Community and Global Health Works

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    A Modified Tumor-Node-Metastasis Classification for Primary Operable Colorectal Cancer
    (Oxford University Press, 2020-10-16) Zhang, Chundong; Mei, Zubing; Pei, Junpeng; Abe, Masanobu; Zeng, Xiantao; Huang, Qiao; Nishiyama, Kazuhiro; Akimoto, Naohiko; Haruki, Koichiro; Nan, Hongmei; Meyerhardt, Jeffrey A.; Zhang, Rui; Li, Xinxiang; Ogino, Shuji; Ugai, Tomotaka; Community and Global Health, School of Public Health
    Background: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification for colorectal cancer (CRC) has limited ability to predict prognosis. Methods: We included 45 379 eligible stage I-III CRC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Patients were randomly assigned individually to a training (n = 31 772) or an internal validation cohort (n = 13 607). External validation was performed in 10 902 additional patients. Patients were divided according to T and N stage permutations. Survival analyses were conducted by a Cox proportional hazard model and Kaplan-Meier analysis, with T1N0 as the reference. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve and Akaike information criteria were applied for prognostic discrimination and model fitting, respectively. Clinical benefits were further assessed by decision curve analyses. Results: We created a modified TNM (mTNM) classification: stages I (T1-2N0-1a); IIA (T1N1b, T2N1b, T3N0); IIB (T1-2N2a-2b, T3N1a-1b, T4aN0); IIC (T3N2a, T4aN1a-2a, T4bN0); IIIA (T3N2b, T4bN1a); IIIB (T4aN2b, T4bN1b); and IIIC (T4bN2a-2b). In the internal validation cohort, compared with the AJCC 8th TNM classification, the mTNM classification showed superior prognostic discrimination (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.675 vs 0.667, respectively; 2-sided P < .001) and better model fitting (Akaike information criteria = 70 937 vs 71 238, respectively). Similar findings were obtained in the external validation cohort. Decision curve analyses revealed that the mTNM had superior net benefits over the AJCC 8th TNM classification in the internal and external validation cohorts. Conclusions: The mTNM classification provides better prognostic discrimination than AJCC 8th TNM classification, with good applicability in various populations and settings, to help better stratify stage I-III CRC patients into prognostic groups.
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    Acceptability and Feasibility of a Meaning-Based Intervention for Patients With Advanced Cancer and Their Spouses A Pilot Study
    (Sage, 2016) Wagner, Christina D.; Johns, Shelley; Brown, Linda F.; Hanna, Nasser; Bigatti, Silvia M.; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
    Background: Constructing meaning in cancer leads to improved psychosocial outcomes for patients and survivors. Aim: We tested the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a meaning-based intervention for couples. Design: The single-arm pilot study tested a 4-session, tailored, activities-based couple’s intervention. Setting/Participants: Twelve adults with incurable cancer and their partners participated either in a university office or at the couple’s home. Results: The study showed good feasibility. One of the two patients depressed at baseline was no longer depressed at postintervention. Patients’ threat appraisals decreased and transcendence increased. In partners, depression, anxiety, and challenge appraisal decreased; threat and secondary appraisals and peace with illness increased. Conclusions: Our findings suggest feasibility and efficacy, and further research and continued evaluation of this intervention are warranted.
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    Adaptation of the Psychological Behavioral Acculturation Scale to a Community of Urban-based Mexican Americans in the United States
    (2015) Maupomé, Gerardo; Marino, Rodrigo; Aguirre-Zero, Odette M.; Ohmit, Anita; Dai, Siqi
    Objective: To report the psychometric properties of the Psychological-Behavioral Acculturation Scale (P-BAS), a tool gauging behavioral and psychological acculturation after adapting it through formative research to people of Mexican origin in the United States. Methods: We analyzed data from adapted P-BAS questionnaires in the TalaSurvey study, using standard methods to establish internal consistencies (Cronbach’s alpha), construct validity, and ascertain if the value orientation profile differed by ethnic group. Results: In 2012-13, 505 respondents (mean age 45.2 ±14.1, 56% female) participated: 250 European Americans (EA) and 255 people of Mexican origin (MA). Conclusions: Although internal consistencies of 15 value orientation measures were occasionally low, overall results were encouraging. A weighted combination of value orientation scores strongly discriminated between EA and MA. Additionally, the pattern of relationships among MAs identified between acculturation scores and the validity contrasts supported the construct validity of the proposed dual framework. The trend was particularly evident for most behavioral variables.
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    Affordability, negative experiences, perceived racism, and health care system distrust among black American women aged 45 and over
    (AIMS Press, 2024-09-26) Wiltshire, Jacqueline; Sampson, Carla Jackie; Liu, Echu; DeBose, Myra Michelle; Musey, Paul I., Jr.; Elder, Keith; Community and Global Health, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
    Black Americans (AA) face a confluence of challenges when seeking care including unaffordable costs, negative experiences with providers, racism, and distrust in the healthcare system. This study utilized linear regressions and mediation analysis to explore the interconnectedness of these challenges within a community-based sample of 313 AA women aged 45 and older. Approximately 23% of participants reported affordability problems, while 44% had a negative experience with a provider. In the initial linear regression model excluding perceived racism, higher levels of distrust were observed among women reporting affordability problems (β = 2.66; p = 0.003) or negative experiences with a healthcare provider (β = 3.02; p = <0.001). However, upon including perceived racism in the model, it emerged as a significant predictor of distrust (β = 0.81; p = < 0.001), attenuating the relationships between affordability and distrust (β = 1.74; p = 0.030) and negative experience with a provider and distrust (β = 1.79; p = 0.009). Mediation analysis indicated that perceived racism mediated approximately 35% and 41% of the relationships between affordability and distrust and negative experience with a provider and distrust, respectively. These findings underscore the critical imperative of addressing racism in the efforts to mitigate racial disparities in healthcare. Future research should explore the applicability of these findings to other marginalized populations.
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    Agreement between Clinical Screening Procedures for Neuropathy in the Feet
    (2012-05) Wang, Yi; Goodrich, Jaclyn M.; Werner, Robert; Gillespie, Brenda; Basu, Niladri; Franzblau, Alfred
    INTRODUCTION: The correlation between monofilament testing, symptom surveys, and electrodiagnostic studies for the diagnosis of axonal polyneuropathy has not been well studied. This investigation was done to assess the agreement between these procedures in a non-random sample of volunteers. METHODS: The procedures evaluated included electrodiagnostic tests of the sural nerve, monofilament testing of the great toe, a symptom survey, and a body diagram. Kappa coefficients and sensitivity and specificity, using nerve conduction as a "gold standard," were used to determine the agreement between various combinations of procedures. RESULTS: Poor agreement (kappa values -0.12-0.44) and sensitivity (sensitivity <30%) were found for all combinations of symptoms and monofilament results in comparison with sural peak latency and amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the results demonstrated a low discriminatory power for the screening procedures for identifying persons with impaired sural nerve function. The results highlight the need for further development and evaluation of screening methods for distal neuropathy in population-based studies.
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    Ahonen et al. Respond
    (American Public Health Association, 2018-06-06) Ahonen, Emily Q.; Fujishiro, Kaori; Flynn, Michael; Cunningham, Thomas; Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health
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    Ancestor Worship and the Longevity of Chinese Civilization
    (Brill, 2016) Coe, Kathryn; Begley, Ryan O.; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
    Although an impressive body of literature is devoted to the practice of venerating ancestors in China and other places, there is little agreement on what ancestor worship is, where it is practiced, and whether it is an ancient and persistent trait. Ancestor worship, we argue, is an ancient trait that has persisted in China, as in other parts of the world, since prehistoric times. We also discuss its universal aspects, including those associated with teaching it and with encouraging its persistence across generations. We end by discussing the function of ancestor worship in China. Has it been an impediment to progress, as Christian missionaries and communists insisted, or, as Ping-Ti Ho claimed, has it promoted the “longevity of Chinese civilization”? We argue that both claims may be correct, depending on the definition of progress and the characteristics associated with China’s two forms of ancestor worship.
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    Are dental patients able to perceive erosive tooth wear on anterior teeth? An internet-based survey assessing awareness and related action
    (Elsevier, 2020) Goldfarb, Micah B.; Hara, Anderson T.; Hirsh, Adam T.; Carvalho, Joana C.; Maupomé, Gerardo
    Background. Erosive tooth wear (ETW) is irreversible loss of dental hard tissue. The authors examined patients’ ability to recognize ETW relative to sound teeth and teeth with dental caries. Methods. Using Amazon’s crowdsourcing service, the authors recruited participants (N=623) to view standardized images of buccal surfaces of teeth (sound, ETW, or caries). Participants reported whether a dental condition existed (yes/no), likelihood to seek care, and esthetic attractiveness for teeth with no, initial, moderate, or severe signs of ETW/caries. Results. Dental patients demonstrated poor recognition of cases of ETW, especially compared to sound and caries-affected teeth at each level of severity. Patients were less likely to schedule a dental appointment for care/treatment of teeth with ETW than caries at each level of severity. Patients also found ETW more esthetically attractive than caries at each level of severity and found initial ETW more attractive than sound teeth. Conclusions. Dental patients struggle recognizing ETW, in general and compared to caries, at each level of severity and particularly for early stages of ETW. These recognition difficulties likely arise, in part, from tooth esthetic attractiveness standards (smooth and shiny teeth look more esthetic), possibly leading to lack of appropriate care-seeking behavior. Practical Implications. This internet-based tool may be used to assess dental patients’ awareness and ability to recognize cases of ETW. Improved patient awareness might lead to seeking professional care to prevent and/or delay ETW progression.
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    Associated costs with dental studies in a public Mexican university
    (2014) Medina-Solís, Carlo Eduardo; Medina-Solís, June Janette; Sánchez-de la Cruz, Alicia; Ascencio-Villagrán, Arturo; de la Rosa-Santillana, Ruben; Mendoza-Rodríguez, Martha; Maupomé, Gerardo
    Objective: to calculate associated costs with dental studies (ACDS) in a public university. Methods: we performed a cross-sectional study using a costing system on a random sample of 376 dental students enrolled at any semester in a public university. To calculate ACDS (Mexican pesos of 2009-1), we used a questionnaire divided into eight sections. Sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables, housing costs, food, transportation, instruments and equipment, as well as remunerations associated with patient care along 16 weeks of classes in each semester were included. We used linear regression. Results: the average of ACDS was of 18,357.54 ± 12,746.81 Mexican pesos. The largest percentage of ACDS (30.2 %) was for clinical instruments (5,537.66 ± 6,260.50). Students also spent funds in paying to patients for their time during care delivered (2,402.11 ± 4,796.50). Associated variables (p < 0.001) with the ACDS were having completed at least one clinical course or one theoretical-practical course, living within the state or out of state (compared to students who live in the city where dental studies take place), and being enrolled in the more advanced dental studies. Conclusions: the results indicate that a signifi cant percentage of the cost to students (13.1 %) is related with clinical care delivery.