Importance Evaluating the impact of statewide contraceptive access initiatives is necessary for informing health policy and practice. Objective To examine changes in method use among a cohort women reproductive age South Carolina during Choose Well initiative. Design, Setting, Participants In this study, baseline data from initial Statewide Survey Women administered October 1, 2017, to April 30, 2018, probability-based sample peer state (Alabama) were linked with 3 follow-up surveys given...

Objectives. To examine the differences in adolescent birth rates by deprivation and Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) rural urban counties of United States 2017 2018.Methods. We analyzed available data on for females aged 15 to 19 years using restricted-use natality files from National Center Statistics, American Community Survey 5-year population estimates, Area Resources Files.Results. Rural had an additional 7.8 births per 1000 (b = 7.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.13, 8.55)...

This study uses findings from the most recent iterations of Public Health Workforce Interest and Needs Survey (PH WINS) to describe importance, skill level, gaps key public health competencies as well characteristics associated with gaps.

We examined geographic differences in Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) visits as the South Carolina Department of Health Environmental Control (SCDHEC) transitioned from direct service provision (DSP) to assuring delivery within larger health care system.We infant cohorts with continuous Medicaid coverage normal birth weights 1995 2010. Outcome variables included any EPSDT visit ratio observed expected visits. Change SCDHEC market share over time by residence was...

The ongoing SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has taken a considerable toll on the health and well-being of populations globally in United States. While much early spread concentrated high population-density urban centers, individuals communities historically at higher risk experiencing adverse health, social, economic outcomes are now disproportionately affected by COVID-19—including rural communities.1-3 Evidence suggests that overall rate infection subsequent mortality is than what observed...

In Brief Background The current study examines the relationship between having a personal healthcare provider (PHP) and child's receipt of dental visits during preceding year. Whether PHP ameliorates rural/urban differences among US children was also examined. Methods We conducted cross-sectional analysis data from 2003 National Survey Children's Health augmented with county-level ecological Area Resource File. Independent variables were preventive any visits. Control demographic variables,...

There is a marked racial/ethnic disparity in rates of preterm birth the United States. Nearly 20% non-Hispanic black women deliver compared with about 13% each among white and Hispanic women. Rates have been substantially higher for many years than both state national averages health care system South Carolina serving low-income population. In an attempt to lower rates, this offered Centering-Pregnancy group prenatal starting March 2009. Centering Pregnancy, model care, has shown...

Background: Engagement in the core public health functions and ten essential services remains standard for measuring local department (LHD) performance; their role as providers of clinical uncertain, particularly rural underserved communities. Purpose: To examine LHDs service how this varies among nonrural Methods: The 2013 National Association County City Health Officials (NACCHO) Profile was used to geographic distribution provision LHDs. were coded urban, large rural, or small based on...

Abstract Purpose Access to the full range of contraceptive options is essential providing patient‐centered reproductive health care. Women living in rural areas often experience more barriers care than women urban areas. Therefore, federally funded family planning clinics are important for ensuring have access care, especially This study examines provision, factors supporting and utilization among 2 Southern states. Methods All department Federally Qualified Health Center Alabama South...

Abstract Context Understanding how pregnancy preferences shape contraceptive use is essential for guiding interventions and policies that center individuals' desires. Lack of rigorous measurement preferences, particularly on the population level, has been a methodologic challenge. Methods We investigated associations between prospective measured with valid instrument, Desire to Avoid Pregnancy (DAP) scale, in representative sample 2601 pregnancy‐capable self‐identified women, aged 18–44...

Objectives. To investigate differences in funding and service delivery between rural urban local health departments (LHDs) the United States. Methods. In this repeated cross-sectional study, we examined rural–urban provision among LHDs over time using 2010 2016 National Association of County City Health Officials data. Results. Local revenue (41.2%) was higher than that large (31.3%) small (31.2%; P < .05). Small (20.9%) (19.8%) reported greater reliance on from Center for Medicare...