A Survey of Behaviors, Beliefs, and Perceptions of COVID-19 in Rural Appalachian Ohio

2022-11-16T23:22:12+00:00

Background: Preventing the spread of COVID-19 comes with many challenges. Considering the sociobehavioral effects of social distancing in rural communities specifically is incredibly important. No previous studies have been published about adherence to COVID-19 preventative measures and viewpoints on vaccination/other prevention measures in the rural Appalachian region of Ohio specifically. This present study will describe the results of a survey regarding perceptions of COVID-19 in rural communities.
Methods: A 20-question cross-sectional survey was administered over a 6-week period from February to April 2021. Survey distribution was completed via flyers with QR codes hung at 4 medical offices in Columbiana and Tuscarawas counties. The survey was adapted from the standardized FluTEST survey. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used for comparison.
Results: We had 23 respondents after removing incomplete/nonconsenting responses. Our data showed that contracting COVID-19 was associated with vaccine distrust. Females and those with health risk factors were found to be more cautious when compared to males and those without risk factors, respectively. Respondents under age 65 years were more likely to trust government health agencies. Those with emotional distress were more likely to take precautions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion: To prevent widening health inequalities in the particularly vulnerable population of Appalachia, further study with larger sample size should be conducted. This information can be used by health care providers to tailor patient education regarding COVID-19 vaccine administration, treatment, and prevention measures.

Bridging the Gaps in Women's Primary Care for Those Treated at a Residential Drug Treatment Facility in Southwest Ohio

2023-02-10T21:01:06+00:00

Background: Patients with substance use disorders (SUD) have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and limited utility of preventive and outpatient primary care. Women with SUD are a particularly vulnerable population requiring consistent primary and reproductive health care. This study evaluated the need for providing women’s primary health care to patients in a residential SUD treatment facility in rural southwest Ohio.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using intakes at a female-only residential SUD treatment facility from 2021-2022. Variables recorded in this study were: 1) patient-reported substance use; 2) laboratory screenings for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and STIs; 3) reproductive history (contraceptive, Papanicolaou (Pap) test, and pregnancy history); 4) patient-reported connection with a primary care provider (PCP); and 5) patient-reported mental health disorders. The analysis provided descriptive statistics to identify comorbidities and trends in women with SUD.
Results: All completed intake charts were reviewed (n=159) without exclusions. No current PCP was reported in 59% of patients. Papanicolaou tests were needed in 50% of patients, and, of those completed, six (21%) had abnormal results. Almost 20% of patients were found with a positive STI, with highest prevalence of trichomoniasis (23%). Viral infection rate was 42%, the most common being hepatitis C (35% with active infection). Patient-reported comorbid psychiatric illness was 90%, the most common being generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) at 67.3%.
Conclusion: This study supports the need for whole person primary care in residential SUD treatment facilities, particularly in respect to viral and sexually transmitted infections, and for overall women's health.

Ohio Journal of Public Health

A Survey of Behaviors, Beliefs, and Perceptions of COVID-19 in Rural Appalachian Ohio

Bridging the Gaps in Women's Primary Care for Those Treated at a Residential Drug Treatment Facility in Southwest Ohio