Researchers Find Nicotine Use Increased Self-Harm Ideations Among Young Adults | |
New research finds that cigarette/e-cigarette use directly increases the risk of suicidal ideation among young adults. Among 16–23-year-olds in Texas who reported nicotine use, researchers found that current use of e-cigarettes was associated with a 30% increase in the odds of suicidal ideation while being a current cigarette smoker was associated with a 47% increase in the odds of suicidal ideation.
Associate Professor Anna V. Wilkinson, PhD, with the Department of Epidemiology, served as the first author of the study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
Professor Melissa Harrell, PhD, senior author of the study, and team collected data from 2,329 young adults across the state of Texas who reported nicotine use in the last 30 days and provided information on suicidal thoughts, consideration, or planning of self-harm. You can read more about the new research here.
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EPIDEMIOLOGY FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS | |
Researchers Find Nicotine Use Increased Self-Harm Ideations Among Young Adults |
Department of Epidemiology Assistant Professor and Center for Health Equity faculty member Ryan Ramphul, PhD, along with co-author Assistant Professor Abigail Zamorano, MD, McGovern Medical School, recently published a paper in Fronts in Public Health: "Spatiotemporal Analysis of HPV Vaccination and Associated Neighborhood-Level Disparities in Texas—An Ecological Study."
Their research highlights the significant geographic and demographic disparities in HPV vaccination rates across Texas. HPV vaccination coverage rates differ depending on the community's income level, with lower-income areas achieving higher success rates.
By understanding these disparities, we can better tailor public health initiatives to improve vaccination coverage, particularly in underserved communities, and reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers.
Other authors include Department of Biostatics and Data Sciences Associate Professor Cici Bauer, PhD, Epidemiology PhD student Manali Desai, MD, and Environmental & Occupational Sciences PhD student Saswati Upadhyay, MPH.
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New Research Spotlights the Double Burden of Malnutrition
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A new study from researchers, including
Augusto César F. De Moraes, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology, studied the double burden of malnutrition (DBM), a condition in which malnutrition coexists with overweight, reflecting a new layer of malnutrition. This multicenter cross-sectional study included 1152 adolescents (12 to 17 years old) from four Brazilian cities.
Researchers found that the prevalence of DBM among Brazilian adolescents was high, and contrary to expectations, sleep duration, screen time, and physical activity levels were not associated with the double burden of malnutrition.
You can read more from the study in the journal Children 2024.
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EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDENT NEWS | |
Meghna Lama's Summer Service Project
Epidemiology MPH student Meghna Lama has kicked off her service project supported by The Albert Schweitzer Fellowship. Meghna has distributed journals for refugee women to track their mental health through a tailored program to provide support.
"This collaboration with the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship and Amaanah Refugee Services has enabled me to use this project as my practicum for my coursework. I am committed to providing great deliverables and making a significant impact through this incredible opportunity."
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School of Public Health Welcome Week | |
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Epidemiology Alumna Competes at the Paris Olympics 2024
We’re very excited to cheer on UTHealth Houston School of Public Health alumna Gabby Thomas, MPH, at the 2024 Paris Olympics as she competes in the 200m sprint. She previously won bronze in the 200m and silver in the women's 4x100m relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Tune in to watch Thomas compete in the first round on Sunday, August 4.
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APHA 2024
Annual Meeting & Expo
October 27 - 30
Registration Now Open
Mark your calendars for the registration opening for the upcoming APHA Annual meeting and expo in Minneapolis, MN, on Oct 27 - 30.
Registration Link
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TEPHI
MODULE 207: OUTBREAK
Aug 1, 2024
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Zoom Link
This module offers an overview of how to determine and conduct an outbreak investigation in a healthcare setting by implementing infection prevention strategies, ensuring patient and staff safety, and maintaining public health standards.
For More Information &
Registration: Link
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The Cupboard
Thursday, August 1
Wednesday, August 14
Thursday, August 15
Wednesday, August 28
Thursday, August 29
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
The Cupboard is a no-cost food resource
for students and staff who may
need assistance.
Location: SPH Building, B-04
Email: TheCupboard@uth.tmc.edu
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Healthier Texas Summit
Austin, TX
October 10 - 11
Join The University of Texas System at the Healthier Texas Summit 2024 in Austin, TX, on Oct. 10-11, where Texas' health champions rally to drive change! Explore cutting-edge sessions, gain CE credits, and connect with leaders in public health and wellness.
Information and Registration Link
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Calling all Epidemiology alums! Epi in the News would like to include alum updates and news to feature in our monthly spotlight! Please email Jana Satterwhite, Communications Specialist, to be considered for our upcoming newsletters. | Reminder: For more information on how to handle media requests, see the UTHealth Houston HOOP policy here. If you are contacted by the media, please call the UTHealth Houston Media Relations team on the hotline, 713-500-3030 - someone is available 24/7. Deb Lake is the designated School of Public Health contact. Always choose to call the hotline for immediate assistance. | |
SUBMISSIONS AND NEWSLETTER DEADLINE | |
All campuses are encouraged to submit items for consideration for the monthly Epi newsletter. Please feel free to submit your items to sphehges@uth.tmc.edu. | | | | |