Chronic Disease, Part I

This two-part issue of the Journal focuses on chronic diseases and interventions. In part 1, we delve into key chronic diseases – asthma, cardiac diseases, obesity, diabetes, and CKD, as well as the role of vaccinations in populations affected by them. The important roles of primary care and nursing care are highlighted as well. We also have a special insert on Teen Perceptions of Sexuality which, needless to say, does not directly relate to chronic disease, but does impact pathways to HIV/AIDS. While we have significant health challenges in Delaware, we also have incredible strengths.

The second of the two-issue series will discuss statewide initiatives from the public, non-profit and private sectors.  Look for that issue to be published in the third week of April. We will include the work of the health systems as exemplified by CareLink; community approaches to diabetes prevention; and the critical foundational role played by collaborative efforts and institutions such as the University of Delaware, Christiana Care, and the ACCEL research program. We close by circling back to the vision of our state’s public health department in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Article 1. In this Issue
Omar A. Khan, MD, MHS; Timothy E. Gibbs, MPH; and Deborah P. Brown, BS, MS

Article 2. Delaware Survey of Children’s Health: Childhood Asthma in Delaware
Zhongcui Gao, MS; Marlon Satchell, MPH; Danielle Haley, MPH; and Kristina Olson, MHS

Article 3. Asthma, a Comprehensive Clinical View
Andrew Weinstein, MD

Article 4. Partners in Research: Developing a Patient-Centered Research Agenda for Chronic Kidney Disease
Claudine Jurkovitz, MD, MPH; Sarahfaye F. Dolman, MPH, MTA; Holly Archinal

Article 5. Cardiovascular Disease in Delaware
Edward Goldenberg, MD, FACC; Elisabeth G. Bradley, MS, APRN; Denise Taylor, MS, RD; and Janice Anderson, MSN

Article 6. Arthritis and its Public Health Burden
Guy S. Eakin, PhD; Kayla L. Amodeo, PhD; Randeep S. Kahlon, MD

Article 7. Vaccines and Chronic Disease
Katherine W. Smith, MD, MPH

Article 8. Cook Fresh: Feasibility and Acceptability of Teaching Cooking Skills to Adolescents with Obesity
Michell Fullmer, RD, LDN, CSP, CNSC; Mary Stephens, MD, MPH; P. Babu Balagopal, PhD; Karen Anthony, MS; and Sandra Hassink, MD, MSc, FAAP

Article 9. Diabetes in Delaware: What’s Social Support Got to Do With It?
Madeline Brooks, BA

Article 10. Teen Perceptions of Sexual Activity: Influences, Consequences, Realities, and Thoughts on Safe Sexual Health Practices
Judith W. Herrman, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN

Article 11. A Primary Care Nursing Perspective on Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Cynthia D. Griffin, MS, BSN, RN, CPHQ, CCM

Article 12. The Role of Primary Care Physicians in Managing Chronic Disease
Margot Savoy, MD, MPH, FAAFP, FABC, CPE, CMQ, FAAPL; Colleen Hazlett-O’Brien, DO; Jamie Rapacciuolo, DO

Article 13. Medical, Dental and Nursing Memorabilia
Brian A. Little, MD, PhD and Kathryn Lenart, BA