Public health reports
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Public health reports · Jul 2010
The positive role of social networks and social networking technology in the condom-using behaviors of homeless young people.
To examine the impact of condom-using peers in the social networks of homeless young people, differences in behaviors were assessed based on the social location of ties (home-based vs. street-based) and how those ties are maintained (face-to-face vs. via social networking technology). ⋯ The study revealed several implications for new human immunodeficiency virus-prevention interventions that mobilize these networks and social networking technologies.
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Public health reports · Jul 2010
Trends of elevated PTSD risk in firefighters exposed to the World Trade Center disaster: 2001-2005.
We identified trends in the prevalence of elevated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk as determined by the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY)-modified PTSD Checklist in World Trade Center (WTC)-exposed firefighters. We also examined trends in relation to WTC exposure, social support, change in recreational activities, and functional health. ⋯ Elevated PTSD risk was associated with exposure to the WTC site as well as functional impairment, and remained largely unabated during the first four years of the study. Screening for elevated PTSD risk may be useful in identifying those who could benefit from interventions during long-term follow-up, as well as in the immediate aftermath of disasters.
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Public health reports · Jul 2010
Epidemiologic differences between native-born and foreign-born black people diagnosed with HIV infection in 33 U.S. states, 2001-2007.
Few studies have examined the extent to which foreign-born people contribute to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic among non-Hispanic black people in the U.S. We sought to determine differences in the epidemiology of HIV infection among native- and foreign-born black people, using data from the national HIV surveillance system of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. ⋯ The epidemiology of HIV infection differs for foreign-born black individuals compared with their native-born counterparts in the U.S. These data can be used to develop culturally appropriate and relevant HIV-prevention interventions.
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Public health reports · Jul 2010
The association between intentional delay of vaccine administration and timely childhood vaccination coverage.
We evaluated the association between intentional delay of vaccine administration and timely vaccination coverage. ⋯ Intentionally delayed vaccine doses are not uncommon. Children whose parents delay vaccinations may be at increased risk of not receiving all recommended vaccine doses by 19 months of age and are more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. Providers should consider strategies such as educational materials that address parents' vaccine safety and efficacy concerns to encourage timely vaccination.