This study of US Black Lung Clinics (established to treat coal miners) reports the prevalence of progressive massive fibrosis identified through June 2023. | eng

During July–December 2022, 41.5% of U.S. adults used the Internet in the past 12 months to communicate with a doctor or doctor’s office. The percentage of adults who used the Internet to communicate with a doctor or doctor's office was highest among adults living in large central metropolitan (45.9%) and large fringe metropolitan (47.0%) counties, then decreased with decreasing level of urbanization to 26.1% for those living in noncore counties.

BACKGROUND: Pneumoconiosis among coal miners in the USA has been resurgent over the past two decades, despite modern dust controls and regulatory standards. Previously published studies have suggested that respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a contributor to this disease resurgence. However, evidence has been primarily indirect, in the form of radiographic features. METHODS: We obtained lung tissue specimens and data from the National Coal Workers' Autopsy Study. We evaluated specimens for the presence of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and used histopathological classifications to type these specimens into coal-type, mixed-type and silica-type PMF. Rates of each were compared by birth cohort. Logistic regression was used to assess demographic and mining characteristics associated with silica-type PMF. RESULTS: Of 322 cases found to have PMF, study pathologists characterised 138 (43%) as coal-type, 129 (40%) as mixed-type and 55 (17%) as silica-type PMF. Among earlier birth cohorts, coal-type and mixed-type PMF were more common than silica-type PMF, but their rates declined in later birth cohorts. In contrast, the rate of silica-type PMF did not decline in cases from more recent birth cohorts. More recent year of birth was significantly associated with silica-type PMF. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate a shift in PMF types among US coal miners, from a predominance of coal- and mixed-type PMF to a more commonly encountered silica-type PMF. These results are further evidence of the prominent role of RCS in the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis among contemporary US coal miners.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize differences in mining jobs and tenure between contemporary (born 1930+, working primarily with modern mining technologies) and historic coal miners with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). METHODS: We classified jobs as designated occupations (DOs) and non-DOs based on regulatory sampling requirements. Demographic, occupational characteristics, and histopathological PMF type were compared between groups. RESULTS: Contemporary miners (n = 33) had significantly shorter mean total (30.4 years vs. 37.1 years, p = 0.0006) and underground (28.8 years vs. 35.8 years, p = 0.001) mining tenure compared to historic miners (n = 289). Silica-type PMF was significantly more common among miners in non-DOs (30.1% vs. 15.8%, p = 0.03) and contemporary miners (58.1% vs. 15.2%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Primary jobs changed over time with the introduction of modern mining technologies and likely changed exposures for workers. Elevated crystalline silica exposures are likely in non-DOs and require attention.

OBJECTIVES: Coal miners suffer increased mortality from non-malignant respiratory diseases (NMRD), including pneumoconioses and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, compared with the US population. We characterised mortality trends from NMRD, lung cancer and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) using data from the Federal Black Lung Program, National Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program and the National Death Index. METHODS: We compared mortality ORs (MORs) for NMRD, lung cancer and IHD in former US coal miners to US white males. MORs were computed for the study period 1979-2017 by birth cohort (<1920, 1920-1929, 1930-1939, ≥1940), with a subanalysis restricted to Central Appalachia. RESULTS: The study population totalled 235 550 deceased miners, aged >45 years. Odds of death from NMRD and lung cancer across all miner birth cohorts averaged twice those of US males. In Central Appalachia, MORs significantly increased across birth cohorts. There was an eightfold increase in odds of death from NMRD among miners born after 1940 (MOR(BC≥1940) 8.25; 95% CI 7.67 to 8.87). Miners with progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) were younger at death than those without PMF (74 vs 78 years; p<0.0001). We observed a pattern of reduced MORs from IHD in coal miners compared with national and regional counterparts. CONCLUSION: US coal miners have excess mortality from NMRD and lung cancer compared with total US and Appalachian populations. Mortality is highest in the most recent birth cohorts, perhaps reflecting increased rates of severe pneumoconiosis.

RATIONALE: The reasons for resurgent coal workers' pneumoconiosis and its most severe forms, rapidly progressive pneumoconiosis and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), in the United States (US) are not yet fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To compare the pathologic and mineralogic features of contemporary coal miners suffering severe pneumoconiosis to their historical counterparts. METHODS: Lung pathology specimens from 85 coal miners with PMF were included for evaluation and analysis. We compared the proportion of cases with pathologic and mineralogic findings in miners born between 1910 and 1930 (historical) to those born in or after 1930 (contemporary). RESULTS: We found a significantly higher proportion of silica-type PMF (57% vs. 18%, p<0.001) among contemporary miners compared to their historical counterparts. Mineral dust alveolar proteinosis (MDAP) was also more common in contemporary miners compared to their historical counterparts (70% vs. 37%, p<0.01). In situ mineralogic analysis showed the percentage (26.1% vs. 17.8%, p<0.01) and concentration (47.3 x 108 vs. 25.8 X 108 particles/cm3, p=0.036) of silica particles was significantly greater in specimens from contemporary miners compared to their historical counterparts. The concentration of silica particles was significantly greater when silica-type PMF, MDAP, silicotic nodules, or immature silicotic nodules were present (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to respirable crystalline silica appears causal in the unexpected surge in severe disease in contemporary miners. Our findings underscore the importance of controlling workplace silica exposure in order to prevent the disabling and untreatable adverse health effects afflicting US coal miners. Primary Source of Funding: Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health, Inc.

OBJECTIVES: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends persons aged ≥6 months receive an influenza vaccination annually, and certain adults aged ≥19 years receive the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine alone or in series with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, depending on age, chronic conditions, and smoking status. This study examines the prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination relative to Healthy People 2020 goals to understand how vaccination receipt differs by veteran status and sociodemographic subgroups. METHODS: We analyzed pooled data from the 2016-2018 National Health Interview Survey (N = 35 094) in 2021 to estimate the prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for men aged 25-64 years and for men aged ≥65 years by veteran status and selected sociodemographic subgroups. We used 2-tailed t tests with an α = .05 to identify significant differences. RESULTS: Among men, 44.7% of veterans and 33.5% of nonveterans aged 25-64 years and 71.0% of veterans and 64.9% of nonveterans aged ≥65 years received an influenza vaccine in the past year. Among men aged 25-64 years at high risk for pneumococcal disease, 35.9% of veterans and 20.8% of nonveterans had ever received ≥1 dose of any pneumococcal vaccination. Disparities in the prevalence of vaccination within examined sociodemographic characteristics were often smaller in magnitude among veterans than among nonveterans for both vaccinations. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccination rates were below Healthy People 2020 targets for both groups, except influenza vaccination among veterans aged ≥65 years. Understanding differences in vaccine uptake may inform efforts to improve vaccination rates by identifying subgroups who are at high risk of disease and have low vaccination rates.

Clinical teaching generally asserts that large opacities of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) on chest radiographs present primarily bilaterally in the upper lung zones, and with an elevated background profusion of small opacities. However, the contemporary basis for these descriptions is limited. Radiographs taken for the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program during 2000-2015 and previously determined to have large opacities ("PMF radiographs", n = 204), and a random sample previously deemed free of large opacities (n =22), were independently reevaluated by three National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) B Readers. Large opacities were noted primarily in the upper right (41%) or upper left (28%) lung zone, but 31% were in middle or lower zones. Unilateral involvement was observed in 34% of readings, with right lung predominance (82%). The median small opacity profusion category for the radiographs with PMF was 2/1. The number of large opacities was not correlated with small opacity profusion category. The "classic" descriptions of PMF as bilateral, associated with elevated background profusions of small pneumoconiotic opacities, were each absent in a third of miners.

RATIONALE: There has been a resurgence of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) in the United States, particularly among central Appalachian miners. OBJECTIVES: We characterized the proportion of PMF among former U.S. coal miners applying for Federal Black Lung Program benefits, 1970-2016. METHODS: Data from the U.S. Department of Labor were used to characterize trends in proportion of PMF cases, defined as an approved black lung claim with a determination of PMF, among all miners who filed for federal benefits between January 1, 1970 and December 31, 2016. Joinpoint, logistic, and linear regression models were used to identify changes in the proportion of claimants with PMF over time. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: There were 4,679 unique PMF cases among claimants for federal black lung benefits between 1970 - 2016, with 2,474 miners determined to have PMF since 1996. The number of PMF cases among Federal Black Lung Program claimants fell from 404 (0.5% of claimants) in 1978 to a low of 18 cases (0.6%) in 1988, then increased to 353 cases (8.3%) in 2014. The proportion of federal black lung benefits claimants with PMF has been increasing since 1978 (0.06% APC; 95%CI 0.05%, 0.07%; p < .0001), and began increasing at a significantly increased rate after 1996 (0.26% APC; 95% CI 0.25%, 0.28%; p < .0001). Most miners with PMF (84%) last mined in West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, or Virginia. Since 1970, the proportion of claimants with PMF has increased significantly among miners who last worked in Kentucky (16.6% APC; 95%CI 16.5%, 16.7%), Pennsylvania (4.7% APC; 95%CI 4.6%, 4.8%), Tennessee (16.1% APC; 95%CI 15.7%, 16.4%), West Virginia (16.8% APC; 95%CI 16.6%, 16.9%), and most sharply among miners last working in Virginia (31.5% APC; 95%CI 31.2%, 31.7%), where in 2009, over 17% of claimants received a PMF determination. The proportion of PMF determinations for the rest of the U.S. have not exceeded 4%. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a resurgence of PMF, particularly in central Appalachian miners. The resurgence of this preventable disease points to the need for improved primary and secondary prevention of dust-related lung disease in U.S. coal miners.

Regular colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is recommended for reducing CRC incidence and mortality. This paper provides an updated analysis of CRC screening in the United States (US) and examines CRC screening by several features of health insurance coverage. Recommendation-consistent CRC screening was calculated for adults aged 50-75 in 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2015 using data from the National Health Interview Survey. CRC screening prevalence in 2015 was described overall and by sociodemographic subgroups. CRC screening by health insurance coverage was further examined using multivariable logistic regression, stratified by age (50-64years and 65-75years) and adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, sex, education, income, time in US, and comorbid conditions. Recommendation-consistent screening increased from 51.6% in 2008 to 58.3% in 2010 (p<0.001). Use plateaued from 2010 to 2013 but increased to 61.3% in 2015 (p<0.001). In 2015, adults aged 50-64years with traditional employer-sponsored private insurance were more likely to be screened (62.2%) than those with traditional private direct purchase plans (50.9%) and the uninsured (24.8%) (p<0.01, respectively). After multivariable adjustment, differences between traditional employer-sponsored private insurance and the uninsured remained statistically significant. Adults aged 65-75 with Medicare and private insurance were more likely to be screened (76.3%) than those with Medicare, no supplemental insurance (68.8%) or Medicare and Medicaid (65.2%) (p<0.001). After multivariable adjustment, the differences between Medicare and private insurance and Medicare no supplemental insurance remained statistically significant. CRC screening rates have increased over time, but certain segments of the population, especially the uninsured, continue to screen below recommended levels.

OBJECTIVE: Increase knowledge of US coal miners' respiratory health by linking data from the black lung benefits program (BLBP) and the coal workers' health surveillance program (CWHSP). METHODS: BLBP claims data from 2000 through 2013 was linked to CWHSP data from 1970 through 2016. RESULTS: Overall, 273,644 miners participated in CWHSP, 37,548 in BLBP, and 22,903 in both programs. Median age of miners at their time of first/only participation in CWHSP was 28 and 32 years, respectively. BLBP claimants were older (median age 59). Thirty-nine percent of BLBP claimants had not participated in CWHSP. The relative contributions of states to participation differed between CWHSP and BLBP. For example, Kentucky miners accounted for 18% of CWHSP participants, but 36% of BLPB participants. CONCLUSIONS: Many BLBP claimants never appeared in CWHSP, indicating missed opportunities for secondary prevention.

Data from the United States Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) registry have been analyzed in recent years to assess post–lung transplant (LT) survival in occupational lung disease patients.1–3 Registry data include diagnosis codes with limited specificity; each patient is assigned a diagnosis code at waitlist candidacy, at listing, and at LT, and these codes can differ. The use of both numeric and free-text data can produce incompatible or unlikely diagnosis code pairings (such as a numeric code for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis with a paired free-text entry of “silicosis”). The resulting misclassification could bias findings related to patient characteristics, post-LT survival comparisons and other measures used to summarize outcomes. | Diagnosis codes from OPTN data could be inadequate for case finding and may result in missed occupational lung disease cases. Our objective was to identify and describe adult LT recipients documented as having conditions known to be entirely attributable to occupational exposure, and to calculate the proportion of those patients who were assigned an occupational lung disease diagnosis code at LT.

BACKGROUND: A large body of evidence demonstrates dose-response relationships of cumulative coal mine dust exposure with lung function impairment and with small-opacity profusion. However, medical literature generally holds that simple coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP) is not associated with lung function impairment. This study examines the relationship between small-opacity profusion and lung function in US underground coal miners with simple CWP. METHODS: Miners were examined during 2005 to 2013 as part of the Enhanced Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program. Work histories were obtained, and chest radiographs and spirometry were administered. Lung parenchymal abnormalities consistent with CWP were classified according to International Labor Organization guidelines, and reference values for FEV1 and FVC were calculated using reference equations derived from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Differences in lung function were evaluated by opacity profusion, and regression models were fit to characterize associations between profusion and lung function. RESULTS: A total of 8,230 miners were eligible for analysis; 269 had category 1 or 2 simple CWP. Decrements in FEV1 % predicted were nearly consistent across profusion subcategories. Clear decrements in FVC % predicted and FEV1/FVC were also observed, although these were less consistent. Controlling for smoking status, BMI, and mining tenure, each 1-unit subcategory increase in profusion was associated with decreases of 1.5% (95% CI, 1.0%-1.9%), 1.0% (95% CI, 0.6%-1.3%), and 0.6% (95% CI, 0.4%-0.8%) in FEV1 % predicted, FVC % predicted, and FEV1/FVC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We observed progressively lower lung function across the range of small-opacity profusion. These findings address a long-standing question in occupational medicine and point to the importance of medical surveillance and respiratory disease prevention in this workforce.

RATIONALE: Recent reports of progressive massive fibrosis and rapidly progressive pneumoconiosis among US coal miners have raised concerns over excessive exposures to coal mine dust, despite reports of declining dust levels. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the histologic abnormalities and retained dust particles in available coal miner lung pathology specimens and compare findings to those from corresponding chest radiographs. METHODS: Miners with severe disease and available lung tissue were identified through investigator outreach. Demographics, smoking, and work history were obtained. Chest radiographs were interpreted according to the International Labour Organization classification to determine if criteria for rapidly progressive pneumoconiosis were confirmed. Pathology slides were scored by three expert pulmonary pathologists, using standardized nomenclature and scoring system. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 13 cases reviewed, 12 had progressive massive fibrosis, 11 had silicosis, many with features of accelerated silicosis and mixed dust lesions. Only four had classic lesions of simple coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Four had diffuse interstitial fibrosis with chronic inflammation, and two had focal alveolar proteinosis. Polarized light microscopy revealed large amounts of birefringent mineral dust particles consistent with silica and silicates; carbonaceous coal dust was less prominent. Specimens with features of silicosis were significantly associated (p=0.047) with rounded (p,q,r) opacities on chest imaging, while grade 3 interstitial fibrosis was associated (p=0.02) with the presence of irregular (s,t,u) opacities on chest imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that rapidly progressive pneumoconiosis in these miners was caused by exposures to coal mine dusts containing high concentrations of respirable silica and silicates.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate respiratory related mortality among underground coal miners after 37 years of follow-up. METHODS: Underlying cause of death for 9033 underground coal miners from 31 US mines enrolled between 1969 and 1971 was evaluated with life table analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to evaluate the exposure-response relationships between cumulative exposure to coal mine dust and respirable silica and mortality from pneumoconiosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. RESULTS: Excess mortality was observed for pneumoconiosis (SMR=79.70, 95% CI 72.1 to 87.67), COPD (SMR=1.11, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.24) and lung cancer (SMR=1.08; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.18). Coal mine dust exposure increased risk for mortality from pneumoconiosis and COPD. Mortality from COPD was significantly elevated among ever smokers and former smokers (HR=1.84, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.22; HRK=1.52, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.34, respectively) but not current smokers (HR=0.99, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.28). Respirable silica was positively associated with mortality from pneumoconiosis (HR=1.33, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.33) and COPD (HR=1.04, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.52) in models controlling for coal mine dust. We saw a significant relationship between coal mine dust exposure and lung cancer mortality (HR=1.70; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.83) but not with respirable silica (HR=1.05; 95% CI 0.90 to 1.23). In the most recent follow-up period (2000-2007) both exposures were positively associated with lung cancer mortality, coal mine dust significantly so. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support previous studies showing that exposure to coal mine dust and respirable silica leads to increased mortality from malignant and non-malignant respiratory diseases even in the absence of smoking.

Gaur et al.1 reported HIV infection in three children in the United States from infected adults feeding them prechewed food. This practice is common among HIV-infected care providers around the world.2–6 Prechewing involves chewing food before feeding it to a child. Prewarming (or precooling) involves holding food in the mouth to adjust the temperature before offering it to a child. These practices may expose the child to blood from the mouth of an HIV-infected adult. The context of these practices and the efficiency of related HIV transmission have not been described. We previously surveyed HIV-infected pregnant women in Latin America about these practices and advised against them.3 We now follow up on this sensitized cohort, characterize the frequency and context of these practices through 18 months postpartum, and assess the risk of HIV transmission. | Women were enrolled at 12 sites (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative [NISDI] Longitudinal Study in Latin American Countries7 [LILAC]) in Argentina, Brazil, and Peru, and followed for 18 months postpartum. At study visits (antepartum and 6, 12, and 18 months postpartum), enrolled mothers (or alternative providers) were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire about prechewing/prewarming. Information about factors influencing risk of HIV transmission, including symptoms of disrupted oral mucosal integrity in the child or the adult and the HIV/hepatitis B/hepatitis C infection status of the adult, were collected. At the end of each interview, a scripted statement was read to respondents regarding the potential risk of HIV transmission associated with these practices and advising against them.

OBJECTIVES: Using linked administrative data, to validate Medicare coverage estimates among adults aged 65 or older from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), and to assess the impact of a recently added Medicare probe question on the validity of these estimates. DATA SOURCES: Linked 2005 NHIS and Master Beneficiary Record and Payment History Update System files from the Social Security Administration (SSA). STUDY DESIGN: We compared Medicare coverage reported on NHIS with 'benchmark' benefit records from SSA. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: With the addition of the probe question, more reports of coverage were captured, and the agreement between the NHIS-reported coverage and SSA records increased from 88% to 95%. Few additional overreports were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Increased accuracy of the Medicare coverage status of NHIS participants was achieved with the Medicare probe question. Though some misclassification remains, data users interested in Medicare coverage as an outcome or correlate can use this survey measure with confidence.

There is a vast body of literature documenting the adverse effects of cigarette smoking on health. In 2000 the Surgeon General's report on oral health noted that lifestyle behaviors such as smoking affect oral health as well as general health. It also emphasized the importance of oral health to overall health. This report examines differences among current smokers, former smokers, and never smokers in terms of oral health status, number of oral health problems, and the utilization of dental services. The study is limited to dentate adults aged 18–64.

OBJECTIVE: To fill gaps in crucial data needed for health and educational planning, we determined the prevalence of developmental disabilities in US children and in selected populations for a recent 12-year period. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: We used data on children aged 3 to 17 years from the 1997-2008 National Health Interview Surveys, which are ongoing nationally representative samples of US households. Parent-reported diagnoses of the following were included: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; intellectual disability; cerebral palsy; autism; seizures; stuttering or stammering; moderate to profound hearing loss; blindness; learning disorders; and/or other developmental delays. RESULTS: Boys had a higher prevalence overall and for a number of select disabilities compared with girls. Hispanic children had the lowest prevalence for a number of disabilities compared with non-Hispanic white and black children. Low income and public health insurance were associated with a higher prevalence of many disabilities. Prevalence of any developmental disability increased from 12.84% to 15.04% over 12 years. Autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other developmental delays increased, whereas hearing loss showed a significant decline. These trends were found in all of the sociodemographic subgroups, except for autism in non-Hispanic black children. CONCLUSIONS: Developmental disabilities are common and were reported in approximately 1 in 6 children in the United States in 2006-2008. The number of children with select developmental disabilities (autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other developmental delays) has increased, requiring more health and education services. Additional study of the influence of risk-factor shifts, changes in acceptance, and benefits of early services is needed.

A primary indicator of access to dental care in the United States is dental insurance. Previous studies have shown that persons with private dental insurance have more dental visits in the previous year than persons without private dental insurance (1). There are federal and state assistance programs for dental care but they are limited. The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) requires states to provide limited dental coverage for enrolled children up to age 19 (2). The Medicaid program requires states to provide limited dental services for most Medicaid-eligible individuals under the age of 21, but there is no assistance to provide dental services to individuals aged 21 and over (3). This report analyzes dental insurance status for persons under age 65 years who have private health insurance because of the limited or nonexistent public coverage for dental care.

KEY FINDINGS: Data from the National Health Interview Survey. Almost 13 million young adults aged 20-29 years did not have health insurance coverage in 2008 (30%). Young men aged 20-29 years were 36% more likely than young women of that age to be uninsured. Young adults aged 20-29 years without insurance were less likely to have a usual source of medical care (44%) than were those with private insurance (80%) or Medicaid (84%). Young adults aged 20-29 years without insurance were four times as likely (21%) as those with private insurance (5%) and two times as likely as those with Medicaid (9%) to have unmet medical need. Uninsured young women aged 20-29 (33%) were almost twice as likely as uninsured young men of that age (18%) to have had unmet prescription medication need in the past 12 months.

KEY FINDINGS: Data from the National Health Interview Survey Almost 18% of adults under age 65 with private health insurance were enrolled in some type of high deductible health plan (HDHP), including 5% who were enrolled in a con-sumer-directed health plan (CDHP), 2% with a flexible spending account (FSA) for med-ical expenses, and 12% in a HDHP-only plan. Approximately 17% of adults aged 18-64 years enrolled in an HDHP had unmet medical or prescription drug needs due to cost, compared with 10% among adults aged 18-64 years enrolled in a traditional health plan only (no FSA). Privately insured adults aged 18-64 years with an FSA or health savings account (HSA) were more likely to receive a flu shot or have contact with an eye doctor in the past 12 months than those with neither an FSA nor an HSA.

This paper examines the relationship between the impact of children's emotional and behavioural difficulties and the use of mental health services, using 3 years of nationally representative data from the National Health Interview Survey. Data for the years 2001, 2003 and 2004 were combined (n = 29 265) to identify a sample of 1423 children aged 4-17 years with emotional/behavioural difficulties. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. About 5% of U.S. children had emotional or behavioural difficulties. Children whose difficulty was a burden on their family were almost twice as likely to have contact with a mental health professional. Younger children (aged 4-7 years), Hispanic children and non-Hispanic black children with emotional or behavioural difficulties were less likely to use mental health services. These findings indicate that children's emotional and behavioural difficulties influence their lives and those of their families, leading parents to seek help. Racial disparities in mental health service use exist when controlling for the severity and the burden of these difficulties.