Last data update: Dec 02, 2024. (Total: 48272 publications since 2009)
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Query Trace: Berkowitz Z[original query] |
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School partner perspectives on the implementation of the Your Voice Your View sexual assault prevention program for high school students
Orchowski LM , Paszek C , Lopez RM , Oesterle DW , Pearlman DN , Rizzo CJ , Ghose Elwy AR , Berkowitz AD , Malone S , Fortson BL . J Community Psychol 2023 51 (7) 2906-2926 Despite the high risk for sexual assault among adolescents, few sexual assault prevention programs designed for implementation in high schools have sustained rigorous evaluation. The present study sought to better understand the factors that influenced the implementation of Your Voice Your View (YVYV), a four-session sexual assault prevention program for 10th grade students, which includes a teacher "Lunch and Learn" training as well as a 4-week school-specific social norms poster campaign. Following program implementation, eight school partners (i.e., health teachers, guidance counselors, teachers, and principals) participated in an interview to provide feedback on the process of program implementation. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was utilized to examine site-specific determinants of program implementation. Participants discussed the importance of the design quality and packaging of the program, as well as the relative advantage of offering students a violence prevention program led by an outside team, as opposed to teachers in the school. School partners highlighted the importance of intensive preplanning before implementation, clear communication between staff, the utility of engaging a specific champion to coordinate programming, and the utility of offering incentives for participation. Having resources to support implementation, a desire to address sexual violence in the school, and a positive classroom climate in which to administer the small-group sessions were seen as school-specific facilitators of program implementation. These findings can help to support the subsequent implementation of the YVYV program, as well as other sexual assault prevention programs in high schools. |
Lack of awareness of human papillomavirus testing among U.S. women
Berkowitz Z , Qin J , Smith JL , Saraiya M . Am J Prev Med 2023 65 (4) 710-715 INTRODUCTION: -National surveys provide important information for public health planning. Lack of preventive screenings awareness may result in unreliable survey estimates. This study examines women's awareness of receiving human papillomavirus (HPV) testing using three national surveys. METHODS: -In 2022, self-reported data analyses on HPV testing status among women without hysterectomy were conducted from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System [BRFSS, n=80648, (aged 30-64 years)], the 2019 National Health Interview Survey [NHIS, n=7062, (aged 30-65 years)], and the 2017-2019 National Survey of Family Growth [NSFG, n=2973, (aged 30-49 years)]. Associations between HPV awareness status, (yes, no, don't know) and demographic characteristics were examined with generalized multinomial logistic model to generate adjusted prevalence ratios (APR). Adjusted risk differences were assessed with the t-test for the Don't know answer. RESULTS: -21.8%, or over 12 million in the study population of women in BRFSS, 19.5%, (over 10.5 million women) in NHIS, and 9.4% in NSFG responded "don't know" to HPV testing awareness status question. Women aged 40-64 years in BRFSS and 50-65 years in NHIS were more likely to answer "don't know" than those aged 30-34 (p<0.05 and p<.01, respectively). Non-Hispanic (NH) White women were more likely to answer "don't know" than NH Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NHPI), NH Black, NH Asian, and Hispanic women in BRFSS and NH Black women in NHIS [(APR range: 0.60 to 0.78; p<.001) and (APR=0.72; p<.001) respectively]. CONCLUSIONS: -One in five women was unaware of her HPV testing status, and awareness was lower among older and NH White women. The awareness gap may affect reliability of estimated HPV testing population uptake using survey data. |
Preventing sexual violence among high school students through norms correction and bystander intervention: A school-based cluster trial of Your Voice Your View
Orchowski LM , Malone S , Sokolovsky AW , Pearlman DN , Rizzo C , Zlotnick C , Berkowitz A , Fortson BL . J Community Psychol 2023 51 (7) 2861-2886 Risk for sexual violence begins early in the lifespan; thus, interventions are needed to decrease the risk for sexual violence among high school youth. The current study evaluates the Your Voice Your View (YVYV) sexual violence prevention program using a school-based cluster trial among 26 high schools in the Northeastern United States. YVYV, includes: 1) a series of four classroom workshops designed to engage students as allies in violence prevention through bystander intervention skills training, address risks for sexual aggression, and reduce risk for victimization; 2) a Lunch and Learn teacher training workshop; and 3) a 4-week social norms poster campaign based on normative data from the school. Schools were matched based on size and demographics and randomly assigned to the intervention group or a wait-list control group. A sample of 2685 10th grade students enrolled in the research and completed assessments at baseline, 2-month and 6-month follow-up periods. The magnitude of the difference in sexual aggression did not vary by condition at either follow-up period. The magnitude of 6-month differences in experiencing unwanted sexual intercourse varied significantly by condition (IRR = 0.33 [0.14-0.76]), demonstrating a small protective effect favoring intervention schools (Cohen's f(2) = 0.012). These findings highlight the promise of multicomponent interventions grounded in bystander intervention skills training, risk reduction, and social norms theory as a promising, comprehensive approach for sexual violence prevention among youth. |
Multilevel Small Area Estimation for County-Level Prevalence of Mammography Use in the United States Using 2018 Data.
Berkowitz Z , Zhang X , Richards TB , Sabatino SA , Peipins LA , Smith JL . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022 32 (2) 216-223 Background: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial screening mammography for average-risk women aged 50-74 years. We aim to generate county-level prevalence estimates for mammography use to examine disparities among counties. Materials and Methods: We used data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (n = 111,902 women) and linked them to county-level data from the American Community Survey. We defined two outcomes: mammography within the past 2 years (current); and mammography 5 or more years ago or never (rarely or never). We poststratified the data with U.S. Census estimated county population counts, ran Monte Carlo simulations, and generated county-level estimates. We aggregated estimates to state and national levels. We validated internal consistency between our model-based and BRFSS state estimates using Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Nationally, more than three in four women [78.7% (95% confidence interval {CI}: 78.2%-79.2%)] were current with mammography, although with large variations among counties. Also, nationally, about one in nine women [11% (95% CI: 10.8%-11.3%)] rarely or never had a mammogram. County estimates for being current ranged from 60.4% in New Mexico to 86.9% in Hawaii. Rarely or never having a mammogram ranged from 6% in Connecticut to 23.0% in Alaska, and on average, almost one in eight women in all the counties. Internal consistency correlation coefficient tests were ≥0.94. Conclusions: Our analyses identified marked county variations in mammography use across the country among women aged 50-74 years. We generated estimates for all counties, which may be helpful for targeted outreach to increase mammography uptake. |
Multilevel small area estimation for county-level prevalence of colorectal cancer screening test use in the United States using 2018 data
Berkowitz Z , Zhang X , Richards TB , Sabatino SA , Smith JL , Peipins LA , Nadel M . Ann Epidemiol 2021 66 20-27 PURPOSE-: National screening estimates mask county-level variations. We aimed to generate county-level colorectal cancer (CRC) screening prevalence estimates for 2018 among adults aged 50-75 years and identify counties with low screening prevalence. METHODS-: We combined individual-level county data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (n=204,947) with the 2018 American Community Survey county poverty data as a covariate, and the 2018 U.S. Census county population count data to generate county-level prevalence estimates for being current with any CRC screening test, colonoscopy, and home stool blood test. Because BRFSS is a state-based survey, and because some counties did not have samples for analysis, we used correlation coefficients to test internal consistency between model-based and BRFSS state estimates. RESULTS-: Correlation coefficients tests were ≥0.97. Model-based national prevalence for any test was 69.9% (95% CI, 69.5%-70.4%) suggesting 30% are not current with screening test use. State mean estimates ranged from 62.1% in Alaska and Wyoming to 76.6% in Maine and Massachusetts. County mean estimates ranged from 42.2% in Alaska to 80.0% in Florida and Rhode Island. Most tests were performed with colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS-: Estimates across all U.S. counties showed large variations. Estimates may be informative for planning by states and local screening programs. |
Multilevel Small Area Estimation of Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening Test in the United States by Age Group: 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Berkowitz Z , Zhang X , Richards TB , Sabatino SA , Peipins LA , Smith JL . J Am Board Fam Med 2021 34 (3) 634-647 BACKGROUND: In 2018, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended prostate cancer screening for men aged 55 to 69 years who express a preference for being screened after being informed about and understanding prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test benefits and risks. USPSTF recommended against screening men aged ≥70 years. We aim to generate county-level prevalence estimates, masked by national and state estimates, to identify counties with high PSA screening prevalence. METHODS: We fitted multilevel logistic regression mixed models for 4 age groups (≥40, 40 to 54, 55 to 69, ≥70 years), using data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (n = 116,654) and other sources. We evaluated consistency between our model-based state and BRFSS direct state estimates with Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: PSA screening prevalence increased with increasing age groups: 7.7% for men aged 40 to 54 years, 27.2% for men aged 55 to 69 years, and 33.7% among men age ≥70 years, and was largely clustered in the South and Appalachia. Many county estimates among men aged ≥70 years exceeded 40%, especially in the South. Correlation coefficients were 0.94 for men aged ≥40, and ≥0.85 for men aged 40 to 54 years, 55 to 69 years, and ≥70 years. CONCLUSIONS: PSA screening was highest among men ≥70 years, for whom it is not recommended, and in the South among all age groups. Screening varied substantially within states. IMPACT: In 2018, on average, more than 1 in 4 men aged 55 to 69 years and 1 in 3 men aged ≥70 years underwent PSA screening in the prior year, suggesting potential overuse among some men. |
Screening for colorectal cancer in the United States: correlates and time trends by type of test
Shapiro JA , Soman AV , Berkowitz Z , Fedewa SA , Sabatino SA , de Moor JS , Clarke TC , Doria-Rose VP , Breslau ES , Jamal A , Nadel MR . Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021 30 (8) 1554-1565 BACKGROUND: It is strongly recommended that adults aged 50-75 years be screened for colorectal cancer (CRC). Recommended screening options include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, computed tomography colonography, guaiac fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), or the more recently introduced FIT-DNA (FIT in combination with a stool DNA test). CRC screening programs can benefit from knowledge of patterns of use by test type and within population subgroups. METHODS: Using 2018 National Health Interview Survey data, we examined CRC screening test use for adults aged 50-75 years (N=10,595). We also examined time trends in CRC screening test use from 2010-2018. RESULTS: In 2018, an estimated 66.9% of U.S. adults aged 50-75 years had a CRC screening test within recommended time intervals. However, the prevalence was less than 50% among those aged 50-54 years, those without a usual source of health care, those with no doctor visits in the past year, and those who were uninsured. The test types most commonly used within recommended time intervals were colonoscopy within 10 years (61.1%), FOBT or FIT in the past year (8.8%), and FIT-DNA within 3 years (2.7%). After age-standardization to the 2010 census population, the percentage up-to-date with CRC screening increased from 61.2% in 2015 to 65.3% in 2018, driven by increased use of stool testing, including FIT-DNA. CONCLUSIONS: These results show some progress, driven by a modest increase in stool testing. However, CRC testing remains low in many population subgroups. IMPACT: These results can inform efforts to achieve population CRC screening goals. |
Geographic Disparities in Late-Stage Breast Cancer Diagnosis Rates and Their Persistence Over Time
Mobley LR , Tangka FKL , Berkowitz Z , Miller J , Hall IJ , Wu M , Sabatino SA . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021 30 (6) 807-815 Background: Other than skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Lower uptake of mammography screening is associated with higher rates of late-stage breast cancers. This study aims to show geographic patterns in the United States, where rates of late-stage breast cancer are high and persistent over time, and examines factors associated with these patterns. Materials and Methods: We examined all primary breast cancers diagnosed among all counties in 43 U.S. states with available data. We used spatial cluster analysis to identify hot spots (i.e., spatial clusters with above average late-stage diagnosis rates among counties). Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics were compared between persistent hot spots and those counties that were never hot spots. Results: Of the 2,599 counties examined in 43 states, 219 were identified as persistent hot spots. Counties with persistent hot spots (compared with counties that were never hot spots) were located in more deprived areas with worse housing characteristics, lower socioeconomic status, lower levels of health insurance, worse access to mammography, more isolated American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, or Hispanic neighborhoods, and larger income disparity. In addition, persistent hot spots were significantly more likely to be observed among poor, rural, African American, or Hispanic communities, but not among poor, rural, White communities. This analysis includes a broader range of socioeconomic conditions than those included in previous literature. Conclusion: We found geographic disparities in late-stage breast cancer diagnosis rates, with some communities experiencing persistent disparities over time. Our findings can guide public health efforts aimed at reducing disparities in stage of diagnosis for breast cancer. |
Weight change 2 years after termination of the intensive lifestyle intervention in the Look AHEAD Study
Chao AM , Wadden TA , Berkowitz RI , Blackburn G , Bolin P , Clark JM , Coday M , Curtis JM , Delahanty LM , Dutton GR , Evans M , Ewing LJ , Foreyt JP , Gay LJ , Gregg EW , Hazuda HP , Hill JO , Horton ES , Houston DK , Jakicic JM , Jeffery RW , Johnson KC , Kahn SE , Knowler WC , Kure A , Michalski KL , Montez MG , Neiberg RH , Patricio J , Peters A , Pi-Sunyer X , Pownall H , Reboussin D , Redmon B , Rejeski WJ , Steinburg H , Walker M , Williamson DA , Wing RR , Wyatt H , Yanovski SZ , Zhang P . Obesity (Silver Spring) 2020 28 (5) 893-901 OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated weight changes after cessation of the 10-year intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) in the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study. It was hypothesized that ILI participants would be more likely to gain weight during the 2-year observational period following termination of weight-loss-maintenance counseling than would participants in the diabetes support and education (DSE) control group. METHODS: Look AHEAD was a randomized controlled trial that compared the effects of ILI and DSE on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in participants with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. Look AHEAD was converted to an observational study in September 2012. RESULTS: Two years after the end of the intervention (EOI), ILI and DSE participants lost a mean (SE) of 1.2 (0.2) kg and 1.8 (0.2) kg, respectively (P = 0.003). In addition, 31% of ILI and 23.9% of DSE participants gained >/= 2% (P < 0.001) of EOI weight, whereas 36.3% and 45.9% of the respective groups lost >/= 2% of EOI weight (P = 0.001). Two years after the EOI, ILI participants reported greater use of weight-control behaviors than DSE participants. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups lost weight during the 2-year follow-up period, but more ILI than DSE participants gained >/= 2% of EOI weight. Further understanding is needed of factors that affected long-term weight change in both groups. |
Fatherhood desires and being bothered by future childlessness among U.S. - United States, 20022015
Jeffries WL4th , Marsiglio W , Tunalilar O , Berkowitz D . J GLBT Fam Stud 2019 16 (3) 330-345 Recent legal and social changes in marriage equality, parenting among same-sex couples, and fatherhood discourses may prompt more US gay and bisexual men to desire fatherhood. However, scholars know little about fatherhood desires among these men. Therefore, we investigated temporal changes in fatherhood desires and perceptions of being bothered by future childlessness among US gay, bisexual, and heterosexual men. The sample included childless men participating in 5 cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth. Adjusted Wald tests and Pearsons chi-square tests examined temporal changes in future fatherhood desires and being bothered by future childlessness, and they compared the men along these outcomes. We used logistic regression for multivariable analyses. The proportion of gay, bisexual, and heterosexual men who desired fatherhood remained stable from 2002 to 20132015. Most gay, bisexual, and heterosexual men desired fatherhood, but gay men had the lowest likelihood of doing so. Gay and bisexual men were less likely than heterosexual men to be bothered by future childlessness. Although the prevalence of fatherhood desires among these men did not increase during 20022015, the relatively high prevalence of fatherhood desires warrants research and data collection to understand factors influencing these desires, especially among gay and bisexual men. |
Sunburn prevalence among US adults, National Health Interview Survey 2005, 2010, and 2015
Holman DM , Ding H , Berkowitz Z , Hartman AM , Perna FM . J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 80 (3) 817-820 Sunburn is a biologic indicator of acute overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and sunburn at any age is associated with an increased risk for melanoma.1 Tracking changes in the national prevalence of sunburn over time can provide insight to our nation’s progress toward increasing adequate use of sun protection and reducing skin cancer risk at a population level.2 We examined changes over time in sunburn among US adults during 2005–2015. |
Physical function following a long-term lifestyle intervention among middle aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes: The Look AHEAD Study
Houston DK , Neiberg RH , Miller ME , Hill JO , Jakicic JM , Johnson KC , Gregg EW , Hubbard VS , Pi-Sunyer X , Rejeski WJ , Wing RR , Bantle JP , Beale E , Berkowitz RI , Cassidy-Begay M , Clark JM , Coday M , Delahanty LM , Dutton G , Egan C , Foreyt JP , Greenway FL , Hazuda HP , Hergenroeder A , Horton ES , Jeffery RW , Kahn SE , Kure A , Knowler WC , Lewis CE , Martin CK , Michaels S , Montez MG , Nathan DM , Patricio J , Peters A , Pownall H , Regensteiner J , Steinburg H , Wadden TA , White K , Yanovski SZ , Zhang P , Kritchevsky SB . J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2018 73 (11) 1552-1559 Background: Lifestyle interventions have been shown to improve physical function over the short term; however, whether these benefits are sustainable is unknown. The long-term effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) on physical function were assessed using a randomized post-test design in the Look AHEAD trial. Methods: Overweight and obese (body mass index >/= 25 kg/m2) middle-aged and older adults (aged 45-76 years at enrollment) with type 2 diabetes enrolled in Look AHEAD, a trial evaluating an ILI designed to achieve weight loss through caloric restriction and increased physical activity compared to diabetes support and education (DSE), underwent standardized assessments of performance-based physical function including a 4- and 400-m walk, lower extremity physical performance (expanded Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPBexp), and grip strength approximately 11 years postrandomization and 1.5 years after the intervention was stopped (n = 3,783). Results: Individuals randomized to ILI had lower odds of slow gait speed (<0.8 m/s) compared to those randomized to DSE (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.84 [0.71 to 0.99]). Individuals randomized to ILI also had faster gait speed over 4- and 400-m (adjusted mean difference [95% CI]: 0.019 [0.007 to 0.031] m/s, p = .002, and 0.023 [0.012 to 0.034] m/sec, p < .0001, respectively) and higher SPPBexp scores (0.037 [0.011 to 0.063], p = .005) compared to those randomized to DSE. The intervention effect was slightly larger for SPPBexp scores among older versus younger participants (0.081 [0.038 to 0.124] vs 0.013 [-0.021 to 0.047], p = .01). Conclusions: An intensive lifestyle intervention has modest but significant long-term benefits on physical function in overweight and obese middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00017953. |
Multilevel Regression for Small-Area Estimation of Mammography Use in the United States, 2014.
Berkowitz Z , Zhang X , Richards TB , Sabatino SA , Peipins LA , Holt J , White MC . Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018 28 (1) 32-40 BACKGROUND: The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends biennial screening mammography for average-risk women aged 50 to 74 years. County-level information on population measures of mammography use can inform targeted intervention to reduce geographic disparities in mammography use. County-level estimates for mammography use nationwide are rarely presented. METHODS: We used data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) (n=130,289 women), linked it to the American Community Survey poverty data, and fitted multilevel logistic regression models with two outcomes: mammography within the past 2 years (up-to-date); and most recent mammography 5 or more years ago or never (rarely/never). We post-stratified the data with US Census population counts to run Monte Carlo simulations. We generated county-level estimates nationally and by urban-rural county classifications. County-level prevalence estimates were aggregated into state and national estimates. We validated internal consistency between our model-based state-specific estimates and urban-rural estimates with BRFSS direct estimates using Spearman correlation coefficients and mean absolute differences. RESULTS: Correlation coefficients were 0.94 or larger. Mean absolute differences for the 2 outcomes ranged from 0.79 to 1.03. Although 78.45% (95% CI: 77.95% horizontal line 78.92%) of women nationally were up-to-date with mammography, more than half of the states had counties with >15% of women rarely/never using a mammogram, many in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS: We provided estimates for all U.S. counties and identified marked variations in mammography use. Many states and counties were far from the 2020 target (81.1%). IMPACT: Our results suggest a need for planning and resource allocation on a local level to increase mammography uptake. |
Incidence of primary liver cancer in American Indians and Alaska Natives, US, 1999-2009
Melkonian SC , Jim MA , Reilley B , Erdrich J , Berkowitz Z , Wiggins CL , Haverkamp D , White MC . Cancer Causes Control 2018 29 (9) 833-844 PURPOSE: To evaluate liver cancer incidence rates and risk factor correlations in non-Hispanic AI/AN populations for the years 1999-2009. METHODS: We linked data from 51 central cancer registries with the Indian Health Service patient registration databases to improve identification of the AI/AN population. Analyses were restricted to non-Hispanic persons living in Contract Health Service Delivery Area counties. We compared age-adjusted liver cancer incidence rates (per 100,000) for AI/AN to white populations using rate ratios. Annual percent changes (APCs) and trends were estimated using joinpoint regression analyses. We evaluated correlations between regional liver cancer incidence rates and risk factors using Pearson correlation coefficients. RESULTS: AI/AN persons had higher liver cancer incidence rates than whites overall (11.5 versus 4.8, RR = 2.4, 95% CI 2.3-2.6). Rate ratios ranged from 1.6 (Southwest) to 3.4 (Northern Plains and Alaska). We observed an increasing trend among AI/AN persons (APC 1999-2009 = 5%). Rates of distant disease were higher in the AI/AN versus white population for all regions except Alaska. Alcohol use (r = 0.84) and obesity (r = 0.79) were correlated with liver cancer incidence by region. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight disparities in liver cancer incidence between AI/AN and white populations and emphasize opportunities to decrease liver cancer risk factor prevalence. |
State indoor tanning laws and prevalence of indoor tanning among US high school students, 2009-2015
Qin J , Holman DM , Jones SE , Berkowitz Z , Guy GP Jr . Am J Public Health 2018 108 (7) e1-e6 OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between state indoor tanning laws and indoor tanning behavior using nationally representative samples of US high school students younger than 18 years. METHODS: We combined data from the 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (n = 41 313) to analyze the association between 2 types of state indoor tanning laws (age restriction and parental permission) and the prevalence of indoor tanning during the 12 months before the survey, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and survey year, and stratified by gender. RESULTS: Age restriction laws were associated with a 47% (P < .001) lower indoor tanning prevalence among female high school students. Parental permission laws were not found to be associated with indoor tanning prevalence among either female or male high school students. CONCLUSIONS: Age restriction laws could contribute to less indoor tanning, particularly among female high school students. Such reductions may reduce the health and economic burden of skin cancer. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print May 17, 2018: e1-e6. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2018.304414). |
Multilevel Small-Area Estimation of Colorectal Cancer Screening in the United States.
Berkowitz Z , Zhang X , Richards TB , Nadel M , Peipins LA , Holt J . Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018 27 (3) 245-253 Background: The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screening for colorectal cancer for adults ages 50 to 75 years. We generated small-area estimates for being current with colorectal cancer screening to examine sociogeographic differences among states and counties. To our knowledge, nationwide county-level estimates for colorectal cancer screening are rarely presented.Methods: We used county data from the 2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS; n = 251,360 adults), linked it to the American Community Survey poverty data, and fitted multilevel logistic regression models. We post-stratified the data with the U.S. Census population data to run Monte Carlo simulations. We generated county-level screening prevalence estimates nationally and by race/ethnicity, mapped the estimates, and aggregated them into state and national estimates. We evaluated internal consistency of our modeled state-specific estimates with BRFSS direct state estimates using Spearman correlation coefficients.Results: Correlation coefficients were >/=0.95, indicating high internal consistency. We observed substantial variations in current colorectal cancer screening estimates among the states and counties within states. State mean estimates ranged from 58.92% in Wyoming to 75.03% in Massachusetts. County mean estimates ranged from 40.11% in Alaska to 79.76% in Florida. Larger county variations were observed in various race/ethnicity groups.Conclusions: State estimates mask county variations. However, both state and county estimates indicate that the country is far behind the "80% by 2018" target.Impact: County-modeled estimates help identify variation in colorectal cancer screening prevalence in the United States and guide education and enhanced screening efforts in areas of need, including areas without BRFSS direct-estimates. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(3); 245-53. (c)2018 AACR. |
Estimated Cost of Emergency Sunburn Visits-Reply
Guy GP Jr , Berkowitz Z , Watson M . JAMA Dermatol 2017 153 (6) 613 We appreciate the interest in our analysis1 by Xia and colleagues and their discussion of our use of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) for code validation. As they have indicated, the positive predictive values of ICD-9-CM codes 692.71 (first-degree sunburn) and 692.76 (second-degree sunburn) support our search criteria. The remaining code used in our search criteria, ICD-9-CM code 692.77, is for third-degree sunburn. This event is highly unusual, so it is not a surprise that they found no cases with this code in their data set. Although we did not analyze our data by specific codes, we did note that there were only 11 (0.15%) visits in our data set with a code of 692.77. | | We acknowledge the potential pitfalls with the validity of hospital administrative data. Since the data used were deidentified and not linked to medical records, we were unable to validate the billing codes for this particular analysis. National data on sunburn are generally collected through self-report and are therefore also subject to validity concerns, albeit of a different sort (eg, we know that peoples’ perception of sunburn varies and is subjective). | | Despite these limitations, we found that nearly 34 000 visits were made to an emergency department in 2013 to seek treatment for sunburn, at a cost of over $11 million. These findings highlight the importance of reducing overexposure to UV radiation in an effort to prevent sunburns and future cases of skin cancer. |
Unequal interactions: Examining the role of patient-centered care in the inequitable diffusion of a medical innovation, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
Fenton AT , Elliott MN , Schwebel DC , Berkowitz Z , Liddon NC , Tortolero SR , Cuccaro PM , Davies SL , Schuster MA . Soc Sci Med 2017 200 238-248 RATIONALE: Studies of inequities in diffusion of medical innovations rarely consider the role of patient-centered care. OBJECTIVE: We used uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine shortly after its licensing to explore the role of patient-centered care. METHODS: Using a longitudinal multi-site survey of US parents and adolescents, we assessed whether patient-centered care ratings might shape racial/ethnic and socioeconomic gaps at two decision points in the HPV vaccination process: (1) Whether a medical provider recommends the vaccine and (2) whether a parent decides to vaccinate. RESULTS: We did not find evidence that the association of patient-centeredness with vaccination varies by parent education. In contrast, parent ratings of providers' patient-centeredness were significantly associated with racial/ethnic disparities in parents' reports of receiving a HPV vaccine recommendation from a provider: Among parents who rate patient-centered care as low, white parents' odds of receiving such a recommendation are 2.6 times higher than black parents' odds, but the racial/ethnic gap nearly disappears when parents report high patient-centeredness. Moderated mediation analyses suggest that patient-centeredness is a major contributor underlying vaccination uptake disparities: Among parents who report low patient-centeredness, white parents' odds of vaccinating their child are 8.1 times higher than black parents' odds, while both groups are equally likely to vaccinate when patient-centeredness is high. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that patient-centered care, which has been a relatively understudied factor in the unequal diffusion of medical innovations, deserves more attention. Efforts to raise HPV vaccination rates should explore why certain patient groups may be less likely to receive recommendations and should support providers to consistently inform all patient groups about vaccination. |
Patterns of prostate-specific antigen test use in the U.S., 2005-2015
Berkowitz Z , Li J , Richards TB , Marcus PM . Am J Prev Med 2017 53 (6) 909-913 INTRODUCTION: Recommendations for prostate-specific antigen-based screening for prostate cancer are placing increasing emphasis on men aged 55-69 years. The goal of the current study is to describe patterns of population-based prostate-specific antigen testing with details about that age group. METHODS: National Health Interview Surveys from 2005 to 2015 were analyzed in 2017 to estimate routine prostate-specific antigen testing in the past year from self-reported data by age group (40-54, 55-69, ≥70 years), and also by risk group, defined as African American men or men with a family history of prostate cancer versus other men. Differences between successive survey years by age and risk groups were assessed by predicted margins and rate ratios with 99% CIs, using logistic regressions. RESULTS: Prostate-specific antigen testing among men aged 55-69 years decreased from a high of 43.1% (95% CI=40.3, 46.1) in 2008 to a low of 32.8% (95% CI=30.8, 34.7) in 2013, with no significant change in 2015 at 33.8% (95% CI=31.3, 36.4). Men aged ≥70 years had consistently high prevalence in all survey years, ranging from 51.1% in 2008 to 36.4% in 2015. African American men, men with a family history of prostate cancer, and other men showed a 5% absolute decrease over time, but this reduction was significant only in other men. CONCLUSIONS: Despite decreases, the absolute change in prostate-specific antigen testing for men aged 55-69 years was small (9.3%) over the study period. Men aged ≥70 years, for whom the benefits are unlikely to exceed the harms, continue to have consistently high testing prevalence. |
Physical Abuse of Children
Houry D . N Engl J Med 2017 377 (4) 399 As an emergency physician who has treated the types of injuries described by Berkowitz too many times, I appreciate the clinical review regarding physical abuse in children. However, clinical presentations represent only a small fraction of the child abuse and neglect that occur in the United States. Self-reported survey data from children and caregivers indicate that one in seven children were victims of abuse or neglect in the preceding year.1 Each adverse childhood experience can result in lifelong health issues, such as obesity, depression, drug abuse, and suicide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released the guide Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect: A Technical Package for Policy, Norm, and Programmatic Activities, which provides effective strategies for preventing violence against children.2 Several model medical programs are highlighted, such as enhanced primary care programs that identify and address risk factors for child abuse and neglect, early childhood homevisitation programs that provide caregiver training, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen the harms of abuse. Although diagnosis and treatment are crucial, physicians also play a critical role in the prevention of child abuse and adverse childhood experiences. |
Intentional outdoor tanning in the United States: Results from the 2015 Summer ConsumerStyles survey
Shoemaker M , Berkowitz Z , Watson M . Prev Med 2017 101 137-141 There is limited literature about adults in the United States who usually or always spend time outdoors for the purpose of developing a tan, defined as intentional outdoor tanning. Using data from the 2015 Summer ConsumerStyles, an online cross-sectional survey weighted to the US adult population (n=4,127), we performed unadjusted and adjusted multivariable logistic regressions to examine the associations between demographic characteristics, behaviors, and belief factors related to skin cancer risk and intentional outdoor tanning. Nearly 10% of the study population intentionally tanned outdoors. Outdoor tanning was more prevalent among women (11.4%), non-Hispanic white individuals (11.5%), those aged 18-29years (14.1%), those without a high school diploma (12.7%), and those in the northeast United States (13.2%). The adjusted odds of outdoor tanning were significantly higher among women than men (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-2.04); those with a history of indoor tanning or recent sunburn than those without (AOR 2.61, CI 1.94-3.51; AOR 1.96, CI 1.46-2.63, respectively); those who agreed they looked better with a tan than those who did not (AOR 6.69, CI 3.62-12.35); and those who did not try to protect their skin from the sun when outdoors than those who did (AOR 2.17, CI 1.56-3.04). Adults who engaged in other risky behaviors that expose a person to ultraviolet (UV) radiation were more likely to tan outdoors, further increasing their risk of skin cancer. These findings may guide potential interventions to reduce UV exposure from outdoor tanning. |
The association between beliefs about vitamin D and skin cancer risk-related behaviors
Holman DM , Berkowitz Z , Guy GP Jr , Lunsford NB , Coups EJ . Prev Med 2017 99 326-331 Major health organizations recommend obtaining most of one's vitamin D through dietary sources rather than from sun exposure, given the link between sun exposure and increased skin cancer risk. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between beliefs about vitamin D and skin cancer risk-related behaviors, a topic on which research is limited. We analyzed cross-sectional online survey data collected in the summer of 2015 from 4127U.S. adults aged 18years and older. Overall, 19.7% of adults believed that sun protection would put them at risk of not getting enough vitamin D. However, less than half (43.1%) thought they could get enough vitamin D from dietary sources. Individuals with this belief were more likely to protect their skin when spending time outdoors (71.3%) compared with those who were neutral or disagreed (56.5%; P<0.001). Only 5.1% of adults believed that indoor tanning is an effective way to get vitamin D. Compared to those who disagreed or were neutral, those who thought it was effective were more likely to be outdoor tanners (45.1% vs. 28.5%; P<0.001) and indoor tanners (13.8% vs 1.9%; P<0.001). Beliefs about vitamin D were associated with skin cancer risk-related behaviors. Including information about vitamin D in skin cancer prevention messages may be beneficial. |
Prevalence of indoor tanning and association with sunburn among youth in the United States
Guy GP Jr , Berkowitz Z , Everett Jones S , Watson M , Richardson LC . JAMA Dermatol 2017 153 (5) 387-390 Importance: Indoor tanning and sunburns, particularly during adolescence and young adulthood, increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Objective: To examine the trends in the prevalence of indoor tanning and the association between indoor tanning and sunburn among US high school students. Design, Setting, and Participants: This study pooled and examined cross-sectional data from the 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey. During 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015, the overall response rates were 71%, 71%, 68%, and 60%, respectively, and unweighted sample sizes were 16 410, 15 425, 13 538, and 15 624, respectively. It included nationally representative samples of US high school students. Data were collected during the spring semester (January to June) in each survey cycle beginning February 9, 2009, through June 18, 2015. Main Outcomes and Measures: Prevalence of indoor tanning in the past year from 2009 to 2015 and its association with sunburn in 2015. Results: Among high school students in the United States, the prevalence of indoor tanning decreased from 15.6% (95% CI, 13.7%-17.6%) in 2009 to 7.3% (95% CI, 6.0%-8.9%) in 2015. Decreases in indoor tanning were found among male (from 6.7% in 2009 to 4.0% in 2015) and female (from 25.4 % in 2009 to 10.6 % in 2015) students overall, non-Hispanic white (from 21.1 % in 2009 to 9.4% in 2015) and Hispanic (from 8.2% in 2009 to 4.7% in 2015) students overall, and all age groups. Among non-Hispanic white female students, the prevalence decreased from 37.4% (95% CI, 33.6%-41.4%) in 2009 to 15.2% (95% CI, 11.7%-19.5%) in 2015. In 2015, indoor tanning was associated with sunburn in the adjusted model: 82.3% (95% CI, 77.9%-86.0%) of indoor tanners had at least 1 sunburn during the preceding year compared with 53.7% (95% CI, 48.9%-58.4%) of those who did not engage in indoor tanning (P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: Despite declines in the prevalence of indoor tanning from 2009 to 2015 among high school students nationwide, indoor tanning remains commonplace among certain subgroups, especially non-Hispanic white female students. Three-quarters of those who engaged in indoor tanning had experienced at least 1 sunburn. Efforts by the public health and medical communities are needed to further reduce the prevalence of indoor tanning and sunburn and thus prevent future cases of skin cancer. |
Annual economic burden of productivity losses among adult survivors of childhood cancers
Guy GP Jr , Berkowitz Z , Ekwueme DU , Rim SH , Yabroff KR . Pediatrics 2016 138 S15-s21 BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although adult survivors of childhood cancers have poorer health and greater health limitations than other adults, substantial gaps remain in understanding the economic consequences of surviving childhood cancer. Therefore, we estimated the economic burden of productivity losses among adult survivors of childhood cancers. METHODS: We examined health status, functional limitations, and productivity loss among adult survivors of childhood cancers (n = 239) diagnosed at ≤14 years of age compared with adults without a history of cancer (n = 304 265) by using the 2004-2014 National Health Interview Survey. We estimated economic burden using the productivity loss from health-related unemployment, missed work days, missed household productivity, and multivariable regression models controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, comorbidities, and survey year. RESULTS: Childhood cancer survivorship is associated with a substantial economic burden. Adult survivors of childhood cancers are more likely to be in poorer health, need assistance with personal care and routine needs, have work limitations, be unable to work because of health, miss more days of work, and have greater household productivity loss compared with adults without a history of cancer (all P < .05). The annual productivity loss for adult survivors of childhood cancer is $8169 per person compared with $3083 per person for individuals without a history of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the importance of efforts to reduce the health and economic burden among adult survivors of childhood cancer. In addition, this study highlights the potential productivity losses that could be avoided during adulthood from the prevention of childhood cancer in the United States. |
Estimated cost of sunburn-associated visits to US hospital emergency departments
Guy GP Jr , Berkowitz Z , Watson M . JAMA Dermatol 2016 153 (1) 90-92 Sunburn, a clear indicator of overexposure to UV radiation, increases the risk of skin cancer. The estimated prevalence of sunburn in the United States is high; 37.1% of adults and 55.8% of youth reported 1 or more sunburns in the past 12 months.1,2 Our study provides, to our knowledge, the first national estimates of sunburn-associated visits to US emergency departments, as well as their costs. |
Proposed diagnostic criteria for the case definition of amniotic fluid embolism in research studies
Clark SL , Romero R , Dildy GA , Callaghan WM , Smiley RM , Bracey AW , Hankins GD , D'Alton ME , Foley M , Pacheco LD , Vadhera RB , Herlihy JP , Berkowitz RL , Belfort MA . Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016 215 (4) 408-12 Amniotic fluid embolism is a leading cause of maternal mortality in developed countries. Our understanding of risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis is hampered by a lack of uniform clinical case definition; neither histologic nor laboratory findings have been identified unique to this condition. Amniotic fluid embolism is often overdiagnosed in critically ill peripartum women, particularly when an element of coagulopathy is involved. Previously proposed case definitions for amniotic fluid embolism are nonspecific, and when viewed through the eyes of individuals with experience in critical care obstetrics, would include women with a number of medical conditions much more common than amniotic fluid embolism. We convened a working group under the auspices of a committee of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the Amniotic Fluid Embolism Foundation whose task was to develop uniform diagnostic criteria for the research reporting of amniotic fluid embolism. These criteria rely on the presence of the classic triad of hemodynamic and respiratory compromise accompanied by strictly defined disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. It is anticipated that limiting research reports involving amniotic fluid embolism to women who meet these criteria will enhance the validity of published data and assist in the identification of risk factors, effective treatments, and possibly useful biomarkers for this condition. A registry has been established in conjunction with the Perinatal Research Branch of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to collect both clinical information and laboratory specimens of women with suspected amniotic fluid embolism in the hopes of identifying unique biomarkers of this condition. |
Multilevel small-area estimation of multiple cigarette smoking status categories using the 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
Berkowitz Z , Zhang X , Richards TB , Peipins L , Henley SJ , Holt J . Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016 25 (10) 1402-1410 BACKGROUND: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death; however, small-area estimates for detailed smoking status are limited. We developed multilevel small-area estimate mixed models to generate county-level estimates for six smoking status categories: current, some days, every day, former, ever, and never. METHOD: Using 2012 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data (our sample size = 405,233 persons), we constructed and fitted a series of multilevel logistic regression models and applied them to the U.S. Census population to generate county-level prevalence estimates. We mapped the estimates by sex and aggregated them into state and national estimates. We conducted comparisons for internal consistency with BRFSS states' estimates using Pearson correlation coefficients, and external validation with the 2012 National Health Interview Survey current smoking prevalence. RESULTS: Correlation coefficients ranged from 0.908 to 0.982, indicating high internal consistency. External validation indicated complete agreement (prevalence = 18.06%). We found large variations in current and former smoking status between and within states and by sex. County prevalence of former smokers was highest among men in the Northeast, North, and West. Utah consistently had the lowest smoking prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Our models, which include demographic and geographic characteristics, provide reliable estimates that can be applied to multiple category outcomes and any demographic group. County and state estimates may help understand the variation in smoking prevalence in the United States and provide information for control and prevention. IMPACT: Detailed county and state smoking category estimates can help identify areas in need of tobacco control and prevention and potentially allow planning for health care. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 25(10); 1402-10. |
Changes in regional body composition over 8 years in a randomized lifestyle trial: the Look AHEAD study
Pownall HJ , Schwartz AV , Bray GA , Berkowitz RI , Lewis CE , Boyko EJ , Jakicic JM , Chen H , Heshka S , Gregg EW , Johnson KC . Obesity (Silver Spring) 2016 24 (9) 1899-905 OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that an 8-year intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) suppresses aging-dependent changes in regional lean mass (LM) and fat mass (FM) among people with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Regional body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within a subset of 1,019 volunteers (45-75 years old) in the Look AHEAD study randomized to ILI or diabetes support and education (DSE). The ILI goal was to achieve and maintain ≥7% weight loss through increased physical activity and reduced caloric intake. RESULTS: Over 8 years, the DSE group exhibited a linear loss of LM and FM. During year 1, the ILI group lost LM and FM. Between years 1 and 8, the ILI group regained most FM in all regions; regional LM converged with that of the DSE group; the percent of LM loss was greater for the leg than for the trunk. Among both groups, regional LM and FM change was proportional to the size of the region, trunk > leg > arm. CONCLUSIONS: Aging-dependent LM losses, particularly in the leg region, were not suppressed by ILI. The long-term consequences of rapid LM and FM loss and subsequent regain mostly as fat are unknown. |
Providers' practice, recommendations and beliefs about HPV vaccination and their adherence to guidelines about the use of HPV testing, 2007 to 2010
Berkowitz Z , Nair N , Saraiya M . Prev Med 2016 87 128-131 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines prevent cervical pre-cancer lesion and can potentially reduce abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) results among vaccinated females. However, current U.S. cervical screening guidelines recommend no change in screening initiation and frequency based on vaccination status. We examined providers' practices and beliefs about HPV vaccination to evaluate their adherence to guidelines. We used 4-year data (2007-2010) from two nationally representative samples totaling 2119 primary-care providers from the Cervical Cancer Screening Supplement to the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). Providers in each survey were stratified to obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYNs) and non-OB/GYNs. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed to assess differences between providers' types in each survey. Approximately 60% of providers believed that HPV vaccination will result in fewer abnormal Pap tests and fewer referrals to colposcopy and over 92% would not change their cervical cancer screening practices for fully vaccinated females. NAMCS OB/GYNs were more likely (p<0.05) than non-OB/GYNs to rarely/never use the number of sexual partners to determine who gets the HPV vaccine (68.4% vs. 59.1%), more likely to recommend the vaccine to females with history of abnormal Pap (79.6% vs. 68.4%) and to females with a history of HPV positive test result (75.3% vs. 62.8%). Consistent with guidelines, most providers would not change cervical cancer screening practices based on patients' vaccination history. However, some providers used inappropriate tests for making vaccination decisions. Improving HPV vaccine knowledge and recommendations for its use is warranted to implement a successful vaccine program. |
Providers' beliefs about the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing cancer and their recommended age groups for vaccination: findings from a provider survey, 2012
Berkowitz Z , Malone M , Rodriguez J , Saraiya M . Prev Med 2015 81 405-411 BACKGROUND: The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was recommended in 2007 by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to preadolescent and adolescent girls. Vaccination initiation was recommended at age 11-12years with the option to start at age 9. Catchup vaccination was recommended to females aged 13-26 previously not vaccinated. However, vaccination coverage remains low. Studies show that the HPV vaccine can prevent cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal and some oropharyngeal cancers and that provider recommendation of vaccines can improve low vaccination rates. METHODS: Using data from 2012 DocStyles, an annual, web-based survey of U.S. healthcare professionals including physicians and nurse practitioners (n=1753), we examined providers' knowledge about the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing cancer and their vaccine recommendation to all age-eligible females (9-26years). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to assess differences across specialties. RESULTS: Knowledge about HPV vaccine effectiveness in preventing cervical cancer was highly prevalent (96.9%), but less so for anal, vaginal, vulvar and oropharyngeal cancers. Only 14.5% of providers recommended the vaccine to all age-eligible females and 20.2% recommended it to females aged 11-26years. Knowledge assessment of cancers associated with HPV and vaccination recommendations varied significantly among providers (p<0.01). Providers more frequently recommended the vaccine to girls older than 11-12years. CONCLUSIONS: Improving providers' knowledge about HPV-associated cancers and the age for vaccination initiation, communicating messages focusing on the vaccine safety and benefits in cancer prevention and on the importance of its delivery prior to sexual onset, may improve HPV vaccine coverage. |
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