Crime Victimization, Health, and Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting Among Somali Women and Adolescent Girls in the United States, 2017.

Objectives. To examine if exposure to victimization (e.g., homicide, violence, sexual assault, arson, kidnapping) is related to health problems, health care access and barriers, and health needs-beyond the effects of female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C)-among Somali women and adolescent girls.Methods. We collected original survey data in 2017 from 879 female Somalis in Arizona.Results. Compared with nonvictims, victims experienced significantly more health problems, were significantly less likely to have a designated place to receive health care, and identified significantly more health care needs and barriers to health care. Victims were 4 times more likely to experience depression or trauma and more than twice as likely to experience sexual intercourse problems, pregnancy problems, and gynecological problems. Among Somalis with FGM/C, victims had a 15% higher predicted probability of pregnancy-related health problems and a 19% higher predicted probability of gynecological health problems compared with nonvictimized Somalis with FGM/C.Conclusions. Somalis exposed to victimization have more health problems, needs, and health care barriers.Public Health Implications. Although more than 98% of Somali women and adolescent girls have undergone FGM/C, crime victimization affects health more than FGM/C alone.

A multifaceted intervention to improve treatment with oral anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation (IMPACT-AF): an international, cluster-randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulation is underused in patients with atrial fibrillation. We assessed the impact of a multifaceted educational intervention, versus usual care, on oral anticoagulant use in patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: This study was a two-arm, prospective, international, cluster-randomised, controlled trial. Patients were included who had atrial fibrillation and an indication for oral anticoagulation. Clusters were randomised (1:1) to receive a quality improvement educational intervention (intervention group) or usual care (control group). Randomisation was carried out centrally, using the eClinicalOS electronic data capture system. The intervention involved education of providers and patients, with regular monitoring and feedback. The primary outcome was the change in the proportion of patients treated with oral anticoagulants from baseline assessment to evaluation at 1 year. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02082548. FINDINGS: 2281 patients from five countries (Argentina, n=343; Brazil, n=360; China, n=586; India, n=493; and Romania, n=499) were enrolled from 48 clusters between June 11, 2014, and Nov 13, 2016. Follow-up was at a median of 12·0 months (IQR 11·8-12·2). Oral anticoagulant use increased in the intervention group from 68% (804 of 1184 patients) at baseline to 80% (943 of 1184 patients) at 1 year (difference 12%), whereas in the control group it increased from 64% (703 of 1092 patients) at baseline to 67% (732 of 1092 patients) at 1 year (difference 3%). Absolute difference in the change between groups was 9·1% (95% CI 3·8-14·4); odds ratio of change in the use of oral anticoagulation between groups was 3·28 (95% CI 1·67-6·44; adjusted p value=0·0002). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed a reduction in the secondary outcome of stroke in the intervention versus control groups (HR 0·48, 95% CI 0·23-0·99; log-rank p value=0·0434). INTERPRETATION: A multifaceted and multilevel educational intervention, aimed to improve use of oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation and at risk for stroke, resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of patients treated with oral anticoagulants. Such an intervention has the potential to improve stroke prevention around the world for patients with atrial fibrillation. FUNDING: Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Daiichi Sankyo, and Pfizer.

Malaria-related ideational factors and other correlates associated with intermittent preventive treatment among pregnant women in Madagascar.

BACKGROUND: The Malagasy Ministry of Health aimed to achieve 80% coverage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria among pregnant women (IPTp) in targeted districts by 2015. However, IPTp coverage rates of have remained fairly static over the past few years. METHODS: During a cross-sectional household survey, mothers of children under the age of 2 years were asked about their most recent pregnancy. The primary outcome of interest was a mother receiving two or more doses of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) (IPTp2) during their last pregnancy, at least one of which was obtained from a health provider. Multilevel analysis was used to account for community-level factors. Correlates included exposure to communication messages, the number of antenatal care (ANC) visits made by the woman, her household wealth, and other sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Over one-tenth (11.7%) of women received two or more doses of SP, at least one of which was obtained during an ANC visit. Two-thirds (68.3%) of women who consulted a health provider but did not take IPTp attributed this to not being offered the medication by their health provider. The odds of a woman receiving IPTp2 varied with her knowledge, attitudes, and perceived social norms related to IPTp and ANC and exposure to malaria messages. General malaria ideation, specifically the perceived severity of and perceived susceptibility to malaria, however, was not associated with increased odds of receiving IPTp2. A large variation in the odds of receiving IPTp2 was due to community-level factors that the study did not examine. CONCLUSIONS: Health communication programmes should aim to improve IPTp/ANC-specific ideation, particularly the norms of seeking regular care during pregnancy and taking any prescribed medication. While ANC attendance is necessary, it was not sufficient to meet IPTp2 coverage. Women surveyed in Madagascar rely on health providers to prescribe SP according to national policy. At the same time, stock-outs prevent health providers from prescribing SP. The large observed community-level variation in IPTp2 coverage is likely due to supply-side factors, such as SP availability and health-provider ideation and practices.

Associations between ideational variables and bed net use in Madagascar, Mali, and Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: The use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) is crucial to the prevention, control, and elimination of malaria. Using household surveys conducted in 2014-2015 by the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative project in Madagascar, Mali, and Nigeria, we compared a model of psychosocial influence, called Ideation, to examine how malaria-related variables influence individual and household bed net use in each of these countries. Evaluations of non-malaria programs have confirmed the value of the ideational approach, but it is infrequently used to guide malaria interventions. The study objective was to examine how well this model could identify potentially effective malaria prevention approaches in different contexts. METHODS: Sampling and survey designs were similar across countries. A multi-stage random sampling process selected female caregivers with at least one child under 5 years of age for interviews. Additional data were collected from household heads about bed net use and other characteristics of household members. The caregiver survey measured psychosocial variables that were subjected to bivariate and multivariate analysis to identify significant ideational variables related to bed net use. RESULTS: In all three countries, children and adolescents over five were less likely to sleep under a net compared to children under five (OR = 0.441 in Madagascar, 0.332 in Mali, 0.502 in Nigeria). Adults were less likely to sleep under a net compared to children under five in Mali (OR = 0.374) and Nigeria (OR = 0.448), but not Madagascar. In all countries, the odds of bed net use were lower in larger compared to smaller households (OR = 0.452 in Madagascar and OR = 0.529 in Nigeria for households with 5 or 6 members compared to those with less than 5; and OR = 0.831 in Mali for larger compared to smaller households). Of 14 common ideational variables examined in this study, six were significant predictors in Madagascar (all positive), three in Mali (all positive), and two in Nigeria (both negative). CONCLUSION: This research suggests that the systematic use of this model to identify relevant ideational variables in a particular setting can guide the development of communication strategies and messaging, thereby improving the effectiveness of malaria prevention and control.

Regional differences in presentation and antithrombotic treatment of patients with atrial fibrillation: Baseline characteristics from a clustered randomized trial to IMProve treatment with AntiCoagulanTs in patients with atrial fibrillation (IMPACT-AF).

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia worldwide. However, there are few contemporary comparative data on AF from middle-income countries. METHODS: Baseline characteristics of the IMPACT-AF trial were analyzed to assess regional differences in presentation and antithrombotic treatment of AF from 5 middle-income countries (Argentina, Brazil, China, India, and Romania) and factors associated with antithrombotic treatment prescription. RESULTS: IMPACT-AF enrolled 2281 patients (69 ± 11 years, 47% women) at 48 sites. Overall, 66% of patients were on anticoagulation at baseline, ranging from 38% in China to 91% in Brazil. The top 3 reasons for not prescribing an anticoagulant were patient preference/refusal (26%); concomitant antiplatelet therapy (15%); and risks outweighing the benefits, as assessed by the physician (13%). In a multivariable model, the most significant factors associated with prescription of oral anticoagulants were no prior major bleeding (odds ratio [OR] = 4.34; 95% CI = 2.22-8.33), no alcohol abuse (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.12-4.55), and history of rheumatic valvular heart disease (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.36-3.26), with a strong predictive accuracy (c statistic = 0.85), whereas the most significant factors associated with prescription of a combination of oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs were prior coronary revascularization (OR = 5.10; 95% CI = 2.88-9.05), prior myocardial infarction (OR = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.38-3.63), and no alcohol abuse (OR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.11-4.55), with a good predictive accuracy (c statistic = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: IMPACT-AF provides contemporary data from 5 middle-income countries regarding antithrombotic treatment of AF. Lack of prior major bleeding and coronary revascularization were the most important factors associated with prescription of oral anticoagulants and their combination with antiplatelet drugs, respectively.

A clustered randomized trial to IMProve treatment with AntiCoagulanTs in patients with Atrial Fibrillation (IMPACT-AF): design and rationale.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common, increasing as the population ages, and a major cause of embolic stroke. While oral anticoagulation (OAC) is highly effective at preventing stroke in patients with AF, it continues to be underused in eligible patients worldwide. The objective of this prospective, cluster randomized controlled trial (IMPACT-AF; ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02082548) is to determine whether a comprehensive customized intervention will increase the rate and persistence of use of OAC in patients with AF. IMPACT-AF will be conducted in approximately 50 centers in 5 low- to middle-income countries. Before randomization, sites within countries will be paired to match in size, practice type and baseline rate of OAC use. Site pairs will be randomized to intervention versus control. In total, 40 to 70 patients with AF and at least 2 CHA2DS2-VASc risk factors will be enrolled at each site using a consecutive enrollment strategy, with the goal of capturing actual practice patterns. We aim for patients with a new diagnosis of AF to comprise at least 30% of the study cohort. Assuming an average baseline OAC use of 60% and a post-intervention use of 70% with a post-control rate of 60%, there will be roughly 94-98% power with 25 clusters per group (intracluster correlation coefficient of 0.02). While this trial focuses on improving treatment use and reducing preventable strokes, we also aim to better understand the reasons for OAC underuse. This will improve the intervention with the goal of creating educational recommendations to improve care for patients with AF.

What Works to Reduce Victimization? Synthesizing What We Know and Where to Go From Here.

While some attention has been paid to "what works" to reduce crime, little is known about the effectiveness of programs designed to reduce victimization. This study systematically reviews 83 program evaluations to identify what works to (a) reduce victimization, (b) enhance beliefs/attitudes about victims, and (c) improve knowledge/awareness of victimization issues. Evidence-based findings are organized around 4 major forms of victimization, including bullying, intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, and other general forms of victimization. Determining whether certain types of programs can reduce the risk of victimization has important implications for improving people's quality of life. Based on our findings, we offer several promising directions for the next generation of research on evaluating victimization programs. The goal of this study is to improve the strength of future program evaluations, replications, and other systematic reviews as researchers and practitioners continue to learn what works to reduce victimization.

Retention in care and adherence to ART are critical elements of HIV care interventions.

Retention in care and adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) are critical elements of HIV care interventions and are closely associated with optimal individual and public health outcomes and cost effectiveness. This literature review was conducted to analyse how the roles of clients in HIV care and treatment are discussed, from terminology used to measurement methods to consequences of a wide range of patient-related factors impacting client adherence to ART and retention in care. Unfortunately, data suggests that clients find it hard to follow recommended behaviour. For HIV, the greatest loss to follow-up occurs before starting treatment, though each step of the continuum of care is affected. Measurement approaches can be divided into 'direct' and 'indirect' methods; in practice, a combination is often considered the best strategy. Inadequate retention and adherence lead to decreased health outcomes (morbidity, mortality, drug resistances, risk of transmission) and cost effectiveness (increased costs and lower productivity).

New developments and implications for understanding the victimization of gang members.

Despite a long line of research establishing a connection between gang membership and delinquent or criminal behavior, less is known about gang members' exposure to victimization. Among the few published studies that have recently investigated the gang-victimization link, findings are mixed and our understanding of this relationship remains unclear. This study offers a synthesis of the emerging gang-victimization literature by highlighting methodological and theoretical advancements and limitations within the field. Specific recommendations are presented to guide future research.

Who Can You Trust? The Impact of Procedural Justice, Trust, and Police Officer Sex on Women's Sexual Assault Victimization Reporting Likelihood.

Sexual assaults are underreported to the police, even though this crime affects one in four college women. Using a vignette design, this study fills a gap in the literature by examining the influence of prior police perceptions, procedurally unjust treatment, and the sex of the responding officer on college women's likelihood to report sexual assault. Results indicate positive prior police perceptions significantly increase students' perceived likelihood to report sexual victimization. Even when controlling for prior perceptions, procedurally unfair treatment significantly decreases the likelihood of future victimization reporting. Responding officer sex does not affect students' decision to report.

Influence of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting on Health Morbidity, Health Service Utilization and Satisfaction with Care among Somali Women and Teenage Girls in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: There is scant evidence on the health morbidities experienced by Somali women and girls affected by female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and their resultant health-seeking behavior in the USA as compared to those who have not undergone the procedure. To fill this gap, we conducted a comprehensive examination of health morbidity among women and teenage girls with and without FGM/C in a Somali migrant community. METHODS: Using a comprehensive community-based participatory research approach, a cross-sectional survey was administered to 879 Somali women and teenage girls in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona. We employed Chi-square and analysis of variance to disentangle health and healthcare use among those with and without FGM/C. RESULTS: The majority of respondents had undergone FGM/C (79%). Respondents with FGM/C experienced significantly more health concerns compared to uncut women and girls, with those possessing Type III FGM/C experiencing significantly more obstetric, gynecologic, sexual, and mental health morbidity than those with Type I or Type II. Rates of service use, while varied, were low overall, particularly for mental health services, even with health insurance. The majority of respondents who sought care indicated that their concerns were resolved, and they were satisfied with the healthcare received. CONCLUSIONS: Community-engaged strategies that build upon satisfaction with care of women who seek care to enhance trust, nurture community embeddedness and facilitate peer navigation, while equipping health and social service providers with the competency and tools to provide respectful, trauma-informed care, will be critical to advance health equity for FGM/C-affected communities.

Fear of property crime: examining the effects of victimization, vicarious victimization, and perceived risk.

Fear of crime research has primarily focused on fear of crime in general or on fear of specific types of violent crimes. This study builds from this line of research by focusing exclusively on the night fear of six types of property crimes, including fear of burglary while away from home, vehicle theft, bicycle theft, property theft, vandalism, and vehicle burglary. This study examines the effects of victimization, vicarious victimization, and perceived risk on fear of property crime. Survey data from college students reveal that victimization and vicarious victimization were not significant predictors of fear of property crime, whereas perceived risk was a consistent and significant predictor of fear of all property crimes.

Tribal youth victimization and delinquency: analysis of Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey data.

This study details ethnic disparities that exist between American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth and White, African American, and Hispanic/Latino youth based on secondary data analysis of Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey from surveys conducted in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Items were selected for secondary analysis based on their relevance to one of five categories including (a) Violence or delinquent behaviors, (b) substance use, (c) sexual behaviors, (d) experience of victimization, and (f) suicide-related behaviors. The analyses suggest that pervasive levels of disproportionality exist between AI/AN youth and youth of other race/ethnicities on an array of risk items. These differences are most profound between the AI/AN and White youth populations, but also exist in numerous areas between the AI/AN and both African American and Hispanic/Latino youth. The findings highlight elevated levels of victimization, drug use, and suicidal behaviors among AI/AN youth. These data must be filtered through the realities of growing up in Indian Country, and must include positive factors not identified in the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. Future research should focus not only on disparities, but on culturally appropriate interventions that have been successfully used to address the unique trauma experienced by youth living in AI/AN communities.

Positive airway pressure adherence in pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic scoping review.

Positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy is a commonly prescribed treatment for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Negative health consequences associated with untreated OSA make understanding the utilization of PAP therapy imperative. The aim of this review was to describe PAP use in children and adolescents with OSA, explore factors that influence use, and describe published scientific or clinical approaches to improve use. Among 20 studies, average PAP adherence was 56.9% (range, 24-87%). PAP use averaged 4.0 h (SD = 3.1) to 5.2 h (SD = 3.4) per night. Cautious consideration of summary estimates of PAP use is necessary as studies were heterogeneous and adherence definitions widely varied across studies. Age, sex, and developmental delay were the only factors associated with PAP use in more than one study. The majority of approaches to improve use were program evaluations rather than scientifically tested interventions. This review identified critical gaps in the existing literature and sets forth a research agenda for the future.

The relationship between violence in the family of origin and dating violence among college students.

Prior research has established that violence in dating relationships is a serious social problem among adolescents and young adults. Exposure to violence during childhood has been linked to dating violence victimization and perpetration. Also known as the intergenerational transmission of violence, the link between violence during childhood and dating violence has traditionally focused on physical violence. This research examines the relationship between experiencing and perpetrating dating violence and exposure to violence in the family of origin. Specifically, the current research examines gender differences in the relationship between exposure to violence during childhood and physical and psychological abuse perpetration and victimization. Data were collected from a sample of approximately 2,500 college students at two southeastern universities. Findings indicate that childhood exposure to violence is a consistent predictor of involvement in relationships characterized by violence for males and females. The implications of the current research on policy are discussed.

A Gendered Lifestyle-Routine Activity Approach to Explaining Stalking Victimization in Canada.

Research into stalking victimization has proliferated over the last two decades, but several research questions related to victimization risk remain unanswered. Accordingly, the present study utilized a lifestyle-routine activity theoretical perspective to identify risk factors for victimization. Gender-based theoretical models also were estimated to assess the possible moderating effects of gender on the relationship between lifestyle-routine activity concepts and victimization risk. Based on an analysis of a representative sample of more than 15,000 residents of Canada from the Canadian General Social Survey (GSS), results suggested conditional support for lifestyle-routine activity theory and for the hypothesis that predictors of stalking victimization may be gender based.

Collecting data on the abuse and neglect of American Indian children.

A survey of 10% of federally recognized American Indian tribes and the states in which they are located indicates national data systems receive reports of approximately 61% of data on the abuse or neglect of American Indian children, 42% by states and 19% by counties. The author recommends that American Indians develop culturally sound definitions of abuse and neglect and that the government provide the resources and assistance necessary to develop data tracking and reporting systems on the abuse and neglect of American Indian children.

Preventing skin cancer through reduction of indoor tanning: current evidence.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning devices (tanning beds, booths, and sun lamps) or from the sun contributes to the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the type of skin cancer responsible for most deaths. Indoor tanning is common among certain groups, especially among older adolescents and young adults, adolescent girls and young women, and non-Hispanic whites. Increased understanding of the health risks associated with indoor tanning has led to many efforts to reduce use. Most environmental and systems efforts in the U.S. (e.g., age limits or requiring parental consent/accompaniment) have occurred at the state level. At the national level, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission regulate indoor tanning devices and advertising, respectively. The current paper provides a brief review of (1) the evidence on indoor tanning as a risk factor for skin cancer; (2) factors that may influence use of indoor tanning devices at the population level; and (3) various environmental and systems options available for consideration when developing strategies to reduce indoor tanning. This information provides the context and background for the companion paper in this issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, which summarizes highlights from an informal expert meeting convened by the CDC in August 2012 to identify opportunities to prevent skin cancer by reducing use of indoor tanning devices.

Strategies to reduce indoor tanning: current research gaps and future opportunities for prevention.

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning device use is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, including risk of malignant melanoma, and is an urgent public health problem. By reducing indoor tanning, future cases of skin cancer could be prevented, along with the associated morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. On August 20, 2012, the CDC hosted a meeting to discuss the current body of evidence on strategies to reduce indoor tanning as well as research gaps. Using the Action Model to Achieve Healthy People 2020 Overarching Goals as a framework, the current paper provides highlights on the topics that were discussed, including (1) the state of the evidence on strategies to reduce indoor tanning; (2) the tools necessary to effectively assess, monitor, and evaluate the short- and long-term impact of interventions designed to reduce indoor tanning; and (3) strategies to align efforts at the national, state, and local levels through transdisciplinary collaboration and coordination across multiple sectors. Although many challenges and barriers exist, a coordinated, multilevel, transdisciplinary approach has the potential to reduce indoor tanning and prevent future cases of skin cancer.

Is knowledge power? The effects of a victimology course on victim blaming.

The current study examines the impact of a victimology course on students' perceptions of the blameworthiness of crime victims and knowledge of victimization issues. Victim-blaming attitudes among college students enrolled in a victimology course were compared with students enrolled in other courses. Results from a pretest and posttest suggest that the victimology students were significantly less likely to blame victims and these students also gained significantly more knowledge over time compared with the students who did not enroll in the course. Results from the multivariate analysis indicate that less knowledge over time and a higher propensity to blame victims at the beginning of the semester predicted more victim-blaming attitudes on the posttest. Overall, the findings suggest that knowledge of victimology significantly affects students' propensity to blame victims of crime.