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Objectives. We analyzed state-specific uninsurance trends among US adults aged 18 to 64 years. Methods. We used logistic regression models to examine Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data for uninsurance from 1992 to 2001 in 47 states. Results. Overall, uninsurance rates increased in 35 states and remained unchanged in 12 states. Increases were observed among people aged 30 to 49 years (in 34 states) and 50 to 64 years (in 24 states), and increases were also observed among individuals at middle and low income levels (in 39 states and 19 states, respectively), individuals employed for wages (in 33 states), and the self-employed (in 18 states). Conclusions. Among adults aged 18-64, rates of uninsurance increased in most states from 1992 through 2001. Decreased availability of employer-sponsored health insurance, rising health care costs, and state fiscal crises are likely to worsen the growing uninsurance problem.

This study examines the relationship between demographics, behavioral factors, risk perceptions, and STDs in a U.S. general population. Data from 28,957 respondents with at least one sex partner 12 months prior to the survey completed the Sexual Behavior Module, as part of each state's annual BRFSS survey. Multiple sex partners, ethnicity and age were predictive of receiving treatment for an STD. Respondents who admitted driving while intoxicated and those with high HIV-risk perceptions were also more likely to report receiving treatment for an STD. Findings support the broadening of STD prevention targets, and the importance of highlighting the link between alcohol and STDs during STD and alcohol prevention or treatment visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study examined trends in fruit and vegetable consumption among adults in 16 US states. Method. Data from telephone surveys were used to stratify respondents by sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Results. The proportion of adults who consumed fruits and vegetables at least 5 times daily was 19%, 22%, and 23% in 1990, 1994. and 1996, respectively. While the proportion increased among those with active leisure-time physical activities and normal weight. it remained almost the same among inactive people and dropped among the obese. Conclusions. Progress in fruit and vegetable intake from 1990 to 1994 was encouraging, but it changed little between 1994 and 1996. (Am d Public Health. 2000;90:777-781) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which explored knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding HIV/AIDS for persons aged 50 to 64 by using data from the 1996 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Issues regarding AIDS in older person; Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS; Models influencing AIDS prevention research; Methods of the study; Results.

Objectives: To describe characteristics of emergency department (ED) encounters for pediatric patients with an acute mental health diagnosis., Methods: Data are from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, which includes abstracts from the medical records of a national probability sample of visits to EDs. Analysis was limited to records of patients who were younger than 19 years and had a diagnosis of either confirmed or suspected mental disorder or a suicide attempt., Results: There was an estimated annual average of 434 000 ED pediatric mental health visits from 1993 to 1999, an average annual rate of 326.8 visits per 10 000 people. Visit rates varied by patient's region, age, race, and gender. Psychosis was the diagnosis in 10.8% of these patients, and suicide attempt was the diagnosis in 13.6%. ED pediatric mental health visits accounted for 1.6% of all ED visits in this age group., Conclusions: The significant increase in emergency department pediatric mental health (EDPMH) visits from 1993-1999 is greatest among patients who are non-white, teenaged, female, and live in the Northeast or Midwest. This variation in EDPMH visits may reflect variability in the shortage of mental health providers. The lack of increase in the 2 categories of diagnoses mandatorily seen in EDs--psychoses and suicide attempts--suggests that the overall rise in EDPMH visits may have been attributable to nonurgent complaints more appropriately managed by a primary mental health provider.