Cross-sectional study of the associations between the implementation of the WHO FCTC tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship bans and current e-cigarette use among youth from countries with different income levels.

BACKGROUND: The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) Article 13 requires countries to ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS), and bans are recommended to cover electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). We examined youth e-cigarette prevalence by TAPS regulations in countries with different income levels. METHODS: We analysed data on 165 299 respondents from 48 countries with 2016/2018 WHO FCTC implementation reports and 2016-2019 Global Youth Tobacco Survey. We used multilevel logistic regressions to examine associations between TAPS regulations and current e-cigarette use, stratified by country income. RESULTS: About 1 in 10 respondents was currently using e-cigarettes. Respondents in countries with TAPS bans on the internet were less likely to use e-cigarettes (adjOR=0.58; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.86) than youth in countries without such bans. In lower middle-income and low-income countries, bans on displaying tobacco products at the point of sale (adjOR=0.55; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.90), bans on product placement (adjOR=0.44; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.69) and strength of additional TAPS measures were associated with lower prevalence of e-cigarette use among students. Being taught about the dangers of the use of tobacco in school was associated with lower odds of e-cigarette use. No differences in the use of e-cigarettes were observed by types of TAPS among respondents in high-income countries. CONCLUSIONS: Strengthening implementation of TAPS policies and assuring they cover new and emerging products, online channels and points of sales are essential, especially in lower income countries. Maintaining tobacco health education is also important to protect youth from e-cigarette use.

Asian American sub-ethnic disparities and trends in epithelial ovarian cancer diagnosis, treatment and survival.

OBJECTIVES: Studies on ovarian cancer (OC) diagnosis, treatment and survival across disaggregated Asian sub-ethnic groups are sparse. Few studies have also conducted trend analyses of these outcomes within and across Asian groups. METHODS: Using logistic, Cox, and Joinpoint regression analyses of the 2000-2018 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data, we examined disparities and trends in OC advanced stage diagnosis, receipt of treatments and the 5-year cause-specific survival across seven Asian sub-ethnic groups. RESULTS: There were 6491 OC patients across seven Asian sub-ethnic groups (mean [SD] age, 57.29 [13.90] years). There were 1583(24.39%) Filipino, 1183(18.23%) Chinese, and 761(11.72%) Asian Indian or Pakistani (AIP) patients. The majority (52.49%) were diagnosed with OC with at an advanced stage. AIP were more likely to have advanced stage diagnosis than other subgroups (ORs, 95%CIs: 0.77, 0.62-0.96 [Filipino]; 0.76, 0.60-0.95 [Chinese]; 0.71, 0.54-0.94 [Japanese]; 0.74, 0.56-0.98 [Vietnamese] and 0.66, 0.53-0.83 [Other Asians]). The Filipinos were least likely to receive surgery but most likely to undergo chemotherapy. Japanese patients had the worst 5-year OC cause-specific survival (50.29%, 95%CI: 46.20%-54.74%). Based on the aggregated analyses, there was a significantly decreased trend in advanced-stage diagnosis and an increased trend in receipt of chemotherapy. Trends in OC outcomes for several subethnicities differed from those observed in aggregated analyses. CONCLUSION: In this cohort study of 6491 patients, OC diagnosis, treatment, survival, and trends differed across Asian American ethnic subgroups. Such differences must be considered in future research and interventions to ensure all Asian American subethnicities equally benefit from the advancements in OC care and control.

Exclusive and dual use of electronic cigarettes among European youth in 32 countries with different regulatory landscapes.

BACKGROUND: The Tobacco Products Directive (2014/40/EU) partially harmonised the regulation of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in Europe, but individual countries maintain jurisdiction over bans on use in public places, domestic advertising, taxation and flavour regulations. Their association with youth e-cigarette use has not been examined. METHODS: We used the cross-sectional 2019 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs data from 32 countries with 98 758 students aged 15-16 years and the 2020 WHO's assessment of the e-cigarette regulations. Multilevel logistic regression models on ever (vs never) and current (vs non-current) exclusive e-cigarette use, exclusive cigarette use and dual use by e-cigarette regulations' composite score were adjusted for age, gender, parental education, perceived family's financial well-being, perceived difficulty of obtaining cigarettes, country income level and general progress in tobacco control. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 13.3% had ever used cigarettes, 10.6% e-cigarettes and 27.3% both; 13.0% currently used cigarettes, 6.0% e-cigarettes and 6.4% both. Higher composite country score in the e-cigarette regulations was associated with lower current exclusive e-cigarette use (OR=0.78; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.94) and current dual use (OR=0.80; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.95). Youth perceiving more difficulties in obtaining cigarettes were less likely to use cigarettes, e-cigarettes and both ever and currently (OR from 0.80 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.85) to 0.94 (95% CI 0.92 to 0.96)). CONCLUSIONS: More comprehensive e-cigarette regulations and enforcement of age-of-sale laws may be protective of e-cigarette and dual use among adolescents.

Electronic cigarette use among adolescents in 17 European study sites: findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey.

BACKGROUND: As new findings on public health implications of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use emerge, its surveillance remains of utmost importance. This study examined the latest state of e-cigarette use in youth in 17 European study sites (i.e. 16 countries and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina) using the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS). METHODS: This was an observational study. Cross-sectional data on students aged 11-17 years from the latest available GYTS round completed in 17 study sites were used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence of e-cigarette use by sex and pocket money. Panel GYTS data from five countries were used for the trend analyses. All analyses were weighted to account for the survey design and non-response. RESULTS: Compared to 2014, the age-adjusted prevalence of e-cigarette use more than doubled in Georgia and Italy, and nearly doubled in Latvia. Significantly more male than female students aged 11-17 years reported use of e-cigarettes, with little to no confounding by age, grade and pocket money across countries. Youth with medium or higher amount of pocket money was 20-200% more likely to use e-cigarettes than those with fewer to no pocket money in 14 study sites. DISCUSSION: As e-cigarette use is becoming widespread throughout the world, there is variation in use among and between countries. Expanded and consistent surveillance of e-cigarette use by all World Health Organization member states is essential to generate data on the extent and correlates of youth e-cigarette use for evidence-based planning and evaluation of the electronic nicotine delivery systems and electronic non-nicotine delivery systems national and global control programmes.

Cluster analysis of urinary tobacco biomarkers among U.S. adults: Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) biomarker study (2013-2014).

Tobacco use delivers nicotine, tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are metabolized and excreted in urine offering useful biomarkers of exposure. Previous studies compared individual toxicants across tobacco users. Based on a group of biomarkers, cluster analysis was used to define tobacco toxicant exposure profiles. Clusters with distinct exposure profiles, were determined and described, based on levels of urinary biomarkers of exposure to nicotine, TSNAs, VOCs, and PAHs among a national sample of current, established, adult tobacco users, and examine the association of use behavior and cluster membership. The PATH Biomarker Wave 1 data were analyzed. Current established tobacco users with complete urinary biomarker data were included (N = 6724). User groups included cigarette smokers, users of electronic cigarette (ECIG), smokeless tobacco (SLT), and dual and poly tobacco users. Cluster analysis, pairwise comparisons, and multinomial logistic regression were conducted. Cigarette smokers were primarily in clusters with high biomarker concentrations across all groups, but actual concentrations were associated with smoking quantity. A cluster with high TSNAs but low levels of PAHs and VOCs was heavily populated by SLT users. Exclusive ECIG users, depending on use frequency, were predominantly in clusters with low biomarker concentrations, except for one cluster that had relatively high TSNAs. Clusters heavily populated by dual and poly tobacco users were the same as those heavily populated by cigarette smokers. Ten exposure profiles (clusters) were determined and linked to tobacco use behavior. Findings could inform future research and policy initiatives.

Health Behaviors in Rural Appalachia.

OBJECTIVES: To better understand the disproportionate burdens from cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, and other chronic conditions related to energy balance, we studied diet and physical activity patterns in younger and older adults in rural Appalachia by using a nonclinical, cross-sectional, community-based sampling approach. METHODS: A total of 651 younger (ages 18-59) and 254 older (ages ≥60) Appalachians were recruited from 43 churches or community organizations. Participants answered questions about fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity. Analyses were adjusted for clustering within churches. RESULTS: Compared with older Appalachians, younger Appalachians consumed significantly fewer fruits and vegetables (P = 0.01) and reported significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (P = 0.01). Regardless of age, engagement in healthy behaviors was suboptimal and well below national averages. CONCLUSIONS: This community-based sample demonstrated elevated behavioral risk factors that likely contribute to some of the nation's highest rates of premature mortality. Despite suboptimal dietary intake and physical activity, results indicate some potential leverage points between the generations that may be used to improve health. For example, the older generation could benefit from engaging with their younger relatives in physical activities while advocating for a better-rounded diet. Given traditions of intergenerational connectedness, mutual aid, and self-reliance, transmission of healthier behaviors across the generations may be beneficial in the rural Appalachian context.

Muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities and mortality among 3+ year cancer survivors in the U.S.

PURPOSE: This study examined the association between adherence to American College of Sports Medicine and American Cancer Society guidelines on aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities and mortality risks among 3+ year cancer survivors in the U.S. METHODS: The observational study was based on 1999-2009 National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality Files with follow-up through 2011. After applying exclusion criteria, there were 13,997 observations. The hazard ratios (HRs) for meeting recommendations on muscle-strengthening activities only, on aerobic activities only, and on both types of physical activity (i.e., adhering to complete guidelines) were calculated using a reference group of cancer survivors engaging in neither. Unadjusted and adjusted HRs of all-cause, cancer-specific, and cardiovascular disease-specific mortalities were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: In all models, compared to the reference group, cancer survivors adhering to complete guidelines had significantly decreased all-cause, cancer-specific, and cardiovascular disease-specific mortalities (HRs ranged from 0.37 to 0.64, p's < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between hazard rates of cancer survivors engaging in recommended levels of muscle-strengthening activities only and the reference group (HRs ranged from 0.76 to 0.94, p's > 0.05). Wald test statistics suggested a significant dose-response relationship between levels of adherence to complete guidelines and cancer-specific mortality. CONCLUSIONS: While muscle-strengthening activities by themselves do not appear to reduce mortality risks, such activities may provide added cancer-specific survival benefits to 3+ year cancer survivors who are already aerobically active.

Does vigilance in decision-making matter for dementia family caregivers?

OBJECTIVES: Family responsibilities and social expectations often prompt conflict in caregivers' decision-making processes. Janis and Mann's (1977) conflict model describes vigilance as high-quality decision-making resulting in optimal outcomes. The purpose of our research was threefold: (1) to describe decision styles in a population of family caregivers of persons with dementia; (2) to examine the socio-economic characteristics associated with caregivers who are more likely to be vigilant decision-makers; and (3) to assess differences in caregiving experiences between vigilant and non-vigilant caregivers. METHOD: Our analysis was based on 639 survey respondents recruited from a university-affiliated memory disorders clinic. RESULTS: Our typical caregiver was Caucasian non-Hispanic, was currently married, and had two children. Approximately half of our sample used a 'pure vigilant' decision style. Vigilance was associated with more positive and fewer negative caregiving outcomes. CONCLUSION: Supporting caregivers to become vigilant decision-makers is a functionally viable intervention that could significantly improve the caregiving experience.

Correlates of Cervical Cancer Screening Adherence Among Women in the U.S.: Findings from HINTS 2013-2014.

Following the latest update of cervical cancer screening guidelines in 2012, we estimate the prevalence of guideline adherent cervical cancer screening and examine its associated factors among a nationally representative sample of US women aged 21-65 years. Our study was based on cross-sectional data from Cycles 3 (2013) and 4 (2014) of the Health Information National Trends Survey. The final analytic sample consisted of 2822 women. Guideline adherent cervical cancer screening was defined as having a Pap test within the last 3 years. Correlates of guideline adherent cervical cancer screening included socio-demographic and health-related characteristics and HPV/cervical cancer-related beliefs and knowledge items. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate prevalence of guideline adherent screening. An estimated 81.3% of women aged 21-65 years reported being screened for cervical cancer within the last 3 years. Controlling for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics and survey year, women aged 46-65 years were less likely to be guideline adherent than those aged 21-30 years (aPR = 0.89; 95% CI 0.82-0.97). The adjusted prevalence of adherence was significantly higher among married/partnered than among not married women (aPR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.05-1.22), and those with one to three medical visits (aPR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.14-1.48), and four or more visits in the past year (aPR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.09-1.45) compared to those with no medical visits. Differences in unadjusted prevalence of guideline adherent screening depending on women's beliefs and knowledge about HPV and cervical cancer were not significant in adjusted analyses. Lack of interaction with a healthcare provider, being not married/partnered and increasing age continue to be risk factors of foregoing guideline adherent cervical cancer screening.

Physical activity levels and counseling by health care providers in cancer survivors.

Physical activity guidelines for cancer survivors issued by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Sports Medicine emphasize the essential role of a health care provider (HCP) in counseling cancer survivors to achieve healthier lifestyles. However, research has not established whether HCP's recommendations to engage in physical activity are associated with increased physical activity levels of cancer survivors. The study examines this potential association using the 2005 and 2010 National Health Interview Survey data. The final analytic sample consisted of 3320 cancer survivors and 38,955 adults without cancer who reported seeing or talking to a HCP and if or not they had received a physical activity recommendation in the prior year. Consistent with the aforementioned guidelines, physical activity levels were categorized as inactive, insufficiently active, and sufficiently active (i.e., meeting guidelines). Average adjusted predictions and marginal effects were estimated from generalized ordered logit models. Multivariable regressions controlled for socio-demographic and health-related characteristics and survey year. On average, receipt of a HCP's physical activity recommendation was associated with a lower adjusted prevalence of inactivity by 8.3 percentage points and a higher adjusted prevalence of insufficient and sufficient activity by 4.6 and 3.7 percentage points, respectively, regardless of cancer diagnosis (P's<0.05). A HCP's recommendation is associated with higher levels of leisure-time aerobic physical activity among cancer survivors and adults without cancer. The communication between cancer survivors and their HCPs may act as a 'window' of opportunity to increase physical activity levels among the U.S. cancer survivors.

Salud es Vida: a Cervical Cancer Screening Intervention for Rural Latina Immigrant Women.

This study examined the feasibility and efficacy of Salud es Vida-a promotora-led, Spanish language educational group session on cervical cancer screening (Pap tests)-self-efficacy (belief in ability to schedule and complete a Pap test), and knowledge among immigrant Hispanic/Latina women from farmworker backgrounds. These women are disproportionately burdened with cervical cancer, with mortality rates significantly higher than non-Hispanic whites. The two-arm, quasi-experimental study was conducted in four rural counties of Southeast Georgia in 2014-2015. Hispanic/Latina immigrant women aged 21-65 years and overdue for a Pap test were included as intervention (N = 38) and control (N = 52) group participants. The intervention was developed in partnership with a group of promotoras to create the toolkit of materials which includes a curriculum guide, a brochure, a flipchart, a short animated video, and in-class activities. Twelve (32 %) intervention group participants received the Pap test compared to 10 (19 %) control group participants (p = 0.178). The intervention group scored significantly higher on both cervical cancer knowledge recall and retention than the control group (p < 0.001). While there was no statistically significant difference in cervical cancer screening self-efficacy scores between the group participants, both groups scored higher at follow-up, adjusting for the baseline scores. The group intervention approach was associated with increased cervical cancer knowledge but not uptake of Pap test. More intensive interventions using patient navigation approaches or promotoras who actively follow participants or conducting one-on-one rather than group sessions may be needed to achieve improved screening outcomes with this population.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Physical Activity Assessment Methods for an Appalachian Population.

Nowhere is improving understanding and accurate assessment of physical activity more important for disease prevention and health promotion than among health disparities populations such as those residing in rural and Appalachian regions. To enhance accurate assessment of physical activity and potentially improve intervention capacity, we conducted a mixed-methods study examining the acceptability and feasibility of self-report physical activity questionnaires, pedometers, and accelerometers among rural Appalachian children, adolescents, and adults. Most participants reported positive experiences with all three physical activity assessment tools. Several acceptability ratings differed by age group and by sex within each age group. With very few exceptions, no significant differences in acceptability were found by race, education, employment status, health status, BMI categories, income levels, or insurance status within age groups or overall. Several factors may impact the choice of the physical activity assessment method, including target population age, equipment cost, researcher burden, and potential influence on physical activity levels. Children and adolescents appear to have more constraints on when they can wear pedometers and accelerometers. While pedometers are inexpensive and convenient, they may influence physical activity levels, rather than simply measure them. Accelerometers, while less influential on behavior, consume extensive resources, including high purchase costs and researcher burden.

Feasibility Study of Engaging Barbershops for Prostate Cancer Education in Rural African-American Communities.

The barbershop is a promising setting where African-American men might receive information and education about prostate cancer. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of engaging rural barbershops as venues for barbers to deliver a prostate cancer education intervention to increase informed decision-making for prostate cancer screening among customers. Twelve barbershops were recruited from two separate micropolitan areas in Georgia as intervention and control sites. Structured interviews were conducted with 11 barbers in both sites about customer characteristics as well as their willingness to participate in the study. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed for analysis. In the intervention site, six barbers completed a survey and a pre-/posttest prostate cancer knowledge instrument following training classes. Barbers reported a wide average range of customers served per week (50 to 300). African-American men made up an average of 87% of customers. Barbers thought prostate cancer was an important discussion topic, felt they would be comfortable discussing it, and supported the participation of their barbershop in the study. For intervention group barbers, there was a statistically significant difference between the average pretest knowledge score of 72% (mean 12.2, SD=3.2) and the posttest knowledge score of 89% (mean 15.2, SD=1.1) (P=0.03) on the 17-item prostate cancer knowledge instrument. Based on the multiple interactions with the barbers, there was high receptivity to the topic and consensus about the importance of addressing prostate cancer with their customers. Rural barbershops represent feasible venues for delivering a prostate cancer education intervention.

Diabetes and colorectal cancer screening among men and women in the USA: National Health Interview Survey: 2008, 2010.

PURPOSE: Adults with diabetes are at increased risk of being diagnosed with and dying from colorectal cancer, but it is unclear whether colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) use is lower in this population. Using the 2008 and 2010 National Health Interview Survey data, we examined whether guideline-concordant CRCS is lower among men and women with self-reported diabetes. METHODS: We calculated the weighted percentage of guideline-concordant CRCS and unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) comparing adults aged 51-75 years with diabetes (n = 6,514) to those without (n = 8,371). We also examined effect modification by age (51-64 and 65-75), race/ethnicity, and number of medical office visits (0-3, ≥ 4). RESULTS: The unadjusted prevalence of CRCS among men with diabetes was significantly higher than men without (63.3 vs. 58.0 %; PR = 1.09 95 % CI 1.03-1.16). In adjusted models, this relationship was evident among older [adjusted PR (aPR) = 1.13 95 % CI 1.06-1.21] but not younger men (aPR = 0.99 95 % CI 0.91-1.08; p for interaction term ≤ 0.01). There was no significant association between diabetes and CRCS among women overall (56.6 vs. 57.9 %; PR = 0.98 95 % CI 0.92-1.04) or by age group. Race/ethnicity and the number of medical visits did not significantly modify the association between diabetes and CRCS for men or women. CONCLUSIONS: Men and women with self-reported diabetes were not less likely to be up to date with CRCS than those without diabetes. Older men with diabetes were more likely to be up to date with CRCS than those without diabetes.

Recommendations and administration of the HPV vaccine to 11- to 12-year-old girls and boys: a statewide survey of Georgia vaccines for children provider practices.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the prevalence and provider- and practice-related correlates of physician recommendation and administration of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Gardasil, to 11- to 12-year-old girls and the intention to recommend the HPV vaccine to 11- to 12-year-old boys in Georgia. The study also describes physician knowledge about and barriers to HPV vaccination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2010 to February 2011. The study sample was drawn using the Georgia Vaccines for Children (VFC) provider list as a sampling frame and probability 1-stage cluster sampling with counties as clusters. The final analytic sample was restricted to 206 provider locations. Weighted percentages and corresponding statistics were calculated accounting for selection probabilities, nonresponse, and the cluster sample design. RESULTS: Among Georgia VFC providers attending to 11- to 12-year-old girls, 46% had always recommended that their patients get the HPV vaccination and 41% had vaccinated their female patients. Among Georgia VFC providers attending to 11- to 12-year-old boys, 20% would always recommend that their male patients get vaccinated.Physicians most frequently endorsed costs of stocking the vaccine (73%), upfront costs (69%), vaccination (68%), and insurance reimbursements (63%) as barriers to their HPV vaccination practices. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' recommendations on HPV vaccination, the prevalence of recommending and administering the HPV vaccine to female and male patients, aged 11 to 12 years, by VFC providers is an ongoing challenge in Georgia.

Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking, E-cigarette Use, and Dual Use Among Urban and Rural Women During the Peripartum Period, PRAMS 2015-2020.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence has emerged on the health dangers of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use among pregnant women and neonates. We examined whether rural residence is a risk factor for smoking and e-cigarette use among women during the peripartum period in the United States. METHODS: This study was based on pooled cross-sectional 2015-2020 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. The outcome was exclusive smoking, exclusive e-cigarette use, and use of both products (ie, dual use) versus use of neither tobacco product by women with live infants aged 2 to 6 months. We examined rural-urban differences in outcome by using univariate and multivariable multinomial logistic regressions with post hoc contrasts and marginal analyses, adjusting for complex survey design and nonresponse. RESULTS: During the peripartum period, 5.0% of women were smoking combustible cigarettes, 5.0% were using e-cigarettes, and 1.9% were using both tobacco products. The crude prevalence of e-cigarette use was 1.1 percentage point higher, and the adjusted prevalence was 0.8 percentage points lower for rural versus urban women (P < .001 for both). Among rural women, 6.7% (95% CI, 6.3%-7.1%) smoked combustible cigarettes exclusively and 2.6% (95% CI, 2.3%-2.8%) used both products, as compared with 4.5% (95% CI, 4.4%-4.8%) and 1.7% (95% CI, 1.6%-1.8%) of urban women, respectively, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal sociodemographic and health-related characteristics differed by combustible smoking versus e-cigarette use during the peripartum period. The effect of residence on e-cigarette use was significantly confounded by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, resulting in clinically comparable prevalence of e-cigarette use in rural and urban mothers with live infants aged 2 to 6 months.

Risk Factors of Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in China: A Longitudinal Analysis of the China Health and Nutrition Survey Cohort.

The burden of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) has increased rapidly in China. Using the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) data, we assessed the risk factors of premature ASCVD (age of diagnosis: <55 years for men and <65 years for women). Propensity score matching was used to reduce selection bias. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards analyses indicated that factors associated with increased risk of premature ASCVD included hypertension (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj.] = 1.68), obesity (HRadj. = 1.64), and high carbohydrate intake (HRadj. = 1.46). Conversely, participants with medical insurance (HRadj. = 0.42), high urbanization index (HRadj. = 0.53), and high household income (HRadj. = 0.48) had lower risk of premature ASCVD. When comparing premature vs non-premature ASCVD participants, those who were obese (HRadj. = 2.08) or living in more urbanized areas had higher hazards of early onset (HRadj. = 2.29).

Barriers to cervical cancer screening among middle-aged and older rural Appalachian women.

Although cervical cancer rates in the United States have declined sharply in recent decades, certain groups of women remain at elevated risk, including middle-aged and older women in central Appalachia. Cross-sectional baseline data from a community-based randomized controlled trial were examined to identify barriers to cervical cancer screening. Questionnaires assessing barriers were administered to 345 Appalachian women aged 40-64, years when Papanicolaou (Pap) testing declines and cervical cancer rates increase. Consistent with the PRECEDE/PROCEED framework, participants identified barriers included predisposing, enabling, and reinforcing factors. Descriptive and bivariate analyses are reported, identifying (a) the most frequently endorsed barriers to screening, and (b) significant associations of barriers with sociodemographic characteristics in the sample. Recommendations are provided to decrease these barriers and, ultimately, improve rates of Pap tests among this traditionally underserved and disproportionately affected group.

Perinatal Smoking and E-cigarette Use and Their Relationship with Breastfeeding: PRAMS 2015-2020.

Introduction: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use poses concerns among women of child-bearing age. We examined prevalence of breastfeeding among the U.S. women and characteristics associated with exclusive use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or both products. Materials and Methods: Our study is based on pooled cross-sectional data from 2015-2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Two outcomes were breastfeeding initiation and breastfeeding duration for over 6 months, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Binary logistic regressions were used to examine associations between each outcome and type of tobacco products unadjusted and adjusted for potential confounders, with post hoc estimation of average adjusted predictions, marginal effects, and contrasts of margins in Stata. Results: Adjusted prevalence of breastfeeding initiation was significantly higher in women who used e-cigarettes (86.15%) than conventional cigarettes (72.16%) or both products (79.54%). Similarly, a significantly higher percentage of women who used e-cigarettes continued breastfeeding after 6 months (49.20%) than women who smoked conventional cigarettes (31.30%) or both products (29.83%). Among women who neither smoked nor used e-cigarettes, 85.29% initiated breastfeeding and 57.20% continued breastfeeding as recommended by the AAP. Conclusion: Likelihood of breastfeeding initiation and continuation in women using e-cigarettes was comparable to those who neither smoked nor used e-cigarettes. Future research needs to elucidate differences in breastfeeding by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics of women who smoke or use both products compared to those who use e-cigarettes. Understanding women's motivation behind use of a particular tobacco product is also important, so mothers who smoke e-cigarettes are not incorrectly perceived as safer users and excluded from tobacco cessation interventions.

Implementation of the Article 13 WHO FCTC measures and changes in cigarette smoking among youth in 42 countries.

INTRODUCTION: Despite a decline in global smoking prevalence among adolescents, around 21 million youth report current cigarette smoking. Exposure to tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) is a risk factor for smoking initiation, and therefore the Article 13 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) requires comprehensive TAPS bans. We examined the associations between changes in youth cigarette smoking and implementation of Article 13. METHODS: We used two rounds of cross-sectional data from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) for 42 countries: first between 2006 and 2015, and second between 2017 and 2020. The GYTS data were linked with the WHO FCTC implementation reports from 2016 and 2018. The outcome was current smoking. Multilevel binary logistic regression models, stratified by country income level, were used to test the prevalence differences between the latest and previous GYTS rounds and their associations with TAPS bans with postestimations using marginal analyses. RESULTS: The percentage of students currently smoking decreased from 10.0% (95% CI 8.0 to 12.1) to 7.7% (95% CI 6.1 to 9.3) from first to second GYTS rounds (p<0.001), adjusting for country clustering. In low-income and lower-middle-income countries, the degree of decrease significantly differed between countries with versus without bans on display, partial internet TAPS ban, ban on depiction of tobacco products and by number of TAPS measures, adjusting for age and sex of the respondents. In high-income and upper-middle-income countries, the degree of decrease significantly differed by presence (or absence) of partial or full internet TAPS ban, ban on product placement and by number of TAPS measures. CONCLUSION: Implementation of TAPS bans is associated with decreased smoking among adolescents both in high-income and low-income countries. Enhanced and continuous efforts are necessary to protect youth from the promotion of tobacco and nicotine products.