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Biomedical subjects

L F Novick

Publications and source records attributed to L F Novick.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

New York State HIV seroprevalence project: goals, windows, and policy consideration.

In the summer of 1987, the New York State Department of Health embarked on an extensive effort to determine the prevalence of trends of HIV infection in the state. Sero-surveillance for antibody to HIV was undertaken by blind testing of available blood samples. Six populations were selected as windows on the epidemic: newborns, homeless adolescents, prisoners, and clients of family planning, STD, and drug treatment clinics. Testing of all newborns in New York State began in December 1987, and all six study windows were operational by June 1988. As of March 1990 blind testing for HIV antibody had been performed on more than 725,000 blood specimens in these six studies. Collectively these seroprevalence activities are providing invaluable information and impetus to preventive actions and public policy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1991

Newborn seroprevalence study: methods and results.

For the 28-month period, November 30, 1987 through March 31, 1990, 653,117 blood specimens obtained on all newborn infants in New York State for detection of metabolic disorders were also analyzed for HIV serologic status. The overall seroprevalence rate was 0.66 percent: 1.24 percent in New York City and 0.17 percent in New York State exclusive of New York City. Rates of seropositivity were highest in the Bronx (1.72 percent) and Manhattan (1.59 percent). Outside of New York City, HIV seropositivity was concentrated in certain areas. Sixty-four zip codes with two or more seropositives and an HIV seroprevalence rate twice the average outside of New York City contained 65 percent of the HIV seropositives but only 16 percent of the newborns tested. Newborn seropositivity increased with maternal age. In New York City, the seroprevalence rates increased from 0.16 percent (1 in 624) for 14-year-olds to 1.41 percent (1 in 71) for 24-year-olds, a ninefold rise. This survey has provided the impetus for a number of preventive initiatives.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Geographic distribution of newborn HIV seroprevalence in relation to four sociodemographic variables.

The geographic distribution of newborn human immunodeficiency virus seroprevalence at zip code level was compared with the distribution of four sociodemographic variables. For New York City significant univariate correlations were found between HIV and low birthweight, drug use (as measured by hospital discharges), maternal education less than 12 years, and race/ethnicity. Less significant correlations were found for New York State exclusive of New York City. For New York City a model comprising low birthweight and all drug discharges was shown by multiple regression analysis to be most strongly associated with HIV status (r2 = .77). Elsewhere a model comprising race/ethnicity (percent Black, percent Hispanic) and cocaine drug discharges had the best, but less strong association (r2 = .39). However, because of intercorrelations, race/ethnicity added little when the other variables were included first. Knowledge of the geographic association between HIV seroprevalence and sociodemographic status can be useful in designing and focusing prevention efforts in areas at highest risk for future HIV/AIDS activity.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1991

HIV seroprevalence in clients of sentinel family planning clinics.

In February 1988 the New York State Department of Health initiated a study to determine the prevalence of HIV antibody in women attending selected, publicly subsidized family planning clinics. During a 26-month study period, 27,549 blood specimens were obtained from women having an initial medical examination in 41 clinic sites throughout the state. Of these clients 144 (0.52 percent) were seropositive. The HIV seroprevalence rate increased with age to a high of 1.56 percent for 831 women ages 35 to 39. The seroprevalence rate for non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic clients (0.76 percent) was about six times the rate for non-Hispanic Whites (0.13 percent). No overall increasing or decreasing trend in prevalence of HIV infection was detected during the study period.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Hospitalization of HIV-seropositive newborns with AIDS-related disease within the first year of life.

The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of HIV-seropositive newborns hospitalized for an AIDS-related diagnosis within 12 months of birth and to characterize these hospitalizations. The number of HIV-seropositive infants born December 1987 through June 1988 was derived from the blinded New York State Newborn HIV Seroprevalence Study. The number of infants who were born in these same months and hospitalized with an ARD within 12 months of birth was obtained from a data base containing information on all hospital discharges in New York State. Comparisons were made on the basis of month of birth. Of infants born during the study period, 995 tested positive for HIV antibody, and 151 infants (15 percent) were hospitalized with an ARD within 12 months of birth. The 151 ARD cases had a total of 240 hospitalizations, accounting for 5,772 patient days. Fifty-six percent of the ARD cases were diagnosed within six months of birth.

AIDS-Related Complex↗
PubMed1991

HIV seroprevalence in a facility for runaway and homeless adolescents.

In October 1987, the New York State Department of Health initiated a study to determine the prevalence of antibody to HIV in clients of a facility for runaway and homeless adolescents in New York City. A risk-assessment component was added in May 1988. As of December 1989, a total of 2,667 adolescents had been tested, and 142 (5.3 percent) were found to be HIV-seropositive (males 6.0 percent, females 4.2 percent). The seroprevalence rate increased from 1.3 percent for 15-year-olds to 8.6 percent for 20-year-olds. Hispanics had the highest seroprevalence rate (6.8 percent), followed by non-Hispanic Whites (6.0 percent) and non-Hispanic Blacks (4.6 percent). HIV seropositivity was associated with intravenous drug use, male homosexual/bisexual activity, prostitution, and history of another sexually transmitted disease. The alarmingly high prevalence of HIV infection in this selected population illustrates the immediate need for prevention programs for adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

HIV seroprevalence surveys: impetus for preventive activities.

Seroprevalence determinations of human immunodeficiency virus are essential for design and implementation of preventive strategies. By demonstrating the severity of HIV infections within communities, New York State surveys have spurred preventive interventions, including information to the public and health care providers and increased counseling and testing of women of reproductive age. In high-prevalence areas the community health workers have been employed in preventive activities. Specific information has been provided to county health departments on zip code areas with high HIV seroprevalence rates. Serosurveys revealed that the magnitude of HIV infection in adolescents is much larger than indicated by case reports. Various seroprevalence studies confirmed higher rates of infection with increasing age and minority status and a strong association with intravenous drug use. Combining data provided by seroprevalence studies in a given community enables planners to assess the extent of infection in that community and in groups important to transmission of the virus.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1989

An outbreak of syphilis on an Indian reservation: descriptive epidemiology and disease-control measures.

From January 1983 through January 1985, 88 cases of early adult syphilis and five cases of congenital syphilis were identified among residents of a southwestern Indian reservation. The male-to-female ratio of primary and secondary syphilis cases was 1.7: 1; over 90 per cent of women were of childbearing age. Using community health workers to determine the social circles of infected persons was effective in identifying persons at risk; treatment of partners of infected persons prior to development of seroreactivity contributed to the successful control of this outbreak.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Comparison of complication rates in first trimester abortions performed by physician assistants and physicians.

The outcomes of 2,458 first trimester abortions performed in a freestanding clinic in Vermont were studied. Procedures were performed by physician assistants and by physicians. Demographic information, medical history, and data relevant to the abortion were recorded. Both immediate and delayed (up to four weeks post-abortion) complications were noted. Direct follow-up four weeks after the procedure by clinic visit, letter, or telephone contact was achieved for 96 per cent all patients. An overall rate of 29.1 complications per 1,000 procedures was observed, with a rate of 27.4 for abortions performed by physician assistants and 30.8 for physicians. The incidence of immediate complications was 6.1 per 1,000 procedures; delayed complication incidence was 23.2 per 1,000 procedures. Overall complication rates varied according to operative procedure used.

Abortion, Incomplete↗
PubMed1985

The Vermont health risk survey and the design of community wide preventive health programs.

A Vermont health risk survey was performed to gain information on health knowledge and behaviors of the population. Telephone interviews with 1,594 individuals ascertained respondents' demographic characteristics, preventive health behaviors, and health knowledge. Risk prevalence was obtained on five health risks: alcohol (12%), smoking (33%), lack of exercise (70%), overweight (39%), and non-use of seatbelts (86%). Low income, less education, and blue collar occupation status were associated with increased risks of smoking, lack of exercise, and non-use of seatbelts. Increased prevalence of certain risks are associated with the 18-24 year old age group; 32% of those males reported an alcohol risk and 94% reported non-use of seatbelts. Combined risk scores were increased in groups with low income, less education, and blue collar occupations. These variations in health behaviors by social group were not explained by differences in health knowledge. Design of primary prevention activities needs to be community wide, utilize information on the epidemiology of health behaviors, influence diverse community groups and intervene before risk behaviors are established.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Legionnaires' disease: the epidemiology of two outbreaks in Burlington, Vermont, 1980.

Eighty-five cases of Legionnaires' disease were diagnosed in two major outbreaks at a large regional medical center in Burlington, Vermont, in the summer of 1980. Cases in both outbreaks were positive for Legionella pneumophila, serogroup 1 by culture, serology, or direct fluorescent antibody tests. All cases had spent time in the city of Burlington in the 10 days before the onset of symptoms. Cases in both outbreaks were both hospital- and community-acquired. A case-control study identified no common in-hospital exposure, including shower use, that was associated with illness. Cases without previous exposure to the hospital were more likely to occur in persons with residences in neighborhoods just downwind of cooling tower A, but not throughout the municipal water system. Epidemiologic and environmental studies supported the association of this cooling tower, located 150 m from the hospital, with both outbreaks. Maintenance employees who worked with tower A had higher Legionella titers than those who worked with a comparison tower located 1.6 km away. Aerosolization of L. pneumophila by tower A and airborne spread to the hospital and community are postulated. The distance of airborne transmission of L. pneumophila in these consecutive outbreaks is greater than previously reported.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed1984

Pontiac fever associated with a whirlpool spa.

In March 1981, an outbreak of 34 cases of Pontiac fever occurred among 74 members of a social club who visited an inn in south-central Vermont. Environmental and epidemiologic investigations were done to identify the causes of the illness. The outbreak of Pontiac fever was most likely caused by L. pneumophila, serogroup 6, which was identified in a whirlpool spa at the inn. This is the first reported instance of an outbreak of Pontiac fever associated with a whirlpool spa.

Adult↗