Find Resources
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
RELEASE DATE:
Other
This episode from the podcast 99 Percent Invisible reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the American public to a long-standing problem: the disjointed nature of the U.S. health system. Because state and local health departments largely operate independently and use their own data collection and analysis tools, health systems across the country lack standardized data definitions and systems. These inconsistencies made it nearly impossible to collect and analyze comprehensive, standardized data on COVID-19 cases, deaths, and vaccines administered amid the pandemic. Health experts featured on this episode believe that the pandemic made the need for an overhaul of America’s informatics system very apparent. When rebuilding this system, it’s important to focus on remedying existing inequalities in data collection and classification that in some cases render the health status of certain populations – think Native American communities and other communities of color – completely invisible in the data. By virtue of being small populations, it can be difficult for health departments to collect sufficient and/or statistically significant data on minority communities. Another issue discussed in this episode is the use of broad racial categories like “other,” “multiple races,” or even “Asian American,” which, if not disaggregated, obscures the health status of diverse populations who are grouped under the same category. Without comprehensive and inclusive health data, it’s difficult to identify disparities and implement policies and programming that promote social mobility and health equity.
Best Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities.
RELEASE DATE:
Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis
This review of state data collection and reporting practices during the COVID-19 pandemic found inconsistencies and gaps in data collected by race and ethnicity. Improved standardization across the U.S.–which may come in the form of a federally-operated centralized database–would address some of the concerns in data representation of all Americans.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
RELEASE DATE:
White Paper/Brief
This brief lists interventions to support state public health efforts to address rural disparities and racial discrimination. It emphasizes the importance of localized data on social determinants of health and improving systemic and structural underpinnings of racial disparities. Suggested interventions address data collection and workforce issues, including representativeness and paid family leave.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
RELEASE DATE:
Summary Report/Recommendations
This article seeks to assess COVID-19 case and mortality rates in non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) through an analysis of laboratory-reported COVID-19 data from January 22-July 3, 2020, for 23 U.S. states. The results show that AI/AN individuals are 3.5 times more likely to contract COVID-19 than White individuals, and more accurate race/ethnicity data must be reported by all states to more accurately represent this population.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This article details a year-long, longitudinal cohort study of individuals with schizophrenia to examine COVID-19 hospitalization, mortality, vaccination, and postvaccination infection rates. Results show that individuals with schizophrenia are at an increased risk of hospitalization and mortality and have lower rates of vaccination than the general population. Medical comorbidities also play a significant role in worsening outcomes and mortality for this sub-population.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This study looks at survey data from the 2020 U.S. Household Pulse Survey to estimate the associations between state-specific mobility restrictions and well-being across historically excluded groups, including those groups at the intersections of race/ethnicity, sex, and income categorizations. Results found that low-income and African American populations are most likely to be affected by lockdown restrictions, including unemployment, food insufficiency, mental health problems, inaccessibility of medical care, rent or mortgage defaults, and class cancellations.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This article describes the survey results of 33 Black adolescents (ages 12-17) living in Southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey illustrates stressors and barriers for these teenagers, citing financial issues, access to health care, and increased mental health strain as key issues during the pandemic. These answers could provide context for addressing issues within this population.
Emerging Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and produce early results that are consistent with the objectives of the activities and thus indicate effectiveness.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This article examines the relationship between changes in health-related socioeconomic risks (HRSRs) and mental health for women ages 18-90 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data was collected through a survey that asked questions about any patterns of change in HRSRs (food insecurity, housing instability, interpersonal violence, and difficulties with utilities and transportation). The results found that 40% of women had one or more prepandemic HRSRs, with an increase in HRSRs experience during the pandemic. The odds of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms are two or three times higher among women who reported at least one HRSR.
Promising Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities, and are suitable for adaptation by other communities.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This study looks at COVID-19 ICU admission, hospitalization, and mortality rates for patients with schizophrenia in France. From February to June 2020, the study team analyzed patient data and compared those experiencing schizophrenia to those without severe mental illness. Results showed that those with schizophrenia are more likely to be admitted to the ICU and hospital and, ultimately, have an increased mortality rate than their control group. This disparity is more prevalent with age, as people older than 65 have a significantly higher rate of mortality.
Best Practices that show evidence of effectiveness in improving public health outcomes when implemented in multiple real-life settings, as indicated by achievement of aims consistent with the objectives of the activities.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
This study uses COVID-19 death data by racial/ethnic group and age, along with US Census population data to explore variations in mortality risk by calculating age-specific mortality measures. The results found that minority groups such as non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native populations experience more COVID-19 mortality than White patients, but also experience more years of potential life lost due to racial/ethnic disparities.