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Biomedical subjects

L M Sanderson

Publications and source records attributed to L M Sanderson.

13 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Cancer screening behaviors among U.S. women: breast cancer, 1987-1989, and cervical cancer, 1988-1989.

Data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) were used to examine trends in breast and cervical cancer screening behaviors among U.S. women in selected states. Data reported are from the 1987, 1988, and 1989 BRFSS for breast cancer screening (mammography) and from the 1988 and 1989 BRFSS for cervical cancer screening (Papanicolaou [Pap] smear). Results are presented as either state-specific or state-aggregate data for the years noted above. State-specific analyses indicated that self-reported mammography utilization increased between 1987 and 1989. Although whites and blacks reported similar mammography utilization rates both for screening and for a current or previous breast problem, disparities were evident among women of different ages and incomes. The proportion of women who reported ever having had a Pap smear and having heard of a Pap smear were extremely high and remained fairly consistent across the 2 survey years. State-aggregate analyses, however, showed that the percentage of women who had had a Pap smear within the previous year was negatively associated with age and positively associated with income. A higher proportion of blacks than whites obtained Pap smears. These results indicate that certain segments of the population are not taking full advantage of available breast and cervical cancer screening technologies. Public health strategies, such as those outlined in the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990 (Public Law 101-354), should enhance screening opportunities for these women.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Behavioral risk factor surveillance, 1986-1990.

Since 1984, an increasing number of states (including the District of Columbia) have participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This report provides state-specific estimates of the prevalence of selected health-risk behaviors for the years 1986 through 1990. Apparent trends and progress toward several of the year 2000 national health objectives are discussed, both for the entire adult population (persons ages greater than or equal to 18 years) and selected high-risk demographic subgroups. Now that BRFSS includes 45 states and covers over 90% of the nation's adult population, it can be used both as a measure of state-specific risk factor prevalence and an indicator of national trends.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

An epidemiological description of lightning-related deaths in the United States.

To better quantify and update the health impact of lightning and to compare potential sources of information, we reviewed data from the National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) database for 1968 through 1985 and from the North Carolina Medical Examiner (NCME) computerized database for 1972 through 1984. We epidemiologically characterized all lightning-related deaths identified in these databases. Results of our analysis are presented together with previously published information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In the US, Wyoming has the highest average annual lightning-related death rate (0.196/100,000), whereas Florida has the largest cumulative incidence of deaths (200) for this 18-year period. Death rates are the highest for males and for people 10-19 years old. There is a tendency toward a slight, but steady, decrease in the yearly incidence of lightning-related deaths. One-third of the fatalities are job-related. Both the NCHS and NCME databases are limited in describing the circumstances and aetiologies of these deaths.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance, 1988.

In 1988, 36 states (including the District of Columbia) participated in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). This report provides state-specific estimates of the prevalence of certain health-risk behaviors and of the delivery of clinical preventive services as measured by the BRFSS during 1988. Because estimates vary considerably from state to state, national estimates are not always suitable for states to use in planning local programs. Therefore, the BRFSS will continue to provide state-specific data about health behaviors and the use of preventive health services. These data can be used to monitor trends in health behaviors that affect the burden of chronic diseases in the United States and to assess progress toward the year 2000 objectives for the nation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

The role of the epidemiologist in natural disasters.

Natural disasters continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Natural disaster epidemiology has led not only to the scientific measurement and description of disaster-associated health effects, but also to strategies for preventing adverse health consequences and improving post-impact health care delivery. Results of epidemiologic studies of natural disasters provide clues to diagnosis, help medical care providers match resources to needs, and permit better contingency planning. Well-documented medical records are an essential resource for disaster epidemiologists. Cooperation between health care personnel and epidemiologists can help lessen the public health impacts of natural disasters.

Disasters↗
PubMed1984

Assessment of workers' compensation claims for back strains/sprains.

Workers' compensation claim data for 1979 obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Supplementary Data System (SDS) were utilized to examine the demographic and occupational incidence of back strains/sprains among U.S. industrial employees covered by state compensation systems. These data were combined with estimated employment figures to provide incidence ratios, which allowed better approximations of industry- and occupation-specific risk. Industries found to have the largest incidence ratios were construction (1.6 claims/100 workers) and mining (1.5 claims/100 workers). Occupations with the largest ratios were miscellaneous laborers (12.3 claims/100 workers) and garbage collectors (11.1 claims/100 workers). The 285,468 compensation claims due to back strains/sprains filed in the 26 SDS states in 1979 suggest that back injuries continue to be a large and costly problem for U.S. workers and their employers.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Maternal exposure to trichloroethylene in drinking water and birth-weight outcomes.

An ecological epidemiological study was conducted with data obtained from an environmental dose-reconstruction study and the Arizona Birth Information Tapes. Before 1981, a portion of the city of Tucson water-distribution system was contaminated with trichloroethylene (i.e., < 5 micrograms per liter of water to 107 micrograms per liter of water). Target and comparison populations were selected with a Geographic Information System. Logistical-regression analysis revealed an association between maternal exposure to trichloroethylene via drinking water and very-low-birth-weight babies (i.e., < 1,501 grams) (odds ratio = 3.3; 95% confidence interval = 0.5, 20.6; and Wald chi-square p value = 0.2). No association was found between maternal exposure to trichloroethylene via drinking water and low birth weight or full-term low-birth-weight infants (gestational period > 35 wk and < 46 wk).

Arizona↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The 1987 forest fire disaster in California: assessment of emergency room visits.

During a 5-d period that commenced on August 30, 1987, dry lightning strikes ignited more than 1,500 fires that destroyed in excess of 600,000 acres of California forests. To evaluate the public health impact of the smoke on the general population, all hospital emergency rooms located in the six counties most severely affected by smoke or fire were surveyed. Selected hospital information was abstracted for a 2 1/2-wk period during the fires and during two reference periods. During the period of major forest fire activity, visits of persons with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increased in number (observed/expected ratios of 1.4 and 1.3, respectively), as did visits of persons with sinusitis, upper respiratory infections, and laryngitis. A few patients with acute respiratory or eye irritation also visited the emergency rooms. Even recognizing the limited sensitivity of emergency room surveys, the overall public health impact was relatively modest. The increased respiratory morbidity detected in this survey, however, supports the notion that persons with pre-existing respiratory disease represent a sensitive subpopulation, who should be targeted for purposes of public health intervention when exposure to forest fire smoke is likely.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Acute health effects in a community after a release of hydrofluoric acid.

Approximately 3,000 persons were evacuated from a Texas community after 24,036 kg (53,000 lb) of caustic hydrofluoric acid (HF) were released from a nearby petrochemical plant. Emergency room and hospital records of 939 persons who were seen at two area hospitals were reviewed. Most persons who presented at the emergency rooms were female (56%) or black (60%), and their mean age was 33.9 y. The most frequently reported symptoms were eye irritation (41.5%), burning throat (21%), headache (20.6%), and shortness of breath (19.4%). Physical examination results were normal for 49% of the cases; however, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs were noted on other exams. Decreased pulmonary function was demonstrated by pulmonary function tests (forced expiratory volume in the first second, less than 80% of predicted value, 42.3%); hypoxemia (pO2 less than 80 mm Hg, 17.4%) and hypocalcemia (less than 8.5 mg/dl, 16.3%) were also noted. Ninety-four (10%) of the cases were hospitalized, and more than 83% of all cases were discharged with a primary diagnosis of "HF exposure." There are several reports of individuals who are acutely and chronically exposed to HF; however, we are unaware of other published reports that describe exposure of a community to HF. This incident represented a unique opportunity to study the immediate health impact on a community of residents who were exposed to a hazardous materials release. Results of this analysis suggest that (a) initial health problems should be followed up, (b) any long-term health effects of HF exposure must be assessed, and (c) the health impact on the population at risk should be determined.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Lightning-related mortality and morbidity in Florida.

Cases of lightning-related deaths and injuries that occurred in Florida in 1978-87 were reviewed to determine the factors involved, to quantify the morbidity and mortality related to lightning strikes, and to describe epidemiologically the injuries and circumstances involved. Statewide information on deaths was obtained from death certificates, autopsy reports, and investigative reports. Information about morbidity was obtained from the Florida Hospital Cost Containment Board data base and the National Climatic Data Center data base for all Florida counties, as well as from hospitals in selected counties. Lightning-related deaths totaled 101 in Florida during the period 1978-87, an annual average of 10.1. Eight percent of the victims were from other States. The overall yearly death rate for State residents was 0.09 per 100,000 population, with the highest rate being that for men aged 15-19 years, 0.38 per 100,000. Thirteen percent of victims were females. The ratio of lightning-related injuries to deaths in Florida was estimated at about four to one. Thirty percent of all deaths were occupationally related. The first strikes of lightning from a thunderstorm may be the most dangerous, not in terms of impact, but because of the element of surprise. During thunderstorms, people may seek shelter under isolated trees because they believe erroneously that a tree offers protection from lightning, or perhaps because their top priority is to escape from rain rather than lightning. People may not seek adequate shelter during thunderstorms because they do not know the dangers of remaining outdoors or their judgment is impaired by drugs or alcohol.

Adolescent↗