scholarly journals Social factors shaping the adoption of lead-filtering point-of-use systems: an observational study of an MTurk sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-521
Author(s):  
Noelle Chesley ◽  
Helen Meier ◽  
Jake Luo ◽  
Immaculate Apchemengich ◽  
W. Hobart Davies
Keyword(s):  
Lead Exposure ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Mechanical Turk ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Service Line ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Point Of Use ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Drinking Frequency

Abstract Some municipalities are promoting lead-filtering point-of-use (POU) systems to minimize the risk of lead exposure through drinking water, often targeting use at racial minorities and low-income households. However, links among social inequality markers and adoption of these systems are not well understood. Survey data on adoption and use of POU systems were collected from a U.S. Mechanical Turk (MTurk) sample (N = 2,867) in March 2018. We use logistic regression to assess the association of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and lead-filtering POU adoption. We also examined key health behaviors related to POU systems. We found that race and SES are indirectly predictive of lead-filtering POU adoption through the propensity of some respondents to report a residence with a lead service line and levels of concern and knowledge about lead exposure. In addition, individuals with similar levels of concern about lead in water have lower odds of adopting a POU system if they have lower, rather than higher, incomes. Among POU adopters, while confidence in correct use of these devices was relatively high, the frequency of filtered water use for cooking was lower than drinking frequency. Overall, these findings inform health policies aimed at mitigating risk of lead exposure through water.

scholarly journals Major disparities in COVID-19 test positivity for patients with non-English preferred language even after accounting for race and social factors in the United States in 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Cohen-Cline ◽  
Hsin-Fang Li ◽  
Monique Gill ◽  
Fatima Rodriguez ◽  
Tina Hernandez-Boussard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
The United States ◽  
Healthcare Systems ◽  
English Speakers ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Communities Of Color ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Barriers To Health

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has further exposed inequities in our society, demonstrated by disproportionate COVID-19 infection rate and mortality in communities of color and low-income communities. One key area of inequity that has yet to be explored is disparities based on preferred language. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 164,368 adults tested for COVID-19 in a large healthcare system across Washington, Oregon, and California from March – July 2020. Using electronic health records, we constructed multi-level models that estimated the odds of testing positive for COVID-19 by preferred language, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and social factors. We further investigated interaction between preferred language and both race/ethnicity and state. Analysis was performed from October–December 2020. Results Those whose preferred language was not English had higher odds of having a COVID-19 positive test (OR 3.07, p < 0.001); this association remained significant after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and social factors. We found significant interaction between language and race/ethnicity and language and state, but the odds of COVID-19 test positivity remained greater for those whose preferred language was not English compared to those whose preferred language was English within each race/ethnicity and state. Conclusions People whose preferred language is not English are at greater risk of testing positive for COVID-19 regardless of age, race/ethnicity, geography, or social factors – demonstrating a significant inequity. Research demonstrates that our public health and healthcare systems are centered on English speakers, creating structural and systemic barriers to health. Addressing these barriers are long overdue and urgent for COVID-19 prevention.

scholarly journals The convergence of racial and income disparities in health insurance coverage in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
De-Chih Lee ◽  
Hailun Liang ◽  
Leiyu Shi
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Insurance Coverage ◽  
Health Insurance Coverage ◽  
The United States ◽  
Combined Effect ◽  
Medical Expenditure ◽  
The Us ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Vulnerability Measure

Abstract Objective This study applied the vulnerability framework and examined the combined effect of race and income on health insurance coverage in the US. Data source The household component of the US Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS-HC) of 2017 was used for the study. Study design Logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between insurance coverage status and vulnerability measure, comparing insured with uninsured or insured for part of the year, insured for part of the year only, and uninsured only, respectively. Data collection/extraction methods We constructed a vulnerability measure that reflects the convergence of predisposing (race/ethnicity), enabling (income), and need (self-perceived health status) attributes of risk. Principal findings While income was a significant predictor of health insurance coverage (a difference of 6.1–7.2% between high- and low-income Americans), race/ethnicity was independently associated with lack of insurance. The combined effect of income and race on insurance coverage was devastating as low-income minorities with bad health had 68% less odds of being insured than high-income Whites with good health. Conclusion Results of the study could assist policymakers in targeting limited resources on subpopulations likely most in need of assistance for insurance coverage. Policymakers should target insurance coverage for the most vulnerable subpopulation, i.e., those who have low income and poor health as well as are racial/ethnic minorities.

Comparing shopper characteristics by online grocery ordering use among households in low-income communities in Maine

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Laura Y. Zatz ◽  
Alyssa J. Moran ◽  
Rebecca L. Franckle ◽  
Jason P. Block ◽  
Tao Hou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Grocery Shopping ◽  
Sociodemographic Characteristics ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Transaction Data ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Online Shoppers ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Improve Access

Abstract Objective: Online grocery shopping could improve access to healthy food, but it may not be equally accessible to all populations—especially those at higher risk for food insecurity. This study aimed to compare the sociodemographic characteristics of families who ordered groceries online versus those who only shopped in-store. Design: We analyzed enrollment survey and 44 weeks of individually-linked grocery transaction data. We used univariate chi-square and t-tests and logistic regression to assess differences in sociodemographic characteristics between households that only shopped in-store and those that shopped online with curbside pick-up (online only or online and in-store). Setting: Two Maine supermarkets. Participants: 863 parents or caregivers of children under 18 years old enrolled in two fruit and vegetable incentive trials Results: Participants had a total of 32 757 transactions. In univariate assessments, online shoppers had higher incomes (P<0.0001), were less likely to participate in WIC or SNAP (P<0.0001), and were more likely to be female (P=0.04). Most online shoppers were 30–39 years old, and few were 50 years or older (P=0.003). After controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, number of children, number of adults, income, and SNAP participation, female primary shoppers (OR=2.75, P=0.003), number of children (OR=1.27, P=0.04), and income (OR=3.91 for 186–300% FPL and OR=6.92 for >300% FPL, P<0.0001) were significantly associated with likelihood of shopping online. Conclusions: In this study of Maine families, low-income shoppers were significantly less likely to utilize online grocery ordering with curbside pick-up. Future studies could focus on elucidating barriers and developing strategies to improve access.

scholarly journals Socio-demographic Correlates of Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index Among Low-income Women in Hawaii WIC Participating in a Randomised Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Asinobi ◽  
Cristina Palacios ◽  
Yanyan Wu ◽  
Jinan Banna
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Healthy Weight ◽  
Childbearing Age ◽  
Demographic Correlates ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Low Income Women

Abstract Background: A healthy pre-pregnancy BMI fosters positive outcomes for both mother and infant both during and after pregnancy. To design interventions to promote a healthy pre-pregnancy BMI in low-income women, it is important to understand correlates. The purpose of this study was to identify the socio-demographic correlates of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) among low-income women.Methods: Participants were low-income pregnant women (n=83) in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Hawai‘i enrolled in a four-month text message-based nutrition intervention program. Participants reported pre-pregnancy weight and height and completed a demographics questionnaire on age, race/ethnicity, education, employment status and number of children. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation for continuous variables, and frequencies and proportions for categorical variables) were used to summarize the sample. Simply linear regression analyses were performed to examine if independent variables were associated with BMI before pregnancy. Results: Among the 83 women, 33 (39.8%) were 18-24 years old, 22 (26.5%) were between 25 and 29, 19 (22.9%) were 30-34 and 9 (10.8%) were 35-41. A total of 18 (21.7%) were Asian. Age and race/ethnicity were marginally associated with BMI before pregnancy. The age group 30-34 had the highest BMI before pregnancy (p=0.06) and Asian had lower BMI before pregnancy than the other races/ethnicities (p=0.01). Conclusions: Being classified as Asian was associated with lower BMI before pregnancy, while those who were 30-34 years old had the highest pre-pregnancy BMI compared to other age groups. These socio-demographic factors should be taken into account when designing interventions to promote healthy weight in women of childbearing age. Trial registration: The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04330976). Date of registration April 2, 2020 (restrospectively registered). URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04330976

The Biosocial Basis OF Mental Retardation, by Sonia F. Osler and Robert E. Cooke. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Press, 1965, 151 pp., $5.50

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1966 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 986-986
Author(s):  
Robert B. Kucel
Keyword(s):  
Mental Retardation ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Important Concern ◽  
The Social ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Low Income Families ◽  
Relationship Of

With the increasing interest in mental retardation more articles, monographs, and books appear on the subject. The Biosocial Basis of Mental Retardation is a collection of seven essays originally delivered at the John Hopkins Hospital. Although pediatricians have turned their attention in mental retardation mostly to the biological components of mental retardation, there is a growing awareness that social and psychological factors also play a significant role. The interrelationship of biological and social factors is virtually an unchartered sea. The several authors who originally presented these essays are attempting to highlight some of the social factors and, where appropriate, to point out how some of the social features relate to biological ones. For example, the well known relationship of the high incidence of prematurity in low socioeconomic group families is a fact most pediatricians know but the implication of this fact as far as prevention is concerned is a large and important concern and as yet poorly understood. With the increasing amount of federal interest in programs for low income families, many pediatricians will want to become better informed about the implications. Some of these points are considered in the chapter by Janet Hardy. For the person concerned with medical remedies for mental retardation, there will be little of interest in this book. On the other hand, for those who are anxious to know more about social and psychological factors as they relate to mental retardation, this is a very useful and fascinating compendium of articles. Particularly intriguing are the articles by Eli Ginzberg who discusses the mentally handicapped in an increasingly technological society.

scholarly journals Movement Behaviors and Perceived Loneliness and Sadness within Alaskan Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 6866
Author(s):  
Ryan D. Burns ◽  
Yang Bai ◽  
Christopher D. Pfledderer ◽  
Timothy A. Brusseau ◽  
Wonwoo Byun
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Movement Behavior ◽  
Youth Risk Behavior Survey ◽  
Association Analyses ◽  
Lower Odds ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Screen Use

Physical activity, screen use, and sleep are behaviors that integrate across the whole day. However, the accumulative influence of meeting recommendations for these 24-h movement behaviors on the mental health of Alaskan adolescents has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between movement behaviors, loneliness, and sadness within Alaskan adolescents. Data were obtained from the 2019 Alaska Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The number of adolescents participating in the 2019 Alaska YRBS was 1897. Associations between meeting recommendations for movement behaviors with loneliness and sadness were examined using weighted logistic regression models, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and body mass index (BMI). Approximately 5.0% of the sample met recommendations for all three movement behaviors. Meeting 2 or 3 movement behavior recommendations was associated with lower odds of loneliness (odds ratio (OR) range = 0.23 to 0.44, p < 0.01). Additionally, meeting 1 to 3 movement behavior recommendations was associated with lower odds of sadness (OR range = 0.29 to 0.52, p < 0.05). Joint association analyses determined that these relationships were primarily driven by meeting the sleep recommendation for loneliness and meeting the screen use recommendation for sadness. The results support use of multiple movement-based behavior programming to attenuate feelings of loneliness and sadness within Alaskan adolescents.

scholarly journals A Non-electric and Affordable Surface Engineered Particle (SEP) based Point-of-Use (POU) Water Disinfection System

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepa Dixit ◽  
Virupakshi Soppina ◽  
Chinmay Ghoroi
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Alkali Treatment ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Surface Hydrophobicity ◽  
Water Disinfection ◽  
Binding Property ◽  
Point Of Use ◽  
Gravity Driven

AbstractAccess to safe drinking water is still a distant dream to millions of people around the world. Especially, people from the low-income group in the developing countries remain deprived of this fundamental right and causes millions of death. There is an urgent need to develop affordable and easy to handle water filter which can provide desired drinking water quality without any electricity. In the present work, a simple and low-cost surface engineered particle (SEP) based filter is developed via alkali treatment of soda-lime-silica particle. The SEP based filter can be used as a portable, non-electric, gravity-driven Point-of-Use (POU) water disinfection system. The developed SEP-based filter is capable to arrest the 99.48% (~2 to 2.5 log10 reduction) of gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli OP50) on its surface from the water containing 3 × 108 cells/ml. No bacterial regrowth is observed in the purified water for 12 h. The performance of SEP bed filter is implicated to the nano-scale surface roughness, its distribution along with the surface charge and surface hydrophobicity which are favorable to attract and adhere the bacteria in the flowing water. The observation is consistent over multiple filtration cycles indicating the suitability of SEP based bed filter for POU water disinfection. The SEP surface with 0.05 mM Ag+ loading (SEP+) completely inactivated (>99.99999%) bacteria and protects any bacteria recontamination in the purified water for its long term usage. The strong and effective silver binding property of SEP surface enables very minimal silver loading and eliminates any health hazard due to low silver leaching (~50 ppb) which is well below the drinking water equivalent level (DWEL ≤ 100 ppb). In rural and urban slum areas of developing countries where no water purification system exists prior to consumption, the easy-to-implement and affordable SEP-based gravity-driven non-electric point-of-use water purifier (materials cost ~ 0.25 USD) can be used to protect millions of lives from water borne diseases.

scholarly journals Social and Environmental Neighborhood Typologies and Lung Function in a Low-Income, Urban Population

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Humphrey ◽  
Megan Lindstrom ◽  
Kelsey Barton ◽  
Prateek Shrestha ◽  
Elizabeth Carlton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Function ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Social Factors ◽  
Latent Profile Analysis ◽  
Profile Analysis ◽  
Respiratory Health ◽  
Property Crime ◽  
Environmental Hazards ◽  
Ethnic Composition ◽  
Front Range

Consensus is growing on the need to investigate the joint impact of neighborhood-level social factors and environmental hazards on respiratory health. This study used latent profile analysis (LPA) to empirically identify distinct neighborhood subtypes according to a clustering of social factors and environmental hazards, and to examine whether those subtypes are associated with lung function. The study included 182 low-income participants who were enrolled in the Colorado Home Energy Efficiency and Respiratory Health (CHEER) study during the years 2015–2017. Distinct neighborhood typologies were identified based on analyses of 632 census tracts in the Denver-Metro and Front Range area of Colorado; neighborhood characteristics used to identify typologies included green space, traffic-related air pollution, violent and property crime, racial/ethnic composition, and socioeconomic status (SES). Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the association between neighborhood typology and lung function. We found four distinct neighborhood typologies and provide evidence that these social and environmental aspects of neighborhoods cluster along lines of advantage/disadvantage. We provide suggestive evidence of a double jeopardy situation where low-income populations living in disadvantaged neighborhoods may have decreased lung function. Using LPA with social and environmental characteristics may help to identify meaningful neighborhood subtypes and inform research on the mechanisms by which neighborhoods influence health.

scholarly journals Understanding the Intersection of Race/Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Geographic Location: A Scoping Review of U.S. Consumer Food Purchasing

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7677 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chelsea Singleton ◽  
Megan Winkler ◽  
Bailey Houghtaling ◽  
Oluwafikayo Adeyemi ◽  
Alexandra Roehll ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Food Purchasing ◽  
Food Purchases ◽  
Sweetened Beverages ◽  
Food And Beverage ◽  
Race Ethnicity

Disparities in diet quality persist in the U.S. Examining consumer food purchasing can provide unique insight into the nutritional inequities documented by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and geographic location (i.e., urban vs. rural). There remains limited understanding of how these three factors intersect to influence consumer food purchasing. This study aimed to summarize peer-reviewed scientific studies that provided an intersectional perspective on U.S. consumer food purchasing. Thirty-four studies were examined that presented objectively measured data on purchasing outcomes of interest (e.g., fruits, vegetables, salty snacks, sugar-sweetened beverages, Healthy Eating Index, etc.). All studies were of acceptable or high quality. Only six studies (17.6%) assessed consumer food purchases at the intersection of race/ethnicity, SES, or geographic location. Other studies evaluated racial/ethnic or SES differences in food purchasing or described the food and/or beverage purchases of a targeted population (example: low-income non-Hispanic Black households). No study assessed geographic differences in food or beverage purchases or examined purchases at the intersection of all three factors. Overall, this scoping review highlights the scarcity of literature on the role of intersectionality in consumer food and beverage purchasing and provides recommendations for future studies to grow this important area of research.

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