This study analyzed how severe pain and its impact on daily activities relate to substance use among 1,461 patients who filled opioid prescriptions at community pharmacies in Indiana and Ohio. Researchers also looked at whether gender affects the relationship between pain and substance use. The data came from a health survey and prescription records from state monitoring programs. The findings revealed that higher levels of pain were linked to an increased likelihood of using opioids at moderate to high risk levels, as well as using opioids alongside benzodiazepines. Similarly, when pain disrupted daily activities, patients were more likely to get opioids from multiple sources. Additionally, severe pain and its interference were associated with higher tobacco and sedative use but lower alcohol consumption. The study also found that gender influenced how pain related to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis. These results could help develop tailored strategies to prevent substance misuse in patients experiencing pain.

Charron E, Okifuji A, Bryan MA, Reese S, Brown JL, Ferguson A, Ghitza UE, Winhusen T, Cochran G. Pain Severity and Interference and Substance Use Among Community Pharmacy Patients Prescribed Opioids: A Secondary Analysis of the PHARMSCREEN Study. J Pain. 2022 Aug;23(8):1448-1459. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.03.238. Epub 2022 Apr 11. PMID: 35417791; PMCID: PMC9356992.

This study examined the rates and timing of vaccinations among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children compared to non-Hispanic White (NHW) children aged 0-24 months in Montana. It found that AI/AN children were less likely to receive vaccinations on time and were more often under-vaccinated. Specifically, only about 23% of AI/AN children received all their recommended vaccinations on schedule, compared to 40% of NHW children. The study used data from Montana's immunization information system for children born between 2015 and 2017 to identify these patterns. The results highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve the timely initiation of vaccinations at 2 months old and to encourage the completion of the full vaccine series to address these disparities.

Michels SY, Freeman RE, Williams E, et al. Evaluating vaccination coverage and timeliness in American Indian/Alaska Native and non-Hispanic White children using state immunization information system data, 2015-2017. Prev Med Rep. 2022;27:101817. Published 2022 May 5. doi:10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101817

This article examines the impact of wildfire smoke on indoor air quality in four skilled nursing facilities in the western United States, a region prone to wildfires due to extreme drought and warming temperatures. In 2020, researchers collected over 8,000 hours of data on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) both indoors and outdoors, totaling about 300 days of sampling at each facility. The study found significant variations in PM2.5 levels during wildfire season, with the highest indoor 24-hour averages ranging from 35.4 to 202.5 micrograms per cubic meter. The data also showed considerable differences in how effectively each facility prevented outdoor smoke from penetrating indoors. These findings suggest that building characteristics and resident behaviors might influence indoor air quality during wildfires, pointing to potential areas for improvement in protecting vulnerable populations, such as the elderly with preexisting conditions, from wildfire smoke.

Montrose L, Walker ES, Toevs S, Noonan CW. 2022. Outdoor and indoor fine particulate matter at skilled nursing facilities in the western united states during wildfire and non-wildfire seasons. Indoor Air 32. https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.13060.

With increasing wildfires in the western US and around the world, it is important to take stock of impacts to humans as well as animals. Fires create smoke, and exposure to wildfire particles is known to negatively impact health. Therefore, we asked if smoke might get into buildings where animal research takes place. Our one-month study provides evidence that smoke does get inside an animal facility and levels can exceed ambient air quality standards that are set to protect public health. More work is needed to establish the impact that indoor smoke exposure might have on research animals, but we suggest these data warrant consideration for air quality monitoring and planning within animal facilities at risk for outdoor smoke events.

Schuller, A.; Walker, E.S.; Goodrich, J.M.; Lundgren, M.; Montrose, L. Indoor Air Quality Considerations for Laboratory Animals in Wildfire-Impacted Regions—A Pilot Study. Toxics 2022, 10, 387. https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10070387

This study focused on creating detailed daily maps that show levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across the western United States from 2003 to 2020. By combining satellite images, air quality readings, and weather data, we developed high-resolution estimates of PM2.5 concentrations. Our model also factors in how air movement and geographic features like mountains affect pollution levels. This work is particularly useful in areas with few air monitoring stations, helping researchers study the health effects of air quality and the influence of local conditions on pollution.

Swanson, A., Holden, Z.A., Graham, J. et al. Daily 1 km terrain resolving maps of surface fine particulate matter for the western United States 2003–2021. Sci Data 9, 466 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-022-01488-y

This article examines the effects of portable air filters and educational programs, which include traditional knowledge, on indoor air quality in homes of elderly Native Americans using wood stoves. Conducted with participants from the Navajo Nation and Nez Perce Tribe, the study found that air filters significantly reduced indoor levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) by about 50%. Although the educational programs did not significantly reduce indoor PM2.5 levels compared to a control group, they did lead to a notable reduction in personal exposure to PM2.5 among participants. The study highlights the importance of culturally tailored interventions and the potential of air filters to improve air quality in rural, Native American communities.

E.S. Walker, C.W. Noonan, A. Belcourt, et al., Efficacy of air filtration and education interventions on fine particulate matter among rural native American homes heated with wood stoves: Results from the EldersAIR randomized trial, Science of the Total Environment (2022), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157029

This article examines why vaccination rates for young children are lower in rural U.S. areas compared to suburban and urban regions. We conducted a systematic review of studies from the U.S. between January 2000 and July 2021 to identify obstacles and aids to childhood immunization in these rural communities. We reviewed 17 studies that focused on children under three years old, analyzing their methods, populations, and definitions of rural areas, along with common themes about what hinders or helps vaccination efforts. The findings show that reminders and strong relationships between parents and healthcare providers help increase vaccination rates. However, parental hesitancy, poor clinic experiences, referrals outside primary care, and long distances to healthcare facilities pose significant challenges. The limited research available points to a need for more in-depth studies on how to overcome these barriers and improve vaccination rates in rural settings.

Albers AN, Thaker J, Newcomer SR. Barriers to and facilitators of early childhood immunization in rural areas of the United States: a systematic review of the literature. Preventive Medicine Reports, Volume 27, June 2022, 101804.

This article explores the challenges of accessing healthcare in rural areas of the United States, particularly since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. The study focused on how difficult it is for rural residents to find healthcare that is both suitable for their specific needs and acceptable to them. Researchers interviewed 12 healthcare providers in Montana, analyzing their insights on barriers such as cultural differences, and communication issues between patients and providers, as well as among providers themselves. The findings revealed significant obstacles: mismatches between patient identities and healthcare systems, fragmented provider communication, limited resources, and a focus on profits over patient care. These issues make it hard to deliver healthcare that meets the needs of rural Americans, suggesting a need for continuous improvement in these areas to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Coombs, N.C., Campbell, D.G. & Caringi, J. A qualitative study of rural healthcare providers’ views of social, cultural, and programmatic barriers to healthcare access. BMC Health Serv Res 22, 438 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-07829-2

This study examines the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) in treating opioid misuse and chronic pain. Conducted from 2016 to 2020 at primary care clinics in Utah, the research involved 250 adults who were long-term opioid users experiencing chronic pain and misuse issues. Participants were divided into two groups: one received MORE treatment, which includes mindfulness training, and the other received standard supportive group psychotherapy.

The key findings over nine months revealed that those in the MORE group showed significant improvements in reducing opioid misuse and managing chronic pain compared to the supportive psychotherapy group. Additionally, the MORE group participants also reported decreases in opioid dosages, emotional distress, and opioid cravings. This suggests that MORE can be a more effective method in treating chronic pain and opioid misuse than traditional psychotherapy.

Garland EL, Hanley AW, Nakamura Y, Barrett JW, Baker AK, Reese SE, Riquino MR, Froeliger B, Donaldson GW. Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement vs Supportive Group Therapy for Co-occurring Opioid Misuse and Chronic Pain in Primary Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2022 Apr 1;182(4):407-417. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0033. PMID: 35226053; PMCID: PMC8886485.

This article examines the reproductive and sexual health challenges faced by Indigenous women and introduces the Framework of Integrated Reproductive and Sexual Health Theories (FIRSHT) to better understand these issues. FIRSHT, developed through interviews with 31 Indigenous women from a Gulf Coast tribe, integrates elements from several theoretical perspectives including reproductive justice, resilience, and Indigenous critical theory. It offers a comprehensive view of the various factors influencing Indigenous women's health experiences. The framework not only addresses existing disparities but also emphasizes the strengths and resources within Indigenous communities. This research aims to guide the development of interventions that improve healthcare and uphold social justice for Indigenous women.

Liddell, J.L., McKinley, C.E. The Development of the Framework of Integrated Reproductive and Sexual Health Theories (FIRSHT) to Contextualize Indigenous Women’s Health Experiences. Sex Res Soc Policy (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13178-022-00693-z

This article examines how long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution affects the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, in older adults. Using detailed neuropsychological tests and brain scans, researchers confirmed dementia diagnoses and used advanced air pollution models linked to where participants lived over the past decades. They found that a significant increase in PM2.5 exposure raised the overall risk of dementia by 20%. The study highlights that exposure to air pollutants over many years can contribute to the development of dementia later in life.

Semmens EO, Leary CS, Fitzpatrick AL, Ilango SD, Park C, Adam CE, DeKosky ST, Lopez O, Hajat A, Kaufman JD. Air pollution and dementia in older adults in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study. Alzheimers Dement. 2022 Apr 18. doi: 10.1002/alz.12654. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35436383.

This article examines the effectiveness of low-cost educational and air filtration interventions to reduce respiratory infections in children and decrease indoor air pollution in rural U.S. homes heated with wood stoves. Conducted across Alaska, Montana, and the Navajo Nation, the study involved households with at least one child under five years old. Over two winter seasons, the study tracked respiratory infections and measured levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) inside the homes. The results showed that neither educational nor filtration interventions significantly reduced the incidence of respiratory infections or indoor PM2.5 levels compared to control homes. The findings suggest that more effective strategies are needed to tackle the health impacts of air pollution from wood stoves.

Walker ES, Semmens EO, Belcourt A, Boyer BB, Erdei E, Graham J, Hopkins SE, Lewis JL, Smith PG, Ware D, Weiler E, Ward TJ, Noonan CW. Efficacy of Air Filtration and Education Interventions on Indoor Fine Particulate Matter and Child Lower Respiratory Tract Infections among Rural U.S. Homes Heated with Wood Stoves: Results from the KidsAIR Randomized Trial. Environ Health Perspect. 2022 Apr;130(4):47002. doi: 10.1289/EHP9932. Epub 2022 Apr 8. PMID: 35394807; PMCID: PMC8992966.

Prosthesis design for individuals with lower-limb amputation is complex, with multiple appropriate options available, but there is insufficient evidence to guide decision-making. Shared decision-making (SDM) can incorporate patient-specific values and preferences where evidence is lacking. To facilitate SDM, it is important to identify the decisional needs of both prosthetists and new prosthesis users. This study aimed to assess these needs through six focus groups with 38 prosthetists and individual interviews with 17 new prosthesis users. Analysis revealed four main themes: the complexity of communication, clarifying values, the role of experience in shaping preferences, and understanding the prosthetic journey. Effective SDM resources should address individual communication needs, support value clarification, and utilize experiences to inform preferences within the rehabilitation and recovery context. These findings can promote collaborative discussions between prosthetists and new prosthesis users during prosthesis design decisions.

Anderson CB, Fatone S, Mañago MM, Swink LA, Hager ER, Kittelson AJ, Christiansen CL, Magnusson DM. Improving shared decision-making for prosthetic care: A qualitative needs assessment of prosthetists and new lower-limb prosthesis users. Prosthet Orthot Int. 2023;47(1):26-42. Epub 20220525. doi: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000142. PubMed PMID: 35622457; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9691789.

This study explores the decision-making process between prosthetists and people with lower limb amputations (LLA) in prosthetic rehabilitation. Through interviews with 13 prosthetists and 14 prosthesis users from clinics in the Rocky Mountain and Southwest regions, the research identified four key themes: decision points, the importance of relationships, balancing priorities, and the role of experience. Differences were noted in how prosthetists and users perceived prosthesis design and communication goals. The findings suggest that enhancing shared decision-making (SDM) could improve outcomes by clarifying rehabilitation decisions, defining initial communication purposes, supporting priority balancing, and leveraging experience to form realistic expectations. This approach could lead to better physical and psychosocial outcomes for prosthesis users, reduce healthcare costs, and increase satisfaction and adherence to care plans.

Anderson CB, Kittelson AJ, Wurdeman SR, Miller MJ, Stoneback JW, Christiansen CL, Magnusson DM. Understanding decision-making in prosthetic rehabilitation by prosthetists and people with lower limb amputation: a qualitative study. Disabil Rehabil. 2023;45(4):723-32. Epub 20220407. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2037745. PubMed PMID: 35389313; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9537359.

Community support plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples, particularly Indigenous women who face significant reproductive health disparities. This paper highlights the importance of community support for these women, emphasizing their resilience and the holistic health views of Indigenous tribes. The study involved 31 semi-structured interviews with women from a state-recognized Gulf Coast tribe, using a qualitative descriptive methodology and guidance from a community advisory board. Key themes identified were Community Closeness and Support, Community Support in Raising Children, Informal Adoption, and Community Values of Mutual Aid and Self-Sufficiency. These findings reinforce the importance of generational and communal ties in Indigenous communities. The research suggests that programs serving tribes should prioritize and support community networks and actively involve Indigenous communities in developing interventions. This study also addresses the gap in literature regarding informal adoption practices in state-recognized Indigenous communities.

Carlson TA, Liddell JL. The importance of community support for women in a Gulf Coast Indigenous tribe. Int J Hum Rights Healthc. 2023 Jun 28;16(2):162-175. doi: 10.1108/ijhrh-06-2022-0060. Epub 2022 Oct 5. PMID: 38770245; PMCID: PMC11104765.

Although many emergency departments (EDs) use telepsychiatry to manage acute psychiatric emergencies, national research on its usage is limited. To investigate pre-COVID-19 usage, we surveyed a sample of EDs in 2019, following up on a similar survey from 2017. All 5,563 U.S. EDs open in 2019 were surveyed, and a more detailed survey on telepsychiatry was sent to 235 EDs, with 192 responding. Of these, 172 confirmed telepsychiatry usage in 2019. Telepsychiatry was the sole form of emergency psychiatric services for 55% of these EDs, primarily used for admission or discharge decisions (82%) and transfer coordination (70%). The most common consultants were psychiatrists or physician-level mental health professionals (74%). This study highlights the critical role of telepsychiatry in emergency psychiatric care and suggests further research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its usage.

Freeman RE, Zhong C, Bahar P, Boggs KM, Faridi MK, Sullivan AF, Zachrison KS, Camargo CA. U.S. Emergency Department Telepsychiatry Use in 2019. Telemed J E Health. 2023;29(3):366-75. Epub 20220722. doi: 10.1089/tmj.2022.0191. PubMed PMID: 35867053; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10024260.

Accurate prediction of vector dispersal and identification of adaptations enabling blood-feeding vectors to thrive in built environments are crucial for effective disease control. This study employed a landscape genomics approach to analyze gene flow, potential local adaptation, and population structure in Rhodnius ecuadoriensis, a key vector of Chagas disease. Using 2b-RADseq, we obtained 2,552 SNP markers from 272 samples across 25 sites in southern Ecuador. We found high and directional gene flow between wild and domestic populations, suggesting that insecticide-based control will be hampered by repeated re-infestation from the forest. Preliminary genome scans indicated shared outlier loci, potentially related to local adaptation in domestic settings, linked to genes involved in embryogenesis and saliva production. Our landscape genomic models identified elevation as a significant barrier to R. ecuadoriensis dispersal. These findings highlight the genomic adaptations in triatomine vectors and suggest that spatially-targeted, proactive interventions would be more effective than current reactive approaches.

Hernandez-Castro LE, Villacís AG, Jacobs A, Cheaib B, Day CC, Ocaña-Mayorga S, Yumiseva CA, Bacigalupo A, Andersson B, Matthews L, Landguth EL, Costales JA, Llewellyn MS, Grijalva MJ. Population genomics and geographic dispersal in Chagas disease vectors: Landscape drivers and evidence of possible adaptation to the domestic setting. PLoS Genet. 2022;18(2):e1010019. Epub 20220204. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010019. PubMed PMID: 35120121; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8849464.

Classical infectious disease models are widely used for predicting new infections and developing vaccination plans. However, accurate classification of reported data is crucial for reliable model parameter estimation. The COVID-19 pandemic provides ample data to test these models. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of model predictions in classical disease models when different types of data (infected, active, quarantined, recovered) are available. Using simulated data and real data from an influenza outbreak in England and COVID-19 in Missoula County, Montana, we show that prediction accuracy depends heavily on correct data classification. Misclassification can lead to significant errors in parameter estimates and predictions. Our findings highlight the importance of correctly assigning reported data to the appropriate model compartments for accurate infection predictions and vaccination planning.

Kalachev L, Landguth EL, Graham J. Revisiting classical SIR modelling in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Infect Dis Model. 2023;8(1):72-83. Epub 20221216. doi: 10.1016/j.idm.2022.12.002. PubMed PMID: 36540893; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9755423.

Liddell JL, Lilly JM. Healthcare experiences of uninsured and under-insured American Indian women in the United States. Glob Health Res Policy. 2022;7(1):5. Epub 20220211. doi: 10.1186/s41256-022-00236-4. PubMed PMID: 35148788; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8832673.

Access to healthcare is crucial in addressing health disparities, yet insurance coverage and other payment barriers for Indigenous peoples are rarely studied. State-recognized tribes, unlike federally recognized ones, lack access to Indian Health Service benefits, highlighting the need for specific research on their healthcare needs. This study used qualitative methods to interview 31 women from a Gulf South Indigenous tribe about their experiences with healthcare payments. The participants reported discrimination based on perceived ability to pay and faced limitations in their healthcare coverage, including difficulties understanding coverage, inadequate coverage, and limited provider choices. These findings suggest the necessity for specialized insurance programs and more comprehensive healthcare coverage for state-recognized tribal members, alongside efforts to enhance tribal sovereignty and access to healthcare resources.

Liddell JL, Lilly JM. "There's so much they don't cover:" Limitations of healthcare coverage for Indigenous women in a non-federally recognized tribe. SSM Qual Res Health. 2022 Dec;2:100134. doi: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100134. Epub 2022 Jul 30. PMID: 38770182; PMCID: PMC11104764.

Indigenous groups face significant health disparities, yet little research addresses the structural barriers affecting state-recognized tribes, who don't receive Indian Health Service benefits. Many studies focus on specific physical health outcomes rather than using community-based approaches to understand healthcare priorities. To explore healthcare experiences, researchers partnered with a community advisory board and conducted 31 life-course interviews with members of a state-recognized tribe in the Gulf South of the U.S. Participants reported unmet healthcare needs and barriers such as long distances to services, difficulty accessing specialists, communication gaps, long wait times, mental health needs, substance use prevention, and health education. These findings highlight structural barriers worsening health disparities and suggest areas for intervention, including mental health. Enhanced healthcare resources and recognition of the tribe's sovereignty are essential. Additionally, healthcare programs should actively involve Indigenous tribes in their development and implementation due to the history of exploitation of these communities.

Liddell JL, Meyer S. Healthcare needs and infrastructure obstacles for a state-recognised Indigenous tribe in the United States. Health Soc Care Community. 2022;30(6):e5988-e97. Epub 20220922. doi: 10.1111/hsc.14031. PubMed PMID: 36134617; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11104768.

Although there is extensive documentation on the health disparities faced by Native American peoples, little research explores the experiences of members of non-federally recognized tribes who receive health care outside of the Indian Health Services (IHS) system. Additionally, the positive factors that influence relationships between health care providers and tribal members are understudied. This study used a qualitative descriptive approach to conduct semi-structured life history interviews with 31 women from a state-recognized, Gulf South Native American tribe. Key themes identified were: having a regular provider, personal relationships with providers, feeling cared for by the provider, provider addressing concerns, and respect for traditional or holistic medicine. These findings highlight the significant role health care providers play in the health care experiences of Native American tribal members and suggest implications for training health care providers.

Liddell JL. "Treat Me like Your Family": Positive Factors that Influence Patient-Provider Relationships for Native American Women. Soc Work Public Health. 2023;38(3):221-34. Epub 20220922. doi: 10.1080/19371918.2022.2127434. PubMed PMID: 36135975; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC11104767.

Early childhood immunizations often require 3 to 4 doses for full protection. This study analyzed 2019 data from the National Immunization Survey-Child to identify factors linked to starting but not completing these multidose vaccine series in US children aged 19 to 35 months. Children were categorized based on whether they completed, did not start, or started but did not complete the vaccine series. Among 16,365 children, 72.9% completed the 7-vaccine series, 9.9% did not start at least one series, and 17.2% started but did not complete at least one series. Key factors associated with not completing the series included moving across state lines, the number of children in the household, and lack of insurance coverage. The findings highlight structural barriers to vaccination and underscore the need for strategies to ensure the completion of multidose vaccine series to enhance protection against preventable diseases.

Michels SY, Niccolai LM, Hadler JL, Freeman RE, Albers AN, Glanz JM, Daley MF, Newcomer SR. Failure to Complete Multidose Vaccine Series in Early Childhood. Pediatrics. 2023;152(2). doi: 10.1542/peds.2022-059844. PubMed PMID: 37489285; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10389773.

The U.S. Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides a schedule for administering 10 different vaccines to children in their first 18 months. Traditionally, progress toward immunization goals is measured by vaccination coverage at 24 months. However, this does not reflect whether vaccines were given at the recommended ages or together as scheduled. This paper introduces new methods to measure adherence to the immunization schedule by assessing vaccination timeliness and patterns of undervaccination. Timeliness compares the actual timing of vaccine doses to ACIP recommendations, while patterns of undervaccination indicate whether vaccines were given as recommended. Some patterns suggest parental hesitancy, while others point to service delivery issues. Since 2003, at least 12 studies have used various data sources to measure these factors at national or state levels. These innovative measures can help monitor vaccine confidence and identify specific strategies to improve timely vaccination in the U.S.

Newcomer SR, Glanz JM, Daley MF. Beyond Vaccination Coverage: Population-Based Measurement of Early Childhood Immunization Schedule Adherence. Acad Pediatr. 2023;23(1):24-34. Epub 20220820. doi: 10.1016/j.acap.2022.08.003. PubMed PMID: 35995410; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10253042.

Campsites in U.S. national parks are popular recreational amenities, but their fair allocation is a long-standing management issue, especially as demand increases. Many campsites are now allocated through online reservation systems, which can be made well in advance. Historically, national park camping has been exclusive, favoring the leisure class. This study explores how online reservation systems affect the demographics of national park campers. Using mobile device location data, the study estimates the demographics of campers in five national park campgrounds, comparing reserved sites with first-come, first-served sites. The results show that campers in reserved sites generally come from areas with higher median household incomes, with significant differences in three of the five campgrounds. Additionally, in an urban-proximate campground, reserved site campers were more likely to come from predominantly White areas. The study concludes that online reservation systems may unintentionally exclude low-income and possibly non-White campers. The discussion covers the management implications and suggests a research agenda for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in campgrounds, emphasizing the need to address the distributive justice of online reservation systems.

Rice WL, Rushing JR, Thomsen JM, Whitney P. Exclusionary Effects of Campsite Allocation through Reservations in U.S. National Parks: Evidence from Mobile Device Location Data. J Park Recreat Admi. 2022;40(4):45-65. Epub 20220318. doi: 10.18666/jpra-2022-11392. PubMed PMID: 37691833; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC10488315.

Native American newborns often face high rates of prenatal drug exposure, leading to severe challenges within Indigenous communities. Without early intervention, these children are at greater risk of negative outcomes, highlighting the need for strategies that foster resilience. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators that families encounter in engaging with their children across community, cultural, outdoor, and home settings. The goal was to inform a culturally sensitive and community-relevant approach to enhancing family-child engagement as a resilience factor. Researchers conducted in-person semi-structured interviews with 15 biological parents and caregivers of children aged 0-3 years, both with and without prenatal drug exposure, from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Analysis included research yarning and directed content analysis to gather unique stories and identify common activities, barriers, supports, and positive outcomes. Common activities included attending powwows, swimming, and reading, with cost and transportation being major barriers. Support from family or friends and cultural knowledge and bonding were significant positive outcomes. The study revealed both challenges to traditional knowledge and community efforts to support families with a history of substance use, identifying potential resilience factors for children with prenatal drug exposure in Indigenous communities.

Russette H, Brown J, Belcourt A, McKay K, Graham N, Semmens EO. Identifying family-child activities among children with prenatal drug exposure in a Tribal Nation: Caregiver perspectives on barriers, facilitators and positive outcomes. PLoS One. 2022;17(9):e0273989. Epub 20220909. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273989. PubMed PMID: 36084066; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9462813.

Research indicates that greenspace may offer neurocognitive benefits. This study explored whether residential greenspace affects dementia risk in older adults. Data from 3,047 participants aged 75 and older in the Gingko Evaluation of Memory Study (GEMS) were analyzed. Greenspace exposure was measured using three metrics: Normalized Difference Vegetative Index, percent park overlap within a 2-km radius, and distance to the nearest park. Participants' greenspace levels were categorized into tertiles. Results showed that high residential greenspace was linked to a 24% lower risk of dementia, even after adjusting for various factors. Medium greenspace exposure also reduced dementia risk by 28%. However, no significant associations were found between greenspace and Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia. The study suggests a link between residential greenspace and reduced dementia risk, but further research is needed to better understand this relationship.

Slawsky ED, Hajat A, Rhew IC, Russette H, Semmens EO, Kaufman JD, Leary CS, Fitzpatrick AL. Neighborhood greenspace exposure as a protective factor in dementia risk among U.S. adults 75 years or older: a cohort study. Environ Health. 2022;21(1):14. Epub 20220115. doi: 10.1186/s12940-022-00830-6. PubMed PMID: 35033073; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC8760791.