Epidemiology News

Chi-Chi's mixed legacy: Hepatitis A outbreak of 2003 left a trail of misery —and also helped to change America’s approach to food safety

“That has totally changed the epidemiology,” said Professor of Epidemiology, Lee Harrison. “If you look at the recommendation that was made in 2006, they actually cite this and other outbreaks. Just focusing on those who were high risk was not very effective.”

Interactive data story capturing the impact of the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Project

The evaluation team at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Health Equity is proud to have been a leader in building this collaboration in the Pittsburgh region.

Japanese longevity is seen in Blue Zones — and on a Mt. Lebanon bocce court

It’s that cultural pattern, started early in life and represented to younger generations, that catches the attention of Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Andrea Rosso.

New approach assesses frailty in older adults on a continuum

“By determining where patients fall on the continuum of frailty to vigor, we hope to better predict their resilience to stress, such as recovery from surgery," said Professor of Epidemiology Anne Newman.

WTAE Listens: Medical breakthroughs in Pittsburgh

WTAE Listens puts the focus on two medical breakthroughs in Pittsburgh: the polio vaccine and organ transplantation.

To boost Black vaccination rates, Pitt study advises focusing on people's concerns

The results show that people have lingering concerns that remain unanswered and need to be taken seriously, said lead author Ashley Hill, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology.

Pitt Public Health researchers uncovered new genetic traits influencing Alzheimer's risk

Led by Ilyas Kamboh, professor of human genetics and epidemiology, the group found that, in addition to known gene variants associated with disease risk, there are at least 15 more variations in the APOE. 

Black Equity Coalition (BEC) Receives Grant from The de Beaumont Foundation

$1.1 million awarded for three years to BEC’s Data Justice Workgroup.

A $1.1 million grant from the de Beaumont Foundation is enabling the Black Equity Coalition’s Data Justice Workgroup to pursue data-driven initiatives with the City of Pittsburgh that advance racial justice and health equity among   the city’s Black communities,

A Pennsylvania study suggests links between fracking and asthma, lymphoma in children

The taxpayer-funded research by the University of Pittsburgh adds to a body of evidence suggesting links between the gas industry and certain health problems.

Tackling disparities: 3 ways to encourage flu shots in Black Allegheny County communities

Local data on these disparities is not easily accessible, said Department of Epidemiology professor Tiffany Gary-Webb.

How ‘fit’ is Pittsburgh? The American College of Sports Medicine has the answer.

In her research, Rockette-Wagner and her collaborators look at social-cognitive theory-based approaches to why people are or aren’t more active.

Study looks at race-ethnicity-gender disparities in statin use

Current epidemiology MPH student David Frank and colleagues estimated disparities in statin use by race-ethnicity-gender.

Pitt’s gateway to Africa: Opening doors in Senegal

“Having this group and traveling professionally was very different for me, but it was also wonderful because of the openness that everyone had," said Tiffany Gary-Webb.

Pitt Public Health epidemiologist collaborates with schools and advocacy group to support comprehensive sexuality education

“I focus on the social environment: decision-makers, policies and how they influence our lives,” said Dr. Ashley Hill

Millions of people enter later life carrying an extra 10 to 15 pounds. Should they lose the weight?

Since older adults have less muscle to begin with, “if they want to lose weight, they need to be willing at the same time to increase physical activity,” said Dr. Anne Newman