Bert Little, PhD, professor and interim chair, Dept. of Health Management and Systems Sciences (HMSS), recently published "COVID-19 infection and mortality among non-pregnant indigenous adults in Mexico 2020-2022: Impact of marginalization" in the Journal of Global Health. Researchers analyzed the effects of being indigenous and marginalized on COVID-19 infection fatality in Mexico. The team determined indigenous marginalized individuals with COVID-19 had higher risk of hospitalization and ICU admission, were less likely to receive mechanical ventilation, and had a 4% higher COVID-19 mortality risk than non-indigenous patients. The research team concluded improved community medical care and augmented health services in rural hospitals could mitigate barriers to health care access in indigenous, marginalized populations. Co-authors were Shaminul Shakib, HMSS doctoral candidate, Maria E Pena Reyes, Escuela de Nacional Antroplogia e Historia, Giang Vu, University of Central Florida, and SPHIS faculty Seyed Karimi, Natalie Dupré, Paul McKinney, and Riten Mitra.
The article "Cadmium exposure is associated with chronic kidney disease in a superfund site lead smelter community in Dallas, Texas" was published in Annals of Human Biology by Bert Little, PhD, HMSS professor and interim chair; alumnus Giang Vu, PhD '20, University of Central Florida; and Brad Walsh, Parkland Hospital and Health System. The study was conducted in a lead smelter community in Dallas, TX following an Environmental Protection Agency Superfund Cleanup project. The team found that cadmium (Cd) exposure increased the risk of chronic kidney disease at Stage 3 or higher among African American residents living in postal codes where the smelters operated. The authors discuss the public health implications of environmental Cd including medical, sociodemographic, and economic factors.
HMSS alumnus Emmanuel Ezekekwu, PhD '23, was lead author on the article, "Examining the relationship between long working hours and the use of prescription sedatives among U.S. workers," published in Sleep Medicine. Researchers found that long working hours were significantly associated with an elevated use of sedative-hypnotic agents and medications with sedative-hypnotic properties among U.S. workers. Specifically, female workers and individuals working in professional services had the highest likelihood of using sleep medications. Co-authors included faculty members Drs. Christopher Johnson, Seyed Karimi, Demetra Antimisiaris, and Doug Lorenz.
Two faculty in the Dept. of Health Management and Systems Sciences will be presenting their research at upcoming conferences. Melissa Eggen, MPH, instructor and doctoral candidate, will present her poster, "Seeking financial and practical support in an abortion-hostile state: Analysis of abortion fund data in Kentucky, 2014-2021," at the Society for Family Planning Annual Research Meeting in October 2023. In November 2023, Wei Fu, PhD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Health Management and Systems Sciences, will give an oral panel presentation titled, "Vaccination Policy, Delayed Care, and Health Expenditures" at the Southern Economic Association conference. Additionally, he will present "NIH Grant Expansion, Ancestral Diversity and Scientific Discovery in Genomics Research" at the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management Conference. https://louisville.edu/sphis/news/sphis-publications-fall-2023
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee Bewley, PhD, FACHE, Associate Professor, Director, Health Management Programs, Dept. of Health Management and Systems Sciences, received the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and Kentucky ACHE Chapter Distinguished Service Award. The ACHE Recognition Program celebrates members' commitment to the healthcare management profession. Recognition is bestowed at three levels based on a range of specific volunteer activities that demonstrate leadership and contributions to furthering professional excellence.
Mackenzie Hashem, MS in Health Administration student, was named an honoree for the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation Kentucky's Finest program, a select group of local men and women who are committed to professional growth through a guided fundraising and awareness campaign. Hashem is one of ten individuals who will be honored at the 65 Roses Gala as "Kentucky's Finest."
HMSS alumna Naiya Patel, PhD '23, was recently elected to Sigma Xi, Scientific Research Honor Society, for her thesis research. Membership to this elite honor society is by nomination only and selection as a member is a way of honoring noteworthy scientific achievements for young investigators.
Robin Elise Weiss, PhD, MPH, CPH, LCCE, AdvCD(DONA), SPHIS alumna and adjunct assistant professor in the Dept. of Health Administration and Systems Sciences, has been reappointed chair of the Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) Advisory Council within the Kentucky Board of Nursing. The CPM advises and recommends educational requirements for certified professional midwives and practice standards in the performance of certified professional midwives services.
Shante Williams, an MS in Health Administration student, recently received the DAISY Award. The DAISY Foundation expresses gratitude to Nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary compassionate, skillful care they provide patients and families. By honoring compassionate nurses, DAISY reinforces the importance of compassion in healthcare. https://louisville.edu/sphis/news/sphis-accolades-fall-2023
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------