Polis Center Works

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Browsing Polis Center Works by Author "Comer, Karen"

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    Learning in the zone: toward workforce development of evidence-based public policy communication
    (BMC, 2018-06-05) Meyerson, Beth E.; Haderxhanaj, Laura T.; Comer, Karen; Zimet, Gregory D.; Medicine, School of Medicine
    BACKGROUND: Evidence-based policy communication (EBPC) is an important, emerging focus in public health research. However, we have yet to understand public health workforce ability to develop and/or use it. The study objective was to characterize capacity to develop and use EBPC and identify cooperative learning and development opportunities using the case of Human papillomavirus (HPV). METHODS: Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) informed guided interviews with 27 advocates in Indiana from government, industry, research, state associations and individuals. Participants focused on HPV, cancer, women's health, school health and minority health. RESULTS: Capacity to develop and use EBPC was reported to develop through cooperative learning opportunities on the job or in advocacy focused coalitions. Coalition learning appeared to translate across health topics. Notably, policy experience did not assure understanding or use of EBPC. CONCLUSIONS: The ZPD framework can inform workforce EBPC interventions by focusing on actual development, potential development and factors for learning and development in the ZPD. Future studies should further clarify and evaluate emerging indicators in additional public health policy areas with a larger sample.
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    Unequal access: Tobacco Retail in the Indianapolis Metro Area
    (The Polis Center, Indiana University at Indianapolis, 2017-07) Comer, Karen; Davila, Kelly; Hollon, Deb; Nowlin, Matt
    Retail access to various smoking products is an important consideration when discussing community action to improve a community’s health. Studies show that tobacco outlet density and proximity are linked to tobacco use–particularly in poor areas. We used socioeconomic data culled from the SAVI community information system to examine the density and proximity of tobacco outlets relative to vulnerable communities in Marion County. The report serves as a companion piece to the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health’s September 2016 Report on the Tobacco Epidemic in Marion County and Indiana.