Imported fire ant as a health hazard

Members of the American Medical Association in 13 southern states were surveyed to assess the magnitude of medical problems caused by stings of the imported fire ant (IFA). Of the 29,205 physicians surveyed, 2,022 (7%) reported treating approximately 20,755 patients annually for reactions to IFA stings. Most patients were treated for local reactions, but 413 (2%) required treatment for life-threatening anaphylaxis.     

Positive youth development: reducing the health risks of homeless youth

This article outlines several preventive health strategies for reducing the health risks of homeless youth related to emotional distress, alcohol and other drug use/abuse, risky sex, and victimization, all of which are well documented as major health risks for homeless youth living on the street. These health risks interrupt normal adolescent development and are primary obstacles to exiting the street culture and lifestyle. Research indicates that risk exposures among adolescents can be moderated and/or buffered by a focus on individual strengths and environmental protective factors such as community support and mentoring.     

Burns from hot oil and grease: a public health hazard

We examined the incidence, etiology, and morbidity of burns due to hot oil and grease. Over a 10-year period from 1976 to 1985, of 1818 patients hospitalized for burns, 85 (4.7%) injuries were due to hot grease or oil. The mean age was 20 years; 34% of patients were less than 8 years old. The mean total body surface areas of second- and third-degree burns was 11.5% (range 0.5% to 40%), and the average length of hospital stay was 19.6 days. Fifty-eight percent of patients required split-thickness skin grafting (n = 49), three required intubation, and one required tracheostomy. Seventy-eight percent of oil burns occurred in the home. The most common circumstances consisted of children who grabbed the handle or electric cord of a frying pan and pulled the hot oil down onto themselves. (Nineteen of the 29 children were less than 8 years old (66%).) Burns due to cooking oil and grease are associated with considerable morbidity. The high boiling point, high viscosity, and potential combustibility of oil increase the potential soft-tissue damage when compared with typical scald injuries from hot water. The dangers of children pulling on the appliance, the dangers of transporting hot oil, the importance of supervision while children are cooking, and the importance of knowledge of the management of grease fires is stressed. Public education is needed to underline the potential seriousness of these burns.     

Sexual health practices of homeless youth: a model for intervention

This article presents a conceptual model of sexual health practices and outcomes among homeless adolescents. The model provides a framework for understanding what is known about homeless youth and how community-based interventions might be developed and tested to curb the rising number of sexually transmitted diseases among this vulnerable population. Research measures are presented and discussed to promote further development and testing of the model for interventions.     

Smokeless tobacco: health hazard on the rise

There are an estimated 22 million users of smokeless tobacco in the United States, 3 million of them under age 21. We surveyed physicians and patients to determine whether the health hazard of smokeless tobacco was recognized and whether preventive measures were being implemented. Although more than 80% of physicians were aware that the use of smokeless tobacco is rising and potentially harmful, only 25% inquired regularly about the habit, only 58% recorded the patient's answer, and only 11% routinely performed a digital oral examination. Patients were less well informed; only 30% believed that smokeless tobacco was potentially harmful, and 93% always placed the tobacco in the same area of their mouth. Although physicians tended to be more informed than patients, preventive measures were not being instituted. There is a need for patient education programs.     

Self-reported health care self-care needs of transition-age youth: a pilot study

The purpose of this pilot study was to describe the self-reported health care self-care needs and skills of transition-aged youth referred for transition services. Data were obtained from California Healthy and Ready to Work Transition Assessment Tool through a retrospective chart review. Yes, no, and with assistance responses were rank ordered according to the sample and subgroupings of youth. Of the items, 30% were answered affirmatively by 80% or more of respondents. Nearly 20% of the items were answered as "no" by respondents. A few items were answered "with assistance" by less than 30% of respondents. Data were rank ordered according to diagnostic group. The cancer group (n=8) reported 100% "yes" responses to 12 items, compared with 2 for the developmental disabilities group (n=7) and none for the "other" group (n=10). Eight of the domains had Kuder-Richardson levels >0.60 [correction]. Spearman nonparametric correlation analyses were conducted among individual questions of the six domains with low Kuder-Richardson levels (<0.60) for further analysis and to assess the problem items. Findings revealed youth with developmental disabilities had significantly higher numbers of "no" responses in nine domains than youth with cancer [correction]. Groups were compared using domain-specific summary scores of youth with cancer diagnoses with those of youth with developmental disabilities to examine differences in level of skills. Findings revealed youth with developmental disabilities had significantly higher numbers of "no" responses in seven domains than youth with cancer. Findings revealed youth with cancer had significantly higher numbers of "yes" responses in six domains than youth with developmental disabilities. Research and clinical implications are discussed.