American journal of preventive medicine
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The effectiveness of prenatal iron supplementation improves maternal hematological outcomes, but little research has focused on child outcomes. The objective of this study was to assess whether prenatal iron supplementation adjusted to maternal needs improves children's cognitive functioning. ⋯ Prenatal iron supplementation adjusted to the maternal hemoglobin levels and baseline iron stores improves cognitive functioning in children aged 4 years.
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Screening for food insecurity in clinical settings is recommended, but implementation varies widely. This study evaluated the prevalence of screening for food insecurity and other social risks in telehealth versus in-person encounters during the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in screening before versus after widespread COVID-19 vaccine availability. ⋯ Food insecurity screening in first primary care encounters is low overall, with lower rates during telehealth visits and the earlier phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should explore the methods for enhancing social risk screening in telehealth encounters.
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It is unknown whether and to what extent the duration of smoking abstinence may modify the association between receiving cigarette coupons and smoking relapse in the U.S. This study aims to fill this gap. ⋯ Policies restricting cigarette coupons may help adults who recently quit sustain abstinence.
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Healthcare personnel are at risk for acquiring and transmitting respiratory infections in the workplace. Paid sick leave benefits allow workers to stay home and visit a healthcare provider when ill. The objectives of this study were to quantify the percentage of healthcare personnel reporting paid sick leave, identify differences across occupations and settings, and determine the factors associated with having paid sick leave. ⋯ Most healthcare personnel from all occupational groups and healthcare settings reported having paid sick leave. However, differences by sex, occupation, type of work arrangement, and Census region exist and highlight disparities. Increasing healthcare personnel's access to paid sick leave may decrease presenteeism and subsequent transmission of infectious diseases in healthcare settings.
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Among U.S. high-school students, interpersonal violence and victimizations often occur on school property. The presence of a weapon can increase the potential for injury and death resulting from interpersonal conflict. This study examines the associations between exposure to school violence and weapon carrying on school property among U.S. high-school students. ⋯ Increased emphasis on safe and supportive school environments, where all types of interpersonal violence are less likely to occur, and increased access to programs and services to promote mental health, prevent violence, and deter weapon use are needed.