bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aligning Quality for Populations and Patients: Do We Know Which Way to Go?
Authors: Lubetkin Erica Ilene , Sofaer Shoshanna , Gold Marthe R. , Berger Marc L. , Murray James F. , Teutsch Steven M. 
Published: December 2008

Both the medical care and public health systems have invested considerable resources to define, measure, and improve quality and health outcomes. A movement toward accountability has generated performance indicators from the medical arena and “leading health indicators” from the public health arena. The focus on specific conditions by the medical care system has been at odds with public health’s emphasis on improving population health and has perpetuated a bifurcated system. Aligning the goals of medical care with those of public health will require reformulation of performance measurement and accountability into a common language that is valued by both systems. Such a creation would amount to a whole that is stronger than the sum of the component parts.
Is Smoking Delayed Smoking Averted?
Authors: Glied Sherry 
Published: December 2008

Antismoking efforts often target teenagers in the hope of producing a new generation of never smokers. Teenagers are more responsive to tobacco taxes than are adults. The author summarizes recent evidence suggesting that delaying smoking initiation among teenagers through higher taxes does not generate proportionate reductions in prevalence rates through adulthood. In consequence, the impact of taxes on smoking among youths overstates the potential long-term public health effects of this tobacco control strategy.
Disparities in Trends of Hospitalization for Potentially Preventable Chronic Conditions Among African Americans During the 1990s: Implications and Benchmarks
Authors: Davis Sharon K. , Liu Yong , Gibbons Gary H. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We compared trends in prevalence rates of preventable cardiovascular- and diabetes-related hospitalizations between African Americans and members of other major US racial/ethnic groups. Methods. Standardized rates for 1991 to 1998 were derived from hospital and US census data for California. Results. African Americans had significantly higher hospitalization rates in 1991, and discrepancies in rates continued to widen through 1998. Overall male and female rates were approximately 3 times higher for angina, 7 times higher for hypertension, between 7 and 8 times higher for congestive heart failure, and 10 times higher for diabetes. Conclusions. Widening disparities in cardiovascular- and diabetes-related health conditions were observed in this study, possibly owing to racial inequalities in provision of effective primary care.
Neighborhood Physical Conditions and Health
Authors: Cohen Deborah A. , Mason Karen , Bedimo Ariane , Scribner Richard , Basolo Victoria , Farley Thomas A. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We explored the relationship between boarded-up housing and rates of gonorrhea and premature mortality. Methods. In this ecological study of 107 US cities, we developed several models predicting rates of gonorrhea and premature death before age 65 from all causes and from specific causes. We controlled for race, poverty, education, population change, and health insurance coverage. Results. Boarded-up housing remained a predictor of gonorrhea rates, all-cause premature mortality, and premature mortality due to malignant neoplasms, diabetes, homicide, and suicide after control for sociodemographic factors. Conclusions. Boarded-up housing may be related to mortality risk because of its potential adverse impact on social relationships and opportunities to engage in healthful behaviors. Neighborhood physical conditions deserve further consideration as a potential global factor influencing health and well-being.
Parental Smoking and Infant Respiratory Infection: How Important Is Not Smoking in the Same Room With the Baby?
Authors: Blizzard Leigh , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Dwyer Terence , Venn Alison , Cochrane Jennifer A. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We sought to quantify the effect of good smoking hygiene on infant risk of respiratory tract infection in the first 12 months of life. Methods. A cohort of 4486 infants in Tasmania, Australia, was followed from birth to 12 months of age for hospitalization with respiratory infection. Case ascertainment was 98.2%. Results. Relative to the infants of mothers who smoked postpartum but never in the same room with their infants, risk of hospitalization was 56% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 13%, 119%) higher if the mother smoked in the same room with the infant, 73% (95% CI = 18%, 157%) higher if the mother smoked when holding the infant, and 95% (95% CI = 28%, 298%) higher if the mother smoked while feeding the infant. Conclusions. Parents who smoke should not smoke with their infants present in the same room.
Outbreak of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Associated With Mebendazole and Metronidazole Use Among Filipino Laborers in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Kow-Tong , Twu Shiing-Jer , Chang Hong-Jen , Lin Ruey-Shiung 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study sought to identify the risk factors associated with an outbreak of Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) among Filipino laborers in Taiwan. Methods. Forty-six SJS/TEN patients were matched to 92 controls according to month of arrival in Taiwan, sex, and age. Results. The odds ratio for development of SJS/TEN was 9.5 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.9, 23.9) among workers who had used both metronidazole and mebendazole sometime in the preceding 6 weeks. In addition, a gradient increase in the occurrence of SJS/TEN was found with an increasing level of exposure to metronidazole. Conclusions. This outbreak highlights the risk of SJS/TEN resulting from the use of both metronidazole and mebendazole and the need for control measures.
An Integrative Medicine Clinic in a Community Hospital
Authors: Scherwitz Larry , Stewart William , McHenry Pamela , Wood Claudia , Robertson Lailah , Cantwell Michael 
Published: December 2008

We report on the creation of an integrative medicine clinic within the setting of a medical research and tertiary care hospital. The clinical audit used a prospective case series of 160 new patients who were followed by telephone interviews over a 6-month period. Patients’ demographic characteristics, presenting symptoms and diagnoses, physician treatment recommendations, extent of understanding and adherence to treatment recommendations, changes in symptom intensity, and progress toward achieving health objectives were recorded. Patients at the clinic showed significant reductions in the severity of symptoms and made significant progress toward achieving their health objectives at the 6-month follow-up. Thus far, the clinic’s experience suggests that an integrative medicine clinic can face current health care financial challenges and thrive in a conventional medical center.
Symptom Patterns Among Gulf War Registry Veterans
Authors: Hallman William K. , Kipen Howard M. , Diefenbach Michael , Boyd Kendal , Kang Han , Leventhal Howard , Wartenberg Daniel 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We identify symptom patterns among veterans who believe they suffer from Gulf War–related illnesses and characterize groups of individuals with similar patterns. Methods. A mail survey was completed by 1161 veterans drawn from the Gulf War Health Registry. Results. An exploratory factor analysis revealed 4 symptom factors. A K-means cluster analysis revealed 2 groups: (1) veterans reporting good health and few moderate/severe symptoms, and (2) veterans reporting fair/poor health and endorsing an average of 37 symptoms, 75% as moderate/severe. Those in Cluster 2 were more likely to report having 1 or more of 24 medical conditions. Conclusions. These findings are consistent with previous investigations of symptom patterns in Gulf War veterans. This multisymptom illness may be more fully characterized by the extent, breadth, and severity of symptoms reported.
Complementary Therapy for Addiction: “Drumming Out Drugs”
Authors: Winkelman Michael 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This article examines drumming activities as complementary addiction treatments and discusses their reported effects. Methods. I observed drumming circles for substance abuse (as a participant), interviewed counselors and Internet mailing list participants, initiated a pilot program, and reviewed literature on the effects of drumming. Results. Research reviews indicate that drumming enhances recovery through inducing relaxation and enhancing theta-wave production and brain-wave synchronization. Drumming produces pleasurable experiences, enhanced awareness of preconscious dynamics, release of emotional trauma, and reintegration of self. Drumming alleviates self-centeredness, isolation, and alienation, creating a sense of connectedness with self and others. Drumming provides a secular approach to accessing a higher power and applying spiritual perspectives. Conclusions. Drumming circles have applications as complementary addiction therapy, particularly for repeated relapse and when other counseling modalities have failed.
Relative or Absolute Standards for Child Poverty: A State-Level Analysis of Infant and Child Mortality
Authors: Hillemeier Marianne M. , Lynch John , Harper Sam , Raghunathan Trivellore , Kaplan George A. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The purpose of the present study was to compare the associations of state-referenced and federal poverty measures with states’ infant and child mortality rates. Methods. Compressed mortality and Current Population Survey data were used to examine relationships between mortality and (1) state-referenced poverty (percentage of children below half the state median income) and (2) percentage of children below the federal poverty line. Results. State-referenced poverty was not associated with mortality among infants or children, whereas poverty as defined by national standards was strongly related to mortality. Conclusions. Infant and child mortality is more closely tied to families’ capacity for meeting basic needs than to relative position within a state’s economic hierarchy.
Do Canadian Civil Servants Care About the Health of Populations?
Authors: Lavis John N. , Ross Suzanne E. , Stoddart Gregory L. , Hohenadel Joanne M. , McLeod Christopher B. , Evans Robert G. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This article describes Canadian civil servants’ awareness of, attitudes toward, and self-reported use of ideas about the determinants of health. Methods. Federal and provincial civil servants in departments of finance, labor, social services, and health were surveyed. Results. With civil servants in finance departments a notable exception, most Canadian civil servants see the health of populations as a relevant outcome for their sectors. Many (65%) report that ideas about the determinants of health have already influenced policymaking in their sector, but most (83%) say they need more information about the health consequences of the policy alternatives their departments face. Conclusions. Civil servants should consider developing accountability structures for health and researchers should consider producing and transferring more policy-relevant research.
Authors’ Financial Relationships With the Food and Beverage Industry and Their Published Positions on the Fat Substitute Olestra
Authors: Levine Jane , Gussow Joan Dye , Hastings Diane , Eccher Amy 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined the association between authors’ published positions on the safety and efficacy in assisting with weight loss of the Procter & Gamble (P&G) fat substitute olestra and their financial relationships with the food and beverage industry. Methods. Journal articles about olestra, and their authors, were classified as supportive, critical, or neutral with respect to its use. Authors not known to have industry affiliations were surveyed about their financial relationships. Results. Supportive authors were significantly more likely than critical or neutral authors to have financial relationships with P&G (80% vs 11% and 21%, respectively; P < .0001). All authors disclosing an affiliation with P&G were supportive. Conclusions. Because authors’ published opinions were associated with their financial relationships, obtaining noncommercial funding may be more essential to maintaining objectivity than disclosing personal financial interests.
Formative Evaluation of a Men’s Health Center
Authors: Ekundayo Olugbemiga T. , Bronner Yvonne , Johnson-Taylor Wendy L. , Dambita Nkossi , Squire Sean 
Published: December 2008

We describe an innovative approach for evaluating a men’s health center. Using observation and interview, we assessed patient flow, referral patterns, patient satisfaction, and perceptions of the services’ usefulness. Student assistants designed evaluation tools, hired and trained research assistants, supervised data collection, interacted with city and center officials, analyzed data, and drafted a report. To ensure patient confidentiality and anonymity, we designed an innovative observation system. The men had unique perceptions of family, requiring culturally sensitive approaches to engage them in the study. Of patients reporting to the center, 20.3% received referral services. Average satisfaction level was 5.2 (scale = 1–10). Perceived benefits to the family for 23% of respondents included cost savings, improved access, and higher service quality.
The Health of Men: Structured Inequalities and Opportunities
Authors: Williams David R. 
Published: December 2008

I have summarized in this article data on the magnitude of health challenges faced by men in the United States.Across a broad range of indicators, men report poorer health than women. Although men in all socioeconomic groups are doing poorly in terms of health, some especially high-risk groups include men of low socioeconomic status (SES) of all racial/ethnic backgrounds, low-SES minority men, and middle-class Black men. Multiple factors contribute to the elevated health risks of men. These include economic marginality, adverse working conditions, and gendered coping responses to stress, each of which can lead to high levels of substance use, other health-damaging behaviors, and an aversion to health-protective behaviors.The forces that adversely affect men’s health are interrelated, unfold over the life course, and are amenable to change.
Male Prisoners and HIV Prevention: A Call for Action Ignored
Authors: Braithwaite Ronald L. , Arriola Kimberly R. J. 
Published: December 2008

US prison inmates are disproportionately indigent young men of color. These individuals are severely affected by HIV/AIDS, largely owing to the high-risk behavior that they engage in prior to incarceration. Researchers and practitioners have issued a call for the importance of offering HIV prevention services in prison settings. However, this call has largely been ignored. In this article, we outline reasons why these recommendations have been largely ignored, discuss innovative HIV prevention programs that are currently being implemented in prison settings, and offer recommendations for securing support for HIV prevention services in correctional settings.
Slowing the Epidemic of Tobacco Use Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Authors: Lew Rod , Tanjasiri Sora Park 
Published: December 2008

Data on tobacco use among the Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) population remain limited, although existing studies indicate that tobacco use prevalence among males from specific AAPI groups is significantly higher than in the general US male population. This high prevalence of tobacco use and the disparities in use result from social norms, targeted marketing by the tobacco industry, lack of culturally and linguistically tailored prevention and control programs, and limited impact of mainstream tobacco control programs for AAPIs. We review the available literature on tobacco use among AAPI men and women, highlight a national agenda that promotes tobacco prevention and control for AAPI communities, and acknowledge recent trends including the increase of tobacco use among AAPI women and girls.
Addressing Urban Health in Detroit, New York City, and Seattle Through Community-Based Participatory Research Partnerships
Authors: Metzler Marilyn M. , Higgins Donna L. , Beeker Carolyn G. , Freudenberg Nicholas , Lantz Paula M. , Senturia Kirsten D. , Eisinger Alison A. , Viruell-Fuentes Edna A. , Gheisar Bookda , Palermo Ann-Gel , Softley Donald 
Published: December 2008

Objective. This study describes key activities integral to the development of 3 community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnerships. Methods. We compared findings from individual case studies conducted at 3 urban research centers (URCs) to identify crosscutting adaptations of a CBPR approach in the first 4 years of the partnerships’ development. Results. Activities critical in partnership development include sharing decisionmaking, defining principles of collaboration, establishing research priorities, and securing funding. Intermediate outcomes were sustained CBPR partnerships, trust within the partnerships, public health research programs, and increased capacity to conduct CBPR. Challenges included the time needed for meaningful collaboration, concerns regarding sustainable funding, and issues related to institutional racism. Conclusions. The URC experiences suggest that CBPR can be successfully implemented in diverse settings.
Leisure Time Physical Activity and Disease-Specific Mortality Among Men With Chronic Bronchitis: Evidence From the Whitehall Study
Authors: Batty G. David , Shipley Martin J. , Marmot Michael G. , Davey Smith George 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined the association between leisure time physical activity and cause-specific mortality among male Whitehall Study participants with chronic bronchitis. Methods. Rate ratios were calculated for 4 mortality outcomes, according to level of activity and baseline bronchitis status, in a 25-year follow-up of 6479 men. Results. After multiple adjustment for potential confounding or mediating variables, activity was inversely related to all-cause, cardiovascular, coronary heart disease, and noncardiovascular mortality among men free of chronic bronchitis. Among men with bronchitis, weak, nonsignificant positive associations were observed between activity and these outcomes, with the exception of noncardiovascular mortality. Conclusions. The suggestion of a positive activity–mortality association among individuals with chronic bronchitis—albeit weak and nonsignificant—requires further investigation.
R.J. Reynolds’ Targeting of African Americans: 1988–2000
Authors: Balbach Edith D. , Gasior Rebecca J. , Barbeau Elizabeth M. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to describe RJ Reynolds (RJR) Tobacco Company’s strategy for targeting African Americans, as revealed in tobacco industry documents and magazine advertisements. Methods. The authors searched industry documents to determine RJR’s strategies and analyzed magazine advertising during 2 periods: the time of the launch of the company’s Uptown cigarette (1989–1990) and a decade later (1999–2000). Results. RJR’s efforts to target the African American market segment existed before and after Uptown, and the company’s strategy was largely implemented via other RJR brands. Advertisements featured mentholated cigarettes, fantasy/escape, expensive objects, and nightlife. Conclusions. To help all populations become tobacco-free, tobacco control practitioners must understand and counter tobacco industry strategies.
African Americans’ Attitudes Toward Cigarette Excise Taxes
Authors: King Gary , Mallett Robyn K. , Kozlowski Lynn T. , Bendel Robert B. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined African Americans’ opinions regarding cigarette excise taxes and other tobacco control issues. Methods. A stratified cluster sample of US congressional districts represented by African Americans was selected. African Americans from 10 districts were interviewed. Results. Forty-seven percent of respondents stated that taxes on tobacco products should be increased, whereas about 30% believed that they should be reduced. Almost 75% disagreed that raising taxes on tobacco products is unfair to African Americans, and 57.9% reported that they would not be opposed to increasing taxes on cigarettes even if low-income smokers would be hit the hardest. Conclusions. The present results indicate substantial support for cigarette excise taxes among African Americans.
Anthropological Assessment for Culturally Appropriate Interventions Targeting Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Silenzio Vincent M. B. 
Published: December 2008

Although social and cultural factors play a fundamental role in the health of sexual minority populations and the development of culturally appropriate interventions, public health activities and research have sometimes lacked appropriate sophistication or attention to issues of cultural competency. In areas such as HIV prevention for men who have sex with men (MSM), biomedical interpretations of same-sex phenomena should be applied with caution. Communities and societies may broadly understand same-sex desire, attraction, behavior, and identity through age-structured/initiatory, gender-defined, profession/social role–defined, or egalitarian/gay frameworks. When more detailed, locally specific information is required, such as for youth, ethnic minorities, or urban versus rural populations, the approach to rapid anthropological assessment presented can provide nuanced insights for effective health programs targeting MSM.
HIV Infections and Associated Costs Attributable to Syphilis Coinfection Among African Americans
Authors: Chesson Harrell W. , Pinkerton Steven D. , Voigt Richard , Counts George W. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We estimated the number and cost of syphilis-attributable HIV cases among African Americans. Methods. A mathematical model of HIV transmission was used to estimate the number of partnerships consisting of HIV-discordant African Americans in which infectious syphilis was present and the number of new HIV cases attributable to syphilis in these partnerships. Results. In 2000, an estimated 545 new cases of HIV infection among African Americans could be attributed to the facilitative effects of infectious syphilis, at a cost of about $113 million. Conclusions. Syphilis prevention could reduce HIV incidence rates and the disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS on the African American community, resulting in substantial reductions in future HIV/AIDS medical costs.
The Efficacy of a Relationship-Based HIV/STD Prevention Program for Heterosexual Couples
Authors: El-Bassel Nabila , Witte Susan S. , Gilbert Louisa , Wu Elwin , Chang Mingway , Hill Jennifer , Steinglass Peter 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined the efficacy of a relationship-based HIV/sexually transmitted disease prevention program for heterosexual couples and whether it is more effective when delivered to the couple or to the woman alone.Methods. Couples (n = 217) were recruited and randomized to (1) 6 sessions provided to couples together (n = 81), (2) the same intervention provided to the woman alone (n = 73), or (3) a 1-session control condition provided to the woman alone (n = 63).Results. The intervention was effective in reducing the proportion of unprotected and increasing the proportion of protected sexual acts. No significant differences in effects were observed between couples receiving the intervention together and those in which the woman received it alone.Conclusions. This study demonstrates the efficacy of a relationship-based prevention program for couples at risk for HIV infection.