American journal of preventive medicine
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Health literacy is a critical determinant of health. However, the association between health literacy and outcomes among Chinese residents has not been studied using nationally representative data. This study examines the association between health literacy and self-rated health among Chinese residents based on the 2017 China Health Literacy Survey. ⋯ Using nationally representative data collected in 2017, this study found that self-rated health is associated with health literacy among Chinese residents aged 15-69 years. The promotion of health literacy should be an important component of health education, patient management, and health promotion.
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Publicly funded family planning clinics provide preventive health services to low-income populations in the U.S. In recent years, several states, including Ohio, have restricted public funds for organizations that provide or refer patients to abortion care, often resulting in clinic closures. This research evaluates the effects of such closures on preventive service use and access to care among female adults in Ohio. ⋯ Reduced access to family planning clinics was associated with unmet care due to cost and a reduction in preventive service use among low-income, reproductive-aged females.
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Although many Medicare Advantage plans have waived cost sharing for COVID-19 hospitalizations, these waivers are voluntary and may be temporary. To estimate the magnitude of potential patient cost sharing if waivers are not implemented or are allowed to expire, this study assesses the level and predictors of out-of-pocket spending for influenza hospitalizations in 2018 among elderly Medicare Advantage patients. ⋯ In this analysis of elderly Medicare Advantage patients, the mean out-of-pocket spending for influenza hospitalizations was almost $1,000. Federal policymakers should consider passing legislation mandating insurers to eliminate cost sharing for COVID-19 hospitalizations. Insurers with existing cost-sharing waivers should consider extending them indefinitely, and those without such waivers should consider implementing them immediately.
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Increasing amounts of time using digital media (i.e., texting, social media, electronic gaming, and general smartphone and computer use) among children and adolescents is becoming a growing concern given its potentially deleterious effects on health. However, little is known about the social and developmental underpinnings of digital media use among children and youth. This study examines the link between adverse childhood experiences and digital media use among a recent, nationally representative sample of children and adolescents. ⋯ In an effort to mitigate heavy digital media use, providers and practitioners who consistently interact with youth should consider screening for adverse childhood experiences and referring high-risk youth and their families for various prevention and treatment programs poised to address these risk factors.
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Several studies in developed and developing countries have analyzed the health risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality. Comorbid diseases are a key explanatory factor behind COVID-19 mortality, but current studies treat comorbidities in isolation, at average-population values, and rarely assess how death risk varies for different health profiles across institutions. Estimating death risk variations for different interactions between comorbid diseases and across healthcare institutions is crucial to gaining a significant depth of understanding in relation to mortality during the pandemic. ⋯ This study shows that COVID-19 mortality risk sharply increases in patients with 2 or more comorbid diseases (obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases) in Mexico. However, death risk varied significantly across institutions for patients with the same comorbidity profile.