American journal of preventive medicine
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Self-sampling for human papillomavirus testing is increasingly recognized as a strategy to expand cervical cancer screening access and utilization. Acceptability is a key determinant of uptake. This study assesses the acceptability of and experiences with mailed self-sampling kits for human papillomavirus testing among underscreened patients in a safety net health system. ⋯ Prospective Evaluation of Self-Testing to Increase Screening trial participants generally had a positive experience with self-sampling for human papillomavirus testing. Increased comfort and reduced embarrassment/anxiety with self-sampling are relevant attributes because these were the most prevalent reported barriers to provider-performed screening. High acceptability suggests potentially high uptake when self-sampling for human papillomavirus testing receives regulatory approval and is available in safety net health systems.
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Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, a leading cause of death among women of reproductive age (women aged 18-44 years). This study estimated hypertension prevalence and control among women of reproductive age at the national and state levels using electronic health record data. ⋯ This study provides the first state-level estimates of hypertension control among women of reproductive age. Electronic health record data complements traditional hypertension surveillance data and provides further information for efforts to prevent and manage hypertension among women of reproductive age.
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There is an interest in exploring the associations between neighborhood characteristics and individual cognitive function; however, little is known about whether these relationships can be modified by individual socioeconomic status, such as educational attainment and income. ⋯ The moderating role of socioeconomic status indicates that low-socioeconomic status older adults who also live in disadvantaged neighborhoods face a higher risk of poor cognitive function. Low-education and low-income aging adults may have the most to gain from investments to improve neighborhood characteristics.
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In 2017, Philadelphia enacted a $0.015 per ounce excise tax on SBs that covered both sugar-sweetened beverages and artificially-sweetened beverages, which reduced purchasing and consumption. This study assessed whether the tax also changed beverage advertising or stocking practices that could influence consumer behavior among stores in Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Philadelphia-adjacent counties not subject to the tax. ⋯ Marketing of SBs, especially in low-income neighborhoods and in surrounding counties, increased following Philadelphia's beverage tax among small, independent retailers. These increases in advertising might have dampened the tax's effect on purchasing behaviors, although estimated effects on sales remained large.
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The U.S. has the highest infant mortality rate among peer countries. Restrictive abortion laws may contribute to poor infant health outcomes. This ecological study investigated the association between county-level infant mortality and state-level abortion access legislation in the U.S. from 2014 to 2018. ⋯ State-level abortion law restrictiveness is associated with higher county-level infant mortality rates. The Supreme Court decision on Dobbs versus Jackson and changes in state laws limiting abortion may affect future infant mortality.