Open-source code maps traumas for targeting interventions: Applying the model to compare penetrating traumas with "Stop the Bleed" training locations.

BACKGROUND: To improve equitable access to geospatial analysis, a free open-source R package, called Rosymap, was created to map trauma incident locations. METHODS: To demonstrate the R package, penetrating trauma events for all patients who received care at a level one trauma center, and the locations of all "Stop the Bleed" training locations between 2019 and 2022 were geospatially analyzed. RESULTS: The level one trauma center treated 1531 patients for penetrating traumas between 2019 and 2022. Using Rosymap, a map was produced showing the poor overlap in distribution between penetrating traumas and "Stop the Bleed" training locations. CONCLUSION: Rosymap, a free open-source GIS R package, visualized that the majority of "Stop the Bleed" training locations were not performed within clusters of penetrating traumas serviced by our level one trauma center. These results suggest that trauma providers and public health advocates should consider geospatial analysis when planning interventions and when attempting to choose locations equitably and accurately. To facilitate and promote the implementation of geospatial analysis, Rosymap is available as open-source code.

Cancer Registry Enrichment via Linkage with Hospital-Based Electronic Medical Records: A Pilot Investigation.

Background: Hospital electronic medical record (EMR) systems are becoming increasingly integrated for management of patient data, especially given recent policy changes issued by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. In addition to data management, these data provide evidence for patient-centered outcomes research for a range of diseases, including cancer. Integrating EMR patient data with existing disease registries strengthens all essential components for assuring optimal health outcomes. Objectives: To identify the mechanisms for extracting, linking, and processing hospital EMR data with the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS); and to assess the completeness of existing registry treatment data as well as the potential for data enhancement. Methods: A partnership among the Florida Department of Health, FCDS, and a large Florida hospital system was established to develop methods for hospital EMR extraction and transmission. Records for admission years between 2007 and 2010 were extracted using ICD-9-CM codes as the trigger and were linked with the cancer registry for patients with invasive cancers of the breast. Results: A total of 11,506 unique patients were linked with a total of 12,804 unique breast tumors. Evaluation of existing registry treatment data against the hospital EMR produced a total of 5% of registry records with updated surgery information, 1% of records with updated radiation information, and 7% of records updated with chemotherapy information. Enhancement of registry treatment information was particularly affected by the availability of chemotherapy medications data. Conclusion: Hospital EMR linkages to cancer disease registries is feasible but challenged by lack of standards for data collection, coding and transmission, comprehensive description of available data, and the exclusion of certain hospital datasets. The FCDS standard treatment data variables are highly robust and complete but can be enhanced by the addition of detailed chemotherapy regimens that are commonly used in patient centered outcomes research.

Prompt Management of Airbag Burn Injuries Leads to Optimized Patient Outcomes: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Dual airbags are required to be installed and available for use in all motor vehicles since 1997. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 50,457 lives were saved by airbags from 1987 to 2017; however, airbag deployment can cause injuries, including thermal and chemical burns, hyperpigmentation, and dysaesthesia. There is little information available in the literature regarding differences in outcomes between promptly visiting a plastic surgeon and waiting for treatment, especially as an injury may not be immediately apparent or patients may not know that airbag burn injuries may be delayed in presenting. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort pilot study conducted among 14 patients who presented to a plastic surgeon between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2022 owing to injuries from airbag deployment. An early visit was considered ≤30 days, and a late visit was >30 days. Other variables collected included age, sex, Fitzpatrick skin type, smoking status, comorbidities, type of injury, injury site, pain status, hyper/hypopigmentation, dysaesthesia, epithelialization, and improvements in pain, pigmentation, and dysaesthesia from treatment. RESULTS: The mean age was 36.0 years (standard deviation (SD) 17.9). The majority were female (85.7%), non-smokers (87.5%), and not diabetic (75.0%). Only six patients (42.9%) visited their doctor within one month of injury. Most patients experienced dysaesthesia (85.7%) and pain (71.4%). Thirteen of the 14 patients had hyperpigmentation or hyperemia, and one had hypopigmentation. Full or slight epithelialization was seen in 35.7%, and nine of the 14 patients had no epithelialization. Ongoing issues were a factor for 64.3% of these patients; 42.9% had ongoing issues with hyperpigmentation. A full recovery was seen in 28.6% of the patients. The patients who saw the plastic surgeon by day 30 or less (early) from the time of injury had a 66.7% improvement in pigmentation and 33.3% resolution in pain. Of those who went to the surgeon beyond 30 days (late), 25% had improvement in pigmentation and 37.5% had resolution of pain. Improvement in dysaesthesia occurred in both groups, but those who saw the plastic surgeon early had 33.3% resolution, while 37.5% of those who went late improved. Of those who went late to the surgeon, only 12.5% had epithelialization, while 66.7% of those who went within 30 days showed signs of (full or slight) epithelialization. CONCLUSION: Patients involved in motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) should be informed of the delayed fashion in which airbag burns can develop. An ostensibly mild burn may portend long-term consequences, especially if such injuries are not addressed in a prompt manner. Our study demonstrates how airbag burn injuries and their sequelae are best addressed with early care.

Weighted Blankets for Pain and Anxiety Relief in Acutely Injured Trauma Patients.

To determine the impact of a weighted blanket on acute pain and anxiety in trauma patients, a preliminary prospective/retrospective study at a level-one trauma center (n = 24 patients) was conducted. In this study, 12 patients using weighted blankets for five consecutive days were compared to a matched retrospective cohort of 12 patients not using a blanket. The change in morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and alprazolam milligram equivalents (AME) over five days were compared. There was a significant difference of MME per day between the intervention group (mean MME change = -22.9) and matched controls (mean MME change = 6.2; p = 0.0072) by blanket use. Total MMEs in the intervention group decreased by 275.5 and in the control group increased by 75 between day 1 and day 5. There was no significant difference in AME change between groups (p = 0.3227). The majority of patients who took a post-intervention questionnaire reported less pain and less anxiety with blanket use compared to those without blanket use (78% and 56% of patients, respectively). To summarize, trauma patients in acute pain had less opioid use and reported less pain and anxiety when using a weighted blanket for five consecutive days compared to a control group who did not use a blanket.

Factors Associated With Receipt of Radiation Therapy for Rectal Cancer.

PURPOSE: Appropriate treatment for cancer is vital to increasing the likelihood of survival; however, for rectal cancer, there are demonstrated disparities in receipt of treatment by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. We evaluated factors associated with receipt of appropriate radiation therapy for rectal cancer using data from the Florida Cancer Data System that had been previously enriched with detailed treatment information collected from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Comparative Effectiveness Research study. This treatment information is not routinely available in cancer registry data and represents a unique data resource. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using multivariable regression, we evaluated factors associated with receiving radiation therapy among rectal cancer cases stage II/III. Our sample (n=403) included cases diagnosed in Florida in 2011 who were 18 years and older. Cases clinically staged as 0/I/IV were excluded. RESULTS: Older age (odds ratio=0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-0.97), the presence of one or more comorbidities (0.61; 0.39-0.96), and receipt of surgical intervention (0.44; 0.22-0.90) were associated with lack of radiation. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of patients, sociodemographic factors such as race/ethnicity, insurance status, and socioeconomic status, did not influence the receipt of radiation. Further research is needed, however, to understand why aging, greater comorbidity, and having surgery present a barrier to radiation therapy, particularly given that it is a well-tolerated treatment in most patients.

Eye Health Knowledge and Eye Health Information Exposure Among Hispanic/Latino Individuals: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Importance: Routine eye care is important to maintaining eye health and preventing visual impairment. However, poor knowledge of ocular risk factors and disease as well as minimal exposure to eye health information may compromise adherence to eye care recommendations. Studies have shown that Hispanic/Latino people have poor eye care utilization, but little is known about their knowledge of eye health and exposure to eye health information. Objective: To examine factors associated with more eye health knowledge and greater exposure to eye health information among Hispanic/Latino people. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a cross-sectional ocular study of 1235 participants living in the Miami, Florida, site of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, a multisite epidemiologic study of disease prevalence and development among Hispanic/Latino people. Data were collected from October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2013, and data analyses were conducted between May 28, 2014, and March 18, 2015. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were performed for 3 ocular health care outcomes. Regression models were built sequentially, with variables conceptually grouped according to Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use and Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations. Main Outcomes and Measures: Ability to identify 8 factors on a general eye health knowledge scale and number of eye health information sources seen or heard about in the past 12 months. Results: Of the 1235 participants, 748 (73.4%) self-identified as being of Cuban descent and 407 (19.2%) self-identified as being from Central or South America, 478 (46.7%) were women and 757 (53.3%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 53.6 (8.1) years. Participants with at least a high school degree or general educational development certificate had greater eye health knowledge (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15 and IRR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.17, respectively) as did those with a higher mental health score on the Short Form 12-Item, version 2, Health Survey (IRR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04). Those with educational attainment beyond a high school degree or a general educational development certificate (IRR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07-1.54), those who were 60 years or older (IRR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.06-1.63), and those with a household income in US dollars of $20 001 to $40 000 (IRR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.05-1.44) or greater than $40 000 (IRR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.98-1.59) were more likely to be exposed to at least 5 sources of eye health information in the past 12 months. Conclusions and Relevance: Among Hispanic/Latino people, age, educational level, income, and mental health may be important correlates of eye disease knowledge and eye health information exposure. These findings might be used to support the development of targeted interventions designed to improve eye health in this population.

Prevalence of Mindfulness Practices in the US Workforce: National Health Interview Survey.

INTRODUCTION: Mindfulness-based practices can improve workers' health and reduce employers' costs by ameliorating the negative effect of stress on workers' health. We examined the prevalence of engagement in 4 mindfulness-based practices in the US workforce. METHODS: We used 2002, 2007, and 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data for adults (aged ≥18 y, n = 85,004) to examine 12-month engagement in meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong among different groups of workers. RESULTS: Reported yoga practice prevalence nearly doubled from 6.0% in 2002 to 11.0% in 2012 (P < .001); meditation rates increased from 8.0% in 2002 to 9.9% in 2007 (P < .001). In multivariable models, mindfulness practice was significantly lower among farm workers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.21-0.83]) and blue-collar workers (OR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.54-0.74) than among white-collar workers. CONCLUSION: Worker groups with low rates of engagement in mindfulness practices could most benefit from workplace mindfulness interventions. Improving institutional factors limiting access to mindfulness-based wellness programs and addressing existing beliefs about mindfulness practices among underrepresented worker groups could help eliminate barriers to these programs.

Ocular screening adherence across Hispanic/Latino heritage groups with diabetes: results from the Ocular SOL ancillary to the Miami site of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of ocular screening adherence among select Hispanics/Latinos living with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were obtained through an ancillary study of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (Miami site). Participants included Hispanics/Latinos aged 40+ years who underwent a baseline examination/risk factor assessment (2008-2011) and then completed a survey on vision health/knowledge (conducted October 2011-September 2013; sample n=1235; diabetic subsample=264). The dependent variable was having a dilated eye examination within the past 12 months. Covariate candidate selection for entry into sequential multivariable logistic regression models was guided by Anderson's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use and the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations. RESULTS: Participants aged 65+ were more likely to have dilated eye examinations (OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.22 to 5.60) compared with those aged 40-54 years. Participants less likely to have dilated examinations had a high school degree or general educational development (GED) (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.96, compared to no degree) and those currently uninsured or never insured ((OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.83) and (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.51)) compared to those currently insured. Participants who heard or saw something about eye health from two or more sources (eg, media outlets, doctor's office, relatives/friends) compared to those who reported no sources in the past 12 months were more likely to have a dilated eye examination (OR 2.82, 95% CI 1.26 to 6.28). CONCLUSIONS: Lack of health insurance is strongly associated with low screening uptake in Hispanics/Latinos living with diabetes. Health promotion strategies stressing the importance of annual dilated eye examinations and increasing sources of information on eye health are other potential strategies to increase screening uptake in Hispanics/Latinos.

Linking the National Health Interview Survey with the Florida Cancer Data System: A Pilot Study.

Cancer registry data are vital for the surveillance of cancer trends, but registries are limited in the number of data items that can be collected for hypothesis-driven research. Linkage with other databases can add valuable information and is a potentially effective tool for increasing our understanding of and identifying the causes of cancer and health disparities along the cancer continuum. We conducted a pilot study to link data from the 1981-2010 Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) with data from the 1986-2009 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The NHIS data contain important information on sociodemographics, screening behaviors, comorbidities, risk factors, health care access, and quality of life, which are not available from FCDS. The linkage resulted in a total of 6,281 linked cases. After removing cases with a first cancer diagnosis before 1981 (prior to FCDS creation) or missing date of diagnosis information, there were 1,908 cases diagnosed with cancer prior to their NHIS interview and 4,367 cases diagnosed after their NHIS interview. The enriched data set resulting from the linkage allows us to evaluate risk factors associated with developing cancer as well as conduct analyses on cancer survivorship issues and mortality. This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of a linkage between cancer registries and national health surveys, while also acknowledging the cost and challenges associated with such linkages.

Factors Associated With Ocular Health Care Utilization Among Hispanics/Latinos: Results From an Ancillary Study to the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL).

IMPORTANCE: Regular ocular care is critical to early detection and prevention of eye disease and associated morbidity and mortality; however, there have been relatively few studies of ocular health care utilization among Hispanics/Latinos of diverse backgrounds. OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated with ocular health care utilization among Cuban, Central American, and South American Hispanics/Latinos in a cohort study. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: An ancillary study to the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) evaluating ocular health, knowledge, risk factors, and health care use was conducted with 1235 HCHS/SOL participants (aged ≥40 years) at the Miami, Florida, study site. Data were collected from October 17, 2011, to September 30, 2013, and analyses were conducted from May 28, 2014, to March 18, 2015. Descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for 3 ocular health care outcomes. Regression models were built sequentially with variables conceptually grouped according to Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Ever having an eye examination, having an eye examination performed within the past 2 years, and difficulty obtaining needed eye care in the past year. RESULTS: Of the 1235 participants, 478 were men and 757 were women, and they had a mean (SD) age of 53.6 (8.1) years. Those who never had insurance were less likely to have had an eye examination (with data reported as odds ratios [95% CIs]) ever, 0.19 (0.07-0.53) and in the past 2 years, 0.22 (0.15-0.33) and were more likely to have had difficulty obtaining needed eye care in the past year (3.72 [1.75-7.93]). Those with less than excellent or good self-rated eyesight were less likely to ever have had an eye examination (0.26 [0.12-0.56]) and more likely to have had difficulty obtaining care (3.00 [1.48-6.11]). Men were less likely to ever have had an eye examination (0.31 [0.18-0.53]). Older (55-64 years) Hispanics/Latinos (3.04 [1.47-6.31]) and those with a high school degree or general educational development certification (2.06 [1.02-4.13]) or higher levels of education (4.20 [2.12-8.30]) were more likely to ever have had an eye examination. Finally, those living in the United States for more than 15 years (0.42 [0.21-0.82]) were less likely to have had difficulty obtaining care. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest that increasing insurance coverage, decreasing the costs of care, and increasing the availability of care for Hispanics/Latinos with poor self-rated eyesight are relevant issues to address to improve ocular health care use among Hispanics/Latinos of diverse backgrounds.

Longitudinal relationships between visual acuity and severe depressive symptoms in older adults: the Salisbury Eye Evaluation study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the longitudinal relationship between visual acuity (VA) and depressive symptoms (DSs) among older adults. METHODS: A population-based sample of 2520 white and black individuals aged 65-84 years in 1993--1995 was assessed at baseline and at two, six, and eight years later. Presenting and best-corrected VA was assessed using early treatment diabetic retinopathy study chart. DSs were assessed using the severe depression subscale of General Health Questionnaire 28. Latent growth curve models estimated VA and DS trajectories and age-adjusted associations between trajectories. RESULTS: Best-corrected logMAR VA worsened over time (slope = 0.026, intercept = 0.013, both p < 0.001). No change in DS over time was observed (slope = -0.001, p = 0.762; intercept = 1.180, p < 0.001). However, a small change in DS was observed in participants who completed all rounds (slope = 0.005, p = 0.015). Baseline VA levels correlated with baseline DS levels (r = 0.14, p < 0.001). Baseline DS was associated with best-corrected VA change (r = 0.17, p = 0.01). Baseline best-corrected VA was not associated with DS change (r = 0.017, p = 0.8). Best-corrected VA change was not significantly associated with DS change (r = -0.03, p = 0.7). DISCUSSION: DSs are significantly associated with VA cross-sectionally, and persons with higher baseline DS scores were more likely to experience worsening VA over time. The complex relationship between visual impairment and DS suggests the need for a continued effort to detect and treat both visual decline and severe DSs in a growing elderly population.

Smoking behavior among adult childhood cancer survivors: what are we missing?

PURPOSE: Childhood cancer survivors are a growing population at increased risk for smoking-related health complications. This study compared smoking prevalence, age at smoking initiation, and time trend of smoking prevalence from 1997 to 2010 between adult survivors of childhood cancer and adults without a cancer history (controls) and identified predictors of smoking among these survivors. METHODS: Data were pooled from the 1997-2010 National Health Interview Survey (survivors, n = 1438; controls, n = 383,805). Smoking prevalence by age group was calculated using weighted least square regression analysis and weighted linear regression of prevalence on year for trend analysis. Logistic regression analyses adjusting for sample weights and design effects were performed to identify predictors of smoking among survivors. RESULTS: Compared to controls, survivors were significantly more likely to be younger, female, non-Hispanic White, unemployed, with lower income, and to weigh less and smoke more. Survivors initiated smoking earlier than controls. Smoking prevalence among survivors peaked at age 30 and 40 years old, compared to age 25 years in controls. Smoking prevalence decreased consistently from 1997 to 2010 among controls, with larger significant declines in survivors that were subject to more year-to-year variability. Compared to nonsmoking survivors, those who smoke were significantly more likely to be non-Hispanic White, young, uninsured, poor, to have a high school education or less, and to report drinking alcohol. CONCLUSION: Smoking in adult survivors of childhood cancer continues as a persistent risk factor across socioeconomic groups. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Targeted and tailored smoking cessation/prevention interventions for these survivors are needed.

Are Cancer Survivors Physically Active? A Comparison by US States.

BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors who engage in physical activity (PA) have improved quality of life, reduced fatigue, and lower mortality rates. We compare the percentage of cancer survivors meeting PA recommendations for US states, stratified by age and gender, to identify the need for PA education and intervention among cancer survivors. METHODS: Pooled data from the 1997-2010 National Health Interview Survey were used to determine and rank age-adjusted PA by state. American Cancer Society guidelines (≥150 min/wk of PA) were used to compare prevalence by state, stratified by age group (< 65 and ≥65) and gender. RESULTS: Thirty-three percent of cancer survivors met PA recommendations. The highest age-adjusted compliance to PA recommendations was in Vermont (59.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 40.8-76.3) and the lowest was in Louisiana (14.8%, 95% CI, 9.6-22.1) and Mississippi (15.5%, 95% CI, 10.4-22.3). The lowest percentages meeting recommendations were in Arkansas for males (8.6%, 95% CI, 7.0-10.6), Louisiana for females (12.5%, 95% CI, 6.8-21.9), Louisiana for survivors < 65 (15.6%, 95% CI, 10.5-22.6), and West Virginia for those ≥65 years (12.7%, 95% CI, 7.6-20.6). CONCLUSIONS: Meeting PA recommendations by cancer survivors varies markedly by state of residence. Future efforts should target states with low percentages, tailoring interventions to the special needs of this high-risk population. The importance of PA should be incorporated within cancer survivorship care plans.

Health Status of Older US Workers and Nonworkers, National Health Interview Survey, 1997-2011.

INTRODUCTION: Many US workers are increasingly delaying retirement from work, which may be leading to an increase in chronic disease at the workplace. We examined the association of older adults' health status with their employment/occupation and other characteristics. METHODS: National Health Interview Survey data from 1997 through 2011 were pooled for adults aged 65 or older (n = 83,338; mean age, 74.6 y). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to estimate the association of socioeconomic factors and health behaviors with 4 health status measures: 1) self-rated health (fair/poor vs good/very good/excellent); 2) multimorbidity (≤1 vs ≥2 chronic conditions); 3) multiple functional limitations (≤1 vs ≥2); and 4) Health and Activities Limitation Index (HALex) (below vs above 20th percentile). Analyses were stratified by sex and age (young-old vs old-old) where interactions with occupation were significant. RESULTS: Employed older adults had better health outcomes than unemployed older adults. Physically demanding occupations had the lowest risk of poor health outcomes, suggesting a stronger healthy worker effect: service workers were at lowest risk of multiple functional limitations (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-0.95); and blue-collar workers were at lowest risk of multimorbidity (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97) and multiple functional limitation (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.72-0.98). Hispanics were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to report fair/poor health (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.52-1.73) and lowest HALex quintile (OR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13-1.30); however, they were less likely to report multimorbidity (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.73-0.83) or multiple functional limitations (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.77-0.88). CONCLUSION: A strong association exists between employment and health status in older adults beyond what can be explained by socioeconomic factors (eg, education, income) or health behaviors (eg, smoking). Disability accommodations in the workplace could encourage employment among older adults with limitations.

Smoking and survival in male breast cancer patients.

The purpose of the article was to assess whether smoking affects survival in male breast cancer patients for the overall population and when stratified by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Data were obtained by linking the 1996-2007 Florida Cancer Data System, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, and the US Census. Inclusion criteria were males ≥18 years, diagnosed with breast cancer and residing in Florida (n = 1573). To analyze the association between smoking and survival, we performed sequential multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models with progressive adjustment for main confounders. Compared to never smokers, worse survival was found in current (hazard ratio = 1.63; 95 % CI = 1.23-2.16) but not in former smokers (1.26; 0.99-1.59). Those who smoked ≥1 packs/day had worse survival (2.48; 1.59-3.87) than never smokers with a significant dose-response (P for linear trend <0.001). Race-ethnic stratified models comparing current and former smokers with never smokers found significant differences among Whites [(1.88; 1.44-2.44) and (1.31; 1.04-1.65, respectively)] and non-Hispanics, [(1.73; 1.31-2.28) and (1.31; 1.04-1.66, respectively)]. Overall, current smokers were found to have significantly reduced survival, which was worse by intensity of smoking. Also, any smoking history is associated with worse survival in White and non-Hispanic male breast cancer patients compared to never smokers. Thus, male breast cancer patients should be advised to quit smoking.

Disparities in Overall Survival for Male Breast Cancer Patients in the State of Florida (1996-2007).

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding population-based disparities in male breast cancer (MBC). We analyzed this for Florida using data from 1996 to 2007. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the Florida Cancer Data System, the Agency for Health Care Administration, and the US Census were linked for MBC patients (n = 1589). Survival time was our primary end point, with adjustments for sociodemographic status, neighborhood-based poverty measures, clinical and hospital characteristics, and comorbidity measures based on linkage with in- and outpatient treatment records. Survival time was modeled using univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. RESULTS: Five-year overall survival was 65.7%. Overall mean survival time in years was 7.7, but shorter in black (5.9) than white (7.8) individuals, in non-Hispanic (7.7) than Hispanic (8.5) individuals, and in the lowest socioeconomic status (SES) group (5.9) than in the highest (8.2) SES group. Patients with low SES also presented at a more advanced stage with only 75/175 [42.9%] of low SES patients who presented with localized disease compared with 311/621 [50.1%] for middle-high SES and 162/334 [48.5%] for the highest SES. Univariate hazard regressions found only the highest (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.85) and middle-high (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.54-0.94) SES were at improved survival compared with lowest SES but this advantage did not remain significant in the fully adjusted model. Marital status, age, smoking status, stage, treatments, and comorbidities were also predictors of survival. CONCLUSION: Survival disparities among SES groups were most apparent in our study. Improved access to screening and health care utilization might attenuate these differences. Understanding other survival disparities can aid in public health and clinical care choices.

Smoking and survival in female breast cancer patients.

The purpose of this study was to determine if smoking affects survival in female breast cancer patients, both overall and stratified by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. We linked data from the 1996-2007 Florida cancer data system, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, and the U.S. census. Inclusion criteria were females ≥18 years, diagnosed with breast cancer, and residing in Florida (n = 127,754). To analyze the association between smoking and survival, we performed sequential multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models with progressive adjustment for main confounders. Compared to never smokers, worse survival was found in current (hazard ratio 1.33; 95 % CI 1.28-1.38) and former smokers (1.09; 1.06-1.13). Those who smoked <1, 1-2, and >2 packs/day had worse survival (HR 1.28; 1.20-1.36; HR 1.40; 1.33-1.47 and 1.70; 1.45-1.99, respectively) (p for linear trend <0.001), than never smokers. Among Whites, current and former smokers had worse survival (HR 1.38; 1.33-1.44 and HR 1.11; 1.07-1.15, respectively) than never smokers. Worse survival was also found for current and former smokers (HR 1.34; 1.29-1.40 and HR 1.10; 1.06-1.15, respectively) compared with never smokers among non-Hispanics; similarly, worse survival was found among current Hispanic smokers (HR 1.13; 1.01-1.26). The association was not significant for Blacks. Current smoking is associated with worse survival in White breast cancer patients and through all socioeconomic status categories and ethnicities compared to never smoking. Former smoking is associated with worse survival in White and non-Hispanic females. Blacks had similar survival regardless of smoking status. Nonetheless, all female breast cancer patients should be advised to quit smoking.

Engagement in mindfulness practices by U.S. adults: sociodemographic barriers.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of sociodemographic factors on mindfulness practices. METHODS: National Health Interview Survey Alternative Medicine Supplement data were used to examine sociodemographic predictors of engagement in meditation, yoga, tai chi, and qigong. RESULTS: Greater education was associated with mindfulness practices (odds ratio [OR], 4.02 [95% confidence interval [CI], 3.50-4.61]), men were half as likely as women to engage in any practice, and lower engagement was found among non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics. CONCLUSION: Vulnerable population groups with worse health outcomes were less likely to engage in mindfulness practices.

Factors associated with contralateral preventive mastectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) is an option for women who wish to reduce their risk of breast cancer or its local recurrence. There is limited data on demographic differences among patients who choose to undergo this procedure. METHODS: The population-based Florida cancer registry, Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration data, and US census data were linked and queried for patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer from 1996 to 2009. The main outcome variable was the rate of CPM. Primary predictors were race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), marital status and insurance status. RESULTS: Our population was 91.1% White and 7.5% Black; 89.1% non-Hispanic and 10.9% Hispanic. Out of 21,608 patients with a single unilateral invasive breast cancer lesion, 837 (3.9%) underwent CPM. Significantly more White than Black (3.9% vs 2.8%; P<0.001) and more Hispanic than non-Hispanic (4.5% vs 3.8%; P=0.0909) underwent CPM. Those in the highest SES category had higher rates of CPM compared to the lowest SES category (5.3% vs 2.9%; P<0.001). In multivariate analyses, Blacks compared to Whites (OR =0.59, 95% CI =0.42-0.83, P=0.002) and uninsured patients compared to privately insured (OR =0.60, 95% CI =0.36-0.98, P=0.043) had significantly less CPM. CONCLUSION: CPM rates were significantly different among patients of different race, socio-economic class, and insurance coverage. This observation is not accounted for by population distribution, incidence or disease stage. More in-depth study of the causes of these disparities in health care choice and delivery is critically needed.