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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
“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
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. Study design: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design first examined the use of Z-codes within the EHR and qualitatively […]
One of the top medical journals in the world, The Lancet Global Health, recently launched a new initiative focused on urban design, transport and health. Several PRC members have taken on a lead role. Deborah Salvo presented during the launch of the 2022 Lancet Global Health Series on Urban Design, Transport and Health and was […]
BACKGROUND: Mis-implementation, the inappropriate continuation of programs or policies that are not evidence-based or the inappropriate termination of evidence-based programs and policies, can lead to the inefficient use of scarce resources in public health agencies and decrease the ability of these agencies to deliver effective programs and improve population health. Little is known about why […]
A network survey among agencies that address cancer risk in rural Missouri and Illinois, conducted by the Brown School and School of Medicine’s Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control, was found to be useful in helping those practitioners identify gaps, plan for how to establish future relationships and strengthen collaboration.
Congratulations to our PRC Faculty, Maura Kepper and Steph Mazzucca, for receiving new grant awards. Details about the grant awards are below. Maura Kepper Funder: Wash U Center for Dissemination & Implementation and Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control Title: Adapting and Implementing a Novel Digital Health Tool to Promote Behavior Change and Improve Cancer Risk […]
Sarah Pritchard and Karina Marin presented during the conference plenary session in Frankfurt, Germany Thurs. afternoon, July 21. “Presenting at the conference was a fun experience and great opportunity to continue growing as a modeler and newly graduated student. The overwhelming positive feedback I received from more experienced system dynamists on our project was amazing […]
Because low-income residents in rural areas often face greater barriers to achieving healthy behaviors and reduced cancer risk, it is critical that we provide care tailored to their needs. Digital tools have the ability to support health care teams in delivering targeted behavior counseling and other necessary resources for sustaining good health. Maura Kepper, PHD, […]
It wasn’t the toasted ravioli that drew Diana Parra Perez to St. Louis. Parra Perez began her journey in public health and to the PRC in Bogota, Colombia, where her interest in physical activity led to becoming a physical therapist who aimed to work with athletes. As she was introduced to the endeavors of public […]
Abstract 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), […]
Hometown: Oxford, Mississippi Undergraduate school and major/minor: University of Mississippi – Psychology major and chemistry minor Program at Brown: MPH Anticipated graduation date: May 2022 What are three things you have with you at all times: Nalgene water bottle, Burt’s Bees chapstick, Pilot Precise V5 pen What are your hobbies or activities when you aren’t […]
Abstract Modifying the food environment of cities is a promising strategy for improving dietary behaviors, but using traditional empirical methods to test the effectiveness of these strategies remains challenging. We developed an agent-based model to simulate the food environment of Austin, Texas, USA, and to test the impact of different food access policies on vegetable […]
In fall 2020, the PRC established the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee focused on developing a plan to advance racial equity in our center and its work. The Committee formed as our PRC members were grappling with the numerous injustices and violence inflicted on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, on top of the […]
Objective: In this study, we explore parent perception of children’s physical activity and screen time during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Methods: We interviewed 16 parents of children ages 5-12 years in the St. Louis, Missouri region using snowball sampling. We sampled from rural, urban, and suburban areas. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a priori and emergent codes. […]
This study captures the perceptions of COVID-19 mitigations’ efficacy of rural and non-rural participants, using the health belief model (HBM), and describes where public health nursing may be able to fill behavior gaps in rural communities.
Dr. Brownson’s published work introduces implementing strategic public health science in a Push–Pull–Capacity Framework. This model posits that for science to affect practice, there must be a combination of the push (a basis in science and technology), the pull (a market demand from practitioners), and the capacity (the delivery ability of public health and health […]
Public health agencies are increasingly concerned with ensuring they are maximizing limited resources by delivering effective evidence-based programs to enhance population-level chronic disease outcomes. Despite the focus on use of effective interventions, ineffective programs too often continue at public health agencies. This analysis provides insight into how experienced state health department practitioners recommend ending ineffective […]
Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in public health and policy measures to reduce in-person contact and the transmission of the virus. These measures impacted daily life and mental well-being (MWB). The aims of this study were to explore the MWB impacts of COVID-19 on children and assess the associations among perceived changes in physical activity […]
This study found that physical activity promotion strategies need to be aligned with climate action commitments, incorporating the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios in physical activity action plans. The promotion strategies must consider equity a core value and promote physical activity to the most vulnerable populations so that they are protected from the ill-health […]
School feeding programs (SFPs) can play a crucial role in the emergency food and nutrition response, but there is a dearth of information on how SFPs operate during emergencies. The Results of this study showed that during the pandemic, all SFPs continued (although continuation plans varied from a few days in Chile to > 1 […]
Hometown: Skokie, IL Undergraduate school and major/minor: Double major in Anthropology and Spanish Program at Brown: MSW Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2022 Three things you have with you at all times: Snacks, headphones, a book What are your hobbies or activities when you aren’t studying or working? I love reading books for fun! I’ve been […]
Zoe presented at the Brown School’s annual “Research without Walls” event. You can learn more about the research symposium and see other students’ posters here.
Renee Parks got a first-hand glimpse of the importance of evidence-based public health practice just after graduate school, when she became the health educator for Missouri University of Science & Technology. “It was a really important position for me,” she said. “I saw how challenging it was to actually engage in evidence-based practice and put […]
This seminar will feature Maggie Padek, who has a decade of experience as research staff at Washington University and is an integral member of many research teams. She will discuss her career path and share lessons learned, including her roles and responsibilities in different positions, when and how to take the next steps, and more. […]
Hometown: Benin City & Apa, Nigeria Undergraduate school and major/minor: University of Lagos: Medicine & Surgery Program at Brown: MPH/MSP Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2022 Three things you have with you at all times: Phone, purse, glasses What are your hobbies or activities when you aren’t studying or working? I enjoy tinkering with recipes, watching […]
Background: Reduction or elimination of inappropriate, ineffective, or potentially harmful healthcare services and public health programs can help to ensure limited resources are used effectively. Frameworks and models (FM) are valuable tools in conceptualizing and guiding the study of de-implementation. This scoping review sought to identify and characterize FM that can be used to study de-implementation […]
Purpose of review: Improving care of individuals with familial hypercholesteremia (FH) is reliant on the synthesis of evidence-based guidelines and their subsequent implementation into clinical care. This review describes implementation strategies, defined as methods to improve translation of evidence into FH care, that have been mapped to strategies from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) […]
Hometown: St. Louis, MO Undergraduate school: Washington University in St. Louis Majors: Political Science and Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology Minor: History Graduate school: Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis Program: MPH (Graduated May 2021) Three things you have with you at all times: A good pen, a notebook or scrap of paper, and a hair tie. […]
Got data? Rebekah Jacob is your go-to person at the PRC.Jacob is the PRC’s Data Manager, helping researchers to analyze data whenever needed. She’s worked in a variety of roles at the center and elsewhere since graduating from the Brown School in 2013 with a joint MSW/MPH degree: Project manager, evaluator, analyst. But whatever her […]
“New evidence supports integrating strategies to promote increased physical activity as a key part of the action plan for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, finds a new study led by researchers at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.”
The purposes of this systematic review of quantitative measures of school policy implementation were to (1) identify quantitative school health policy measurement tools developed to measure implementation at the school, district, or state/provincial levels; (2) describe the policy implementation outcomes and determinants assessed and identify the trends in measurement; and (3) assess pragmatic and psychometric properties of identified implementation measures to understand their quality and suitability for broader application. Results showed that implementation science can contribute to more complete and rigorous assessment of school health policy implementation processes, which can improve implementation strategies and ultimately the intended health benefits.
One of the PRC’s faculty recently became a US Citizen. Congrats Deborah Salvo!
