Breastfeeding Intentions among Pregnant Women Enrolled in a Healthy Start Program in Arkansas.

INTRODUCTION: Exclusive breastfeeding is recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for infants. Although exclusive breastfeeding rates have increased overall in the United States, substantial inequities exist in breastfeeding among individuals of different socioeconomic statuses, races, and ethnicities. The purpose of this study was to examine characteristics associated with exclusive breastfeeding intentions among pregnant women in Arkansas enrolled in a Healthy Start program. METHODS: The current study included a cross-sectional design, with a sample of 242 pregnant women in Arkansas enrolled in a Healthy Start program. RESULTS: The majority of the participants (56.6%) indicated their infant feeding intentions included a combination of breastfeeding and formula feeding. There were substantial differences in breastfeeding intentions among women of different races/ethnicities, with 18.5% of Marshallese women indicating they planned to exclusively breastfeed, compared to 42.1% of White women, 47.6% of Black women, and 31.8% of Hispanic women (p < 0.001). Women over the age of 18 and with higher educational attainment were more likely to intend on exclusively breastfeeding. DISCUSSION: This is the first study to examine characteristics associated with exclusive breastfeeding intentions among pregnant women in Arkansas enrolled in a Healthy Start program. The study found that race/ethnicity and age were most strongly associated with breastfeeding intentions. These findings are critical to identifying populations for resource allocation and to developing culturally-tailored interventions to help women in Arkansas achieve their desired infant feeding methods.

Factors Associated with Online Patient Portal Utilization Experience in an Arkansas Phone Survey.

Introduction: Accessing electronic health record information through a patient portal is associated with numerous benefits to both health care providers and patients. However, patient portal utilization remains low. Little is known about the factors associated with patient portal utilization following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In March 2022, we conducted a random digit dial phone survey of both cell phones and landlines of adults living in Arkansas that asked numerous demographic and health-related measures, including patient portal utilization in the past 12 months. A total of 2,201 adult Arkansans completed the survey between March 1 and March 28, 2022. Weighted estimates were generated using rank ratio estimation to approximate the 2019 American Community Survey 1-year Arkansas estimates for race/ethnicity (72% White, 15% Black/African American, 7.8% Hispanic, 4.9% other race/ethnicity), age (73% 18-39, 32% 40-59, and 31% 60+), and gender (49% male, 51% female). We fit the data to a logistic regression model. Results: We found that education, employment, prior telehealth experience, having a check-up in the past 2 years, and having a primary care provider were all positively associated with patient portal utilization. We also found that non-Hispanic Black/African-American respondents were less likely to access a patient portal relative to non-Hispanic White respondents. Discussion: Patient portal utilization is related to several demographic and health-related factors among an adult population in Arkansas. Given that the documented benefits of patient portal utilization are broad, under-utilization by groups that already experience relatively worse health outcomes could reproduce or even exacerbate existing health disparities. Additional research is needed to further investigate what barriers to patient portal utilization remain for these populations.

Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic With Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Receipt Among Pregnant Individuals: United States, 2016-2022.

Objectives. To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) receipt among pregnant individuals overall and by race/ethnicity. Methods. We measured changes in WIC receipt among Medicaid-covered births (n = 10 484 697) from the US National Center for Health Statistics Natality Files (2016-2022). Our interrupted time series logistic model included a continuous monthly variable, a binary post-COVID variable, and a continuous slope shift variable. We additionally fit separate models for each race/ethnicity relative to White individuals, using interaction terms between the time series variables and race/ethnicity. Results. We found decreases in WIC receipt (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.899; P < .001) from before COVID (66.6%) to after COVID (57.9%). There were larger post-COVID decreases for American Indian/Alaska Native (AOR = 0.850; P < .001), Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (AOR = 0.877; P = .003), Black (AOR = 0.974; P < .001), and Hispanic (AOR = 0.972, P < .001) individuals relative to White individuals. Conclusions. The greater reductions in WIC receipt among minoritized individuals highlights a pathway through which the pandemic may have widened gaps in already disparate maternal and infant health. Public Health Implications. Continued efforts to increase WIC utilization are needed overall and among minoritized populations. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(S3):S240-S247. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307525).

Hesitant but vaccinated: assessing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among the recently vaccinated.

We administered a survey during the fifteen-minute wait time after the COVID-19 vaccine was given (N = 1475) to examine attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines among adults who were vaccinated in Arkansas between April 22nd and July 6th, 2021. We found 60% of those who had just been vaccinated reported some level of hesitancy, including 10% who reported being "very hesitant." Hesitancy was not evenly distributed across sociodemographic groups (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education) and was associated with whether a non-English language is spoken in the home, health care coverage, and flu vaccination over the past five years in bivariate analysis. Generalized ordered logistic regression results reveal associations between the log-ordered odds of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and age, sex, race/ethnicity, health care coverage, health literacy, and flu vaccination over the past five years. Surprisingly, a prior COVID-19 diagnosis was not significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. These results can inform health care and communication strategies. Further attention to "hesitant adopters" can provide insights into the process of overcoming vaccine hesitancy that are critical to vaccine uptake.

Associations between COVID-19 vaccine uptake, race/ethnicity, and political party affiliation.

Despite widespread availability of vaccines, COVID-19 is a leading cause of death in the United States (US), and sociodemographic disparities in vaccine uptake remain. Race/ethnicity, partisanship, and perception of peer vaccination status are strong predictors of vaccine uptake, but research is limited among some racial/ethnic groups with small populations. The current study used an online survey to examine the relationship between these factors among a diverse sample of US adults (n = 1,674), with oversampling of racial and ethnic minorities. Respondents provided sociodemographic information and answered questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination status, political affiliation, perception of peers' vaccination status, COVID-19 death exposure, and previous COVID-19 infection. Respondents who identified as Asian American had higher odds of being vaccinated, whereas those who identified as Black/African American or American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) had lower odds. Respondents who identified as Independent/Other or Republican had lower vaccination odds. Respondents who perceived anything less than nearly all of their peers were vaccinated had lower vaccination odds. Further, lack of a primary care provider, younger age, and lower educational attainment were associated with lower vaccination odds. Findings may help to determine where additional work is needed to improve vaccine uptake in the US. Results indicate the need for intentional and tailored vaccination programs in Black/African American and AIAN communities; the need to understand how media and political actors develop vaccination messaging and impact vaccine uptake; and the need for additional research on how people estimate, understand, and form decisions around peer vaccination rates.

Application Status Among Women Enrolled in a Healthy Start Program in Arkansas for the Special Nutrition Program for Women and Children.

This study aimed to examine the demographic characteristics of pregnant women in a Healthy Start program who are presumed eligible for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), but who have not yet applied for WIC benefits. We used a cross sectional evaluation of data collected from pregnant women (n=203) participating in a Healthy Start program. Data came from surveys administered at enrollment in the Healthy Start program from July 15th, 2019 until January 14th, 2022. The primary outcome was WIC application status, which was determined by whether the woman had applied or was receiving benefits at the time of enrollment. Covariates included race/ethnicity, marital status, insurance, education, income, age, employment, and having previous children/pregnancies. Fisher exact tests and logistic regression were used to examine associations. Approximately 65% of women had not yet applied for WIC benefits. Marshallese women (80.9%) and other NHPI women (80.0%) had the highest need for assistance. In adjusted analyses, White women (p = 0.040) and Hispanic women (p = 0.005) had lower rates of needing assistance applying for WIC than Marshallese women. There were higher rates of needing assistance in applying for women with private insurance or with no insurance and for those with higher incomes. Nearly two out of every three pregnant women who were eligible for WIC had not yet applied for benefits. The findings highlight the need for outreach for all populations that may be eligible, particularly among racial/ethnic minorities and those with higher incomes.

Associations between COVID-19 Death Exposure and COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and Vaccine Uptake.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the relation between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) death exposure and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and vaccine uptake among Arkansans, controlling for sociodemographic factors. METHODS: Data were collected from a telephone survey administered in Arkansas between July 12 and July 30, 2021 (N = 1500) via random digit dialing of telephone landlines and cellular telephones. Weighted data were used to estimate regressions. RESULTS: Controlling for sociodemographic variables, COVID-19 death exposure was not a significant predictor of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy (P = 0.423) or COVID-19 vaccine uptake (P = 0.318). Younger individuals, those with lower levels of education, and those who live in rural counties were more likely to be COVID-19 vaccine hesitant. Older individuals, Hispanic/Latinx individuals, those who reported higher levels of education, and those who reported living in urban counties were more likely to have reported receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Many efforts to promote COVID-19 vaccines have focused on prosocial norms, including encouraging vaccination to protect the community from COVID-19 infection and death; however, COVID-19 death exposure was not related to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy or uptake in the present study. Future research should examine whether prosocial messaging is effective in decreasing hesitancy or motivating some individuals to receive the vaccine among those who have been exposed to COVID-19 deaths.

Characteristics of Nursing Homes with High Rates of Urinary Tract Infections among Their Residents with Obesity.

Nursing home residents with obesity are at high risk for contracting urinary tract infections. In this research study, we found nursing homes in multi-facility chain organizations, for-profit status, nursing home size, obesity rate of resident population, and market competition were significantly associated with rates of urinary tract infections among residents with obesity.

Stressful life events and social support among pregnant Marshallese women.

INTRODUCTION: Women from racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States are disproportionately likely to experience adverse perinatal outcomes such as preterm birth, low birthweight infants, and infant mortality. Previous research has demonstrated that exposure to stressful life events and social support may influence perinatal outcomes. Although studies have documented stressful life events and social support for the general United States population and minority groups, less is known about the experiences of Pacific Islander women in the United States, and no prior studies have documented these experiences in Marshallese Pacific Islander women. METHODS: The present study examined data collected from pregnant Marshallese women (n = 67) in northwest Arkansas participating in a women's health program using descriptive analyses (means, standard deviations, proportions). RESULTS: Results indicated a high prevalence of three stressful life events: experiencing a family member going into the hospital (35.8%), someone close to them dying (29.9%), and being unable to pay bills (53.7%). Food insecurity was higher than previously reported for pregnant women or Pacific Islanders (83.7%). Social support was high among the sample. A majority of women reported receiving help with daily chores (86.6%), help when sick (88.1%), and support on how to deal with personal problems (85.1%). DISCUSSION: This study is the first to document the prevalence of stressful life events and social support in a sample of pregnant Marshallese women living in the United States. The findings provide important information to guide efforts to reduce adverse perinatal outcomes in a Pacific Islander population.

Relationship between Sociodemographic Factors, Perceived COVID-19 Risk, and Engagement with Health Protective Behaviors.

OBJECTIVES: This study describes the relationship between sociodemographic factors, chronic conditions, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) fears and stressors, and the perception of risk from COVID-19 and the use of health protective behaviors among Arkansans during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Data collected from an online survey, administered in Arkansas between July and August 2020 (n = 1205), were used to estimate regressions. The data analysis was completed in April 2021. RESULTS: Wearing a face mask was the most commonly reported behavior (97.4%), followed by handwashing (97.2%). Protective behaviors increased with higher levels of fear (ß = 0.030, P < 0.001), more stressors (ß = 0.057, P = 0.002), and age (ß = 0.006, P = 0.030). Female (ß = 0.510, P < 0.001) and Black (ß = 0.268, P = 0.039) respondents reported engaging in more protective behaviors than males or other races/ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS: In future pandemic planning, there will be a need to create messaging and interventions to increase health protective behaviors directed at young adults, men, and those with lower education levels. Providers will need to address fears related to COVID-19 and help their patients to manage those fears and anxieties.

Telehealth Utilization During COVID-19 Among People with Diagnosed Mental Health Conditions.

Background:Despite the potential benefits and the demonstrated uptake throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, studies have found that telemental health is still underused. The objective of the study was to explore the associations between mental health diagnoses and telehealth utilization during the pandemic.Methods:The study utilized a cross-sectional survey among adult Arkansans (n = 754). Logistic regression was used to determine the association between a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression and telehealth utilization.Results:Forty-two percent of respondents reported utilizing telehealth during the pandemic. Respondents with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression had three times greater odds of utilizing telehealth (odds ratio = 2.97) than those with no diagnoses.Discussion:Utilization of telehealth care during the COVID-19 pandemic was lower in our sample compared with other nationally representative surveys; however, utilization was higher among people with a diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression.Conclusions:The results indicate the need for outreach to increase telehealth utilization.

Associations among Self-Reported Mental Health, Physical Activity, and Diet during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Understanding the relationship between physical activity, diet, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic may help inform resources encouraging healthy lifestyle choices during the time of an increased threat to health and wellbeing. Aim: Our objective was to examine how self-rated mental health was associated with engagement in physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study utilized cross-sectional survey data from adults (≥18 years of age) living, working, and/or receiving healthcare in Arkansas (n = 754). Multivariable regression models were used to examine the associations between self-rated mental health and the number of days respondents engaged in 30 min of physical activity and the number of days respondents consumed five or more servings of fruits and vegetables. Results: Respondents who reported somewhat poor/poor mental health reported engaging in at least 30 min of physical activity fewer days per week (ß = -.77, p = .018) compared with those reporting excellent mental health, after controlling for sociodemographic factors and self-rated health. The significant association observed in the first two models between mental health and number of days consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables became non-significant after inclusion of self-rated health. Conclusion: The relationship between mental health and physical activity and diet reaffirms a need for healthcare providers to promote the importance of maintaining both a healthy physical activity level and a nutrient-rich diet in the face of challenging circumstances, such as a global pandemic.

COVID-19 Death Exposure among Adults in the United States.

As of May 17, 2022, more than a million deaths due to COVID-19 have been recorded in the US. For each COVID-19 death, there are an estimated nine bereaved family members and an unknown number of bereaved friends. This study aimed to assess the correlates of self-reported COVID-19 death exposure (i.e., loss of a close friend or family member) among US adults using online survey data (n = 1,869) collected between September 17, 2021 and October 3, 2021. One in four US adults in this national sample reported the loss of a close friend or family member due to COVID-19. The odds of losing a close friend or family member due to COVID-19 death were greater for those age 60 or older, all minoritized racial/ethnic groups except for Asian American respondents, married/coupled respondents, those who had foregone care due to cost in the past year, and those who reported a COVID-19 infection.

Racial Disparities in Diabetes Management Outcomes: Evidence from a Remote Patient Monitoring Program for Type 2 Diabetic Patients.

Introduction: Despite growing documentation of the efficacy of telemedicine in diabetes management, racial disparities in telemedicine-facilitated diabetes management remain underexplored. This study examined disparities in diabetes management outcomes between black and white patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a remote monitoring program. Methods: The analysis sample included 914 white T2D patients and 365 black T2D patients in Nebraska who completed a 3-month remote patient monitoring and coaching after hospital discharge from 2014 to 2017. Ordinary least squares regression was estimated to examine racial differences in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and logistic regression was used to determine the odds of HbA1c > 9% at the end of the program, controlling for demographics, baseline health conditions, and patient activation and engagement with the program. Results: The proportion of white patients with HbA1c > 9% was reduced from 16% at the baseline to 7% at program completion, and the corresponding reduction among black patients was from 30% to 18%. After adjusting for the effects of baseline HbA1c and other covariates, the average HbA1c among black patients at the end of the program was 0.23 points higher than that among white patients (p < 0.01), and the adjusted odds of black patients having HbA1c > 9% was 1.68 times that of white patients (95% confidence interval [1.07-2.63]). Discussion: The remote patient monitoring and coaching program reduced the absolute gap between black and white T2D patients. However, substantial racial disparities in HbA1c still remained at the end of the program and warranted further research.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and a "Death With Dignity".

The Oregon "Death With Dignity" Act (DWD Act) allows a terminally ill patient with 6 months to live to ask a physician for medication to end their life. To receive the medication, the DWD Act requires the patient to verbally request the prescription twice 2 weeks apart as well as in writing. Patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have three main barriers to using DWD: (a) the ability to communicate their informed consent as the disease progresses further, (b) the possibility of dementia which may affect their decisional capacity, and (c) given the nature and speed of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, limited time is available for patients to self-administer the prescription and may rush the time line for the death. This article reviews the current knowledge and addresses the need for adjustments to existing law and recommendations for states considering a DWD law.

Experiences of Discrimination Among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders Living in the USA.

Experiences of racism and discrimination are stressors that adversely affect the well-being of marginalized populations, including Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI). However, commonly used data aggregation methods obscure information on NHPI communities and their lived experiences. The aim of our study is to understand the types and frequency of discrimination experienced by NHPI adults in the USA. The study utilized online survey data collected from 252 NHPI adults living in the USA between September and October 2021. Younger NHPI adults, those who report constantly thinking about their race/ethnicity, and those who are socially assigned a race/ethnicity that does not match their own report experiencing more types of discrimination. NHPI who constantly think about their race/ethnicity and those who are socially assigned a race/ethnicity that does not match their own report a greater frequency of discrimination. Findings indicate the need to understand the experiences of discrimination in this population.

Racial Misclassification, Discrimination, Consciousness, and Self-Rated Health Among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Adults in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Medical researchers have historically utilized the variable of race uncritically, rarely defining race, rarely acknowledging it as a social construct, and often omitting information about how it was measured. In this study, we use the following definition of race: "a system of structuring opportunity and assigning value based on the social interpretation of how one looks." We examine the influence of racial misclassification, racial discrimination, and racial consciousness on the self-rated health of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) living in the United States of America (USA). METHODS: Our analysis used online survey data from a subgroup of NHPI adults living in the USA (n = 252) who were oversampled as part of a larger study of US adults (N = 2022). Respondents were recruited between September 7, 2021 and October 3, 2021, from an online opt-in panel of individuals across the USA. Statistical analyses include weighted and unweighted descriptive statistics for the sample, as well as a weighted logistic regression for poor/fair self-rated health. RESULTS: Odds of poor/fair self-rated health were greater for women (OR = 2.72; 95% CI [1.19, 6.21]) and those who experienced racial misclassification (OR = 2.90; 95% CI [1.20, 7.05]). No other sociodemographic, healthcare, or race-related variables were significantly associated with self-rated health in the fully adjusted results. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that racial misclassification may be an important correlate of self-rated health among NHPI adults in the US context.

Undiagnosed hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus among Marshallese adults in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Background: Given the lack of healthcare access in the Republic of the Marshall Island (RMI) and the potential for complications related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension, it is crucial to examine these conditions among Marshallese in the RMI. Objectives: This study aims to identify the proportion of Marshallese adults in the RMI with undiagnosed T2DM and hypertension. Design: Using a community-based participatory research approach, screening events were conducted at 20 churches in Majuro Atoll. Methods: Participants completed a questionnaire and biometric data measures, including hemoglobin A1c and blood pressure. Results: Among participants with blood pressure data (N = 528), 11.9% had readings indicative of hypertension, and 38.1% were undiagnosed. Among participants with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) data (N = 450), 45.3% had readings indicative of T2DM, and 39.2% were undiagnosed. Conclusion: This study utilized a community-based participatory research approach that promotes equitable and ethical research. Results reaffirm the need to identify strategies for increasing healthcare access and for research to address health disparities in the RMI.

Study using data collected during health screenings in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) to identify the number of Marshallese people with undiagnosed diabetes and/or high blood pressure The Republic of the Marshall Island (RMI) is a nation located in the Pacific Ocean between Hawai'i and New Zealand. The RMI was the location of nuclear testing by the United States (US) in the 1940s and 1950s, changing the diet of Marshallese people, and leading to a high rate of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. However, healthcare in the RMI is less available than in the US, meaning Marshallese people may not be aware if they have these chronic conditions. The goal of our study was to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure among participants in church-based health screenings in the RMI. The study team found that 38.1% of people with readings indicating type 2 diabetes and 39.2% of people with readings indicating high blood pressure were undiagnosed. These results show there is additional work needed in the RMI to increase access to healthcare services.

Assessment of diabetes self-care behaviors and knowledge among Marshallese adults with type 2 diabetes in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to assess and document engagement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) self-care behaviors and self-reported diabetes knowledge among Marshallese adults living in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI). METHODS: The study uses data from a T2DM health screening study completed in the RMI; survey and biometric data were captured as part of the health screenings. Study objectives were examined using descriptive statistics to describe the characteristics of the participants, their diabetes self-care behaviors, and their levels of self-reported diabetes knowledge. RESULTS: Results indicate many Marshallese diagnosed with T2DM did not engage in adequate self-care behaviors, including blood sugar checks and foot examinations. Participants reported having forgone needed medical care and medication due to issues with cost and/or access, and participants reported low levels of diabetes knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate the need for further work in improving engagement in diabetes self-care by Marshallese living in the RMI. Increased engagement in self-care and diabetes education programs may help Marshallese with T2DM to improve control of their glucose and avoid long-term health complications, as well as reduce costs to the healthcare system.

Health Profiles of Marshallese With and Without a Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Background: The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) faces a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Objectives: The aim of the study is to document the health of Marshallese with and without a T2DM diagnosis to inform future interventions. Design: Data are from screenings collected in preparation for a diabetes education intervention. Data, including HbA1c, random glucose, cholesterol, weight, and self-rated health, were collected. Methods: Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact tests were used to identify differences in participants with and without T2DM diagnosis. Results: There were significant differences in both HbA1c level (P ⩽ .0001) and glucose level (P ⩽ .0001) between the diagnosed T2DM and non-diagnosed T2DM groups, as well as diastolic blood pressure (P = .0179), systolic blood pressure (P = .0003), and pulse pressure (P = .0023). There were no differences in weight, body mass index (BMI), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol, or self-rated health. Marshallese without a T2DM diagnosis have signs of insulin resistance, including elevated glucose and triglyceride levels. Conclusion: The results indicate a need for a socioecological approach to T2DM interventions, and interventions in the RMI should consider inclusion of blood pressure and cholesterol management. There is a need for interventions to prevent prediabetes and its progression to T2DM.