jGPHA Volume 5, Number 1 (2015)
http://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/608726
2024-03-06T12:29:02ZTrends in cancer incidence rates in Georgia, 1982-2011
http://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/619028
Trends in cancer incidence rates in Georgia, 1982-2011
Yoo, Wonsuk; Coughlin, Steven S.; Lillard, James
Background: Although data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End results (SEER)-affiliated cancer registry are accessible to the public, there is a shortage of published research describing cancer incidences for White, Black, and other residents in Georgia. The objective of this research is to provide an overview of the trends in incidence of cancer in Georgia. Methods: Incidence data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 9 program, supported by the National Cancer Institute, spanning the years 1982 to 2011. To assess trends over time, age-adjusted cancer incidence rates relative to the 2000 Standard US population and annual percent changes (APCs) were calculated using SEER*Stat software. Results: In Georgia, cancer incidence rates for women increased from 365.1 per 100,000 in 1982 to 404.2 per 100,000 in 2011, with an overall APC of 0.3% (95% confidence interval: 0.2 to 0.4), but, for men, cancer incidence rates showed a slight decline from 528.0 per 100,000 in 1982 to 513.7 per 100,000 in 2011 (APC of 0.2%, 95% CI: -0.6 to 0.1). For Black, White, and Other (Asian/Pacific Islanders/American Indians) females, there were increases in incidence in this period, with APC values of 0.6, 0.4, and 0.3, respectively. For all males and for Black and White males, there were overall decreases in incidence, with APC values of -0.2. For Other males, however, the APC value was -0.9. Conclusions: In Georgia, increases in cancer incidence rates occurred during 1982-2011 among the female population and within various racial groups in this population, but there was relative stability in incidence rates among the male population, except for Other males.
2015-01-01T00:00:00ZPatient-centered outcomes for GoStrong: A self-management diabetes program in Savannah, GA
http://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/618705
Patient-centered outcomes for GoStrong: A self-management diabetes program in Savannah, GA
Yang, Frances; Roberts, Lizzann; Davis, Bionca; Christianson, Angela
Background: To advance the goal of health improvement for diverse populations with diabetes, a patient-centered approach is foundational. Methods: Innovative methods were used to initiate and advance an approach to diabetes engagement and self-management. We began with a strategy to understand how patients with diabetes view and interact with the disease via the medical community and moved to program development through patient-centered design and to the development of strategic partnerships and continuous learning from patients, stakeholders, and academic research partners. Results: The mean age of the participants in the GoStrong™ program (n=106) was 51 ±9.2 (SD) years. There were significant differences in the HbA1c levels over time compared to the Control group (n=100). The mean HbA1c level from baseline to 36 months decreased from 7.49% to 6.89%, with the largest decline (to 6.28%, p<0.01) at 12 months. The mean HbA1c level for the control group increased from 8.38% to 8.49% from baseline to 36 months, with the largest increase (to 8.89%, p<0.01) at 18 months. There were significant differences for total medical costs at 12 months prior to and 12 months after starting the GoStrong program, a difference in total prescription drug costs at 12 months, and differences within the total group in number of emergency room (ER) visits. Claims information showed that GoStrong produced significantly lower total medical costs and ER visits. There was also an increase in total prescription drug costs that may be due to better medication adherence. Conclusions: For diabetics, the GoStrong program results in reduced HbA1c levels, reduced costs, and reduced ER visits.
2015-01-01T00:00:00ZEvaluation results of an innovative pilot program to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Cobb County, GA
http://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/618703
Evaluation results of an innovative pilot program to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in Cobb County, GA
Woodruff, C Rebecca; Shipley, Rebecca; Brown, Agnes F.; Coleman, Anne-Marie; Munoz, Jennifer; Honeycutt, Sally; Hermstad, April K; Loh, Lorna; Kegler, Michelle C.
Background: This abstract describes a public health practice initiative called the Farm Fresh Market (FFM) and presented pilot evaluation results. Methods: The FFM, developed by Cobb and Douglas Public Health, the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, and Cobb2020, sold low-cost fruits and vegetables to families living in the 30168 zip code of Austell, Georgia. The evaluation focused on documenting to what extent the FFM reached its intended population and increased perceived access to fresh fruits and vegetables among customers. A convenience sample of 100 returning FFM customers completed self-administered, written intercept surveys at the end of the 2014 market season. Results: The market served customers from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds. Most customers strongly agreed that the FFM made it easier (69%) and less expensive (79%) for them to buy fresh fruits and vegetables and easier for them (63%) and their families (64%) to eat a healthy diet. Most customers reported that they ate more vegetables (65%) and fruit (55%) as a result of shopping at the FFM and reported high levels of satisfaction with all aspects of the FFM. Conclusions: The results suggest that the FFM served customers from the local area and that the FFM may have increased perceived access to healthy food options among customers. Community-level interventions to increase access to healthy foods may play an important role in chronic disease prevention.
2015-01-01T00:00:00ZAdvocating for pregnant women in prison: Georgia can do better
http://hdl.handle.net/10675.2/618632
Advocating for pregnant women in prison: Georgia can do better
Webb, Nancy C.; Gates, Madison L.
Background: Women are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. prison populace and approximately 1 in 25 were pregnant when they were incarcerated. However, women, including pregnant women, are receiving unacceptable health care in correctional systems. Further, many correctional systems lack policies to protect the best interest of incarcerated women, mothers and their children. Methods: We reviewed the literature on pregnant women in prison and found that corrections has been slow in making changes and adapting facilities for women, especially related to pregnancy, parenting skills and nurseries. It has been suggested the parent-infant attachment and the involvement incarcerated parents have with their children can help in preventing intergenerational crime. Results: The prison system in the U.S. is not set up to meet the needs of pregnant women prisoners. Many states, including Georgia, do not have policies regarding prenatal care or the use of restraints during labor and delivery. Conclusions: Georgia should rethink its prison-spending model. It would behoove Georgia’s leaders to take a look at what programs exist for pregnant women and mothers and consider adopting a model that would be a good fit for our state. We propose a collaborative approach for stakeholders to improve the care of pregnant offenders and the health of their children.
2015-01-01T00:00:00Z