The Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL) maintains a collection of the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), which collects and analyzes data from the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on epidemiology and public health. Each issue of the MMWR is packed with raw and analyzed public health data and scientific studies from some of the top minds in the United States. Below we highlight some of the most current and informative studies included in their weekly reports.
Here are some important articles you may have missed from Volume 72, Issues 42-45 of the Centers for Disease Control’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Series.
Featured Article:
“Arthritis Prevalence Among Veterans — United States, 2017–2021“
This study analyzes 2017–2021 data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to estimate arthritis prevalence among U.S. military veterans. Approximately one-third of veterans have diagnosed arthritis, with higher prevalence among women, younger veterans, and those with disabilities, at nearly twice the rate of the general public (for ages 18-44). The findings suggest a need for “a comprehensive understanding of arthritis prevalence” in order to “guide strategic partnership development and equitable resource allocation for delivery of arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based interventions to veterans.”
Featured Article:
This report reviews data from the General Social Survey Quality of Worklife Module to compare mental health symptoms among U.S. health care workers from 2018-2022. In 2022, health workers reported increased poor mental health days and burnout compared to 2018. Positive working conditions, trust in management, supervisor support, sufficient time for work, and workplace support were associated with lower burnout odds. The findings emphasize the mental health crisis among health workers and highlight the importance of positive working conditions.
Featured Article:
“Early Detection and Surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant BA.2.86 — Worldwide, July–October 2023“
Early detection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) variants is crucial for risk assessment and public health response. The CDC’s multicomponent surveillance, including genomic, wastewater, traveler-based, and digital surveillance, tracked the BA.2.86 variant. Detected first in Israel in August 2023, it was discovered in the U.S. by August 17. Surveillance systems provide critical data for risk communication and public health actions, emphasizing the need for diverse surveillance to address emerging variants and future threats.
Featured Article:
This article discusses the updates in COVID-19 vaccination policies in the United States as of September 2023. It highlights the approval of updated mRNA vaccines to enhance immunity against current SARS-CoV-2 variants. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends these vaccines for all individuals aged 6 months and older. The decision for this approval is based on evolving virus variants, waning vaccine effectiveness, and the aim to provide continued protection against severe outcomes.
For more information on COVID, visit HSDL’s COVID-19 Resource Archive. You can also find pandemic-related resources in HSDL’s In Focus on Pandemics and Epidemics, and search our statistical resources related to public health.
