Southern medical journal
-
Southern medical journal · Oct 2020
Cardiovascular Diseases Health Literacy among Patients, Health Professionals, and Community-Based Stakeholders in a Predominantly Medically Underserved Rural Environment.
The central Appalachian region of the United States is disproportionately burdened with cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, the level of literacy about CVD among residents has not been well studied. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors of CVD health literacy (HL) among a sample of patients/caregivers, providers/professionals, and community stakeholders. ⋯ These results suggest the incorporation of CVD HL into CVD care and that educational attainments should be part of CVD policies and programs in the region.
-
Southern medical journal · Oct 2020
Use of e-Cigarettes and Development of Respiratory Conditions in Women of Childbearing Age.
Women of childbearing age are encouraged not to smoke because of well-documented adverse health outcomes. This study examines the association between e-cigarette use and respiratory conditions (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) among women of childbearing age. ⋯ Policies related to e-cigarettes need to be reevaluated and clearly communicated to improve prevention efforts for women of childbearing age.
-
Southern medical journal · Oct 2020
College Students' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs about the 2017-2018 H3N2 Influenza Virus and Vaccination.
To observe the state of knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the effectiveness of the 2017-2018 H3N2 influenza virus vaccine in a representative sample of college students and determine how many students experienced flu-like symptoms, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. ⋯ Increased knowledge about the flu indicates an association with a higher rate of flu vaccinations among college students.
-
Southern medical journal · Oct 2020
Human-Centered Design for a Women's Health Screening Tool: Participant Experiences.
Screening is a priority in primary care and women's health, and increasingly used for intimate partner violence. Integrating such routine screening into primary care screening may be challenging for clinicians. Human-centered design (HCD) is a participatory process emphasizing stakeholder input and is used increasingly in health care. A growing body of literature has examined the science of patient and community engagement in health research, yet few qualitative studies investigate how participants recruited to collaborate in designing screening tools perceive HCD processes. This study examined participants' perceptions of an HCD process used as an engagement tool to inform the development of a women's health screening tool. ⋯ Although a promising option and valuable process, the HCD process was not equally comfortable for or accessible to all participants. Community engagement beyond the clinical team is important for improving practices in health screening and health care, but it must be undertaken thoughtfully.
-
Southern medical journal · Oct 2020
Fatal and Nonfatal Snakebite Injuries Reported in the United States.
Venomous and nonvenomous snakes are found throughout the United States. Two families of venomous snakes are indigenous to this country: the Viperidae, or pit vipers (rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads), and the Elapidae (three species of coral snakes and a sea snake). Bites from captive nonindigenous venomous snakes such as cobras also may present at medical facilities, given the interest in exotic pet ownership in the United States. Even "dry," nonenvenomating snakebites and those from nonvenomous snakes can result in puncture wounds that require medical evaluation. This article presents updated national estimates of snakebite injuries treated in US emergency departments (EDs). ⋯ Although rare, nonfatal snakebites in this study resulted in an estimated average of 9192 annual visits to EDs (roughly 1 visit per hour) and an average of 6 fatal snakebites per year. Epidemiologic data on snakebite injuries provide healthcare providers, public health officials, and veterinarians with information on populations at risk for snakebites, species of snakes likely to be encountered, and guidance for prevention efforts.