American journal of public health
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This study examined the consistency of hospital mortality rates across different diagnoses. ⋯ The present results indicate that hospital mortality rates for individual diagnoses are weakly associated. Thus, it may not be valid to generalize conclusions about hospital performance from a single diagnosis.
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This paper examines the combined effects of a severe economic decline since 1989 and a tightening of the US embargo in 1992 on health and health care in Cuba. ⋯ To be consistent with international humanitarian law, embargoes must not impede access to essential humanitarian goods. Yet this embargo has raised the cost of medical supplies and food Rationing, universal access to primary health services, a highly educated population, and preferential access to scarce goods for women and children help protect most Cubans from what otherwise might have been a health disaster.
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This study assessed measles vaccination rates and risk factors for lack of vaccination among preschool children enrolled in the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during the 1991 measles epidemic in New York City. ⋯ During the peak of a measles epidemic, measles immunization rates were more than 80% by 24 months of age in a sample of WIC children. The ease of ascertaining immunization status and the size of the total WIC population underscore the importance of WIC immunization initiatives.
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Letter Comparative Study
Firearm injuries among Virginia juvenile drug traffickers, 1992 through 1994.
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Historical Article
Temporarily detained: tuberculous alcoholics in Seattle, 1949 through 1960.
Repeatedly noncompliant tuberculosis patients (who are often homeless or substance users) are once again being forcibly detained. Health officials intend that confinement be used only when "less restrictive alternatives" have failed. Past programs of detention can inform current efforts. ⋯ In this manner, maintaining institutional order became a legitimate reason for invoking public health powers. Although new detention regulations strive to protect patients' civil liberties, attention must also be paid to the day-to-day implementation of coercive measures. When public health language is used to justify administrative or institutional requirements, disadvantaged patients may be stigmatized.