Lauren Olsho | Abt Associates (original) (raw)
Papers by Lauren Olsho
Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 2015
National Center For Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Jan 2, 2009
Environmental Health, 2013
Background: Environmental biomonitoring data provide one way to examine race/ethnicity and income... more Background: Environmental biomonitoring data provide one way to examine race/ethnicity and income-related exposure disparity and identify potential environmental justice concerns. Methods: We screened U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2008 biomonitoring data for 228 chemicals for race/ethnicity and income-related disparity. We defined six subgroups by race/ethnicity-Mexican American, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white-and income-Low Income: poverty income ratio (PIR) <2, High Income: PIR ≥ 2. We assessed disparity by comparing the central tendency (geometric mean [GM]) of the biomonitoring concentrations of each subgroup to that of the reference subgroup (non-Hispanic white/ High Income), adjusting for multiple comparisons using the Holm-Bonferroni procedure. Results: There were sufficient data to estimate at least one geometric mean ratio (GMR) for 108 chemicals; 37 had at least one GMR statistically different from one. There was evidence of potential environmental justice concern (GMR significantly >1) for 12 chemicals: cotinine; antimony; lead; thallium; 2,4-and 2,5-dichlorophenol; p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene; methyl and propyl paraben; and mono-ethyl, mono-isobutyl, and mono-n-butyl phthalate. There was also evidence of GMR significantly <1 for 25 chemicals (of which 17 were polychlorinated biphenyls).
PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2000
This report presents the results of an evaluation of federally funded efforts by Alaska State Tro... more This report presents the results of an evaluation of federally funded efforts by Alaska State Troopers and partner agencies to curb the trafficking of alcoholic beverages into isolated villages of rural western Alaska that have local alcohol prohibitions enacted in order to address violence ...
PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2000
This report presents the methodology and findings of an impact evaluation of Youth Crime Watch (Y... more This report presents the methodology and findings of an impact evaluation of Youth Crime Watch (YCW) programs in three Florida school districts (Broward, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties), which implemented school-based YCW crime-prevention activities, including ...
Applied Developmental Science, 2014
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Mar 1, 2010
In the Institute of Medicine (IOM) macronutrient report the Committee recommended a maximal intak... more In the Institute of Medicine (IOM) macronutrient report the Committee recommended a maximal intake of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; or = 25% of energy from added sugars. The primary objectives of this study were to utilize National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to update the reference table data on intake of added sugars from the IOM report and compute food sources of added sugars. We combined data from NHANES with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPyramid Equivalents Database (MPED) and calculated individual added sugars intake as percent of total energy then classified individuals into 8 added sugars percent energy categories, calculated usual intake with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method, and compared intakes to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Nutrients at most risk for inadequacy based on the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) were vitamins E, A, C, and magnesium. Nutrient intake was less with each 5% increase in added sugars intake above 5-10%. Thirteen percent of the population had added sugars intake &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 25%. The mean g-eq added sugars intake of 83.1 g-eq/day and added sugars food sources were comparable to the mid-1990s. Higher added sugars intakes were associated with higher proportions of individuals with nutrient intakes below the EAR, but the overall high calorie and the low quality of the U.S. diet remained the predominant issue. With over 80% of the population at risk for select nutrient inadequacy, guidance may need to focus on targeted healthful diet communication to reach the highest risk demographic groups for specific life stage nutrient inadequacies.
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA, Jan 22, 2015
Falls are physically and financially costly, but may be preventable with targeted intervention. T... more Falls are physically and financially costly, but may be preventable with targeted intervention. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is one potential source of information on fall risk factors among nursing home residents, but its limited breadth and relatively infrequent updates may limit its practical utility. Richer, more frequently updated data from electronic medical records (EMRs) may improve ability to identify individuals at highest risk for falls. The authors applied a repeated events survival model to analyze MDS 3.0 and EMR data for 5129 residents in 13 nursing homes within a single large California chain that uses a centralized EMR system from a leading vendor. Estimated regression parameters were used to project resident fall probability. The authors examined the proportion of observed falls within each projected fall risk decile to assess improvements in predictive power from including EMR data. In a model incorporating fall risk factors from the MDS only, 28.6% of observed fall...
The Administration for Children and Families (DHHS) funded a survey to examine current attitudes ... more The Administration for Children and Families (DHHS) funded a survey to examine current attitudes of adolescents and their parents regarding abstinence knowledge and attitudes. Abt Associates conducted this public opinion survey of a nationally representative matched sample of 1000 adolescents (ages 12 to 18) and their parents in 2008. Overall, parents expressed more conservative attitudes regarding permissible sexual behavior than did the adolescents; for example, 11% of parents said it would be okay for an adolescent to have intercourse before leaving high school as compared with 33% of adolescents. Similar differences were found in parent and adolescent opinions about sexual intercourse if birth control was used or if the adolescent had been dating the same person for over a year. Social and cultural norms significantly predict adolescent and parent attitudes with more permissive views expressed both by and about males than females, and significantly different views by race and et...
To learn about the public's views about abstinence, the Administration for Children and Famil... more To learn about the public's views about abstinence, the Administration for Children and Families funded a survey to examine current attitudes of adolescents and their parents regarding abstinence knowledge and attitudes. Abt Associates conducted this public opinion survey of a nationally representative matched sample of 1000 adolescents (ages 12 to 18) and their parents in 2008. Almost all (94%) of adolescents reported they had learned about at least one of six topics in a class or program: how to behave on dates (39% had learned about this topic), how religious values relate to sexual intercourse (44%), how to have good relationships (62%), waiting to have sexual intercourse until marriage (71%), how babies are made, pregnancy or birth (83%), and how to resist pressures to have sexual intercourse (84%). Exposure to these topics varied by location of the class or program (e.g., school, place of worship, doctor's office, community organization or some other place.) Most messa...
INTRODUCTION: Limited access to healthful foods may contribute to higher obesity rates in underse... more INTRODUCTION: Limited access to healthful foods may contribute to higher obesity rates in underserved urban areas. To increase access to and purchase of fruits and vegetables in three underserved New York City neighborhoods, Health Bucks distributes coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets. SNAP participants receive one 2couponforevery2 coupon for every 2couponforevery5 in benefits spent at participating markets. Additionally, community organizations distribute coupons to clients. We conducted a mixed-methods process and outcome evaluation of Health Bucks. METHODS: Primary data collection activities included on-site environmental assessments and surveys of farmers' market managers, vendors, and shoppers; a web survey of community organizations; a representative telephone survey of Health Bucks neighborhood residents; key informant interviews; shopper focus groups; and vendor telephone discussions. We additionally analyzed impacts using longitudinal data from the 2002-2009 Community H...
Public Health Nutrition, 2015
The present study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmers��� market incentive programme, o... more The present study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmers��� market incentive programme, on awareness of and access to farmers��� markets, and fruit and vegetable purchase and consumption in low-income New York City neighbourhoods. The evaluation used two primary data collection methods: (i) an on-site point-of-purchase survey of farmers��� market shoppers; and (ii) a random-digit-dial telephone survey of residents in neighbourhoods where the programme operates. Additionally, we conducted a quasi-experimental analysis examining differential time trends in consumption before and after programme introduction using secondary Community Health Survey (CHS) data. New York City farmers��� markets and communities. Farmers��� market shoppers (n 2287) completing point-of-purchase surveys in a representative sample of New York City farmers��� markets in 2010; residents (n 1025) completing random-digit-dial telephone survey interviews in 2010; and respondents (n 35 606) completing CHS interviews in 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2009. Greater Health Bucks exposure was associated with: (i) greater awareness of farmers��� markets; (ii) increased frequency and amount of farmers��� market purchases; and (iii) greater likelihood of a self-reported year-over-year increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. However, our CHS analysis did not detect impacts on consumption. While our study provides promising evidence that use of farmers��� market incentives is associated with increased awareness and use of farmers��� markets, additional research is needed to better understand impacts on fruit and vegetable consumption.
Introduction: Under-consumption of fruits and vegetables is common among children, particularly t... more Introduction: Under-consumption of fruits and vegetables is common among children, particularly those from lower-income households. To address this concern, the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) distributes free fruits and vegetable snacks outside school mealtimes in schools with high proportions of low-income students. FFVP aims to increase student intake of fruits and vegetables while helping children learn more healthful eating habits. An important goal of the FFVP is to create a healthier school environment. Methods: We conducted a rigorous evaluation of the FFVP, using a regression discontinuity design in which schools were ranked by the percent of students eligible for free/reduced-price meals (the primary criteria for selecting schools to participate in FFVP). This school-level impact analysis focused on 214 schools in 16 states that were within 2.5% of the state cutoff for receiving FFVP funds. Linear probability and regression models tested the impact of FFVP on...
Background: This study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmer's market incentive coupo... more Background: This study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmer's market incentive coupon program, on individual-level fruit and vegetable access, purchase, and consumption in low-income New York City neighborhoods. Methods: We used three primary data collection methods: (1) an on-site point-of-purchase survey of farmers' market shoppers, (2) a random-digit-dial telephone survey of residents in neighborhoods where the program operates, and (3) farmers' market shopper focus groups. Additionally, we examined differential time trends in consumption before and after program introduction using secondary Community Health Survey data. Results: Greater Health Bucks exposure was associated with (1) greater perceived farmers' market access, and (2) increased frequency and amount of farmers' market purchases. Although Health Bucks users in our two cross-sectional surveys were more likely to report an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption over the last year, our s...
Health Services and Outcomes Research Methodology, 2015
ABSTRACT Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are universally recognized as the preferred way to i... more ABSTRACT Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are universally recognized as the preferred way to infer treatment effects because RCTs typically minimize validity challenges while maximizing estimation efficiency. In practice, simple RCTs—where individual study subjects are assigned to treatment or control status at random—are infeasible when an intervention must be implemented at the cluster level, for example, for all patients within a hospital, or for all residents within a nursing home. An alternative in these situations is a cluster randomization (CR) design, where each cluster is randomly assigned to treatment or control status. While standard principles of randomization still apply, the CR design is less efficient than the simple RCT. In some situations, efficiency of a CR design can be improved by matching clusters, and, within each pair, assigning one cluster to treatment and the other to control status, otherwise known as a pairwise cluster randomization (PCR) design. The choice between CR and PCR is not clear, since the optimal approach depends on information about the intraclass and interclass correlation coefficients, which in practice are rarely known to the evaluator. Theory alone does not provide a concrete answer; however, a Monte Carlo simulation can provide useful evidence at the design stage. This paper demonstrates the utility of the Monte Carlo approach in the context of a planned evaluation of an intervention to reduce falls among nursing home residents and provides recommendations for researchers on key design questions, including the choice between CR and PCR, and selection of parametric or nonparametric estimators.
Preventing Chronic Disease, 2013
One strategy for lowering the prevalence of obesity is to increase access to and affordability of... more One strategy for lowering the prevalence of obesity is to increase access to and affordability of fruits and vegetables through farmers' markets. However, little has been documented in the literature on the implementation of such efforts. To address this gap, the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) sponsored an evaluation of the New York City Health Bucks program, a farmers' market coupon incentive program intended to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved neighborhoods while supporting local farmers.
Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 2015
National Center For Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Jan 2, 2009
Environmental Health, 2013
Background: Environmental biomonitoring data provide one way to examine race/ethnicity and income... more Background: Environmental biomonitoring data provide one way to examine race/ethnicity and income-related exposure disparity and identify potential environmental justice concerns. Methods: We screened U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2008 biomonitoring data for 228 chemicals for race/ethnicity and income-related disparity. We defined six subgroups by race/ethnicity-Mexican American, non-Hispanic black, non-Hispanic white-and income-Low Income: poverty income ratio (PIR) <2, High Income: PIR ≥ 2. We assessed disparity by comparing the central tendency (geometric mean [GM]) of the biomonitoring concentrations of each subgroup to that of the reference subgroup (non-Hispanic white/ High Income), adjusting for multiple comparisons using the Holm-Bonferroni procedure. Results: There were sufficient data to estimate at least one geometric mean ratio (GMR) for 108 chemicals; 37 had at least one GMR statistically different from one. There was evidence of potential environmental justice concern (GMR significantly >1) for 12 chemicals: cotinine; antimony; lead; thallium; 2,4-and 2,5-dichlorophenol; p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene; methyl and propyl paraben; and mono-ethyl, mono-isobutyl, and mono-n-butyl phthalate. There was also evidence of GMR significantly <1 for 25 chemicals (of which 17 were polychlorinated biphenyls).
PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2000
This report presents the results of an evaluation of federally funded efforts by Alaska State Tro... more This report presents the results of an evaluation of federally funded efforts by Alaska State Troopers and partner agencies to curb the trafficking of alcoholic beverages into isolated villages of rural western Alaska that have local alcohol prohibitions enacted in order to address violence ...
PsycEXTRA Dataset, 2000
This report presents the methodology and findings of an impact evaluation of Youth Crime Watch (Y... more This report presents the methodology and findings of an impact evaluation of Youth Crime Watch (YCW) programs in three Florida school districts (Broward, Hillsborough, and Pinellas Counties), which implemented school-based YCW crime-prevention activities, including ...
Applied Developmental Science, 2014
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Mar 1, 2010
In the Institute of Medicine (IOM) macronutrient report the Committee recommended a maximal intak... more In the Institute of Medicine (IOM) macronutrient report the Committee recommended a maximal intake of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; or = 25% of energy from added sugars. The primary objectives of this study were to utilize National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to update the reference table data on intake of added sugars from the IOM report and compute food sources of added sugars. We combined data from NHANES with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPyramid Equivalents Database (MPED) and calculated individual added sugars intake as percent of total energy then classified individuals into 8 added sugars percent energy categories, calculated usual intake with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method, and compared intakes to the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs). Nutrients at most risk for inadequacy based on the Estimated Average Requirements (EARs) were vitamins E, A, C, and magnesium. Nutrient intake was less with each 5% increase in added sugars intake above 5-10%. Thirteen percent of the population had added sugars intake &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 25%. The mean g-eq added sugars intake of 83.1 g-eq/day and added sugars food sources were comparable to the mid-1990s. Higher added sugars intakes were associated with higher proportions of individuals with nutrient intakes below the EAR, but the overall high calorie and the low quality of the U.S. diet remained the predominant issue. With over 80% of the population at risk for select nutrient inadequacy, guidance may need to focus on targeted healthful diet communication to reach the highest risk demographic groups for specific life stage nutrient inadequacies.
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association : JAMIA, Jan 22, 2015
Falls are physically and financially costly, but may be preventable with targeted intervention. T... more Falls are physically and financially costly, but may be preventable with targeted intervention. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is one potential source of information on fall risk factors among nursing home residents, but its limited breadth and relatively infrequent updates may limit its practical utility. Richer, more frequently updated data from electronic medical records (EMRs) may improve ability to identify individuals at highest risk for falls. The authors applied a repeated events survival model to analyze MDS 3.0 and EMR data for 5129 residents in 13 nursing homes within a single large California chain that uses a centralized EMR system from a leading vendor. Estimated regression parameters were used to project resident fall probability. The authors examined the proportion of observed falls within each projected fall risk decile to assess improvements in predictive power from including EMR data. In a model incorporating fall risk factors from the MDS only, 28.6% of observed fall...
The Administration for Children and Families (DHHS) funded a survey to examine current attitudes ... more The Administration for Children and Families (DHHS) funded a survey to examine current attitudes of adolescents and their parents regarding abstinence knowledge and attitudes. Abt Associates conducted this public opinion survey of a nationally representative matched sample of 1000 adolescents (ages 12 to 18) and their parents in 2008. Overall, parents expressed more conservative attitudes regarding permissible sexual behavior than did the adolescents; for example, 11% of parents said it would be okay for an adolescent to have intercourse before leaving high school as compared with 33% of adolescents. Similar differences were found in parent and adolescent opinions about sexual intercourse if birth control was used or if the adolescent had been dating the same person for over a year. Social and cultural norms significantly predict adolescent and parent attitudes with more permissive views expressed both by and about males than females, and significantly different views by race and et...
To learn about the public's views about abstinence, the Administration for Children and Famil... more To learn about the public's views about abstinence, the Administration for Children and Families funded a survey to examine current attitudes of adolescents and their parents regarding abstinence knowledge and attitudes. Abt Associates conducted this public opinion survey of a nationally representative matched sample of 1000 adolescents (ages 12 to 18) and their parents in 2008. Almost all (94%) of adolescents reported they had learned about at least one of six topics in a class or program: how to behave on dates (39% had learned about this topic), how religious values relate to sexual intercourse (44%), how to have good relationships (62%), waiting to have sexual intercourse until marriage (71%), how babies are made, pregnancy or birth (83%), and how to resist pressures to have sexual intercourse (84%). Exposure to these topics varied by location of the class or program (e.g., school, place of worship, doctor's office, community organization or some other place.) Most messa...
INTRODUCTION: Limited access to healthful foods may contribute to higher obesity rates in underse... more INTRODUCTION: Limited access to healthful foods may contribute to higher obesity rates in underserved urban areas. To increase access to and purchase of fruits and vegetables in three underserved New York City neighborhoods, Health Bucks distributes coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers' markets. SNAP participants receive one 2couponforevery2 coupon for every 2couponforevery5 in benefits spent at participating markets. Additionally, community organizations distribute coupons to clients. We conducted a mixed-methods process and outcome evaluation of Health Bucks. METHODS: Primary data collection activities included on-site environmental assessments and surveys of farmers' market managers, vendors, and shoppers; a web survey of community organizations; a representative telephone survey of Health Bucks neighborhood residents; key informant interviews; shopper focus groups; and vendor telephone discussions. We additionally analyzed impacts using longitudinal data from the 2002-2009 Community H...
Public Health Nutrition, 2015
The present study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmers��� market incentive programme, o... more The present study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmers��� market incentive programme, on awareness of and access to farmers��� markets, and fruit and vegetable purchase and consumption in low-income New York City neighbourhoods. The evaluation used two primary data collection methods: (i) an on-site point-of-purchase survey of farmers��� market shoppers; and (ii) a random-digit-dial telephone survey of residents in neighbourhoods where the programme operates. Additionally, we conducted a quasi-experimental analysis examining differential time trends in consumption before and after programme introduction using secondary Community Health Survey (CHS) data. New York City farmers��� markets and communities. Farmers��� market shoppers (n 2287) completing point-of-purchase surveys in a representative sample of New York City farmers��� markets in 2010; residents (n 1025) completing random-digit-dial telephone survey interviews in 2010; and respondents (n 35 606) completing CHS interviews in 2002, 2004, 2008 and 2009. Greater Health Bucks exposure was associated with: (i) greater awareness of farmers��� markets; (ii) increased frequency and amount of farmers��� market purchases; and (iii) greater likelihood of a self-reported year-over-year increase in fruit and vegetable consumption. However, our CHS analysis did not detect impacts on consumption. While our study provides promising evidence that use of farmers��� market incentives is associated with increased awareness and use of farmers��� markets, additional research is needed to better understand impacts on fruit and vegetable consumption.
Introduction: Under-consumption of fruits and vegetables is common among children, particularly t... more Introduction: Under-consumption of fruits and vegetables is common among children, particularly those from lower-income households. To address this concern, the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) distributes free fruits and vegetable snacks outside school mealtimes in schools with high proportions of low-income students. FFVP aims to increase student intake of fruits and vegetables while helping children learn more healthful eating habits. An important goal of the FFVP is to create a healthier school environment. Methods: We conducted a rigorous evaluation of the FFVP, using a regression discontinuity design in which schools were ranked by the percent of students eligible for free/reduced-price meals (the primary criteria for selecting schools to participate in FFVP). This school-level impact analysis focused on 214 schools in 16 states that were within 2.5% of the state cutoff for receiving FFVP funds. Linear probability and regression models tested the impact of FFVP on...
Background: This study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmer's market incentive coupo... more Background: This study examines the impact of Health Bucks, a farmer's market incentive coupon program, on individual-level fruit and vegetable access, purchase, and consumption in low-income New York City neighborhoods. Methods: We used three primary data collection methods: (1) an on-site point-of-purchase survey of farmers' market shoppers, (2) a random-digit-dial telephone survey of residents in neighborhoods where the program operates, and (3) farmers' market shopper focus groups. Additionally, we examined differential time trends in consumption before and after program introduction using secondary Community Health Survey data. Results: Greater Health Bucks exposure was associated with (1) greater perceived farmers' market access, and (2) increased frequency and amount of farmers' market purchases. Although Health Bucks users in our two cross-sectional surveys were more likely to report an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption over the last year, our s...
Health Services and Outcomes Research Methodology, 2015
ABSTRACT Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are universally recognized as the preferred way to i... more ABSTRACT Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are universally recognized as the preferred way to infer treatment effects because RCTs typically minimize validity challenges while maximizing estimation efficiency. In practice, simple RCTs—where individual study subjects are assigned to treatment or control status at random—are infeasible when an intervention must be implemented at the cluster level, for example, for all patients within a hospital, or for all residents within a nursing home. An alternative in these situations is a cluster randomization (CR) design, where each cluster is randomly assigned to treatment or control status. While standard principles of randomization still apply, the CR design is less efficient than the simple RCT. In some situations, efficiency of a CR design can be improved by matching clusters, and, within each pair, assigning one cluster to treatment and the other to control status, otherwise known as a pairwise cluster randomization (PCR) design. The choice between CR and PCR is not clear, since the optimal approach depends on information about the intraclass and interclass correlation coefficients, which in practice are rarely known to the evaluator. Theory alone does not provide a concrete answer; however, a Monte Carlo simulation can provide useful evidence at the design stage. This paper demonstrates the utility of the Monte Carlo approach in the context of a planned evaluation of an intervention to reduce falls among nursing home residents and provides recommendations for researchers on key design questions, including the choice between CR and PCR, and selection of parametric or nonparametric estimators.
Preventing Chronic Disease, 2013
One strategy for lowering the prevalence of obesity is to increase access to and affordability of... more One strategy for lowering the prevalence of obesity is to increase access to and affordability of fruits and vegetables through farmers' markets. However, little has been documented in the literature on the implementation of such efforts. To address this gap, the Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO) sponsored an evaluation of the New York City Health Bucks program, a farmers' market coupon incentive program intended to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved neighborhoods while supporting local farmers.