scholarly journals Factors That Explain Differences in Abstinence Between Black and White Smokers: A Prospective Intervention Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 111 (10) ◽  
pp. 1078-1087 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole L Nollen ◽  
Matthew S Mayo ◽  
Lisa Sanderson Cox ◽  
Neal L Benowitz ◽  
Rachel F Tyndale ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Black-white differences in smoking abstinence are not well understood. This trial sought to confirm previously reported differences in quitting between blacks and whites and to identify factors underlying this difference. Methods During enrollment, 224 black and 225 white low-income smokers were stratified on race and within race on age and sex to ensure balance on these factors known to impact abstinence. The intervention included varenicline for 12 weeks and six guideline-based smoking cessation counseling sessions. The primary endpoint was cotinine-verified 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at week 26. A priori socioeconomic, smoking, treatment process (eg, treatment utilization, side effects, withdrawal relief), psychosocial, and biological factors were assessed to investigate race differences in abstinence. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) were used to compare abstinence between blacks and whites. Adjusted odds ratios from logistic regression models were used to examine predictors of abstinence. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Blacks were less likely to achieve abstinence at week 26 (14.3% vs 24.4%, OR = 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.32 to 0.83, P = .007). Utilizing best subsets logistic regression, five factors associated with race jointly predicted abstinence: home ownership (yes/no, OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.72 to 5.35, P < .001), study visits completed (range = 0–6, OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.88 to 4.20, P < .001), income (household member/$1000, OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.06, P = .02), plasma cotinine (per 1 ng/mL, OR = 0.997, 95% CI = 0.994 to 0.999, P = .002), and neighborhood problems (range = 10–30, OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.81 to 0.96, P = .003). Conclusions The race difference in abstinence was fully explained by lack of home ownership, lower income, greater neighborhood problems, higher baseline cotinine, and higher visit completion, which were disproportionately represented among blacks. Findings illuminate factors that make it harder for blacks in the United States to quit smoking relative to whites and provide important areas for future studies to reduce tobacco-related health disparities.

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2931-2931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikkael A. Sekeres ◽  
Mohit Narang ◽  
Rami S. Komrokji ◽  
Jaroslaw P Maciejewski ◽  
Alan F. List ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 2931 Background: The incidence of sMDS is increasing due to improved survival of patients (pts) treated with chemotherapy (CT) or radiotherapy (RT) for other cancers. While studies have demonstrated hematologic improvement (HI) and survival benefits of AZA in pts with primary MDS (pMDS) (Lancet Oncol 2009;10:223), the effects of AZA in sMDS, considered rarer (5-10% of MDS diagnoses) (J Natl Cancer Inst 2008;100:1542) and more difficult to treat, are unknown. AVIDA, a longitudinal, US, multicenter, prospective registry of pts in community-based clinics receiving AZA, is the largest database of AZA-treated pts in the world and includes a large cohort of sMDS pts. We compared the tolerability of and response rates to AZA in sMDS vs pMDS pts in the AVIDA database. Methods: MDS pt data were collected at registry entry (baseline), and then quarterly using electronic data capture, between October, 2006 and July, 2010. Treating physicians determined AZA dose, dosing schedule, and treatment duration. Baseline characteristics of sMDS and pMDS pts were evaluated but formal statistical tests comparing cohorts were intentionally not performed to avoid Type I errors. Rates of IWG-2000-defined HI or possibly better responses (HI+) were assessed centrally and compared between sMDS and pMDS cohorts (each assessment included only pts eligible for improvement). RBC and platelet transfusion independence (TI) were also evaluated between groups using logistic regression analyses with patients stratified by International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) scores (higher [score >1] vs lower [score ≤1]) and transfusion status at baseline, with age and months since diagnosis included as covariates. Odds ratios (sMDS to pMDS) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported from these models. Results: At data cut-off in July 2010, 37/417 pts (8.9%) in the registry had sMDS associated with exposure to RT, CT, or radioiodine (n=33), benzene (n=2), or radiation (n=2). Median times since diagnosis for pts with sMDS and pMDS were 1 month (range 0 – 69) and 3 months (0 – 207), and median ages were 71 years (range 41 – 86) and 75 years (29 – 91), respectively. At baseline, for pts with available IPSS scores, a larger proportion of pts with sMDS than pts with pMDS had IPSS higher-risk scores (55% vs 30%) and IPSS poor cytogenetics (59% vs 17%). Additionally, a higher proportion of sMDS vs pMDS pts had chromosome 7 abnormalities (47% vs 11%), 2–3 cytopenias (76% vs 62%), and infections requiring IV antibiotics (41% vs 16%); but similar proportions had >10% blasts (18% of both cohorts) and were dependent on RBC (57% vs 52%) and platelet (22% vs 13%) transfusions at baseline. Median follow-up was 5.9 months (range 0.2 – 24) in the sMDS and 6.7 months (0.1 – 37) in the pMDS cohorts, and median numbers of AZA treatment cycles were 4 (range 1 – 21) and 5 (1 – 26), respectively. In both the sMDS and pMDS groups, the most common treatment dose and schedules were 75 mg/m2 AZA (91% and 83%, respectively) for 5 consecutive days (46% and 55%) in ≤28-day cycles (45% and 54%). Pts with sMDS had a high rate of HI+, which was comparable to that in pts with pMDS (Table). Rates of RBC TI in baseline RBC transfusion-dependent pts with sMDS vs pMDS were 57% vs 61%, and of platelet TI for baseline platelet transfusion-dependent sMDS vs pMDS pts were 50% vs 64% (Table). Odds ratios from the logistic regression models were 1.4 (95%CI: 0.6, 3.5; p=0.47) and 0.6 (95%CI: 0.2, 1.4; p=0.23) for RBC TI and platelet TI, respectively, after adjusting for the other covariates in the model. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were similar in the 2 groups, with the exception of higher frequencies of thrombocytopenia (27% vs 11%) and infections (24% vs. 12%) in sMDS vs pMDS pts, respectively. Conclusion: Pts with sMDS treated with AZA had rates of HI or better responses comparable to those of pMDS patients, despite worse pretreatment disease characteristics. AZA was well tolerated by pts with sMDS and pMDS. A diagnosis of sMDS alone should not preclude treatment with the disease-modifying drug, azacitidine. Disclosures: Sekeres: Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Off Label Use: Azacitidine is approved in the US for treatment of patients with the FAB myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) subtypes: Refractory anemia (RA) or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS) (if accompanied by neutropenia or thrombocytopenia or requiring transfusions), refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation (RAEB-T), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML); and is approved in the EU for IPSS Int-2 and High risk MDS, CMML with 10–29 percent marrow blasts without myeloproliferative disorder, and AML with 20–30% blasts and multi-lineage dysplasia, according to WHO classification. This abstract describes azacitidine use in secondary MDS. Komrokji:Celgene: Research Funding, Speakers Bureau. Maciejewski:Celgene: Research Funding; Eisai: Research Funding; Alexion: Consultancy. List:Celgene: Research Funding. Street:Celgene: Employment. Swern:Celgene Corporation: Employment. Sullivan:Celgene: Employment, Equity Ownership. Grinblatt:Celgene: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Lindsay Sandridge Domiano ◽  
Danielle Charrier

First time pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) are the desired outcome of Schools of Nursing across the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relation between standardized testing scores and NCLEX-RN failure among students in a baccalaureate nursing program. This study utilized a retrospective correlational design to identify relations between the dependent variables NCLEX-RN failure and the independent variables. The 16 Independent Variables were: Fundamentals of Nursing Practice and Repeat, Adult Health Nursing and Repeat, Mental Health Nursing and Repeat, Pediatric Nursing and repeat, Obstetrical Nursing and Repeat, Community Health Nursing and Repeat, RN Exit Exam and Repeat, and Pharmacology and Pharmacology Repeat. The statistical tests utilized for data analysis were: logistic regression, multiple logistic regression model, and Pearson’s χ2 cross-tabulations. Significant findings identified students “at risk” for NCLEX-RN failure. Faculty intervention early on and throughout the students’ nursing program will help improve student outcomes, NCLEX-RN success, and ultimately helping to alleviate the nursing shortage.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 204800402110006
Author(s):  
Tess Hill ◽  
Thomas Weber ◽  
Marshall Roberts ◽  
Hernando Garzon ◽  
Alvaro Fraga ◽  
...  

Objective To investigate demographic disparities in prehospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) initiation and successful outcomes of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treated by emergency medical services (EMS) providers. Methods We analyzed the National Emergency Medical Service Information Systems (NEMSIS) 2017 database, analyzing patient gender, age and race against CPR initiation and Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC). The analysis was performed for a subset of patients who received bystander interventions (n = 3,362), then repeated for the whole cohort of patients (n = 5,833). Results Within the subgroup of patients that received CPR or AED application prior to the arrival of the paramedics, a logistic regression for CPR initiation rates as a function of race, gender and age reported the following adjusted odds ratios: African American (AA) to White 0.570 (95%CI [0.419, 0.775]), Hispanic to White 0.735 (95%CI [0.470, 1.150]); female to male 0.768 (95%CI [0.598, 0.986]); senior to adult 0.708 (95%CI [0.545, 0.920). Similarly, a logistic regression of ROSC as a function of race, gender and age reported the following adjusted odds ratios: AA to White 0.652 (95%CI [0.533, 0.797]) Hispanic to White 1.018 (95%CI [0.783, 1.323]); female to male 0.887 (95%CI [0.767, 1.025]); senior to adult 0.817 (95%CI [0.709, 0.940]). Similar trends existed in the entire cohort of patients. Conclusions These results suggest that there are discrepancies in patient care during cardiopulmonary arrest performed by EMS for OHCA, inviting further exploration of healthcare differences in the prehospital EMS approach to OHCA.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (12) ◽  
pp. e0000019
Author(s):  
Ching-Yao Tsai ◽  
Tao-Hsin Tung ◽  
Yang-Tzu Li ◽  
Wei-Cheng Chen

Although many studies have tried to explore the association between fall incidents and fear of falling (FOF)/worry about fall-limited activities and various risk factors, few studies have recognized the relationship between house ownership and fall-related outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess whether house ownership will affect an older adult’s experience of falling or lead to fear of falling. The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) collected data that would provide an understanding of basic trends in people aged 65 years and older living in the United States of America. This study conducted round one of the NHATS and did logistic regression to examine the relationship between house ownership and fall-related outcomes among 7,090 persons aged 65 or older. Twenty five percent of the sampled population who lacked house ownership. All fall-related outcomes (fall last month, fall last year, fear of falling, and worry about fall-limited activities) were statistically significant in the bivariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that house ownership (OR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.65–0.86) was significantly associated with fear of falling after adjusting for other covariates. The findings underscore the association between the lack of house ownership and fall-related outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Lerner Papautsky ◽  
Dylan R Rice ◽  
Hana Ghoneima ◽  
Anna Laura W McKowen ◽  
Nicholas Anderson ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has broader geographic spread and potentially longer lasting effects than those of previous disasters. Necessary preventive precautions for the transmission of COVID-19 has resulted in delays for in-person health care services, especially at the outset of the pandemic. OBJECTIVE Among a US sample, we examined the rates of delays (defined as cancellations and postponements) in health care at the outset of the pandemic and characterized the reasons for such delays. METHODS As part of an internet-based survey that was distributed on social media in April 2020, we asked a US–based convenience sample of 2570 participants about delays in their health care resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Participant demographics and self-reported worries about general health and the COVID-19 pandemic were explored as potent determinants of health care delays. In addition to all delays, we focused on the following three main types of delays, which were the primary outcomes in this study: dental, preventive, and diagnostic care delays. For each outcome, we used bivariate statistical tests (<i>t</i> tests and chi-square tests) and multiple logistic regression models to determine which factors were associated with health care delays. RESULTS The top reported barrier to receiving health care was the fear of SARS-CoV-2 infection (126/374, 33.6%). Almost half (1227/2570, 47.7%) of the participants reported experiencing health care delays. Among those who experienced health care delays and further clarified the type of delay they experienced (921/1227, 75.1%), the top three reported types of care that were affected by delays included dental (351/921, 38.1%), preventive (269/921, 29.2%), and diagnostic (151/921, 16.4%) care. The logistic regression models showed that age (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), gender identity (<i>P</i>&lt;.001), education (<i>P</i>=.007), and self-reported worry about general health (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) were significantly associated with experiencing health care delays. Self-reported worry about general health was negatively related to experiencing delays in dental care. However, this predictor was positively associated with delays in diagnostic testing based on the logistic regression model. Additionally, age was positively associated with delays in diagnostic testing. No factors remained significant in the multiple logistic regression for delays in preventive care, and although there was trend between race and delays (people of color experienced fewer delays than White participants), it was not significant (<i>P</i>=.06). CONCLUSIONS The lessons learned from the initial surge of COVID-19 cases can inform systemic mitigation strategies for potential future disruptions. This study addresses the demand side of health care delays by exploring the determinants of such delays. More research on health care delays during the pandemic is needed, including research on their short- and long-term impacts on patient-level outcomes such as mortality, morbidity, mental health, people’s quality of life, and the experience of pain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Zhong ◽  
Han Wang ◽  
Payton Christensen ◽  
Kevin McNeil ◽  
Matthew Linton ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States Level 1 (COMLEX 1) is important for medical students to be able to graduate. There is a glaring need to identify students who are at a significant risk of performing poorly on COMLEX 1 as early as possible so that extra assistance can be provided to those students. Our goal is to produce a reliable predictive model to identify students who are at risk of scoring lower than 500 on COMLEX 1 at the earliest possible time. Methods Academic data from medical students who matriculated at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine between 2011 and 2017 were obtained. Odds ratios were used to assess the predictors for scoring lower than 500 on COMLEX 1. Correlation with COMLEX 1 scores was assessed with Pearson correlation coefficient. The predictive models were developed by multiple logistic regression, backward logistic regression, and logistic regression with average scores in courses in the first three semesters, and were based on performances on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) before admission, as well as students’ performances in preclinical courses during the first three semesters. The models were generated in about 82% of the student performance data and were then validated in the remaining 18% of the data. Results Odds ratios showed that MCAT scores and final grades in each course in the first three semesters were significant in predicting a score lower than 500 on COMLEX 1. Performances in third-semester courses including Renal System II, Cardiovascular System II, and Respiratory System II were most important in prediction. The three predictive models had sensitivities of 65.8 -71%, and specificities of 83.2 - 88.2% in predicting a score lower than 500 on COMLEX 1. Conclusions Lower MCAT scores and lower grades in the first three semesters of medical school predict scoring lower than 500 on COMLEX 1. Students who are identified at risk by our models will have a 65.8 -71% chance of actually scoring lower than 500 on COMLEX 1. Those students will have enough time to receive assistance before taking COMLEX 1.


2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 244-251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Karp ◽  
Gary Wong ◽  
Marguerite Orsi

Abstract. Introduction: Foods dense in micronutrients are generally more expensive than those with higher energy content. These cost-differentials may put low-income families at risk of diminished micronutrient intake. Objectives: We sought to determine differences in the cost for iron, folate, and choline in foods available for purchase in a low-income community when assessed for energy content and serving size. Methods: Sixty-nine foods listed in the menu plans provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for low-income families were considered, in 10 domains. The cost and micronutrient content for-energy and per-serving of these foods were determined for the three micronutrients. Exact Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for comparisons of energy costs; Spearman rho tests for comparisons of micronutrient content. Ninety families were interviewed in a pediatric clinic to assess the impact of food cost on food selection. Results: Significant differences between domains were shown for energy density with both cost-for-energy (p < 0.001) and cost-per-serving (p < 0.05) comparisons. All three micronutrient contents were significantly correlated with cost-for-energy (p < 0.01). Both iron and choline contents were significantly correlated with cost-per-serving (p < 0.05). Of the 90 families, 38 (42 %) worried about food costs; 40 (44 %) had chosen foods of high caloric density in response to that fear, and 29 of 40 families experiencing both worry and making such food selection. Conclusion: Adjustments to USDA meal plans using cost-for-energy analysis showed differentials for both energy and micronutrients. These differentials were reduced using cost-per-serving analysis, but were not eliminated. A substantial proportion of low-income families are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (Spring 2019) ◽  
pp. 157-173
Author(s):  
Kashif Siddique ◽  
Rubeena Zakar ◽  
Ra’ana Malik ◽  
Naveeda Farhat ◽  
Farah Deeba

The aim of this study is to find the association between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and contraceptive use among married women in Pakistan. The analysis was conducted by using cross sectional secondary data from every married women of reproductive age 15-49 years who responded to domestic violence module (N = 3687) of the 2012-13 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey. The association between contraceptive use (outcome variable) and IPV was measured by calculating unadjusted odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals using simple binary logistic regression and multivariable binary logistic regression. The result showed that out of 3687 women, majority of women 2126 (57.7%) were using contraceptive in their marital relationship. Among total, 1154 (31.3%) women experienced emotional IPV, 1045 (28.3%) women experienced physical IPV and 1402 (38%) women experienced both physical and emotional IPV together respectively. All types of IPV was significantly associated with contraceptive use and women who reported emotional IPV (AOR 1.44; 95% CI 1.23, 1.67), physical IPV (AOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.20, 1.65) and both emotional and physical IPV together (AOR 1.49; 95% CI 1.24, 1.72) were more likely to use contraceptives respectively. The study revealed that women who were living in violent relationship were more likely to use contraceptive in Pakistan. Still there is a need for women reproductive health services and government should take initiatives to promote family planning services, awareness and access to contraceptive method options for women to reduce unintended or mistimed pregnancies that occurred in violent relationships.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 568-576
Author(s):  
Michael Ragheb ◽  
Ashish H. Shah ◽  
Sarah Jernigan ◽  
Tulay Koru-Sengul ◽  
John Ragheb

OBJECTIVEHydrocephalus is recognized as a common disabling pediatric disease afflicting infants and children disproportionately in the developing world, where access to neurosurgical care is limited and risk of perinatal infection is high. This surgical case series describes the Project Medishare Hydrocephalus Specialty Surgery (PMHSS) program experience treating hydrocephalus in Haiti between 2008 and 2015.METHODSThe authors conducted a retrospective review of all cases involving children treated for hydrocephalus within the PMHSS program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from 2008 through 2015. All relevant epidemiological information of children treated were prospectively collected including relevant demographics, birth history, hydrocephalus etiology, head circumference, and operative notes. All appropriate associations and statistical tests were performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.RESULTSAmong the 401 children treated within PMHSS, postinfectious hydrocephalus (PIH) accounted for 39.4% (n = 158) of cases based on clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic findings. The majority of children with hydrocephalus in Haiti were male (54.8%, n = 197), born in the rainy season (59.7%, n = 233), and born in a coastal/inland location (43.3%, n = 61). The most common surgical intervention was endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC) (45.7%, n = 175). Multivariate logistic regression analysis yielded coastal birth location (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.16–12.18) as a statistically significant predictor of PIH. Increasing head circumference (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.99–1.13) demonstrated a slight trend toward significance with the incidence of PIH.CONCLUSIONSThis information will provide the foundation for future clinical and public health studies to better understand hydrocephalus in Haiti. The 39.4% prevalence of PIH falls within observed rates in Africa as does the apparently higher prevalence for those born during the rainy season. Although PIH was the most frequent etiology seen in almost all birth locations, the potential relationship with geography noted in this series will be the focus of further research in an effort to understand the link between climate and PIH in Haiti. The ultimate goal will be to develop an appropriate public health strategy to reduce the burden of PIH on the children of Haiti.


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