Journal of urban health : bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine
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Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) populations experience widespread disparities in health outcomes, health behaviors, and access to care compared to their non-LGBT counterparts. Moreover, very few studies have either studied the social determinants of health (SDoH) of LGBT populations or LGBT health in large cities located in the US South. This study uses novel, community-informed, and representative data to study the SDoH of LGBT adults in Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee. ⋯ More research on LGBT populations in urban centers located in the US South is critically needed. Meanwhile, locally based community organizations and public health leaders may consider developing and testing innovative solutions to enhance social networks and social supports among LGBT populations. Addressing the SDoH among LGBT adults in southern cities will be essential for achieving health equity for all LGBT populations in the USA.
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Urbanization is accelerating in developing countries, which are simultaneously experiencing a rise in the prevalence of overnutrition (i.e., overweight and obesity), specifically among women. Since urbanization is a dynamic process, a continuous measure may better represent it when examining its association with overnutrition. However, most previous research has used a rural-urban dichotomy-based urbanization measure. ⋯ Living in areas with moderate NTL intensities was not linked with women's BMI measures, whereas living in areas with high NTL intensities was associated with a higher BMI or higher odds of being overweight and obese. The predictive nature of NTLI suggests that it could be used to study the relationship between urbanization and overnutrition prevalence in Bangladesh, though more longitudinal research is needed. This research emphasizes the necessity for preventive efforts to offset the expected public health implications of urbanization.
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The cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with air pollution exposure may have far-reaching negative effects on children's scholastic achievement. Moreover, air pollution may be conditioning the success of educational investments that support students who face greatest levels of societal adversity. This study examined the direct main effects of cumulative neurotoxicological exposure on annual reading improvement. ⋯ Findings also show neurotoxicological exposure to diminish the efficacy of literacy intervention sessions received on reading improvement throughout the school year. Results suggest that pollution abatement can be a salient strategy to help bridge the child educational achievement gap. In addition to several methodological strengths, this study is one of the first to show that ambient pollution can undermine program efficacy of a literacy enrichment program.