MedWorm: Global & Universal

Politics: burma fears politicisation of humanitarian crisis

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:05:04 +0100

UNITED NATIONS, May 16 (IPS) - The United Nations, which has accelerated its pace of humanitarian assistance to cyclone-devastated Burma (Myanmar), is making little or no progress in dealing with the country's military leaders -- both at a political and personal level. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

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Abstracts index

Value in Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:33:23 +0100

Value in Health, Volume 11, Issue 3, Page A322-A333, May/June 2008. (Source: Value in Health)

Podium presentations

Value in Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:32:46 +0100

Value in Health, Volume 11, Issue 3, Page A1-A28, May/June 2008. (Source: Value in Health)

Poster presentations

Value in Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:31:13 +0100

Value in Health, Volume 11, Issue 3, Page A29-A311, May/June 2008. (Source: Value in Health)

Disclosure information

Value in Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:29:25 +0100

Value in Health, Volume 11, Issue 3, Page A312-A321, May/June 2008. (Source: Value in Health)

Estimated 3.2 million burmese potentially affected by cyclone

Public Health News Headlines from Johns Hopkins — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:23:19 +0100

As many as 3.2 million Burmese are estimated to be affected by the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis, according to geographic risk models developed by researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Lehman College, CUNY. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the researchers calculated the likely distribution of the population of Burma (also known as Myanmar) and developed maps of the regions at greatest risk from the storm?s effects. The maps and a summary of the current humanitarian situation are available at www.jhsph.edu/burmacyclone. (Source: Public Health News Headlines from Johns Hopkins)

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Iraq: running out of water in rising heat

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:09:06 +0100

BAQUBA, May 9 (IPS) - Water supply is drying out in what was once the agriculturally rich Diyala province north of Baghdad. Baquba, the capital city of Diyala, is now running out of water both for drinking and for irrigation. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Burma: 'junta aid blocks could multiply cyclone toll'

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:09:06 +0100

BANGKOK, May 12 (IPS) - Burma’s military regime may soon face charges of allowing tens of thousands of its own people to die through incompetence and bureaucratic red-tape placed in the way of international relief efforts for over one million cyclone victims in the country. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Iraq: food crisis hits fallujah

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:09:06 +0100

FALLUJAH, May 12 (IPS) - Sharp increases in food prices have generated a new wave of anti-occupation and anti-U.S. sentiment in Fallujah. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Burma: foreigners, cameras banned in cyclone-hit areas

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:09:06 +0100

BANGKOK, May 13 (IPS) - Images of the dead keep trickling out of Burma. The most moving are those of children who died when Cyclone Nargis tore through their world in the populous Irrawaddy delta. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Southern africa: water "undervalued and not treated with respect"

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:09:06 +0100

MASERU, May 14 (IPS) - A two-day conference on water issues in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which opened Wednesday in Maseru, Lesotho, has seen representatives of government, civil society, the private sector, donors and other groups discuss the likely effects of climate change on development in the region. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

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Rights-india: top activist's detention blot on democracy

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:09:06 +0100

NEW DELHI, May 15 (IPS) - Protests are mounting all over the world against the year-long detention of Dr. Binayak Sen, a distinguished Indian human rights and health activist, under draconian laws in the central state of Chhattisgarh. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Portugal: cuban cataract ops prick medical conscience

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:09:06 +0100

LISBON, May 15 (IPS) - Cuba’s offer to provide cataract operations for people who have been on waiting lists for years at Portugal’s public hospitals triggered a reaction by the government and doctors, who may finally begin to provide a solution to this problem that affects thousands of elderly people. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Pfizer extends 10 million yuan to earthquake victims and relief efforts in china

Aid / Disasters News From Medical News Today — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:00:00 +0100

Pfizer China announced it is providing up to RMB 10 million (approximately $1.4 million U.S.D) in medicines and financial assistance to relief organizations operating in the region worst affected by the massive earthquake. "We were devastated to hear about the rising death tolls and escalating number of injuries in Sichuan Province," said Ahmet Esen, country manager of Pfizer China. (Source: Aid / Disasters News From Medical News Today)

Un think tank urges legislators to support 'open source' information technologies, software

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(United Nations University) United Nations University-MERIT experts yesterday in Geneva urged parliamentarians to support open source software and information technologies as a way to let citizens participate meaningfully in the information society. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Acp says major system reforms needed to improve the state of primary care medicine in the us

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(American College of Physicians) Declaring that "Primary care medicine is in a precipitous decline," David C. Dale, MD, FACP, president of the American College of Physicians (ACP), today joined with leading representatives of employers and consumers to issue a call for comprehensive reforms to attract, recruit and retain general internists and other primary care physicians. During a panel discussion of the state of primary care medicine in the US, Dr. Dale and other panelists spoke about the challenges facing primary care and potential solutions. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

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Daljit ahluwalia, acclaimed math chair at njit, to be honored

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(New Jersey Institute of Technology) Daljit Ahluwalia, the visionary, vibrant and long-time chair of NJIT's department of mathematical sciences, will be honored at 6:30 p.m. on May 19, 2008. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Item! candidates are buying your vote

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Chicago Press Journals) A daring new article in the Journal of Political Economy creates a theoretical voting system where, in addition to the already accepted campaign promises, votes can be bought and sold free of stigma. Within this system, the authors are able to shed light on the economics of our approaching general election (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Separation from mom, dad linked with learning trouble in kids

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(University of Rochester Medical Center) In the wake of divorce, illness, violence and other problems that can unsettle homes, countless young children are liable to experience temporary separations from one or both parents before packing their knapsacks for kindergarten. Published in the May/June issue of Ambulatory Pediatrics, a new, community-wide study from Rochester, New York, warns that such kids are at increased risk for learning difficulties. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

A better way to help patients

Medical Economics - Patient Relations — Fri, 16 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

The author realized his minor, commonplace errors were hampering patient care. See if any of them ring a bell for you. (Source: Medical Economics - Patient Relations)

Quake deaths in sichuan is probably over 50,000 says china's government

Aid / Disasters News From Medical News Today — Thu, 15 May 2008 19:00:00 +0100

The death toll so far from Monday's earthquake has been confirmed at over 19,500, but the Chinese authorities fear that more than 50,000 have been killed in Sichuan province alone, according to a press conference announcement made earlier today, Thursday 15th May, by the rescue headquarters of the State Council, headed by Premier Wen Jiabao. (Source: Aid / Disasters News From Medical News Today)

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Masked heterogeneity in obesity between immigrant subgroups.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:49:19 +0100

Masked heterogeneity in obesity between immigrant subgroups.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):967-8; author reply 968

Authors: Oza-Frank R, Venkat Narayan KM

PMID: 18445786 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Assessment of the effects of social support on adolescents with parents with hiv/aids.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:49:17 +0100

Assessment of the effects of social support on adolescents with parents with HIV/AIDS.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):966; author reply 967

Authors: Varma DS

PMID: 18445787 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Lost luggage, recovered lives.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:49:14 +0100

Lost luggage, recovered lives.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):986-8

Authors: Stastny P, Penney D

PMID: 18445788 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Sexual and gender minority health: what we know and what needs to be done.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:49:11 +0100

Sexual and gender minority health: what we know and what needs to be done.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):989-95

Authors: Mayer KH, Bradford JB, Makadon HJ, Stall R, Goldhammer H, Landers S

We describe the emergence of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) health as a key area of study and practice for clinicians and public health professionals. We discuss the specific needs of LGBT populations on the basis of the most recent epidemiological and clinical investigations, methods for defining and measuring LGBT populations, and the barriers they face in obtaining appropriate care and services. We then discuss how clinicians and public health professionals can improve research methods, clinical outcomes, and service delivery for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

PMID: 18445789 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Receipt of prevention services among hiv-infected men who have sex with men.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:49:07 +0100

Receipt of prevention services among HIV-infected men who have sex with men.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1011-4

Authors: Steward WT, Charlebois ED, Johnson MO, Remien RH, Goldstein RB, Wong FL, Morin SF

Unprotected sexual intercourse remains a primary mode of HIV transmission in the United States. We found that receipt of services to reduce HIV transmission-risk behaviors was low among 3787 HIV-infected individuals and that men who have sex with men were especially unlikely to receive these services even though they were more likely to report unprotected sexual intercourse with seronegative and unknown serostatus casual partners. Greater efforts should be made to ensure that prevention counseling is delivered to all HIV-infected persons, especially men who have sex with men.

PMID: 18445790 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

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Turning loss into legislation.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:49:02 +0100

Turning loss into legislation.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):971-3

Authors: Labella A, Singh D

Same-sex partnerships encounter tremendous challenges in the context of healthcare, including empowerment to act on behalf of loved ones. We share challenges faced by two women who confronted this issue head-on when their same-sex partners were critically, and, in one case, fatally, injured. In both cases, hospitals initially refused to recognize these women as next of kin; one woman endured years of legal battles in her struggle to win the right to care for her partner. The other testified about her heartrending experience before the Washington State Judiciary Committee, helping to inspire legislation regarding rights for visitation and end-of-life decisions on behalf of same-sex partners. We seek to remind health care providers of the limitations of current laws and to inspire them to support change.

PMID: 18445791 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Beyond abuse and exposure: framing the impact of prescription-medication sharing.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:58 +0100

Beyond abuse and exposure: framing the impact of prescription-medication sharing.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1115-21

Authors: Goldsworthy RC, Schwartz NC, Mayhorn CB

OBJECTIVES: We sought to document the frequency, circumstances, and consequences of prescription medication-sharing behaviors and to use a medication-sharing impact framework to organize the resulting data regarding medication-loaning and -borrowing practices. METHODS: One-on-one interviews were conducted in 2006, and participants indicated (1) prescription medicine taken in the past year, (2) whether they had previously loaned or borrowed prescription medicine, (3) scenarios in which they would consider loaning or borrowing prescription medicine, and (4) the types of prescription medicines they had loaned or borrowed. RESULTS: Of the 700 participants, 22.9% reported having loaned their medications to someone else and 26.9% reported having borrowed someone else's prescription. An even greater proportion of participants reported situations in which medication sharing was acceptable to them. CONCLUSIONS: Sharing prescription medication places individuals at risk for diverse consequences, and further research regarding medication loaning and borrowing behaviors and their associated consequences is merited.

PMID: 18445792 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Incidence of and risk factors for sexual orientation-related physical assault among young men who have sex with men.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:56 +0100

Incidence of and risk factors for sexual orientation-related physical assault among young men who have sex with men.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1028-35

Authors: Lampinen TM, Chan K, Anema A, Miller ML, Schilder AJ, Schechter MT, Hogg RS, Strathdee SA

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine incidence of, prevalence of, and risk factors for sexual orientation-related physical assault in young men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: We completed a prospective open cohort study of young MSM in Vancouver, British Columbia, surveyed annually between 1995 and 2004. Correlates of sexual orientation-related physical assault before enrollment were identified with logistic regression. Risk factors for incident assaults were determined with Cox regression. RESULTS: At enrollment, 84 (16%) of 521 MSM reported ever experiencing assault related to actual or perceived sexual orientation. Incidence was 2.3 per 100 person-years; cumulative incidence at 6-year follow-up was 10.8 per 100 person-years. Increased risk of incident sexual orientation-related physical assault was observed among MSM 23 years or younger (relative hazard=3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6, 5.8), Canadian Aboriginal people (relative hazard = 3.0; 95% CI=1.4, 6.2), and those who previously experienced such assault (relative hazard=2.5; 95% CI=1.3, 4.8). CONCLUSIONS: These data underscore the need for increased public awareness, surveillance, and support to reduce assault against young MSM. Such efforts should be coordinated at the community level to ensure that social norms dictate that such acts are unacceptable.

PMID: 18445793 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Moving upstream: ecosocial and psychosocial correlates of sexually transmitted infections among young adults in the united states.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:52 +0100

Moving upstream: ecosocial and psychosocial correlates of sexually transmitted infections among young adults in the United States.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1128-36

Authors: Buffardi AL, Thomas KK, Holmes KK, Manhart LE

OBJECTIVES: We determined the associations of ecosocial factors and psychosocial factors with having a prevalent sexually transmitted infection (STI), recent STI diagnoses, and sexual risk behaviors. METHODS: Young adults aged 18 to 27 years in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (n=14322) provided ecosocial, psychosocial, behavioral, and STI-history data. Urine was tested for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae by ligase chain reaction and for Trichomonas vaginalis, human papillomavirus, and Mycoplasma genitalium by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Prevalent STI was associated with housing insecurity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00, 1.72), exposure to crime (AOR=1.4; 95% CI=1.02, 1.80), and having been arrested (AOR=1.4; 95% CI=1.07, 1.84). STI prevalence increased linearly from 4.9% for 0 factors to 14.6% for 4 or more (P < .001, for trend). Nearly all contextual conditions predicted more lifetime partners and earlier sexual debut. Recent STI diagnosis was associated with childhood sexual abuse, gang participation, frequent alcohol use, and depression, adjusted for sexual risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Often present before sexual debut, contextual conditions enhance STI risk by increasing sexual risk behaviors and likelihood of exposure to infection. These findings suggest that upstream conditions such as housing and safety contribute to the burden of STIs and are appropriate targets for future intervention.

PMID: 18445794 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Evaluation of an hiv prevention intervention adapted for black men who have sex with men.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:49 +0100

Evaluation of an HIV prevention intervention adapted for Black men who have sex with men.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1043-50

Authors: Jones KT, Gray P, Whiteside YO, Wang T, Bost D, Dunbar E, Foust E, Johnson WD

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the efficacy of an HIV behavioral intervention adapted for Black men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: We conducted serial cross-sectional surveys, 1 baseline measurement followed by initiation of an intervention and 3 follow-up measurements, among Black MSM in 3 North Carolina cities over 1 year. RESULTS: We observed significant decreases in unprotected receptive anal intercourse at 4 months (by 23.8%, n=287) and 8 months (by 24.7%, n=299), and in unprotected insertive anal intercourse (by 35.2%), unprotected receptive anal intercourse (by 44.1%), and any unprotected anal intercourse (by 31.8%) at 12 months (n=268). Additionally, at 12 months, the mean number of partners for unprotected receptive anal intercourse decreased by 40.5%. The mean number of episodes decreased by 53.0% for unprotected insertive anal intercourse, and by 56.8% for unprotected receptive anal intercourse. The percentage of respondents reporting always using condoms for insertive and receptive anal intercourse increased by 23.0% and 30.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Adapting previously proven interventions designed for other MSM can significantly reduce HIV risk behaviors of Black MSM.

PMID: 18445795 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

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The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among us women of childbearing age.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:46 +0100

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome among US women of childbearing age.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1122-7

Authors: Ramos RG, Olden K

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among US women of childbearing age (18-44 years) has increased since 1988 and to estimate its current prevalence by race/ethnicity and risk that a maternal history of select metabolic syndrome characteristics imposes on offspring. METHODS: We used survey-specific data analysis methods to examine data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted from 1988 to 2004. RESULTS: The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome phenotype and 2 of its clinical correlates significantly increased between 1988 and 2004 (increase for metabolic syndrome phenotype=7.6%, for obesity=13.3%, and for elevated C-reactive protein=10.6%; P < .001 for all 3). Hispanic women were more likely than were White women to possess the phenotype (P = .004). Women who reported that their mothers had been diagnosed with diabetes were more likely to possess the phenotype than those whose mothers had not been so diagnosed (odds ratio=1.9; 95% confidence interval=1.3, 2.8). CONCLUSIONS: The current trends of metabolic syndrome among women of childbearing age demonstrate the need for additional rigorous investigations regarding its long-term effects in these women and their offspring.

PMID: 18445796 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Health-related quality of life among adults who experienced maltreatment during childhood.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:43 +0100

Health-related quality of life among adults who experienced maltreatment during childhood.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1094-100

Authors: Corso PS, Edwards VJ, Fang X, Mercy JA

OBJECTIVES: We sought to assess the difference in a preference-based measure of health among adults reporting maltreatment as a child versus those reporting no maltreatment. METHODS: Using data from a study of adults who reported adverse childhood experiences and current health status, we matched adults who reported childhood maltreatment (n = 2812) to those who reported no childhood maltreatment (n = 3356). Propensity score methods were used to compare the 2 groups. Health-related quality-of-life data (or "utilities") were imputed from the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey using the Short Form-6D preference-based scoring algorithm. RESULTS: The combined strata-level effects of maltreatment on Short Form-6D utility was a reduction of 0.028 per year (95% confidence interval=0.022, 0.034; P<.001). All utility losses for the childhood-maltreatment versus no-childhood-maltreatment groups by age group were significantly different: 18-39 years, 0.042; 40-49 years, 0.038; 50-59 years, 0.023; 60-69 years, 0.016; 70 or more years, 0.025. CONCLUSIONS: Persons who experienced childhood maltreatment had significant and sustained losses in health-related quality of life in adulthood relative to persons who did not experience maltreatment. These data are useful for assessing the cost-effectiveness of interventions designed to prevent child maltreatment in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life years saved.

PMID: 18445797 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Resilience to urban poverty: theoretical and empirical considerations for population health.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:39 +0100

Resilience to urban poverty: theoretical and empirical considerations for population health.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1101-6

Authors: Sanders AE, Lim S, Sohn W

OBJECTIVES: To better understand the trajectory that propels people from poverty to poor health, we investigated health resilience longitudinally among African American families with incomes below 250% of the federal poverty level. METHODS: Health resilience is the capacity to maintain good health in the face of significant adversity. With higher levels of tooth retention as a marker of health resilience, we used a social-epidemiological framework to define capacity for health resilience through a chain of determinants starting in the built environment (housing quality) and community context (social support) to familial influences (religiosity) and individual mental health and health behavior. RESULTS: Odds of retaining 20 or more teeth were 3 times as likely among adults with resilience versus more-vulnerable adults (odds ratio=3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.3, 7.4). Children of caregivers with resilience had a lower incident rate of noncavitated tooth decay at 18- to 24-month follow-up (incidence risk ratio=0.8; 95% CI=0.7, 0.9) compared with other children. CONCLUSIONS: Health resilience to poverty was supported by protective factors in the built and social environments. When poverty itself cannot be eliminated, improving the quality of the built and social environments will foster resilience to its harmful health effects.

PMID: 18445798 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Condom use and hip hop culture: the case of urban young men in new york city.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:36 +0100

Condom use and hip hop culture: the case of urban young men in new york city.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1081-5

Authors: Muñoz-Laboy MA, Castellanos DH, Haliburton CS, del Aguila EV, Weinstein HJ, Parker RG

OBJECTIVES: We explored how young men's perceptions of and participation in hip hop culture--urban social and artistic expressions, such as clothing style, breakdancing, graffiti, and rap music--and how contextual factors of the hip hop scene may be associated with their condom use, condom-use self-efficacy, and sense of community. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 95 African American and Latino men aged 15 to 25 years as part of a 4-year ethnographic study in New York City. RESULTS: Differences in young men's perceptions of and levels of affiliation with hip hop culture were not statistically associated with differences in their sense of community or condom-use self-efficacy. Frequency of participation in the hip hop nightclub scene was the strongest factor negatively associated with condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Popular discourses on young men's health risks often blame youths' cultures such as the hip hop culture for increased risk practices but do not critically examine how risk emerges in urban young men's lives and what aspects of youths' culture can be protective. Further research needs to focus on contextual factors of risk such as the role of hip hop nightlife on increased HIV risk.

PMID: 18445799 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

"if you know you exist, it's just marketing poison": meanings of tobacco industry targeting in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:33 +0100

"If you know you exist, it's just marketing poison": meanings of tobacco industry targeting in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):996-1003

Authors: Smith EA, Thomson K, Offen N, Malone RE

In the public health literature, it is generally assumed that the perception of "targeting" as positive or negative by the targeted audience depends on the product or message being promoted. Smoking prevalence rates are high among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, but little is known about how they perceive tobacco industry targeting. We conducted focus groups with LGBT individuals in 4 US cities to explore their perceptions. Our findings indicated that focus group participants often responded positively to tobacco company targeting. Targeting connoted community visibility, legitimacy, and economic viability. Participants did not view tobacco as a gay health issue. Targeting is a key aspect of corporate-community interaction. A better understanding of targeting may aid public health efforts to counter corporate disease promotion.

PMID: 18445800 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

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Risk for reassault in abusive female same-sex relationships.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:30 +0100

Risk for reassault in abusive female same-sex relationships.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1021-7

Authors: Glass N, Perrin N, Hanson G, Bloom T, Gardner E, Campbell JC

OBJECTIVES: We revised the Danger Assessment to predict reassault in abusive female same-sex relationships. METHODS: We used focus groups and interviews to evaluate the assessment tool and identify new risk factors and telephone interviews at baseline and at 1-month follow-up to evaluate the revised assessment. RESULTS: The new assessment tool comprised 8 original and 10 new items. Predictors included increase in physical violence (relative risk ratio [RRR]=1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.84, 4.54), constant jealousy or possessiveness of abuser (RRR = 4.07; 95% CI = 0.61, 27.00), cohabitation (RRR = 1.96; 95% CI = 0.54, 7.12), threats or use of gun by abuser (RRR=1.93; 95% CI=0.79, 4.75), alcoholism or problem drinking of abuser (RRR=1.47; 95% CI=0.79, 2.71), illegal drug use or abuse of prescription medications by abuser (RRR = 1.33; 95% CI = 0.72, 2.46), stalking by abuser (RRR=1.39; 95% CI=0.70, 2.76), failure of individuals to take victim seriously when she sought help (RRR=1.66; 95% CI=0.90, 3.05), victim's fear of reinforcing negative stereotypes (RRR=1.42; 95% CI=0.73, 2.77), and secrecy of abuse (RRR=1.72; 95% CI=0.74, 3.99). Both unweighted (P < .005) and weighted (P < .004) versions of the revised assessment were significant predictors of reassault. CONCLUSIONS: The revised Danger Assessment accurately assesses risk of re-assault in abusive female relationships.

PMID: 18445801 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Sexual orientation and related viral sexually transmitted disease rates among us women aged 15 to 44 years.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:27 +0100

Sexual orientation and related viral sexually transmitted disease rates among US women aged 15 to 44 years.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1007-9

Authors: Tao G

I used data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth to measure sexual orientation and viral sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates among US women aged 15 to 44 years. Sexual behavior and sexual identity data indicated that 1.3% to 1.9% of the women were lesbians and 3.1% to 4.8% were bisexual. Self-reported viral STD rates were significantly higher among bisexual women (15.0% to 17.2%) than among lesbians (2.3% to 6.7%). These findings support the need for STD prevention interventions that consider lesbians and bisexual women separately.

PMID: 18445803 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Sexual risk taking among young internet-using men who have sex with men.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:24 +0100

Sexual risk taking among young internet-using men who have sex with men.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1059-67

Authors: Horvath KJ, Rosser BR, Remafedi G

OBJECTIVES: We examined the characteristics of young Internet-using men who have sex with men (MSM) and risks associated with seeking sex online, offline, or through both strategies. METHODS: Data were obtained from MSM aged 18 to 24 years who completed a 45-minute online survey regarding sex and Internet use in the preceding 3 months. RESULTS: Significantly more Internet-using MSM who had met sexual partners both online and offline (43%) reported unprotected anal intercourse than did those who had met sexual partners exclusively online (29%) or offline (34%). MSM who met sexual partners exclusively offline reported the fewest partners but the greatest proportion of partnerships involving unprotected anal intercourse (49%). Meeting sexual partners both online and offline (odds ratio [OR]=3.38-58.42) and being drunk (OR=1.57) or high (OR=2.24) increased the odds of having more sexual partners. The same factors increased the odds of having unprotected anal intercourse (online and offline sexual partners, OR=1.60; being drunk, OR=1.43; being high, OR=1.61). CONCLUSIONS: Risky sexual behavior was prevalent among all of the study subgroups. Our findings suggest that online sex seeking is associated with greater numbers of sexual partners but neither promotes nor discourages unprotected anal intercourse. Regardless of where sexual partners met, being drunk and high were significant risks for unprotected anal intercourse.

PMID: 18445804 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

America's first amphetamine epidemic 1929-1971: a quantitative and qualitative retrospective with implications for the present.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:20 +0100

America's first amphetamine epidemic 1929-1971: a quantitative and qualitative retrospective with implications for the present.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):974-85

Authors: Rasmussen N

Using historical research that draws on new primary sources, I review the causes and course of the first, mainly iatrogenic amphetamine epidemic in the United States from the 1940s through the 1960s. Retrospective epidemiology indicates that the absolute prevalence of both nonmedical stimulant use and stimulant dependence or abuse have reached nearly the same levels today as at the epidemic's peak around 1969. Further parallels between epidemics past and present, including evidence that consumption of prescribed amphetamines has also reached the same absolute levels today as at the original epidemic's peak, suggest that stricter limits on pharmaceutical stimulants must be considered in any efforts to reduce amphetamine abuse today.

PMID: 18445805 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Hiv prevalence and associated risk behaviors in new york city's house ball community.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:16 +0100

HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviors in New York City's house ball community.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1074-80

Authors: Murrill CS, Liu KL, Guilin V, Colón ER, Dean L, Buckley LA, Sanchez T, Finlayson TJ, Torian LV

OBJECTIVES: We measured HIV seroprevalence and associated risk factors among persons in New York City's house ball community. METHODS: In 2004 we conducted a venue-based risk-behavior survey and HIV testing in the house ball community. RESULTS: Of the 504 study participants, 67% were male, 14% female, and 18% transgender. Mean age was 24 years (range=15-52 years); 55% were Black, and 40% were Latino. More than 85% of participants had previously been tested for HIV, although only 60% had been tested in the previous 12 months. Of the 84 (17%) persons who tested positive for HIV in our study, 61 (73%) were unaware of their HIV status. A logistic regression analysis on data from 371 participants who had had a male sexual partner in the previous 12 months showed that HIV-infected participants were more likely than were HIV-negative participants to be Black, to be older than 29 years, and not to have been tested for HIV in the previous 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Culturally specific community-level prevention efforts are warranted to reduce risk behaviors and increase the frequency of HIV testing in New York City's house ball community.

PMID: 18445806 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

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Hiv infection, sexual risk behavior, and substance use among latino gay and bisexual men and transgender persons.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:12 +0100

HIV infection, sexual risk behavior, and substance use among Latino gay and bisexual men and transgender persons.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1036-42

Authors: Ramirez-Valles J, Garcia D, Campbell RT, Diaz RM, Heckathorn DD

OBJECTIVES: We examined HIV prevalence and the socioeconomic correlates of HIV infection, sexual risk behaviors, and substance use among Latino gay and bisexual men and transgender persons in Chicago and San Francisco. METHODS: Data were collected from a sample of 643 individuals (Chicago: n=320; San Francisco: n=323) through respondent-driven sampling and computer-assisted self-administered interviews. RESULTS: HIV prevalence in San Francisco (0.325; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.260, 0.393) was higher than in Chicago (0.112; 95% CI=0.079, 0.163). In San Francisco, HIV prevalence was higher among US-born residents than among those born outside the country; in Chicago, the opposite was true. Heavy use of alcohol was prevalent, especially in Chicago (0.368; 95% CI=0.309, 0.432; San Francisco: 0.154; 95% CI=0.116, 0.192). Drug use and more education were positively correlated and greater age was negatively correlated with unprotected anal intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy alcohol drinking and use of drugs remain a significant public health problem in this population. Drug use was more closely linked to HIV sexual risk behaviors than was heavy drinking.

PMID: 18445807 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Dimensions of sexual orientation and hiv-related risk among adolescent females: evidence from a statewide survey.

American Journal of Public Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:48:09 +0100

Dimensions of sexual orientation and HIV-related risk among adolescent females: evidence from a statewide survey.

Am J Public Health. 2008 Jun;98(6):1051-8

Authors: Goodenow C, Szalacha LA, Robin LE, Westheimer K

OBJECTIVES: We examined the relationship of 2 dimensions of sexual orientation--sexual identity and sex of partners--with self-reported behaviors and experiences to identify factors that may place adolescent females at risk of HIV/AIDS. METHODS: We gathered data on sexually experienced female high school students from 4 waves of a population-based survey. We used logistic regression analyses to investigate the association between their sexual identity (3666 heterosexual; 184 lesbian, gay, or bisexual; 113 not sure) and sex of partners (3714 male only, 79 female only, and 180 both males and females) with HIV-related risk behaviors. RESULTS: Self-defined sexual identity was often inconsistent with sex of sexual partners. Sexual identities other than heterosexual and having same-sex partners (either exclusively or in addition to male partners) were associated with high rates of several HIV-related risk behaviors. Coerced sexual contact was significantly associated with every risk outcome. AIDS education in school predicted lower HIV risk on 4 of 6 indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Programs to prevent HIV infection among adolescent females should take into account the complexity of sexual orientation and should address the needs and behaviors of sexual-minority youths.

PMID: 18445809 [PubMed - in process]

(Source: American Journal of Public Health)

Mideast: siege hits palestinians before they are born

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:58:39 +0100

GAZA CITY, May 14 (IPS) - The Israeli siege of Gaza that has restricted access to food, water and medicine is now beginning to hit unborn children and newborn babies. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Latin america: food price inflation threatens children

IPS Inter Press Service - Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 08:58:39 +0100

SANTIAGO, May 14 (Tierramérica) - Child malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean will be aggravated by global food shortages, even though the region produces much more food than it consumes, say experts and officials. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health)

Victor zuniga and rubén hernandez-leon (eds): new destinations: mexican immigration in the united states

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:10:25 +0100

Victor Zuniga and Rubén Hernandez-Leon (eds): New Destinations: Mexican Immigration in the United States Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Book ReviewDOI 10.1007/s10903-008-9145-3Authors Joseph A. Vail, University of Houston Law Center Immigration Clinic 100 Law Center - Room 56 TVII Houston TX 77204-6060 USA Journal Journal of Immigrant and Minority HealthOnline ISSN 1557-1920Print ISSN 1557-1912 (Source: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health)

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Pre-k students benefit when teachers are supportive

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(Society for Research in Child Development) New research has found that minimum standards of quality in early education classrooms, including teachers' level of education and field of study, class size, and child-to-teacher ratio were not directly related to children's learning and social development. The research was conducted among 2,349 4-year olds enrolled in 671 pre-kindergarten classrooms in 11 states. The findings suggest that focusing on high quality instructional and emotional interactions within pre-K classrooms has the potential to improve childrens development. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Teenage girls still experience harassment

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(Society for Research in Child Development) Findings from a study of 600 teenage girls from diverse and ethnic backgrounds indicate that the vast majority of girls have experienced sexual harassment in some form. Individual and social factors influenced whether girls were aware of sexism. Older girls and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experienced more sexism than their peers. Latina and Asian American girls reported less harassment than others. Sexual harassment may lead girls to believe demeaning behaviors are normal in relationships. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Teens' perception that they are liked found to be at least as important as actually being liked

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(Society for Research in Child Development) Interviews conducted among ethnically and socio-economically diverse 13- and 14-year olds found that teens who felt good about their social standing did well over time, regardless of their actual popularity. These teens who had positive perceptions of their own social success were increasingly less hostile and more frequently sought out by their peers as compared to teens who lacked a strong sense of their own social acceptance and were rated as unpopular by their peers. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)

Adolescents' values can serve as a buffer against behaving violently at school

EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 +0100

(Society for Research in Child Development) A study conducted among Arab and Jewish adolescents in public schools in Israel found that certain values helped protect teens against behaving violently. Surveys among 907 students examined how 10 different values related to violent behavior. Teens who valued universalism reported less violent behavior than their peers. Those who valued power reported more violent behavior. In high-risk environments, programs might be used to promote universalistic values over power values. (Source: EurekAlert! - Social and Behavioral Science)