bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Hospital Staffing and Organizational Climate on Needlestick Injuries to Nurses
Authors: Clarke Sean P. , Sloane Douglas M. , Aiken Linda H. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study determined the effects of nurse staffing and nursing organization on the likelihood of needlestick injuries in hospital nurses. Methods. We analyzed retrospective data from 732 and prospective data from 960 nurses on needlestick exposures and near misses over different 1-month periods in 1990 and 1991. Staffing levels and survey data about working climate and risk factors for needlestick injuries were collected on 40 units in 20 hospitals. Results. Nurses from units with low staffing and poor organizational climates were generally twice as likely as nurses on well-staffed and better-organized units to report risk factors, needlestick injuries, and near misses. Conclusions. Staffing and organizational climate influence hospital nurses' likelihood of sustaining needlestick injuries. Remedying problems with understaffing, inadequate administrative support, and poor morale could reduce needlestick injuries.
Mammography Screening and Differences in Stage of Disease by Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Jacobellis Jillian , Cutter Gary 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the effect of routine screening on breast cancer staging by race/ethnicity. Methods. We used a 1990 to 1998 mammography database (N = 5182) of metropolitan Denver, Colo, women to examine each racial/ethnic cohort's incident cancer cases (n = 1902) and tumor stage distribution given similar patterns of routine screening use. Results. Regardless of race/ethnicity, women participating in routine screenings had earlier-stage disease by 5 to 13 percentage points. After control for possible confounding factors, White women were more likely to have early-stage disease compared with Black and Hispanic women. Conclusions. Lack of screening coverage in certain racial/ethnic populations has often been cited as a reason for tumor stage differences at detection. In this study, correcting for screening did not completely reduce stage differentials among Black and Hispanic women. (Am J Public Health. 2002;92:1144–1150)
Optimal Indicators of Socioeconomic Status for Health Research
Authors: Duncan Greg J. , Daly Mary C. , McDonough Peggy , Williams David R. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. In this study we examined the relationship between indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) and mortality for a representative sample of individuals. Methods. The sample included 3734 individuals aged 45 and older interviewed in 1984 in the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. In the current study, mortality was tracked between 1984 and 1994 and is related to SES indicators of education, occupation, income, and wealth. Results. Wealth and recent family income were the indicators that were most strongly associated with subsequent mortality. These associations persisted after we controlled for the other SES indicators and were stronger for women than for men and for nonelderly than for elderly individuals. Conclusions. We found that the economic indicators of SES were usually as strongly associated with mortality as, if not more strongly associated with mortality than, the more conventional indicators of completed schooling and occupation. (Am J Public Health. 2002;92:1151–1157)
Checking the Pulse: Midwestern Reporters' Opinions on Their Ability to Report Health Care News
Authors: Voss Melinda 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. Newspapers play a key role in disseminating information and shaping perceptions about health, research, and policies. Inadequate or misleading reporting constitutes a public health threat that can jeopardize individual health and lead to harmful health policies. Methods. Surveys were mailed to 165 reporters at 122 newspapers in 5 Midwest states. The association of training, newspaper size, and experience with reporter's self-perceived reporting ability was assessed. Results. The response rate was 69.6% (115/165). Between 66% and 85% of the reporters assessed 4 tasks vital to sound health reporting as “sometimes difficult” to “nearly always difficult.” No significant differences in perceived ability were found by training or newspaper size. Respondents with less experience reported higher perceived ability. Conclusions. These findings show that reporters may have difficulty understanding complex health issues and interpreting statistics because they are inadequately trained.
Increasing Rural–Urban Gradients in US Suicide Mortality, 1970–1997
Authors: Singh Gopal K. , Siahpush Mohammad 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined rural–urban gradients in US suicide mortality and the extent to which such gradients varied across time, sex, and age. Methods. Using a 10-category rural–urban continuum measure and 1970–1997 county mortality data, we estimated rural–urban differentials in suicide mortality over time by multiple regression and Poisson regression models. Results. Significant rural–urban gradients in age-adjusted male suicide mortality were found in each time period, indicating rising suicide rates with increasing levels of rurality. The gradient increased consistently, suggesting widening rural–urban differentials in male suicides over time. When controlled for geographic variation in divorce rate and ethnic composition, rural men, in each age cohort, had about twice the suicide rate of their most urban counterparts. Observed rural–urban differentials for women diminished over time. In 1995 to 1997, the adjusted suicide rates for young and working-age women were 85% and 22% higher, respectively, in rural than in the most urban areas. Conclusions. The slope of the relationship between rural–urban continuum and suicide mortality varied substantially by time, sex, and age. Widening rural–urban disparities in suicide may reflect differential changes over time in key social integration indicators. (Am J Public Health. 2002;92:1161–1167)
Distribution of African Americans in Residential Care/Assisted Living and Nursing Homes: More Evidence of Racial Disparity?
Authors: Howard Daniel L. , Sloane Philip D. , Zimmerman Sheryl , Eckert J. Kevin , Walsh Joan F. , Buie Verita C. , Taylor Persephone J. , Koch Gary G. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. In this study, we examined racial separation in long-term care. Methods. We used a survey of a stratified sample of 181 residential care/assisted living (RC/AL) facilities and 39 nursing homes in 4 states. Results. Most African Americans resided in nursing homes and smaller RC/AL facilities and tended to be concentrated in a few predominantly African American facilities, whereas the vast majority of Whites resided in predominantly White facilities. Facilities housing African Americans tended to be located in rural, nonpoor, African American communities, to admit individuals with mental retardation and difficulty in ambulating, and to have lower ratings of cleanliness/maintenance and lighting. Conclusions. These racial disparities may result from economic factors, exclusionary practices, or resident choice. Whether separation relates to inequities in care is undetermined. (Am J Public Health. 2002;92:1272–1277)
Functional Health Literacy and the Risk of Hospital Admission Among Medicare Managed Care Enrollees
Authors: Baker David W. , Gazmararian Julie A. , Williams Mark V. , Scott Tracy , Parker Ruth M. , Green Diane , Ren Junling , Peel Jennifer 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study analyzed whether inadequate functional health literacy is an independent risk factor for hospital admission.Methods. We studied a prospective cohort of 3260 Medicare managed care enrollees.Results. Of the participants, 29.5% were hospitalized. The crude relative risk (RR) of hospitalization was higher for individuals with inadequate literacy (n = 800; RR = 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.24, 1.65) and marginal literacy (n = 366; RR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.09, 1.61) than for those with adequate literacy (n = 2094). In multivariate analysis, the adjusted relative risk of hospital admission was 1.29 (95% CI = 1.07, 1.55) for individuals with inadequate literacy and 1.21 (95% CI = 0.97, 1.50) for those with marginal literacy.Conclusions. Inadequate literacy was an independent risk factor for hospital admission among elderly managed care enrollees. (Am J Public Health. 2002;92:1278–1283)
Driving Life Expectancy of Persons Aged 70 Years and Older in the United States
Authors: Foley Daniel J. , Heimovitz Harley K. , Guralnik Jack M. , Brock Dwight B. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We estimated total life expectancy and driving life expectancy of US drivers aged 70 years and older. Methods. Life table methods were applied to 4699 elderly persons who were driving in 1993 and reassessed in a 1995 survey. Results. Drivers aged 70 to 74 years had a driving life expectancy of approximately 11 years. A higher risk of mortality among men as a cause of driving cessation offset a higher risk of driving cessation not related to mortality among women that resulted in similar driving life expectancies. Conclusions. Nationwide, many elderly drivers quit driving each year and must seek alternative sources of transportation. Because of differences in life expectancy, women require more years of support for transportation, on average, than men after age 70.
Sex Differences in the Association of Socioeconomic Status With Obesity
Authors: Wardle Jane , Waller Jo , Jarvis Martin J. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study investigated socioeconomic predictors of obesity in men and women. Methods. Data from the 1996 Health Survey for England were used to compare odds ratios for obesity by education, occupation, and 2 economic markers after control for age, marital status, and ethnicity. Results. Obesity risk was greater among men and women with fewer years of education and poorer economic circumstances and among women, but not men, of lower occupational status. Conclusions. Higher educational attainment and higher socioeconomic status were associated with a lower risk of obesity in both men and women, whereas higher occupational status was associated with a lower risk only for women. The implications of these findings for understanding causes and prevention of obesity are discussed.
HIV-Positive Women Report More Lifetime Partner Violence: Findings From a Voluntary Counseling and Testing Clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Maman Suzanne , Mbwambo Jessie K. , Hogan Nora M. , Kilonzo Gad P. , Campbell Jacquelyn C. , Weiss Ellen , Sweat Michael D. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. Experiences of partner violence were compared between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women. Methods. Of 340 women enrolled, 245 (72%) were followed and interviewed 3 months after HIV testing to estimate the prevalence and identify the correlates of violence. Results. The odds of reporting at least 1 violent event was significantly higher among HIV-positive women than among HIV-negative women (physical violence odds ratio [OR] = 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23, 5.63; sexual violence OR = 2.39; 95% CI = 1.21, 4.73). Odds of reporting partner violence was 10 times higher among younger (< 30 years) HIV-positive women than among younger HIV-negative women (OR = 9.99; 95% CI = 2.67, 37.37). Conclusions. Violence is a risk factor for HIV infection that must be addressed through multilevel prevention approaches.
Assessing the Impact of Antidrug Advertising on Adolescent Drug Consumption: Results From a Behavioral Economic Model
Authors: Block Lauren G. , Morwitz Vicki G. , Putsis William P. , Sen Subrata K. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined whether adolescents’ recall of antidrug advertising is associated with a decreased probability of using illicit drugs and, given drug use, a reduced volume of use. Methods. A behavioral economic model of influences on drug consumption was developed with survey data from a nationally representative sample of adolescents to determine the incremental impact of antidrug advertising. Results. The findings provided evidence that recall of antidrug advertising was associated with a lower probability of marijuana and cocaine/crack use. Recall of such advertising was not associated with the decision of how much marijuana or cocaine/crack to use. Results suggest that individuals predisposed to try marijuana are also predisposed to try cocaine/crack. Conclusions. The present results provide support for the effectiveness of antidrug advertising programs. (Am J Public Health. 2002;92:1346–1351)
Employment Barriers Among Welfare Recipients and Applicants With Chronically Ill Children
Authors: Smith Lauren A. , Romero Diana , Wood Pamela R. , Wampler Nina S. , Chavkin Wendy , Wise Paul H. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study evaluated the association of chronic child illness with parental employment among individuals who have had contact with the welfare system. Methods. Parents of children with chronic illnesses were interviewed. Results. Current and former welfare recipients and welfare applicants were more likely than those with no contact with the welfare system to report that their children’s illnesses adversely affected their employment. Logistic regression analyses showed that current and former receipt of welfare, pending welfare application, and high rates of child health care use were predictors of unemployment. Conclusions. Welfare recipients and applicants with chronically ill children face substantial barriers to employment, including high child health care use rates and missed work. The welfare reform reauthorization scheduled to occur later in 2002 should address the implications of chronic child illness for parental employment.
Welfare to Work? Impact of Maternal Health on Employment
Authors: Romero Diana , Chavkin Wendy , Wise Paul H. , Smith Lauren A. , Wood Pamela R. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study investigated whether health problems among poor mothers of chronically ill children affect their ability to obtain and maintain employment. Methods. Mothers of children with chronic illnesses were surveyed at clinical and welfare agency sites in San Antonio, Tex. Results. There were distinct health differences according to mothers’ TANF and employment status. Mothers without TANF experience reported better physical and mental health and less domestic violence and substance use than did those who had TANF experience. Those not currently working had higher rates of physical and mental health problems. Conclusions. Poor maternal health is associated with need for cash assistance and health insurance. Policymakers must recognize that social policies promoting employment will fail if they do not address the health needs of poor women and children.
Perinatal and Infant Health Among Rural and Urban American Indians/Alaska Natives
Authors: Baldwin Laura-Mae , Grossman David C. , Casey Susan , Hollow Walter , Sugarman Jonathan R. , Freeman William L. , Hart L. Gary 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We sought to provide a national profile of rural and urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) maternal and infant health. Methods. In this cross-sectional study of all 1989–1991 singleton AI/AN births to US residents, we compared receipt of an inadequate pattern of prenatal care, low birthweight (< 2500 g), infant mortality, and cause of death for US rural and urban AI/AN and non-AI/AN populations. Results. Receipt of an inadequate pattern of prenatal care was significantly higher for rural than for urban mothers of AI/AN infants (18.1% vs 14.4%, P ≤ .001); rates for both groups were over twice that for Whites (6.8%). AI/AN postneonatal death rates (rural = 6.7 per 1000; urban = 5.4 per 1000) were more than twice that of Whites (2.6 per 1000). Conclusions. Preventable disparities between AI/ANs and Whites in maternal and infant health status persist.
The Influence of Chronic Respiratory Conditions on Health Status and Work Disability
Authors: Eisner Mark D. , Yelin Edward H. , Trupin Laura , Blanc Paul D. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined the impact of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on health status and work disability. Methods. We used data from a population-based sample of 3805 California adults. Results. Compared with adults with no chronic health conditions, adults with COPD or asthma had a greater risk of self-reported diminished general health (odds ratio [OR] = 10.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.31, 19.0 and OR = 3.92; 95% CI = 2.31, 6.65, respectively). Respondents with COPD or asthma also had worse mental health status, as indicated by a greater risk of depressive symptoms (OR = 10.05; 95% CI = 5.29, 19.08 and OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.33, 5.04). COPD was associated with reduced current employment (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.24, 0.71). Conclusions. Asthma and COPD are associated with poor health status and greater work disability.
The Social–Environmental Context of Violent Behavior in Persons Treated for Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Swanson Jeffrey W. , Swartz Marvin S. , Essock Susan M. , Osher Fred C. , Wagner H. Ryan , Goodman Lisa A. , Rosenberg Stanley D. , Meador Keith G. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of violent behavior by individuals with severe mental illness.Methods. Participants (N = 802) were adults with psychotic or major mood disorders receiving inpatient or outpatient services in public mental health systems in 4 states.Results. The 1-year prevalence of serious assaultive behavior was 13%. Three variables—past violent victimization, violence in the surrounding environment, and substance abuse—showed a cumulative association with risk of violent behavior.Conclusions. Violence among individuals with severe mental illness is related to multiple variables with compounded effects over the life span. Interventions to reduce the risk of violence need to be targeted to specific subgroups with different clusters of problems related to violent behavior.
National Health Insurance or Incremental Reform: Aim High, or at Our Feet?
Authors: Himmelstein David U. , Woolhandler Steffie 
Published: December 2008

Single-payer national health insurance could cover the uninsured and upgrade coverage for most Americans without increasing costs; savings on insurance overhead and other bureaucracy would fully offset the costs of improved care. In contrast, proposed incremental reforms are projected to cover a fraction of the uninsured, at great cost. Moreover, even these projections are suspect; reforms of the past quarter century have not stemmed the erosion of coverage. Despite incrementalists’ claims of pragmatism, they have proven unable to shepherd meaningful reform through the political system. While national health insurance is often dismissed as ultra left by the policy community, it is dead center in public opinion. Polls have consistently shown that at least 40%, and perhaps 60%, of Americans favor such reform.
Affordable Health Insurance for All Is Possible by Means of a Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Tooker John 
Published: December 2008

America can attain affordable health insurance coverage for all by using a pragmatic approach. Such an effort must accommodate the realities of the American health care system and resist the temptation to propose radical restructuring. The congressional strategy for universal health care described here was developed by the American College of Physicians–American Society of Internal Medicine. It builds on the strengths of the current pluralistic system by combining the benefits of public health plans such as Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program with a more competitive and affordable private insurance market. The health care system has reached a crisis point. Allowing the status quo to continue courts certain disaster.
Rekindling Reform: Principles and Goals
Authors:   The Rekindling Reform Steering Committee
Published: December 2008

Members of the Rekindling Reform Steering Committee collaborated over a period of several months in early 2002 to develop a set of principles and goals to help guide and define the group’s efforts for comprehensive health care reform in the United States. The next step is to circulate this document to the sponsoring organizations for their approval. This document is, then, a work in progress, subject to revision as the process of discussion and review continues. These principles provide a sense of the lessons members of the Rekindling Reform Steering Committee have learned from their study of other countries’ universal health care systems, and how those lessons have informed their thinking about the nature of the health care reform needed in United States.
A Joint Urban Planning and Public Health Framework: Contributions to Health Impact Assessment
Authors: Northridge Mary E. , Sclar Elliott 
Published: December 2008

A joint urban planning and public health perspective is articulated here for use, in health impact assessment. Absent a blueprint for a coherent and supportive structure on which to test our thinking, we are bound to fall flat. Such a perspective is made necessary by the sheer number of people living in cities throughout the world, the need for explicit attention to land use and transportation systems as determinants of population health, and the dearth of useful indicators of the built environment for monitoring progress. If explicit attention is not paid to the overarching goals of equality and democracy, they have little if any chance of being realized in projects, programs, and policies that shape the built environment and therefore the public’s health.
Is Social Capital the Key to Inequalities in Health?
Authors: Pearce Neil , Davey Smith George 
Published: December 2008

There has been vigorous debate between the “social capital” and “neomaterialist” interpretations of the epidemiological evidence regarding socioeconomic determinants of health. We argue that levels of income inequality, social capital, and health in a community may all be consequences of more macrolevel social and economic processes that influence health across the life course. We discuss the many reasons for the prominence of social capital theory, and the potential drawbacks to making social capital a major focus of social policy. Intervening in communities to increase their levels of social capital may be ineffective, create resentment, and overload community resources, and to take such an approach may be to “blame the victim” at the community level while ignoring the health effects of macrolevel social and economic policies.
Intermittent Lack of Health Insurance Coverage and Use of Preventive Services
Authors: Sudano Joseph J. , Baker David W. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined the association between intermittent lack of health insurance coverage and use of preventive health services.Methods. Analyses focused on longitudinal data on insurance status and preventive service use among a national sample of US adults who participated in the Health and Retirement Study.Results. Findings showed that, among individuals who obtain insurance coverage after histories of intermittent coverage, relatively long periods may be necessary to reestablish clinically appropriate care patterns. Increasing periods of noncoverage led to successively lower rates of use of most preventive services.Conclusions. Intermittent lack of insurance coverage—even across a relatively long period—results in less use of preventive services. Studies that examine only current insurance status may underestimate the population at risk from being uninsured.