Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Savanna L. Carson, Alejandra Casillas, Yelba Castellon-Lopez, Lisa N. Mansfield, D'Ann Morris, Juan Barron, Ejiro Ntekume, Raphael Landovitz, Stefanie D. Vassar, Keith C. Norris, Steven M. Dubinett, Nanibaa' A. Garrison, Arleen F. Brown
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected racial and ethnic minority communities, leading to lower vaccine confidence and uptake. Factors influencing vaccine decision-making in high-risk multiethnic communities were examined in a qualitative study, highlighting the need for policy implications to promote equitable vaccine distribution and increase vaccine confidence.
Article
Immunology
Anita Shallal, Evi Abada, Rami Musallam, Omar Fehmi, Linda Kaljee, Ziad Fehmi, Suma Alzouhayli, Deema Ujayli, Doreen Dankerlui, Seongho Kim, Michele L. Cote, Vijaya Arun Kumar, Marcus Zervos, Rouba Ali-Fehmi
Summary: The study examined the attitudes towards the COVID-19 vaccine among Arab American health professionals in the United States and found that individuals who had declined an influenza vaccine in the previous 5 years and allied health professionals were more likely to be vaccine hesitant. Furthermore, respondents earning over $150,000 annually were less likely to be vaccine hesitant.
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rachel L. Eagan, Heidi J. Larson, Alexandre de Figueiredo
Summary: Declining trends in vaccine confidence, particularly among young adults, are a cause for concern as they coincide with low routine immunization coverage. This article discusses recent research on global vaccine confidence levels and trends, the factors influencing confidence, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine confidence. Timely examination of the causes and consequences of waning vaccine confidence, as well as critical evaluation of COVID-19 response measures, is crucial in preventing further losses in vaccine confidence and building resilience for future health crises.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Qian Wang, Hui Xie, Yannan Li, Nicholas Theodoropoulos, Yaning Zhang, Changchuan Jiang, Chi Wen, Laura S. Rozek, Paolo Boffetta
Summary: Despite a decrease in overall incidence, nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) still poses a significant health burden on Asian Americans (AAs), a fast-growing but understudied racial group in the United States. This study examined racial/ethnic disparities in NPC incidence, treatment, and mortality among different AA subgroups. The findings highlight the importance of considering AA subgroups in future studies to understand the role of ethnicity in NPC and promote culturally tailored cancer prevention and care.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Stacey Orangi, Jessie Pinchoff, Daniel Mwanga, Timothy Abuya, Mainga Hamaluba, George Warimwe, Karen Austrian, Edwine Barasa
Summary: Kenya has a high rate of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy at 36.5%, with factors such as rural regions, perceived difficulty in adhering to government regulations, no perceived infection risk, concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness, and religious/cultural reasons being associated with hesitancy. Interventions to address vaccine hesitancy and improve vaccine confidence should prioritize holistic messaging targeting specific groups to communicate the risks and benefits of vaccines.
Article
Immunology
Alex Dubov, Brian J. Distelberg, Jacinda C. Abdul-Mutakabbir, Bridgette Peteet, Lisa Roberts, Susanne B. Montgomery, Nicholas Rockwood, Pranjal Patel, Steven Shoptaw, Ara A. Chrissian
Summary: This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of vaccine hesitancy among racially and ethnically minoritized healthcare workers (HCWs) and identify factors associated with vaccine non-acceptance. The findings reveal that a significant number of Black, Hispanic, and Asian American HCWs are vaccine-hesitant, and factors such as age, education level, occupation, COVID-19 history, and COVID-19 knowledge predict vaccine hesitancy. The study highlights racial and ethnic disparities in vaccine hesitancy and barriers to vaccination among HCWs of color.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Naveen Siddique Sheikh, Mumtaz Touseef, Riddah Sultan, Kanwal Hassan Cheema, Sidra Shafiq Cheema, Afia Sarwar, Haniya Zainab Siddique
Summary: This study aimed to explore the determinants of vaccine hesitancy among the Pakistani population. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 421 participants. The results showed that non-healthcare workers were more likely to hesitate in getting vaccinated, and low practice of standard operating procedure was the strongest contributor to vaccine hesitancy. For healthcare workers, moderate confidence and convenience were the main factors influencing vaccine hesitancy. Increasing confidence, convenience, and educating the general population about the vaccine could help reduce vaccine hesitancy.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kimberly H. Nguyen, Stacy Chen, Kathryn Morris, Kenneth Chui, Jennifer D. Allen
Summary: Research shows that adults with mental health conditions face barriers in accessing COVID-19 vaccination, but they are more willing to get vaccinated. Females with mental health symptoms are less likely to receive the vaccine but have a higher intention to be vaccinated. Concerns about vaccine side effects, efficacy, cost, as well as distrust in the government and vaccines, are major factors influencing vaccination uptake among this population.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Cody Cichowitz, Gideon Loevinsohn, Eili Y. Klein, Elizabeth Colantuoni, Panagis Galiatsatos, Jodi Rennert, Nathan A. Irvin
Summary: The study found that black and Hispanic patients in Maryland were more likely to be placed in observation status than white, non-Hispanic patients, regardless of clinical presentation. These disparities were consistent across the majority of acute-care hospitals in Maryland.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Phiona Nalubega, Emilie Karafillakis, Lydia Atuhaire, Pamela Akite, Flavia Zalwango, Tracey Chantler, Madeleine Cochet, Janet Seeley, Kirsty Le Doare
Summary: The study found that pregnant women, community leaders, and some healthcare workers have limited knowledge of maternal immunization, with confusion over vaccine concepts. Many pregnant women do not receive vaccines due to mistrust of the government, reliance on traditional medicine, religious beliefs, fear of side effects, and logistical issues. The key facilitators of maternal vaccination include a desire to prevent diseases, positive influences from healthcare workers, and information about vaccine side effects.
Article
Immunology
Jiangbo Fan, Xi Wang, Shuai Du, Ayan Mao, Haiping Du, Wuqi Qiu
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to global public health security, and vaccination through public health interventions has been recognized as crucial. However, mistrust plays a major role in vaccine hesitancy, thus impeding the widespread acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. This paper aims to discuss the key issues and the role of trust in promoting the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and implementing effective policies.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kimberly H. Nguyen, Kimchi Nguyen, Megan Geddes, Jennifer D. Allen, Laura Corlin
Summary: An analysis of data from the Household Pulse Survey shows that from April to August 2021, COVID-19 vaccination coverage and intent increased, with the most vulnerable groups experiencing the highest increase. More efforts are needed to boost confidence in vaccines and encourage all eligible individuals to complete their vaccination.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Kate W. Strully, Teresa M. Harrison, Theresa A. Pardo, Jordan Carleo-Evangelist
Summary: The study emphasizes that vaccine hesitancy and access barriers, particularly within minority communities, pose significant hurdles to achieving widespread uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. Overcoming these barriers requires community-engaged campaigns that emphasize understandable and culturally appropriate messages and utilize existing community infrastructure to deliver accurate information.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Salaheddin M. Mahmud, Gurpreet Pabla, Christiaan H. Righolt, Matthew M. Loiacono, Edward Thommes, Ayman Chit
Summary: Individual, community and vaccinator characteristics play a significant role in mediating the racial/ethnic disparities in the uptake of different types of influenza vaccines. The disparities cannot be fully explained by differences in education, income, medical history, community or vaccinator characteristics.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Man Cao, Jinhong Zhao, Cunrong Huang, Xianglin Wang, Lihong Ye, Xueyan Han, Wenzhou Yu, Zundong Yin, Juan Zhang, Yuanli Liu
Summary: This study aimed to assess the validity of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) and explore the demographic characteristics associated with caregiver hesitancy in six provinces of China. The results showed that concerns about risks had a greater impact on vaccine hesitancy than lack of confidence among caregivers.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Psychology, Developmental
Lisa N. Mansfield, Lilanthi Balasuriya, Arleen Brown
Summary: As of February 2022, nearly 11.4 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began. With the rapid increase of Omicron variant cases, schools face future challenges in managing the evolving COVID-19 landscape. Vaccination can mitigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 among infected children, but only 55% of children aged 12-17 years have been fully vaccinated. Lessons learned from adolescent vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, can inform strategies to promote COVID-19 vaccination in children.
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Aradhana Verma, Amytis Towfighi, Arleen Brown, Anshu Abhat, Alejandra Casillas
Summary: Digital health can provide a path towards more accessible stroke prevention and treatment, particularly for historically disadvantaged patient populations. However, underrepresented individuals face digital health disparities that potentially diminish the benefits of these digital advances, requiring the consideration of their needs in the integration of digital health solutions.
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
May Nour, Stefanie D. Vassar, Arleen F. Brown, Nichole E. Bosson, Cathy Chidester, David S. Liebeskind, Clayton Kazan, Stephen Sanko, Marc Eckstein, Marianne Gausche-Hill, Jeffrey L. Saver
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Mona AuYoung, Patricia Rodriguez Espinosa, Wei-ting Chen, Preeti Juturu, Maria-Elena De Trinidad Young, Alejandra Casillas, Paris Adkins-Jackson, Suellen Hopfer, Ed Kissam, Audrey Kawaiopua Alo, Roberto A. Vargas, Arleen F. Brown
Summary: Lack of trust in biomedical research, government, and health care systems, especially among racial/ethnic minorities and under-resourced communities, has long been a social injustice issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized existing health and socioeconomic inequities and increased the need for access to culturally and linguistically appropriate information about COVID-19 to promote vaccine uptake. California's statewide alliance STOP COVID-19 CA leverages community partnerships to address racial/ethnic inequities in vaccine hesitancy and uptake, using various strategies, communication methods, languages, and trusted messengers. The importance of including trusted community partners and lessons learned are highlighted for future public health emergencies.
JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Sandeep P. P. Khot, Breana L. L. Taylor, W. T. Longstreth, Arleen F. F. Brown
Summary: Sleep is crucial for human survival and vascular health. Impaired sleep duration and quality can increase the risk of stroke and mediate the relationship between physical environment and stroke incidence disparities. This article reviews observational studies on the association between sleep health and cerebrovascular disease. It assesses the influence of the physical environment and social determinants of health on sleep health and stroke risk. Understanding these factors is vital for developing effective public policies to improve population health, considering regional and racial/ethnic differences in stroke risk.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Paris B. Adkins-Jackson, Evelyn Vazquez, Frank K. Henry-Ala, Juliana M. Ison, Ann Cheney, Josephine Akingbulu, Christian Starks, Lindsay Slay, Alexander Dorsey, Connie Marmolejo, Alvin Stafford, James Wen, Margaret H. McCauley, Latrese Summers, Llendy Bermudez, Zitlaly L. Cruz-Roman, Itzel Castillo, Michele D. Kipke, Arleen F. Brown
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the impact of structural racism and discrimination on historically marginalized communities, affecting their mental health. The Vaccine Hesitancy Workgroup of the STOP COVID-19 CA alliance implemented restorative circles in these communities to facilitate collective healing. This article discusses the role of this workgroup in providing community-based mental health interventions and developing successful community-institutional partnerships using an anti-racist praxis tool.
HEALTH PROMOTION PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Michelle S. Wong, Arleen F. Brown, Donna L. Washington
Summary: This study found that COVID-19-related hospitalization was higher among Black and White veterans living in neighborhoods with lower Healthy Places Index (HPI) scores. Accounting for Black segregation eliminated the hospitalization association for White veterans, but not for Black veterans. These findings suggest that composite neighborhood deprivation indices should consider racial and ethnic segregation.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lisa N. Mansfield, Savanna L. Carson, Nisha Sunku, Alana Troutt, Shelli Jackson, David Santillan, Stefanie D. Vassar, Dale Slaughter, Gloria Kim, Keith C. Norris, Arleen F. Brown
Summary: The GOTVax program in California aimed to reduce barriers to COVID-19 vaccination by partnering with local community-based organizations. The study identified trust-building, tailored outreach, and flexible funding contracts as key facilitators, while community sociopolitical, geographic, and cultural factors, safety concerns, and technological challenges were identified as barriers. Over 2 million residents were reached and 60,000 residents were registered for vaccination through the program.
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Tessa K. Novick, Lilia Cervantes, Ladan Golestaneh, Michelle Osuna, Evelyn Cruz, Luz Baqueiro, Marissa Argentina, Andrea Sandoval, Arleen Brown, Franco Reyna, Sylvia E. Rosas, Claudia Camacho, Jenny Shen
Summary: Latinx populations have a higher burden of kidney failure compared to non-Latinx White populations, despite similar prevalence of CKD. Community health worker (CHW) interventions have been proven effective for improving outcomes in Latinx individuals with kidney disease, but they are not widely utilized. The workshop identified key success factors, challenges, and recommendations for CHW programs to address this disparity.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tamra Burns Loeb, Devin Banks, Kate Ramm, Isabella Viducich, Quonta Beasley, Juan Barron, Elizabeth Lee Chen, Enricka Norwood-Scott, Kimberly Fuentes, Muyu Zhang, Arleen F. Brown, Gail E. Wyatt, Alison B. Hamilton
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Jennifer C. Chen, Griselda Gutierrez, Rachel Kamran, Jill Terry, Armenui Telliyan, Camilo Zaks, Savanna L. Carson, Arleen Brown, Karen Kim
Summary: This study evaluated the implementation of rapid COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (LACDHS) from January to April 2021. The findings identified facilitators and barriers to implementation, which can inform future implementations in safety net health systems.
FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Health Care Sciences & Services
Utpal Sandesara, Savanna L. Carson, Alex Dopp, Lilian Perez, Atkia Sadia, Soma Wali, Nina Park, Alejandra Casillas, Gloria Kim, Maria Morales, Ejiro Ntekume, Priya Gandhi, Anthony Wafford, Arleen F. Brown
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lisa Mansfield, Stefanie D. Vassar, Arleen F. Brown, Natalie Robles, Savanna L. Carson, Dale Slaughter, Gloria Kim, Alana G. Troutt, Keith C. Norris
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lisa Mansfield, Nisha Sunku, Savanna L. Carson, Stefanie D. Vassar, Dale Slaughter, Gloria Kim, Alana G. Troutt, Keith C. Norris, Arleen F. Brown
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alejandra Casillas, Anshu Abhat, Griselda Gutierrez, Carmen Mendez, Stefanie D. Vassar, Yu-Chuang D. Huang, Arleen F. Brown
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
