Military Veteran Residential Location and Risk for Lyme Disease

Some research has shown that Lyme disease cases among U.S. military veterans have increased since the early 2000s. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether high concentrations of military veterans live in areas where Lyme disease is hyper-endemic. Lyme disease case-report data for 2015 were retrieved at the county-level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Veteran population density at the county level was determined using data from the U.S. Census. County control variables, such as weather patterns, forestation, and socioeconomic conditions were retrieved from various sources. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between variables. After controlling for county-level environmental and social conditions, results showed that military veteran population density was positively associated with Lyme disease incidence rates. Military veterans, due to their choice of geographic residence and recreation, may be a population at risk for developing Lyme disease.Population Healt

Military veteran residential location and risk for Lyme disease

Some research has shown that Lyme disease cases among U.S. military veterans have increased since the early 2000s. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether high concentrations of military veterans live in areas where Lyme disease is hyper-endemic. Lyme disease case-report data for 2015 were retrieved at the county-level from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Veteran population density at the county level was determined using data from the U.S. Census. County control variables, such as weather patterns, forestation, and socioeconomic conditions were retrieved from various sources. Multiple linear regression was used to examine associations between variables. After controlling for county-level environmental and social conditions, results showed that military veteran population density was positively associated with Lyme disease incidence rates. Military veterans, due to their choice of geographic residence and recreation, may be a population at risk for developing Lyme disease. </p

Measuring Awareness of the Impacts of Change in the Public Health Workforce: A Precursory Step in Promoting a Shared Vision Via Cross-Sectoral Collaboration

Public health is currently undergoing significant changes and becoming increasingly dependent on one another to achieve their missions. The restructuring is forcing public health stakeholders to reexamine their present and future roles. This case study examines a local health department’s staff and its awareness of the department’s epidemiology program as a practical framework for thinking about and implementing cross-sectoral collaboration. An OEB (Office of Epidemiology and Biostatistics) Awareness Survey was developed and administered to 492 participants at the Allegheny County Health Department. Cross-sectional analysis examined associations between demographics, behavioral and cultural factors, and help seeking (attempts at collaboration). Results indicate an awareness deficiency for the epidemiology program and collaboration attempts among employees (only 54% of respondents were familiar with the OEB, and only 8% could identify an OEB employee). Strong implications suggest that collaborative relationships can help public health professionals deal with the challenges they face in today’s turbulent environment