Health Protection Research Initiative Mentored Research Scientist Awards
Significant discrepancies exist between what Americans spend on health and the long-term outcomes they experience. This is partly due to a focus on immediate needs such as illness and injury, and less on ways to promote better health and to prevent illness and injury. Unfortunately, in many instances there is not sufficient research evidence to support specific health promotion programs, practices, and policies that affect the health decisions made by people and those responsible for health policies and programs. This is partly due to the lack of appropriately trained, qualified, and supported public health research investigators.
As one key component of its public health research agenda to address this gap in health promotion, in September 2004, CDC funded research scientist development awards to ensure that a diverse pool of highly trained and creative scientists will be available in adequate numbers to carry out the nation’s public health research agenda. These awards are intended to support career development experiences that lead to independence and substantially expand the knowledge and capabilities of current research scientists.
As the careers of the awardees develop, the public health research they perform will help close the gap between fundamental scientific knowledge and the information and motivating influences that are needed by individuals, families, communities, and the healthcare systems that serve them. The expected result of this investment is that new and existing health information will be effectively used for making and supporting good health decisions.
Funded projects include:
Dr. Aneel Advani of Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston is creating a prototype of an automated speech recognition system that can be used to interview large numbers of people rapidly, and to input and analyze data from the interviews in real-time. Such a system could be applied by epidemiologists to identify an emerging epidemic threat, and to enable timely investigation, decision making, and management during a large-scale disease outbreak or pubic health emergency. Dr. Advani is comparing the accuracy of his automated interviewing system to human interviewers for the surveillance of salmonella infections in Georgia through collaboration with the Georgia Division of Public Health. The results are very encouraging as the accuracy of the automated system for the various questionnaire components has averaged over 90%. Project Abstract
Publication:
Rayner, M, Chartzichrisafis, N, and Advani, A. Building Rapidly Deployable Spoken Dialogue Systems for Information Gathering. In: Proceedings of the AAAI 2005 Workshop on Spoken Language Understanding, Pittsburgh, PA, July 9-13, 2005.
Dr. Ariane L. Bedimo-Rung of Louisiana State University in New Orleans is evaluating the environmental influences of playgrounds on physical activity. Prior to Hurricane Katrina, which made landfall near New Orleans on August 30, 2005, 2 pilot studies in 3 parks to test instruments and method feasibility had been conducted. One poster had been accepted and one presentation on GIS methods had been accepted and analysis of pilot data had begun. After an enforced Post-Katrina hiatus of several months, a brief Post-Hurricane Assessment of 55 parks to determine the extent of park damage and LSU’s ability to regroup was conducted. Dr. Bedimo-Rung is currently working on reorienting the study in the wake of the hurricane’s impact. Project Abstract
Dr. Kenzie Cameron of Northwestern University in Chicago is developing a multimedia-based intervention to increase the vaccination rate among African Americans over the age of 65. This intervention will consist of an approximately two-minute video that will specifically address the concerns of this under-vaccinated group. Pre-production work has included completion of focus groups conducted to identify the key issues to be addressed in the video, as well as to assess general knowledge of influenza vaccines, barriers to vaccination, and issues of side-effects and trust of government-administered health care. The resulting video will ultimately be viewed in clinic waiting rooms, examination rooms, and in community centers that serve the elderly African American population. Project Abstract
Dr. John Choe of the University of Washington in Seattle is investigating hepatitis B (HBV) and liver cancer knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors among Asian immigrant communities in Washington State. Dr. Choe has developed a culturally-appropriate survey instrument of HBV and liver cancer practices for Korean Americans, incorporating results from a qualitative pilot study and Bastani’s Health Behavior Framework. This instrument identifies sociodemographic and other factors associated with recommended HBV testing among 600 ethnic Koreans from the metropolitan area of Seattle-Tacoma, Washington. This research will also characterize and validate the factors associated with recommended and self-reported HBV testing in Korean and Chinese Americans. In addition, a hepatitis B educational intervention for Asian Americans has been developed and pre-tested to address liver cancer in these at -risk populations. The project is currently collecting survey data from Korean adults in Washington State. Project Abstract
Publications:
Taylor VM, Choe JH,Yasui Y, Li L, Burke N, and Jackson JC Hepatitis B awareness, testing, and knowledge among Vietnamese American men and women. J.Community Health 2005, 30: 477-490.
Choe JH, Tu SP, Lim JM, Burke NJ, Acorda E, and Taylor VM "Heat in their intestine": colorectal cancer prevention beliefs amongst older Chinese Americans. Ethn Dis. 2006, 16: 248-254.
Dr. Sherrilene Classen of the University of Florida in Gainesville is developing a model for older driver safety based upon the Precede-Proceed framework in the context of a public health perspective. Using the etiological methodology of the World Cancer Research Fund, a systematic review of the older driver literature has been completed. A customized data extraction tool entitled, Systematic Process for Investigating and Describing Evidenced based Research (SPIDER) was developed because no existing tools were found suitable and will be trademarked after completion of validity studies. Key etiological variables associated with older driver safety have been organized into a causative model and their interrelations will be determined. The strategies examined in this research will lay the groundwork for the prevention of deaths, injuries disabilities and costs associated with older driver crashes. Project Abstract
Publications:
Classen, S., Garvan, C., Awadzi, K., Sundaram, S., Winter, S., Lopez, E. D.S, & Ferree, N. Systematic literature review and model for older driver safety. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation 2006, 22: (2) 87-98.
Classen, S., & Lopez, E. D.S. Mixed methods approach explaining process of an older driver safety systematic literature review. Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation 2006, 22(2): 99-112.
Classen, S. Study designs for secondary analysis of existing data. In G. Kielhofner's (Ed). Research in Occupational Therapy: Methods of inquiry for enhancing practice 2006. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
Dr. Charles J. DiMaggio from Columbia University in New York City is conducting research on the behavioral effects of September 11, 2001. Specific aims of this project include 1) to establish and document the health impact of terrorist incidents on the general population of affected communities, 2) to suggest evidence-based first-responder and medical provider training for both individual and population-level interventions, 3) to predict the potential effects of behavioral health disturbances on surge capacity, 4) to guide resource allocation for behavioral and social assistance in the post-attack periods and 5) to provide baseline information for the surveillance and to gauge the effects of future events. Project Abstract
Publications:
DiMaggio C and Galea S. The behavioral consequences of terrorism: a meta-analysis. Academic Emergency Med May 1, 2006: 13(5).
DiMaggio C, Markenson D, Henning K, et al. Partnership for preparedness: a model of academic public health. J Public Health Manag Pract 2006, 12(1): 22-27.
DiMaggio C, Markenson D, Loo G. The willingness of US emergency medical technicians to respond to terrorist incidents. Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strat Pract and Scien 2005, 3(4): 331-337.
Dr. David Eisenman of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) is examining ways to more effectively prepare the Latino population in Los Angeles for a terrorist event or a natural disaster such as an earthquake. A Latino-focused preparedness campaign led by health promoters from the Latino community is envisioned to raise the level of disaster education and motivate Latinos to prepare for a disaster. Such preparation includes stockpiling emergency supplies, developing an emergency plan, and making changes to homes that can help prevent structural damage. Community partners have been engaged, including the Coalition for Community Health, and focus groups are being formed that will assist with the development of the preparedness campaign. Project Abstract
Dr. Anthony Fabio of the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is studying current methodological and measurement techniques to characterize difference patterns of violent behaviors and longitudinal trends between generations. The overall aim is to study trends in youth violence and to determine the role of social influence on changes in community violence over time. Using data from the Pittsburgh Youth Study, two age groups will be studied; those seven years old at the beginning of the study in 1987, and those aged 13 years at the beginning of the study. The older group reported higher rates of violence than the younger group throughout the study. The primary question to be answered is whether this difference is due to some inherent distinction between the groups, or to some special or cultural factor such as poor economy, increased gang participation or drug dealing that played a greater risk during the time that the older group was growing up. Dr. Fabio has participated in three national meetings to present his preliminary findings which have focused on the baseline methodology. Project Abstract
Dr. Ann E. Kurth of the University of Washington in Seattle is conducting formative research to assess antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV transmission beliefs, barriers and facilitators and attitudes towards technology use. These data will inform HIV transmission dynamic modeling, specifically by exploring the potential impact of health promotion and interaction of ART adherence and risk behaviors of HIV infectivity. To date a computer counseling tool (CARE+) has been modified and piloted in a randomized clinical control trial at UCLA’s Haborview Medical Centers public Emergency Department. Tailored feedback, skill-building videos and printout with referrals are some content examples for this CARE+ tool. It is anticipated that research will increase the scientific understanding of the impact of secondary transmission risk reduction intervention for which currently a paucity of data exist. This technology also can be readily scaled up for widespread implementation without intensive staff training or resources allocation. In addition the underlying software platform might be modifiable for generalizable application to other chronic disease management challenges. Project Abstract
Publication:
Kurth A, Holmes KK, Hawkins R, Golden MR. A national survey of clinic sexual histories for sexually transmitted infection and HIV screening. Sexually Transmitted Disease, 2005, 32(6): 370-376.
Dr. Judith H. Lichtman of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut
Project Abstract
Dr. Jill Litt of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver is evaluating the potential for an established community recreational activity, community gardening, to promote the health of individuals and their larger community. The Denver Urban Gardens, Front Range Earth Force, and community residents have been engaged in the research process. Three workshops have been held to inform residents about the overall goals of the project and solicit information about the neighborhood. Youth from two school districts have been engaged and a summer camp curriculum on physical activity and nutrition has been implemented. Eleven neighborhoods were mapped according to areas designated for recreation, socialization, eating, and traveling (by all modes) based on residents’ view of the collective behaviors of their community. These data served as an important stepping stone to engage residents and establish a basis from which other activities could be initiated including key informant interviews with garden leaders and the Healthy Neighborhood Network (HNN). Gardening as a health promotion strategy is being studied and the natural history of community gardens in Denver is being constructed. The history includes a catalog of a core set of garden-related activities, design, processes for community involvement, and resource requirements. Interviews have been completed of 67 gardeners representing 28 urban gardens. Project Abstract
Dr. Barbara Mahon of the Boston University Medical Campus is conducting research to improve understanding of the genetic basis for susceptibility to invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and response to vaccination. In collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the study obtained IRB approvals for the family study of the association of candidate genes with susceptibility to childhood IPD and for the family study of genetic factors in vaccine response. The study questionnaire was developed and staff were trained in administration of the questionnaire and specimen collection. A study database was also developed to track and coordinate the transport and management of specimens in the field. Project Abstract
Publication:
Mahon BE, Hsu K, Karamuri S, Kaplan SL, Mason EO Jr. Effectiveness of abbreviated and delayed 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine dosing regimens. Vaccine 2006, 24: 2514-2520.
Dr. Lisa Maragakis of the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland is studying the incidence of colonization or infection with multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas strains in four institutions. Of significance, preliminary results indicate that the incidence of MDR-Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas is greater than anticipated and that the proportion of MDR-Acinetobacter has increased in the past 2 years. The collaboration with CDC and the University of Maryland on the study of risk factors and outcomes of MDR-Acinetobacter in Baltimore has resulted in two abstracts presented at the 2005 Society for Health Care Epidemiology of American (SHEA) and has contributed to Johns Hopkins University’s plan for prevention and control of MDR-Acinetobacter. Future studies will involve prospective identification and surveillance culture for MDR-gram negative bacilli of patients admitted to Johns Hopkins hospital from other institutions. Project Abstract
Publication:
Maragakis LL, Cosgrove SE, Song X, Kim D, Rosenbaum P, Ciesla N et al. An outbreak of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumanni associated with pulsatile lavage wound treatment. JAMA 2004, 292(24): 3006-3011.
Dr. Marizen Ramirez of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles is evaluating the emergency response systems that exist in two different school districts in Los Angeles County to identify best practices for preparing schools to respond to local and mass emergencies including natural disasters, and terrorist attacks, and school violence. Emergency plans, actual emergency incidents, and existing staff survey data have been analyzed and reviewed in preparation for focus groups that will measure the perception of students, school staff, and parents regarding how sufficient and effective the current emergency plans are. The findings from these activities will be used to improve response systems in the schools and community for assisting and protecting children in schools during emergencies. Project Abstract
Dr. Erinn T. Rhodes of Children’s Hospital (Boston)
Project Abstract
Dr. Donna Shelley of Columbia University Health Sciences in New York City
Project Abstract
Dr. Paul R. Smokowski of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is studying the acculturation, health protection, and health risk behavior of Latino adolescents residing in North Carolina and Arizona. The investigation will map modifiable risk factors that lead Latino adolescents to engage in negative health behaviors such as alcohol, tobacco, and drug use, aggressive behavior, and suicide. The baseline assessment has been completed for 182 adolescents in North Carolina and 150 in Arizona. The assessment has also been completed for 167 of their parents in North Carolina and 150 parents in Arizona. The data has been entered into SPSS and data analysis has begun. Project Abstract
Dr. Cayla Teal at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas is studying the influences of Asian-American, African-American, and Latino cultures on health beliefs, decisions, and practices, and to develop and test multidimensional measures of cultural influences. Research progress to-date on the development and testing of multidimensional measures of cultural influences includes: 1) staff recruitment, a formal meeting of the grant Advisory Team, and establishment of formal consultation agreements with three Health Coalitions serving as consultants, 2) addressing focus group methods and questions, 3) addition of multi-ethnic/racial pilot testing of the focus group methods and questions, 4) incorporation of the pilot results into focus group questions and methods, 5) translation of all English study documents into Spanish and Mandarin, 6) collection of qualitative data, and 7) development of the final data analysis plan for the qualitative data. Project Abstract
Dr. Jennifer Irvin Vidrine of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston
Project Abstract
Dr. Michael S. Wolf of Northwestern University in Chicago is studying the direct and indirect pathways by which literacy, self-efficacy, and culture influence proper chronic disease self-management, particularly among individuals with asthma. The association between health literacy, self-reported physical and mental functioning and health related activity limitations has been evaluated. Data from a previously conducted cross-sectional survey of nearly 3,000 participants were adjusted for the prevalence of chronic conditions (including asthma), health behaviors, and sociodemographic characteristics. Upon analysis, it was determined that individuals with low or inadequate health literacy skills had worse physical function and health than those with adequate health literacy. In addition, these individuals were more likely to report limitations in instrumental activities of daily living, activities of daily living, limitations in activities because of physical health, fewer accomplishments due to physical health, and pain that interfered with normal work activity. An assessment of the relationship between culture and health literacy and the influence of limited literacy on interpreting prescription labels for commonly used medications, including those for asthma has been completed. A script and video layout for is being developed and patients are being recruited for cognitive interviews to better understand the day-to-day barriers of asthma self-management and how the video should address novel intervention strategies for overcoming these problems. Project Abstract
Publication:
Wolf MS, Gazmararian JA, Baker DW. Health literacy and functional health status among older adults. Archives of Internal Medicine, September 2005, 165: 1946-52.
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Page last modified: September 28, 2006
Content source: Office of the Chief Science Officer (OCSO)
