Built environment and obesity prevention research: moving from niche to norm (Links to an external site)
News
Perspectives From Public Health Practitioners and Advocates on Community Development for Active Living: What are the Lasting Impacts?
Abstract Purpose: Evidence suggests differential impacts of community development, including gentrification and displacement. Public health practitioners and advocates are key stakeholders involved in the community development process related to active living, yet little is known about their perceptions of its impacts. We explored the perspectives of relevant leaders of public health departments and key community and […]
Perspectives From Public Health Practitioners and Advocates on Community Development for Active Living: What are the Lasting Impacts? (Links to an external site)
Abstract Purpose: Evidence suggests differential impacts of community development, including gentrification and displacement. Public health practitioners and advocates are key stakeholders involved in the community development process related to active living, yet little is known about their perceptions of its impacts. We explored the perspectives of relevant leaders of public health departments and key community and […]
More Work Needed to Improve Equity Focus in Public Health Departments
A new study by researchers at the Prevention Research Center at Washington University in St. Louis and the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD) surveyed public health departments in the U.S. to understand current health equity-related work practices and identify ways to bolster equity-focused work in chronic disease prevention and control efforts. Recently published […]
Staff Spotlight: Sarah Pritchard
Sarah Pritchard’s training is in system dynamics, but her passion is equity and systems change. So her position on the PRC’s leadership team on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is a perfect fit. “My focus is on using Community Based System Dynamics to help people on the committee understand how the system of structural racism operates […]
Designing implementation strategies to improve identification, cascade testing, and management of families with familial hypercholesterolemia: An intervention mapping approach (Links to an external site)
Developing Priorities to Alleviate the Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women Engaged in Diabetes Research, Education, and Care: A Concept Mapping Study (Links to an external site)
Protocol for a scoping review of health equity frameworks and models applied in empirical studies of chronic disease prevention and control (Links to an external site)
A conceptual model for building program sustainability in public health settings: Learning from the implementation of the program sustainability action planning model and training curricula (Links to an external site)
Student Spotlight: Angie Hoffman
Hometown: Weston, MissouriUndergraduate school and major/minor: Bachelor of Fine Arts-Painting, Minor in Philosophy and ReligionProgram at Brown: MPHAnticipated graduation date: May 2023Three things you have with you at all times: Chapstick, water bottle, nice pens What are your hobbies or activities when you aren’t studying or working?Gardening (fruits, veggies, and flowers), quilting, hanging out with […]
Celebrating PRC Graduating Students
The Prevention Research Center (PRC) at WashU has always been a hub of great talent and academic excellence. As we approach the graduation season, we celebrate the achievements of some of our wonderful graduates from the center. This article features the stories of seven graduates and their experiences at the PRC. Leah Nason is a […]
PRC Researchers Outline Ways Local Health Departments Can Integrate Evidence-based Decision Making (Links to an external site)
PRC student Research Assistant, Breana Wayne. awarded the prestigious Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations fellowship from the City University of New York School of Medicine (Links to an external site)
Implementation of Flexibilities to the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs and Their Impact on Schools in Missouri (Links to an external site)
Abstract Background: While technology advances have increased the popularity of remote interventions in underserved and rural cancer communities, less is understood about technology access and preferences for home-based physical activity programs in this cancer survivor population. Purpose: To determine access, preferences, and needs, for a home-based physical activity program in rural cancer survivors. Methods: A Qualtrics Research Panel […]
Student Spotlight: Maddison Geller
Hometown: Henderson, NVUndergraduate school and major/minor: University of Nevada, Las VegasProgram at Brown: MPHAnticipated graduation date: May 2023Three things you have with you at all times: Water, my watch, and lip balm What are your hobbies or activities when you aren’t studying or working?Knitting, biking, and rewatching The OC or Mad Men. I used to […]
Renee Parks and Peg Allen’s work on the AIM-LH study was featured on JPHMP Direct (Links to an external site)
With health departments scrutinized now more than ever, now is the time to fully integrate evidence-based decision making (EBDM) into public health practices. EBDM applies the best available research and evaluation evidence to select, adapt, implement, and evaluate policies and programs that work. While training helps individuals build skills, our earlier work found skill attainment is necessary but not enough to move EBDM forward and sustain EBDM use. Organizational supports within health departments are important as well.
How Health Departments Can Offer More Programs That Work
As public health departments across the U.S. face increased scrutiny, the Brown School’s Prevention Research Center has partnered with the Brookings Institution in a groundbreaking investigation to identify ways to improve decision making and more effectively use health department resources. The study’s latest findings, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, used information from […]
Exploring University and Healthcare Workers’ Physical Activity, Diet, and Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Links to an external site)
Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected well-being and health behaviors, especially among healthcare workers and employees in other fields. This is of public health concern because health behaviors and well-being influence long-term negative health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore health behaviors and well-being among university and medical center staff during COVID-19. Methods: EMPOWER […]
Maura Kepper’s Research on social determinants of health documentation in clinical settings featured in the Record (Links to an external site)
PRC Study examines the adoption of social determinants of health documentation in clinical settings (Links to an external site)
Abstract Objective: To understand the frequency of social determinants of health (SDOH) diagnosis codes (Z-codes) within the electronic health record (EHR) for patients with prediabetes and diabetes and examine factors influencing the adoption of SDOH documentation in clinical care. Data sources: EHR data and qualitative interviews with health care providers and stakeholders. Study design: An explanatory sequential mixed […]
PRC doctoral student, Callie Walsh-Bailey was featured on the Institute for Public Health’s website (Links to an external site)
Study Explores the Perspectives of Adults Aging With Long-Term Physical Disabilities on Physical Activity
Abstract Background: Adults aging with long-term physical disabilities (AAwPD) face personal and environmental barriers to living independently, but little is known about their perspectives on and experiences with physical activity (PA). Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the perspectives of AAwPD on PA. Research design: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with AAwPD were conducted virtually via phone […]
Prevalence of Meeting Aerobic, Muscle-Strengthening, and Combined Physical Activity Guidelines During Leisure Time Among Adults (Links to an external site)
Abstract The healthful effects of physical activity on a multitude of physical and mental health outcomes are well documented. Despite promising increases in the percentage of U.S. adults meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines (guidelines) during leisure time in nearly all demographic and regional subgroups 1998-2018, differences by rurality and U.S. Census Bureau region […]
FY 23 Fuding bill includes a $2 mil increase for the PRCs to advance ASPPH priorities (Links to an external site)
Visiting Scholar Spotlight: Ana Luiza Favarão Leão
Ana Luiza Favarão Leão hasn’t been in St. Louis long, but she’ll well remember the city when she returns to Brazil later in the year, thanks to the PRC. A research student at the PRC under a Fulbright Doctoral Dissertation Research Award, she’s in the U.S. for the first time. “It’s been a great cultural […]
Improving the effectiveness of public health efforts: Evidence from computational simulations (Links to an external site)
New Health Equity Training Grant Funded Through NCI
The PRC and the Washington University Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control (WU-ISC3) are excited to announce the official start of a new grant funded by the National Cancer Institute titled, “Advancing Health Equity through the Development of a Scholars Program in Implementation Science.” WU-ISC3 is collaborating with researchers at Harvard University, University of Colorado- […]
Vianca Cuevas-Soulette named ISC3 Center Manager
We are excited to welcome Vianca Cuevas Soulette as the new Implementation Science in Cancer Control (ISC3) Center Manager. Vianca Cuevas Soulette is passionate about reducing health disparities and improving disadvantaged communities’ general well-being. She has a Master of Public Health from WashU with a concentration on Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She is also a part-time […]
Groundbreaking Study of Forest Park Carried on Despite COVID (Links to an external site)
<br><strong>An Examination of Factors Affecting State Legislators’ Support for Parity Laws for Different Mental Illnesses</strong> (Links to an external site)
Mental health parity legislation can improve mental health outcomes. U.S. state legislators determine whether state parity laws are adopted, making it critical to assess factors affecting policy support. This study examines the prevalence and demographic correlates of legislators’ support for state parity laws for four mental illnesses- major depression disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, […]
This study investigates the implementation of school health policies through a health equity lens (Links to an external site)
Abstract Background: School-based policies that ensure provision of nutrition, physical activity, and other health-promoting resources and opportunities are essential in mitigating health disparities among underserved populations. Measuring the implementation of such policies is imperative to bridge the gap between policy and practice. Unfortunately, limited practical, psychometrically strong measures of school policy implementation exist. Few available explicitly […]
New PRC study shows that shifting leadership priorities to emphasize effectiveness results in the largest reduction of misimplementation in U.S. state health departments. (Links to an external site)
Abstract Introduction: The research goal of this study is to explore why misimplementation occurs in public health agencies and how it can be reduced. Misimplementation is ending effective activities prematurely or continuing ineffective ones, which contributes to wasted resources and suboptimal health outcomes. Methods: The study team created an agent-based model that represents how information flow, filtered […]
Diana Parra’s leadership of the BRIC program in St. Louis showcase great examples of committed leaders addressing systemic social isolation. (Links to an external site)
Student Spotlight: Leah Nason
Hometown: Williamsport, PennsylvaniaUndergraduate school and major/minor: University of Rochester – B.S. Brain and Cognitive Sciences and B.A. Health, Behavior, and SocietyProgram at Brown: MPH/MSWAnticipated graduation date: May 2023Three things you have with you at all times: In an ideal world, a cat, a camera, and a giant mug of Earl Grey tea. What are your […]
Findings in PRC Study highlight the need for multilevel interventions to address physical across multiple domains in rural communities, especially among females and older adults (Links to an external site)
Abstract Background: Increasing physical activity (PA) in rural communities is a vital prevention tactic in multiple chronic diseases; however, little is known on the multilevel correlates of PA rural areas. A better understanding of domain-specific PA adds context for promoting PA in rural communities. The current study sought to determine factors associated with domain-specific and overall […]
Impacts of a Workplace-Based Weight-Control Intervention on Objective and Perceived Physical Activity among a Subgroup of Workers (Links to an external site)
Abstract Physical activity (PA) has many benefits; however, groups facing barriers to health-promoting behaviors are less likely to be physically active. This may be addressed through workplace interventions. The current study employs objective (accelerometry) and perceived (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ]) measures of PA among a subset of participants from the “Working for You” study, […]
Maura Kepper co-chaired the recent Rural Health Symposium that helps build “stronger collaborations in broader communities” (Links to an external site)
“One of the best parts of this event was the diversity in the attendees,” said co-Chair, Maura Kepper, PhD, a research assistant professor at WashU’s Brown School. “Bringing together academics and practitioners from diverse communities across Missouri allowed for difficult yet necessary discussions to improve rural health using digital approaches.” Maura Kepper
Policy Domains Where Local Governments Can Make a Difference (Links to an external site)
Speeding Implementation in Cancer: The National Cancer Institute’s Implementation Science in Cancer Control Centers
Abstract The National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Implementation Science in Cancer Control Centers (ISC3) Network represents a large-scale initiative to create an infrastructure to support and enable the efficient, effective, and equitable translation of approaches and evidence-based treatments to reduce cancer risk and improve outcomes. This Cancer Moonshot funded ISC3 Network consists of seven P50 Centers […]
Practices Among Local Public Health Agencies to Support Evidence-Based Decision Making
Abstract Objectives: Evidence-based decision making (EBDM) capacity in local public health departments is foundational to meeting both organizational and individual competencies and fulfilling expanded roles. In addition to on-the-job training, organizational supports are needed to prepare staff; yet, less is known in this area. This qualitative study explores supportive management practices instituted as part of a […]
Examining the Associations of and Interactions Between Intrapersonal and Perceived Environmental Factors With Objectively Assessed Physical Activity Among Rural Midwestern Adults, USA
Abstract Purpose: We investigated associations of intrapersonal and environmental factors with objectively assessed weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) minutes, and their interactions in rural adults. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: 14 rural towns participating in a multilevel intervention to promote physical activity. Sample: Baseline data from 241 rural community members (19% losses due to missing data). Measures: Self-reported demographics, behavioral […]
Staff Spotlight: Jess Gannon
Jess Gannon was in Tanzania when she realized that public health research might be her calling. Gannon, MSW ’18, was on a 4-5- month practicum as part of her concentration on international social and economic development, charged with working for an organization doing hands-on educational water sanitation and hygiene programs in rural Tanzania. Her work […]
PRC Study identifies the important qualities of leadership in preventing mis-implementation of public health programs. (Links to an external site)
Abstract Public health agencies are increasingly concerned with ensuring that they are maximizing limited resources by delivering effective programs to enhance population-level health outcomes. Preventing mis-implementation (ending effective activities prematurely or continuing ineffective ones) is necessary to sustain public health efforts and resources needed to improve health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is […]
PRC Researchers Examine Program Adaptation by U.S. State Health Departments in New Study (Links to an external site)
Abstract Introduction: The dissemination of evidence-based interventions (i.e., programs, practices, and policies) is a core function of US state health departments (SHDs). However, interventions are originally designed and tested with a specific population and context. Hence, adapting the intervention to meet the real-world circumstances and population’s needs can increase the likelihood of achieving the expected health […]
Does the neighborhood built environment moderate the effectiveness of a weight-loss intervention for mothers with overweight or obesity? Findings from the Healthy Eating and Active Living Taught at Home (HEALTH) study (Links to an external site)
Background: Women of childbearing age are vulnerable to weight gain and experience a high prevalence of obesity due to pregnancy and stressors of parenthood. Lifestyle interventions such as the Healthy Eating and Active Living Taught at Home (HEALTH) study have been effective for weight loss; however, little is known about how the built environment (parks, transit, […]
Parra Perez Coordinates Network to Bolster Neighborhood Resilience During COVID
The Building Resilient Inclusive Communities (BRIC) has helped people in low-resource neighborhoods combat the social isolation, lack of physical activity, and food insecurity that intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parra Perez has coordinated the BRIC project to help to fund projects like community gardens, safer streets, and reconnecting seniors with their communities.
Leading the way: competencies of leadership to prevent mis-implementation of public health programs (Links to an external site)
Abstract Public health agencies are increasingly concerned with ensuring that they are maximizing limited resources by delivering effective programs to enhance population-level health outcomes. Preventing mis-implementation (ending effective activities prematurely or continuing ineffective ones) is necessary to sustain public health efforts and resources needed to improve health and well-being. The purpose of this paper is […]
Amy Eyler appointed to the Brown School Dean Search Committee (Links to an external site)
Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and Provost Beverly Wendland have appointed a 13-member committee to identify candidates for the position of dean of the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Amy Eyler, professor and chair of the Faculty Senate Council at the Brown School, has been newly appointed to the Brown School Dean Search […]
Student Spotlight: Tinuola Adebukola
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria and grew up in Chicago, Illinois Undergraduate school and major/minor: Anthropology (Global Health & the Environment) Major and Psychology & Urban Studies Double Minor Program at Brown: 3-2 MPH Anticipated graduation date: Undergrad in May 2023; Graduate in May 2024 What are three things you have with you at all times: Waterbottle, Lip gloss, Phone What […]
Multisector Collaboration for Delivering Cancer Control Interventions in Rural Communities (Links to an external site)
Abstract Purpose and objectives: Multisector collaboration is a widely promoted strategy to increase equitable availability, access, and use of healthy foods, safe places for physical activity, social supports, and preventive health care services. Yet fewer studies and resources exist for collaboration among governmental and nongovernmental agencies to address public problems in rural areas, despite an excess […]