bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Community Violence and Asthma Morbidity: The Inner-City Asthma Study
Authors: Wright Rosalind J. , Mitchell Herman , Visness Cynthia M. , Cohen Sheldon , Stout James , Evans Richard , Gold Diane R. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the association between exposure to violence and asthma among urban children. Methods. We obtained reports from caretakers (n = 851) of violence, negative life events, unwanted memories (rumination), caretaker-perceived stress, and caretaker behaviors (keeping children indoors, smoking, and medication adherence). Outcomes included caretaker-reported wheezing, sleep disruption, interference with play because of asthma, and effects on the caretaker (nights caretaker lost sleep because of child’s asthma). Results. Increased exposure to violence predicted higher number of symptom days (P = .0008) and more nights that caretakers lost sleep (P = .02) in a graded fashion after control for socioeconomic status, housing deterioration, and negative life events. Control for stress and behaviors partially attenuated this gradient, although these variables had little effect on the association between the highest level of exposure to morbidity, which suggests there are other mechanisms. Conclusions. Mechanisms linking violence and asthma morbidity need to be further explored.
Effects of WIC Participation on Children’s Use of Oral Health Services
Authors: Lee Jessica Y. , Rozier R. Gary , Norton Edward C. , Kotch Jonathan B. , Vann William F. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We estimated the effects of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) on dental services use by Medicaid children in North Carolina. Methods. We used linked Medicaid claims and enrollment files, WIC files, and the area resource file to compare dental services use for children enrolled in WIC with those not enrolled. We used multivariate models that controlled for child clustering and employed 2-step methodology to control for selection bias. Results. Children who participated in WIC had an increased probability of having a dental visit, were more likely to use preventive and restorative services, and were less likely to use emergency services. Conclusions. Children’s WIC participation improved access to dental care services that should lead to improved oral health.
Delays and Unmet Need for Health Care Among Adult Primary Care Patients in a Restructured Urban Public Health System
Authors: Diamant Allison L. , Hays Ron D. , Morales Leo S. , Ford Wesley , Calmes Daphne , Asch Steven , Duan Naihua , Fielder Eve , Kim Sehyun , Fielding Jonathan , Sumner Gerald , Shapiro Martin F. , Hayes-Bautista David , Gelberg Lillian 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We estimated the prevalence and determinants of delayed and unmet needs for medical care among patients in a restructured public health system. Methods. We conducted a stratified cross-sectional probability sample of primary care patients in the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 1819 adult patients in 6 languages. The response rate was 80%. The study sample was racially/ethnically diverse. Results. Thirty-three percent reported delaying needed medical care during the preceding 12 months; 25% reported an unmet need for care because of competing priorities; and 46% had either delayed or gone without care. Conclusions. Barriers to needed health care continue to exist among patients receiving care through a large safety net system. Competing priorities for basic necessities and lack of insurance contribute importantly to unmet health care needs.
Factors Associated With Colorectal Cancer Screening Among the US Urban Japanese Population
Authors: Honda Keiko 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The author examined the prevalence and predictors of colorectal cancer screening among the urban Japanese population of the United States. Methods. A sample of Japanese residents of major US metropolitan areas completed a self-administered mailed survey. Results. Physician recommendation, acculturation, and perceived psychological costs were consistent predictors of screening for colorectal cancer. Gender and marital status were related to screening via fecal occult blood testing; age, susceptibility, and health insurance were related to sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy screening. Conclusions. Colorectal cancer screening among the urban Japanese population could be increased with interventions seeking to promote physician recommendations for screening, alleviate perceived psychological costs among patients, and improve physician–patient communication.
The Limited Relevance of Drug Policy: Cannabis in Amsterdam and in San Francisco
Authors: Reinarman Craig , Cohen Peter D. A. , Kaal Hendrien L. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We tested the premise that punishment for cannabis use deters use and thereby benefits public health. Methods. We compared representative samples of experienced cannabis users in similar cities with opposing cannabis policies—Amsterdam, the Netherlands (decriminalization), and San Francisco, Calif (criminalization). We compared age at onset, regular and maximum use, frequency and quantity of use over time, intensity and duration of intoxication, career use patterns, and other drug use. Results. With the exception of higher drug use in San Francisco, we found strong similarities across both cities. We found no evidence to support claims that criminalization reduces use or that decriminalization increases use. Conclusions. Drug policies may have less impact on cannabis use than is currently thought.
Draw the Line/Respect the Line: A Randomized Trial of a Middle School Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors
Authors: Coyle Karin K. , Kirby Douglas B. , Marín Barbara V. , Gómez Cynthia A. , Gregorich Steven E. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of Draw the Line/Respect the Line, a theoretically based curriculum designed to reduce sexual risk behaviors among middle school adolescents. Methods. The randomized controlled trial involved 19 schools in northern California. A cohort of 2829 sixth graders was tracked for 36 months. Results. The intervention delayed sexual initiation among boys, but not girls. Boys in the intervention condition also exhibited significantly greater knowledge than control students, perceived fewer peer norms supporting sexual intercourse, had more positive attitudes toward not having sex, had stronger sexual limits, and were less likely to be in situations that could lead to sexual behaviors. Psychosocial effects for girls were limited. Conclusions. The program was effective for boys, but not for girls.
Adolescents and Firearms: A California Statewide Survey
Authors: Sorenson Susan B. , Vittes Katherine A. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of adolescents’ reports regarding firearms in their homes, of their own, of close friends, and of same-aged peers.Methods. Random-digit-dialed interviews were conducted with 5801 adolescents as part of the California Health Interview Survey.Results. One fifth (19.6%) of California adolescents reported having a firearm in their homes; few (3.0%) reported having their own gun. Characteristics associated with having one’s own gun and with perceptions regarding others’ guns generally were consistent with characteristics associated with having a firearm in the home. The 2 exceptions were related to socioeconomic status and to ethnicity.Conclusions. The source from which adolescents obtain guns, especially adolescents from less wealthy households, merits further investigation. Further research is needed to ascertain the accuracy of Black and Latino adolescents’ perceptions regarding handguns among their peers.
Overcoming Language Barriers in Health Care: Costs and Benefits of Interpreter Services
Authors: Jacobs Elizabeth A. , Shepard Donald S. , Suaya Jose A. , Stone Esta-Lee 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We assessed the impact of interpreter services on the cost and the utilization of health care services among patients with limited English proficiency. Methods. We measured the change in delivery and cost of care provided to patients enrolled in a health maintenance organization before and after interpreter services were implemented. Results. Compared with English-speaking patients, patients who used the interpreter services received significantly more recommended preventive services, made more office visits, and had more prescriptions written and filled. The estimated cost of providing interpreter services was $279 per person per year. Conclusions. Providing interpreter services is a financially viable method for enhancing delivery of health care to patients with limited English proficiency.
Trends in Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among Adults in the United States: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1994–2000
Authors: Serdula Mary K. , Gillespie Cathleen , Kettel-Khan Laura , Farris Rosanne , Seymour Jennifer , Denny Clark 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined trends in fruit and vegetable consumption in the United States. Methods. A 6-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess consumption among 434 121 adults in 49 states and the District of Columbia who were sampled in random-digit-dialed telephone surveys administered in 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2000. Results. Although the geometric mean frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption declined slightly, the proportion of respondents consuming fruits and vegetables 5 or more times per day did not change. With the exception of the group aged 18 to 24 years, which experienced a 3-percentage-point increase, little change was seen among sociodemographic subgroups. Conclusions. Frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption changed little from 1994 to 2000. If increases are to be achieved, additional efforts and new strategies will be needed.
Role of Health Insurance and a Usual Source of Medical Care in Age-Appropriate Vaccination
Authors: Dombkowski Kevin J. , Lantz Paula M. , Freed Gary L. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the associations of having health insurance and having a usual source of medical care with age-appropriate childhood vaccination. Methods. Simulations were conducted with multivariate logistic regression models and a nationally representative sample of children to assess the likelihood of age-appropriate vaccination. Results. Simulated provision of health insurance and a usual source of medical care produced substantial increases in the likelihood of doses being received age-appropriately. Increases in the likelihood of a child’s being up to date were also observed, but these increases typically were smaller than for age-appropriate vaccination. Conclusions. Changes in childhood vaccination status should be assessed in age-appropriate terms, because measures of “up to date” status may not capture the effects of immunization interventions.
The Regional Immunization Registry as a Public Health Tool for Improving Clinical Practice and Guiding Immunization Delivery Policy
Authors: Kempe Allison , Beaty Brenda L. , Steiner John F. , Pearson Kellyn A. , Lowery N. Elaine , Daley Matthew F. , Crane Lori A. , Berman Stephen 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We assessed the distribution of immunization records among 3 health care delivery sectors and the impact of a regional immunization registry on “up to date” rates. Methods. Immunization registry records in 2 regions were categorized as having originated in private practices, community health centers, or public health clinics. “Up to date” rates were calculated after we sequentially added immunization records from the 3 sectors. Results. The percentage of children with immunizations documented in multiple sectors increased with age from 7 to 24 months, and children who were seen in multiple sectors were more likely to be up to date. There were relative increases in “up to date” rates of 50% for children aged 24 months. Conclusions. The regional immunization registry is a powerful public health tool for increasing documented “up to date” rates and providing insights into patterns of immunization delivery.
Legal and Public Policy Responses of States to Bioterrorism
Authors: Martin William 
Published: December 2008

In late 2001, during the aftermath of the anthrax letter attacks, model legislation was proposed to relevant state agencies to update their states’ public health laws to meet the threat of bioterrorism. This legislation was the Model State Emergency Health Powers Act. A concern underlying this and related efforts to address future bioterrorism threats was the perceived inadequacy of state laws to respond effectively when such threats occur. We evaluated how 4 states—Utah, Maine, South Dakota, and Indiana—addressed this concern in the context of the model legislation. The conclusion is that the model legislation generally served as an important catalyst for state action in the field of bioterrorism preparation.
Changes in Sexual Behavior Among HIV-Infected Women After Initiation of HAART
Authors: Wilson Tracey E. , Gore Mary Elizabeth , Greenblatt Ruth , Cohen Mardge , Minkoff Howard , Silver Sylvia , Robison Esther , Levine Alexandra , Gange Stephen J. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We assessed the association between initiation of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) regimens and sexual risk behaviors among HIVinfected women. Methods. We analyzed data from 724 women who initiated HAART between January 1996 and January 2001 and who had pre-HAART viral loads at or above 400 copies per milliliter. Results. Sexually active women were less likely (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79) to report 2 or more partners during a 6-month period after HAART initiation than before HAART initiation. However, the risk for unprotected sex was higher after HAART initiation than before HAART initiation among all sexually active women (both those who reported 2 or more partners [OR = 1.84] and those who reported 1 partner [OR = 1.22]). Conclusions. Sexual risk behaviors are associated with receipt of therapy but not with therapeutic response, indicating a risk for transmission among female HAART recipients.
Medically Eligible Women Who Do Not Use HAART: The Importance of Abuse, Drug Use, and Race
Authors: Cohen Mardge H. , Cook Judith A. , Grey Dennis , Young Mary , Hanau Lawrence H. , Tien Phyllis , Levine Alexandra M. , Wilson Tracey E. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We investigated the prevalence and characteristics of HIV-positive women who do not report highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) use. Methods. We analyzed HAART use among 1165 HIV-positive participants in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study. Results. Between October 1, 2000, and March 31, 2001, 254 women with clinical indications for HAART reported not using it, 635 reported HAART use, and 276 had no clinical indications. In multivariate analysis, using crack/cocaine/heroin and a history of abuse decreased the likelihood of using HAART, whereas being White increased it. Conclusions. One of 4 women for whom HAART was indicated reported not using HAART. Childhood sexual abuse prevention, more intensive abuse treatment, and continuing drug treatment may enhance HIV disease treatment of women.
Acceptability of a Microbicide Among Women and Their Partners in a 4-Country Phase I Trial
Authors: Bentley Margaret E. , Fullem Andrew M. , Tolley Elizabeth E. , Kelly Clifton W. , Jogelkar Neelam , Srirak Namtip , Mwafulirwa Liness , Khumalo-Sakutukwa Gertrude , Celentano David D. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We analyzed qualitative and quantitative data for 98 HIV-negative, low-risk women in Malawi, Zimbabwe, India, and Thailand who participated in a safety and acceptability study of BufferGel, a vaginal microbicide to determine the across-country acceptability of vaginal microbicides among women and their partners. Methods. Quantitative survey data were collected at 7 and 14 days after use among enrolled women, and exit interviews were conducted with women and their partners in separate focus group discussions. Results. Acceptability was high in all sites (73% of women approved of the microbicide). Women in Africa, where HIV infection rates are highest, were virtually unanimous in their desire for such a product, suggesting that an individual’s perception of being at risk for HIV will outweigh concerns about side effects, problems applying a product, or other factors, when products are shown to be efficacious. But men and women reported that use, which was kept secret from an intimate partner, would be difficult and might “break the trust” of a relationship. Conclusions. Acceptability research across diverse settings through all stages of microbicide research, development, and postlicensure dissemination can help maximize acceptability and use.
Effectiveness of HIV Prevention in Ontario, Canada: A Multilevel Comparison of Bisexual Men
Authors: Leaver Chad A. , Allman Dan , Meyers Ted , Veugelers Paul J. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the effectiveness of community-level HIV prevention programming for men who have sex with men.Methods. We used multilevel methods to examine unprotected intercourse by bisexual men (n = 1016) with male and female partners in geographic regions with and without HIV prevention programming.Results. Men living in geographic regions with HIV prevention programming had significantly less frequent unprotected homosexual intercourse with both casual and regular partners. In contrast, no differences were observed for unprotected heterosexual intercourse.Conclusions. This study provides evidence supporting the effectiveness of community-level HIV prevention programming and the need for its broader implementation. The study also demonstrates the suitability of multilevel methods for examining the effectiveness of community-level public health programs.
Geographic Location of Commercial Plasma Donation Clinics in the United States, 1980–1995
Authors: James Robert C. , Mustard Cameron A. 
Published: December 2008

Objective. We examined the location of commercial plasma donation centers in the United States over the period 1980 to 1995 relative to the geographic distribution of risk behaviors associated with transfusion-transmissible infections. Methods. The census tract locations of commercial source plasma clinics were described by measures of neighborhood social disadvantage and the prevalence of illicit drug use and active local drug economies. Results. Depending on the measure of social environment used, commercial plasma clinics were 5 to 8 times more likely to be located in census tracts designated high-risk than would be expected by chance. Conclusions. Commercial source plasma clinics were overrepresented in neighborhoods with very active local drug economies. These patterns persisted after the links between human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus infections and plasma products had been established and may present risks to blood system safety.
Fertility and Parental Consent for Minors to Receive Contraceptives
Authors: Zavodny Madeline 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. I examined the effect of imposing a requirement for parental consent before minors can receive medical contraceptives. Methods. Birth and abortions among teens, relative to adults, in a suburban Illinois county that imposed a parental consent requirement in 1998 were compared with births and abortions in nearby counties during the period 1997–2000. Results. The relative proportion of births to women under age 19 years in the county rose significantly compared with nearby counties, whereas the relative proportion of abortions to women under age 20 years declined insignificantly, with a relative increase in the proportion of pregnancies (births and abortions) to young women in the county. Conclusions. Imposing a parental consent requirement for contraceptives, but not abortions, appears to raise the frequency of pregnancies and births among young women.
Trends in Prenatal Care Use and Low Birthweight in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Goldani Marcelo Z. , Barbieri Marco A. , Silva Antonio A. M. , Bettiol Heloisa 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We investigated trends in prenatal care use and its association with low birthweight in a developing country. Methods. We examined data from 2 southeast Brazilian cohort surveys, 1 conducted in 1978–1979 and the other in 1994. Results. Socioeconomic inequalities in prenatal care use increased during the 15-year period of 1979–1994. Although prenatal care use increases paralleled increases in low birthweight rate during this period, having no prenatal care was associated with higher risk of low birthweight in both surveys. Inadequate prenatal care use was also associated with higher risk of low birthweight in 1978–1979 only. Conclusions. Increasing low birthweight rates among women who adequately used prenatal care may be causing a bias by reducing the estimates of the effect of inadequate prenatal care use on low birthweight rates.
Implications of Family Income Dynamics for Women’s Depressive Symptoms During the First 3 Years After Childbirth
Authors: Dearing Eric , Taylor Beck A. , McCartney Kathleen 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined within-person associations between changes in family income and women’s depressive symptoms during the first 3 years after childbirth. Methods. Data were analyzed for 1351 women (mean baseline age = 28.13 years) who participated in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care. Nineteen percent of these women belonged to an ethnic minority, and 35% were poor at some time during the study. Results. Changes in income and poverty status were significantly associated with changes in depressive symptoms. Effects were greatest for chronically poor women and for women who perceived fewer costs associated with their employment. Conclusions. Given that women head most poor households in the United States, our findings indicate that reductions in poverty would have mental health benefits for women and families.
Feasibility and Benefits of a Parent-Focused Preschool Child Obesity Intervention
Authors: McGarvey Elizabeth , Keller Adrienne , Forrester Mena , Williams Erin , Seward Donna , Suttle David E. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This field study tested the feasibility and benefits of a program to promote 6 targeted parental behaviors to prevent obesity in children served by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Methods. Two WIC sites participated in a nonrandomized, controlled 1-year prospective study to assess parents’ self-reported behavior changes. Results. Statistical analyses of preintervention and postintervention assessments of parental behavior demonstrated significant changes in 2 behaviors: frequency of offering the child water and frequency of engaging in active play with the child. In both cases, the intervention proved effective in increasing the desired behavior. Conclusions. The findings demonstrate the feasibility of changing parental behaviors through multidimensional education in a WIC clinic setting.