ABSTRACT: To identify disproportionate burden for lung and bronchus cancer incidence and mortality rates in Mississippi from 2008-2012. Lung and bronchus cancer remains a major public health burden in the United States and Mississippi. We examined data from 2008 to 2012 for lung cancer incidence and mortality rates by demographics (age, sex, race) and geographic (Public Health Districts, and urban/rural) characteristics to identify potential health disparities. Data were extracted from the Mississippi Cancer Registry (MCR). It represents age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 population to the 2000 U.S. standard population and 95% confidence intervals. During 2008-2012, 12,579 people (overall rate of 78.63 per 100,000) were diagnosed with lung cancer in Mississippi. Overall, Whites in urban areas had a higher incidence (80.9) rate and Blacks had a higher mortality (62.94) rate. Based on the findings of age, sex, race, and geographic disparities, it is suggested that there is a need for more effective community-based interventions and preventative measures for cultural sensitive groups to reduce the burden of lung cancer in Mississippi. It also helps to coordinate a more comprehensive approach for the control of cancer planning efforts.

ABSTRACT: Minorities with diabetes are at an increased risk for low quality care and access to resource utilization, specifically health insurance coverage which often determines access to health care. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between insurance coverage and diabetes preventive care after adjusting for patient, physician care, and contextual characteristics. Study used data from the 2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). Patients represented a weighted total of 20,741,963 (n=2,182). The dependent variables included five measures of the recommended components of diabetes preventive care: receipt of A1C test, retinal eye exam, foot care, blood cholesterol check, and flu vaccination. The independent variables consisted of sociodemographic, physician care, and contextual characteristics. Receipt of each of the diabetes quality and preventive care measures was strongly associated with insurance coverage. Insured individuals were more likely to receive treatment than uninsured. However, the impact of insurance coverage was attenuated after adjusting for individual, physician care, and contextual characteristics. Physician care was the strongest predictor of diabetes preventive care. Our study identified the importance of health insurance coverage on diabetes preventive care. Physician care and contextual factors made a significant impact in receipt of diabetes preventive care.

ABSTRACT:

The age-old traditional health care practices are still relevant and are followed by communities across the countries. India's contribution remains exemplary in the growth of traditional health care systems. The present study reviews the strength of traditional health care systems and medicinal plants of India that has been contributing in health care not only from time immemorial but also makes it numero uno choice of community for curing many chronic diseases. An extensive literature survey was undertaken for compilation of information on the traditional systems of medicine in India, which include Ayurveda, Unani, homeopathy and Siddha. The careful investigation of information reveals that Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine evolved in India. It is a holistic system of treatment, which is an amalgamation of regular diet, use of medicine and following practices like exercise and behavior. The contribution of plants, as raw material for making medical formulations, is significant in the Indian systems of medicine, and over 6,500 species of plants are known to occur in India those are used by various streams of traditional health care practitioners. Attempts made by the Government of India in enriching and managing these age-old health care systems are also discussed.

ABSTRACT:

The purpose of this paper is to compare the prevalence of abnormal cholesterol in children, adolescent and adults in the United States. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey (NHANES) for 2011-2014 were obtained for the comparison. A t test statistical analysis was conducted at a significant level of p<0.05 to check for differences in the groups. The results of high total cholesterol and low high density lipoprotein (HDL) were compared in children, adolescent and adults according to race, sex and ethnicity. A total of 27.9% of men had low level of HDL cholesterol, 10% of women had low HDL,13.4% of children and adolescent had low level of HDL. Boys had low HDL (14.8%) while girls had 12%. The non-Hispanic black adults with elevated total high cholesterol was 8.6%, non-Hispanic white (12.5%), Hispanic adults (13.1%) while non-Hispanic black children and adolescent had elevated total high cholesterol, the non-Hispanic white and Hispanic adolescent and children had low total high cholesterol. The level of low HDL cholesterol was higher in children, adolescent and adult male population, the high total cholesterol was higher in the female children, adolescent and adults.

ABSTRACT:

Mental illness is prevalent among the homeless population and the rate of mentally ill homeless individuals has increased since deinstitutionalization. There is little information about homeless population mental health and access to mental healthcare. This study sought to describe the mental health status and utilization of mental healthcare services among homeless individuals in Mississippi. This is a cross-sectional study with 3,375 adults participants. There were 58% males, 42% females, 45% Caucasian, 54% African Americans, and 1% other minorities (Asian, Indian, and Pacific Islander) at intake into Mississippi United to End Homelessness' (MUTEH) Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) program. The data was collected during the initial screening of homeless individuals. The screening documented mental illness and utilization of healthcare. Frequency tables and Chi-SQ was used to test the relationship between mental illness and utilization of mental healthcare among the homeless in Mississippi. The result of the analysis revealed that 83% of the chronically homeless individual had a mental illness, and 78% of the chronically homeless participants were not receiving mental healthcare. Mental health services were successful in connecting mentally ill homeless individuals to mental healthcare in lieu of institutionalization. However, chronically homeless mentally ill individuals struggle with obtaining appropriate care.