Annals of epidemiology
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The under-representation of women in leadership in scientific fields presents a serious problem. Gender diversity is integral to innovation and productivity, and inequality leads to loss of gender talent in science including epidemiology. This policy brief summarizes some of the key dimensions and determinants contributing to gender-equity gaps in epidemiology and other scientific fields, relevant to developed countries where there is more published evidence. ⋯ Data on gender equity in the field of epidemiology are sparse. We call on academic institutions, professional societies and associations, and editorial boards relevant to epidemiology (as well as other academic disciplines more broadly) to take meaningful action to build an evidence base as to the extent of gender inequities in epidemiologic research, teaching, policy, and practice. We outline some of the necessary steps required to achieve gender equity, such as career development and mentoring programs, institutional support, and programs to address bias.
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Annals of epidemiology · May 2019
Physical activity is indirectly associated with pain in college women through associations with somatization and panic disorder symptoms: a cross-sectional study.
This study tested whether the severity of somatization, panic, generalized anxiety, and depression symptoms mediated relationships between physical activity and pain using structural equation modeling. ⋯ Physical activity is associated with pain indirectly through associations with panic disorder and somatization disorder symptoms in college women.
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Annals of epidemiology · Apr 2019
Impact of supportive housing on substance use-related health care utilization among homeless persons who are active substance users.
Homeless persons with a substance use disorder (SUD) are at high risk of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations. We evaluated the impact of supportive housing on SUD-related ED visits and hospitalizations among active substance users experiencing chronic homelessness. ⋯ Supportive housing placement was associated with decreases in SUD-related hospitalizations and ED visits and with increased odds of new episodes of SUD outpatient treatment among homeless persons with SUD.
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Annals of epidemiology · Dec 2018
Location location location: an exploration of disparities in access to publicly listed pre-exposure prophylaxis clinics in the United States.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing HIV transmission. Finding a PrEP provider, however, can be a barrier to accessing care. This study explores the distribution of publicly listed PrEP-providing clinics in the United States. ⋯ The current number of PrEP-providing clinics is not sufficient to meet needs. In addition, PrEP-providing clinics are unevenly distributed compared to disease burden, with poor coverage in the Southern divisions and areas with higher poverty, uninsured, and larger minority populations. PrEP services should be expanded and targeted to address disparities.
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Annals of epidemiology · Jun 2018
Early frailty transition predicts 15-year mortality among nondisabled older Mexican Americans.
To investigate the effect of early frailty transitions on 15-year mortality risk. ⋯ An early transition from frail to nonfrail in older Mexican Americans was associated with a 4% decrease in mortality compared with those who remained nonfrail, although this difference was not statistically significant. Additional longitudinal research is needed to understand positive transitions in frailty.