bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Auditory and Visual Priming on the Identification of Spoken Words
Authors: Shigeno Sumi
Published: January 2017

This study examined the effects of preceding contextual stimuli, either auditory or visual, on the identification of spoken target words. Fifty-one participants (29% males, 71% females; mean age = 24.5 years, SD = 8.5) were divided into three groups: no context, auditory context, and visual context. All target stimuli were spoken words masked with white noise. The relationships between the context and target stimuli were as follows: identical word, similar word, and unrelated word. Participants presented with context experienced a sequence of six context stimuli in the form of either spoken words or photographs. Auditory and visual context conditions produced similar results, but the auditory context aided word identification more than the visual context in the similar word relationship. We discuss these results in the light of top-down processing, motor theory, and the phonological system of language.
Can Eye Fixation During the Grooved Pegboard Test Distinguish Between Planning and Online Correction?
Authors: Albuquerque Maicon R. , Malloy-Diniz Leandro F. , Romano-Silva Marco A. , de Paula Jonas J. , de Castro Neves Maila , Lage Guilherme M.
Published: January 2017

The Grooved Pegboard Test, in its standard use, has well-documented utility. However, a revised methodology needs further study, leading us to investigate whether duration of eye fixation could predict performance on different task conditions of the Grooved Pegboard Test (place and remove pegs) with the preferred and nonpreferred hands. Fifty-two right-handed undergraduate students (33 male and 19 female), with a mean age of 22.22 (±3.57) years, performed the Grooved Pegboard Test. SensoMotoric eye-tracking glasses with a binocular time resolution of 30 Hz were used to measure eye fixation. The videos were recorded in iView software, and data were analyzed using BeGaze software. The number and duration of eye fixations were statistically different with preferred and nonpreferred hands and also differed across tasks. Simple linear regression showed eye fixation duration to predict movement time in the place task (preferred hand: R2 = 31%; nonpreferred hand: R2 = 41%) and in the remove task (preferred hand: R2 = 11%; nonpreferred hand: R2 = 25%). Thus, duration of eye fixation during the Grooved Pegboard Test differentially predicted performance with each hand and on preferred and different subtests of this instrument.
Police Accountability in Scotland: [1] the ‘New’ Tripartite System
Authors: Donnelly Daniel , Scott Kenneth B.
Published: January 2017

Police accountability in Scotland is examined in two aspects. First, the changing constitutional arrangements in Scotland are explored in terms of the tripartite system; local government reform, devolution, the Scottish Parliament and the new Justice Ministry. Comparisons are also made between the policing systems in Scotland and England and Wales, with respect to the police reforms of the 1990s. It is argued that recent constitutional change and central government policies have significantly increased centralisation of the policing function in Scotland by non-statutory means. The impact of these changes on police authorities, joint police boards and policing is evaluated.
Evaluating Actions against Local Drug Markets: A ‘Systematic’ Review of Research
Authors: Mason Mark , Bucke Tom
Published: January 2017

There is a clear need and desire to develop policy based on evidence of what works. However, evidence on what works in terms of disrupting drugs supply remains unclear. In this article a ‘systematic’ review of the research evidence that focuses on attempts to disrupt local retail drug markets is undertaken. The search was conducted for studies in English using electronic databases, citation indexes and journal abstracts. Papers were reviewed for five methodological criteria which 15 studies met. These 15 studies fell into two distinct groups: evaluations of interventions to disrupt drug-dealing from residential or commercial properties; and interventions which sought to disrupt drug dealing taking place in the open or on city streets. Studies were then graded according to the effectiveness of the invention they evaluated. Finally, areas of effectiveness along with implications for designing interventions and evaluations are discussed.
Peel's Principles and Their Acceptance by American Police: Ending 175 Years of Reinvention
Authors: Williams Keith L.
Published: January 2017

Since the inception of modem policing in 1829, the policing styles of Britain and the United States have run incongruent courses. While the Metropolitan Police Department of London has stayed true to the principles first articulated by Sir Robert Peel, American policing has undergone several sweeping changes in the administration of service. These reinventions have hampered the establishment of a true ideology of police service in America.

Through a comparative historical overview of these policing models, this article will strive to explain the reason behind the lack of acceptance of Peel's original nine principles by police in America. Further discussion will focus on the current acceptance of these principles by many police agencies within the United States in their community policing missions and ask what might have been had the Peelian virtues been accepted from the beginning.
Medico-Crime: Time for a Police-Health Professions Protocol?
Authors: Hesketh Wendy
Published: January 2017

This article is concerned with crimes committed by health professionals against their patients and with the unsatisfactory detection of such crimes in recent years. Using the example of the initial investigation by the Greater Manchester Police into the Harold Shipman murders as an example, this article makes two recommendations: (a) the creation of a formal police and health professions' protocol; (b) the formation of a group of specialist officers within each regional division who are au fait with carrying out investigations in the medical context. The article ends with some practical suggestions for achieving this.
Diplomats and Consuls
Authors: Richards W. J.
Published: January 2017

“With regard to Foreign concerns the King is the delegate or representative of his people⋯. What is done by the Royal Authority with regard to foreign powers is the act of the whole nation⋯. What is done without the King's concurrence is the act only of private men.”
Alcohol and Road Traffic
Authors: Havard J. D. J.
Published: January 2017

Dr. Havard was Secretary of the Third International Conference on Alcohol and Road Traffic. The following article summarizes the proceedings. A basic guide to the new Road Traffic Act begins on page 407.
Spectacles — A Means of Personal Identification
Authors: Spence WM.
Published: January 2017

“Mony a mickle maks a muckle”, especially in criminal investigation. Det. Inspector Spence draws attention to a factor that may be very useful indeed.
The Promotion Exams
Authors: Devlin J. Daniel
Published: January 2017

This is the sixth of a series of articles of special interest to candidates for the Promotion Exams. The articles all deal with aspects of police administration and organization, which is one of the subjects in Part II of the syllabus, and of those sections of Part I of the syllabus which deal with police procedure. Mr. Devlin is Author of Police Procedure, Administration and Organization
The Techniques of Interviewing: I—The Need for Training
Authors: Anstey Edgar
Published: January 2017

Dr. Anstey writes with exceptional authority. A First-Class Honours graduate in Mathematics and Psychology of the University of Cambridge, and a Doctor of Philosophy (in Psychology) of the University of London, he joined the Civil Service in 1938 as an Assistant Principal. After war service, in which he first served and was commissioned in the infantry, later becoming major in charge of Army selection tests, he was founder-head of the Civil Service Commission Research Unit. He has worked in the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence and has held his present appointment as Chief Psychologist, Civil Service Commission since 1964.

His publications include Interviewing for the Selection of Staff (with Dr. E. O. Mercer, 1956), Staff Reporting and Staff Development ( 1961), Committees, How they work and how to work them ( 1962), all published by Allen and Unwin, and Psychological Tests (Thomas Nelson, 1966).
The Heart and Art of a Detective Officer: I
Authors: Lockley Thomas
Published: January 2017

This is the first time THE POLICE JOURNAL has published a serial, and we count ourselves fortunate indeed to have secured the memoirs of a great policeman, for whom all who served with him have the greatest admiration and affection. Mr. Lockley joined the Staffordshire Constabulary in 1924, rising to become chief superintendent in charge of the C.I.D. In 1955 he went out to Cyprus as officer commanding the U.K. Police Unit and was soon appointed assistant commissioner in charge of crime and prosecutions. On his return to England he was deputy commandant of the Police College for almost six years, and he completed his service as assistant chief constable of Staffordshire.

The memoirs were written at Bramshill, some seven years ago, hence the use of a few terms no longer current since the new Theft Act.

The memoirs were written at Bramshill, some seven years ago, hence the use of a few terms no longer current since the new Theft Act.
What is the Developing Mission of the American Police?
Authors: Germann A. C.
Published: January 2017

This article, by a famous liberal criminologist, is based on an address he gave to chief police officers from big American cities. Daniel in the lion's den? Professor Germann is the last man to be afraid of being that. His plea for a re-dedication of the police effort was directed at his fellow-countrymen, but what he has to say is meaningful for police officers everywhere.
It Can Be So Easy: III
Authors: Muncie William
Published: January 2017

The last of a series of short articles about murder inquiries which looked black on first appreciation but were cleared up within 24 hours.
Photo-Fit
Authors: Penry Jacques
Published: January 2017

Mr. Penry is a widely-travelled writer and lecturer with long and varied experience of administration and business. His interest in facial topography is of long standing—he published his first book on the subject, “Character from the Face”, in 1938—and his face-building techniques were presented on television (and in The Police Journal) over fifteen years ago. His article describes a system which will surely make a valuable, original contribution to police science.
The Heart and Art of a Detective Officer: VI
Authors: Lockley Thomas
Published: January 2017

In this instalment, Mr. Lockley gives some advice based on experience.
The City of London Police Museum and Exhibition
Authors: Rumbelow Donald
Published: January 2017

Constable Rumbelow joined the City of London Police in 1963. His play “Lobsters and Bowmen” was produced in 1966 and his first book, a social history of police and crime in the city, is to be published this year by Macmillans. His next book will be about the Siege of Sidney Street.
The Sociology of the Police II
Authors: Banton Michael
Published: January 2017

A report to the Nuffield Foundation on the seminar, “The Sociology of the Police”, held last April at the University of Bristol.
Prisons, Courts and Terrorism: The American and West German Experience
Authors: Wolf John B.
Published: January 2017

This is the fifth of a series of articles on Terrorism contributed to The Police Journal by Dr. Wolf. The others appeared in our October, July and January issues of 1976 and the April issue of 1975.
The Game Act
Authors: Eagle Gordon
Published: January 2017

Police officers are quick to criticise Parliament for unenforceable legislation, almost invariably drafted without reference to those who have to implement it.

Here, an experienced police officer tries his hand as a parliamentary draftsman and whilst appreciating his own limitations, particularly in not having the library resources available, offers his efforts for adoption as a private member's bill.
The Preparation of Police Recruits, Queensland Style
Authors: Bryett Keith
Published: January 2017

The preparation of recruit police officers has become an issue in those countries whose police services have evolved from the British model. In Australia, a variety of arrangements exist. These include education and training centred around police academies with academically qualified civilian and police staff, some of whom are academically qualified and others who are not, depending on the nature of their role. These academies are invariably, and not surprisingly, controlled by police officers. At the other end of the scale, the Australian Federal Police now has prospective recruits, who are not yet employees, in many Australian universities undergoing undergraduate studies. The aim being to recruit graduates. The Queensland Police Service has opted for a middle-of-the-road part university, part academy, approach as a means to satisfying as many perceived requirements as possible.
Special Action Groups for Policy Change and Infrastructure Support to Foster Healthier Communities on the Arizona-Mexico Border
Authors: Cohen Stuart J. , Meister Joel S. , deZapien Jill G.
Published: January 2017

As part of efforts to help stem the rising tide of diabetes among Hispanic Americans living in Arizona-Mexico border communities, the Border Health Strategic Initiative was launched to foster community-based approaches to diabetes prevention and control. A major thrust of the initiative was establishment of special community action groups (SAGs) to help stimulate policy change and sustain interventions designed to reduce the risk of diabetes and its complications. The SAGs met regularly for more than two years, focusing primarily on policies that encourage development of an infrastructure to support physical activity and healthier nutrition. Through involvement with planning commissions, parks and recreation, and private companies, two community development block grants were obtained to support new walking trails. The SAGs also encouraged elementary schools to improve physical education and change vending machine products, and grocery store owners and managers to allow the demonstration and promotion of healthier foods. These groups, focused on policy and infrastructure change within their communities, may be the glue needed to hold comprehensive community health promotion efforts together.
Integrating Mental Health Services into Primary HIV Care for Women: The Whole Life Project
Authors: Dodds Sally , Nuehring Elane M. , Blaney Nancy T. , Blakley Theresa , Lizzotte Jean-Marie , Lopez Myriam , Potter JoNell E. , O'Sullivan Mary J.
Published: January 2017

The high rate of mental health problems in HIV-infected women jeopardizes the health of this vulnerable population, and constitutes a mandate for integrating mental health services into HIV primary care. The Whole Life project—a collaboration of the departments of Psychiatry and Obstetrics/Gynecology at the University of Miami School of Medicine—successfully integrated mental health services into primary HIV care for women. This article describes the conceptual framework of the integration, implementation strategies, effects of the service integration, and lessons learned. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as a Special Program of National Significance (SPNS), Whole Life efforts have been sustained beyond the demonstration funding period as a result of the changes brought about in organizational structures, service delivery, and the providers' conceptualization of health for HIV-infected women.
Discrepancies between Published Data on Racial Classification and Self-Reported Race: Evidence from the 2002 North Carolina Live Birth Records
Authors: Buescher Paul A. , Gizlice Ziya , Jones-Vessey Kathleen A.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We compared data on race as reported by the mother on North Carolina birth certificates with data on race in officially reported statistics. We also determined to what extent differences in the classification of race affect measures of racial disparity in maternal and child health indicators.

Methods.

We examined how data on race are collected, coded, and tabulated in North Carolina via live birth certificates, death certificates, the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) telephone survey, and the Central Cancer Registry case records. We showed how the data on race collected through North Carolina birth and death certificates are translated into 10 fixed racial categories designated by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) for use in official vital statistics. We compared race as reported by the mother on birth certificates to racial tabulations used in the official published birth statistics. We also examined to what extent differences in the determination of race affect measures of racial disparity in maternal and child health indicators.

Results.

Out of nearly 118,000 live births in North Carolina in 2002, mothers reported more than 600 different versions of race on birth certificates. These entries were collapsed into the 10 standard racial categories outlined in federal coding rules. Approximately two-thirds of mothers of Hispanic ethnicity report their race with a label that can be categorized as “Other” race, but nearly all of these births are re-coded to “white” for the official birth statistics. Measures of racial disparity vary depending on whether self-reported or officially coded race is used.

Conclusions.

This study shows that, given the opportunity to report their own race, North Carolinians describe their race using a wide variety of terms and concepts. In contrast, health statistics are usually reported using a few standardized racial categories defined by federal policy. The NCHS rules for coding race should be reexamined. As the ethnic and racial diversity of the United States continues to increase, these rules will become increasingly antiquated.
Disparities in Children's Use of Oral Health Services
Authors: Hughes Dana C. , Duderstadt Karen G. , Soobader Mah-J , Newacheck Paul W.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We sought to determine if the recent expansions in Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) have resulted in a narrowing of income disparities over time with the use of dental care in children 2 to 17 years of age.

Methods.

Six years of data from the National Health Interview Survey were utilized. A trend analysis was conducted using 1983 as a baseline, which predates the expansions, and 2001–2002, the endpoint, which postdates implementation of the expansions. In addition, we examined two intermediate time points (1989 and 1997–1998). We conducted unadjusted and adjusted analyses using logistic regression.

Results.

Overall, use of ambulatory dental care has increased dramatically for children over the past two decades. In 1983, more than one in three children (38.5%) had no dental care within the previous 12 months. By 2001–2002, about one-quarter of children (26.3%) were reported to have no dental care within the year, a reduction of 12.2% from 1983 ( p<0.001). Frequency of unmet dental care remained unchanged between 1997–1998 (the first year this measure was available) and 2001–2002. A reduction in income disparities for use of dental care was found in our unadjusted analysis but this difference became statistically insignificant in the adjusted analysis. No changes in income disparities occurred for unmet dental needs in either the unadjusted or adjusted analyses.

Conclusions.

A substantial overall improvement in dental care use has occurred among all income groups, including poor and near poor children. This “keeping up” with their higher-income counterparts represents an important public health accomplishment for children in low-income families. Nevertheless, additional efforts are needed to close remaining disparities in access to dental care.
Assuring Public Health Professionals are Prepared for the Future: The UAB Public Health Integrated Core Curriculum
Authors: Petersen Donna J. , Hovinga Mary E. , Pass Mary Ann , Kohler Connie , Oestenstad R. Kent , Katholi Charles
Published: January 2017

In response to calls to improve public health education and our own desire to provide a more relevant educational experience to our Master of Public Health students, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health designed, developed, and instituted a fully integrated public health core curriculum in the fall of 2001.

This curriculum combines content from discipline-specific courses in biostatistics, environmental health, epidemiology, health administration, and the social and behavioral sciences, and delivers it in a 15 credit hour, team-taught course designed in modules covering such topics as tobacco, infectious diseases, and emergency preparedness. Weekly skills-building sessions increase student competence in data analysis and interpretation, communication, ethical decision-making, community-based interventions, and policy and program planning.

Evaluations affirm that the integrated core is functioning as intended: as a means to provide critical content in the core disciplines in their applied context. As public health education continues to be debated, the UAB public health integrated core curriculum can serve as one model for providing quality instruction that is highly relevant to professional practice.
The Road Map to Preparedness: A Competency-Based Approach to All-Hazards Emergency Readiness Training for the Public Health Workforce
Authors: Parker Cindy L. , Barnett Daniel J. , Fews Ayanna L. , Blodgett David , Links Jonathan M.
Published: January 2017

Facing limited time and budgetary resources, state and local health departments need a practical, competency-based training approach to meet the all-hazards readiness requirements of their employees. The Road Map to Preparedness is a training tool designed to assist health departments in providing comprehensive, agency-tailored readiness instruction to their employees. This tool uses an incentive-based, game-like, experiential learning approach to meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's nine core competencies for all public health workers while facilitating public health employees' understanding and acceptance of their emergency response roles. A corresponding evaluation tool, the Road Map to Preparedness Evaluation, yields metrically-driven assessments of public health employee readiness competencies.

Since its pilot in 2003, the Road Map to Preparedness has met with enthusiastic response from participating health departments in the mid-Atlantic region. In addition to its public health impact, the Road Map offers future promise as a tool to assist organizational emergency response training in private sector and non-public health first-responder agency settings.
A Review of Instruments Assessing Public Health Preparedness
Authors: Asch Steven M. , Stoto Michael , Mendes Marc , Valdez R. Burciaga , Gallagher Meghan E. , Halverson Paul , Lurie Nicole
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

The purpose of this study was to review instruments that assess the level of preparedness of state and local public health departments to respond to health threats such as bioterrorism.

Methods.

The authors examined 27 published population-based instruments for planning or evaluating preparedness that were mostly unavailable in the peer-reviewed literature. Using the Essential Public Health Services framework, the instruments were evaluated for ( 1) clarity of measurement parameters, ( 2) balance between structural and process measures, ( 3) evidence of effectiveness, and ( 4) specification of an accountable entity.

Results.

There was a great deal of overlap but little consistency in what constitutes “preparedness” or how it should be measured. Most instruments relied excessively on subjective or structural measures, lacked scientific evidence for measures assessed, and failed to clearly define what entity was accountable for accomplishing the task or function.

Conclusion.

Strategies for improvement include measure standardization, better interagency communication, and investment in public health practice research to develop the underlying evidence base required for developing quality measures and assessments.
Demonstrating Excellence in Practice-Based Research for Public Health
Authors: Potter Margaret A. , Quill Beth E. , Aglipay Geraldine S. , Anderson Elaine , Rowitz Louis , Smith Lillian U. , Telfair Joseph , Whittaker Carol
Published: January 2017

This document explores the opportunity for scholarship to enhance the evidence base for academic public health practice and practice-based research. Demonstrating Excellence in Practice-Based Research for Public Health defines practice-based research; describes its various approaches, models, and methods; explores ways to overcome its challenges; and recommends actions for its stakeholders in both academic and practice communities. It is hoped that this document will lead to new partnership opportunities between public health researchers and public health practitioners to strengthen the infrastructure of public health and add new dimensions to the science of public health practice. Demonstrating Excellence in Practice-Based Research for Public Health is intended for those who produce, participate in, and use practice-based research. This includes academic researchers and educators, public health administrators and field staff, clinical health professionals, community-based organizations and professionals, and interested members of the public.
Blackout of 2003: Public Health Effects and Emergency Response
Authors: Beatty Mark E. , Phelps Scot , Rohner Chris , Weisfuse Isaac
Published: January 2017

We examined the public health effects of the Northeast blackout of August 2003 and the emergency response to the blackout by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). We reviewed departmental documents from the DOHMH Emergency Operations Center and surveyed DOHMH employees to identify deficiencies in the response and elicit suggestions for improvement.

DOHMH deployed its all-hazards, scalable public health Incident Management System to respond to several impacts: ( 1) failure of multiple hospital emergency generators; ( 2) patients dependent on electrically powered equipment; ( 3) loss of electronic data input to the DOHMH syndromic surveillance system from hospital emergency departments; ( 4) potential for vaccine spoilage due to loss of refrigeration; ( 5) beach contamination with untreated sewage; ( 6) heat-related health effects and increase of foodborne disease; and ( 7) potential for an increased rodent population as a result of increased amounts of discarded perishables. Areas identified for improvement included communications during the event, DOHMH dependence on an external source of electricity, facility management during the response, and lack of readily available and appropriate emergency supplies.
Acculturation and Diabetes among Hispanics: Evidence from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Mainous Arch G. , Majeed Azeem , Koopman Richelle J. , Baker Richard , Everett Charles J. , Tilley Barbara C. , Diaz Vanessa A.
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Hispanic individuals in the United States have a greater prevalence of diabetes mellitus than non-Hispanic white individuals; however, it is unclear whether Hispanics' risk of diabetes differs based on their level of acculturation. The purpose of our research was to examine acculturation among Hispanic Americans with respect to prevalence and control of diabetes.

Methods.

We conducted an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999–2002, a nationally representative sample of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population. We evaluated data on Hispanic adults (≥18 years of age, unweighted n=2,696), analyzing diagnosed diabetes, glycemic blood pressure and lipid control, and diabetes complications according to acculturation as measured by language and birth outside the United States.

Results.

Hispanics with low acculturation were more likely to be without a routine place for health care, have no health insurance, and have low levels of education. In adjusted analyses, individuals with low acculturation, measured by language, were more likely to have diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02, 3.54). Among individuals with diagnosed diabetes, no significant association was yielded between acculturation and diabetes control. However, individuals with low language acculturation were more likely to have the diabetes complication of peripheral neuropathy (OR 4.01, 95% CI 1.40, 11.48).

Conclusions.

Acculturation as measured through language is associated with diabetes and complications among Hispanics even after controlling for a variety of demographic characteristics including health insurance and education. The findings suggest that even within a “single” minority ethnic group, there are differences in disease prevalence and complications and access to health care.
Health Characteristics of U.S. Adults by Body Mass Index Category: Results from NHANES 1999–2002
Authors: McDowell Margaret A. , Hughes Jeffery P. , Borrud Lori G.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

We examined self-reported health characteristics, health care utilization, activity patterns, and demographic characteristics of U.S. adults 20 years and over by body mass index (BMI) category. We hypothesized that overweight and obese adults would report fair/poor health more often, report more health provider visits annually, experience more joint pain, report greater limitations in their daily activities, and report more hours of sedentary leisure-time activity than normal-weight adults.

Methods.

Self-reported health characteristics of U.S. adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002 were examined for three BMI categories: normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9), overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9), and obese (BMI ≥30.0). Covariates included gender, race/ethnicity, cigarette smoking, and educational attainment. We examined BMI group differences using descriptive and regression methods.

Results.

Compared to normal-weight individuals, overweight individuals reported fair/poor health more often, more limitations in daily activities, and more health provider contacts. Overweight and obese subjects reported more hours of television watching and video game use compared to normal-weight subjects.

Conclusion.

Our findings are useful to describe the health characteristics of U.S. adults and may be used to anticipate future demand for health services and to support intervention programs that help individuals achieve desirable weight status.
Ethical Obligations of Physicians Participating in Public Health Quarantine and Isolation Measures
Authors: Bostick Nathan A. , Levine Mark A. , Sade Robert M.
Published: January 2017

In dealing with outbreaks of communicable diseases, the medical profession should work with public health authorities to promote the use of interventions that achieve desired public health outcomes with minimal infringement upon individual liberties. This article endeavors to help physicians manage their dual responsibilities to their patients and to their communities when participating in appropriate quarantine and isolation measures. In implementing such measures, individual physicians should take necessary actions to promote patients' well-being. In addition, the medical profession and individual physicians share responsibility for taking appropriate precautionary measures to protect the health of individuals caring for patients with communicable diseases.
Addressing Poverty as Risk for Disease: Recommendations from CDC's Consultation on Microenterprise as HIV Prevention
Authors: Stratford Dale , Mizuno Yuko , Williams Kim , Courtenay-Quirk Cari , O'Leary Ann
Published: January 2017

In March 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) convened a consultation meeting to explore microenterprise as a potential human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention intervention. The impulse to link microenterprise with HIV/AIDS prevention was driven by the fact that poverty is a significant factor contributing to the risk for infection. Because increasingly high rates of HIV infection are occurring among women, particularly among poor African American women in the southern United States, we focused the consultation on microenterprise as an intervention among that population.

In the international arena, income generated by microenterprise has contributed to improving family and community health outcomes. This article summarizes the contributions made to the consultation by participants from the diverse fields of microenterprise, microfinance, women's studies, and public health. The article ends with recommendations for HIV/AIDS prevention and, by implication, addressing other public health challenges, through the development of multifaceted intervention approaches.
A Model for Surveillance of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Simons Hannah , Alcabes Philip
Published: January 2017

It is well recognized that methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a community pathogen. Several key differences between community-associated and hospital-associated MRSA strains exist, including distinct methicillin resistance genes and genetic backgrounds and differing susceptibility to antibiotics. Recent studies have demonstrated that typical hospital and community strains easily move between hospital and community environments. Despite evidence of MRSA's expanding reach in the community, the best methods for population-level detection and containment have not been established.

In an effort to determine effective methods for monitoring the spread of MRSA, we reviewed the literature on hospital-associated and community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) in the community and proposed a model for enhanced surveillance. By linking epidemiologic and molecular techniques within a surveillance system that coordinates activities in the community and health-care setting, scientists and public health officials can begin to measure the true extent of CA-MRSA in communities and hospitals.
The San Diego Immunization Survey: A Model for Local Vaccination Coverage Assessment
Authors: Davila Jill C. , Wang Wendy , Gustafson Kathe W. , Smith Philip J.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Assessing vaccination coverage as part of a comprehensive intervention has been demonstrated to result in increased coverage rates. The National Immunization Survey provides coverage estimates at the national level and selected urban areas. However, it is important for other localities to understand vaccination coverage in their areas. The San Diego Immunization Branch conducts the San Diego Immunization Survey (SDIS) to gather vaccination coverage information in San Diego County. This article describes the methodology and results of the SDIS.

Methods.

The SDIS is a two-phase immunization survey. The first phase is a random-digit-dialing survey in which vaccination information is obtained by phone. The second phase involves the verification of this information and/or obtaining vaccination information via the registry or the child's provider(s).

Results.

In 2005, the sample size included 839 respondents. From 1995 to 2005, coverage for the following individual vaccines increased: diphtheria and tetanus toxoids, and acellular pertussis (92.0% to 96.5% for ≥3 doses, and 75.0% to 89.0% for ≥4 doses), polio (83.0% to 94.7%), measles-mumps-rubella (85.0% to 95.8%), Haemophilus influenzae type b (87.0% to 93.2%), and hepatitis B (67.0% to 93.6%).

Conclusion.

The results of the SDIS demonstrate that San Diego County has exceeded the Healthy People 2010 goal to reach at least 80% coverage for the series of universally recommended vaccinations.
A Profile of State-Level Differences in the Oral Health of People with and without Disabilities, in the U.S., in 2004
Authors: Armour Brian S. , Swanson Mark , Waldman H. Barry , Perlman Steven P.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

The aim of this study was to provide state-level surveillance data to assess the oral health of people with disabilities.

Methods.

Data from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)—a state-based, random-digit-dialed telephone survey of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population 18 years of age and older—were used to estimate disability prevalence and state-level differences in oral health among people with and those without disabilities.

Results.

Nationally, people with disabilities were less likely than people without disabilities to visit a dentist or dental clinic in the past year. The percentage of people with disabilities who reported they had visited a dentist in the past year was lowest in Mississippi (48.9%) and highest in Connecticut (74.5%). Among people without disabilities reporting they had visited a dentist or dental clinic in the past year, the percentage was lowest in Mississippi (60.7%) and highest in Minnesota (80.7%). Edentulism was higher among people with disabilities compared with those without disabilities. Among people with disabilities, edentulism was lowest in the District of Columbia (4.1%) and highest in Kentucky (18.7%). Among people without disabilities, edentulism was lowest in California (2.7%) and highest in Kentucky (11.3%).

Conclusions.

Despite numerous studies and reports documenting the unmet oral health needs of people with disabilities, there has been no systematic national surveillance of oral health among people with disabilities in the United States. This article provides much-needed state-by-state and national epidemiologic data regarding the oral health of people with disabilities.
Implementation of CDC Refugee Blood Lead Testing Guidelines in Minnesota
Authors: Zabel Erik W. , Smith Mary Ellen , O'Fallon Ann
Published: January 2017

The state of Minnesota undertook a trial of the 2005 recommendations for blood lead testing in refugees developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New refugee children younger than 16 years of age receiving health screening at an urban clinic were tested for elevated blood lead levels (EBLLs) and nutritional status. Follow-up lead tests were obtained three to six months after the first test. During the course of the project, 150 refugee children received an initial blood lead test and nutritional blood tests, and 140 (93%) received a second blood lead test. Five children (3.3%) had EBLLs at the initial blood lead test and one child (0.7%) had an EBLL at the second test after a nonelevated first test result. In contrast to findings from New Hampshire, this project did not observe a high number of refugees who developed EBLLs after moving to the U.S.
Measles Outbreak Associated with a Church Congregation: A Study of Immunization Attitudes of Congregation Members
Authors: Kennedy Allison M. , Gust Deborah A.
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Although measles has not been endemic in the U.S. since 1997 due to high vaccination coverage, recent U.S. measles outbreaks have been associated with individuals and groups who have refused vaccination for philosophical, cultural, or religious reasons. One such outbreak occurred in Indiana among a group of church members in May and June of 2005. Our objectives were to: ( 1) determine attitudes and beliefs of church leaders and members regarding vaccinations and the outbreak experience, ( 2) describe reasons for vaccine acceptance and nonacceptance, and ( 3) assess the feasibility of a knowledge and attitudes study in the context of a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak.

Methods.

We conducted a focus group with church leaders and families and held 12 structured household interviews with church members directly and indirectly involved in the outbreaks.

Results.

A combination of safety concerns, personal experience, and religious beliefs contributed to vaccination refusal among a subgroup of church members. While the experience with measles disease did not necessarily translate into a more positive perception of vaccines, most families that refused vaccination would accept some future vaccines under unique circumstances, such as disease presence in the community or if vaccination could be delayed until a child was older.

Conclusions.

Lessons learned from this outbreak experience can inform future outbreak investigations elsewhere. Maintaining open communication with parents who refuse immunizations, as well as working with their trusted social networks, can help public health professionals facilitate alternative means of disease control during a vaccine-preventable disease outbreak in the community.
Purchasing Patterns and Smoking Behaviors after a Large Tobacco Tax Increase: A Study of Chinese Americans Living in New York City
Authors: Cantrell Jennifer , Hung Dorothy , Fahs Marianne C. , Shelley Donna
Published: January 2017

Objectives.

Tobacco taxes are one of the most effective policy interventions to reduce tobacco use. Tax avoidance, however, lessens the public health benefits of higher-priced cigarettes. Few studies examine responses to cigarette tax policies, particularly among high-risk minority populations. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of tax avoidance and changes in smoking behaviors among Chinese American smokers in New York City after a large tax increase.

Methods.

We conducted a cross-sectional study with data for 614 male smokers from in-person and telephone interviews using a comprehensive household-based survey of 2,537 adults aged 18–74 years. Interviews were conducted in multiple Chinese dialects.

Results.

A total of 54.7% of respondents reported engaging in at least one low- or no-tax strategy after the New York City and New York State tax increases. The more common strategies for tax avoidance were purchasing cigarettes from a private supplier/importer and purchasing duty free/overseas. Higher consumption, younger age, and number of years in the U.S. were consistently associated with engaging in tax avoidance. Younger and heavier continuing smokers were less likely to make a change in smoking behavior in response to the tax increase. Despite high levels of tax avoidance and varying prices, nearly half of continuing smokers made a positive change in smoking behavior after the tax increase.

Conclusions.

Expanded legislation and enforcement must be directed toward minimizing the availability of legal and illegal low- or no-tax cigarette outlets. Public education and cessation assistance customized for the Chinese American community is key to maximizing the effectiveness of tobacco tax policies in this population.
Comparability of Contraceptive Prevalence Estimates for Women from the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Santelli John , Lindberg Laura Duberstein , Finer Lawrence B. , Rickert Vaughn I. , Bensyl Diana , Posner Sam , Makleff Shelly , Kost Kathryn , Singh Susheela
Published: January 2017

Objective.

This article assesses the comparability of contraceptive use estimates for adult women obtained from the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), using the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) as a benchmark. The 2002 BRFSS uses data collection methods that are considerably different from the NSFG.

Method.

We compared demographic differences and national estimates of current contraceptive methods being used and reasons for nonuse. Variables were recoded in the BRFSS and NSFG systems to make the two samples comparable.

Results.

Women in the NSFG and BRFSS were similar in age and race/ethnicity. Compared with the NSFG, the BRFSS sample was more educated and of higher income, less likely to be cohabiting, and more likely to be married. After adjusting for differences in the coding of hysterectomy, many BRFSS estimates for current contraceptive use were statistically similar to those from the NSFG. Small but statistically significant differences were found for vasectomy (7.7% and 6.3%), the pill (21.9% and 19.6%), rhythm (1.5% and 1.0%), the diaphragm (0.5% and 0.2%), and withdrawal (0.3% and 2.7%) for the BRFSS and NSFG, respectively. Major reasons for nonuse were similar: seeking pregnancy and currently pregnant. The percentage of women who were not currently sexually active was higher in the BRFSS (16.0%) compared with the NSFG (12.5%).

Conclusions.

The BRFSS is a useful source of population-based data on contraceptive use for reproductive health program planning; however, planners should be cognizant that lower-income women are not fully represented in telephone surveys.
Surveillance of Births Conceived with Various Infertility Therapies in Massachusetts, January-March 2005
Authors: Lu Emily , Barfield Wanda D. , Wilber Nancy , Diop Hafsatou , Manning Susan E. , Fogerty Sally
Published: January 2017

Objective.

Nationally, infertility therapies (IFTs) are increasingly used to overcome fecundity issues. However, it is unclear to what extent noninvasive IFTs are used compared with assisted reproductive technology. To better understand outcomes related to the increasing use of all types of IFTs, we compared self-reported IFT use from a Massachusetts pilot Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (MA-PRAMS) to IFT use recorded on birth certificates (BCs).

Methods.

In 2005, Massachusetts conducted a three-month pilot study modeled after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's PRAMS, a population-based surveillance system that monitors pregnancy experiences. Descriptive and bivariate analyses compared responses to MA-PRAMS survey questions regarding IFT use with data collected on BCs from the same women sampled.

Results.

According to MA-PRAMS, 6.1% of live births were conceived using IFTs compared with 3.1% reported on BCs. Reported IFT use varied by maternal age and plurality. For women aged 18–34 years, IFT use reported on MA-PRAMS (5.0%) was 2.5 times higher than that reported on BCs (2.0%). For women aged 35 years or older, reported IFT use was comparable in both systems. For women giving birth to singletons, IFT use reported on MA-PRAMS (5.5%) was three times higher than that reported on BCs (1.8%).

Conclusions.

Higher use of IFTs was reported by MA-PRAMS than on BCs, particularly among younger women and those having singleton births. These findings suggest that self-reported IFT use might be a more sensitive method for states to use in assessing population-based IFT usage among women and monitoring trends in adverse birth outcomes.