American journal of preventive medicine
-
Quantifying the impact of smoking on life expectancy and the potential benefits of smoking cessation is crucial for motivating people who smoke to quit. While previous studies have attempted to estimate these effects, they were conducted more than a decade ago and did not include a significant demographic, people over 65 years old who smoke. ⋯ Quitting smoking early will avoid most years otherwise lost due to smoking. Even those who quit at ages 65 and above can still meaningfully increase their life expectancy.
-
Since 2020, many types of intoxicating cannabis products have entered the U.S. market. Hemp-derived intoxicating cannabis products, including hexahydrocannabinol and delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, pose concerns regarding their youth-oriented marketing, potency, and health effects. Some states have attempted to ban, restrict, or regulate their sale. However, the effectiveness of these laws and their enforcement is unclear. This study provides insights into the retail landscape of intoxicating cannabis products sold across the U.S. ⋯ Taking licensed dispensaries into consideration, intoxicating cannabis products can be purchased in retail stores located in all 50 states; Washington, District of Columbia; and Puerto Rico. Intoxicating cannabis products are widely available in vape shops, even in most states with relevant bans/restrictions. Enhanced laws, surveillance, and enforcement are needed. The 2024 Farm Bill and state laws should explicitly prohibit hemp-derived intoxicating cannabis products.
-
Social determinants of health (SDOH) contribute to differences in health outcomes and exacerbate health disparities. This study characterizes the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities' (NIMHD) portfolio of funded grants in SDOH research, identifies gaps, and provides suggestions for future research. ⋯ This study documents characteristics of SDOH research funded by NIMHD and explores how they differ across Healthy People 2030 SDOH domains. Findings highlight how study characteristics and foci align with strategic priorities and suggest opportunities for future research.
-
Men who have sex with men (MSM) and are engaged in transactional sex (MSM-TS) experience complex social and structural vulnerabilities that increase their HIV risk. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of TS and associations between TS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) outcomes among cisgender MSM in the U.S. ⋯ Structural and behavioral risks converged among U.S. MSM engaging in TS leading to greater HIV and bacterial STI prevalence in this group. HIV interventions for U.S. MSM-TS should address individual as well as structural risks, including poverty and housing instability.