RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY

Introduction
Involved Researchers

Today, epidemiology is widely used in conjunction with non-infectious diseases. In its original meaning, however, the term epidemiology was exclusively used for infectious diseases. During an early phase, epidemiology served as a tool to identify causes of infectious disease, but with the enormous progress in laboratory-based microbiology around the turn of the 19^th to the 20^th century that function became less important.
The primary goal of modern infectious disease epidemiology is therefore not to incriminate potential causes of disease; modern diagnostic laboratories have a phenomenal arsenal of microbiological and molecular techniques to identify microorganisms. Nowadays, infectious disease epidemiology fundamentally deals with questions about conditions for disease emergence, spread and persistence. The methods employed range from field investigations, to laboratory studies and mathematical and/or statistical analyses. The resulting insights inform important health policies such as regarding vaccination and are crucial in our preparation for emerging threads such as an impending influenza pandemic or novel infectious agents.

Involved Researchers:
David Parker - Ph.D. student
Myriam E. Torres Ph.D., MSPH

Case Management Services for Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS and Disabilities
David Parker (PI & Program Director)
March 2007 - June 2008
Healing Properties, Inc.
Provide public health based case management for homeless persons with disabilities

Estonian Public Health Services Program
David Parker (PI)
January 2008 - December 2008
Estonian National Institiute for Health Development
Provide public health and epidemiologic consultancy services to design and implement HIV prevention programmes, including partner notification and HIV rapid testing services. Includes public health programme training.

Empowering Latinas to Lash Out Against AIDS/STIs (ELLAS)
Myriam E. Torres Ph.D., MSPH (PI)
2007 - 2011
National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STDS and TB Prevention/CDC
Goal: To develop and pilot test a perinatal HIV prevention program for Latinas in SC. Initially, we will conduct a cross-sectional study utilizing a survey with pregnant Latinas to gather data regarding their knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about HIV/AIDS transmission, intention to take an HIV test and knowledge about the testing and counseling being offered and administered by health care providers. The survey will also explore the sources Latina women prefer to use to obtain messages on HIV testing and education. In addition, we will use focus groups to explore more in-depth factors and possible barriers related to a Latina’s decision to seek early prenatal care (during the first trimester) and to take the HIV test during her pregnancy. We will also conduct interviews with health care providers to determine any perceived barriers to counseling and administering the HIV (and other STI) test to pregnant Latinas in South Carolina. Based on the formative assessment, we will develop and pilot test the ELLAS Program. Culturally tailored materials such as Spanish videos on the benefits of early prenatal care and HIV testing to prevent perinatal transmission will be developed for use by the health care providers, culturally appropriate materials and messages will also be developed for dissemination among the Latino communities and a training will be created to assist health care facilities provide culturally appropriate care to their pregnant Latina patients.