Journal of Public Health Policy最新文献

High levels of food insecurity have motivated some local jurisdictions to expand access to food outside of the charitable feeding system in the United States. This study compares the produce consumption behaviors among repeat and first-time participants of free food distributions at community-based sites. We administered a survey to 4,469 low-income participants at these sites during 2021-2023. The sample comprises recruits from 53 charitable feeding system sites (food pantries) and non-traditional sites (early childhood centers, schools, and clinics). We  examined differences in consumption behaviors among participants from non-traditional and traditional sites using multivariable logistic regression models. We tested whether repeat participants consumed more fruits and vegetables than first-time participants. Receipt of produce more than once at non-traditional sites was positively associated with meeting national recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption. Enrollment in federal food assistance programs showed similar associations. Distributing healthy food through non-traditional access points appeared to be a promising practice.

Non-consensual condom removal, or stealthing, is increasingly recognized as a distinct form of sexual harm with population health and legal implications. While empirical studies continue to document the psychological and physical consequences of this act, legal responses in the U.S. remain limited and inconsistent. This study applies a legal epidemiology framework to examine the statutory landscape of civil remedies for stealthing across four U.S. states. Through systematic policy surveillance and coding, the analysis reveals significant variation in terminology, consent standards, scope of prohibited conduct, and survivor protections. While California uniquely uses the term 'stealthing,' other states rely on descriptive language that may obscure public understanding or survivor resonance. Similarly, standards of consent and available remedies vary, with only Washington and Vermont including explicit privacy protections. Findings highlight the need for broader, standardized statutory definitions that align with survivor experiences, support trauma-informed legal processes, and promote equitable access to civil justice. These results underscore the importance of law as a structural determinant of population health and the need to address underrecognized forms of sexual consent violations.

Housing-related stress, defined as concerns about not having a place to live, represents a significant correlate of substance use that warrants further investigation. In this cross-sectional analysis of 4358 adults from the national All of Us Research Program we examined associations between housing-related stress and substance use, accounting for demographic factors and mental health status in the United States. We determined that housing-related stress was significantly associated with increased odds of substance use (OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.31-1.70). Males, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals with poor mental health showed high substance use, while being better educated and married had a protective effect. The relationship between housing stress and substance use was amplified among those with poor mental health. Addressing housing instability should be integrated into comprehensive substance use prevention strategies. Given the universality of housing insecurity as a social determinant of health, these findings offer insights that can inform global public health strategies aimed at reducing substance use harms across diverse international contexts.

Medicare Part D innovatively included a market in public health insurance in the United States. Proponents argued that increased competition would drive better value for beneficiaries, but others feared that beneficiaries would struggle to navigate the complex program. Understanding how Part D beneficiaries choose between plans allows us to evaluate the extent to which Medicare Part D succeeds at increasing value to beneficiaries and where there is scope to support beneficiaries. Many Part D beneficiaries are sensitive to price cues in relation to pharmacy choice and medication adherence, yet frequently overpay for their plans. Empirical literature suggests that behavioral aspects including information overload, low salience, low trust, and practical 'sludge' all partly contribute to failure to switch. We propose solutions to address these barriers based on behavioral insights.

Personalized medicine's innovative approaches rely on the public's awareness and proficiency. We distributed an online survey to 6581 respondents from eight EU countries, investigating the public's knowledge of personalized medicine, support for implementing genetic testing in their healthcare system, and willingness to share health data. 12.11% of respondents had high compound knowledge of the topics. Knowledge levels vary among the included countries (highest in the Netherlands at 18.87%, lowest in France at 7.44%). 81.5% supported genetic testing in their healthcare systems, with acceptance rates varying for testing purposes. 52.35% reported willingness to share health data for altruistic use. Support for implementing genetic testing and the desire to share health data correlated positively with knowledge and education levels. Respondents from Southern Europe displayed higher support toward personalized medicine than in Central and Eastern Europe. Communication and education strategies are needed to enhance public understanding and trust in personalized medicine and health data sharing.