Recurrent Rapunzel Syndrome in an Adolescent Female

Bezoars are concrete masses found within the gastrointestinal tract that can lead to obstructions. One of the most common forms of bezoars is trichobezoar, composed of swallowed hair. Many bezoars are confined to the stomach; however, a small occurrence of trichobezoars extends past the pylorus and into the duodenum, or small bowel, termed Rapunzel syndrome. In the literature, there have been few cases of recurrent Rapunzel syndrome. Our case is a 13-year-old female with recurrent Rapunzel syndrome requiring three operative interventions.

Research Brief: Assessing Readiness for Barbershop-Based HIV Prevention Programs Among Rural African American Barbershop Patrons

African American men are at a greater risk for contracting HIV infection, and geography may play an important role in the spread of the virus. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the readiness of rural African American men to participate in a barbershop-based HIV prevention program. A paper-and-pencil survey was administered to rural African American male barbershop attendees to assess their readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. The results suggested that participants were amenable to this form of programming in the barbershop setting. There was no significance detected by demographic variables in readiness for barbershop-based HIV prevention programs. The results of the study give health education specialists and other public health practitioners insight into ways to effectively research, communicate to, and develop culturally appropriate programming for this priority population in a setting in which they are more likely to frequent.