Public Health最新文献

{"title":"No safe space: Impact of cumulative disadvantage of adversity in the home and exclusion from school on victimisation and offending behaviour within a justice-involved youth sample","authors":"Nadia Butler ,&nbsp;Charley Wilson ,&nbsp;Zara Quigg ,&nbsp;Ellie McCoy ,&nbsp;Tom Dooks ,&nbsp;Andrew Davies","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Youth violence is a serious public health and criminological issue, with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and school exclusions identified as key risk factors. This study sought to determine the relative impacts of ACEs and school exclusions on youth offending behaviour.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Cross-sectional study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Analysis of data from a youth justice cohort (N = 214) was undertaken. Analyses explored the relative contribution of ACEs and multiple school exclusions to various outcomes (i.e. youth violence perpetration, child to parent/caregiver violence (CAPVA), child criminal exploitation (CCE), county lines (CL), and risk of re-offending).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ACEs and multiple school exclusions were significantly associated (p &lt; 0.05); 98.2 % of those with multiple school exclusions had at least 1 ACE, and 55.4 % experienced 4+ ACEs. Adjusted prevalence of CCE and CL was highest when there were 4+ ACEs and multiple school exclusions. Adjusted prevalence of youth violence was highest amongst those with multiple school exclusions regardless of number of ACEs. Only those with 4+ ACEs and multiple school exclusions had significantly higher odds of CAPVA compared to those with no ACEs or multiple exclusions. Risk of re-offending was associated with having either ACEs and/or multiple school exclusions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Prevalence of ACEs and multiple school exclusions were substantially higher in the current youth justice cohort compared to national figures in general population samples. Findings from the current study showed that ACEs and school exclusions have different relative contributions to offending and victimisation outcomes. ACEs and school exclusion are preventable risk factors for youth offending and current study findings emphasise the need to address both factors to prevent and reduce youth offending, and achieve positive outcomes for children, and wider benefits for local communities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106117"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145821757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of colorectal cancer screening on healthcare use: A prospective cohort study with quasi-randomised screening invitation","authors":"Emma Grundtvig Gram ,&nbsp;Volkert Siersma ,&nbsp;John Brandt Brodersen ,&nbsp;Dagny Ros Nicolaisdottir ,&nbsp;Jessica á Rogvi","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106113","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106113","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study examines the association between participation in colorectal cancer screening and subsequent secondary healthcare use.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>A prospective cohort study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Exposure was based on a quasi-randomised screening implementation, with a 24-month follow-up. Outcomes included out-of-hospital specialist visits, hospitalisation, outpatient clinic visits, emergency room visits, colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies, and prescription drugs. We employed a two-step model to estimate the relative risk and incidence-rate ratio of healthcare use, adjusted for baseline healthcare usage over the past decade and relevant socioeconomic factors. The results were stratified by screening results.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Individuals with negative screenings were more likely to consult out-of-hospital specialists compared with a screening-naive control group. All screening groups had higher risk of hospitalisation, higher risk of using outpatient and emergency services, and higher risk of redeeming prescription drugs compared with the control group. Among those that used the respective services, it did not seem that screening groups had more visits or uses compared with the control group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We observed an increase in healthcare use following colorectal cancer screening, suggesting that screening participants are referred more to secondary healthcare services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106113"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145885053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology and control of human immunodeficiency and hepatitis C virus in Spanish prisons over the last 30 years: Towards the achievement of sustainable development goals","authors":"Victoria Hernando ,&nbsp;Catarina Filipe Santos ,&nbsp;Natalia Cuenca ,&nbsp;Julia del Amo ,&nbsp;Asuncion Diaz ,&nbsp;Enrique Acín ,&nbsp;Carmen Martinez-Aznar","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106097","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106097","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Our aims were to describe the public health interventions for the prevention and control of HIV and HCV infections in penitentiary institutions in Spain from 1989 until 2023 and to describe the epidemiological trends of HIV and HCV among inmates from 1993 until 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Ecological and retrospective observational study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>All prevention programs and control measures for HIV and HCV infections implemented in Spanish prisons were reviewed. Aggregate data were extracted from central registries, reports, official documents (grey literature) and epidemiological bulletins issued by the Public Health division of the General Subdirectorate of Prison Health.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Various control measures, such as harm reduction programs, including syringe exchange and methadone maintenance programs, have been implemented in Spanish prisons since 1989. These measures have been modified and adapted in response to changes in the prison population. The prevalence of HIV and HCV infection among inmates in Spanish prisons has decreased markedly over the study period: from 23.5 % in 1993 to 3.2 % in 2023 for HIV, and from 48.6 % in 1998 to 9.6 % in 2023 for HCV. In the past three years, fewer than 1 % of inmates had a detectable HCV viral load. No HIV or HCV seroconversions have been reported in Spanish prisons since 2015 and 2020, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This ecological study found a correlation between interventions designed and implemented in Spanish prisons for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HIV and HCV, and a reduction in the prevalence of these infections among the prison population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106097"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145758193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Living alone and adult loneliness: The buffering role of neighbourhood social interaction and attachment","authors":"Andreas Lindegaard Jakobsen","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106098","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106098","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to examine the association between living alone and adult loneliness, and the buffering role of neighbourhood social interaction and attachment on this association.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Cross-sectional study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Survey data encompassing 15,044 adults aged 35 and older from the North Denmark Region Health Survey 2017 were linked to Danish population register data. Loneliness was assessed using the Three-Item Loneliness Scale (T-ILS). Neighbourhood social interaction, attachment and living arrangements were measured through survey-based indicators. Register data provided information on sociodemographic covariates including sex, age, own/parental country of birth, education, income, and employment status. Multilevel linear probability models, with individuals nested within small area neighbourhoods, were used to test the hypotheses.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>After adjusting for covariates, living alone was significantly associated with an 8.72 percentage point higher probability of loneliness. Individuals reporting frequent neighbourhood social interactions or high levels of neighbourhood attachment had an 8.18 and 5.06 percentage point lower probability of loneliness, respectively. Moderation analyses indicated that both neighbourhood social interaction and attachment significantly buffered the negative impact of living alone, as living alone was less strongly associated with loneliness among individuals who reported high levels of neighbourhood social interaction and attachment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings suggest that neighbourhood social interaction and attachment may buffer the negative impact of living alone on loneliness. Strengthening neighbourhood attachment and fostering local social interactions could be valuable public health strategies to mitigate loneliness among individuals living alone.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106098"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145776181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Economic benefits of mental well-being over time: Results from the Netherlands mental health survey and incidence study-2","authors":"Ben Wijnen ,&nbsp;Margreet Ten Have ,&nbsp;Linda Bolier ,&nbsp;Frederick Thielen ,&nbsp;Marlous Tuithof ,&nbsp;Annemarie I. Luik ,&nbsp;Filip Smit ,&nbsp;Laura Shields-Zeeman","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106095","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106095","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Understanding economic benefits associated with improved mental well-being in the general population is important for informing population-level strategies. We aimed to estimate the economic impact associated with changes in mental well-being in the Dutch adult population.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>This study was based on a longitudinal cohort (the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2)</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>5303 adults aged 18–64 years. Were included. Three measurements, each separated by a time interval of three years, were used to evaluate how a change in well-being predicts a change in costs. Well-being was measured using the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Societal costs encompassed three cost categories: 1) healthcare costs; 2) productivity losses; and 3) patient and family costs. Main analysis was based on a model where a change in costs Y_(t2-t1) was regressed on a synchronically occurring change in well-being X_(t2-t1). Additionally, this model was compared with a diachronic model where a subsequent change in costs was regressed on a preceding change in well-being, i.e. Y_(t3-t2) on X_(t2-t1).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Each %-point increase in mental well-being reduced societal costs by –€50.74 (95 %CI: €78.72; –€22.76) per person, which was statistically significant (SE = 14.27, t = −3.56, p &lt; 0.001). The majority of these savings (89 %) were attributable to increased productivity. In the diachronic model, no significant difference between wellbeing and subsequent costs was found.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrated that improvements in mental well-being are potentially associated with simultaneously occurring cost reductions, primarily through increased productivity. Hence, there may be potential for mental well-being interventions to reduce societal costs and enhance productivity at a population level.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106095"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145783482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Do radon risk maps encourage residential testing behaviour? Evidence from an experimental study in Canada","authors":"Catherine E. Slavik ,&nbsp;Daniel A. Chapman ,&nbsp;Jeffrey Trieu ,&nbsp;David McVea ,&nbsp;Carolyn S. Fish ,&nbsp;Ellen Peters","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Radon is a leading cause of lung cancer and poses an even greater risk for people who smoke. Maps are used to educate the public about radon and promote testing, yet their effectiveness is rarely evaluated. This study investigated the effects of a radon risk map―in collaboration with a provincial health agency―on testing intentions. An exploratory aim was to assess potential mechanisms, applying psychological insights on risk perception, to evaluate how maps function as risk communication tools.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Online experiment conducted in December 2023 with a quota-sampled panel of residents.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>1716 British Columbia residents completed measures of radon risk perceptions and testing intentions before and after viewing a risk map adapted from the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control. All participants viewed a pre-experiment prompt on the importance of protecting against radon, especially if you smoke/have smoked. Multilevel regression models assessed changes in testing intentions across subgroups. Path analysis tested worry as a mediator, controlling for demographic covariates.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants in medium-high- or high-radon-risk areas reported significantly higher average radon testing intentions post-experiment (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), irrespective of smoking status. A small decrease was observed among non-smokers living in the lowest ecological risk areas (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). Changes in worry appeared to mediate the association between participants’ radon risk level and testing intentions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Results suggest maps can influence perceptions of risk and encourage radon testing in high-risk areas. In low-risk areas, communications emphasizing the severity of lung cancer and its occurrence in non-smokers may enhance public education and promote testing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106103"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterising online gamblers exceeding financial risk thresholds in the UK: A retrospective analysis using open banking data","authors":"Kasra Ghaharian ,&nbsp;Mana Azizsoltani ,&nbsp;Charles Cohen ,&nbsp;Piyush Puranik ,&nbsp;Bernardo Chagas","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106080","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106080","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>In February 2025, the UK Gambling Commission mandated that online gambling operators must conduct financial risk checks for customers incurring a net loss of over £150 in any rolling 30-day period. This policy aims to mitigate gambling-related harm by identifying potentially vulnerable individuals. This study provides a pre-policy baseline profile of individuals who would have triggered these newly mandated thresholds, using large-scale open banking data.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Retrospective cross-sectional analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We used a 12-month period of bank transaction data from 243,478 UK-based gamblers to characterize individuals who would have exceeded the threshold. We examined demographic and behavioural characteristics of this group and used cluster analysis to identify subgroups with distinct financial and gambling profiles.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Nearly a quarter of gamblers triggered the threshold and accounted for the vast majority of total gambling expenditure (∼92%). These Exceeding Threshold Gamblers (ETGs) were disproportionately male, younger, and exhibited significantly greater gambling involvement. Cluster analysis revealed three ETG subgroups, with approximately half classified as diversified spenders whose gambling appeared proportionate to income and part of broader discretionary spending, while others exhibited patterns more consistent with potential financial vulnerability.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>While the policy may effectively flag at-risk individuals, it also captures a heterogeneous population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106080"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The influence of interpersonal relationships on self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in adolescents: A cross-sectional study in Eastern China","authors":"Min Yao ,&nbsp;Zhe Yang ,&nbsp;Jiameng Li ,&nbsp;Therese Hesketh","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106122","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106122","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Personal relationships with parents, teachers, and peers strongly influence adolescent suicidal behaviors, yet limited research exists in Eastern China. This study aims to explore prevalence of self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adolescents in Eastern China, focusing on interpersonal relationships.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional survey in urban and rural areas of Anhui Province using self-administered questionnaires.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants (n = 2380) completed a questionnaire exploring interpersonal relationships, self-rated health, academic performance, mental health indicators (depression, anxiety and self-esteem), and the three outcome measures (self-harm, suicide ideation and suicide attempts). Logistic regression models examined associations between suicidal behaviors and potential risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Prevalence rates of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among adolescents were 19.8 %, 44.3 %, and 11.9 %, respectively. Urban residence and female gender were significant risk factors, with females having a 2.3-fold higher prevalence of suicide attempts (17.1 % vs. 7.4 %). Poor relationships with <em>ban zhu ren</em> (class teachers) (<em>p</em> = 0.002, OR:1.34 to 1.61), classmates (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001, OR: 1.77 to 1.96), father (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001, OR: 1.77 to 1.93), mother (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001, OR: 1.80 to 2.47), and between parents themselves (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001, OR: 2.43 to 2.91) were associated with increased risks of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts among adolescents.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The high prevalence of suicidal behaviors among adolescents underscores the urgent need for enhanced social support and professional intervention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106122"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841367","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Underestimated risk: Tuberculosis transmission from pathogen-negative patients in schools","authors":"Yaqian Su ,&nbsp;Bijuan Zhong ,&nbsp;Ruiming Chen ,&nbsp;Zhuanghao Chen ,&nbsp;Jianxiong Lin ,&nbsp;Hui Fu ,&nbsp;Zicheng Cao ,&nbsp;Qiaocheng Chang ,&nbsp;Liping Li ,&nbsp;Suyang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106096","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106096","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study evaluates TB infection risk among close contacts of both pathogen-positive and pathogen-negative TB patients, emphasizing the need for broader prevention strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>This study employed a cross-sectional design.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study screened close contacts of TB patients in schools across Shantou, China from 2019 to 2023. A strong positive reaction in the purified protein derivative (PPD) test served as the key indicator of TB infection among contacts. The infection proportion for different close contact groups was calculated. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify factors influencing TB infection among close contacts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 10,586 contacts, the overall infection prevalence proportion was 17.8 %. Close contacts of pathogen-negative patients had a higher infection prevalence proportion (18.1 %) than those of pathogen-positive patients (17.1 %) (adjusted OR 1.25; 95 % CI 1.11–1.40). Key risk factors included gender, age, relationship with the index case, school type, and pathogen type. Females and individuals aged 15+ were more susceptible.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Current strategies mainly focus on contacts of pathogen-positive patients, neglecting pathogen-negative contacts, which may increase transmission risk. Strengthening the identification and management of all potential transmission sources in schools is crucial, with enhanced monitoring and stricter preventive measures for contacts of pathogen-negative patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106096"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145792031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the association between supportive school policy and youth tobacco use","authors":"Lina S. Modjarrad ,&nbsp;Jaclyn M. Hall ,&nbsp;Frederick R. Kates ,&nbsp;Christopher R. Cogle ,&nbsp;Robert Ostbye ,&nbsp;Nicole M. Marlow ,&nbsp;Jennifer H. LeLaurin","doi":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106083","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.puhe.2025.106083","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To examine the association between supportive, evidence-based school tobacco policies and youth tobacco use across Florida counties.</div></div><div><h3>Study design</h3><div>Cross-sectional exploratory study.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study was conducted across 66 counties and their respective school districts in the state of Florida. Using 2021 school district policy data and 2022 youth tobacco use data, we conducted a linear regression analysis to assess the county-level correlation between supportive tobacco policies and self-reported youth tobacco use. We also examined changes in school tobacco policy from 2021 to 2022.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Policy data was available for 66 of the 67 total Florida counties. Results of the primary analysis indicate that counties with evidence-based tobacco policies experienced a 15.7 % relative reduction in self-reported youth tobacco product use in the subsequent year. Counties with in-school support services had the strongest association with lower youth tobacco product use, followed by referral to cessation resources. The number of counties with any supportive policy increased from 51 (77.3 %) in 2021 to 61 (92.4 %) in 2022. The proportion of counties with exclusionary policies remained unchanged.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We found a small but significant association of lower tobacco use rates among youth in counties with supportive tobacco policies. This study concurs with evidence that supportive tobacco policies are protective against youth tobacco use. However, given the exploratory nature of this study, these findings should be considered preliminary, and additional research is warranted to confirm the observed associations. Further research is needed to understand the barriers and facilitators of policy reform and implementation in these areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49651,"journal":{"name":"Public Health","volume":"251 ","pages":"Article 106083"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}