Search

BACKGROUND: The Patient-centered HIV Care Model (PCHCM) is an evidence-informed structural intervention that integrates community-based pharmacists with primary medical providers to improve rates of HIV viral suppression. This report assesses the costs and cost-effectiveness of the PCHCM. SETTING: Patient-centered HIV Care Model METHODS: Three project sites, each composed of a medical clinic and one or two community-based HIV-specialized pharmacies, were included in the analyses. PCHCM required patient data sharing between medical providers and pharmacists and collaborative therapy-related decision making. Intervention effectiveness was measured as the incremental number of patients virally suppressed (HIV RNA

BACKGROUND: A benchmark of near-perfect adherence (≥95%) to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is often cited as necessary for HIV viral suppression. However, given newer, more effective ART medications, the threshold for viral suppression may be lower. We estimated the minimum ART adherence level necessary to achieve viral suppression. SETTINGS: The Patient-centered HIV Care Model demonstration project. METHODS: Adherence to ART was calculated using the proportion of days covered measure for the 365-day period before each viral load test result, and grouped into 5 categories (

Poor retention in HIV care is associated with higher morbidity and mortality and greater risk of HIV transmission. The Patient-Centered HIV Care Model (PCHCM) integrated community-based pharmacists with medical providers. The model required sharing of patient clinical information and collaborative therapy-related action planning. The proportion of persons retained in care (≥1 medical visit in each 6-month period of a 12-month measurement period with ≥60 days between visits), pre- and post-PCHCM implementation, was modeled using log binomial regression. Factors associated with post-implementation retention were determined using multi-variable regression. Of 765 enrolled persons, the plurality were male (n = 555) and non-Hispanic black (n = 331), with a median age of 48 years (interquartile range = 38–55); 680 and 625 persons were included in the pre- and post-implementation analyses, respectively. Overall, retention improved 12.9% (60.7–68.5%, p = 0.002). The largest improvement was seen among non-Hispanic black persons, 22.6% increase (59.7–73.2%, p < 0.001). Persons who were non-Hispanic black [adjusted risk ratio (ARR) 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.48] received one or more pharmacist–clinic developed action plan (ARR 1.51, 95% CI 1.18–1.93), had three or more pharmacist encounters (ARR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–1.30), were more likely to be retained post-implementation. In the final multi-variable models, only race/ethnicity [non-Hispanic black (ARR 1.27, 95% CI 1.09–1.48) and “other or unknown” race/ethnicity (ARR 1.36, 95% CI 1.14–1.63)] showed an association with post-implementation retention. PCHCM demonstrated how collaborations between community-based pharmacists and primary medical providers can improve retention in HIV care. This care model may be particularly useful for non-Hispanic black persons who often are less likely to be retained in care.

Objectives Retention in care is a critical component of effective HIV treatment, and adolescents and young adults are at higher risk of inadequate retention than older adults. The objective of our study was to examine the patterns of retention in care among adolescents and young adults with HIV infection by analyzing Medicaid and commercial health insurance claims data. Methods We evaluated retention in care for HIV-diagnosed adolescents and young adults aged 13-24 using the 2010-2014 MarketScan Medicaid and MarketScan Commercial Claims health insurance databases. The study period extended 36 months from the date of the first claim with a code for HIV or AIDS. We determined the unweighted proportion retained in care for the Medicaid and Commercial Claims cohorts for months 0-24 and 25-36. We assessed associations between demographic characteristics and retention in care using logistic regression. Results A total of 378 adolescents and young adults were in the Medicaid cohort and 1028 in the Commercial Claims cohort. In the Medicaid and Commercial Claims cohorts, respectively, 186 (49%) and 591 (57%) adolescents and young adults were retained in care during months 0-24. In the Medicaid cohort, 113 (73%) people retained in care and 69 (45%) people not retained in care during months 0-24 were retained in care during months 25-36. In the Commercial Claims cohort, 313 (77%) and 94 (31%) retained and not retained people, respectively, were found to be in care during months 25-36. Conclusions Notable proportions of HIV-diagnosed adolescents and young adults are not adequately retained in care; public health interventions tailored to this population are needed.

In 2019, President Trump announced a new initiative, Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE). EHE will use 3 key strategies—diagnose, treat, and prevent—to reduce new HIV infections at least 90% by 2030, as well as new laboratory methods and epidemiological techniques to respond quickly to potential outbreaks. Partnerships are an important component in the initiative’s success. Pharmacists and pharmacies can play important roles in EHE, including dispensing antiretroviral therapy and providing HIV screening, adherence counseling, medication therapy management, preexposure prophylaxis, and nonprescription syringe sales. The objective of this report is to discuss potential roles that pharmacists and pharmacies can play under the key strategies of EHE.

Many U.S.-bound refugees originate from countries with intermediate or high hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalence and have risk for severe liver disease. We evaluated HBV screening and vaccination of newly arrived refugees in four states to identify program improvement opportunities. Data on HBV testing at domestic health assessments (1/1/2009–12/31/2011) were abstracted from state refugee health surveillance systems. Logistic regression identified correlates of infection. Over 95% of adults aged ≥19 years (N = 24,647) and 50% of children (N = 12,249) were tested. Among 32,107 refugees with valid results, the overall infection prevalence was 2.9% (0.76–9.25%); HBV prevalence reflected the burden in birth countries. Birth in the Western Pacific region carried the greatest infection risk (adjusted prevalence ratio = 4.8, CI 2.9, 7.9). Care linkage for infection was unconfirmed. Of 7409 susceptible persons, 38% received 3 doses of hepatitis B vaccine. Testing children, documenting care linkage, and completing 3-dose vaccine series were opportunities for improvement.

In 2014, an estimated 2,477 children aged

BACKGROUND. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viral suppression (VS) decreases morbidity, mortality, and transmission risk. METHODS. The Patient-centered HIV Care Model integrated community-based pharmacists with HIV medical providers and required them to share patient clinical information, identify therapy-related problems, and develop therapy-related action plans. Proportions adherent to antiretroviral therapy (proportion of days covered [PDC] ≥90%) and virally suppressed (HIV RNA

We used the US-based MarketScan(®) Medicaid Multi-state Databases to determine the un-weighted proportion of publically insured persons with HIV that were retained, continued, and re-engaged in care. Persons were followed for up to 84 months. Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to determine factors associated with gaps in care. Of the 6463 HIV cases identified in 2006, 61% were retained during the first 24 months, and 53% continued in care through 78 months. Between 8% and 30% experienced a gap in care, and 59% of persons who experienced a gap in care later re-engaged in care. Persons with one or more Charlson co-morbidities (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64-0.81), ages 40-59 (0.79, 0.71-0.88), mental illness diagnosis (0.79, 0.72-0.87), hepatitis C co-infection (0.83, 0.75-0.93), and female sex (0.86, 0.78-0.94) were less likely to experience a gap in care. Between 27% and 38% of those not retained in care continued to receive HIV-related laboratory services. This Medicaid claims database combines features of both clinic visits-based and surveillance lab-based surrogate measures to give a more complete picture of engagement in care than single-facility-based studies.

Background Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) H5N1 viruses have infected poultry and wild birds on three continents with more than 600 reported human cases (59% mortality) since 2003. Wild aquatic birds are the natural reservoir for avian influenza A viruses, and migratory birds have been documented with HPAI H5N1 virus infection. Since 2005, clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 viruses have spread from Asia to many countries. Objectives We conducted a cross-sectional seroepidemiological survey in Anchorage and western Alaska to identify possible behaviors associated with migratory bird exposure and measure seropositivity to HPAI H5N1. Methods We enrolled rural subsistence bird hunters and their families, urban sport hunters, wildlife biologists, and a comparison group without bird contact. We interviewed participants regarding their exposures to wild birds and collected blood to perform serologic testing for antibodies against a clade 2.2 HPAI H5N1 virus strain. Results Hunters and wildlife biologists reported exposures to wild migratory birds that may confer risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses, although none of the 916 participants had evidence of seropositivity to HPAI H5N1. Conclusions We characterized wild bird contact among Alaskans and behaviors that may influence risk of infection with avian influenza A viruses. Such knowledge can inform surveillance and risk communication surrounding HPAI H5N1 and other influenza viruses in a population with exposure to wild birds at a crossroads of intercontinental migratory flyways.

Objectives. We compared self-reported hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine coverage among health-care personnel (HCP) with HepB vaccine coverage among the general population and determined trends in vaccination coverage among HCP. Methods. We used the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to determine the weighted proportion of self-reported ≥1- and ≥3-dose HepB vaccine coverage among HCP aged ≥18 years. We used logistic regression to determine independent predictors of vaccination and performed a trend analysis to determine changes in coverage from 2004 to 2010 using data from the 2004–2010 NHIS. Results. Overall, 69.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 67.2, 71.8) and 63.4% (95% CI 60.8, 65.9) of HCP reported receiving ≥1 and ≥3 doses of HepB vaccine, respectively, compared with 27.1% (95% CI 26.1, 28.1%) and 23.0% (95% CI 22.1, 24.0) among non-HCP Among HCP with direct patient contact, 80.7% (95% CI 78.2, 83.1) and 74.0% (95% CI 71.2, 76.8) received ≥1 and ≥3 HepB vaccine doses, respectively Independent predictors of vaccination included direct patient contact, having more than a high school education, influenza vaccination in the past year, and ever having been tested for HIV. There was no significant change in reported coverage from 2004 through 2010. Conclusion. The 2010 HepB vaccine coverage estimate among HCP remained well below the Healthy People 2010 goal of 90%. Efforts to target unvaccinated HCP for preexposure HepB protection should be encouraged.

Objectives. We sought to assess the performance of self-reported vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) compared with serological status for hepatitis B markers in the general US civilian population. Methods. Using 1999 through 2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, we calculated 3 measures of agreement between self-reported HepB vaccination status and serological status: percent concordance, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of self-report. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with agreement between self-report and serological status. Results. Overall agreement was 83% (95% CI = 82.3, 83.7), NPV of self-report was high (0.95; 95% CI = 0.93, 0.95) and PPV was low (0.53; 95% CI = 0.51, 0.54). Birth year relative to the 1991 recommendation for universal infant HepB vaccination had a strong association with agreement, however, the association was positive for those who reported receiving at least 3 doses and negative for those who reported receiving no doses. Conclusions. Although the low PPV in our study could be attributable in part to waning of vaccine-induced anti-HBs over time, national adult HepB vaccination coverage may be lower than previously estimated because national estimates usually depend on self-report of vaccine receipt.

The HIV care continuum illustrates steps needed to reach HIV viral suppression, including retention in care. The continuum's retention measure does not account for gaps or reengagement in care and thus provides an incomplete picture of long-term engagement. We used a claims database to determine the proportion of privately insured persons with HIV who experienced a gap in care and subsequently reengaged between 2008 and 2012. A gap was defined as no office visit claim in6 months and reengagement as ≥1 office visit claim after a gap. Cox proportional hazards models were conducted to determine factors associated with time to first gap and time to reengagement. Of 5142 persons in the study, 79% were males and median age was 46 years (range, 19-64 years). No race/ethnicity data were available. Thirty percent (n = 1555) experienced a gap. Median time to first gap was 15 months (IQR: 6-30). Median gap length was 3.2 months. Seventy percent with a gap reengaged; 22% reengaged more than once. Of 1086 patients who reengaged, 224 (21%) eventually had a terminal gap. Residence in the North Central region (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.62-0.87) and having ≥1 Charlson comorbidities (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.99) were associated with shorter time to reengagement. The majority who experienced a gap reengaged within a relatively short period and remained in the cohort at 60 months. However, 21% of those reengaging had a terminal gap by 60 months, which should alert providers to the eventual potential for loss to follow-up. The analysis was limited by inability to distinguish between HIV-specific and non-HIV-specific care visits.

Approximately 20% of rural Alaskan homes lack in-home piped water; residents haul water to their homes. The limited quantity of water impacts the ability to meet basic hygiene needs. We assessed rates of infections impacted by water quality (waterborne, e.g. gastrointestinal infections) and quantity (water-washed, e.g. skin and respiratory infections) in communities transitioning to in-home piped water. Residents of four communities consented to a review of medical records 3 years before and after their community received piped water. We selected health encounters with ICD-9CM codes for respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections. We calculated annual illness episodes for each infection category after adjusting for age. We obtained 5,477 person-years of observation from 1032 individuals. There were 9,840 illness episodes with at least one ICD-9CM code of interest; 8,155 (83%) respiratory, 1,666 (17%) skin, 241 (2%) gastrointestinal. Water use increased from an average 1.5 gallons/capita/day (g/c/d) to 25.7 g/c/d. There were significant (P-value < 0.05) declines in respiratory (16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 11–21%), skin (20, 95%CI: 10–30%), and gastrointestinal infections (38, 95%CI: 13–55%). We demonstrated significant declines in respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections among individuals who received in-home piped water. This study reinforces the importance of adequate quantities of water for health.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis A infection causes severe disease among adolescents and adults. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices instituted incremental recommendations for hepatitis A vaccination (HepA) at 2 years of age based on risk (1996), in selected states (1999), and universally at 1 year of age, with vaccination through 18 years of age based on risk or desire for protection (2006). We assessed adolescent HepA coverage in the United States and factors independently associated with vaccination. METHODS: Data from the 2009 National Immunization Survey–Teen (n = 20 066) were analyzed to determine ≥1- and ≥2-dose HepA coverage among adolescents 13 to 17 years of age. We used bivariate and multivariable analyses to test associations between HepA initiation and sociodemographic characteristics stratified by state groups: group 1, universal child vaccination since 1999; group 2, consideration for child vaccination since 1999; group 3, universal child vaccination at 1 year of age since 2006. RESULTS: In 2009, national 1-dose HepA coverage among adolescents was 42.0%. Seventy percent of vaccinees completed the 2-dose series. One-dose coverage was 74.3% among group 1 states, 54.0% for group 2 states, and 27.8% for group 3 states. The adjusted prevalence ratios of vaccination initiation were highest for states with a vaccination requirement and for adolescents whose providers recommended HepA. CONCLUSIONS: HepA coverage was low among most adolescents in the United States in 2009 leaving a large population susceptible to hepatitis A infection maturing into adulthood.

Approximately 43,000 new hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections occurred in 2007. Although hepB vaccination has been recommended for adults at high-risk for incident HBV infection for many years, coverage remains low.We used the 2009 National Health Interview Survey to assess self-reported HepB vaccine uptake (≥ 1 dose), series completion (≥ 3 dose), and independent predictors of vaccination among high-risk adults aged 18-49 years. High-risk adults were defined as those reporting male sex with men; injection drug use; hemophilia with receipt of clotting factors; sexually transmitted disease in prior five years; sex for money or drugs; HIV positive; sex with persons having any above risk factors; or who "felt they were at high risk for HIV". Persons with none of the aforementioned risk factors were considered non-high risk. Bivariate analysis was conducted to assess vaccination coverage. Independent predictors of vaccine uptake and series completion were determined using a logistic regression.Overall, 7.0% adults aged 18-49 years had high-risk behaviors. Unadjusted coverage with ≥ 1 dose was 50.5% among high-risk compared to 40.5% among non-high-risk adults (p-values0.001) while series completion (≥ 3 doses) was 41.8% and 34.2%, respectively (p-values0.001). On multivariable analysis, ≥ 1 dose coverage, but not series completion, was higher (Risk Ratio 1.1, 95% CI=1.0-1.2, p-value=0.021) among high-risk compared to non-high risk adults. Other characteristics independently associated with a higher likelihood of HepB vaccination among persons 18-49 years included younger age groups, females, higher education, ≥ 2 physician contacts in the past year, ever tested for HIV, health care personnel, received influenza vaccination in the previous year, and ever received hepatitis A vaccination. Vaccine uptake with ≥ 1 dose increased by 5.1% (p=0.047) among high-risk adults between 2004 and 2009.A small increase in ≥ 1 dose HepB vaccination coverage among high-risk adults compared with non-high risk adults was documented for the first time in 2009. Higher coverage among persons 18-30 years may reflect aging of persons vaccinated when they were children and adolescents. To improve protection against hepatitis B among high-risk adults, healthcare providers should offer hepatitis B vaccination to persons at high risk and those who seek vaccination to protect themselves and facilitate timely completion of the three (3) dose HepB series.

Background The patient-centered HIV care model was developed to integrate community pharmacists with HIV clinical providers to deliver patient-centered HIV care. The project required 10 clinics to share, with their partnered community-based pharmacists, patients’ medical histories, laboratory results, and medications. Pharmacists reviewed the clinic data and worked directly with participants and/or their partnered clinics to make recommendations and discuss potential intervention strategies for identified therapy-related problems. Methods We calculated the proportion of persons virally suppressed ( Results With 765 persons enrolled, the plurality of those included in the analysis (n = 648) were non-Hispanic black (n = 286), male (n = 470), and had a median age of 49 years (IQR=38–56). Viral suppression improved 16.3% from 73.9% to 85.9%, pre- to postimplementation (P < 0.001). Persons who had higher modified PDC (OR 1.9 per category level; 95% CI 1.4–2.6), were currently employed (OR 4.1; 1.6–12.8), or age >50 years (OR 4.7; 2.1–11.8), had greater odds of being suppressed. Non-Hispanic black persons were less likely to be suppressed (OR 0.2; 0.1–0.6); however, viral suppression among this group improved from 62.5% to 77.6%, pre- to postimplementation (P < 0.001). Conclusion Collaborations between community pharmacists and HIV clinic providers that seek to identify and address HIV therapy-related problems can lead to improved viral suppression among persons living with HIV. Disclosures P. Clay, Jaguar Health, Inc.: Consultant and Speaker’s Bureau, Consulting fee and Speaker honorarium. Merck & Co., Inc.: Investigator, Research grant. A. Delpino, Walgreens: Employee and Shareholder, Salary.

BACKGROUND American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) have had documented outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection but, to our knowledge, no studies have examined MRSA infection among this population nationally. We describe MRSA-associated hospitalizations among the approximately 1.6 million AI/ANs who receive care at Indian Health Service health care facilities nationwide. METHODS We used hospital discharge data from the Indian Health Service National Patient Information Reporting System to determine the rate of MRSA-associated hospitalizations among AI/ANs who used Indian Health Service health care in 1996-2005 and in the comparison periods 1996-1998 and 2003-2005. Hospitalization rates among AI/ANs were examined by year, age group, sex, and region. MRSA-associated diagnoses were also examined. Rate comparisons were performed using Poisson regression analysis. Comparison of rates to those of the general United States population was made for 2003-2005 by means of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. RESULTS Between comparison periods, the rate of MRSA-associated hospitalization increased from 4.6 to 50.6 hospitalizations per 100,000 AI/ANs (P

Objective. Many people with diabetes have a variety of diabetes-related complications. Among the variety of conditions associated with diabetes, however, liver diseases are less well recognized. As such, we aimed to describe chronic liver disease (CLD)-associated hospitalization rates among U.S. adults with diabetes from 2001–2012. Methods. We used a nationally representative database of hospitalizations, the National Inpatient Sample, to determine CLD-associated hospitalization rates among U.S. adults aged ≥18 years with and without diabetes, from 2001–2012. Hospitalizations listing an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code for CLD on the discharge record were selected for analysis and were further classified by diabetes status based on concurrent presence of a diabetes ICD-9-CM code. We calculated average annual age-adjusted hospitalization rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and conducted a test for trend. Results. For 2001–2012, the total age-adjusted CLD-associated hospitalization rate among adults with diabetes (1,680.9 per 100,000 population; 95% CI 1,577.2, 1,784.6) was approximately four times the rate of adults without diabetes (424.2 per 100,000 population; 95% CI 413.4, 435.1). Total age-adjusted hospitalization rates of adults with and without diabetes increased 59% and 48%, respectively, from 2001–2002 to 2011–2012 ( pConclusion. Providers should be aware of the potential existence of CLD among adults with diabetes and counsel patients on preventive methods to avoid progressive liver damage.

Objectives. We compared chronic liver disease (CLD) mortality from 1999 to 2009 between American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) and Whites in the United States after improving CLD case ascertainment and AI/AN race classification. Methods. We defined CLD deaths and causes by comprehensive death certificate-based diagnostic codes. To improve race classification, we linked US mortality data to Indian Health Service enrollment records, and we restricted analyses to Contract Health Service Delivery Areas and to non-Hispanic populations. We calculated CLD death rates (per 100 000) in 6 geographic regions. We then described trends using linear modeling. Results. CLD mortality increased from 1999 to 2009 in AI/AN persons and Whites. Overall, the CLD death rate ratio (RR) of AI/AN individuals to Whites was 3.7 and varied by region. The RR was higher in women (4.7), those aged 25 to 44 years (7.4), persons residing in the Northern Plains (6.4), and persons dying of cirrhosis (4.0) versus hepatocellular carcinoma (2.5), particularly those aged 25 to 44 years (7.7). Conclusions. AI/AN persons had greater CLD mortality, particularly from premature cirrhosis, than Whites, with variable mortality by region. Comprehensive prevention and care strategies are urgently needed to stem the CLD epidemic among AI/AN individuals.

Objectives. We used race-corrected data and comprehensive diagnostic codes to better compare HIV and tuberculosis (TB) mortality from 1999 to 2009 between American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) and Whites. Methods. National Vital Statistics Surveillance System mortality data were adjusted for AI/AN racial misclassification through linkage with Indian Health Service registration records. We compared average annual 1990 to 2009 HIV and TB death rates (per 100 000 people) for AI/AN persons with those for Whites; Hispanics were excluded. Results. Although death rates from HIV in AI/AN persons were significantly lower than those in Whites from 1990 to 1998 (4.2 vs 7.0), they were significantly higher than those in Whites from 1999 to 2009 (3.6 vs 2.0). Death rates from TB in AI/AN persons were significantly higher than those in Whites, with a significant disparity during both 1990 to 1998 (3.3 vs 0.3) and 1999 to 2009 (1.5 vs 0.1). Conclusions. The decrease in death rates from HIV and TB was greater among Whites, and death rates remained significantly higher among AI/AN individuals. Public health interventions need to be prioritized to reduce the TB and HIV burden and mortality in AI/AN populations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccination for all children at age 1 year and for high-risk adults. The vaccine is highly effective; however, protection duration is unknown. We report HAV antibody concentrations 17 years after childhood immunization, demonstrating that protective antibody levels remain and have stabilized over the past 7 years.

OBJECTIVE To examine the cost-effectiveness of a hepatitis B vaccination program for unvaccinated adults with diagnosed diabetes in the U.S. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used a cost-effectiveness simulation model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of vaccinating adults 20–59 years of age with diagnosed diabetes not previously vaccinated for or infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV). The model estimated acute and chronic HBV infections, complications, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. Data sources included surveillance data, epidemiological studies, and vaccine prices. RESULTS With a 10% uptake rate, the intervention will vaccinate 528,047 people and prevent 4,271 acute and 256 chronic hepatitis B infections. Net health care costs will increase by $91.4 million, and 1,218 QALYs will be gained, producing a cost-effectiveness ratio of $75,094 per QALY gained. Results are most sensitive to age, the discount rate, the hepatitis B incidence ratio for people with diabetes, and hepatitis B infection rates. Cost-effectiveness ratios rise with age at vaccination; an alternative intervention that vaccinates adults with diabetes 60 years of age or older had a cost-effectiveness ratio of $2.7 million per QALY. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis B vaccination for adults with diabetes 20–59 years of age is modestly cost-effective. Vaccinating older adults with diabetes is not cost-effective. The study did not consider hepatitis outbreak investigation costs, and limited information exists on hepatitis progression among older adults with diabetes. Partly based on these results, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently recommended hepatitis B vaccination for people 20–59 years of age with diagnosed diabetes.

In this issue of Hepatology, Kowdley et al. estimate 3.45% or 1.23-1.42 million of all foreignborn persons in the United States, are living with hepatitis B, a rate more than 10-fold higher than the prevalence of the general US population (0.27%) (1). High rates of chronic hepatitis B among the U.S. foreign born reflect the large global burden of hepatitis B, 370 million persons around the world, and the migration to the United States from countries where prevalence of HBV is highest. More than 60% of new immigrants to the United States come from countries of increased hepatitis B endemicity (HBsAg prevalence of >2%). Most HBV-infected persons from these countries become infected at birth or during early childhood, when the risk for chronic HBV infection is greatest; 25% of persons with chronic HBV remain at risk of premature death from hepatitis B-related liver disease (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]) (2). In the United States, estimates of HBV prevalence are derived from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). However, this survey underrepresents some populations with high hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence. For example, NHANES data do not identify respondents born in most Asian or any African countries or report racial/ethnic categories that indicate origins in these countries (3,4). These limitations in data collection mask Page 1 of 8 Hepatology

Background Recent data suggest that adults with diabetes are at increased risk of incident hepatitis B infection and may suffer increased morbidity or mortality from chronic hepatitis B infection. In October 2011, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended hepatitis B vaccination (HepB) for persons with diabetes aged 19–59 years and stated that persons with diabetes aged 60 years and older should be considered for vaccination. Objective To determine HepB coverage among persons with diabetes aged ≥19 years prior to implementation of the new ACIP recommendation and to determine predictors for vaccination. Methods We used the 2009 National Health Interview Survey to determine weighted proportions of self-reported HepB coverage (≥1 and ≥3 doses) among persons with diabetes aged ≥19 years. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with vaccination. Results Overall, 19.5% (95% CI: 17.4–21.6%) and 16.6% (14.7–18.6%) of persons with diabetes, aged ≥19 years, reported receiving ≥1 and ≥3 doses of HepB, respectively, compared with 30.3% (29.4–31.3%) and 26.5% (25.5–27.4%) among persons without diabetes. While unadjusted HepB coverage was higher among persons without diabetes, diabetes status was not associated with ≥1 or ≥3 dose vaccination. Among persons with diabetes, being a healthcare provider (OR 4.2, 2.5–7.0), ever tested for HIV (OR 2.6, 1.8–3.6), high-risk behaviors (OR 1.8, 1.0–3.4, P -value = 0.053) and having some college education (OR 1.7, 1.2–2.4) were all independently associated with vaccination. Conclusion HepB coverage among persons with diabetes is low. These data can be used to provide a baseline for measuring future progress toward vaccination of persons with diabetes.

We analysed data from the 2009 National Immunization Survey to determine potential predictors of hepatitis A vaccination coverage among children aged 19-35 months. Overall national coverage was 75% for ≥1 dose. Residence in a state with hepatitis A vaccination recommendations prior to 2006, or in a metropolitan statistical area within such state, or being a minority child were among the variables independently associated with higher vaccination coverage. While hepatitis A vaccination coverage has improved since nationwide routine childhood vaccination began in 2006, coverage remains lower than that for other recommended childhood vaccines.

Reproductive and body size data from 169 populations of 146 species (56% of those recognized), 65 genera (75%), and 11 families (92%) of turtles were tabulated to test for latitudinal variation in egg and clutch size. Body-size-adjusted correlation analysis of all populations (as well as within most families) revealed (i) a significant negative relationship (r2 = 0.26) between latitude and egg size, (ii) a significant positive relationship (r2 = 0.21) between latitude and clutch size, and (iii) no relationship between latitude and clutch mass. Phylogenetic contrast analyses corroborated these patterns. Clutch size was also negatively correlated with egg size across all populations as well as within most families. We evaluate the applicability to turtles of hypotheses postulated to explain such latitudinal patterns for other vertebrate groups. The observed pattern may be the result of latitudinal variation in selection on egg size and (or) clutch size, as well as on the optimal trade-off between these two traits.