American journal of preventive medicine
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Observational Study
Cancer Evaluations During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study Using National Veterans Affairs Data.
Fewer cancer diagnoses have been made during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic-related delays in cancer diagnosis could occur from limited access to care or patient evaluation delays (e.g., delayed testing after abnormal results). Follow-up of abnormal test results warranting evaluation for cancer was examined before and during the pandemic. ⋯ Although early pandemic delays in follow-up may have led to reduced cancer rates, the significant decrease in tests performed is likely a large driver of these reductions. Future emergency preparedness efforts should bolster essential follow-up and testing procedures to facilitate timely cancer diagnosis.
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This study investigated the association between longitudinal smoking habit changes and cancer risk in a cohort of Korean women. ⋯ This study found a significant association between changes in smoking behavior and cancer risk. These findings suggest that smoking cessation is critical for cancer prevention in women.
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There is substantial debate concerning the impact of cannabis decriminalization and legalization on road safety outcomes. ⋯ Increased cannabis positivity may reflect changes in cannabis use; however, it does not in itself indicate increased impaired driving. Subgroups impacted by medical and recreational legalization, respectively, likely explain opposing findings for fatal collisions. More research is needed concerning cannabis decriminalization; the impacts of decriminalization and legalization on nonfatal injuries, alcohol and other drugs; and the mechanisms by which legalization impacts road safety outcomes.
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This study aimed to examine the heterogeneity of the associations between social determinants and COVID-19 fully vaccinated rate. ⋯ The findings challenge the 1-size-fits-all approach to designing interventions promoting COVID-19 vaccination and highlight the importance of a place-based perspective in ecological health research.
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This study identified the trajectories of organized youth sports over 9 years in youths aged 9-18 years and examined whether the trajectories predicted physical activity, sedentary behavior, and obesity in midlife. ⋯ Sustained participation in organized youth sports is independently predictive of physical activity patterns, sedentary time, and obesity in midlife, especially in girls, thus contributing to the development of a healthy and active lifestyle across the life course.