American journal of preventive medicine
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Exploring sociodemographic effect modification is important to provide evidence for developing targeted recommendations and reducing health inequalities. This study evaluated how sociodemographic factors including age, sex, race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) modify the association between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and all-cause and major cause-specific mortality. ⋯ Sociodemographic factors significantly modified the associations between LTPA and mortality. The health benefits of sufficient LTPA were smaller in younger individuals, males, Hispanic adults or those of low SES. These findings can help identify target populations for promotion of physical activity to reduce health inequalities and the development of physical activity guidelines.
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This study demonstrates the feasibility of a novel, business-partnered, and worksite-based approach to healthcare access to facilitate chronic disease screening and diagnosis among rural hourly workers. The prevalence of undiagnosed and untreated diabetes and hypertension among screening participants was determined. ⋯ By partnering with local businesses to deliver worksite-based health screenings, high rates of undiagnosed and uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension were identified among the rural, hourly workforce. This worksite-based approach to healthcare access could facilitate early detection of chronic disease, improve patient engagement in the healthcare system, and ultimately yield better long-term public health outcomes.
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The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in changes in prescription patterns and fillings for certain medications, but little is known about its impact on the dispensing of cardiovascular drugs. ⋯ Although the COVID-19 pandemic did not appear to result in significant changes in patterns of cardiovascular drug dispensing in Norway, continued access to cardiovascular drugs remains important to prevent further related morbidity.
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The progress made by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs toward ending veteran homelessness requires that attention be paid to preventing returns to homelessness. ⋯ Most homeless veterans served by Veterans Affairs who exit to permanent housing do not return to homelessness within two years. The most critical period seems to be the first year, when 1 in 10 veterans return to homelessness. Knowledge of these risk factors may be important in planning secondary and tertiary prevention efforts for homelessness.
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The objective of this study was to explore the association between access to paid sick leave (AtPSL) and self-reported feelings of depression and anxiety in a nationally representative U.S. working population. ⋯ The role of mental health in improving overall well-being and the recognition of AtPSL as a social justice issue have reinforced the importance of providing paid sick leave to help protect the mental health status of workers. This study, using a unique longitudinal data set, found that AtPSL was associated with a lower prevalence of self-reported daily or weekly feelings of depression and anxiety.