Disparities in child protective services involvement in pediatric traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of pediatric death and disability. Abusive head trauma confers greater morbidity and mortality compared with accidental TBI. National trends reveal disproportionate involvement of minority children in the child welfare system. The study investigates socioeconomic disparities in child protective services (CPS) involvement in pediatric TBI. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was conducted for TBI patients (n = 596) admitted to an academic pediatric level I trauma center from 2015 to 2022, where institutional policy dictates automatic CPS referral for TBI patients ≤ 2 years. Analysis of variance, chi-squared, and logistic regressions compared racial and ethnic groups and calculated adjusted odds of CPS case acceptance. RESULTS: Rates of non-accidental trauma, CPS involvement, insurance, and marital status differed across racial and ethnic backgrounds (p < 0.05). Of patients ≤ 2 years, Hispanic patients (OR: 0.38, 95%CI [0.16,0.91]) had decreased odds of CPS involvement compared to non-Hispanic White patients when adjusting for confounders including injury severity, injury type, and socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: We highlight racial and ethnic differences in incidence of pediatric TBI and CPS involvement, even in the setting of an automatic CPS referral policy for pediatric TBI patients ≤ 2 years.

A window of opportunity: Adverse childhood experiences and time alone with a provider in the United States.

BACKGROUND: To date, there is limited literature on the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the quality of health care provider encounters. This is key, as people with a history of ACEs have a greater burden of illness. METHODS: This study uses data from the 2020-2021 National Survey of Children's Health to examine relationships between ACEs and (1) spending less than ten minutes with a health care provider, and (2) spending time alone with a health care provider. RESULTS: In general, our results suggested most ACEs were associated with higher odds of a provider spending <10 min with a child during their last preventative care visit, while ACEs were inconsistently related to spending time alone with a provider. Each additional ACE was found to be associated with higher odds of both outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This work emphasizes the importance of ACEs screening in a health care setting and may set the groundwork for future research investigating mechanisms within these associations. Given the established link between health care quality and patient-provider trust, and health outcomes, intervention work is needed to develop healthcare practices that may encourage the length and quality of health care provider visits.

The Value of Obtaining Colonic Mucosal Biopsies of Grossly Normal Tissue in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Current practice during pediatric colonoscopy is to obtain random colonic biopsies, even from normal appearing tissue. The majority of literature published on colonic biopsy practice analyzes adults; however, limited data examines the pediatric population. The lack of standardization regarding tissue sampling during pediatric colonoscopy reinforces the necessity to study this question objectively. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of obtaining mucosal biopsies from grossly normal colonic tissue. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to examine the utility of obtaining colonic biopsies from normal appearing tissue. Subjects included patients who underwent colonoscopy during a 2-year period. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression models were used to determine endoscopic and histologic agreement and to characterize predictors of agreement. RESULTS: The predictive value of agreement between normal appearing colonoscopies (n = 237) and histopathology was 81%. Excluding patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increased the predictive value to 85%. Two and a half percent of grossly normal colonoscopies had histological findings consistent with newly diagnosed IBD. Predictors of normal histology included abdominal pain (odds ratio [OR] 3.68, 95% CI 1.84-7.37), whereas a known diagnosis of IBD was predictive of abnormal histology (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08-0.67). Among the full sample, elevated inflammatory markers (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.06-3.86) or fatigue (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.13-5.94) were predictive of abnormal histology. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that colonic biopsies may not need to be routinely obtained from all pediatric colonoscopies, particularly in those patients with complaints of abdominal pain. Biopsies should continue to be obtained from patients with a known diagnosis of IBD, elevated inflammatory markers, or fatigue. Further studies are needed to standardize protocols for biopsy practice in pediatric colonoscopy.

Racial and Citizenship Disparities in Health Care Among Middle Eastern Americans.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in health access and utilization among Middle Eastern American adults by White racial identity and citizenship. METHODS: Data from the 2011 to 2018 National Health Interview Surveys (N=1013) and survey-weighted logistic regression analyses compare Middle Eastern immigrants by race and citizenship on access and utilization of health care in the United States. RESULTS: White respondents had 71% lower odds of delaying care [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.34; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.13, 0.71] and 84% lower odds of being rejected by a doctor as a new patient (AOR=0.16; 95% CI=0.03, 0.88) compared to non-White respondents. US citizens had higher odds of visiting the doctor in the past 12 months compared with noncitizens (AOR=1.76; 95% CI=1.25, 2.76). CONCLUSION: Middle Eastern immigrants who do not identify as White and who are not US citizens are significantly less likely to access and utilize health care compared with those who identify as White and are US citizens. POLICY IMPLICATIONS: This study shows that racial and citizenship disparities persist among Middle Eastern Americans at a national-level, playing a critical role in access to and use of health care.

It Is About Trust: Trust in Sources of Tobacco Health Information, Perceptions of Harm, and Use of E-Cigarettes.

INTRODUCTION: Recent research has highlighted disparities in people who perceive as trustworthy sources of e-cigarette health information. Research has yet to examine if trusting a particular source of information is associated with use of e-cigarettes or perceptions of e-cigarette harm. We use a nationally representative survey of American adults to address these gaps in knowledge. METHODS: This study used data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (N = 3738). Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds of ever using e-cigarettes and perceived health harm of e-cigarettes. Trust in seven different sources of e-cigarette health information served as the independent variables. Models accounted for confounders. RESULTS: Trusting religious organizations "a lot" as sources of e-cigarette health information was associated with lower odds of ever using e-cigarettes and with lower odds of perceiving e-cigarettes as less harmful than conventional cigarettes. Trusting e-cigarette companies "a lot" as sources of e-cigarette health information was associated with lower odds of viewing e-cigarettes as harmful to health. CONCLUSION: Trusting health information about e-cigarettes from sources in the medical or public health field was not associated with lower use of e-cigarettes or viewing e-cigarettes as more harmful. Trusting health information from e-cigarette companies yielded perceptions of e-cigarette harm that are consistent with messaging provided by these companies. IMPLICATIONS: As use of e-cigarettes continues to climb, leveraging different modes of health communication will be critical to both discourage e-cigarette use among never-smokers and, potentially, to encourage use of e-cigarettes as an option to achieve smoking cessation or reduce the harm of tobacco products. Our findings suggest that religious organizations may be helpful in communicating anti-e-cigarette messages.

Variations in Access to Care After the Affordable Care Act Among Different Immigrant Groups.

To assess how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) impacted changes in access and utilization of health care between groups by examining differences across groups of immigrants and by citizenship status. Data came from respondents of the 2011-2016 National Health Interview Survey aged 18 to 64 who were born outside of the U.S. or were native-born non-Latino whites (N = 119,198). Outcome measures included (all in the past 12 months): being currently uninsured, being insured via Medicaid, visiting the emergency department, visiting a doctor at least once, delaying care due to costs, not getting needed care because respondent was unable to afford it and being told by doctor office that they would not accept you as a new patient. The ACA was associated with greater healthcare access and utilization for some groups, but heterogeneously across all groups. For example, some immigrant groups had better access and utilization than others, and similar variation was revealed across citizenship groups. This study underscores the importance of disentangling how policies can affect immigrants from different regions of the world, which has implications for healthcare utilization and disparities.

Examining HPV Vaccination Practices and Differences Among Providers in Virginia.

Virginia has some of the lowest HPV vaccination rates, despite being one of the few states in the USA requiring adolescent girls receive the vaccine. Provider characteristics may be an important factor in HPV vaccination. Thus, the present study assessed provider vaccination, practices, knowledge about the vaccine, and confidence in performing behaviors related to the vaccine. We conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey in a large health care system in Northern Virginia. A total of 53 responses were received. Only respondents who reported seeing adolescent patients were included in analyses (N = 42). Differences in responses were examined by provider age, gender, and type. Respondents reported recommending the vaccine a high percent of the time to eligible patients and had overall high levels of knowledge and confidence. Male providers recommended the vaccine to boys ages 11-12, less frequently than female providers. Providers age 50 and over recommended the vaccine to boys ages 11-12 less frequently than younger providers. This study shows that there are some gaps in HPV vaccine recommendation practices among providers. These gaps may be one reason for the low uptake of the HPV vaccine among adolescents. Thus, educational and training interventions of providers could be considered.

Heterogeneous impacts: adverse childhood experiences and cancer screening.

BACKGROUND: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with higher odds of cancer in adulthood. One potential explanation for this association is the impact of ACEs on cancer screening. To address this shortcoming, this study examined how ACEs were associated with current compliance and ever use of prostate, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening. METHODS: Data from the 2014 Kansas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used (n = 11,794). Logistic regressions were used to calculate odds of cancer screening behaviors from each of nine different ACE items and a count of ACEs. RESULTS: Individual ACE items were associated with lower odds of compliance with PSA screening, clinical breast exam, and pap test guidelines. Certain ACEs were associated with increased odds of compliance with colorectal cancer screening guidelines among women and lower odds of compliance among men. ACEs were associated with ever screening for PSA and ever use of colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy among men and women. Physical abuse was most consistently associated with cancer screening, across outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most significant associations showed that specific ACEs were associated with lower odds of cancer screening. Therefore, efforts should be made to promote screening among those with histories of ACEs.

Pathological and 3 Tesla Volumetric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predictors of Biochemical Recurrence after Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Correlation with Whole Mount Histopathology.

PURPOSE: We sought to identify the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging variables predictive of biochemical recurrence after robotic assisted radical prostatectomy in patients who underwent multiparametric 3 Tesla prostate magnetic resonance imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an institutional review board approved, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant, single arm observational study of 3 Tesla multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging prior to robotic assisted radical prostatectomy from December 2009 to March 2016. Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging and pathological information, and clinical outcomes were compiled. Biochemical recurrence was defined as prostate specific antigen 0.2 ng/cc or greater. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Biochemical recurrence had developed in 62 of the 255 men (24.3%) included in the study at a median followup of 23.5 months. Compared to the subcohort without biochemical recurrence the subcohort with biochemical recurrence had a greater proportion of patients with a high grade biopsy Gleason score, higher preoperative prostate specific antigen (7.4 vs 5.6 ng/ml), intermediate and high D'Amico classifications, larger tumor volume on magnetic resonance imaging (0.66 vs 0.30 ml), higher PI-RADS® (Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System) version 2 category lesions, a greater proportion of intermediate and high grade radical prostatectomy Gleason score lesions, higher pathological T3 stage (all p <0.01) and a higher positive surgical margin rate (19.3% vs 7.8%, p = 0.016). On multivariable analysis only tumor volume on magnetic resonance imaging (adjusted OR 1.57, p = 0.016), pathological T stage (adjusted OR 2.26, p = 0.02), positive surgical margin (adjusted OR 5.0, p = 0.004) and radical prostatectomy Gleason score (adjusted OR 2.29, p = 0.004) predicted biochemical recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort tumor volume on magnetic resonance imaging and pathological variables, including Gleason score, staging and positive surgical margins, significantly predicted biochemical recurrence. This suggests an important new imaging biomarker.

Insurance Type and Access to Health Care Providers and Appointments Under the Affordable Care Act.

BACKGROUND: Millions of adults have gained insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, disparities in access to care persist. OBJECTIVE: This study examined differences in access to primary and specialty care among patients insured by private individual market insurance plans (both on-exchange and off-exchange) and Medicaid compared with those with employer-sponsored insurance. RESEARCH DESIGN: Using data from the 2014 and 2015 California Health Interview Survey, logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds of being unable to access primary care providers, access specialty care providers and receive a needed doctor's appointment in a timely manner, with insurance type serving as the independent variable. Interaction terms examined if the expiration of the ACA's optional Medicaid primary care fee increase in 2014 modified any of these associations. RESULTS: Findings showed poorer access to providers among those insured through Medicaid and the individual market (whether purchased through the state's health insurance exchange or off-exchange) relative to employer-based insurance. Poor access to primary care providers was seen among private coverage purchased via exchanges, relative to private coverage purchased on the individual market. In addition, findings showed that reduction of Medicaid fees coincided with reduced ability to see primary care providers. However, a similar trend was seen among those with employer-based coverage, which suggests that this change may not be attributable to reductions in Medicaid fees. CONCLUSION: Despite ACA-related gains in insurance coverage, those with on-exchange and off-exchange individual private insurance plans and Medicaid encounter more barriers to care than those with employer-based insurance.

Insurance Coverage and Utilization Improve for Latino Youth but Disparities by Heritage Group Persist Following the ACA.

OBJECTIVE: Latino youth experience worse access to and utilization of health care compared with non-Latino "white" youth, with inequities persisting following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). To better understand these disparities, we examine changes in youth's access and utilization associated with the ACA for different Latino heritage groups relative to whites. STUDY DESIGN: We use 6 years (2011-2016) of National Health Interview Survey data to examine Latino youth's insurance coverage and health care utilization by heritage group, nativity, and parental language. The dependent measures of utilization included well-child, emergency department, and physician visits. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the odds of each dependent measure and interacted heritage group and time period [2011-2013 (pre-ACA) versus 2014-2016 (post-ACA)] to examine how changes associated with the ACA varied by group. RESULTS: Insurance coverage and well-child visits improved among youth overall following implementation of the ACA. Although Mexican and Central or South American youth experienced the largest absolute increase in coverage, they still had high levels of uninsurance post-ACA (9.9% and 9.1%, respectively). Disparities in coverage between Puerto Rican and white youth improved, while disparities in well-child visits between Mexican and white youth worsened. Little to no movement was observed in disparities by nativity and parental language. CONCLUSIONS: Most disparities in insurance and utilization across Latino heritage groups and white youth persisted post-ACA despite significant gains within groups. Although disparities for Puerto Rican youth have improved, Mexican and Central or South American youth continue to experience disparities.

Racial Discrimination in Health Care and Utilization of Health Care: a Cross-sectional Study of California Adults.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic discrimination in health care have been associated with suboptimal use of health care. However, limited research has examined how facets of health care utilization influence, and are influenced by, discrimination. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if type of insurance coverage and location of usual source of care used were associated with perceptions of racial or ethnic discrimination in health care. Additionally, this study examined if perceived racial or ethnic discrimination influenced delaying or forgoing prescriptions or medical care. DESIGN: Data from the 2015-2016 California Health Interview Survey were used. Logistic regression models estimated odds of perceiving racial or ethnic discrimination from insurance type and location of usual source of care. Logistic regression models estimated odds of delaying or forgoing medical care or prescriptions. PARTICIPANTS: Responses for 39,171 adults aged 18 and over were used. MAIN MEASURES: Key health care utilization variables were as follows: current insurance coverage, location of usual source of care, delaying or forgoing medical care, and delaying or forgoing prescriptions. We examined if these effects differed by race. Ever experiencing racial or ethnic discrimination in the health care setting functioned as a dependent and independent variable in analyses. KEY RESULTS: When insurance type and location of care were included in the same model, only the former was associated with perceived discrimination. Specifically, those with Medicaid had 66% higher odds of perceiving discrimination, relative to those with employer-sponsored coverage (AOR = 1.66; 95% CI 1.11, 2.47). Race did not moderate the impact of discrimination. Perceived discrimination was associated with higher odds of delaying or forgoing both prescriptions (AOR = 1.97; 95% CI 1.26, 3.09) and medical care (AOR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.31, 2.59). CONCLUSIONS: Health care providers have an opportunity to improve the experiences of their patients, particularly those with publicly sponsored coverage.

Islamophobia, Health, and Public Health: A Systematic Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: In 2017, a "Muslim ban" on immigrants to the United States was coupled with a continued rise in Islamophobia and hate crimes toward Muslims. Islamophobia undermines health equity, yet delineating the effects of Islamophobia globally is challenging as it affects a myriad of groups (geographically, racially, and socially). Additionally, stereotypes equate all Muslims with populations from the Middle East and South Asia. To date, health research pays insufficient attention to Islamophobia, Muslims, and those racialized to be Muslim. OBJECTIVES: This literature review advances our understanding of racism and health by examining the racialization of religion, by specifically examining Islamophobia as a form of discrimination. SEARCH METHODS: Per PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a search in October 2017 using PubMed-MEDLINE and a combination of terms. We identified additional articles using other search engines. For inclusion, articles needed to include a descriptor of discrimination, contain an identifier of Muslim or Muslim-like identity (i.e., groups commonly perceived as Muslim, including Arabs, Middle Easterners, North Africans, and South Asians), include a health outcome, be in English, and be published between 1990 and 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA: We identified 111 unique peer-reviewed articles. We excluded articles that did not meet the following criteria: (1) examined Islamophobia, discrimination, or racism among a Muslim or Muslim-like population; (2) included a health outcome or discussion of health disparities; and (3) was conducted in North America, Europe, Australia, or New Zealand. This yielded 53 articles. RESULTS: The majority of studies (n = 34; 64%) were quantitative. The remaining studies were qualitative (n = 7; 13%), mixed methods (n = 2; 4%), or reviews (n = 10; 19%). Most studies were based in the United States (n = 31; 58%). Nearly half of the reviewed studies examined mental health (n = 24; 45%), and one fourth examined physical health or health behaviors (n = 13; 25%). Others focused on both physical and mental health (n = 10; 19%) or health care seeking (n = 7; 13%). Studies showed associations between Islamophobia and poor mental health, suboptimal health behaviors, and unfavorable health care-seeking behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: This study elucidates the associations between Islamophobia, health, and socioecological determinants of health. Future studies should examine the intersectional nature of Islamophobia and include validated measures, representative samples, subgroup analyses, and comparison groups. More methodologically rigorous studies of Islamophobia and health are needed. Public Health Implications. Addressing the discrimination-related poor health that Muslims and racialized Muslim-like subgroups experience is central to the goals of health equity and assurance of the fundamental right to health.

Adverse childhood experiences and access and utilization of health care.

Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. However, the association between ACEs and access and utilization of health care have been largely ignored. Methods: This study examined data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (N = 101 527). We conducted logistic regression analyses, with nine ACEs as independent variables, in relation to the odds of being insured, having a personal health care provider and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Unadjusted and adjusted multivariable models were estimated. Results: After accounting for potential confounders, all ACEs were associated with lower odds of being currently insured and receiving a physician checkup in the past year. Physical abuse, emotional abuse and several measures of household dysfunction were associated with lower odds of having a personal provider. Conclusions: Our findings suggest potential pathways by which ACEs may impact health. Provision of health insurance and providing care in a trauma-informed manner should be considered for individuals with a history of ACEs.

The Affordable Care Act Attenuates Financial Strain According to Poverty Level.

We use data from the 2011-2016 National Health Interview Survey to examine how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has influenced disparities in health care-related financial strain, access to care, and utilization of services by categories of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). We use multivariable regression analyses to determine the ACA's effects on these outcome measures, as well as to determine how changes in these measures varied across different FPL levels. We find that the national implementation of the ACA's insurance expansion provisions in 2014 was associated with improvements in health care-related financial strain, access, and utilization. Relative to adults earning more than 400% of the FPL, the largest effects were observed among those earning between 0% to 124% and 125% to 199% of the FPL after the implementation of the ACA. Both groups experienced reductions in disparities in financial strain and uninsurance relative to the highest FPL group. Overall, the ACA has attenuated health care-related financial strain and improved access to and the utilization of health services for low- and middle-income adults who have traditionally not met income eligibility requirements for public insurance programs. Policy changes that would replace the ACA with less generous age-based tax subsidies and reductions in Medicaid funding could reverse these gains.

The Affordable Care Act Reduces Hypertension Treatment Disparities for Mexican-heritage Latinos.

OBJECTIVES: Mexican-heritage Latinos have lower prevalence of hypertension, but have worse patterns of treatment and control compared with non-Latino whites. This study examined the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance expansion on reducing disparities in treatment and medication use among Mexican-heritage Latinos with hypertension. RESEARCH DESIGN: Using the 2009-2014 waves of the California Health Interview Survey, we examine health care access, utilization, and medication use among Mexican-heritage Latinos and non-Latino whites with hypertension. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to adjust for socioeconomic and demographic factors. Interactions between race/ethnicity and year variables were conducted to capture the effects of the passage of the ACA. RESULTS: Among those with hypertension, the full implementation of the ACA (year 2014) is associated with a greater likelihood of being insured, but the race/ethnicity interaction indicates that this gain is less substantial for Mexican-heritage Latinos. The odds of having a usual source of care other than the emergency department increased after the passage of the ACA, and interaction effects indicate that this gain was more substantial for Mexican-heritage Latinos. The odds of having any physician visit and taking blood pressure mediations decreased among non-Latino whites but increased among Mexican-heritage Latinos. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the ACA in California has helped reduce some of the disparities in health care access, utilization, and medication use between non-Latino whites and Mexican-heritage Latinos with hypertension. However, sustained progress is threatened by looming repeals of ACA provisions.

Misplaced Trust: Racial Differences in Use of Tobacco Products and Trust in Sources of Tobacco Health Information.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, the rates of utilization of alternative tobacco products have increased. Providing health information about tobacco products from trustworthy sources may help decrease the popularity of these products. Using a nationally representative study of adults, we fill the current gap in research on racial and ethnic disparities in utilization of alternative tobacco products as well as in trust of sources of health information about tobacco products. AIMS AND METHODS: Data came from the Health Information National Trends Survey (N = 3738), which was collected in 2015. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds of use of seven different tobacco product (eg, hookah, e-cigarettes, etc.), trust in seven different sources of e-cigarette health information (eg, family or friends, health care providers, etc.), and trust in six different sources of tobacco health information, adjusting for control variables. RESULTS: There were disparities in utilization of alternative tobacco products and in trust, in tobacco companies across racial and ethnic groups. Blacks and Asians were far more likely than whites to trust tobacco (adjusted odds ratios = 8.67 and 4.34) and e-cigarette companies (adjusted odds ratios = 6.97 and 3.13) with information about the health effects of e-cigarettes than whites. CONCLUSIONS: The popularity of alternative tobacco products appears to be high and may offset recent observed decreases in cigarette use. Blacks and Asians appear to trust tobacco companies as sources of information when compared to whites. IMPLICATIONS: Higher levels of trust in tobacco companies among Asians and blacks may translate to greater susceptibility to utilize tobacco products among these groups, thereby increasing disparities. There is a need for social marketing and education efforts focused on increasing awareness of adverse health effects of using alternative tobacco products as well as on the untrustworthiness of tobacco and e-cigarette companies, especially among racial and ethnic minorities.

Going flat: examining heterogeneity in the soda-obesity relationship by subgroup and place of birth among Asian Americans.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the association between soda consumption and obesity is uniform among Asian-American population subgroups. DESIGN: We conducted multivariate logistic regression analyses on odds of being obese among seven Asian subgroups and by place of birth using data from the 2009 California Health Interview Survey. SETTING: An omnibus population-based health survey. SUBJECTS: Non-institutionalized adults, aged 18 years or over, residing in California (n 36 271). RESULTS: Despite low levels of soda consumption in several Asian-American ethnic groups, soda consumption increased the odds of being obese among Chinese, Koreans and Other Asians but not for Whites. Obesity risk varied across Asian subgroups and by place of birth within these subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: More public health efforts addressing soda consumption in Asian-American communities are needed as a strategy for not only preventing chronic diseases but also disparities, considering the varying levels of soda intake across subgroups. Results support the growing body of literature critiquing acculturation theory in immigrant health research by documenting inconsistent findings by place of birth. Future research should take into account the heterogeneity among Asian Americans to advance our understanding of health outcomes and disparities.

Deconstructing family meals: Do family structure, gender and employment status influence the odds of having a family meal?

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the odds of having a family dinner by parental gender, family structure and parental employment. METHODS: This study used data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) (2006-2008). Multivariate analyses assessed the odds of two outcomes among parents: 1) eating at all with children and 2) having a family dinner. RESULTS: Single men had lower odds of eating at all with children and eating a family dinner in comparison to partnered/married males. Partnered/married women had increased odds of eating at all with children and eating a family dinner compared to their partnered/married male counterparts. While single women had increased odds of eating at all with children compared to partnered/married males, no difference was detected in the odds of having a family dinner. Among dual-headed households, women had lower odds of eating a family dinner when both parents were employed compared a dual-headed household with employed male/non-employed female. There were no differences among men regardless of their employment status or that of their partner/spouse. CONCLUSIONS: Family structure, parental gender and employment status all influence the odds of having a family dinner. Future research on family meals should consider all of these factors to better understand trends and disparities across household compositions.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Use of Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco Products.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to increased use of tobacco products later in life. However, studies to date have ignored smokeless tobacco products. To address this, data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which interviewed adults 18 years and over (N = 102,716) were analyzed. Logistic regression models were fit to estimate odds ratios of ever smoking, current smoking and current smokeless tobacco use in relation to ACEs. Results showed that less than 4 % of respondents currently used smokeless tobacco products, while 44.95 and 18.57 % reported ever and current smoking, respectively. Physical abuse (OR 1.40; 95 % CI 1.14, 1.72), emotional abuse (OR 1.41; 95 % CI 1.19, 1.67), sexual abuse (OR 0.70; 95 % CI 0.51, 0.95), living with a drug user (OR 1.50; 95 % CI 1.17, 1.93), living with someone who was jailed (OR 1.50; 95 % CI 1.11, 2.02) and having parents who were separated or divorced (OR 1.31; 95 % CI 1.09, 1.57) were associated with smokeless tobacco use in unadjusted models. After accounting for confounders, physical abuse (OR 1.43; 95 % CI 1.16, 1.78), emotional abuse (OR 1.32; 95 % CI 1.10, 1.57), living with a problem drinker (OR 1.30; 95 % CI 1.08, 1.58), living with a drug user (OR 1.31; 95 % CI 1.00, 1.72) and living with adults who treated each other violently (OR 1.30; 95 % CI 1.05, 1.62) were associated with smokeless tobacco use. Living with someone who was mentally ill (OR 0.70; 95 % CI 0.53, 0.92) was associated with smokeless tobacco use after accounting for confounders and all ACEs. Results indicated that some childhood adversities are associated with use of smokeless tobacco products. Special attention is needed to prevent tobacco use of different types among those experiencing ACEs.