bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Condom Availability Programs in Massachusetts High Schools: Relationships With Condom Use and Sexual Behavior
Authors: Blake Susan M. , Ledsky Rebecca , Goodenow Carol , Sawyer Richard , Lohrmann David , Windsor Richard 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study assessed relationships between condom availability programs accompanied by community discussion and involvement and adolescent sexual practices. Methods. Sexual practice and condom use differences were assessed in a representative sample of 4166 adolescents enrolled in high schools with and without condom availability programs. Results. Adolescents in schools where condoms were available were more likely to receive condom use instruction and less likely to report lifetime or recent sexual intercourse. Sexually active adolescents in those schools were twice as likely to use condoms, but less likely to use other contraceptive methods, during their most recent sexual encounter. Conclusions. The strategy of making condoms available, an indication of socioenvironmental support for condom use, may improve HIV prevention practices.
Rapid Assessment of the HIV/AIDS Crisis in Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities: An Approach for Timely Community Interventions
Authors: Needle Richard H. , Trotter Robert T. , Singer Merrill , Bates Christopher , Page J. Bryan , Metzger David , Marcelin Louis H. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The US Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Congressional Black Caucus, created a new initiative to address the disproportionate ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis in racial/ethnic minority populations. Methods. This initiative included deploying technical assistance teams through the Office of HIV/AIDS Policy. The teams introduced rapid assessment and response methodologies and trained minority communities in their use. Results. The first 3 eligible cities (Detroit, Miami, and Philadelphia) focused assessments in small geographic areas, using multiple methodologies to obtain data. Conclusions. Data from the first 3 eligible cities provided critical information about changing the dynamics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic at the local level, including program and policy changes and infrastructure redeployment targeted at the most serious social and environmental conditions.
Use of Alternative Therapists Among People in Care for HIV in the United States
Authors: London Andrew S. , Foote-Ardah Carrie E. , Fleishman John A. , Shapiro Martin F. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined the influence of sociodemographic, clinical, and attitudinal variables on the use of alternative therapists by people in care for HIV. Methods. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of baseline data from the nationally representative HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study were conducted. Results. Overall, 15.4% had used an alternative therapist, and among users, 53.9% had fewer than 5 visits in the past 6 months. Use was higher for people who were gay/lesbian, had incomes above $40 000, lived in the Northeast and West, were depressed, and wanted more information about and more decisionmaking involvement in their care. Among users, number of visits was associated with age, education, sexual orientation, insurance status, and CD4 count. Conclusions. Among people receiving medical care for HIV, use of complementary care provided by alternative therapists is associated with several sociodemographic, clinical, and attitudinal variables. Evaluation of the coordination of provider-based alternative and standard medical care is needed.
Outcomes, Safety, and Resource Utilization in a Collaborative Care Birth Center Program Compared With Traditional Physician-Based Perinatal Care
Authors: Jackson Debra J. , Lang Janet M. , Swartz William H. , Ganiats Theodore G. , Fullerton Judith , Ecker Jeffrey , Nguyen Uyensa 
Published: December 2008

Objective. We compared outcomes, safety, and resource utilization in a collaborative management birth center model of perinatal care versus traditional physician-based care. Methods. We studied 2957 low-risk, low-income women: 1808 receiving collaborative care and 1149 receiving traditional care. Results. Major antepartum (adjusted risk difference [RD] = −0.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.5, 1.5), intrapartum (adjusted RD = 0.8%; 95% CI = −2.4, 4.0), and neonatal (adjusted RD = −1.8%; 95% CI = −3.8, 0.1) complications were similar, as were neonatal intensive care unit admissions (adjusted RD = −1.3%; 95% CI = −3.8, 1.1). Collaborative care had a greater number of normal spontaneous vaginal deliveries (adjusted RD = 14.9%; 95% CI = 11.5, 18.3) and less use of epidural anesthesia (adjusted RD = −35.7%; 95% CI = −39.5, −31.8). Conclusions. For low-risk women, both scenarios result in safe outcomes for mothers and babies. However, fewer operative deliveries and medical resources were used in collaborative care.
A Case–Control Study of Female-to-Female Nonintimate Violence in an Urban Area
Authors: Hirschinger Nancy B. , Grisso Jeane Ann , Wallace Donald B. , McCollum Kelly Farley , Schwarz Donald F. , Sammel Mary D. , Brensinger Colleen , Anderson Elijah 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics surrounding female-to-female nonpartner violence and to identify independent factors associated with risk of female-to-female intentional injuries. Methods. A case–control investigation was conducted among women who resided in an urban, low-income community and presented for emergency department care for injuries inflicted by female nonpartners. Results. Women were typically victimized by women they knew (88%), in outdoor locations (60%), and in the presence of others (91%). Those found to be at risk for injury typically were young and socially active, used marijuana, and had experienced other kinds of violence. Conclusions. The present results showed that women injured by female nonpartners had limited resources, experienced disorder in their lives, and were the victims of violence within multiple relationships. (Am J Public Health. 2003;93:1098–1103)
Injury Hospitalization and Risks for Subsequent Self-Injury and Suicide: A National Study From New Zealand
Authors: Conner Kenneth R. , Langley John , Tomaszewski Kenneth J. , Conwell Yeates 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. Risks for suicide and nonfatal self-injury hospitalizations associated with previous injury hospitalizations were investigated in a nationwide retrospective cohort study conducted in New Zealand. Methods. Linked data from all New Zealand public hospitals were used to identify individuals with injury hospitalizations. Participants were followed for 12 months. Results. Significantly increased age- and sex-adjusted relative risks for suicide were associated with previous hospitalization for self-injury, injuries of undetermined causes, and assault. Also, elevated risks were associated with these causes of hospitalization in the case of subsequent self-injury hospitalizations. Conclusions. Results indicate that identifiable subgroups of individuals hospitalized for injuries are at marked risk for serious suicidal behavior and suggest the potential of targeted suicide prevention for these individuals.
Area Deprivation and Widening Inequalities in US Mortality, 1969–1998
Authors: Singh Gopal K. 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study examined age-, sex-, and race-specific gradients in US mortality by area deprivation between 1969 and 1998. Methods. A census-based area deprivation index was linked to county mortality data. Results. Area deprivation gradients in US mortality increased substantially during 1969 through 1998. The gradients were steepest for men and women aged 25 to 44 years and those younger than 25 years, with higher mortality rates observed in more deprived areas. Although area gradients were less pronounced for women in each age group, they rose sharply for women aged 25 to 44 and 45 to 64 years. Conclusions. Areal inequalities in mortality widened because of slower mortality declines in more deprived areas. Future research needs to examine population-level social, behavioral, and medical care factors that may account for the increasing gradient.
Food Environment in Secondary Schools: À La Carte, Vending Machines, and Food Policies and Practices
Authors: French Simone A. , Story Mary , Fulkerson Jayne A. , Gerlach Anne Faricy 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. This study described the food environment in 20 Minnesota secondary schools. Methods. Data were collected on school food policies and the availability and nutritional content of foods in school à la carte (ALC) areas and vending machines (VMs). Results. Approximately 36% and 35% of foods in ALC areas and in VMs, respectively, met the lower-fat criterion (≤ 5.5 fat grams/serving). The chips/crackers category constituted the largest share of ALC foods (11.5%). The median number of VMs per school was 12 (4 soft drink, 2 snack, 5 other). Few school food policies were reported. Conclusions. The availability of healthful foods and beverages in schools as well as school food policies that foster healthful food choices among students needs greater attention.
The Association of the School Food Environment With Dietary Behaviors of Young Adolescents
Authors: Kubik Martha Y. , Lytle Leslie A. , Hannan Peter J. , Perry Cheryl L. , Story Mary 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the association between young adolescents’ dietary behaviors and school vending machines, à la carte programs, and fried potatoes’ being served at school lunch. Methods. Using a cross-sectional study design, we measured à la carte availability and the number of school stores, vending machines, and amounts of fried potatoes served to students at school lunch in 16 schools. Grade 7 students (n = 598) completed 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Results. À la carte availability was inversely associated with fruit and fruit/vegetable consumption and positively associated with total and saturated fat intake. Snack vending machines were negatively correlated with fruit consumption. Fried potatoes’ being served at school lunch was positively associated with vegetable and fruit/vegetable intake. Conclusions. School-based programs that aim to promote healthy eating among youths should target school-level environmental factors.
The Fox Guarding the Chicken Coop: Monitoring Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, 1969–2000
Authors: Weeks James L. 
Published: December 2008

Following passage of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, underground coal mine operators were required to take air samples in order to monitor compliance with the exposure limit for respirable dust, a task essential for the prevention of pneumoconiosis among coal workers. Miners objected, claiming that having the mine operators perform this task was like “having the fox guard the chicken coop.” This article is a historical narrative of mining industry corruption and of efforts to reform the program of monitoring exposure to coal mine dust. Several important themes common to the practice of occupational health are illustrated; most prominently, that employers should not be expected to regulate themselves.
Should the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Intervention Level Be Lowered?
Authors: Bernard Susan M. 
Published: December 2008

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1991 chose 10 μg/dL as an initial screening level for lead in children’s blood. Current data on health risks and intervention options do not support generally lowering that level, but federal lead poisoning prevention efforts can be improved by revising the follow-up testing schedule for infants aged 1 year or less with blood lead levels of 5 μg/dL or higher; universal education about lead exposure risks; universal administration of improved, locally validated risk-screening questionnaires; enhanced compliance with targeted screening recommendations and federal health program requirements; and development by regulatory agencies of primary prevention criteria that do not use the CDC’s intervention level as a target “safe” lead exposure.
Nondaily Smokers: Who Are They?
Authors: Hassmiller Kristen M. , Warner Kenneth E. , Mendez David , Levy David T. , Romano Eduardo 
Published: December 2008

Objective. We sought to understand who constitutes the sizable population of nondaily, or some-day (SD), smokers. Methods. We analyzed descriptive statistics and regression results using the 1998–1999 Current Population Survey Tobacco Use Supplement to determine the prevalence of SD smokers, their sociodemographic characteristics, and the smoking patterns and histories of groups differentiated by the length and stability of their SD smoking. Results. SD smokers make up 19.2% of all current smokers. Among SD smokers, 44.6% have smoked less than daily for at least 1 year, no more than 14.4% are just starting to smoke, and the rest are likely in transition. Overall, SD smokers smoked a mean of 102 cigarettes per month (compared to 566.4 for daily smokers), on an average of 14.5 days out of the past 30. Conclusions. SD smokers make up a substantial segment of the smoking population. They are not just beginning to smoke nor trying to quit. Many have developed a long-standing pattern of nondaily smoking, smoking relatively few cigarettes on the days when they do smoke. They are not substantially younger than daily smokers, as one might expect.
A Comparison of National Estimates From the National Health Interview Survey and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Authors: Nelson David E. , Powell-Griner Eve , Town Machell , Kovar Mary Grace 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to compare national estimates from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Methods. The authors compared data from the 2 surveys on smoking, height, weight, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, immunization, lack of insurance coverage, cost as a barrier to medical care, and health status. Results. Overall national estimates were similar for 13 of the 14 measures examined. Small differences according to demographic characteristics were found for height and body mass index, with larger differences for health status. Conclusions. Although estimates differed within subgroups, the BRFSS provided national estimates comparable to those of the NHIS. BRFSS national data could provide rapidly available information to guide national policy and program decisions.
Local Ordinances That Promote Physical Activity: A Survey of Municipal Policies
Authors: Librett John J. , Yore Michelle M. , Schmid Thomas L. 
Published: December 2008

In this Utah-based study, we sought to identify the types of municipal employees responsible for physical activity policies, identify municipal ordinances that may influence physical activity, and determine local governments’ intentions to implement policies. In 2001, we mailed a survey to all of the state’s municipalities with the goal of measuring 6 physical activity domains: sidewalks, bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, work sites, greenways, and recreational facilities. Data from 74 municipalities revealed that planners made up a small proportion of municipal staff. Relative to cities experiencing slow or medium growth, high growth cities reported more ordinances encouraging physical activity. Physical activity policies can be monitored across municipalities. Moreover, evidence-based public health practice provides direction for limited staff and funding resources.
Promoting Safe Walking and Biking to School: The Marin County Success Story
Authors: Staunton Catherine E. , Hubsmith Deb , Kallins Wendi 
Published: December 2008

Walking and biking to school can be an important part of a healthy lifestyle, yet most US children do not start their day with these activities. The Safe Routes to School Program in Marin County, California, is working to promote walking and biking to school. Using a multipronged approach, the program identifies and creates safe routes to schools and invites communitywide involvement. By its second year, the program was serving 4665 students in 15 schools. Participating public schools reported an increase in school trips made by walking (64%), biking (114%), and carpooling (91%) and a decrease in trips by private vehicles carrying only one student (39%).
Community Gardens: Lessons Learned From California Healthy Cities and Communities
Authors: Twiss Joan , Dickinson Joy , Duma Shirley , Kleinman Tanya , Paulsen Heather , Rilveria Liz 
Published: December 2008

Community gardens enhance nutrition and physical activity and promote the role of public health in improving quality of life. Opportunities to organize around other issues and build social capital also emerge through community gardens. California Healthy Cities and Communities (CHCC) promotes an inclusionary and systems approach to improving community health. CHCC has funded community-based nutrition and physical activity programs in several cities. Successful community gardens were developed by many cities incorporating local leadership and resources, volunteers and community partners, and skills-building opportunities for participants. Through community garden initiatives, cities have enacted policies for interim land and complimentary water use, improved access to produce, elevated public consciousness about public health, created culturally appropriate educational and training materials, and strengthened community building skills.
New Roads and Human Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Egan Matt , Petticrew Mark , Ogilvie David , Hamilton Val 
Published: December 2008

We sought to synthesize evidence of the health effects of construction of new roads by systematically reviewing observational studies of such effects. We included and critically appraised 32 studies. The review suggested that out-of-town bypasses decrease injuries on main roads through or around towns, although more robust evidence is needed on effects on secondary roads. New major urban roads have statistically insignificant effects on injury incidence. New major roads between towns decrease injuries. Out-of-town bypasses reduce disturbance and community severance in towns but increase them elsewhere. Major urban roads increase disturbance and severance. More robust research is needed in this area, particularly regarding effects of new roads on respiratory health, mental health, access to health services, and physical activity.
Healthy Housing: A Structured Review of Published Evaluations of US Interventions to Improve Health by Modifying Housing in the United States, 1990–2001
Authors: Saegert Susan C. , Klitzman Susan , Freudenberg Nicholas , Cooperman-Mroczek Jana , Nassar Salwa 
Published: December 2008

We sought to characterize and to evaluate the success of current public health interventions related to housing.Two reviewers contentanalyzed 72 articles selected from 12 electronic databases of US interventions from 1990 to 2001. Ninety-two percent of the interventions addressed a single condition, most often lead poisoning, injury, or asthma. Fifty-seven percent targeted children, and 13% targeted seniors. The most common intervention strategies employed a one-time treatment to improve the environment; to change behavior, attitudes, or knowledge; or both. Most studies reported statistically significant improvements, but few (14%) were judged extremely successful.Current interventions are limited by narrow definitions of housing and health, by brief time spans, and by limited geographic and social scales. An ecological paradigm is recommended as a guide to more effective approaches.
Indoor Environments and Health: Moving Into the 21st Century
Authors: Samet Jonathan M. , Spengler John D. 
Published: December 2008

The quality of our indoor environments affects well-being and productivity, and risks for diverse diseases are increased by indoor air pollutants, surface contamination with toxins and microbes, and contact among people at home, at work, in transportation, and in many other public and private places. We offer an overview of nearly a century of research directed at understanding indoor environments and health, consider current research needs, and set out policy matters that need to be addressed if we are to have the healthiest possible built environments. The policy context for built environments extends beyond health considerations to include energy use for air-conditioning, selection of materials for sustainability, and design for safety, security, and productivity.
Promoting Safe Walking and Cycling to Improve Public Health: Lessons From The Netherlands and Germany
Authors: Pucher John , Dijkstra Lewis 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. We examined the public health consequences of unsafe and inconvenient walking and bicycling conditions in American cities to suggest improvements based on successful policies in The Netherlands and Germany. Methods. Secondary data from national travel and crash surveys were used to compute fatality trends from 1975 to 2001 and fatality and injury rates for pedestrians and cyclists in The Netherlands, Germany, and the United States in 2000. Results. American pedestrians and cyclists were much more likely to be killed or injured than were Dutch and German pedestrians and cyclists, both on a per-trip and on a per-kilometer basis. Conclusions. A wide range of measures are available to improve the safety of walking and cycling in American cities, both to reduce fatalities and injuries and to encourage walking and cycling.
Housing and Health in Europe: Preliminary Results of a Pan-European Study
Authors: Bonnefoy Xavier R. , Braubach Matthias , Moissonnier Brigitte , Monolbaev Kubanychbek , Röbbel Nathalie 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe has undertaken a large study to evaluate housing and health in 7 European cities. Methods. Survey tools were used to obtain information about housing and living conditions, health perception, and health status from a representative sample of the population in each city. Results. In Forli, Italy, the first city studied, preliminary findings indicate some important potential links between housing and health. Conclusions. These findings, when combined with those from the remaining European cities, will likely generate concrete recommendations for the allocation of resources to programs that can improve housing and health.
Moving to Opportunity: an Experimental Study of Neighborhood Effects on Mental Health
Authors: Leventhal Tama , Brooks-Gunn Jeanne 
Published: December 2008

Objectives. The health consequences of neighborhood poverty are a public health problem. Data were obtained to examine links between neighborhood residence and mental health outcomes. Methods. Moving to Opportunity was a randomized, controlled trial in which families from public housing in high-poverty neighborhoods were moved into private housing in near-poor or nonpoor neighborhoods, with a subset remaining in public housing. At the 3-year follow-up of the New York site, 550 families were reinterviewed. Results. Parents who moved to low-poverty neighborhoods reported significantly less distress than parents who remained in high-poverty neighborhoods. Boys who moved to less poor neighborhoods reported significantly fewer anxious/depressive and dependency problems than did boys who stayed in public housing. Conclusions. This study provides experimental evidence of neighborhood income effects on mental health.