bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening Housing to Prevent Lead Toxicity in Children
Authors: Lanphear Bruce P. , Hornung Richard , Ho Mona 
Published: July 2017

Objective. Screening children to identify those with blood lead levels ⩾10 μg/d fails to protect children from lead-associated cognitive deficits and behavioral problems. To broaden our efforts at primary prevention, screening criteria are needed to identify lead-contaminated housing before children are unduly exposed. The purpose of this study was to identify and validate housing characteristics associated with children having elevated blood lead levels (⩾10 μg/dl). Methods. Two existing studies were used to examine housing characteristics linked with undue lead exposure: a cross-sectional study of 205 children aged 12 to 31 months, and a random sample from a longitudinal study of 276 children followed from 6 to 24 months of age. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of children's blood lead levels >10 μg/dl. Results. The mean age of the 481 children was 17.8 months; 99 (20.6%) had a blood lead concentration of 10 μg/dl or higher. The following characteristics were associated with blood lead concentration >10 μg/dl: floor lead loading >15 μg/ft2 (odds ratio [OR]=2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3, 3.8); rental housing (OR=3.2; 95% CI 1.3, 7.6); poor housing condition (OR=2.1; CI 1.2, 3.6); African American race (OR=3.3; CI 1.9, 6.1); paint chip ingestion (OR=5.8; CI 1.3, 26.5); and soil ingestion (OR=2.2; CI 1.1, 4.2). Housing characteristics including rental status, lead-contaminated floor dust, and housing condition had a range of sensitivity from 47% to 92%; specificity from 28% to 76%; a positive predictive value from 25% to 34%; and a negative predictive value of 85% to 93%. Conclusions. Housing characteristics and floor dust lead levels can be used to screen housing to identify lead hazards prior to occupancy, before purchasing a home, or after renovation to prevent children's exposure to lead hazards.
Infant Mortality Reviews in the Aberdeen Area of the Indian Health Service: Strategies and Outcomes
Authors: EagleStaff Mary Lynn , Klug Marilyn G. , Burd Larry 
Published: July 2017

Objective. To determine cause and manner of death for consecutive infant deaths in the Aberdeen Area of the Indian Health Service (AAIHS) from 1998 to 2002 and to identify risk markers for infant mortality. Methods. Infant deaths in the AAIHS were identified from four data sources: death certificates from the four states in the AAIHS, deaths reported by local IHS Service Units, from obituaries in local and regional newspapers, and deaths reported by area hospitals. Each infant death is then sent to the local IHS service unit for review, where data from the infant and mother's chart is extracted and recorded. Local community factors, birth and death certificates, and autopsy reports are collected. The case is then reviewed at the Perinatal Infant Mortality Review (PIMR) meeting and a cause and manner of death is assigned. Summary data for the cohort was examined and then compared by mortality category and three age-at-death groups. Results. Sudden infant death syndrome accounted for 33% of all infant deaths in the AAIHS. Prematurity was the second most prevalent cause-specific mortality category, accounting for 22% of all infant deaths. The authors found that infant mortality was surprisingly recurrent, with 32% of mothers of this infant having had a previous infant death. Conclusions. The PIMR committee requires substantial resources to support a review committee with appropriate expertise and their travel. Participation of local IHS staff and tribal members provides an important cultural and community perspective for the review process. Quality improvement changes are currently being implemented. These include increasing data on substance use, mental health needs, and reviews of fetal deaths. The process of mortality review has been very helpful in public education in the AAIHS.
Parental Perspectives on Influenza Vaccination among Children with Asthma
Authors: Gnanasekaran Sangeeth K. , Finkelstein Jonathan A. , Hohman Katherine , O'Brien Megan , Kruskal Benjamin , Lieu Tracy A. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. The objectives of this study were to: ( 1) identify modifiable factors influencing receipt of influenza vaccination among children with asthma, and ( 2) to evaluate the effect of heightened media attention on vaccination rates. Methods. During November and December 2003, we interviewed parents of children with asthma about their experiences with and beliefs about influenza vaccination. We randomly selected 500 children from a study population of 2,140 children identified with asthma in a managed care organization in Massachusetts. We obtained data on influenza vaccination status from computerized medical records and determined significant factors influencing receipt of influenza vaccination. Results. Children were more likely to be vaccinated if their parent recalled a physician recommendation (odds ratio [OR] 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5, 4.5), believed the vaccine worked well (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.4, 2.8), or expressed little worry about vaccine adverse effects (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.0, 1.6), or if the child was younger (OR 1.1 per year of age; 95% CI 1.0, 1.2). During the study period, there was heightened media attention about influenza illness and the vaccine. The influenza vaccination rate for children with asthma was 43% in 2003–04 compared with 27% in 2002–03. Comparison of weekly influenza vaccination rates in 2003–04 and 2002–03 suggested that the media attention was associated with the increase in vaccination rates. Conclusions. Physician recommendations and parental education about influenza vaccine availability, effectiveness, and adverse effects are potentially important influences on influenza vaccination. Our findings suggest that media coverage of the risks of influenza was associated with a significant increase in vaccination rates.
Human Rabies Exposures and Postexposure Prophylaxis in South Carolina, 1993–2002
Authors: O'Bell Susan A. , McQuiston Jennifer , Bell Linda J. , Ferguson Sue C. , Williams L.A. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. South Carolina mandates reporting of animal bites and manages distribution of biologics for rabies postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). Incidence and epidemiologic characteristics of potential human rabies exposures and preventive treatment in South Carolina from 1993 through 2002 were examined to help assess the burden of PEP in the state and determine if the incidence of rabies exposures has changed over time. Methods. Data on animal exposure investigations and PEP administration at the state and county level were examined, and the annual incidences of potential rabies exposures and human PEP courses were calculated. Results. The incidence of animal exposures for which investigations were initiated was 297.9 per 100,000 population per year, and the incidence of PEP was 10.6 per 100,000 population per year. At the county level, the incidence of PEP appeared inversely correlated with the population density. Most courses of PEP were administered following exposures to domestic species, although these animals accounted for only a small proportion of rabid animals in the state. The annual PEP incidence was similar throughout the study period, but it was markedly higher than estimates from 1981 (<5/100,000 population per year). Conclusions. The incidence of PEP in South Carolina is higher than previously thought, and these findings suggest that incidence extrapolations for other states and at the national level may be underestimated. An accurate estimation of the incidence of PEP and an understanding of rabies epidemiology is important at the state level to allow for better public health planning.
Changing Marital Status and Desistance from Intimate Assault
Authors: Wooldredge John , Thistlethwaite Amy 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. This study examined whether the odds of subsequent domestic violence by married men are reduced when women file for divorce, and whether these odds are further influenced by the timing of divorce proceedings. Methods. The sample included 703 married men arrested for misdemeanor assaults on spouses in Hamilton County (Cincinnati), Ohio. Logistic regression models were estimated to determine whether men with divorces filed against them (after entry into the study) were less likely to be re-arrested during a fixed 24-month follow-up period. A survival analysis of differences in time to re-arrest for men with filed divorces versus those without was also conducted, as well as an analysis of the speed of divorce filings and re-arrest. Results. Only 24% of all offenders had divorce papers filed in court during the study period. Divorce filings coincided with ( 1) lower likelihoods of re-arrest for intimate assault, ( 2) lower likelihoods of re-arrest during each month of follow-up, and ( 3) longer delays to re-arrest (for those who ultimately re-offended). Shorter delays to divorce filings (after initial arrest) were more effective for reducing likelihoods of subsequent assault, particularly within the first 11 months after entry into the study. Conclusions. Findings have implications for victim support services offered through domestic violence courts. Evidence from this and future studies may provide additional incentives for support personnel to identify and overcome the barriers preventing many women from successfully filing for divorce. However, the study should be seen as offering preliminary findings on a potentially important issue.
Intimate Partner Violence and Minor Psychiatric Morbidity of Aboriginal Taiwanese Women
Authors: Yang Mei-Sang , Yang Ming-Jen , Chang Shun-Jen , Chen Shu-Chuan , Ko Ying-Chin 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. Experiences of abuse increase the risk of psychiatric morbidity in women. This study assesses the prevalence of intimate partner violence and minor psychiatric morbidity and analyzes their association among aboriginal women in Taiwan. Methods. Using system random sampling, 840 aboriginal women between the ages of 18 and 50 years old were recruited from four townships with aboriginal communities in southern Taiwan. Trained primary care nurses interviewed the participants at home by structured questionnaire. Results. One hundred twenty-six of 840 (15%) of the aboriginal women had experienced physical abuse perpetrated by an intimate partner (her husband or cohabitant) during their lifetime; 10.1% had experienced it during the past 12 months; 4.0% had experienced sexual abuse by the partner; and 6.3% had experienced physical abuse during childhood at the hands of one or both parents. Multiple logistic regression revealed that after adjusting for women's age, alcohol and drug use, religious activity and husband's employment status, the experience of abuse (including partner physical abuse, partner sexual abuse, and childhood physical abuse) was significantly associated with suicidal ideation and depression. Conclusions. Health care professionals need to provide adequate support and health education, develop interventions, and use referrals in primary care in the community in order to reduce and prevent domestic violence against aboriginal women in Taiwan.
Survey of State Practices during the 2004–2005 Influenza Vaccine Shortage
Authors: Shimabukuro Tom T. , Wortley Pascale M. , Bardenheier Barbara , Bresnitz Eddy A. , DeBlois Anna M. , Hahn Christine G. , Mangione Ellen J. 
Published: July 2017

To describe state-level actions and policies during the 2004–2005 influenza vaccine shortage and determine whether these or other factors were related to vaccination coverage, we surveyed all state health departments (including the District of Columbia). We included 2004–2005 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data to examine whether state-level actions, policies, or other factors like vaccine supply were related to changes in vaccination coverage in adults aged ≥65 years from the previous non-shortage year. We found that 96% ( n=49) of states reported adopting or recommending adherence to the initial national interim influenza vaccination recommendations. Of these, at some point during the season, 22% ( n=11) reported local public health agencies issued prioritization recommendations that differed from the state health department's guidance. Eighty percent ( n=41) initiated at least one emergency response activity and 43% ( n=22) referred to or implemented components of their pandemic influenza plans. In 35% ( n=18), emergency or executive orders were issued or legislative action occurred. In a multivariable linear regression model, the availability and use of practitioner contact lists and having a relatively high vaccine supply in early October 2004 were associated with smaller decreases in coverage for adults aged ≥65 years from the previous non-shortage season ( p=0.003, r2=0.26). States overwhelmingly followed national vaccination prioritization guidelines and used a range of activities to manage the 2004–2005 vaccine shortage. The availability and use of practitioner contact lists and having a relatively high vaccine supply early in the season were associated with smaller decreases in coverage from the previous non-shortage season.
Perceived Discrimination among Severely Disadvantaged People with HIV Infection
Authors: Sohler Nancy , Li Xuan , Cunningham Chinazo 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. Studies continue to document that people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience discrimination in their interactions with the health-care system, which can have negative implications for maintaining continuity in care and outcomes. We explored the patient characteristics associated with perceived discrimination and whether these experiences are associated with health-care system quality ratings in a survey of severely disadvantaged people with HIV who are at great risk of inconsistent access to appropriate health care. Methods. Five hundred and twenty-three participants were recruited from temporary housing facilities for people with HIV in the New York City area and administered a survey using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technology. Results. Of the 207 participants (39.6%) who reported experiencing discrimination in the health-care system, the most common attributions were HIV infection ( n=122, 59.8%), drug use ( n=100, 49.8%), homelessness ( n=71, 34.6%), and race/ethnicity ( n=69, 35.2%). Length of time HIV infected, use of non-prescription opioids, white race, higher education, female gender, younger age, and poorer self-reported health status were all significantly associated with greater odds of perceived discrimination. After adjusting for participant characteristics, perceived discrimination was significantly associated with poorer participant ratings of quality of health care. Conclusions. Members of this vulnerable population commonly report experiences of discrimination from within the health-care system and these experiences are associated with poor health-care ratings. These findings support the need for closer examination of the adequacy of cultural competency training within the HIV health-care delivery system to improve access to appropriate care for disadvantaged people.
Exposure to West Nile Virus during the 2002 Epidemic in Cuyahoga County, Ohio: A Comparison of Pediatric and Adult Behaviors
Authors: LaBeaud Angelle Desirée , Kile Jeffery R. , Kippes Christopher , King Charles H. , Mandalakas Anna M. 
Published: July 2017

Objectives. Emerging evidence suggests that children are at higher risk for West Nile virus (WNV) exposure, but may have a lower risk for infection-related morbidity and mortality. Limited data exist regarding risk determinants of childhood WNV infection. We conducted a survey to analyze the differences between pediatric and adult behavior relevant to WNV exposure. Methods. Residents of participating sampled households responded to a questionnaire that measured knowledge, attitudes, personal protective behaviors, and clinical history to evaluate the association between personal behavior and exposure to WNV. Results. Children were more likely to have high levels of outdoor exposure compared to adults (83% vs. 70%). Children were less likely to avoid going outdoors (4% vs. 13%) and to wear long sleeves or pants compared to adults (8% vs. 19%). Both groups were highly educated about WNV. Television, not health-care provider education, was the most common source of WNV information. Participants were more concerned about WNV infection than pesticide usage. Conclusions. Our study demonstrates that children exhibit behaviors that could put them at greater risk for WNV infection and suggests that children could benefit from greater education about practices that can decrease WNV exposure to limit their risk for infection.
Investigating Asthma Deaths among Children and Young Adults: Michigan Asthma Mortality Review
Authors: Rosenman Kenneth D. , Hanna Elizabeth A. , Lyon-Callo Sarah K. , Wasilevich Elizabeth A. 
Published: July 2017

Objective. We developed a surveillance system to investigate asthma deaths in children and young adults. Methods. A rapid asthma death notification and investigation system for Michigan was developed to identify interventions to prevent future deaths among people aged 2–34 years. Multidisciplinary panels to determine causal factors and recommend preventative actions reviewed information from death certificates, autopsies, next-of-kin interviews, and medical records. An annual report was disseminated to public health workers, health-care providers, insurers, and others. Results. Eighty-six asthma deaths in Michigan residents, aged 2–34, occurred from 2002–2004. Sixty-one next of kin were interviewed and medical records were obtained for 84 of the deceased. Summaries were prepared on each of the deceased and were reviewed by expert panels, which reached consensus on causal factors and potential preventive action for each death. Each year an annual report, which summarized the causal factors and potential preventive activity, was prepared. Conclusion. This review has informed and catalyzed interventions to improve asthma care and management in Michigan. Factors leading to the review's success and future activities are discussed.
Race/Ethnicity and Self-Reported Diabetes among Adults in the National Health Interview Survey: 2000–2003
Authors: Borrell Luisa N. , Crawford Natalie D. , Dallo Florence J. 
Published: July 2017

Objective. We investigated the effect of race among Hispanic and non-Hispanic people on self-reported diabetes after adjusting for selected individual characteristics and known risk factors. Methods. Using the National Health Interview Survey 2000–2003, these analyses were limited to Hispanic and non-Hispanic people who self-identified as white or black/African American for a final sample of 117,825 adults, including 17,327 Hispanic people (with 356 black and 16,971 white respondents). Results. The overall prevalence of diabetes was 7.2%. After adjusting for selected covariates, Hispanic white and black respondents were 1.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32, 1.83) and 2.64 (95% CI 1.10, 6.35) times more likely to report having diabetes than non-Hispanic white respondents. The estimate for non-Hispanic black respondents was 1.45 (95% CI 1.29, 1.64). When compared to low-income non-Hispanic white respondents, low-income Hispanic white respondents (odds ratio [OR] 1.64; 95% CI 1.26, 2.19) and non-Hispanic black respondents (OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.38, 2.11) were more likely to report having diabetes. Hispanic black people born in the U.S. were 3.54 (95% CI 1.27, 9.82) times more likely to report having diabetes when compared to Hispanic white people born in the U.S. In comparison to non-Hispanic white respondents, the odds of reporting diabetes decreased for non-Hispanic black respondents, while the odds remained constant for Hispanic white respondents ( p-value for interaction between survey year and race/ethnicity = 0.03). Conclusions. This study suggests that race may be a proxy for unmeasured exposures among non-Hispanic and Hispanic people. Thus, given the importance of race on health and the racial heterogeneity among Hispanic people, race among Hispanic people should be investigated whenever the data allow it.
Computer Use and Habitual Spinal Posture in Australian Adolescents
Authors: Straker Leon M. , O'Sullivan Peter B. , Smith Anne , Perry Mark 
Published: July 2017

Objective. Computer use is common in adolescents, and there is evidence that adolescent spinal posture alters during computer use. However, it is unknown if computer use and habitual postures are associated. The objective of this study was to evaluate associations between adolescent computer use and habitual postures. Methods. Eight hundred eighty-four adolescents (408 females, 476 males, mean age, 14.0 years, standard deviation, 0.2) completed a questionnaire assessing weekly computer use. Habitual spinal posture was assessed by photographic analysis while standing and sitting. Results. Computer use was associated with adolescent habitual postures. In males, increased computer use was associated with increased head flexion and neck flexion. In females, increased computer use was associated with increased lumbar lordosis. Conclusions. The amount of weekly computer use was associated with changes in habitual spinal postures, and these depended on gender. These associations may result from temporary computer postures leading to adaptive neuromusculoskeletal changes, though further multivariate and longitudinal studies are needed to confirm causality. As some habitual posture changes may place a greater strain on the musculoskeletal system, computer use by adolescents should be viewed as a possible health concern.
Economic Impact of Regulating the Use of Amalgam Restorations
Authors: Beazoglou Tryfon , Eklund Stephen , Heffley Dennis , Meiers Jonathan , Brown L. Jackson , Bailit Howard 
Published: July 2017

Objective. This article estimates the financial impact of a ban on amalgam restorations for selected population groups: the entire population, children, and children and women of childbearing age. Methods. Using claim and enrollment data from Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana and the American Dental Association Survey of Dental Services Rendered, we estimated the per capita use and annual rate of change in amalgam restorations for each age, gender, and socioeconomic subgroup. We used population projections to obtain national estimates of amalgam use, and the dental component of the Consumer Price Index to estimate the annual rate of change in fees. We then calculated the number of dental amalgams affected by the regulation, and the fees for each of the years 2005 to 2020. Results. If amalgam restorations are banned for the entire population, the average price of restorations before 2005 and after the ban would increase $52 from $278 to $330, and total expenditures for restorations would increase from $46.2 billion to $49.7 billion. As the price of restorations increases, there would be 15,444,021 fewer restorations inserted per year. The estimated first-year impact of banning dental amalgams in the entire population is an increase in expenditures of $8.2 billion. Conclusions. An amalgam ban would have a substantial short- and long-term impact on increasing expenditures for dental care, decreasing utilization, and increasing untreated disease. Based on the available evidence, we believe that state legislatures should seriously consider these effects when contemplating possible restrictions on the use of amalgam restorations.