Preventive medicine
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Preventive medicine · Aug 2024
Impact of body mass index and examination type on utilization of screening programs: A big data study.
To investigate the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and adherence to recommended screening tests, addressing gaps in previous literature by utilizing a large cohort, while considering longitudinal changes in weight and the type of screening. ⋯ Our findings suggest that individuals with overweight and obesity are less likely to undergo screenings involving intimate physical examinations, potentially due to weight stigma and discomfort. This avoidance behavior may contribute to increased morbidity rates in these populations. Interventions addressing weight stigma, improving access to care, and enhancing patient engagement are warranted.
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Preventive medicine · Aug 2024
Association between ethnicity, language and metformin prescriptions in U.S. community health center patients with diabetes.
Metformin treatment is a recommended first-line medication for patients with type 2 diabetes. Latino patients are subject to factors that may modify their level of diabetes care, including medication prescription. We evaluated the odds of and times to metformin prescription among non-Latino whites, English-preferring Latinos, and Spanish-preferring Latinos with diabetes. ⋯ Our analysis of metformin prescription patterns among non-Latino whites, English-preferring Latinos, and Spanish-preferring Latinos did not suggest a lower or slower tendency to prescribe metformin in Latino patients. Understanding disparities in diabetes diagnosis may require further investigation of medication adherence barriers, diet and exercise counseling, and multi-level influences on diabetes outcomes in Latino patients.
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Preventive medicine · Aug 2024
Serious psychological distress and higher associations with tobacco and cannabis use among college students in the United States.
To examine associations between serious psychological distress (SPD) and tobacco and cannabis use among college students in the United States. ⋯ College students have an increasing burden of SPD which is significantly associated with tobacco and cannabis use. There is a dose-response relationship between the number of tobacco and cannabis products used, as well as the frequency of use, and SPD among U.S. college students. Colleges addressing student mental health should prioritize the implementation of screening and treatment support for tobacco, cannabis, and multiple product use.
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Preventive medicine · Aug 2024
Associations between news coverage, social media discussions, and search trends about celebrity deaths, screening, and other colorectal cancer-related events.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause of cancer death among both men and women in the United States. CRC-related events may increase media coverage and public attention, boosting awareness and prevention. This study examined associations between several types of CRC events (including unplanned celebrity cancer deaths and planned events like national CRC awareness months, celebrity screening behavior, and screening guideline changes) and news coverage, Twitter discussions, and Google search trends about CRC and CRC screening. ⋯ CRC events provide opportunities to increase attention to CRC. Media and public health professionals should actively intervene during CRC events to increase emphasis on CRC screening and evidence-based recommendations.
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Preventive medicine · Aug 2024
LetterPopularity of Zyn and other nicotine pouch brands among U.S. adolescents, young adults, and adults in 2021.
This study identifies brands of nicotine pouches used in 2021, just before the surge in popularity of Zyn use. ⋯ Even in 2021, Zyn was the most popular brand of nicotine pouches. Findings will help regulate and reduce impact of marketing of Zyn.