Latest Publication Announcements

Women's Health Issues: Federal Support for Family Planning Clinics Associated with Dramatic Gains in Cervical Cancer Screening

Author: Sayeh S. Nikpay, PhD, MPH
 
 Abstract
 Background
 
 Since the 1990s, policymakers have successfully increased cervical cancer screening through federal and state public policies. However, the most dramatic gains in Pap smear use occurred in the 1960's and 70's, during the establishment of federal support for family planning clinics through the War on Poverty and Title X. This study estimated the effect of this support on cervical cancer screening, and quantified its role in dramatic increases in Pap smear use.
 
 Methods

Medical Care: Role of Geography and Nurse Practitioner Scope-of-Practice in Efforts to Expand Primary Care System Capacity: Health Reform and the Primary Care Workforce

Authors: Graves, John A. PhD; Mishra, Pranita MPP; Dittus, Robert S. MD, MPH; Parikh, Ravi MD, MPH; Perloff, Jennifer PhD; Buerhaus, Peter I. PhD, RN, FAAN​
 
 Objective: We investigated whether geographic accessibility to primary care clinicians (PCCs) differed across urban and rural areas and across states with more or less restrictive scope-of-practice laws.

American Journal of Public Health: Health Care Disparities in the Post–Affordable Care Act Era

Abstract: Disparities in health care have been targeted for elimination by federal agen- cies and professional orga- nizations, including the American Public Health As- sociation. Although the Af- fordable Care Act (ACA) provides a valuable first step in reducing the disparities gap, progress is contingent upon whether opportunities in the ACA help or hinder populations at risk for im- paired health and limited access to medical care. (Am J Public Health. 2015;105: S665–S667. doi:10.2105/ AJPH.2015.302611) 

HSR: The Effects of Medicaid Eligibility on Mental Health Services and Out-of-Pocket Spending for Mental Health Services

Principal Findings
 
 Medicaid expansions significantly increased health insurance coverage and reduced out-of-pocket spending on mental health services for low-income adults. Effects of expanded Medicaid eligibility on out-of-pocket spending were strongest for adults with psychological distress. Expanding Medicaid eligibility did not significantly increase the use of mental health services.
 
 Authors:
 
 Ezra Golberstein Ph.D.1,* and
 Gilbert Gonzales M.H.A.2