American journal of preventive medicine
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Older adults experiencing loneliness or social isolation may experience poor patient-provider communication, potentially contributing to suboptimal health care utilization, particularly in mental health care. However, empirical evidence is limited. Thus, this study examined whether there were differences in patient-provider communication and health care utilization between Medicare beneficiaries with and without loneliness and social isolation. ⋯ These findings highlight significant disparities in patient-provider communication among Medicare beneficiaries experiencing loneliness and social isolation. These disparities may partly result from limited engagement with mental health services, which could help address their specific health care needs.
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Disease intervention specialists (DIS) are critical for delivering partner services programs that provide partner notification, counseling, referral, and other services for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other infections. This systematic review of partner services and other DIS-delivered interventions for HIV and STIs was conducted to summarize the effectiveness of these programs and identify evidence gaps. ⋯ The evidence could be strengthened by establishing a streamlined set of core metrics, assessing impact using rigorous causal inference methodologies, linking program and clinical data systems, and supplementing impact evaluations with evidence on implementation strategies.
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Disease intervention specialists (DIS) are critical for delivering partner services programs that provide partner notification, counseling, referral, and other services for HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and other infections. This systematic review of partner services and other DIS-delivered interventions for HIV and STIs was conducted to summarize the effectiveness of these programs and identify evidence gaps. ⋯ The evidence could be strengthened by establishing a streamlined set of core metrics, assessing impact using rigorous causal inference methodologies, linking program and clinical data systems, and supplementing impact evaluations with evidence on implementation strategies.
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Food and nutrition security is crucial for health, but many U.S. households experience food insecurity. This systematic review conducted in support of the Community Preventive Services Task Force examines the effectiveness of Fruit and Vegetable Incentive programs in reducing food insecurity, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and improving health outcomes among households with lower incomes. ⋯ Based on the review findings, the Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends Fruit and Vegetable Incentive programs for populations with lower incomes to reduce household food insecurity, increase household fruit and vegetable consumption, and improve blood glucose levels in participants at risk for or with diet-related health conditions. Although the review did not find direct evidence of reducing health disparities, the Community Preventive Services Task Force expects that these programs will improve health equity across the U.S. by improving the affordability and accessibility of healthier foods for households with lower incomes.
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Review
Screening for the Need and Desire for Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: A Systematic Review.
Proactively engaging patients in conversations about their needs and desires for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is an essential part of providing client-centered care. This systematic literature identifies screening tools and approaches for assessing needs and desires for pregnancy- and STI-related services. ⋯ Screening tools are important for identifying clients' needs and desires as well as informing and streamlining care. More research is needed to better understand the diversity of provider and patient experiences with screening tools and whether the use of such tools promotes accessible and equitable service provision. There was insufficient evidence to recommend any specific screening tool or approach for assessing pregnancy or STI needs and desires because most tools were reported either in a single study or results were mixed.