bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Universal Health Care: Lessons From the British Experience
Authors: Light Donald W. 
Published: December 2008

Britain’s National Health Service (NHS) was established in the wake of World War II amid a broad consensus that health care should be made available to all. Yet the British only barely succeeded in overcoming professional opposition to form the NHS out of the prewar mixture of limited national insurance, various voluntary insurance schemes, charity care, and public health services. Success stemmed from extraordinary leadership, a parliamentary system of government that gives the winning party great control, and a willingness to make major concessions to key stakeholders. As one of the basic models emulated worldwide, the NHS—in both its original form and its current restructuring—offers a number of relevant lessons for health reform in the United States.
The Health Care System Under French National Health Insurance: Lessons for Health Reform in the United States
Authors: Rodwin Victor G. 
Published: December 2008

The French health system combines universal coverage with a public–private mix of hospital and ambulatory care and a higher volume of service provision than in the United States. Although the system is far from perfect, its indicators of health status and consumer satisfaction are high; its expenditures, as a share of gross domestic product, are far lower than in the United States; and patients have an extraordinary degree of choice among providers. Lessons for the United States include the importance of government’s role in providing a statutory framework for universal health insurance; recognition that piecemeal reform can broaden a partial program (like Medicare) to cover, eventually, the entire population; and understanding that universal coverage can be achieved without excluding private insurers from the supplementary insurance market.
Policy Without Politics: The Limits of Social Engineering
Authors: Navarro Vicente 
Published: December 2008

The extent of coverage provided by a country’s health services is directly related to the level of development of that country’s democratic process (and its power relations). The United States is the only developed country whose government does not guarantee access to health care for its citizens. It is also the developed country with the least representative and most insufficient democratic institutions, owing to the constitutional framework of the political system, the privatization of the electoral process, and the enormous power of corporate interests in both the media and the political process. As international experience shows, without a strong labor-based movement willing to be radical in its protests, a universal health care program will never be accepted by the US establishment.
Rekindling Reform—How Goes Business?
Authors: Maher Walter B. 
Published: December 2008

Employers were a major cause of the failure of President Clinton’s Health Security bill. This did not have to be so. The substantive and political factors that caused employers to turn against the Clinton Plan could prove instructive in the next reform effort. The unwillingness of employers who do provide benefits to engage seriously in the struggle over health care reform contributes to maintaining the status quo that penalizes them while rewarding employers who fail to provide coverage. The lessons that can be learned from the Clinton Plan debate, if heeded by both employers and health reform advocates, raise hope that key elements of the business community can play a positive role in the next comprehensive health reform effort.
Racial/Ethnic Variations in Physician Recommendations for Cardiac Revascularization
Authors: Ibrahim Said A. , Whittle Jeff , Bean-Mayberry Bevanne , Kelley Mary E. , Good Chester , Conigliaro Joseph 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We sought to examine whether physician recommendations for cardiac revascularization vary according to patient race. Methods. We studied patients scheduled for coronary angiography at 2 hospitals, one public and one private, between November 1997 and June 1999. Cardiologists were interviewed regarding their recommendations for cardiac resvacularization. Results. African American patients were less likely than Whites to be recommended for revascularization at the public hospital (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.12, 0.77) but not at the private hospital (adjusted OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 0.69, 4.14). Conclusions. Physician recommendations for cardiac revascularization vary by patient race. Further studies are needed to examine physician bias as a factor in racial disparities in cardiac care and outcomes.
Health Behaviors and Quality of Care Among Latinos With Diabetes in Managed Care
Authors: Brown Arleen F. , Gerzoff Robert B. , Karter Andrew J. , Gregg Edward , Safford Monika , Waitzfelder Beth , Beckles Gloria L. A. , Brusuelas Rebecca , Mangione Carol M. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We evaluated whether ethnicity and language are associated with diabetes care for Latinos in managed care. Methods. Using data from 4685 individuals in the Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes (TRIAD) Study, a multicenter study of diabetes care in managed care, we constructed multivariate regression models to compare health behaviors, processes of care, and intermediate outcomes for Whites and English- and Spanish-speaking Latinos. Results. Latinos had lower rates of self-monitoring of blood glucose and worse glycemic control than did Whites, higher rates of foot self-care and dilated-eye examinations, and comparable rates of other processes and intermediate outcomes of care. Conclusions. Although self-management and quality of care are comparable for Latinos and Whites with diabetes, important ethnic disparities persist in the managed care settings studied.
Patient–Physician Relationships and Racial Disparities in the Quality of Health Care
Authors: Saha Somnath , Arbelaez Jose J. , Cooper Lisa A. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study explored whether racial differences in patient–physician relationships contribute to disparities in the quality of health care. Methods. We analyzed data from The Commonwealth Fund’s 2001 Health Care Quality Survey to determine whether racial differences in patients’ satisfaction with health care and use of basic health services were explained by differences in quality of patient–physician interactions, physicians’ cultural sensitivity, or patient–physician racial concordance. Results. Both satisfaction with and use of health services were lower for Hispanics and Asians than for Blacks and Whites. Racial differences in the quality of patient–physician interactions helped explain the observed disparities in satisfaction, but not in the use of health services. Conclusions. Barriers in the patient–physician relationship contribute to racial disparities in the experience of health care.
Research Expectations Among African American Church Leaders in the PRAISE! Project: A Randomized Trial Guided by Community-Based Participatory Research
Authors: Ammerman Alice , Corbie-Smith Giselle , St. George Diane Marie M. , Washington Chanetta , Weathers Beneta , Jackson-Christian Bethany 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study sought to examine the expectations and satisfaction of pastors and lay leaders regarding a research partnership in a randomized trial guided by community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods. Methods. Telephone and self-administered print surveys were administered to 78 pastors and lay leaders. In-depth interviews were conducted with 4 pastors after study completion. Results. The combined survey response rate was 65%. Research expectations included honest and frequent communication, sensitivity to the church environment, interaction as partners, and results provided to the churches. Satisfaction with the research partnership was high, but so was concern about the need for all research teams to establish trust with church partners. Conclusions. Pastors and lay leaders have high expectations regarding university obligations in research partnerships. An intervention study based on CBPR methods was able to meet most of these expectations.
Effects of a Social-Network Method for Group Assignment Strategies on Peer-Led Tobacco Prevention Programs in Schools
Authors: Valente Thomas W. , Hoffman Beth R. , Ritt-Olson Annamara , Lichtman Kara , Johnson C. Anderson 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. Our study tested the effectiveness of network methods for identifying opinion leaders and for constructing groups. Methods. Three conditions—random, teacher, and network—were randomly assigned to 84 6th-grade classrooms within 16 schools. Pre- and postcurriculum data on mediators of tobacco use were collected from 1961 students. Peer leaders in the network condition were identified by student nominations, and those leaders were matched with the students who nominated them. Results. Students in the network condition relative to the random condition liked the prevention program more and had improved attitudes (β = −0.06; P < .01), improved self-efficacy (β = −0.10; P < .001), and decreased intention to smoke (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.38, 0.55). Conclusions. The network method was the most effective way to structure the program. Future programs may refine this technique and use it in other settings.
The Public Health Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Adolescent Depression and Obesity
Authors: Goodman Elizabeth , Slap Gail B. , Huang Bin 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the public health impact of the socioeconomic status (SES) gradient on adolescents’ physical and mental health. Methods. Population attributable risk (PAR) for household income and parental education were calculated relative to depression and obesity among a nationally representative sample of 15 112 adolescents. Results. PARs for income and education were large. Across each gender and race/ethnicity group, the PAR for education tended to exceed that for income. For depression, the adjusted PAR for income was 26%, and the PAR for education was 40%; for obesity, the adjusted PAR for income was 32%, and the PAR for education was 39%. Conclusions. SES is associated with a large proportion of the disease burden within the total population.
Do Risk Factors for Childhood Infections and Malnutrition Protect Against Asthma? A Study of Brazilian Male Adolescents
Authors: da Costa Lima Rosângela , Victora Cesar G. , Menezes Ana Maria B. , Barros Fernando C. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We studied the association between early life conditions and asthma in adolescence. Methods. We conducted a population-based birth cohort study involving 2250 male 18-year-olds residing in Brazil. Results. Approximately 18% of the adolescents reported having asthma. Several childhood factors were found to be significantly associated with increased asthma risk: being of high socioeconomic status, living in an uncrowded household, and children being breastfed for 9 months or longer. Conclusions. The present results are consistent with the “hygiene hypothesis,” according to which early exposure to infections provides protection against asthma. The policy implications of our findings are unclear given that risk factors for asthma protect against serious childhood diseases in developing countries.
Increasing Latino Adolescents’ Adherence to Treatment for Latent Tuberculosis Infection: A Controlled Trial
Authors: Hovell Melbourne F. , Sipan Carol L. , Blumberg Elaine J. , Hofstetter C. Richard , Slymen Donald , Friedman Lawrence , Moser Kathleen , Kelley Norma J. , Vera Alicia Y. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We sought to determine the efficacy of coaching Latino adolescents with latent tuberculosis infection to adhere to isoniazid treatment. Methods. Participants (n = 286) were randomly assigned to adherence coaching, attention control, or usual care groups. Adherence was measured via interviews and validated with urine assays. Results. Coaching resulted in significant increases in adherence compared with attention and usual care groups. Bicultural adolescents were more likely to be adherent than those most or least acculturated. Age and risk behavior were negatively related to adherence. Conclusions. Coaching can increase Latino adolescents’ adherence to treatment for latent tuberculosis infection and should contribute to tuberculosis control for adolescents at high risk of contracting the disease.
Ethical Issues in Youth Surveys: Potentials for Conducting a National Questionnaire Study on Adolescent Schoolchildren’s Sexual Experiences With Adults
Authors: Helweg-Larsen Karin , Bøving-Larsen Helmer 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We evaluated ethical constraints concerning youth surveys on child sexual abuse (CSA). Methods. We reviewed internationally published studies and Danish regulations concerning school-based surveys conducted without active parental consent. Results. Ethical constraints concerning participants in youth community studies have been scantily assessed. Danish legislation accords minors the right to be heard on issues concerning themselves. The anticipated societal benefits of children’s participation in community studies justify conducting anonymous surveys among schoolchildren based upon their own informed consent. Conclusions. No ethical or legal objections were found to conducting an anonymous survey in Denmark on CSA among 9th-grade pupils without parental consent, provided that the survey was accompanied by an offer of counseling.
Evidence in Support of Foster Care During Acute Refugee Crises
Authors: Duerr Ann , Posner Samuel F. , Gilbert Mark 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) policy encourages foster care during refugee emergencies. We examined evidence to support this policy using data from the 1994 Rwandan refugee crisis. Methods. The association of weight gain and acute illness with family status (foster children vs children living with their biological families) was examined using latent growth curve and repeated measures logistic regression analysis. Results. Weight gain for all children averaged 0.40 kg/month and was associated with child’s age but not with family status, child’s or caregiver’s sex, caregiver’s marital status, possession of blankets or plastic sheeting, severe malnutrition, month of enrollment, or acute illness. Illness was not more common among foster children than among children living with their biological families. Conclusions. This analysis supports the UNHCR/UNICEF recommendation of fostering for unaccompanied children during an acute refugee crisis.
Breaking the Alliance: Defeating the Tobacco Industry’s Allies and Enacting Youth Access Restrictions in Massachusetts
Authors: Andersen Brent S. , Begay Michael E. , Lawson Cecil B. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We describe the tobacco industry’s effort in Massachusetts to block the adoption of local regulations designed to reduce youth access to tobacco products. We also explain how state-funded tobacco control advocates overcame industry opposition. Methods. We examined internal tobacco industry documents and records of local boards of health and conducted interviews with participants in local regulatory debates. Results. The industry fought proposed regulations by working through a trade group, the New England Convenience Store Association. With industry direction and financing, the association’s members argued against proposed regulations in local public hearings. However, these efforts failed because community-based advocates worked assiduously to cultivate support for the regulations among board of health members and local community organizations. Conclusions. Passage of youth access regulations by local boards of health in Massachusetts is attributed to ongoing state funding for local tobacco control initiatives, agreement on common policy goals among tobacco control advocates, and a strategy of persuading boards of health to adopt and enforce their own local regulations.
Watering Down the Drinks: The Moderating Effect of College Demographics on Alcohol Use of High-Risk Groups
Authors: Wechsler Henry , Kuo Meichun 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined whether colleges with larger enrollments of students from demographic groups with lower rates of binge drinking exert a moderating effect on students from groups with higher binge drinking rates. Methods. The study analyzed data from 114 colleges included in the 1993, 1997, 1999, and 2001 College Alcohol Study surveys. Results. The binge drinking rates of White, male, and underage students were significantly lower in schools that had more minority, female, and older students. Students who do not binge drink in high school are more likely to start binge drinking at colleges with fewer minority and older students. Conclusions. Student-body composition and demographic diversity should be examined by colleges wishing to reduce their binge drinking problems.
Caregiving to Children and Grandchildren and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women
Authors: Lee Sunmin , Colditz Graham , Berkman Lisa , Kawachi Ichiro 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the relationship between burden of providing care to non-ill children and grandchildren and incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) among women. Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted as part of the Nurses’ Health Study among 54 412 women aged 46 to 71 years who were registered nurses. Women answered questions about their child care responsibilities. Results. We documented 321 incident cases of CHD during 4 years of follow-up. Multivariate analyses showed that caring for non-ill children 21 hours or more per week and caring for non-ill grandchildren 9 hours or more per week (vs no caregiving) were associated with an increased risk of CHD (relative risks were 1.59 and 1.55, respectively). Conclusions. High levels of care provision to grandchildren (and possibly children) may increase the risk of CHD among women.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Rates of Depression Among Preretirement Adults
Authors: Dunlop Dorothy D. , Song Jing , Lyons John S. , Manheim Larry M. , Chang Rowland W. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We estimated racial/ethnic differences in rates of major depression and investigated possible mediators.Methods. Depression prevalence rates among African American, Hispanic, and White adults were estimated from a population-based national sample and adjusted for potential confounders.Results. African Americans (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93, 1.44) and Hispanics (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.04) exhibited elevated rates of major depression relative to Whites. After control for confounders, Hispanics and Whites exhibited similar rates, and African Americans exhibited significantly lower rates than Whites.Conclusions. Major depression and factors associated with depression were more frequent among members of minority groups than among Whites. Elevated depression rates among minority individuals are largely associated with greater health burdens and lack of health insurance, factors amenable to public policy intervention.
Globalization and Health at the United States–Mexico Border
Authors: Homedes Núria , Ugalde Antonio 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We studied the impact of globalization on the making of health policy. Globalization is understood as economic interdependence among nations. The North American Free Trade Agreement is used as a marker to assess the effects of economic interdependence on binational health cooperation along the United States–Mexico border. Methods. We observed participants and conducted in-depth interviews with policymakers, public health specialists, representatives of professional organizations, and unions. Results. Globalization has not promoted binational health policy cooperation. Barriers that keep US and Mexican policymakers apart prevail while health problems that do not recognize international borders go unresolved. Conclusions. If international health problems are to be solved, political, cultural, and social interdependence need to be built with the same impetus by which policymakers promote international trade.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke and Adult-Onset Asthma: A Population-Based Incident Case–Control Study
Authors: Jaakkola Maritta S. , Piipari Ritva , Jaakkola Niina , Jaakkola Jouni J. K. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The authors assessed the effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on the development of asthma in adults. Methods. In the Pirkanmaa district of South Finland, all 21- to 63-year-old adults with new cases of asthma diagnosed during a 2.5-year period (n = 521 case patients, out of 441 000 inhabitants) and a random sample of control subjects from the source population (932 control subjects) participated in a population-based incident case–control study. Results. Risk of asthma was related to workplace ETS exposure (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26, 3.72) and home exposure (OR = 4.77; 95% CI = 1.29, 17.7) in the past year. Cumulative ETS exposure over a lifetime at work and at home increased the risk. Conclusions. This study indicates for the first time that both cumulative lifetime and recent ETS exposures increase the risk of adult-onset asthma.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Influenza Vaccination Coverage in High-Risk Adults
Authors: Egede Leonard E. , Zheng Deyi 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study identified racial/ethnic disparities in influenza vaccination in high-risk adults. Methods. We analyzed data on influenza vaccination in 7655 adults with high-risk conditions, using data from the 1999 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). We stratified data by age and used multiple logistic regression to adjust for gender, education, income, employment, and health care access. Results. After control for covariates, White patients with diabetes, chronic heart conditions, and cancer had a higher prevalence of influenza vaccination than did Black patients with the same conditions. Similarly, White patients with 2 or more high-risk conditions were more likely to receive the influenza vaccine than Black patients with the same conditions. Conclusions. Significant racial/ethnic differences exist in influenza vaccination of high-risk individuals, and missed vaccination opportunities seem to contribute to the less-than-optimal influenza vaccination coverage in the United States.
Substance Use, Dependence, and Service Utilization Among the US Uninsured Nonelderly Population
Authors: Wu Li-Tzy , Kouzis Anthony C. , Schlenger William E. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the prevalence and correlates of substance use, dependence, and service utilization among uninsured persons aged 12 to 64 years.Methods. We drew study data from the 1998 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse.Results. An estimated 80% of uninsured nonelderly persons reported being uninsured for more than 6 months in the prior year. Only 9% of these uninsured persons who were dependent on alcohol or drugs had received any substance abuse service in the past year. Non-Hispanic Whites were an estimated 3 times more likely than Blacks to receive substance abuse services.Conclusions. Compared with the privately insured, uninsured persons had increased odds of having alcohol/drug dependence and appeared to face substantial barriers to health services for substance use problems.