ABSTRACT
Human trafficking is the intentional exploitation of vulnerable individuals for the personal gain of the exploiter and is now recognized as an emerging public health care priority. Health care providers are well positioned to identify and assist trafficked individuals as well as those who may be at risk for exploitation. Trauma informed care is essential to identify victims and evaluate the impact of traumatic stress while highlighting survivors' strengths and supporting their resiliency. Human trafficking demographics, including mental and physical health problems, health considerations, risk factors, screening, implications for practice, and national resources, are reviewed.
Subject(s)
Delivery of Health Care , Evidence-Based Medicine , Human Trafficking/statistics & numerical data , Survivors/psychology , Adult , Child , Health Personnel , Human Trafficking/psychology , Humans , Mental Health Services , Public HealthABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Childhood obesity prevalence is highest among low-income, Hispanic, and Black children. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using motivational interviewing (MI) with home visits and the 5-2-1-0 Let's Go! program to improve health behaviors in children. Desirable health behaviors include daily consuming five servings of fruits or vegetables, limiting recreational screen time to 2 hours, exercising for 1 hour, and avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages. METHOD: Of 68 predominantly Hispanic/Latino participants from three clinic sites, 35 completed the study. One site provided usual care (UC). MI was conducted by a nurse practitioner, reinforced with home or clinic visits. Survey and biometric data were obtained three times over 6 months. Analyses included mean difference of behaviors, and matched pairs t test of initial and final visit behaviors. RESULTS: Health behavior trends improved in both the MI and UC groups; however, more improvement was evident in the MI group. Home visits were appreciated but challenging as the social context of immigration law in 2017 had an unanticipated effect on the study. CONCLUSIONS: MI and clinician reinforcement of healthy behaviors may be beneficial for children and families. Home visits cannot be recommended in the undocumented immigrant population at this time.
Subject(s)
Child Behavior/psychology , Health Promotion/methods , Hispanic or Latino/statistics & numerical data , Motivational Interviewing/methods , Pediatric Obesity/psychology , Pediatric Obesity/therapy , Adolescent , Child , Child, Preschool , Diet/methods , Diet/psychology , Exercise/psychology , Feasibility Studies , Female , Health Behavior , Hispanic or Latino/psychology , House Calls , Humans , Male , Pilot Projects , Screen TimeABSTRACT
The prevalence of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infection, and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection overall, has dramatically increased in the past 10 years. Children and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) are disproportionately affected by CA-MRSA infection. The purpose of this case-control study was to identify risk factors for CA-S. aureus skin infections in children of Maui, Hawai'i, as a foundation for reducing the transmission of these infections. Survey data were obtained from patients in pediatric clinician offices over an 8-month period. NHPI participants were well-represented as 58% of cases and 54% of controls. Chi-square analysis and logistic regression were used to identify risk factors. Significant risk factors predictive of infection among all participants were (a) skin abrasions or wounds, (b) household contact, and (c) overweight or obesity. Risk factors predictive of infection among NHPI were (a) skin abrasions or wounds, (b) antibiotic use within 6 months, (c) overweight or obesity, and (d) a history of eczema or other skin disorder. The role of overweight or obesity in S. aureus skin infections among NHPI has not been identified in previous research and indicates a focus for additional education. Further research is needed to better understand the role of eczema, antibiotic use, overweight and obesity, and socio-cultural factors in these infections.
