bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure to Suicide in the Community: Prevalence and Correlates in One U.S. State
Authors: Cerel Julie , Maple Myfanwy , van de Venne Judy , Moore Melinda , Flaherty Chris , Brown Margaret
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Suicide has been identified as a major public health issue. Exposure to suicide (i.e., knowing someone who died by suicide) is far more pervasive than previously considered and might be associated with significant adverse outcomes. As suicide becomes more commonly discussed in the public arena, a compelling need exists to determine who is exposed to suicide and how this exposure affects those left behind. This study estimated the proportion of the population exposed to suicide and delineated factors that predict significant psychiatric and psychosocial morbidity following that exposure.

Methods.

A dual-frame random-digit-dial survey was conducted on a sample of 1,736 U.S. adults in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Depression and anxiety were compared in suicide-exposed and suicide-unexposed individuals. Relationships were examined between psychiatric outcomes and perceptions of closeness to the decedent.

Results.

Forty-eight percent of weighted participants ( n=816/1,687) reported lifetime exposure to suicide. Current depression and anxiety symptoms were higher in suicide-exposed than in suicide-unexposed individuals. Suicide-exposed individuals were twice as likely as suicide-unexposed individuals to have diagnosable depression and almost twice as likely to have diagnosable anxiety. Suicide-exposed individuals were more likely than suicide-unexposed individuals to report suicide ideation (9% vs. 5%). Closeness to the decedent increased the odds of depression and anxiety and almost quadrupled the odds of posttraumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion.

Exposure to suicide is pervasive and occurs beyond family; as such, it is imperative to identify those with perceived closeness to the decedent. This hidden cohort of suicide-exposed people is at elevated risk for psychopathology and suicidal ideation.
Agreement between Self-Reported and Confirmed Cancer Diagnoses in New York City Firefighters and EMS Workers, 2001–2011
Authors: Zeig-Owens Rachel , Kablanian Andrea , Webber Mayris P. , Liu Yang , Mayerson Edward , Schwartz Theresa , Jaber Nadia , Kelly Kerry J. , Prezant David J.
Published: June 2016

Objectives.

Because of the delay in availability of cancer diagnoses from state cancer registries, self-reported diagnoses may be valuable in assessing the current cancer burden in many populations. We evaluated agreement between self-reported cancer diagnoses and state cancer registry-confirmed diagnoses among 21,437 firefighters and emergency medical service workers from the Fire Department of the City of New York. We also investigated the association between World Trade Center (WTC) exposure and other characteristics in relation to accurate reporting of cancer diagnoses.

Methods.

Participants self-reported cancer status in questionnaires from October 2, 2001, to December 31, 2011. We obtained data on confirmed cancer diagnoses from nine state cancer registries, which we used as our gold standard. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), comparing self-reported cancer diagnoses with confirmed cancer diagnoses. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess the association between WTC exposure and correct self-report of cancer status, false-positive cancer reports, and false-negative cancer reports.

Results.

Sensitivity and specificity for all cancers combined were 90.3% and 98.7%, respectively. Specificities and NPVs remained high in different cancer types, while sensitivities and PPVs varied considerably. WTC exposure was not associated with accurate reporting.

Conclusion.

We found high specificities, NPVs, and general concordance between self-reported cancer diagnoses and registry-confirmed diagnoses. Given the low population prevalence of cancer, self-reported cancer diagnoses may be useful for determining non-cancer cases. Because of the low sensitivities and PPVs for some individual cancers, however, case confirmation with state cancer registries or medical records remains critically important.
Tax-Exempt Hospitals and Community Health under the Affordable Care Act: Identifying and Addressing Unmet Legal Needs as Social Determinants of Health
Authors: Crossley Mary , Tyler Elizabeth Tobin , Herbst Jennifer L.
Published: June 2016

This article reviews recently promulgated Internal Revenue Service regulations for nonprofit hospitals seeking tax exemption and a new estimate of national hospital community benefit spending, and analyzes how they point to the value of hospitals working with community partners to address the social determinants of health. It then explains how unmet legal needs function as health determinants, and suggests how hospitals' participation in medical-legal partnerships can address those needs. This article was published on December 7, 2015, at www.publichealthreports.org
Online Hookup Sites for Meeting Sexual Partners among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Rhode Island, 2013: A Call for Public Health Action
Authors: Chan Philip A. , Towey Caitlin , Poceta Joanna , Rose Jennifer , Bertrand Thomas , Kantor Rami , Harvey Julia , Santamaria E. Karina , Alexander-Scott Nicole , Nunn Amy
Published: June 2016

Frequent use of websites and mobile telephone applications (apps) by men who have sex with men (MSM) to meet sexual partners, commonly referred to as “hookup” sites, make them ideal platforms for HIV prevention messaging. This Rhode Island case study demonstrated widespread use of hookup sites among MSM recently diagnosed with HIV. We present the advertising prices and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs of the top five sites used by newly diagnosed HIV-positive MSM to meet sexual partners: Grindr, Adam4Adam, Manhunt, Scruff, and Craigslist. Craigslist offered universal free advertising. Scruff offered free online advertising to selected nonprofit organizations. Grindr and Manhunt offered reduced, but widely varying, pricing for nonprofit advertisers. More than half (60%, 26/43) of newly diagnosed MSM reported meeting sexual partners online in the 12 months prior to their diagnosis. Opportunities for public health agencies to promote HIV-related health messaging on these sites were limited. Partnering with hookup sites to reach high-risk MSM for HIV prevention and treatment messaging is an important public health opportunity for reducing disease transmission risks in Rhode Island and across the United States.
Timing of Clinical Billing Reimbursement for a Local Health Department
Authors: McCullough J. Mac
Published: June 2016

Objectives.

A major responsibility of a local health department (LHD) is to assure public health service availability throughout its jurisdiction. Many LHDs face expanded service needs and declining budgets, making billing for services an increasingly important strategy for sustaining public health service provision. Yet, little practice-based data exist to guide practitioners on what to expect financially, especially regarding timing of reimbursement receipt. This study provides results from one LHD on the lag from service delivery to reimbursement receipt.

Methods.

Reimbursement records for all transactions at Maricopa County Department of Public Health immunization clinics from January 2013 through June 2014 were compiled and analyzed to determine the duration between service and reimbursement. Outcomes included daily and cumulative revenues received. Time to reimbursement for Medicaid and private payers was also compared.

Results.

Reimbursement for immunization services was received a median of 68 days after service. Payments were sometimes taken back by payers through credit transactions that occurred a median of 333 days from service. No differences in time to reimbursement between Medicaid and private payers were found.

Conclusions.

Billing represents an important financial opportunity for LHDs to continue to sustainably assure population health. Yet, the lag from service provision to reimbursement may complicate budgeting, especially in initial years of new billing activities. Special consideration may be necessary to establish flexibility in the budget-setting processes for services with clinical billing revenues, because funds for services delivered in one budget period may not be received in the same period. LHDs may also benefit from exploring strategies used by other delivery organizations to streamline billing processes.
The Association between Neighborhood Poverty and HIV Diagnoses among Males and Females in New York City, 2010–2011
Authors: Wiewel Ellen W. , Bocour Angelica , Kersanske Laura S. , Bodach Sara D. , Xia Qiang , Braunstein Sarah L.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

We assessed the association of neighborhood poverty with HIV diagnosis rates for males and females in New York City.

Methods.

We calculated annual HIV diagnosis rates by ZIP Code, sex, and neighborhood poverty level using 2010–2011 New York City (NYC) HIV surveillance data and data from the U.S. Census 2010 and American Community Survey 2007–2011. Neighborhood poverty levels were percentage of residents in a ZIP Code with incomes below the federal poverty threshold, categorized as 0%–<10% (low poverty), 10%–<20% (medium poverty), 20%–<30% (high poverty), and 30%–100% (very high poverty). We used sex-stratified negative binomial regression models to measure the association between neighborhood-level poverty and HIV diagnosis rates, controlling for neighborhood-level education, race/ethnicity, age, and percentage of men who have sex with men.

Results.

In 2010–2011, 6,184 people were newly diagnosed with HIV. Median diagnosis rates per 100,000 population increased by neighborhood poverty level overall (13.7, 34.3, 50.6, and 75.6 for low-, medium-, high-, and very high-poverty ZIP Codes, respectively), for males, and for females. In regression models, higher neighborhood poverty remained associated with higher diagnosis rates among males (adjusted rate ratio [ARR] = 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34, 1.97) and females (ARR=2.14, 95% CI 1.46, 3.14) for very high- vs. low-poverty ZIP Codes.

Conclusion.

Living in very high- vs. low-poverty urban neighborhoods was associated with increased HIV diagnosis rates. After controlling for other factors, the association between poverty and diagnosis rates was stronger among females than among males. Alleviating poverty may help decrease HIV-related disparities.
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection, Immigration Status, and Diagnostic Discordance: A Comparison of Tuberculin Skin Test and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold in-Tube Test among Immigrants to the U.S.
Authors: Wilson Fernando A. , Miller Thaddeus L. , Stimpson Jim P.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

We used a recent source of nationally representative population data on tuberculosis (TB) infection to characterize concordance between the tuberculin skin test (TST) and the QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) blood test for immigrants in the United States.

Methods.

We used TB screening data from the 2011–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine concordance between the TST and QFT-GIT—an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) blood test—for 7,097 U.S. natives, naturalized citizens, and noncitizens.

Results.

Consistent with prior findings, one in five immigrants in the survey was identified with latent TB infection (LTBI), a rate 14 times higher than for U.S. natives. We also found higher rates of discordant TST/IGRA results among immigrants than among U.S. natives. Unadjusted discordance between TST and IGRA was 3% among U.S. natives (weighted N=5,684,274 of 191,179,213) but ranged up to 19% for noncitizens (weighted N=3,722,960 of 19,377,147). Adjusting for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, noncitizens had more than nine times the odds of having a positive TST result but negative QFT-GIT result compared with U.S. natives.

Conclusions.

Our findings suggest that whether and how either of these tests should be deployed is highly context sensitive. Significant discordance in test results when used among immigrants raises the possibility of missed opportunities for harm reduction in this already at-risk population. However, we found little distinction between the tests in terms of diagnostic outcome when used in a U.S. native population, suggesting little benefit to the adoption and use of the QFT-GIT test in place of TST on the basis of test performance alone for this population.
HIV Testing among Men at Risk for Acquiring HIV Infection before and after the 2006 CDC Recommendations
Authors: Kwan Candice K. , Rose Charles E. , Brooks John T. , Marks Gary , Sionean Catlainn
Published: June 2016

Objectives.

Testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the key first step in HIV treatment and prevention. In 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended annual HIV testing for people at high risk for HIV infection. We evaluated HIV testing among men with high-risk heterosexual (HRH) contact and sexually active men who have sex with men (MSM) before and after the CDC recommendations.

Methods.

We used data from the National Survey of Family Growth, 2002 and 2006–2010, to assess proportions of HRH respondents and MSM reporting HIV testing in the prior 12 months, compare rates of testing before and after release of the 2006 CDC HIV testing guidelines, and examine demographic variables and receipt of health-care services as correlates of HIV testing.

Results.

Among MSM, the proportion tested was 37.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.2, 47.2) in 2002, 38.2% (95% CI 25.9, 52.2) in 2006–2008, and 41.7% (95% CI 29.2, 55.3) in 2008–2010; among HRH respondents, the proportion was 23.7% (95% CI 20.5, 27.3) in 2002, 24.5% (95% CI 20.9, 28.7) in 2006–2008, and 23.9% (95% CI 20.2, 28.1) in 2008–2010. HIV testing was more likely among MSM and HRH respondents who received testing or treatment for sexually transmitted disease in the prior 12 months, received a physical examination in the prior 12 months (MSM only), or were incarcerated in the prior 12 months.

Conclusions.

The rate of annual HIV testing was low for men with sexual risk for HIV infection, and little improvement took place from 2002 to 2006–2010. Interventions aimed at men at risk, especially MSM, in both nonmedical and health-care settings, likely could increase HIV testing.
The Great Recession of 2007–2009 and Public Insurance Coverage for Children in Alabama: Enrollment and Claims Data from 1999–2011
Authors: Morrisey Michael A. , Blackburn Justin , Becker David J. , Sen Bisakha , Kilgore Meredith L. , Caldwell Cathy , Menachemi Nir
Published: June 2016

Objectives.

This study examined the impact of the Great Recession of 2007–2009 on public health insurance enrollment and expenditures in Alabama. Our analysis was designed to provide a framework for other states to conduct similar analyses to better understand the relationship between macroeconomic conditions and public health insurance costs.

Methods.

We analyzed enrollment and claims data from Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Alabama from 1999 through 2011. We examined the relationship between county-level unemployment rates and enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP, as well as total county-level expenditures in the two programs. We used linear regressions with county fixed effects to estimate the impact of unemployment changes on enrollment and expenditures after controlling for population and programmatic changes in eligibility and cost sharing.

Results.

A one-percentage-point increase in a county's unemployment rate was associated with a 4.3% increase in Medicaid enrollment, a 0.9% increase in CHIP enrollment, and an overall increase in public health insurance enrollment of 3.7%. Each percentage-point increase in unemployment was associated with a 6.2% increase in total public health insurance expenditures on children, with Medicaid spending rising by 7.5% and CHIP spending rising by 1.8%. In response to the 6.4 percentage-point increase in the state's unemployment rate during the Great Recession, combined enrollment of children in Alabama's public health insurance programs increased by 24% and total expenditures rose by 40%.

Conclusion.

Recessions have a substantial impact on the number of children enrolled in CHIP and Medicaid, and a disproportionate impact on program spending. Programs should be aware of the likely magnitudes of the effects in their budget planning.
Assessing Clinical Research Capacity in Vietnam: A Framework for Strengthening Capability for Clinical Trials in Developing Countries
Authors: Kagan Jonathan , Giang Dao Duc , Iademarco Michael F. , Phung Van TT , Lau Chuen-Yen , Quang Nguyen Ngo
Published: June 2016

Although improving health systems promises important benefits, most developing nations lack the resources to support nationally driven clinical research. Strengthened clinical research capacity can advance national health goals by supporting greater autonomy in aligning research with national priorities. From March through June 2010, we assessed six elements of clinical research capacity in Vietnam: research agenda; clinical investigators and biostatisticians; donors and sponsors; community involvement; scientific, ethical, safety, and quality oversight; and clinical research institutions. Assessments were drawn from interviews with investigators, Ministry of Health staff members, nongovernment organizations, and U.S. Mission staff members, and document review. Observations and recommendations were shared with collaborators. Reassessment in 2015 found growth in the number of clinical trials, improved regulation in human subjects protection and community engagement, and modest advances in research agenda setting. Training and investment in institutions remain challenging. A framework for assessing clinical research capacity can affirm strengths and weaknesses and guide the coordination of capacity-building efforts.
Dependency on Smartphone Use and its Association with Anxiety in Korea
Authors: Lee Kyung Eun , Kim Si-Heon , Ha Tae-Yang , Yoo Young-Myong , Han Jai-Jun , Jung Jae-Hyuk , Jang Jae-Yeon
Published: June 2016

Objective.

South Korea has the highest rate of smartphone ownership worldwide, which is a potential concern given that smartphone dependency may have deleterious effects on health. We investigated the relationship between smartphone dependency and anxiety.

Methods.

Participants included 1,236 smartphone-using students (725 men and 511 women) from six universities in Suwon, South Korea. Participants completed measures of smartphone use, smartphone dependency, anxiety, and general characteristics (i.e., demographic, health-related, and socioeconomic characteristics). To measure smartphone dependency and anxiety, we used questionnaires of Yang's test developed from Young's Internet Addiction Test and Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the association between smartphone dependency and anxiety after adjusting for relevant factors.

Results.

On a scale from 25 to 100, with higher scores on the smartphone dependency test indicating greater dependency, women were significantly more dependent on smartphones than were men (mean smartphone dependency score: 50.7 vs. 56.0 for men and women, respectively, p<0.001). However, the amount of time spent using smartphones and the purpose of smartphone use affected smartphone dependency in both men and women. Particularly, when daily use time increased, smartphone dependency showed an increasing trend. Compared with times of use <2 hours vs. ≥6 hours, men scored 46.2 and 56.0 on the smartphone dependency test, while women scored 48.0 and 60.4, respectively ( p<0.001). Finally, for both men and women, increases in smartphone dependency were associated with increased anxiety scores. With each one-point increase in smartphone dependency score, the risk of abnormal anxiety in men and women increased by 10.1% and 9.2%, respectively ( p<0.001).

Conclusion.

Among this group of university students in South Korea, smartphone dependency appeared to be associated with increased anxiety. Standards for smartphone use might help prevent deleterious health effects.
A Review of State Licensing Regulations to Determine Alignment with Best Practices to Prevent Human Norovirus Infections in Child-Care Centers
Authors: Leone Cortney M. , Jaykus Lee-Ann , Cates Sheryl M. , Fraser Angela M.
Published: June 2016

Objectives.

Close, frequent contact between children and care providers in child-care centers presents many opportunities to spread human noroviruses. We compared state licensing regulations for child-care centers with national guidelines written to prevent human noroviruses.

Methods.

We reviewed child-care licensing regulations for all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia in effect in June 2015 to determine if these regulations fully, partially, or did not address 14 prevention practices in four topic areas: ( 1) hand hygiene, ( 2) exclusion of ill people, ( 3) environmental sanitation, and ( 4) diapering.

Results.

Approximately two-thirds (8.9) of the 14 practices across all state regulations were partially or fully addressed, with few (2.6) fully addressed. Practices related to exclusion of ill people and diapering were fully addressed most often, while practices related to hand hygiene and environmental sanitation were fully addressed least often.

Conclusion.

Regulations based on guidelines for best practices are one way to prevent the spread of human noroviruses in child-care facilities, if the regulations are enforced. Our findings show that, in mid-2015, many state child-care regulations did not fully address these guidelines, suggesting the need to review these regulations to be sure they are based on best practices
Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Washington State: Estimated Coverage and Missed Opportunities, 2006–2013
Authors: Oltean Hanna N. , Lofy Kathryn H. , Goldoft Marcia J. , DeBolt Charla A.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cervical cancer in women and contributes to vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal, and penile cancer morbidity and mortality. Although vaccines effective in preventing up to nine types of HPV are available, vaccination rates are low nationally. We assessed HPV vaccination coverage by age, sex, and county using Washington State Immunization Information System data.

Methods.

We calculated on-time dose coverage by county and statewide among adolescents aged 11–12 years and assessed coverage by age 18 years. We calculated missed opportunities as the number of visits at which doses of other adolescent vaccines were administered without administration of the first dose of HPV vaccine (HPV1).

Results.

In 2013, HPV vaccination coverage estimates with one, two, and three doses (HPV1-3) for adolescents aged 11–12 years were 48.5%, 32.4%, and 18.3% among girls and 31.2%, 17.1%, and 8.1% among boys. The three-dose HPV vaccine coverage estimate increased to 40.1% among girls by age 18 but was unchanged for boys. Coverage estimates varied by age, sex, and county. One-third of eligible unvaccinated girls and two of five eligible boys aged 11–17 years had at least one missed opportunity to receive HPV1.

Conclusion.

Despite a recommendation to vaccinate adolescents aged 11–12 years, HPV vaccination is often delayed and coverage levels among all age groups are below national target levels. Improved understanding of the variability of HPV vaccination coverage rates by age, sex, and county can inform targeted interventions statewide.
Utility of Keywords from Chest Radiograph Reports for Pneumonia Surveillance among Hospitalized Patients with Influenza: The CDC Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network, 2008–2009
Authors: Bramley Anna M. , Chaves Sandra S. , Dawood Fatimah S. , Doshi Saumil , Reingold Arthur , Miller Lisa , Yousey-Hindes Kimberly , Farley Monica M. , Ryan Patricia , Lynfield Ruth , Baumbach Joan , Zansky Shelley , Bennett Nancy , Thomas Ann , Schaffner William , Finelli Lyn , Jain Seema
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Transcripts from admission chest radiographs could aid in identification of pneumonia cases for public health surveillance. We assessed the reliability of radiographic data abstraction and performance of radiographic key terms to identify pneumonia in patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection.

Methods.

We used data on patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection from October 2008 through December 2009 from 10 geographically diverse U.S. study sites participating in the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET). Radiographic key terms (i.e., bronchopneumonia, consolidation, infiltrate, airspace density, and pleural effusion) were abstracted from final impressions of chest radiograph reports. We assessed the reliability of radiographic data abstraction by examining the percent agreement and Cohen's κ statistic between clinicians and surveillance staff members. Using a composite reference standard for presence or absence of pneumonia based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes and discharge summary data, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and percent agreement for individual and combined radiographic key terms.

Results.

For each radiographic key term, the percent agreement between clinicians and surveillance staff members ranged from 89.4% to 98.6% and Cohen's κ ranged from 0.46 (moderate) to 0.84 (almost perfect). The combination of bronchopneumonia or consolidation or infiltrate or airspace density terms had sensitivity of 66.5%, specificity of 89.2%, PPV of 80.4%, and percent agreement of 80.1%. Adding pleural effusion did not result in significant changes in sensitivity, specificity, PPV, or percent agreement.

Conclusion.

Radiographic key terms abstracted by surveillance staff members from final impressions of chest radiograph reports had moderate to almost perfect reliability and could be used to identify pneumonia among patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection. This method can inform pneumonia surveillance and aid in public health response.
Strengthening Screening for HIV, Hepatitis C, and STIs: An Innovative Partnership between the Health Department and Community Health Centers in New York City
Authors: Terranova Elizabeth , Tsoi Benjamin , Laraque Fabienne , Washburn Kate , Fuld Jennifer
Published: June 2016

In New York City, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are ideal partners for health departments because of their location in neighborhoods with high rates of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and gonorrhea. Providers have experienced many barriers to following screening and treatment recommendations. In 2013, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene partnered with six FQHCs, representing 14 clinics, to make screening for HIV and HCV routine and increase adherence to gonorrhea treatment guidelines through education, electronic health record modification, and progress tracking. After one year, 12 of 14 clinics documented improvement in their HIV offer rate, and 11 clinics documented improvement in their HIV screening rate. Patients who were offered HIV screening increased from 26% at baseline to 56% at follow-up, and patients screened for HIV increased from 25% at baseline to 38% at follow-up. Most clinics improved their HIV screening rate, and progress suggests that local health departments can help FQHCs increase their HIV screening rates.
Early Identification and Linkage to Care for People with Chronic HBV and HCV Infection: The HepTLC Initiative
Authors: Ramirez Gilberto , Cabral Rebecca , Patterson Margaret , Schoenbachler Ben T. , Bedell Deborah , Smith Bryce D. , Vellozzi Claudia , Beckett Geoff A.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

In 2012, CDC's Division of Viral Hepatitis launched a public health initiative to increase hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection testing for those at risk and to improve linkage to medical care for those infected. We describe testing outcomes of previously unidentified people at risk for HBV and HCV infection and the lessons learned while linking patients to care.

Methods.

CDC's Hepatitis Testing and Linkage to Care (HepTLC) initiative provided 34 financial awards to U.S. organizations that serve people at risk for viral hepatitis, 25 of which focused on HCV and nine of which focused on HBV. Grantees offered testing and test result notification to people at risk for HBV and/or HCV infection, as well as counseling, referral, and verification or notification of linkage to care for people with positive test results. We entered demographic data, self-reported risk factors, country of origin (for HBV), and testing outcomes into a confidential database.

Results.

The 34 grantees tested 87,860 people at more than 260 sites in 17 states. Of the 23,144 people tested for HBV, 1,317 (6%) were positive. Of the 64,716 people tested for HCV, 57,570 (89%) received an HCV antibody (anti-HCV) test, of whom 7,580 (13%) tested anti-HCV positive. Of the 4,765 people who received an HCV RNA test, 3,449 (72%) tested positive. Of the 4,766 people who tested positive for either HBV or HCV infection, 2,116 (44%) were linked to care.

Conclusion.

Interventions targeting people at risk for HBV and HCV infection reached a substantial number of people for whom testing is recommended and identified a large proportion of those who had previously unrecognized infection. Patient navigation was critical for follow-up and linkage to care.
Efforts at the Frontlines: Implementing a Hepatitis C Testing and Linkage-to-Care Program at the Local Public Health Level
Authors: Seña Arlene C. , Willis Sarah J. , Hilton Alison , Anderson Alexandria , Wohl David A. , Hurt Christopher B. , Muir Andrew J.
Published: June 2016

Objectives.

The national Viral Hepatitis Action Plan recommends strengthening partnerships among health departments, community-based organizations, and health-care providers for hepatitis services. We implemented a hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and linkage-to-care program through a local health department using similar strategies reported for HIV care.

Methods.

The Durham County Department of Public Health received federal funding to conduct HCV testing and linkage to care in Durham, North Carolina. HCV antibody testing with reflex RNA was offered through a sexually transmitted disease clinic, a county jail, community testing sites (including a residential substance abuse recovery program), and a homeless clinic. People with evidence of HCV infection were linked to care through an HCV bridge counselor who provided education, incentives, and transportation, and scheduled appointments with HCV specialists at nearby academic centers and on-site clinics.

Results.

From December 2012 through February 2014, we conducted 2,004 HCV tests, of which 326 (16.3%) were HCV antibody positive and 241 (12.0%) had detectable HCV RNA. Among the 241 people with HCV infection, 178 (73.9%) were men, and 133 (55.2%) were born between 1945 and 1965. Of 241 people with chronic HCV infection, 150 (62.2%) reported ever injecting drugs, eight (2.5%) were coinfected with HIV, and 123 (51.0%) were linked to care.

Conclusion.

At the local public health level, HCV testing and linkage to care can be facilitated with additional funding and by leveraging existing programs and provider networks to deliver a coordinated system of care.
Hospital-Based Hepatitis C Screening of Baby Boomers in a Majority Hispanic South Texas Cohort: Successes and Barriers to Implementation
Authors: Taylor Barbara S. , Hanson Joshua T. , Veerapaneni Poornachand , Villarreal Roberto , Fiebelkorn Kristin , Turner Barbara J.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

To comply with the 2012 CDC recommendations for hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening, we implemented a new HCV screening program for patients born between 1945 and 1965 at a South Texas safety-net hospital.

Methods.

Patients with no HCV diagnosis or prior HCV test received an automated order for HCV antibody (anti-HCV) tests combined with reflex HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) polymerase chain reaction. An inpatient counselor educated anti-HCV-positive patients. A bilingual patient navigator assisted newly diagnosed chronic HCV patients with linkage to primary and specialty care. We examined results for Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic patients in the first 10 months of project implementation in 2013–2014.

Results.

Of 2,327 patients screened for HCV, the 192 (8%) patients who tested anti-HCV positive were younger than those who tested negative (56 vs. 58 years, respectively, p<0.001) and more likely to be male ( p<0.001). Of the 167 anti-HCV-positive patients tested for HCV RNA, 108 (65%) were HCV RNA positive (5% of cohort). Barriers to care for HCV RNA-positive patients included a lack of health insurance, current substance abuse, incarceration, and homelessness. Hispanic HCV RNA-positive patients were more likely than non-Hispanic HCV RNA-positive patients to be substance abusers or incarcerated. Of all HCV RNA-positive patients, 103 patients (95%) received counseling, 94 patients (87%) were linked to primary care, 47 patients (44%) were linked to specialty care, and eight patients (7%) started treatment.

Conclusion.

The prevalence of anti-HCV-positive and chronically HCV-infected patients was higher than many Hispanic or non-Hispanic white cohorts. Most Hispanic patients newly diagnosed with chronic HCV had barriers to care for HCV infection that must be overcome if HCV screening is to reduce morbidity and mortality in this population.
Early Identification and Linkage to Care of Foreign-Born People with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection, Multnomah County, Oregon, 2012–2014
Authors: Walters Jaime , Sullivan Amy
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern, with a large proportion of high-risk individuals unaware of their infection status. People born in countries with medium to high endemicity of HBV should be tested and linked to care. We describe a program that improved identification and linkage to care for refugees and immigrants at the Multnomah County Health Department in Oregon.

Methods.

We instituted outreach clinics and community referrals and expanded refugee screening to identify foreign-born people at risk for HBV. We obtained data from electronic health records and electronic laboratory reporting, including patient demographics, hepatitis B testing variables, vaccination history, and—for positive cases—risk-factor and linkage-to-care data. All results were entered into an Internet-based data collection tool. For this analysis, we only used results for testing performed from October 2012 through June 2014.

Results.

We screened 2,087 foreign-born people for HBV infection and identified 77 (4%) people with positive results. HBV infection prevalence varied by site, with 7% of HBV-positive people identified through the outreach and voucher program and 3% identified through refugee screening. Of the 77 people testing positive for HBV, 72 (94%) were successfully linked to care, of whom 68 (94%) attended their first follow-up visit.

Conclusion.

Implementation of a culturally competent screening program among immigrants and refugees in Multnomah County improved case finding and subsequent linkage to care.
Resilience and Quality of Life
Authors: Tansey Timothy N. , Bezyak Jill , Kaya Cahit , Ditchman Nicole , Catalano Denise
Published: June 2016

The construct of resilience is key to understanding adaptation to disability from a strengths-based perspective. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of factors identified in Kumpfer’s resilience model on quality of life (QOL) outcomes for adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), specifically taking into account injury characteristics, self-efficacy, resiliency characteristics, and social support using hierarchical regression analysis. Participants included 255 adults with SCI. Findings revealed that the overall model accounted for 75% of the variance in QOL outcomes. In particular, coexisting pain, participation self-efficacy, core self-evaluation, resiliency characteristics, cognitive strength, general health, and social support independently contributed to the variance in QOL scores. Implications of these findings for developing theory-driven, strengths-based approaches for improving rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with SCI are discussed.
An exploration for knowledge evolution affected by task assignment in a research and development team: perspectives of learning obtained through practice and communication
Authors: Xia Ni , Hu Bin , Jiang Fengzhen
Published: June 2016

Traditional learning theory seldom emphasizes the knowledge evolution process learnt through practices and communication (knowledge transfer), and also neglects the strategy of task assignment. This paper aims to integrate learning through practice and communication in the same system and explores how knowledge evolves under several different strategies of task assignment in a software research and development team. We model the relationship between knowledge and task with system dynamics, and establish communication between members using agent-based modeling techniques. Through simulation experiments, we find that communication greatly affects learning only in the early stage and this effect will gradually subside later. The simulation results of the strategy of task assignment indicate that random assignment performs better than any other single strategy. This finding may enlighten managers in integrating various strategies of task assignment in order to achieve better performance.
Yarn hairiness and the effect of surface characteristics of the ring traveller
Authors: Çukul Dilek , Beceren Yeşim
Published: June 2016

Increasing the wear resistance of the traveller remains an immense challenge due to the high mechanical and thermal stress experienced by travellers during the spinning operation. Due to this exposure, surface deformation, such as scratches and coating deformations, are unavoidable. In this study, two kinds of travellers (Cr coated and uncoated) were examined according to their scanning electron microscopy images, for surface characteristics, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, used for the elemental analysis or chemical characterization of traveller surfaces. In addition, the hairiness of the yarns produced using the sample travellers was measured in order to see the effects of the traveller coating on the yarn properties. For the test, two kinds of travellers, with different surface treatments, were used for the same spinning machine. Only one sample type was Cr coated. The results revealed that the surface treatment of the travellers had a significant effect on the hairiness of the yarn.
Adolescent goals and aspirations in search of psychological well-being: from the perspective of self-determination theory
Authors: Davids Eugene Lee , Roman Nicolette Vanessa , Kerchhoff Lynn Joy
Published: June 2016

According to self-determination theory, an individual’s goal content and the processes involved in goal setting often represent the status of the individual’s mental health and well-being. When examining the importance placed on goal setting, an individual’s goals and aspirations are often synonymous with mental health and well-being. Aspiring to achieve intrinsic life goals has been associated with greater psychological well-being in literature. This study therefore aimed to establish the relationships between goals and aspirations, mental health behaviour (interpersonal relations, stress management, and spiritual growth), and psychological well-being (measured by positive affect). A sample of 457 secondary school learners in the Overberg Educational District, Western Cape, South Africa, participated in the study. The results suggest a significant positive relationship between placing importance on intrinsic goals and aspirations, and psychological well-being (as indicated by positive affect). However, psychological well-being was not correlated with mental health behaviour. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis suggest that importance placed on intrinsic goals and aspirations predicts psychological well-being and accounts for 8% of the variance. The results highlight the role of intrinsic goals and aspirations in predicting the psychological well-being of adolescents. The findings are supported by the theoretical assumptions of self-determination theory.
The impact of a career intervention programme on South African Grade 11 learners’ career decision-making self-efficacy
Authors: Miles Jean , Naidoo Anthony Vernon
Published: June 2016

There have been increasing calls for career development interventions that take the local context into account while providing a firm theoretical basis to engage with the career processes and attributes of individuals coming from diverse backgrounds. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of a career intervention programme derived from Social Cognitive Career Theory on the career decision-making self-efficacy of Grade 11 learners at three schools with diverse socio-economic backgrounds in the Eastern Cape. Using a quasi-experimental design, measurements were taken at a pretest, post-test and a follow-up occasion 8 weeks after the completion of the programme in a sample of 222 learners using the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Scale. The study demonstrated that the career decision-making self-efficacy of the intervention group improved significantly subsequent to the career intervention programme underscoring the value of the career intervention programme. Although the current study demonstrated a medium effect on the intervention group by the end of the intervention, the time period of the programme may not have been long enough to sustain the impact 8 weeks after the completion of the programme. This may suggest that a longer intervention period or intermittent reinforcement such as booster sessions may be needed to sustain the effect. The study confirms that a group-based career development programme, designed specifically for the South African context, can serve as an essential tool to help high school learners from different socio-economic backgrounds enhance their career maturity expressed in terms of their career decision-making self-efficacy.
From employee representation to problem-solving: Mainstreaming OHS management
Authors: Hasle Peter , Seim Rikke , Refslund Bjarke
Published: June 2016

The role of occupational health and safety representatives is changing. A study in 60 Danish enterprises indicates that representation, and especially negotiation on behalf of colleagues, has diminished. The work environment is mainstreamed in many enterprises and is rarely an area of conflict. The role of OHS representatives has accordingly changed to focus on solving specific problems in the workplace as an integrated part of daily operations. Both management and colleagues consider the OHS representatives as a resource that can be utilized to manage the work environment. The consequences of this development for the employees may be a stronger joint management–employee effort to improve the work environment, but also management domination and an accordingly weaker employee voice in some companies.
Managers’ Cost of Equity Capital Estimates: Empirical Evidence
Authors: Larocque Stephannie , Lawrence Alastair , Veenstra Kevin
Published: June 2016

Using actual practice data from U.S. corporate treasury executives, we provide initial evidence of managers’ internal estimates of their firms’ cost of equity capital (COEC) and extrapolate managers’ estimation practices to the broader population of public firms. Our study provides insights into the assumptions managers use in applying the capital asset pricing model (CAPM), the model that managers generally use to estimate their firms’ COEC according to prior research. We show that COEC estimates based on managers’ surveyed estimation practices are positively correlated with realized returns only in the pre-survey period, suggesting that managers set their COEC estimates in a backward-looking manner. Moreover, managers’ estimates are most correlated with estimates reverse-engineered following Easton, (2004) and Gode and Mohanram (2003).
The Half-Life of the Black Urban Regime
Authors: Johnson Cedric
Published: June 2016

In a series of critical essays published during the eighties, Adolph Reed, Jr. examined the origins and political contradictions of the post civil rights black urban regime. This article revisits Reed’s formative analyses and how well these writings captured the concurrent historical processes of black political incorporation and urban neoliberalization. Reed counters the commonplace tendency to view the black population as a singular constituency with deeply shared interests, and instead, renders a more insightful portrait of black political life and its internal class dynamics. His work continues to provide a useful approach for understanding the machinations of black New Democrats, who remain central to the advancement of corporate-centered economic development strategies and pro-market initiatives like school privatization, which exacerbate urban inequality.
Matching Evaluation Approaches to Levels of Complexity
Authors: Ofek Yuval
Published: June 2016

Background:

Despite rapid advances in research on the evaluation of complex interventions, debate on evaluation methods and approaches still mainly revolves around the conventional and mostly outdated positivist–constructivist dichotomy. The lack of a clear conceptual and theoretical framework from which to choose appropriate evaluation approaches and methods means that approaches are often misused by both researchers and practitioners.

Research design:

Using three case studies, this article shows how different approaches should and should not be used in practice according to levels of nonlinearity. Both the theoretical development and the case studies presented in this article rely heavily on interviews conducted by the author with program management and staff, evaluation managers, heads of evaluation units, and evaluators in several countries across two continents, along with a quantitative survey.

Results:

This article expands the classic discussion on evaluation approaches, adapting it to current managerial demands, increased complexity, and newly developed methodologies. It suggests an operational tool for categorizing evaluations and then matching evaluation approaches to the circumstances and the evaluation objectives.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest that approaches which are not congruent with levels of nonlinearity may hinder attempts to accurately evaluate results, causing dissatisfaction of evaluation commissioners from the evaluation process and methods applied. In contrast, analyzing the nonlinear and structural elements of complexity separately allows an extended categorization of evaluation approaches to be matched to the nonlinearity of programs to be evaluated.
Construct Validity of Almutairi’s Critical Cultural Competence Scale
Authors: Almutairi Adel F. , Dahinten V. Susan
Published: June 2016

Cultural diversity in health care settings can threaten the well-being of patients, their families, and health care providers. This psychometric study evaluated the construct validity of the recently developed four-factor, 43-item Critical Cultural Competence Scale (CCCS) which was designed to overcome the conceptual limitations of previously developed scales. The study was conducted in Canada with a random sample of 170 registered nurses. Comparisons with the Cultural Competence Assessment instrument, Scale of Ethnocultural Empathy, and Cultural Intelligence Scale provided mixed evidence of convergent validity. Modest correlations were found between the total scale scores suggesting that the CCCS is measuring a more comprehensive and conceptually distinct construct. Stronger correlations were found between the more conceptually similar subscales. Evidence for discriminant validity was also mixed. Results support use of the CCCS to measure health care providers’ perceptions of their critical cultural competence though ongoing evaluation is warranted.