American journal of preventive medicine
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Previous research has found COVID-19 cases to be disproportionately prevalent among U.S. prisoners. Similar to prisoners, prison staff experience ventilation and social distancing hazards and may have limited access to testing, paid sick leave, personal protective equipment, and other workplace protections. Yet, systematic case surveillance among prison staff remains unexplored. The objective of this study is to document the trends in COVID-19 cases among U.S. correctional staff relative to those among prisoners and the U.S. ⋯ Prison staff experienced substantially higher COVID-19 case prevalence than the U.S. population overall. Across prison staff and resident populations, cases were rapidly rising in November 2020, indicating poor outbreak containment within the prison environment. An Emergency Temporary Standard, issued by federal and state Occupational Safety and Health Administrations, and priority vaccination are urgently needed to reduce COVID-19 occupational risk. Reduced occupational transmission of COVID-19 will benefit workers, incarcerated people, and community members alike.
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The optimum physical activity dose to achieve during young adulthood to prevent hypertension using the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines remains undefined. This study aims to determine the association between level and change in physical activity through the adult life course and the onset of hypertension using these 2017 definitions. ⋯ Moderate physical activity levels may need to exceed current minimum guidelines to prevent hypertension onset using 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association definitions.
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This study examines the distribution and trends in suicide death rates among male adults aged ≥65 years in the U.S. from 1999 to 2018. ⋯ Increases in suicide rates among male older adults in the U.S., particularly after the 2007-2008 economic recession, are concerning. Tailored suicide prevention intervention strategies are needed to address suicide-related risk factors.
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Vaccination mandates for elementary and middle school attendance have been shown to increase vaccination rates and decrease the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. Fewer studies have evaluated similar requirements for child care attendance. This study provides robust, quasi-experimental estimates of the effect of state laws mandating the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for child care attendance on vaccination coverage among children aged 19-35 months. ⋯ Results indicate that state adoption of a child care mandate for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine leads to an increase in the proportion of resident children aged 19-35 months who are up to date with pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.