American journal of preventive medicine
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Reproductive rights policies can potentially support or inhibit individuals' abilities to attain the highest standard of reproductive and sexual health; however, research is limited on how broader social policies may differentially impact women of color and immigrants in the U.S. This study examines the associations among state-level reproductive rights policies, race, and nativity status with preterm birth and low birth weight in the U.S. ⋯ Women living in states with fewer restrictions related to reproductive rights have lower rates of low birth weight, especially for Black women.
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Overall lifestyle patterns rather than individual factors may exert greater reductions on chronic disease risk and mortality. The objective is to study the association between a Mediterranean lifestyle index and all-cause and cause-specific mortality. ⋯ Adherence to a Mediterranean lifestyle may reduce the risk of mortality in a Spanish cohort of university graduates. Inverse associations were found for the overall Mediterranean lifestyle score and lifestyle block, whereas no associations were observed for the dietary blocks. Future research should consider the Mediterranean lifestyle beyond the Mediterranean diet in different populations for the promotion of healthy longevity.
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Cannabis is frequently used and increasingly legalized in the U.S., and 27.7 million Americans aged ≥12 years are currently using cannabis. However, the public health effects of cannabis use in the general population remain unclear. This study examines the associations of cannabis use with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in U.S. adults. ⋯ Cannabis use was significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among U.S. adults, especially among those who started using cannabis before age 18 years. The reasons and mechanisms underlying this association will require future research.
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Previous research indicates that sexual violence is associated with prescription opioid use and misuse. However, this literature is limited by a lack of sex-specific analyses, an inability to establish temporality between experiences of sexual violence and prescription opioid outcomes, and little understanding of mechanisms underlying these associations. ⋯ Secondary prevention efforts focused on evidence-based, trauma-informed behavioral health treatment among survivors of sexual violence may prevent prescription opioid use and misuse as strategies for coping with the psychological impact of these traumatic experiences.
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Misuse of prescription medications has led to higher mortality and morbidity in the U.S. This study investigates medical and nonmedical use of prescription medications (prescription pain relievers, stimulants, prescription tranquilizers, and sedatives) among adults aged ≥50 years. ⋯ It is important to monitor medication misuse behaviors among older adults who may be living with several chronic conditions requiring pain management. The strong associations with serious psychological distress underscore the need for increased access to mental health services among this key population.