Publications by authors named "M T Littleton"

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifest differently depending on patients' background and pre-existing conditions. It remains unclear how African Americans with cancer have been affected in comparison to those without. In this study, we aim to identify demographic, clinical, and laboratory markers associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients with cancer.

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Background: Long-COVID is a condition post SARS-CoV-2 infection with persistent or recurring symptoms affecting multiple organs, and may involve viral persistence, changes to the microbiome, coagulopathies, and alterations to neuro-immune interactions. These factors can disrupt the Gut-Brain Axis, which is a complex system involving bidirectional communication between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal (GI) system. As a result of these disruptions, individuals with long-COVID may develop post-infectious functional GI disorders, which can cause a range of symptoms affecting the digestive system.

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The disproportionate burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and associated risk factors continues to exist in the Central Appalachian Region (CAR) of the United States. Previous studies to gather data about patient-centered care for CVD in the region were conducted through focus group discussions. There have not been any studies that used a collaborative framework where patients, providers, and community stakeholders were engaged as panelists.

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This study explored knowledge, understanding, and perceptions of patient-centered care (PCC) among patients with cardiovascular diseases and their non-licensed caregivers (NLCs) in Central Appalachia, a medically underserved rural environment. Seven focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 78 patients/NLCS were conducted across the six states of the region. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically coded.

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Objective: The central Appalachian region of the United States is disproportionately burdened with cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the level of literacy about CVD among residents has not been well studied. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors of CVD health literacy (HL) among a sample of patients/caregivers, providers/professionals, and community stakeholders.

Methods: In 2018, data were collected from central Appalachian residents in six states: Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

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