Janani Rajbhandari‐Thapa
Biographic Data
| ID | 7746336 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Janani Rajbhandari‐Thapa |
| GIVEN NAMES | Janani |
| FAMILY NAME | Rajbhandari‐Thapa |
| SIGNATURE | THAPA J R |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Georgia |
| VERIFIED | No |
| TOTAL WORKS | 21 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 0 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 21 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2017 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 0 |
Barriers to Covid-19 Vaccination and Perceptions Around Vaccination Uptake Strategies Among African Americans Living in the US South
Physical activity level among male and female middle to high school students and impact of perceived school climate
Background Physical activity levels are declining among middle and high school students, and schools could provide an ideal space for engaging adolescents in physical activity. The study aimed to assess physical activity levels among male and female middle to high school students and the impact of perceived school climate. Methods This longitudinal study utilized the Georgia Student Health Survey (GSHS) from 2016 to 2020, with change in the propo…
Evaluating access to psychosocial services for the medicaid-insured children in Georgia
The main source of network inadequacy was the scarcity of MH providers available to Medicaid-insured children in Georgia, coming from both the limited caseload of existing MH providers and low Medicaid participation, rather than travel constraints. Increasing provider caseload and expanding Medicaid participation were found to reduce unmet demand. Interventions increasing caseloads were the most effective intervention since existing Medicaid-part…
Prospective association of adverse childhood experiences and social support with all-cause mortality among young adults in the USA
Background This study examined the independent effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and social support on all-cause mortality among US young adults and assessed whether social support modified the ACEs–mortality association. Methods We used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a population-based prospective US cohort. Our study sample included 12 421 children and adolescents aged 11–17 years at basel…
Influence of biopsychosocial factors on self-reported anxiety/depression symptoms among first-generation immigrant population in the U.S
The findings reveal significant burden of anxiety and depression among first-generation population in the U.S., with higher risks among subgroups like young adults, females, sexual minorities, and non-Hispanic White and other/multi-racial individuals. Additionally, individuals with lower life satisfaction scores, limited social/emotional support, or healthcare utilization in the past one or two years present increased risk. These findings highlig…
Spatiotemporal Optimization for the Placement of Automated External Defibrillators Using Mobile Phone Data
With over 350,000 cases occurring each year, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a severe public health concern in the United States. The correct and timely use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) has been widely acknowledged as an effective measure to improve the survival rate of OHCA. While general guidelines have been provided by the American Heart Association (AHA) for AED deployment, the lack of detailed instructions hinder…
Measuring and Mapping Physical Activity Disparity (PAD) Index Based on Physical Activity Environment for Children
Physical activity (PA) plays a vital role in children’s physical and mental health. The built, natural, and socio-demographic environmental variables affect children’s PA behaviors in various ways. However, few studies focus on systematically measuring the environmental spatiality to enhance PA research. We propose a Physical activity Access Disparity (PAD) index for children. This study aims to design, test, and apply an integrated approach to t…
School climate‐related determinants of physical activity among high school girls and boys
INTRODUCTION: In the United States, physical activity (PA) among adolescents is declining; 75% of high school students do not meet daily PA guidelines. Low rates of PA are more prevalent among high school girls. Schools provide an optimal environment to target and promote PA. However, school climate has not yet been studied for its importance in promoting PA among high school students, particularly girls. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was c…
Household profiles of neglected tropical disease symptoms among children
Background: While malaria and neglected tropical disease (NTD) morbidity and mortality rates among children <5 years old have decreased through public health efforts in the United Republic of Tanzania, associations between household environments and disease outcomes are relatively unknown. Methods: We conducted latent class analysis (LCA) on 2015-2016 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey data from mothers with children <5 years old (N = 10 233) to …
A Time-Varying Effect Model (TVEM) of the Complex Association of Tobacco Use and Smoke Exposure on Mean Telomere Length
Telomere length is affected by lifestyle and environmental factors and varies between racial and ethnic groups; however, studies are limited, with mixed findings. This study examined the effects of tobacco use and smoke exposure on mean telomere length to identify critical age periods by race/ethnicity. We used time-varying effect modeling on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for continuous years 1999-2002 to observe the effect…
Rurality and Origin–Destination Trajectories of Medical School Application and Matriculation in the United States
Physician shortages are more pronounced in rural than in urban areas. The geography of medical school application and matriculation could provide insights into geographic differences in physician availability. Using data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), we conducted geospatial analyses, and developed origin–destination (O–D) trajectories and conceptual graphs to understand the root cause of rural physician shortages. Geog…
Trends in Medical School Application and Matriculation Rates Across the United States From 2001 to 2015
PURPOSE: Socioeconomic and geographic determinants of medical school application and matriculation may help explain the unequal distribution of physicians in the United States. This study describes trends in MD-granting medical school application and matriculation rates and explores the relationship between county median family income, proximity to a medical school, and medical school application and matriculation rates. METHOD: Data were obtaine…
Linguistic Isolation and Mortality in Older Mexican Americans
Purpose: Limited English proficiency and increased language isolation are known to be associated with adverse health outcomes. It is not clear how neighborhood-level linguistic isolation may impact individual health and risk of death among Hispanic older adults. We examined the link between living in a linguistically isolated neighborhood and all-cause mortality among an older Mexican American cohort. Methods: Using a longitudinal sample of older…
Using Influenza Vaccination Location Data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to Expand Covid-19 Vaccination Coverage
Effective COVID-19 vaccine distribution requires prioritizing locations that are accessible to high-risk target populations. However, little is known about the vaccination location preferences of individuals with underlying chronic conditions. Using data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we grouped 162,744 respondents into high-risk and low-risk groups for COVID-19 and analyzed the odds of previous influenza vaccin…
Identifying Risk Profiles of Malignant Prostate Cancer Surgical Delay Using a Person-Centered Approach to Understand Prostate Cancer Disparities
Surgical prostate cancer (PCa) treatment delay (TD) may increase the likelihood of recurrence of disease, and influence quality of life as well as survival disparities between Black and White men. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify risk profiles in localized, malignant PCa surgical treatment delays while assessing co-occurring social determinants of health. Profiles were identified by age, marital status, race, county of residence (n…
Non-communicable diseases are key to further narrow gender gap in life expectancy in Shanghai, China
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have made GGLE enter a plateau phase from a descent phase in Shanghai, China. Public efforts to reduce excess mortalities for male NCDs, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes in particular and health policies focused on the middle-aged and elderly population might further narrow GGLE. This will also ensure improvements in health and health equity in Shanghai China
Implementation of a Statewide Policy Mandating School-Based Fitness Assessment Screening, Georgia
Objectives. To evaluate the statewide implementation of childhood fitness assessment and reporting in Georgia. Methods. We collected survey data from 1683 (919 valid responses from a random-digit-dialed survey and 764 valid responses from a Qualtrics panel) parents of public school students in Georgia in 2018. Results. Most parents reported that their child participated in fitness assessments at school, yet only 31% reported receiving results. If…
Evaluating the Impact of Improving Access on Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in a Rural Community in Texas
Purpose: Most residents in rural regions of the United States consume fewer amounts of fruits and vegetables (FVs) compared with their urban counterparts. Difficulties in access to FVs often contribute to different consumption patterns in rural regions, aside from a lack of education or motivation for eating healthy foods. This article uses simulation methods to estimate the relationship between increasing food access and FV consumption levels in…
Physical activity and its correlates among higher secondary school students in an urban district of Nepal
The prevalence estimate of low physical activity among adolescents is high, with higher odds among females. Several different factors are associated with physical activity among males and females, therefore, interventions to promote physical activity in school may need to weigh these factors prior to/during implementation
Preventive Dental Checkups and Their Association With Access to Usual Source of Care Among Rural and Urban Adult Residents
PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the relationship between rural or urban residence and having a usual source of care (USC), and the utilization of preventive dental checkups among adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2012. We performed a logit regression on the relationship between rural and urban residence, having a USC, and having at least 1 dental checkup in the past ye…
Green Space and Adult Obesity in the United States
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Preventive Dental Checkups and Their Association With Access to Usual Source of Care Among Rural and Urban Adult Residents
PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the relationship between rural or urban residence and having a usual source of care (USC), and the utilization of preventive dental checkups among adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2012. We performed a logit regression on the relationship between rural and urban residence, having a USC, and having at least 1 dental checkup in the past ye…
Green Space and Adult Obesity in the United States
Evaluating the Impact of Improving Access on Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in a Rural Community in Texas
Purpose: Most residents in rural regions of the United States consume fewer amounts of fruits and vegetables (FVs) compared with their urban counterparts. Difficulties in access to FVs often contribute to different consumption patterns in rural regions, aside from a lack of education or motivation for eating healthy foods. This article uses simulation methods to estimate the relationship between increasing food access and FV consumption levels in…
Physical activity and its correlates among higher secondary school students in an urban district of Nepal
The prevalence estimate of low physical activity among adolescents is high, with higher odds among females. Several different factors are associated with physical activity among males and females, therefore, interventions to promote physical activity in school may need to weigh these factors prior to/during implementation
Identifying Risk Profiles of Malignant Prostate Cancer Surgical Delay Using a Person-Centered Approach to Understand Prostate Cancer Disparities
Surgical prostate cancer (PCa) treatment delay (TD) may increase the likelihood of recurrence of disease, and influence quality of life as well as survival disparities between Black and White men. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify risk profiles in localized, malignant PCa surgical treatment delays while assessing co-occurring social determinants of health. Profiles were identified by age, marital status, race, county of residence (n…
Non-communicable diseases are key to further narrow gender gap in life expectancy in Shanghai, China
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have made GGLE enter a plateau phase from a descent phase in Shanghai, China. Public efforts to reduce excess mortalities for male NCDs, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes in particular and health policies focused on the middle-aged and elderly population might further narrow GGLE. This will also ensure improvements in health and health equity in Shanghai China
Implementation of a Statewide Policy Mandating School-Based Fitness Assessment Screening, Georgia
Objectives. To evaluate the statewide implementation of childhood fitness assessment and reporting in Georgia. Methods. We collected survey data from 1683 (919 valid responses from a random-digit-dialed survey and 764 valid responses from a Qualtrics panel) parents of public school students in Georgia in 2018. Results. Most parents reported that their child participated in fitness assessments at school, yet only 31% reported receiving results. If…
Rurality and Origin–Destination Trajectories of Medical School Application and Matriculation in the United States
Physician shortages are more pronounced in rural than in urban areas. The geography of medical school application and matriculation could provide insights into geographic differences in physician availability. Using data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), we conducted geospatial analyses, and developed origin–destination (O–D) trajectories and conceptual graphs to understand the root cause of rural physician shortages. Geog…
Trends in Medical School Application and Matriculation Rates Across the United States From 2001 to 2015
PURPOSE: Socioeconomic and geographic determinants of medical school application and matriculation may help explain the unequal distribution of physicians in the United States. This study describes trends in MD-granting medical school application and matriculation rates and explores the relationship between county median family income, proximity to a medical school, and medical school application and matriculation rates. METHOD: Data were obtaine…
Linguistic Isolation and Mortality in Older Mexican Americans
Purpose: Limited English proficiency and increased language isolation are known to be associated with adverse health outcomes. It is not clear how neighborhood-level linguistic isolation may impact individual health and risk of death among Hispanic older adults. We examined the link between living in a linguistically isolated neighborhood and all-cause mortality among an older Mexican American cohort. Methods: Using a longitudinal sample of older…
Using Influenza Vaccination Location Data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to Expand Covid-19 Vaccination Coverage
Effective COVID-19 vaccine distribution requires prioritizing locations that are accessible to high-risk target populations. However, little is known about the vaccination location preferences of individuals with underlying chronic conditions. Using data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), we grouped 162,744 respondents into high-risk and low-risk groups for COVID-19 and analyzed the odds of previous influenza vaccin…
School climate‐related determinants of physical activity among high school girls and boys
INTRODUCTION: In the United States, physical activity (PA) among adolescents is declining; 75% of high school students do not meet daily PA guidelines. Low rates of PA are more prevalent among high school girls. Schools provide an optimal environment to target and promote PA. However, school climate has not yet been studied for its importance in promoting PA among high school students, particularly girls. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was c…
Household profiles of neglected tropical disease symptoms among children
Background: While malaria and neglected tropical disease (NTD) morbidity and mortality rates among children <5 years old have decreased through public health efforts in the United Republic of Tanzania, associations between household environments and disease outcomes are relatively unknown. Methods: We conducted latent class analysis (LCA) on 2015-2016 Tanzania Demographic Health Survey data from mothers with children <5 years old (N = 10 233) to …
A Time-Varying Effect Model (TVEM) of the Complex Association of Tobacco Use and Smoke Exposure on Mean Telomere Length
Telomere length is affected by lifestyle and environmental factors and varies between racial and ethnic groups; however, studies are limited, with mixed findings. This study examined the effects of tobacco use and smoke exposure on mean telomere length to identify critical age periods by race/ethnicity. We used time-varying effect modeling on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for continuous years 1999-2002 to observe the effect…
Spatiotemporal Optimization for the Placement of Automated External Defibrillators Using Mobile Phone Data
With over 350,000 cases occurring each year, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a severe public health concern in the United States. The correct and timely use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) has been widely acknowledged as an effective measure to improve the survival rate of OHCA. While general guidelines have been provided by the American Heart Association (AHA) for AED deployment, the lack of detailed instructions hinder…
Measuring and Mapping Physical Activity Disparity (PAD) Index Based on Physical Activity Environment for Children
Physical activity (PA) plays a vital role in children’s physical and mental health. The built, natural, and socio-demographic environmental variables affect children’s PA behaviors in various ways. However, few studies focus on systematically measuring the environmental spatiality to enhance PA research. We propose a Physical activity Access Disparity (PAD) index for children. This study aims to design, test, and apply an integrated approach to t…
Influence of biopsychosocial factors on self-reported anxiety/depression symptoms among first-generation immigrant population in the U.S
The findings reveal significant burden of anxiety and depression among first-generation population in the U.S., with higher risks among subgroups like young adults, females, sexual minorities, and non-Hispanic White and other/multi-racial individuals. Additionally, individuals with lower life satisfaction scores, limited social/emotional support, or healthcare utilization in the past one or two years present increased risk. These findings highlig…
Physical activity level among male and female middle to high school students and impact of perceived school climate
Background Physical activity levels are declining among middle and high school students, and schools could provide an ideal space for engaging adolescents in physical activity. The study aimed to assess physical activity levels among male and female middle to high school students and the impact of perceived school climate. Methods This longitudinal study utilized the Georgia Student Health Survey (GSHS) from 2016 to 2020, with change in the propo…
Evaluating access to psychosocial services for the medicaid-insured children in Georgia
The main source of network inadequacy was the scarcity of MH providers available to Medicaid-insured children in Georgia, coming from both the limited caseload of existing MH providers and low Medicaid participation, rather than travel constraints. Increasing provider caseload and expanding Medicaid participation were found to reduce unmet demand. Interventions increasing caseloads were the most effective intervention since existing Medicaid-part…
Prospective association of adverse childhood experiences and social support with all-cause mortality among young adults in the USA
Background This study examined the independent effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and social support on all-cause mortality among US young adults and assessed whether social support modified the ACEs–mortality association. Methods We used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a population-based prospective US cohort. Our study sample included 12 421 children and adolescents aged 11–17 years at basel…
Barriers to Covid-19 Vaccination and Perceptions Around Vaccination Uptake Strategies Among African Americans Living in the US South
Medicine (19 works) · Environmental health (15 works) · Demography (13 works) · Gerontology (9 works) · Population (9 works) · Geography (7 works) · Psychology (7 works) · Public health (7 works) · Demography (5 works) · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet (5 works)