AJPM focus最新文献

{"title":"Integrating Training on Professional Development in Graduate Public Health: Preliminary Insights From a Qualitative Study of MPH Alumni Perspectives","authors":"Yi Gao MPH ,&nbsp;Ariz Keshwani MPH ,&nbsp;Sumreen Akhtar BS ,&nbsp;Leah C. Neubauer EdD, MA, CPH","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100397","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100397","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>For decades, researchers, educators, and policymakers have highlighted the benefits of well-designed course assignments in graduate settings, particularly those supporting learners in applying professional development objectives. Critically reflective course assignments enable learners to practice critical thinking and bridge gaps between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Despite its significant impact on overall competency and workforce outcomes, the integration and evaluation of experiential professional development training in academic public health curricula remain underexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study examined the perspectives of 13 Master of Public Health global health alumni across 4 cohorts within a Council on Education for Public Health–accredited program. Participants provided insights into key learning outcomes, themes, and the learning impact of engaging in a threaded Professional Development Educational Event and Analysis course assignment. A pragmatic design-guided analysis approach was employed to identify recurring themes and insights.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Key learning outcomes included developing the habit of seeking and participating in professional development opportunities and incorporating topics beyond the formal Master of Public Health curriculum. Alumni emphasized the practical advantages of engaging in real-world settings and reflecting on their current and future public health practice.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Findings suggest that incorporating innovative, active, and experiential learning opportunities, along with assignments fostering critical reflection, enhances the preparation of a competent and effective public health workforce. This approach bridges the gap between academic training and workforce readiness, offering actionable insights for curriculum development in public health education.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100397"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144903195","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Classification of Homelessness in Medicaid Claims and Homeless Services Administrative Records: Application of a Concordance Analysis Framework","authors":"Michael Enich MD, PhD ,&nbsp;Sujoy Chakravarty PhD ,&nbsp;John S. Palatucci PhD ,&nbsp;Joel C. Cantor ScD","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>People experiencing homelessness have high healthcare utilization, with multiple indicators used to identify them in medical data. The association between the claims-based ICD-10 Z code for homelessness (Z59.0) and documented homelessness service use history is unknown. This study examined (1) Z59.0 code prevalence, (2) patterns of Z59.0 coding compared with that of known homeless service use, and (3) factors associated with Z59.0 coding.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The authors used Medicaid claims linked with homelessness service use recorded in the Homeless Management Information System for 19 New Jersey counties. The outcome of interest was the prevalence of Z59.0 coding on Medicaid inpatient or emergency department claims from 2016. A concordance framework was applied to assess the alignment between Z-coded status and documented homelessness service use. Binary logistic regression models identified predictors of Z-code–based homelessness status.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Lower-bound estimates of sensitivity, positive predictive value, and Kappa statistic suggested weak agreement between homelessness classification within Medicaid claims and administrative records of homeless services. Homeless service use histories were significantly associated with higher odds of being Z59.0 coded. Male sex, being aged &gt;60 years, and Medicaid expansion eligibility were all associated with higher odds of being Z59.0 coded. Substance use disorders and serious mental illnesses had the strongest associations with the presence of a Z59.0 code. Wide variation in the use of Z codes across hospitals was evident.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Estimates suggest limited agreement in the classification of homelessness between Z59.0-coded claims status and known homelessness service utilization. The lack of systematic use of Z codes for homelessness observed by this study limits their usefulness to document health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100354"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144988263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Medical Cannabis Utilization Across States With Varying Legal Status","authors":"Deanna Romero BS ,&nbsp;Thomas A. Clobes PhD ,&nbsp;Marshall M. Mee ,&nbsp;Isaac Quintanilla Salinas PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100396","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100396","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Despite increasing legalization of medical cannabis across the U.S., significant barriers to access and utilization remain, particularly in states with restrictive policies. This study aimed to explore the patterns of medical cannabis use, methods of acquisition, perceived efficacy, and barriers to use, with a focus on how these factors vary by state-level legal status.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional, nationwide survey was administered online during August–September 2023 to a purposefully sampled U.S. adult population. Of 2,824 respondents, 996 individuals self-identified as using cannabis for medical purposes and were included in the final analysis. Measures included demographic variables, cannabis usage patterns, therapeutic indications, perceived effectiveness, and challenges related to legal frameworks and healthcare disclosure.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cannabis use varied significantly by state legal status (chi-square=22.26, <em>p</em>=0.001), with 43.1% of respondents in fully legal states using medical cannabis, compared with 27% in prohibition states. Anxiety (65.9%), depression (48%), and chronic pain (37%) were the most commonly reported conditions. Participants reported diverse consumption methods, with smoking (74.3%) being the most common, although also associated with the highest rate of side effects (chi-square=216, <em>p</em>&lt;0.001). Overall, 32.3% of participants rated medical cannabis as a great deal effective for their primary condition. Legal status also influenced the conditions treated: bipolar disorder was more frequently reported in prohibition states, whereas degenerative neurologic conditions were more common in legal states. Notably, 43.2% of medical cannabis users had not disclosed their use to a primary care provider. Of those, nearly 40% cited fear of provider disapproval, and 27.1% cited concerns about legality—even in states where medical cannabis was permitted. In addition, 45% of those who experienced barriers cited cost as a deterrent, and over half reported using less medical cannabis owing to these challenges.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings highlight significant variations in medical cannabis usage and associated challenges based on state legal frameworks. Barriers such as cost and fear of disclosure underscore the need for clearer communication and policy reforms to improve access and patient–provider dialog. Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of medical cannabis use across diverse populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100396"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heterogeneity in BMI Percentile and Weight Status Among Asian American Youth","authors":"Darcy M. Van Deventer BS ,&nbsp;Margo A. Sidell SCD ,&nbsp;Catherine Lee PhD ,&nbsp;Deborah R. Young PhD ,&nbsp;Monique M. Hedderson PhD ,&nbsp;Deborah A. Cohen MD, MPH ,&nbsp;Emily F. Liu MPH ,&nbsp;Lee J. Barton MS ,&nbsp;Galina Inzhakova MPH ,&nbsp;Bing Han PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100381","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100381","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>There are important and understudied health differences among subgroups of Asian Americans. The authors examined differences in BMI percentile and body weight status among Asian American youth.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic health records in 2011–2020 from 2 integrated healthcare systems in California. Single-race, non-Latino White, and Asian American youth aged 2–19 years during the study period were included. Asian American subgroups included East, South, Southeast, and unidentified. Whites were the reference group. Study outcomes included age- and sex-specific BMI percentile and body weight status category (underweight, overweight or obesity, obesity). Series of 1-sample estimates for study outcomes were calculated by calendar year and biological ages.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 395,134 youth were included in the study (mean [SD] age at baseline of 8.26 [5.61] years; mean [SD] BMI percentile of 53.8 [30.3]), including 23,183 East Asians; 34,783 South Asians; and 34,738 Southeast Asians. Southeast Asians had the highest age-adjusted prevalence of obesity (2019 estimate: 13.3%) than East Asians (5.2%), South Asians (7.8%), and Whites (11.8%). South Asians had the highest prevalence of underweight (2019 estimate: 11.8%) than East Asians (5.5%), Southeast Asians (3.9%), and White (3.6%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Substantial heterogeneity among Asian American youth was found in the study cohort. Asian American youth face distinct challenges of unhealthy weight statuses unique to their subgroups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100381"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772538","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Behavioral Impact of the Massachusetts Flavored Tobacco Products Ban on Cigarette Smoking Among Adults Aged ≥21 Years","authors":"Evan A. Winiger PhD,&nbsp;Pavel N. Lizhnyak PhD,&nbsp;Scott W. Drenkard MA,&nbsp;Andrea R. Vansickel PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In June of 2020, Massachusetts became the first state to implement a statewide ban on flavored tobacco. To date, no study has analyzed the behavioral outcomes of a comprehensive statewide ban on flavored tobacco products among representative state samples of adults aged ≥21 years.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using a difference-in-difference model from repeated cross-sectional data (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System), the authors compared cigarette smoking prevalence in Massachusetts before (January 2017–May 2020) with that after (June 2020–December 2022) the implementation of a flavor ban, with 35 states serving as a comparison. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the difference-in-difference findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There was a consistent decline in smoking prevalence in Massachusetts (14.1% in 2017 to 10.7% in 2022) and comparator states (18.5% in 2017 to 14.8% in 2022). When adjusting for sociodemographic and the year-fixed effect, the analysis indicated significant effects of time (AOR=1.05; 95% CI=1.00, 1.11, <em>p</em>=0.0428) and treatment (AOR=0.89; 95% CI=0.84, 0.95, <em>p</em>=0.0002) but not for the difference-in-difference estimate (AOR=0.94; 95% CI=0.85, 1.03, <em>p</em>=0.1621).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The results indicate that the comprehensive flavor ban in Massachusetts did not significantly impact smoking prevalence relative to that in comparator states without flavor bans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100364"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144722873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uptake of Pneumococcal Vaccines Among U.S. Adults After 2022 Update to Recommendations","authors":"Ahuva Averin MPP ,&nbsp;Jeffrey Vietri PhD ,&nbsp;Adriano Arguedas Mohs MD ,&nbsp;Sarah J. Willis PhD, MPH ,&nbsp;Alexander Lonshteyn PhD ,&nbsp;Derek Weycker PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Updated recommendations for adult pneumococcal vaccination in the U.S. (publication date: January 27, 2022) incorporated 2 new vaccines (15- and 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines), removed 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and called for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine use among immunocompetent adults aged 19–64 years with certain medical conditions. This study assessed uptake of recommendations and disparities in uptake across subgroups of adults.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective cohort design and data from Optum’s deidentified Clinformatics Data Mart Database were employed. Study population comprised all adults aged ≥65 years and adults aged 19–64 years with ≥1 chronic (at-risk) or immunocompromising (high-risk) condition. Vaccine uptake (including 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>During 21-month follow-up period, 13.2% of adults (<em>n</em>=6.8 million) received pneumococcal vaccine, mostly 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (9.6%). By age/risk conditions, 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine uptake was highest among adults aged 65–66 years (23.8%) and at-risk/high-risk adults aged 60–64 years (12.1%) and lowest among at-risk/high-risk adults aged 19–49 years (4.7%). By immunization history, 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine uptake was highest among adults with a history of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine uptake only (15.1%) or 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine uptake only (10.6%) and lowest among those without prior pneumococcal vaccination (8.7%) or with a history of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine + 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine uptake (7.9%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Fewer than ∼1 in 7 U.S. adults received 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the first 21 months after the updated recommendations. Uptake was lower among at-risk/high-risk adults aged &lt;60 years, adults aged ≥75 years, and adults without prior pneumococcal vaccination. Routine evaluation of vaccination status by providers and additional strategies to increase uptake of recommend vaccines are warranted.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100384"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144750718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effects of Cannabis Access Laws on Sleep in the U.S.","authors":"Carol Xu BA,&nbsp;Zachary Sturman JD, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100387","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100387","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The global average sleep duration has declined significantly, with substantial health and economic consequences. Given the increasing legalization of cannabis for medical and recreational use, this study examines the association between cannabis access laws and sleep duration in the U.S.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A two-way-fixed-effects difference-in-differences regression was used to analyze the impact of medical and recreational cannabis laws on sleep duration. Data were drawn from the American Time Use Survey, including 175,493 respondents aged 18–65 years from 2003 to 2021. Subgroup analyses were performed on sex and age groups. Analyses were conducted in 2024.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Recreational cannabis laws were associated with an average reduction in sleep of 5.37 minutes per night (99% CI=0.91, 9.83), whereas medical cannabis laws had no significant effect on sleep duration. Recreational cannabis laws were associated with individuals falling asleep 7.14 minutes later (99% CI=3.12, 11.16) with no change in wake-up times, and only the eating and drinking category of time use was significantly affected, with an increase of 1.90 minutes. These findings were concentrated in males and those aged ≥25 years.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The implementation of recreational cannabis laws has a negative effect on sleep duration, highlighting the need for further research on the broad impacts of cannabis access on health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100387"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology of Colon Cancer Screening in a Safety-Net Setting","authors":"Ena Mahapatra MD, MS,&nbsp;Romina Kee MD, MPH,&nbsp;Kyungran Shim MD,&nbsp;Cathy Rowell RN,&nbsp;William E. Trick MD,&nbsp;David Goldberg MD","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study was aimed to describe the epidemiology of colon cancer screening in an underserved population. This is a cohort study, conducted in a primary care clinic in a safety-net public hospital.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Patients aged 49–78 years were categorized by initial screening status and followed over 28 months. Status was categorized into the following 3 groups with 8 subgroups: screening eligible (up to date or not up to date), non-screening eligible (Personal history of colon cancer, surveillance for colon cancer, work-up in progress, poor health status, and indeterminate), and refusal. Patient egress was defined as no primary care visit for 12 months or &lt;2 primary care visits separated by 60 days over 24 months.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 1,074 patients reviewed, 856 (80%) were screening eligible, 177 (16%) were non-screening eligible, and 41 (4%) refused screening. Over 28 months, most patients retained in the practice did not change category (<em>n</em>=949; 88%). Of 125 patients who changed, most (<em>n</em>=101) went from screening eligible to non-screening eligible, most commonly to surveillance and work-up in progress subgroups. Egress was common; nearly half of patients (47%) were not evaluated owing to egress.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Maintaining a colon cancer registry was complex owing to the dynamic nature of screening status and unstable primary care attendance. Regional integration of electronic health records could substantially reduce manual effort.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100403"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Examining Associations Between Smoking Patterns and Employment Status Among a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Adults","authors":"Mirsada Serdarevic PhD ,&nbsp;Aro N. Choi MS ,&nbsp;David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras LPsy, MS, PhD ,&nbsp;Tracey E. Barnett PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100376","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100376","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Smoking is a leading preventable cause of death, with higher prevalence in certain occupations. Given the evolved work environment after COVID-19 and shifting tobacco use patterns, this study examines recent data to assess the associations between smoking status, employment status, and industry.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The authors analyzed data from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey. Participants were aged ≥18 years, and their employment status was classified as employed or unemployed on the basis of the prior week’s work; smoking status was classified as current, former, or never. The prevalence of employment and smoking was calculated. Weighted multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the associations between smoking status, employment status, and industry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 26,442 adults (50.8% male, 63.6% non-Hispanic Whites, mean age of 49.3 years, 69.7% employed), 11.0% were current smokers, 23.4% were former smokers, and 65.6% were never smokers. Current smoking was highest in wholesale trade (20.5%), information (16.9%), and mining (15.9%) industries. After adjustment, unemployed individuals, particularly those unable to work owing to health reasons, had 93% higher odds of being current smokers (AOR=1.93; 95% CI=1.64, 2.28) and 35% higher odds of being former smokers (AOR=1.35; 95% CI=1.16, 1.58) than those who were employed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study highlights the current relationship between employment status, industry, and smoking behaviors in the U.S. Current smoking rates were highest in specific industries, underscoring the need for targeted interventions in these occupational settings. Tailored smoking cessation programs for high-risk industries and unemployed individuals, particularly those unable to work owing to health issues, are crucial. Public health policies should address the unique needs of both employed and unemployed populations to reduce smoking-related health disparities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100376"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144663389","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of Restaurant Beverage Offerings on Children’s Menus in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana","authors":"Lisa P. Hofmann MPH ,&nbsp;Yin Wang PhD ,&nbsp;Melissa Fuster PhD ,&nbsp;Charles Stoecker PhD ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Gollub PhD ,&nbsp;Megan Knapp PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100382","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.focus.2025.100382","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Childhood obesity and related health consequences are associated with sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and present significant health challenges in the U.S., particularly among minoritized and low-income populations. Louisiana, with some of the highest obesity and cardiometabolic disease rates in the U.S., exemplifies these concerns. Dining out increases sugar-sweetened beverage intake and underscores the need for interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This observational study examines the proportion of restaurants offering beverages with children’s meals on printed and QR code menus, the types of beverages they offer, and correlates of offering these beverages across 287 restaurants in New Orleans, Louisiana, before its healthy default beverage policy was implemented and in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, which does not have a healthy default beverage policy. On-site environmental assessments were conducted in restaurants offering children’s menus.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Only 14.6% of restaurants with children’s meals offered only healthy default beverage options, 39.4% offered sugar-sweetened beverages, and 46% did not specify children’s beverages on their menus. Logistic regression analysis indicated that restaurants categorized as fast food, affiliated with a chain, or offering children's meals with age restrictions were significantly more likely to include beverages in their children's meals. Furthermore, chain and fast-food restaurants were more likely than fast-casual restaurants to include only healthy default beverages on the children’s menus.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on improving nutritional environments in restaurant settings and underscores the need for evidence-based interventions to mitigate the impact of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption on childhood obesity and health outcomes. The findings provide a foundation for future studies evaluating the effectiveness of healthy default beverage policies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72142,"journal":{"name":"AJPM focus","volume":"4 5","pages":"Article 100382"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144828744","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}