Health Policy:
Informing legislators and policymakers to ensure policies that promote and support healthy living are developed and implemented.
Association of Walking and Biking to School Policies and Active Commuting to School in Children
Ganzar, LA, Burford, K, Zhang, Y, Gressett, A, Kohl, HW., & Hoelscher. DM.. (2023). Association of Walking and Biking to School Policies and Active Commuting to School in Children. Journal of Physical Activity and Health.
Antibody Duration After Infection From SARS-CoV-2 in the Texas Coronavirus Antibody Response Survey
Swartz, M. D., DeSantis, S. M., Yaseen, A., Brito, F. A., Valerio-Shewmaker, M. A., Messiah, S. E., ... & Boerwinkle, E. (2023). The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 227(2), 193-201.
A novel bayesian spatial–temporal approach to quantify SARS-CoV-2 testing disparities for small area estimation
Bauer, C., Li, X., Zhang, K., Lee, M., Guajardo, E., Fisher-Hoch, S., ... & Reininger, B. (2023). American Journal of Public Health, 113(1), 40-48.
Factors associated with meeting physical activity guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic
Heredia, N. I., Machiorlatti, M., Reininger, B. M., & Robledo, C. (2022). BMC Public Health, 22(1), 1-8.
Case growth analysis to inform local response to COVID-19 epidemic in a diverse U.S. community
de Oliveira Otto, M., Brito, F., Tark J., Bakota, E., Yamal, J., Marko, D, Sharma, S., et al. (2022). Scientific Reports, 12, 16217.
Youth physical activity and the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review
Do, B., Kirkland, C., Besenyi, G. M., Carissa Smock, M., & Lanza, K. (2022). Preventive medicine reports, 29, 101959.
Comparison of persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection by antibody status in nonhospitalized children and adolescents
Messiah, S. E., Hao, T., DeSantis, S. M., Swartz, M. D., Talebi, Y., et al. (2022). The Pediatric infectious disease journal, INF.0000000000003653. Advance online publication.
Methodology to estimate natural- and vaccine-induced antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in a large geographic region
DeSantis, S. M., León-Novelo, L. G., Swartz, M. D., Yaseen, A. S., Valerio-Shewmaker, M. A., et al. (2022). PloS one, 17(9), e0273694.
Association between racial discrimination and delayed or forgone care amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Zhang, D., Li, G., Shi, L., Martin, E., Chen, et al (2022). Preventive medicine, 162, 107153.
Durability of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies from natural infection in children and adolescents
Messiah, S. E., DeSantis, S. M., Leon-Novelo, L. G., Talebi, Y., Brito, F. A., et al. (2022). Pediatrics, 149(6), e2021055505.
Trends and correlates of breakthrough infections with SARS-CoV-2
Yamal, J. M., Appana, S., Wang, M., Leon-Novelo, L., Bakota, E., et al. (2022). Frontiers in public health, 10, 856532.
Association of masking policies with mask adherence and distancing during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic
Puttock, E. J., Marquez, J., Young, D. R., Shirley, A. M., Han, B., et al. (2022). American journal of infection control, S0196-6553(22)00402-3. Advance online publication.
Antibody duration after infection from SARS-CoV-2 in the Texas coronavirus antibody response survey
Swartz, M. D., DeSantis, S. M., Yaseen, A., Brito, F. A., Valerio-Shewmaker, M. A., et al. (2022). The Journal of infectious diseases, jiac167. Advance online publication.
Remote versus in-person learning during COVID-19: Comparison of e-cigarette susceptibility and ever use among a diverse cohort of 6th grade students in Texas
Mantey, D. S., Omega-Njemnobi, O., Ruiz, F. A., Chen, B., Springer, A. E., & Kelder, S. H. (2022). official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, ntac084. Advance online publication.
A cross-sectional study analyzing predictors of perceived stress among elementary school teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Parthasarathy, N., Li, F., Zhang, F., Chuang, R. J., Mathur, M., et al. (2022). Workplace health & safety, 70(4), 180–187.
Long-term physical, mental and social health effects of COVID-19 in the pediatric population: A scoping review
Borel, M., Xie, L., Kapera, O., Mihalcea, A., Kahn, J., & Messiah, S. E. (2022). World journal of pediatrics : WJP, 18(3), 149–159.
Change in Depression and Its Determinants during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Examination among Racially/Ethnically Diverse US Adults
Zhang, Y., Janda, K. M., Ranjit, N., Salvo, D., Nielsen, A., & van den Berg, A. (2022). International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(3), 1194. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031194
Using community-academic partnerships and a creative expression contest to engage youth in the development of communication materials for promoting behaviors that prevent COVID-19
Szeszulski, J., Helal Salsa, G., Cuccaro, P., Markham, C. M., Martin, M., et al. (2022). Health promotion practice, 15248399211070547. Advance online publication.
Further considerations on the association between flavored tobacco legislation and high school student smoking rates
Mantey, D. S., & Kelder, S. H. (2021). JAMA pediatrics, 175(12), 1290.
School parks as a community health resource: Use of joint-use parks by children before and during COVID-19 pandemic
(Lanza, K., Durand, C. P., Alcazar, M., Ehlers, S., Zhang, K., & Kohl III, H. W. (2021). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.)
Correlates of Transitions in Food Insecurity Status during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Ethnically Diverse Households in Central Texas
(Janda, K., Ranjit, N., Salvo, D., Nielsen, A., Lemoine, P., Casnovsky, J., & van den Berg, A. Food Insecurity, Neighborhood Food Environment, and Nutrition Health Disparities: State of the Science Workshop– Food Insecurity Track (Accepted - Poster Presentation) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13082597.)
Estimated Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in the Texas Pediatric Population, 2021.
(Messiah, S., Valerio-Shewmaker, M.A., DeSantis, S.M., Swartz, M.D., Yaseen, A., Brito, F.A., Kohl III, H.W., Kelder, S.H., Aguillard, K., Omega-Njemnobi, O.S. and Breaux, C., The Lancet, June 2021.)
Use of School Wellness Policy Templates in One Texas Public Health Region: A Mixed-Methods Analysis
(Szeszulski, J., Walker, T. J., McCurdy, S. A., & Hoelscher, D. M. (2021). Journal of School Health.)
Examining food insecurity and areas with unmet food needs during COVID-19: A geospatial, community-specific approach
Janda, K. M., Hood, R., Price, A., Night, S., Marty, W. E., Rohlich, A., Hanson, K., Espinoza, M., & van den Berg, A. E. (2021). Journal of agriculture, food systems, and community development, 10(3), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.5304/jafscd.2021.103.017
Motivating Mexican American Adults to Share Family History with Healthcare Providers.
(Ake, J. F., Lin, J., Wilkinson, A. V., Koehly, L. M. (In Press). Preventive Medicine.)
Association of the Quality Rating and Improvement System, Texas Rising Star, on Physical Activity and Screen Time Policies and Practices in Texas Child Care Centers
(Dooley EE, Browning C, Thi C, Hoelscher DM, Byrd-Williams CE. American Jour. of Health Promotion, first published online March 31, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171211003826.)
Expanding Implementation Research to Prevent Chronic Diseases in Community Settings
(Mazzucca S, Arredondo EM, Hoelscher DM, Haire-Joshu D, Tabak RG, Kumanyika SK, Brownson RC. Annual Review of Public Health, 42. doi.org/10.11146/annurev-publhealth-090419-102547. [PMID: 33504338].)
Heat-moderating effects of bus stop shelters and tree shade on public transport ridership.
(Lanza, K., & Durand, C. P. (2021). Heat-moderating effects of bus stop shelters and tree shade on public transport ridership. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 463.)
Longer time spent at home during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with binge drinking among US adults
SM Weerakoon, KK Jetelina & G Knell (2020) Longer time spent at home during COVID-19 pandemic is associated with binge drinking among US adults, The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2020.1832508
Associations of Urbanicity and Sociodemographic Characteristics with Protective Health Behaviors and Reasons for Leaving the Home During COVID-19
Burford, K., Dooley, E., Lanza, K. and Knell, G., 2020. Associations of Urbanicity and Sociodemographic Characteristics with Protective Health Behaviors and Reasons for Leaving the Home During COVID-19. Health Psychology Bulletin, 4(1), pp.53–63. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/hpb.24
Cost – Benefit Analysis of Austin Public Health’s Peer to Peer Adolescent Sexual Health Education Program
(Wilson, Kim; Patel, Ujas; Sandrea, Shannon; Santos, Fernanda; and Brown, Henry Shelton III(2020) Journal of Family Strengths: Vol. 20 : Iss. 1 , Article 6. Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/jfs/vol20/iss1/6.)
Using a rapid assessment methodology to identify and address immediate needs among low-income households with children during COVID-19
Sharma, S. V., Haidar, A., Noyola, J., Tien, J., Rushing, M., Naylor, B. M., Chuang, R. J., & Markham, C. (2020). PloS one, 15(10), e0240009.
Social determinants of health-related needs during COVID-19 among low-income households with children
Sharma, S. V., Chuang, R. J., Rushing, M., Naylor, B., Ranjit, N., Pomeroy, M., & Markham, C. (2020). Preventing chronic disease, 17, E119.
Health Behavior Changes During COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent “Stay-at-Home” Orders
Knell, G.; Robertson, M.C.; Dooley, E.E.; Burford, K.; Mendez, K.S. Health Behavior Changes During COVID-19 Pandemic and Subsequent “Stay-at-Home” Orders. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 6268.
Child-Report of Food Insecurity Is Associated with Diet Quality in Children
Landry, M. J., van den Berg, A. E., Asigbee, F. M., Vandyousefi, S., Ghaddar, R., et al. (2019). Nutrients, 11(7), 1574.
Texas Legislator Survey: Lessons Learned from Interviewing State Politicians about Obesity Policies
Nichols, D., Dowdy, D., Atteberry, H., Menendez, T., & Hoelscher, D. M. (2017). Texas Public Health Journal, 69(2).
U.S. Military Service and the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome: Findings From a Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, 1979-2013
Janak, J. C., Pérez, A., Alamgir, H., Orman, J. A., Cooper, S. P., et al. (2017). Preventive medicine, 95, 52–58.
In the Wake of the Affordable Care Act: Understanding Barriers and Facilitators to Health Care Access
This research uses a community based participatory model to create a survey on the health care access experiences and challenges of newly insured and remaining uninsured living in South Sacramento CA.
Evaluating the influence of the revised special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children (WIC) food allocation package on healthy food availability, accessibility, and affordability in Texas
(Lu W, McKyer EL, Dowdy D, Evans A, Ory M, Hoelscher DM, Wang S, Miao J; Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; 2016)
An international perspective on the nexus of physical activity research and policy
(Pratt M, Salvo D, Cavill N, Giles-Corti B, McCue P, Reis RS, Juaregui A, Foster C; Environment and Behavior; 2016)
Effects of Funding Allocation for Safe Routes to School Programs on Active Commuting to School and Related Behavioral, Knowledge, and Psychosocial Outcomes: Results From the Texas Childhood Obesity Prevention Policy Evaluation (T-COPPE) Study
(Hoelscher DM, Ory MG, Dowdy D, Miao J, Atteberry H, Nichols D, Evans A, Menendez T, Lee C, & Wang S; Environment & Behavior; 2016)
A Contextual Look at Safe Routes to School Implementation in Texas
(Atteberry H, Dowdy D, Oluyomi A, Nichols D, Ory MG, & Hoelscher DM; Environment & Behavior; 2016)
Moderating effects of age, gender and education on the associations of perceived neighborhood environment attributes with accelerometer-based physical activity: The IPEN adult study
(Van Dyck D, Cerin E, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Salvo D, Christiansen LB, MacFarlane D, Owen N, Mitas J, Troelsen J, Aguinaga-Ontoso I, Davey R, Reis RS, Sarmiento OL, Schofield G, Conway TL, Sallis JF; Health & Place; 2015)
Active Commuting to School in Mexican Adolescents: Evidence From the Mexican National Nutrition and Health Survey
(Jáuregui A, Medina C, Salvo D, Barquera S, Rivera-Dommarco JA; Journal of Physical Activity and Health; 2015)
The association between state bans on soda only and adolescent substitution with other sugar-sweetened beverages: A cross-sectional study
(Taber DR, Chriqui JF, Vuillaume R, Kelder SH, Chaloupka FJ; The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity; 2015)
The Science of Childhood Obesity: An Individual to Societal Framework
UTHealth researchers published eight new articles, including an introduction from the regional dean, as part of a special obesity issue of the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. The issue provides insights into how to solve the child obesity epidemic and close the gap in our current understanding of its causes.
Increasing access to healthful foods: A qualitative study with residents of low-income communities
(Evans A, Banks K, Jennings R, Nehme E, Nemec C, Sharma S, Hussaini A, Yaroch A; International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity; 2015)
International study of perceived neighbourhood environmental attributes and Body Mass Index: IPEN Adult study in 12 countries
(De Bourdeaudhuij I, Van Dyck D, Salvo D, Davey R, Reis RS, Schofield G, Sarmiento OL, Mitas J, Christiansen LB, MacFarlane D, Sugiyama T, Aguinaga-Ontoso I, Owen N, Conway TL, Sallis JF, Cerin E; International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity; 2015)
Adolescents' awareness and use of menu labels in eating establishments: Results from a focus group study
(Evans AE, Weiss SR, Meath KJ, Chow S, Vandewater EA, Ness RB; American Journal of Preventive Medicine; 2015)
Intensity-specific leisure-time physical activity and the built environment among Brazilian adults: A best-fit model
(Salvo D, Reis RS, Hino AA, Hallal PC, Pratt M; Journal of Physical Activity and Health; 2015)
The Texas of Today is the United States of Tomorrow
Texas’ growing and diverse population, geography, and array of cultures are only a few of the benefits that make the Lone Star State an ideal place to perform public health research.
A Multi-dimensional Evaluation of the Houston Food Bank’s Food Prescription Program
5/25/2023 - In this report, we present the results from our comprehensive, multi-dimensional real-world investigation of a Food Rx program implemented by the Houston Food Bank (HFB) in collaboration with multiple HCPs across the Greater Houston region.
Evaluation of the Houston Food Bank's Food Prescription (Rx) Program: Program Effectiveness
5/25/2023 - This study used data from 2,028 patients enrolled by sixteen HCPs during May 2018 to March 2021. About half of the enrolled patients (n=1072, 52%) visited any food pantry during the period for which data were available. The average number of visits among patients who did visit a food pantry was 6.
Child Sleep Quality Crisis in Texas
6/29/22 - Healthy Children, Healthy State. A one-pager on the child sleep quality crisis in Texas from the Texas Child Health Status Report Project.
Child Eating Away From Home Report 2021
10/19/21 - Healthy Children, Healthy State. A one-pager on the child eating away from home crisis in Texas from the Texas Child Health Status Report Project using 2019-2020 SPAN data.
Child Screen Time Crisis in Texas 2021
6/3/21 - Healthy Children, Healthy State. A one-pager on the child screen time crisis in Texas from the Texas Child Health Status Report Project using 2019-2020 SPAN data.
Child Nutrition Crisis in Texas 2021
6/3/21 - Healthy Children, Healthy State. A one-pager on the child nutrition crisis in Texas from the Texas Child Health Status Report Project using 2019-2020 SPAN data.
Child Obesity Crisis in Texas 2021
5/19/21 - Healthy Children, Healthy State. A one-pager on the child obesity crisis in Texas from the Texas Child Health Status Report Project using 2019-2020 SPAN data.
Teen Vaping and Lung Issues: What's the Problem?
4/8/2020 - A one-pager on the problem with teen vaping and lung issues included e-cigarette or vaping-related lung injury, COVID-19, and general lung health.
Corner Store Report 2020
3/23/2021 - During the last couple of years, the Office of Economic Development and Austin Public Health at the City of Austin have worked to try to build on what was learned in that program and other successful healthy corner store initiatives to re-vamp and re-launch the Healthy Corner Store Program in Austin.
The Final Report of the Community Health Worker COVID-19 Survey: Texas Results & Methodology
January 12, 2021 - The Final Report of the Community Health Worker COVID-19 Survey: Texas Results & Methodology
Vaping Advertisements and Teens
12/15/2020 - Healthy Children, Healthy State. A one-pager on vaping advertisements and teens in Texas from the Texas Child Health Status Report Project.
Teen Vaping in Texas
9/16/2020 - Healthy Children, Healthy State. A one-pager on teen vaping in Texas from the Texas Child Health Status Report Project.
CATCH My Breath E-Cigarette Prevention Program and UTHealth Research Study
7/6/2020 - We invite your child to join the CATCH My Breath Youth Focus Group.
Teen Vaping and Lung Disease: What's the Problem?
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR: As of December 4th, 2019, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 U.S territories have reported over 2,400 cases of e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI).
Child Screen Time Crisis in Texas
9/12/19 - Healthy Children, Healthy State. A one-pager on the child screen time crisis in Texas from the Texas Child Health Status Report Project.
The Texas of Today is the United States of Tomorrow - 2019
8/13/19 - Texas very likely represents the future of the United States, given the current shifts in demographics across the country. Diverse population, geography and an array of cultures are only a few of the benefits that make Texas an ideal place to perform public health research.
Stronger Austin: Evaluation Findings for Year 1
12/1/18 - Co-learning about the initial delivery and effects of Stronger Austin – a community-based initiative aimed at increasing access to health and wellness programming in Austin, Texas: Evaluation Findings for Year 1 (2017-18)
Community Health Improvement Plan: Austin/Travis County
Quick Facts About JUUL
4/9/18 - This high nicotine vaping device hides in plain sight. Here is what you should know.
The SNAP GAP
10/1/17 - The SNAP GAP: Why income-eligible individuals are not enrolling in SNAP
El Atractivo de los Sabores de Cigarillos Electrónicos
4/13/17 - Esta infografía describe cómo los sabores dulces pueden estar atrayendo a los jóvenes Texanos a probar los cigarrillos electrónicos.
The Appeal of E-Cigarette Flavors
4/13/17 - This infographic describes how sweet and fruity flavors may be enticing younger Texans to try e-cigarettes.
Being a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite
1/10/17 - This infographic shows the benefits of Being a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite. Learn what it means to be a Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite, and how you can become one. Being Texas Mother-Friendly is good business sense!
E-Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General
Know the Risks: E-cigarettes and Young People (e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov)
Evaluation of the Austin/Travis County Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan
Food at School Parties
9/15/15 - What one YEAR of school party food really looks like.
Comida en las Fiestas Escolares
9/15/2015 - La realidad de las fiestas escolares en un año.
Asegúrate de que todos los Tejanos reciban un Diez en Alimentación Saludable!
7/28/15 - Esta infografía muestra cómo el entorno de compra de alimentos tiene una gran influencia en qué alimentos las familias compran y consumen, y sus resultados de salud posteriores.
Make Sure All Texans Get A’s in Healthy Eating!
7/28/15 - This infographic shows how the food shopping environment has a strong influence on what foods families ultimately buy and consume, and their subsequent health outcomes.
The Science of Childhood Obesity: An Individual to Societal Framework
El Texas de Hoy as El Estados Unidos del Mañana
5/1/15 - Con base en los cambios demográficos que actualmente ocurren alrededor del país, Texas muy probablemente es una buena representación del futuro poblacional de los Estados Unidos.
The Texas of Today is the United States of Tomorrow
5/1/15 - Texas very likely represents the future of the United States, given the current shifts in demographics across the country. Diverse population, geography and an array of cultures are only a few of the benefits that make Texas an ideal place to perform public health research.
Safety-Net Hospital Systems Transformation in the Era of Health Care Reform
Our Kids Want to Walk the Walk
1/12/15 - This infographic shows findings and recommendations from the Texas Childhood Obesity Prevention Policy Evaluation Project.
Our Kids Want to Walk the Walk (PowerPoint)
Snapshot of Medicaid 1115 Waiver and Other State-Based Delivery System Transformations
SPAN Survey Fact Sheets
2013 Texas Health Perception Survey Report
Eighty-three Texas legislators were surveyed to identify knowledge and perceptions about obesity prevention and control measures. Legislators from both political parties and legislative chambers responded to the survey.
2013 Texas Health Perception Survey Brief
One-page summary of the 2013 Texas Health Perception Survey results.
Together We Thrive: Austin/Travis County Community Health Plan
CATCH in IOM report on Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention
5/1/12 - This excerpt from the 2012 Institute of Medicine report on Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention discusses the evidence base for the CATCH program.
Accelerating Progress in Obesity Prevention (2012)
Revenue Neutral Policy Solutions to Youth Fitness Problems in Texas
Active Texas 2020: Taking Action to Promote Physical Activity
12/1/09 - A 10-year blueprint detailing proven strategies that will help schools, medical care organizations, employers, municipal leaders, transportation planners, parks and wildlife leaders and community leaders find and implement proven strategies for helping make exercise and physical activity a health priority throughout the State of Texas.
2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
John P. McGovern Professor in Health Promotion and Austin Regional Dean, Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences
Director, Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living
Associate Professor, Health Promotion & Behavioral Sciences
CO-CREATE
The CO-CREATE study aims to prevent overweight and obesity in adolescents by providing knowledge and infrastructure on policies to support making the healthiest choices the preferred ones.
Mapping Opportunities to Reduce Fatal & Serious Injuries on Roadways in Austin, Texas: Engaging Young People in Action Planning to Advance Vision Zero
This one-year community-engaged assessment study aims to inform intervention planning to reduce fatal and serious injuries on roadways among higher risk communities within the Austin area.
Texas Childhood Obesity Prevention Policy Evaluation (T-COPPE)
This project is a collaborative effort that will study the impact of two recent policies: the Safe Routes to School program and an important rule revision to the federal food allocation package administered by the Texas Women, Infants and Children program.
Texas Coronavirus Antibody Response Survey (TX CARES)
The Texas Coronavirus Antibody Response Survey (TX CARES) project was designed in response to the pandemic to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV (coronavirus) antibody status across Texas.
Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Partnership
The Texas Mother-Friendly Worksite Technical Assistance Partnership was established to provide technical assistance and support to worksites across the state of Texas who are seeking Mother-Friendly designation, a designation which demonstrates a basic level of support for nursing mothers in the workplace
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