National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
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AHRQ Research Studies
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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 25 of 60 Research Studies DisplayedFeldman AG, O'Leary ST, Danziger-Isakov L
The risk of resurgence in vaccine-preventable infections due to coronavirus disease 2019-related gaps in immunization.
This paper discusses the decline in immunization delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. The global community is at risk for a resurgence in vaccine-preventable infections including measles, pertussis, and polio. Outbreaks in the United States are likely to occur when social distancing stops and children return to school. Partnerships between healthcare providers, community leaders, and local, state, regional, and national public health departments are needed to reassure families that vaccine delivery during COVID-19 is safe as well as to identify and catch up those children who are under-immunized.
AHRQ-funded; HS026510.
Citation: Feldman AG, O'Leary ST, Danziger-Isakov L .
The risk of resurgence in vaccine-preventable infections due to coronavirus disease 2019-related gaps in immunization.
Clin Infect Dis 2021 Nov 16;73(10):1920-23. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciab127..
Keywords: COVID-19, Children/Adolescents, Vaccination, Infectious Diseases
Cantor A, Dana T, Griffin JC
Screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infections: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This is the evidence summary and updated review for the September 2021 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force final recommendation on screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infections among sexually active women 25 years or older and sexually active men. The Task Force concluded that for women screening is recommended, but for men the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms. This systematic review screened over 2200 articles and included 20 articles. The articles included helped to answer the 4 key questions that were included in the research plan.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500009I.
Citation: Cantor A, Dana T, Griffin JC .
Screening for chlamydial and gonococcal infections: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2021 Sep 14;326(10):957-66. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.10577..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Screening, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Prevention
Miller AC, Koeneman SH, Arakkal AT
Incidence, duration, and risk factors associated with missed opportunities to diagnose herpes simplex encephalitis: a population-based longitudinal study.
This retrospective cohort study determined the frequency and duration of diagnostic delays for herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) that are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Data from the IBM Marketscan Databases from 2001-2017 was used. The authors estimated the number of visits with HSE-related symptoms before diagnosis that would be expected to occur in the absence of delays and compared this estimate to the observed pattern of visits. Then a simulation-based approach was used to compute the number of visits representing a delay. They identified 2667 patients diagnosed with HSE and estimated 45.9% of patients experienced at least 1 missed opportunity, with 21.9% of patients having delays lasting >7 days. Risk factors for delays included being seen only in the emergency department, age 65 or older, or a history of sinusitis or schizophrenia.
AHRQ-funded; HS027375.
Citation: Miller AC, Koeneman SH, Arakkal AT .
Incidence, duration, and risk factors associated with missed opportunities to diagnose herpes simplex encephalitis: a population-based longitudinal study.
Open Forum Infect Dis 2021 Sep;8(9):ofab400. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofab400..
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Neurological Disorders, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Risk
Bartsch SM, Wong KF, Mueller LE
Modeling interventions to reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms between health care facilities in a region.
The objective of this study was to identify a group of target facilities and to assess which multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) intervention would be best to implement in the Shared Healthcare Intervention to Eliminate Life-threatening Dissemination of MDROs in Orange County, a large regional public health collaborative in Orange County, California. Findings suggested that decolonization would be the best strategy for the Shared Healthcare Intervention to Eliminate Life-threatening Dissemination of MDROs in Orange County.
AHRQ-funded; HS023317; HS028165.
Citation: Bartsch SM, Wong KF, Mueller LE .
Modeling interventions to reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms between health care facilities in a region.
JAMA Netw Open 2021 Aug 2;4(8):e2119212. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.19212..
Keywords: Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Infectious Diseases, Public Health
Van Gerwen OT, Camino AF, Bourla LN
Management of trichomoniasis in the setting of 5-nitroimidazole hypersensitivity.
Metronidazole and other 5-nitroimidazoles are the mainstay of Trichomonas vaginalis treatment, with few efficacious and safe treatment options available outside of this class. Patients with trichomoniasis and a history of a clinically confirmed hypersensitivity reaction to 5-nitroimidazoles present a management challenge for clinicians. In this study, the investigators examine management of Trichomoniasis in the setting of 5-nitroimidazole hypersensitivity.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Van Gerwen OT, Camino AF, Bourla LN .
Management of trichomoniasis in the setting of 5-nitroimidazole hypersensitivity.
Sex Transm Dis 2021 Aug;48(8):e111-e15. doi: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001326..
Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Sexual Health, Antibiotics, Medication
Cunningham-Erves J, Campbell L, Barlow C
Reducing HPV associated cancers and disparities: engaging African American men to develop a culturally-appropriate program that addresses their needs.
Reducing HPV associated cancers and disparities: engaging African American men to develop a culturally-appropriate program that addresses their needs.
Am J Health Educ 2021;52(4):194-206. doi: 10.1080/19325037.2021.1930614.
This paper discusses the results of the Healthy Men, Healthy Communities program that aims to improve preventive behaviors among African American men to reduce HPV-related cancer disparities. An educational intervention was developed using cultural-targeting strategies such as linguistics, peripherals, evidence, socio-culture, and constituent-involving. Research team members were recruited from community-based (CBO) leaders. Three focus groups, 30 surveys, and a community review and program evaluation with African American men were conducted. The five focus group themes were: 1) The Known and Unknown of Cancer, HPV, and the vaccine; (2) Personal experiences with cancer were commonplace; (3) Barriers to Engaging HPV Cancer Preventive Behaviors; (4) Multi-Modal Strategies are needed to improve preventive behaviors; and (5) Actual versus Preferred Sources of Information. Survey data showed men desired information on penile (52%) and oral cancer (48%). A speaker summit on various topics was the preferred education format (96%). A post-summit evaluation indicated most males intended to get screened (73%), eat healthier (77%), and exercise more (65%). After these interventions the HPV vaccine was administered to about 40% of the men, and their children and grandchildren.
Am J Health Educ 2021;52(4):194-206. doi: 10.1080/19325037.2021.1930614.
This paper discusses the results of the Healthy Men, Healthy Communities program that aims to improve preventive behaviors among African American men to reduce HPV-related cancer disparities. An educational intervention was developed using cultural-targeting strategies such as linguistics, peripherals, evidence, socio-culture, and constituent-involving. Research team members were recruited from community-based (CBO) leaders. Three focus groups, 30 surveys, and a community review and program evaluation with African American men were conducted. The five focus group themes were: 1) The Known and Unknown of Cancer, HPV, and the vaccine; (2) Personal experiences with cancer were commonplace; (3) Barriers to Engaging HPV Cancer Preventive Behaviors; (4) Multi-Modal Strategies are needed to improve preventive behaviors; and (5) Actual versus Preferred Sources of Information. Survey data showed men desired information on penile (52%) and oral cancer (48%). A speaker summit on various topics was the preferred education format (96%). A post-summit evaluation indicated most males intended to get screened (73%), eat healthier (77%), and exercise more (65%). After these interventions the HPV vaccine was administered to about 40% of the men, and their children and grandchildren.
AHRQ-funded; HS022990.
Citation: Cunningham-Erves J, Campbell L, Barlow C .
Reducing HPV associated cancers and disparities: engaging African American men to develop a culturally-appropriate program that addresses their needs.
Am J Health Educ 2021;52(4):194-206. doi: 10.1080/19325037.2021.1930614..
Keywords: Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Cancer, Disparities, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Men's Health, Prevention, Health Promotion, Education: Patient and Caregiver
Bramante CT, Buse J, Tamaritz L
Outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 disease in adults with overweight or obesity.
This study investigated whether outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 in adults with overweight or obesity. Metformin can decrease interleukin-6 and tumor-necrosis factor- α, which appears to contribute to COVID-19 mortality. The authors conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of electronic health record (EHR) data that was pooled across multiple EHR systems from 12 hospitals and 60 primary care clinics in the Midwest between March and December 2020. Inclusion criteria included data for BMI > 25 kg/m(2); age range 30-85 years; and a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test. Metformin was associated with a decrease in mortality from COVID-19 and a nonsignificant decrease in hospital admission in the overall cohort.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Bramante CT, Buse J, Tamaritz L .
Outpatient metformin use is associated with reduced severity of COVID-19 disease in adults with overweight or obesity.
J Med Virol 2021 Jul;93(7):4273-79. doi: 10.1002/jmv.26873..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Obesity, Medication, Treatments, Outcomes
Magee LA, Fortenberry JD, Nelson T
Sexually transmitted infections in association with area-level prostitution and drug-related arrests.
Using justice and public health sexually transmitted infections (STIs) /HIV data in Marion County (Indianapolis), Indiana, during an 18-year period, the authors assessed the overall association of area-level prostitution and drug-related arrests and STI/HIV, and mediators and moderators of the relationship. Results indicated a positive relationship between numbers of prostitution arrests and area-level STI rates. There was a dose-response relationship between prostitution arrests and STI rates when accounting for drug-related arrests. The authors stated that these findings inform public health agencies and community-based organizations that conduct outreach in these areas to expand their efforts to include harm reduction and HIV/STI testing for both sex workers and individuals experiencing substance use disorder.
AHRQ-funded; HS023318.
Citation: Magee LA, Fortenberry JD, Nelson T .
Sexually transmitted infections in association with area-level prostitution and drug-related arrests.
Sex Transm Dis 2021 Jul;48(7):508-14. doi: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001345..
Keywords: Sexual Health, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Infectious Diseases
Glenn BA, Nonzee NJ, Tieu L
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the transition between adolescence and adulthood.
This study looked at the barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young adults receiving care at the student health center of a large public university. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews (n=27) and four focus groups with undergraduate and graduate students (n=18) and semi-structured interviews with 6 health care providers. The interviews and focus groups explored perceived risk of HPV infection, benefits of the HPV vaccine, and motivations for and barriers to HPV vaccination. Many students cited their parents’ views and recommendations from their medical providers as influential on their decision-making process. Cervical cancer prevention was considered the main benefit of the HPV vaccine and sexual activity was a risk factor for HPV infection. Students often lacked knowledge about the vaccine’s benefit for males. Safety and side effects of the vaccine perceived as new were also cited. Providers’ vaccine recommendations were impacted by health system factors including clinical infrastructure, office visit priorities, and processes for recommending and documentation vaccination. Providers suggested various promotion strategies including improving the timing and messaging of outreach efforts on campus and bolstering clinical infrastructure.
AHRQ-funded; HS000046.
Citation: Glenn BA, Nonzee NJ, Tieu L .
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the transition between adolescence and adulthood.
Vaccine 2021 Jun 8;39(25):3435-44. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.04.019..
Keywords: Young Adults, Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Vaccination, Prevention, Cancer: Cervical Cancer, Cancer, Women
Arkhipova-Jenkins I, Helfand M, Armstrong C
Antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 infection and implications for immunity : a rapid living review.
This rapid literature review synthesizes evidence on the prevalence, levels, and durability of detectable antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 infection and whether the antibodies confer natural immunity. Seven databases were searched from January 1 to December 15, 2020, limited to peer-reviewed publications in English. Two investigators extracted study data and rated quality. Moderate-strength evidence suggested that most adults develop detectable levels of IgM and IgG antibodies after infection with SARS-CoV-2 and IgG levels peak approximately 25 days after symptom onset and can remain detectable for at least 120 days. Moderate-strength evidence suggested that IgM levels peak at approximately 20 days and then decline. There is low-strength evidence that most adults generate neutralizing antibodies. Reasons why some adults do not develop antibodies after SARS-CoV-2 are unclear.
AHRQ-funded; 290201700003C.
Citation: Arkhipova-Jenkins I, Helfand M, Armstrong C .
Antibody response after SARS-CoV-2 infection and implications for immunity : a rapid living review.
Ann Intern Med 2021 Jun;174(6):811-21. doi: 10.7326/m20-7547..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Genetics, Evidence-Based Practice
Michelson KA, Neuman MI, Pruitt CM
Height of fever and invasive bacterial infection.
This study evaluated the association of higher fevers with invasive bacterial infection (IBI) among febrile infants ≤60 days of age. Maximum temperatures of febrile infants with IBI were compared to infants without IBI. The median temperature was higher for infants with IBI (38.8°C) compared to those without IBI (38.4°C). Temperatures ranges of 39°C-39.4°C and 39.5°C-39.9°C were associated with a higher likelihood of IBI, although 30.4% of febrile infants with IBI had maximum temperatures <38.5°C.
AHRQ-funded; HS026006; HS026503.
Citation: Michelson KA, Neuman MI, Pruitt CM .
Height of fever and invasive bacterial infection.
Arch Dis Child 2021 Jun;106(6):594-96. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-318548..
Keywords: Newborns/Infants, Infectious Diseases, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Risk
Adams V, Song J, Shang J
Infection prevention and control practices in the home environment: examining enablers and barriers to adherence among home health care nurses.
This study’s aim was to examine the impact of individual, home environment, and organization factors on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices in home health care. A survey of 350 nurses across two large home care agencies was conducted to examine the relationship between IPC adherence and these factors. Multiple barriers to IPC practices in patients’ homes were reported including clutter (74.5%), and a dirty environment (70.3%). They also reported limited availability of some IPC supplies including personal protective equipment.
AHRQ-funded; HS024723.
Citation: Adams V, Song J, Shang J .
Infection prevention and control practices in the home environment: examining enablers and barriers to adherence among home health care nurses.
Am J Infect Control 2021 Jun;49(6):721-26. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.10.021..
Keywords: Home Healthcare, Community-Acquired Infections, Infectious Diseases, Prevention, Provider: Nurse, Provider
Brown CS, Albright J, Henke PK
Modeling the elective vascular surgery recovery after coronavirus disease 2019: implications for moving forward.
This study looked at the impact of delays in elective vascular surgery caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Data from a 35-hospital regional vascular surgical collaborative consisting of all hospitals performing vascular surgery in the state of Michigan was used to estimate the number of delayed surgical cases for adults undergoing carotid endarterectomy, carotid stenting, endovascular and open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, and lower extremity bypass. Median statewide monthly vascular surgical volume before the pandemic was 439 procedures, with a maximum statewide monthly case volume of 519 procedures. For the month of April 2020, elective vascular surgery procedure volume decreased by ~90%. Modelling estimated it would take approximately 8 months to catch up with the backlog. The authors suggest that if hospitals across the collaborative shared the burden of backlogged cases, the recovery should be shortened to ~3 months.
AHRQ-funded; HS000053.
Citation: Brown CS, Albright J, Henke PK .
Modeling the elective vascular surgery recovery after coronavirus disease 2019: implications for moving forward.
J Vasc Surg 2021 Jun;73(6):1876-80.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.11.025..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Cardiovascular Conditions, Surgery
Van Gerwen OT, Tamhane A, Westfall AO
Prevalence of and factors associated with genital and extragenital chlamydia and gonorrhea among transgender women in HIV care in the United States, 2005 to 2016.
This retrospective cohort analysis included transgender women living with HIV enrolled in the US Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems cohort between January 2005 and December 2016 with chlamydia or gonorrhea testing performed in HIV clinic. The investigators concluded that among transgender women living with HIV, testing rates for chlamydia and gonorrhea were inadequate, particularly at extragenital sites where most infections occur.
AHRQ-funded; HS013852.
Citation: Van Gerwen OT, Tamhane A, Westfall AO .
Prevalence of and factors associated with genital and extragenital chlamydia and gonorrhea among transgender women in HIV care in the United States, 2005 to 2016.
Sex Transm Dis 2021 Jun 1;48(6):410-16. doi: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001335.
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Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Women
Kruse J, Toledo P, Belton TB
Readability, content, and quality of COVID-19 patient education materials from academic medical centers in the United States.
The internet is a frequently used resource for providing patient education materials (PEMs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the readability, content, and quality of web-based PEMs on COVID-19 from US academic medical centers. Despite availability of web-based PEMs for COVID-19, the readability was significantly higher than the National Institute of Health and US Department of Health and Human Services recommended sixth grade reading level and actionability of PEMs was low.
AHRQ-funded; HS025267; HS026169.
Citation: Kruse J, Toledo P, Belton TB .
Readability, content, and quality of COVID-19 patient education materials from academic medical centers in the United States.
Am J Infect Control 2021 Jun;49(6):690-93. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2020.11.023..
Keywords: COVID-19, Education: Patient and Caregiver, Health Literacy, Public Health, Infectious Diseases
Masonbrink AR, Harris M, Hall M
Safety events in children's hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted hospitals, potentially affecting quality and safety. The objective of this study was to compare pediatric hospitalization safety events during the pandemic versus previous years. The investigators concluded that postoperative sepsis rates increased among children hospitalized during COVID-19. They suggest that efforts are needed to improve safety of postoperative care for hospitalized children.
AHRQ-funded; HS024554; HS024592.
Citation: Masonbrink AR, Harris M, Hall M .
Safety events in children's hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hosp Pediatr 2021 Jun;11(6):e95-e100. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2020-004937..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, COVID-19, Patient Safety, Sepsis, Adverse Events, Hospitalization, Hospitals, Inpatient Care, Infectious Diseases, Public Health
Vaughn VM, Gandhi T, Petty LA
Empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial coinfection in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: a multi-hospital cohort study.
A randomly sampled cohort of 1705 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was used. Data was collected on early empiric antibacterial therapy within 2 days of hospitalization, empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial co-infections. Of the 1705 patients, 56.6% were prescribed early empiric antibacterial therapy, with 3.5% having a confirmed community-onset bacterial infection. Use varied across hospitals, ranging from 27% to 84%. Patients were more likely to receive the therapy if they were older, had more severe illness, had a lobar infiltrate, or were admitted to a for-profit hospital. Over the one-month period empiric antibacterial use decreased.
AHRQ-funded; HS026530; HS026725.
Citation: Vaughn VM, Gandhi T, Petty LA .
Empiric antibacterial therapy and community-onset bacterial coinfection in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: a multi-hospital cohort study.
Clin Infect Dis 2021 May 18;72(10):e533-e41. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1239..
Keywords: COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Community-Acquired Infections, Antimicrobial Stewardship, Antibiotics, Medication, Hospitalization
Barry CL, Anderson KE, Han H
Change over time in public support for social distancing, mask wearing, and contact tracing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults, April to November 2020.
This study examined changes over time in attitudes towards social distancing, mask wearing, and contact tracing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults, April to November 2020. Surveys of a nationally representative cohort of US adults were conducted in April, July, and November 2020. Support for social distancing dropped from 89% in April to 79% in July but remained stable in November at 78%. In July and November, more than 75% of respondents supported mask wearing and nearly as many supported contact tracing. Support differences were most pronounced by age, partisanship, and trust in science. Higher support for contact tracing was independently predicted by having a more fluid worldview.
AHRQ-funded; HS000029.
Citation: Barry CL, Anderson KE, Han H .
Change over time in public support for social distancing, mask wearing, and contact tracing to combat the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults, April to November 2020.
Am J Public Health 2021 May;111(5):937-48. doi: 10.2105/ajph.2020.306148..
Keywords: COVID-19, Public Health, Emergency Preparedness, Infectious Diseases
Anesi GL, Jablonski J, Harhay MO
Characteristics, outcomes, and trends of patients with COVID-19-related critical illness at a learning health system in the United States.
This study’s objective is to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19-related critical illness, including trends in outcomes and care delivery, using five hospitals within the University of Pennsylvania Health System as a setting. Findings showed that, among patients with COVID-19-related critical illness admitted to ICUs of a learning health system in the United States, mortality seemed to decrease over time despite stable patient characteristics. Recommendations included further studies to confirm this result and to investigate causal mechanisms.
AHRQ-funded; HS026372.
Citation: Anesi GL, Jablonski J, Harhay MO .
Characteristics, outcomes, and trends of patients with COVID-19-related critical illness at a learning health system in the United States.
Ann Intern Med 2021 May;174(5):613-21. doi: 10.7326/m20-5327..
Keywords: COVID-19, Critical Care, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Mortality, Hospitals, Outcomes, Infectious Diseases
Barrero-Castillero A, Beam KS, Bernardini LB
COVID-19: neonatal-perinatal perspectives.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of neonatal-perinatal perspectives of COVID-19, ranging from the basic science of infection and recommendations for care of pregnant women and neonates to important psychosocial, ethical, and racial/ethnic topics emerging as a result of both the pandemic and the response of the healthcare community to the care of infected individuals.
AHRQ-funded; HS000063.
Citation: Barrero-Castillero A, Beam KS, Bernardini LB .
COVID-19: neonatal-perinatal perspectives.
J Perinatol 2021 May;41(5):940-51. doi: 10.1038/s41372-020-00874-x..
Keywords: COVID-19, Newborns/Infants, Infectious Diseases, Pregnancy, Women
Lin CY, Xie J, Freedman SB
Predicting adverse outcomes for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections in emergency departments.
Investigators assessed the performance of a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) severity score among children with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections and HUS by stratifying them according to their risk of adverse events. They found that the HUS severity score was able to discriminate between high- and low-risk children less than 5 years old with STEC-associated HUS at a statistically acceptable level; however, it did not appear to provide clinical benefit at a meaningful risk threshold.
AHRQ-funded; HS026503.
Citation: Lin CY, Xie J, Freedman SB .
Predicting adverse outcomes for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections in emergency departments.
J Pediatr 2021 May;232:200-06.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.12.077..
Keywords: Children/Adolescents, Infectious Diseases, Emergency Department, Risk
Bunting AM, Frank D, Arshonsky J
Socially-supportive norms and mutual aid of people who use opioids: an analysis of Reddit during the initial COVID-19 pandemic.
This study looked at the effect big events like the COVID-19 pandemic can have on transforming social structures, social interactions, and social norms. The social media site Reddit.com was used to collect data on the impact of COVID-19 and opioid use. Posts from March to May 2020 were collected from the two most popular opioid subreddits. Out of 2000 posts, 300 were found to be relevant to the study. The pandemic led to robust social support and mutual aid on Reddit including advice on coping with social isolation, withdrawal, managing cravings, and accessing recovery resources.
AHRQ-funded; HS026120.
Citation: Bunting AM, Frank D, Arshonsky J .
Socially-supportive norms and mutual aid of people who use opioids: an analysis of Reddit during the initial COVID-19 pandemic.
Drug Alcohol Depend 2021 May 1;222:108672. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108672..
Keywords: Opioids, Medication, Substance Abuse, COVID-19, Infectious Diseases, Social Media
Bartsch SM, O'Shea KJ, Wedlock PT
The benefits of vaccinating with the first available COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine.
This study’s objective was to determine quantitatively the benefits of early vaccination for COVID-19 even if later on in the pandemic a latter vaccine has substantially higher efficacy. The team developed this model in 2020 before vaccinations became available. For example if a vaccine with 50% efficacy becomes available when 10% of the population has already been infected, waiting until 40% of the population are infected for a vaccine with 80% efficacy results in 15.6 million additional cases and 1.5 million additional hospitalizations, costing $20.6 billion more in direct medical costs and $12.4 billion more in productivity losses.
AHRQ-funded; HS028165.
Citation: Bartsch SM, O'Shea KJ, Wedlock PT .
The benefits of vaccinating with the first available COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine.
Am J Prev Med 2021 May;60(5):605-13. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.01.001..
Keywords: COVID-19, Vaccination, Healthcare Costs, Prevention, Infectious Diseases
Asti L, Hopley C, Avelis C
The potential clinical and economic value of a human papillomavirus primary screening test that additionally identifies genotypes 31, 45, 51, and 52 individually.
This study looked at the potential clinical and economic value of a human papillomavirus (HPV) primary screening test that additionally identified genotypes 31,45,51, and 52 along with genotypes 16 and 18. The authors developed a Markov model of the HPV disease course and evaluated the clinical and economic value of HPV primary screening with Onclarity. Currently HPV primary screening results in 25,194 invasive procedures and 48 invasive cervical cancer (ICC) cases per 100,000 women. Screening with extended genotyping and later screening women with certain genotypes averted 903 to 3163 invasive procedures and results in 0 to 3 more ICC cases compared with current primary screening tests. Extended genotyping was cost effective when costing $75 and cost saving when costing $43. When the probabilities of disease progression increased 2-4 times, it was not cost-effective because it resulted in more ICC cases and accrued fewer quality-adjusted life-years.
AHRQ-funded; HS023317.
Citation: Asti L, Hopley C, Avelis C .
The potential clinical and economic value of a human papillomavirus primary screening test that additionally identifies genotypes 31, 45, 51, and 52 individually.
Sex Transm Dis 2021 May;48(5):370-80. doi: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001327.
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Keywords: Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Screening, Diagnostic Safety and Quality, Genetics, Cancer: Cervical Cancer, Cancer, Women
Rhee C, Kanjilal S, Baker M
Duration of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity: when is it safe to discontinue isolation?
This review examined the current evidence of when a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) patient is no longer infectious and no longer needs to be in isolation. Most patients have persistently positive tests for weeks to months following clinical recovery; but this may not indicate their infectivity. SARS-CoV-2 appears to be most contagious around the time of symptom onset. Infectivity decreases to near-zero after about 10 days in mild-moderately ill patients and 15 days in severely-critically ill and immunocompromised patients. The longest interval associated with replication-competent virus found so far is 20 days from symptom onset.
AHRQ-funded; HS025008.
Citation: Rhee C, Kanjilal S, Baker M .
Duration of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectivity: when is it safe to discontinue isolation?
Clin Infect Dis 2021 Apr 26;72(8):1467-74. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1249..
Keywords: COVID-19, Respiratory Conditions, Public Health, Infectious Diseases