Publications by authors named "Iris Zachary"

Objectives: Data regarding retrograde open mesenteric stenting (ROMS) for urgent mesenteric ischemia is limited to small single center and case series, with variable utilization across patient populations and ill-defined outcomes. We aimed to evaluate characteristics and outcomes of patients with acute mesenteric ischemia requiring urgent surgical intervention.

Methods: Retrospective cohort study of patients with mesenteric ischemia requiring urgent surgical intervention from 2018 to 2020 was queried from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study used social network analysis and trending hashtags on Twitter to identify trends related to health and vaccine equity during the Omicron wave. The analysis was conducted using consumer-friendly platforms/tools such as the Healthcare Hashtag Project and NodeXL. The study found that during the Omicron wave, there was a higher volume of tweets related to the more specific hashtag #VaccineEquity, as compared to the more general topic of #HealthEquity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Healthcare data analytics is a methodological approach to the systematic analysis of health data, and it provides opportunities for healthcare professionals to improve health system management, patient engagement, budgeting, planning and performing evidence-based decision-making. Literature suggests that certain skills and/or competencies for health professionals working with big data in health care would be required. A review of the skills and competencies in health data analytics required by health professionals is needed to support the development or re-engineering of curriculum for health professionals to ensure they develop the abilities to make evidence-based decisions that ultimately can lead to the effective and efficient functioning of a healthcare system.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In this study, we used social network analysis to compare the Twitter social networks of top five cancers in the United States (as ranked by the CDC) to determine the key influencers in cancer-related conversations. We find that organizations and groups geared toward patients that provide patient support, promote cancer awareness, cancer prevention and cancer management comprised up to 40% of influencers. Researchers (24%) and physicians (14%) were also found to be influential participants; the extent of influence varying by each cancer, being as high as 40% research influence for colorectal cancer.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The study analyzes regional differences in physical and mental health outcomes and serious psychological distress (SPD) using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey covering 2004 to 2016.
  • Findings reveal that higher healthcare expenditures correlate with poorer health outcomes across all U.S. regions and insurance types, while overall health has improved since 2014 compared to 2004.
  • The research emphasizes the interconnectedness of mental and physical health and highlights the significance of healthcare costs as a factor affecting overall health outcomes, suggesting an increasing importance in light of recent global events.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study explores African American parents' experiences with using technology to engage their children in meaningful activities (e.g., e-learning) during COVID-19 and its impact on family health.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Advances in information communication technology provide researchers with the opportunity to access and collect continuous and granular data from enrolled participants. However, recruiting study participants who are willing to disclose their health data has been challenging for researchers. These challenges can be related to socioeconomic status, the source of data, and privacy concerns about sharing health information, which affect data-sharing behaviors.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits; however, many mothers do not continue breastfeeding to the recommended 6 months of age. Breastfeeding support after discharge from the hospital is often lacking in the communities with the greatest need. Therefore, the Mother's Milk Connection mHealth application was designed to improve breastfeeding duration and access to support.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

HIV healthcare services in the USA are made available through a complex funding and delivery system. We present perspectives of HIV agencies on improvements that could lead to an ideal system of HIV prevention, treatment and care. We conducted semi-structured interviews with representatives from 21 HIV agencies offering diverse services in Baltimore, MD.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Cancer registry data collection involves, at a minimum, collecting data on demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment. A common, identified, and standardized set of data elements is needed to share data quickly and efficiently with consumers of this data. This project highlights the fact that, there is a need to develop common data elements; Surveys were developed for central cancer registries (CCRs) and cancer researchers (CRs) at NCI-designated Cancer Centers, in order to understand data needs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF