Understanding Cost Variations in

FRONTIERS IN PHSSR ABSTRACTS

What Influences the Use of Administrative Evidence-Based Practices in Local Health Departments? Originally published as: Duggan K, Allen P, Brownson R, et al. What influences the use of administrative evidence-based practices in local health departments? Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research. 2014;3(4):Article 1. PDF available at: http://uknowledge. uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1107&context=frontiersinphssr.

Kathleen Duggan, Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO Peg Allen, Washington University in St Louis, Brown School, Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, MO Ross Brownson, Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO Paul C. Erwin, Department of Public Health, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Robert Fields, Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO Rodrigo S. Reis, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná Carson Smith, Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, MO Katherine Stamatakis, College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University Evidence based public health (EBPH) in local health departments (LHDs) is a process that involves translating the best available scientific evidence into practice. However, EBPH and implementation of evidence based programs and policies in LHDs are not widespread. This report outlines the patterns and predictors of the use of administrative evidence based practices (A-EBPs) in a national sample of LHD directors. LHDs can improve performance, prepare for accreditation and ultimately improve community health by utilizing an administrative evidence based process. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302574e3.1

Understanding Cost Variations in STD Service Delivery as State and Federal Agencies Reduce Funding Originally published as: Livingood WC, Bilello L, Sorensen B. Understanding cost variations in STD service delivery as state and federal agencies reduce funding. Frontiers in Public Health Services and Systems Research. 2014;3(4):Article 4. PDF available at: http://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/ viewcontent.cgi?article=1117&context=frontiersinphssr.

William C. Livingood, University of Florida/CHEQR Lori Bilello, University of Florida Bonita Sorensen, Florida Department of Health Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) continue to be a major health problem in the U.S. Despite the persistence of STDs and the critical role of the public health sector in controlling these diseases, STD services continue to be reduced. A linear regression was performed using county demographic and cost variables. Many of these variables in county public health agencies and the populations they serve were not significantly correlated with cost of service. However, the availability of local tax funding for county health departments (CHDs), which varies extensively across counties within the state, is statistically linked to higher STD expenditure per case. County STD rates were also negatively correlated with cost of service. As the STD rate increases, the cost per STD case decreases implying some economies of scale. County population size did not have any effect on the cost per case. Understanding the factors contributing to the unit costs of STD services is critical to be able to make actionable and prudent decisions about continued financial support for public health agency based STD prevention/control services. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302574e3.2

March 2015, Vol 105, No. 3 | American Journal of Public Health

Frontiers in PHSSR Abstracts | e3