July 24, 2025

Stay informed with the latest from the University of Michigan School of Public Health community in our monthly digest. Departmental news, research highlights, community achievements, and more to help you stay connected with Michigan Public Health. Explore the impactful work of our faculty, students, and partners as we continue to advance public health initiatives and celebrate our collective successes.

Research highlights

Study examines cost-sharing impact on buprenorphine prescription abandonment

A research team led by Thuy Nguyen, assistant professor of Health Management and Policy, published findings in JAMA Health Forum examining whether cost-sharing affects patients' ability to access buprenorphine, a crucial medication for treating opioid use disorder. The study analyzed over one million prescription claims to understand what happens when patients face higher out-of-pocket costs for this life-saving medication. Researchers found that when insurance deductibles reset at the beginning of each year and patients had to pay more for their prescriptions, most still picked up their buprenorphine medications. The findings suggest that high costs may not be the main reason patients don't get this treatment, meaning that efforts to reduce prescription costs should be combined with addressing other barriers like stigma and finding doctors who can prescribe the medication.

Research reveals labor exploitation patterns among Michigan farmworkers

Michigan Public Health researchers published important findings in Discover Social Science and Health on labor exploitation and trafficking among farmworkers in Michigan. The study, co-authored by Alexis Handal, associate professor in Epidemiology and Global Public Health, used community-based participatory research to interview 56 farmworkers and service providers about exploitative work conditions. Through the Michigan Farmworker Project, investigators documented 10 key exploitation patterns including deceptive recruitment practices, wage theft, document confiscation, and worker isolation. The research shows how workers' economic and social vulnerability, combined with inadequate enforcement systems, creates conditions for unsafe and unfair labor practices. Authors recommend establishing independent regulatory oversight and coordinated federal, state and local anti-trafficking efforts to better protect this workforce population.

Shingles vaccine side effect concerns drive low vaccination rates, study finds

New research co-authored by Abram Wagner, assistant professor in Epidemiology, explores why shingles vaccination coverage remains low despite the disease's painful impact. Published in Vaccine, the study surveyed over 1,000 adults nationally plus Michigan hospital patients to understand vaccination decision-making. Results showed that concerns about tolerability—how well people can handle temporary side effects that may interfere with daily activities—emerged as the primary obstacle to both initiating and completing the recommended two-dose series. With only 17% of eligible adults nationally fully vaccinated, the research demonstrates that people worried about side effects were significantly more likely to skip vaccination or abandon the series after one dose. Addressing these tolerability concerns could substantially boost vaccination rates and prevent shingles in older populations.

Commentary & op-eds

Vic Strecher discusses finding purpose, creating a full life on Hidden Brain podcast

Michigan Public Health faculty member Vic Strecher recently joined the Hidden Brain podcast to explore the science behind creating a life filled with meaning. Listen to learn about how Strecher’s personal story has shaped his life and work, and how the Purposeful app he developed helps users explore and define their personal purpose.

US measles cases at highest level since 1992

More than 1,280 measles cases and 3 deaths have been reported as of mid-2025. According to the CDC, 92% of these cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccine status. This increase comes as childhood vaccination rates continue to decline nationwide, creating opportunities for the resurgence of infectious diseases like measles—which was declared eliminated in the US in 2000. But what is driving the decline in vaccination, and what are the implications for community health, healthcare systems, and the workforce? Michigan Public Health faculty Matt Boulton and Natasha Bagdasarian covered this topic on the Population Healthy podcast.