American journal of preventive medicine
-
Diabetes mellitus incidence has more than doubled in the U.S. over the past 2 decades. Not all sectors of the population have experienced the increase proportionally. The goal of this study was to determine if disparities in diabetes by education and race/ethnicity have increased over time, and if there are differences by gender and birth cohort. ⋯ Diabetes disparities are evident. Smaller differences in later cohorts may indicate that large structural changes in society (e.g., Civil Rights movement, increased educational and economic opportunities) have benefited later generations.
-
Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates have decreased dramatically since 1990, both nationally and in California, except among Hispanic men. This study examined trends in CRC incidence, mortality, and survival to determine likely contributing factors for the differential trends between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white men in California. ⋯ CRC incidence and mortality rates have decreased among white men since 1990, but not among Hispanic men. Results from this study suggest lower screening rates may be an important reason why CRC rates in California did not decline in Hispanic men. Effective strategies aimed at both Hispanics and their healthcare providers are needed to increase CRC screening among Hispanic men and reduce their CRC burden.
-
People with serious mental illness experience substantially reduced life expectancy, likely due in part to their higher smoking rates relative to the general population. However, the extent to which smoking affects their life expectancy, independent of mental illness, is unknown. This study quantifies the potential contribution of smoking to reduced life expectancy among individuals with serious psychological distress (SPD), a measure that screens for serious mental illness in national surveys. ⋯ The life expectancy difference between current smokers with SPD and never smokers without SPD is primarily due to smoking. Aiding individuals with serious mental illness to avoid smoking will translate into sizeable gains in life expectancy.
-
Routine influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel (HCP) can reduce influenza-related illness and its potentially serious consequences among HCP and their patients. Influenza vaccination has been routinely recommended for HCP since 1984. ⋯ Influenza vaccination coverage was higher among HCP than non-HCP, but still below the national target of 90%. Vaccination coverage varied widely by occupation type, work settings, and demographic characteristics. Evidence-based interventions, such as making vaccine available at no cost in the workplace and active promotion of vaccination, are needed to increase influenza vaccination among HCP in all healthcare settings.
-
The objective of this study was to assess dental service utilization across different Asian immigrant groups and to examine the relationship between acculturation and dental service utilization among Asian immigrants in the U.S. ⋯ Length of stay in the U.S. is a significant factor affecting dental service utilization among Asian immigrants.