American journal of preventive medicine
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Sexual and gender minority youth, who experience high mental and behavioral health needs, are overrepresented in the criminal legal system, which may exacerbate these needs. This study examined the associations between arrest history and mental and behavioral health among sexual and gender minority youth. ⋯ Arrest history is associated with the mental and behavioral health of sexual and gender minority youth, highlighting systemic inequities. Tailored public health interventions are needed to reduce criminal-legal contact in this population.
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Amid national efforts to align priorities for nutrition and food assistance programs, little is known about the implementation of community-led efforts for children. This study aimed to estimate U.S. public school participation in weekend backpack programs (WBPs), to document program structure, and to consider characteristics of programs with more nutritious food offerings. ⋯ Despite the decentralized structure and absence of dedicated funding mechanisms, WBPs were common in our national sample of schools, suggesting widespread perceptions of unmet food needs and extensive efforts from community members to mitigate weekend hunger. Further research on food procurement methods and program impacts on child nutrition outcomes is needed to advance national priorities for nutrition and food security.
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Research has suggested that individual health may influence policy attitudes, yet the relationship between mental health and policy support is understudied. Clarifying this relationship may help inform policies that can improve the population mental health. To address this gap, this study measures national support for 5 social determinants of health policy priorities and their relation to mental health and political affiliation. ⋯ In 2023, there was substantial bipartisan support for federal policy action to address the social determinants of health, and worse mental health was related to greater policy support, particularly among Democrats. Federal policymakers have a broad consensus to take action to address the social determinants of health, which may improve the population mental health.