Improving accuracy of International Classification of Diseases codes for venous thromboembolism in administrative data.

Background: Increasingly, clinicians and researchers are using administrative data for clinical and outcomes research. However, they continue to question the accuracy of using International Classification of Diseases 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes alone to capture diagnoses, especially venous thromboembolism (VTE), in administrative data.

Objectives: We tested the hypothesis that incorporation of treatment data and/or common procedural terminology (CPT) codes could improve accuracy of administrative data in detecting VTE.

Randomization, matching, and propensity scores in the design and analysis of experimental studies with measured baseline covariates.

In many experimental situations, researchers have information on a number of covariates prior to randomization. This information can be used to balance treatment assignment with respect to these covariates as well as in the analysis of the outcome data. In this paper, we investigate the use of propensity scores in both of these roles.

What predicts dissemination efforts among public health researchers in the United States?

Objectives: We identified factors related to dissemination efforts by researchers to non-research audiences to reduce the gap between research generation and uptake in public health practice.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 266 researchers at universities, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and CDC. We identified scientists using a search of public health journals and lists from government-sponsored research.

Patterns and predictors of local health department accreditation in Missouri.

Background: The Healthy People 2020 goal for the public health system is "to ensure that Federal, State, Tribal, and local health agencies have the necessary infrastructure to effectively provide essential public health services." To address this goal, Missouri established the first statewide, voluntary accreditation program of local health departments (LHDs) and began accrediting the LHDs in 2003. The purpose of this study was to identify organizational, structural, and workforce factors related to accreditation status of LHDs in Missouri.

State practitioner insights into local public health challenges and opportunities in obesity prevention: a qualitative study.

Introduction: The extent of obesity prevention activities conducted by local health departments (LHDs) varies widely. The purpose of this qualitative study was to characterize how state obesity prevention program directors perceived the role of LHDs in obesity prevention and factors that impact LHDs' success in obesity prevention.

Methods: From June 2011 through August 2011, we conducted 28 semistructured interviews with directors of federally funded obesity prevention programs at 22 state and regional health departments.

Inactivation of dust mites, dust mite allergen, and mold from carpet.

Carpet is known to be a reservoir for biological contaminants, such as dust mites, dust mite allergen, and mold, if it is not kept clean. The accumulation of these contaminants in carpet might trigger allergies or asthma symptoms in both children and adults. The purpose of this study is to compare methods for removal of dust mites, dust mite allergens, and mold from carpet.

Describing the continuum of collaboration among local health departments with hospitals around the community health assessments.

Background: Hospitals and local health departments (LHDs) are under policy requirements from the Affordable Care Act and accreditation standards through the Public Health Accreditation Board. Tax exempt hospitals must perform a community health needs assessment (CHNA), similar to the community health assessment (CHA) required for LHDs. These efforts have led to a renewed interest in hospitals and LHDs working together to achieve common goals.

Perceptions of Male Circumcision among Married Couples in Rural Malawi.

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is being suggested as an essential HIV prevention strategy in high-prevalence areas. These analyses reflect data collected from 360 married couples, 50% of which included a circumcised husband and the other 50% uncircumcised, in rural Malawi. Regardless of their circumcision status, men were more likely to perceive that being circumcised was less painful than having a tooth pulled, giving birth, and having malaria.

Development of a program logic model and evaluation plan for a participatory ergonomics intervention in construction.

Background: Intervention studies in participatory ergonomics (PE) are often difficult to interpret due to limited descriptions of program planning and evaluation.

Methods: In an ongoing PE program with floor layers, we developed a logic model to describe our program plan, and process and summative evaluations designed to describe the efficacy of the program.

Results: The logic model was a useful tool for describing the program elements and subsequent modifications.