Annals of epidemiology
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Annals of epidemiology · Dec 2010
Nicotine dependence predicts repeated use of prescribed opioids. Prospective population-based cohort study.
The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively smoking dependence as a predictor of repeated use of prescribed opioids in non-cancer patients. ⋯ Results of the study suggest that smoking dependence may predict more frequent use of opioids.
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Annals of epidemiology · Dec 2010
Investigation of disparities in geographic accessibility to emergency stroke and myocardial infarction care in East tennessee using geographic information systems and network analysis.
Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) require timely geographic accessibility to emergency care. Historically, studies used straight line distances as measures of geographic accessibility. Recently, travel time has been recognized as a better indicator of accessibility because travel impedances can be considered. This study used finer grained transportation data and network analysis to investigate neighborhood disparities in travel time to emergency stroke and MI care. ⋯ This study identified disparities in geographic accessibility to emergency stroke and MI care in East Tennessee. Use of air ambulance or telemedicine could play a vital role in addressing these disparities. This information is important for evidence-based health planning and resource allocation.