American journal of preventive medicine
-
Low wages are associated with an increased risk of occupational injuries. Increasing the minimum wage is one way to increase workers' wages; however, a previous study found that higher state minimum wage was associated with an increase in nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses. This study aims to examine the association between state minimum-wage laws and fatal occupational injuries. ⋯ Although previous research suggested that state minimum-wage laws were associated with increased rates of nonfatal occupational injuries, these findings indicate that these laws are not associated with an increased risk of fatal occupational injuries. Concerns that raising the minimum wage will lead to worse workplace safety may be unfounded.
-
Differences in healthcare utilization and medical expenditures associated with perinatal depression are estimated. ⋯ Individuals with perinatal depression had more healthcare utilization and medical expenditures than individuals without perinatal depression, and differences varied by race/ethnicity. The findings highlight the need to ensure comprehensive and equitable mental health care to address perinatal depression.
-
With the COVID-19 (most recent) Omicron variant surge across the U.S., more research is needed to better understand how vaccination and booster uptake can be increased. COVID-19 vaccinations have proven to help decrease the likelihood of becoming seriously ill, getting hospitalized, or dying. Studies examining patient characteristics of individuals who received COVID-19 vaccinations are limited. This study examines the patient characteristics of veterans who were vaccinated during the first 8 months (December 2020-July 2021) of the vaccination rollout at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. ⋯ Understanding which groups of veterans are less likely to be vaccinated allows the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to develop targeted interventions to improve uptake in these groups. These results can also guide non-U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs organizations to create evidence-based educational outreach programs that reduce vaccine hesitancy among veterans who do not use U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
-
Secondhand smoke and secondhand aerosol exposure are important public health concerns. This is the first study to present separate estimates of public indoor and outdoor secondhand smoke and secondhand aerosol exposure among U.S. youth. ⋯ Approximately 1 in 2 students overall reported outdoor secondhand smoke exposure, and 1 in 3 students reported exposures to each indoor secondhand smoke, indoor secondhand aerosol, and outdoor secondhand aerosol. Separate estimates of indoor and outdoor secondhand smoke and secondhand aerosol exposure, along with data on correlates of exposure, provide information to support comprehensive indoor and outdoor smoke-free policies.
-
Adequate childhood nutrition contributes to prevention of chronic diseases. The supplemental foods and nutrition education provided by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, a federal program serving women, infants, and children up to age 5 years in low-income families and at nutritional risk, intend to optimize dietary intakes. This study assesses associations between duration of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children participation, early feeding practices, and children's diet quality at age 3 years. ⋯ Longer participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children improves children's diets, potentially mitigating chronic disease risk. Clinician efforts to refer at-risk families to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children during the early childhood years are supported.