Journal of Community Health最新文献

This study explores the impact of serious neighborhood crime on levels of stress and prevalence of depression. The target population was adults residing in affected communities, specifically within North Philadelphia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between serious crimes in North Philadelphia and stress/depression among community residents. All participants (n = 577) resided within one of ten zip codes in North Philadelphia. Individual exposure to serious neighborhood crime over four years (2016-2019) was quantified. Levels of stress and prevalence of depression served as outcome measures of mental health. The study results did not support an association between exposure to neighborhood crime and stress/depression as measured by validated instruments. Resilience was identified to have a positive and statistically significant independent impact on both stress (p < 0.0001) and depression (p < 0.0001), serving as a mediator in the association between crime exposure and levels of stress and prevalence of depression. Results from this study can be used as a framework in targeting the needs of Philadelphia residents and improving their overall stress and depression.

The internet has increasingly become a major source of health information, especially for college-age adults, who spend a significant amount of time online. This article investigates sources used by US college students to acquire health information. College students aged 18-25 years old (n = 189) from 18 colleges were surveyed between November 2022 and February 2023. The survey was conducted using the online survey platform SurveyMonkey. Participants were asked to select their main sources of health information under three different categories: general medical, mental health, and Covid-19 related information. Survey data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The survey found that parents/guardians, the internet, and medical providers were the top information sources in each category. Although previous surveys have shown that the internet is the main source of health information for most adults, when asked about their primary source of information, college-age adults reported predominantly relying on family for general medical information. However, they turned to online sources for mental health information, with Instagram as the top social media resource. The internet was the primary source for Covid-19 information. These data suggest that including parents in health messaging for college- age adults could help with dissemination of health information to this age group particularly when addressing general medical information such as vaccines, medical care and seasonal illnesses like flu. They also suggest that this group seeks alternative sources-like peers and social media- for topics that have associated stigma, such as mental health. Providing shareable resources with mental health information through college communication programs and networks may help disseminate accurate information to students.

This year, the Journal marks its fiftieth year of publication. It was launched in 1975 by the Association of Teachers of Preventive Medicine (ATPM) with a focus on the practice and teaching of preventive medicine. The publisher of the Journal at that time was Human Sciences Press. However, in responding to major advances in knowledge and methods for promoting health and preventing disease, in 1985, the Journal changed its focus to promoting wellness. Thus, it gave emphasis to articles that communicated programs for the promotion of health and the prevention of disease. In keeping with this commitment, the Journal added to its title a subtitle, The Publication for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. At the same time, the Journal moved from a quarterly publication to a bi-monthly one. This overview provides a history of the Journal's multi-faceted development over the past five decades.

The prevalence of obesity in Saudi Arabia has increased dramatically, with approximately 35% of the population estimated to be obese. This study assessed the patterns of carbonated beverage consumption and the factors and attitudes influencing consumption before and after implementing new soft drink taxes among Saudi adults. A secondary analysis was conducted on two cross-sectional studies involving Saudi adults aged over 18 years. The studies were conducted in July-September 2016 (Pre taxation, n = 964) and October 2022-March 2023 (post taxation, n = 1931). Data were collected using a validated questionnaire that included sociodemographic information, consumption patterns, influencing factors, and attitudes. A chi-square test compared frequency changes between the two periods, while a linear regression model assessed the impact of taxation on consumption frequency and quantity, along with associated factors and attitudes. Daily carbonated beverage consumption increased from 6% pre-taxation to 8% post-taxation. Significant changes were observed in factors and attitudes toward consumption (P < 0.05). The perceived influence of advertising decreased significantly (-0.320, P < 0.0001), while consumption during meals at home (0.430, P < 0.0001) and while watching TV or using electronic devices (0.231, P < 0.0001) increased post-taxation. The findings indicate that despite taxation, carbonated beverage consumption did not decrease among Saudi adults. These results underscore the need for comprehensive health promotion and intervention programs to address the high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and mitigate their health impacts.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an evidence-based strategy for HIV prevention, particularly for high-risk populations such as people who inject drugs and engage in chemsex. In Italy, there is no data on the actual knowledge of PrEP among Healthcare professionals (HCPs) in substance use disorder services (SerDs). This study aimed to assess PrEP awareness among SerD HCPs, also exploring their level of knowledge, practice, training, and perceived barriers. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of HCPs from SerDs across Italy (2023-2024). The questionnaire addressed sociodemographic and work-related information, PrEP awareness, knowledge scores (i.e. percentage of correct answers) on when proposing PrEP and reimbursement criteria, practice, and training received. Multiple logistic regression was performed to explore associations with PrEP awareness. The sample consisted of 306 professionals (26.8% physicians). Only 44.8% were aware of PrEP, with lower awareness among non-physicians (p < 0.001). As for knowledge scores on when proposing PrEP and on reimbursement, the median was 57.14% (IQR: 42.86-71.43%) and 55.56% (IQR: 33.33-66.67%), respectively. No differences were reported across professional roles. Only 10.36% reported PrEP is offered at their workplace and 87.9% highlighted a lack of training. Additionally, 96.79% believed it would be appropriate for HCPs to receive PrEP training; however, nurses were the most likely to state it is not appropriate (p = 0.046). The study identified gaps in PrEP knowledge and training among SerD professionals, including physicians. The strong interest in training suggests that SerD HCPs, though with varying perceptions, may be a receptive group for interventions for improving PrEP implementation.

The growing popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among Indonesian youth presents a new public health challenge in a country with one of the highest tobacco burdens globally. While tobacco control regulations have been implemented, e-cigarettes remain largely unregulated, raising concerns about their health impacts and youth appeal. This study explores the prevalence, determinants and perceptions of e-cigarette use among high school and university students in Indonesia, providing critical insights to inform effective policymaking. A cross-sectional online-based survey was conducted in 2019 among 158 students aged 15-30 years across 17 provinces in Indonesia. Data on tobacco use behaviours, socioeconomic background, social influences and health perceptions were collected. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses identified key determinants of e-cigarette use. Among the participants, 36.2% reported ever smoking, and 65.2% of these had tried e-cigarettes. Key determinants of e-cigarette use included male gender, urban residency, peer smoking and social acceptance of smoking (all p < 0.05). Notably, participants commonly perceived e-cigarettes as less harmful than combustible cigarettes and helpful for smoking cessation, despite conflicting scientific evidence. Overall, e-cigarette use is prevalent among Indonesian youth, driven by social and environmental factors, as well as misconceptions about safety. Strengthened regulations and targeted public health campaigns are essential to mitigate the health risks posed by e-cigarettes and enhance tobacco control efforts.

We aimed to evaluate awareness of HPV and its associated cancers, attitudes toward HPV vaccination, and vaccination rates in individuals with anogenital warts. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital using a questionnaire completed by individuals diagnosed with anogenital warts. A total of 105 respondents were included in the study, comprising 80 males (76.2%) and 25 females (23.8%). The mean age of participants was 34.7 ± 11.2 years. HPV awareness was 70.5%, while cervical cancer awareness was 38.1%. Women demonstrated significantly higher levels of HPV and cervical cancer awareness, as well as knowledge of Pap smear testing, compared to men. Women were also significantly more likely than men to express willingness to vaccinate their children against HPV (84.0% vs. 58.8%, p = 0.039). Higher education levels were associated with increased awareness of HPV, HPV vaccination, and willingness to vaccinate children. Physicians were the primary source of HPV-related information across the cohort. HPV vaccine awareness was 73.3%, but the overall vaccination rate was only 10.5%, with women showing significantly higher vaccination rates than men (24% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.021). The most commonly reported barriers to vaccination were cost (60%) and lack of information (45.7%). None of the participants had vaccinated their children. This study highlights that awareness of HPV and its vaccination is associated with gender and education level but does not translate into higher vaccination rates. Efforts should focus on targeting men and individuals with lower educational attainment by strengthening physicians' roles in public education. Incorporating HPV vaccination into national programs and implementing culturally tailored campaigns may effectively improve vaccination rates.

Nearly half of heterosexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections occur among Black men in the United States. Yet Black heterosexual men (BHM) are largely ignored in HIV programming, policy implementation, and research. This study explores how masculinity, mental health, and socioeconomic factors such as income, education, and insurance (e.g., enrollment and coverage) correlate with the likelihood of BHM having important conversations surrounding HIV with their healthcare providers and family members. Conversations among social networks (e.g., peers, family, and neighbors) create an opportunity to increase comfortability while discussing HIV-related topics around condom use and testing. This study used a cross-sectional survey design and convenience sampling (N = 279) to recruit participants from a community-academic partnership involving a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Detroit between June 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to report demographics, socioeconomic information, and sexual health-related behavior variables. Spearman's correlation test was used to report bivariate correlations between predictor and outcome variables. 49.3% of the study participants disclosed having ever talked to a healthcare provider about HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and 40.9% disclosed having ever talked to a family member about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The results from this article highlight potential barriers that may inhibit BHM from engaging in conversations about HIV with their healthcare providers and family members. It is important to include BHM in future research that focuses on HIV prevention and education to support community leaders and clinicians who work to address these disparities.

Although climate change is increasing wildfire and smoke events globally, public health messaging and individual access to resources for protection are limited. Individual interventions can be highly effective at reducing wildfire smoke exposure. However, studies related to individual responses to wildfire smoke are limited and demonstrate mixed protective behaviors and risk perception. Our research helps fill this gap by assessing the self-reported behavior of 20 participants during wildfire season in Western Montana from 28 June through 1 November, 2022. We also measured continuous outdoor and indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations at participant residencies during this time period using PurpleAir sensors (PAII-SD, PurpleAir, Inc, USA) while participants took up to 16 self-reported online weekly activity surveys. Mixed-effect Poisson regression models were used to assess associations between exposure variables and participant reported behaviors. These results were compared with end-of-study interview findings. Wildfire smoke impacted days and increased concentrations of PM2.5 were associated with decreased outdoor exercise and opening of windows for ventilation. Interview themes were congruent with the regression analysis, with the additional finding of high portable air cleaner (PAC) use among participants. Additionally, these interviews gave context to both the tradeoffs participants face when making protective decisions and the importance of personal air quality data in increasing awareness about wildfire smoke risks. Future wildfire smoke studies can build off this research by providing personally relevant air quality data and PACs to participants and by improving public health messaging to address the compounding risks of wildfire smoke exposure and heat.

The 2022 global outbreak of Mpox (formerly named Monkeypox) disproportionately impacted lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) populations, with a significant impact on sexual minority men. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among LGBTQ + adults living in New Jersey and New York to examine vaccination behaviors for Mpox. We sought out to understand the health experiences and behaviors of the population during the initial outbreak. This analysis included a subset of participants (n = 253) who completed the survey after the onset of the Mpox outbreak in May 2022. We examined awareness of and concerns about Mpox, willingness to vaccinate, as well as vaccination access and vaccination uptake. Our findings indicate that white, cisgender, gay men, as well as employed individuals, had the highest rates of vaccination for Mpox. Those with higher levels of concern about the virus were both more likely to be vaccinated and to report difficulty securing an appointment. Overall, our findings reinforce the health disparities in the population, demonstrating as with many other health conditions that white and economically stable individuals have advantages in accessing care.