural Alaska communities to maintain the naturally high quality of rainwater and take advantage of large quantities of rainwater available on-site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin Mattos
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, UCB 428, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, USA
| | - Elizabeth King
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA; Current affiliation: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 4000 Ambassador Drive, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Cara Lucas
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA; Department of Civil Engineering, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA E-mail:
| | - Elizabeth Hodges Snyder
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA
| | - Aaron Dotson
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, Alaska 99508, USA E-mail:
| | - Karl Linden
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, UCB 428, Boulder, Colorado 80309-0428, USA
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Lack of in-home piped water and reported consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages among adults in rural Alaska. Public Health Nutr 2019; 23:861-868. [PMID: 31547892 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980019002477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether a community water service is associated with the frequency of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption, obesity, or perceived health status in rural Alaska. DESIGN We examined the cross-sectional associations between community water access and frequency of SSB consumption, body mass index categories, and perceived health status using data from the 2013 and 2015 Alaska Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Participants were categorized by zip code to 'in-home piped water service' or 'no in-home piped water service' based on water utility data. We evaluated the univariable and multivariable (adjusting for age, household income and education) associations between water service and outcomes using log-linear survey-weighted generalized linear models. SETTING Rural Alaska, USA. SUBJECTS Eight hundred and eighty-seven adults, aged 25 years and older. RESULTS In unadjusted models, participants without in-home water reported consuming SSB more often than participants with in-home water (1·46, 95 % CI: 1·06, 2·00). After adjustment for potential confounders, the effect decreased but remained borderline significant (1·29, 95 % CI: 1·00, 1·67). Obesity was not significantly associated with water service but self-reported poor health was higher in those communities without in-home water (1·63, 95 % CI: 1·05, 2·54). CONCLUSIONS Not having access to in-home piped water could affect behaviours surrounding SSB consumption and general perception of health in rural Alaska.
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Kovesi T. Respiratory medicine in Nunavut and Northern Canada. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF RESPIRATORY, CRITICAL CARE, AND SLEEP MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24745332.2018.1483784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Kovesi
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontrio, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Berry-Stoelzle M, Parang K, Daly J. Rural Primary Care Offices and Cancer Survivorship Care: Part of the Care Trajectory for Cancer Survivors. Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol 2019; 6:2333392818822914. [PMID: 30719488 PMCID: PMC6348493 DOI: 10.1177/2333392818822914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A cancer diagnosis is a monumental event in a patient’s life and with the number of cancer survivors increasing; most of these patients will be taken care of by a primary care provider at some point after their cancer therapy. The purpose of this study is to identify primary care physician’s needs to care for a patient who has had cancer. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of the physician members of the Iowa Research Network was conducted. The survey was designed to measure physician confidence in cancer survivor’s care, office strategies regarding cancer survivorship care, and resources available for patients with cancer. Two hundred seventy-four Iowa Research Network members were invited to participate in this survey. Results: Eighty-two physicians (30%) completed the questionnaire with 96% reporting that they are aware of their patient’s cancer survivorship status. Seventy-one physicians reported they were aware of cancer survivorship status by an oncologist sending a note to the office, 68 being diagnosed in their office, 61 by the patient keeping the office apprised, and 15 receiving a survivorship care plan. Physicians reported the top changes in a cancer survivor’s physical health as fatigue (81%) and pain (59%). Sixty-two physicians reported not feeling confident for managing chemobrain, cardiotoxicity (71%), and skin changes (35%). Male physicians were significantly more confident managing patients’ skin changes (P = .049) and musculoskeletal disturbances than female physicians (P = .027), while female physicians were significantly more confident managing early-onset menopause than male physicians (P = .027). Conclusion: Most respondents are aware of their patients who are cancer survivors and are mostly confident in the care they provide for them related to long-term effects and side effects of cancer therapies with limited receipt of cancer survivorship care plans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Parang
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Jeanette Daly
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Barros N, Tulve NS, Bailey K, Heggem DT. Outdoor Air Emissions, Land Use, and Land Cover around Schools on Tribal Lands. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 16:E36. [PMID: 30586886 PMCID: PMC6339187 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16010036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Children from tribes are more burdened with adverse respiratory well-being outcomes versus other U.S. children. The objectives of this study were to identify stressors from the built and natural environments for tribal school-aged children. Outdoor air concentrations around U.S. tribal schools were linked to National Emission Inventories; ecoregions and National Land Cover Database; and American Community Survey and school map layers. Nine school sites (seven tribes, five U.S. states) were in three ecoregions: North American Deserts, Northern Forests, and Mediterranean California. Closest emission sources were oil, gas, airport, and manufacturing facilities. Maximum annual outdoor air concentrations were measured for toluene at two schools (29 ppb and 15 ppb, 2011), located four miles from a solid waste landfill and eight miles from paperboard/saw mills. Maximum annual concentrations of metals in particulate matter 10 micrometers and smaller were highest for manganese (68 ng/m³, 2011). Schools were in mainly arid and heavily forested lands. Closest emission sources were predominantly off tribal lands. Measurements were limited (<30/year). Compared to schools off tribal lands, schools on tribal lands were further away from roadway sources. Future research may examine outdoor air quality around schools with more developed land and indoor air for tribal children's total exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalla Barros
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code: E205-04, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Nicolle S Tulve
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Mail Code: E205-04, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | - Ken Bailey
- Office of Science Policy, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 3355 Blue Rock Road, Cincinnati, OH 45239, USA.
| | - Daniel T Heggem
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, 944 East Harmon Avenue, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA.
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Barros N, Tulve NS, Heggem D, Bailey K. Review of built and natural environment stressors impacting American-Indian/Alaska-Native children. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2018; 33:349-381. [PMID: 30205649 PMCID: PMC6350512 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2018-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Children's exposures to chemical and non-chemical stressors from their everyday environment affects their overall health and well-being. American-Indian/Alaska-Native (AI/AN) children may have a disproportionate burden of stressors from their built and natural environments when compared to children from other races/ethnicities. Our objectives were to identify chemical and non-chemical stressors from AI/AN children's built and natural environments and evaluate their linkages with health and well-being outcomes from the peer reviewed literature. Library databases (e.g. PubMed) were searched to identify studies focused on these stressors. References were excluded if they: did not discuss AI/AN children or they were not the primary cohort; discussed tribes outside the United States (U.S.); were reviews or intervention studies; or did not discuss stressors from the built/natural environments. Out of 2539 references, 35 remained. Sample populations were predominantly (70%) in New York (NY) and Alaska (AK); 14 studies reported on the same cohort. Studies with matching stressors and outcomes were few, ruling out a quantitative review. Respiratory and developmental outcomes were the main outcomes evaluated. Primary non-chemical stressors were residential proximity to polluted landscapes, lack of indoor plumbing, and indoor use of wood for heating or cooking. The main chemical stressors were volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM2.5), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), lead, and mercury. Our qualitative review was suggestive of a potential increase in respiratory illness from indoor wood use or no plumbing, which can be used as a guide to promote healthy environments for AI/AN children. We identified limited studies (<40), demonstrating this population as understudied. Future studies need to consider: sample populations from other tribes in the U.S., stressors outside the household, other elements of the natural environment, and an evaluation of stressors from AI/AN children's total environment (built, natural, and social).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmalla Barros
- ORISE, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nicolle S. Tulve
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel Heggem
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Ken Bailey
- Office of Research and Development, Office of Science Policy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
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Singleton R, Salkoski AJ, Bulkow L, Fish C, Dobson J, Albertson L, Skarada J, Ritter T, Kovesi T, Hennessy TW. Impact of home remediation and household education on indoor air quality, respiratory visits and symptoms in Alaska Native children. Int J Circumpolar Health 2018; 77:1422669. [PMID: 29393004 PMCID: PMC5804775 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2017.1422669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alaska Native children experience high rates of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) and lung conditions, which are associated with substandard indoor air quality (IAQ). We conducted an intervention of home remediation and education to assess the impact on IAQ, respiratory symptoms and LRTI visits. We enrolled households of children 1-12 years of age with lung conditions. Home remediation included improving ventilation and replacing leaky woodstoves. We provided education about IAQ and respiratory health. We monitored indoor airborne particles (PM2.5), CO2, relative humidity and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and interviewed caregivers about children's symptoms before, and for 1 year after intervention. We evaluated the association between children's respiratory visits, symptoms and IAQ indicators using multiple logistic regression. A total of 60 of 63 homes completed the study. VOCs decreased (coefficient = -0.20; p < 0.001); however, PM2.5 (coeff. = -0.010; p = 0.89) did not decrease. Burning wood for heat, VOCs and PM2.5 were associated with respiratory symptoms. After remediation, parents reported decreases in runny nose, cough between colds, wet cough, wheezing with colds, wheezing between colds and school absences. Children had an age-adjusted decrease in LRTI visits (coefficient = -0.33; p = 0.028). Home remediation and education reduced respiratory symptoms, LRTI visits and school absenteeism in children with lung conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalyn Singleton
- Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Anchorage, AK, USA
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AIP-CDC), Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | | | - Chris Fish
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, ANTHC, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Jennifer Dobson
- Office of Environmental Health, Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Leif Albertson
- School of Natural Resources and Extension, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Bethel, AK, USA
| | | | - Troy Ritter
- Division of Environmental Health and Engineering, ANTHC, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Thomas Kovesi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Grytdal SP, Weatherholtz R, Esposito DH, Campbell J, Reid R, Gregoricus N, Schneeberger C, Lusk TS, Xiao L, Garrett N, Bopp C, Hammitt LL, Vinjé J, Hill VR, O'Brien KL, Hall AJ. Water quality, availability, and acute gastroenteritis on the Navajo Nation - a pilot case-control study. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2018; 16:1018-1028. [PMID: 30540275 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2018.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The Navajo Nation includes approximately 250,000 American Indians living in a remote high desert environment with limited access to public water systems. We conducted a pilot case-control study to assess associations between acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and water availability, use patterns, and quality. Case patients with AGE and non-AGE controls who presented for care to two Indian Health Service hospitals were recruited. Data on demographics and water use practices were collected using a standard questionnaire. Household drinking water was tested for presence of pathogens, coliforms, and residual chlorine. Sixty-one subjects (32 cases and 29 controls) participated in the study. Cases and controls were not significantly different with respect to water sources, quality, or patterns of use. Twenty-one percent (n = 12) of study participants resided in dwellings not connected to a community water system. Eleven percent (n = 7) of subjects reported drinking hauled water from unregulated sources. Coliform bacteria were present in 44% (n = 27) of household water samples, and 68% (n = 40) of samples contained residual chlorine concentrations of <0.2 mg/L. This study highlights issues with water availability, quality, and use patterns within the Navajo Nation, including sub-optimal access to community water systems, and use of water hauled from unregulated sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P Grytdal
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA E-mail:
| | - Robert Weatherholtz
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
| | - Douglas H Esposito
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA E-mail:
| | - James Campbell
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
| | - Raymond Reid
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
| | - Nicole Gregoricus
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA E-mail:
| | - Chandra Schneeberger
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA
| | - Tina S Lusk
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA
| | - Lihua Xiao
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA
| | - Nancy Garrett
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA
| | - Cheryl Bopp
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA
| | - Laura L Hammitt
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
| | - Jan Vinjé
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA E-mail:
| | - Vincent R Hill
- Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA
| | - Katherine L O'Brien
- Center for American Indian Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 415 N. Washington Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
| | - Aron J Hall
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30029, USA E-mail:
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40
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Wu T, Englehardt JD, Guo T, Gassie L, Dotson A. Applicability of energy-positive net-zero water management in Alaska: technology status and case study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:33025-33037. [PMID: 29168139 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0743-2] [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: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Challenges of water and wastewater management in Alaska include the potential need for above-grade and freeze-protected piping, high unit energy costs and, in many rural areas, low population density and median annual income. However, recently developed net-zero water (NZW), i.e., nearly closed-loop, direct potable water reuse systems, can retain the thermal energy in municipal wastewater, producing warm treated potable water without the need for substantial water re-heating, heat pumping or transfer, or additional energy conversion. Consequently, these systems are projected to be capable of saving more energy than they use in water treatment and conveyance, in the temperate USA. In this paper, NZW technology is reviewed in terms of potential applicability in Alaska by performing a hypothetical case study for the city of Fairbanks, Alaska. Results of this paper study indicate that in municipalities of Alaska with local engineering and road access, the use of NZW systems may provide an energy-efficient water service option. In particular, case study modeling suggests hot water energy savings are equivalent to five times the energy used for treatment, much greater savings than in mid-latitudes, due largely to the substantially higher energy needed for heating water from a conventional treatment system and lack of need for freeze-protected piping. Further study of the applicability of NZW technology in cold regions, with expanded evaluation in terms of system-wide lifecycle cost, is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 5000 Technology Drive, Huntsville, AL, 35899, USA.
| | - James D Englehardt
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, PO BOX 248294, Coral Gables, FL, 33124-0630, USA.
| | - Tianjiao Guo
- Zhejiang JuNeng Co., Ltd., 1500 Daole Road, Tongxiang, Zhejiang, 314500, China
| | - Lucien Gassie
- Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, University of Miami, PO BOX 248294, Coral Gables, FL, 33124-0630, USA
| | - Aaron Dotson
- Department of Civil Engineering, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
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Jensen PE, Hennessy TW, Kallenborn R. Water, sanitation, pollution, and health in the Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32827-32830. [PMID: 30362032 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3388-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Erland Jensen
- Arctic technology Centre, Department of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Thomas W Hennessy
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Roland Kallenborn
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway
- University Center in Svalbard (UNIS), Arctic Technology, P.O. Box 156, NO 9171, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
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Hickel KA, Dotson A, Thomas TK, Heavener M, Hébert J, Warren JA. The search for an alternative to piped water and sewer systems in the Alaskan Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32873-32880. [PMID: 28353111 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8815-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Forty-two communities in rural Alaska are considered unserved or underserved with water and sewer infrastructure. Many challenges exist to provide centralized piped water and sewer infrastructure to the homes, and they are exacerbated by decreasing capital funding. Unserved communities in rural Alaska experience higher rates of disease, supporting the recommendation that sanitation infrastructure should be provided. Organizations are pursuing alternative solutions to conventional piped water and sewer in order to maximize water use and reuse for public health. This paper reviews initiatives led by the State of Alaska, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, and the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation to identify and develop potential long-term solutions appropriate and acceptable to rural communities. Future developments will likely evolve based on the lessons learned from the initiatives. Recommendations include Alaska-specific research needs, increased end-user participation in the design process, and integrated monitoring, evaluation, and information dissemination in future efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korie A Hickel
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 4500 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA.
| | - Aaron Dotson
- Civil Engineering Department, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Timothy K Thomas
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 4500 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Mia Heavener
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 4500 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Jack Hébert
- Cold Climate Housing Research Center, 1000 Fairbanks Street, Fairbanks, AK, 99709, USA
| | - John A Warren
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 4500 Diplomacy Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
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Hendriksen K, Hoffmann B. Greenlandic water and sanitation systems-identifying system constellation and challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32964-32974. [PMID: 28681303 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9556-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A good water supply and wastewater management is essential for a local sustainable community development. This is emphasized in the new global goals of the UN Sustainable Development, where the sixth objective is to: "Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" (United Nations 2015). This obviously raises the question of how this can be achieved considering the very different conditions and cultures around the globe. This article presents the Greenlandic context and elucidates the current Greenland water supply system and wastewater management system from a socio-technical approach, focusing on the geographic, climatic and cultural challenges. The article identifies a diverse set of system constellations in different parts of Greenland and concludes with a discussion of health and quality of life implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kåre Hendriksen
- Arctic Technology Centre, DTU Byg, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Birgitte Hoffmann
- Section for Sustainable Design and Transition, Dept. of Development and Planning, Aalborg University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Eichelberger L. Household water insecurity and its cultural dimensions: preliminary results from Newtok, Alaska. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32938-32951. [PMID: 28634806 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Using a relational approach, I examine several cultural dimensions involved in household water access and use in Newtok, Alaska. I describe the patterns that emerge around domestic water access and use, as well as the subjective lived experiences of water insecurity including risk perceptions, and the daily work and hydro-social relationships involved in accessing water from various sources. I found that Newtok residents haul water in limited amounts from a multitude of sources, both treated and untreated, throughout the year. Household water access is tied to hydro-social relationships predicated on sharing and reciprocity, particularly when the primary treated water access point is unavailable. Older boys and young men are primarily responsible for hauling water, and this role appears to be important to male Yupik identity. Many interviewees described preferring to drink untreated water, a practice that appears related to cultural constructions of natural water sources as pure and self-purifying, as well as concerns about the safety of treated water. Concerns related to the health consequences of low water access appear to differ by gender and age, with women and elders expressing greater concern than men. These preliminary results point to the importance of understanding the cultural dimensions involved in household water access and use. I argue that institutional responses to water insecurity need to incorporate such cultural dimensions into solutions aimed at increasing household access to and use of water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Eichelberger
- Department of Anthropology, University of Texas at San Antonio, College of Liberal and Fine Arts, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249-1644, USA.
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45
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Wright CJ, Sargeant JM, Edge VL, Ford JD, Farahbakhsh K, Shiwak I, Flowers C, Harper SL. Water quality and health in northern Canada: stored drinking water and acute gastrointestinal illness in Labrador Inuit. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:32975-32987. [PMID: 28702908 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9695-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
One of the highest self-reported incidence rates of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) in the global peer-reviewed literature occurs in Inuit communities in the Canadian Arctic. This high incidence of illness could be due, in part, to the consumption of contaminated water, as many northern communities face challenges related to the quality of municipal drinking water. Furthermore, many Inuit store drinking water in containers in the home, which could increase the risk of contamination between source and point-of-use (i.e., water recontamination during storage). To examine this risk, this research characterized drinking water collection and storage practices, identified potential risk factors for water contamination between source and point-of-use, and examined possible associations between drinking water contamination and self-reported AGI in the Inuit community of Rigolet, Canada. The study included a cross-sectional census survey that captured data on types of drinking water used, household practices related to drinking water (e.g., how it was collected and stored), physical characteristics of water storage containers, and self-reported AGI. Additionally, water samples were collected from all identified drinking water containers in homes and analyzed for presence of Escherichia coli and total coliforms. Despite municipally treated tap water being available in all homes, 77.6% of households had alternative sources of drinking water stored in containers, and of these containers, 25.2% tested positive for total coliforms. The use of transfer devices and water dippers (i.e., smaller bowls or measuring cups) for the collection and retrieval of water from containers were both significantly associated with increased odds of total coliform presence in stored water (ORtransfer device = 3.4, 95% CI 1.2-11.7; ORdipper = 13.4, 95% CI 3.8-47.1). Twenty-eight-day period prevalence of self-reported AGI during the month before the survey was 17.2% (95% CI 13.0-22.5), which yielded an annual incidence rate of 2.4 cases per person per year (95% CI 1.8-3.1); no water-related risk factors were significantly associated with AGI. Considering the high prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, indicator bacteria in drinking water stored in containers, potential exposure to waterborne pathogens may be minimized through interventions at the household level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlee J Wright
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Jan M Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
- Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Victoria L Edge
- Public Health Agency of Canada, 160 Research Lane, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 5B2, Canada
- Indigenous Health Adaptation to Climate Change, Montréal, Canada
| | - James D Ford
- Indigenous Health Adaptation to Climate Change, Montréal, Canada
- Priestly International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Department of Geography, McGill University, 845 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3A 0G4, Canada
| | - Khosrow Farahbakhsh
- School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Inez Shiwak
- Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, Labrador, A0P 1P0, Canada
| | - Charlie Flowers
- Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, Labrador, A0P 1P0, Canada
| | - Sherilee L Harper
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
- Indigenous Health Adaptation to Climate Change, Montréal, Canada.
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Public Health Agency Responses and Opportunities to Protect Against Health Impacts of Climate Change Among US Populations with Multiple Vulnerabilities. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2018; 5:1159-1170. [PMID: 30191473 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-017-0402-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
During the past several decades, unprecedented global changes in climate have given rise to an increase in extreme weather and other climate events and their consequences such as heavy rainfall, hurricanes, flooding, heat waves, wildfires, and air pollution. These climate effects have direct impacts on human health such as premature death, injuries, exacerbation of health conditions, disruption of mental well-being, as well as indirect impacts through food- and water-related infections and illnesses. While all populations are at risk for these adverse health outcomes, some populations are at greater risk because of multiple vulnerabilities resulting from increased exposure to risk-prone areas, increased sensitivity due to underlying health conditions, and limited adaptive capacity primarily because of a lack of economic resources to respond adequately. We discuss current governmental public health responses and their future opportunities to improve resilience of special populations at greatest risk for adverse health outcomes. Vulnerability assessment, adaptation plans, public health emergency response, and public health agency accreditation are all current governmental public health actions. Governmental public health opportunities include integration of these current responses with health equity initiatives and programs in communities.
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47
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Miernyk KM, Bulkow LR, Gold BD, Bruce MG, Hurlburt DH, Griffin PM, Swerdlow D, Cook K, Hennessy T, Parkinson AJ. Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among Alaskans: Factors associated with infection and comparison of urea breath test and anti-Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies. Helicobacter 2018; 23. [PMID: 29537130 PMCID: PMC6640139 DOI: 10.1111/hel.12482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common human infections in the world, and studies in Alaska Native people, as well as other Indigenous peoples, have shown a high prevalence of this gastric infection. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection by urea breath test (UBT) and anti- H. pylori IgG among Alaskans living in four regions of the state and to identify factors associated with infection. METHODS A convenience sample of persons > 6 months old living in five rural and one urban Alaskan community were recruited from 1996 to 1997. Participants were asked about factors possibly associated with infection. Sera were collected and tested for anti- H. pylori IgG antibodies; a UBT was administered to participants > 5 years old. RESULTS We recruited 710 people of whom 571 (80%) were Alaska Native and 467 (66%) were from rural communities. Rural residents were more likely to be Alaska Native compared with urban residents (P < .001). Of the 710 people, 699 (98%) had a serum sample analyzed, and 634 (97%) persons > 5 years old had a UBT performed. H. pylori prevalence was 69% by UBT and 68% by anti- H. pylori IgG. Among those with a result for both tests, there was 94% concordance. Factors associated with H. pylori positivity were Alaska Native racial status, age ≥ 20 years, rural region of residence, living in a crowded home, and drinking water that was not piped or delivered. CONCLUSIONS Helicobacter pylori prevalence is high in Alaska, especially in Alaska Native persons and rural residents. Concordance between UBT and serology was also high in this group. Two socioeconomic factors, crowding and drinking water that was not piped or delivered, were found to be associated with H. pylori positivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- KM Miernyk
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Anchorage, Alaska USA
| | - LR Bulkow
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Anchorage, Alaska USA
| | - BD Gold
- Children’s Center for Digestive Healthcare, LLC; Atlanta, Georgia USA
| | - MG Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Anchorage, Alaska USA
| | - DH Hurlburt
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Anchorage, Alaska USA
| | - PM Griffin
- Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia USA
| | - D Swerdlow
- Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta, Georgia USA
| | - K Cook
- Kiel Laboratories, Inc.; Flowery Branch, Georgia USA
| | - T Hennessy
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Anchorage, Alaska USA
| | - AJ Parkinson
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Anchorage, Alaska USA
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Wright CJ, Sargeant JM, Edge VL, Ford JD, Farahbakhsh K, Shiwak I, Flowers C, Gordon AC, Harper SL. How are perceptions associated with water consumption in Canadian Inuit? A cross-sectional survey in Rigolet, Labrador. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 618:369-378. [PMID: 29132004 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Concerns regarding the safety and aesthetic qualities of one's municipal drinking water supply are important factors influencing drinking water perceptions and consumption patterns (i.e. sources used and daily volume of consumption). In northern Canada, Inuit communities face challenges with drinking water quality, and many Inuit have reported concerns regarding the safety of their drinking water. The objectives of this research were to describe perceptions of municipal tap water, examine use of water sources and changes following the installation of a potable water dispensing unit (PWDU) in 2014, and identify factors associated with water consumption in the Inuit community of Rigolet. This study used data from three cross-sectional census surveys conducted between 2012 and 2014. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to aggregate data from multiple variables related to perceptions of water, and logistic regressions were used to identify variables associated with water consumption patterns. Three quarters of residents reported using the PWDU after its installation, with concomitant declines reported in consumption of bottled, tap, and brook water. Negative perceptions of tap water were associated with lower odds of consuming tap water (ORPCAcomponent1=0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.94; ORPCAcomponent2=0.67, 95% CI 0.49-0.93); women had higher odds of drinking purchased water compared to men (OR=1.90, 95% CI 1.11-3.26). The median amount of water consumed per day was 1L. Using brook water (OR=2.60, 95% CI 1.22-5.56) and living in a household where no one had full-time employment (OR=2.94, 95% CI 1.35-6.39) were associated with consuming >2L of water per day. Results of this study may inform drinking water interventions, risk assessments, and public health messaging in Rigolet and other Indigenous communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlee J Wright
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Jan M Sargeant
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada; Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Victoria L Edge
- Public Health Agency of Canada, 160 Research Lane, Guelph, Ontario N1G 5B2, Canada
| | - James D Ford
- Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
| | - Khosrow Farahbakhsh
- Formerly with the School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Inez Shiwak
- Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, Labrador A0P 1P0, Canada
| | - Charlie Flowers
- Rigolet Inuit Community Government, Rigolet, Labrador A0P 1P0, Canada
| | - Allan C Gordon
- Formerly with the School of Engineering, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Sherilee L Harper
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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"Straight from the heavens into your bucket": domestic rainwater harvesting as a measure to improve water security in a subarctic indigenous community. Int J Circumpolar Health 2018; 76:1312223. [PMID: 28422581 PMCID: PMC5405442 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2017.1312223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Black Tickle-Domino is an extremely water-insecure remote Inuit community in the Canadian subarctic that lacks piped-water. Drinking water consumption in the community is less than a third of the Canadian national average. Water insecurity in the community contributes to adverse health, economic, and social effects and requires urgent action. Objectives: To test the ability of domestic rainwater harvesting (DRWH) for the first time in the subarctic with the goal of improving water access and use in the community. Design: This project utilised quantitative weekly reporting of water collection and use, as well as focus group discussions. DRWH units were installed at seven water-insecure households chosen by the local government. Results were measured over a 6-week period in 2016. Results: Participants harvested 19.07 gallons of rainwater per week. General purpose water consumption increased by 17% and water retrieval efforts declined by 40.92%. Households saved $12.70 CDN per week. Participants reported perceived improvements to psychological health. Because no potable water was collected, drinking water consumption did not increase. The study identified additional water-insecurity impacts. Conclusion: DRWH cannot supply drinking water without proper treatment and filtration; however, it can be a partial remedy to water insecurity in the subarctic. DRWH is appropriately scaled, inexpensive, and participants identified several significant benefits.
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Penn HJF, Loring PA, Schnabel WE. Diagnosing water security in the rural North with an environmental security framework. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 199:91-98. [PMID: 28527379 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.04.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study explores the nature of water security challenges in rural Alaska, using a framework for environmental security that entails four interrelated concepts: availability, access, utility, and stability of water resources. Many researchers and professionals agree that water insecurity is a problem in rural Alaska, although the scale and nature of the problem is contested. Some academics have argued that the problem is systemic, and rooted in an approach to water security by the state that prioritizes economic concerns over public health concerns. Health practitioners and state agencies, on the other hand, contend that much progress has been made, and that nearly all rural households have access to safe drinking water, though many are still lacking 'modern' in-home water service. Here, we draw on a synthesis of ethnographic research alongside data from state agencies to show that the persistent water insecurity problems in rural Alaska are not a problem of access to or availability of clean water, or a lack of 'modern' infrastructure, but instead are rooted in complex human dimensions of water resources management, including the political legacies of state and federal community development schemes that did not fully account for local needs and challenges. The diagnostic approach we implement here helps to identify solutions to these challenges, which accordingly focus on place-based needs and empowering local actors. The framework likewise proves to be broadly applicable to exploring water security concerns elsewhere in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry J F Penn
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Water and Environmental Research Center, 306 Tanana Loop, PO BO 755860, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA.
| | - Philip A Loring
- University of Saskatchewan, School of Environment and Sustainability, 117 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7J 1X7, Canada.
| | - William E Schnabel
- University of Alaska Fairbanks, Institute of Northern Engineering, 539 Duckering Building, 306 Tanana Loop, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5910, USA.
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