A framework and process for community-engaged, mixed-methods cancer needs assessments.

Purpose: Community health needs assessments are required for most state and local public health agencies and non-profit hospitals. Typically based on community health improvement planning models, these assessments encompass overall community health and multiple diseases to inform program planning. National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Cancer Centers and community-based cancer-focused programs share the goal of reducing cancer burden in the catchment areas they serve.

Respiratory Symptoms among US Adults: a Cross-Sectional Health Survey Study.

Introduction: Data collected through ongoing, state-based, cross-sectional health surveys could be used to better understand the contribution of respiratory symptoms to impaired health among the US adult population.

Methods: We used the 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System telephone health survey in four states (Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, Texas) to describe the relationship between symptoms, associated factors such as tobacco smoking, and health impairments. Self-reported productive cough, shortness of breath (SOB), and dyspnea on exertion (DOE) were categorized as minimal, moderate, or severe.

A population-based estimate of the health care burden of obstructive sleep apnea using a STOP-BAG questionnaire in South Carolina.

Study Objectives: Population based estimates of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequency and health impact are incomplete. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of risk factors for physician and sleep study diagnosed OSA among individuals in a state-based surveillance program.

Methods: Using questions inserted into the 2016 (n = 5,564) and 2017 (n = 10,884) South Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we analyzed the prevalence of physician diagnosed OSA and associated comorbidities.

Prevalence and Comorbidities of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Adults in Kentucky Across Gender and Area Development Districts, 2011.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Kentucky, and precise estimates of the prevalence of this disease and its comorbidities are needed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of both COPD and its comorbidities and risk differences of COPD comorbidities across Area Development Districts (ADDs) and gender. The demographic characteristics, prevalence of self- reported COPD and its comorbidities were determined by using data from the 2011 Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (KyBRFS).

Understanding Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Kentucky.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer screening rates have increased significantly in Kentucky, from 35% in 1999 to 66% in 2012. A continued improvement in screening requires identification of existing barriers and implementation of interventions to address barriers.

Methods: The state of Kentucky added a question to the 2012 Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey for respondents aged 50 years or older who answered no to ever having been screened for colorectal cancer by colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy to assess the reasons why respondents had not been screened.

Proportion of dermatitis attributed to work exposures in the working population, United States, 2011 behavioral risk factor surveillance system.

Background: The US employer-based surveillance system for work-related health conditions underestimates the prevalence of work-related dermatitis.

Objective: The authors sought to utilize information from workers to improve the accuracy of prevalence estimates for work-related dermatitis.

Methods: Three state health departments included questions in the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey designed to ascertain the prevalence of dermatitis in the working population, as well as healthcare experiences, personal perceptions of work-relatedness, and job changes associated with dermatitis.

The effect of parental involvement on problematic social behaviors among school-age children in Kentucky.

This study examines the associations among parental active involvement and healthy role modeling behavior with social behavior among children in Kentucky and the nation. Data from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health was used, limited to children 6-17 years old. The dependent variable was a composite measure of problematic social behavior.

Challenges faced by new mothers in the early postpartum period: an analysis of comment data from the 2000 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) survey.

Objective: To identify challenges that women face 2-9 months postpartum using qualitative data gathered by the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS).

Methods: PRAMS is an on-going population-based surveillance system that collects self-reported information on maternal behaviors and experiences before, during, and after the birth of a live infant. We analyzed free text comment data from women in 10 states who answered the PRAMS survey in 2000.