bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Father’s Occupational Group and Daily Smoking During Adolescence: Patterns and Predictors
Authors: Droomers Mariël , Schrijvers Carola T.M. , Casswell Sally , Mackenbach Johan P. 
Published: March 2005

Objectives. We investigated the relationship among father’s occupational group, daily smoking, and smoking determinants in a cohort of New Zealand adolescents. Methods. The longitudinal Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study provided information on adolescents’ self-reported smoking behavior and potential predictors of smoking, such as social and material factors, personality characteristics, educational achievement, and individual attitudes and beliefs regarding smoking. Longitudinal logistic generalized estimating equation analyses were used. Results. Adolescents whose fathers were classified in the lowest-status occupational group were twice as likely as those whose fathers occupied the highest-status occupational group to be daily smokers. This high risk of daily smoking among the adolescents from the lowest occupational group was largely predicted by their lower intelligence scores and by the higher prevalence of smoking among fathers and friends . Conclusions. To prevent socioeconomic differences in smoking, school-based interventions should seek to prevent smoking uptake among adolescents, particularly those of lower socioeconomic status. Programs need to provide positive, nonsmoking role models consonant with the culture and norms of lower-socioeconomic-status groups. Adolescents need to acquire resistance skills and protective behaviors against social pressure and influences.
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Age at Initiation of Injection Drug Use
Authors: Ompad Danielle C. , Ikeda Robin M. , Shah Nina , Fuller Crystal M. , Bailey Susan , Morse Edward , Kerndt Peter , Maslow Carey , Wu Yingfeng , Vlahov David , Garfein Richard , Strathdee Steffanie A. 
Published: March 2005

Objectives. We examined the relation between childhood sexual abuse and injection drug use initiation among young adult injection drug users. Methods. We used mixed effect linear models to compare age at first injection among 2143 young injection drug users by first sexual abuse age categories. Results. The participants were predominantly male (63.3%) and White (52.8%). Mean age and age at first injection were 23.7 and 19.6 years, respectively; 307 participants (14.3%) reported childhood sexual abuse. After adjustment for gender, race/ethnicity, noninjection drug use before first injection drug use, and recruitment site, childhood sexual abuse was independently associated with younger age at first injection. Conclusions. Childhood sexual abuse was associated with earlier initiation of injection drug use. These data emphasize the need to integrate substance abuse prevention with postvictimization services for children and adolescents.
Effects of Race, Neighborhood, and Social Network on Age at Initiation of Injection Drug Use
Authors: Fuller Crystal M. , Borrell Luisa N. , Latkin Carl A. , Galea Sandro , Ompad Danielle C. , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Vlahov David 
Published: March 2005

Objectives. We investigated individual- and neighborhood-level factors associated with adolescent initiation of injection drug use. Methods. Injection drug users (IDUs) who had been injecting 2 to 5 years underwent HIV testing and completed a sociobehavioral risk survey. Modeling techniques accounting for intraneighborhood correlations were used in data analyses. Results. Adolescent-initiating IDUs were less likely than adult-initiating IDUs to report high-risk sex and injection behaviors and more likely to report high-risk networks. African American IDUs from neighborhoods with large percentages of minority residents and low adult educational levels were more likely to initiate injection during adolescence than White IDUs from neighborhoods with low percentages of minority residents and high adult education levels. Conclusions. Racial segregation and neighborhood-level educational attainment must be considered when drawing inferences about age at initiation of injection drug use and related high-risk behaviors.
Racial/Ethnic Variation in Functional and Self-Reported Health
Authors: Wu Zheng , Schimmele Christoph M. 
Published: March 2005

Objectives. We investigated whether racial/ethnic health disparities exist in Canada and whether socioeconomic or behavioral differences between racial/ ethnic minorities and nonminorities account for such disparities. Methods. We used data from the National Population Health Survey, conducted by Statistics Canada in 1996 and 1997. We used regression models to examine differences in functional and self-reported health. Results. Our study found no association between socioeconomic or behavioral differences and racial/ethnic health disparities. There was no clear pattern between racial/ethnic minority status and health. Conclusions. The state can play an important role in health outcomes, and public commitment to accessible health care may explain why socioeconomic status and health behaviors are weak indicators of racial/ethnic health variation in Canada.
The Epidemiology of Alcohol, Marijuana, and Cocaine Use Among Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban American, and Other Latin American Eighth-Grade Students in the United States: 1991–2002
Authors: Delva Jorge , Wallace John M. , O’Malley Patrick M. , Bachman Jerald G. , Johnston Lloyd D. , Schulenberg John E. 
Published: March 2005

Objectives. We compared trends in and correlates of marijuana use, cocaine use, and heavy alcohol use for adolescents of Mexican American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and other Latin American heritage in the United States. Methods. We used/examined data from nationally representative samples of eighth-grade Hispanic students who participated in the Monitoring the Future study during the years 1991–2002 (n=24235). Results. Drug use was significantly higher among boys and adolescents of almost all Hispanic ethnicities who did not live with both parents. In addition, drug use differed considerably according to ethnic group on language first spoken, parental education, urbanicity, and region. Conclusions. A better understanding of the homogeneity and heterogeneity of drug use patterns within and between Hispanic groups should assist in the development of prevention programs.
Using Surveillance Data to Develop and Disseminate Local Childhood Lead Poisoning Screening Recommendations: Miami—Dade County’s Experience
Authors: Trepka Mary Jo 
Published: March 2005

Before 1999, few children in Florida’s Miami–Dade County were being screened for lead poisoning. To improve screening rates, the county’s department of health developed screening recommendations and a screening tool using surveillance and census data and disseminated these materials to primary care providers. Each year, recommendations have been reviewed to assess their sensitivity, and revised recommendations have been disseminated to health care providers. The percentage of children 6 years or younger screened in Florida who reside in Miami–Dade County increased from 4.1% in 1998 to 20.3% in 2002. Analysis and dissemination of blood lead surveillance data not only guide development of screening recommendations but also educate health care providers regarding the importance of childhood screening.
Neighborhood Racial Composition, Neighborhood Poverty, and the Spatial Accessibility of Supermarkets in Metropolitan Detroit
Authors: Zenk Shannon N. , Schulz Amy J. , Israel Barbara A. , James Sherman A. , Bao Shuming , Wilson Mark L. 
Published: March 2005

Objectives. We evaluated the spatial accessibility of large “chain” supermarkets in relation to neighborhood racial composition and poverty. Methods. We used a geographic information system to measure Manhattan block distance to the nearest supermarket for 869 neighborhoods (census tracts) in metropolitan Detroit. We constructed moving average spatial regression models to adjust for spatial autocorrelation and to test for the effect of modification of percentage African American and percentage poor on distance to the nearest supermarket. Results. Distance to the nearest supermarket was similar among the least impoverished neighborhoods, regardless of racial composition. Among the most impoverished neighborhoods, however, neighborhoods in which African Americans resided were, on average, 1.1 miles further from the nearest supermarket than were White neighborhoods. Conclusions. Racial residential segregation disproportionately places African Americans in more-impoverished neighborhoods in Detroit and consequently reduces access to supermarkets. However, supermarkets have opened or remained open close to middle-income neighborhoods that have transitioned from White to African American. Development of economically disadvantaged African American neighborhoods is critical to effectively prevent diet-related diseases among this population.
The Seattle-King County Healthy Homes Project: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of a Community Health Worker Intervention to Decrease Exposure to Indoor Asthma Triggers
Authors: Krieger James W. , Takaro Tim K. , Song Lin , Weaver Marcia 
Published: March 2005

Objectives. We assessed the effectiveness of a community health worker intervention focused on reducing exposure to indoor asthma triggers. Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up among 274 low-income households containing a child aged 4–12 years who had asthma. Community health workers provided in-home environmental assessments, education, support for behavior change, and resources. Participants were assigned to either a high-intensity group receiving 7 visits and a full set of resources or a low-intensity group receiving a single visit and limited resources. Results. The high-intensity group improved significantly more than the low-intensity group in its pediatric asthma caregiver quality-of-life score (P=.005) and asthma-related urgent health services use (P=.026). Asthma symptom days declined more in the high-intensity group, although the across-group difference did not reach statistical significance (P= .138). Participant actions to reduce triggers generally increased in the high-intensity group. The projected 4-year net savings per participant among the high-intensity group relative to the low-intensity group were $189–$721. Conclusions. Community health workers reduced asthma symptom days and urgent health services use while improving caregiver quality-of-life score. Improvement was greater with a higher-intensity intervention.
Talking About Public Health: Developing America’s “Second Language”
Authors: Wallack Lawrence , Lawrence Regina 
Published: March 2005

The mission of public health—improving the health of populations—is difficult to advance in public discourse because a language to express the values animating that mission has not been adequately developed. Following on the work of Robert Bellah, Dan Beauchamp, and others, we argue that the first “language” of American culture is individualism. A second American language of community—rooted in egalitarianism, humanitarianism, and human interconnection—serves as the first language of public health. These values resonate with many Americans but are not easily articulated. Consequently, reductionist, individualistic understandings of public health problems prevail. Advancing the public health approach to the nation’s health challenges requires invigorating America’s second language by recognizing the human interconnection underlying the core social justice values of public health.
Integrating Social Theory Into Public Health Practice
Authors: Potvin Louise , Gendron Sylvie , Bilodeau Angèle , Chabot Patrick 
Published: March 2005

The innovative practice that resulted from the Ottawa Charter challenges public health knowledge about programming and evaluation. Specifically, there is a need to formulate program theory that embraces social determinants of health and local actors’ mobilization for social change. Likewise, it is imperative to develop a theory of evaluation that fosters reflexive understanding of public health programs engaged in social change. We believe advances in contemporary social theory that are founded on a critique of modernity and that articulate a coherent theory of practice should be considered when addressing these critical challenges.
From Neurons to King County Neighborhoods: Partnering to Promote Policies Based on the Science of Early Childhood Development
Authors: Horsley Kathryn , Ciske Sandra J. 
Published: March 2005

A diverse community partnership in the Seattle area developed a policy agenda based on science, organized community support, and committed to monitor policy changes. It found that public health agencies are well positioned to develop a common knowledge base on early childhood development and to initiate community coalitions promoting policies to strengthen environments. It was challenging to maintain participants’ focus on environments over time. Providing access to conditions that promote optimal development for all children will require ongoing commitment and alignment of many sectors to move political will and mobilize for change.
Healthy Eating and Exercising to Reduce Diabetes: Exploring the Potential of Social Determinants of Health Frameworks Within the Context of Community-Based Participatory Diabetes Prevention
Authors: Schulz Amy J. , Zenk Shannon , Odoms-Young Angela , Hollis-Neely Teretha , Nwankwo Robin , Lockett Murlisa , Ridella William , Kannan Srimathi 
Published: March 2005

Objectives. We examined a community-based participatory diabetes intervention to identify facilitators of and barriers to sustained community efforts to address social factors that contribute to health. Methods. We conducted a case study description and analysis of the Healthy Eating and Exercising to Reduce Diabetes project in the theoretical context of a conceptual model of social determinants of health. Results. We identified several barriers to and facilitators of analysis of social determinants of a community-identified disease priority (in this case, diabetes). Barriers included prevailing conceptual models, which emphasize health behavioral and biomedical paradigms that exclude social determinants of health. Facilitating factors included (1) opportunities to link individual health concerns to social contexts and (2) availability of support from diverse partners with a range of complementary resources. Conclusions. Partnerships that offer community members tangible resources with which to manage existing health concerns and that integrate an analysis of social determinants of health can facilitate sustained engagement of community members and health professionals in multilevel efforts to address health disparities.
African Americans’ Access to Healthy Food Options in South Los Angeles Restaurants
Authors: Lewis LaVonna Blair , Sloane David C. , Nascimento Lori Miller , Diamant Allison L. , Guinyard Joyce Jones , Yancey Antronette K. , Flynn Gwendolyn 
Published: March 2005

Objectives. We examined availability and food options at restaurants in less affluent (target area) and more affluent (comparison area) areas of Los Angeles County to compare residents’ access to healthy meals prepared and purchased away from home. We also considered environmental prompts that encourage the purchase of various foods. Methods. We designed an instrument to assess the availability, quality, and preparation of food in restaurants. We also assessed advertisements and promotions, cleanliness, and service for each restaurant. We assessed 659 restaurants: 348 in the target area and 311 in the comparison area. Results. The nutritional resource environment in our target area makes it challenging for residents to eat healthy away from home. Poorer neighborhoods with a higher proportion of African American residents have fewer healthy options available, both in food selections and in food preparation; restaurants in these neighborhoods heavily promote unhealthy food options to residents. Conclusions. Environment is important in understanding health status: support for the healthy lifestyle associated with lower risks for disease is difficult in poorer communities with a higher proportion of African American residents.
Manifold Restraints: Liberty, Public Health, and the Legacy of Jacobson v Massachusetts
Authors: Colgrove James , Bayer Ronald 
Published: March 2005

February 2005 marks the centenary of one of the most important pieces of public health jurisprudence, the US Supreme Court case of Jacobson v Massachusetts, which upheld the authority of states to pass compulsory vaccination laws. The Court’s decision articulated the view that the freedom of the individual must sometimes be subordinated to the common welfare. We examined the relationship between the individual and society in 20th-century public health practice and law and the ways that compulsory measures have been used to constrain personal liberty for the sake of protecting the public health. (Am J Public Health.
On Some Properties of de Pril Transforms of Counting Distributions
Authors: Sundt Bjørn 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIn this paper we study a transform introduced by De Pril (1989) for recursive evaluation of convolutions of counting distributions with a positive probability in zero. We discuss some cases where the evaluation of this transform is simplified and relate the transform to infinitely divisible distributions. Finally we discuss an algorithm presented by Dhaene & Vandebroek (1994) for recursive evaluation of convolutions.
The Effect of the Retention Limit on the Risk Reserve
Authors: Centeno Maria de Lourdes 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThis paper is devoted to the study of the initial reserve, as a function of the retention limit, needed to assure that the probability of ruin, at the end of a certain period of time, is not higher than an agreed value, for an excess of loss treaty. To assess the probability of ruin, the normal and the normal power approximation are used. It is shown that the initial reserve is not in general an increasing function of the retention, having a minimum under fair assumptions.
The Present Value of a Series of Cashflows: Convergence in a Random Environment
Authors: Cairns Andrew J. G. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe present paper considers the present value, Z(t), of a series of cashflows up to some time t. More specifically, the cashflows and the interest rate process will often be stochastic and not necessarily independent of one another or through time. We discuss under what circumstances Z(t) will converge almost surely to some finite value as t→∞. This problem has previously been considered by Dufresne (1990) who provided a sufficient condition for almost sure convergence of Z(t) (the Root Test) and then proceeded to consider some specific examples of such processes. Here, we develop Dufresne's work and show that the sufficient condition for convergence can be proved to hold for quite a general class of model which includes the growing number of Office Models with stochastic cashflows.
On the Estimation of the Credibility Factor: A Bayesian Approach
Authors: Schnieper René 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIn practical applications of Credibility Theory the structure parameters usually have to be estimated from the data. This leads to an estimator of the a posteriori mean which is often biased and where the credibility factor depends on the data. A more coherent approach to the problem would be to also treat the unknown parameters as random variables and to simultaneously estimate the a posteriori mean and the structure parameters. Different statistical models are proposed which allow for such a solution. These models all lead to an estimation of the posterior mean which is a weighted average of the prior mean and of the observed mean, the weights depending on the observations.
A portfolio of endowment policies and its limiting distribution
Authors: Parker Gary 
Published: March 2005

AbstractTwo methods for approximating the limiting distribution of the present value of the benefits of a portfolio of identical endowment insurance contracts are suggested. The model used assumes that both future lifetimes and interest rates are random. The first method is similar to the one presented in Parker (1994b). The second method is based on the relationship between temporary and endowment insurance contracts.
Credibility and Persistency
Authors: Young Virginia R. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractPolicyholders often decide to buy, renew, or cancel insurance based on the premium charged by the insurer compared with what they expect their claims will be. It is important for actuaries to consider the persistency of policyholders because the financial well-being of the insurer depends on spreading its risk over a large book of business. We use statistical decision theory to develop premium formulas that account for the past experience of a given policyholder, the experience of the entire collection of policyholders, and the likelihood of the policyholder renewing with or buying from a given insurer, that is, persistency.We assume that the persistency of policyholders depends on the arithmetic difference between the premium charged and their anticipated claims. We extend the work of Taylor (1975) in which he obtains linear credibility formulas by minimizing loss functions that incorporate the persistency of policyholders. We consider Taylor's loss functions and other objective functions, including those that account for the amount of business the insurer writes or renews.
Estimating the Probability of Ruin for Variable Premiums by Simulation
Authors: Michaud Frédéric 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThere is a duality between the surplus process of classical risk theory and the single-server queue. It follows that the probability of ruin can be retrieved from a single sample path of the waiting time process of the single-server queue. In this paper, premiums are allowed to vary. It has been shown that the stationary distribution of a corresponding storage process is equal to the survival probability (with variable premiums). Thus by simulation of the corresponding storage process, the probability of ruin can be obtained. The special cases where the surplus earns interest and the premiums are charged by layers are considered and illustrated numerically.
A financially Balanced Bonus/Malus System
Authors: Coene Geert , Doray Louis G. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe premiums for a bonus-malus system which stays in financial equilibrium over the years are calculated. This is done by minimizing a quadratic function of the difference between the premium for an optimal BMS with an infinite number of classes and the premium for a BMS with a finite number of classes, weighted by the stationary probability of being in a certain class, and by imposing various constraints on the system.
Some Moment Relations for the Hipp approximation
Authors: Dhaene Jan , Sundt Bjørn , De Pril Nelson 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIn the present note we consider the Hipp approximation to the convolution of a finite number of probability distributions on the non-negative integers. It is shown that the moment up to and including order r of the rth order approximation are equal to the corresponding moments of the exact distribution. We also give a relation between the exact and approximated (r + 1)th order moments and indicate how similar relations can be obtained for higher order moments.
Dependency of Risks and Stop-Loss Order
Authors: Dhaene Jan , Goovaerts Marc J. 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe correlation order, which is defined as a partial order between bivariate distributions with equal marginals, is shown to be a helpfull tool for deriving results concerning the riskiness of portfolios with pairwise dependencies. Given the distribution functions of the individual risks, it is investigated how changing the dependency assumption influences the stop-loss premiums of such portfolios.