Self-reported Health Risk Research Articles

The end of court-ordered desegregation and US children's health: quasi-experimental evidence.

School racial segregation significantly affects racial disparities in US children's health. Recently, school segregation has been increasing, partially due to Supreme Court decisions since 1991 that have made it easier for school districts to be released from court-ordered desegregation. We investigated the association of the end of court-ordered desegregation with child health, using the 1997-2018 waves of the National Health Interview Survey (n = 8182 Black children; n = 16 930 White children). We exploited quasi-random variation in the timing of school districts' releases from court orders to estimate effects on general health, body weight, mental health, and asthma, using difference-in-differences and event-study methods (including traditional and heterogeneity-robust estimators). Heterogeneity-robust difference-in-differences analyses show that release was associated with increased school segregation, improved mental health among Black children, and better self-reported health among White children. For heterogeneity-robust event-study analyses, school segregation increased steadily over time after release, with worse self-reported health and higher risk of asthma episodes among Black children aged 18 years or older after release. Black children's mental health temporarily improved in the short term. In contrast, White children had improved self-reported health, mental health, and risk of asthma episodes in some years. Interventions to address the harms of school segregation are important for reducing racial health inequities.

Risk-related brain activation is linked to longitudinal changes in adolescent health risk behaviors

Middle adolescence is the period of development during which youth begin to engage in health risk behaviors such as delinquent behavior and substance use. A promising mechanism for guiding adolescents away from risky choices is the extent to which adolescents are sensitive to the likelihood of receiving valued outcomes. Few studies have examined longitudinal change in adolescent risky decision making and its neural correlates. To this end, the present longitudinal three-wave study (Nw1 = 157, Mw1= 13.50 years; Nw2 = 148, Mw2= 14.52 years; Nw3 = 143, Mw3= 15.55 years) investigated the ontogeny of mid-adolescent behavioral and neural risk sensitivity, and their baseline relations to longitudinal self-reported health risk behaviors. Results showed that adolescents became more sensitive to risk both in behavior and the brain during middle adolescence. Across three years, we observed lower risk-taking and greater risk-related activation in the bilateral insular cortex. When examining how baseline levels of risk sensitivity were related to longitudinal changes in real-life health risk behaviors, we found that Wave 1 insular activity was related to increases in self-reported health risk behaviors over the three years. This research highlights the normative maturation of risk-related processes at the behavioral and neural levels during mid-adolescence.

Health-promoting work schedules among nurses and nurse assistants in France: results from nationwide AMADEUS survey

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the relationship between different work schedules and self-reported working conditions and health risk behaviours among nurses and nurse assistants (NNA) in France. It hypothesized that work schedules, particularly long shifts, could impact work-life balance, workload, stress levels, burnout, and smoking habits. NNA had the option to work either with a 7-hour schedule, 5 days per week, or with long work schedules consisting of ten to twelve-hour shifts, three days per week. These schedules could potentially influence various aspects of their professional lives.MethodsThe survey followed the guidelines of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) Statement and was administered to NNA working in public and private national healthcare facilities in France. The researchers used the Job Content Questionnaire to assess the work environment and the French version of the 22-item Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) scale to measure burnout.ResultsA total of 3,133 NNA participated in the study, including 2,369 nurses (75.6%) and 764 nurse assistants (24.4%). Among them, 1,811 individuals (57.8%) followed a 7-hour work schedule, while 1,322 individuals (42.2%) had a long work schedule. Multivariate analyses revealed that NNA working with long schedules reported higher psychological demands, more frequent burnout, a higher number of daily smoked cigarettes, and greater coffee consumption. These findings were independent of other factors such as sector of employment, type of healthcare facility, job status, work schedules, night shifts, department specialty, age, and family responsibilities.ConclusionsWhile some NNA may choose long schedules to have more days off, those working with these schedules experience greater work-related burdens and engage in worse health risk behaviours as a coping mechanism. It emphasizes the importance of considering health-promoting work schedules to address the high psychological demands and burnout experienced by NNA with long schedules. Implementing changes in work schedules could potentially improve the overall well-being and job satisfaction of these healthcare professionals.

Self-Reported Health Effects and Risk Factors Associated with Noise Exposure among Auto-Mechanic Workers in Abeokuta Town, Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the noise exposure level and the association between self-reported health effects and risk factors among workers in auto mechanic workshops in Abeokuta town, Nigeria. Noise levels were measured at selected auto mechanic sites. A cross-sectional study was also conducted among fifty workers using a wellstructured questionnaire across the sampling sites. The recorded noise level in the morning and afternoon ranged between 61.3 - 75.8 dB and 70.4 and 86.4dB respectively. The noise values in the afternoon were significantly higher than the morning noise levels (t = -2.231; p = 0.030). The noise levels were above the WHO permissible limits in all the sampling locations. The overall occurrence of self-reported health effects were hearing loss (32%), annoyance (62%), irritation (72%), insomnia (16%), ringing in ears (44%), fatigue (44%), and high blood pressure (18%). The reported noise-induced health effects were associated with the age of the workers, duration of noise exposure and perceived noise sources in the study area. In the binomial regression model, exposure to occupational noise for 8 – 12 hours daily was an independent determinant risk factor of hearing loss (OR = 2.27, 95% Cl, 1.21-24.88) and fatigue (OR = 5.00, 95% Cl, 1.16-21.50). The implementation of correct wearing of earplugs among workers and the creation of awareness on noise-induced health effects to reduce noise exposure in the working environment would help in protecting exposed workers in the study area.

Comparison of quality of life between elderly and non-elderly adult residents in Okuma town, Japan, in a post-disaster setting.

With the growing elderly population who are susceptible to poor health, improvement of their quality of life is essential. In the post-disaster setting of the 2011 Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (FDNPP) accident, affected municipalities such as Okuma town commenced their recovery processes and lifted evacuation orders in 2019. This study examines the differences in self-reported mental and physical health status, social functioning, risk perception, and intention to return between elderly (age ≥65 years) and non-elderly (age 20-64 years) residents. Questionnaires were distributed to current residents and evacuees of Okuma. Results revealed that the elderly had a 1.4 times higher odds ratio (95%CI 1.0-1.8, p = 0.034) for having anxiety regarding radiation-related health effects on future generations and a 1.3 times higher odds ratio (95%CI 1.1-1.5, p = 0.001) for wanting to know about the release of FDNPP-treated water into the environment than the younger group. Elderly residents also demonstrated a 2.2 times higher odds ratio for reporting poor physical health than younger residents. Clearing misconceptions and disseminating coherent information will reduce risk perception among this group. Further in-depth research regarding the disposal of FDNPP-treated water and its perceived risks is required. Health promotion through the encouragement of social participation, improvement of surroundings to facilitate healthy behaviors, and enhanced access to health services will improve the quality of life of elderly Okuma residents.

Waiting for the wave, but missing the tide: Case studies of climate-related (im)mobility and health

Climate change amplifies health risks, including through the health impacts of climate-related displacement. Yet diverse mobility responses in a warming world can also provide a pathway for climate change adaptation. This article examines the connections between climatic and environmental change, human mobility and health. It presents case studies across three countries: Fiji, Bangladesh, and Burkina Faso. All case studies used qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews, storytelling, and group discussions. The Fiji case study focuses on relocation of a coastal village exposed to erosion, flooding and saltwater intrusion; it highlights self-reported health risks and opportunities following relocation. The Bangladesh case study includes seven sites that variously experience flooding, cyclones and riverbank erosion; while residents use migration and (im)mobility as a coping strategy, there are associated health risks, particularly for those who feel trapped in new sites of residence. The case study from a village in Burkina Faso examines seasonal labour migration to the Ivory Coast and Mali during times of drought and reduced agricultural productivity, and discusses health risks for men who migrate and for women who remain in sending communities. These case studies illustrate that there is no consistent figure that represents a 'climate migrant', ‘climate refugee’, or ‘trapped’ person. Accordingly, we argue that where planetary health looks to highlight ‘waves’ of climate displacement, it may miss the ‘tide’ of slower onset climatic changes and smaller-scale and diverse forms of (im)mobility. However, even where climate-related mobility is broadly adaptive - e.g. providing opportunities for livelihood diversification, or migration away from environmental risks - there can be health risks and opportunities that are shaped by socio-political contexts, access to healthcare, altered food sources, and living and working conditions. Responsive solutions are required to protect and promote the health of mobile and immobile populations in a warming world.

Unwanted sexual activity among United States women early in the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundFemale sexual activity and, accordingly, birth rates, tend to decline in times of stress, such as a pandemic. Additionally, when resources are scarce or exogenous conditions are threatening, some women may engage in sexual activity primarily to maintain socioeconomic security. Having unwanted sex may indicate sexual activity in exchange for economic security.ObjectiveTo describe patterns and correlates of unwanted sex, defined as having sex more frequently than desired, among U.S. women early in the COVID-19 pandemic.Study DesignThe National U.S. Women’s Health COVID-19 Study was conducted in April 2020, using a nested quota sample design to enroll 3,200 English-speaking women (88% cooperation rate) ages 18-90 years recruited from a research panel. The quota strata ensured sufficient sample sizes in sociodemographic groups of interest, namely racial and ethnic sub-groups. Patterns of sexual activity, including unwanted sex early in the pandemic, were described. To further elucidate the experiences of women reporting unwanted sex, open-ended responses to an item querying “how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting your sex life” were assessed using conventional content analysis. Logistic regression analyses - adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, self-reported health and pre-pandemic health-related socioeconomic risk factors (HRSRs), including food insecurity, housing instability, utilities and transportation difficulties and interpersonal violence - were used to model the odds of unwanted sex by pandemic-related change in HRSRs.ResultsThe proportion of women who were sexually active early in the pandemic (51%) was about the same as in the 12 months pre-pandemic (52%), although 7% became active and 7% became inactive. Eleven percent of sexually active women were having unwanted sex in the early pandemic. Rates of anxiety, depression, traumatic stress symptoms and each of the five HRSRs assessed were about 2 times higher among women having unwanted sex compared to others (p-values <0.001). Women having unwanted sex were also 5 times more likely than others to report increased frequency of sex since the pandemic (65% vs 13%, p<0.001) and 6 times more likely to be using emergency contraception (18% vs 3%, p<0.001). Women reporting unwanted sex commonly described decreased libido or interest in sex related to mood changes since the pandemic, having "more sex," fear or worry about transmission of the virus due to sex, and having sex to meet the partner's needs. Among sexually active women, odds of unwanted sex (adjusting for demographic, reproductive and health factors) were higher among women with one (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1, 3.8) and two or more pre-pandemic HRSRs (aOR 6.0, 95% CI 3.4, 10.6). Among sexually active women with any pre-pandemic HRSRs, those with new or worsening transportation difficulties early in the pandemic were particularly vulnerable to unwanted sex (aOR 2.7, 95% CI 1.7, 4.3).ConclusionsMore than one in ten sexually active U.S. women was having unwanted sex early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Socioeconomically vulnerable women, especially those with new or worsening transportation problems due to the pandemic, were more likely than others to engage in unwanted sex. Pandemic response and recovery efforts should seek to mitigate unwanted sexual activity and related health and social risks among women.

Volunteer Retirement and Well-Being in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study

The extant literature on volunteering has focused primarily on the many benefits of volunteering for older adults. However, the question rarely investigated is whether these benefits dissipate when older adults retire from their volunteering. Given the U.S. policy context wherein volunteering is promoted as a solution to the problems of aging, this research investigates the association between the loss of one’s volunteering role through retirement and well-being. Utilizing three waves of the U.S.-based National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) (2005–2016) and a fixed-effects modeling approach, we find that the well-being of older adults, measured as self-reported health, happiness, and depressive risk, is negatively associated with volunteer retirement. Our study contributes to the literature on well-being and volunteering for older adults and is the first study focusing on this critical transition point in the life of older volunteers. In addition, policymakers and organizations must broaden their focus to include not only the recruitment and retention of older adult volunteers but also the transition out of volunteering that many of them will eventually face.

Exploring the relationship between self-employment and women’s cardiovascular health

BackgroundCompared with wage and salary work, self-employment has been linked to more favorable cardiovascular health outcomes within the general population. Women comprise a significant proportion of the self-employed workforce and are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease. Self-employed women represent a unique population in that their cardiovascular health outcomes may be related to gender-specific advantages of non-traditional employment. To date, no studies have comprehensively explored the association between self-employment and risk factors for cardiovascular disease among women.MethodsWe conducted a weighted cross-sectional analysis using data from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Our study sample consisted of 4624 working women (employed for wages and self-employed) enrolled in the 2016 HRS cohort. Multivariable linear and logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between self-employment and several self-reported physical and mental health risk factors for cardiovascular disease, controlling for healthcare access.ResultsAmong working women, self-employment was associated with a 34% decrease in the odds of reporting obesity, a 43% decrease in the odds of reporting hypertension, a 30% decrease in the odds of reporting diabetes, and a 68% increase in the odds of reporting participation in at least twice-weekly physical activity (p < 0.05). BMI for self-employed women was on average 1.79 units lower than it was for women working for wages (p < 0.01).ConclusionsEmployment structure may have important implications for cardiovascular health among women, and future studies should explore the causal relationship between self-employment and cardiovascular health outcomes in this population.Trial Registration: Not applicable.

Self-reported health behaviors and risk perceptions following the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in the USA: an online survey study

ObjectivesConcerns have been raised that mass vaccination campaigns might lead to reduced engagement with other recommended health behaviors. We assessed self-reported behaviors and risk perceptions following the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the USA. Study designBetween December 2, 2020, and March 23, 2021, we conducted three online survey studies with US adult respondents. MethodsRespondents self-reported their COVID-19 vaccination status, their frequency of engaging in risk-increasing behaviors and wearing a mask when in public places, and their COVID-19 risk perceptions (i.e., perceived likelihood of getting COVID-19 and of being hospitalized if they got COVID-19). ResultsOur analytical sample included 832 respondents who had completed the first and final surveys and had received either 0 or 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Most respondents were non-Hispanic White (75%), male (77%), and US Veterans (64%), with the median age between 55 and 74 years. Overall, respondents reported frequently wearing masks when in public and rarely engaging in risk-increasing behaviors. Regardless of vaccination status, respondents reported more frequently engaging in risk-increasing behaviors and lower risk perceptions in March 2021 than in December 2020. Mask wearing did not change over the study period, with vaccinated respondents consistently reporting more frequent mask wearing than unvaccinated respondents. ConclusionsTaken together, our findings indicate that the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the USA did not result in the rapid abandonment of protective behaviors or dramatic uptake of risk-increasing behaviors. Additional studies are needed to monitor how mass vaccination might impact public behaviors and risk perceptions as coverage widens.

Associations Between Gender Identity Control, Gender Identity Non-Verification, and Health Risks among Trans Women of Color Living with HIV.

This study applied Identity Theory (IT) metrics to data gathered from a sample of trans women of color living with HIV to determine whether measures of identity control and/or identity non-verification were associated with trans women's self-reported health risks. From February 2014 through August 2016, 139 HIV-positive trans women were enrolled. Cross-sectional time-series regressions indicated that identity control and identity non-verification were both associated with self-reported behavioral and health outcomes. Increased gender identity control was associated with decreased drug and alcohol use (multiple Logit [L]; all p < .05) and decreased likelihood of self-reported infection with a sexually transmitted infection (STI; multiple L; all p < .05); increased perceived identity non-verification was associated with increased severity of depression symptoms (b = 0.09) as well as increased odds of engagement in exchange sex (L = 0.32), increased drug and alcohol use (multiple L p > .05), and increased likelihood of self-reported infection with viral STIs (Lgenital warts = 0.49; Lherpes = 0.69). These findings indicate IT may be a useful theoretical framework through which to understand and analyze behavior among trans women of color living with HIV. Identity verification dynamics in particular may be useful mechanisms to explain engagement in several potentially harmful behaviors.

Health risks and perceptions of residents exposed to multiple sources of air pollutions: A cross-sectional study on landfill and stone mining in Danang city, Vietnam

Health risks and perceptions of residents living nearby landfills or stone mines/quarries have been well documented; however, the multiple impacts of these two pollution sources have yet to be investigated. This study aims at giving insights into the impacts of residents exposed to two pollution sources in Danang city, Vietnam: Khanh Son landfill and Phuoc Tuong quarry. In this cross-sectional study, 7-point-Likert scale questionnaires were used to collect information from 314 respondents which were divided into three groups: i) Landfill-Stone mine (LS) exposed group within 1 km from both sources, ii) Stone mine (ST) exposed group within 1 km from the stone mine, and iii) the far-exposed group about 2–3 km from the two emission sites. Air pollutants (including H2S, CH4, and total suspended particles (TSP)) and noise levels were also sampled. In addition, we estimated the potential health risk assessment due to the exposure to hydrogen sulphide in the study areas.The findings have shown that 1) There is a statistical difference (p-value < 0.001) between the two exposed groups and far-exposed group regarding health risks and residents’ perceptions; 2) Compared to the ST exposed group, the LS exposed group statistically showed a higher perception to bad odours and skin diseases; lower satisfaction with regards to the personal health condition and the operation of the landfill; and higher willingness to change current living locations; and 3) There is evidence to indicate that elevated concentrations of air pollutants are associated with the high self-reported health risks and residents' perceptions. Urgent actions should be focused on the LS exposed group, landfill and quarry operations to prevent further adverse health effects.

Abstract P147: Characterizing Self-reported Religious Affiliation Among Patients With Vascular Disease And Associations With Health Risk Behaviors

Introduction: Religion is an important aspect of personal identity, which is linked to education and wealth. Religion is changing in prevalence, notoriously difficult to obtain from surveys, and seldom accounted for in clinical research. We characterized religious affiliation among patients with common diagnoses treated by vascular surgeons and explored associations with patient-level factors and health risk behaviors. Hypothesis: We hypothesize health risk behaviors will be more common among vascular patients that are unaffiliated with a particular religion. Methods: Patients treated from 2019-2021 at a single center with vascular disease (abdominal aortic aneurysm; carotid, renal, or mesenteric stenosis; or peripheral artery disease) were identified. Self-reported religious affiliation was obtained from the medical record. Patients self-reporting any religion (regardless of religion name or denomination) were categorized as religion-affiliated (RA); self-reporting as atheist, agnostic, or no religion were categorized as unaffiliated (UA). Health risk behaviors were evaluated as individual outcomes and in aggregate based on heavy drinking (per CDC recommendations), tobacco, or illegal drug use. Statistical comparisons used chi-square and Wilcoxon scores. Results: Among 3,568 patients identified, 3,247 (91%) had self-reported religion and form the basis of analysis. 2198 (67.7%) reported RA, and over 40 denominations were identified. RA was more common among women [70.3% (1041 of 1480) vs. 65.5% (1157 of 1767); P=0.003] and married patients [71.1% (1162 of 1635) vs. 65.5% (598 of 913): P=0.003]. RA by race was most common among African American patients [70.9% (158 of 223)] and least common among Asians [48.2% (26 of 54)] (P=0.002). Self-reported health risk behaviors were more common among UA patients [33.2% (348 of 1049) versus 27.2% (598 of 2198); P&lt;0.001], who also had a higher median weekly alcohol consumption (1.2 [IQR 3.6] vs. 0.6 [IQR 2.4] ounces; P=0.024). Conclusions: Self-reported RA is associated with demographics and health risk behaviors among vascular patients. Interventions leveraging religious organizations and leaders may not reach nearly one third of patients who are UA. Future work will explore associations with socioeconomic factors and surgical outcomes.

Evaluating the Gap of Integrated Behavioral Health Programs for NCDs in China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand

The rates of non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) such as diabetes and hypertension are reaching epidemic proportions in Asia. Behavioral conditions are frequently comorbid with NCD’s, contribute to poor clinical outcomes, and are under detected and untreated in many Asian nations. This article reports the findings of a study examining the level of behavioral and non-behavioral care integration in clinics and hospitals in China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. It assessed providers’ ratings of patients’ prevalence of behavioral conditions, the need for behavioral health consultants, and patients’ self-reported health risk assessments (HRA) of their lifestyle and behavioral problems. The results show low levels of available behavioral care in the participating Asian countries in comparison with the United States. The HRA results showed high rates of patients’ reported tobacco use, high-risk levels for alcohol use in men, and low levels of healthy foods intake and physical activity for men and women. The provider survey results showed moderate perceived prevalence of lifestyle and behavioral conditions and moderate perceived need for integrated behavioral care. These results suggest a need to develop and evaluate integrated healthcare services in Asia in order to address the epidemic of NCD’s.

Health-related and cancer risk concerns among siblings of childhood cancer survivors: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study (CCSS).

To characterize the prevalence and predictors of concerns regarding future health and cancer risk among siblings of childhood cancer survivors. This study reports longitudinal data (baseline and follow-up) from 3969 adult siblings (median age = 29 [range 18-56] years) of long-term survivors of childhood cancer (median time since diagnosis 19.6 [9.6-33.8] years). Self-reported future health and cancer risk concerns (concerned vs not concerned) were assessed. Demographics and health data reported by both the siblings and their matched cancer survivors were examined as risk factors for health concerns using multivariable logistic regression. Percentage of siblings reporting future health and cancer risk concerns, respectively, decreased across decade of survivors' diagnosis: 1970s (73.3%; 63.9%), 1980s (67.2%; 62.6%), and 1990s (45.7%; 52.3%). Risk factors associated with future health concerns included sibling chronic health conditions (grade 2 Odds Ratio [OR]=1.57, 95% CI: 1.12-2.20; grades 3-4 OR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.18-2.94; compared to less than grade 2). Risk factors associated with future cancer concerns included sibling chronic health conditions (grade 2 OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.05-1.94; grades 3-4 OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.09-2.47; compared to less than grade 2). Sibling concerns regarding future health and cancer have diminished in recent decades. There are subgroups of siblings that are at-risk for future health and cancer risk concerns. Routine screening of concerns in at-risk siblings of survivors of childhood cancer may benefit the siblings of cancer survivors. These individuals may benefit from early interventions during diagnosis and treatment of their siblings.

Analyzing the Effect of Radiation on Human beings of Electromagnetic waves from BTS and MS in Kushtia, Bangladesh

Based on Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and Mobile Station (MS) radiation, the residence of Kushtia district in Bangladesh is usually concerned with the potential health effects. Inhabitants, living in this part of Bangladesh are using communication, internet browsing, and other related uses with the help of mobile cellular communication system. The subscriber needed improving radio coverage, excellent communication networks, and quicker speed for internet browsing with the recent developments in mobile cellular communication technologies. To meet this demand, service providers of mobile cellular companies set up several BTS, which emit harmful radiation that has extremely detrimental impact on the human body. Through this paper, the effects of electromagnetic radiation of MS as well as BTS on the human body have been analyzed and Electromagnetic Field (EMF) radiation levels of MSs along with BTSs located in this region have been measured. These measurements have been compared with the measured value provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Commission of Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Finally, a cross-sectional analysis was carried out to evaluate the understanding and self-reported health risks of Electromagnetic waves (EMW) radiation emittedfrom the MS as well as BTS among the inhabitants of this region who are living near and a little away from BTS.

Self-reported health and smoking status, and body mass index: a case-control comparison based on GEN SCRIP (GENetics of SChizophRenia In Pakistan) data

IntroductionIndividuals with schizophrenia are at a high risk of physical health comorbidities and premature mortality. Cardiovascular and metabolic causes are an important contributor. There are gaps in monitoring, documenting and...

Vital Signs: Prevalence of Multiple Forms of Violence and Increased Health Risk Behaviors and Conditions Among Youths - United States, 2019.

IntroductionExperiencing violence, especially multiple types of violence, can have a negative impact on youths’ development. These experiences increase the risk for future violence and other health problems associated with the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among adolescents and adults.MethodsData from the 2019 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey were used to determine the prevalence of high school students’ self-reported experiences with physical fighting, being threatened with a weapon, physical dating violence, sexual violence, and bullying. Logistic regression models adjusting for sex, grade, and race/ethnicity were used to test the strength of associations between experiencing multiple forms of violence and 16 self-reported health risk behaviors and conditions.ResultsApproximately one half of students (44.3%) experienced at least one type of violence; more than one in seven (15.6%) experienced two or more types during the preceding 12 months. Experiencing multiple types of violence was significantly more prevalent among females than among males and among students identifying as gay, lesbian, or bisexual or not sure of their sexual identity than among heterosexual students. Experiencing violence was significantly associated with higher prevalence of all examined health risks and conditions. Relative to youths with no violence experiences, adjusted health risk and condition prevalence estimates were up to seven times higher among those experiencing two types of violence and up to 21 times higher among those experiencing three or more types of violence.Conclusions and implications for public health practiceMany youths experience multiple types of violence, with potentially lifelong health impacts. Violence is preventable using proven approaches that address individual, family, and environmental risks. Prioritizing violence prevention is strategic to promoting adolescent and adult health.

The association between self-reported mental health, medication record and suicide risk: A population wide study.

Suicide mortality and mental ill health are increasing globally. Mental ill health can be measured in multiple ways. It is unclear which measure is most associated with suicide risk. This study explored the association between self-rated mental health and medication record and death by suicide. The 2011 Northern Ireland Census records of adults aged 18-74 years (n=1,098,967) were linked to a centralised database of dispensed prescription medication and death registrations until the end of 2015. Mental health status was ascertained through both a single-item self-reported question in the Census and receipt of psychotropic medication. Logistic regression models examined the association between indicators of mental ill health and likelihood of suicide mortality. Of the 1,098,967 cohort members, 857 died by suicide during the study period. Just over half of these deaths (n=429, 50.1%) occurred in individuals with neither indicator of mental ill health. Cohort members with both self-reported mental ill health and receipt of psychotropic medication had the highest risk of suicide (OR=6.13, 95%CI: 4.94–7.61), followed by those with psychotropic medication record only (OR=4.00, 95%CI: 3.28–4.88) and self-report only (OR=2.88, 95%CI: 2.16–3.84). Individuals who report mental ill health and have a history of psychotropic medication use are at a high risk of suicide mortality. However, neither measure is particularly sensitive, as both failed to signal over half of subsequent suicides. Some individuals who report poor mental health but are not in receipt of psychotropic medication are at increased risk of suicide, indicating possible unmet treatment need. The combination of the two indicators offers more precision for identifying those most at risk for targeted interventions.

Health, lifestyle and occupational risks in Information Technology workers.

BackgroundInformation technology (IT) and the IT workforce are rapidly expanding with potential occupational health implications. But to date, IT worker health is under-studied and large-scale studies are lacking.AimsTo investigate health, lifestyle and occupational risk factors of IT workers.MethodsWe evaluated self-reported health, lifestyle and occupational risk factors for IT workers in the UK Biobank database. Using logistic regression, we investigated differences between IT workers and all other employed participants. Regression models were repeated for IT worker subgroups (managers, professionals, technicians) and their respective counterparts within the same Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) major group (functional managers, science and technology professionals, science and technology associate professionals).ResultsOverall, 10 931 (4%) employed participants were IT workers. Compared to all other employed participants, IT workers reported similar overall health, but lower lifestyle risk factors for smoking and obesity. Sedentary work was a substantially higher occupational exposure risk for IT workers compared to all other employed participants (odds ratio [OR] = 5.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.91–5.39) and their specific SOC group counterparts (managers: OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.68–1.99, professionals: OR = 7.18, 95% CI: 6.58–7.82, technicians: OR = 4.48, 95% CI: 3.87–5.17). IT workers were also more likely to engage in computer screen-time outside work than all other employed participants (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.35–1.51).ConclusionsImproved understanding of health, lifestyle and occupational risk factors from this, the largest to date study of IT worker health, can help inform workplace interventions to mitigate risk, improve health and increase the work participation of this increasingly important and rapidly growing occupational group.