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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Neural tube defect surveillance and folic acid intervention--Texas-Mexico border, 1993-1998.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common and serious malformations that originate early in pregnancy. In the United States, approximately 4000 pregnancies each year are affected by the two most common NTDs (spina bifida and anencephaly). In 1992, the Texas Department of Health (TDH), with support from a CDC cooperative agreement, implemented the Texas Neural Tube Defect Project (TNTDP), a program of NTD surveillance and risk-reduction activities in the 14 counties that border Mexico. The project was initiated in response to an anencephaly cluster identified during 1990-1991 in Brownsville (Cameron County), Texas (1). Whether the high anencephaly rate (19.7 per 10,000 live births) was unique to Cameron County or was characteristic of the entire border was unknown. This report summarizes NTD surveillance rates for the 14 Texas-Mexico border counties for 1993-1998 and presents preliminary results of TNTDP efforts to prevent the recurrence of NTDs by providing folic acid to high-risk women. Findings indicate that the baseline rate along the border is high (13.4 per 10,000 live births) and largely reflects the rate among Hispanics (13.8). Although a longer period is needed to obtain definitive results, folic acid appears to be effective for reducing the risk for NTD recurrence in Hispanics.

Female↗
PubMed2000

Mission possible: vascular access-decreasing the use of catheters in the Texas hemodialysis community.

In 1999, the End-Stage Renal Disease Network of Texas, Inc, #14 (NW14) initiated a quality improvement project in support of the Health Care Finance Administration's End-Stage Renal Disease Health Care Quality Improvement Program. The project, titled "Mission Possible: Vascular Access: Decreasing the Utilization of Catheters in the Texas Hemodialysis Community," aims to assist the Texas dialysis community decrease the use of hemodialysis catheters. This report reviews the goal of the project, baseline vascular access survey results, and quality improvement activities initiated to help dialysis professionals implement quality management processes that will improve the quality of care for Texas dialysis patients.

Catheters, Indwelling↗
PubMed2001

Trends in the incidence of hepatitis A in Texas, 1986 through 1997.

Hepatitis A is one of the most common infections reported in Texas. This study examined the trends in incidence of hepatitis A in Texas for the years from 1986 through 1997. Demographic and clinical data of reported cases were obtained from the Texas Department of Health. Population estimates were obtained from Epigram. Rates were calculated per 100,000 population. For the 1986-1997 period, 33,833 cases of acute hepatitis A were reported. Rates varied considerably by ethnicity and race: Hispanics had the highest average annual rate (32.2 per 100,000), followed by non-Hispanic whites (8.2 per 100,000) and African Americans (6.0 per 100,000). The rate for Hispanics was more than two times higher than the rates for non-Hispanic whites and African Americans in all 11 public health regions in Texas. Children aged 5 through 9 years had the highest rates of hepatitis A. The 3-month period from August through October had the largest reported number of onsets of hepatitis A (P < .01).

Black or African American↗
PubMed2002

Tropical Storm Allison rapid needs assessment--Houston, Texas, June 2001.

On June 5, 2001, Tropical Storm Allison made landfall on Galveston Island, Texas. During the next 2 days, the system soaked much of southeast Texas and south-central Louisiana with more than 10 inches of rain as it moved slowly northward. On June 7, the storm made a clockwise loop back to the southwest, bringing even more rain to already drenched areas. The record rainfall caused billions of dollars in flood-related damage and approximately 25 deaths and led to a presidential disaster, declaration covering 31 Texas counties (Figure 1) and 28 Louisiana parishes. Harris County, Texas (2000 population: 3,400,578), center of the Houston metropolitan area, was among the hardest hit with some areas receiving up to 37 inches of rain in 24 hours (Figure 2). To evaluate the community's immediate public health needs, the City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) conducted a rapid needs assessment in the areas most affected by flooding. This report summarizes assessment results, which identified increased illness in persons living in flooded homes, suggesting a need for rapid resolution of flood-related damage and the possibility that residents should seek temporary housing during clean-up and repair. The findings underscore the usefulness of rapid needs assessment as a tool to minimize misinformation, identify actual health threats, and ensure delivery of resources to those with the greatest and most immediate need.

Disasters↗
PubMed2002

Development of a rural training track for Texas.

Rural areas in Texas constitute a major portion of the state. Health care access and distribution issues in rural areas are recognized on many levels, from the local community with limited resources or facing the loss of a critical health care professional to the Texas Medical Association and Texas state government. Rural training tracks are one way to provide family medicine residents with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for successful practice in rural areas. Building collaborative relationships between rural physicians and university-based residency programs, as described in this project, may offer one solution to the problem of medically underserved rural communities in Texas.

Education, Medical, Undergraduate↗
PubMed2002

Folic acid awareness and use among women with a history of a neural tube defect pregnancy--Texas, 2000-2001.

The use of folic acid is a critical component in preventing birth defects. Health-care providers should take advantage of all health-care visits to counsel not only women at high risk (i.e., those with a history of having an infant with a neural tube defect [NTD]) but all women regarding the importance of folic acid use. A study conducted in Texas confirmed that white and Hispanic mothers were equally likely to recall receiving postpartum advice to use folic acid; however, Hispanic women were much less likely to use folic acid, compared with white women. This report covers data from May 2000 through November 2001. A study was conducted in Texas to determine whether women at high risk recall and follow recommendations to use folic acid. The study included 195 women at high risk and 223 control mothers who gave birth to infants without birth defects. These women participated in a telephone interview for a population-based case-control study of NTDs. Approximately 56.4% (110 of 195) of mothers who had infants affected by an NTD recalled receiving postpartum advice to use folic acid, compared with 25.6% (57 of 223) of control mothers (p < 0.01). Among nonpregnant case mothers, 54 (32.7%) of 165 reported regular use of supplements containing folic acid, and 53 (25.2%) of 210 nonpregnant control mothers reported this behavior (p = 0.11). Among case mothers, use of folic acid was significantly higher for whites (64.7%) versus Hispanics (16.5%) (p < 0.001); for women with some college education (57.1%) versus no college education (20.2%; p < 0.001); for women who were trying to get pregnant (66.7%) versus those using birth control (38.3%) or reporting using no contraceptive method (18.8%) (p = 0.001); and for women who reported receiving advice to use folic acid (40.9%) versus those who did not (22.2%; p = 0.01). Findings from this study support the need to implement NTD recurrence prevention activities in Texas. Data also identify a need for educational strategies in Texas that target Hispanic women at high risk, especially those who primarily speak Spanish. Further efforts should be made to determine why Hispanic women have low rates of folic acid use (e.g., the cost of vitamins and language and cultural barriers). On the basis of a review of research and current practice, recommendations developed by the Public Health Service include 1) women at risk for a recurrent NTD-affected pregnancy should take 0.4 mg of folic acidper day; and 2) if a woman at high risk is planning a pregnancy, she should consult her physician regarding taking the higher dose of 4.0 mg per day.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Secondhand smoke exposure among middle and high school students--Texas, 2001.

Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure causes approximately 3,000 deaths each year in Texas and is associated with increased morbidity caused by acute respiratory infections and asthma among children and respiratory problems among adults. Adult lung cancer risk might be increased as a result of SHS exposure during childhood and adolescence. To assess SHS exposure among middle and high school students in Texas, the Texas Department of Health (TDH) analyzed data from the 2001 Texas Youth Tobacco Survey (TYTS). This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicate that half of 8,687 middle school students and two-thirds of 8,696 high school students reported SHS exposure within the 7 days preceding the survey. The prevalence of SHS exposure was higher among students who reported living with a cigarette smoker or having at least one close friend who smokes. Among middle school students, the prevalence of SHS exposure was lower among those who perceived SHS to be harmful to their health. These findings emphasize the need for continuing efforts to decrease SHS exposure among youth and to increase understanding of the harmful health effects of SHS exposure.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Descriptive study of sexually transmitted diseases in Tarrant County, Texas, from 1998 through 2000.

Incidence rates of sexually transmitted diseases in Tarrant County, Texas, from 1998 through 2000 were assessed and compared with the rates in Texas and the United States, with the focus on similarities and differences in gender, age, and race/ethnicity. Data were obtained from the Tarrant County Public Health Department, the Texas Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rates for gonorrhea and syphilis in Tarrant County were significantly higher than rates in Texas and the United States. The largest disparity was found among blacks, followed by Hispanics and then whites, with those aged 15 to 24 years at greatest risk. To increase awareness and reduce the burden of sexually transmitted diseases, prevention programs need to be developed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Protecting Texas children: evidence-based recommendations for improving childhood vaccination rates.

Currently, Texas ranks in the bottom quintile of states for childhood vaccinations. Approximately, one fourth of Texas children younger than age 3 years have not received the recommended full schedule of vaccinations. Such a low rate can produce serious health consequences by reducing "community immunity." We review the current literature on barriers to high immunization rates and on effective, evidence-based strategies and programs. In addition, we report the results of interviews with public health officials responsible for implementing immunization programs in Texas and in a sample of high-ranking states for their assessment of the most effective strategies. We suggest legislative and administrative changes for Texas on the basis of the literature review and interview results. These recommendations involve improving the public health network, strengthening financial and administrative incentives to providers, enhancing incentives for parents, and encouraging federal program modifications.

Child Health Services↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reporting of child abuse: a follow-up survey of Texas dentists.

PURPOSE: Child abuse is a disturbingly common finding in society today. There have been substantial and significant increases in the incidence of child abuse since the last national incidence study was conducted in 1986. Kassebaum first reported the under-reporting of child abuse by Texas dental professionals in a survey in 1986. The objective of the current study was twofold: (1) assess the level of knowledge and attitudes among dental professionals on the important issue of child abuse; (2) evaluate and compare the results of the current study with a similar survey conducted in 1986. METHODS: A 24-question survey similar in format and content to the 1986 questionnaire was mailed to 1,046 Texas dentists, randomly selected from a membership roster provided by the Texas Dental Association. Both general dentists and selected specialists were included in the study group. The questionnaire consisted of multiple-choice and dichotomous yes/no questions. RESULTS: There were 383 responses to the questionnaire, yielding a response rate of 38%. The majority (N=289) of the respondents were general dentists. In answering questions about suspected and reported cases of child abuse, nearly 50% of the responding dentists reported they had suspected at least 1 case of child abuse. In the 1986 study, only 36% of the responding dentists reported they had suspected at least 1 case of child abuse. Between 1986 and 2001, the survey has shown that the percentage of dentists who reported at least 1 case to authorities slightly increased from 19% in 1986 to 25% in 2001, but the ratio of suspected to reported cases had not changed since 1986. CONCLUSIONS: Although the composite percentage of suspecting and reporting cases of child abuse from this survey is higher than the percentage demonstrated in 1986 study, there was no significant change in the relative ratio of reported cases to suspected cases in both surveys. This indicates that under-reporting of child abuse cases is still a significant problem in the dental profession in Texas.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A study of pesticide safety and health perceptions among pesticide applicators in Tarrant County, Texas.

Pesticide applicators from North Texas participated in a survey that was based on the constructs of the Health Belief Model of Strecher and Rosenstock. The survey assessed the knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy of pesticide applicators working for municipalities or in farming/ranching operations in Tarrant County, Texas. It was administered during a continuing-education class on pesticides sponsored by the Texas Agriculture Extension Service in Fort Worth, Texas. Results showed that while knowledge of the use of personal protective equipment was high, knowledge of the risk from dermal exposure was low.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Diego(a) antigen frequency and anti-Diego(a) frequency in a South Texas community.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the percent of the donor population in a South Texas community positive for the red cell antigen Diego(a) (Di(a)) and to determine the percent of anti-Di(a) in previously transfused patients. DESIGN: Donor segments from 270 type A and type O donors were typed with anti-Di(a) and 305 previously transfused patients were screened for anti-Di(a). SETTING: The study was conducted using donor segments from units collected by the South Texas Blood Center and blood samples from patients in three hospitals in Corpus Christi TX. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: The typing serum was from a type A donor, so only A and O donors were used for the antigen typing. The sera used for the antibody screens were from patients with previous transfusions in the local hospitals. Duplicate samples were eliminated. RESULTS: Of the 270 type A and O donors, seven (2.6%) were found to be Di(a) positive and four (1.3%) of the 305 previously transfused patients had anti-Di(a). CONCLUSIONS: In 1985, red blood cell antigen typing of Mexican American blood donors in the Corpus Christi area revealed a Di(a) antigen frequency of 14.7% with eight percent in Mexican American blood donors from two other areas of Texas. With an Hispanic population of 50.4%, it was expected that four percent to seven percent of the donor population would be positive for the antigen. The finding of only 2.6% Di(a) positive donors demonstrates about a 20% Mexican American donor population. Anti-Di(a) was found in 1.3% of the plasma samples from previously transfused patients. These results would indicate a 0.03% to 0.05% transfusion incompatibility in patients with a negative antibody screen for the Corpus Christi area. Areas of the United States with a higher percent Mexican American donor population would expect a higher percent incompatibility. Since the Mexican American population is increasing in South Texas and several other areas in the United States, the antibody may become increasingly important in transfusion therapy and as a cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1991

The Texas Skin Cancer/Melanoma Project.

The Texas Skin Cancer/Melanoma Project, cosponsored by the Texas Dermatological Society and the Texas Division of the American Cancer Society, was organized to promote awareness of skin cancer. Through a well-orchestrated effort, the citizens of Texas were educated about prevention and early detection. On one day, statewide screening was conducted at 55 sites and 11,151 patients were screened. Polls conducted before and after the project show that the level of knowledge and concern about skin cancer increased following the project. Skin cancer is ideal for such a public education and screening project.

Health Education↗
PubMed1989

Texas will see red during Drug Free America Week.

Betty Haisten is the living image of refinement. But that doesn't stop her from cornering the manager of a cafeteria in her hometown of Beaumont and putting pressure on him to use his facility as a distribution point for red ribbons encouraging patrons to "Join me--I'm drug free." She is a woman with a cause, a moving force behind Drug Free America Week in Texas. And, with the members of the nation's largest medical association auxiliary and their spouses behind Mrs. Haisten, Texas will see red--red ribbons--Oct 22-29. The Texas Red Ribbon Campaign is designed to establish a coalition in every community in support of drug-free lifestyles. This article describes how Texas Medical Association and TMAA are supporting the campaign's goal.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Reporting peer review actions to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.

This article originally was prepared for presentation at the 1988 Texas Health Law Conference, Nov 4, 1988, in Austin. It appears this month in Texas Medicine to emphasize the importance of state and federal laws that require reporting of certain peer review actions by hospitals, medical societies, and other organizations to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (TSBME). The author, Michael G. Young, is staff counsel for the TSBME. He formerly was staff attorney and director, Office of Medical Ethics, at Texas Medical Association.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Board trouble. What activities attract the attention of the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.

Every year about 45,000 Texas physicians dutifully get out their checkbooks and send off a few hundred dollars to this state institution. Besides taking the test for their licenses in the first place, mailing that yearly check marks the extent to which most Texas physicians ever come into contact with the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners (TSBME). But for a number of physicians each year, a brush with TSBME is akin to facing a medical malpractice lawsuit, only the board has the power to take away their licenses. And under the Medical Practice Act of Texas, there is no statute of limitations for bringing accusations against a physician for possible violations.

Clinical Medicine↗
PubMed1994

Infectious disease of public health significance among children and adolescents in Texas.

In the past decade, many infectious diseases in children that were perceived to have been almost eliminated have returned with a vengeance in Texas. Across the state, vaccination rates are exceptionally low, and outbreaks of measles, mumps, and pertussis have been identified. Tuberculosis cases in children increased 77%, and cases of congenital syphilis increased 578% between 1987 and 1991. The new epidemic of HIV infection has placed additional strain on an already overburdened, inadequate public health system in Texas. This article identifies some of the major infections of public health significance among the children of Texas. A common theme for most of these problems is that they are preventable diseases that are not being prevented. Many children in Texas will suffer now and in the future if these public health problems remain ignored.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Texas Red, a hydrophilic, red-emitting fluorophore for use with fluorescein in dual parameter flow microfluorometric and fluorescence microscopic studies.

The sulfonylchloride derivative of the red-emitting fluorophore, sulforhodamine 101, has been synthesized in order to provide a reagent for coupling to amino groups on proteins and other compounds, and it is now commercially available under the name 'Texas Red'. Texas Red conjugates of antibodies and other proteins have been prepared in high protein yields; these conjugates retained their biological activities and were strongly fluorescent. The excitation and emission spectra of Texas Red conjugates are widely separated from those of molecules labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate. Texas Red is therefore an excellent reagent for use in single or dual label flow microfluorometric and fluorescent microscopic studies.

Animals↗