J Natl Med Assoc
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The COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to global healthcare, particularly affecting respiratory systems and impacting individuals with pre-existing conditions, including those with HIV. ⋯ HIV patients are more susceptible to COVID-19, but the direct impact is less significant than other factors. Additional factors contribute to increased risk, while early improvement, accurate diagnosis, and intensive care reduce fatalities.
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Youth exposed to community violence and neighborhood stressors report devastating mental health consequences. Black youth are at greater risk and experience community violence at rates higher than other youth populations. An underexplored mental health consequence is anxiety sensitivity, the fear of experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, which contributes to maladaptive coping strategies and the development and severity of other mental health problems. ⋯ Results indicated that neighborhood risk, parenting behaviors, and exposure to delinquent peers were indirectly associated with anxiety sensitivity, which occurred through community violence exposure. Additionally, neighborhood risks had direct effects on anxiety sensitivity. Results point to the need to incorporate social and environmental factors in interventions addressing anxiety sensitivity among Black youth in urban communities.
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Despite major advances in infertility services, barriers to care as well as disparities in outcomes remain a significant problem. The cost of treatment, lack of or inadequate coverage, and location of infertility clinics are obvious contributors, however, advanced pathology, coexistent medical conditions, and lack of preconception care also contribute to delay in fertility particularly in underserved communities. ⋯ This study uses a retrospective chart review to compare the etiology and duration of infertility in our patients to the general infertility patient population, to describe the coexistent medical pathologies within our population at initial presentation to infertility care, and to discuss how our clinic is addressing the gap in infertility care. PRECIS: Resident-run clinics offer a unique role in increasing access to care through preconception care and low-cost fertility treatment.