Costs and resource needs for primary health care in Ethiopia: evidence to inform planning and budgeting for universal health coverage.

Introduction: The Government of Ethiopia (GoE) has made significant progress in expanding access to primary health care (PHC) over the past 15 years. However, achieving national PHC targets for universal health coverage will require a significant increase in PHC financing. The purpose of this study was to generate cost evidence and provide recommendations to improve PHC efficiency.

Correlates of e-cigarette ad awareness and likeability in U.S. young adults.

Background: Awareness and use of electronic cigarettes has rapidly increased among U.S. adults.

Computational Models Used to Assess US Tobacco Control Policies.

Introduction: Simulation models can be used to evaluate existing and potential tobacco control interventions, including policies. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize evidence from computational models used to project population-level effects of tobacco control interventions. We provide recommendations to strengthen simulation models that evaluate tobacco control interventions.

Validity of a Subjective Financial Situation Measure to Assess Socioeconomic Status in US Young Adults.

Purpose: Young adulthood is an important period for preventing the establishment of negative health behaviors that can influence trajectories to chronic disease and early death. Given the evolving nature of educational attainment and income variation during this developmental period, identifying indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) remains a challenge. This study examines measures of subjective and objective indicators of SES to predict health risk for young adults.

Medical costs and quality-adjusted life years associated with smoking: a systematic review.

Background: Estimated medical costs ("T") and QALYs ("Q") associated with smoking are frequently used in cost-utility analyses of tobacco control interventions. The goal of this study was to understand how researchers have addressed the methodological challenges involved in estimating these parameters.

Methods: Data were collected as part of a systematic review of tobacco modeling studies.

Direct-to-Consumer Marketing of Cigar Products in the United States.

Introduction: Although cigar use and sales have increased in the United States over the past decade, little is known about how these products are promoted. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising is a common method used to promote tobacco products and may be a potential channel through which cigars are advertised.

Methods: Comperemedia (Mintel) was used to acquire opt-in direct mail and email advertising for the top 10 cigar brands in the United States between January 2013 and July 2014.

Electronic nicotine delivery devices, and their impact on health and patterns of tobacco use: a systematic review protocol.

Introduction: E-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have recently attracted considerable attention. Among some individuals there is strong debate and a polarisation of views about the public health benefits versus harms of ENDS. With little regulation, the ENDS market is evolving, and new products are introduced and marketed constantly.

Development assistance for neglected tropical diseases: progress since 2009.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) is an umbrella term for a diverse group of debilitating infections that represent the most common afflictions for 2.7 billion people living on less than US$2 per day. Major efforts have recently re-focused attention on NTDs, including structured advocacy by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, technical and political support by WHO and large-scale drug donation programs by pharmaceutical companies.