Child Abuse as a Predictor of Gendered Sexual Orientation Disparities in Body Mass Index Trajectories Among U.S. Youth From the Growing Up Today Study

PurposeThis research aimed to explain sexual orientation disparities in body mass index (BMI) by examining child abuse history, weight-related behaviors, and sociodemographics.MethodsWe used data from 7,960 females and 5,992 males from the prospective Growing Up Today Study over nine waves between 1996 (ages 12–14 years) and 2007 (ages 20–25 years). Using repeated measures of BMI (kg/m²) as a continuous outcome, gender-stratified latent quadratic growth models adjusted for child abuse history, weight-related behaviors, and sociodemographics. BMI at age 17 years (intercept) and 1-year change in BMI (slope) are reported.ResultsBisexual females had higher BMI at age 17 years (β = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.00–2.18) and displayed greater one-year increases in BMI (β = .09, 95% CI = .03–.14), compared with completely heterosexual females. Gay males displayed smaller 1-year increases in BMI (β = −.19, 95% CI = −.25 to −.12), compared with completely heterosexual males. No sexual orientation differences in BMI at age 17 years were observed for males, but gay males' BMI at age 25 was less than completely heterosexual males' BMI by 2 units. Among females, sexual orientation differences remained but were slightly attenuated after controlling for child abuse history, weight-related behaviors, and sociodemographics. Among males, the addition of child abuse and weight-related behaviors did not change the estimated difference in 1-year BMI increases.ConclusionsSexual orientation differences in BMI were partly explained by child abuse and weight-related behaviors in females. More research is needed to explore additional drivers of these disparities among both females and males.     

Examining Gender Differences in Risk Factors for Suicide Attempts Made 1 and 7 Years Later in a Nationally Representative Sample

ObjectivesThis study examined the prospective risk factors for making a nonfatal suicide attempt and whether they varied by gender.MethodsWe used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. A nationally representative sample of 10,828 youth was assessed over three different time points spanning 7 years. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to examine the main and interactive effects on the odds of making a suicide attempt 1 and 7 years later.ResultsRegardless of an individual's gender, multivariable analyses indicated unique risk factors including suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, a friend's past history of attempted and completed suicide, and a family member's past history of attempted suicide that were significantly associated with increased odds of suicide attempts made 1 and 7 years later. Parental loss predicted likelihood of suicide attempt 1 year later but not 7 years later. Moderational analyses indicated that gender did not interact with most of the risk factors. However, post hoc probing of two significant interaction terms indicated that young age was a risk factor for making a nonfatal suicide attempt 1 year later for females but not for males, and that females with high somatic symptoms had a greater risk for making a nonfatal suicide attempt as compared with those with low somatic symptoms and with males with low or high somatic symptoms.ConclusionThese results indicate similar risk factors for nonfatal suicide attempts among males and females. However, younger age and somatic symptoms were reported to be risk factors for females but not for males, suggesting the need for targeted interventions with young females with somatic complaints.     

Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts Among U.S. High School Students: Trends and Associated Health-Risk Behaviors, 1991–2011

PurposeTo describe secular trends in suicidal thoughts and attempts and the types of health-risk behaviors associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts among U.S. high school students.MethodsData were analyzed from 11 national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys conducted biennially during 1991–2011. Each survey employed a nationally representative sample of students in grades 9–12 and provided data from approximately 14,000 students. Using sex-stratified logistic regression models that controlled for race/ethnicity and grade, we analyzed secular trends in the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APR) were calculated to measure associations between suicide risk and a broad range of health-risk behaviors.ResultsDuring 1991–2011, among female students, both suicidal thoughts (seriously considered suicide; made a plan to attempt suicide) and attempts (any attempt; attempt with injury requiring medical treatment) decreased significantly; among male students, only suicidal thoughts decreased significantly. During 2011, compared with students with no suicidal thoughts or attempts, the health-risk behaviors most strongly associated with suicide attempts among female students were injection drug use (APR = 12.8), carrying a weapon on school property (APR = 9.7), and methamphetamine use (APR = 8.7); among male students, the strongest associations were for IDU (APR = 22.4), using vomiting/laxatives for weight control (APR = 17.1), and having been forced to have sex (APR = 14.8).ConclusionsSchool-based suicide prevention programs should consider confidential screening for health-risk behaviors that are strongly associated with suicide attempts to help identify students at increased risk for suicide and provide referrals to suicide and other prevention services (e.g., substance abuse and violence prevention) as appropriate.     

Precarious employment and the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts

ObjectiveAlthough the effect of occupation or employment status on suicide risk is notable, there are few studies on the effect of precarious employment on suicide. We compared suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in precarious workers and their non-precarious counterparts using a representative sample from South Korea.MethodThe 2008 Korean Community Health Survey data were used for this study. Information was obtained on 52,161 participants (41,063 employees with non-precarious work and 11,098 employees with precarious work). The outcome of the logistic regression model was the presence of suicidal thoughts and attempts, and the independent variables were the demographics, socioeconomic status, and health status.ResultsEmployees with precarious work were more likely to exhibit suicidal ideation (OR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.28–1.55) and suicide attempts (OR = 1.52; 95% CI, 1.02–2.27) than employees with non-precarious work. After controlling for income and education (Model 2) depressive feelings (Model 6), compared with unadjusted model, remained significant but the odds ratio was largely attenuated, indicating a strong association between suicidal risk and socioeconomic and feelings of depression.ConclusionPrecarious workers had a higher risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts than non-precarious workers. Our study suggests that precarious employment is an important risk for suicide.     

Association of Child Marriage With Suicidal Thoughts and Attempts Among Adolescent Girls in Ethiopia

PurposeLittle information exists on the mental health implications of child marriage in Africa. This study examined the association between child marriage and suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among girls aged 10–17 years.MethodsData were drawn from a 2007 cross-sectional survey conducted in the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Multilevel logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for suicidality.ResultsApproximately 5.2% of girls reported ever being married, 5.4% were promised in marriage, and 9.3% reported receiving marriage requests. Girls who were ever married (odds ratio [OR] = 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–3.18), were promised in marriage (OR = 2.35; 95% CI = 1.38–4.01) or had received marriage requests (OR = 2.29; 95% CI = 1.46–3.59) were significantly more likely than girls who were never in the marriage process to have had suicidal thoughts in the past 3 months. Residence in communities with high involvement in stopping child marriage was protective of suicidal ideation. The odds of suicide attempt were twice as high among girls with marriage requests as among those with none.ConclusionsChild marriage was associated with increased odds of suicidality. Findings call for stronger community engagement in child marriage prevention and mental health support for child brides.     

Emergency Department Utilization Among American Indian Adolescents Who Made a Suicide Attempt: A Screening Opportunity

PurposeReservation-based American Indian adolescents are at significant risk for suicide. Preventive approaches have not focused on medical service utilization patterns on reservations, which are typically limited to one local emergency department (ED). Patterns of ED utilization before suicide attempts were evaluated to identify opportunities for screening and intervention.MethodsCross-sectional study of Apache adolescents (aged 13–19 years) who attempted suicide and consented to medical chart review. Lifetime presenting problems for Indian Health Service ED visits before the index suicide attempt were extracted and coded.ResultsA total of 1,424 ED visits from 72 Apache adolescents were extracted (median lifetime visits, n = 18). In the year before the attempt, 82% (n = 59) of participants had had an ED visit for any reason and 26% (n = 19) for a psychiatric reason, including suicidal thoughts or self-harm.ConclusionsService utilization data suggest that EDs are critical locations for reservation-based suicide prevention. Suicide screening for all ED patients could increase early identification and treatment of this at-risk group.     

Suicide Among Young People in the Americas

PurposeTo examine suicide mortality trends among young people (10–24 years of age¹) in selected countries and territories of the Americas.MethodsAn ecological study was conducted using a time series of suicide mortality data from 19 countries and one territory in the Region of the Americas from 2001 to 2008, comprising 90.3% of the regional population. The analyses included age-adjusted suicide mortality rates, average annual variation in suicide mortality rates, and relative risks for suicide, by age and sex.ResultsThe mean suicide rate for the selected study period and countries/territory was 5.7/100,000 young people (10–24 years), with suicide rates higher among males (7.7/100,000) than females (2.4/100,000). Countries with the highest total suicide mortality rates among young people (10–24 years) were Guyana, Suriname, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Chile, and Ecuador; countries with the lowest total suicide mortality rates included Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, and Brazil, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. During this period, there was a significant increase in suicide mortality rates among young people in the following countries: Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and Suriname; countries with significant decreases in suicide mortality rates included Canada, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, and Venezuela. The three leading suicide methods in the Americas were hanging, firearms, and poisoning.ConclusionsSome countries of the Americas have experienced a rise in adolescent and youth suicide during the study period, with males at a higher risk of committing suicide than females. Adolescent and youth suicide policies and programs are recommended, to curb this problem. Methodological limitations are discussed.     

Risk factors differ between recurrent and incident preeclampsia: a hospital-based cohort study

PurposeTo examine whether risk factors, including prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), differ between recurrent and incident preeclampsia.MethodsData included electronic medical records of nulliparas (n = 26,613) delivering 2 times or more in Utah (2002–2010). Modified Poisson regression models were used to examine (1) adjusted relative risks (RR) of preeclampsia and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with prepregnancy BMI; (2) maternal risk factor differences between incident and recurrent preeclampsia among primiparous women.ResultsIn the first pregnancy, compared with normal weight women (BMI: 18.5–24.9), preeclampsia risks for overweight (BMI: 25–29.9), obese class I (BMI: 30–34.9), and obese class II/III (BMI: ≥35) women were 1.82 (95% CI = 1.60–2.06), 2.10 (95% CI = 1.76–2.50), and 2.84 (95% CI = 2.32–3.47), respectively, whereas second pregnancy–incident preeclampsia risks were 1.66 (95% CI = 1.27–2.16), 2.31 (95% CI = 1.67–3.20), and 4.29 (95% CI = 3.16–5.82), respectively. Recurrent preeclampsia risks associated with BMI were highest among obese class I women (RR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.06–2.42) without increasing in a dose-response manner. Nonwhite women had higher recurrence risk than white women (RR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.16–2.50), whereas second pregnancy–incident preeclampsia risk did not differ by race.ConclusionPrepregnancy BMI appeared to have stronger associations with risk of incident preeclampsia either in the first or second pregnancy, than with recurrence risk. Nonwhite women had higher recurrence risk.     

Associations between changes in physical fitness and psychological difficulties status among Norwegian adolescents

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations for one-year changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and body mass index, with psychological difficulties status in adolescents.MethodsNorwegian 14-15-year-olds (n = 925) participated in data collection at two time points separated by one year. Psychological difficulties were assessed via the Strengths and Difficulties questionnaire and data from follow-up serve as the dependent variable. Cardiorespiratory fitness (the Andersen-test), muscular strength (Eurofit) and body mass index were measured. Change scores were calculated from the physical fitness variables and serve as independent variables in linear mixed effects models.ResultsThere was no association between change in body mass index and psychological difficulties. Sex and socioeconomic status moderated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and psychological difficulties. Immigrant status moderated the association between muscular strength and psychological difficulties. Subgroup results indicated inverse associations between change in cardiorespiratory fitness and psychological difficulties among boys (b = −0.009; 95% CI = −0.015 to −0.003; p = .006); change in muscular strength and psychological difficulties among immigrants (b = −1.97; 95% CI = −4.03 to 0.09; p = .061). Subgroup results also indicated an association between change in cardiorespiratory fitness and psychological difficulties among girls in the highest socioeconomic group (b = 0.014; 95% CI = 0.003 to 0.025; p = .014).ConclusionsThe associations for different fitness components were dependent on different moderators. Possibly, this indicates that associations in different subgroups are mediated by different mechanisms. Moderated associations should be addressed in future investigations.     

Racial–ethnic differences in Epstein–Barr virus antibody titers among U.S. children and adolescents

PurposeTo examine racial–ethnic differences in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antibody levels among U.S. children and adolescents. Elevated titers among seropositive youth can indicate viral reactivation—an indirect measure of impaired cell-mediated immunity.MethodsData from the 2003–2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed using multivariable linear regression accounting for the complex survey design and potential confounders. The sample comprised 4663 black-African American, Mexican American, and white youth aged 6–17 years who were EBV seropositive.ResultsEBV antibody levels were significantly higher for black-African American youth compared with their white peers (b = 0.343, P < .0001). Gender-stratified models were consistent with the total sample except differences in EBV antibody levels were greater between black-African American and white males (b = 0.525, P < .0001) than between black-African American and white females (b = 0.169, P = .0185). Differences in EBV antibody levels between Mexican American and white youth were only marginally significant in the total and the gender-stratified samples.ConclusionsBlack–white differences in EBV antibody levels were found suggesting EBV reactivation and potential disparities in immune function among minority youth. Research on multilevel factors contributing to the disparities is needed, including potential health implications over the life course for minority youth.     

Drug and alcohol use disorders among adults with select disabilities: The national survey on drug use and health

BackgroundDeaths caused by drugs and alcohol have reached high levels in the US, and prior research shows a consistent association between disability status and substance misuse.ObjectiveUsing national data, this study quantifies the association between disability status and drug and alcohol use disorders among US adults.MethodsThe most recent pre-pandemic years (2018–2019) of the cross-sectional National Survey on Drug Use and Health (n = 83,439) were used to examine how the presence of any disability, and specific disabilities, were associated with past year drug and alcohol use disorders. Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) controlling for potential sociodemographic confounders.ResultsAdults with any disability had increased odds of drug (aOR = 2.7; 95% CI = 2.5–3.0), and alcohol use disorder (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.6–2.0), compared to adults without disability. Examining specific types of disabilities, adults with cognitive limitations only had increased odds of drug (aOR = 3.1; 95% CI = 2.6–3.6), and alcohol use disorders (aOR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.9–2.5), compared to adults without disability. Smaller associations were observed between vision and complex activity limitations and drug use disorder. Adults with two or more types of limitations had increased odds of drug (aOR = 3.7; 95% CI = 3.3–4.3), and alcohol use disorders (aOR = 2.3; 95% CI = 2.0–2.6).ConclusionsThe presence of disability, especially cognitive limitation only, or two or more types of limitations, is associated with elevated odds of drug and alcohol use disorder among US adults. Additional research should examine the temporal relationship between and mechanisms linking disability and substance misuse.     

Influenza vaccination in the time of COVID-19: A national U.S. survey of adults

IntroductionDecisions about influenza vaccination for fall-winter 2020 were made against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. During May 2020, the authors examined intended vaccination in the next 12 months in relationship to demographic variables, healthcare attitudes, and personal COVID-19 experiences for two samples of adults--those who did not receive influenza vaccine during the prior 12 months, and those who did.MethodsIn May 2020, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted with a national US sample. Participants reported prior influenza vaccination (yes/no during prior 12 months) and anticipated vaccination (yes/no during next 12 months). Covariates included demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, race-ethnicity, political ideology), general beliefs (e.g., benefits of vaccines, altruistic attitudes), and COVID-19 health beliefs and experiences (COVID-19 worry and severity, perception of COVID-19 as a community threat, knowing someone with COVID-19). For each group, hierarchical multivariable logistic regression was conducted with intent to vaccinate as the outcome.ResultsAmong participants (n = 3502), 47% did not receive influenza vaccine in the prior 12 months and 53% had; 25.5% of non-vaccinators and 91.9% of vaccinators intended future vaccination. For non-vaccinators, odds of intending vaccination was associated with race/ethnicity (Hispanics were more likely to intend than white-NH; AOR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.23–2.4), greater perceived benefits of vaccination (AOR = 2.19; 95% CI = 1.88–2.54), and perception of COVID-19 as a community threat (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI = 1.49–2.45). For vaccinators, odds of intending vaccination was associated with age (AOR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.03–1.05), race/ethnicity (Black-NH and Other-NH were less likely to intend than white-NH, AOR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.36–0.999; and AOR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.24–0.84, respectively), greater perceived benefits of vaccination (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.45–2.45) and greater perception of collective benefits of vaccines (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.15–1.90).ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic may have served as a cue to action for influenza vaccination intention among some prior non-vaccinators whereas intention among prior vaccinators is more related to positive attitudes toward vaccination.     

Hierarchical Modeling of Psychosocial,Parental, and Environmental Factors for Susceptibility to Tobacco Product Use in 9–10-Year-Old Children

PurposeTobacco use during early adolescence can harm brain development and cause adverse health outcomes. Identifying susceptibility in early adolescence before initiation presents an opportunity for tobacco use prevention.MethodsData were drawn from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development study that enrolled 9–10-year-old children in 21 US cities between 2016 and 2018 at baseline. Separate nested hierarchical models were performed to incrementally examine the associations of sociodemographic factors, psychosocial influences, parental substance use, immediate social contacts, and perceived neighborhood safety with tobacco use susceptibility among never tobacco users (n = 10,449), overall and stratified by gender.ResultsA total of 16.6% of youths who have never used tobacco reported susceptibility to tobacco. Females (vs. males, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] [95% confidence interval {CI}] = 0.80 [0.70–0.91]), positive parental monitoring (AOR [95% CI] = 0.76 [0.66–0.87]) and positive school environment (AOR [95% CI] = 0.95 [0.93–0.98]) were associated with reduced susceptibility to tobacco use. Parental education level (high school, AOR [95% CI] = 1.52 [1.02–2.28]; bachelor's degree, AOR [95% CI] = 1.53 [1.03–2.28]; or postgraduate degree, AOR [95% CI] = 1.54 [1.03–2.3] vs. less than high school), youth substance ever use (AOR [95% CI] = 2.24 [1.95–2.58]), internalizing problems (AOR [95% CI] = 1.03 [1–1.06]), and high scores on negative urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, sensation seeking, and positive urgency-impulsive behavior scale were associated with increased susceptibility to tobacco use. Stratified analysis showed that parent-perceived neighborhood safety was associated with reduced susceptibility to tobacco use among males but not among females (AOR [95% CI] = 0.89 [0.81–0.99]) vs. (AOR [95% CI] = 1.01 [0.9–1.13]). A positive school environment was associated with lower susceptibility to tobacco use among females but not among males.DiscussionParental, environmental, and psychosocial factors influence early childhood tobacco susceptibility. Family and school-based tobacco prevention programs should consider integrating these factors into primary school curricula to reduce youth tobacco susceptibility and later initiation.     

Associations between physical activity,sedentary time and social-emotional functioning in young children

BackgroundThis study preliminarily examined the relationship between physical activity, sedentary time, and social emotional functioning in children aged 4–6 years.MethodsEighty children attending kindergarden classes in Ottawa, Canada wore Actical accelerometers for 1-week to directly assess their physical activity and sedentary time. Physical activity was quantified as minutes per day in light intensity or moderate intensity, and steps per day, while sedentary time was quantified as minutes per day. Social emotional functioning attributes were assessed by teachers using the Devereux Students Strengths Assessment.ResultsAfter controlling for age, sex, household-income and school clustering using multilevel regression models, steps per day were positively associated with social awareness β = 1.537, CI = 0.115–2.959) self-awareness (β = 1.285, CI = 0.014–2.555), relationship skills (β = 1.729, CI = 0.238–3.219), personal responsibilities (β = 1.689, CI = 0.101–3.276), and optimistic thinking (β = 1.091, CI = 0.251–2.157). Moderate physical activity was positively associated with relationship skills (β = 1.598, CI = 0.065–3.131) and optimistic thinking (β = 1.515, CI = 0.069–2.234). Time spent in light physical activity and sedentary time were not associated with social emotional functioning indicators.ConclusionsPhysical activity as measured by steps per day and time spent in moderate physical activity was associated with better social emotional functioning. Future research is needed to verify these preliminary findings and determine the directionality of relationships observed, and experimental studies are needed to determine whether promoting either increased steps per day or intensity of physical activity can improve social emotional functioning in the early years.     

COVID-19 vaccine intentions in the United States,a social-ecological framework

BackgroundCOVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a major obstacle for pandemic mitigation. As vaccine hesitancy occurs along multiple dimensions, we used a social-ecological framework to guide the examination of COVID-19 vaccine intentions.MethodsUsing an online survey in the US conducted in July 2020, we examined intentions to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine, once available. 592 respondents provided data, including measures of demographics, vaccine history, social norms, perceived risk, and trust in sources of COVID-19 information. Bivariate and multivariate multinomial models were used to compare respondents who intended to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to respondents who did not intend or were ambivalent about COVID-19 vaccination.ResultsOnly 59.1% of the sample reported that they intended to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine. In the multivariate multinomial model, those respondents who did not intend to be vaccinated, as compared to those who did, had significantly lower levels of trust in the CDC as a source of COVID-19 information (aOR = 0.29, CI = 0.17–0.50), reported lower social norms of COVID-19 preventive behaviors (aOR = 0.67, CI 0.51–0.88), scored higher on COVID-19 Skepticism (aOR = 1.44, CI = 1.28–1.61), identified as more politically conservative (aOR = 1.23, CI = 1.05–1.45), were less likely to have obtained a flu vaccine in the prior year (aOR = 0.21, CI = 0.11–0.39), were less likely to be female (aOR = 0.51, CI = 0.29–0.87), and were much more likely to be Black compared to White (aOR = 10.70, CI = 4.09–28.1). A highly similar pattern was observed among those who were ambivalent about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine compared to those who intended to receive one.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest several avenues for COVID-19 vaccine promotion campaigns, including social network diffusion strategies and cross-partisan messaging, to promote vaccine trust. The racial and gender differences in vaccine intentions also suggest the need to tailor campaigns based on gender and race.     

Risk factors for trading sex among homeless young adults

Although numerous homeless youth report trading sex, few studies have examined risk factors associated with trading sex and even fewer have employed multivariate analyses to examine this relationship, even though trading sex is associated with many negative health outcomes. Based on a sample of 151 homeless young adults in the midwestern United States, logistic regression analyses revealed that for each additional year of age, youth were 37% more likely to have traded sex (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI = .99–1.90). White youth were 84% less likely to have traded sex than non-white youth (AOR = .16; 95% CI = .03–.77). Furthermore, youth who had been employed full time were 80% less likely to have traded sex (AOR = .20; 95% CI = .05–.85). For every one unit increase in depressive symptoms, there was an 11% increase in the likelihood of ever having traded sex (AOR = 1.11; 95% CI = .99–1.24). Additionally, those who had friends who traded sex were approximately five times more likely to have ever traded sex themselves compared to those with no friends who had traded sex (AOR = 5.17; 95% CI = .95–28.12). Finally, youth who were propositioned to trade sex were almost five and one-half times more likely to have ever done so compared to youth who had not been propositioned (AOR = 5.45; 95% CI = 1.02–29.17). Overall, the results have important implications for the health and well-being of this high-risk population.

Genetic polymorphisms of phase I metabolizing enzyme genes,their interaction with lifetime grilled and smoked meat intake,and breast cancer incidence

PurposeTo examine associations between 22 CYP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and breast cancer incidence and their interactions with grilled–smoked meat intake, a source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.MethodsWhite women with first primary in situ or invasive breast cancer (n = 988) and frequency-matched controls (n = 1021) from a population-based study were interviewed to assess lifetime grilled–smoked meat intake. SNPs with minor allele frequencies of greater than 0.05 were selected because of their links to carcinogenesis. We used multivariable unconditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsBreast cancer was inversely associated with CYP1A1 rs104C8943 AG + GG genotype (OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.50–0.99; vs. AA genotype) and positively associated with CYP1B1 rs10175338 TT genotype (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.12–2.26; vs. GG genotype) and the CYP3A4 rs2242480 CT + TT genotype (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.00–1.56; vs. CC genotype). The sum of the number of “at-risk” alleles for the CYP SNPs was positively associated with breast cancer incidence (4–6 “at-risk” alleles OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.37–3.99 vs. 0-1 alleles; P_Trend < .01). We observed multiplicative and additive interactions (P < .05) between grilled–smoked meat intake (low vs. high) with CYP1A1 rs1048943 and CYP1B1 rs10175338 SNPs.ConclusionsPhase I metabolizing enzyme gene SNPs may play a role in breast cancer development and may modify the grilled–smoked meat intake–breast cancer association.     

Coincident alcohol dependence and depression increases risk of suicidal ideation among Army National Guard soldiers

PurposeSuicide rates among military service members have risen dramatically, while drivers remain poorly understood. We examined the relationship between coincident alcohol dependence and depression in shaping risk of suicidal ideation among National Guard forces.MethodsWe performed a longitudinal analysis using a randomly selected, population-based sample of Ohio Army National Guard soldiers. Telephone-based surveys of 1582 soldiers who participated in both wave 1 (2008–2009) and wave 2 (2009–2010) were analyzed.ResultsOdds ratios (ORs) for suicidal ideation among those with versus without alcohol dependence were similar among nondepressed (OR = 3.85 [95% confidence intervals (CIs) = 1.18–12.52]) and depressed individuals (OR = 3.13 [95% CI = 0.88–11.14]); multiplicative interaction was not observed. In contrast, the risk differences (RDs) among those with versus without alcohol dependence diverged for those without depression (RD = 0.04 [95% CI = 0.02–0.07]) compared with those with depression (RD = 0.11 [95% CI = 0.06–0.18]); strong evidence of additive interaction was observed.ConclusionsWe found that alcohol dependence and depression interact statistically in shaping risk for incident suicidal ideation among Army National Guard service members. A high-risk prevention approach including population-based screening for suicidality among patients with alcohol dependence, depression, and particularly those with both conditions is warranted in military populations.     

ALCOHOLISM, ALCOHOL AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

Abstract - Attempted suicide patients referred to a generalhospital over a 10 year period were studied with regard to alcoholismand drinking in association with suicide attempts. Alcoholismwas diagnosed in 7.9% of patients (14.6% of males and 4.2% females),and this diagnosis became proportionately more common in bothsexes during the study period. However, only male alcoholicattempters showed an increase in absolute numbers during thestudy period, the increase in the proportion of females diagnosedas alcoholic being due to a decline in attempts by non-alcoholics.Particularly high rates of alcoholism were found in the unemployedof both sexes and in housewives. Alcoholic attempters were atgreatly increased risk of making repeat attempts. Alcohol consumptionshortly before a suicide attempt and as part of the act wasextremely common, especially among alcoholics. In addition toincreasing the likelihood of an attempt, alcohol may add considerablyto the danger of overdoses. Careful investigation of drinkingpatterns should be an integral part of the assessment of allattempted suicide patients, and there should be close liaisonbetween general hospital services for such patients and localalcoholism treatment services.