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Research brief: Immunization, surveillance, and child health studies for Scott County Health Department
These five recent studies were selected because they align closely with Scott County Health Department’s priorities: immunizations for children and adults, communicable disease tracking and education, and children’s health assessments (including KanBeHealthy). Each study offers actionable evidence on vaccine uptake drivers, surveillance improvements, foodborne and substance-related presentations, screening program impact, or family engagement strategies relevant to local public health programming.
Structural Sexism and HPV vaccination among US adolescents.
Using 2022–2023 National Immunization Survey–Teen data (N=32,611), the study found that adolescents living in states with higher measured levels of structural sexism had lower odds of initiating and being up to date on HPV vaccination. A one standard deviation increase in the structural sexism index was associated with about 10% lower odds of initiation and 13% lower odds of being up to date for males, with similar reductions for females.
Why it matters for Scott County Health Department
This is directly relevant to Scott County Health Department’s adolescent immunization work because it highlights how state- and community-level social factors can suppress HPV uptake even when services are available. Findings suggest the department may need to consider equity-focused outreach and collaboration with schools and clinics to address barriers beyond access, and to monitor local vaccination differences by gender and other social indicators. READ THE STUDY: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5805602
Trends in Emergency Department Visits Involving Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome Identified Using a New Diagnosis Code – United States, January 2023-May 2026.
After a CHS-specific ICD-10 code was introduced on Oct 1, 2025, reported ED visits coded for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome rose sharply (about 3.7 times the prior monthly average), likely reflecting improved recognition and coding rather than a true sudden incidence increase. Higher proportions were observed among persons aged 15–24 years and females, and authors recommend enhanced clinician education, routine cannabis use assessment in EDs, and strengthened surveillance.
Why it matters for Scott County Health Department
Although CHS is not a communicable disease, the study is relevant to Scott County Health Department’s surveillance and education priority because it shows how changes in coding and clinical recognition can reveal previously underestimated health burdens among adolescents and young adults. Local ED partners and school-based health education efforts could benefit from updated clinician training and targeted youth messaging about risks of frequent cannabis use. READ THE STUDY: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/75/wr/pdfs/mm7530a2-H.pdf
Kudoa septempunctata Parasite-Associated Foodborne Disease Outbreaks, South Korea, 2015-2024.
Analysis of national surveillance data found a large decline in reported Kudoa septempunctata–associated foodborne disease cases and affected municipalities during the COVID-19 period, with limited recovery through 2024; results are consistent with restaurant-based raw fish consumption as the principal transmission pathway. The study emphasizes transmission linked to a specific food practice and the utility of surveillance to track changing patterns.
Why it matters for Scott County Health Department
For Scott County Health Department’s communicable disease tracking and food safety education, this study reinforces the value of routine surveillance and targeted messaging when particular food practices drive risk. Even though the parasite findings are from South Korea, the operational lesson—use surveillance data to identify high-risk settings (e.g., restaurants serving raw fish) and tailor inspection and public education efforts—can inform local foodborne illness prevention and traveler-advice materials. READ THE STUDY: https://doi.org/10.3201/eid3208.260653
Colorectal Cancer Mortality Following an Organized Fecal Immunochemical Test-Based Screening Program.
A population-based cohort analysis from the Basque Country (2004–2024) found that organized, biennial single-sample FIT screening for ages 50–69 was associated with a sustained decline in colorectal cancer mortality—about a 50% decline in that age group—and earlier-stage detection for most screen-detected cancers. Counterfactual analyses estimated roughly a 46% relative reduction in CRC mortality attributable to the screening program.
Why it matters for Scott County Health Department
Scott County Health Department’s adult preventive services and community outreach could use these results to support local promotion of CRC screening among eligible adults, integrating messaging into existing adult immunization or clinic-based contacts. The study underscores the potential population health impact of organized, partnership-based screening efforts and may inform coordination with primary care providers and local health systems to increase FIT uptake and follow-up. READ THE STUDY: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.26951
Engaging Families in Pediatric Care Management: A Qualitative Study From the North Carolina Integrated Care for Kids Model.
Qualitative interviews with 50 Medicaid-eligible families in the NC InCK model identified facilitators (clear tailored explanations, flexible scheduling, strong relationships with care managers) and barriers (caregiver self-reliance, confusion about program scope, competing demands) to enrollment and retention in pediatric care management. Many caregivers who disengaged later requested re-enrollment, suggesting outreach and clearer messaging can change participation.
Why it matters for Scott County Health Department
These findings are directly applicable to Scott County Health Department’s KanBeHealthy and other early childhood assessment programs because they identify practical, evidence-based steps to increase family enrollment and retention: simplify eligibility messaging, offer flexible contact options, and invest in care manager communication skills. Applying these strategies can improve coverage of assessments and follow-up for children served by the department. READ THE STUDY: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13334459/
Across these studies, common themes for Scott County Health Department are clear: strengthen surveillance and clinical recognition, center equity and social-context barriers in vaccination work, and design communication and service delivery to be flexible and relationship-focused. These approaches support the department’s priorities in immunizations, communicable disease education, and child health assessments.
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