bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship of smoking and ectopic pregnancy.
Authors: Handler A , Davis F , Ferre C , Yeko T
Published: November 2008

A case-control study, using data abstracted between 1983 and 1987 from a large perinatal registry, was conducted to explore the relationship between smoking and ectopic pregnancy. Women with ectopic pregnancy (n = 634) seen at University of Illinois Perinatal Network Hospitals were compared to women who were delivered of a single live-born infant (n = 4287). Adjusted for age and race, women who reported smoking during pregnancy had a greater than twofold risk of ectopic pregnancy (Odds Ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.9, 3.2) compared to women who never smoked. The estimated relative risk rose from 1.4 (95% CI = 0.8, 2.5) for a woman smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes a day to 5.0 (95% CI = 2.9, 8.7) at one and a half or more packs of cigarettes per day (p-value for trend less than 0.001). Although further basic and epidemiologic research is necessary, the observed dose-response relation strengthens the argument that smoking may be a causal factor in the development of ectopic pregnancy.
Does maternal employment affect breast-feeding?
Authors: Kurinij N , Shiono P H , Ezrine S F , Rhoads G G
Published: November 2008

A prospective survey of maternal employment and breast-feeding initiation and duration was conducted among 668 Black and 511 White women who delivered their first child in Washington, DC. Ninety-one percent of White women (n = 511) and 80 percent of Black women (n = 668) reported working during pregnancy. Black women who planned to return to work part time vs full time were more likely to breast-feed rather than formula-feed (adjusted odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.4, 3.7). Using Cox regression, Black women who returned to work had a shorter duration of breast-feeding than those not returning to work (hazard ratio = 0.5 (CI = 0.3, 0.9]. Black and White women returning to professional occupations had a longer duration of breast-feeding compared to women returning to sales or technical positions (hazard ratio for Black women = 2.4 (CI = 1.4, 44); hazard ratio for White women = 1.6 (CI = 1.0, 2.5]. In addition, White women in professional occupations had a longer duration of breast-feeding than women in clerical positions (hazard ratio = 1.7 (CI = 1.1, 2.6]. Until employers in the United States develop a maternity policy which does not discourage breast-feeding, the recommended six months of breast-feeding will be difficult to achieve for most employed women.
Pregnancy characteristics and outcomes of Cambodian refugees.
Authors: Gann P , Nghiem L , Warner S
Published: November 2008

This study describes the perinatal characteristics of Cambodian refugees in Massachusetts. Data were abstracted from the records of 452 consecutive pregnancies among Cambodian women and 110 low-income Whites receiving obstetrical services at the same clinic and hospital in Lowell, Massachusetts. Pregnancies of Cambodian women were marked by a higher proportion of older mothers, grand multiparas, previous adverse birth outcomes, and short interpregnancy intervals. We identified maternal anemia (29.9 percent with hemoglobin less than 110 g/L) and inadequate utilization of prenatal care (32.3 percent with first visit in the 3rd trimester) as possible risk factors for the Cambodians. The prevalence of primary cesarean birth was only 6.3 percent in the Cambodians, compared to 15.6 percent in the comparison group, largely due to the infrequent occurrence of prolonged labor among multiparas. Despite the prominence of several risk factors for adverse birth outcomes in this population, major pregnancy complications were less common and the prevalence of low birthweight (6.4 percent) was close to the state average. Logistic regression analysis of risk factors for low birthweight identified young maternal age and short stature as the strongest factors operative in this community. Many of our findings are consistent with a strong cultural emphasis on managing the size of the baby to avoid a difficult labor and delivery.
Acculturation and low birthweight among Latinos in the Hispanic HANES.
Authors: Scribner R , Dwyer J H
Published: November 2008

Self reports from 1,645 Latino mothers of Mexican descent who participated in the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HHANES) were used to relate the birthweight of their infants to the HHANES acculturation index. After controlling for parity, a one point increase on the acculturation scale was found to be associated with a 1.19 (95% CI = 1.05, 1.34) increase in risk of maternal low birthweight (LBW) (1.98 risk increase for four points). The estimated relative risk increased to 1.34 (1.12, 1.60) with controls for age at interview, wealth, city size, and years of education; controlling for current smoking status reduced the relative risk to 1.31. US-born respondents were also at increased risk relative to Mexican-born, but this relation was explained by acculturation. The effect of education was found to depend on level of acculturation. Years of education was unrelated to risk among the Mexican-oriented, while increased education was associated with reduced risk in the US-oriented. These results suggest that factors associated with a Mexican cultural orientation may be protective against the risk of LBW.
Fetal death ratios in a prospective study compared to state fetal death certificate reporting.
Authors: Goldhaber M K
Published: November 2008

A cohort of 6,254 pregnancies surviving at least 20 weeks of gestation was identified through pregnancy testing and follow-up at three Kaiser Permanente medical offices in northern California in 1981-82. Fetal death ratios per 1,000 live births were 12.1 for all fetal deaths versus 5.0 for the subset of fetal deaths reported to the California state registrar. Only fetal deaths resulting in overnight hospitalization of the mother were reported. Seventy-nine percent of fetal deaths over 28 completed weeks since the last menstrual period (LMP) were reported versus only 10 percent between 20 and 28 completed weeks since the LMP. Ninety-three percent of fetuses over 400 grams were reported. The unreported fetal deaths were mainly those perceived by attending physicians as spontaneous abortion, especially missed or incomplete spontaneous abortion. Physicians apparently preferred the label of spontaneous abortion over stillbirth or fetal death whenever fetal maturity could not be substantiated, regardless of prior estimates of the date of the LMP. Fetuses as large and developed as potentially viable infants were the most likely to be reported.
Relation between vegetarian/nonvegetarian diets and blood pressure in black and white adults.
Authors: Melby C L , Goldflies D G , Hyner G C , Lyle R M
Published: November 2008

We examined the possible interaction of race and diet on blood pressure (BP) in volunteer Black Seventh Day Adventists compared to volunteer White church members. Height, weight, waist and hip circumference, and resting seated BP were recorded in Black vegetarians (n = 55; age: 54.7 +/- 16.9 yrs), Black nonvegetarians (n = 59; 56.1 +/- 14.1 yrs), White vegetarians (n = 164; 52.2 +/- 16.7 yrs), and White nonvegetarians (n = 100; 52.6 +/- 15.6 yrs) attending a regional conference. Forty-four percent of the Black nonvegetarians were medicated hypertensives, compared to only 18 percent of the Black vegetarians, 7 percent of the White vegetarians, and 22 percent of the White nonvegetarians. Black vegetarians exhibited lower age and sex-adjusted systolic BP (means = 122.9/74.4 mm Hg) than Black nonvegetarians (means = 132.2/75.9 mm Hg). After further adjusting BP for body mass index and waist/hip ratio, the systolic BP among Black vegetarians remained lower (122.8) than Black nonvegetarians (129.7) but higher than that of the Whites who showed no diet-related BP differences.
Immunity to diphtheria and tetanus in inner-city women of childbearing age.
Authors: Koblin B A , Townsend T R
Published: November 2008

This study was conducted to determine immunity to diphtheria and tetanus in 232 inner-city women experiencing a recent birth. Forty-three (18.5 percent) of the women had levels of diphtheria antitoxin below the protective level (less than 0.01 unit/ml), whereas only 10 (4.3 percent) had insufficient levels of tetanus antitoxin. The percent of women susceptible increased with age, with 33 percent and 25 percent of women over the age of 30 years susceptible to diphtheria and tetanus, respectively.
Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR): the concept.
Authors: Baker E L
Published: November 2008

Although many states have laws that require health providers to report cases of occupational illness and injury, most states do not maintain a comprehensive system that actively identifies and targets potential sources of case reports and then responds to such reports. NIOSH has developed a Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR) that uses targeted sources of sentinel providers to recognize and report selected occupational disorders to a state surveillance center. SENSOR is a cooperative state-federal effort designed to develop local capability for preventing selected occupational disorders. To demonstrate the feasibility of this approach, NIOSH initially funded seven SENSOR projects in 1987 and three additional projects in early 1988 (Table 1). Currently, these projects are in the preliminary stages of organization and start-up, with some having begun to receive case reports. As funds become available, NIOSH intends to gradually expand the scope of the program to include additional states over the next several years.
Hazard surveillance in occupational disease.
Authors: Froines J , Wegman D , Eisen E
Published: November 2008

We have reviewed existing data sources available for conducting hazard surveillance. Both the NIOSH NOHS/NOES and the OSHA IMIS can have significant value for hazard surveillance that is designed both to establish priorities for various preventive strategies--including intervention, research, and planning--and to complement disease surveillance. These systems also have certain limitations that affect their overall value in these regards. We have proposed alternative hazard surveillance systems that would expand the database on actual exposures in the workplace by requiring that industry systematically conduct environmental monitoring for defined substances and then provide the data to OSHA and NIOSH for use in hazard surveillance.
The attitude/behavior discrepancy as a methodological artifact: comment on 'sexually active adolescents and condoms'.
Authors: Nickerson C A
Published: November 2008

A recent questionnaire-based study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that although sexually active adolescents both believe that the use of condoms offers protection against sexually transmitted diseases and value such protection, they do not intend to use (or have their partners use) condoms. This attitude/behavior discrepancy is more apparent than real. Six methodological problems in the study are discussed in detail in order to demonstrate how the overly simplified treatment of a complex behavior can lead to invalid conclusions.
A case report of lead paint poisoning during renovation of a Victorian farmhouse.
Authors: Marino P E , Landrigan P J , Graef J , Nussbaum A , Bayan G , Boch K , Boch S
Published: November 2008

We describe a series of four cases of childhood lead poisoning and two cases of adult lead toxicity in a professional family exposed to lead dust and fume during renovation of a rural farmhouse. Initial blood lead levels in the children ranged from 2.70 to 4.20 microM/L (56 to 87 microns/dl) and all four required chelation therapy. Lead-based paint poisoning, a well recognized entity among young children in poor, urban neighborhoods, is not confined exclusively to such areas.
Environmental tobacco smoke exposure during infancy.
Authors: Chilmonczyk B A , Knight G J , Palomaki G E , Pulkkinen A J , Williams J , Haddow J E
Published: November 2008

We collected information about household smoking habits from 518 mothers when they made their first well child visit with a 6 to 8-week old infant. A urine sample was also collected from the infant, the cotinine concentration measured, and the measurement correlated with data provided by the mother. Eight percent of the infant urine cotinine values fell at or above 10 micrograms/L in the 305 households where no smoking was reported. Corresponding rates were 44 percent in the 96 households where a member other than the mother smoked, 91 percent in the 43 households where only the mother smoked, and 96 percent in the 74 households where both the mother and another household member smoked. In households where the mother smoked, infant urine cotinine levels were lower in the summer, and higher when the infant was breast-fed. A screening question about family smoking habits in conjunction with well child care could effectively define a group of infants exposed to environmental tobacco smoke and thus be at greater risk for respiratory diseases.
Paternal military service in Vietnam and the risk of late adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Authors: Aschengrau A , Monson R R
Published: November 2008

To investigate the relationship between paternal military service in Vietnam and the risk of late adverse pregnancy outcomes, we conducted a case-control study of women who delivered infants from August 1977 until March 1980 at Boston Hospital for Women. Paternal military service history among 857 congenital anomaly cases, 61 stillbirth cases, and 48 neonatal death cases were compared with that of 998 normal controls. Military service veterans were identified by crossmatching identifying information from obstetric records with state and national military records. After controlling for confounding variables, we found that the Vietnam veterans' relative risk of fathering an infant with one or more major malformations was 1.7 (95% CI = 0.8, 3.5) compared to non-Vietnam veterans. The increased risk was present in several organ systems and did not seem to be related to a particular type of defect. No associations or highly unstable associations were found between paternal military service in Vietnam and the occurrence of congenital anomalies overall, minor malformations, normal variants, stillbirths, and neonatal deaths. These findings should be viewed with caution since maternal and delivery characteristics appear to have contributed to the etiology of several of the major malformations among the Vietnam veterans' children.
Health and environmental outcomes of traditional and modified practices for abatement of residential lead-based paint.
Authors: Farfel M R , Chisolm J J
Published: November 2008

We evaluated traditional and modified practices for abating lead-based paint in homes of children with blood-lead concentrations (PbB) greater than 1.4 mumol/L (greater than 29 micrograms/dl). Traditional abatement resulted in acute increases in: 1) lead contaminated house dust (generally 3 to 6-fold over pre-abatement levels, but at abated sites typically 10 to 100-fold); and 2) the PbBs of nearly half of the occupant children. Modified practices represented modest short-term improvement compared to traditional practices but were also inadequate. By six months, it was clear that neither form of abatement resulted in long-term reductions of PbB or house dust lead levels, leaving children at continued risk of excessive exposure to lead and permanent adverse neurobehavioral effects. Windows were found to be high sources of lead contaminated house dust. Recommendations are made for improved abatement practices including more complete abatement of window units and more effective clean-up to remove lead-bearing dust. Thirteen million US children live in lead-painted dwellings. Research is needed to identify abatement strategies that will be practical and well suited to the current understanding of low-level lead toxicity.
Placing patients in the queue for coronary revascularization: evidence for practice variations from an expert panel process.
Authors: Naylor C D , Basinski A , Baigrie R S , Goldman B S , Lomas J
Published: November 2008

A panel of 16 cardiologists and cardiac surgeons rated 438 case scenarios for the maximum acceptable delay prior to revascularization, using a scale with seven interventional time frames and two nodes for designating dubious or inappropriate cases. If consensus was defined as agreement by 12 or more panelists, only 1.4 percent of the case scenarios showed consensus on a single rating. Dividing the scale into three broad clinical categories (revascularize promptly, place on a waiting list, or no intervention), 11.4 percent of scenarios showed all 16 panelists agreeing on a single category, rising to 59.4 percent of scenarios if agreement by 12 panelists was accepted as a consensus. The mean difference between the panelists' highest and lowest urgency ratings yielded waiting time differences of two weeks for scenarios of very unstable angina, and more than three months for those with stable angina. However, in a regression model, individual panelist factors on average had less effect than clinical features such as severity and stability of angina, or stenosis of major coronary arteries. These findings strongly support the need for consensus criteria to ensure that triage practices are consistent and fair, and also suggest that widespread adoption of a standardized approach to revascularization priorities may be feasible.
Fear of AIDS and attrition among medical technologists.
Authors: Gauch R R , Feeney K B , Brown J W
Published: November 2008

Attitudes toward AIDS were measured by a survey of 212 attendees at the annual meeting of the New Jersey Society for Medical Technology. Twenty five percent of the respondents were considering leaving the profession because of a fear of AIDS. In addition, almost half would not have chosen the field knowing they would be handling HIV-positive samples. This high degree of concern may be an important factor contributing to the shortage of medical technologists.
A crisis of community anxiety and mistrust: the Medfly eradication project in Santa Clara County, California, 1981-82.
Authors: Kahn E , Jackson R J , Lyman D O , Stratton J W
Published: November 2008

Public anxiety of near panic proportions was created by the announcement of a plan to commence aerial application of malathion bait over a large urban area in California for the eradication of the Mediterranean fruit fly within four days. A risk assessment had reported the project entailed no significant risk to health but environmentalist groups and the media ignored the report. We describe the successful measures taken by State health workers to counteract the anxiety which itself constituted a serious public health problem. The most important measure was the rapid convening of a Health Advisory Committee composed of recognized experts and local professionals and leaders to provide an authoritative, respected and sympathetic voice to deal with the community's concerns. These experiences may be of value to other communities facing unwarranted anxiety over perceived environmental hazards.
Validation of mothers' reports of dietary intake by four to seven year-old children.
Authors: Basch C E , Shea S , Arliss R , Contento I R , Rips J , Gutin B , Irigoyen M , Zybert P
Published: November 2008

The validity of mothers' recall of four to seven year-old children's diet was assessed among 46 first generation Latino immigrant families from the Dominican Republic by comparing intake recalled by the mother to unobtrusive home observations of children. Correlations were moderate to high for calories and for most nutrients. There were no differences in mean intake of total calories or in intake of most macronutrients and micronutrients assessed. At least two-thirds of the children in the lowest (or highest) quintile based on home observations were correctly classified into the lowest or second lowest (or highest) quintiles based on mother's reports for calories and most nutrients. For all food items that were both observed and reported, 51 percent of reported portion sizes were equivalent to observed portion sizes, 15.5 percent were smaller, and 33.5 percent were larger. There was fair to good agreement on the number of food items eaten, with the exception of vegetables. Mothers' recall appears to be useful for classifying children by intake of calories, macronutrients and micronutrients, but provides a somewhat less accurate measure of actual foods eaten, portion sizes, and nutrient levels consumed.
Epidemiologic differences between chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Authors: Zimmerman H L , Potterat J J , Dukes R L , Muth J B , Zimmerman H P , Fogle J S , Pratts C I
Published: November 2008

To assess the prevalence, demographics, and transmission patterns of genital chlamydia infection, we screened 3,078 patients, and compared identified cases (N = 511) to gonorrhea cases (N = 291) diagnosed in the same setting. Chlamydia cases were younger and more likely to be White than their gonorrhea counterparts. Chlamydia cases were distributed diffusely; geographic overlap between the two diseases was only about 40 percent. Gonococcal coinfection was noted in less than 10 percent of patients with chlamydia. Nearly half of men with chlamydia and four-fifths of women were asymptomatic and most cases were identified through screening or contact tracing. Populations at high risk for chlamydia are seemingly different from those for gonorrhea. Differences may be due to control interventions (active for gonorrhea, passive for chlamydia). Chlamydia case reporting and control initiatives are recommended.
Medical and psychosocial factors predictive of psychotropic drug use in elderly patients.
Authors: Ried L D , Christensen D B , Stergachis A
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate medical and psychosocial factors that may be used to identify patients at risk of psychotropic drug use. Population-based surveys were completed by 278 elderly health maintenance organization (HMO) patients in August 1984. Physical and mental health status and social support were measured in the survey. Automated prescription records from the year prior to and the year after the survey were linked to data from the survey. Patients received 737 prescriptions for psychotropic drugs during the two-year period under study. Doxepin (20.2 percent), flurazepam (15.2 percent), and diazepam (14.8 percent) were dispensed most frequently. Nearly 30 percent of the patients received a prescription for at least one psychotropic drug during the two-year period, and 14 percent received at least one prescription during both years. Three significant predictors of subsequent psychotropic drug use were: prior use (odds ratio = 17.2, 95% CI = 6.25, 47.33), the number of physical impairments (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.05, 2.84), and the respondent's rating on the Alameda Health Scale (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 0.99, 2.75). Patients' self-reported mental health status and sociodemographic characteristics were not significant predictors of subsequent use.
Use of fat-modified food products to change dietary fat intake of young people.
Authors: Ellison R C , Goldberg R J , Witschi J C , Capper A L , Puleo E M , Stare F J
Published: November 2008

Food purchasing and preparation practices were modified in two boarding high schools to increase the polyunsaturated-to-saturated fat ratio (P/S) of the diet of students by changing food products rather than attempting to change eating behaviors. During years when fat-modified products were served, the P/S of males increased by 75 percent, versus a decrease of 6 percent during control years. For females, P/S increased by 53 percent during intervention years, versus an increase of 6 percent during control years.
The buddy volunteer commitment in AIDS care.
Authors: Velentgas P , Bynum C , Zierler S
Published: November 2008

Buddy volunteers provide crucial assistance to people with HIV-related illnesses. Based on volunteers' self-administered questionnaires, our study describes the nature of buddy work. Volunteers indicated their satisfaction with both personal performance and buddy program administration. Several factors were associated with volunteer satisfaction. This report is a first attempt to describe this special relationship created in response to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic.
Fruit and vegetables in the American diet: data from the NHANES II survey.
Authors: Patterson B H , Block G , Rosenberger W F , Pee D , Kahle L L
Published: November 2008

Twenty-four hour dietary recall data from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1976-80) were used to estimate the numbers of servings of fruit and vegetables consumed by Black and White adults, to examine the types of servings (e.g., potatoes, garden vegetables, fruit, and juice), and to estimate the mean intake of calories, fat, dietary fiber, and vitamins A and C by number of servings. An estimated 45 percent of the population had no servings of fruit or juice and 22 percent had no servings of a vegetable on the recall day. Only 27 percent consumed the three or more servings of vegetables and 29 percent had the two or more servings of fruit recommended by the US Departments of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services; 9 percent had both. Consumption was lower among Blacks than Whites. The choice of vegetables lacked variety. Diets including at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit contained about 17 grams of dietary fiber. Although caloric and fat intake increased with increasing servings of fruit and vegetables, the percent of calories from fat remained relatively constant. Although these data are 10 years old, more recent surveys have shown similar results. The discrepancy between dietary guidelines and the actual diet suggests a need for extensive public education.
Executive women and health: perceptions and practices.
Authors: LaRosa J H
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this study was to obtain a socioeconomic/health profile of a select group of executive women, to understand more about their personal and professional lives, and to examine how these factors relate to their overall health. The data were obtained from a self-administered 73-item questionnaire that was mailed during spring 1987 to the 1,000 members of a professional executive women's organization with 15 chapters across the United States. Findings suggest that the women in executive positions do not necessarily compromise their health. In comparison with a group of age/gender/education matched working women, the overall wellness and risk assessment scores were remarkably similar. The study group, however, reported greater life satisfaction, stronger social support, and excellent health status; the overwhelming majority was satisfied with their personal and professional lives and believed that they were in control of both. This perception, coupled with the relatively high wellness scores, suggests that on average this group of executives may be in better health than had been predicted as women rose to executive positions within organizations.
Day care characteristics associated with Haemophilus influenzae disease. Haemophilus influenzae Study Group.
Authors: Wenger J D , Harrison L H , Hightower A , Broome C V
Published: November 2008

To identify characteristics of day care facilities associated with H. influenzae disease, we compared 92 licensed facilities in which a case of H. influenzae disease had occurred with randomly selected facilities at which no cases occurred. Matched univariate analysis showed that personnel at facilities where H. influenzae disease occurred were more likely than those at control facilities to use towels or handkerchiefs to wipe children's noses, admit children who were not toilet trained or had diarrhea ("liberal fecal policy"), had a narrower age range, were more likely than control facilities to be for-profit and less likely to use volunteers. In a multivariate model that adjusted for age range, profit status and liberal fecal policy, towel or handkerchief use (OR 5.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 30) was the only variable independently associated with case facilities. This is the first association of a specific day care practice with H. influenzae disease.
A case-control study of the effectiveness of bicycle safety helmets in preventing facial injury.
Authors: Thompson D C , Thompson R S , Rivara F P , Wolf M E
Published: November 2008

In a case-control study we sought to assess the potential effectiveness of helmets in preventing facial injuries. Our study included 212 bicyclists with facial injuries and 319 controls with injuries to other body areas, who were treated in emergency rooms of five Seattle area hospitals over a one-year period. Using regression analyses to control for age, sex, education and income, accident severity, and cycling experience we found no definite effect of helmets on the risk of serious facial injury (odds ratio 0.81; 95 percent confidence interval = 0.45, 1.5), but protection against serious injuries to the upper face (odds ratio 0.27; 95% CI = 0.1, 0.8). No protection was found against serious injuries to the lower face. The independent effect of helmet use on facial injury was difficult to isolate due to the association of head and facial injuries. Our results suggest that bicycle helmets as presently designed may have some protective effect against serious upper facial injuries.
Overcoming potential pitfalls in the use of Medicare data for epidemiologic research.
Authors: Fisher E S , Baron J A , Malenka D J , Barrett J , Bubolz T A
Published: November 2008

We used Medicare data bases and US Census data to address two questions critical to the use of Medicare files for epidemiologic research. First, we examined the degree to which the population enrolled in the Medicare program is similar to the elderly resident population of the United States, as estimated by the US Census. We found small differences in the total population estimates but substantial differences by age and race. Second, we found that among Medicare enrollees, physician claims identify a small proportion of hip fracture cases which are not documented in the hospital discharge files. This proportion varies by age, region, and state within the United States. Calculation of rates based on Medicare hospital discharge data, and probably other hospital discharge data sets as well, must take these limitations into account. Use of all available Medicare data files can overcome these limitations.
Prevalence and restrictiveness of smoking policies in King County, Washington, manufacturing worksites.
Authors: Kinne S
Published: November 2008

This study examined prevalence of smoking policies and of significant smoking restrictions in a 1988 random sample of 1,528 manufacturing companies in the Seattle, Washington area, and related these characteristics to worksite size and industry type. Sixty-nine percent of companies had formal smoking policies and 85 percent regulated smoking to some degree. Workforce size was directly related to prevalence of significant smoking restrictions, but when type of industry was controlled, the linear trend in the size/prevalence relationship was sustained in only three of the 18 industry groupings.
Evidence for gonococcal transmission within a correctional system.
Authors: van Hoeven K H , Rooney W C , Joseph S C
Published: November 2008

In a study to examine sexually transmissible disease occurring within a large correctional system where sexual activity is prohibited, 27 male inmates acquired culture-proven gonorrhea from in-jail sexual activity during a three-month period. These results provide evidence to encourage inmate education about the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and to support condom distribution programs in correctional facilities.
Evaluation of the efficacy and cost effectiveness of health education methods to increase medication adherence among adults with asthma.
Authors: Windsor R A , Bailey W C , Richards J M , Manzella B , Soong S J , Brooks M
Published: November 2008

We randomized 135 adult asthma patients to a control group, and 132 patients to an experimental group which received a special health education intervention. Four adherence measures were documented at baseline and 12-month follow-up: correct inhaler use, inhaler adherence, medication adherence, and total adherence rating. Costs to routinely deliver the intervention were $32.03/patient. Experimental group patients exhibited a significantly higher level of improvement in adherence (44 percent) than control group patients (2 percent).
Sentinel Health Events (Occupational): analysis of death certificates among residents of Nassau County, NY between 1980-82 for occupationally related causes of death.
Authors: Feldman J P , Gerber L M
Published: November 2008

Death certificates for residents of Nassau County, New York dying between 1980 and 1982 were examined for causes of death defined as Sentinel Health Events (Occupational) (SHE(O]. Of 16,193 deaths from all causes, 2,286 (14.1 percent) were identified as SHE(O) deaths; 142 (6.2 percent) of these were matched for occupational and/or industry, 13 (9.2 percent) of which required no further match [corrected] because the cause of death was inherently related to the occupation or industry. Malignant neoplasms of the trachea, bronchus, or lung were the most frequently occurring SHE(O), accounting for 60 percent of all SHE(O) deaths and 81 percent of matched SHE(O) deaths. The construction industry was associated with the vast majority of such deaths.
A statewide case registry for surveillance of occupational heavy metals absorption.
Authors: Baser M E , Marion D
Published: November 2008

The New York State Heavy Metals Registry is a legislatively mandated program through which clinical laboratories, physicians, and health facilities report state residents 18 years of age and older with elevated levels of lead, mercury, arsenic, or cadmium in blood or urine. From 1982-86, the current employer was determined for 95.9 percent of 3,309 cases. Occupational exposures in 328 companies accounted for 82.8 percent of cases. The majority of companies were reported for lead (247 companies, 75.3 percent of total) or mercury (47 companies, 14.3 percent of total). Of the 247 companies reported to the Registry for lead, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspected 18 of 98 companies (18.4 percent) in the manufacturing sector, but only one of 149 companies (0.6 percent) outside the manufacturing sector. We conclude that the Registry effectively detects companies with heavy metals exposures, and is an especially useful adjunct to OSHA inspections outside the manufacturing sector.
An analysis of occupational risks for brain cancer.
Authors: Brownson R C , Reif J S , Chang J C , Davis J R
Published: November 2008

We evaluated the risks of brain cancer in relation to employment history in a case-control study of 312 cases and 1,248 cancer controls. Subjects were identified through the Missouri Cancer Registry for the period 1984 through 1988. Job classification was based on data routinely abstracted from hospital records. Elevated risks were identified for certain white collar occupations: for men employed in engineering, the odds ratio (OR) = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.4, 10.3; for social science professionals, the OR = 6.1; 95% CI = 1.5, 26.1. Among occupations with potential exposure to occupational carcinogens, increased risks were observed for men employed in agricultural crop production (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.0, 2.4), printing and publishing (OR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.0, 8.3), and brickmasons and tilesetters (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 0.5, 11.5). Most of elevated brain cancer risks were due to astrocytic cancers, but the excess among agricultural workers occurred in other cell types. No increase in risk was noted for current cigarette smokers (OR = 0.9; 95% CI = 0.7, 1.5) or ex-smokers (OR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.7, 1.5). This exploratory study indicates a need for further studies of occupational risks of brain cancer.
Precision and accuracy of a portable blood analyzer system during cholesterol screening.
Authors: Greenland P , Bowley N L , French C A , Meiklejohn B , Gagliano S , Sparks C E
Published: November 2008

The precision and accuracy of two Kodak Ektachem DT-60 portable blood analyzers were assessed in a model (research) cholesterol screening program in Rochester, New York. Between June and October 1987, a total of 8,573 people underwent a cholesterol screening held in a movable trailer. A wide variety of temperature, humidity, and other potentially adverse conditions were encountered during the screening period. Between-run coefficients of variation ranged from 1.9 percent to 4.8 percent per month; average bias compared to a Reference Laboratory method ranged between +0.2 percent and +2.0 percent. Both precision and accuracy met currently recommended standards for cholesterol testing in the United States.
Use of OSHA inspections data for fatal occupational injury surveillance in New Jersey.
Authors: Stanbury M , Goldoft M
Published: November 2008

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) computerized inspections data, death certificates, and medical examiner records identified 204 fatal occupational injuries in New Jersey, 1984-85. OSHA computerized data uniquely identified seven cases. They did not identify 35 fatalities under OSHA's jurisdiction, of which 24 were investigated by OSHA but not recorded, four were not considered work-related, and seven were not known to OSHA. Eighty-seven were outside OSHA's jurisdiction; 28 were among the self-employed who are not under the health and safety protection of any governmental agency.
The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in a midwestern metropolitan county.
Authors: Rice R B , Walling A D , Kallail K J
Published: November 2008

The incidence of H. influenzae meningitis in children under five years of age was monitored during the years 1983-87 by a retrospective study of records from all hospitals serving a metropolitan county in Kansas. The mean annual incidence rate for the five years studied was 26.0 per 100,000. This compares with a mean of 56.0 per 100,000 measured in the same county during 1979-82.
Trends in hospitalized discharge rates for head injury in Maryland, 1979-86.
Authors: MacKenzie E J , Edelstein S L , Flynn J P
Published: November 2008

Hospital discharge data from all acute care hospitals in Maryland were used to examine trends in hospitalized head injury incidence and outcome by severity. From 1979 to 1986, discharge rates increased by 3.4/100,000 per year; the largest percent increase was for more severe injuries. Discharge rates increased the most for adults ages 15-24 and ages 75+ but declined for children ages 0-4. Coinciding with the increase in head injury discharges was a decrease in the hospital case-fatality rate across all severity groups.
The impact of legalized abortion on adolescent childbearing in New York City.
Authors: Joyce T J , Mocan N H
Published: November 2008

In this paper we estimate the impact on adolescent childbearing of the liberalization of the New York State abortion law in 1970. Using Box-Jenkins time series techniques to analyze monthly data on the number of births to White and Black adolescents from January 1963 to December 1987, we found that the level of births to Black adolescents living in New York City fell 18.7 percent, approximately 142 fewer births per month, after the law became effective; the level of White births fell 14.1 percent, approximately 111 fewer births per month. Projections based on the fitted model suggest that a ban on legalized abortion today would have a major impact on adolescent childbearing in New York City as well as other parts of the country, although the magnitude of the change would vary according to local conditions.
Cardiovascular deaths among Alaskan Natives, 1980-86.
Authors: Middaugh J P
Published: November 2008

Average annual, age-adjusted death rates from cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis from 1980-86 among Alaskan Natives were lower than rates among other Alaskans (162.0 vs 242.1; RR = 0.67), while death rates from other causes were higher (954.4 vs 618.6; RR = 1.54). These suggest that Alaskan Natives have less cardiovascular disease than other populations. Additional research on the role of marine omega-3 fatty acids is needed.
Salmonella arizona infections in Latinos associated with rattlesnake folk medicine.
Authors: Waterman S H , Juarez G , Carr S J , Kilman L
Published: November 2008

In 1987 two Los Angeles County (California) hospitals reported four Latino patients with serious Salmonella arizona (Salmonella subgroup 3) infections who gave a medical history of taking rattlesnake capsules prior to illness. Capsules supplied by the patients or household members grew Salmonella arizona. We reviewed surveillance data for this Salmonella species and conducted a case-control study to determine the magnitude of this public health problem. Eighteen (82 percent) of the 22 Latino cases in 1986 and 1987 who were questioned reported ingesting snake capsules compared to two (8 percent) of 24 matched Latino controls with non-subgroup 3 salmonellosis or shigellosis (matched pair odds ratio = 18.0, CI = 4.2, 76.3). An average of 18 cases per year of Salmonella arizona were reported in the county between 1980 and 1987. In this investigation the majority of S. arizona cases reporting snake capsule ingestion had underlying illnesses such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), diabetes, arthritis, cancer. The capsules were obtained primarily from Tijuana, Mexico and from Los Angeles, California pharmacies in Latino neighborhoods. Despite publicity and attempts to remove the capsules from sale in California, Salmonella arizona cases associated with snake-capsule ingestion continue to occur.
Use of medical care for chest pain: differences between blacks and whites.
Authors: Strogatz D S
Published: November 2008

Data from a 1980, community-based survey of adult residents of Edgecombe County, North Carolina were analyzed to examine differences between Blacks and Whites in the reported use of medical care after experiencing chest pain. Of all adults (N = 302) with chest pain in the year prior to interview, 49 percent of Blacks and 27 percent of Whites did not see a physician following the chest pain (difference = 22%, 95% CI = 12, 33). A multivariable analysis found that although the association between race and utilization was reduced at poverty levels of income, it was not explained by differences in demographic characteristics, health status or other dimensions of access to care.
Beliefs about AIDS, use of alcohol and drugs, and unprotected sex among Massachusetts adolescents.
Authors: Hingson R W , Strunin L , Berlin B M , Heeren T
Published: November 2008

In August 1988, 1,773 Massachusetts 16-19-year-olds were surveyed by telephone using anonymous random digit dialing; response rate 82 percent. Logistic regression tested whether alcohol and drug use, perceived susceptibility to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), severity of HIV if infected, effectiveness of condoms in preventing infection, barriers to condom use, and behavioral cues such as exposure to media or personal communication about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) were independently related to condom use. Among sexually active respondents, (61 percent of those interviewed) 31 percent reported always using condoms. Respondents who believed condoms are effective in preventing HIV transmission and worried they can get AIDS were 3.1 and 1.8 times, respectively, more likely to use condoms all the time. Respondents who carried condoms and who had discussed AIDS with a physician were 2.7 and 1.7 times, respectively, more likely to use them. Those who believed condoms do not reduce sexual pleasure and would not be embarrassed if asked to use them were 3.1 and 2.4 times, respectively, more likely to use condoms. Teens who averaged five or more drinks daily or used marijuana in the previous month were 2.8 and 1.9 times, respectively, less likely to use condoms. Among respondents who drink and use drugs, 16 percent used condoms less often after drinking and 25 percent after drug use. Those counseling adolescents about HIV should assess and discuss beliefs outlined in the Health Belief Model, as well as their alcohol and drug use.
Feasibility of a telephone survey to study a minority community: Hispanics in San Francisco.
Authors: Marin G , Vanoss Marin B , Perez-Stable E J , Vanoss B
Published: November 2008

In two random digit dialing surveys conducted among Hispanics using a modified Mitofsky-Waksberg procedure, we found low refusal rates (4.7% and 3.1%), low assumed noncontact rate (14.0% and 18.3%), and high response rates (88.6% and 88.4%) with limited investment in time (1.58 hours and 1.66 hours per completed interview). These results suggest that Hispanics are willing to participate in telephone surveys and that this method may be feasible and useful for research and evaluation purposes.
Sex-specific and race-specific hip fracture rates.
Authors: Kellie S E , Brody J A
Published: November 2008

Sex-, race- and age-specific hip fracture rates were determined using Health Care Financing Administration data for Medicare-reimbursed hip fracture hospitalizations from 1980 to 1982. Rates were highest in White women, lowest in Black men, and intermediate in White men and Black women. Proportions of hip fracture patients dying during hospitalization and those discharged to nursing homes, respectively, were: White men (10.5%; 49%); Black men (9.3%; 32%); White women (5.0%; 54%); and Black women (8.2%; 30%).
The epidemiology of vulvovaginal candidiasis: risk factors.
Authors: Foxman B
Published: November 2008

The effects of personal hygiene, sexual history, diet, and stress on the risk of vulvovaginal candidiasis were estimated from a case-control study of students attending a public university during 1986-87. Data from medical records and self-administered questionnaires were used to compare 85 cases to 1,245 other students using the Health Service, and to 113 subjects chosen from the total student population. Frequent sexual intercourse was the strongest risk factor (seven or more times a week versus none): OR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 12.9 (for cases versus Health Service controls).
Human immunodeficiency virus seropositivity among members of the active duty US Army 1985-89.
Authors: Kelley P W , Miller R N , Pomerantz R , Wann F , Brundage J F , Burke D S
Published: November 2008

Between October 1985 and June 1989, most active duty US Army soldiers were screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody. Of 648,032 screened soldiers in this analysis, 1,588 were HIV-antibody positive. In a multivariate analysis, correlates of positivity included: age [Adjusted Odds Ratios (ref less than 20 years) = 20-24 years, 3.7; 25-29, 9.3; 30-34, 15.7; greater than or equal to 35, 15.9]; being male, [4.2]; being Black or Hispanic (vs white) [3.7 and 3.0, respectively]; being single (vs married) [3.8]; assignment to an HIV endemic location [1.7], and having a medical occupation [2.7, 2.7, and 2.6 for negligible, low, and high blood exposure professions, respectively]. Seropositivity rate ratios for medical vs non-medical personnel were 0.7 [95% CI = 0.4, 1.4] for females and 2.9 [95% CI = 2.5, 3.3] for males. For male medical personnel, being single (vs married) correlated strongly with antibody positivity [prevalence ratio = 3.4, 95% CI = 2.6, 4.6]. Excess HIV risk among medical personnel appeared largely attributable to factors other than occupational exposures.