Oncologists' perceived confidence and attitudes toward managing pre-existing chronic comorbidities during patients' active cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: To examine practicing oncologists' perceived confidence and attitudes toward management of pre-existing chronic conditions(PECC) during active cancer treatment(ACT). METHODS: In December 2018, oncologists in the National Cancer Institute's Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) were invited to complete a was pilot-tested, IRB-approved online survey about their perceived confidence in managing PECC. Pearson chi-square test was used to identify oncologists' differences in perceived confidence to manage PECC and attitudes toward co-management of patients' PECC with non-oncologic care providers. Perceived confidence and attitudes were analyzed as a function of medical specialty while controlling demographic and medical practice variables. RESULTS: A total of 391 oncologists responded to the survey, 45.8% stated medical oncology as their primary specialty, 15.1% hematology oncology, 15.1% radiation oncology, 6.9% surgical oncology, and 17.1% other specialties such as gynecology oncology. Overall, 68.3% agreed (agree/strongly agree) that they were confident to manage PECC in the context of standard of care. However, only 46.6% and 19.7% remained confident when managing PECC previously managed by a primary care physician (PCP) and by a non-oncology subspecialist, respectively. Most oncologists (58.3%) agreed that patients' overall care was well coordinated, and 63.7% agreed that patients had optimal cancer and non-cancer care when PECC was co-managed with a non-oncology care provider. CONCLUSION: Most oncologists felt confident to manage all PECC during patients' ACT, but their perceived confidence decreased for PECC previously managed by PCPs or by non-oncology subspecialists. Additionally, they had positive attitudes toward co-management of PECC with non-oncologic care providers. These results indicate opportunities for greater collaboration between oncologists and non-oncology care providers to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for cancer patients with PECC.

Differences in the relationship between diabetes and prostate cancer among Black and White non-Hispanic men.

PURPOSE: Studies finding lower incidence rates of prostate cancer among men with diabetes have been primarily conducted in White non-Hispanic (WNH) populations. The purpose of this analysis is to compare the relationship between diabetes and prostate cancer among Black (BNH) and White non-Hispanic men. METHODS: We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data from 2011 to 2015 to compare incidence rates and tumor characteristics between BNH and WNH men by diabetes status. Age-adjusted incidence rates and corresponding rate ratios (RR) by diabetes status were calculated overall and by tumor grade, stage, and PSA level separately for BNH and WNH men. We used multivariable logistic regression to compare tumor characteristics among men with prostate cancer in the numerator, both within and across race/ethnic groups. RESULTS: Overall age-adjusted incidence rates were significantly lower in men with diabetes compared to those without among WNH men [RR = 0.88 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.86-0.90] but there was no difference in rates by diabetes status among BNH men (RR = 1.01 95% CI 0.96-1.07). Men with diabetes were less likely to be diagnosed with distant-staged tumors compared to those without diabetes in both race/ethnic groups but the magnitude of difference by diabetes status was greater in BNH [Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.52 95% CI 0.42-0.64] than WNH (OR = 0.88 95% CI 0.81-0.95) men (p-value for interaction < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The relationship between diabetes and prostate cancer differed between BNH and WNH men. The differences could have implications in evaluating the effectiveness of prostate cancer screening in men with diabetes across racial/ethnic subgroups.

Prostate Cancer Incidence and Mortality Following a Negative Biopsy in a Population Undergoing PSA Screening.

OBJECTIVE: Transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy for diagnostic workup for prostate cancer (PCa) has a substantial false negative rate. We sought to estimate PCa incidence and mortality following negative biopsy in a cohort of men undergoing prostate cancer screening. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) cancer screening trial randomized participants 55-74 years to an intervention vs control arm. Intervention arm men received annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for 6 years and digital rectal exams (DRE) for 4 years. We examined the cohort of men with a positive PSA (> 4 ng/mL) or DRE screen followed within one year by a negative biopsy. PCa incidence and mortality rates from time of first negative biopsy were analyzed as a function of PSA level at diagnosis and other factors. Cumulative incidence and mortality rates accounting for competing risk were estimated. Multivariate proportional hazards regression was utilized to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of PCa outcomes by PSA level, controlling for age and race. RESULTS: The negative biopsy cohort included 2855 men. Median (25th/75th) age at biopsy was 65 (61/69) years; biopsies occurred between 1994 and 2006. Median (25/75th) follow-up was 13.2 (6.5/16.8) years for incidence and 16.6 (12.3/19.2) years for mortality. 740 PCa cases were diagnosed, with 33 PCa deaths. Overall 20-year cumulative PCa incidence and mortality rates were 26.4% (95% CI: 24.8-28.1) and 1.2% (95% CI: 0.9-1.7), respectively. HRs for PCa incidence and mortality increased significantly with increasing PSA. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate from PCa through 20 years following a negative biopsy is low.

Other and All-Cause Mortality among Men Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in the PLCO Trial.

PURPOSE: Men with prostate cancer have high cause-specific survival, and most deaths are from other causes. This study aimed to investigate other and all-cause mortality in a large cancer screening cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From the PLCO (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian) Cancer Screening Trial cohort, we selected men diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1994-2014. We examined other and all-cause survival by prostate cancer risk level, defined as the D'Amico categories for localized disease (low, intermediate and high risk) plus nonlocalized disease. We developed 3 Cox proportional hazards models to assess the relationship between risk level and survival. Model I controlled for age, race, study arm and diagnosis year. Model II additionally controlled for other demographic and medical history factors. Model III additionally controlled for initial treatment. RESULTS: Of 76,672 men in PLCO and 10,859 prostate cancer cases, 9,248 (85.2%) had known prostate cancer risk level (mean±SD age 70.4±6.2 years). Median followup time from diagnosis was 10.8 years (IQR 6.8-15.0). Of 3,318 deaths 81% were from other causes. Compared to the low risk group, other-cause mortality HRs were 1.13 (95% CI 1.04-1.23), 1.35 (95% CI 1.21-1.50) and 1.63 (95% CI 1.35-1.97) for intermediate risk, high risk and advanced disease, respectively, in model II. Model III HRs were similar to model II except for advanced disease, where the HR decreased to 1.35. CONCLUSIONS: Other-cause survival was greater in lower vs higher risk disease, even after controlling for lifestyle characteristics and comorbidities. Further research is needed to identify factors contributing to this higher other-cause mortality to help mitigate the risk.

Conversations about sexual activity within Haitian families: implications for HPV vaccine uptake.

Objective: Parents play an integral role in young adults' sexual health including human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine decision-making. The objective of this study was to explore conversations regarding sexual activity in Haitian households and the influence of such conversations on young Haitian women's HPV vaccine discussion with their parents.Methods: From a large university in the southeastern United States, 30 Haitian-American college women (ages 17-26) were recruited for semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Most participants stated that they either did not have conversations regarding sexual activity or the conversations that they had were described as 'uncomfortable' or 'awkward'. Many participants stated that once parents knew that HPV is sexually transmitted, their discussions about the vaccine would be considered an announcement of their sexual debut or sexual activity. Hence, many decided to not discuss the HPV vaccine with their parents.Conclusion: Findings have important implications for HPV vaccine uptake. Results showed that a lack of conversations about sexual activity within Haitian households led to limited discussions about the HPV vaccine among young Haitian-American college women and their parents. Future HPV vaccine uptake efforts should integrate familial and cultural beliefs about female sexuality, while focusing on cervical cancer prevention.

Other- and all-cause Mortality among women with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Advances in early detection and treatment of breast cancer (BrCA) have led to better survival. Consequently, more women with BrCA now die from non-BrCA causes. We investigated all-cause and other-cause (non-BrCA) survival among women with BrCA. METHODS: From the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PCLO) cohort, we selected women diagnosed with BrCA from 1994-2014. To compare survival of cases to non-cases, we used exposure density sampling. We computed standard mortality ratios (SMRs) and performed Cox proportional hazards models with matched case-control sets, controlling for demographics (Model I) and additional covariates (Model II). We also examined survival by stage within BrCA cases. RESULTS: Among 78,215 women enrolled in PLCO, there were 1211 in-situ and 4790 invasive BrCA cases. 15-year survival rates were 97.1 % (BrCA-specific) and 77.2 % (other-cause) among in-situ and 86.4 % (BrCA-specific) and 73.4 % (other-cause) among invasive cases. For other-cause mortality, in-situ cases had lower risk in models I (HR = 0.74; 95 % CI:0.62-0.89) and II (HR = 0.75; 95 % CI:0.62-0.92) versus controls. All-cause mortality HRs for in-situ cases were 0.83 (95 % CI:0.70-0.99) and 0.85 (95 % CI:0.70-1.02) in Models I and II, respectively. Other-cause mortality was similar among invasive cases and controls. Within BrCA cases, higher stage was associated with increased other-cause mortality; HRs were 1.2 (95 % CI:1.1-1.5) and 1.7 (95 % CI:1.2-2.3) for stage II and III/IV versus stage I (Model II). DISCUSSION: Mortality from other causes exceeded that of BrCA in both in-situ and invasive cases, highlighting the importance of managing patients' chronic conditions during and following cancer treatment.

Correction to: The relationship between diabetes, prostate-specific antigen screening tests, and prostate cancer.

In the original publication of the article, the categories of PSA levels among the subpopulation of men diagnosed with prostate cancer were published incorrectly in Table 4. The corrected Table 4 is given in this Correction.

Association of Nonadherence to Cancer Screening Examinations With Mortality From Unrelated Causes: A Secondary Analysis of the PLCO Cancer Screening Trial.

Importance: Patient nonadherence to chronic disease prevention guidelines is associated with increased mortality. Nonadherence to offered cancer screening tests may be associated with mortality among middle-aged and older adults. Objective: To evaluate the association between nonadherence to cancer screening tests and mortality in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening trial, excluding mortality from cancers studied in the trial. Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomization at 10 US screening centers occurred from November 8, 1993, to July 2, 2001. Original follow-up was through 13 years or December 31, 2009. Participants were re-consented to further follow-up starting May 18, 2011, and were observed until December 31, 2012. Protocol screening tests for the PLCO Cancer Screening trial intervention arm participants (N = 77 443) included chest radiographs and flexible sigmoidoscopy for both sexes, prostate-specific antigen tests and digital rectal examinations for men, and cancer antigen 125 tests and transvaginal ultrasonography for women. At baseline, participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. The cohort was classified into those receiving all sex-specified PLCO Cancer Screening trial screening tests at baseline (fully adherent), those receiving some but not all baseline tests (partially adherent), and those receiving no baseline tests (nonadherents). Secondary analysis was ad hoc in the original trial protocol. Statistical analysis was conducted from November 24, 2017, to August 29, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Mortality was ascertained via mailed annual study update questionnaires and searches of the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the association between mortality and adherence, controlling for various covariates. Results: Of 77 443 participants in the intervention arm, 64 567 (29 537 women and 35 030 men; mean [SD] age, 62.3 [5.3] years) were included in the analysis based on consenting to trial participation before randomization and being eligible for all screening tests. Overall, 55 065 participants (85.3%) were adherent, 2548 (3.9%) were partially adherent, and 6954 (10.8%) were nonadherent with the baseline screening protocol. Within 10 years of follow-up, the hazard ratio of mortality, excluding deaths from cancers studied in the PLCO Cancer Screening trial and controlling only for age, sex, and race/ethnicity (model 1), was 1.73 (95% CI, 1.60-1.89) for nonadherent compared with fully adherent participants and 1.36 (95% CI, 1.19-1.54) for partially compared with fully adherent participants. After adjustment for medical risk factors for mortality and behavioral-related factors (model 2), the hazard ratio decreased to 1.46 (95% CI, 1.34-1.59) for nonadherent compared with fully adherent participants. Conclusions and Relevance: Among participants in a screening trial for multiple cancers, a nonadherence behavior profile marked by nonadherence to protocol screenings was associated with higher overall mortality (excluding deaths from cancers studied in the trial). The generalizability of this finding to routine clinical practice should be assessed. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00002540.

Diet, Microbiome, and Epigenetics in the Era of Precision Medicine.

Precision medicine is a revolutionary approach to disease prevention and treatment that takes into account individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and biology. The US National Institutes of Health has recently launched The All of Us Research Program (2016) to extend precision medicine to all diseases by building a national research cohort of one million or more US participants. This review is limited to how the human microbiome factors into precision medicine from the applied aspect of preventing and managing cancer. The Precision Medicine Initiative was established in an effort to address particular characteristics of each person with the aim to increase the effectiveness of medical interventions in terms of prevention and treatment of multiple diseases including cancer. Many factors contribute to the response to an intervention. The microbiome and microbially produced metabolites are capable of epigenetic modulation of gene activity, and can influence the response through these mechanisms. The fact that diet has an impact on microbiome implies that it will also affect the epigenetic mechanisms involving microbiota. In this chapter, we review some major epigenetic mechanisms, notably DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling and histone modification, and noncoding RNA, implicated in cancer prevention and treatment. Several examples of how microbially produced metabolites from food influence cancer risk and treatment response through epigenetic mechanisms will be discussed. Some challenges include the limited understanding of how diet shapes the microbiome and how to best evaluate those changes since both, diet and the microbiota, exhibit daily and seasonal variations. Ongoing research seeks to understand the relationship between the human microbiome and multiple diseases including cancer.

The relationship between diabetes, prostate-specific antigen screening tests, and prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Men with diabetes have been found to have a reduced risk of prostate cancer (PCa), potentially due to detection bias from lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels or inhibition of tumor growth. Understanding if lower PCa rates are due to a lower risk of the disease or a detection bias from PSA testing can help inform the benefits and harms from prostate cancer screening. METHODS: We used data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial to assess the impact of PSA screening on PCa in men with diabetes and the potential role of detection bias and/or slower tumor growth. Comparing men by diabetes status, we calculated age-adjusted incidence rates by tumor grade and compared screening results, PSA levels, and tumor characteristics. RESULTS: Men with diabetes had lower rates of PCa but was limited to low- and intermediate-grade tumors. Men with diabetes were less likely to be biopsied after their first positive screening test and men diagnosed with low/intermediate-grade tumors had significantly more advanced tumors with higher PSA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide additional evidence that detection bias is likely contributing to the lower rates of low- and intermediate-grade prostate cancers.

Barriers to HPV Vaccination Among Unvaccinated, Haitian American College Women.

Background: Haitian women residing in the United States are disproportionately affected by cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been licensed in the United States since 2006. Vaccination rates are less than optimal overall, and the rates are particularly low among young black women. We investigated barriers to HPV vaccination in a sample of Haitian American college women. Methods: Thirty self-identified Haitian American women, aged 17-26 years, were recruited from a large university campus in southeastern United States (n=30). They completed in-depth face-to-face interviews. The research team analyzed the transcripts using thematic analysis. Results: More than half of the participants (n=18) had not yet initiated the HPV vaccine series. Most of the unvaccinated participants stated that they had received a provider recommendation for the vaccine. Lack of provider recommendation, negative vaccine perception and attitudes, and side effect concerns constituted barriers to vaccination. Conclusions: Haitian American college women at high risk of cervical cancer have cited several barriers to HPV vaccination, with the most prominent being lack of physician recommendation. Healthcare providers should continue recommending the vaccine to college women as many of them may not have received a recommendation. When recommending the HPV vaccine, discussions should be framed with the intent to positively influence HPV vaccine perceptions and ultimately vaccine attitudes.

Secondary prostate cancer screening outcomes by race in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates between black and white men, there is still insufficient data available to assess potential differences in the benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening by race. Although the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Screening Trial is underpowered to detect a difference by race in prostate-cancer specific mortality, because of the large study size, there are still sufficient numbers to examine secondary screening outcomes. The objective of this analysis is to examine whether differences exist between black and white participants with respect to screening false-positive rates, biopsy follow-up of men with positive screens, tumor characteristics, and overdiagnosis of prostate cancer. METHODS: Participants from the PLCO included men aged 55-74 years at baseline. Cancer diagnoses and deaths were identified through study update questionnaires, records of biopsy procedures, and linkage with the National Death Index. Cancer characteristics were obtained by medical abstractors. We used chi-squared tests to assess differences in false-positive rates, biopsy follow-up, and tumor characteristics. We used Cox proportional hazards models to compare incidence and mortality rates adjusting for age and survival rates adjusting for Gleason scores. RESULTS: Black men were slightly more likely (14.5%) to have a false-positive PSA test compared to white men (12.4%; P = 0.02) but less likely to have a false-positive digital rectal exam (DRE) (10.9% vs 14.2%, respectively; P < 0.001). Among all men who were screened, black men were significantly more likely to undergo a biopsy than white men (16.5% vs 13.8%, respectively [P = 0.003]) but there was no difference when limited to those with a positive PSA test. Prostate cancer tumors were more likely to be aggressive and to have metastasized in black men compared to white men. Disparities in incidence, mortality, and survival rates were comparable to those seen in population-based data. CONCLUSIONS: There was evidence that false-positive test results differed by race and screening test. Consistent with previous studies, cancer outcomes, and tumor characteristics were all more unfavorable in black men.

Impact of Louisiana's HPV Vaccine Awareness Policy on HPV Vaccination Among 13- to 17-Year-Old Females.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization for 11- to 12-year-old adolescents. In 2008, Louisiana required the school boards to distribute HPV vaccine information to parents or guardian of students in Grades 6 to 12. This article investigates the impact of this policy on HPV vaccination among 13- to 17-year-old female adolescents using National Immunization Survey-Teen (NIS-Teen) data. Drawing on the data from the 2008 to 2012 NIS-Teen, we compared the difference in proportions of females who have been vaccinated before and after the policy. Using difference-indifference estimation, we explored the change in vaccination rates before and after the policy implementation in Louisiana compared with Alabama and Mississippi, two states that did not have such a policy in place. The difference-in-differences estimates for HPV vaccination were not significant. Physician recommendation for HPV vaccination was significantly associated with vaccination among females in Louisiana and Alabama (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.74; 95% confidence interval [CI; 5.22, 11.5]), and for those in Louisiana and Mississippi (aOR = 7.05; 95% CI [4.6, 10.5]). Compared to the proportion of female adolescents who had received physician recommendation in Alabama or Mississippi, the proportion in Louisiana did not increase significantly in the postpolicy period. HPV vaccination rates did not increase significantly in Louisiana compared to Alabama or Mississippi following the implementation of the policy. Despite Louisiana's policy, physician recommendation remains the key determinant of HPV vaccination. HPV vaccine awareness does not necessarily result in HPV vaccination.

Impact of Virginia's School-Entry Vaccine Mandate on Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among 13-17-Year-Old Females.

BACKGROUND: The link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and anogenital cancers is well established in the literature. Many states have passed laws requiring funding for HPV education or vaccination. Mandatory HPV vaccination policies have been considered and passed in several states; yet their effectiveness has not been evaluated. This study sought to assess the impact of Virginia's HPV vaccine mandate for school-entry on HPV vaccine uptake among females aged 13-17 years. METHODS: Data from the National Immunization Survey-Teen for the 2008-2012 period were used, and 3,203 adolescent females were included in the analysis. We performed difference-in-differences estimation and logistic regression with a policy and period interaction term. Virginia was considered the treatment state, and South Carolina and Tennessee were the comparison states to account for nonpolicy factors that may have affected vaccination rates during the time period considered in the analysis. RESULTS: There was no evidence of an effect of Virginia's HPV vaccine mandate for school-entry on vaccination rates or on physician vaccination recommendation using either the difference-by-differences analysis or the policy and period interaction term in the logistic regression. Physician recommendation was the factor most strongly associated with vaccination in the Virginia-South Carolina analysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 9.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.11-14.3) and in the Virginia-Tennessee analysis (aOR = 9.33; 95% CI: 6.11-14.3). CONCLUSION: Study findings suggest that Virginia's HPV vaccine mandate for school-entry did not lead to a significant increase in HPV vaccination among adolescent females or physician recommendations. However, physician recommendation was the factor most strongly associated with vaccination.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Sexual Disinhibition in Females: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: Some parents believe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination increases the chance of risky sexual behaviors among adolescents. This review summarizes the evidence available on adolescent girls and women engaging in risky sexual activity following HPV vaccination. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was conducted in 2014 and updated in 2015. Literature was searched for articles published between 2004 and 2015 in MEDLINE, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane Database, Web of Science, and EMBASE without language limits. Studies were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodologic quality of the included articles was assessed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The search resulted in 21 articles to be included in the review, with 527,475 participants. Included studies were conducted in 12 different countries using experimental and observational study designs. The review included data on girls aged as young as 11 years to women aged 40 years. Studies measured changes in sexual behaviors using a variety of outcomes, including age at sexual debut; risky sexual behaviors; use of condoms and contraception; and clinical indicators such as rates of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and pregnancy terminations. Available data showed either no association between vaccination status and the outcomes of interest or a positive association between safer sexual behaviors, such as condom use and receipt of HPV vaccination. Methodologic quality of all but one study was moderate or weak. CONCLUSIONS: This review did not find sufficient evidence to support compensatory sexual risk behaviors following HPV vaccination among adolescent girls or women.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Antenatal Depression in the United States: A Systematic Review.

Objectives More than 10 % of pregnant women in the United States (U.S.) suffer from depression, which has far-reaching consequences on maternal and fetal well-being. There is conflicting evidence regarding the prevalence of antenatal depression among different race and ethnic groups. This systematic review aimed to summarize the existing literature concerning racial/ethnic disparities in the prevalence and correlates of antenatal depression in the U.S. Methods PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases were searched online for research studies published in English in peer-reviewed journals until March 2015, using a pre-designed search strategy. Eligibility was determined using pre-specified criteria; and quality was assessed. Results Forty-one (41) articles met the criteria; 13 were cross-sectional, and 21 were longitudinal studies. Overall, the prevalence of antenatal depression was 10-30 %; it was higher among non-Hispanic blacks (NHBs) and Hispanics, compared to non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). Few studies looked at the correlates of depression by race/ethnicity. Among employed women, higher depression scores were observed among NHBs, compared to NHWs; while there was no racial difference among unemployed women. Racial difference and race-employment interaction disappeared once discrimination was accounted for. In another study, higher parity, higher stress, and lower self-esteem were significant correlates of depression among NHBs, while less satisfaction with social support, and higher stress predicted higher depression scores among NHWs and Hispanics respectively. Conclusions The findings of our review suggest that not only is antenatal depression a major public health issue that needs to be addressed, but different racial/ethnic groups seem to differ in their vulnerability and risk factors.

Human papillomavirus vaccine uptake among males 11-26 years in United States: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2012.

Anogenital human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading sexually transmitted infection in the United States. In October 2011, the quadrivalent HPV vaccine (HPV4) was recommended for males in the U.S. We analyzed a subsample of 11­26 year old (N = 1012) males, from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey 2011­2012 dataset, to examine HPV vaccine uptake. The initiation rates in the 11­17 years and the 18­26 years age-groups were 10.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.09­16.6%) and 5.5% (95%CI: 3.1­9.5%) respectively. The corresponding HPV vaccine completion rates were 39.3% (16.7­67.7%) for the 11­17 year old males and 59.1% (37.2­77.6) for the 18­26-year-old males. Despite a slight increase, HPV vaccine uptake remained low among males. These findings can help in HPV vaccination policy in the United States, with a focus on informational messages directed toward young males and their parents in order to increase uptake of HPV vaccine.

Mental health issues among pregnant women in correctional facilities: a systematic review.

Incarceration-induced stress makes pregnant women in correctional facilities a high-risk group for mental health problems, resulting in adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. A systematic review was conducted to examine the prevalence and correlates of mental health issues among pregnant inmates. Databases searched included PubMed, Medline, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, National Criminal Justice Reference System, Social Work Abstracts, Cochrane and Campbell libraries, which were searched for studies published in English from 1950 till July 2013. Eleven studies were included of pregnant women in correctional facilities and addressed at least one mental illness. Quality score was assigned to these eligible articles. Due to heterogeneity, a narrative review was performed. All of the studies were conducted in the United States, with quality scores ranging from 7 to 10 out of 10. Only one of these studies used mixed methods, the rest were quantitative. Tobacco use among pregnant inmates exceeded 50%, with some studies reporting as high as 84%. Alcohol use was common; 36% of the inmates used illicit drugs in one study. Depression and anxiety levels were high-some studies reported depression among 80% of inmates. Findings suggest that mental health among pregnant prisoners is a huge concern that has not been adequately addressed.