Defining methodologic and other core competencies for PhD-level training in epidemiology.

In this manuscript, we present the results of a series of workshops convened in conjunction with the 2023 Society for Epidemiologic Research (SER) annual meeting. The overall objective of the workshops was to develop a set of core competencies for PhD students in epidemiology. The topics presented in the lists of competencies are organized using a framework similar to many graduate programs in epidemiology, proceeding from basic to advanced topics.

State adoption of paid sick leave and cardiovascular disease mortality among adults in the United States, 2008-2019.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in the United States and may be prevented through improved working conditions. The United States does not guarantee paid sick leave (PSL) at the federal level. We used quasi-experimental event study methods to examine the relationship between state-level PSL policies and county-level CVD mortality among working-age adults aged 15 to 64 over time (2008 to 2019).

Associations between sodium, potassium, and blood pressure: results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a prospective cohort study.

Background: Although the subject of numerous studies, the associations between dietary sodium, potassium, and the ratio of dietary sodium to potassium with blood pressure are not clear-cut. In addition, there is a paucity of research on these relationships in prospective cohort studies with representation from diverse Hispanic/Latino adults.

Objectives: To evaluate the associations between dietary intake of sodium, potassium, and the ratio of dietary sodium to potassium and blood pressure in a diverse sample of Hispanics living in the United States.

Are cultural or psychosocial factors associated with patient-reported outcomes at the conclusion of kidney transplant evaluation?

Background: Kidney transplant evaluation (KTE) is a period marked by many stressors for patients, which may lead to poorer patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Research on the association of cultural and psychosocial factors with PROs during KTE is lacking, even though cultural and psychosocial variables may mitigate the relationship between acceptance status and PROs.

Methods: Using a prospective cohort study of 955 adults referred for KTE, we examined whether cultural factors and psychosocial characteristics, assessed at the initiation of KTE, are associated with PROs at KTE completion, controlling for demographics and medical factors.

Associations of sodium and potassium intake with chronic kidney disease in a prospective cohort study: findings from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, 2008-2017.

Background: According to dietary recommendations, reduction of sodium intake has potential to reduce Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) risk; however the role of dietary potassium and the sodium -to- potassium ratio in the development of CKD is unclear.

Methods: We studied 9778 participants of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) from four US urban communities. Participants were aged 18-74 yrs.

Association of negative financial shocks during the Great Recession with depressive symptoms and substance use in the USA: the CARDIA study.

Background: The Great Recession of 2008 was marked by large increases in unemployment and decreases in the household wealth of many Americans. In the 21st century, there have also been increases in depressive symptoms, alcohol use and drug use among some groups in the USA. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate the influence of negative financial shocks incurred during the Great Recession on depressive symptoms, alcohol and drug use.

Association of traumatic brain injury with dementia and memory decline in older adults in the United States.

Introduction: To examine associations of history of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) with loss of consciousness (LOC) with dementia incidence and memory decline.

Methods: We studied 2718 participants from the 1992 enrollment cohort of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) aged 65 years or older in 2000. History of TBI with LOC was self-reported in 1992.

Racial discrimination in medical care settings and opioid pain reliever misuse in a U.S. cohort: 1992 to 2015.

Background: In the United States whites are more likely to misuse opioid pain relievers (OPRs) than blacks, and blacks are less likely to be prescribed OPRs than whites. Our objective is to determine whether racial discrimination in medical settings is protective for blacks against OPR misuse, thus mediating the black-white disparities in OPR misuse.

Methods: We used data from 3528 black and white adults in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, an ongoing multi-site cohort.

Relation between 20-year income volatility and brain health in midlife: The CARDIA study.

Objective: Income volatility presents a growing public health threat. To our knowledge, no previous study examined the relationship among income volatility, cognitive function, and brain integrity.

Methods: We studied 3,287 participants aged 23-35 years in 1990 from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults prospective cohort study.

Associations of Income Volatility With Incident Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality in a US Cohort.

Background: Income volatility is on the rise and presents a growing public health problem. Because in many epidemiological studies income is measured at a single point in time, the association of long-term income volatility with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality has not been adequately explored. The goal of this study was to examine associations of income volatility from 1990 to 2005 with incident CVD and all-cause mortality in the subsequent 10 years.