Objectives. To assess multilevel factors associated with variation in COVID-19 vaccination rates in a US network of community health centers. Methods. Using multilevel logistic regression with electronic health record data from ADVANCE (Accelerating Data Value Across a National Community Health Center Network; January 1, 2022-December 31, 2022), we assessed associations between health care delivery site-level (n = 1219) and patient-level (n = 1 864 007) characteristics and COVID-19 primary vaccine series uptake. Results. A total of 1 337 440 patients completed the COVID-19 primary vaccine series. Health care delivery site characteristics were significantly associated with lower series completion rates, including being located in non-Medicaid expansion states and isolated or rural communities and serving fewer patients. Patient characteristics associated with significantly lower likelihood of completing the vaccine series included being Black/African American or American Indian/Alaska Native (vs White), younger age, lower income, being uninsured or publicly insured (vs using private insurance), and having fewer visits. Conclusions. Both health care delivery site- and patient-level factors were significantly associated with lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Community health centers have been a critical resource for vaccination during the pandemic. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(11):1242-1251. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307773).
Objectives. To describe 4 unique models of operationalizing wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in jails of graduated sizes and different architectural designs. Methods. We summarize how jails of Cook County, Illinois (average daily population [ADP] 6000); Fulton County, Georgia (ADP 3000); Middlesex County, Massachusetts (ADP 875); and Washington, DC (ADP 1600) initiated WBS between 2020 and 2023. Results. Positive signals for SARS-CoV-2 via WBS can herald a new onset of infections in previously uninfected jail housing units. Challenges implementing WBS included political will and realized value, funding, understanding the building architecture, and the need for details in the findings. Conclusions. WBS has been effective for detecting outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in different sized jails, those with both dorm- and cell-based architectural design. Public Health Implications. Given its effectiveness in monitoring SARS-CoV-2, WBS provides a model for population-based surveillance in carceral facilities for future infectious disease outbreaks. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(11):1232-1241. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307785).
Objectives. To assess the relationship between doula utilization and health outcomes of females enrolled in Medicaid-affiliated plans in the United States. Methods. In this retrospective, observational cohort study, we used Medicaid claims data from a national health insurer to compare health outcomes between females who used and who did not use a doula (2014-2023). We conducted propensity score matching using a 1:1 case‒control match, without replacement, and fit logistic regressions to analyze the relative risks for maternal health outcomes. Results. The study population included 722 matched pairs with and without a doula. Results indicate females with doulas had a 47% lower risk of cesarean delivery and a 29% lower risk of preterm birth, and were 46% more likely to attend a postpartum checkup (all differences P < .05). Conclusions. Doula care is associated with improved health outcomes among Medicaid enrollees. Public Health Implications. Doulas have garnered increasing interest from policymakers as a strategy to address increasing trends in maternal morbidity and persistent health disparities. This study provides evidence from Medicaid enrollees across the United States that doula care can improve maternal health. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(11):1275-1285. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307805).