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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
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of individuals reporting Long COVID symptoms has decreased from 19% in June 2022 to 11% in January 2023 among those who have had COVID-19. While this decline is notable, 15% of all US adults have reported experiencing Long COVID symptoms at some point, with 6% currently affected. Long COVID continues to pose challenges, including limitations in daily activities for 79% of those affected and potential long-term disabilities. Efforts to address Long COVID include research initiatives and public health actions, but its full impact and the reasons behind the decline in reported cases remain subjects of ongoing study and concern.
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.
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Summary Report/Recommendations
This commentary discusses the importance of inclusive health systems strengthening in promoting equity during health emergencies, using the example of disability inclusion in the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the increased risks faced by persons with disabilities during the pandemic and the barriers they encounter in accessing healthcare. It emphasizes the need for accessible and comprehensive health emergency preparedness and response plans that consider the needs of persons with disabilities. It also explores strategies for disability inclusion in COVID-19 responses, such as producing accessible public health information and involving organizations of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes. Opportunities to strengthen inclusion and equity in COVID-19 responses include equitable access to telehealth and inclusive decision-making processes.
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:
Systematic Review/Meta-Analysis
This analysis explores regional variation in COVID-19 death rates across America. It unpacks the “two Americas” narrative of some parts of the country having high demand for vaccines and others having widespread vaccine hesitancy, and shows that a divide between rates of exceeds death existed prior to the introduction in vaccines. This difference is likely due to a difference in mask use, social distancing, and other behaviors. Results underscore the importance of excess mortality measures such as wastewater testing to get a more accurate picture.
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 an approach to virtual recruitment to engage rural residents with atrial fibrillation in a clinical trial during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors mainly report process outcomes related to successful recruitment and retention of trial participants, and qualitative data on participants experiences.
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.
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Summary Report/Recommendations
A mini-review that summarizes lessons learned from HIV among pregnant women and LGBTQI+ communities. The recommendations include: 1) de-stigmatization, 2) decentralized care, 3)contact-tracing and follow up, 4) use of technology/mobile/digital tools, 5) develop mechanisms to combine routine management of other diseases and COVID-19, and 6) community-specific interventions.
Novel Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and are in the process of generating evidence of effectiveness or may not yet be tested.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
Jimenez and colleagues conducted an online survey in order to examine reluctance to follow prescribed COVID-19 preventive measures, such as social distancing and hand washing. Research is needed to understand factors underlying such reluctance, with the aim of developing targeted health interventions. The authors found that associating COVID-19 with death as a key factor. Five hundred and ninety participants completed surveys in mid-March 2020, which included attitudes toward COVID-19, preventive behavioral intentions, and sociodemographic factors. Associating coronavirus with death negatively predicted intentions to perform preventive behaviors, including social distancing and hand washing. Social distancing and hand washing were used as outcome measures in separate multivariate models. Further, associating COVID-19 with death was not evenly distributed throughout the sample and was related with a number of sociodemographic factors including age, race, and availability of sick leave.
Novel Practices that show potential to achieve desirable public health outcomes in a specific real-life setting and are in the process of generating evidence of effectiveness or may not yet be tested.
RELEASE DATE:
Peer Review Study
Czeisler and colleagues investigated the prevalence of mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation in late June 2020. To assess mental health, substance use, and suicidal ideation during the pandemic, representative panel surveys were conducted among adults aged ≥18 years across the United States during June 24-30, 2020. Just over 40% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition. The percentage of respondents who reported having seriously considered suicide in the 30 days before completing the survey (10.7%) was significantly higher among respondents aged 18-24 years (25.5%), marginalized racial/ethnic groups (Hispanic respondents [18.6%], non-Hispanic black [black] respondents [15.1%]), self-reported unpaid caregivers for adults (30.7%), and essential workers (21.7%). This research directs attention to the need for community-level intervention and prevention efforts, including health communication strategies.
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 report details the immense toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken, and continues to take, on Black communities. The report’s authors – physicians and public health and policy experts – note massive disparities experienced by Black Americans. The worse outcomes, are a predictable result of structural and social realities. The predicates that caused these disparities have long been present. These are cycles we have to break. The report highlights areas for immediate focus and attention, and presents a set of expert-generated recommendations for action.
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 article outlines the strategies the Hopi Tribe in Northeastern Arizona took to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on their population of 7,500 Hopi individuals. Activities were developed in partnership with the local health center and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some strategies of note include implementing data tracking and reporting tools, offering support for individuals in quarantine, local messaging and informational campaigns, and culturally tailored prevention and mitigation strategies (e.g., guidelines for ceremonies and burials).
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
The West Greenville Health Council (WGHC) engaged and activated a 27-member organizational partnership network for COVID-19 health communication and personal protective equipment (PPE) distribution in African American communities in Eastern North Carolina. Outreach included (1) local production and dissemination of culturally relevant safety videos; (2) risk, prevention, and safety postcard messages; (3) virtual forums; and (4) PPE kit distribution via the network and their distribution venues. Communication mediums included social media posts, network email distribution lists, and postcards distributed along with PPE kits. An online survey was used to gain insights on community perceptions of COVID-19 safety barriers and media messages. The activation of the network as an approach for rapid response to an emerging public health crisis greatly expanded the reach of the WGHC. The WGHC is working to institutionalize the network to address future emerging health threats, as well as the dissemination of health information more generally.