American journal of preventive medicine
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The mortality, long-term morbidity, and exacerbated healthcare needs due to firearm injury in the US are significant and growing. However, the relationship between exposure to a nonfatal firearm injury and long-term ED utilization is poorly understood. This study estimates the association between exposure to a nonfatal firearm injury and ED utilization in the subsequent year. ⋯ Nonfatal firearm-related injuries contribute to preventable harm, health inequity and increased ED utilization.
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Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death among transgender women and people with HIV. Exogenous estrogen and psychosocial stressors are known risk factors for CVD. Yet, few studies have used biomarkers to examine the role of stress in CVD risk among transgender women with HIV (TWHIV). This analysis examined whether stress moderates relationships between gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) duration and CVD risk among TWHIV. ⋯ Stress plays an important role in CVD in TWHIV. More research is needed on non-GAHT factors, which influence CVD health among transgender women.
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Although health insurance is a critical tool for well-being across the life course, few studies have explored the long-term health implications of shifts in insurance coverage. This study examined whether changes in insurance types from adolescence to early midlife were associated with early midlife self-rated health. ⋯ Health insurance statuses from adolescence to early midlife, specifically having or switching into public insurance, may be associated with poorer health in early midlife among individuals who were adolescents in the early 1990s. More research is needed to explore how insurance reform such as the Children's Health Insurance Program may have mitigated this association in future cohorts.
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In guidance published in February 2020, the FDA described their intent to prioritize enforcement against the sale of flavored cartridge-based Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) except tobacco and menthol flavors. This guidance was specific to cartridge-based ENDS and did not apply to other ENDS types or e-liquids sold in the U.S.. It remains unknown if use of certain types of ENDS devices and flavors changed following the publication of this guidance. ⋯ Federal-level tobacco control actions taken in the U.S. in early 2020 prioritized enforcement against "any flavored, cartridge-based ENDS product (other than a tobacco- or menthol-flavored ENDS product)." Based on this analysis, there was a shift following the policy to menthol or mint-flavored ENDS and disposable-style ENDS.
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Long COVID encompasses a wide range of health problems that emerge, persist, or recur following acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness. Given that the prevalence of self-reported Long COVID is highest among U.S. adults in their prime working years, it is important to identify unmet needs and gaps in healthcare access and coverage among working-age adults. ⋯ These findings may be used to inform healthcare planning for adults experiencing Long COVID and highlight the ongoing need to improve access and affordability of quality and comprehensive care.