Advancing the use of evidence-based decision-making in local health departments with systems science methodologies

Y. Li, N. Kong, M. Lawley, L. Weiss and J.A. PagÁn

American Journal of Public Health, 2015, vol. 105, S217-S222

Abstract: Objectives: We assessed how systems science methodologies might be used to bridge resource gaps at local health departments (LHDs) so that they might better implement evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) to address population health challenges. Methods: We used the New York Academy of Medicine Cardiovascular Health Simulation Model to evaluate the results of a hypothetical program that would reduce the proportion of people smoking, eating fewer than 5 fruits and vegetables per day, being physically active less than 150 minutes per week, and who had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or greater. We used survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to evaluate health outcomes and validate simulation results. Results: Smoking rates and the proportion of the population with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or greater would have decreased significantly with implementation of the hypothetical program (P < .001). Two areas would have experienced a statistically significant reduction in the local population with diabetes between 2007 and 2027 (P < .05). Conclusions: The use of systems science methodologies might be a novel and efficient way to systematically address a number of EBDM adoption barriers at LHDs.

Keywords: adult; chronic disease; decision making; diet; evidence based practice; exercise; female; government; health behavior; human; male; middle aged; public health service; smoking; system analysis; theoretical model; United States, Adult; Chronic Disease; Decision Making; Diet; Evidence-Based Practice; Exercise; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Local Government; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Theoretical; New York; Public Health Practice; Smoking; Systems Analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2014.302077_1

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302077

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