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Cueva K, Peterson M, Chaliak AJ, Young RI. A qualitative exploration of the impacts of COVID-19 in two rural Southwestern Alaska communities. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2313823. [PMID: 38563298 PMCID: PMC10989197 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2313823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This manuscript presents a qualitative exploration of the experiences of people in two Southwestern Alaska communities during the emergence of COVID-19 and subsequent pandemic response. The project used principles of community based participatory research and honoured Indigenous ways of knowing throughout the study design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Data was collected in 2022 through group and individual conversations with community members, exploring impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants included Elders, community health workers, Tribal council members, government employees, school personnel, and emergency response personnel. Notes and written responses were coded using thematic qualitative analysis. The most frequently identified themes were 1) feeling disconnected from family, friends, and other relationships, 2) death, 3) the Tribal councils did a good job, and 4) loss of celebrations and ceremonies. While the findings highlighted grief and a loss of social cohesion due to the pandemic, they also included indicators of resilience and thriving, such as appropriate and responsive local governance, revitalisation of traditional medicines, and coming together as a community to survive. This case study was conducted as part of an international collaboration to identify community-driven, evidence-based recommendations to inform pan-Arctic collaboration and decision making in public health during global emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Cueva
- Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Malory Peterson
- Department of Human Development and Community Health, Montana State University, Bozeman, USA
| | - Ay’aqulluk Jim Chaliak
- Center for Alaska Native Health Research (CANHR), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Bethel, AK, USA
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Healey Akearok GK, Chaliak AJ, Cueva K, Cook D, Larsen CVL, Jóhannsdóttir L, Nilsson LM, San Sebastián M, Peterson M, Timlin U, Broderstadt AR, Dagsvold I, Siri S, Olesen I, Stoor JPA, Rautio A, Rink E, Lavoie JG. Diverse methodological approaches to a Circumpolar multi-site case study which upholds and responds to local and Indigenous community research processes in the Arctic. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2336284. [PMID: 38573784 PMCID: PMC10997363 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2336284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper outlines the methodological approaches to a multi-site Circumpolar case study exploring the impacts of COVID-19 on Indigenous and remote communities in 7 of 8 Arctic countries. Researchers involved with the project implemented a three-phase multi-site case study to assess the positive and negative societal outcomes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in Arctic communities from 2020 to 2023. The goal of the multi-site case study was to identify community-driven models and evidence-based promising practices and recommendations that can help inform cohesive and coordinated public health responses and protocols related to future public health emergencies in the Arctic. Research sites included a minimum of 1 one community each from Canada (Nunavut,) United States of America (Alaska), Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland. The approaches used for our multi-site case study provide a comprehensive, evidence-based account of the complex health challenges facing Arctic communities, offering insights into the effectiveness of interventions, while also privileging Indigenous local knowledge and voices. The mixed method multi-site case study approach enriched the understanding of unique regional health disparities and strengths during the pandemic. These methodological approaches serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals, informing future strategies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Katie Cueva
- Department of Psychology, University of Alaska, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - David Cook
- Environment and Natural Resources Programme, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Christina VL Larsen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Health and Nature, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Lára Jóhannsdóttir
- Environment and Natural Resources Programme, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Lena Maria Nilsson
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Lávvuo-Research and Education for Sámi Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Miguel San Sebastián
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Lávvuo-Research and Education for Sámi Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Malory Peterson
- Department of Human Development and Community Health, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Ulla Timlin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ann Ragnhild Broderstadt
- Centre for Sámi Health Research, Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Inger Dagsvold
- Centre for Sámi Health Research, Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Susanna Siri
- Centre for Sámi Health Research, Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ingelise Olesen
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Health and Nature, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
| | - Jon Petter A. Stoor
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Lávvuo-Research and Education for Sámi Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Centre for Sámi Health Research, Department of Community Medicine, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Arja Rautio
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Elizabeth Rink
- Department of Human Development and Community Health, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Josée G. Lavoie
- Ongomiizwin Research, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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Koller KR, Nash SH, Beans JA, Day GM, Hiratsuka VY, Lin AL, Narayanan M, Patten CA, Hammock SA, Howard BV, Umans JG. Evidence-based screening, clinical care and health education recommendations for Alaska Native peoples with prediabetes living in southcentral Alaska: findings from the Alaska EARTH follow-up study. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2343143. [PMID: 38691019 PMCID: PMC11064735 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2343143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Pre-diabetes (pre-DM) is a strong predictor of diabetes (DM) over time. This study investigated how much of the recent increase in pre-DM identified among Alaska Native (AN) peoples living in urban southcentral Alaska may be due to changes in diagnostic methods. We used clinical and demographic data collected at baseline between 2004 and 2006 and at follow-up collected between 2015 and 2017 from the urban southcentral Alaska Education and Research Towards Health (EARTH) cohort. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression to explore differences in demographic and clinical variables among the identified pre-DM groups. Of 388 participants in the follow-up study, 243 had A1c levels indicating pre-DM with only 20 demonstrating pre-DM also by fasting blood glucose (FBG). Current smoking was the sole predictor for pre-DM by A1c alone while abdominal obesity and elevated FBG-predicted pre-DM by A1c+FBG. No participants had an elevated FBG without an A1c elevation. A substantial portion of the rise in pre-DM found among urban southcentral AN peoples in the EARTH follow-up study was due to the addition of A1c testing. Pre-DM by A1c alone should be used to motivate behavioural changes that address modifiable risk factors, including smoking cessation, physical activity and weight management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R. Koller
- Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Sarah H. Nash
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Julie A. Beans
- Research Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Gretchen M. Day
- Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Diabetes Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Meera Narayanan
- Diabetes Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Christi A Patten
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and Behavioral Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sherry A. Hammock
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Jason G. Umans
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, MD, USA
- Georgetown University, Washington, USA
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Narayanan ML, Holck P, Lin AL, Schraer CD. Living well with diabetes in Alaska. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2341988. [PMID: 38718274 PMCID: PMC11080664 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2341988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Many people with diabetes mellitus experience minimal or no complications. Our objective was to determine the proportion of Alaska Native people who experienced four major complications or mortality and to identify factors that may be associated with these outcomes. We used records in a diabetes registry and clinical and demographic variables in our analyses. We used logistic regression and Cox Proportional Hazards models to evaluate associations of these parameters with death and complications that occurred prior to 2013. The study included 591 Alaska Native people with non-type 1 diabetes mellitus, diagnosed between 1986 and 1992. Over 60% of people in this study remained free of four major diabetes-related complications for the remainder of life or throughout the approximately 20-year study period. Lower BMI, higher age at diagnosis of diabetes, and use of at least one diabetes medication were associated with death and a composite of four complications. A majority of Alaska Native people with DM had none of four major complications over a 20-year period. Lower BMI and use of diabetes medications were associated with higher hazard for some deleterious outcomes. This suggests that goals in care of elders should be carefully individualised. In addition, we discuss several programme factors that we believe contributed to favourable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera L. Narayanan
- Diabetes Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Diabetes Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Peter Holck
- Research Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Research Services, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Ai-Ling Lin
- Diabetes Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Diabetes Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Cynthia D. Schraer
- Diabetes Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Diabetes Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Nolen LD, Bulkow L, Singleton R, Hurlburt D, Debyle C, Rudolph K, Hammitt LL, Hennessy TW, Bruce MG. An Investigation of Pediatric Case-patients With Invasive Haemophilus influenzae in Alaska, 2005-2011. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024; 43:498-504. [PMID: 38451895 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000004286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) can cause severe disease in children. This study aimed to identify risk factors related to invasive Hi disease in Alaska children and evaluate carriage in people around them. METHODS From 2005 to 2011, we investigated episodes of invasive, typeable Hi disease in Alaska children <10 years old. Three age-matched control children were enrolled for each case-patient. We evaluated oropharyngeal Hi carriage in people in close contact with Hi case-patients (contacts) as well as control children and their household members. Individual and household risk factors for illness and carriage were evaluated using questionnaires and chart reviews. RESULTS Thirty-eight of 44 (86%) children with invasive, typeable Hi disease were recruited: 20 Hi serotype a (53%), 13 serotype b (Hib) (34%) and 5 serotype f (13%). Children with the invasive Hi disease were more likely than controls to have underlying health problems (67% vs. 24%, P = 0.001), other carriers of any Hi in their household (61% vs. 15%, P < 0.001), and inadequate Hib vaccination (26% vs. 9%, P = 0.005). People who carried Hi were younger than noncarriers (mean 12.7 vs. 18.0 years, P = 0.008). The carriage was clustered within case-patient households, with carriage in 19% of household contacts, while only 6.3% of nonhousehold contacts and 5.5% of noncontacts carried the Hi serotype of interest ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Factors associated with invasive Hi disease in children included underlying health problems, household carriage and inadequate Hib vaccination. The high level of carriage in case-patient households is important to consider when evaluating treatment and prophylaxis strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisha Diane Nolen
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Lisa Bulkow
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Rosalyn Singleton
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
- Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Debbie Hurlburt
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Carolyn Debyle
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Karen Rudolph
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Laura L Hammitt
- Department of International Health Center for Indigenous Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Thomas W Hennessy
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Michael G Bruce
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
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Branda F, Romano C, Ciccozzi M, Scarpa F. The emergence of Alaskapox: exploring an unprecedented viral threat and implications for public health. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024; 56:496-498. [PMID: 38520677 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2332463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Branda
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Romano
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Scarpa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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Bruden D, McMahon BJ, Snowball M, Towshend-Bulson L, Homan C, Johnston JM, Simons BC, Bruce MG, Cooley L, Spradling PR, Harris AM. Rate and durability of the clearance of HBsAg in Alaska Native persons with long-term HBV infection: 1982-2019. Hepatology 2024; 79:1412-1420. [PMID: 37939079 PMCID: PMC11095863 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A functional cure and therapeutic end point of chronic HBV infection is defined as the clearance of HBsAg from serum. Little is known about the long-term durability of HBsAg loss in the Alaskan Native population. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed a retrospective cohort study of Alaska Native patients with chronic HBV-monoinfection from January 1982 through December 2019. The original group in this cohort was identified during a 1982 to 1987 population-based screening for 3 HBV serologic markers in 53,000 Alaska Native persons. With close to 32,000 years of follow-up, we assessed the frequency and duration of HBsAg seroclearance (HBsAg-negative for > 6 mo). We examined factors associated with HBsAg clearance and followed persons for a median of 13.1 years afterward to assess the durability of HBsAg clearance. Among 1079 persons with an average length of follow-up of 33 years, 260 (24%) cleared HBsAg at a constant rate of 0.82% per person/per year. Of the 260 persons who cleared, 249 (96%) remained HBsAg-negative, while 11 persons had ≥ 2 transient HBsAg-positive results in subsequent follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Of the patients with chronic HBV monoinfection, 0.82% of people per year achieved a functional cure. HBsAg seroclearance was durable for treated and nontreated patients and lasted, on average, over 13 years without seroreversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Bruden
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Brian J. McMahon
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Mary Snowball
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Lisa Towshend-Bulson
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Chriss Homan
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Janet M. Johnston
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Brenna C. Simons
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Michael G. Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Laura Cooley
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Philip R. Spradling
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Aaron M. Harris
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Devi S. First fatality from Alaskapox virus. Lancet Infect Dis 2024; 24:e282. [PMID: 38518786 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(24)00213-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
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Mbise A, Hodge-Growden C, Bemben T, Shimizu R. Black Alaskans Health Needs Assessment during COVID-19 Pandemic: Implications for Social Work. Health Soc Work 2024; 49:77-85. [PMID: 38489834 DOI: 10.1093/hsw/hlae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic it became clear that Black people were experiencing more severe symptoms and had higher rates of mortality from COVID-19 than White people. However, data on racial differences in death and hospitalization rates in Alaska were less clear. To address this, the Alaska Black Caucus initiated the first Black Alaskans health needs assessment to understand the health status, needs, and resources of the Black community of Alaska. This article reports on the design, implementation, and descriptive results from the survey portion of the first community health needs assessment of Black Alaskans. The findings indicate that a majority of Black Alaskans report being moderately healthy, having access to health insurance, owning their homes, and having a favorable view of their neighborhood. However, too many are unable to work due to poor physical or mental health challenges and are diagnosed with one or more chronic health diseases. In addition, Black Alaskans experience high rates of substance abuse, have untreated mental health conditions, consume tobacco products at a high rate, and are not screening for some cancers. The article will conclude by presenting additional strategies for improving healthcare access and responsiveness for Black Alaskans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amana Mbise
- PhD, is assistant professor, School of Social Work, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, PSB 224B, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | | | - Thea Bemben
- is principal and cofounder, Agnew::Beck Consulting, Inc., Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Rei Shimizu
- PhD, is assistant professor, School of Social Work, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Borg BL, Klauder KJ, Beckmen KB. Suspected True Hermaphroditism in a Free-ranging Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) in Interior Alaska, USA. J Wildl Dis 2024; 60:546-549. [PMID: 38268220 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-23-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Hermaphroditism or intersexuality occurs endogenously in most mammal species. We document the behavior and physical and anatomic appearance of a suspected true hermaphroditic free-ranging wild gray wolf (Canis lupus) in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget L Borg
- Denali National Park and Preserve, PO Box 9, Denali Park, Alaska 99755, USA
| | - Kaija J Klauder
- Denali National Park and Preserve, PO Box 9, Denali Park, Alaska 99755, USA
| | - Kimberlee B Beckmen
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, 1300 College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701, USA
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Lewis JP, Kim SM, Asquith-Heinz Z, Thompson L. Cyclical Migration in Alaska Native Elders and Its Impact on Elders' Identity and Later Life Well-Being. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2024; 79:gbad072. [PMID: 37167633 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper outlines the unique culturally driven cyclical migration of Alaska Native (AN) Elders, distinct from previously described migration patterns in that Elders spend extended time in more than one community. We describe this Indigenous cyclical migration of AN Elders and its influence on their identity and later life health and well-being. METHODS Interviews with 124 AN Elders were conducted across 5 regions of Alaska: Bristol Bay, Interior, Norton Sound, Aleutian Pribilof Islands, and Southcentral. Within this sample, 87 participants engaged in cyclical migration. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes related to Elders' cyclical migration between rural and urban communities and the impact on their identity and later life health and well-being. RESULTS We identified 2 distinct patterns of Indigenous cyclical migration-Elders living primarily in rural communities migrating to urban communities and Elders living primarily in urban communities migrating to rural communities. Elders engaged in these 2 patterns of cyclical migration to maintain cultural practices, access social, and health care services to maintain their physical health and well-being, and continue their community roles contributing to their AN Elder identity. DISCUSSION This study builds upon existing migration theories by introducing a cyclical pattern uniquely driven by AN identity, culture, and traditional practices. Findings illustrate how AN communities can support Elders who experience cyclical migration patterns to ensure they age successfully in both locations. Future research should explore cyclical migration patterns among other Indigenous populations with migration histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan P Lewis
- Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Steffi M Kim
- Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Psychology. University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Zayla Asquith-Heinz
- Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lena Thompson
- Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus, Duluth, Minnesota, USA
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12
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Romero CH, Tuomi P, Burek-Huntington KA, Gill VA. Novel lambdapapillomavirus in northern sea otters Enhydra lutris kenyoni, associated with oral hyperplastic nodules. Dis Aquat Organ 2024; 157:73-80. [PMID: 38421009 DOI: 10.3354/dao03771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
A novel papillomavirus (PV) associated with hyperplastic nodules scattered over the muco-cutaneous border of the oral cavity of a dead, wild, subadult northern sea otter Enhydra lutris kenyoni (NSO) in 2004 in Homer, Alaska, USA, was genetically characterized. Primers for the amplification of 2 large overlapping DNA fragments that contained the complete genome of the NSO PV were designed. Sanger methodology generated sequences from which new specific primers were designed for the primer-walking approach. The NSO PV genome consists of 8085 nucleotides and contains an early region composed of E6, E7, E1, and E2 open reading frames (ORFs), an E4 ORF (contained within E2) lacking an in-frame proximal ATG start codon, an unusually long (907 nucleotide) stretch lacking any ORFs, a late region that contains the capsid genes L2 and L1, and a non-coding regulatory region (ncRR). This NSO PV has been tentatively named Enhydra lutris kenyoni PV2 (ElkPV2). Pairwise and multiple sequence alignments of the complete L1 ORF nucleotides and concatenated E1-E2-L1 amino acid sequences showed that the NSO PV is a novel PV, phylogenetically most closely related to southern sea otter PV1. The carboxy end of the E6 oncoprotein does not contain the PDZ-binding motif with a strong correlation with oncogenicity, suggesting a low-risk PV, which is in agreement with histopathological findings. However, the ElkPV2 E7 oncoprotein does contain the retinoblastoma (pRb) binding domain LXCXE (LQCYE in ElkPV2), associated with oncogenicity in some high-risk PVs. Further studies on the prevalence and clinical significance of ElkPV2 infections in NSO are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos H Romero
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32608, USA
| | - Pam Tuomi
- Alaska Sealife Center, Veterinary Sciences, Seward, Alaska 99664, USA
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Steinberg J, Bressler SS, Orell L, Thompson GC, Kretz A, Reasonover AL, Bruden D, Bruce MG, Fischer M. Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and Potential Impact of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines Among Adults, Including Persons Experiencing Homelessness-Alaska, 2011-2020. Clin Infect Dis 2024; 78:172-178. [PMID: 37787072 PMCID: PMC10868556 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adults aged ≥65 years, adults with certain underlying medical conditions, and persons experiencing homelessness are at increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Two new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15) and 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20), were recently approved for use in US adults. We describe the epidemiology of IPD among Alaska adults and estimate the proportion of IPD cases potentially preventable by new vaccines. METHODS We used statewide, laboratory-based surveillance data to calculate and compare IPD incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) among Alaska adults aged ≥18 years during 2011-2020 and estimate the proportion of IPD cases that were caused by serotypes in PCV15 and PCV20. RESULTS During 2011-2020, 1164 IPD cases were reported among Alaska adults for an average annual incidence of 21.3 cases per 100 000 adults per year (95% CI, 20.1-22.5). Incidence increased significantly during the study period (P < .01). IPD incidence among Alaska Native adults was 4.7 times higher than among non-Alaska Native adults (95% CI, 4.2-5.2). Among adults experiencing homelessness in Anchorage, IPD incidence was 72 times higher than in the general adult population (95% CI, 59-89). Overall, 1032 (89%) Alaska adults with IPD had an indication for pneumococcal vaccine according to updated vaccination guidelines; 456 (39%) and 700 (60%) cases were caused by serotypes in PCV15 and PCV20, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Use of PCV15 and PCV20 could substantially reduce IPD among adults in Alaska, including Alaska Native adults and adults experiencing homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Steinberg
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Sara S Bressler
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Laurie Orell
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Gail C Thompson
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Anthony Kretz
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Alisa L Reasonover
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Dana Bruden
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Michael G Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Marc Fischer
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Infectious Disease Readiness and Innovation, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
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14
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Ramey AM, Scott LC, Ahlstrom CA, Buck EJ, Williams AR, Kim Torchetti M, Stallknecht DE, Poulson RL. Molecular detection and characterization of highly pathogenic H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild birds provides evidence for three independent introductions into Alaska. Virology 2024; 589:109938. [PMID: 37977084 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
We detected and characterized highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses among hunter-harvested wild waterfowl inhabiting western Alaska during September-October 2022 using a molecular sequencing pipeline applied to RNA extracts derived directly from original swab samples. Genomic characterization of 10 H5 clade 2.3.4.4b avian influenza viruses detected with high confidence provided evidence for three independent viral introductions into Alaska. Our results highlight the utility and some potential limits of applying molecular processing approaches directly to RNA extracts from original swab samples for viral research and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Ramey
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA.
| | - Laura C Scott
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Evan J Buck
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Alison R Williams
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Cold Bay, Alaska, USA
| | - Mia Kim Torchetti
- U.S. Department of Agriculture National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Ames, IA, USA
| | - David E Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca L Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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15
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Cueva K, Bulkow L, Milton E, Van Wyck R, Hargrave S, Meyer J. Application of COVIDTracer to Inform Public Health Workforce Planning in Alaska During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Public Health Rep 2024; 139:11-17. [PMID: 37846519 PMCID: PMC10905761 DOI: 10.1177/00333549231199479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused social and economic disruption worldwide and spurred numerous mitigation strategies, including state investments in training a large contact tracing and case investigation workforce. A team at the University of Alaska Anchorage evaluated implementation of the COVID-19 contact tracing and case investigation program of the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Health, Section of Public Health Nursing. As part of that evaluation, the team used COVIDTracer, a spreadsheet modeling tool. COVIDTracer generated projections of COVID-19 case counts that informed estimates of workforce needs and case prioritization strategies. Case count projections approximated the reported epidemiologic curve with a median 7% difference in the first month. The accuracy of case count predictions declined after 1 month with a median difference of 80% in the second month. COVIDTracer inputs included previous case counts, the average length of time for telephone calls to cases and outreach to identified contacts, and the average number of contacts per case. As each variable increased, so too did estimated workforce needs. Decreasing the average time from exposure to outreach from 10 to 5 days reduced case counts estimated by COVIDTracer by approximately 93% during a 5-month period. COVIDTracer estimates informed Alaska's workforce planning and decisions about prioritizing case investigation during the pandemic. Lessons learned included the importance of being able to rapidly scale up and scale down workforce to adjust to a dynamic crisis and the limitations of prediction modeling (eg, that COVIDTracer was accurate for only about 1 month into the future). These findings may be useful for future pandemic preparedness planning and other public health emergency response activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Cueva
- Center for Behavioral Health Research and Services, Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Lisa Bulkow
- Division of Population Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Elaina Milton
- Division of Population Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Rebecca Van Wyck
- Division of Population Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Sarah Hargrave
- Section of Public Health Nursing, Division of Public Health, State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Jennifer Meyer
- Division of Population Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
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16
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Yonzan N, Timilsina L, Kelly IR. Economic incentives surrounding fertility: Evidence from Alaska's permanent fund dividend. Econ Hum Biol 2024; 52:101334. [PMID: 38070225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2023.101334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend provided an incentive that increased fertility. This paper estimates the impact of the dividend transfer on fertility rates in Alaska compared to other states using the synthetic control methodology. For the period from 1982 to 1988, fertility on average increased annually in Alaska by 11.3 births per 1000 women aged 15-44-a 13.1 percent increase over the counterfactual. This was driven by women over 20. Fertility increased for women aged 20-24 by 12.4 percent, those aged 25-34 by 14.3 percent, and those aged 35-44 by 16.9 percent. The paper also finds support that narrowing the gap between births, increase in total fertility rate, and no change in abortion are potential channels for the observed increase in fertility. No change in the fertility for the adolescents combined with no change in abortion suggests that the increase in fertility in Alaska was planned.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laxman Timilsina
- Department of Economics, Connecticut College, United States of America
| | - Inas Rashad Kelly
- Department of Economics, Loyola Marymount University, United States of America; National Bureau of Economic Research, United States of America.
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17
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Haverkamp D, Redwood D, Roik E, Vindigni S, Thomas T. Elevated colorectal cancer incidence among American Indian/Alaska Native persons in Alaska compared to other populations worldwide. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2184749. [PMID: 36867106 PMCID: PMC9987760 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2184749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cancer worldwide; incidence varies greatly by country and racial group. We compared 2018 American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) CRC incidence rates in Alaska to other Tribal, racial, and international population rates. AI/AN persons in Alaska had the highest CRC incidence rate among US Tribal and racial groups (61.9/100,000 in 2018). AI/AN persons in Alaska also had higher rates than those reported for any other country in the world in 2018 except for Hungary, where males had a higher CRC incidence rate than AI/AN males in Alaska (70.6/100,000 and 63.6/100,000 respectively). This review of CRC incidence rates from populations in the United States and worldwide showed that AI/AN persons in Alaska had the highest documented incidence rate of CRC in the world in 2018. It is important to inform health systems serving AI/AN persons in Alaska about policies and interventions that can support CRC screening to reduce the burden of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Haverkamp
- Epidemiologist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Diana Redwood
- Program Manager, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Elena Roik
- Program Director, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Stephen Vindigni
- Gastroenterologist, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Timothy Thomas
- Research Services Director, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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18
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Rogers-LaVanne MP, Bader AC, de Flamingh A, Saboowala S, Smythe C, Atchison B, Moulton N, Wilson A, Wildman DE, Boraas A, Uddin M, Worl R, Malhi RS. Association between gene methylation and experiences of historical trauma in Alaska Native peoples. Int J Equity Health 2023; 22:182. [PMID: 37679827 PMCID: PMC10485934 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-023-01967-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historical trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples of North America is correlated with health disparities and is hypothesized to be associated with DNA methylation. Massive group traumas such as genocide, loss of land and foodways, and forced conversion to Western lifeways may be embodied and affect individuals, families, communities, cultures, and health. This study approaches research with Alaska Native people using a community-engaged approach designed to create mutually-beneficial partnerships, including intentional relationship development, capacity building, and sample and data care. METHODS A total of 117 Alaska Native individuals from two regions of Alaska joined the research study. Participants completed surveys on cultural identification, historical trauma (historical loss scale and historical loss associated symptoms scale), and general wellbeing. Participants provided a blood sample which was used to assess DNA methylation with the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC array. RESULTS We report an association between historical loss associated symptoms and DNA methylation at five CpG sites, evidencing the embodiment of historical trauma. We further report an association between cultural identification and general wellbeing, complementing evidence from oral narratives and additional studies that multiple aspects of cultural connection may buffer the effects of and/or aid in the healing process from historical trauma. CONCLUSION A community-engaged approach emphasizes balanced partnerships between communities and researchers. Here, this approach helps better understand embodiment of historical trauma in Alaska Native peoples. This analysis reveals links between the historical trauma response and DNA methylation. Indigenous communities have been stigmatized for public health issues instead caused by systemic inequalities, social disparities, and discrimination, and we argue that the social determinants of health model in Alaska Native peoples must include the vast impact of historical trauma and ongoing colonial violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P Rogers-LaVanne
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Alyssa C Bader
- Department of Anthropology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2T7, Canada
- Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | - Alida de Flamingh
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Sana Saboowala
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Chuck Smythe
- Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | | | - Nathan Moulton
- Hoonah Indian Association Hoonah, Hoonah, AK, 99829, USA
| | | | - Derek E Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Alan Boraas
- Department of Anthropology, Kenai Peninsula College, Soldotna, AK, 99669, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Rosita Worl
- Sealaska Heritage Institute, Juneau, AK, 99801, USA
| | - Ripan S Malhi
- Carl R Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Program in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Anthropology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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19
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Emmett SD, Platt A, Gallo JJ, Labrique AB, Wang NY, Inglis-Jenson M, Jenson CD, Hofstetter P, Hicks KL, Ross AA, Egger JR, Robler SK. Prevalence of Childhood Hearing Loss in Rural Alaska. Ear Hear 2023; 44:1240-1250. [PMID: 37287104 PMCID: PMC10426776 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Childhood hearing loss has well-known lifelong consequences. Certain rural populations are at higher risk for infection-related hearing loss. For Alaska Native children, historical data on hearing loss prevalence suggest a higher burden of infection-related hearing loss, but updated prevalence data are urgently needed in this high-risk population. DESIGN Hearing data were collected as part of two school-based cluster-randomized trials in 15 communities in rural northwest Alaska over two academic years (2017-2019). All enrolled children from preschool to 12th grade were eligible. Pure-tone thresholds were obtained using standard audiometry and conditioned play when indicated. The analysis included the first available audiometric assessment for each child (n = 1634 participants, 3 to 21 years), except for the high-frequency analysis, which was limited to year 2 when higher frequencies were collected. Multiple imputation was used to quantify the prevalence of hearing loss in younger children, where missing data were more frequent due to the need for behavioral responses. Hearing loss in either ear was evaluated using both the former World Health Organization (WHO) definition (pure-tone average [PTA] > 25 dB) and the new WHO definition (PTA ≥ 20 dB), which was published after the study. Analyses with the new definition were limited to children 7 years and older due to incomplete data obtained on younger children at lower thresholds. RESULTS The overall prevalence of hearing loss (PTA > 25 dB; 0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz) was 10.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.9 to 12.1). Hearing loss was predominately mild (PTA >25 to 40 dB; 8.9%, 95% CI, 7.4 to 10.5). The prevalence of unilateral hearing loss was 7.7% (95% CI, 6.3 to 9.0). Conductive hearing loss (air-bone gap of ≥ 10 dB) was the most common hearing loss type (9.1%, 95% CI, 7.6 to 10.7). Stratified by age, hearing loss (PTA >25 dB) was more common in children 3 to 6 years (14.9%, 95% CI, 11.4 to 18.5) compared to children 7 years and older (8.7%, 95% CI, 7.1 to 10.4). In children 7 years and older, the new WHO definition increased the prevalence of hearing loss to 23.4% (95% CI, 21.0 to 25.8) compared to the former definition (8.7%, 95% CI, 7.1 to 10.4). Middle ear disease prevalence was 17.6% (95% CI, 15.7 to 19.4) and was higher in younger children (23.6%, 95% CI, 19.7 to 27.6) compared to older children (15.2%, 95% CI, 13.2 to 17.3). High-frequency hearing loss (4, 6, 8kHz) was present in 20.5% (95% CI, 18.4 to 22.7 [PTA >25 dB]) of all children and 22.8% (95% CI, 20.3 to 25.3 [PTA >25 dB]) and 29.7% (95% CI, 27.0 to 32.4 [PTA ≥ 20 dB]) of children 7 years and older (limited to year 2). CONCLUSIONS This analysis represents the first prevalence study on childhood hearing loss in Alaska in over 60 years and is the largest cohort with hearing data ever collected in rural Alaska. Our results highlight that hearing loss continues to be common in rural Alaska Native children, with middle ear disease more prevalent in younger children and high-frequency hearing loss more prevalent with increasing age. Prevention efforts may benefit from managing hearing loss type by age. Lastly, continued research is needed on the impact of the new WHO definition of hearing loss on field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D. Emmett
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Science, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Alyssa Platt
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph J. Gallo
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alain B. Labrique
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nae-Yuh Wang
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Meade Inglis-Jenson
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Cole D. Jenson
- Department of Audiology, Norton Sound Health Corporation, Nome, Alaska, USA
| | | | - Kelli L. Hicks
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexandra A. Ross
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Science, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Samantha Kleindienst Robler
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of Audiology, Norton Sound Health Corporation, Nome, Alaska, USA
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20
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Newell K, Fischer M, Massey S, Orell L, Steinberg J, Tompkins M, Castrodale L, McLaughlin J. Temporally Associated Invasive Pneumococcal Disease and SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Alaska, USA, 2020-2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:1765-1771. [PMID: 37506683 PMCID: PMC10461657 DOI: 10.3201/eid2909.230080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumoniae can co-infect persons who have viral respiratory tract infections. However, research on S. pneumoniae infections that are temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections is limited. We described the epidemiology and clinical course of patients who had invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and temporally associated SARS-CoV-2 infections in Alaska, USA, during January 1, 2020-December 23, 2021. Of 271 patients who had laboratory-confirmed IPD, 55 (20%) had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. We observed no major differences in age, race, sex, or underlying medical conditions among IPD patients with and without SARS-CoV-2. However, a larger proportion of IPD patients with SARS-CoV-2 died (16%, n = 9) than for those with IPD alone (4%, n = 9) (p<0.01). IPD patients with SARS-CoV-2 were also more likely to be experiencing homelessness (adjusted OR 3.5; 95% CI 1.7-7.5). Our study highlights the risk for dual infection and ongoing benefits of pneumococcal and COVID-19 vaccination, especially among vulnerable populations.
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21
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Inglis-Jenson M, Robler SK, Gallo JJ, Ivanoff P, Ryan S, Hofstetter P, Emmett SD. Community Perspectives on Hearing Loss in Rural Alaska. Ear Hear 2023; 44:1078-1087. [PMID: 36939709 PMCID: PMC10426783 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000001348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study is to present an explanatory model of hearing loss in the Bering Strait region of Alaska in order to contextualize the results of a cluster randomized trial and propose implications for regional hearing-related health care. DESIGN To promote ecological validity, or the generalizability of trial findings to real world experiences, qualitative methods (focus groups and interviews) were used within a mixed methods cluster randomized trial evaluating school hearing screening and follow-up processes in 15 communities in the Bering Strait region of Alaska. Focus groups were held between April and August 2017, and semistructured interviews were conducted between December 2018 and August 2019. Convenience sampling was used for six of the 11 focus groups to capture broad community feedback. Purposive sampling was used for the remaining five focus groups and for all interviews to capture a variety of experiences with hearing loss. Audio recordings of focus groups and interviews were transcribed, and both notes and transcripts were deidentified. All notes and transcripts were included in the analysis. The constant comparative method was used to develop a codebook by iteratively moving between transcripts and preliminary themes. Researchers then used this codebook to code data from all focus groups and interviews using qualitative analysis software (NVIVO 12, QSR International) and conducted thematic analyses to distill the findings presented in this article. RESULTS Participants in focus groups (n = 116) and interviews (n = 101) shared perspectives in three domains: etiology, impact, and treatment of hearing loss. Regarding etiology, participants emphasized noise-induced hearing loss but also discussed infection-related hearing loss and various causes of ear infections. Participants described the impact of hearing loss on subsistence activities, while also detailing social, academic, and economic consequences. Participants described burdensome treatment pathways that are repetitive and often travel and time intensive. Communication breakdowns within these pathways were also described. Some participants spoke positively of increased access via onsite hearing health care services in "field clinics" as well as via telemedicine services. Others described weaknesses in these processes (infrequent field clinics and communication delays in telemedicine care pathways). Participants also described home remedies and stigma surrounding the treatment for hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS Patient-centered health care requires an understanding of context. Explanatory models of illness are context-specific ways in which patients and their networks perceive and describe the experience of an illness or disability. In this study, we documented explanatory models of hearing loss to foster ecological validity and better understand the relevance of research findings to real-life hearing-related experiences. These findings suggest several areas that should be addressed in future implementation of hearing health care interventions elsewhere in rural Alaska, including management of repetitious treatments, awareness of infection-mediated hearing loss, mistrust, and communication breakdowns. For hearing-related health care in this region, these findings suggest localized recommendations for approaches for prevention and treatment. For community-based hearing research, this study offers an example of how qualitative methods can be used to generate ecologically valid (i.e., contextually grounded) findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meade Inglis-Jenson
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Norton Sound Health Corporation, Nome, Alaska, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Samantha Kleindienst Robler
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Norton Sound Health Corporation, Nome, Alaska, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Joseph J. Gallo
- Mixed Methods Research Training Program, Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul Ivanoff
- Lead Parent Stakeholder, Hearing Norton Sound, Unalakleet, Alaska, USA
| | - Stephanie Ryan
- Lead Patient Partner, Hearing Norton Sound, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | | | - Susan D. Emmett
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Communication Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas, USA
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22
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Redwood DG, Prewitt JJ, Holt MC, Gerrish SS. Elevated Adenomatous Polyp Detection Rate Among Alaska Native and American Indian People in Interior Alaska, 2018-2022. Public Health Rep 2023; 138:56S-60S. [PMID: 36683459 PMCID: PMC10515984 DOI: 10.1177/00333549221143204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality are twice as high among Alaska Native people as among non-Hispanic White people in the United States; as such, colonoscopy is a recommended screening test for Alaska Native people. Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is measured in patients at average risk of CRC undergoing initial screening colonoscopy and reflects the prevalence of precancerous polyps in a screened population. We evaluated the ADR among Alaska Native people living in Interior Alaska. METHODS This project evaluated the ADR among Alaska Native and American Indian adults aged ≥40 years (N = 460) living in Interior Alaska, using a retrospective medical record review of patients referred for screening colonoscopy from February 1, 2018, through March 31, 2022. The main outcome measure was ADR, stratified by age and sex. RESULTS The ADR was 45.0% overall: 43.0% among women and 47.1% among men. Among patients aged ≥50 years, the ADR was 67.1%: 62.7% among women and 70.7% among men. Among patients aged 40-49 years, the ADR was 34.4%: 35.3% among women and 33.3% among men. CONCLUSIONS Measured ADR was high among Alaska Native men and women aged ≥50 years in Interior Alaska and in all age groups that were screened. These findings have implications for which CRC screening methods, intervals, and age to begin screening are most appropriate for Alaska Native people, as well as the need for future research on the pathology, etiology, and natural history of CRC in this population.
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Smayda LC, Day GM, Redwood DG, Beans JA, Hiratsuka VY, Nash SH, Koller KR. Cancer Screening Prevalence among Participants in the Southcentral Alaska Education and Research towards Health (EARTH) Study at Baseline and Follow-Up. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6596. [PMID: 37623179 PMCID: PMC10454209 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Alaska Native communities are working to prevent cancer through increased cancer screening and early detection. We examined the prevalence of self-reported colorectal (CRC), cervical, and breast cancer screening among Alaska Native participants in the southcentral Alaska Education and Research toward Health (EARTH) study at baseline (2004-2006) and ten-year follow-up (2015-2017); participant characteristics associated with screening; and changes in screening prevalence over time. A total of 385 participants completed questionnaires at follow-up; 72% were women. Of those eligible for CRC screening, 53% of follow-up participants reported a CRC screening test within the past 5 years, significantly less than at baseline (70%) (p = 0.02). There was also a significant decline in cervical cancer screening between baseline and follow-up: 73% of women at follow-up vs. 90% at baseline reported screening within the past three years (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in reported breast cancer screening between baseline (78%) and follow-up (77%). Colorectal and cervical cancer screening prevalence in an urban, southcentral Alaska Native cohort declined over 10 years of follow-up. Increased cancer screening and prevention are needed to decrease Alaska Native cancer-related morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren C. Smayda
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Gretchen M. Day
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Diana G. Redwood
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | | | - Vanessa Y. Hiratsuka
- Center for Human Development, College of Health, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Sarah H. Nash
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Grage L, Wise F, Meyer J. Exploring factors associated with parent-reported early childhood caries with Alaska's childhood understanding behaviors survey data. J Public Health Dent 2023; 83:284-291. [PMID: 37309218 DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Early Childhood Caries (ECC) can negatively impact the lives of young children, despite being preventable. The purpose of this study was to utilize available data in Alaska to describe changes in parent reports of ECC, and identify factors related to ECC. METHODS The Childhood Understanding Behaviors Survey (CUBS) is a population-based survey of parents of 3-year-old children and was utilized to describe changes in: parent-reported ECC among children with a dental visit, access to and or utilization of dental care, and consumption of three or more cups of sweetened beverages between 2009-2011 and 2016-2019. Logistic regression modeling was used to explore factors associated with parent-reported ECC among children with a dental visit. RESULTS Over time, a significantly smaller proportions of parents whose 3-year-old child had seen a dental professional reported ECC. Additionally, a smaller proportion of parents reported three or more cups of sweetened beverage consumption by their child, while larger proportions had seen a dental professional by age 3. Factors associated with parent-reported ECC included consumption of three or more cups of sweetened beverages, and enrollment in Medicaid or Tribal health care insurance, while protective factors included a parent earning a college degree, and military insurance. CONCLUSIONS Although at the statewide level, improvements were observed in parent-reported measures over time, regional disparities were apparent. Social and economic factors as well as excessive consumption of sweetened beverages appear to play important roles in ECC. CUBS data can help identify trends in ECC within Alaska.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Grage
- Division of Population Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Frances Wise
- State of Alaska, Department of Health, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Jennifer Meyer
- Division of Population Health Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
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25
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Nethery RC, Vega S, Frazier AL, Laden F. Mobile Source Benzene Regulations and Risk of Childhood and Young Adult Hematologic Cancers in Alaska: A Quasi-experimental Study. Epidemiology 2023; 34:385-388. [PMID: 36715968 PMCID: PMC10074683 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the impact of the EPA's Mobile Source Air Toxics rules (MSAT), which targeted benzene emissions, on childhood and young adult leukemia and lymphoma incidence in Alaska. METHODS MSAT was implemented in 2011 and produced a dramatic decline in ambient benzene in Alaska. Due to previous benzene-related regulations enacted in the continental United States, MSAT had relatively modest impacts in other states. This created quasi-experimental conditions leveraged in this study. Using 2-year state-level incidence rates of childhood and young adult leukemia and lymphoma for each US state 2001-2018, we examined MSAT-attributable changes in incidence by applying a difference-in-differences approach. RESULTS We found evidence of a substantial reduction associated with MSAT in incidence of childhood and young adult lymphoma (-1.23 [-1.84, -0.62] cases per 100,000), but not in leukemia (-0.13 [-0.77, 0.51] cases per 100,000). CONCLUSIONS Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that MSAT, which reduced benzene levels in Alaska, led to a decline in lymphoma incidence in children and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Nethery
- From the Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Sofia Vega
- From the Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - A Lindsay Frazier
- Dana Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA
| | - Francine Laden
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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26
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Patten CA, Koller KR, Sinicrope PS, Prochaska JJ, Young C, Resnicow K, Decker PA, Hughes CA, Merritt ZT, McConnell CR, Huang M, Thomas TK. Facebook Intervention to Connect Alaska Native People With Resources and Support to Quit Smoking: CAN Quit Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:803-813. [PMID: 36130170 PMCID: PMC10032195 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is some evidence that social media interventions can promote smoking cessation. This randomized controlled pilot study is the first to evaluate the feasibility and potential efficacy of a Facebook smoking cessation intervention among Alaska Native (AN) adults. AIMS AND METHODS Recruitment and data collection occurred from December 2019 to March 2021. Participants were recruited statewide in Alaska using Facebook advertisements with a targeted sample of 60 enrolled. Participants were stratified by gender, age, and rural or urban residence and randomly assigned to receive referral resources on evidence-based cessation treatments (EBCTs) (control, n = 30) or these resources plus a 3-month, closed (private), culturally tailored, Facebook group (intervention, n = 31) that connected participants to EBCT resources and was moderated by two Alaska Native Trained Tobacco Specialists. Assessments were conducted online post-randomization at 1, 3, and 6 months. Outcomes were feasibility (recruitment, retention, and intervention engagement), self-reported use of EBCTs, and biochemically confirmed seven-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence. RESULTS Of intervention participants, 90% engaged (eg posted, commented) more than once. Study retention was 57% at 6 months (no group differences). The proportion utilizing EBCTs was about double for intervention compared with the control group participants at 3 and 6 months. Smoking abstinence was higher for intervention than control participants at 3 months (6.5% vs. 0%, p = .16) but comparable at 6 months (6.4% vs. 6.7%, p = .97). CONCLUSIONS While additional research is needed to promote long-term cessation, this pilot trial supports recruitment feasibility during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, consumer uptake, and a signal for intervention efficacy on the uptake of cessation treatment and short-term smoking abstinence. IMPLICATIONS This study is the first evaluation of a social media intervention for smoking cessation among Indigenous people. We learned that statewide Facebook recruitment of AN adults who smoke was feasible and there was a signal for the efficacy of a Facebook intervention on the uptake of EBCT and short-term (3 months) biochemically verified smoking abstinence. Clinically, social media platforms may complement current care models by connecting AN individuals and others living in hard-to-reach communities to cessation treatment resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christi A Patten
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and Behavioral Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Kathryn R Koller
- Research Services, Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 4000 Ambassador Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Pamela S Sinicrope
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and Behavioral Health Research Program, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Judith J Prochaska
- Department of Medicine, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University, 1265 Welch Road, Stanford, CA, 94305-5411, USA
| | - Colleen Young
- Division of Consumer Communications, Social and Digital Innovation, Mayo Clinic Connect, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Kenneth Resnicow
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 S. Observatory, 3867 SPH1, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Paul A Decker
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Christine A Hughes
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Zoe T Merritt
- Research Services, Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 4000 Ambassador Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Clara R McConnell
- Wellness and Prevention, Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 4000 Ambassador Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Artificial Intelligence and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Timothy K Thomas
- Research Services, Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 4000 Ambassador Dr, Anchorage, AK, 99508, USA
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Haan TJ, Smith LK, DeRonde S, House E, Zidek J, Puhak D, Mullen L, Redlinger M, Parker J, Barnes BM, Burkhead JL, Knall C, Bortz E, Chen J, Drown DM. A Repeat Pattern of Founder Events for SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Alaska. Viruses 2023; 15:222. [PMID: 36680262 PMCID: PMC9861170 DOI: 10.3390/v15010222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alaska is a unique US state because of its large size, geographically disparate population density, and physical distance from the contiguous United States. Here, we describe a pattern of SARS-CoV-2 variant emergence across Alaska reflective of these differences. Using genomic data, we found that in Alaska, the Omicron sublineage BA.2.3 overtook BA.1.1 by the week of 27 February 2022, reaching 48.5% of sequenced cases. On the contrary, in the contiguous United States, BA.1.1 dominated cases for longer, eventually being displaced by BA.2 sublineages other than BA.2.3. BA.2.3 only reached a prevalence of 10.9% in the contiguous United States. Using phylogenetics, we found evidence of potential origins of the two major clades of BA.2.3 in Alaska and with logistic regression estimated how it emerged and spread throughout the state. The combined evidence is suggestive of founder events in Alaska and is reflective of how Alaska's unique dynamics influence the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracie J. Haan
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Lisa K. Smith
- Alaska Division of Public Health, State of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Stephanie DeRonde
- Alaska Division of Public Health, State of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Elva House
- Alaska Division of Public Health, State of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Jacob Zidek
- Alaska Division of Public Health, State of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Diana Puhak
- Alaska Division of Public Health, State of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Logan Mullen
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Matthew Redlinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Jayme Parker
- Alaska Division of Public Health, State of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Brian M. Barnes
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Jason L. Burkhead
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Cindy Knall
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Eric Bortz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| | - Jack Chen
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
- Alaska Division of Public Health, State of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
- Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Devin M. Drown
- Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
- Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
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Burns A, DeAtley T, Short SE. The maternal health of American Indian and Alaska Native people: A scoping review. Soc Sci Med 2023; 317:115584. [PMID: 36521232 PMCID: PMC9875554 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Indigenous people in the United States experience disadvantage in multiple domains of health. Yet, their maternal health receives limited research attention. With a focus on empirical research findings, we conduct a scoping review to address two questions: 1) what does the literature tell us about the patterns and prevalence of maternal mortality and morbidity of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) people? and 2) how do existing studies explain these patterns? A search of CINAHL, Embase and Medline yielded 4757 English-language articles, with 66 eligible for close review. Of these, few focused specifically on AI/AN people's maternal health. AI/AN people experience higher levels of maternal mortality and morbidity than non-Hispanic White people, with estimates that vary substantially across samples and geography. Explanations for the maternal health of AI/AN people focused on individual factors such as poverty, cultural beliefs, and access to healthcare (e.g. lack of insurance). Studies rarely addressed the varied historical and structural contexts of AI/AN tribal nations, such as harms associated with colonization and economic marginalization. Research for and by Indigenous communities and nations is needed to redress the effective erasure of AI/AN people's maternal health experiences and to advance solutions that will promote their health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailish Burns
- Department of Sociology, Brown University, 108 George St Box 1916, Providence RI, 02912, USA; Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, 68 Waterman St Box 1836, Providence RI, 02912, USA.
| | - Teresa DeAtley
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Susan E Short
- Department of Sociology, Brown University, 108 George St Box 1916, Providence RI, 02912, USA; Population Studies and Training Center, Brown University, 68 Waterman St Box 1836, Providence RI, 02912, USA
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Abstract
Purpose Little is known about cancer survivors’ needs in Alaska. To address this knowledge gap, the Alaska Cancer Partnership conducted a needs assessment survey; our objectives were to identify unmet needs of Alaska’s cancer survivors; identify survivor sub-populations that might benefit from targeted interventions or programming; and develop recommendations for public health and community organizations and healthcare providers for addressing cancer survivors’ unmet needs. Methods Cancer survivors were identified using data from the Alaska Cancer Registry. A random sample of 2,600 individuals was selected to receive the survey, which assessed unmet needs across the following domains: information needs and medical care issues; quality of life; emotional and relationship issues related to cancer diagnoses; and support services. We calculated descriptive statistics for survey responses and assessed demographic predictors of unmet needs using Poisson regression. Results We received 335 survey responses, for a response of 13.7%. Only 29.9% of cancer survivors expressed that all their needs were met. The most highly ranked unmet needs were as follows: help to reduce stress in life; to know doctors were coordinating care; and managing concerns about cancer coming back. After adjustment, men, adults younger than 65 at diagnosis, Alaska Native people, survivors still receiving or who had recently received care, and people who had to travel 50+ miles for most of their care had significantly greater unmet needs than their comparison groups. Conclusion This assessment provided some of the first information regarding the needs of Alaska’s cancer survivors. These results will be used by Alaska Cancer Partnership members across the state to inform healthcare delivery, programs, and public health messaging to support survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Nash
- Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, 145 N Riverside Drive, Iowa, IA, 52242, USA.
| | - Julia Dilley
- Multnomah County and Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division, Program Design and Evaluation Services (PDES), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Claire Siekaniec
- Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - David O'Brien
- State of Alaska, Division of Public Health, Health Analytics and Vital Records Section, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Rosa Avila
- State of Alaska, Division of Public Health, Health Analytics and Vital Records Section, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Jessica Quinn
- State of Alaska, Division of Public Health, Section of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Pete D, Erickson SL, Jim MA, Hatcher SM, Echo-Hawk A, Dominguez AE. COVID-19 Among Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native People Residing in Urban Areas Before and After Vaccine Rollout-Selected States and Counties, United States, January 2020-October 2021. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:1489-1497. [PMID: 36103693 PMCID: PMC9480478 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2022.306966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To evaluate COVID-19 disparities among non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) and non-Hispanic White persons in urban areas. Methods. Using COVID-19 case surveillance data, we calculated cumulative incidence rates and risk ratios (RRs) among non-Hispanic AI/AN and non-Hispanic White persons living in select urban counties in the United States by age and sex during January 22, 2020, to October 19, 2021. We separated cases into prevaccine (January 22, 2020-April 4, 2021) and postvaccine (April 5, 2021-October 19, 2021) periods. Results. Overall in urban areas, the COVID-19 age-adjusted rate among non-Hispanic AI/AN persons (n = 47 431) was 1.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.36, 2.01) times that of non-Hispanic White persons (n = 2 301 911). The COVID-19 prevaccine age-adjusted rate was higher (8227 per 100 000; 95% CI = 6283, 10 770) than was the postvaccine rate (3703 per 100 000; 95% CI = 3235, 4240) among non-Hispanic AI/AN compared with among non-Hispanic White persons (2819 per 100 000; 95% CI = 2527, 3144; RR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.17, 1.48). Conclusions. This study highlights disparities in COVID-19 between non-Hispanic AI/AN and non-Hispanic White persons in urban areas. These findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination and other public health efforts among urban AI/AN communities can reduce COVID-19 disparities in urban AI/AN populations. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(10):1489-1497. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306966).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dornell Pete
- Dornell Pete, Scott L. Erickson, Abigail Echo-Hawk, and Adrian E. Dominguez are with the Urban Indian Health Institute, Seattle Indian Health Board, Seattle, WA. Melissa A. Jim is with the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, NM. Sarah M. Hatcher is with the Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC
| | - Scott L Erickson
- Dornell Pete, Scott L. Erickson, Abigail Echo-Hawk, and Adrian E. Dominguez are with the Urban Indian Health Institute, Seattle Indian Health Board, Seattle, WA. Melissa A. Jim is with the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, NM. Sarah M. Hatcher is with the Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC
| | - Melissa A Jim
- Dornell Pete, Scott L. Erickson, Abigail Echo-Hawk, and Adrian E. Dominguez are with the Urban Indian Health Institute, Seattle Indian Health Board, Seattle, WA. Melissa A. Jim is with the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, NM. Sarah M. Hatcher is with the Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC
| | - Sarah M Hatcher
- Dornell Pete, Scott L. Erickson, Abigail Echo-Hawk, and Adrian E. Dominguez are with the Urban Indian Health Institute, Seattle Indian Health Board, Seattle, WA. Melissa A. Jim is with the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, NM. Sarah M. Hatcher is with the Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC
| | - Abigail Echo-Hawk
- Dornell Pete, Scott L. Erickson, Abigail Echo-Hawk, and Adrian E. Dominguez are with the Urban Indian Health Institute, Seattle Indian Health Board, Seattle, WA. Melissa A. Jim is with the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, NM. Sarah M. Hatcher is with the Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC
| | - Adrian E Dominguez
- Dornell Pete, Scott L. Erickson, Abigail Echo-Hawk, and Adrian E. Dominguez are with the Urban Indian Health Institute, Seattle Indian Health Board, Seattle, WA. Melissa A. Jim is with the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, NM. Sarah M. Hatcher is with the Research Triangle Institute International, Durham, NC
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Emelyanova A, Savolainen A, Oksanen A, Nieminen P, Loginova O, Abass K, Rautio A. Research on Selected Wildlife Infections in the Circumpolar Arctic-A Bibliometric Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:11260. [PMID: 36141528 PMCID: PMC9517571 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
One Health, a multidisciplinary approach to public health, which integrates human, animal, and environmental studies, is prudent for circumpolar Arctic health research. The objective of our bibliometric review was to identify and compare research in select infectious diseases in Arctic wildlife species with importance to human health indexed in English language databases (PubMed, Scopus) and the Russian database eLibrary.ru. Included articles (in English and Russian languages) needed to meet the following criteria: (1) data comes from the Arctic, (2) articles report original research or surveillance reports, (3) articles were published between 1990 and 2018, and (4) research relates to naturally occurring infections. Of the included articles (total n = 352), most were from Russia (n = 131, 37%), Norway (n = 58, 16%), Canada (n = 39, 11%), and Alaska (n = 39, 11%). Frequently reported infectious agents among selected mammals were Trichinella spp. (n = 39), Brucella spp. (n = 25), rabies virus (n = 11), Echinococcus spp. (n = 10), and Francisella tularensis (n = 9). There were 25 articles on anthrax in eLibrary.ru, while there were none in the other two databases. We identified future directions where opportunities for further research, collaboration, systematic reviews, or monitoring programs are possible and needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Emelyanova
- Thule Institute, University of Oulu & University of the Arctic, P.O. Box 7300, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Audrey Savolainen
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Antti Oksanen
- Finnish Food Authority (FINPAR), Elektroniikkatie 3, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Pentti Nieminen
- Medical Informatics and Data Analysis Research Group, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Olga Loginova
- Laboratory of Parasite Systematics and Evolution, Center for Parasitology, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninskii Prospect 33, 119071 Moscow, Russia
| | - Khaled Abass
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
| | - Arja Rautio
- Thule Institute, University of Oulu & University of the Arctic, P.O. Box 7300, FI-90014 Oulu, Finland
- Arctic Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 5000, FI-90590 Oulu, Finland
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Shaw JL, Beans JA, Noonan C, Smith JJ, Mosley M, Lillie KM, Avey JP, Ziebell R, Simon G. Validating a predictive algorithm for suicide risk with Alaska Native populations. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2022; 52:696-704. [PMID: 35293010 PMCID: PMC9378560 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) suicide rate in Alaska is twice the state rate and four times the U.S. rate. Healthcare systems need innovative methods of suicide risk detection. The Mental Health Research Network (MHRN) developed suicide risk prediction algorithms in a general U.S. PATIENT POPULATION METHODS We applied MHRN predictors and regression coefficients to electronic health records of AI/AN patients aged ≥13 years with behavioral health diagnoses and primary care visits between October 1, 2016, and March 30, 2018. Logistic regression assessed model accuracy for predicting and stratifying risk for suicide attempt within 90 days after a visit. We compared expected to observed risk and assessed model performance characteristics. RESULTS 10,864 patients made 47,413 primary care visits. Suicide attempt occurred after 589 (1.2%) visits. Visits in the top 5% of predicted risk accounted for 40% of actual attempts. Among visits in the top 0.5% of predicted risk, 25.1% were followed by suicide attempt. The best fitting model had an AUC of 0.826 (95% CI: 0.809-0.843). CONCLUSIONS The MHRN model accurately predicted suicide attempts among AI/AN patients. Future work should develop clinical and operational guidance for effective implementation of the model with this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Shaw
- Division of Organizational Development and Innovation, Research and Data Services Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Julie A Beans
- Division of Organizational Development and Innovation, Research and Data Services Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Carolyn Noonan
- Institute for Research and Education to Advance Community Health, Washington State University, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Julia J Smith
- Division of Organizational Development and Innovation, Research and Data Services Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Mike Mosley
- Division of Organizational Development and Innovation, Research and Data Services Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Kate M Lillie
- Division of Organizational Development and Innovation, Research and Data Services Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Jaedon P Avey
- Division of Organizational Development and Innovation, Research and Data Services Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Rebecca Ziebell
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory Simon
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Ward LA, Black KP, Britton CL, Tompkins ML, Provost EM. COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, and Deaths Among American Indian or Alaska Native Persons - Alaska, 2020-2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022; 71:730-733. [PMID: 35653289 PMCID: PMC9169521 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7122a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons across the United States face substantial health disparities, including a disproportionately higher incidence of COVID-19 (1,2). AI/AN persons living in Alaska also face serious health and health care challenges, including access to care because 90% of the state's land area is inaccessible by road (3), and approximately one half of the state's AI/AN population (AI/AN race alone or in combination with another race) live in remote rural areas (4). To examine the extent of COVID-19-associated disparities among AI/AN persons living in Alaska, a retrospective analysis of COVID-19 cases reported to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (AKDHSS) during March 12, 2020-December 31, 2021, was conducted. The age-adjusted COVID-19 incidence among AI/AN persons was 26,583 per 100,000 standard population, approximately twice the rate among White persons living in Alaska (11,935). The age-adjusted COVID-19-associated hospitalization rate among AI/AN persons was 742 per 100,000, nearly three times the rate among White persons (273) (rate ratio [RR] = 2.72). The age-adjusted COVID-19-related mortality rate among AI/AN persons was 297 per 100,000, approximately three times that among White persons (104; RR = 2.86). Culturally competent public health efforts that are designed in collaboration with AI/AN persons and communities, including support for vaccination and other proven COVID-19 prevention strategies, are critical to reducing COVID-19-associated disparities among AI/AN persons in Alaska.
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Patten CA, Hiratsuka VY, Nash SH, Day G, Redwood DG, Beans JA, Howard BV, Umans JG, Koller KR. Smoking Patterns Among Urban Alaska Native and American Indian Adults: The Alaska EARTH 10-Year Follow-up Study. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 24:840-846. [PMID: 34850172 PMCID: PMC9048910 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Data on cigarette smoking prevalence among Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people are limited to cross-sectional studies or specific subpopulations. Using data from the Alaska Education and Research toward Health (EARTH) Study 10-year follow-up, this study assessed patterns of smoking from baseline and factors associated with current use. AIMS AND METHODS EARTH Study urban south central ANAI participants (N = 376; 73% women) provided questionnaire data on smoking at baseline and 10-year follow-up. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression assessed whether gender, cultural factors (Tribal identity, language spoken in the home), depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), baseline smoking status, and baseline cigarettes per day (CPD) were associated with current smoking at follow-up. RESULTS Current smoking was 27% and 23% at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Of baseline smokers, 60% reported smoking at follow-up (77% men, 52% women). From multivariable-adjusted analyses, the odds of current smoking at follow-up were lower among women than men, those who never or formerly smoked versus currently smoked at baseline, and smoking <10 CPD compared with ≥10 CPD at baseline. PHQ-9 score or cultural variables were not associated with smoking at follow-up. Smoking fewer baseline CPD was associated with former smoking status (ie, quitting) at follow-up among women, but not men. CONCLUSIONS Our project is among the first to longitudinally explore smoking within an ANAI cohort. While we observed persistent smoking during a 10-year period, there were important differences by gender and CPD in quitting. These differences may be important to enhance the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions for ANAI people. IMPLICATIONS This study contributes novel longitudinal information on cigarette smoking prevalence during a 10-year period among Alaska Native and American Indian (ANAI) people. Prior data on smoking prevalence among ANAI people are limited to cross-sectional studies or specific subpopulations. Our project is among the first to longitudinally explore smoking prevalence within an ANAI cohort. We observed persistent smoking during a 10-year period. The study also contributes information on differences by gender and cigarettes smoked per day in quitting. These findings have implications for enhancing the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions for ANAI people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christi A Patten
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Vanessa Y Hiratsuka
- Center for Human Development, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Research Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Sarah H Nash
- Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Gretchen Day
- Research Services, Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Diana G Redwood
- Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Julie A Beans
- Research Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Barbara V Howard
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, MD, USA
- Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jason G Umans
- MedStar Health Research Institute, Hyattsville, MD, USA
- Georgetown-Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kathryn R Koller
- Research Services, Division of Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Nolen LD, Topaz N, Miernyk K, Bressler S, Massay SC, Geist M, Zulz T, Singleton R. Evaluating a Cluster and the Overall Trend of Invasive Haemophilus influenzae Serotype b in Alaska 2005-2019. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2022; 41:e120-e125. [PMID: 35067639 DOI: 10.1097/inf.0000000000003470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2019, 5 cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) occurred in the Anchorage region of Alaska over a period of 16 days. No cases had occurred in Alaska in the preceding 26 months. METHODS Alaska Hib isolates from 2005 through 2019 were analyzed using whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Rates were compared with the CDC's Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) data. RESULTS A total of 33 cases of invasive Hib occurred in Alaska from 2005 through 2019. Of the 5 cases associated with the cluster, 2 (40%) occurred in adults and all occurred in the Anchorage region. In contrast, only 14% (4/28) of the noncluster cases occurred in this region (P < 0.01). Two cluster cases were linked epidemiologically and the bacteria were nearly identical. The other 3 cluster cases were caused by 3 genetically distinct bacteria. When the full period was evaluated, the unadjusted rate of invasive Hib disease in Alaska was 15.5 times higher in Alaska Native (AN) people than non-AN people [1.3/100,000 vs. 0.07/100,000, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 10.2-22.5). The age-adjusted rate of invasive Hib disease in Alaska was 9.4 times higher than the ABCs rate (95% CI: 6.3-14.1). CONCLUSIONS While clustered in time and space, the 5 cases in 2019 were not due to a single bacterial strain. AN people continue to have elevated rates of invasive Hib infection compared with both non-AN people in Alaska and the ABCs population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisha D Nolen
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Nadav Topaz
- Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Disease Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Karen Miernyk
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Sara Bressler
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Stephanie C Massay
- Section of Epidemiology, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Mary Geist
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tammy Zulz
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
| | - Rosalyn Singleton
- From the Arctic Investigations Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska
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Ferucci ED, Day GM, Choromanski TL, Freeman SL. Outcomes and Quality of Care in Rheumatoid Arthritis With or Without Video Telemedicine Follow-Up Visits. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022; 74:484-492. [PMID: 33053261 PMCID: PMC10695327 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telemedicine has been proposed to improve access to care in rheumatology, but few studies of telerheumatology have been published. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes and quality of care for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients seen by video telemedicine follow-up compared to in-person only. METHODS Individuals in the Alaska Tribal Health System with a diagnosis of RA were recruited when seeing a rheumatologist either in-person or by video telemedicine, both of which were offered as part of usual follow-up care. At baseline, participants completed the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3) questionnaire and a telemedicine perception survey and agreed to medical record review. Participants repeated surveys by telephone at 6 and 12 months, and medical record abstraction was performed at 12 months for quality measures. RESULTS At the 12-month outcome assessment, 63 of 122 RA patients (52%) had ever used telemedicine for RA. In univariate analysis, functional status improved over 12 months in the telemedicine group. In multivariate analysis, RAPID3 score and functional status were associated with telemedicine group (higher), with no statistically significant change over the 12-month period. The only quality measure that differed between groups at 12 months in univariate analysis was the proportion of visits in which disease activity was documented (higher in the in-person group, 40% versus 25%; P = 0.02), but this was not significant after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION In short-term follow-up, there was no significant difference in most outcome and quality measures in patients with RA who incorporated telemedicine follow-up in their care compared to in-person only.
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Lefferts B, Blake I, Bruden D, Hagen MB, Hodges E, Kirking HL, Bates E, Hoeldt A, Lamont B, Saydah S, MacNeil A, Bruce MG, Plumb ID. Antigen Test Positivity After COVID-19 Isolation - Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region, Alaska, January-February 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022; 71:293-298. [PMID: 35202352 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7108a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Isolation is recommended during acute infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, but the duration of infectiousness varies among individual persons. Rapid antigen test results have been correlated with detection of viable virus (1-3) and might inform isolation guidance, but data are limited for the recently emerged SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant. On January 5, 2022, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) recommended that persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection isolate for 10 days after symptom onset (or, for asymptomatic persons, 10 days after a positive nucleic acid amplification or antigen test result). However, isolation could end after 5-9 days if symptoms were resolving or absent, fever was absent for ≥24 hours without fever-reducing medications, and an Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag (BinaxNOW) rapid antigen test result was negative. Antigen test results and associated individual characteristics were analyzed among 3,502 infections reported to YKHC during January 1-February 9, 2022. After 5-9 days, 396 of 729 persons evaluated (54.3%) had a positive antigen test result, with a declining percentage positive over time. In a multivariable model, a positive antigen test result was more likely after 5 days compared with 9 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 6.39) or after symptomatic infection (aOR = 9.63), and less likely after previous infection (aOR = 0.30), receipt of a primary COVID-19 vaccination series (aOR = 0.60), or after both previous infection and receipt of a primary COVID-19 vaccination series (aOR = 0.17). Antigen tests might be a useful tool to guide recommendations for isolation after SARS-CoV-2 infection. During the 10 days after infection, persons might be infectious to others and are recommended to wear a well-fitting mask when around others, even if ending isolation after 5 days.
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Bressler SS, Bruden D, Nolen LD, Bruce MG, Towshend-Bulson L, Spradling P, McMahon BJ. Mortality among Alaska Native Adults with Confirmed Hepatitis C Virus Infection Compared with the General Population in Alaska, 1995-2016. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:2573545. [PMID: 35178364 PMCID: PMC8847038 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2573545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection incidence rates in the United States have increased since 2010 as a byproduct of the opioid crisis despite the introduction of direct-acting antiviral agents in 2013. HCV infection is associated with higher rates of liver-related and nonhepatic causes of death. METHODS This study compared demographic characteristics and age-adjusted death rates from 1995 to 2016 among Alaska Native (AN) adults infected with HCV (AK-HepC) to rates among the AN and non-AN adult populations living in Alaska. Liver-related disease (LRD) and other disease-specific age-adjusted death rates were compared between the populations. RESULTS The all-cause death rate among the AK-HepC cohort was 2.2- and 3.4-fold higher than AN and non-AN adults, respectively, and remained stable over time in all populations. The LRD death rate among the AK-HepC cohort was 18- and 11-fold higher than the non-AN and AN, respectively. The liver cancer rate among the AK-HepC cohort was 26-fold higher compared to the Alaska statewide population. The AK-HepC cohort had elevated rates of death associated with nonhepatic diseases with circulatory disease having the highest rate in all populations. Among liver cancer deaths in the AK-HepC cohort, 32% had HCV listed as a contributing cause of death on the death certificate. CONCLUSIONS Death rates in the AK-HepC cohort remained stable since 1995 and higher compared to the general population. People with HCV infection had an elevated risk for all-cause, liver-related, and nonhepatic causes of death. Hepatitis C infection may be underrepresented as a cause of mortality in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S. Bressler
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Dana Bruden
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Leisha D. Nolen
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Michael G. Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Lisa Towshend-Bulson
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Philip Spradling
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian J. McMahon
- Arctic Investigations Program, Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Zhao G, Hsia J, Vigo-Valentín A, Garvin WS, Town M. Health-Related Behavioral Risk Factors and Obesity Among American Indians and Alaska Natives of the United States: Assessing Variations by Indian Health Service Region. Prev Chronic Dis 2022; 19:E05. [PMID: 35085066 PMCID: PMC8794264 DOI: 10.5888/pcd19.210298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health-related behavioral risk factors and obesity are linked to high risk for multiple chronic diseases. We examined the prevalence of these risk factors among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) compared with that of non-Hispanic Whites and across Indian Health Service (IHS) regions. METHODS We used 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from participants in 50 states and the District of Columbia to assess 4 behavioral risk factors (current cigarette smoking, heavy drinking, binge drinking, and physical inactivity) and obesity. We analyzed disparities in these risk factors between AI/AN and non-Hispanic White participants, nationwide and by IHS region, by conducting log-linear regression analyses while controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS Nationwide, crude prevalence of current smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity were significantly higher among AI/AN than non-Hispanic White participants. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, AI/AN participants were 11% more likely to report current smoking (P < .05) and 23% more likely to report obesity (P < .001) than non-Hispanic White participants. These patterns persisted in most IHS regions with some exceptions. In the Southwest region, AI/AN participants were 39% less likely to report current smoking than non-Hispanic White participants (P < .001). In the Pacific Coast region, compared with non-Hispanic White participants, AI/AN participants were 54% less likely to report heavy drinking (P < .01) but 34% more likely to report physical inactivity (P < .05). Across IHS regions, AI/AN participants residing in Alaska and the Northern Plains regions had the highest prevalence of current smoking and binge drinking, and those in the Southwest and Pacific Coast regions had the lowest prevalence of current smoking. AI/AN participants in the Southwest region had the lowest prevalence of physical inactivity, and those in the Southern Plains region had the highest prevalence of obesity. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study support the importance of public health efforts to address and improve behavioral risk factors related to chronic disease in AI/AN people, both nationwide and among IHS regions, through culturally appropriate interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixiang Zhao
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jason Hsia
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Alexander Vigo-Valentín
- Division of Policy and Data, Office of Minority Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland
| | - William S Garvin
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Machell Town
- Division of Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- Division of Population Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, MS 107-6, Atlanta, GA 30341.
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Ramey AM, Reeves AB, Lagassé BJ, Patil V, Hubbard LE, Kolpin DW, McCleskey RB, Repert DA, Stallknecht DE, Poulson RL. Evidence for interannual persistence of infectious influenza A viruses in Alaska wetlands. Sci Total Environ 2022; 803:150078. [PMID: 34525758 PMCID: PMC9277558 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) deposited by wild birds into the environment may lead to sporadic mortality events and economically costly outbreaks among domestic birds. There is a paucity of information, however, regarding the persistence of infectious IAVs within the environment following deposition. In this investigation, we assessed the persistence of 12 IAVs that were present in cloacal and/or oropharyngeal swabs of naturally infected ducks. Infectivity of these IAVs was monitored over approximately one year with each virus tested in five water types: (1) distilled water held in the lab at 4 °C and (2-5) filtered surface water from each of four Alaska sites and maintained in the field at ambient temperature. By evaluating infectivity of IAVs in ovo following sample retrieval at four successive time points, we observed declines in IAV infectivity through time. Many viruses persisted for extended periods, as evidenced by ≥25% of IAVs remaining infectious in replicate samples for each treatment type through three sampling time points (144-155 days post-sample collection) and two viruses remaining viable in a single replicate sample each when tested upon collection at a fourth time point (361-377 days post-sample collection). The estimated probability of persistence of infectious IAVs in all five water types was estimated to be between 0.25 and 0.75 during days 50-200 post-sample collection as inferred through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Our results provide evidence that IAVs may remain infectious for extended periods, up to or even exceeding one year, when maintained in surface waters under ambient temperatures. Therefore, wetlands may represent an important medium in which infectious IAVs may reside outside of a biotic reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Ramey
- U. S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA.
| | - Andrew B Reeves
- U. S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA.
| | - Benjamin J Lagassé
- U. S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, P.O. Box 756100, Fairbanks, AK 99775, USA
| | - Vijay Patil
- U. S. Geological Survey, Alaska Science Center, 4210 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA.
| | - Laura E Hubbard
- U. S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 8505 Research Way, Middleton, WI 53562, USA.
| | - Dana W Kolpin
- U. S. Geological Survey, Central Midwest Water Science Center, 400 S. Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52244, USA.
| | - R Blaine McCleskey
- U. S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Mission Area, 3215 Marine Street, Building 6, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Deborah A Repert
- U. S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Mission Area, 3215 Marine Street, Building 6, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - David E Stallknecht
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Rebecca L Poulson
- Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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Townshend-Bulson L, Roik E, Barbour Y, Bruden DJT, Homan CE, Espera HGF, Stevenson TJ, Hewitt AM, Rhodes W, Gove JE, Plotnik JN, Snowball MM, McGilvray J, Simons BC, Johnston JM, McMahon BJ. The Alaska Native/American Indian experience of hepatitis C treatment with sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antivirals. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260970. [PMID: 34855920 PMCID: PMC8639063 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs have been effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Limited data are available on safety, tolerability, and efficacy in American Indian or Alaska Native people. We aim to evaluate the treatment outcomes of sofosbuvir- based regimens for treatment of HCV in a real life setting in Alaska Native/American Indian (AN/AI) people. METHODS AN/AI patients within the Alaska Tribal Health System with confirmed positive anti-HCV and HCV RNA, who were 18 years of age and older were included in the study. Pretreatment baseline patient characteristics, treatment efficacy based on sustained virologic response (SVR) 12 weeks after treatment completion, and adverse effects were assessed. The following treatments were given according to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases/Infectious Disease Society of America (AASLD/IDSA) HCV Guidance: ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir plus weight-based ribavirin, and sofosbuvir/velpatasvir. RESULTS We included 501 patients with a mean age of 54.3 (range 21.3-78.3) in the study. Overall SVR was achieved in 95.2% of patients who received one of the three DAA regimens. For those with cirrhosis, overall SVR was 92.8% and for those with genotype 3 91.1% achieved SVR. The most common symptom experienced during treatment was headache. Joint pain was found to decrease during treatment. One person discontinued sofosbuvir plus ribavirin due to myocardial infarction and one discontinued sofosbuvir/velpatasvir due to urticaria. CONCLUSIONS In the real-world setting, sofosbuvir-based treatment is safe, effective, and well tolerated in AN/AI patients. Sustained virologic response was high regardless of HCV genotype or cirrhosis status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Townshend-Bulson
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Elena Roik
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Youssef Barbour
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Dana J. T. Bruden
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Chriss E. Homan
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Hannah G. F. Espera
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | | | - Annette M. Hewitt
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Wileina Rhodes
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - James E. Gove
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Julia N. Plotnik
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Mary M. Snowball
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - John McGilvray
- Pharmacy Department, Southcentral Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Brenna C. Simons
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Janet M. Johnston
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
| | - Brian J. McMahon
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Anchorage, Alaska, United States of America
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McMahon BJ, Nolen LD, Snowball M, Homan C, Negus S, Roik E, Spradling PR, Bruden D. HBV Genotype: A Significant Risk Factor in Determining Which Patients With Chronic HBV Infection Should Undergo Surveillance for HCC: The Hepatitis B Alaska Study. Hepatology 2021; 74:2965-2973. [PMID: 34292609 PMCID: PMC10929546 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Information is limited regarding HBV genotype and the outcome of chronic HBV (CHB) infection. We examined the effect of HBV genotype on HCC occurrence in Alaska Native (AN) persons with CHB, where five HBV genotypes are found: A2, B6, C2, D, and F1. APPROACH AND RESULTS We calculated HCC incidence per 1,000 person-years of follow-up to determine which groups by age, sex, and genotype met current American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) HCC surveillance criteria. We used Poisson regression to compare HCC risk by genotype, age, sex, and Alaska region. Incidence of HCC was calculated using the sex-specific AASLD cutoff recommended for the Asian population of 50 years for women and 40 years for men. HCC screening was conducted semiannually using alpha-fetoprotein levels and abdominal ultrasound. Among 1,185 AN persons, median follow-up was 35.1 years; 667 (63%) were male. The HBV genotype distribution was 49% D, 18% F, 13% A, 6% C, 3% B, 0.1% H, and 12% undetermined. Sixty-three cases of HCC occurred. HCC incidence for genotype F was 5.73 per 1,000 person-years of follow-up, followed by 4.77 for C, 1.28 for A, 0.47 for D, and 0.00 for B. The HCC risk was higher for genotypes F (relative rate [RR], 12.7; 95% CI, 6.1-26.4), C (RR, 10.6; 95% CI, 4.3-26.0), and A (RR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.0-8.0) compared to genotypes B and D. Among men < 40 years of age and women < 50 years of age, genotype F had the highest incidence (4.79/1,000 person-years). CONCLUSIONS HBV genotype was strongly associated with HCC. HBV genotype should be considered in risk factor stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. McMahon
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arctic Investigations Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Leisha D. Nolen
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arctic Investigations Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mary Snowball
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arctic Investigations Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Chriss Homan
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arctic Investigations Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Susan Negus
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arctic Investigations Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elena Roik
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arctic Investigations Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Philip R. Spradling
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arctic Investigations Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Dana Bruden
- Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Preparedness and Emerging Infections, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arctic Investigations Program, Anchorage, AK, USA
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Drew EM, Hanson BL, Huo K. Seasonal affective disorder and engagement in physical activities among adults in Alaska. Int J Circumpolar Health 2021; 80:1906058. [PMID: 33871315 PMCID: PMC8079121 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2021.1906058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression in which symptoms occur during a particular season. While physical activity has been shown to improve symptoms for depression in general populations, the relationships between physical activity and experiences of seasonality and SAD remain underexplored. We conducted a survey with adult members of a recreational gym in Fairbanks, Alaska. The survey collected self-report data on sociodemographics, health behaviours, and elements of the Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaire (SPAQ). Results indicate that 18.68% of our study participants meet the criteria for winter-pattern SAD and 43.96% meet the criteria for subsyndromal SAD ("winter blues"). We conducted two regressions to understand experiences of SAD and predictors of seasonality more generally. Gender was a significant predictor of SAD, with women more likely than men to experience SAD (p = .04). Being social at the gym, whether going to the gym with others or participating in activities with others, was associated with higher seasonality than being independent at the gym (p = .03). Younger age was also associated with higher seasonality (p < .001). This study contributes new insights about the relationship between engagement in physical activities and experiences of seasonality among adults in a northern latitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M. Drew
- Department of Anthropology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Bridget L. Hanson
- Institute of Social and Economic Research, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Kevin Huo
- Department of Anthropology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
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Trout LJ, Weisman A, Miller JS, Kramer C, Keshavjee S, Kleinman AM, Kulkarni S, Baldwin T, Tobey ML, Buffey T, Harris NS. Siamit: A Novel Academic-Tribal Health Partnership in Northwest Alaska. Acad Med 2021; 96:1560-1563. [PMID: 34261866 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000004239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM American Indians and Alaska Natives hold a state-conferred right to health, yet significant health and health care disparities persist. Academic medical centers are resource-rich institutions committed to public service, yet few are engaged in responsive, equitable, and lasting tribal health partnerships to address these challenges. APPROACH Maniilaq Association, a rural and remote tribal health organization in Northwest Alaska, partnered with Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School to address health care needs through physician staffing, training, and quality improvement initiatives. This partnership, called Siamit, falls under tribal governance, focuses on supporting community health leaders, addresses challenges shaped by extreme geographic remoteness, and advances the mission of academic medicine in the context of tribal health priorities. OUTCOMES Throughout the 2019-2020 academic year, Siamit augmented local physician staffing, mentored health professions trainees, provided continuing medical education courses, implemented quality improvement initiatives, and provided clinical care and operational support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Siamit began with a small budget and limited human resources, demonstrating that relatively small investments in academic-tribal health partnerships can support meaningful and positive outcomes. NEXT STEPS During the 2020-2021 academic year, the authors plan to expand Siamit's efforts with a broader social medicine curriculum, additional attending staff, more frequent trainee rotations, an increasingly robust mentorship network for Indigenous health professions trainees, and further study of the impact of these efforts. Such partnerships may be replicable in other settings and represent a significant opportunity to advance community health priorities, strengthen tribal health systems, support the next generation of Indigenous health leaders, and carry out the academic medicine mission of teaching, research, and service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas J Trout
- L.J. Trout is managing partner, Siamit, Sayaqagvik director, Maniilaq Social Medicine, and lecturer on global health and social medicine, Harvard Medical School, Kotzebue, Alaska; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5074-6092
| | - Ashley Weisman
- A. Weisman is emergency medicine faculty, Siamit, and assistant professor of emergency medicine, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - James S Miller
- J.S. Miller is internal medicine faculty, Siamit, and a fellow in global medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Corina Kramer
- C. Kramer is social medicine faculty and community director, Della Keats Fellowship in Indigenous Health Equity, Siamit, and lead Qargi facilitator, Maniilaq Social Medicine, Kotzebue, Alaska
| | - Salmaan Keshavjee
- S. Keshavjee is faculty advisor, Siamit, director, Harvard Medical School Center for Global Health Delivery, and professor of global health and social medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Arthur M Kleinman
- A.M. Kleinman is faculty advisor, Siamit, Esther and Sidney Rabb Professor of Anthropology, Harvard University, professor of medical anthropology in global health and social medicine, and professor of psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Suchitra Kulkarni
- S. Kulkarni is senior program coordinator, Siamit and Harvard Medical School Center for Global Health Delivery, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Teressa Baldwin
- T. Baldwin is Sayaqagvik youth counselor, Maniilaq Social Medicine, and a Della Keats Fellow in Indigenous Health Equity, Siamit, Kotzebue, Alaska
| | - Matthew L Tobey
- M.L. Tobey is rural medicine faculty, Siamit, and rural health leadership fellowship director, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Timothy Buffey
- T. Buffey is medical director, Department of Medicine, Maniilaq Health Services, Kotzebue, Alaska
| | - N Stuart Harris
- N.S. Harris is emergency medicine faculty, Siamit, associate professor of emergency medicine, Harvard Medical School, and chief, Division of Wilderness Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Bruce MG, Bressler SS, Apostolou A, Singleton RJ. Lower respiratory tract infection hospitalizations among American Indian/Alaska Native adults, Indian Health Service and Alaska Region, 1998-2014. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 111:130-137. [PMID: 34419583 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study describes the changes in lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) rates from 1998 to 2014 among hospitalized American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults residing in Alaska and other Indian Health Service (IHS) regions. METHODS Age-adjusted hospital discharge rates and rate ratios were calculated from the IHS Direct and Contract Health Services Inpatient Dataset, IHS National Patient Information Reporting System for AI/AN adults ≥18 years, hospitalized at an IHS-operated, tribally operated, or contract hospital with an LRTI-associated diagnosis during 1998-2014. RESULTS Overall, there were 13 733 LRTI-associated hospitalizations in Alaska (1998-2014), with an age-adjusted rate of 13.7/1000 adults. Among non-Alaska (non-AK) AI/AN, there were a total of 79 170 hospitalizations, with a rate of 8.6/1000 adults. In the pre-PCV7 and pre-PCV13 periods, LRTI rates were higher in Alaska (AK) AI/AN (12.4 and 14.1, respectively) when compared to non-AK AI/AN (10.1 and 9.1, respectively) (P < 0.0001). In the post-PCV7 and post-PCV13 periods, LRTI rates were also higher in AK (13.5 and 15.0, respectively) compared to non-AK (9.2 and 7.3, respectively) (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Over the study period, a 26% increase in rates of LRTI among adult AI/AN residing in AK compared with a 38% decrease in rates among AI/AN residing in non-AK were observed. This disparity is likely due to a variety of factors such as tobacco use, crowding, etc. Strategies to reduce LRTI in AI/AN adults are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Bruce
- Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA.
| | - Sara S Bressler
- Arctic Investigations Program, National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Andria Apostolou
- Division of Epidemiology and Disease Prevention, Office of Public Health Support, Indian Health Service, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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Haverkamp D, Melkonian SC, Jim MA. Growing Disparity in the Incidence of Colorectal Cancer among Non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native Populations-United States, 2013-2017. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021; 30:1799-1806. [PMID: 34341050 PMCID: PMC8590617 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-21-0343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations have experienced regional variation and disparities in colorectal cancer incidence rates. METHODS We examined colorectal cancer incidence (2013-2017) and colorectal cancer incidence trends (1999-2017) among AI/AN persons. Incidence data were linked to Indian Health Service enrollment records, and analyses were restricted to Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Areas. Incidence rates of colorectal cancer among AI/AN and White persons were analyzed in six geographic regions; Hispanic persons were excluded. Incidence trends were analyzed using linear modeling. RESULTS During 2013-2017, colorectal cancer incidence was 41% higher among AI/AN than among White persons. AI/AN incidence rates per 100,000 varied regionally from 34.4 in the East to 96.1 in Alaska. Compared with White persons, AI/AN persons had higher colorectal cancer incidence rates among all age strata and were more likely to have late-stage diagnoses. Incidence rate trends indicated significant increases among both AI/AN and White persons ages <50 years and among AI/AN persons ages 50-64 years. The colorectal cancer incidence rate trend increased among AI/AN persons in the Southwest. CONCLUSIONS The disparity of colorectal cancer incidence rates between AI/AN and White persons has widened since 2005-2009. AI/AN populations have higher colorectal cancer incidence compared with White populations, especially in the Alaska region. IMPACT Our finding of increased colorectal cancer incidence disparities suggests that enhanced screening efforts and culturally appropriate clinical and public health interventions are needed among AI/AN persons overall, and especially in regions and age groups in which colorectal cancer rates are increasing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Haverkamp
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
| | - Stephanie C Melkonian
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Melissa A Jim
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Thomas TK, Lenaker D, Day GM, Wilson JC, Holck P, Newman J, Bruden D, Hennessy TW. Using electronic dental records to establish a surveillance system for dental decay in rural Western Alaska. J Public Health Dent 2021; 81:224-231. [PMID: 33283270 PMCID: PMC8337052 DOI: 10.1111/jphd.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous surveys have demonstrated high rates of early childhood caries (ECC) in the Alaska Native (AN) population of western Alaska. There are many challenges to providing dental care in this road-less Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The regional Tribal Health Organization implemented an electronic dental record (EDR) system in the late 1990s. We explored use of the EDR to establish an oral health surveillance system in children. METHODS We contracted with EDR software developers to implement calculation of a summary count of decayed (d), missing (m) or filled (f) primary (dmft) score for each individual. We calculated the yearly average dmft scores for 2011-2019 for children aged 3 and 5 years with a comprehensive exam in a given year. We also assessed the number of children undergoing full mouth dental rehabilitation (FMDR). We used US census data population estimates for these age groups to calculate rates. RESULTS Over the 9-year period, 2,427 3-year-old children (47 percent of all 3-year olds over this period), received a comprehensive exam; increasing from 24 percent in 2011 to 62 percent in 2019. Their average dmft score over the 9-years was 6.4 with a significant annual decline over this period. Seventy percent of AN children who turned 6 between 2015 and 2019 had received at least one FMDR. CONCLUSIONS An oral health surveillance system has been established in western Alaska using the Electronic Dental Record. High rates of ECC and FMDR were observed. This surveillance system will allow assessments of ECC prevalence and impact of dental interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dane Lenaker
- Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation, Bethel, AK, USA
| | - Gretchen M Day
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Peter Holck
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | | | - Dana Bruden
- Arctic Investigation Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
| | - Thomas W Hennessy
- Arctic Investigation Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Anchorage, AK, USA
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Nash SH, Britton C, Redwood D. Characteristics of colorectal cancers among Alaska Native people before and after implementing programs to promote screening. J Cancer Policy 2021; 29:100293. [PMID: 35559952 PMCID: PMC8357310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpo.2021.100293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alaska Native (AN) people have the highest rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) globally. Increasing CRC screening has been effective in reducing CRC-related morbidity and mortality in other populations. OBJECTIVE To examine recent descriptive epidemiology and longer-term CRC trends among AN people. To determine any changes in the descriptive epidemiology of CRC among AN people concurrent with increases in screening prevalence. METHODS We estimated age-specific CRC incidence and mortality rates 2000-2017. To examine longer-term trends in incidence and mortality 1990-2017, we conducted Joinpoint regression analyses of three-year rolling average incidence and mortality rates. We calculated descriptive statistics for two time-periods: 2000-2008, and 2009-2017. Finally, we examined five-year survival probability. RESULTS CRC incidence increased over time (1990-2017) among AN people aged less than 50 years, while there were modest declines in AN people older than 50 years old since 2000. Overall, AN CRC mortality rates declined between 1990 and 2004, but have been increasing steadily since that time. Comparing 2000-2008 with 2009-2017 we observed no difference in CRC incidence and mortality, age at diagnosis, tumor size, tumor location, or stage distribution. Survival analyses indicated no change in hazard of death between 2004-2008 and 2009-2017 (HR 1.02, 95 % CI: 0.74, 1.38, P = 0.93). CONCLUSIONS Colorectal cancer prevention and control efforts across the Alaska Tribal Health System have not yet resulted in reduced mortality rates, or induced earlier stage migration. POLICY SUMMARY STATEMENT Intensified efforts will be necessary to reduce the burden of CRC among this high-risk population. Continued and increased focus on primary and secondary prevention efforts is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Nash
- Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States.
| | - Carla Britton
- Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States
| | - Diana Redwood
- Alaska Native Epidemiology Center, Community Health Services, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States
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Hodges E, Lefferts B, Bates E, Desnoyers C, Bruden D, Bruce M, McLaughlin J. Use of Rapid Antigen Testing for SARS-CoV-2 in Remote Communities - Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region, Alaska, September 15, 2020-March 1, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021; 70:1120-1123. [PMID: 34411078 PMCID: PMC8375707 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7033a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in Alaska is challenging. Alaska includes many remote and isolated villages with small populations (ranging from 15 to >1,000 persons) that are accessible only by air from larger communities. Until rapid point-of-care testing became widely available, a primary challenge in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in rural Alaska was slow turnaround times for SARS-CoV-2 test results, attributable to the need to transport specimens to testing facilities. To provide more timely test results and isolation of cases, the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) introduced Abbott BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag rapid antigen test (BinaxNOW) on November 9, 2020, in the rural Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region in southwestern Alaska. To evaluate the impact of implementing antigen testing, YKHC reviewed the results of 54,981 antigen and molecular tests for SARS-CoV-2 performed in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta during September 15, 2020-March 1, 2021. Introduction of rapid, point-of-care testing was followed by a more than threefold reduction in daily SARS-CoV-2 case rates during approximately 1 month before the introduction of COVID-19 vaccination. The median turnaround time for SARS-CoV-2 test results decreased by >30%, from 6.4 days during September 15-November 8, 2020, to 4.4 days during November 9, 2020-March 1, 2021 (p<0.001). Daily incidence decreased 65% after the introduction of BinaxNOW, from 342 cases per 100,000 population during the week of November 9 to 119 during the week of December 13 (p<0.001). These findings indicate that point-of-care rapid antigen testing can be a valuable tool in reducing turnaround times in rural communities where local access to laboratory-based nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is not readily available and could thereby reduce transmission by facilitating rapid isolation of infected persons, contact tracing, and implementation of local mitigation strategies.
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Schauer GL, Dilley JA, Roehler DR, Sheehy TJ, Filley JR, Broschart SC, Holland KM, Baldwin GT, Holmes-Chavez AK, Hoots BE. Cannabis sales increases during COVID-19: Findings from Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington. Int J Drug Policy 2021; 98:103384. [PMID: 34364201 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Following emergency declarations related to COVID-19 in the United States, many states issued stay-at-home orders and designated essential business categories. Most states allowed medical and/or non-medical adult-use cannabis retailers to remain open. This study assesses changes in cannabis sales across Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington before and during the pandemic. METHODS Pre-tax sales data from cannabis marketplaces in four states were analyzed to identify trends from January 2018-December 2020. Mean monthly sales and relative percent change in mean monthly sales were compared by state from April-December (coinciding with the pandemic) in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Differences were assessed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney-U test. RESULTS Mean monthly cannabis sales in all four states were higher during the pandemic period in 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. Sales reached a three-year peak in Washington in May 2020 and in Alaska, Colorado, and Oregon in July 2020. From April-December, the percent change in mean monthly sales from 2019 to 2020 was significantly higher than 2018-2019 in all four states, though Alaska saw similar increases between 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. CONCLUSION To date, cannabis sales in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington have increased more during the COVID-19 pandemic than in the previous two years. In light of these increases, data monitoring by states and CDC is warranted to understand how patterns of use are changing, which populations are demonstrating changes in use, and how such changes may affect substance use and related public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian L Schauer
- Guest Researcher to: Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30341, United States; Addictions, Drug & Alcohol Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.
| | - Julia A Dilley
- Multnomah County Health Department and Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Douglas R Roehler
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Thomas J Sheehy
- Analytics & Research, Oregon Liquor Control Commission, Milwaukie, OR, United States
| | - Jessica R Filley
- Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention, Alaska Department of Health & Social Services, Anchorage, AK, United States
| | - Sara Cooley Broschart
- Public Health Education, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, Olympia, WA, United States
| | - Kristin M Holland
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Grant T Baldwin
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amy K Holmes-Chavez
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Brooke E Hoots
- Division of Overdose Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States; United States Public Health Service, Rockville, MD, United States
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