American journal of preventive medicine
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Schools can support students' participation in physical activity by offering opportunities consistent with a Whole-of-School (WOS) approach; however, the extent to which physical activity opportunities are provided and how school-level characteristics associate with their use remains unclear. This study examined how elementary schools' use a WOS approach to promote physical activity, as well as associations between school-level characteristics and physical activity opportunities provided. ⋯ Studies are needed to examine disparities in physical activity practices consistent with a WOS approach to understand the implications on health, academic performance, and other key outcomes. This information can inform the development of strategies to address disparities and ensure youth have equitable access to school-based physical activity opportunities.
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Research has linked youth exposure and engagement with tobacco-related content on social media to behavioral changes; however, there is a lack of studies exploring the source and types of such content and their impact on youth's susceptibility to tobacco use. This study examined the association between the type and source of content posted on social media and susceptibility to tobacco use, defined as curiosity or intention to use tobacco or e-cigarettes. ⋯ Regular exposure to tobacco-related content on social media, particularly content shared by celebrities and social media influencers, was associated with susceptibility to tobacco use. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the effects of social media influencers on youth.
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This study seeks to estimate health care expenditures and use associated with hypertension, focusing on differences among racial and ethnic groups. ⋯ This study reveals differences in health care expenditures and use associated with hypertension among racial and ethnic groups. Future studies are needed to examine potential drivers of these differences.
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Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior are recognized as independent risk factors for many diseases. However, studies investigating their associations with total and cause-specific mortality in low-income and Black populations are limited, particularly among older adults. ⋯ High sitting time is an independent risk factor for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, and LTPA could partially attenuate the adverse association of prolonged sitting time with mortality.
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Routine alcohol screening of people with chronic health conditions that are exacerbated by alcohol can help to prevent morbidity and mortality. The U.S. Affordable Care Act and other recent health reforms expanded insurance coverage and supported alcohol screening in primary care. This study assessed increases in alcohol screening following health reform and insurance-related and racial and ethnic disparities in screening. ⋯ Alcohol screening of primary care patients with chronic conditions increased following health reform, but persistent disparities among patients with private insurance and specific chronic conditions underscore the need to address drivers of unequal preventive care.