American journal of preventive medicine
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Nearly 80 million people in the U.S. are currently infected with at least one of two strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is associated with 70% of cervical cancers. Greater cervical cancer mortality has been observed among women of lower SES and those living in rural, versus urban, areas. African American and Hispanic women are significantly more likely to die from cervical cancer than non-Hispanic white women. ⋯ Although awareness and knowledge of HPV is increasing, there are opportunities to target communication with populations for whom knowledge gaps currently exist, in order to promote dialogue about the vaccine among patients and their providers.
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Obesity incurs a substantial economic burden to healthcare systems. Little is known about the combined medical costs attributable to obesity among individuals with physical disabilities (PDs). ⋯ Across BMI categories, there was significantly greater healthcare utilization and cost among adults with PDs, independent of age, race, education, and SES. Health policies need to identify behavioral interventions that address both healthy weight achievement/maintenance and functional independence among all adults.