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Schroeder MW, Waring ME, Fowler NR, Mace RA, Pagoto SL. Association Between Subjective Cognitive Decline and Twice-Weekly Muscle-Strengthening Activities in Middle-Aged and Older US Adults: An Analysis of the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:615-624. [PMID: 38226478 PMCID: PMC11123578 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231224517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), the self-reported concern of reduced cognitive function, are recommended to do physical activity for its brain health benefits. US adults aged ≥45 with SCD are less likely to meet the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) aerobic activity recommendations. Their engagement in muscle-strengthening activities is unknown. We aimed to identify if US adults aged ≥45 with SCD are less likely to do twice-weekly muscle-strengthening activities compared to those without SCD. DESIGN Secondary analysis of the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. SAMPLE 114 164 respondents, representing approximately 59 million US adults aged ≥45. MEASURES SCD was indicated if the respondent reported confusion or memory loss during the past 12 months (yes/no). Respondents reported the frequency of muscle-strengthening activities, which we categorized as meeting the ACSM's recommendations (2+ times per week) or not (<2 times per week). ANALYSIS Crude and adjusted logistic regression models controlling for variables associated with SCD and muscle-strengthening activities. The models used sample weights to represent US adults in the included 31 states and Washington D.C. RESULTS US adults aged ≥45 with SCD were less likely to do twice-weekly muscle-strengthening activities than those without SCD (28.6% [SE: .8%] vs 33.5% [SE: .3%], adjusted OR, .9; 95% CI: .9-1.0). CONCLUSION Primary care providers should encourage middle-aged and older patients to engage in muscle-strengthening and aerobic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Molly E. Waring
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Nicole R. Fowler
- Indiana University Center for Aging Research, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Center for Health Innovation and Implementation Science, Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ryan A. Mace
- Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sherry L. Pagoto
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Khadanga S, Beebe-Peat T. Optimal Medical Therapy for Stable Ischemic Heart Disease in 2024: Focus on Exercise and Cardiac Rehabilitation. Med Clin North Am 2024; 108:509-516. [PMID: 38548460 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Given the prevalence of chronic coronary disease, efforts should be made toward risk factor modification. Cardiac rehabilitation is a secondary prevention program consisting of tailored exercise and lifestyle counseling and has been shown to not only reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality but also improve quality of life and exercise capacity. Despite the benefits, it remains underutilized. Efforts should be made to increase referral for patients with chronic coronary disease to aid in symptom management and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherrie Khadanga
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA; Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Tanesha Beebe-Peat
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
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Barkhurdar W, Hussain A, Saqlain M, Zahra R, Hussain I, Saqib M, Mumtaz H. Smoking behaviour in post-acute myocardial infarction patients: cross-sectional study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:2531-2537. [PMID: 38694391 PMCID: PMC11060240 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000001333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in developed countries, and cigarette smoking contributes to a significant proportion of cardiovascular-related deaths. Abstaining from tobacco use is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of recurrent myocardial infarctions. Methodology In this cross-sectional study, 384 participants post-acute myocardial infarction (MI) were recruited through random sampling to explore the associations between smoking status and intention to quit smoking. Data collection took place over a 6-month period at a tertiary care hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan. Results The majority of participants were male (59.9%) and fell into the age category of 46-50 years (37.5%). Heavy daily smokers comprised the largest smoking group (41.6%), and non-ST-elevated MI was the most common subtype (40.1%). Intention to quit smoking varied among participants, with the pre-contemplation stage having the highest representation (19.3%), followed by contemplation (25.8%). Notably, a significant proportion of participants expressed no intention to quit smoking (35.4%). Conclusion Multinomial logistic regression analysis identified current smoking as a significant predictor of intention to quit in the preparation and contemplation stages. Overall, this study underscores the importance of considering smoking behaviour when evaluating the intention to quit smoking post-MI and highlights the need for tailored interventions and support strategies to address smoking cessation in this population. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of effective strategies aimed at reducing persistent smoking following MI and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rida Zahra
- Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi
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Khadanga S, Savage PD, Ades PA, Yant B, Anair B, Kromer L, Gaalema DE. Lower-Socioeconomic Status Patients Have Extremely High-Risk Factor Profiles on Entry to Cardiac Rehabilitation. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2024; 44:26-32. [PMID: 37820180 PMCID: PMC10843557 DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with lower socioeconomic status (SES) have higher rates of cardiovascular events, yet are less likely to engage in secondary prevention such as cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Given the low number of lower-SES patients entering CR, characterization of this population has been difficult. Our CR program specifically increased recruitment of lower-SES patients, allowing for careful comparison of medical, psychosocial, and behavioral risk factors between lower- and higher-SES patients eligible for secondary prevention. METHODS Demographic and clinical characteristics were prospectively gathered on consecutive individuals entering phase 2 CR from January 2014 to December 2022. Patients were classified as lower SES if they had Medicaid insurance. Statistical methods included chi-square and nonpaired t tests. A P value of <.01 was used to determine significance. RESULTS The entire cohort consisted of 3131 individuals. Compared with higher-SES patients, lower-SES individuals (n = 405; 13%) were a decade younger (57.1 ± 10.4 vs 67.2 ± 11.2 yr), 5.8 times more likely to be current smokers (29 vs 5%), 1.7 times more likely to have elevated depressive symptoms, and significantly higher body mass index, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin A 1c , with more abnormal lipid profiles (all P s < .001). Despite being a decade younger, lower-SES patients had lower measures of cardiorespiratory fitness and self-reported physical function (both P s < .001). CONCLUSION Lower-SES patients have a remarkably prominent high-risk cardiovascular disease profile, resulting in a substantially higher risk for a recurrent coronary event than higher-SES patients. Accordingly, efforts must be made to engage this high-risk population in CR. It is incumbent on CR programs to ensure that they are appropriately equipped to intervene on modifiable risk factors such as low cardiorespiratory fitness, obesity, depression, and smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bradley Anair
- University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT
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Gaalema DE, Khadanga S, Pack QR. Clinical challenges facing patient participation in cardiac rehabilitation: cigarette smoking. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2023; 21:733-745. [PMID: 37938825 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2023.2282026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is highly effective at reducing morbidity and mortality. However, CR is underutilized, and adherence remains challenging. In no group is CR attendance more challenging than among patients who smoke. Despite being more likely to be referred to CR, they are less likely to enroll, and much more likely to drop out. CR programs generally do not optimally engage and treat those who smoke, but this population is critical to engage given the high-risk nature of continued smoking in those with cardiovascular disease. AREAS COVERED This review covers four areas relating to CR in those who smoke. First, we review the evidence of the association between smoking and lack of participation in CR. Second, we examine how smoking has historically been identified in this population and propose objective screening measures for all patients. Third, we discuss the optimal treatment of smoking within CR. Fourth, we review select populations within those who smoke (those with lower-socioeconomic status, females) that require additional research and attention. EXPERT OPINION Smoking poses a challenge on multiple fronts, being a significant predictor of future morbidity and mortality, as well as being strongly associated with not completing the secondary prevention program (CR) that could benefit those who smoke the most.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diann E Gaalema
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Sherrie Khadanga
- Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, University of Vermont Medical Center, South Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Quinn R Pack
- Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School - Baystate, Springfield, MA, United States of America
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Gaalema DE, Yant B, Khadanga S, Savage PD, Rengo JL, Ades PA. Carbon monoxide monitoring to objectively measure smoking status in cardiac rehabilitation. Health Psychol 2022; 41:733-739. [PMID: 35389691 PMCID: PMC9481659 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality. However, most programs rely on self-report measures when assessing the critical risk factor of smoking. This study examined smoking status using self-report versus objective measurement using expired carbon monoxide (CO) and compared patient characteristics by CO level. METHOD Patients were screened for smoking status when entering CR by self-report and by objectively measured CO. Measures of aerobic fitness, educational attainment, depressive symptoms, and self-reported physical function were also collected. The discrepancy between smoking status based on self-report and objective measurement was examined and patient characteristics by CO measurement were compared. RESULTS Of the 853 patients screened, 62 self-reported current smoking and 112 had a CO of ≥ 4 ppm. Using a cut-off of ≥ 4 ppm encompassed almost all self-reported smokers (specificity: 98.5%) and identified 61 patients (not reporting current smoking) needing further screening. Further questioning yielded an additional 21 patients with combusted use (tobacco/cannabis), six nonsmoking patients with environmental CO exposure, and 34 where the reason for elevated CO was unknown. CO ≥ 4 ppm patients were younger (62.2 vs. 67.7, p < .01), had higher depression scores (5.6 vs. 3.7, Patient Health Questionairre-9, p < .01), had lower educational attainment (59.0% ≤ high school vs. 31.3%, p < .01), had lower levels of fitness (after controlling for clinical characteristics, p < .01), and completed fewer CR sessions (18 vs. 22, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS A substantial number of patients who are actively smoking may be misclassified by relying on patient report alone. CO monitoring provides a simple and objective method of systematically screening patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Blair Yant
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont
| | | | | | - Jason L. Rengo
- Division of Cardiology, University of Vermont Medical Center
| | - Philip A. Ades
- Division of Cardiology, University of Vermont Medical Center
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Gaalema DE, Savage PD, O'Neill S, Bolívar HA, Denkmann D, Priest JS, Khadanga S, Ades PA. The Association of Patient Educational Attainment With Cardiac Rehabilitation Adherence and Health Outcomes. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2022; 42:227-234. [PMID: 34840247 PMCID: PMC9127001 DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Participating in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after a cardiac event provides many clinical benefits. Patients of lower socioeconomic status (SES) are less likely to attend CR. It is unclear whether they attain similar clinical benefits as patients with higher SES. This study examines how educational attainment (one measure of SES) predicts both adherence to and improvements during CR. METHODS This was a prospective observational study of 1407 patients enrolled between January 2016 and December 2019 in a CR program located in Burlington, VT. Years of education, smoking status (self-reported and objectively measured), depression symptom level (Patient Health Questionnaire), self-reported physical function (Medical Outcomes Survey), level of fitness (peak metabolic equivalent, peak oxygen uptake, and handgrip strength), and body composition (body mass index and waist circumference) were obtained at entry to, and for a subset (n = 917), at exit from CR. Associations of educational attainment with baseline characteristics were examined using Kruskal-Wallis or Pearson's χ 2 tests as appropriate. Associations of educational attainment with improvements during CR were examined using analysis of covariance or logistic regression as appropriate. RESULTS Educational attainment was significantly associated with most patient characteristics examined at intake and was a significant predictor of the number of CR sessions completed. Lower educational attainment was associated with less improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness, even when controlling for other variables. CONCLUSIONS Patients with lower SES attend fewer sessions of CR than their higher SES counterparts and may not attain the same level of benefit from attending. Programs need to increase attendance within this population and consider program modifications that further support behavioral changes during CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diann E Gaalema
- Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington (Drs Gaalema, O'Neill, and Bolívar and Ms Denkmann); Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington (Mr Savage and Drs Khadanga and Ades); and Department of Biostatistics, University of Vermont, Burlington (Dr Priest)
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8
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Objective measure of smoking status highlights disparities by sex. AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL PLUS: CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 17. [PMID: 35937642 PMCID: PMC9351394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2022.100171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Current smoking is the strongest predictor of future morbidity and mortality in those with cardiovascular disease, yet clinically, smoking status is usually ascertained through self-report. We objectively measured smoking status, using exhaled carbon monoxide (CO), for 1122 consecutive patients entering cardiac rehabilitation. Within those with elevated CO levels (≥4 ppm), females had CO levels almost twice that of males (20.4 vs. 11.6), suggesting higher amounts of smoking.
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Kianoush S, Al Rifai M, Patel J, George J, Gulati M, Taub P, Moran T, Shapiro MD, Agarwala A, Ullah W, Lavie CJ, Bittner V, Ballantyne CM, Virani SS. Association of participation in Cardiac Rehabilitation with Social Vulnerability Index: The behavioral risk factor surveillance system. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2022; 71:86-91. [PMID: 35182577 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify whether social vulnerability is associated with low cardiac rehabilitations (CR) use, a Class I recommendation by current treatment guidelines following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS We performed this cross-sectional study using the 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Social Vulnerability Index (CDC SVI) was calculated using 15 social risk factors from 4 main themes including socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and language, and housing type and transportation. A higher SVI indicates higher social vulnerability. We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate the association of CR use with state-level SVI adjusted for demographic, behavioral, socioeconomic, and comorbidity variables. RESULTS A total 2093 participants with history of AMI were included. Out of total, 61.7% were older than 65 years, 42.5% female, 72.5% White, and 42.4% used CR. Participation in CR was lower among females (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.44-0.91), those without a primary care physician (OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.23-0.87), and higher with college degree education (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.06-3.59). CR use decreased with increasing SVI tertiles (1st =61%, 2nd =52%, and 3rd =35%). Compared with those residing in states in the 1st tertile, CR use was lower in the 2nd (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.47-0.98) and 3rd (OR, 0.33; 95% CI 0.23-0.48) SVI tertiles. CONCLUSION CR use following AMI is low and is associated with social vulnerability. Identifying social risk factors may help improve access to care among vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Kianoush
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mahmoud Al Rifai
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jaideep Patel
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Baltimore, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jerin George
- Johns Hopkins Heart and Vascular Institute at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Martha Gulati
- Division of Cardiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Pam Taub
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tyler Moran
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael D Shapiro
- Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Section on Cardiovascular Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Anandita Agarwala
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Baylor Scott and White, The Health Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, 1100 Allied Dr., Plano, TX 75093, USA
| | - Waqas Ullah
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carl J Lavie
- John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Vera Bittner
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Salim S Virani
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Health Policy, Quality & Informatics Program, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Houston, TX, USA; Section of Cardiology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Ades PA, Khadanga S, Savage PD, Gaalema DE. Enhancing participation in cardiac rehabilitation: Focus on underserved populations. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2022; 70:102-110. [PMID: 35108567 PMCID: PMC9119375 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) significantly decreases morbidity and mortality and improves quality of life following a wide variety of cardiac diagnoses and interventions. However, participation rates and adherence with CR are still suboptimal and certain populations, such as women, minorities, and those of lower socio-economic status, are particularly unlikely to engage in and complete CR. In this paper we review the current status of CR participation rates and interventions that have been used successfully to improve CR participation. In addition, we review populations known to be less likely to engage in CR, and interventions that have been used to improve participation specifically in these underrepresented populations. Finally, we will explore how CR programs may need to expand or change to serve a greater proportion of CR-eligible populations. The best studied interventions that have successfully increased CR participation include automated referral to CR and utilization of a CR liaison person to coordinate the sometimes awkward transition from inpatient status to outpatient CR participation. Furthermore, it appears likely that maximizing secondary prevention in these at-risk populations will require a combination of increasing attendance at traditional center-based CR programs among underrepresented populations, improving and expanding upon tele- or community-based programs, and alternative strategies for improving secondary prevention in those who do not participate in CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Ades
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, Burlington, VT, United States of America.
| | - Sherrie Khadanga
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Patrick D Savage
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, Burlington, VT, United States of America
| | - Diann E Gaalema
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Prevention, Burlington, VT, United States of America
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Higgins ST. Behavior change, health, and health disparities 2020: Some current challenges in tobacco control and regulatory science. Prev Med 2020; 140:106287. [PMID: 33068603 PMCID: PMC8364292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This Special Issue of Preventive Medicine (PM) is the 7th in a series on behavior change, health, and health disparities. This series focuses on personal behavior patterns, including substance use disorders, physical inactivity/obesity, and non-adherence with medical regimens, which are among the most important modifiable causes of chronic disease and premature death. This 7th issue includes 17 commentaries, reviews, and original empirical studies, 16 of which are devoted to current tobacco control and regulatory science research and policy, topics critically important to protecting the public health from the longstanding and devastating harms of tobacco use. The challenge of balancing efforts to protect youth from e-cigarettes while allowing for evidence-based evaluation of their potential to reduce the harms of cigarette smoking among adults features prominently in many of these contributions, complemented by original studies on rural-urban disparities, tobacco harm perceptions, use patterns and toxin exposure, modeling of tobacco-related mortality, novel tobacco research methods, and reducing cigarette smoking through regulatory policies, including nicotine reduction in cigarettes, and novel clinical interventions. Continuing to give space in this series to the U.S. opioid epidemic, we also include an original empirical report on longitudinal trends of non-medical use of opioids from 2008 to 2020 in rural Appalachia, an epicenter in this epidemic. Across each of these topics we have recruited contributions from well-regarded investigators, clinicians, and policymakers to acquaint readers with recent advances and accomplishments while also noting knowledge gaps and unresolved challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T Higgins
- Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, Departments of Psychiatry and Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 1 S. Prospect St., UHC, MS482, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.
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