American journal of preventive medicine
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Reproductive rights policies can potentially support or inhibit individuals' abilities to attain the highest standard of reproductive and sexual health; however, research is limited on how broader social policies may differentially impact women of color and immigrants in the U.S. This study examines the associations among state-level reproductive rights policies, race, and nativity status with preterm birth and low birth weight in the U.S. ⋯ Women living in states with fewer restrictions related to reproductive rights have lower rates of low birth weight, especially for Black women.
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Cannabis is frequently used and increasingly legalized in the U.S., and 27.7 million Americans aged ≥12 years are currently using cannabis. However, the public health effects of cannabis use in the general population remain unclear. This study examines the associations of cannabis use with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in U.S. adults. ⋯ Cannabis use was significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality among U.S. adults, especially among those who started using cannabis before age 18 years. The reasons and mechanisms underlying this association will require future research.
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Previous research indicates that sexual violence is associated with prescription opioid use and misuse. However, this literature is limited by a lack of sex-specific analyses, an inability to establish temporality between experiences of sexual violence and prescription opioid outcomes, and little understanding of mechanisms underlying these associations. ⋯ Secondary prevention efforts focused on evidence-based, trauma-informed behavioral health treatment among survivors of sexual violence may prevent prescription opioid use and misuse as strategies for coping with the psychological impact of these traumatic experiences.
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Misuse of prescription medications has led to higher mortality and morbidity in the U.S. This study investigates medical and nonmedical use of prescription medications (prescription pain relievers, stimulants, prescription tranquilizers, and sedatives) among adults aged ≥50 years. ⋯ It is important to monitor medication misuse behaviors among older adults who may be living with several chronic conditions requiring pain management. The strong associations with serious psychological distress underscore the need for increased access to mental health services among this key population.
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In malaria-endemic countries, malaria during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight (i.e., <2.5 kg). However, the effects of the widely promoted and recommended approaches of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy and insecticide-treated nets for pregnant women on low birth weight have been insufficiently examined. This analysis investigates the independent and combined effects of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy and insecticide-treated nets on low birth weight among Malawian children. ⋯ There were evident benefits of independent and combined use of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy and insecticide-treated nets on low birth weight, thereby supporting the use of these interventions during pregnancy. The reduced protective effects of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria in pregnancy over time highlight the need for innovative preventive methods against malaria in pregnancy.