International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

To Match or Not to Match in Epidemiological Studies—Same Outcome but Less Power

by Tomas Faresjö and Åshild Faresjö

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 325-332; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010325 - 26 Jan 2010

Cited by 72 | Viewed by 11636

This study aimed to analyze the possible resemblance or difference in outcome in a case-control study of quality of life for IBS patients compared to controls free from the disease, when a matching procedure for age and sex was applied for the control [...] Read more.

This study aimed to analyze the possible resemblance or difference in outcome in a case-control study of quality of life for IBS patients compared to controls free from the disease, when a matching procedure for age and sex was applied for the control group compared to when all participating subjects were included in the control group. The main result was that almost the same and identical results were found irrespective of whether matching or not matching was applied in this epidemiological case-control study. The matching procedure however, slightly diminished the statistical power of the results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Epidemiology)

182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Indoor Air in Beauty Salons and Occupational Health Exposure of Cosmetologists to Chemical Substances

by Alexandra Tsigonia, Argyro Lagoudi, Stavroula Chandrinou, Athena Linos, Nikos Evlogias and Evangelos C. Alexopoulos

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 314-324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010314 - 26 Jan 2010

Cited by 83 | Viewed by 17782

Abstract

The indoor environment in four beauty salons located in Athens (Greece) was examined in order to investigate the occupational health exposure of cosmetologists to various chemical products typically used in their work. Chemical substances chosen for investigation were volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, [...] Read more.

The indoor environment in four beauty salons located in Athens (Greece) was examined in order to investigate the occupational health exposure of cosmetologists to various chemical products typically used in their work. Chemical substances chosen for investigation were volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, ozone and carbon dioxide. Total VOCs levels measured showed significant variation (100–1,450 μg m^-3) depending on the products used and the number of treatments carried out, as well as ventilation. The main VOCs found in the salons were aromatics (toluene, xylene), esters and ketones (ethyl acetate, acetone, etc.) which are used as solvents in various beauty products; terpenes (pinene, limonene, camphor, menthenol) which have a particular odor and others like camphor which have specific properties. Ozone concentrations measured in all salons were quite low (0.1 and 13.3 μg m^-3) and formaldehyde concentrations detected were lower than the detection limit of the method in all salons (<0.05 ppm). Carbon dioxide levels ranged between 402 and 1,268 ppm, depending on the number of people present in the salons during measurements and ventilation. Cosmetologists may be exposed to high concentrations of a mixture of volatile organic compounds although these levels could be decreased significantly by following certain practices such as good ventilation of the areas, closing the packages of the beauty products when not in use and finally selecting safer beauty products without strong odor. Full article

110 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Toxicity of Depleted Uranium

by Wayne Briner

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 303-313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010303 - 25 Jan 2010

Cited by 126 | Viewed by 20105

Abstract

Depleted uranium (DU) is an emerging environmental pollutant that is introduced into the environment primarily by military activity. While depleted uranium is less radioactive than natural uranium, it still retains all the chemical toxicity associated with the original element. In large doses the [...] Read more.

Depleted uranium (DU) is an emerging environmental pollutant that is introduced into the environment primarily by military activity. While depleted uranium is less radioactive than natural uranium, it still retains all the chemical toxicity associated with the original element. In large doses the kidney is the target organ for the acute chemical toxicity of this metal, producing potentially lethal tubular necrosis. In contrast, chronic low dose exposure to depleted uranium may not produce a clear and defined set of symptoms. Chronic low-dose, or subacute, exposure to depleted uranium alters the appearance of milestones in developing organisms. Adult animals that were exposed to depleted uranium during development display persistent alterations in behavior, even after cessation of depleted uranium exposure. Adult animals exposed to depleted uranium demonstrate altered behaviors and a variety of alterations to brain chemistry. Despite its reduced level of radioactivity evidence continues to accumulate that depleted uranium, if ingested, may pose a radiologic hazard. The current state of knowledge concerning DU is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heavy Metals and Health)

212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Correcting the Actual Reproduction Number: A Simple Method to Estimate R₀ from Early Epidemic Growth Data

by Hiroshi Nishiura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 291-302; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010291 - 21 Jan 2010

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 17507

Abstract

The basic reproduction number, R₀, a summary measure of the transmission potential of an infectious disease, is estimated from early epidemic growth rate, but a likelihood-based method for the estimation has yet to be developed. The present study corrects the concept [...] Read more.

The basic reproduction number, R₀, a summary measure of the transmission potential of an infectious disease, is estimated from early epidemic growth rate, but a likelihood-based method for the estimation has yet to be developed. The present study corrects the concept of the actual reproduction number, offering a simple framework for estimating R₀ without assuming exponential growth of cases. The proposed method is applied to the HIV epidemic in European countries, yielding R₀ values ranging from 3.60 to 3.74, consistent with those based on the Euler-Lotka equation. The method also permits calculating the expected value of R₀ using a spreadsheet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Epidemiology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) among Non Smoking Adolescents (Aged 11-17 Years Old) in Greece: Results from the 2004-2005 GYTS Study

by George Rachiotis, Seter Siziya, Adamson S. Muula, Emmanuel Rudatsikira, Panagiotis Papastergiou and Christos Hadjichristodoulou

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 284-290; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010284 - 21 Jan 2010

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 9165

Abstract

The aim of the study is to investigate the determinants of exposure to ETS among Greek adolescents aged 11-17 years old. The GYTS questionnaire was completed by 5,179 adolescents. About 3 in 4 responders (76.8%) were exposed to ETS at home, and 38.5% [...] Read more.

The aim of the study is to investigate the determinants of exposure to ETS among Greek adolescents aged 11-17 years old. The GYTS questionnaire was completed by 5,179 adolescents. About 3 in 4 responders (76.8%) were exposed to ETS at home, and 38.5% were exposed to ETS outside of the home. Gender, age group, parental and close friends smoking status were significant determinants of adolescent’s exposure to ETS. The results of the study could be valuable for the implementation of public health initiatives in Greece aiming to reduce the burden of adolescent’s exposure to passive smoking. Full article

172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Categorizing US State Drinking Practices and Consumption Trends

by William C. Kerr

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 269-283; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010269 - 20 Jan 2010

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 11033

Abstract

US state alcohol consumption patterns and trends are examined in order to identify groups of states with similar drinking habits or cultures. Rates of heavy drinking and current abstention and per capita apparent consumption levels are used to categorize states. Six state groupings [...] Read more.

US state alcohol consumption patterns and trends are examined in order to identify groups of states with similar drinking habits or cultures. Rates of heavy drinking and current abstention and per capita apparent consumption levels are used to categorize states. Six state groupings were identified: North Central and New England with the highest consumption and heavy drinking levels; Middle Atlantic, Pacific and South Coast with moderate drinking levels; and Dry South with the lowest drinking levels. Analyses of relationships between beer and spirits series for states within groups as compared to those in different groups failed to clearly indicate group cohesiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Research on Alcohol: Public Health Perspectives)

► Show Figures

461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing the Selection of Neurodevelopmental Measures in Epidemiological Studies of Environmental Chemical Exposure and Health Effects

by Eric Youngstrom, Judy S. LaKind, Lauren Kenworthy, Paul H. Lipkin, Michael Goodman, Katherine Squibb, Donald R. Mattison, Bruno J. Anthony and Laura Gutermuth Anthony

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 229-268; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010229 - 19 Jan 2010

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 12372

Abstract

With research suggesting increasing incidence of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders, questions regarding etiology continue to be raised. Neurodevelopmental function tests have been used in epidemiology studies to evaluate relationships between environmental chemical exposures and neurodevelopmental deficits. Limitations of currently used tests and difficulties with [...] Read more.

With research suggesting increasing incidence of pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders, questions regarding etiology continue to be raised. Neurodevelopmental function tests have been used in epidemiology studies to evaluate relationships between environmental chemical exposures and neurodevelopmental deficits. Limitations of currently used tests and difficulties with their interpretation have been described, but a comprehensive critical examination of tests commonly used in studies of environmental chemicals and pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders has not been conducted. We provide here a listing and critical evaluation of commonly used neurodevelopmental tests in studies exploring effects from chemical exposures and recommend measures that are not often used, but should be considered. We also discuss important considerations in selecting appropriate tests and provide a case study by reviewing the literature on polychlorinated biphenyls. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Epidemiology)

► Show Figures

1037 KiB

Open AccessReview

Environmental Remediation and Conversion of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) into Useful Green Products by Accelerated Carbonation Technology

by Mihee Lim, Gi-Chun Han, Ji-Whan Ahn and Kwang-Suk You

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 203-228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010203 - 18 Jan 2010

Cited by 99 | Viewed by 17629

Abstract

This paper reviews the application of carbonation technology to the environmental industry as a way of reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂), a green house gas, including the presentation of related projects of our research group. An alternative technology to very slow natural [...] Read more.

This paper reviews the application of carbonation technology to the environmental industry as a way of reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂), a green house gas, including the presentation of related projects of our research group. An alternative technology to very slow natural carbonation is the co-called ‘accelerated carbonation’, which completes its fast reaction within few hours by using pure CO₂. Carbonation technology is widely applied to solidify or stabilize solid combustion residues from municipal solid wastes, paper mill wastes, etc. and contaminated soils, and to manufacture precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). Carbonated products can be utilized as aggregates in the concrete industry and as alkaline fillers in the paper (or recycled paper) making industry. The quantity of captured CO₂ in carbonated products can be evaluated by measuring mass loss of heated samples by thermo-gravimetric (TG) analysis. The industrial carbonation technology could contribute to both reduction of CO₂ emissions and environmental remediation. Full article

► Show Figures

183 KiB

Open AccessReview

Theoretical Models and Operational Frameworks in Public Health Ethics

by Carlo Petrini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 189-202; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010189 - 18 Jan 2010

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 15871

Abstract

The article is divided into three sections: (i) an overview of the main ethical models in public health (theoretical foundations); (ii) a summary of several published frameworks for public health ethics (practical frameworks); and (iii) a few general remarks. Rather than maintaining the [...] Read more.

The article is divided into three sections: (i) an overview of the main ethical models in public health (theoretical foundations); (ii) a summary of several published frameworks for public health ethics (practical frameworks); and (iii) a few general remarks. Rather than maintaining the superiority of one position over the others, the main aim of the article is to summarize the basic approaches proposed thus far concerning the development of public health ethics by describing and comparing the various ideas in the literature. With this in mind, an extensive list of references is provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Public Health)

264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aflatoxin Contamination in Food and Body Fluids in Relation to Malnutrition and Cancer Status in Cameroon

by Angele N. Tchana, Paul F. Moundipa and Félicité M. Tchouanguep

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 178-188; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010178 - 18 Jan 2010

Cited by 121 | Viewed by 13653

Abstract

Aflatoxins are food contaminants usually associated with hepatitis, immunodepression, impairment of fertility and cancer. The present work was to determine the presence of aflatoxins in eggs, milk, urine, and blood samples that were collected from various sources and periods; and hepatitis B virus [...] Read more.

Aflatoxins are food contaminants usually associated with hepatitis, immunodepression, impairment of fertility and cancer. The present work was to determine the presence of aflatoxins in eggs, milk, urine, and blood samples that were collected from various sources and periods; and hepatitis B virus antigen in blood samples. Aflatoxin was found in eggs (45.2%), cow raw milk (15.9%), breast milk (4.8%), urine from kwashiorkor and marasmic kwashiorkor children (45.5%), and sera from primary liver cancer patients (63.9%); HbsAg was also detected in 69.4% of the serum samples, but there was no association between both factors. Both AF and hepatitis B virus seem to be risk factors that could increase the incidence and prevalence rates of malnutrition and cancer in Cameroon. Full article

► Show Figures

1328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating Prevalence of Coronary Heart Disease for Small Areas Using Collateral Indicators of Morbidity

by Peter Congdon

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 164-177; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010164 - 18 Jan 2010

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 11458

Abstract

Different indicators of morbidity for chronic disease may not necessarily be available at a disaggregated spatial scale (e.g., for small areas with populations under 10 thousand). Instead certain indicators may only be available at a more highly aggregated spatial scale; for example, deaths [...] Read more.

Different indicators of morbidity for chronic disease may not necessarily be available at a disaggregated spatial scale (e.g., for small areas with populations under 10 thousand). Instead certain indicators may only be available at a more highly aggregated spatial scale; for example, deaths may be recorded for small areas, but disease prevalence only at a considerably higher spatial scale. Nevertheless prevalence estimates at small area level are important for assessing health need. An instance is provided by England where deaths and hospital admissions for coronary heart disease are available for small areas known as wards, but prevalence is only available for relatively large health authority areas. To estimate CHD prevalence at small area level in such a situation, a shared random effect method is proposed that pools information regarding spatial morbidity contrasts over different indicators (deaths, hospitalizations, prevalence). The shared random effect approach also incorporates differences between small areas in known risk factors (e.g., income, ethnic structure). A Poisson-multinomial equivalence may be used to ensure small area prevalence estimates sum to the known higher area total. An illustration is provided by data for London using hospital admissions and CHD deaths at ward level, together with CHD prevalence totals for considerably larger local health authority areas. The shared random effect involved a spatially correlated common factor, that accounts for clustering in latent risk factors, and also provides a summary measure of small area CHD morbidity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cardiovascular Diseases and Public Health)

► Show Figures

250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Maternal Cigarette Smoking during Pregnancy and Offspring Externalizing Behavioral Problems: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis

by Brian B. Boutwell and Kevin M. Beaver

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 146-163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010146 - 14 Jan 2010

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 11020

Abstract

A body of empirical research has revealed that prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke is related to a host of negative outcomes, including reduced cognitive abilities, later-life health problems, and childhood behavioral problems. While these findings are often interpreted as evidence of the causal [...] Read more.

A body of empirical research has revealed that prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke is related to a host of negative outcomes, including reduced cognitive abilities, later-life health problems, and childhood behavioral problems. While these findings are often interpreted as evidence of the causal role that prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke has on human phenotypes, emerging evidence has suggested that the association between prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke and behavioral phenotypes may be spurious. The current analysis of data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B) revealed that the association between prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke and externalizing behavioral problems was fully accounted for by confounding factors. The implications that these findings have for policy and research are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Environmental Research)

► Show Figures

167 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Relationship between Socioeconomic Conditions and Urban Environmental Quality in Accra, Ghana

by Julius Fobil, Juergen May and Alexander Kraemer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 125-145; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010125 - 13 Jan 2010

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 13030

Abstract

The influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on health inequalities is widely known, but there is still poor understanding of the precise relationship between area-based socioeconomic conditions and neighborhood environmental quality. This study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic conditions which predict urban neighbourhood environmental [...] Read more.

The influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on health inequalities is widely known, but there is still poor understanding of the precise relationship between area-based socioeconomic conditions and neighborhood environmental quality. This study aimed to investigate the socioeconomic conditions which predict urban neighbourhood environmental quality. The results showed wide variation in levels of association between the socioeconomic variables and environmental conditions, with strong evidence of a real difference in environmental quality across the five socioeconomic classes with respect to total waste generation (p < 0.001), waste collection rate (p < 0.001), sewer disposal rate (p < 0.001), non-sewer disposal (p < 0.003), the proportion of households using public toilets (p = 0.005). Socioeconomic conditions are therefore important drivers of change in environmental quality and urban environmental interventions aimed at infectious disease prevention and control if they should be effective could benefit from simultaneous implementation with other social interventions. Full article

► Show Figures

303 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Identifying Beryllium Sensitization and Disease

by Dan Middleton and Peter Kowalski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 115-124; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010115 - 13 Jan 2010

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 12550

Abstract

Beryllium is a lightweight metal with unique qualities related to stiffness, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. While there are many useful applications, researchers in the 1930s and l940s linked beryllium exposure to a progressive occupational lung disease. Acute beryllium disease is a pulmonary irritant [...] Read more.

Beryllium is a lightweight metal with unique qualities related to stiffness, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. While there are many useful applications, researchers in the 1930s and l940s linked beryllium exposure to a progressive occupational lung disease. Acute beryllium disease is a pulmonary irritant response to high exposure levels, whereas chronic beryllium disease (CBD) typically results from a hypersensitivity response to lower exposure levels. A blood test, the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), was an important advance in identifying individuals who are sensitized to beryllium (BeS) and thus at risk for developing CBD. While there is no true "gold standard" for BeS, basic epidemiologic concepts have been used to advance our understanding of the different screening algorithms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Epidemiology)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

283 KiB

Open AccessReview

Avian Colibacillosis and Salmonellosis: A Closer Look at Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Control and Public Health Concerns

by S. M. Lutful Kabir

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 89-114; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010089 - 12 Jan 2010

Cited by 323 | Viewed by 27501

Abstract

Avian colibacillosis and salmonellosis are considered to be the major bacterial diseases in the poultry industry world-wide. Colibacillosis and salmonellosis are the most common avian diseases that are communicable to humans. This article provides the vital information on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, control [...] Read more.

Avian colibacillosis and salmonellosis are considered to be the major bacterial diseases in the poultry industry world-wide. Colibacillosis and salmonellosis are the most common avian diseases that are communicable to humans. This article provides the vital information on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, control and public health concerns of avian colibacillosis and salmonellosis. A better understanding of the information addressed in this review article will assist the poultry researchers and the poultry industry in continuing to make progress in reducing and eliminating avian colibacillosis and salmonellosis from the poultry flocks, thereby reducing potential hazards to the public health posed by these bacterial diseases. Full article

213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Defines an Effective Anti-Tobacco TV Advertisement? A Pilot Study among Greek Adolescents

by Constantine I. Vardavas, Emmanouil K. Symvoulakis, Gregory N. Connolly, Evridiki Patelarou and Christos Lionis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 78-88; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010078 - 8 Jan 2010

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 11395

Abstract

As the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) calls for public health awareness on tobacco use, mass media campaigns should be appropriately designed so as to maximize their effectiveness. In this methodological pilot study, 95 Greek adolescents (mean age 15 ± 1.8 years), [...] Read more.

As the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) calls for public health awareness on tobacco use, mass media campaigns should be appropriately designed so as to maximize their effectiveness. In this methodological pilot study, 95 Greek adolescents (mean age 15 ± 1.8 years), were shown seven different anti tobacco ads, and asked to rate the ad theme, message and emotional context on a 1−7 Likert scale. Health related ads were rated the highest, and as identified through the logistic regression analysis, adolescents who perceived an ad to be emotional or to have a clear message that was relevant to them, were more likely to rate the ad as more effective. The strong agreement between the above findings and the existing literature indicates the applicability of this pilot study’s methodological approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Public Health)

776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Individual, Social and Physical Environment Factors on Physical Activity in the Adult Population in Andalusia, Spain

by Julia Bolívar, Antonio Daponte, Miguel Rodríguez and José Juan Sánchez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 60-77; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010060 - 5 Jan 2010

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 17506

Abstract

A person’s physical and social environment is considered as an influencing factor in terms of rates of engagement in physical activity. This study analyses the influence of socio-demographic, physical and social environmental factors on physical activity reported in the adult population in Andalusia. [...] Read more.

A person’s physical and social environment is considered as an influencing factor in terms of rates of engagement in physical activity. This study analyses the influence of socio-demographic, physical and social environmental factors on physical activity reported in the adult population in Andalusia. This is a cross-sectional study using data collected in the Andalusia Health Survey in 1999 and 2003. In addition to the influence of the individual’s characteristics, if there are no green spaces in the neighbourhood it is less likely that men and women will take exercise (OR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.13, 1.41). Likewise, a higher local illiteracy rate also has a negative influence on exercise habits in men (OR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.21, 1.59) and in women (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.40). Physical activity is influenced by individuals’ characteristics as well as by their social and physical environment, the most disadvantaged groups are less likely to engage in physical activity. Full article

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Challenging the “Inoffensiveness” of Regular Cannabis Use by Its Associations with Other Current Risky Substance Use—A Census of 20-Year-Old Swiss Men

by Gerhard Gmel, Jacques Gaume, Carole Willi, Pierre-André Michaud, Jacques Cornuz and Jean-Bernard Daeppen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 46-59; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010046 - 4 Jan 2010

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 11186

Abstract

3,537 men enrolling in 2007 for mandatory army recruitment procedures were assessed for the co-occurrence of risky licit substance use among risky cannabis users. Risky cannabis use was defined as at least twice weekly; risky alcohol use as 6+ drinks more than once/monthly, [...] Read more.

3,537 men enrolling in 2007 for mandatory army recruitment procedures were assessed for the co-occurrence of risky licit substance use among risky cannabis users. Risky cannabis use was defined as at least twice weekly; risky alcohol use as 6+ drinks more than once/monthly, or more than 20 drinks per week; and risky tobacco use as daily smoking. Ninety-five percent of all risky cannabis users reported other risky use. They began using cannabis earlier than did non-risky users, but age of onset was unrelated to other risky substance use. A pressing public health issue among cannabis users stems from risky licit substance use warranting preventive efforts within this age group. Full article

► Show Figures

363 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiological Methods: About Time

by Helena Chmura Kraemer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 29-45; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010029 - 31 Dec 2009

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 12549

Abstract

Epidemiological studies often produce false positive results due to use of statistical approaches that either ignore or distort time. The three time-related issues of focus in this discussion are: (1) cross-sectional vs. cohort studies, (2) statistical significance vs. public health significance, and (3), [...] Read more.

Epidemiological studies often produce false positive results due to use of statistical approaches that either ignore or distort time. The three time-related issues of focus in this discussion are: (1) cross-sectional vs. cohort studies, (2) statistical significance vs. public health significance, and (3), how risk factors "work together" to impact public health significance. The issue of time should be central to all thinking in epidemiology research, affecting sampling, measurement, design, analysis and, perhaps most important, the interpretation of results that might influence clinical and public-health decision-making and subsequent clinical research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Epidemiology)

► Show Figures

26 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Publisher’s Note – Received Date Error, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6, 3105-3114

by Shu-Kun Lin

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010028 - 29 Dec 2009

Viewed by 8381

Abstract

Publisher’s Note added on 29 December 2009: The received date of Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2009, 6, 3105-3114 was wrongly published. [...] Full article

458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Selection of an Appropriate Count Data Model for Modelling Health Insurance and Health Care Demand: Case of Indonesia

by Budi Hidayat and Subhash Pokhrel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 9-27; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010009 - 29 Dec 2009

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 16704

Abstract

We apply several estimators to Indonesian household data to estimate the relationship between health insurance and the number of outpatient visits to public and private providers. Once endogeneity of insurance is taken into account, there is a 63 percent increase in the average [...] Read more.

We apply several estimators to Indonesian household data to estimate the relationship between health insurance and the number of outpatient visits to public and private providers. Once endogeneity of insurance is taken into account, there is a 63 percent increase in the average number of public visits by the beneficiaries of mandatory insurance for civil servants. Individuals' decisions to make first contact with private providers is affected by private insurance membership. However, insurance status does not make any difference for the number of future outpatient visits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Economics)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality Health Care in the European Union Thanks to Competition Law

by Diego Fornaciari

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2010, 7(1), 1-8; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph7010001 - 24 Dec 2009

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 9266

Abstract

There are many biases concerning the application of competition law in health care. Quality concerns can however be integrated into competition law analysis. The aim of this paper is to identify the links between the application of competition law in the European Union [...] Read more.

There are many biases concerning the application of competition law in health care. Quality concerns can however be integrated into competition law analysis. The aim of this paper is to identify the links between the application of competition law in the European Union and the right to quality health care and to point out the problems that arise when integrating quality concerns in competition law analysis. Guidelines must be issued and competition authorities must work together with institutions that have expertise in the field of health care quality measurement in order to integrate these dimensions in competition practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Behaviors and Public Health)

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health, Volume 7, Issue 1 (January 2010) – 22 articles , Pages 1-332

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI