American journal of preventive medicine
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Previous research has demonstrated that different forms of mental health trajectories can be observed in service members, and that these trajectories are related to combat. However, limited research has examined this phenomenon in relation to physical health. This study aims to determine how combat exposure relates to trajectories of physical health functioning in U.S. service members. ⋯ Combat exposure during military deployment is associated with poorer physical health functioning trajectories spanning more than a decade of follow-up. However, even when exposed to combat, consistently high physical health functioning is the modal response.
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Strong evidence shows that lifestyle change and weight loss stimulated by counseling improve glycemic control and lower comorbidities for patients with diabetes, but it is unclear whether diet or physical activity counseling for patients with diabetes in ambulatory settings has actually been responsive to this evidence. ⋯ Less than 30% of Americans with diabetes receive diet or exercise counseling in ambulatory visits, and this proportion has not changed significantly in a decade. Future interventions should focus on addressing this gap in counseling.
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Concurrent prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines is discouraged by evidence-based clinical guidelines because of the known risks of taking these medications in combination. ⋯ Public health interventions are needed to reduce concurrent prescribing of opioids and benzodiazepines. Evidence-based guidelines can help reduce concurrent prescribing when one prescriber is involved, and utilization of prescription drug monitoring programs and improved care coordination could help address concurrent prescribing when multiple prescribers are involved.
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The purpose of this study is to assess risk factors, including other substance use, for nonmedical prescription opioid use among U.S. adolescents. ⋯ Study findings suggest a need for more interventions for nonmedical prescription opioid use among adolescents in the U.S. Information on nonmedical prescription opioid use should be added to all substance use prevention programs for adolescents. Moreover, future research needs to identify longitudinal predictors of adolescent nonmedical prescription opioid use to inform prevention efforts.