RESUMO
Background Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) represent a diverse pediatric population requiring healthcare services beyond typical childhood needs. This study analyzes data from the 2016-2020 National Survey of Children's Health Database to elucidate demographic patterns, prevalence rates, and nuanced factors influencing the health and well-being of CSHCN. Methods This retrospective observational study focuses on children aged 0-17 who are identified as CSHCN based on Maternal and Child Health Bureau criteria. A comprehensive analysis of the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) database examines key variables, including health outcomes, healthcare utilization, parental-reported health status, and socio-demographic factors. Stratified random sampling ensures national representation. Results The study encompassed 40,335 patients, revealing that 14.6% (CI: 14.0-15.3, n=6,445) of CSHCN received care in a well-functioning system. Across age groups, 19.1% (CI: 14.0-15.3, n=6,445) of CSHCN aged 0-5 received ongoing treatment, contrasting with 5.7% (CI: 5.2-6.2, n=1,599) in the 12-17 years group. Males exhibited a prevalence of 15% (CI: 14.1-15.9, n=3,674), and females had 14.2% (CI: 13.2-15.2, n=2,771). Racial disparities were noted; non-Hispanic Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander children had a 3% (CI: 1.1-8.1, n=6) prevalence. Across Federal Poverty Level categories, prevalence ranged from 12.5% (CI: 11.5-13.6, n=1,753) to 17.7% (CI: 16.6-18.9, n=2,856). Notably, 18.5% (CI: 17.4-19.7, n=3,515) of children without adverse experiences were CSHCN. Among CSHCN in two-parent currently married households, 15.9% (CI: 15.0-16.8, n=4,330) received treatment, while those in unmarried households had a prevalence of 12.9% (CI: 10.5-15.7, n=335). CSHCN with parents born in the United States showed a prevalence of 15.4% (CI: 14.7-16.1, n=5,257). Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and demographic patterns of CSHCN. Limitations include potential recall bias and the retrospective study design. Despite these constraints, the findings lay a foundation for future research and targeted interventions, fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of pediatric healthcare in the United States.
RESUMO
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) prevention programs aim to reduce trauma-related head injuries across the United States. In addition to epidemiological challenges, patients with TBI have a greater burden of disease and worse health outcomes than the general population. In these circumstances, the prevention of TBI is an important element in reducing the occurrence of post-traumatic health consequences in all settings and beyond. We completed a high-quality overview of TBI prevention programs using the public health approach to identify the most compelling risks to individuals through surveillance, data analysis, and field assessment. We explored the evidence-based programs that are proven to help individuals reduce the risk of TBI. To date, TBI programs have been very efficient, as evidenced by a sustained downturn in TBI incidence. However, recent socioeconomic and epidemiological challenges in the United States are affecting state and local TBI prevention efforts. This article is focused on strategies and solutions to reduce risks and/or consequences associated with head injuries from motor vehicle accidents in New York City. We believe this report is essential to guide the design and implementation of adequate preventive strategies and providing safe and high-quality patient care across all settings where healthcare is delivered.
RESUMO
The objective of this study was to conduct a review of the benefits and adverse effects of cannabis (or marijuana) legalization in various states across the US. The current study offers a preliminary evaluation of the problems concerning marijuana legalization in several states, with the primary goal being the assessment of the impact of laws and policies governing the legalization and use of marijuana for medical purposes. A comprehensive search on cannabis and its derivatives was performed using multiple resource databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials), government web sources, and the Department of Public Health databases. A total of 47 reports that evaluated the effects of cannabis legalization were included in this review. All review stages were conducted independently by two reviewers. Data were extracted in standardized tables by one reviewer and adjusted by a second, which were verified by the third author. We examined the use of cannabis before and after the changes in policy and the impact of marijuana legalization on traffic safety, behavior and educational achievement in adolescents, public health, tax revenues, criminal justice expenditures, and financial outcomes. We analyzed the effects and consequences of marijuana use in states that have or have not legalized marijuana. This report also includes the responsiveness of the people in states where marijuana is legalized and its value in the healthcare system. Our study highlights the existing limitations of reviews that probe the effect of decriminalizing marijuana in some states of the country. Our analysis shows that detailed and precise evaluation of policy dynamics must be conducted, taking into account the heterogeneity in population sub-groups and policies. Accordingly, in states where marijuana is used for its medicinal value and recreational purposes, people have different views on the legalization of marijuana. The complete effect of legalizing and commercializing marijuana on consumers' mental health and their educational outcomes is expected to take a longer duration prior to its achievement; unfortunately, fewer merits are anticipated. Most of the reports evaluated in this article proved to be marred with inconsistencies. Many of the stated claims did not pass a methodical evaluation. Going forward, additional data from available sources will lead to stronger conclusions. We weighed the pros and cons of marijuana legalization. However, we are certain that consumers can make better decisions by weighing each opinion by its reliability and safety.