Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Health Behaviors and Outcomes by Age Group and Race Ethnicity: Results From Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data.

This study aimed to examine changes in health behaviors and outcomes during early-pandemic (2020) vs pre-pandemic (2019) years by age groups and race/ethnicity. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System datasets from 2019 (n = 418 268) and 2020 (n = 401 958). All participants reported less likelihood to exercise (aOR, .78; 95% CI: .73-.83) and have poor physical health (aOR, .91; 95% CI: .86-.98) but more likelihood to have excellent general health (aOR, 1.33; 1.17-1.53) during 2020 vs 2019. Compared to 2019, during 2020 (i) Blacks were more likely to exercise (aOR, 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02-1.51) and have excellent general health (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI: 1.13-2.54); (ii) Hispanics were less likely to exercise (aOR, .80; 95% CI: .74-.88), but more likely to have excellent general health (aOR, 2.44; 95% CI: 1.79-3.33) and mental health (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI: 1.15-1.72); and (iii) Whites were less likely to exercise (aOR, .58; 95% CI: .50-.67) and have good physical health (aOR, 0.89; 95% CI: .82-.95). All age groups, except 18-24 years, were less likely to exercise by 18%-39% during 2020 vs 2019. Furthermore, the 55-64 years age-group was 36% more likely to report excellent general health but 14% less likely to have good physical health. Identifying the most vulnerable racial/ethnic and age groups is pivotal to prioritizing public health resources and interventions to mitigate the impact of health crises.

Assessing Organizational Capacity to Advance Health Equity: Mixed-Methods Approach at a Local Health Department.

Local health departments (LHDs) play a leading role in eliminating health inequities as they proactively identify and address barriers to optimal health within the community they serve. This study evaluated a Midwestern County LHD's commitment, collaborations, and capacity to advance health equity in their organization. A total of 81 employees completed the online survey (response rate = 51%) and 12 among randomly selected employees completed the qualitative interviews (31.5%). More than 75% of participants reported that all departments had explicit work plans and 50% had a strong capacity to address social determinants of health. Almost 50% of the participants reported strong internal collaboration, but less than 25% indicated that no external partners were involved during the program planning process. Finally, a few participants identified the need for increased diversity in leadership and expressed the importance of quality training and feedback.