Lina Balluz - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Lina Balluz

Research paper thumbnail of Mercury poisoning associated with a Mexican beauty cream

Mercury poisoning associated with a Mexican beauty cream

Western Journal of Medicine, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Health-related quality of life and health behaviors by social and emotional support

Health-related quality of life and health behaviors by social and emotional support

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, Feb 1, 2008

Social and emotional support is an important construct, which has been associated with a reduced ... more Social and emotional support is an important construct, which has been associated with a reduced risk of mental illness, physical illness, and mortality. Despite its apparent relevance to health, there have been no recent state or national population-based U.S. studies regarding social and emotional support. In order to better address this issue, we examined health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and health behaviors by level of social and emotional support in community-dwelling adults in the United States and its territories. Data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing, state-based, random digit telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population aged > or =18 years. In 2005, one social and emotional support question, four HRQOL questions, two disability questions, one life satisfaction question, and four health behavior questions were administered in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. An additional five HRQOL questions were administered in two states. An estimated 8.6% of adults reported that they rarely/never received social and emotional support; ranging in value from 4.2% in Minnesota to 12.4% in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the level of social and emotional support decreased, the prevalence of fair/poor general health, dissatisfaction with life, and disability increased, as did the mean number of days of physical distress, mental distress, activity limitation, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, insufficient sleep, and pain. Moreover, the prevalence of smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and heavy drinking increased with decreasing level of social and emotional support. Additionally, the mean number of days of vitality slightly decreased with decreasing level of social and emotional support; particularly between those who always/usually received social and emotional support and those who sometimes received support. These findings indicate that the assessment of social and emotional support is highly congruent with the practice of psychiatry. Assessment of social and emotional support, both in psychiatric and medical settings, may identify risk factors germane to adverse health behaviors, and foster interventions designed to improve the mental and physical health of at risk segments of the population.

Research paper thumbnail of Trends in Health-Related Behavioral Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women in the United States: 2001–2009

Trends in Health-Related Behavioral Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women in the United States: 2001–2009

Journal of Womens Health, Mar 1, 2012

Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy often predispose women to multiple risks including... more Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy often predispose women to multiple risks including adverse pregnancy outcomes and impaired health status for mothers. This study assessed the trends in the prevalence of health-related behavioral risk factors over time among U.S. pregnant women. Data from 22,604 pregnant women aged 18-44 years who participated in the 2001-2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed to assess the trends in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors. Correlates of having individual or clustering healthy behaviors were also assessed among 2295 pregnant women in the 2009 survey. From 2001 to 2009, among pregnant women, the age-adjusted prevalence of engaging in leisure-time exercise and receiving influenza vaccination increased significantly (p<0.05 for linear trends); the prevalence of any alcohol consumption decreased marginally (p=0.065 for linear trend); and the prevalence of binge drinking, smoking, and consuming fruits and vegetables ≥5 times/day varied little. Over the 9 years, the percentages of pregnant women who reported having all four healthy behaviors (i.e., not currently smoking, no alcohol consumption, engaging in leisure-time exercise, and receiving influenza vaccination) increased linearly from 7.3% in 2001 to 21.2% in 2009 (p<0.001). Sociodemographic characteristics, perceived health status, and health-care availability were differentially associated with certain individual or clustered healthy behaviors. Increased efforts emphasizing multiple health-related behavioral risk factors including reducing alcohol use, binge drinking, and smoking and improving fruit and vegetable consumption during pregnancy are needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Associations between Overall and Abdominal Obesity and Suicidal Ideation among US Adult Women

Journal of Obesity, 2012

Obesity is associated with increased risks for mental disorders. This study examined associations... more Obesity is associated with increased risks for mental disorders. This study examined associations of obesity indicators including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-height ratio with suicidal ideation among U.S. women. We analyzed data from 3,732 nonpregnant women aged ≥20 years who participated in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We used anthropometric measures of weight, height, and waist circumference to calculate BMI and waist-height ratio. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Odds ratios with 95% conference intervals were estimated using logistic regression analyses after controlling for potential confounders. The age-adjusted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 3.0%; the prevalence increased linearly across quartiles of BMI, waist circumference, and waist-height ratio (P for linear trend <0.01 for all). The positive associations of waist circumference and waist-height ratio with suicidal ideation remained significant (P < 0.05) after adjustment for sociodemographics, lifestyle-related behavioral factors, and having either chronic conditions or current depression. However, these associations were attenuated after both chronic conditions and depression were entered into the models. Thus, the previously reported association between obesity and suicidal ideation appears to be confounded by coexistence of chronic conditions and current depression among women of the United States.

Research paper thumbnail of Long-Term Exposure to Ozone and Life Expectancy in the United States, 2002 to 2008

Medicine, Feb 1, 2016

Long-term exposure to ground-level ozone is associated with increased risk of morbidity and morta... more Long-term exposure to ground-level ozone is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The association remains uncertain between long-term exposure to ozone and life expectancy. We assessed the associations between seasonal mean daily 8-hour maximum (8-hr max) ozone concentrations measured during the ozone monitoring seasons and life expectancy at birth in 3109 counties of the conterminous U.S. during 2002 to 2008. We used latent class growth analysis to identify latent classes of counties that had distinct mean levels and rates of change in ozone concentrations over the 7-year period and used linear regression analysis to determine differences in life expectancy by ozone levels. We identified 3 classes of counties with distinct seasonal mean daily 8hr max ozone concentrations and rates of change. When compared with the counties with the lowest ozone concentrations, the counties with the highest ozone concentrations had 1.7-and 1.4-year lower mean life expectancy in males and females (both P < 0.0001), respectively. The associations remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounding effects of seasonal mean PM 2.5 concentrations and other selected environmental, demographic, socioeconomic , and health-related factors (both P < 0.0001). A 5 ppb higher ozone concentration was associated with 0.25 year lower life expectancy in males (95% CI: À0.30 to À0.19) and 0.21 year in females (95% CI: À0.25 to À0.17). We identified 3 classes of counties with distinct mean levels and rates of change in ozone concentrations. Our findings suggest that long-term exposure to a higher ozone concentration may be associated with a lower life expectancy.

Research paper thumbnail of Use of folic acid and vitamin supplementation among adults with depression and anxiety: a cross-sectional, population-based survey

Nutrition Journal, Sep 30, 2011

Background: Evidence suggests that folate deficiency may be causatively linked to depressive symp... more Background: Evidence suggests that folate deficiency may be causatively linked to depressive symptoms. However, little is known on the status of use of folic acid and vitamin supplements among people with mental disorders. This study examined the prevalence and the likelihood of use of folic acid or vitamin supplements among adults with depression and anxiety in comparison to those without these conditions. Methods: Using data from 46, 119 participants (aged ≥ 18 years) in the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, we estimated the adjusted prevalence and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for taking folic acid and vitamin supplements among those with ever diagnosed depression (n = 8, 019), ever diagnosed anxiety (n = 5, 546) or elevated depressive symptoms (n = 3, 978, defined as having a depression severity score of ≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 diagnostic algorithm). Results: Overall, women were more likely than men to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day (50.2% versus 38.7%, P < 0.001) and vitamin supplements (62.5% versus 49.8%, P < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, men with ever diagnosed depression or anxiety were 42% and 83%, respectively, more likely to take folic acid supplements < 1 time/day; 44% and 39%, respectively, more likely to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day; and 40% and 46%, respectively, more likely to take vitamin supplements compared to men without these conditions (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Women with ever diagnosed depression were 13% more likely to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day and 15% more likely to take vitamin supplements than women without this condition (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). Use of folic acid and vitamin supplements did not differ significantly by elevated depressive symptoms in either sex. Conclusion: The prevalence and the likelihood of taking folic acid and vitamin supplements varied substantially by a history of diagnosed depression among both men and women and by a history of diagnosed anxiety among men, but not by presence of elevated depressive symptoms in either sex.

Research paper thumbnail of Surveillance System, 2002 States and the District of Columbia: Findings From the Behavioral Risk Factor Prevalence of Household Firearms and Firearm-Storage Practices in the 50

Objectives. To examine the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices in the ... more Objectives. To examine the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices in the 50 states and the District of Columbia and estimate the number of children exposed to unsafe storage practices. Methods. We analyzed data from the 2002 cross-sectional Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey of 240 735 adults from randomly selected households with telephones in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Results. Nationally, 32.6% of adults reported that firearms were kept in or around their home. The prevalence of adults with household firearms ranged from 5.2% in the District of Columbia to 62.8% in Wyoming (median: 40.8%). The prevalence of adults with loaded household firearms ranged from 1.6% in Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Jersey to 19.2% in Alabama (median: 7.0%), and the prevalence of adults with loaded and unlocked household firearms ranged from 0.4% in Massachusetts to 12.7% in Alabama (median: 4.2%). Among adults with children and youth <18 years old, the prevalence of loaded household firearms ranged from 1.0% to 13.4% (median: 5.3%), and the prevalence of loaded and unlocked household firearms ranged from 0.3% to 7.3% (median: 2.3%); in each instance, Massachusetts had the lowest prevalence and Alabama had the highest. Findings indicate that ϳ1.69 million (95% confidence interval: 1.57-1.82 million) children and youth in the United States <18 years old are living with loaded and unlocked household firearms. Conclusions. Substantial state variations exist in the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices. It is vital that surveillance systems such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System continue to monitor the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices so that future interventions to promote safe storage of firearms can be evaluated and more widely implemented based on their efficacy. Pediatrics 2005;116:e370-e376. URL: www.pediatrics.org/cgi/doi/ 10.1542/peds.2005-0300; firearms, children, youth, behavior, risk taking, telephone, BRFSS. ABBREVIATIONS. BRFSS, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; CI, confidence interval. F irearm-related injuries remained the second leading cause of injury mortality in 2002, accounting for 30 242 firearm-related deaths. 1 Of all firearm injury deaths, 56.6% were suicides, 39.1% were homicides, 2.5% were unintentional, and an additional 1.8% were legal interventions or of undetermined intent. 1 Furthermore, ϳ1400 firearm deaths were among persons Ͻ18 years old. 2 In addition, for every firearm-related death, ϳ4.6 persons in this same population received nonfatal firearm-related injuries. 3 In 1997, the estimated lifetime costs of medically treated gunshot injuries in the United States totaled 1.9billion,ofwhich1.9 billion, of which 1.9billion,ofwhich0.9 billion was paid by the US government. 4 Unintentional injuries, suicide, and homicide among youth may happen because young persons are able to access an improperly stored household firearm. 5-10 Approximately 90% of fatal firearm incidents involving children occur within the home, and according to a study of children and youth aged 0 to 14 years by Wintemute et al 8 , 40% of firearm incidents involve a firearm stored in the room in which the shooting occurs. Miller et al 7 found that twice as many firearm deaths among children and youth Ͻ18 years old occur in states with the highest proportion of people living in households with loaded firearms. In addition, Grossman et al 9 reported that safe storage practices, including keeping firearms stored unloaded, locked, or separate from ammunition, are associated with significant reductions in the risk of unintentional injuries and suicides among children and youth. The National Rifle Association, 11 medical organizations, 12-15 and public health agencies 16,17 all support safe firearm-storage practices in homes with children and youth. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if families must have firearms in their homes, the firearms should be stored locked, unloaded, and separate from locked ammunition. 12 Efforts to promote proper storage of firearms in homes may help reduce the risk of both fatal and nonfatal injury.

Research paper thumbnail of Association Between Employment Status and Frequent Mental Distress among Adults with Disabilities

American Journal of Epidemiology, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Association of Perfluoroalkyl substances with Hyperuricemia and Gout

Annals of Epidemiology, 2017

To test whether effects of multiple (up to 5) disasters on mental health responses were cumulativ... more To test whether effects of multiple (up to 5) disasters on mental health responses were cumulative (additive effects), or whether an earlier disaster produced sensitization (higher) or habituation (lower) responses to a later one. Method: The GROWH study interviewed 1366 southern Louisiana women regarding their exposure to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike and the Gulf oil spill (measured several ways), and administered validated measures of symptoms of depression and PTSD. Multiple linear and logistic regression with disaster exposures entered singly, combined, and as an interaction were used to model mental health. Results: Both exposure to the oil spill and hurricane disaster exposure were associated with likely depression and PTSD, consistent with a cumulative model, but we did not find statistical interactions that would suggest sensitization or habituation. When results were examined with continuous symptom measures of depression and PTSD, they were similar, with the exception that exposure to the oil spill and experiencing illness or injury due to the hurricane disaster showed a significant interaction (p<0.05) in a manner consistent with a sensitization effect when predicting PTSD symptoms. The results of this study point mainly to a cumulative risk for the mental health effects of multiple disasters, although some indication of sensitization occurred among those with particularly severe experiences. There was no evidence for habituation. Conclusions: These findings may guide efforts to assist those in regions experiencing multiple disasters that occur in close sequence.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationships Between Engaging in Recommended Levels of Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Hypertensive Adults

Relationships Between Engaging in Recommended Levels of Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Hypertensive Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2006

Background:Hypertension (HTN), which affects more than 65 million Americans, is associated with p... more Background:Hypertension (HTN), which affects more than 65 million Americans, is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Regular physical activity (PA) has been shown to reduce blood pressure and is associated with higher levels of HRQOL.Methods:Using self-reports from 60,321 hypertensive adults age 18 y or older who participated in the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, we examined the independent relationship between engaging in recommended levels of moderate or vigorous PA and four measures of HRQOL developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Results:For all age and racial/ethnic groups and both sexes, the proportion of hypertensive adults with 14 or more unhealthy days (physical or mental) in the past month was significantly lower among those who attained recommended levels of PA than among physically inactive adults.Conclusions:Participation in regular PA is one of several lifestyle strategies available to control and prevent HT...

Research paper thumbnail of Cataract surgery and eye care services utilization among African-Americans: A comparison with Whites

Cataract surgery and eye care services utilization among African-Americans: A comparison with Whites

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Association between life satisfaction, social support and general health status: A comparison of cancer survivors and respondents without cancer, BRFSS, 2009

Association between life satisfaction, social support and general health status: A comparison of cancer survivors and respondents without cancer, BRFSS, 2009

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Particulate Matter 2.5 and Ischemic Heart Disease in 51 Counties in the United States

Particulate Matter 2.5 and Ischemic Heart Disease in 51 Counties in the United States

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association between exposure to elevate... more Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association between exposure to elevated annual average levels of Particulate matters (PM2.5) air quality index (AQI) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) in the general population. Methods: We combined data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality database. We analyzed the data using SUDAAN software to adjust the effects of sampling bias, weights, and design effects. Results: The prevalence of IHD was 9.6% among respondents who were exposed to an annual average level of PM2.5 AQI >60 compared with 5.9% among respondents exposed to an annual average PM2.5 AQI ≤60. After adjusting for demographics, smoking, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, respondents with higher levels of PM2.5 AQI exposure were more likely to have IHD (adjusted odd ratio=1.72, 95% Confidence interval: 1.11- 2.66) than respondents with lower levels of exp...

Research paper thumbnail of Tracking heat-related mortality in the United States

Tracking heat-related mortality in the United States

Heat waves are one of the most common causes of weather-related deaths in the United States (U.S.... more Heat waves are one of the most common causes of weather-related deaths in the United States (U.S.). In developing indicators for the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network), we examined all heat-related deaths occurring in the U.S. from 1999-2009 using mortality data obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Heat-related deaths included deaths in which exposure to excessive natural heat [International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) code: X30] or effects of heat and light [ICD-10 code: T67] was listed either as the underlying cause or as a contributing cause of death, and excluded deaths resulting from excessive heat of man-made origin. We compared and contrasted heat-related deaths as underlying and/or contributing cause by annual variability, geography, and demographic characteristics; co-morbid conditions were characterized by age group. Finally, we calculated the economic burden associated with heat-relate...

Research paper thumbnail of Health behaviors and obesity among Hispanics with depression, United States 2006

Ethnicity & disease, 2014

To examine the differences in health behaviors, and obesity between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Wh... more To examine the differences in health behaviors, and obesity between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites with depression. Depression data were gathered from 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands using the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based random-digit-dialed telephone survey of adults aged > or =18 years (n=156,991). The Patient Health Questionnaire 8 was used to determine current depression. Lifetime diagnosis of depression was assessed by self-report of physician diagnosis. Prevalence ratios were calculated to examine the racial/ethnic differences in leisure-time physical activity, cigarette smoking, binge drinking, heavy drinking and obesity among people with current depression and lifetime diagnosis of depression. There were significant differences in age, education, and health care coverage between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites with current depression and lifetime diagnosis of depression. Hispanics with curr...

Research paper thumbnail of Association of self-reported leisure-time physical inactivity with particulate matter 2.5 air pollution

Association of self-reported leisure-time physical inactivity with particulate matter 2.5 air pollution

Journal of environmental health

This study examines the association between annual levels of particulate matter (PM) and self-rep... more This study examines the association between annual levels of particulate matter (PM) and self-reported leisure-time physical inactivity (LTPI) in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) among 63,290 survey respondents who participated in the 2001 BRFSS from 142 counties in the U.S. The average prevalence of self-reported LTPI was about 24.9% (SE = 0.3%), LTPI prevalence was positively associated with annual mean of PM.5 concentration (p < .0001). The authors demonstrate that LTPI was associated with PM2.5 pollution with statistical significance with and without adjustment for covariates (adjusted odds ration [OR] = 1.16; 95% CI: [confidence interval] 1.06-1.27). This study suggests that ambient PM2.5 air pollution is associated independently with LTPI. PM2.5 pollution and physical inactivity are both risk factors of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important for environmental officials to implement measures to reduce ambient air pollution while public health offi...

Research paper thumbnail of Multiple healthy behaviors and optimal self-rated health: findings from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey

Preventive medicine

The aim of this study was to examine the association between the number of healthy behaviors (i.e... more The aim of this study was to examine the association between the number of healthy behaviors (i.e., not currently smoking, not currently drinking excessively, physically active, and consuming fruits and vegetables five or more times per day) and optimal self-rated health (SRH) among U.S. adults or adults with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) or diabetes. We estimated the age-standardized prevalence of optimal SRH among a total of 430,912 adults who participated in the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Prevalence ratios were produced with multivariate Cox regression models using number of healthy behaviors as a predictor; status of optimal SRH was used as an outcome variable while controlling for sociodemographic and health risk factors. The age-standardized prevalence of reporting optimal SRH was 83.5%, 55.6%, and 56.3% among adults overall, and adults with CVDs or diabetes, respectively. Also in the aforementioned order, adults who reported having four healthy ...

Research paper thumbnail of Exposicio n ambiental a plaguicidas en Honduras tras el huraca n Mitch

Exposicio n ambiental a plaguicidas en Honduras tras el huraca n Mitch

Boletín de la …, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of A comparison of prevalence estimates for selected health indicators and chronic diseases or conditions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the National Health Interview Survey, and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2008

A comparison of prevalence estimates for selected health indicators and chronic diseases or conditions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the National Health Interview Survey, and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2008

Preventive Medicine, 2012

To compare the prevalence estimates of selected health indicators and chronic diseases or conditi... more To compare the prevalence estimates of selected health indicators and chronic diseases or conditions among three national health surveys in the United States. Data from adults aged 18 years or older who participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2007 and 2008 (n=807,524), the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in 2007 and 2008 (n=44,262), and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2007 and 2008 (n=5871) were analyzed. The prevalence estimates of current smoking, obesity, hypertension, and no health insurance were similar across the three surveys, with absolute differences ranging from 0.7% to 3.9% (relative differences: 2.3% to 20.2%). The prevalence estimate of poor or fair health from BRFSS was similar to that from NHANES, but higher than that from NHIS. The prevalence estimates of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke were similar across the three surveys, with absolute differences ranging from 0.0% to 0.8% (relative differences: 0.2% to 17.1%). While the BRFSS continues to provide invaluable health information at state and local level, it is reassuring to observe consistency in the prevalence estimates of key health indicators of similar caliber between BRFSS and other national surveys.

Research paper thumbnail of Alcohol Consumption, Drinking Pattern, and Self-Reported Visual Impairment

Alcohol Consumption, Drinking Pattern, and Self-Reported Visual Impairment

Ophthalmic Epidemiology, 2012

To examine whether alcohol drinking status and drinking pattern are associated with self-reported... more To examine whether alcohol drinking status and drinking pattern are associated with self-reported visual impairment. We used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based telephone health survey conducted by random-digit dialing among non-institutionalized US adults. The Visual Impairment and Access to Eye Care module was implemented among 42, 713 adults aged 50 years and older in 2005 and 2006. Visual impairment was defined as any degree of difficulty experienced in recognizing a friend across the street or reading print in newspaper, magazine, recipe, menu, or numbers on the telephone with usual correction. Drinking patterns included drinking quantity (drinks per drinking day), frequency (drinking days in the past month), and binge drinking. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, smoking status, Body Mass Index, history of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and eye diseases, current drinking status was not associated with distance and/or near vision impairment. However, drinking more than 1 drink per drinking day (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.09-1.35) and binge drinking (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14-1.53) were associated with visual impairment among current drinkers. Among current drinkers, drinking patterns were significantly associated with near and distance vision impairment. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm whether drinkers who drink beyond drinking guidelines, especially binge drinkers, are at higher risk of visual impairment than those who drink at lower levels.

Research paper thumbnail of Mercury poisoning associated with a Mexican beauty cream

Mercury poisoning associated with a Mexican beauty cream

Western Journal of Medicine, 2000

Research paper thumbnail of Health-related quality of life and health behaviors by social and emotional support

Health-related quality of life and health behaviors by social and emotional support

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, Feb 1, 2008

Social and emotional support is an important construct, which has been associated with a reduced ... more Social and emotional support is an important construct, which has been associated with a reduced risk of mental illness, physical illness, and mortality. Despite its apparent relevance to health, there have been no recent state or national population-based U.S. studies regarding social and emotional support. In order to better address this issue, we examined health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and health behaviors by level of social and emotional support in community-dwelling adults in the United States and its territories. Data were obtained from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an ongoing, state-based, random digit telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized U.S. population aged &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; or =18 years. In 2005, one social and emotional support question, four HRQOL questions, two disability questions, one life satisfaction question, and four health behavior questions were administered in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. An additional five HRQOL questions were administered in two states. An estimated 8.6% of adults reported that they rarely/never received social and emotional support; ranging in value from 4.2% in Minnesota to 12.4% in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As the level of social and emotional support decreased, the prevalence of fair/poor general health, dissatisfaction with life, and disability increased, as did the mean number of days of physical distress, mental distress, activity limitation, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, insufficient sleep, and pain. Moreover, the prevalence of smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and heavy drinking increased with decreasing level of social and emotional support. Additionally, the mean number of days of vitality slightly decreased with decreasing level of social and emotional support; particularly between those who always/usually received social and emotional support and those who sometimes received support. These findings indicate that the assessment of social and emotional support is highly congruent with the practice of psychiatry. Assessment of social and emotional support, both in psychiatric and medical settings, may identify risk factors germane to adverse health behaviors, and foster interventions designed to improve the mental and physical health of at risk segments of the population.

Research paper thumbnail of Trends in Health-Related Behavioral Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women in the United States: 2001–2009

Trends in Health-Related Behavioral Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women in the United States: 2001–2009

Journal of Womens Health, Mar 1, 2012

Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy often predispose women to multiple risks including... more Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy often predispose women to multiple risks including adverse pregnancy outcomes and impaired health status for mothers. This study assessed the trends in the prevalence of health-related behavioral risk factors over time among U.S. pregnant women. Data from 22,604 pregnant women aged 18-44 years who participated in the 2001-2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed to assess the trends in the prevalence of behavioral risk factors. Correlates of having individual or clustering healthy behaviors were also assessed among 2295 pregnant women in the 2009 survey. From 2001 to 2009, among pregnant women, the age-adjusted prevalence of engaging in leisure-time exercise and receiving influenza vaccination increased significantly (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05 for linear trends); the prevalence of any alcohol consumption decreased marginally (p=0.065 for linear trend); and the prevalence of binge drinking, smoking, and consuming fruits and vegetables ≥5 times/day varied little. Over the 9 years, the percentages of pregnant women who reported having all four healthy behaviors (i.e., not currently smoking, no alcohol consumption, engaging in leisure-time exercise, and receiving influenza vaccination) increased linearly from 7.3% in 2001 to 21.2% in 2009 (p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001). Sociodemographic characteristics, perceived health status, and health-care availability were differentially associated with certain individual or clustered healthy behaviors. Increased efforts emphasizing multiple health-related behavioral risk factors including reducing alcohol use, binge drinking, and smoking and improving fruit and vegetable consumption during pregnancy are needed.

Research paper thumbnail of Associations between Overall and Abdominal Obesity and Suicidal Ideation among US Adult Women

Journal of Obesity, 2012

Obesity is associated with increased risks for mental disorders. This study examined associations... more Obesity is associated with increased risks for mental disorders. This study examined associations of obesity indicators including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-height ratio with suicidal ideation among U.S. women. We analyzed data from 3,732 nonpregnant women aged ≥20 years who participated in the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We used anthropometric measures of weight, height, and waist circumference to calculate BMI and waist-height ratio. Suicidal ideation was assessed using the Item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Odds ratios with 95% conference intervals were estimated using logistic regression analyses after controlling for potential confounders. The age-adjusted prevalence of suicidal ideation was 3.0%; the prevalence increased linearly across quartiles of BMI, waist circumference, and waist-height ratio (P for linear trend <0.01 for all). The positive associations of waist circumference and waist-height ratio with suicidal ideation remained significant (P < 0.05) after adjustment for sociodemographics, lifestyle-related behavioral factors, and having either chronic conditions or current depression. However, these associations were attenuated after both chronic conditions and depression were entered into the models. Thus, the previously reported association between obesity and suicidal ideation appears to be confounded by coexistence of chronic conditions and current depression among women of the United States.

Research paper thumbnail of Long-Term Exposure to Ozone and Life Expectancy in the United States, 2002 to 2008

Medicine, Feb 1, 2016

Long-term exposure to ground-level ozone is associated with increased risk of morbidity and morta... more Long-term exposure to ground-level ozone is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The association remains uncertain between long-term exposure to ozone and life expectancy. We assessed the associations between seasonal mean daily 8-hour maximum (8-hr max) ozone concentrations measured during the ozone monitoring seasons and life expectancy at birth in 3109 counties of the conterminous U.S. during 2002 to 2008. We used latent class growth analysis to identify latent classes of counties that had distinct mean levels and rates of change in ozone concentrations over the 7-year period and used linear regression analysis to determine differences in life expectancy by ozone levels. We identified 3 classes of counties with distinct seasonal mean daily 8hr max ozone concentrations and rates of change. When compared with the counties with the lowest ozone concentrations, the counties with the highest ozone concentrations had 1.7-and 1.4-year lower mean life expectancy in males and females (both P < 0.0001), respectively. The associations remained statistically significant after controlling for potential confounding effects of seasonal mean PM 2.5 concentrations and other selected environmental, demographic, socioeconomic , and health-related factors (both P < 0.0001). A 5 ppb higher ozone concentration was associated with 0.25 year lower life expectancy in males (95% CI: À0.30 to À0.19) and 0.21 year in females (95% CI: À0.25 to À0.17). We identified 3 classes of counties with distinct mean levels and rates of change in ozone concentrations. Our findings suggest that long-term exposure to a higher ozone concentration may be associated with a lower life expectancy.

Research paper thumbnail of Use of folic acid and vitamin supplementation among adults with depression and anxiety: a cross-sectional, population-based survey

Nutrition Journal, Sep 30, 2011

Background: Evidence suggests that folate deficiency may be causatively linked to depressive symp... more Background: Evidence suggests that folate deficiency may be causatively linked to depressive symptoms. However, little is known on the status of use of folic acid and vitamin supplements among people with mental disorders. This study examined the prevalence and the likelihood of use of folic acid or vitamin supplements among adults with depression and anxiety in comparison to those without these conditions. Methods: Using data from 46, 119 participants (aged ≥ 18 years) in the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey, we estimated the adjusted prevalence and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for taking folic acid and vitamin supplements among those with ever diagnosed depression (n = 8, 019), ever diagnosed anxiety (n = 5, 546) or elevated depressive symptoms (n = 3, 978, defined as having a depression severity score of ≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 diagnostic algorithm). Results: Overall, women were more likely than men to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day (50.2% versus 38.7%, P < 0.001) and vitamin supplements (62.5% versus 49.8%, P < 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, men with ever diagnosed depression or anxiety were 42% and 83%, respectively, more likely to take folic acid supplements < 1 time/day; 44% and 39%, respectively, more likely to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day; and 40% and 46%, respectively, more likely to take vitamin supplements compared to men without these conditions (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Women with ever diagnosed depression were 13% more likely to take folic acid supplements 1-4 times/day and 15% more likely to take vitamin supplements than women without this condition (P < 0.05 for both comparisons). Use of folic acid and vitamin supplements did not differ significantly by elevated depressive symptoms in either sex. Conclusion: The prevalence and the likelihood of taking folic acid and vitamin supplements varied substantially by a history of diagnosed depression among both men and women and by a history of diagnosed anxiety among men, but not by presence of elevated depressive symptoms in either sex.

Research paper thumbnail of Surveillance System, 2002 States and the District of Columbia: Findings From the Behavioral Risk Factor Prevalence of Household Firearms and Firearm-Storage Practices in the 50

Objectives. To examine the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices in the ... more Objectives. To examine the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices in the 50 states and the District of Columbia and estimate the number of children exposed to unsafe storage practices. Methods. We analyzed data from the 2002 cross-sectional Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey of 240 735 adults from randomly selected households with telephones in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Results. Nationally, 32.6% of adults reported that firearms were kept in or around their home. The prevalence of adults with household firearms ranged from 5.2% in the District of Columbia to 62.8% in Wyoming (median: 40.8%). The prevalence of adults with loaded household firearms ranged from 1.6% in Hawaii, Massachusetts, and New Jersey to 19.2% in Alabama (median: 7.0%), and the prevalence of adults with loaded and unlocked household firearms ranged from 0.4% in Massachusetts to 12.7% in Alabama (median: 4.2%). Among adults with children and youth <18 years old, the prevalence of loaded household firearms ranged from 1.0% to 13.4% (median: 5.3%), and the prevalence of loaded and unlocked household firearms ranged from 0.3% to 7.3% (median: 2.3%); in each instance, Massachusetts had the lowest prevalence and Alabama had the highest. Findings indicate that ϳ1.69 million (95% confidence interval: 1.57-1.82 million) children and youth in the United States <18 years old are living with loaded and unlocked household firearms. Conclusions. Substantial state variations exist in the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices. It is vital that surveillance systems such as the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System continue to monitor the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices so that future interventions to promote safe storage of firearms can be evaluated and more widely implemented based on their efficacy. Pediatrics 2005;116:e370-e376. URL: www.pediatrics.org/cgi/doi/ 10.1542/peds.2005-0300; firearms, children, youth, behavior, risk taking, telephone, BRFSS. ABBREVIATIONS. BRFSS, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System; CI, confidence interval. F irearm-related injuries remained the second leading cause of injury mortality in 2002, accounting for 30 242 firearm-related deaths. 1 Of all firearm injury deaths, 56.6% were suicides, 39.1% were homicides, 2.5% were unintentional, and an additional 1.8% were legal interventions or of undetermined intent. 1 Furthermore, ϳ1400 firearm deaths were among persons Ͻ18 years old. 2 In addition, for every firearm-related death, ϳ4.6 persons in this same population received nonfatal firearm-related injuries. 3 In 1997, the estimated lifetime costs of medically treated gunshot injuries in the United States totaled 1.9billion,ofwhich1.9 billion, of which 1.9billion,ofwhich0.9 billion was paid by the US government. 4 Unintentional injuries, suicide, and homicide among youth may happen because young persons are able to access an improperly stored household firearm. 5-10 Approximately 90% of fatal firearm incidents involving children occur within the home, and according to a study of children and youth aged 0 to 14 years by Wintemute et al 8 , 40% of firearm incidents involve a firearm stored in the room in which the shooting occurs. Miller et al 7 found that twice as many firearm deaths among children and youth Ͻ18 years old occur in states with the highest proportion of people living in households with loaded firearms. In addition, Grossman et al 9 reported that safe storage practices, including keeping firearms stored unloaded, locked, or separate from ammunition, are associated with significant reductions in the risk of unintentional injuries and suicides among children and youth. The National Rifle Association, 11 medical organizations, 12-15 and public health agencies 16,17 all support safe firearm-storage practices in homes with children and youth. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if families must have firearms in their homes, the firearms should be stored locked, unloaded, and separate from locked ammunition. 12 Efforts to promote proper storage of firearms in homes may help reduce the risk of both fatal and nonfatal injury.

Research paper thumbnail of Association Between Employment Status and Frequent Mental Distress among Adults with Disabilities

American Journal of Epidemiology, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Association of Perfluoroalkyl substances with Hyperuricemia and Gout

Annals of Epidemiology, 2017

To test whether effects of multiple (up to 5) disasters on mental health responses were cumulativ... more To test whether effects of multiple (up to 5) disasters on mental health responses were cumulative (additive effects), or whether an earlier disaster produced sensitization (higher) or habituation (lower) responses to a later one. Method: The GROWH study interviewed 1366 southern Louisiana women regarding their exposure to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike and the Gulf oil spill (measured several ways), and administered validated measures of symptoms of depression and PTSD. Multiple linear and logistic regression with disaster exposures entered singly, combined, and as an interaction were used to model mental health. Results: Both exposure to the oil spill and hurricane disaster exposure were associated with likely depression and PTSD, consistent with a cumulative model, but we did not find statistical interactions that would suggest sensitization or habituation. When results were examined with continuous symptom measures of depression and PTSD, they were similar, with the exception that exposure to the oil spill and experiencing illness or injury due to the hurricane disaster showed a significant interaction (p<0.05) in a manner consistent with a sensitization effect when predicting PTSD symptoms. The results of this study point mainly to a cumulative risk for the mental health effects of multiple disasters, although some indication of sensitization occurred among those with particularly severe experiences. There was no evidence for habituation. Conclusions: These findings may guide efforts to assist those in regions experiencing multiple disasters that occur in close sequence.

Research paper thumbnail of Relationships Between Engaging in Recommended Levels of Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Hypertensive Adults

Relationships Between Engaging in Recommended Levels of Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Hypertensive Adults

Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2006

Background:Hypertension (HTN), which affects more than 65 million Americans, is associated with p... more Background:Hypertension (HTN), which affects more than 65 million Americans, is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Regular physical activity (PA) has been shown to reduce blood pressure and is associated with higher levels of HRQOL.Methods:Using self-reports from 60,321 hypertensive adults age 18 y or older who participated in the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey, we examined the independent relationship between engaging in recommended levels of moderate or vigorous PA and four measures of HRQOL developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Results:For all age and racial/ethnic groups and both sexes, the proportion of hypertensive adults with 14 or more unhealthy days (physical or mental) in the past month was significantly lower among those who attained recommended levels of PA than among physically inactive adults.Conclusions:Participation in regular PA is one of several lifestyle strategies available to control and prevent HT...

Research paper thumbnail of Cataract surgery and eye care services utilization among African-Americans: A comparison with Whites

Cataract surgery and eye care services utilization among African-Americans: A comparison with Whites

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Association between life satisfaction, social support and general health status: A comparison of cancer survivors and respondents without cancer, BRFSS, 2009

Association between life satisfaction, social support and general health status: A comparison of cancer survivors and respondents without cancer, BRFSS, 2009

ABSTRACT

Research paper thumbnail of Particulate Matter 2.5 and Ischemic Heart Disease in 51 Counties in the United States

Particulate Matter 2.5 and Ischemic Heart Disease in 51 Counties in the United States

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association between exposure to elevate... more Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the association between exposure to elevated annual average levels of Particulate matters (PM2.5) air quality index (AQI) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) in the general population. Methods: We combined data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) air quality database. We analyzed the data using SUDAAN software to adjust the effects of sampling bias, weights, and design effects. Results: The prevalence of IHD was 9.6% among respondents who were exposed to an annual average level of PM2.5 AQI >60 compared with 5.9% among respondents exposed to an annual average PM2.5 AQI ≤60. After adjusting for demographics, smoking, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia, respondents with higher levels of PM2.5 AQI exposure were more likely to have IHD (adjusted odd ratio=1.72, 95% Confidence interval: 1.11- 2.66) than respondents with lower levels of exp...

Research paper thumbnail of Tracking heat-related mortality in the United States

Tracking heat-related mortality in the United States

Heat waves are one of the most common causes of weather-related deaths in the United States (U.S.... more Heat waves are one of the most common causes of weather-related deaths in the United States (U.S.). In developing indicators for the National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (Tracking Network), we examined all heat-related deaths occurring in the U.S. from 1999-2009 using mortality data obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Heat-related deaths included deaths in which exposure to excessive natural heat [International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) code: X30] or effects of heat and light [ICD-10 code: T67] was listed either as the underlying cause or as a contributing cause of death, and excluded deaths resulting from excessive heat of man-made origin. We compared and contrasted heat-related deaths as underlying and/or contributing cause by annual variability, geography, and demographic characteristics; co-morbid conditions were characterized by age group. Finally, we calculated the economic burden associated with heat-relate...

Research paper thumbnail of Health behaviors and obesity among Hispanics with depression, United States 2006

Ethnicity & disease, 2014

To examine the differences in health behaviors, and obesity between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Wh... more To examine the differences in health behaviors, and obesity between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites with depression. Depression data were gathered from 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands using the 2006 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based random-digit-dialed telephone survey of adults aged > or =18 years (n=156,991). The Patient Health Questionnaire 8 was used to determine current depression. Lifetime diagnosis of depression was assessed by self-report of physician diagnosis. Prevalence ratios were calculated to examine the racial/ethnic differences in leisure-time physical activity, cigarette smoking, binge drinking, heavy drinking and obesity among people with current depression and lifetime diagnosis of depression. There were significant differences in age, education, and health care coverage between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites with current depression and lifetime diagnosis of depression. Hispanics with curr...

Research paper thumbnail of Association of self-reported leisure-time physical inactivity with particulate matter 2.5 air pollution

Association of self-reported leisure-time physical inactivity with particulate matter 2.5 air pollution

Journal of environmental health

This study examines the association between annual levels of particulate matter (PM) and self-rep... more This study examines the association between annual levels of particulate matter (PM) and self-reported leisure-time physical inactivity (LTPI) in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) among 63,290 survey respondents who participated in the 2001 BRFSS from 142 counties in the U.S. The average prevalence of self-reported LTPI was about 24.9% (SE = 0.3%), LTPI prevalence was positively associated with annual mean of PM.5 concentration (p < .0001). The authors demonstrate that LTPI was associated with PM2.5 pollution with statistical significance with and without adjustment for covariates (adjusted odds ration [OR] = 1.16; 95% CI: [confidence interval] 1.06-1.27). This study suggests that ambient PM2.5 air pollution is associated independently with LTPI. PM2.5 pollution and physical inactivity are both risk factors of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important for environmental officials to implement measures to reduce ambient air pollution while public health offi...

Research paper thumbnail of Multiple healthy behaviors and optimal self-rated health: findings from the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey

Preventive medicine

The aim of this study was to examine the association between the number of healthy behaviors (i.e... more The aim of this study was to examine the association between the number of healthy behaviors (i.e., not currently smoking, not currently drinking excessively, physically active, and consuming fruits and vegetables five or more times per day) and optimal self-rated health (SRH) among U.S. adults or adults with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) or diabetes. We estimated the age-standardized prevalence of optimal SRH among a total of 430,912 adults who participated in the 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Prevalence ratios were produced with multivariate Cox regression models using number of healthy behaviors as a predictor; status of optimal SRH was used as an outcome variable while controlling for sociodemographic and health risk factors. The age-standardized prevalence of reporting optimal SRH was 83.5%, 55.6%, and 56.3% among adults overall, and adults with CVDs or diabetes, respectively. Also in the aforementioned order, adults who reported having four healthy ...

Research paper thumbnail of Exposicio n ambiental a plaguicidas en Honduras tras el huraca n Mitch

Exposicio n ambiental a plaguicidas en Honduras tras el huraca n Mitch

Boletín de la …, 2001

Research paper thumbnail of A comparison of prevalence estimates for selected health indicators and chronic diseases or conditions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the National Health Interview Survey, and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2008

A comparison of prevalence estimates for selected health indicators and chronic diseases or conditions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the National Health Interview Survey, and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2008

Preventive Medicine, 2012

To compare the prevalence estimates of selected health indicators and chronic diseases or conditi... more To compare the prevalence estimates of selected health indicators and chronic diseases or conditions among three national health surveys in the United States. Data from adults aged 18 years or older who participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2007 and 2008 (n=807,524), the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) in 2007 and 2008 (n=44,262), and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2007 and 2008 (n=5871) were analyzed. The prevalence estimates of current smoking, obesity, hypertension, and no health insurance were similar across the three surveys, with absolute differences ranging from 0.7% to 3.9% (relative differences: 2.3% to 20.2%). The prevalence estimate of poor or fair health from BRFSS was similar to that from NHANES, but higher than that from NHIS. The prevalence estimates of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke were similar across the three surveys, with absolute differences ranging from 0.0% to 0.8% (relative differences: 0.2% to 17.1%). While the BRFSS continues to provide invaluable health information at state and local level, it is reassuring to observe consistency in the prevalence estimates of key health indicators of similar caliber between BRFSS and other national surveys.

Research paper thumbnail of Alcohol Consumption, Drinking Pattern, and Self-Reported Visual Impairment

Alcohol Consumption, Drinking Pattern, and Self-Reported Visual Impairment

Ophthalmic Epidemiology, 2012

To examine whether alcohol drinking status and drinking pattern are associated with self-reported... more To examine whether alcohol drinking status and drinking pattern are associated with self-reported visual impairment. We used data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based telephone health survey conducted by random-digit dialing among non-institutionalized US adults. The Visual Impairment and Access to Eye Care module was implemented among 42, 713 adults aged 50 years and older in 2005 and 2006. Visual impairment was defined as any degree of difficulty experienced in recognizing a friend across the street or reading print in newspaper, magazine, recipe, menu, or numbers on the telephone with usual correction. Drinking patterns included drinking quantity (drinks per drinking day), frequency (drinking days in the past month), and binge drinking. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, smoking status, Body Mass Index, history of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and eye diseases, current drinking status was not associated with distance and/or near vision impairment. However, drinking more than 1 drink per drinking day (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.09-1.35) and binge drinking (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.14-1.53) were associated with visual impairment among current drinkers. Among current drinkers, drinking patterns were significantly associated with near and distance vision impairment. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm whether drinkers who drink beyond drinking guidelines, especially binge drinkers, are at higher risk of visual impairment than those who drink at lower levels.