Public Data for Public Health: Applications to NYC

A hour-long virtual seminar where master or Ph.D. students in Biostatistics at the NYU School of Global Public Health (GPH) will present ongoing research into New York City. The speakers’ list and title of their talks are (with a brief description for each):
– NATHANIEL MAXEY (A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF NEW YORK CITY’S SODIUM WARNING REGULATION AND HYPERTENSION PREVALENCE, 2005-2020):
– In 2015, New York City required chain restaurants to label high-sodium menu items to raise awareness of health risks like high blood pressure and heart disease. This study analyzed community health data from 2005 to 2020 to assess whether hypertension rates changed after the regulation took effect in 2017.
– ZHIYUAN NING (RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CYCLING AND THE PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION AMONG ADULTS IN NEW YORK CITY):
– Hypertension affects nearly half of U.S. adults, but regular physical activity, like cycling, may help manage blood pressure. This study analyzed New York City health data and found that people who cycle more frequently are less likely to have hypertension, highlighting cycling as a potential non-medication approach for blood pressure control and public health policy. (Data: NEW YORK CITY COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEY)
– ANNIE QIU (ANALYZING POTENTIAL DIFFERENCES FROM INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT SATISFACTION AMONG SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER MINORITY (SGM) ONCOLOGY PATIENTS BETWEEN 2021-2023 IN A LARGE SINGLE-CENTER, RESEARCH-ORIENTED, URBAN CANCER CENTER OF THE UNITED STATES NORTHEAST):
– This study aims to assess the experiences of sexual orientation and gender minority (SGM) oncology patients using HCAHPS and Press Ganey surveys to evaluate inpatient and outpatient care quality. By analyzing survey responses from 2021 to 2023 at a major urban cancer center, the study will use factor analysis, POMP scoring, and multiple regression to identify predictors of patient satisfaction, ultimately informing institutional improvements and addressing disparities in SGM patient care. (Data: HCAHPS questionnaire)
– ANGEL SINGH (TIMING OF NONCARDIAC SURGERY AND PERIOPERATIVE MAJOR ADVERSE EVENTS AFTER CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS):
– Patients with heart disease face significant risks when undergoing noncardiac surgery, especially after recent heart procedures like stent placement or valve repair. This study examines the safest time to schedule surgery after these interventions and evaluates the risk of major heart complications at different time intervals, helping improve surgical guidelines and patient outcomes.
– ADEEBA TAK (ENERGY USAGE, ENERGY EFFICIENCY & GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS IN NEW YORK CITY BUILDINGS)
– New York City’s buildings account for nearly two-thirds of its greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to air pollution and climate-related risks. Using machine learning models, this study analyzes energy usage and forecasts emissions in new constructions, highlighting the urgent need for stronger sustainability measures and improved energy policies.