JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Historically, incidence of pneumococcal disease in the United States has been higher among blacks than among whites. Following recommendation of a new 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for children in October 2000, the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease has declined dramatically, but the impact of vaccination on racial disparities in incidence of pneumococcal disease is unknown. ⋯ Although blacks remain at higher risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, introduction of childhood pneumococcal vaccination has reduced the racial disparity in incidence of pneumococcal disease.
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The prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents increased between 1988 and 2000. The change in blood pressure among children and adolescents over that time and the role of overweight is unknown. ⋯ Blood pressure has increased over the past decade among children and adolescents. This increase is partially attributable to an increased prevalence of overweight.
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Among illicit substance use disorders, marijuana use disorders are the most prevalent in the population. Yet, information about the prevalence of current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) marijuana use disorders and how prevalence has changed is lacking. ⋯ Despite the stability in the overall prevalence of marijuana use, more adults in the United States had a marijuana use disorder in 2001-2002 than in 1991-1992. Increases in the prevalence of marijuana use disorders were most notable among young black men and women and young Hispanic men. Although rates of marijuana abuse and dependence did not increase among young white men and women, their rates have remained high. The results of this study underscore the need to develop and implement new prevention and intervention programs targeted at youth, particularly minority youth.
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Long-term efficacy of BCG vaccine in American Indians and Alaska Natives: A 60-year follow-up study.
The duration of protection from tuberculosis of BCG vaccines is not known. ⋯ In this trial, BCG vaccine efficacy persisted for 50 to 60 years, suggesting that a single dose of an effective BCG vaccine can have a long duration of protection.