MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Urban Health' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:13:01 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5672483&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F32u3761111j2318q%2F This study sets out to determine the prevalence, patterns, and correlates of alcohol consumption among women offenders on probation or parole in the United States. Analysis of data collected from seven waves of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2004–2008) were performed on women who were under community supervision during the year prior to the survey interview. Results revealed that 1.9% of women of child-bearing ages of 12–44 years in the general population were pregnant, as compared to 4.7% of comparable women under community supervision. Pregnant offenders were more likely to come from minority groups and be socially disadvantaged than their non-CJ-involved counterparts. Alarmingly, they were nearly three times as likely to have engaged in problem drinking (e.g.... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5672483 Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:36:05 +0100 5672483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5663384&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F022050144l284481%2F Abstract  Hypertension affects a large proportion of urban African-American older adults. While there have been great strides in drug development, many older adults do not have access to such medicines or do not take them. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been shown to decrease blood pressure in some populations. This has not been tested in low-income, urban African-American older adults. Therefore, the primary purpose of this pilot study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a mindfulness-based program for low income, minority older adults provided in residence. The secondary purpose was to learn if the mindfulness-based program produced differences in blood pressure between the intervention and control groups. Participants were at least 62 year... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5663384 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:20:51 +0100 5663384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5663385&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F5002258g2485011k%2F This study examined the relationships among income levels, features of the environment and friendliness toward physical activity. We investigated whether low-, middle-, and high-income neighborhoods differ in terms of four environmental characteristics that affect the degree to which an area is conducive to physical activity: population density, land use diversity, street design, and physical disorder in the environment. In a large, urban southwestern county, 30 block groups were randomly selected to represent low-, middle-, and high-income neighborhoods. Using the St. Louis Environmental Checklist Audit, walking audits were conducted and analyzed. The low-income neighborhoods had significantly greater density and land use diversity than the high-income neighborhoods. High- and midd... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5663385 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:15:01 +0100 5663385 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5642499&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F9445k71rkru738l4%2F Abstract  The aim of the present study was to describe socioeconomic inequalities in low birth weight (LBW), premature birth (PM) and small size for gestational age at birth (SGA) between 2000 and 2005 in Barcelona, Spain, jointly evaluating the effect of mother’s country of origin, and neighborhood of residence socioeconomic level measured using unemployment and educational level. We performed a cross-sectional study of births to mothers aged 12–49 years who were residents in the city of Barcelona in 2000–2005, analyzing adverse pregnancy outcomes (n = 61,676). Weighted multilevel logistic regression models were fitted with individual data on level 1 and neighborhood data on level 2, to obtain adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals and resid... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5642499 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:54:08 +0100 5642499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5602728&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fvj5l3p72j67x05x6%2F Abstract  Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a preventable cause of liver failure, cirrhosis, and liver cancer; estimated chronic HBV infection prevalence is 0.3–0.5% in the USA. Prevalence in New York City (NYC) is likely higher because foreign-born persons, who represent 36% of NYC’s population versus 11% nationwide, bear a disproportionate burden of chronic HBV infection. However, because no comprehensive, population-based survey of chronic HBV infection has been conducted in NYC, a reliable prevalence estimate is unavailable. We used two approaches to estimate chronic HBV infection prevalence in NYC: (1) a census-based estimate, combining local and national prevalence data for specific populations, and (2) a surveillance-based estimate, using data from NYC... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5602728 Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:56:43 +0100 5602728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5591066&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F9080776404067570%2F Abstract  Much is known about contemporaneous correlates of homelessness from studies of homeless individuals. However, few studies have prospectively examined early antecedents and prevalence of homelessness in community populations. We use data from a 35-year study of a community population of African Americans to examine relationships between homelessness and prior structural, family, school, and behavioral influences. Nearly 22% of males and 16% of females reported homelessness between ages 15 and 42, providing a rare estimate within an African American urban community population. In bivariate analyses, lower school bonds, depressed mood, violent behavior, and running away in adolescence are predictive for both males and females. Teen parenting and angry mood are unique... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5591066 Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:56:49 +0100 5591066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5591068&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fj28133ru8w113047%2F Abstract  In their role as a source of sterile syringes, pharmacies are ideally situated to provide additional services to injection drug users (IDUs). Expanding pharmacy services to IDUs may address the low utilization rates of healthcare services among this population. This qualitative study of active IDUs in San Francisco explored perspectives on proposed health services and interventions offered in pharmacy settings, as well as facilitators and barriers to service delivery. Eleven active IDUs participated in one-on-one semistructured interviews at a community field site and at a local syringe exchange site between February and May 2010. Results revealed that most had reservations about expanding services to pharmacy settings, with reasons ranging from concerns about ano... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5591068 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:46:44 +0100 5591068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5591067&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Ft272556658vu1411%2F This study examined the internal consistency, and concurrent and discriminant validity of a newly developed measure of the public’s support for policies for active living in transportation (PAL-T). A series of 17 items representing potential policies for promoting active transportation was generated. Two samples of participants (n = 2,001 and n = 2,502) from Montreal, Canada, were recruited via random digit dialling. Analyses were conducted on the combined data set (n = 4,503). Participants were aged 18 through 94 years (58% female). The concurrent and discriminant validity of the PAL-T was assessed by examining relationships with physical activity and smoking. To explore the usability of the PAL-T, predicted scale scores were compared to the summed values of respo... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5591067 Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:46:44 +0100 5591067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5591069&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fnj727711296373r7%2F Abstract  Community severance occurs where road traffic (speed or volume) inhibits access to goods, services, or people. Appleyard and Lintell’s seminal study of residents of three urban streets in San Francisco found an inverse relationship between traffic and social contacts. The extent of social networks predicts unhealthy behaviors, poor health, and mortality; high rather than low social integration is associated with reduced mortality, with an effect size of similar magnitude to stopping smoking. Although community severance diminishes social contacts, the implications of community severance for morbidity and mortality have not been empirically established. Based on a systematic literature search, we discuss what is actually known about community severance. There is ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5591069 Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:44:25 +0100 5591069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5575582&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fr0l74260x1361141%2F Abstract  Young transgender women are at increased risk for HIV infection due to factors related to stigma/marginalization and participation in risky sexual behaviors. To date, no HIV prevention interventions have been developed or proven successful with young transgender women. To address this gap, we developed and pilot tested a homegrown intervention “Life Skills,” addressing the unique HIV prevention needs of young transgender women aged 16–24 years. Study aims included assessing the feasibility of a small group-based intervention with the study population and examining participant’s engagement in HIV-related risk behaviors pre- and 3-months-post-intervention. Fifty-one (N = 51) young transgender women enrolled in the study. Our overall attendance and re... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5575582 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:44:17 +0100 5575582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5567163&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fh6230356745q8737%2F Abstract  The practices of licensed gun dealers can threaten the safety of urban residents by facilitating the diversion of guns to criminals. In 2003, changes to federal law shielded gun dealers from the release of gun trace data and provided other protections to gun dealers. The 14-month period during which the dealer did not sell junk guns was associated with a 68% reduction in the diversion of guns to criminals within a year of sale by the dealer and a 43% increase in guns diverted to criminals following sales by other dealers. The laws were associated with a 203% increase in the number of guns diverted to criminals within a year of sale by the gun store, which was the focus of this study. Policies which affect gun dealer accountability appeared to influence the diversi... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5567163 Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:03:25 +0100 5567163 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5556171&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Ff827057648872118%2F Abstract  Suboptimal health status (SHS) has become a new public health challenge in urban China. Despite indications that SHS may be associated with progression or development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, there are few reports on SHS investigations. To explore the relationship between SHS and traditional cardiovascular risk factors, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 4,881 workers employed in 21 companies in urban Beijing. Blood pressure, glucose, lipid levels (total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol and triglycerides), cortisol, and body mass index were measured. SHS score was derived from data collection in the SHS questionnaire (SHSQ-25). Univariate a... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5556171 Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:39:21 +0100 5556171 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519596&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fu511u6745w4701gn%2F We describe this process as safety assimilation. Using the pedestrian and cyclist crash database in New York City between 2001 and 2003, we examined the effects of foreign-born population, their countries of origin, and time of entry into the USA on census tract-level pedestrian and cyclist crashes. We find that neighborhoods with a higher concentration of immigrants, especially those from Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Asia, have more crashes. Our results also exhibit a pattern of the hypothesized safety assimilation process. The study suggests a higher level of vulnerability of immigrants to pedestrian and cyclist crashes. We propose that targeted policies and programs need to be developed for immigrants of different countries of origin. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519596 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:53:48 +0100 5519596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519595&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fu04nu6m157l57588%2F In conclusion, pepper grinding is associated with high/excessive noise levels and NIHL. Hearing conservation program incorporating engineering modification of locally fabricated grinders is warranted in this and similar populations in developing countries. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9634-xAuthors Bolajoko O. Olusanya, Department of Community Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, NigeriaBabatunde A. Bamigboye, Department of Otolaryngology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Surulere, Lagos, NigeriaAbayomi O. Somefun, Department of Otolaryngology, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-araba, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnlin... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519595 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:53:48 +0100 5519595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5519597&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F8225m7wu391321r4%2F The objective of this study was to conduct an analysis of the cost–benefit ratios of physical activity of the Ciclovía programs of Bogotá and Medellín in Colombia, Guadalajara in México, and San Francisco in the USA. The data of the four programs were obtained from program directors and local surveys. The annual cost per capita of the programs was: US 6.0 for Bogotá, US23.4 for Medellín, US 6.5 for Guadalajara, and US70.5 for San Francisco. The cost–benefit ratio for health benefit from physical activity was 3.23–4.26 for Bogotá, 1.83 for Medellín, 1.02–1.23 for Guadalajara, and 2.32 for San Francisco. For the program of Bogotá, the cost–benefit ratio was more sensitive to the prevalence of physically active bicyclists; for Guadalajara, the cost–benefit ratio was ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5519597 Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:43:58 +0100 5519597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5510826&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F72380x4700330ut2%2F This study uses data from a representative sample of 1,870 New York City senior center participants in 2008 to investigate the relationship between three neighborhood-level factors (walkability, safety, and social cohesion) and food insecurity among the elderly. Issues relating to food security were measured by three separate outcome measures: whether the participant had a concern about having enough to eat this past month (concern about food security), whether the participant was unable to afford food during the past year (insufficient food intake related to financial resources), and whether the participant experienced hunger in the past year related to not being able to leave home (mobility-related food insufficiency). Unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression was performed for e... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5510826 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:57:58 +0100 5510826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5510827&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn7u339g1w1462h02%2F This study explores the relationship between gang involvement and reproductive health, and the pathways through which childhood, family, and relationship violence exposure may lead to unintended pregnancy. Interviews of 20 young adult Latinas with known gang involvement in Los Angeles County were audiotaped, transcribed, and coded for key themes related to violence exposure and reproductive health. Limited access to reproductive health care compounded by male partner sexual and pregnancy coercion, as well as physical and sexual violence, emerged in the interviews. Exposures to interparental domestic violence, childhood physical and sexual abuse, and gang violence were prominent and closely associated with unhealthy and abusive intimate relationships. Adverse childhood experiences an... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5510827 Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:57:56 +0100 5510827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5499929&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F1787w3361233210t%2F Abstract  Adolescent sexual activity involving three or more people is an emerging public health concern. The goal of this exploratory, cross-sectional study was to describe the prevalence, correlates, and context of multiple-person sex among a sample of adolescent females seeking health care from an urban clinic. Because sex involving multiple people may either be consensual (i.e., “three-ways” or “group sex”) or forced (i.e., “gang rape”), we use the term “multi-person sex” (MPS) to encompass these experiences. Subjects were 328 females, ages 14–20 years old, who utilized a Boston-area community- or school-based health clinic between April and December of 2006, and completed an anonymous survey using computer-assisted self-interview software. Overall... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5499929 Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:23:15 +0100 5499929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5491513&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa81v188113m7h118%2F This study utilized a mixed-methods design incorporating participatory photography, photo-elicitation, and focus groups in order to gain a more nuanced understanding of how neighborhood context is conceptualized and experienced by Mexican-American young women, and how these experiences may influence risk for early childbearing. Major findings include: (1) participants view the blocks on which they live as their neighborhood, but their exposure to neighborhood context extends beyond these blocks and includes the transient spaces they move through daily; and (2) within their neighborhood contexts, participants are influenced by experiences of discrimination and the presence of gangs and violence. These findings point to the importance of neighborhood-level factors in the lives of adole... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5491513 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:59:08 +0100 5491513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5491512&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F3418hg5473518041%2F Abstract  The aim of this national, multicenter, cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) among prisoners, and to identify related risk behaviors including injection drug use. Overall, 4,894 inmates from 20 prisons were enrolled. To have a comparison group, prison staff were also asked to take part. Altogether, 1,553 of the 4,894 inmates from seven prisons completed a questionnaire on risk behaviors. According to the survey, 1.5%, 4.9%, and 0.04% of the prisoners were tested positive for HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV, respectively. These prevalence data are among the lowest reported from prisons worldwide, although comparable to the Central European data. The prevalence of HBV, HCV, a... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5491512 Tue, 06 Dec 2011 06:59:08 +0100 5491512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472893&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F1838405663246188%2F This study investigated prevalence and patterns of cooccurrence among a hypothesized set of social stability characteristics (housing, residential transition, employment, income, incarceration, and partner relationship), evaluated the possibility of underlying subgroups of social stability, and investigated the association between social stability and health outcomes. Data were from comprehensive interviews with primarily African-American low income urban women and their female social network members (n = 635) in Baltimore. Analysis included exploratory statistics, latent class analysis, and latent class regression accounting for clustered data using Stata and Mplus software. Social stability characteristics cooccurred in predictable directions, but with heterogeneity. Respondent... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472893 Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:58:49 +0100 5472893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472894&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F58h6760115554530%2F Abstract  Community participation and empowerment are key values underpinning the European WHO Healthy Cities initiative, now in its fifth phase. This paper provides a brief overview of the history, policy context, and theory relating to community participation and empowerment. Drawing on Phase IV evaluation data, it presents the findings in relation to the four quadrants of Davidson’s Wheel of Participation—information, consultation, participation in decision making, and empowerment. The large majority of European Healthy Cities have mechanisms in place to provide information for and to consult with local people. Most also demonstrate a commitment to enabling community participation in decision-making and to empowering citizens. Within this context, the evaluation high... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472894 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:19:50 +0100 5472894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5446484&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fk3t6652t7n71198m%2F In this study, cognitive interviewing methods were used to test targeted questionnaire items from a battery of quantitative instruments selected for a large multisite trial of supported housing interventions for homeless individuals with mental disorders. Most of the instruments had no published psychometrics in this population. Participants were 30 homeless adults with mental disorders (including substance use disorders) recruited from service agencies in Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Toronto, Canada. Six interviewers, trained in cognitive interviewing methods and using standard interview schedules, conducted the interviews. Questions and, in some cases, instructions, for testing were selected from existing instruments according to a priori criteria. Items on physical and mental health s... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5446484 Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:40:44 +0100 5446484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5415768&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fj264864313tm145r%2F Abstract  Cell phone use has become nearly ubiquitous among adolescents in the United States. Despite the potential for cell phones to facilitate intervention, research, and care for homeless youth, no data exists to date on cell phone use among this population. In 2009, a survey of cell phone use was conducted among a non-probability sample of 169 homeless youth in Los Angeles, CA. Levels of ownership and use, instrumental uses (connecting to case workers, employers) and patterns of connecting to various network types were assessed (family, home-based peers, street-based peers). Differences in socio-demographic characteristics and cell phone ownership were assessed via t test and chi-square statistics. Sixty-two percent of homeless youth own a cell phone; 40% have a workin... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5415768 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:55:40 +0100 5415768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394695&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fgx67287334034074%2F Abstract  A decade ago, the World Health Organization declared obesity to be a global epidemic. Accordingly, there is a growing body of research examining how “obesogenic environments” contribute to the increasing prevalence of obesity. Using the ANGELO Framework, this research explores the role of municipal policies and practices in constructing obesogenic environments in two Southern Ontario cities in order to examine how socio-cultural and political environments shape excess body weight. Data was collected from municipal policy documents, public health websites, and key informants in Hamilton and Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Results indicate that while the cities took different approaches to dealing with obesity, they both reflected the cities' overall prioritizing ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394695 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 05:54:40 +0100 5394695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5372345&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F2m08251w76qw6p66%2F We examined whether neighborhood urban form, along with the social environment, was associated with depressive symptoms in a sample of Miami residents. Using a validated measure of depressive symptoms, we found that living in neighborhoods with higher housing density was associated with fewer symptoms. A larger acreage of green spaces was also linked to fewer depressive symptoms but did not reach significance in the full model. Our results suggest that how residents use the environment matters. Living in neighborhoods with a higher density of auto commuters relative to land area, an indicator of chronic noise exposure, was associated with more symptoms. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-18DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9621-2Authors Rebecca Miles, Department of Urban and Regional Pla... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5372345 Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:43:24 +0100 5372345 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5342199&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fc8k7832674q6v21x%2F Abstract  Sickle cell disease is a chronic condition that is characterized by severe anemia, painful crises, and organ dysfunction. In the USA, sickle cell is a health burden typically associated with African Americans. Dominicans constitute the largest Latino group in New York City (NYC) and have the second overall highest prevalence of sickle trait—one in 20 births, compared to one in 12 African American births. We aimed to document the prevalence of sickle within the largely Dominican and African American community of Northern Manhattan (Washington Heights, Inwood, Harlem), assess and compare knowledge about sickle disease and carrier status in young adults of reproductive age between African Americans and Dominicans, and elicit preferred sources of health information.... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5342199 Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:57:13 +0100 5342199 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5329153&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fv11517604r17292w%2F Abstract  In this article, we discuss an appropriate methodology for assessing complex urban programs such as the WHO European Healthy Cities Network. The basic tenets and parameters for this project are reviewed, and situated in the broader urban health tradition. This leads to a delineation of the types of questions researchers can address when looking at a complex urban health program. Such questions reach appropriately beyond traditional public health concepts involving proximal and distal determinants of health (and associated upstream, midstream, and downstream rhetoric). Espousing a multi-level, reciprocal pathways perspective on Healthy Cities research, we also adopt a distinction between impacts and outcomes of Healthy Cities. The former are value-driven, the latte... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5329153 Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:53:23 +0100 5329153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5320217&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F477175r97747th47%2F Abstract  Drug users have very high rates of lifetime exposure to traumatic events, leading to significant psychiatric complications. In spite of the high rate of lifetime exposure, very little is known about the rate of ongoing re-exposure to new traumatic events in drug users. We investigated the rate of traumatic event re-exposure in male and female injecting drug users using syringe exchange services in Baltimore (N = 197). Participants were assessed monthly for traumatic event re-exposure for 16 months. Averaged over the entire follow-up period, 27% of participants were re-exposed to a traumatic event each month and 72% were re-exposed over the 16-month study period. Women were over twice as likely to report any traumatic event re-exposure as men (adjusted odds... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5320217 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 05:43:56 +0100 5320217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5280142&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F6u6811u3441g1196%2F This study assessed whether an upgrade of playgrounds in a community was associated with changes in the physical activity of local children. The study used a natural experiment design with a local authority project to upgrade two community playgrounds as the intervention and a matched control community. Children’s physical activity was measured by an Actigraph GT1M accelerometer worn for 8 days, enabling up to 6 days of data to be analyzed. A self-administered parent/guardian questionnaire was used to collect additional data, including perceptions of the neighborhood, school-travel modes, days involved in extracurricular activities, ethnicity, caregiver age, caregiver sex, household vehicle access, and household income. At baseline, 184 children (5–10 years old) pa... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5280142 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 06:23:02 +0100 5280142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5280143&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fht548m0222306223%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9616-zAuthors Sharon Friel, The National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Mills Road, Canberra, ACT 0200 AustraliaDavid Vlahov, University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing, San Francisco, CA, USARobert M. Buckley, RockefellerFoundation, New York, NY, USA Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5280143 Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:06:40 +0100 5280143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5266985&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fv218p5872502p5w2%2F Abstract  Los Angeles County has among the lowest smoking rates of large urban counties in the USA. Nevertheless, concerning disparities persist as high smoking prevalence is found among certain subgroups. We calculated adult smoking prevalence in the incorporated cities of Los Angeles County in order to identify cities with high smoking prevalence. The prevalence was estimated by a model-based small area estimation method with utilization of three data sources, including the 2007 Los Angeles County Health Survey, the 2000 Census, and the 2007 Los Angeles County Population Estimates and Projection System. Smoking prevalence varied considerably across cities, with a more than fourfold difference between the lowest (5.3%) and the highest prevalence (21.7%). Higher smoking pre... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5266985 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 05:32:45 +0100 5266985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5231427&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fh70n751x8x253450%2F Abstract  Although racial and ethnic minorities are more likely to be involved with the criminal justice system than whites in the USA, critical scientific gaps exist in our understanding of the relationship between the criminal justice system and the persistence of racial/ethnic health disparities. Individuals engaged with the criminal justice system are at risk for poor health outcomes. Furthermore, criminal justice involvement may have direct or indirect effects on health and health care. Racial/ethnic health disparities may be exacerbated or mitigated at several stages of the criminal justice system. Understanding and addressing the health of individuals involved in the criminal justice system is one component of a comprehensive strategy to reduce population health disp... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5231427 Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:43:39 +0100 5231427 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5231428&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fg815733404u8421m%2F Abstract  For 18 months in 2009–2010, the Rockefeller Foundation provided support to establish the Roundtable on Urban Living Environment Research (RULER). Composed of leading experts in population health measurement from a variety of disciplines, sectors, and continents, RULER met for the purpose of reviewing existing methods of measurement for urban health in the context of recent reports from UN agencies on health inequities in urban settings. The audience for this report was identified as international, national, and local governing bodies; civil society; and donor agencies. The goal of the report was to identify gaps in measurement that must be filled in order to assess and evaluate population health in urban settings, especially in informal settlements (or slums) in... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5231428 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 05:34:30 +0100 5231428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5216675&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fq50m2v72043382rm%2F Abstract  All three of the interacting aspects of daily urban life (physical environment, social conditions, and the added pressure of climate change) that affect health inequities are nested within the concept of urban governance, which has the task of understanding and managing the interactions among these different factors so that all three can be improved together and coherently. Governance is defined as: “the process of collective decision making and processes by which decisions are implemented or not implemented”: it is concerned with the distribution, exercise, and consequences of power. Although there appears to be general agreement that the quality of governance is important for development, much less agreement appears to exist on what the concept really implie... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5216675 Thu, 08 Sep 2011 05:57:09 +0100 5216675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5194532&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fy1j0456862v28n70%2F Abstract  The role of crack cocaine in accelerating the HIV epidemic among heterosexual populations has been well documented. Little is known about crack use as an HIV risk factor among African American men who have sex with men (AA MSM), a group disproportionately infected with HIV. We sought to compare the social and sexual network characteristics of crack-using and non-crack using AA MSM in Baltimore, MD, USA and to examine associations of crack use with sexual risk. Participants were recruited using street-based and internet-based outreach, printed advertisements, word of mouth. Inclusion criteria were being aged 18 years or older, African American or of black race/ethnicity, and have self-reported sex with another male in the prior 90 days. Crack use was oper... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5194532 Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:15:18 +0100 5194532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5189841&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp8x6227341465147%2F Abstract  Urban living is the new reality for the majority of the world’s population. Urban change is taking place in a context of other global challenges—economic globalization, climate change, financial crises, energy and food insecurity, old and emerging armed conflicts, as well as the changing patterns of communicable and noncommunicable diseases. These health and social problems, in countries with different levels of infrastructure and health system preparedness, pose significant development challenges in the 21st century. In all countries, rich and poor, the move to urban living has been both good and bad for population health, and has contributed to the unequal distribution of health both within countries (the urban–rural divide) and within cities (the rich–p... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5189841 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:43:33 +0100 5189841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5189840&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp4811h13m5kr4085%2F Abstract  The purpose of this study was to examine experiencing violence as a predictor of subsequent drug relapse among a sample of former crack, cocaine, and heroin users in Baltimore, MD, USA. The sample consists of 228 former drug users in Baltimore who were recruited through street outreach. Mixed-effects models were used to examine experiencing violence as a predictor of drug relapse at follow-up after adjusting for clustering of responses among participants living in the same census block. Using longitudinal data, we found that experiencing violence in the past year predicted drug relapse at 2-year follow-up among former drug users. Results indicate experiencing violence is a determinant of drug use relapse and highlight the importance of addressing the fundamental i... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5189840 Tue, 30 Aug 2011 05:43:33 +0100 5189840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5167629&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fnp64828613k1g276%2F Abstract  Climate change will likely exacerbate already existing urban social inequities and health risks, thereby exacerbating existing urban health inequities. Cities in low- and middle-income countries are particularly vulnerable. Urbanization is both a cause of and potential solution to global climate change. Most population growth in the foreseeable future will occur in urban areas primarily in developing countries. How this growth is managed has enormous implications for climate change given the increasing concentration and magnitude of economic production in urban localities, as well as the higher consumption practices of urbanites, especially the middle classes, compared to rural populations. There is still much to learn about the extent to which climate change affe... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5167629 Tue, 23 Aug 2011 05:57:18 +0100 5167629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153572&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fg860670j3116q02q%2F Abstract  The importance of reestablishing the link between urban planning and public health has been recognized in recent decades; this paper focuses on the relationship between urban planning/design and health equity, especially in cities in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The physical urban environment can be shaped through various planning and design processes including urban planning, urban design, landscape architecture, infrastructure design, architecture, and transport planning. The resultant urban environment has important impacts on the health of the people who live and work there. Urban planning and design processes can also affect health equity through shaping the extent to which the physical urban environments of different parts of cities facilitate th... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153572 Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:42:22 +0100 5153572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153573&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fv144n76v5u17x8k2%2F Abstract  The process of urbanization entails social improvements with the consequential better quality-of-life for urban residents. However, in many low-income and some middle-income countries, urbanization conveys inequality and exclusion, creating cities and dwellings characterized by poverty, overcrowded conditions, poor housing, severe pollution, and absence of basic services such as water and sanitation. Slums in large cities often have an absence of schools, transportation, health centers, recreational facilities, and other such amenities. Additionally, the persistence of certain conditions, such as poverty, ethnic heterogeneity, and high population turnover, contributes to a lowered ability of individuals and communities to control crime, vandalism, and violence. Th... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153573 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:50:23 +0100 5153573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5153574&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fy3380258n60480gw%2F Abstract  We explored the association between neighborhood residential racial composition and breast cancer mortality among Black and White breast cancer patients in Georgia and whether spatial access to cancer care mediates this association. Participants included 15,256 women living in 15 metropolitan statistical areas in Georgia who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1999 and 2003. Residential racial composition was operationalized as the percent of Black residents in the census tract. We used gravity-based modeling methods to ascertain spatial access to oncology care. Multilevel Cox proportional hazards models and mediation analyses were used to test associations. Black women were 1.5 times more likely to die from breast cancer than White women. Residential racial... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5153574 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 05:43:28 +0100 5153574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5123677&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn76gw2n6276517v4%2F We examined urban social and built environment characteristics as correlates of physical activity and anthropometry among 428 preschool children from low-income families in New York City. We measured the children’s height, weight, skinfold thicknesses, physical activity by accelerometer, and covariates. We geocoded home and Head Start center addresses and estimated the following for an area within 0.5 km of those two locations using a detailed geographic database: neighborhood composition, walkability, crime and traffic safety, and aesthetic characteristics. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the associations of area characteristics with physical activity or adiposity, adjusted for characteristics of the child, mother, and home. Participants were 2–5 ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5123677 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:45:08 +0100 5123677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5123678&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F6483l37106j19177%2F Abstract  The interactions of people using public transportation in large metropolitan areas may help spread an influenza epidemic. An agent-based model computer simulation of New York City’s (NYC’s) five boroughs was developed that incorporated subway ridership into a Susceptible–Exposed–Infected–Recovered disease model framework. The model contains a total of 7,847,465 virtual people. Each person resides in one of the five boroughs of NYC and has a set of socio-demographic characteristics and daily behaviors that include age, sex, employment status, income, occupation, and household location and membership. The model simulates the interactions of subway riders with their workplaces, schools, households, and community activities. It was calibrated using historica... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5123678 Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:45:07 +0100 5123678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101800&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fu34r5447281283w8%2F This study examines mortality among New York City (NYC) homeless shelter users, assessing the relationships between mortality hazard and time in shelter, patterns of homelessness, and subsequent housing exits for both adults in families and single adults. Administrative records from the NYC shelter system were matched with death records from the Social Security Administration for 160,525 persons. Crude mortality rates and life tables were calculated, and survival analyses were undertaken using these data. Life expectancy was 64.2 and 68.6 years for single adult males and single adult females, respectively, and among adults in families, life expectancy was 67.2 and 70.1 years for males and females, respectively. For both groups, exits to stable housing (subsidized or non-sub... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101800 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 05:52:23 +0100 5101800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5075122&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa513p2m30800x636%2F Abstract  In 2007, via a high-profile media campaign, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) introduced the “NYC Condom,” the first specially packaged condom unique to a municipality. We conducted a survey to measure NYC Condom awareness of and experience with NYC Condoms and demand for alternative male condoms to be distributed by the DOHMH. Trained interviewers administered short, in-person surveys at five DOHMH-operated sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Spring 2008. We systematically sampled eligible patients: NYC residents aged ≥18 years waiting to see a physician. We approached 539; 532 agreed to be screened (98.7% response rate); 462 completed the survey and provided NYC zip codes. Most respondents were male (56%), non-... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5075122 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:49:14 +0100 5075122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5060943&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fg610324179686w56%2F This study determined the associations among violent attitudes toward peers, involvement in peer violence perpetration, and experience with peer violence victimization among boys and girls in a high-risk, urban community. Analyses were based on data from the 2004 Youth Violence Survey, which was administered to over 80% of public school students in grades 7, 9, 11, and 12 (N = 4,131) in a disadvantaged, urban, school district in the USA. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to test the associations between attitudes in support of violence and involvement in violent behaviors. Results show that among youth, attitudes supporting boys hitting boys significantly increased the odds of peer violence perpetration after controlling for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio [A... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5060943 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:56:45 +0100 5060943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5060944&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fc104582032072n2u%2F In conclusion, our assessment documented high rates of LPI among Ukrainian street youth who, given the potential for negative outcomes and the challenges of raising a child on the streets, are in need of community-based pregnancy prevention programs and services. Promising preventive strategies are discussed, which are likely applicable to other urban populations of street-based youth as well. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-14DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9596-zAuthors Lauren B. Zapata, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Atlanta, GA, USADmitry M. Kissin, Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Preven... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5060944 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:08:57 +0100 5060944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5060945&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F82633140v2316qgj%2F The objective of our study is to describe the experiences of 426 individuals who participated in the OPP between July 1, 2005, and December 31, 2008. Of these, 89 individuals reported administering naloxone in response to an overdose in a total of 249 separate overdose episodes. Of these 249 overdose episodes in which naloxone was administered, participants reported 96% were reversed. The data support findings from a growing body of research on similar programs in other cities. Community-based OPPs that equip drug users with skills to identify and respond to an overdose and prescribe naloxone can help users and their peers prevent and reverse potentially fatal overdoses without significant adverse consequences. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-11DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9600-7Au... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5060945 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:22:08 +0100 5060945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5046651&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fw20n834p3759l46r%2F This study examines individual help-seeking behavior during periods of elevated temperatures among a Chinese population. Help-seeking patterns and factors that influence behavior will be identified so that vulnerable subgroups may be targeted for health protection during heat crises. A retrospective time-series Poisson generalized additive model analysis, using meteorological data of Hong Kong Observatory and routine emergency help call data from The Hong Kong Senior Citizen Home Safety Association during warm seasons (June–September) 1998–2007, was conducted. A “U”-shaped association was found between daily emergency calls and daily temperature. About 49% of calls were for explicit health-related reasons including dizziness, shortness of breath, and general pain. The associa... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5046651 Fri, 15 Jul 2011 05:52:39 +0100 5046651 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996765&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn7413g50112472rq%2F In this report, we describe and analyze the food movement in New York City, examine tensions within it, and consider its potential role in improving health and nutrition. We conclude by suggesting that public health professionals can amplify the health effects of such movements by creating opportunities for dialog with movement participants, providing resources such as policy-relevant scientific evidence, documenting problems and evaluating policies, and offering technical, political, and organizational development expertise. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-14DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9598-xAuthors Nicholas Freudenberg, City University of New York School of Public Health, New York, NY, USAJohn McDonough, City University of New York School of Public Health, New York, NY, USAEmma... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996765 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 06:10:20 +0100 4996765 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996766&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fw10823172583w344%2F Abstract  Injection drug users (IDUs) are at risk for acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through parenteral and sexual transmission. In this paper, we describe the prevalence and correlates of unsafe drug injecting and sexual behaviors among IDUs recruited across five cities in Georgia in 2009. IDUs were administered a questionnaire collecting information on demographics, drug use, sexual behaviors, and HIV testing behaviors. Correlates of risky injecting and sexual behaviors were determined using logistic regression. Of 1,127 IDUs, the majority (98.7%) were men, and the median duration of injecting drugs was 7 years. Unsafe injecting behavior at last injection was reported by 51.9% of IDUs, while 16.8% reported both unsafe injecting behavior and not using co... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996766 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 06:10:15 +0100 4996766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4990411&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fl83482811652j134%2F Abstract  The Urbanization, Poverty, and Health Dynamics research program was designed to generate and provide the evidence base that would help governments, development partners, and other stakeholders understand how the urban slum context affects health outcomes in order to stimulate policy and action for uplifting the wellbeing of slum residents. The program was nested into the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System, a uniquely rich longitudinal research platform, set up in Korogocho and Viwandani slum settlements in Nairobi city, Kenya. Findings provide rich insights on the context in which slum dwellers live and how poverty and migration status interacts with health issues over the life course. Contrary to popular opinions and beliefs that see slums a... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4990411 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:58:06 +0100 4990411 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4990412&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fk61v4350116472m6%2F Abstract  The Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System (NUHDSS) was set up in Korogocho and Viwandani slum settlements to provide a platform for investigating linkages between urban poverty, health, and demographic and other socioeconomic outcomes, and to facilitate the evaluation of interventions to improve the wellbeing of the urban poor. Data from the NUHDSS confirm the high level of population mobility in slum settlements, and also demonstrate that slum settlements are long-term homes for many people. Research and intervention programs should take account of the duality of slum residency. Consistent with the trends observed countrywide, the data show substantial improvements in measures of child mortality, while there has been limited decline in fertilit... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4990412 Wed, 29 Jun 2011 05:58:04 +0100 4990412 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4973954&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fw3287p80831t5n87%2F Abstract  Very little information exists with regard to sex party behaviors in young men who have sex with men (YMSM), often defined as men ranging in age from 13 to 29 years. The current analysis examines sex party attendance and behavior in a sample of 540 emergent adult gay, bisexual, and other YMSM in New York City, ages 18–29 years. Findings indicate that 8.7% (n = 47) of the sample had attended a sex party 3 months prior to assessment. Sex party attendees reported that parties included both HIV-positive and HIV-negative men; attendees also reported unprotected sex and limited access to condoms and lubricant. As compared with those who did not attend sex parties, those who did indicated significantly more lifetime and recent (last 3 months) cas... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4973954 Thu, 23 Jun 2011 06:10:07 +0100 4973954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4966413&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F47v57633q2h05kr1%2F Abstract  Poor access to fresh produce likely contributes to disparities in obesity and diet-related diseases in the Bronx. New York City’s Green Cart program is a partial response to the problem. We evaluated this program (permitting street vendors to sell fresh produce) by canvassing the Bronx for carts, interviewing vendors, and analyzing their locations and food offerings. Green Carts were clustered in areas of probable high pedestrian traffic, covering only about 57% of needy areas by liberal estimates. Some carts sold outside allowed boundaries; a few sold sugary snacks. Vendor locations and their food offerings suggest possible areas for program improvement. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-5DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9593-2Authors Sean C. Lucan, Department of... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4966413 Tue, 21 Jun 2011 20:46:25 +0100 4966413 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4930625&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F5636122217v4l762%2F In this study, we examined the family process of managing displacement and its associated capital losses by conducting interviews with 20 families. We found that families undergo a four-phase process of displacement: antecedent, uprooting, transition, and resettlement. The losses families experience impact the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. The degree to which the displacement process ends successfully, or ends at all, can be affected by efforts to both create connections within the new communities and rebuild economic and social capital. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-14DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9583-4Authors Danielle Greene, Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 600 West 168th Street, New Y... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4930625 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 06:09:23 +0100 4930625 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919028&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fbh6622x22364268x%2F In conclusion, borrowing prescription medications is a common behavior in the population studied. Further research is warranted into interventions to reduce such use, especially the impact of methods to improve the convenience of contacting licensed medical providers. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-18DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9589-yAuthors Lawrence Ward, Department of Internal Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USANima M. Patel, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA, USAAlexandra Hanlon, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USAShaden Eldakar-Hein, Department of Internal Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USAKristin Sherlinski, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelph... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919028 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 05:48:27 +0100 4919028 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919029&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fj31567132p458463%2F We examined associations of housing conditions and instability with maternal depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) while accounting for IPV and economic hardship in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 2,104). In the third study wave, interviewers rated indoor housing quality, including housing deterioration (e.g., peeling paint and holes in floor) and housing disarray (e.g., dark, crowded, and noisy). Mothers reported whether they had moved more than twice in the past two years, an indicator of housing instability. A screening for depression and GAD was obtained from questions derived from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form in the second and third study waves. IPV and economic hardship were assessed through questionnaire. I... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919029 Tue, 07 Jun 2011 05:48:26 +0100 4919029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919030&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fn100030273516671%2F Abstract  In this paper we offer a conceptualization of mortgage foreclosure as serial displacement by highlighting the current crisis in the context of historically repeated extraction of capital—economic, social, and human—from communities defined at different scales: geographically, socially, and that of embodied individuals. We argue that serial displacement is the loss of capital, physical resources, social integration and collective capacity, and psycho-social resources at each of these scales, with losses at one level affecting other levels. The repeated extraction of resources has negative implications for the health of individuals and groups, within generations as well as across generations, through the accumulation of loss over time. Our analysis of the forecl... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919030 Sat, 04 Jun 2011 05:58:36 +0100 4919030 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4900191&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fy7265xth4m605q0k%2F Abstract  The aim of this study was to investigate the poorly understood relationship between the process of urbanization and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Sri Lanka using a multicomponent, quantitative measure of urbanicity. NCD prevalence data were taken from the Sri Lankan Diabetes and Cardiovascular Study, comprising a representative sample of people from seven of the nine provinces in Sri Lanka (n = 4,485/5,000; response rate = 89.7%). We constructed a measure of the urban environment for seven areas using a 7-item scale based on data from study clusters to develop an “urbanicity” scale. The items were population size, population density, and access to markets, transportation, communications/media, economic factors, environment/sanitation, health, educa... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4900191 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:56:05 +0100 4900191 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4900193&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fe108532510750740%2F Abstract  Adolescents tend to experience more problems with sleep loss as a natural consequence of puberty, whereas teens from impoverished urban areas are likely to witness neighborhood violence and/or engage in risk behaviors that may affect sleep. Data from the Mobile Youth Survey, a longitudinal study of impoverished inner-city African-American adolescents (1998–2005; N = 20,716; age range = 9.75–19.25 years), were used to compare paired years of annual surveys elicited by questions about how sleep was affected when bad things happen to friends or family. Using a cross-lagged panel multivariate approach comparing reports for two sequential years and controlling for age/gender plus exposure to traumatic stress and violence, prior sleep disturbance was ass... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4900193 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:56:03 +0100 4900193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4900192&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F7h0618886782jg68%2F This study examined changes in health status, quality of life, substance use, health care utilization, and residential stability among 112 homeless and vulnerably housed individuals who applied to a supportive housing program in Toronto, Canada, from December 2005 to June 2007. Follow-up interviews were conducted every 6 months for 18 months. Comparisons were made between individuals who were accepted into the program (intervention) and those who were wait-listed (usual care) using repeated-measures analyses. Individuals who were accepted into the housing program experienced significantly greater improvements in satisfaction with living situation compared with individuals in the usual care group (time, F 3,3,261 = 47.68, p < 0.01; group × time, F 3,3,261�... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4900192 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:56:03 +0100 4900192 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4900194&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa85473737g743713%2F Abstract  Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to be a significant public health concern in the United States. It disproportionately affects persons in the Deep South of the United States, specifically African Americans. This is a descriptive report of an Emergency Department (ED)-based HIV screening program in the Deep South using the 2006 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for rapid testing and opt-out consent. Between May 2008 and March 2010, patients presenting for medical care to the ED Monday through Friday between 10 am and 10 pm were approached for HIV screening. Patients were eligible for screening if they were 18 or older, had no previous history of positive HIV tests, were English-S... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4900194 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:57:47 +0100 4900194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4900195&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fr33337v016417718%2F This study aims to describe and identify causes of and risk factors for fatal injuries in two slums in Nairobi city using a demographic surveillance system framework. The causes of death are determined using verbal autopsies. We used a nested case-control study design with all deaths from injuries between 2003 and 2005 as cases. Two controls were randomly selected from the non-injury deaths over the same period and individually matched to each case on age and sex. We used conditional logistic regression modeling to identity individual- and community-level factors associated with fatal injuries. Intentional injuries accounted for about 51% and unintentional injuries accounted for 49% of all injuries. Homicides accounted for 91% of intentional injuries and 47% of all injury-related de... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4900195 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:57:46 +0100 4900195 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4900196&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F1p26340371526275%2F Abstract  Struening et al.1 demonstrated a widening disparity of low birthweight (LOB) rates among New York City health areas from 1980–1986, clearly a dynamic process. In contrast, the New York City Department of Health reported static citywide LOB rate in 1988–2008.2 Struening et al.1 is extended here at the health district level with mapping and regression analyses. Additionally, birthweight data are reported for babies born in 1998–2001 to a group of African-American and Dominican women in Upper Manhattan. The data reported in this paper indicate that both fetal programming of the mother herself (life course model) and stress during or shortly before pregnancy may play a role in LOB. Current stress may arise from past events. Intergenerational effects, thus, could a... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4900196 Mon, 30 May 2011 17:06:39 +0100 4900196 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4900197&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fu7x6761q1q1158uq%2F We present the history of the policies as they affected one urban neighborhood, Pittsburgh’s Hill District. We conclude by examining ways in which this problematic process might be addressed. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9585-2Authors Mindy Thompson Fullilove, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USARodrick Wallace, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4900197 Tue, 24 May 2011 05:51:02 +0100 4900197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4900198&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F2017315354n96574%2F Abstract  HOPE VI has funded the demolition of public housing developments across the United States and created in their place mixed-income communities that are often inaccessible to the majority of former tenants. This recent uprooting of low-income, urban, and predominantly African American communities raises concern about the health impacts of the HOPE VI program for a population that already shoulders an enormous burden of excess morbidity and mortality. In this paper, we rely on existing literature about HOPE VI relocation to evaluate the program from the perspective of weathering—a biosocial process hypothesized by Geronimus to underlie early health deterioration and excess mortality observed among African Americans. Relying on the weathering framework, we consider ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4900198 Tue, 24 May 2011 05:51:01 +0100 4900198 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4838235&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp182811880727868%2F Abstract  For almost two decades now, cities around the country have been demolishing traditional public housing and relocating residents to subsidized private market rental housing. In this paper, we examine sense of place, consisting of both community and place attachment, among a sample of Atlanta public housing residents prior to relocation (N = 290). We find that 41% of the residents express place attachment, and a large percentage express some level of community attachment, though residents of senior public housing are far more attached than residents of family public housing. Positive neighborhood characteristics, such as collective efficacy and social support, are associated with community attachment, and social support is also associated with place attachment. N... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4838235 Fri, 13 May 2011 05:43:29 +0100 4838235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4779072&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fx24556487j1lp353%2F Abstract  While the community impacts of drug-related street disorder have been well described, lesser attention has been given to the potential health and social implications of drug scene exposure on street-involved people who use illicit drugs. Therefore, we sought to assess the impacts of exposure to a street-based drug scene among injection drug users (IDU) in a Canadian setting. Data were derived from a prospective cohort study known as the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study. Four categories of drug scene exposure were defined based on the numbers of hours spent on the street each day. Three generalized estimating equation (GEE) logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with varying levels of drug scene exposure (2–6, 6–15, over ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4779072 Sun, 01 May 2011 15:32:05 +0100 4779072 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4752170&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fc7v240h777w36630%2F Abstract  Limited access to a psychiatrist prompted a collaborative practice agreement between a psychiatric pharmacist, a psychiatric pharmacy resident, and primary care physicians at the Center for Community Health, a safety-net clinic providing comprehensive care to the homeless in Skid Row, Los Angeles, CA, USA. From July 2009 to February 2010, 36 (75%) of the 48 patients referred to the psychiatric pharmacy resident met the criteria for the chart review. Twenty-six (54%) were seen for regular follow-up care over 7 months. Most referrals were for depression, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The types of drug therapy problems, pharmacist interventions, and clinical mental health outcomes are discussed. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4752170 Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:02:43 +0100 4752170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4744519&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fe605g18426044555%2F Abstract  Research needs to build evidence for the roles that HIV status of injection partners may or may not play in injection risk behaviors of injection drug users (IDUs). Using baseline data collected from a randomized controlled study (INSPIRE) conducted in four cities (Baltimore, Miami, New York, and San Francisco) from 2001 to 2005, we categorized 759 primarily heterosexual HIV-positive IDUs into four groups based on HIV serostatus of drug injection partners. Thirty-two percent of the sample injected exclusively with HIV-positive partners in the past 3 months and more than 60% had risky injection behavior with these partners. Eight percent injected exclusively with HIV-negative partners and 49% injected with any unknown status partners. The remaining 11% reporte... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4744519 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:50:17 +0100 4744519 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4744520&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F66318667662t7816%2F Abstract  Immigrants’ health is jointly influenced by their pre- and post-migration exposures, but how these two influences operate with increasing duration of residence has not been well-researched. We aimed to examine how the influence of maternal country of birth and neighborhood deprivation effects, if any, change over time since migration and how neighborhood effects among immigrants compare with those observed in the Canadian-born population. Birth data from Ontario hospital records (2002–2007) were linked with an official Canadian immigration database (1985–2000). The outcome measure was preterm birth. Neighborhoods were ranked according to a neighborhood deprivation index developed for Canadian urban areas and collapsed into tertiles of approximately equal siz... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4744520 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 06:50:15 +0100 4744520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4744521&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F262n72l3x1j57353%2F Abstract  Socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with many health outcomes. Commonly used datasets such as medical records often lack data on SES but do include address information. The authors sought to determine whether an SES measure derived from housing characteristics is associated with other SES measures and outcomes known to be associated with SES. The data come from a telephone survey of parents/guardians of children aged 1–17 years who resided in Olmsted County, Minnesota, and Jackson County, Missouri. Seven variables related to housing and six neighborhood characteristics obtained from local government assessor’s offices in Olmsted County, Minnesota, were appended to survey responses. An SES index derived from housing characteristics (hereafter, H... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4744521 Sat, 16 Apr 2011 05:52:11 +0100 4744521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4730865&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F7934x1460212287t%2F The objectives of this study were to construct a comprehensive profile of youth physical activity opportunities and contrast profile characteristics between lower and higher income neighborhoods. Youth physical activity opportunities in eight lower (median household income <$36,000) and eight higher (>$36,000) income neighborhoods were identified and described using interviews, neighborhood tours, site visits, and systematic searches of various sources (e.g., Internet). Lower income neighborhoods had a greater number of locations offering youth physical activity opportunities but similar quantities of amenities. Lower income neighborhoods had more faith-based locations and court, trail/path, event, and water-type amenities. Higher income neighborhoods had significantly more for... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4730865 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 05:47:35 +0100 4730865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4730864&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F71778h54gp231245%2F Abstract  Evidence has linked residential instability and engagement in high-risk behaviors. This paper longitudinally examines the relationship between changes in residential stability and changes in HIV risk behaviors among Montréal street youth (SY). Between April 2006 and May 2007, 419 SY (18–25 years old) were recruited in a cohort study. SY (using Montréal street youth agencies services) were eligible if they had had at least one 24-hour episode of homelessness in the previous 30 days. Baseline and follow-up interviews, carried out every 3 months, included completion of a questionnaire (based on Life History Calendar Technique) assessing daily sleeping arrangements since the last interview, and monthly sexual and drug use behaviors. Using mixed-effe... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4730864 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 05:47:35 +0100 4730864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4730866&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F2402376159578600%2F The objective of this research was to characterize various features of the food environment within small convenience stores located nearby urban junior high and high schools. In-store audits were conducted in 63 stores located within 800 m of 36 urban Minnesota public secondary schools. Results indicated that a limited number of healthier beverages (i.e., water and 100% fruit juice) and snack options (i.e., nuts and pretzels) were available at most stores (≥85%). However, a wide range of healthy snack options were typically not available, with many specific items stocked in less than half of stores (e.g., low-fat yogurt in 27% of stores and low-fat granola bars in 43%). Overall, 51% of stores had fresh fruit and 49% had fresh vegetables. Few stores carried a range of healthier... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4730866 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:48:16 +0100 4730866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4730867&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fg500uv0u0kv7421r%2F Abstract  Though rates of foreclosure are at a historic high, relatively little is known about the link between foreclosure and health. We performed a case–control study to examine health conditions and health care utilization in the time period prior to foreclosure. Homeowners who received a home foreclosure notice from 2005 to 2008 were matched (by name and address) to a university hospital system in Philadelphia and compared with controls who received care from the hospital system and who lived in the same zip code as cases. Outcome measures included prevalent health conditions and visit history in the 2 years prior to foreclosure. We found that people undergoing foreclosure were similar to controls with regard to age, gender, and insurance status but significantl... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4730867 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 05:48:10 +0100 4730867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4730868&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd2473012n3m5462q%2F Abstract  The communities who live in urban informal settlements are diverse, as are their environmental conditions. Characteristics include inadequate access to safe water and sanitation, poor quality of housing, overcrowding, and insecure residential status. Interventions to improve health should be equity-driven and target those at higher risk, but it is not clear how to prioritise informal settlements for health action. In implementing a maternal and child health programme in Mumbai, India, we had conducted a detailed vulnerability assessment which, though important, was time-consuming and may have included collection of redundant information. Subsequent data collection allowed us to examine three issues: whether community environmental characteristics were associated w... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4730868 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:33:18 +0100 4730868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4708243&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F05j683242754775p%2F Abstract  The prevalence of cigarette smoking among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) is significantly higher than among their heterosexual peers. We undertook an analysis to examine cigarette smoking in relation to demographic factors and other risk behaviors among 580 YMSM, ages 13–29, in New York City. Cross-sectional data were collected as part of larger study of risk behaviors using palm devices and targeted active recruitment strategies across all five boroughs of the city. Multivariate modeling suggests that Asian or Pacific Islander and White YMSM are more likely to report cigarette smoking than other racial and ethnic groups, as are men reporting a middle class socioeconomic status. In addition, smoking was related to the likelihood of using a variety of ill... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4708243 Sat, 09 Apr 2011 05:54:50 +0100 4708243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4691576&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F5x122277647m3n60%2F Abstract  Unstable housing is related to a range of health problems including substance abuse, poor mental health, and HIV. Little is known about how sexual partners’ attributes influence access to resources such as housing. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between sexual network characteristics and improvements in housing situation among a sample of drug users using a longitudinal design. Size of one’s sex network was not associated with housing change. However, having a main partner and having a sex partner who lent money was associated with moving from a homeless state at baseline to being housed at follow-up. Also, having a sex partner who was a drug user was associated with decrease in the odds of improving one’s housing situation.... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4691576 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:45:33 +0100 4691576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4681778&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F2023017007t7vu17%2F This study fills these gaps by investigating both the direct and moderating associations of neighborhood social environment with self-rated health. Our analysis is based on the 2008 Philadelphia Health Management Corporation’s household survey and neighborhood-level data. Findings from multilevel logistic regression show that after controlling for individual- and neighborhood-level covariates, distrust is directly and adversely related to self-rated health, and that neighborhood social affluence and stability are directly and negatively associated with the odds of reporting poor/fair health. Neighborhood disadvantage and crime rates are not directly related to self-rated health, but increase the odds of having poor/fair health via distrust. Overall, our results suggest that macro-l... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4681778 Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:48:10 +0100 4681778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4668691&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F6001048x113p6mk8%2F Abstract  Incarceration has been proposed to be a driving factor in the disproportionate impact of HIV in African-American communities. However, few data have been reported on disparities in criminal justice involvement by race among men who have sex with men (MSM). To describe history of arrest and associated factors among, we used data from CDC’s National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system. Respondents were recruited by time–space sampling in venues frequented by MSM in 15 US cities from 2003 to 2005. Data on recent arrest (in the 12 months before the interview), risk behaviors, and demographic information were collected by face-to-face interview for MSM who did not report being HIV-positive. Six hundred seventy-nine (6.8%) of 10,030 respondents reported recent a... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4668691 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:56:03 +0100 4668691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4668692&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm50g048p33380788%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-1DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9568-3Authors Michael Yonas, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAAletha Y. Akers, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAJessica G. Burke, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAJudy C. Chang, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAAlicia L. Thomas, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USAPatricia O’Campo, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4668692 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:56:01 +0100 4668692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4668693&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F567k4g33612w7061%2F This study presents the results of a pilot study of mandatory pre-release testing for sexually transmitted disease (STD) and a behavioral risk survey for male inmates at an Ohio prison. Approximately 4–6 weeks prior to scheduled release, inmates took part in a mandatory blood test and optional genital swab and physical examination to test for STDs. At the time of testing, a voluntary behavioral and knowledge survey was administered to inmates. Pre-release testing identified 53 new cases of STDs among the 916 inmates (5.5%) scheduled for release during the pilot study period. Trichomoniasis and hepatitis C were the most common infections identified through pre-release testing. Nearly all inmates participated in the required blood test. Participation rates for the other testing ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4668693 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:56:00 +0100 4668693 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4662629&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fr6877393522jw072%2F This study used the HIP database to examine differences in self-reported dental status, dental care utilization, and dental insurance, by race/ethnicity, among community-dwelling older adults. Non-Hispanic White respondents reported better dental health, higher dental care utilization, and higher satisfaction with dental care compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. Among minority older adults, Chinese immigrants were more likely to report poor dental health, were less likely to report dental care utilization and dental insurance, and were less satisfied with their dental care compared to all other racial/ethnic groups. Language fluency was significantly related to access to dental care among Chinese immigrants. Among a diverse community-dwelling population of older adults in New ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4662629 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:01:58 +0100 4662629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4662630&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F132l210753632r77%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9560-yAuthors Francoise Barten, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen Urban Health Group, Nijmegen, the Netherlands Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4662630 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 07:01:57 +0100 4662630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4635260&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fg64750k446qj1p81%2F Abstract  Using self-reported health that assesses functionality or disability status, this paper investigates whether there are any differences in health status among older people living in a deprived area of Nairobi, Kenya. Data from a cross-sectional survey of 2,037 men and women aged 50 years and older are used to examine the association between socioeconomic position and self-reported health status across 6 health domains. Education, occupation, a wealth index, and main source of livelihood are used to assess the presence of a socioeconomic gradient in health. All the indicators showed the expected negative association with health across some, but not all, of the disability domains. Nonetheless, differences based on occupation, the most commonly used indicators to... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4635260 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 06:07:39 +0100 4635260 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4609598&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd64xr7766q323q62%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-1DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9567-4Authors Amani M. Nuru-Jeter, Divisions of Community Health and Human Development, and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USAThomas A. LaVeist, Department of Health Policy and Management, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4609598 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:02:58 +0100 4609598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4609599&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fvr5337mu41j85105%2F We examined the relationship between the homelessness measured longitudinally, and the odds of ≥95% adherence to ART using generalized estimating equations logistic regression modeling adjusting for sociodemographics, drug use, and clinical variables. Between May 1996 and September 2008, 545 HIV-infected IDU were recruited and eligible for the present study. The median follow-up duration was 23.8 months (IQR 8.5–91.6 months) contributing 2,197 person-years of follow-up. At baseline, homeless participants were slightly younger (35.8 vs. 37.9 years, p = 0.01) and more likely to inject heroin at least daily (37.1% vs. 24.6%. p = 0.004) than participants who had housing. The multivariate model revealed that homelessness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.66; 95% ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4609599 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:02:57 +0100 4609599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4589239&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd25028454251k44n%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9553-x Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4589239 Sat, 12 Mar 2011 07:00:50 +0100 4589239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580387&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Ff21510533t142224%2F This study explored the pattern of chronic medical conditions in a sample of adult detainees in psychiatric treatment in a large urban jail to develop a clinical profile encompassing the full range of medical conditions. A total of 431 male and female detainees were sampled with certainty from admissions to a residential psychiatric treatment program (overall recruitment rate = 67%). Interviews used the World Mental Health version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview to assess psychiatric and substance use disorders per DSM-IV criteria and chronic medical conditions. Latent class analysis was conducted using 17 medical conditions as class indicators, yielding a 3-class model composed of: a latent class with a high to intermediate probability of multiple medical co... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580387 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 06:53:01 +0100 4580387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4580386&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp71432614710375r%2F This study examines factors associated with methamphetamine use and risky sexual behaviors among 539 incarcerated female adolescents between ages 12–18 years with an STD diagnosis. Data were obtained from interviews with detainees receiving STD case management services within a California juvenile detention facility in January 2006–June 2007. High-risk behaviors characterized the sample, such as low use of condoms consistently (43.3%), prior STD infection (25%), pregnancy history (26%), arrest charge for prostitution or drug use (23%), and a history of prostitution (18%). Half of the sample reported weekly alcohol or drug use; most commonly used drugs were marijuana (37%), alcohol (21%), and methamphetamine (16%). In multivariate analysis, African Americans had a lower odds ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4580386 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 06:53:01 +0100 4580386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4548653&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F841513m7707660kl%2F Abstract  Although the fields of urban planning and public health share a common origin in the efforts of reformers to tame the ravages of early industrialization in the 19th century, the 2 disciplines parted ways in the early 20th century as planners increasingly focused on the built environment while public health professionals narrowed in on biomedical causes of disease and disability. Among the unfortunate results of this divergence was a tendency to discount the public health implications of planning decisions. Given increasingly complex urban environments and grave health disparities in cities worldwide, urban planners and public health professionals have once again become convinced of the need for inclusive approaches to improve population health and achieve health e... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4548653 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 07:49:20 +0100 4548653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4548654&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fftk081p66j4247w5%2F Abstract  Since the beginning of the AIDS epidemic, models of HIV care have needed to be invented or modified as the needs of patients and communities evolved. Early in the epidemic, primary care and palliative care predominated; subsequently, the emergence of effective therapy for HIV infection led to further specialization and a focus on increasingly complex antiretroviral therapy as the cornerstone of effective HIV care. Over the past decade, factors including (1) an aging, long-surviving population; (2) multiple co-morbidities; (3) polypharmacy; and (4) the need for chronic disease management have led to a need for further evolution of HIV care models. Moreover, geographic diffusion; persistent disparities in timely HIV diagnosis, treatment access, and outcomes; and the... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4548654 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:12:14 +0100 4548654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4548655&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fy5k20l745212k56m%2F Abstract  With increasing concern about rising rates of obesity, public health researchers have begun to examine the availability of parks and other spaces for physical activity, particularly in cities, to assess whether access to parks reduces the risk of obesity. Much of the research in this field has shown that proximity to parks may support increased physical activity in urban environments; however, as yet, there has been limited consideration of environmental impediments or disamenities that might influence individuals’ perceptions or usage of public recreation opportunities. Prior research suggests that neighborhood disamenities, for instance crime, pedestrian safety, and noxious land uses, might dissuade people from using parks or recreational facilities and vary b... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4548655 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 07:10:36 +0100 4548655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4539607&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F4509v803n8575723%2F This study used ecological data to determine if alcohol outlet density (number of bars, restaurants serving alcohol, and off-premise outlets per unit area) is related to rates of IPV-related police calls and IPV-related crime reports in Sacramento, California. Separate analyses for IPV calls and crime reports were conducted using Bayesian space–time models adjusted for area characteristics (poverty rate, unemployment rate, racial/ethnic composition). The results showed that each additional off-premise alcohol outlet is associated with an approximate 4% increase in IPV-related police calls and an approximate 3% increase in IPV-related crime reports. Bars and restaurants were not associated with either outcome. The findings suggest that alcohol outlet density, especially off-premise... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4539607 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:00:39 +0100 4539607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4520967&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Ff464u71n607p812l%2F Abstract  Young people living in poor urban informal settlements face unique challenges as they transition to adulthood. This exploratory paper uses retrospective information from the baseline survey of a 3-year prospective study to examine the timing and sequencing of four key markers (first sex, marriage, birth, and independent housing) of the transition to adulthood among 3,944 adolescents in two informal settlements in Nairobi city, Kenya. Event history analysis techniques are employed to examine the timing of the events. Results indicate that there is no significant gender difference with regard to first sexual debut among adolescents. For many boys and girls, the first sexual experience occurs outside of marriage or other union. For males, the sequencing of entry begi... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4520967 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 07:00:19 +0100 4520967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4511086&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F0466x50118p48n48%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-4DOI 10.1007/s11524-011-9550-0Authors Victoria Frye, Laboratory of Social and Behavioral Sciences of the Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute of the New York Blood Center, New York, NY USAPatricia O’Campo, Centre for Research on Inner City Health at St. Michael’s Hospital of the University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4511086 Sun, 20 Feb 2011 06:43:44 +0100 4511086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4511087&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F53144907gv8124lp%2F Abstract  Despite the fact that corporal punishment (CP) is a significant risk factor for increased aggression in children, child physical abuse victimization, and other poor outcomes, approval of CP remains high in the United States. Having a positive attitude toward CP use is a strong and malleable predictor of CP use and, therefore, is an important potential target for reducing use of CP. The Theory of Planned Behavior suggests that parents’ perceived injunctive and descriptive social norms and expectations regarding CP use might be linked with CP attitudes and behavior. A random-digit-dial telephone survey of parents from an urban community sample (n = 500) was conducted. Perceived social norms were the strongest predictors of having positive attitudes toward CP, a... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4511087 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 07:26:31 +0100 4511087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4511088&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fl181888328t810p6%2F This study will present our initial findings into the development of measures to assess women’s perception of their community’s social norms toward assisting women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and how these norms are related to women’s perception of the community, reasons for community assistance toward women experiencing IPV, and women’s own experience of IPV. Systematic measurement development processes were applied to reliably and validly develop the social norms measures. A three-phase approach was used to develop eight paired items measuring descriptive and injunctive norms. A total of 176 low-income urban women were interviewed and the scale responses were compared to length of time at the residence, perceptions of their neighborhood, perceived r... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4511088 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 07:26:30 +0100 4511088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4500780&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F620022xv8x345009%2F Abstract  The aim of this study is to estimate HIV prevalence and assess sexual behaviors in a high-risk and difficult-to-reach population of clients of female sex workers (FSWs). A modified variation of respondent-driven sampling was conducted among FSWs in Bangkok, where FSWs recruited 3 FSW peers, 1 client, and 1 nonpaying partner. After informed consent was obtained, participants completed a questionnaire, were HIV-tested, and were asked to return for results. Analyses were weighted to control for the design of the survey. Among 540 FSWs, 188 (35%) recruited 1 client, and 88 (16%) recruited 1 nonpaying partner. Clients’ median age was 38 years. HIV prevalence was 20% and was associated with younger age at first sexual experience [relative risk (RR) = 3.10, 95... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4500780 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 17:19:42 +0100 4500780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4500781&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F356514g215870425%2F Abstract  This paper examines trends in three reproductive healthcare indicators— namely, antenatal care, medical assistance at delivery, and contraceptive use among the urban poor and non-poor in India using data from the National Family Health Surveys, 1992–1993 and 2005–2006. The urban poor and non-poor are derived from composite wealth indices based on a set of economic proxies. Results indicate that the estimates of poor and non-poor are reliable. During the last 14 years, the service coverage in all three indicators has increased in the country, among both the urban poor and non-poor. However, the utilization of reproductive health services is concentrated among the urban non-poor cutting across the states, with the exception of Kerala. While the non-poor/p... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4500781 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 06:53:03 +0100 4500781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4500782&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm75503282hw16m83%2F Abstract  Religious organizations may be uniquely positioned to address HIV by offering prevention, treatment, or support services to affected populations, but models of effective congregation-based HIV programs in the literature are scarce. This systematic review distils lessons on successfully implementing congregation HIV efforts. Peer-reviewed articles on congregation-based HIV efforts were reviewed against criteria measuring the extent of collaboration, tailoring to the local context, and use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods. The effectiveness of congregations’ efforts and their capacity to overcome barriers to addressing HIV is also assessed. We found that most congregational efforts focused primarily on HIV prevention, were developed in part... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4500782 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:01:20 +0100 4500782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4500783&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fv2721786g07420vl%2F We examined 6 neighborhood-level factors in relation to adolescent physical dating violence perpetration using both adolescent and adult assessments of neighborhood characteristics, each of which was aggregated across respondents to the neighborhood level. Data came from an in-school survey of 1,530 public high school students and a random-digit-dial telephone survey of 1,710 adult residents of 38 neighborhoods in Boston. Approximately 14.3% of the youth sample reported one or more acts of physical aggression toward a dating partner in the month preceding the survey. We calculated the odds of past-month physical dating violence by each neighborhood-level factor, adjusting for school clustering, gender, race, and nativity. In our first 6 models, we used the adolescent assessment of n... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4500783 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:01:18 +0100 4500783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4500784&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fb2g7813215131812%2F Abstract  Research addressing the impact of neighborhood factors on intimate partner violence (IPV) often lacks discussion of how and why such factors impact IPV. In order to address this gap, 16 prominent neighborhood individuals (PNI) from 4 low-income urban neighborhoods were asked to share through in-depth interviews their insights and perceptions of IPV as an issue in their neighborhoods, and the relationship between social and structural neighborhood-level factors and IPV. PNIs most often associated IPV with only physical violence. Several did not feel IPV was a significant issue in their neighborhood, confirming a lack of awareness and underreporting of IPV. However, other PNIs were able to speak of the relationship between IPV and neighborhood factors, including lac... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4500784 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 08:14:51 +0100 4500784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4493864&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fmj74517326748628%2F Abstract  Transactional sex work, broadly defined as the exchange of money, drugs, or goods for sexual services, occurs in a wide range of environments. There is a large body of research characterizing the risks and harms associated with street- and venue-based sex work, but there is a dearth of research characterizing the risk associated with the environment of exotic dance clubs. The current study aimed to: (1) characterize the nature of female exotic dancers’ sex- and drug-related risk behaviors, (2) to examine the role of the club environment in these behaviors, and (3) to examine correlates of currently exchanging sex. From June 2008 to February 2009, we conducted a cross-sectional study among women who were aged 18 years or older and reported exotic dancing wit... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4493864 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:05:11 +0100 4493864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4493865&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd62n8r6414500887%2F This study aims to describe some built environment and local food environment variables and to explore their association with the overweight rate and diet and physical activity area-level aggregated indicators of adults living in the city of Sao Paulo, the largest city in Brazil. This formative study includes an ecological analysis of environmental factors associated with overweight across 31 submunicipalities of the city of Sao Paulo using statistical and spatial analyses. Average prevalence of overweight was 41.69% (95% confidence interval 38.74, 44.64), ranging from 27.14% to 60.75% across the submunicipalities. There was a wide geographical variation of both individual diet and physical activity, and indicators of food and built environments, favoring wealthier areas. After cont... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4493865 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 07:05:10 +0100 4493865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4488086&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm2377v3j1826u150%2F This study aims to examine the link between male perpetration of teen dating violence (TDV) and neighborhood violence, as well as associations with gender attitudes and perceived peer and neighborhood norms related to violence among a sample of urban adolescent boys. Participants of this cross-sectional study (N = 275) were between the ages of 14 and 20 years and recruited from urban community health centers. Crude and adjusted logistic and linear regression models were used to examine TDV perpetration in relation to (a) neighborhood violence involvement, (b) perceptions of peer violence, (c) perceptions of neighborhood violence, and (d) gender attitudes. Slightly more than one in four (28%) boys reported at least one form of TDV perpetration; among boys who have ever had sex... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4488086 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 06:46:15 +0100 4488086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4458757&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F45532771073366m2%2F In conclusion, major cardiovascular-related comorbidities are prevalent among HIV-positive adults in the Bronx, especially older and obese individuals. Differences exist in comorbidity-related treatment outcomes, especially for patients with concurrent diabetes. Because cardiovascular risk is modifiable, effective treatment of related comorbidities may improve morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-10DOI 10.1007/s11524-010-9540-7Authors Carolyn Chu, Department of Family and Social Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USAGalina Umanski, Department of Family and Social Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10467, USAArthur Blank, Departmen... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4458757 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:16:58 +0100 4458757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4458758&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F305ph78680677407%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s11524-010-9523-8 Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4458758 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 13:16:56 +0100 4458758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4449270&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F2mg2wg79t4244w67%2F Abstract  Evidence of the association between income inequality and mortality has been mixed. Studies indicate that growing income inequalities reflect inequalities between, rather than within, racial groups. Racial segregation may play a role. We examine the role of racial segregation on the relationship between income inequality and mortality in a cross-section of US metropolitan areas. Metropolitan areas were included if they had a population of at least 100,000 and were at least 10% black (N = 107). Deaths for the time period 1991–1999 were used to calculate age-adjusted all-cause mortality rates for each metropolitan statistical area (MSA) using direct age-adjustment techniques. Multivariate least squares regression was used to examine associations for the total s... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4449270 Sun, 06 Feb 2011 06:36:43 +0100 4449270 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4441557&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp374580q6p416732%2F Abstract  In clinical and research settings, it is increasingly acknowledged that adolescents may be better positioned than their caregivers to provide information in regard to their own health status, including information related to asthma. Very little is known, however, about the congruence between adolescent and caregiver responses to questions about asthma beyond reports of symptoms. We analyzed data for 215 urban, primarily African-American adolescent–caregiver pairs. Adolescents and caregiver reports concerning the adolescent’s asthma-related medical history were moderately correlated and not found to differ at the aggregate level. Correlations between adolescent and caregiver reports of the adolescent’s asthma symptoms and functional status were weak, although... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4441557 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:23:51 +0100 4441557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4441556&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fp5850n7671617055%2F Abstract  This is the first prospective study to examine the precursors of child externalizing behavior across three generations of African Americans and Puerto Ricans. Participants comprised a community cohort of male and female African Americans and Puerto Ricans (N = 366, X   age = 29.4 years), who are part of an ongoing study of drug use and problem behaviors, and who had a child. Data were collected at four time waves, spanning the participants’ adolescence to adulthood. Questionnaires were initially self-administered in schools in East Harlem, NY, USA (time 1). Subsequently, structured interviews were conducted by trained interviewers (times 2 and 3), and self-administered via mail (time 4). The independent variables consisted of the partici... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4441556 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:23:51 +0100 4441556 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4441559&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F5w75102n67066187%2F We examined the factors associated with having an exchange partner in the past year, the relationship between exchange partnerships and HIV infection, and the risk characteristics of those with exchange partners by the directionality of payment. Overall, 28% of men and 41% of women had a past-year exchange partner. For men, factors independently associated with exchange partnerships were older age, more total sexual partners, male partners, and frequent non-injection drug use. For women, factors were homelessness, more total sexual partners, more unprotected sex partners, and frequent non-injection drug use. Exchange partnerships were associated with HIV infection for both men and women, although the relationships were substantially confounded by other behavioral risks. Those who bot... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4441559 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:51:15 +0100 4441559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4441558&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fd32p484782512560%2F Abstract  Addressing asthma from a public health perspective is a relatively new concept for which the literature provides little guidance. A public health approach seeks to decrease the burden of asthma and improve health outcomes at the population level, such as communities, cities, or states, by reaching large numbers of individuals with effective interventions and at reasonable cost. Projects designed to achieve a measureable impact at the population level are fundamentally different from projects or interventions designed to improve outcomes among individuals. This paper uses the experience of the Controlling Asthma in American Cities Project and a review of the relevant literature to explore some of the unique questions and considerations that are implicit when planni... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4441558 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:51:15 +0100 4441558 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4441560&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fl55w48173071lg5m%2F Abstract  Incarceration is associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Incarceration may contribute to STI/HIV by disrupting primary intimate relationships that protect against high-risk relationships. Research on sexual network disruption during incarceration and implications for post-release sexual risk behavior is limited. We interviewed a sample of HIV-positive men incarcerated in North Carolina to assess how commonly inmates leave partners behind in the community; characteristics of the relationships; and the prevalence of relationship dissolution during incarceration. Among prison inmates, 52% reported having a primary intimate partner at the time of incarceration. In the period prior to incarceration, 85% of me... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4441560 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:51:13 +0100 4441560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4441561&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fu457757p8508372u%2F Abstract  Household food insecurity is a pervasive problem in North America with serious health consequences. While affordable housing has been cited as a potential policy approach to improve food insecurity, the relationship between conventional notions of housing affordability and household food security is not well understood. Furthermore, the influence of housing subsidies, a key policy intervention aimed at improving housing affordability in Western countries, on food insecurity is unclear. We undertook a cross-sectional survey of 473 families in market rental (n = 222) and subsidized (n = 251) housing in high-poverty urban neighborhoods to examine the influence of housing circumstances on household food security. Food insecurity, evident among two thirds of fam... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4441561 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:51:11 +0100 4441561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4427973&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fv3051678t3018976%2F Abstract  Digital communication technologies (DCT), such as cell phones and the internet, have begun to replace more traditional technologies even in technology-poor communities. We characterized access to DCT in an underserved urban population and whether access is associated with health and study participation. A general probability community sample and a purposive high-turnover housing sample were recruited and re-interviewed after 3 months. Selected characteristics were compared by sample type and retention. Associations between DCT access and self-reported health were examined using multivariable logistic regression. Of 363 eligible individuals, 184 (general community = 119; high-turnover housing = 65) completed the baseline survey. Eighty-four percent of ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4427973 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 06:51:25 +0100 4427973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4427975&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fkk872141368007v9%2F Abstract  New York State (NYS) passed legislation authorizing pharmacists to administer immunizations in 2008. Racial/socioeconomic disparities persist in vaccination rates and vaccine-preventable diseases such as influenza. Many NYS pharmacies participate in the Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP), which allows provision of non-prescription syringes to help prevent transmission of HIV, and are uniquely positioned to offer vaccination services to low-income communities. To understand individual and neighborhood characteristics of pharmacy staff support for in-pharmacy vaccination, we combined census tract data with baseline pharmacy data from the Pharmacies as Resources Making Links to Community Services (PHARM-Link) study among ESAP-registered pharmacies. The sample con... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4427975 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 06:51:24 +0100 4427975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4427974&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fuk258x1685278414%2F In conclusion, we find evidence suggesting that public housing communities contain social resources that are important to the wellbeing of their residents and are less accessible to other rent-assisted households. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-13DOI 10.1007/s11524-010-9511-zAuthors Danya E. Keene, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USAArline T. Geronimus, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4427974 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 06:51:24 +0100 4427974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4427976&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fqh3631712vw33x74%2F Abstract  Recent research in urban planning and public health has drawn attention to the associations between urban form and physical activity in adults. Because little is known on the urban–rural differences in physical activity, the main aims of the present study were to examine differences in physical activity between urban and rural adults and to investigate the moderating effects of the physical environment on the relationship between psychosocial factors and physical activity. In Flanders, Belgium, five rural and five urban neighborhoods were selected. A sample of 350 adults (20–65 years of age; 35 adults per neighborhood) participated in the study. Participants wore a pedometer for 7 days, and self-reported physical activity and psychosocial data were a... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4427976 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:55:16 +0100 4427976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4427977&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F027166577236m4m2%2F Abstract  The aim of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of physical inactivity and examine the role of potential predictors in a very low-income adult population in a slum located in Recife city, northeast of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,176 subjects aged 20–60 years residing in a slum. Using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, 307 (26.1%) study participants—97 (23.8%) men and 210 (27.3%) women—have a low physical activity score (MET-minutes per week). Increased age was associated with physical inactivity only in people without overweight/obesity. Low physical activity was less common (i.e., respondents were more active) than in other Brazilian population-based studies. These results suggest that ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4427977 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:55:15 +0100 4427977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4427978&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fy687m3782107mx03%2F We examined the relationship between building-level characteristics and indoor allergens: dust mite, cat, cockroach, and mouse. Building-level characteristics measured were presence of pests (seeing cockroaches and rodents), building type (public housing, buildings zoned commercially and residentially, and building size), and building condition (building age and violations). Allergen cutpoints were used for categorical analyses and defined as follows: dust mite: >0.25 μg/g; cat: >1 μg/g; cockroach: >1 U/g; mouse: >1.6 μg/g. In fully adjusted linear analyses, neither dust mite nor cat allergen were statistically significantly associated with any building-level characteristics. Cockroach allergen was associated with the presence of cockroaches (2.07; ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4427978 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:55:14 +0100 4427978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4417989&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fg276615815v426nj%2F Abstract  Many community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnerships address social determinants of health as a central consideration. However, research studies that explicitly address racism are scarce in the CBPR literature, and there is a dearth of available community-generated data to empirically examine how racism influences health disparities at the local level. In this paper, we provide results of a cross-sectional, population-based health survey conducted in the urban areas of Genesee and Saginaw Counties in Michigan to assess how a sustained community intervention to reduce racism and infant mortality influenced knowledge, beliefs, and experiences of racism and to explore how perceived racism is associated with self-rated health and birth outcomes. We used ANO... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4417989 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:02:45 +0100 4417989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4417990&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F5058551204v78587%2F Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s11524-010-9522-9 Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4417990 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:50:28 +0100 4417990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4404369&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F8l55n035133872jx%2F Abstract  We assessed prevalent HIV cases in Atlanta to examine case distribution trends and population characteristics at the census tract level that may be associated with clustering effects. We calculated cluster characteristics (area and internal HIV prevalence) via Kuldorff's spatial scan method. Subsequent logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze sociodemographics associated with inclusion in a cluster. Organizations offering voluntary HIV testing and counseling services were identified and we assessed average travel time to access these services. One large cluster centralized in downtown Atlanta was identified that contains 60% of prevalent HIV cases. The prevalence rate within the cluster was 1.34% compared to 0.32% outside the cluster. Clustered tract... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4404369 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:09:14 +0100 4404369 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4381452&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fb0973774w327416g%2F This study is a nested cohort of 82 Chinese patients participating in the Immigrant Cancer Portal Project. Twenty-two percent reported having missed appointments for oncology follow-up, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Patients most commonly reported needing assistance with financial support to enable appointment keeping. Efforts to further address social and economic correlates in cancer care should be developed for this population. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11524-010-9512-yAuthors Francesca Gany, Center for Immigrant Health Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, OBV, CD-401, New York, NY 10016, USAJulia Ramirez, Center for Immigrant Health Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 55... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4381452 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:33:20 +0100 4381452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4381453&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F3252234326167413%2F Abstract  Deportees are a hidden yet highly vulnerable and numerous population. Significantly, little data exists about the substance use and deportation experiences of Mexicans deported from the United States. This pilot qualitative study describes illicit drug use behaviors among 24 Mexico-born male injection drug users (IDUs), ≥18 years old, residing in Tijuana, Mexico who self-identified as deportees from the United States. In-person interviews were conducted in Tijuana, Mexico in 2008. Content analysis of interview transcripts identified major themes in participants’ experiences. Few participants had personal or family exposures to illicit drugs prior to their first U.S. migration. Participants reported numerous deportations. Social (i.e., friends/family, post-migra... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4381453 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:33:19 +0100 4381453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4381454&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa3j3724t4h514062%2F Abstract  Opioid-involved overdose deaths are on the rise, both nationwide and in the state of Washington. In a survey of 443 participants at syringe exchanges in Seattle, Washington, 16% had overdosed in the last year. Several factors were significantly associated in bivariate analysis: lack of permanent housing; incarceration of five or more days in the past year; gender of sex partners; sharing of syringes and other injection paraphernalia; use of speedballs (cocaine and heroin together), goofballs (methamphetamine and heroin together), buprenorphine; injection use of crack cocaine and sedatives; and use of opioids with sedatives. Adjusting for other variables in multivariate logistic regression analyses, only recent incarceration and sharing of injection materials were ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4381454 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:33:18 +0100 4381454 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355175&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F48x556375555304t%2F Abstract  Although linked to poverty as conditions reflecting inadequate access to resources to obtain food, issues such as hunger and food insecurity have seldom been recognized as important in urban settings. Overall, little is known about the prevalence and magnitude of hunger and food insecurity in most cities. Yet, in sub-Saharan Africa where the majority of urban dwellers live on less than one dollar a day, it is obvious that a large proportion of the urban population must be satisfied with just one meal a day. This paper suggests using the one- and two-parameter item response theory models to infer a reliable and valid measure of hunger and food insecurity relevant to low-income urban settings, drawing evidence from the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillan... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355175 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:29:00 +0100 4355175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355174&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F42g5u81172433651%2F Abstract  HIV/AIDS has emerged as a significant health threat for African American women with well-documented disparities. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between social network characteristics and high-risk sexual behaviors among a sample of urban African American women at risk of heterosexually acquired HIV/STIs. We performed a cross-sectional study of baseline data collected from the CHAT study, a randomized HIV-prevention trial targeting urban HIV-at-risk women in Baltimore, MD. Our primary outcomes were risky sexual behaviors defined as either (a) two or more sexual partners or (b) having a risky sex partner within the past 90 days. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression examining the associations between individual and social net... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355174 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 14:29:00 +0100 4355174 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355176&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fu42386626316h120%2F Abstract  We employ longitudinal survey data from the Welfare, Children, and Families project (1999, 2001) to examine the effects of household disrepair (e.g., living with leaky structures, busted plumbing, broken windows, and pests) on psychological distress among low-income urban women with children. Building on previous research, we adjust for related housing concepts, neighborhood disorder, financial hardship, and a host of relevant background factors. We also formally test the mediating influences of social support and self-esteem. Our cross-sectional analysis indicated that household disrepair is positively associated with recent symptoms of psychological distress. Our longitudinal change score analysis demonstrates two important patterns. First, women living with hou... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355176 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 07:06:55 +0100 4355176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355177&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fb5177t1145773808%2F This study provides evidence of levels of hazardous levels of noise exposure in all three dosimetry metrics. L eq and L max measures indicate exposures well above ranges associated with increased cardiovascular and psychosomatic health risks in the published literature. L peak indicate acute exposures hazardous to adult hearing on about 1% of line segment rides and acute exposures hazardous to child hearing on about 2% of such rides. The noise to which passengers are exposed may be due to train-specific conditions (velocity and flooring), but also to rail conditions (velocity and tunnels). These findings may point at possible remediation (revised speed limits on longer segments and those segments enclosed by tunnels). The findings also suggest that specific rail segments could be ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355177 Wed, 12 Jan 2011 06:50:41 +0100 4355177 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4270736&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Ftl5676007l024251%2F We examined the association between neighborhood characteristics and condom use in a sample of African American youth followed across the high school years (N = 681; 51% female). Using a three-level hierarchical linear model, we modeled inconsistent condom use over time and then examined its association with youth’s sexual risk trajectories (sexual intercourse frequency, number of partners, and pregnancy concerns) and individual-level characteristics (sex, age, SES, and household composition), and neighborhood disadvantage. While sexual intercourse frequency was associated with inconsistent condom use over time, youth reporting greater pregnancy concerns and number of partners reported more consistent condom use over time. Females were more likely to report more inconsistent co... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4270736 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:02:11 +0100 4270736 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4229905&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F18136838n6933450%2F Abstract  A study examining demographics and hospital utilization for chronically homeless persons with disabilities was conducted at pre-housing enrollment and at 6 months post-housing. Of the 20 participants, 70% (n = 14) were Black American and 30% (n = 6) were White; 100% (n = 20) were non-Hispanic; 90% (n = 18) were men; 40% (n = 8) were veterans; Median years since last permanent housing and total homelessness were 7 and 10.5 respectively. The following increases were observed: employment (0 to 1); income (20%, n = 4 to 35%, n = 7); primary care (25%, n = 5 to 95%, n = 19); and mental health service use (25%, n = 5 to 60%, n = 12). Known disabilities included HIV (15%, n = 3); hepatitis C (45%, n = 9); mental illnes... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4229905 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 07:09:19 +0100 4229905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4228269&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F39n7l4651w737772%2F Abstract  Increased access to sterile syringes among injection drug users (IDUs) has been correlated with reduced syringe sharing. Many states, including Rhode Island, have legalized non-prescription (NP) sale of syringes in pharmacies. Previous studies have suggested that training pharmacists to provide HIV-related services to IDUs may be an important opportunity to engage IDUs and provide them with such services. However, it is not clear to what extent pharmacy staff are willing to expand their roles in providing services to IDUs who come in to purchase syringes. We recruited pharmacists and pharmacy staff from the 48 pharmacies indicating NP sale of syringes in the greater Providence, RI area, to participate in an online survey consisting of demographic information; view... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4228269 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 07:06:04 +0100 4228269 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207012&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fe8735025l2203073%2F Abstract  The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological characteristics of a representative sample of subsidized low-cost housing communities in the City of Cape Town in relation to their living conditions and their health status. Four subsidized low-cost housing communities were selected within the City of Cape Town in this cross-sectional survey. Structured interviews were administered in 336 dwellings on 173 plots. Data was obtained from 1,080 persons with a response rate of 100%. Almost all of the state-subsidized houses had one or more shacks in the backyard, increasing the occupation density and putting the municipal sanitation infrastructure under pressure. In 40% of main houses, one or more cases of diarrhea were reported during the two weeks precedin... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207012 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 06:51:16 +0100 4207012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4207013&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fw571w1486x212137%2F Abstract  Between 60% and 70% of Nairobi City’s population live in congested informal settlements, commonly referred to as slums, without proper access to sanitation, clean water, health care and other social services. Children in such areas are exposed to disproportionately high health hazards. This paper examines the impact of mother and child migration on the survival of more than 10,000 children in two of Nairobi’s informal settlements—Korogocho and Viwandani—between July 2003 and June 2007, using a two-stage semi-parametric proportional hazards (Cox) model that controls for attrition and various factors that affect child survival. Results show that the slum-born have higher mortality than non-slum-born, an indication that delivery in the slums has long-term heal... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4207013 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 06:51:15 +0100 4207013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4202263&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fdl71010742221572%2F Abstract  There is increasing recognition that the neighborhood-built environment influences health outcomes, such as physical activity behaviors, and technological advancements now provide opportunities to examine the neighborhood streetscape remotely. Accordingly, the aims of this methodological study are to: (1) compare the efficiencies of physically and virtually conducting a streetscape audit within the neighborhood context, and (2) assess the level of agreement between the physical (criterion) and virtual (test) audits. Built environment attributes associated with walking and cycling were audited using the New Zealand Systematic Pedestrian and Cycling Environment Scan (NZ-SPACES) in 48 street segments drawn from four neighborhoods in Auckland, New Zealand. Audits were... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4202263 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:00:17 +0100 4202263 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4202264&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fl56037r552x05315%2F This study aims to identify the determinants of health services utilization among adults in a large Brazilian city and intraurban disparities in health care use. We combine household survey data with census-derived classification of social vulnerability of each household’s census tract. The dependent variable was utilization of physician services in the prior 12 months, and the independent variables included predisposing factors, health needs, enabling factors, and context. Prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by the Hurdle regression model, which combined Poisson regression analysis of factors associated with any doctor visits (dichotomous variable) and zero-truncated negative binomial regression for the analysis of factors associated with the number ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4202264 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:00:15 +0100 4202264 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4185887&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fk3l8r716055488jq%2F Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11524-010-9507-8Authors Sawsan Abdulrahim, American University of Beirut, Beirut, LebanonMaya El Shareef, American University of Beirut, Beirut, LebanonMaysam Alameddine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, LebanonRema A. Afifi, American University of Beirut, Beirut, LebanonSuad Hammad, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon Journal Journal of Urban HealthOnline ISSN 1468-2869Print ISSN 1099-3460 (Source: Journal of Urban Health) Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4185887 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 07:04:02 +0100 4185887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4142146&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fx78986t73775132p%2F Abstract  Approximately 17% of individuals living with HIV/AIDS pass through the correctional system each year. Jails provide a unique opportunity to diagnose and treat HIV infection among high-risk, transient populations with limited access to medical services. In 2007, the US Health Resources and Services Administration funded a multi-site demonstration project entitled Enhancing Linkages to HIV Primary Care in Jail Settings that aims to improve diagnosis and treatment services for HIV-positive jail detainees and link them to community-based medical care and social services upon release. We performed an evaluation of the Rhode Island demonstration site entitled Community Partnerships and Supportive Services for HIV-Infected People Leaving Jail (COMPASS). Through in-depth ... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4142146 Wed, 03 Nov 2010 07:49:21 +0100 4142146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4094538&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fu312708425n76362%2F Abstract  Opiate overdose is a significant cause of mortality among injection drug users (IDUs) in the United States (US). Opiate overdose can be reversed by administering naloxone, an opiate antagonist. Among IDUs, prevalence of witnessing overdose events is high, and the provision of take-home naloxone to IDUs can be an important intervention to reduce the number of overdose fatalities. The Drug Overdose Prevention and Education (DOPE) Project was the first naloxone prescription program (NPP) established in partnership with a county health department (San Francisco Department of Public Health), and is one of the longest running NPPs in the USA. From September 2003 to December 2009, 1,942 individuals were trained and prescribed naloxone through the DOPE Project, of whom 24... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4094538 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 06:07:28 +0100 4094538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4071963&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fa2p2h78765682377%2F We examined sociodemographic characteristics, drug use patterns, HIV status via oral fluid testing, physical health using the Short Form 12 Physical Component Score, self-reported needs for physical and oral health care, and the self-reported frequency of seeking medical and oral health care. The sample had a lower health status as compared to the general population and reported a frequent need for physical and oral health care. In bivariate analysis, being in methadone treatment was associated with care-seeking behavior. In addition, being enrolled in Medi-Cal, California’s state Medicaid program, was associated with greater odds of seeking physical and oral health care. Methamphetamine use was not associated with higher odds of needing oral health care as compared to people who r... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4071963 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 06:15:27 +0100 4071963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4071964&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fh48g261650h2831t%2F This study provides useful insights to inform policies and practice to identify target groups and intervention programs to improve the welfare of orphans and vulnerable children living in urban poor communities. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11524-010-9491-zAuthors Elizabeth W. Kimani-Murage, African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787, 00100 Nairobi, KenyaPenny A. Holding, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, KenyaJean-Christophe Fotso, African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787, 00100 Nairobi, KenyaAlex C. Ezeh, African Population and Health Research Center, P.O. Box 10787, 00100 Nairobi, KenyaNyovani J. Madise, Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty, and Policy, School of Social Sciences, University of Southampton,... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4071964 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 06:15:26 +0100 4071964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3941256&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fm601n10q131043hm%2F Abstract  Physical activity and public health recommendations now emphasize the creation of activity-friendly neighborhoods. Mixed land use in a neighborhood is important in this regard, as it reflects the availability of destinations to which residents can walk or ride bicycles, and thus is likely to contribute to residents’ active lifestyles that in turn will influence their overall health. Relationships between land use mix (LUM) and physical activity have not been apparent in some studies, which may be because geographical scale and the specificity of hypothesized environment–behavior associations are not taken into account. We compared the strength of association of four Geographic Information Systems-derived LUM measures with walking for transport and perceived pr... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3941256 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:48:39 +0100 3941256 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3932121&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F1368603256tg737m%2F Abstract  As rates of childhood obesity and overweight rise around the world, researchers and policy makers seek new ways to reverse these trends. Given the concentration of the world’s population, income inequalities, unhealthy diets, and patterns of physical activity in cities, urban areas bear a disproportionate burden of obesity. To address these issues, in 2008, researchers from the City University of New York and London Metropolitan University created the Municipal Responses to Childhood Obesity Collaborative. The Collaborative examined three questions: What role has city government played in responding to childhood obesity in each jurisdiction? How have municipal governance structures in each city influenced its capacity to respond effectively? How can policy and pr... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3932121 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 15:13:32 +0100 3932121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3932122&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2F3527l553517vk103%2F Abstract  The impact of the urban setting on health and, in particular, health inequities has been widely documented. However, only a few countries have examined their inter- or intra-city health inequalities, and few do so regularly. Information that shows the gaps between cities or within the same city is a crucial requirement to trigger appropriate local actions to promote health equity. To generate relevant evidence and take appropriate actions to tackle health inequities, local authorities need a variety of tools. In order to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of health systems performance, these tools should: (1) adopt a multi-sectoral approach; (2) link evidence to actions; (3) be simple and user-friendly; and (4) be operationally feasible and sustainable. In t... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3932122 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:43:48 +0100 3932122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3932123&cid=s_33372_51_f&fid=33372&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.springerlink.com%2Fcontent%2Fj65t360785814521%2F Abstract  Using qualitative data collected from a sample of rural-urban migrants over the age of 15 in two Nairobi slums interviewed in 2008, this paper discusses the migrants’ extent of satisfaction with their residential location and decision to migrate. The study sheds light on why people continue to migrate to, and stay in, the rapidly growing slum settlements despite the high levels of poverty and poor health conditions in these areas. Tenure status is related to satisfaction for all ages. Environmental factors were frequently mentioned as a source of dissatisfaction. Life cycle and ‘age-cohort effects’ may also affect satisfaction for different age groups in terms of who is satisfied as well as the issues that are considered for satisfaction. High levels of diss... Journal of Urban Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3932123 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:43:47 +0100 3932123