bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategies for Motivating Latino Couples' Participation in Qualitative Health Research and Their Effects on Sample Construction
Authors: Preloran H. Mabel , Browner Carole H. , Lieber Eli 
Published: November 2008

Many investigators report difficulties recruiting low-income Latinos into health research projects, especially when they seek to enroll more than one family member. We developed a series of strategies that proved effective in motivating candidates who were initially reluctant to enroll. There is a possibility that these strategies biased the composition of the sample. Predictably, the reasons participants gave for enrolling were correlated with the recruitment strategy that had brought them into the study. Furthermore, we found statistically significant associations between recruitment technique and key study variables (e.g., the domestic stability of the couple). By increasing investigators' ability to recruit Latinos, however, the strategies outlined should help to ensure that Latinos' experiences are given due weight in the deliberations of medical professionals and policymakers.
Predictors and Prevention of Nonfatal Overdose Among Street-Recruited Injection Heroin Users in the San Francisco Bay Area, 1998–1999
Authors: Seal Karen H. , Kral Alex H. , Gee Lauren , Moore Lisa D. , Bluthenthal Ricky N. , Lorvick Jennifer , Edlin Brian R. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This study sought to determine prevalence of and risk factors for nonfatal recent overdose among street-recruited injection heroin users. Methods. From August 1998 through July 1999, 1427 heroin injectors were recruited from 6 inner-city neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area, Calif, and interviewed. Factors hypothesized to be associated with recent overdose were analyzed with logistic regression. Results. Of the 1427 participants, 684 (48%) had had an overdose, 466 (33%) had experienced 2 or more overdose events, and 182 (13%) had had a recent overdose. In multiple logistic regression, being younger (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for each year of increasing age = 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.94, 0.97), having been arrested 3 or more times in the past year (adjusted OR = 2.50; 95% CI = 1.61, 3.87), drinking 4 or more alcoholic drinks per day (adjusted OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.37, 3.05), and having participated in methadone detoxification during the past year (adjusted OR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.03, 2.09) were independently associated with recent overdose. Being homeless; identifying as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender; having spent 5 or more years in prison or jail; and having engaged in sex work also were associated with recent overdose. Conclusions. Targeted interventions that decrease risk for overdose are urgently needed.
What Is Community? An Evidence-Based Definition for Participatory Public Health
Authors: MacQueen Kathleen M. , McLellan Eleanor , Metzger David S. , Kegeles Susan , Strauss Ronald P. , Scotti Roseanne , Blanchard Lynn , Trotter Robert T. 
Published: November 2008

Increased emphasis on community collaboration indicates the need for consensus regarding the definition of community within public health. This study examined whether members of diverse US communities described community in similar ways. To identify strategies to support community collaboration in HIV vaccine trials, qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 African Americans in Durham, NC; 26 gay men in San Francisco, Calif; 25 injection drug users in Philadelphia, Pa; and 42 HIV vaccine researchers across the United States. Verbatim responses to the question “What does the word community mean to you?” were analyzed. Cluster analysis was used to identify similarities in the way community was described. A common definition of community emerged as a group of people with diverse characteristics who are linked by social ties, share common perspectives, and engage in joint action in geographical locations or settings. The participants differed in the emphasis they placed on particular elements of the definition. Community was defined similarly but experienced differently by people with diverse backgrounds. These results parallel similar social science findings and confirm the viability of a common definition for participatory public health.
The Impact on Clients of a Community-Based Infant Mortality Reduction Program: The National Healthy Start Program Survey of Postpartum Women
Authors: McCormick Marie C. , Deal Lisa W. , Devaney Barbara L. , Chu Dexter , Moreno Lorenzo , Raykovich Karen T. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This study assessed the effect of the national Healthy Start Program on its clients. Methods. We used a cross-sectional survey of a sample from Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) rosters of women less than 6 months postpartum who were residents of Healthy Start Program areas. Results. Healthy Start clients revealed higher sociodemographic risk, but not behavioral risk, for adverse pregnancy outcome than other area residents. They did not differ from other residents in receipt of services except for a greater likelihood of receiving case management, using birth control at the time of the interview, and rating their prenatal care more highly. Conclusions. The Healthy Start Program succeeded in enrolling women at high risk. It had little effect on the immediately concluded pregnancy, but it might influence future outcomes.
Environmental and Policy Determinants of Physical Activity in the United States
Authors: Brownson Ross C. , Baker Elizabeth A. , Housemann Robyn A. , Brennan Laura K. , Bacak Stephen J. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This study examined (1) descriptive patterns in perceived environmental and policy determinants of physical activity and (2) associations between these factors and behavior. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1999 to 2000 among US adults; individuals at lower income levels were oversampled. Results. Availability of areas for physical activity was generally higher among men than among women. The 4 most commonly reported personal barriers were lack of time, feeling too tired, obtaining enough exercise at one's job, and no motivation to exercise. Neighborhood characteristics, including the presence of sidewalks, enjoyable scenery, heavy traffic, and hills, were positively associated with physical activity. There was a high level of support for health policy–related measures. Up to one third of individuals who had used environmental supports reported an increase in physical activity. Conclusions. An array of environmental and policy determinants, particularly those related to the physical environment, are associated with physical activity and should be taken into account in the design of interventions.
The Relation Between Community Bans of Self-Service Tobacco Displays and Store Environment and Between Tobacco Accessibility and Merchant Incentives
Authors: Lee Rebecca E. , Feighery Ellen C. , Schleicher Nina C. , Halvorson Sonia 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. These studies investigated (1) the effect of community bans of self-service tobacco displays on store environment and (2) the effect of consumer tobacco accessibility on merchants. Methods. We counted cigarette displays (self-service, clerk-assisted, clear acrylic case) in 586 California stores. Merchant interviews (N = 198) identified consumer tobacco accessibility, tobacco company incentives, and shoplifting. Results. Stores in communities with self-service tobacco display bans had fewer self-service displays and more acrylic displays but an equal total number of displays. The merchants who limited consumer tobacco accessibility received fewer incentives and reported lower shoplifting losses. In contrast, consumer access to tobacco was unrelated to the amount of monetary incentives. Conclusions. Community bans decreased self-service tobacco displays; however, exposure to tobacco advertising in acrylic displays remained high. Reducing consumer tobacco accessibility may reduce shoplifting.
The Association Between Extreme Precipitation and Waterborne Disease Outbreaks in the United States, 1948–1994
Authors: Curriero Frank C. , Patz Jonathan A. , Rose Joan B. , Lele Subhash 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. Rainfall and runoff have been implicated in site-specific waterborne disease outbreaks. Because upward trends in heavy precipitation in the United States are projected to increase with climate change, this study sought to quantify the relationship between precipitation and disease outbreaks. Methods. The US Environmental Protection Agency waterborne disease database, totaling 548 reported outbreaks from 1948 through 1994, and precipitation data of the National Climatic Data Center were used to analyze the relationship between precipitation and waterborne diseases. Analyses were at the watershed level, stratified by groundwater and surface water contamination and controlled for effects due to season and hydrologic region. A Monte Carlo version of the Fisher exact test was used to test for statistical significance. Results. Fifty-one percent of waterborne disease outbreaks were preceded by precipitation events above the 90th percentile (P = .002), and 68% by events above the 80th percentile (P = .001). Outbreaks due to surface water contamination showed the strongest association with extreme precipitation during the month of the outbreak; a 2-month lag applied to groundwater contamination events. Conclusions. The statistically significant association found between rainfall and disease in the United States is important for water managers, public health officials, and risk assessors of future climate change.
Continuing-Education Needs of the Currently Employed Public Health Education Workforce
Authors: Allegrante John P. , Moon Robert W. , Auld M. Elaine , Gebbie Kristine M. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This study examined the continuing-education needs of the currently employed public health education workforce. Methods. A national consensus panel of leading health educators from public health agencies, academic institutions, and professional organizations was convened to examine the forces creating the context for the work of public health educators and the competencies they need to practice effectively. Results. Advocacy; business management and finance; communication; community health planning and development, coalition building, and leadership; computing and technology; cultural competency; evaluation; and strategic planning were identified as areas of critical competence. Conclusions. Continuing education must strengthen a broad range of critical competencies and skills if we are to ensure the further development and effectiveness of the public health education workforce.
Black–White Differences in Infectious Disease Mortality in the United States
Authors: Richardus Jan H. , Kunst Anton E. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This study determined the degree to which Black–White differences in infectious disease mortality are explained by income and education and the extent to which infectious diseases contribute to Black–White differences in all-cause mortality. Methods. A sample population of the National Longitudinal Mortality Study from 1979 through 1981 was analyzed and followed up through 1989. Results. Infectious disease mortality among Blacks was higher than among Whites, with a relative risk of 1.53 after adjustment for age and sex and 1.34 after further adjustment for income and education. Death from infectious diseases contributed to 9.3% of the difference in all-cause mortality. Conclusions. In the United States, infectious diseases account for nearly 10% of the excess all-cause mortality rates in Blacks compared with Whites.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Participation: Comparisons With Mammography and Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening
Authors: Lemon Stephenie , Zapka Jane , Puleo Elaine , Luckmann Roger , Chasan-Taber Lisa 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. The relation of personal characteristics, health and lifestyle behaviors, and cancer screening practices to current colorectal cancer (CRC) screening was assessed and compared with those factors' relation to current mammography screening in women and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in men. Methods. A cross-sectional random-digit-dialed telephone survey of 954 Massachusetts residents aged 50 and older was conducted. Results. The overall prevalence of current CRC screening was 55.3%. Logistic regression results indicated that family history of CRC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02, 3.86), receiving a regular medical checkup (OR = 3.07; 95% CI = 2.00, 4.71), current screening by mammography in women and PSA in men (OR = 4.40; 95% CI = 2.94, 6.58), and vitamin supplement use (OR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.27, 2.77) were significant predictors of CRC screening. Conclusions. Health and lifestyle behaviors were related to increased current CRC, mammography, and PSA screening. Personal factors independently related to CRC screening were not consistent with those related to mammography and PSA screening. This lack of consistency may reflect different stages of adoption of each type of screening by clinicians and the public.
The Effect of Different Definitions of a Patient on Immunization Assessment
Authors: O'Connor Mary E. , Maddocks Barbara , Modie Cindie , Pierce Heather 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. In this report, the authors compare immunization assessment using 2 definitions of a patient. Methods. Two Clinical Assessment Software Application (CASA) assessments were performed. The first sampled 200 two-year-olds seen at least once since birth. The second sampled 200 two-year-olds seen in the previous year. Children with incomplete immunizations in the first sample were contacted. Results. In the second sample, 72% of children had complete immunizations, compared with 46% in the first sample. In the first sample, 78% of children with incomplete immunizations had not been seen during the past year. Of 134 children in the first sample seen in the past year or successfully contacted, 75% had complete immunizations. Conclusions. The CASA assessment's definition of a patient underestimates immunization rates.
Trends in HIV Testing Among Pregnant Women: United States, 1994–1999
Authors: Lansky Amy , Jones Jeffrey L. , Frey Robert L. , Lindegren Mary Lou 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This study evaluated 1995 guidelines for HIV testing of pregnant women. Methods. Analysis focused on Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for the years 1994 through 1999. Data were aggregated across states. Results. Percentages of pregnant women tested for HIV increased from 1995 to 1996 (from 41% to 53%) and again from 1997 (52%) to 1998 (60%). Conclusions. After implementation of the guidelines, the percentage of pregnant women tested for HIV increased, although nearly half had not been tested. More efforts are needed to encourage women to undergo testing for HIV during pregnancy, thus maximizing opportunities for offering antiretroviral therapy.
Brief Intervention for Heavy-Drinking College Students: 4-Year Follow-Up and Natural History
Authors: Baer John S. , Kivlahan Daniel R. , Blume Arthur W. , McKnight Patrick , Marlatt G. Alan 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This study examined long-term response to an individual preventive intervention for high-risk college drinkers relative to the natural history of college drinking.Methods. A single-session, individualized preventive intervention was evaluated within a randomized controlled trial with college freshmen who reported drinking heavily while in high school. An additional group randomly selected from the entire screening pool provided a normative comparison. Participant self-report was assessed annually for 4 years.Results. High-risk controls showed secular trends for reduced drinking quantity and negative consequences without changes in drinking frequency. Those receiving the brief preventive intervention reported significant additional reductions, particularly with respect to negative consequences. Categorical individual change analyses show that remission is normative, and they suggest that participants receiving the brief intervention are more likely to improve and less likely to worsen regarding negative drinking consequences.Conclusions. Brief individual preventive interventions for high-risk college drinkers can achieve long-term benefits even in the context of maturational trends.
The Professions of Public Health
Authors: Fox Daniel M. 
Published: November 2008

Law has been an essential tool of public health practice for centuries. From the 19th century until recent decades, however, most histories of public health described, approvingly, the progression of the field from marginally useful policy, made by persons learned in law, to effective policy, made by persons employing the methods of biomedical and behavioral science. Historians have recently begun to change this standard account by documenting the centrality of law in the development of public health practice. The revised history of public health offers additional justification for the program of public health law reform proposed in this issue of the Journal by Gostin and by Moulton and Matthews, who describe the new program in public health law of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Public Health Law Reform
Authors: Gostin Lawrence O. 
Published: November 2008

Public health law reform is necessary because existing statutes are outdated, contain multiple layers of regulation, and are inconsistent. A model law would define the mission and functions of public health agencies, provide a full range of flexible powers, specify clear criteria and procedures for activities, and provide protections for privacy and against discrimination. The law reform process provides an opportunity for public health agencies to draw attention to their resource needs and achievements and to form ties with constituency groups and enduring relations with the legislative branch of government. Ultimately, the law should become a catalyst, rather than an impediment, to reinvigorating the public health system.
The Smoke You Don't See: Uncovering Tobacco Industry Scientific Strategies Aimed Against Environmental Tobacco Smoke Policies
Authors: Muggli Monique E. , Forster Jean L. , Hurt Richard D. , Repace James L. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This review details the tobacco industry's scientific campaign aimed against policies addressing environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and efforts to undermine US regulatory agencies from approximately 1988 to 1993. Methods. The public availability of more than 40 million internal, once-secret tobacco company documents allowed an unedited and historical look at tobacco industry strategies. Results. The analysis showed that the tobacco industry went to great lengths to battle the ETS issue worldwide by camouflaging its involvement and creating an impression of legitimate, unbiased scientific research. Conclusions. There is a need for further international monitoring of industry-produced science and for significant improvements in tobacco document accessibility.
Does Investor Ownership of Nursing Homes Compromise the Quality of Care?
Authors: Harrington Charlene , Woolhandler Steffie , Mullan Joseph , Carrillo Helen , Himmelstein David U. 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. Two thirds of nursing homes are investor owned. This study examined whether investor ownership affects quality. Methods. We analyzed 1998 data from state inspections of 13 693 nursing facilities. We used a multivariate model and controlled for case mix, facility characteristics, and location. Results. Investor-owned facilities averaged 5.89 deficiencies per home, 46.5% higher than nonprofit facilities and 43.0% higher than public facilities. In multivariate analysis, investor ownership predicted 0.679 additional deficiencies per home; chain ownership predicted an additional 0.633 deficiencies. Nurse staffing was lower at investor-owned nursing homes. Conclusions. Investor-owned nursing homes provide worse care and less nursing care than do not-for-profit or public homes.
Poverty, Race/Ethnicity, and Psychiatric Disorder: A Study of Rural Children
Authors: Costello E. Jane , Keeler Gordon P. , Angold Adrian 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This study examined the effect of poverty on the prevalence of psychiatric disorder in rural Black and White children. Methods. A representative sample of 541 Black children and 379 White children aged 9 to 17 was drawn from 4 predominantly rural counties. Structured interviews with parents and children collected information on psychiatric disorders, absolute and relative poverty, and risk factors for psychiatric disorder. Results. Three-month prevalence of psychiatric disorder was similar to that found in other community samples (20%). Federal criteria for poverty were met by 18% of the White and 52% of the Black families. Black and White children were exposed to equal numbers of risk factors overall, but the association between poverty and psychopathology was stronger for White children (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 4.2) than for Black children (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 0.9, 2.6). Family history of mental illness, poor parenting, and residential instability mediated this association in both groups. Conclusions. In this rural sample, poverty was only weakly associated with child psychiatric disorders. Risk factors for both racial/ethnic groups were family mental illness, multiple moves, lack of parental warmth, lax supervision, and harsh punishment.
Local Increases in Coronary Heart Disease Mortality Among Blacks and Whites in the United States, 1985–1995
Authors: Barnett Elizabeth , Halverson Joel 
Published: November 2008

Objectives. This study analyzed coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality trends from 1985 to 1995, by race and sex, among Black and White adults 35 years and older to determine whether adverse trends were evident in any US localities. Methods. Log-linear regression models of annual age-adjusted death rates provided a quantitative measure of local mortality trends. Results. Increasing trends in CHD mortality were observed in 11 of 174 labor market areas for Black women, 23 of 175 areas for Black men, 10 of 394 areas for White women, and 4 of 394 areas for White men. Nationwide, adverse trends affected 1.7% of Black women, 8.0% of Black men, 1.1% of White women, and 0.3% of White men. Conclusions. From 1985 to 1995, moderate to strong local increases in CHD mortality were observed, predominantly in the southern United States. Black men evidenced the most unfavorable trends and were 25 times as likely as White men to be part of a local population experiencing increases in coronary heart disease mortality.