American journal of preventive medicine
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The study assessed the relationship between COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccination and voting patterns during the pandemic and the time trends between flu vaccination and voting patterns. ⋯ There are existing prepandemic patterns between vaccination coverage and voting patterns. The findings align with research that has identified an association between adverse health outcomes and the political environment in the U.S.
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Understanding Associations of Personal Values with Support for Tobacco and Alcohol Control Policies.
This cross-sectional analysis of the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey (N=3,604) examines the associations of personal values with tobacco and alcohol control policy support, which may inform policy-related communication efforts. ⋯ Personal values are associated with support for alcohol and tobacco control policies, with making my own decisions associated with the lowest policy support. Future research and communication efforts may consider aligning tobacco and alcohol control policies with the idea of supporting autonomy.
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Primary care visits present an opportune time to assess behaviors that contribute to patient health. Smoking, alcohol use, and illicit drugs are routinely documented in electronic health records, but less is known about screening for E-cigarette use and the prevalence of E-cigarette use in primary care settings. ⋯ Overall rates of E-cigarette screening were significantly lower than those of other substances. The use of combustible tobacco or illicit substances was associated with an increased likelihood of being screened. This finding may be because of the relatively recent proliferation of E-cigarettes, the recent addition of E-cigarette documentation to the electronic health record, or a lack of training on screening for E-cigarette use.
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The Veterans Health Administration (VA) provides low- to no-cost care to enrolled veterans with low incomes. This study assessed the associations between VA coverage and medical financial hardship among U.S. veterans with low incomes. ⋯ VA coverage was associated with protection against four types of medical financial hardship among veterans with low incomes, yet many are not enrolled. Research is needed to understand reasons these veterans lack VA coverage and to identify strategies to address medical financial hardship.