Patients with COVID-19 Pneumonia Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a Community Hospital in Flint, Michigan, in Early 2020: Characteristics and Mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the many studies conducted on the factors affecting mortality in patients with COVID-19, there is ongoing debate about the role of race as a risk factor. Several studies have reported a geographic and racial disparity in COVID-19 cases in Michigan. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of the 2020 first cohort of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) COVID-19 patients admitted to a community teaching hospital in Flint, Michigan, and to determine the factors associated with ICU mortality, including race. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included adult patients (≥ 18 years) with severe COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the ICU between March and May 2020. Potential risk factors associated with ICU mortality included demographic characteristics, comorbidities, treatments, and complications. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of N = 48 patients, aged 24-85 years, (mean 59.7; SD = 12.8); 56.2% (n=27) were male and 51.1% (n=24) were Black adults. The mortality rate was 51.1%. Age (aOR 1.1, 95% CI [1.01, 1.20]; p =0.03), type 2 diabetes (aOR 5.7, 95% CI [1.2, 29.1]; p =0.03), and essential hypertension (aOR 6.2, 95% CI [1.1, 34.5]; p =0.04) were all found to have statistically significant independent associations with increased risk of ICU mortality in this study sample. On the other hand, race was not found to be associated with ICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the literature regarding the association of comorbid conditions, including type 2 diabetes and hypertension, with poorer outcomes in ICU hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. This study provides insight into mortality of an ICU patient cohort earlier on during the COVID-19 pandemic in Flint, Michigan.

A Review of Community Awareness for Colorectal Cancer Screening and Prevention in North and Central Asian Countries.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), including North and Central Asian countries (NCAC). Screening and risk factor reduction can aid in the prevention of colorectal cancer, but communities lack awareness of these screening programs. The review assessed community awareness about CRC screening and prevention in NCAC to facilitate cancer control policies. Study type and methods: For this scoping review, we searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for articles on community awareness about CRC screening and prevention in NCAC according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Eight of 677 articles from five of the 15 NCAC countries met the criteria. Most of the studies utilized a survey design. The results indicated low awareness of the availability of CRC screening and poor knowledge of CRC symptoms. Knowledge of CRC screening modalities was also inadequate. Some countries also lack CRC screening programs. CONCLUSION: Community unawareness is a significant barrier to screening program utilization and sustenance. Community health awareness programs (CHAP) are needed to improve the uptake of CRC screening in NCAC. The NCAC should include CHAP as an integral component of the CRC control plan. Long-term cancer control in LMIC could be adapted using the step-ladder pyramidal approach.

Factors Associated With Hip Fracture Length of Stay Among Older Adults in a Community Hospital Setting.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures in geriatric populations constitute a heavy burden on the healthcare system. The study goal was to identify patient, hospital, and surgical factors associated with hospital length of stay (LOS) for geriatric patients with hip fractures requiring surgical intervention in a community hospital setting. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional retrospective chart review of geriatric hip fractures that underwent surgical fixation at a community hospital between 2017 and 2019. The scope of the surgeries was limited to cephalomedullary device fixation or hemiarthroplasty hip fracture surgeries. Sliding hip screw or total hip arthroplasty procedures and patients who died during the index hospitalization were excluded. Median tests were conducted to examine differences between the groups. Unadjusted and adjusted truncated negative binomial regression models were used to examine the factors associated with LOS. RESULTS: Bivariate analyses revealed results that the factors associated with a longer LOS were preoperative anemia (P = 0.029), blood transfusion (P = 0.022), and the number of days between admission and surgery (P = 0.001). The adjusted regression model results suggested that older patients, patients who underwent surgery more than one day after admission, current smokers, malnourished patients, patients with sepsis, and patients with a history of a thromboembolic event had statistically significant (P < 0.05) longer LOS. However, patients who live in institutions (nursing homes or assisted living) had a shorter LOS than those who live at home alone or with family (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Older adult patients who underwent surgery with a cephalomedullary device or hip hemiarthroplasty for a hip fracture and had preoperative anemia, postoperative blood transfusions, and increased days between admission and surgery had a longer LOS. Additional factors positively associated with a longer LOS included current smokers, malnourishment, admission with sepsis, and patients with a history of a thromboembolic event. Of interest, institutionalized patients had a shorter LOS than those living at home alone or with family.

Utility and value of pre-operative CT and MRI for cochlear implantation in the elderly.

PURPOSE: To determine the utility and value of pre-operative imaging among the elderly population ≥70 y.o. with bilateral progressive sensorineural hearing loss undergoing cochlear implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional review was performed at a tertiary referral center between 2010 and 2018 including patients ≥70 y.o. with bilateral presbycusis who underwent preoperative imaging and cochlear implantation. Primary outcome was whether pre-operative imaging changed the surgeon's surgical plan such as side of implant or abort procedure entirely. Patient characteristics including age, sex, side of implant, imaging modality, whether imaging changed surgical plan, and surgical complications were reviewed. One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc tests using the Bonferroni and Fisher's exact test were used to examine differences between groups. Secondary outcome was cost of preoperative imaging. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-three patients (mean age 79.38 [5.51 SD]) who underwent a total of 142 surgical cases and 147 total scans. There were 92, 27, and 14 patients who underwent CT, MRI, or both, respectfully (n=133). Of the 142 implants that were placed, preoperative imaging did not reveal a contraindication to placing implant on one side over another. Total cost of imaging was $29,694. Estimated cost if 20% of cochlear implant eligible patients ≥70 y.o. underwent imaging is $7,763,490. CONCLUSION: Decreasing unnecessary preoperative imaging can potentially decrease cost in cochlear implantation. In this sample, preoperative imaging did not affect the surgeon's choice of which side to operate on. However, imaging may provide an anatomic roadmap and contribute to either surgical confidence or caution. With the increasing amount of cochlear implant eligible elderly adults, preoperative imaging needs to be more clearly defined in this unique population.

Comparison of associated comorbid conditions in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with or without migraine history: A large single institution study.

PURPOSE: In the largest reported United States (U.S.) cohort of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), does the presence or absence of migraine correlate with increased associations of other factors? MATERIALS & METHODS: A retrospective chart review from a single U.S. neurotology center. Adult patients with BPPV from 2003 to 2017 classified into two groups: 1) with migraine; 2) without migraine. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported migraine history in a BPPV-positive population (n = 1481) was 25.8% (n = 382). Among those with BPPV and migraine, 88.5% were female, 8.1% had diabetes, 22.5% had prior history of BPPV, 8.9% had Meniere's disease and recurrence rate was 38.3%. No statistically significant differences between recurrence or resolution rates between the two groups were demonstrated (p > 0.05). Adjusted logistic regression model found that women and those with a prior history of BPPV had significantly higher odds of having both BPPV and migraine conditions compared to their counterparts. In contrast, older age and diabetes were associated with significantly lower odds of concomitant BPPV and migraine. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of migraine among the study sample was 25.8%. Female gender, prior history of BPPV, younger age, and lack of diabetes were independently associated with the concurrent comorbidity of BPPV and migraine. These data further substantiate previously reported rates (from smaller studies); and, demonstrate that recurrence and resolution rates are not worse in those with BPPV and migraine compared to the general BPPV population. Findings support an association between migraine and BPPV and enhances one's ability to accurately counsel patients regarding these diseases.

Gendered powerlessness in at-risk adolescent and young women: an empirical model.

In the United States, youth aged 13-24 comprised approximately 21% of new HIV infections in 2017; 13% of these infections occurred among women, the majority of whom (86%) acquired HIV through heterosexual contact (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019a. HIV and youth. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/age/youth/index.html, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019b. HIV among women. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/gender/women/index.html). We fit and validated a developmentally appropriate empirical model of Connell's Theory of Gender and Power (Connell, R. W. 1987. Gender and power: Society, the person and sexual politics. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, Connell, R. W. 2013. Gender and power: Society, the person and sexual politics. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons) in a sample of young women and assessed whether gendered powerlessness reflected a multidimensional higher-order latent factor, as the theory implies. Anonymous computer-assisted interviews were administered to at-risk, sexually active young women (N = 1,101). Factor analyses and structural equation modeling were used to determine the dimensionality of gendered powerlessness. Associations with condom use were examined to validate the model. We fit a three-component model of gendered powerlessness, but not a higher-order latent factor. We observed that high scores on two dimensions of gendered powerlessness - cathexis and sexual division of power - were associated with lower likelihood of condom use. Our three-component model helps elucidate the role that components of gendered powerlessness play in young women's health behaviors and underscores the need for measures tailored to young women at high risk of contracting HIV.

Youth health outcomes from the Connect-to-Protect Coalitions to prevent adolescent HIV infections.

We assessed the relationships among HIV-related social and behavioral outcomes resulting from an adolescent-focused HIV structural change initiative in eight urban sites operating Connect to Protect (C2P) coalitions. Over a 4-year period, annual cross-sectional panels of adolescents (N = 2,248) completed an audio-computer-assisted interview, providing data on satisfaction with their communities as adolescent-supportive environments, internalized HIV stigma, lifetime HIV-testing, lifetime sexual risk-taking, and number of sexual partners in the prior year. We used structural equation modeling to estimate hypothesized links between time since coalition mobilization to our social and behavioral outcomes. Over the 4 years, adolescents perceived their communities to become more supportive (p < .05). Positive perceptions of community support were associated with lower lifetime HIV sexual risk (p < .05). The effect of time on risk behavior was mediated by perceptions of community support. Stigma was unchanged over time. Stigma had damaging effects on risk behavior, effects which were also mediated by perceptions of community support. Special efforts are needed to address the deleterious effect of HIV stigma on high-risk urban adolescents.

Examination of Behavioral, Social, and Environmental Contextual Influences on Sexually Transmitted Infections in At Risk, Urban, Adolescents, and Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: Despite the large body of extant literature on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), more research on social and environmental contextual factors is needed. Also, further examination of STI indicators by gender remains a critical area of research focus. METHODS: Anonymous survey data were collected using audio computer-assisted self-interviews in community venues in urban, low-income, STI prevalent, US neighborhoods to reach AYAs, aged 12 to 24 years. Conventional descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multiple logistical regression models were used to assess indicators of a self-reported lifetime prevalence of STIs. RESULTS: Participants (N = 1540) were on average 20.6 years; 57.2% were women, the majority were racial and ethnic minorities (92%), and almost half (49.2%) identified as sexual minorities. Nearly one third (32.%) had 1 or more STIs. As expected, gender differences were identified. For AYA men, being African American/Black, moving residences more than 4 times since kindergarten, and having a history of human immunodeficiency virus testing were each positively associated with STIs. Also, those who strongly disagreed that many young people in their community exchanged sex for money had a significantly lower likelihood of having an STI. For AYA women, exchanging sex for drugs or money, lacking money, which prevented activities, and using marijuana were each associated with STIs. CONCLUSIONS: This research extends our understanding of social and environmental contextual influences on AYAs' risk for STIs. It highlights differences in risk exposures that are distinctly different for AYA women and men, suggesting the need for tailored interventions to address their unique economic needs and social challenges.

Anticipated HIV Stigma and Delays in Regular HIV Testing Behaviors Among Sexually-Active Young Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Women.

Young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM) and young transgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. The success of biomedical prevention strategies is predicated on regular HIV testing; however, there has been limited uptake of testing among YGBMSM and young transgender women. Anticipated HIV stigma-expecting rejection as a result of seroconversion- may serve as a significant barrier to testing. A cross-sectional sample of YGBMSM (n = 719, 95.5%) and young transgender women (n = 33, 4.4%) ages 15-24 were recruited to participate in a one-time survey. Approximately one-third of youth had not tested within the last 6 months. In a multivariable model, anticipated HIV stigma and reporting a non-gay identity were associated with an increased odds of delaying regular HIV testing. Future research and interventions are warranted to address HIV stigma, in order to increase regular HIV testing among YGBMSM and transgender women.

Phosphatidylethanol Levels Among Incarcerated Women: The Influence of Pre-incarceration Alcohol Consumption and Length of Abstinence.

BACKGROUND: Phosphatidylethanol (PEth) is a direct biomarker for alcohol that is formed shortly after alcohol use and may remain detectable in blood for weeks after alcohol consumption. There is little research on alcohol use factors that influence PEth elimination, especially among women. METHODS: Data were collected from 116 alcohol use-disordered women who were recently incarcerated. We used a 2-part model with logistic and linear components to examine whether alcohol consumption in the 2 weeks prior to incarceration and days since last alcoholic drink (operationalized as abstinence days prior to incarceration + days incarcerated) were associated with PEth detectability (>8 ng/ml) and level (ng/ml) in blood. RESULTS: Participants reported drinking an average of 10 drinks per day in the 2 weeks prior to incarceration. Days since last drink was negatively associated with PEth level (odds ratio [OR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.93; 0.99) and being PEth detectable (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.91; 0.99). Quantity of alcohol consumed prior to jail admission was associated with PEth detection (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.03; 1.16), but not PEth level. CONCLUSIONS: Days since last alcoholic drink and drinks per day both influenced PEth detectability, but only days since last drink predicted PEth level among a large sample of women with alcohol use disorder in the criminal justice system.

Perceived need for depression treatment among persons entering inpatient opioid detoxification.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Depression is common among persons with opioid use disorder. We examined the perceived need for depression treatment (PNDT) among opioid-dependent patients and the relationship of PNDT to depression screening result. METHODS: Between May and December 2015, we surveyed consecutive persons (n = 440) seeking inpatient opioid detoxification. We used the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) to screen for depression. To assess perceived need for depression services, participants were asked, "Do you believe you should be treated for depression?" Response options were recorded into four categories: "Not Depressed (ND)," "Perceive Need for Depression Treatment (PNDT)," "Depressed/Don't Want Treatment," and "Currently Treated." RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 32.3 (±8.7) years; 70.7% were male. Nearly two out of three persons screened positive for depression yet only 8.2% were being treated for depression prior to admission. Screening positive for depression was associated with a 2.95 (95%CI 1.82-4.81, p < .005) fold increase in the expected odds of PNDT. But nearly half of those depressed (48%) did not perceive the need for treatment. Approximately 40% of the participants (n = 177) perceived that they were not depressed; of these persons, 52% screened positive for depression. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Detoxification program staff should screen patients for depression, and if a clinical diagnosis is confirmed, discuss treatment options, exploring the level of interest in mental health treatment for depression. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Screening for and addressing depression, including patients' interest in treatment, should be central to post-detoxification aftercare planning. (Am J Addict 2017;26:395-399).

Eat Smart, Live Strong intervention increases fruit and vegetable consumption among low-income older adults.

This study evaluated the impact of a four-session interactive nutrition education program-Eat Smart, Live Strong (ESLS)-on the consumption of fruit and vegetables by low-income older adults. A pre-post quasi-experimental design study was conducted with a longitudinal sample of 614 low-income Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants and those eligible for SNAP, aged 60 to 80 years, in 17 intervention and 16 comparison senior centers in Michigan. The study compared participants' self-reports of their consumption of fruit and vegetables using a modified version of the University of California Cooperative Extension Food Behavior Checklist. ESLS increased participants' average daily consumption of fruit by 0.2 cups (P < 0.05) and vegetables by 0.31 cups (P < 0.01). ESLS, a four-session, cognitive-behavioral nutrition education program is an effective curriculum for helping low-income older adults eat more fruit and vegetables.