Multi-level drivers of congenital syphilis, Oregon, 2013-2021.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of curative penicillin treatment for syphilis during pregnancy, congenital syphilis (CS) cases have surged in the United States, including in Oregon. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of individual- and county-level predictors of CS among pregnant people with syphilis in Oregon from 2013-2021. Data were collated from surveillance reports, County Health Rankings, and other sources with upstream county-level data. We used multi-level Poisson regression models to assess associations between CS and individual- and county-level factors. RESULTS: Among 343 people with syphilis during pregnancy, 95 (27.6%) were associated with a case of CS. At the individual-level, a history of injection drug use and a history of corrections involvement were associated with an increased risk of CS, while a recent gonorrhea diagnosis was associated with a decreased risk of CS. County-level violent crime rate, unemployment, income inequality, and adverse childhood experiences increased the risk of CS. Higher county-level socioenvironmental challenges exacerbated CS risk, particularly among people with corrections involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Injection drug use, corrections involvement, and county-level socioenvironmental challenges increased CS risk among pregnant people with syphilis in Oregon. Urgent interventions are needed, including innovative care models, policy reforms targeting systemic issues, and enhanced collaboration with community services to address the escalating CS crisis.

The Ongoing Impact of COVID-19 on Testing for and Diagnoses of HIV and Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections in Oregon.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing accessibility. We sought to assess the longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on HIV and STI testing and diagnosis in Oregon. METHODS: First, we examined HIV, Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), and syphilis tests conducted at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory (public sector) and a large commercial laboratory (private sector) and HIV, N. gonorrhoeae , CT, and primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis diagnoses in Oregon from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. We compared monthly testing and diagnosis rates in 5 prespecified periods: pre-COVID-19 (January 2019-February 2020), stay-at-home order (March 2020-May 2020), reopening (June 2020-December 2020), vaccine availability (January 2021-June 2021), and Delta/early Omicron spread (July 2021-December 2021). Second, we calculated the number of HIV and STI diagnoses per test in the public and private sectors. Finally, we used seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average models to predict expected HIV and STI diagnoses for comparison to those observed. RESULTS: Both public and private sector HIV and bacterial STI testing fell to nadirs in April 2020 with incomplete recovery to 2019 levels by the close of 2021. Compared with pre-COVID-19, public sector and private sector testing was significantly lower in all subsequent periods. Compared with pre-COVID-19, P&S syphilis cases were 52%, 75%, and 124% greater in the reopening, vaccine availability, and Delta/early Omicron periods, respectively. From March 2020 to December 2021, we observed an excess of P&S syphilis cases (+37.1%; 95% confidence interval, 22.2% to 52.1%) and a deficit in CT cases (-10.7%; 95% confidence interval, -15.4% to -6.0%). CONCLUSIONS: By December 2021, HIV/STI testing had not recovered to pre-COVID-19 levels, and HIV/STI continues to be underdiagnosed. Despite decreased testing, P&S syphilis cases have increased substantially.

COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among People Living with HIV.

People living with HIV (PLWH) are at greater risk for severe COVID-19 and are a priority population for COVID-19 vaccination. As of June 15, 2021, 61.6% of PLWH in Oregon received ≥ 1 COVID-19 vaccine dose. Younger PLWH, Hispanic/Latinx PLWH and PLWH who inject drugs or reside in rural and frontier areas had low vaccine uptake while PLWH who were engaged in care, enrolled in the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, and vaccinated against influenza had high vaccine uptake. Greater advocacy, education, and care navigation are required to increase COVID-19 vaccine access and uptake among PLWH.

The Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing and Diagnosis in Oregon.

ABSTRACT: Human immunodeficiency virus, Neisseria gonorrhoeae/Chlamydia trachomatis, and syphilis testing decreased with the implementation of mitigation measures for SARS-CoV-2 and did not return to 2019 levels by September 2020. However, primary and secondary syphilis diagnoses increased during mitigation measures. Sexual health services are essential during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Three Zoo Elephants and a Human Contact - Oregon, 2013.

In 2013, public health officials in Multnomah County, Oregon, started an investigation of a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak among elephants and humans at a local zoo. The investigation ultimately identified three bull elephants with active TB and 118 human contacts of the elephants. Ninety-six (81%) contacts were evaluated, and seven close contacts were found to have latent TB infection. The three bulls were isolated and treated (elephants with TB typically are not euthanized) to prevent infection of other animals and humans, and persons with latent infection were offered treatment. Improved TB screening methods for elephants are needed to prevent exposure of human contacts.

Norovirus outbreak associated with a natural lake used for recreation - Oregon, 2014.

In July 2014, Multnomah County public health officials investigated a norovirus outbreak among persons visiting Blue Lake Regional Park in Oregon. During the weekend of the reported illnesses (Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 13) approximately 15,400 persons visited the park. The investigation identified 65 probable and five laboratory-confirmed cases of norovirus infection (70 total cases). No hospitalizations or deaths were reported. Analyses from a retrospective cohort study revealed that swimming at Blue Lake during July 12-13 was significantly associated with illness during July 13-14 (adjusted relative risk = 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-64.9). Persons who swam were more than twice as likely to become ill compared with those who did not swim in the lake. To control the outbreak, Blue Lake was closed for 10 days to prevent further illness. This investigation underscores the need for guidance for determining when to reopen untreated recreational water venues (e.g., lakes) associated with outbreaks, and communication tools to inform the public about the risks associated with swimming in untreated recreational water venues and measures that can prevent illness.

Strategies, actions, and outcomes of pilot state programs in public health genomics, 2003-2008.

State health departments in Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, and Utah explored the use of genomic information, including family health history, in chronic disease prevention programs. To support these explorations, the Office of Public Health Genomics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided cooperative agreement funds from 2003 through 2008. The 4 states' chronic disease programs identified advocates, formed partnerships, and assessed public data; they integrated genomics into existing state plans for genetics and chronic disease prevention; they developed projects focused on prevention of asthma, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions; and they created educational curricula and materials for health workers, policymakers, and the public. Each state's program was different because of the need to adapt to existing culture, infrastructure, and resources, yet all were able to enhance their chronic disease prevention programs with the use of family health history, a low-tech "genomic tool." Additional states are drawing on the experience of these 4 states to develop their own approaches.

Public awareness and use of direct-to-consumer personal genomic tests from four state population-based surveys, and implications for clinical and public health practice.

PURPOSE: Direct-to-consumer personal genomic tests are widely available, but population-based data are limited on awareness and use of these tests among the general public in the United States. METHODS: We assessed awareness and use of direct-to-consumer personal genomic tests in Connecticut, Michigan, Oregon, and Utah using the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and compared the state results to the 2008 national HealthStyles survey results. RESULTS: Awareness was the highest in Oregon (29.1%) and the lowest in Michigan (15.8%). Factors associated with awareness across all states and nationally were higher education, higher income, and increasing age, except among those 75 years or older. Less than 1% of respondents had used the tests, with about one-half to three-quarters of those sharing the results with a health-care provider. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of direct-to-consumer genetic tests is greater in this study as compared with a related study conducted in 2006, whereas use is similarly low in both studies. The few respondents who reported using the tests often reported sharing their results with their health-care provider, indicating an important opportunity for health-care providers to offer patient education regarding these tests. Public health agencies have important roles in surveillance, education, and policy development on direct-to-consumer genomic tests.

Family history of colorectal cancer: clinicians' preventive recommendations and patient behavior.

Few population-based studies have addressed the role that family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) plays in clinician decision making or patient health choices. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of family history of CRC on clinician practice, patient CRC screening, and patient preventive behavior. We analyzed 2008 Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to examine associations between family history of CRC and 1) patient-reported clinician recommendations, 2) perceived risk of developing CRC, 3) adoption of preventive and screening behaviors, and 4) CRC risk factors among 1,795 respondents without CRC. A family history of CRC was positively associated with a higher likelihood of respondents reporting that their clinicians discussed colorectal cancer screening (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 2.4-7.4) and of respondents having colorectal screening within the recommended time period (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.9). A family history of CRC was also associated with respondents reporting lifestyle changes to prevent CRC (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.7-4.0). A family history of CRC may prompt clinicians to recommend screening and preventive behavior changes and motivate patients to adopt such strategies.

Impact of COVID-19 Among Immigrant and Communities of Color Living with HIV in Oregon, 2020: Two Pandemics Rooted in Racism.

Over 8100 people living with HIV (PLWH) in Oregon are at risk of acquiring COVID-19, and communities of color are disproportionately impacted by both COVID-19 and HIV. This study identifies factors associated with a positive COVID-19 test among PLWH in Oregon, with the goal of promoting health equity. We probabilistically linked COVID-19 laboratory results with laboratory-confirmed HIV cases. Crude and adjusted risk ratios of having a COVID-19 diagnosis were calculated for each covariate. Almost 6% of the 2390 PLWH tested for COVID-19 had a positive COVID-19 result. PLWH with positive results tended to identify as American Indian/Alaska Native or Hispanic/Latinx. Younger (age < 50) immigrant PLWH were more than twice as likely to have a positive COVID-19 result than did older (age ≥ 50) US-born PLWH. The pandemic has magnified disparities among American Indian/Alaska Native, Latinx, and younger immigrant PLWH. Dismantling institutional racism and redistributing power are strategies that could be considered to help reduce health disparities.

Public awareness and use of direct-to-consumer genetic tests: results from 3 state population-based surveys, 2006.

We conducted population-based surveys on direct-to-consumer nutrigenomic testing in Michigan, Oregon, and Utah as part of the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Awareness of the tests was highest in Oregon (24.4%) and lowest in Michigan (7.6%). Predictors of awareness were more education, higher income, and increasing age, except among those 65 years or older. Less than 1% had used a health-related direct-to-consumer genetic test. Public health systems should increase consumer and provider education and continue surveillance on direct-to-consumer genetic tests.

Influence of family history of diabetes on health care provider practice and patient behavior among nondiabetic Oregonians.

INTRODUCTION: People with a family history of diabetes are at increased risk of developing diabetes; however, the effect of family history of diabetes on health care provider practice and patient behavior has not been well defined. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2005 Oregon Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey, to evaluate, among people with diabetes, associations between family history of diabetes and 1) patients' reports of health care provider practices, 2) patients' perceived risk of developing diabetes, and 3) patients' behaviors associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes. RESULTS: Compared with respondents at average risk, respondents with a positive family history (strong or moderate familial risk for diabetes) were more likely to report that their health care provider collects family history information about diabetes, discusses the risk of developing diabetes or other chronic conditions, and makes recommendations to change their diet or exercise behaviors to reduce the chance of developing diabetes. Respondents with a strong family history of diabetes were 5 times more likely to be very or somewhat worried about developing diabetes than were people at average risk (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.0-6.2). Compared with respondents at average risk, respondents with a strong family history were more likely to report making changes in diet and exercise (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.4-2.1). CONCLUSION: Integrating family history of diabetes into clinical practice offers opportunities to improve the effectiveness of diabetes detection and to promote interventions aimed at preventing or delaying the development of diabetes in people at high risk.

Addressing the obesity epidemic: a genomics perspective.

Genomics is the study of the entire human genome and involves not only studying the actions of single genes but also the interactions of multiple genes with each other and with the environment. This article emphasizes the multifactorial nature of common obesity, which is caused by the interaction of genes, environment, and lifestyle. Individual variation in genes that influence behavior, satiety, and taste suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to reducing or preventing obesity may be ineffective. Data are not yet available to allow for personalized obesity interventions based on genetic predisposition. However, a genomics approach may provide a useful framework for addressing the obesity epidemic. More research is needed before specific targeted public health interventions that include genomic strategies can be effectively integrated into addressing obesity in public health practice.

Health-related information on the Web: results from the HealthStyles Survey, 2002-2003.

INTRODUCTION: The World Wide Web is being used increasingly as a resource for accessing health-related information. In our study, we identified types of health-related Web sites visited most often, determined how often patients shared Web-accessed health information with their doctors, and examined factors that encouraged Internet use for locating health-related information. We also compared health-related Internet use among people who did not have any type of chronic disease with people who reported having one or more chronic diseases. METHODS: We merged data from the 2002 and 2003 HealthStyles surveys to generate frequency and descriptive statistics and used multivariate logistic regression to estimate odds ratios. RESULTS: Approximately 35% of survey participants reported using the Internet to search for health-related information. Among them, the Web sites visited most often included health information portals, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. About 53% reported that they "sometimes" shared Internet information with their doctors. The most important features of the Internet that would encourage its use for health information were ease of finding and using the information and clarity of the information provided. Internet use differed by sex and age and was strongly associated with income and education. Respondents who reported having a chronic disease (odds ratio [OR] = 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-1.45) were more likely to use the Internet to access health-related information, especially among those with depression (OR = 1.47; 95% CI, 1.27-1.71) and high cholesterol (OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.37). In addition, respondents who reported having two or more chronic diseases (OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.16-1.56) were more likely to search for online health information than respondents who reported having no chronic disease. CONCLUSION: Public health professionals have a unique opportunity to use the Internet as a tool to complement and supplement the health information that the public receives from health care professionals.

Relationships among community characteristics and walking and bicycling for transportation or recreation.

PURPOSE: Compare walking and bicycling for transportation and recreation with the percentage of the community devoted to parklands. METHODS: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 206,992), Nationwide Personal Transportation Survey (N = 409,025), and Trust for Public Land (N = 55) data were used to estimate recreational walking and bicycling, utilitarian walking and bicycling, and parkland as a percentage of city acreage. Data were linked at the metropolitan statistical area or city level (N = 34). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the associations among recreational and utilitarian walking and bicycling and parkland acreage. RESULTS: Utilitarian walking and bicycling and parkland acreage were significantly correlated (r = .62, p < .0001). No significant relationships were observed for leisure time walking or bicycling. DISCUSSION: Communities with more parks had significantly higher levels of walking and bicycling for transportation. Urban design features associated with leisure time physical activity might differ from those associated with transportation-related physical activity. Further studies are needed to articulate the relationships among community attributes and purposes of physical activity.

Perceived likelihood of developing diabetes among high-risk Oregonians.

INTRODUCTION: Prevention of diabetes in people at highest risk for developing the disease is an important public health opportunity, considering the disease's increasing prevalence, its devastating impact on health and its high economic cost, the availability of efficacious and cost-effective treatments to reduce complications, and recent evidence that it can be delayed or prevented with lifestyle interventions. METHODS: The Oregon Diabetes Prevention and Control Program collected and analyzed responses from a statewide telephone survey conducted in 2003 to determine whether Oregon adults at highest risk for diabetes 1) believed that they were at risk for developing diabetes in the future, 2) had talked with a health care professional about diabetes, and 3) had been tested for the disease. Pearson chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent associations of select characteristics with the study factors of interest. RESULTS: Even among respondents at highest risk for developing diabetes, at most one third reported being concerned about developing diabetes, one fifth reported having discussed their risk with a health professional in the previous year, and less than half reported having been tested for diabetes by a health provider in the previous year. After adjusting for multiple factors, we found that having a family history of diabetes was consistently associated with perceived risk of developing diabetes, discussion about diabetes with a health professional, and diabetes testing. CONCLUSION: Many Oregon adults at high risk for developing diabetes are unconcerned about their risk for developing the disease, and few have discussed their risk of diabetes with a health professional. Findings from this study suggest the need for increased recognition of future diabetes risk by high-risk individuals and health professionals to help translate diabetes prevention into practice.

Relationship between urban sprawl and physical activity, obesity, and morbidity.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between urban sprawl, health, and health-related behaviors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis using hierarchical modeling to relate characteristics of individuals and places to levels of physical activity, obesity, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. SETTING: U.S. counties (448) and metropolitan areas (83). SUBJECTS: Adults (n = 206,992) from pooled 1998, 1999, and 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). MEASURES: Sprawl indices, derived with principal components analysis from census and other data, served as independent variables. Self-reported behavior and health status from BRFSS served as dependent variables. RESULTS: After controlling for demographic and behavioral covariates, the county sprawl index had small but significant associations with minutes walked (p = .004), obesity (p < .001), BMI (p = .005), and hypertension (p = .018). Residents of sprawling counties were likely to walk less during leisure time, weigh more, and have greater prevalence of hypertension than residents of compact counties. At the metropolitan level, sprawl was similarly associated with minutes walked (p = .04) but not with the other variables. CONCLUSION: This ecologic study reveals that urban form could be significantly associated with some forms of physical activity and some health outcomes. More research is needed to refine measures of urban form, improve measures of physical activity, and control for other individual and environmental influences on physical activity, obesity, and related health outcomes.

Patterns of cancer genetic testing: a randomized survey of Oregon clinicians.

Introduction. Appropriate use of genetic tests for population-based cancer screening, diagnosis of inherited cancers, and guidance of cancer treatment can improve health outcomes. We investigated clinicians' use and knowledge of eight breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer genetic tests. Methods. We conducted a randomized survey of 2,191 Oregon providers, asking about their experience with fecal DNA, OncoVue, BRCA, MMR, CYP2D6, tumor gene expression profiling, UGT1A1, and KRAS. Results. Clinicians reported low confidence in their knowledge of medical genetics; most confident were OB-GYNs and specialists. Clinicians were more likely to have ordered/recommended BRCA and MMR than the other tests, and OB-GYNs were twice as likely to have ordered/recommended BRCA testing than primary care providers. Less than 10% of providers ordered/recommended OncoVue, fecal DNA, CYP2D6, or UGT1A1; less than 30% ordered/recommended tumor gene expression profiles or KRAS. The most common reason for not ordering/recommending these tests was lack of familiarity. Conclusions. Use of appropriate, evidence-based testing can help reduce incidence and mortality of certain cancers, but these tests need to be better integrated into clinical practice. Continued evaluation of emerging technologies, dissemination of findings, and an increase in provider confidence and knowledge are necessary to achieve this end.