American journal of preventive medicine
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In the U.S., disability affects approximately 61.4 million (25.7%) adults, with mobility disability being the most prevalent type, affecting about 1 in 7 U.S. adults. However, little is known about the prevalence of disability and functional disability types by urbanization level. ⋯ Results of this study suggest that significant disparities in the prevalence of disability exist by level of urbanization, with rural U.S. residents having the highest prevalence of disability. Public health interventions to reduce health disparities could include people with disabilities, particularly in rural counties.
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Studies reporting on the cost-effectiveness of cancer screening usually account for quality of life losses and healthcare costs owing to cancer but do not account for future costs and quality of life losses related to competing risks. This study aims to demonstrate the impact of medical costs and quality of life losses of other diseases in the life years gained on the cost-effectiveness of U.S. cancer screening. ⋯ Practical difficulties in quantifying quality of life losses and healthcare expenditures owing to competing risks in life years gained can be overcome. Their inclusion can have a substantial impact on the cost-effectiveness of cancer screening programs.
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Reducing racial/ethnic disparities in preterm birth is a priority for U.S. public health programs. The study objective was to quantify the relative contribution of geographic, sociodemographic, and health determinants to the black, non-Hispanic and white, non-Hispanic preterm birth disparity. ⋯ These findings demonstrate that the known portion of the disparity in preterm birth is driven by sociodemographic and preconception/prenatal health factors. Public health programs to enhance social support and preconception care, specifically focused on hypertension, may provide an efficient approach for reducing the racial gap in preterm birth.