Lloyd Potter | University of Texas at San Antonio (original) (raw)
Papers by Lloyd Potter
Statistics in Medicine, 2001
In case-control studies, determination of alcohol consumption by cases immediately prior to the i... more In case-control studies, determination of alcohol consumption by cases immediately prior to the injury event is often conceptually straightforward. However, determination of consumption status by controls is difficult because they lack a reference point, especially when cases and controls are not individually matched. We describe a method of assigning alcohol consumption status to controls using a 24-hour drinking history, the distribution in time of case events, and the random assignment of a specific time period to each control subject. This methodology offers a practical approach for determining alcohol consumption status among control subjects immediately prior to a case event, when controls lack a reference point and have not been individually matched to cases. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2001
Social Indicators Research, 1993
The purpose of this paper is to “resurrect” the measure of net migration and defend its continued... more The purpose of this paper is to “resurrect” the measure of net migration and defend its continued use under specific research circumstances, despite the current dissatisfaction with the measure as expressed by some scholars. We employ data from the 1980 Census of Population to compare five measures of migration, including net migration rates, in- and out-migration rates, migration efficiency ratios and migration turnover rates. We demonstrate the additivity of in- and out-migration rates with net migration rates and migration turnover rates. Also, we show how the migration efficiency ratio and turnover rates are conceptually and mathematically related. Finally, a simple multivariate model is estimated to show how regression coefficients from in-and out-migration rate models are related to net migration and migration turnover rates.
Rural Sociology, 2010
Abstract Mortality levels and differences by metropolitan-nonmetropolitan residence for blacks an... more Abstract Mortality levels and differences by metropolitan-nonmetropolitan residence for blacks and whites are examined in the South using life-table techniques. Life tables are constructed for Southern subpopulations using U.S. vital statistics and census data for 1980, and differences in the life expectancies are decomposed by cause of death. Results suggest that life expectancy is higher for metropolitan and white populations. Racial mortality differences are slightly greater in metropolitan areas of the South when compared to the nonmetropolitan South. Residential mortality differences are attributable mainly to differences in the effects of heart disease and accidents. Most of the racial mortality difference is due to differences in effects of malignant neoplasms, cardiovascular disease, perinatal conditions, and homicide. Policy efforts aimed at specific causes of death in specific populations are suggested as a means of reducing racial or residential life expectancy differentials.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 1995
This study was conducted to analyze determinants of depression among Puerto Ricans by replicating... more This study was conducted to analyze determinants of depression among Puerto Ricans by replicating and expanding earlier studies of depression among Cuban Americans and Mexican Americans. Data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1982–1984, were employed to examine depression and associated characteristics among Puerto Ricans. We utilized descriptive and multivariate statistics to examine the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)-assessed depressive symptomatology and the DSM-III/DIS specification of major depression. The findings indicated that CES-D-assessed depressive symptomatology among Puerto Ricans was associated with female gender, disrupted marital status, poor health, and lower socioeconomic status as indicated by low education, low household income, age, and unemployment. For both 6-month and 1-month DIS major depression, age, disrupted marital status, and income of less than $ 5,000 were significant risk factors. For 6-month DIS major depression, never-married persons had a higher risk for depression. For 1-month diagnoses, writing Spanish better than English was associated with lower risk. In general, our findings for Puerto Ricans were similar to studies of depression among other Hispanic groups. We remained unable to explain the relatively extreme levels of depression among Puerto Ricans in New York, though several probable explanations are elaborated. We emphasized the general need to expand the range of research designs and current risk models in epidemiology in an effort to capture the complexity of psychosocial and cultural processes relevant to psychological distress.
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
This study examined factors associated with the medical severity of suicide attempts focusing on ... more This study examined factors associated with the medical severity of suicide attempts focusing on demographic characteristics, mental health characteristics, and the circumstances of the suicide attempt. Analyses were based on 153 nearly lethal suicide attempters and 47 less lethal suicide attempters aged 13-34 years who presented to emergency departments in Houston, Texas. The results show that young age was significantly associated with a nearly lethal suicide attempt. Prior suicide attempts, hopelessness, depression, and help-seeking (ever) were significantly and negatively associated with a nearly lethal suicide attempt. None of the suicide attempt factors occurring prior to the attempt were associated with a nearly lethal suicide attempt.
New England Journal of Medicine, 1999
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
Teenagers and young adults are very mobile and mobility has been identified as a potential risk f... more Teenagers and young adults are very mobile and mobility has been identified as a potential risk factor for suicidal behavior. We conducted a population-based, case-control study of nearly lethal suicide attempts with 153 cases and 513 controls. Study participants were asked about changing residence over the past 12 months. Results indicate that moving in the past 12 months is positively associated with a nearly lethal suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio of 2.1, with 95% confidence interval of 1.4-3.3), as are specific characteristics of the move (e.g., frequency, recency, distance, and difficulty staying in touch). These findings confirm and extend prior ecologic research by demonstrating a relationship, at the individual level, between the geographic mobility of adolescents and young adults and nearly lethal suicide attempts.
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
We conducted a case-control study of the association between nearly lethal suicide attempts and f... more We conducted a case-control study of the association between nearly lethal suicide attempts and facets of alcohol consumption; namely, drinking frequency, drinking quantity, binge drinking, alcoholism, drinking within 3 hours of suicide attempt, and age began drinking. Subjects were 13-34 years of age. In bivariable analyses, all measures were associated with nearly lethal suicide attempts. Odds ratios ranged from 2.4 for alcoholism to 7.0 for drinking within 3 hours of attempt. All exposure variables except age began drinking exhibited a J-shaped relationship between alcohol exposure and nearly lethal suicide attempt. After controlling for potential confounders and other measures of alcohol exposure, drinking within 3 hours of attempt remained most strongly (odds ratios > 6) associated. Alcoholism remained significantly associated in most models, but at lower strength.
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
This article details the research methods and measurements used in conducting a population-based,... more This article details the research methods and measurements used in conducting a population-based, case-control study of nearly lethal suicide attempts among persons aged 13-34 years, residing in Houston, Texas. From November 1992 to July 1995, we interviewed 153 case subjects presenting at one of three participating hospital emergency departments and used random digit dialing to identify 513 control subjects residing in the same catchment area in which cases were enlisted. Unlike most research in this area, this study was designed to extend our understanding of suicidal behavior and prevention activities beyond identification and treatment of depression and other mental illnesses. We discuss the overall strengths and weaknesses of our study design and conclude that this methodology is well suited for studying rare outcomes such as nearly lethal suicide.
American journal of preventive medicine, 2005
Suicide & life-threatening behavior, 2010
American Journal of Public Health, 1997
Demography, 1991
Epidemiological transition theory suggests that two populations existing under disparate socioeco... more Epidemiological transition theory suggests that two populations existing under disparate socioeconomic conditions would have different life expectancies as the result of cause-of-death differences. The effect of racial socioeconomic differentials on the total racial life expectancy differential are examined as they act through specific cause-of-death differentials. Results suggest that residential isolation of blacks has a strong effect on the total life expectancy differential as it acts through the racial homicide differential. The racial unemployment difference also has a strong effect on the total differential as it acts through the racial heart disease differential. Implications of the findings for reducing life expectancy differentials are discussed.
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 1993
Use of condoms is one of the main methods sexually active persons may choose to prevent infection... more Use of condoms is one of the main methods sexually active persons may choose to prevent infection with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Little is known about patterns of condom use among women in the United States. We provide a conceptualization of patterns of condom use and factors associated with these patterns. To examine patterns of condom use and associated characteristics among sexually active, never-married women in the United States. Analysis of data from the 1988 National Survey of Family Growth, which is a nationally representative sample of women in their childbearing years. Only a minority of sexually active, never-married women report using condoms, and even fewer report using them consistently. Women with characteristics traditionally associated with increased risk of infection with STD and HIV appear to be less likely to report using condoms and to report using them consistently. Women who report use of condoms to prevent STDs are more likely to report consistent condom use; less likely to cease using condoms; and more likely to initiate consistent condom use. Findings suggest the need for innovative programming targeted for specific sexually active populations to promote both initiation and maintenance of use of condoms.
Statistics in Medicine, 2001
In case-control studies, determination of alcohol consumption by cases immediately prior to the i... more In case-control studies, determination of alcohol consumption by cases immediately prior to the injury event is often conceptually straightforward. However, determination of consumption status by controls is difficult because they lack a reference point, especially when cases and controls are not individually matched. We describe a method of assigning alcohol consumption status to controls using a 24-hour drinking history, the distribution in time of case events, and the random assignment of a specific time period to each control subject. This methodology offers a practical approach for determining alcohol consumption status among control subjects immediately prior to a case event, when controls lack a reference point and have not been individually matched to cases. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2001
Social Indicators Research, 1993
The purpose of this paper is to “resurrect” the measure of net migration and defend its continued... more The purpose of this paper is to “resurrect” the measure of net migration and defend its continued use under specific research circumstances, despite the current dissatisfaction with the measure as expressed by some scholars. We employ data from the 1980 Census of Population to compare five measures of migration, including net migration rates, in- and out-migration rates, migration efficiency ratios and migration turnover rates. We demonstrate the additivity of in- and out-migration rates with net migration rates and migration turnover rates. Also, we show how the migration efficiency ratio and turnover rates are conceptually and mathematically related. Finally, a simple multivariate model is estimated to show how regression coefficients from in-and out-migration rate models are related to net migration and migration turnover rates.
Rural Sociology, 2010
Abstract Mortality levels and differences by metropolitan-nonmetropolitan residence for blacks an... more Abstract Mortality levels and differences by metropolitan-nonmetropolitan residence for blacks and whites are examined in the South using life-table techniques. Life tables are constructed for Southern subpopulations using U.S. vital statistics and census data for 1980, and differences in the life expectancies are decomposed by cause of death. Results suggest that life expectancy is higher for metropolitan and white populations. Racial mortality differences are slightly greater in metropolitan areas of the South when compared to the nonmetropolitan South. Residential mortality differences are attributable mainly to differences in the effects of heart disease and accidents. Most of the racial mortality difference is due to differences in effects of malignant neoplasms, cardiovascular disease, perinatal conditions, and homicide. Policy efforts aimed at specific causes of death in specific populations are suggested as a means of reducing racial or residential life expectancy differentials.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 1995
This study was conducted to analyze determinants of depression among Puerto Ricans by replicating... more This study was conducted to analyze determinants of depression among Puerto Ricans by replicating and expanding earlier studies of depression among Cuban Americans and Mexican Americans. Data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1982–1984, were employed to examine depression and associated characteristics among Puerto Ricans. We utilized descriptive and multivariate statistics to examine the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D)-assessed depressive symptomatology and the DSM-III/DIS specification of major depression. The findings indicated that CES-D-assessed depressive symptomatology among Puerto Ricans was associated with female gender, disrupted marital status, poor health, and lower socioeconomic status as indicated by low education, low household income, age, and unemployment. For both 6-month and 1-month DIS major depression, age, disrupted marital status, and income of less than $ 5,000 were significant risk factors. For 6-month DIS major depression, never-married persons had a higher risk for depression. For 1-month diagnoses, writing Spanish better than English was associated with lower risk. In general, our findings for Puerto Ricans were similar to studies of depression among other Hispanic groups. We remained unable to explain the relatively extreme levels of depression among Puerto Ricans in New York, though several probable explanations are elaborated. We emphasized the general need to expand the range of research designs and current risk models in epidemiology in an effort to capture the complexity of psychosocial and cultural processes relevant to psychological distress.
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
This study examined factors associated with the medical severity of suicide attempts focusing on ... more This study examined factors associated with the medical severity of suicide attempts focusing on demographic characteristics, mental health characteristics, and the circumstances of the suicide attempt. Analyses were based on 153 nearly lethal suicide attempters and 47 less lethal suicide attempters aged 13-34 years who presented to emergency departments in Houston, Texas. The results show that young age was significantly associated with a nearly lethal suicide attempt. Prior suicide attempts, hopelessness, depression, and help-seeking (ever) were significantly and negatively associated with a nearly lethal suicide attempt. None of the suicide attempt factors occurring prior to the attempt were associated with a nearly lethal suicide attempt.
New England Journal of Medicine, 1999
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
Teenagers and young adults are very mobile and mobility has been identified as a potential risk f... more Teenagers and young adults are very mobile and mobility has been identified as a potential risk factor for suicidal behavior. We conducted a population-based, case-control study of nearly lethal suicide attempts with 153 cases and 513 controls. Study participants were asked about changing residence over the past 12 months. Results indicate that moving in the past 12 months is positively associated with a nearly lethal suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio of 2.1, with 95% confidence interval of 1.4-3.3), as are specific characteristics of the move (e.g., frequency, recency, distance, and difficulty staying in touch). These findings confirm and extend prior ecologic research by demonstrating a relationship, at the individual level, between the geographic mobility of adolescents and young adults and nearly lethal suicide attempts.
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
We conducted a case-control study of the association between nearly lethal suicide attempts and f... more We conducted a case-control study of the association between nearly lethal suicide attempts and facets of alcohol consumption; namely, drinking frequency, drinking quantity, binge drinking, alcoholism, drinking within 3 hours of suicide attempt, and age began drinking. Subjects were 13-34 years of age. In bivariable analyses, all measures were associated with nearly lethal suicide attempts. Odds ratios ranged from 2.4 for alcoholism to 7.0 for drinking within 3 hours of attempt. All exposure variables except age began drinking exhibited a J-shaped relationship between alcohol exposure and nearly lethal suicide attempt. After controlling for potential confounders and other measures of alcohol exposure, drinking within 3 hours of attempt remained most strongly (odds ratios > 6) associated. Alcoholism remained significantly associated in most models, but at lower strength.
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
This article details the research methods and measurements used in conducting a population-based,... more This article details the research methods and measurements used in conducting a population-based, case-control study of nearly lethal suicide attempts among persons aged 13-34 years, residing in Houston, Texas. From November 1992 to July 1995, we interviewed 153 case subjects presenting at one of three participating hospital emergency departments and used random digit dialing to identify 513 control subjects residing in the same catchment area in which cases were enlisted. Unlike most research in this area, this study was designed to extend our understanding of suicidal behavior and prevention activities beyond identification and treatment of depression and other mental illnesses. We discuss the overall strengths and weaknesses of our study design and conclude that this methodology is well suited for studying rare outcomes such as nearly lethal suicide.
American journal of preventive medicine, 2005
Suicide & life-threatening behavior, 2010
American Journal of Public Health, 1997
Demography, 1991
Epidemiological transition theory suggests that two populations existing under disparate socioeco... more Epidemiological transition theory suggests that two populations existing under disparate socioeconomic conditions would have different life expectancies as the result of cause-of-death differences. The effect of racial socioeconomic differentials on the total racial life expectancy differential are examined as they act through specific cause-of-death differentials. Results suggest that residential isolation of blacks has a strong effect on the total life expectancy differential as it acts through the racial homicide differential. The racial unemployment difference also has a strong effect on the total differential as it acts through the racial heart disease differential. Implications of the findings for reducing life expectancy differentials are discussed.
Suicide and Life-threatening Behavior, 2001
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, 1993
Use of condoms is one of the main methods sexually active persons may choose to prevent infection... more Use of condoms is one of the main methods sexually active persons may choose to prevent infection with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Little is known about patterns of condom use among women in the United States. We provide a conceptualization of patterns of condom use and factors associated with these patterns. To examine patterns of condom use and associated characteristics among sexually active, never-married women in the United States. Analysis of data from the 1988 National Survey of Family Growth, which is a nationally representative sample of women in their childbearing years. Only a minority of sexually active, never-married women report using condoms, and even fewer report using them consistently. Women with characteristics traditionally associated with increased risk of infection with STD and HIV appear to be less likely to report using condoms and to report using them consistently. Women who report use of condoms to prevent STDs are more likely to report consistent condom use; less likely to cease using condoms; and more likely to initiate consistent condom use. Findings suggest the need for innovative programming targeted for specific sexually active populations to promote both initiation and maintenance of use of condoms.