Risk factors for injury in rural Iowa: round one of the Keokuk County Rural Health Study

BACKGROUND: Unintentional injuries represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in rural communities. This study aimed to determine the distribution of injury risk factors in a rural Iowa community and to identify the rural subgroups at highest risk for injury. METHODS: We reported on 1583 participants, aged > or =25 years, from Round One of the Keokuk County Rural Health Study, a longitudinal panel study of a rural community. The self-reported data were collected during face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Our data suggested that several risk factors for injury are not uniformly distributed among rural populations. Male farmers were significantly less likely to wear their seatbelts than townspeople or rural nonfarmers. However, farm women were as likely to wear seatbelts as other women. Both male and female farmers were more likely to use all-terrain vehicles than townspeople or rural nonfarmers. In contrast, townspeople were more likely to ride bicycles than either farmers or rural nonfarmers. Townspeople were less likely to have firearms in their homes than either farmers or rural nonfarmers. Farmers were most likely to have fired a gun in the last year. Male farmers aged <65 years were less than half as likely as other men the same age to report a history of alcohol abuse. Binge drinking was equally frequent among farmers, rural nonfarmers, and townspeople. CONCLUSIONS: These differences in risk behavior in a rural county suggest the possibility of targeting specific rural injury prevention interventions at those with the highest risk for dangerous behavior.     

Risk Factors for Injury in Rural Iowa

SUMMARY

Preliminary analyses of data from one third of the Keokuk County Rural Health Study cohort suggest that risk factors for injury among rural populations are not uniformly distributed and that the pattern varies with the risk factor. For some, such as expo-sure to all-terrain vehicles, the occupation of farmer determines the degree of exposure to the risk factor. Similarly, farmers seem less likely than other rural people to wear their seat belts. Although farm-ers are not more likely than rural nonfarmers to have firearms in their homes, they are more likely to have used them in the last year. How-ever, for other injury risk factors such as alcohol consumption, there do not appear to be differences among farmers, rural nonfarmers, and townspeople. These early results suggest that the Keokuk County Rural Health Study will yield important information for tar-geting specific rural injury prevention interventions.     

Older Farmers' Prevalence,Capital, Health,Age-Related Limitations,and Adaptations

ABSTRACT

A major reduction in the proportion of older farmers in the farm population has been predicted for nearly 50 years. Not only has the proportion of older farmers increased but the proportion of younger farmers has decreased dramatically. In 2002, principal operators age ≥ 65 years of age comprised 26.2% of US farmers. These older farmers and farm landlords combined owned 34% of all farm assets. In addition to their economic capital, older farmers have large stocks of social and cultural capital that contribute to their communities and the nation. A large majority of older people in the US population, and older farmers in particular, remain healthy and active. All older adults experience normal age-related deficits in sensory, motor, and cognitive functioning. However, age-related adaptations of healthy older adults, including their experience and compensatory behavioral and information processing strategies, minimize many age-related deficits. These factors allow perhaps 80% or more of older farmers to continue working safely and productively well past typical retirement age.     

Psychosocial factors and low back pain, consultations, and sick leave among farmers and rural referents: a population-based study

Farmers have more low back pain (LBP) than nonfarmers. In a previous report, we found that differences between farmers and nonfarmers in physical work exposure did not explain the LBP differences. In this report, we tested the hypothesis that psychosocial factors might explain the differences in LBP reporting, medical consultation, and sick leave. A cross-sectional population-based survey of 1,013 middle-aged farmers and 769 matched referents was performed. Data on LBP, consultations, and sick leave during lifetime was obtained along with information on psychosocial, social network, and lifestyle variables. Several of the psychosocial variables were associated with LBP but the difference in LBP prevalence between farmers and nonfarmers could be explained only marginally. Farmers and self-employed referents tended to have lower odds of sick leave because of LBP than employed referents after adjustment for psychosocial factors.     

An Italian population-based case-control study on the association between farming and cancer: Are pesticides a plausible risk factor?

This population-based case-control study investigated the association between farming (a proxy for pesticide exposure) and cancer in the Vercelli suburban area (northwest Italy). The residents, aged 25 to 79 years, in the above-mentioned area during the period 2002–2009 were considered. Cases were all the first hospital admissions for cancer. Controls were all the subjects not included in the cases and not excluded from the study. Cases and controls were classified according to whether they occupationally resulted farmers or nonfarmers during the period 1965–2009. Cancer odds ratios (ORs) between farmers and nonfarmers were calculated with generalized linear mixed models adjusted by gender and age. Farmers showed higher odds for all cancers (OR=1.459; p < .001), nonmelanoma skin cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer. The results suggest a plausible association between pesticide exposure and cancer occurrence.     

Gender and Social Class Differences in the Association between Early Retirement and Health in Spain

ObjectivesWe sought to examine the association between reasons for early retirement and health status and to assess whether this association differs by gender and social class.MethodsThe sample was all people currently working or retired between 50 and 64 years of age (2,497 men and 1,420 women) who were interviewed in the 2006 Spanish National Health Survey. The health outcomes analyzed were self-perceived health status and mental health. Multiple logistic regression models stratified by gender and occupational social class were fitted.ResultsFemale manual workers who were forced into early retirement due to organizational reasons were more likely to report poor self-perceived health status (adjusted odds ration [aOR], 4.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–11.32) and poor mental health (aOR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.15–6.33), whereas no such association was observed among male workers or among female nonmanual workers. Early retirement on health grounds was associated with both health outcomes in all groups, but retirement because of age, voluntary retirement, and retirement for other reasons were not related to poor health outcomes in any group analyzed.DiscussionForced early retirement owing to organizational reasons is related to poor health indicators only among female manual workers. Results highlight the importance of paying more attention to the potential vulnerability of female manual workers in downsizing processes as well as in early retirement policies.     

Socioeconomic factors and adolescent pregnancy outcomes: distinctions between neonatal and postneonatal deaths?

Socioeconomic factors and adolescent pregnancy outcomes: distinctions between neonatal and postneonatal deaths ?
Markovitz, B.P. , Cook, R. , Flick, L.H. , Leet, T.L. ( 2005 ) BMC Public Health , 5 , 79 . doi:10.1186/1471‐2458‐5‐79. URL http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471‐2458/5/79 Background Young maternal age has long been associated with higher infant mortality rates, but the role of socio‐economic factors in this association has been controversial. We sought to investigate the relationships between infant mortality (distinguishing neonatal from post‐neonatal deaths), socio‐economic status and maternal age in a large, retrospective cohort study. Methods We conducted a population‐based cohort study using linked birth‐death certificate data for Missouri residents during 1997–1999. Infant mortality rates for all singleton births to adolescent women (12–17 years, n = 10 131; 18–19 years, n = 18 954) were compared with those for older women (20–35 years, n = 28 899). Logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all potential associations. Results The risk of infant (OR 1.95, CI 1.54–2.48), neonatal (1.69, 1.24–2.31) and post‐neonatal mortality (2.47, 1.70–3.59) were significantly higher for younger adolescent (12–17 years) than older (20–34 years) mothers. After adjusting for race, marital status, age‐appropriate education level, parity, smoking status, prenatal care utilization, and poverty status (indicated by participation in WIC, food stamps or Medicaid), the risk of post‐neonatal mortality (1.73, 1.14–2.64) but not neonatal mortality (1.43, 0.98–2.08) remained significant for younger adolescent mothers. There were no differences in neonatal or post‐neonatal mortality risks for older adolescent (18–19 years) mothers. Conclusions Socio‐economic factors may largely explain the increased neonatal mortality risk among younger adolescent mothers but not the increase in post‐neonatal mortality risk.     

Dietary Quality Associated with Self-Reported Diabetes,Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis among Younger and Older US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using NHANES 2011–2016

Background: To date, few studies have compared the dietary quality of US adults with diabetes mellitus (DM), osteoarthritis (OA), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by age groups. Methods: This study used cross-sectional data from adult participants from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2016 to identify dietary quality measured by Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 total and component scores and self-reported disease status for DM, OA, and RA. Associations between the disease status and HEI-2015 total/component scores among younger adults aged 20–59 years (n = 7988) and older adults aged 60 years and older (n = 3780) were examined using logistic regression models. These accounted for the complex survey design and were adjusted for self-reported disease status, sex, race/ethnicity, education levels, income status, weight status, physical activity levels, and smoking status. Results: Among younger adults, 7% had DM, 7% had OA, and 3% had RA. Among older adults, 20% had DM, 32% had OA, and 6% had RA. Moderate added sugar intake was associated with diabetes in all adults. Excess sodium intake was associated with DM among younger adults. Inadequate seafood and plant protein intake was associated with RA among younger adults, while a poor overall dietary pattern was associated with RA among older adults. Conclusions: The dietary quality of US adults varied by self-reported DM, OA, and RA status, and each varied by age group.     

What determines the health‐related quality of life among regional and rural breast cancer survivors?

Objective: To assess the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) of regional and rural breast cancer survivors at 12 months post‐diagnosis and to identify correlates of HRQoL. Methods: In 2006/07, 323 (202 regional and 121 rural) Queensland women diagnosed with unilateral breast cancer participated in a population‐based, cross‐sectional study. HRQoL was measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, Breast plus arm morbidity (FACT‐B+4) self‐administered questionnaire. Results: In age‐adjusted analyses, mean HRQoL scores of regional breast cancer survivors were comparable to their rural counterparts 12 months post‐diagnosis (122.9, 95% CI: 119.8, 126.0 vs. 123.7, 95% CI: 119.7, 127.8; p>0.05). Irrespective of residence, younger (<50 years) women reported lower HRQoL than older (50+ years) women (113.5, 95% CI: 109.3, 117.8 vs. 128.2, 95%CI: 125.1, 131.2; p<0.05). Those women who received chemotherapy, reported two complications post‐surgery, had poorer upper‐body function than most, reported more stress, reduced coping, who were socially isolated, had no confidante for social‐emotional support, had unmet health care needs, and low health self‐efficacy reported lower HRQoL scores. Conclusions and Implications: The results underscore the importance of supporting and promoting regional and rural breast cancer programs that are designed to improve physical functioning, reduce stress and provide psychosocial support following diagnosis. Further, the information can be used by general practitioners and other allied health professionals for identifying women at risk of poorer HRQoL.     

Factors associated with low health-related quality of life among younger and older Thai patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with low health-related quality of life (HRQoL) compared between younger and older Thai patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Methods

This is a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a prospective NVAF registry from 24 hospitals located across Thailand. Patient demographic, clinical, lifestyle, and medication data were collected at baseline. EuroQOL/EQ-5D-3L was used to assess HRQoL. Health utility was calculated for the entire study population, and low HRQoL was defined as the lowest quartile. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors that significantly predict low HRQoL among younger and older (≥?65 years) patients with NVAF.

Results

Among the 3218 participants that were enrolled, 61.0% were aged older than 65 years. Mean HRQoL was lower in older than in younger patients (0.72?±?0.26 vs. 0.84?±?0.20; p?<?0.001). Factors associated with low HRQoL among younger NVAF patients were the treatment-related factors bleeding history (p?=?0.006) and taking warfarin (p?=?0.001). Among older patients, the NVAF-related complications ischemic stroke or TIA, heart failure (HF), and dementia (all p?<?0.001) were all significantly associated with low HRQoL. Dementia is the factor that most adversely influences low HRQoL among older NVAF. Interestingly, symptomatic NVAF was found to be a protective factor for low HRQoL (p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

Bleeding history and taking warfarin among younger patients, and ischemic stroke/TIA, HF, and dementia among older patients are significant predictors of low HRQoL. These factors should be taken into consideration when selecting treatment options for patients with NVAF.

     

AgrAbility Fills Important Niche in Safety,Health

ABSTRACT

Farmers have substantial sun exposure and increased skin cancer risk but poor sun protection practices. There are few studies regarding the underlying factors that contribute to inadequate skin cancer prevention practices in the farming population, and minimal data to guide skin cancer awareness and educational interventions for this population. The purpose of this study was to assess skin cancer knowledge, sun protection behaviors and barriers, health care information sources, and the impact of skin cancer screening among midwestern farmers and nonfarmers. Individuals attending a free skin cancer screening during 2011 Wisconsin Farm Technology Days were surveyed for self-reported sun protection use, extent of sun exposure, and skin cancer and sun protection beliefs and knowledge. A total of 476 individuals participated in the study, including 194 farmers. Although farmers identified sun protection benefits, few reported optimal practices, with only 23% of farmers reporting sunscreen use always or frequently when out in the sun for 15 minutes or more. Common barriers to sun protection included discomfort with wearing long pants and long shirts, forgetfulness with sunscreen use, and inconvenience with wearing wide-brimmed hats. Higher knowledge scores in farmers were associated with better sun protection. Farmers utilized different sources of health care information compared with nonfarmers, including farm magazines and newspapers, radio, and farm organizations. Providers should consider the unique characteristics of the farming population to provide skin cancer prevention education that is tailored to the needs of this population, such as reminders for sunscreen use and resources for sun-protective hats that do not interfere with work. Among individuals without prior history of skin cancer, 34% of farmers and 22% of nonfarmers (P = .0127) were referred for additional evaluation due to identification of a concerning lesion at the screening event. Thus, farmers may preferentially benefit from skin cancer screening events, and this population should be targeted for additional screening events in the future. This study identifies unique characteristics of the farming population that can assist providers in caring for this population and guide the future development of skin cancer awareness, prevention, and screening initiatives to benefit farmers.     

A geographic comparison of the prevalence and risk factors for postnatal depression in an Australian population

Objective: This study sought to compare the contribution of demographic and psychosocial variables on the prevalence of, and risk for, PND in urban and rural women. Methods: Demographic, psychosocial risk factor and mental health data was collected from urban (n=908) and rural (n=1,058) women attending perinatal health services in Victoria, Australia. Initial analyses determined similarities and significant differences between demographic and psychosocial variables. The association between these variables and PND case/non‐case was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: There were a number of significant differences between the two cohorts in terms of socio‐economic status (SES), age, marital status and past history of psychopathology Antenatal depression was more common in the urban group compared to the rural group (8.5% vs 3.4%, p=0.006); there was no significant difference in the prevalence of PND (6.6% vs 8.5%, p=0.165). For urban mothers, antenatal EPDS score was the best predictor of PND. For rural mothers antenatal EPDS score, SES and psychiatric history had a significant influence on postnatal mood. Conclusions: Findings confirm the contribution of established risk factors such as past psychopathology, antenatal EPDS score and SES on the development of PND and reiterate the need for procedures to identify and assess psychosocial risk factors for depression in the perinatal period. Other predictors such as efficacy of social support and perceived financial burden may strengthen statistical models used to predict PND for women living in a rural setting.     

2014-2015年中国40岁及以上慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者肺炎疫苗接种状况

目的 了解我国≥40岁慢性阻塞性肺疾病（慢阻肺）患者的肺炎疫苗接种状况,为慢阻肺的防控提供科学依据。方法 将2014-2015年中国居民慢性阻塞性肺疾病监测中支气管舒张试验后测试FEV₁/FVC<70%的调查对象作为慢阻肺患者,其中9 067名通过询问调查明确肺炎疫苗接种情况的患者被纳入本研究分析。应用复杂抽样调整方法,估计慢阻肺患者中的肺炎疫苗接种率及其95% CI,并对其影响因素进行分析。结果 我国≥40岁慢阻肺患者的5年内肺炎疫苗接种率是0.8%（95% CI：0.3%～1.4%）。40～岁组患者的肺炎疫苗接种率是0.3%（95% CI：0.2%～0.5%）,≥60岁组患者的接种率为1.2%（95% CI：0.3%～2.1%）（P<0.05）;城镇患者的接种率（1.5%）高于乡村患者（0.4%）（P<0.05）;慢阻肺患者的气流受限程度越严重,其肺炎疫苗接种率越高（P<0.05）;合并其他慢性肺部疾病或糖尿病的患者接种率为1.7%、2.1%,高于未合并的患者（P<0.05）;曾经吸烟的慢阻肺患者肺炎疫苗接种率为1.4%,现在吸烟的患者接种率为0.6%。慢阻肺患者的肺炎疫苗接种与年龄、文化程度、职业、气流受限严重程度分级、流感疫苗接种史有关。结论 我国≥40岁慢阻肺患者的肺炎疫苗接种率非常低,需要采取多种措施加强对慢阻肺患者的健康教育与肺炎疫苗接种推荐。     

Dietary intakes and nutrient status of vegetarian preschool children from a British national survey

Background Dietary intakes and nutrient status were compared in meat‐eaters and non‐meat‐eaters from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of children aged 1.5–4.5 years. Methods Children (n = 1351) were categorized as ‘omnivores’ or ‘vegetarians’, according to whether they consumed meat or meat products during a 4‐day dietary record. Blood samples were also obtained for analysis of haematological and biochemical nutrient status. Results Three per cent of children were ‘vegetarian’. They consumed higher proportions of milk and milk products, although this was significant only in older children (P = 0.007), owing to high consumption by the high proportion of Asian children. In vegetarians, energy intakes tended to be lower in both age groups. Percentage energy from protein and fat were lower, while that from carbohydrate was higher compared with omnivores. Cholesterol intakes were lower, significantly so for younger children (P < 0.001). Intakes of micronutrients were either higher (vitamins C and E, potassium) or lower (niacin and sodium) in younger vegetarians compared with omnivores. Energy‐adjusted intakes of iron and zinc did not differ significantly from those of omnivores, although both intakes were low in many children (6–20% < LRNI), particularly in the younger group. Haematological and biochemical nutrient status indices showed few differences. Serum ferritin was lower in vegetarians, significantly so in younger children (P = 0.002). Antioxidant vitamin (A, C and E) status tended to be higher in vegetarians, while vitamin B₁₂ intakes and status were more than adequate. Apart from poorer vitamin D intake and status in older Asian vegetarians, very few ethnic differences were observed. Conclusions Nutrient intakes and status were generally adequate in preschool children who did not eat meat. Although serum ferritin levels were inferior (particularly in vegetarians under 3 years old), the lower intakes of fat, cholesterol and sodium, and higher antioxidant vitamin intakes and status indices were potentially beneficial. Given a balanced diet, adequate nutrient intakes and status can be maintained without consuming meat.     

Determinants of Poor Self-rated Health in Korean Adults With Diabetes

Objectives:

Self-rated health is a measure of perceived health widely used in epidemiological studies. Our study investigated the determinants of poor self-rated health in middle-aged Korean adults with diabetes.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the Health Examinees Study. A total of 9759 adults aged 40 to 69 years who reported having physician-diagnosed diabetes were analyzed with regard to a range of health determinants, including sociodemographic, lifestyle, psychosocial, and physical variables, in association with self-rated health status using multivariate logistic regression models. A p-value <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results:

We found that negative psychosocial conditions, including frequent stress events and severe distress according to the psychosocial well-being index, were most strongly associated with poor self-rated health (odds ratio [OR]_{Frequent stress events}, 5.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.63 to 6.29; OR_{Severe distress}, 11.08; 95% CI, 8.77 to 14.00). Moreover, younger age and being underweight or obese were shown to be associated with poor self-rated health. Physical factors relating to participants’ medical history of diabetes, such as a younger age at diagnosis, a longer duration of diabetes, insulin therapy, hemoglobin A_1clevels of 6.5% or more, and comorbidities, were other correlates of poor reported health.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that, in addition to medical variables, unfavorable socioeconomic factors, and adverse lifestyle behaviors, younger age, being underweight or obese, and psychosocial stress could be distinc factors in predicting negative perceived health status in Korean adults with diabetes.     

Rapid change, climate adversity and the next 'big dry': older farmers' mental health

Objective: To describe the experiences of older farmers in the face of prolonged drought and rapid change. Design: Content analysis of issues and priorities raised in semi‐structured community forums. Setting: Rural centres in NSW. Participants: One hundred and fifty older farmers, their families, Industry and Investment NSW, rural financial and mental health services, the Country Women's Association and other non‐government agencies. Intervention: Five public forums organised under the Rural Adversity Mental Health Program. Results: Prolonged drought caused pressures on farmers that compounded the usual stresses of farming and of ageing. These were experienced in the context of rapid social and industry change, fuel price volatility and the insidious threat of climate change. Three main themes were articulated: loss, government compliance pressures and difficulties accessing and/or inappropriate services. Conclusion: Older farmers felt an overwhelming sense of loss: of profitability and professional success, community status, physical well‐being and comfort, the ability to participate in the modern world and, above all, of relationships (partners, children and friends moving away). They interpreted government compliance requirements as evidence of community and government loss of trust in famers. They resisted using the few mental health services that might be available, fearing being labelled as ‘crazy’ and discouraged by the culturally inappropriate way in which services were offered. Older farmers would benefit from joint services related to health and well‐being simultaneously with modern business management offered in trusted, comfortable settings.     

Mental Health and Substance Use Care Among Young Adults Before and After Affordable Care Act (ACA) Implementation: A Rural and Urban Comparison

Purpose

Rural young adults experience greater unmet need for mental health (MH) and alcohol or drug (AOD) treatment and lower health insurance coverage than urban residents. It is unknown whether Affordable Care Act (ACA) reforms in 2010 (dependent coverage extended to age 26) or 2014 (Medicaid expansion) closed rural/urban gaps in insurance and treatment. The present study compared changes in rates of health insurance, MH treatment, and AOD treatment for rural and urban young adults over a period of ACA reforms.

Methods

Young adult participants (18‐25 years) in the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2008‐2014) with past‐year psychological distress or AOD abuse were included. Difference‐in‐differences logistic regression models estimated rural/urban differences in insurance, MH, and AOD treatment pre‐ versus post‐ACA reforms. Analyses adjusted for gender, race, marital status, and health status.

Results

Among 39,482 young adults with psychological distress or AOD, adjusted insurance rates increased from 72.0% to 81.9% (2008‐2014), but a significant rural/urban difference (5.1%) remained in 2014 (P < .05). Among young adults with psychological distress (n = 23,470), MH treatment rates increased following 2010 reforms from 30.2% to 33.0%, but gains did not continue through 2014. Differences in MH treatment over time did not vary by rural/urban status and there were no significant changes in AOD treatment for either group.

Conclusions

Although rates of insurance increased for all young adults, a significant rural/urban difference persisted in 2014. Meaningful increases in MH and AOD treatment may require targeted efforts to reduce noninsurance barriers to treatment.     

Influenza vaccination among chiropractic patients and other users of complementary and alternative medicine: are chiropractic patients really different?

Objective

Previous studies suggest a possible association between using chiropractic care and lower influenza vaccination rates. We examined adult influenza vaccination rates for chiropractic patients to determine if they are different than those for users of other complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Method

We used the 2007 National Health Interview Survey to examine influenza vaccination rates among adult respondents who were considered high priority for the influenza vaccine (n = 12,164). We separated respondents into clinically meaningful categories according to age and whether or not they had recently used chiropractic care, some other type of CAM, or neither. We used adjusted logistic regression to determine whether user status predicted influenza vaccination.

Results

Only 33% of younger and 64% of older high priority Chiropractic Users were vaccinated in 2007; these rates approximated those of Non-CAM Users. However, younger Non-Chiropractic CAM Users were more likely than Non-CAM Users to have been vaccinated (p-value = 0.05). In adjusted logistic regressions, we found statistically insignificant differences when comparing Chiropractic Users to Non-CAM Users for younger adults (OR = 0.93(95% CI:0.76-1.13), or for older adults OR = 0.90 (95% CI:0.64-1.20).

Conclusion

Chiropractic Users appear no less likely to be vaccinated for influenza; whereas, younger Non-chiropractic CAM Users are more likely than Non-CAM Users to be vaccinated.     

Recent Trends of Age-specific Pneumoconiosis Mortality Rates in the United States, 1985–1996: Coal Workers' Pneumoconiosis,Asbestosis, and Silicosis

Abstract

The authors examined the temporal trends of age-specific pneumoconiosis mortality from coal worker's pneumoconiosis (CWP), asbestosis, and silicosis in the United States in 1985–1996. Mortality data were derived from the National Center for Health Statistics multiple causes of death files for the period. Age-specific mortality rates were computed for three age groups (15–44, 45–64, and ≥65 years) among decedents with mention of CWP, asbestosis, or silicosis. Linear regression analysis was performed to examine the annual changes in age-specific mortality rates, byage group, with each specific condition. The CWP mortality rates declined significantly (p = 0.0001) in the groups 45 years old and older, but not in the age group 15–44. Asbestosis mortality rates declined significantly (p = 0.005) for the age group 45–64, while increasing (p = 0.0001) for those aged 65 years and older. However, in the younger age group 15–44, the rates showed no significant trend. Silicosis mortality rates declined significantly (p = 0.0001) for all groups. The continued occurrence of deaths from CWP, asbestosis, and silicosis among young adults may be the result of high levels of exposure to occupational risks. These results suggest that pneumoconiosis surveillance may help to evaluate the temporal pneumoconiosis mortality patterns in the United States.     

Home-Based Gait Speed Assessment: Normative Data and Racial/Ethnic Correlates Among Older Adults

ObjectivesTo determine home-based gait speed performance and its associations with sociodemographic and health-related factors among older adults.DesignCross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative US population sample.Setting and participantsHomes of Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants.MethodsWalk test data measured at home over 2.5 m were aggregated for 6983 individuals, aged ≥65 years (mean age 74.8 ± 6.9 years, 54.2% women), from the 2006 and 2008 HRS waves. Means for gait speed at normal pace were determined for demographic and clinical groupings; association of gait speed with demographic, socioeconomic status, and health factors were examined. Four-year mortality was predicted from baseline slow gait status defined using demographic-based cutoff scores as well as commonly recommended cutoff scores (100 or 60 cm/s).ResultsHome-based gait speed (cm/s) means were lower for female than male (9.6% difference), older than younger (18.0% difference), African American than white (20.5% difference), and Hispanic than Non-Hispanic (10.3% difference) participants. Differences by age group, race, and ethnicity remained significant within sexes (P < .001). Lower speed was associated with African American race and all health problems; higher speed was associated with higher socioeconomic status and alcohol consumption. Four-year mortality was predicted by slow gait status. Predictive validity was, in general, higher for slow gait cutoff scores defined by demographic characteristics.Conclusions and implicationsMean gait speed measured at home differs among older (aged ≥65 years) US resident population groups defined by sex, age, race, ethnicity, health status, and combinations of these factors, and predicts 4-year mortality when substantially slower than group-based norms. These findings may assist researchers and clinicians in determining normal and abnormal gait performance in older adults in community settings.