Differences in Self-Reported Stress Versus Hair and Nail Cortisol Among Adolescent and Young Adult Males.

Background: Chronic stress causes harmful physiological responses that yield increased inflammation and subsequent health conditions. Stress is an important measure among minoritized populations who face social situations that predispose risk to developing mental health problems. Hair and fingernail cortisol have been studied as retrospective measures of chronic stress and to demonstrate biological response to social situations.

Understanding Physical Activity Determinants in an HIV Self-Management Intervention: Qualitative Analysis Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior.

Background: People living with HIV have long life expectancy and are experiencing more comorbid conditions, being at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes, further exacerbated due to the HIV or inflammatory process. One effective intervention shown to decrease mortality and improve health outcomes related to CVD and diabetes in people living with HIV is increased regular physical activity. However, people living with HIV often fall short of the daily recommended physical activity levels.

Integrating Contact Tracers Into Point-of-Care Testing Workflow to Accelerate the Tracing of People With Exposure to COVID-19, August-December 2020, New York City.

Objectives: We assessed the timeliness of contact tracing following rapid-positive COVID-19 test result at point-of-care testing (POCT) sites in New York City (NYC).

Design: Interviewed case-patients to elicit exposed contacts and conducted COVID-19 exposure notifications.

Settings: Twenty-two COVID-19 POCT sites in NYC, the 2 NYC international airports, and 1 ferry terminal.

A Cross-sectional Study of Perceived Stress and Racial Discrimination Among a National Sample of Young Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Research regarding the impact of racism on stress among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) is sparse. Secondary data were assessed from a 2018-2020 national mHealth prevention trial for YMSM aged 13-18 years (N = 542). Linear regression models examined associations between perceived stress and interpersonal and vicarious racism, adjusting for covariates.

Are State-Level HIV Testing Policies for Minors Associated With HIV Testing Behavior and Awareness of Home-Based HIV Testing in Young Men Who Have Sex With Men?

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine whether state-level policies that restrict minors' access to confidential HIV testing without parental consent may suppress HIV testing in young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the United States.

Methods: Secondary data from a national HIV prevention trial among YMSM aged 13-17 years (N= 612) were analyzed to evaluate the association between living in a state with restrictive HIV testing policies for minors and HIV testing behavior, awareness of home-based HIV testing, and confidential interactions with a physician. Multilevel logistic regression models were adjusted for age, parents' education level, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, being sexually experienced, and health literacy of medical forms and controlled for clustering by state.

Risk-taking behaviors in adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM): An association between homophobic victimization and alcohol consumption.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether homophobic victimization was associated with alcohol consumption and riding with an intoxicated driver or driving a car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs among adolescent men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods: Cross-sectional analysis used baseline data from a national HIV prevention trial (NCT03167606) for adolescent MSM aged 13-18 years (N = 747). Multivariable logistic regression models assessed associations between homophobic victimization (independent variable) and alcohol-related outcomes (dependent variables), controlling for age, parents' education level, sexual orientation, health literacy, race, and ethnicity.

Common mental disorders and intimate partner violence against pregnant women living with HIV in Cameroon: a cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Women living with HIV are at increased risk of poor mental health and intimate partner violence (IPV). Mental health disorders have been consistently associated with suboptimal HIV-related outcomes. Little is known about the prevalence or correlates of mental health disorders among pregnant women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa.

The syndemic effects of mental ill health, household hunger, and intimate partner violence on adherence to antiretroviral therapy among pregnant women living with HIV in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Background: This research advances understanding of interrelationships among three barriers to adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant women living with HIV (WLWH) in Cameroon: probable common mental disorders (CMD), intimate partner violence (IPV), and hunger.

Methods: The sample included 220 pregnant WLWH in Cameroon. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was conducted to assess the relationship between IPV, hunger, and CMD on ART adherence.

Mental health outcomes among Arab refugees, immigrants, and U.S. born Arab Americans in Southeast Michigan: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Arab refugees and immigrants living in the United States may be exposed to political, economic, social, and environmental stressors that may affect their mental health. Yet, little is known regarding mental health outcomes among Arab Americans. The purpose of this study was to measure depression and anxiety levels among Arabs in Southeast Michigan and determine whether these levels differ by resident status: refugee, immigrant, or U.

The legacy of redlining in the effect of foreclosures on Detroit residents' self-rated health.

Historical practices, such as housing discrimination in Detroit, have been shown to have lasting impacts on communities. Perhaps the most explicit example is the practice of redlining in the 1930s, whereby lenders outlined financially undesirable neighborhoods, populated by minority families, on maps and prevented residents from moving to better resourced neighborhoods. Awareness of historical housing discrimination may improve research assessing the impacts of current neighborhood characteristics on health.

Deaths From Pneumonia-New York City, 1999-2015.

Background: "Pneumonia and influenza" are the third leading cause of death in New York City. Since 2012, pneumonia and influenza have been the only infectious diseases listed among the 10 leading causes of death in NYC. Most pneumonia and influenza deaths in NYC list pneumonia as the underlying cause of death, not influenza.

Perceived Racial/Ethnic Discrimination and Mental Health: a Review and Future Directions for Social Epidemiology.

Purpose Of Review: Recent literature on racial or ethnic discrimination and mental health was reviewed to assess the current science and identify key areas of emphasis for social epidemiology. Objectives of this review were to: 1) Determine whether there have been advancements in the measurement and analysis of perceived discrimination; 2) Identify the use of theories and/or frameworks in perceived discrimination and mental health research; and 3) Assess the extent to which stress buffers are being considered and evaluated in the existing literature.

Recent Findings: Metrics and analytic approaches used to assess discrimination remain largely unchanged.

Social Determinants of Influenza Illness and Outbreaks in the United States.

Social determinants-such as education, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, access to health care services and vaccination, neighborhood-level stressors, and workplace or school policies-can impact influenza illness and outbreaks in the United States. To reduce transmission and disparities in influenza infection, policies should focus on removing existing vaccination barriers and supporting equitable social policies.