Epidemiology & Biostatistics Research Works

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/1903/7128

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Author: search.filters.author.Tchangalova, Nedelina

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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Food insecurity among African Americans in the United States: A scoping review
    (2022-09-12) Dennard, Elizabeth; Kristjansson, Elizabeth; Tchangalova, Nedelina; Totton, Sarah; Winham, Donna; O’Connor, Annette
    In 2019, the estimated prevalence of food insecurity for Black non-Hispanic households was higher than the national average due to health disparities exacerbated by forms of racial discrimination. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Black households have experienced higher rates of food insecurity when compared to other populations in the United States. The primary objectives of this review were to identify which risk factors have been investigated for an association with food insecurity, describe how food insecurity is measured across studies that have evaluated this outcome among African Americans, and determine which dimensions of food security (food accessibility, availability, and utilization) are captured by risk factors studied by authors. Food insecurity related studies were identified through a search of Google Scholar, PubMed, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE®, PsycINFO, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and Web of Science™ (Clarivate), on May 20, 2021. Eligible studies were primary research studies, with a concurrent comparison group, published in English between 1995 and 2021. Ninety-eight relevant studies were included for data charting with 37 unique measurement tools, 115 risk factors, and 93 possible consequences of food insecurity identified. Few studies examined factors linked to racial discrimination, behaviour, or risk factors that mapped to the food availability dimension of food security. Infrequently studied factors, such as lifetime racial discrimination, socioeconomic status (SES), and income insecurity need further investigation while frequently studied factors such as age, education, race/ethnicity, and gender need to be summarized using a systematic review approach so that risk factor impact can be better assessed. Risk factors linked to racial discrimination and food insecurity need to be better understood in order to minimize health disparities among African American adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
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    Strategies to increase happiness and wellbeing among public health students, faculty and staff
    (2022-07-01) Carter-Pokras, Olivia; Tchangalova, Nedelina; Puett, Robin
    BACKGROUND: Public health schools equip students with skills to promote and protect health, however, little is known about what is provided to support physical, mental and social wellbeing in academic public health. AIMS: To identify programs, interventions, strategies, and tools in medical and academic settings that could be applicable to supporting mental health and wellbeing of public health professionals, students, staff and faculty. METHOD: In November 2019 (updated in January 2022), 13 databases were searched: PubMed, 10 EBSCO databases(e.g., Academic Search Ultimate, APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus, Education Source, ERIC, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, MEDLINE, SocINDEX), ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials, group interventions to support mental health curriculum, online tools, strategies, techniques, and programs of mindfulness, anxiety, depression, stress/distress, or burnout. Studies were limited to English and from 1998 to January 3, 2022. Websites for U.S. Schools of Public Health were searched. RESULTS: Out of 19,527 articles, 6,752 duplicates were removed. Following abstract and title screening, full-text articles will be screened for eligibility. The main themes from included studies will be shared. Preliminary findings show examples of activities to support well-being of public health professional students, staff, and faculty (e.g., providing free access to meditation apps, funding a dedicated wellness coordinator within the School). CONCLUSIONS: The literature on strategies to increase happiness and wellbeing among public health students, faculty, and staff is scarce and efforts to support physical mental, and social wellbeing for this community should be evaluated, and findings shared.
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    Occupational Exposures Among Hair and Nail Salon Workers: a Scoping Review
    (Springer, 2019) Quiros-Alcala, Lesliam; Pollack, Anna Z.; Tchangalova, Nedelina; DeSantiago, Melissa; Kavi, Lucy K. A.
    PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the literature published from 2014 to 2019 on hair and nail salon workers concerning exposure assessment, reproductive and respiratory endpoints, and endocrine disruption, in relation to workplace exposures. RECENT FINDINGS: We identified 29 relevant peer-reviewed publications. Overall, there were insufficient studies to determine whether working in these settings is associated with reproductive health endpoints, although prior studies suggest that reproductive effects are of concern. There is consistent evidence that working in hair and nail salons may increase the risk of respiratory effects. Also, despite the fact that many hair and nail care products contain endocrine disrupting compounds, no recent studies have evaluated endocrine-related endpoints. Moreover, few studies have evaluated chemical exposures in these settings and biomonitoring studies are sparse. SUMMARY: Improved exposure assessment of chemical hazards in hair and nail salons is necessary to properly characterize occupational exposures and assess their potential health risks. Further studies on endpoints related to endocrine disruption and reproductive health outcomes among hair and nail salon workers are needed. Improved exposure and epidemiologic studies will help inform chemical exposure mitigation efforts in a vulnerable occupational population, as well as policies related to workplace and consumer product safety
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    Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and Type 2 Diabetes in Adults
    (Current Epidemiology Reports (Springer Link), 2019-02-09) Puett, Robin C.; Quirós-Alcalá, Lesliam; Montresor-López, Jessica A; Tchangalova, Nedelina; Dutta, Anindita; Payne-Sturges, Devon; Yanosky, Jeff D.
    PURPOSE OF REVIEW We identified 24 publications from January 2010 until September 2018 in the peer-reviewed literature addressing the relationship of long-term air pollution exposures and type 2 diabetes-related morbidity and mortality among adults. We examine key methodological issues, synthesize findings, and address study strengths and limitations. We also discuss biological mechanisms, policy implications, and future research needed to address existing knowledge gaps. RECENT FINDINGS In general, the studies included in this review employed rigorous methodology with large sample sizes, appropriate study designs to maximize available cohort study or administrative data sources, and exposure modeling that accounted for spatial patterns in air pollution levels. Overall, studies suggested increased risks of type 2 diabetes-related morbidity and mortality among adults associated with increased exposures; however, findings were not uniformly positive nor statistically significant. SUMMARY Current research is particularly limited regarding the biological mechanisms involved and the relationship between ozone and diabetes. Additionally, more research is needed to distinguish clearly the effects of nitrogen oxides from those of other pollutants and to identify potential subpopulations with greater susceptibility for certain pollutant exposures. A better understanding of the potential link between long-term ambient air pollution exposures and type 2 diabetes may provide opportunities for the reduction of health risks and inform future interventions for environmental protection and diabetes management.