1
|
Ahmed S, Nimonkar RA, Sharma V, Pardal MPS, Rajiva K. Study of the prevalence of tobacco consumption among apparently healthy adult males in an urban area. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:3298-3303. [PMID: 38361906 PMCID: PMC10866258 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_872_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Keeping in view the role of tobacco consumption as a modifiable risk factor in various diseases and gaps in scientific knowledge among the apparently healthy adult male population in India, the researchers chose to undertake this study. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among apparently healthy adult males employed in various government offices to determine the prevalence of tobacco consumption. The minimum sample size to estimate a 95% confidence interval for the prevalence of tobacco consumption with 5% absolute precision was calculated to be 340. However, 500 subjects were included in the study. The tool used for data collection was the "personal interview technique." Standard statistical methods were utilized for data analysis. Results The overall mean age (standard deviation (SD)) of the study subjects was 30.96 yrs (4.32). Overall, the mean (SD) of number of years of tobacco use was 5.64 years (1.98). The mean (SD) of number of cigarettes smoked per day was 6.36 (3.09). The prevalence of current smokers showed a statistically significant increase from the age groups of 20-29 yrs to 50-59 yrs (P < 0.001). All subjects in the study were able to name at least three harmful effects of tobacco consumption. The overall mean amount spent on tobacco consumption per month was Rs 536.97 (1.44% of basic salary). Overall, the most common reason for smoking was peer pressure, where 40 (93.02%) gave this reason. Of forty-three tobacco users, 27 (62.79%) expressed a desire to quit tobacco consumption. The most common reason for expressing a desire to quit tobacco was the ill effects of tobacco consumption, where 23 (85.18%) tobacco users gave this reason. Conclusion Our study on the prevalence of tobacco consumption among government employees provides an adequately clear picture of this public health epidemic in India. There is an immediate need for target group-specific policies for tobacco control, which should be integrated with the relevant national health programs at all levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shafique Ahmed
- Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical Services, India
| | - Ravi A. Nimonkar
- Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical Services, India
| | - Vishal Sharma
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Armed Forces Medical Services, India
| | | | - K. Rajiva
- Consultant Full Time and Chief Medical Officer, Tehri Hill Development Corporation, Uttarakhand, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huyser KR, Locklear S, Sheehan C, Moore BL, Butler JS. Consistent Honor, Persistent Disadvantage: American Indian and Alaska Native Veteran Health in the National Survey of Veterans. J Aging Health 2021; 33:68S-81S. [PMID: 34167347 PMCID: PMC8236669 DOI: 10.1177/08982643211014034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine self-rated health and activities of daily living (ADLs) limitations among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) veterans relative to white veterans. Methods: We use the 2010 National Survey of Veterans and limit the sample to veterans who identify as AI/AN or non-Hispanic white. We calculated descriptive statistics, confidence intervals, and used logistic regression. Results: AI/AN veterans are younger, have lower levels of income, and have higher levels of exposure to combat and environmental hazards compared to white veterans. We found that AI/AN veterans are significantly more likely to report fair/poor health controlling for socioeconomic status and experience an ADL controlling for age, health behaviors, socioeconomic status, and military factors. Discussion: The results indicate that AI/AN veterans are a disadvantaged population in terms of their health and disability compared to white veterans. AI/AN veterans may require additional support from family members and/or Veteran Affairs to address ADLs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly R Huyser
- Department of Sociology, 8166University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sofia Locklear
- Department of Sociology, 170285University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Connor Sheehan
- School of Social and Family Dynamics, 7864Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Brenda L Moore
- Department of Sociology, 12292State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - John S Butler
- Department of Sociology and Management, 12330University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Curtis DC, Eckhart SC, Morrow AC, Sikes LC, Mridha T. Demographic and Behavioral Risk Factors for Oral Cancer among Florida Residents. J Int Soc Prev Community Dent 2020; 10:255-261. [PMID: 32802770 PMCID: PMC7402261 DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.jispcd_39_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Almost 29,000 new cases and approximately 7,500 deaths are directly attributable to oral cancer in the United States. Understanding the impact of specific behavioral and demographic characteristics on oral cancer is crucial to being able to promote early diagnoses through oral cancer screening. This study hypothesized that selected factors would be predictive of the incidence of oral cancer in Florida's population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Approximately 74,000 cases from the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) were included in the study. Demographic and risk factors evaluated included sex, age, marital status, ethnicity, race, primary insurance payer, birthplace, cigarette use, smokeless tobacco use, cancer behavior, and other tobacco use. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of 11 risk factors and oral cancer in Florida. RESULTS Males, Blacks, Hispanics, married individuals, and current smokers were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with oral cancer compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSION Florida's health providers need to be aware of the risk factors for oral cancer, look for early signs of oral cancer and recommend routine screenings in patients with history of known risk factors. Including additional reported elements such as human papillomavirus (HPV) history, sunlight exposure, vaping and use of e-cigarettes, and alcohol consumption (by amount) in the cancer registry would be greatly beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denice C Curtis
- Department of Public Health, Usha Kundu M.D. College of Health, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, USA
| | - Scott C Eckhart
- Department of Public Health, Usha Kundu M.D. College of Health, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, USA
| | - Amanda C Morrow
- Department of Public Health, Usha Kundu M.D. College of Health, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, USA
| | - Laura C Sikes
- Department of Public Health, Usha Kundu M.D. College of Health, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, USA
| | - Tasnim Mridha
- Department of Public Health, Usha Kundu M.D. College of Health, University of West Florida, Pensacola, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sheehan CM, Hummer RA, Moore BL, Huyser KR, Butler JS. Duty, Honor, Country, Disparity: Race/Ethnic Differences in Health and Disability among Male Veterans. POPULATION RESEARCH AND POLICY REVIEW 2015; 34:785-804. [PMID: 26783376 PMCID: PMC4714796 DOI: 10.1007/s11113-015-9358-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Given their unique occupational hazards and sizable population, military veterans are an important population for the study of health. Yet veterans are by no means homogeneous, and there are unanswered questions regarding the extent of, and explanations for, racial and ethnic differences in veterans' health. Using the 2010 National Survey of Veterans, we first documented race/ethnic differences in self-rated health and limitations in Activities of Daily Living among male veterans aged 30-84. Second, we examined potential explanations for the disparities, including socioeconomic and behavioral differences, as well as differences in specific military experiences. We found that Black, Hispanic, and other/multiple race veterans reported much worse health than White veterans. Using progressively adjusted regression models, we uncovered that the poorer self-rated health and higher levels of activity limitations among minority veterans compared to Whites was partially explained by differences in their socioeconomic status and by their military experiences. Minority veterans are a vulnerable population for poor health; future research and policy efforts should attempt to better understand and ameliorate their health disadvantages relative to White veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Connor M. Sheehan
- Department of Sociology and Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Robert A. Hummer
- Department of Sociology and Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin
| | - Brenda L. Moore
- Sociology Department, State University of New York at Buffalo
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Perez ADM, Benseñor IM. Tobacco and alcohol use, sexual behavior and common mental disorders among military students at the Police Academy, São Paulo, Brazil. A cross-sectional study. SAO PAULO MED J 2015; 133:235-44. [PMID: 26176928 PMCID: PMC10876372 DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2014.9102711] [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: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 06/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE The lifestyle of military personnel has been little studied in Brazil. This study evaluated the frequencies of tobacco and alcohol use, sexual behavior and mental health among military students. DESIGN AND SETTING Cross-sectional study at the Police Academy, in São Paulo. METHODS Students answered a questionnaire about tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sexual behavior and common mental disorders (CMDs). To analyze associations among the frequencies of smoking and alcohol use, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and CMDs during the undergraduate years, we built a multinomial logistic regression model adjusted for age and sex. RESULTS All 473 students were invited to participate and 430 (90.9%) agreed (10.5% were women). Most were white (76.6%), aged < 30 years, from the upper middle class (78.1%). The frequency of smoking was 6.5%, alcohol consumption 69.3%, STDs 14% and CMDs 15.6%. The use of condoms was low. Fourth-year students presented a lower odds ratio (OR) for STDs than the first-year students: 0.44 (95% confidence interval: 0.22-0.90). Third-year students presented a lower OR for CMDs than the first-year students. CONCLUSION The frequencies of smoking and CMDs were low, while the frequency of alcohol consumption was similar to that of the Brazilian population. The use of condoms was low, in comparison with previous studies with similar samples. The results suggest that there was a certain degree of protection against CMDs and STDs during the undergraduate years.
Collapse
|
6
|
Boyko EJ, Trone DW, Peterson AV, Jacobson IG, Littman AJ, Maynard C, Seelig AD, Crum-Cianflone NF, Bricker JB. Longitudinal Investigation of Smoking Initiation and Relapse Among Younger and Older US Military Personnel. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:1220-9. [PMID: 25880953 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined whether military service, including deployment and combat experience, were related to smoking initiation and relapse. METHODS We included older (panel 1) and younger (panel 2) participants in the Millennium Cohort Study. Never smokers were followed for 3 to 6 years for smoking initiation, and former smokers were followed for relapse. Complementary log-log regression models estimated the relative risk (RR) of initiation and relapse by military exposure while adjusting for demographic, health, and lifestyle factors. RESULTS Deployment with combat experience predicted higher initiation rate (panel 1: RR = 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28, 1.62; panel 2: RR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.04, 1.54) and relapse rate (panel 1 only: RR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.36, 1.62). Depending on the panel, previous mental health disorders, life stressors, and other military and nonmilitary characteristics independently predicted initiation and relapse. CONCLUSIONS Deployment with combat experience and previous mental disorder may identify military service members in need of intervention to prevent smoking initiation and relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Boyko
- Edward J. Boyko, Alyson J. Littman, and Amber D. Seelig are with the Seattle Epidemiologic Research and Information Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, WA. Charles Maynard is with the Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care, Health Services Research and Development, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, VA Eastern Colorado, Denver. Daniel W. Trone and Isabel G. Jacobson are with the Department of Defense Center for Deployment Health Research, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA. Nancy F. Crum-Cianflone is with the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA. Arthur V. Peterson and Jonathan B. Bricker are with the Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Is serving in the armed forces associated with tobacco or cannabis initiation? A study of onset sequences before and after joining the French armed forces. Addict Behav 2013; 38:2437-44. [PMID: 23685331 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2013.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether joining the military could constitute a predictor of subsequent tobacco or cannabis use. Data from four cross-sectional surveys conducted between 2005 and 2009 in the French armed forces were used to constitute a retrospective cohort (n=4208). A Markov multi-state model was fitted, estimating the probabilities at 1year for all possible pathways between entry into the military profession, tobacco initiation and cannabis initiation. The model was adjusted for current substance use status. Substance initiation appeared to mainly occur before entering the services than during the service period (3.0 times greater likelihood for tobacco and 2.5 times greater likelihood for cannabis). Probabilities of primo-initiation (i.e. starting with that substance) before joining the services were similar for tobacco (3.6% at one year) and cannabis (3.5%). When the study was restrained to current users, although differences were not statistically significant, probabilities of substance primo-initiation during the service period seemed to be greater than before. While the substance use itinerary in the French general population most often begins by tobacco, military seem to have a higher propensity to cannabis primo-initiation, which could traduce more sensation-seeking behaviors. If certain results in our study could also evoke a propensity to substance initiation during the service period, we did not find evidence to verify the hypothesis of a military social inducing effect. Further research is needed to identify behavioral characteristics which could explain increased use during the service period.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bergman HE, Hunt YM, Augustson E. Smokeless tobacco use in the United States military: a systematic review. Nicotine Tob Res 2011; 14:507-15. [PMID: 22123789 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntr216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smokeless tobacco (ST) use represents an important target for intervention in the U.S. military population because it impairs "military readiness" and harms the health of the military. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of ST studies conducted in the U.S. military population in order to assess the content of existing ST research in this population, provide estimates of prevalence and clinically relevant use patterns, and discuss how these findings might be used to guide future ST research among this population. METHODS We reviewed articles published through December 2010 using PubMed and PsycINFO databases, Google Scholar, and any relevant articles' reference lists. Inclusion criteria included focus on a U.S. military sample, English language, measured tobacco use, and ST prevalence was reported or could be calculated. To the extent possible, each article was coded for demographics, socioeconomic status, prevalence, amount, frequency, and length of use, and quit intentions/attempts. RESULTS Thirty-nine articles met criteria for inclusion. Less than half focused primarily on ST use among military personnel. The remaining studies measured ST use in the context of other behaviors. Findings related to clinically relevant behaviors included a need for more cohort and intervention studies, a better understanding of ST use in combination with cigarettes (i.e., concurrent use), and identifying risk factors for ST initiation and use. DISCUSSION ST use is prevalent among military personnel, as is concurrent use of cigarettes and ST. We provide a number of recommendations to guide future research in this important, yet understudied, area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Bergman
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Psychology Program, Case Western Reserve University, 11220 Belleflower Road, Mather Memorial 109, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Olmsted KLR, Bray RM, Reyes-Guzman CM, Williams J, Kruger H. Overlap in use of different types of tobacco among active duty military personnel. Nicotine Tob Res 2011; 13:691-8. [PMID: 21498430 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntr060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the prevalence and overlapping combinations in past thirty-day cigarette use, smokeless tobacco use, and cigar use in the active duty U.S. military. METHODS Data were taken from the 2008 Department of Defense Survey of Health Related Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel. A total of 28,546 service members participated for a response rate of 70.6%. RESULTS Analyses showed that 41.2% of active duty service members used one or more forms of tobacco in the past month. Cigarette use only was most prevalent (21.3%); other combinations were much lower ranging from 0.7% to 13.5%. Multinomial regression modeling yielded no consistent patterns in sociodemographic groups with higher risk of using one or more types of tobacco concurrently. Frequency and quantity of cigarette use were related to tobacco use patterns. From 60% to 67% of smokers were daily users of cigarettes only or cigarettes in combination with other tobacco types. The majority of cigarette users (54%-69%) smoked 15 or fewer cigarettes/day regardless of tobacco use patterns, but those who smoked at heaviest levels were most likely to use all 3 tobacco types (19%). CONCLUSIONS Four of 10 service members place themselves at increased risk of tobacco-related illness and disease by using one or more types of tobacco. Daily cigarette smokers and very heavy smokers are at highest risk of using multiple tobacco types. Further research is needed to better understand the levels of use and the reasons for use of multiple types of tobacco.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine L Rae Olmsted
- Department of Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Grier T, Knapik JJ, Canada S, Canham-Chervak M, Jones BH. Tobacco use prevalence and factors associated with tobacco use in new U.S. Army personnel. J Addict Dis 2010; 29:284-93. [PMID: 20635278 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2010.489445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the prevalence of tobacco use and factors associated with pre-military service cigarette and smokeless tobacco use. From January 2000 to December 2006, military students arriving for Advanced Individual Training at the U.S. Army Ordnance School completed a questionnaire that asked about their use of tobacco products. The prevalence of smokeless tobacco use from 2000 to 2006 for women generally decreased, as did the number of cigarettes smoked per day by men. For men and women, factors associated with cigarette use included younger age, Caucasian race, and use of smokeless tobacco. Factors associated with smokeless tobacco use among men included younger age, Caucasian race, and cigarette use. For women, cigarette use was the only factor associated with smokeless tobacco use. The identified factors in this study could be used to establish strategies in the future to reduce tobacco use in the military.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyson Grier
- Directorate of Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance, United States Army Public Health Command, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Robinson M, Stokes K, Bilzon J, Standage M, Brown P, Thompson D. Test-retest reliability of the Military Pre-training Questionnaire. Occup Med (Lond) 2010; 60:476-83. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqq073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
|
12
|
Woodruff SI, Conway TL, Shillington AM, Clapp JD, Lemus H, Reed MB. Cigarette smoking and subsequent hospitalization in a cohort of young U.S. Navy female recruits. Nicotine Tob Res 2010; 12:365-73. [PMID: 20156886 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntq007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tobacco use is of particular concern to the U.S. Department of Defense because the military historically has had higher and heavier rates of tobacco use than civilians. Few prospective studies have examined the association of cigarette smoking with medical outcomes, particularly among initially healthy female military personnel. METHODS This prospective cohort study followed over 5,000 young U.S. Navy female recruits varying in their smoking status at entry into the Navy and collected their subsequent hospitalization data (i.e., International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes) for up to 7-8 years of service. RESULTS Results indicated that after adjusting for differences in time at risk and sociodemographic variables, daily smokers (compared with never-and other smokers) had higher rates of hospitalization for any reason and for musculoskeletal conditions. Daily smokers also had higher rates than never- and other smokers for non-pregnancy-related hospitalizations and for mental disorders, although only the daily/other differences reached statistical significance. Daily smokers' average number of days hospitalized was significantly longer than that of never- and other smokers. DISCUSSION Results suggest that young women do not have to wait decades to experience the harmful effects of smoking. A recent history of cigarette smoking is an important determinant of hospitalization risk for even young healthy women in the U.S. Navy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan I Woodruff
- Center for Alcohol and Drug Studies, School of Social Work, San Diego State University, 6386 Alvarado Ct, Ste 224, San Diego, CA 92120, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhu K, Devesa SS, Wu H, Zahm SH, Jatoi I, Anderson WF, Peoples GE, Maxwell LG, Granger E, Potter JF, McGlynn KA. Cancer incidence in the U.S. military population: comparison with rates from the SEER program. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009; 18:1740-5. [PMID: 19505907 PMCID: PMC2780333 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-09-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The U.S. active-duty military population may differ from the U.S. general population in its exposure to cancer risk factors and access to medical care. Yet, it is not known if cancer incidence rates differ between these two populations. We therefore compared the incidence of four cancers common in U.S. adults (lung, colorectal, prostate, and breast cancers) and two cancers more common in U.S. young adults (testicular and cervical cancers) in the military and general populations. Data from the Automated Central Tumor Registry (ACTUR) of the Department of Defense and the nine cancer registries of the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) of the National Cancer Institute for the years 1990 to 2004 for persons with ages 20 to 59 years were analyzed. Incidence rates were significantly lower in the military population for colorectal cancer in White men, lung cancer in White and Black men and White women, and cervical cancer in Black women. In contrast, incidence rates of breast and prostate cancers were significantly higher in the military among Whites and Blacks. Incidence rates of testicular cancer did not differ between ACTUR and SEER. Although the numbers of diagnoses among military personnel were relatively small for temporal trend analysis, we found a more prominent increase in prostate cancer in ACTUR than in SEER. Overall, these results suggest that cancer patterns may differ between military and nonmilitary populations. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore contributing factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kangmin Zhu
- US Military Cancer Institute, Walter Reed Army Medical Center,Washington, DC 20307-5001, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Klement E, Talkington DF, Wasserzug O, Kayouf R, Davidovitch N, Dumke R, Bar-Zeev Y, Ron M, Boxman J, Lanier Thacker W, Wolf D, Lazarovich T, Shemer-Avni Y, Glikman D, Jacobs E, Grotto I, Block C, Nir-Paz R. Identification of risk factors for infection in an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae respiratory tract disease. Clin Infect Dis 2006; 43:1239-45. [PMID: 17051486 DOI: 10.1086/508458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2006] [Accepted: 07/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycoplasma pneumoniae is one of the most common pathogens that causes community-acquired respiratory tract infection. Outbreaks are well known, and all age groups are susceptible. An outbreak in an army training unit afforded an opportunity to identify possible risk factors for morbidity. METHODS An outbreak of respiratory illness that occurred in a unit comprising 91 trainees was investigated and analyzed as a cohort study. M. pneumoniae infection was suspected on clinical grounds and was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction, culture, and serologic testing. Data regarding medical history, symptoms, signs, and laboratory tests were collected. RESULTS During a period of 12 days, 41 soldiers (45.1%) had respiratory illnesses, of which 10 (11.0%) were pneumonia. Comparison of symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals revealed that smoking was associated with higher rates of disease (risk ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-3.2; P<.005) and seroconversion (risk ratio, 2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4; P=.03). In multivariate analysis, both lower acute immunoglobulin G values (adjusted odds ratio, 7.8; 95% CI, 1.4-42.5; P=.018) and smoking (adjusted odds ratio, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.5-20.4; P=.01) were associated with symptomatic infection; stratification according to smoking status revealed that immunoglobulin G levels among nonsmokers were protective. Patients who had pneumonia had lower lymphocyte counts (1400+/-258 vs. 2000+/-465 cells/microL; P=.001). CONCLUSIONS Smoking and lower preexisting immunoglobulin G levels were strongly associated with M. pneumoniae respiratory infection. These findings emphasize the importance of immunity and cessation of smoking for the prevention of disease. The high attack rate emphasizes the extent of infection transmission among healthy persons living in close contact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Klement
- Army Health Branch, Israel Defense Force, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Haddock CK, Parker LC, Taylor JE, Poston WSC, Lando H, Talcott GW. An analysis of messages about tobacco in military installation newspapers. Am J Public Health 2005; 95:1458-63. [PMID: 16043672 PMCID: PMC1449381 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2004.048454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to gauge the relative attention that tobacco control receives in military newspapers by comparing coverage of tobacco use with that of other health topics of importance to the military. METHODS We examined tobacco-related articles and industry advertisements in 793 newspapers published during 1 year at 16 representative military installations (4 Air Force, 6 Army, 2 Marine, 4 Navy). Newspaper content was coded with a standardized coding manual developed through previous research. RESULTS Tobacco use received the fewest instances of coverage and the least print space in military installation newspapers of all the health topics examined. The primary "message frame" used in tobacco control articles was that smokers are putting themselves at health risk, a theme that has not been found to have a strong effect on smokers. Nearly 10% of the newspapers contained tobacco advertisements. CONCLUSIONS Tobacco control messages are underrepresented in military installation newspapers compared with other health issues. Furthermore, military newspapers send mixed messages to military personnel by providing advertisements for tobacco while also claiming that tobacco use is harmful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Keith Haddock
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 4825 Troost Ave, Suite 124, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gunderson EKE, Garland CF, Gorham ED. Health surveillance for asthma in the US Navy: experience of 9,185,484 person-years. Ann Epidemiol 2005; 15:310-5. [PMID: 15780779 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2004.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2004] [Accepted: 08/27/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To measure trends and demographic risk factors for hospitalization for asthma. METHODS Time trends and demographic risk factors, for hospitalized asthma (1CD-9-CM Code 493) were analyzed by measuring age-specific and age-adjusted first hospitalization rates in a defined population of active-duty enlisted members of the US Navy worldwide during 1980-1999, consisting of 9,185,484 person-years. RESULTS There were 3911 patients first hospitalized for asthma, including 2916 men and 995 women. The age-adjusted incidence rate of first hospitalization for asthma was three times higher in women than men, 110 per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 104-117), compared with 35 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI, 33-37), respectively (p < 0.0001). The rate in black women was twice as high as in white women, 186 per 100,000 person-years, compared with 99 per 100,000 person-years, respectively (p < 0.001). The rate in black men was higher than in white men, 45 per 100,000, compared with 34 per 100,000 (p < 0.001). Age-adjusted rates in women doubled from 73 per 100,000 in 1980-1983 to 159 in 1997-1999 (p for trend < 0.01), while those in men remained stable. CONCLUSIONS Age-adjusted incidence rates of first hospitalization for asthma were three times as high in women as in men, and doubled during the period between 1980 and 1999. The rates in black women were twice as high as in white women. The reasons are unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E K Eric Gunderson
- Longitudinal Studies and Health Sciences Program, Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vander Weg MW, DeBon M, Peterson AL, Sherrill-Mittleman D, Klesges RC, Relyea GE. Prevalence and correlates of lifetime smokeless tobacco use in female military recruits. Nicotine Tob Res 2005; 7:431-41. [PMID: 16085511 DOI: 10.1080/14622200500125781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Although considerable research has been conducted on smokeless tobacco (ST) use in males, much less is known about the characteristics of female ST users. The present study examined the prevalence and correlates of lifetime ST use among female Air Force recruits (N=9,087). Participants were surveyed during Basic Military Training regarding their history of tobacco use and other health risk behaviors. Although the prevalence of current ST use was low (<1%; n=34), 6.6% (n=599) had tried ST. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lifetime ST use was related to ethnicity, with Native Americans and Whites being most likely to have tried ST. Additional correlates of lifetime ST use included post-high-school education (OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.03-1.55); weekly acts of road rage (OR=1.48, 95% CI=1.06-2.06); frequent arguing (OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.18-2.48); daily or near-daily alcohol consumption (OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.03-2.82); current cigarette use (OR=3.80, 95% CI=2.42-5.94); and experimental use of cigars (OR=4.01, 95% CI=3.22-5.01), pipes (OR=2.23, 95% CI=1.64-3.03), and clove cigarettes (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.01-1.49), all of which were associated with an increased likelihood of ST use. Results suggest that female recruits who have ever used ST engage in a variety of risk behaviors including use of other tobacco products and alcohol, as well as additional harmful behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Vander Weg
- Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center Research Programs, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ward KD, Vander Weg MW, Kovach KW, Klesges RC, DeBon MW, Haddock CK, Talcott GW, Lando HA. Ethnic and gender differences in smoking and smoking cessation in a population of young adult air force recruits. Am J Health Promot 2002; 16:259-66. [PMID: 12053437 DOI: 10.4278/0890-1171-16.5.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine gender and ethnic differences in smoking and smoking cessation in a population of young adult military recruits. DESIGN A self-administered survey of demographics, tobacco use, and other health risk behaviors was administered at the start of basic military training. SETTING The study was conducted at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, where all U.S. Air Force recruits complete basic military training. SUBJECTS All recruits who entered the U.S. Air Force between September 1995 and September 1996 participated in this study (n = 32,144; 100% participation rate). MEASURES Recruits completed a written 53-item behavioral risk questionnaire. Measures examined in the present study included smoking status (ever having smoked a cigarette, current daily smoking, and quitting); demographics (ethnicity, gender, education, family income, and age); smoking history; and nicotine dependence. RESULTS Rates of ever smoking, current daily smoking, and quitting were examined in multiple logistic regression analyses as a function of gender and ethnicity, controlling for age, education, and family income. Overall, 54% of recruits had ever smoked a cigarette and 24.9% smoked daily at the time of entry into basic military training. Smoking rates were highest among white and Native American recruits. Among whites, women were more likely to be a current daily smoker (31.6% vs. 29.4%; odds ratio [OR] = 1.18, 99% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.08-1.29). The opposite pattern was observed among African-Americans (5.6% vs. 9.8%, respectively; OR = .57; CI = .41-.79). Current smokers had low levels of nicotine dependence compared with the general population of U.S. smokers, but whites tended to be more dependent than other ethnic groups. Cessation rates were similar for men and women but differed according to ethnicity, ranging from 15% among whites to 23% among Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS These findings document important gender and ethnic differences in cigarette smoking among military recruits. Whites and Native Americans were more likely to smoke, less likely to quit, and more nicotine-dependent than other ethnic groups. Across gender/ethnicity groups, smoking rates were especially high among white women, with nearly one-third smoking daily until entry into basic training. Gender differences were not observed in cessation rates, but Hispanics were more likely than other ethnic groups to have quit smoking. The results highlight the need to develop effective cessation interventions for this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth D Ward
- University of Memphis Center for Community Health, 5050 Poplar Avenue, Suite 1800, Memphis, TN 38157, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|