Objetivos

Determinar si las intervenciones basadas en inteligencia artificial (IA) son efectivas para el tratamiento de la depresión crónica a nivel poblacional en las Américas. Utilizando PICO: P (población con depresión crónica); I (intervenciones de IA); C (tratamiento convencional o ninguna intervención); O (reducción de síntomas depresivos, accesibilidad, equidad en salud, costo-efectividad). Objetivos secundarios: identificar barreras de implementación y evaluar factibilidad en sistemas de salud pública.

Métodos

Revisión sistemática siguiendo pautas PRISMA 2020

Estrategia: Búsqueda en PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, LILACS y Scielo desde enero 2019 hasta agosto 2025, usando términos "inteligencia artificial", "machine learning", "terapia digital", "depresión crónica", "trastorno depresivo mayor", "salud de la población", "intervención en salud pública".

Criterios de elegibilidad: Estudios cuantitativos en adultos, en inglés, español, portugués.

Fuentes de información: las mencionadas.

Selección de fuentes: Dos revisores independientes usando el software Covidence, con tercer revisor en desacuerdos.

Riesgo de sesgo: Herramientas RoB-2 (ensayos clínicos), ROBINS-I (estudios observacionales) y GRADE (certeza de evidencia).

Resultados

Estudios incluidos: Se anticipan 25-35 estudios con 15.000-20.000 participantes de América Latina, América del Norte y el Caribe.

Síntesis de resultados: Búsquedas exploratorias interrogan efectividad comparable a terapia tradicional, con ventajas en accesibilidad (40-60% de aumento en adherencia) y costo-efectividad (30-50% de reducción de costos). Se espera heterogeneidad moderada.

Conclusiones

Esta revisión proporcionará evidencia sobre el uso de IA en el tratamiento poblacional de depresión crónica, identificando oportunidades y limitaciones incluyendo validación cultural, privacidad de datos y factibilidad de implementación. Los resultados informarán decisiones de política pública de salud mental en las Américas.

Estudio sobre la importancia de la pesquisa activa para el control y seguimiento de la Hipertensión Arterial (HTA) como una de las enfermedades no transmisibles de mayor prevalencia en México y en Tabasco.

Objective: To identify sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with older adults meeting recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines.

Methods: This analytical, cross-sectional study used data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). The study population consisted of a random sample of 8189 older adults (≥65 years). Compliance with aerobic and strengthening PA guidelines was the main outcome variable. Covariates included sex, education, income, marital status, race, housing stability, urban/rural county, household region, among others. Unadjusted and adjusted log regression analyses calculated odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results: Only 14.4% (n=1235) met the PA guidelines. Odds of complying decreased by 40% in non-Hispanic single/multiple races (OR 0.6; 95 CI 0.4-1.0). Men had 1.4 times higher odds (OR 1.4; 95 CI 1.2-1.6) to meet guidelines than women. Compared with bachelor graduates, the odds of adhering were 1.4 (95 CI 1.2-1.7) in graduate participants, 0.3 (95% CI 0.2-0.4) in those with less than High School, 0.4 (95% CI 0.3-0.5) for High School and, 0.7 (95% CI 0.6-0.8) for those with some college education. The odds decreased by 40% for those with an income-to-poverty ratio threshold of < 1 (OR 0.6; 95 CI 0.4-0.9), 1-1.99 (OR 0.6; 95 CI 0.4-0.7), and 2-3.99 (OR 0.6; 95 CI 0.5-0.8) compared with 5 or greater.

Conclusion: Healthcare providers should develop targeted interventions to meet individuals’ unique circumstances to address these inequities. Future studies could compare PA compliance across countries to understand how cultural, environmental, and policy differences impact PA levels among older adults.

Keywords: physical activity guidelines, socioeconomic factors, sociodemographic factors, cross-sectional study

Hypothyroidism during pregnancy can lead to various adverse maternal and fetal health events, making it a public health problem. Peruvian prenatal care guidelines do not include the TSH test among routine screenings for pregnant women.
This study analyzes the cost-effectiveness of screening all pregnant women for hypothyroidism, compared with not screening or screening only high-risk women. The outcome evaluated was the incidence of preterm birth and miscarriage.

This abstract highlights the neglected burden of chronic diseases among populations displaced by climate-related disasters. While infectious disease surveillance is prioritized, conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and mental health often remain unmonitored.

The work identifies system gaps, including disrupted care, lack of interoperable health records, and weak policy frameworks, and examines their impact on continuity of care. It proposes innovative approaches, such as mobile health tools and community-based surveillance, to strengthen equity-focused monitoring in these vulnerable populations.

Objective:

(i) To introduce a methodology based on TabTransformers to model Diabetes risk scores that can continuously be updated to better adjust to target populations. Benefits include enhanced accuracy, increased sensitivity to local risk factors, and good response to missing or incomplete data.

(ii) Identify the accuracy and benefits of the methodology in existing datasets.

Methods:

The methodology employs a deep neural network architecture known as TabTransformer, which extends the self-attention mechanism, initially developed for translation and language tasks, to tabular data.

The model is initially pretrained with a portion (60%) of data available from Jackson Hearth Study which is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in a sample population of African Americans (20 to 95 years) with and without diabetes (n=3,098). Selected risk factors associated with diabetes are based on the socioecological model. The model is then validated with 20% of the data, evaluated with ROC methodology, and finally adjusted with the final 20% to evaluate the continuous update capability of the TabTransformer.

Results:

The accuracy of the multi-logistic regression method was around 78% while the artificial deep neural network around 80%.

Conclusion:

The proposed model complements the original multi-logistics regression approach with improved accuracy, extra benefits include the easier way to develop the score, better prediction of local factors, insensitivity to missing data, and online training capabilities. All models are appropriate for the development of apps and integration with IT tools.

This abstract summarizes a cross-sectional study that examines how income, education, and race/ethnicity influence the prevalence of type 2 diabetes among U.S. adults. The study found that higher income is significantly associated with a lower likelihood of being diagnosed with diabetes. These findings demonstrate the impact of socioeconomic factors on diabetes with a need for targeted prevention strategies.

Objetivo: Determinar las asociaciones entre variables de salud, comportamiento y factores sociales en adolescentes, utilizando datos de la Encuesta Mundial de Salud Escolar (EMSE) aplicada en Argentina en 2018.

Métodos: Análisis secundario de la EMSE 2018 (13–17 años). Se estimaron correlaciones de Spearman y su versión ponderada por pesos muestrales (ρ_w) para asegurar la representatividad poblacional, reportando |ρ_w|≥0,20. Las variables de edad de inicio de sustancias e intimidación fueron recodificadas para una interpretación coherente del riesgo.

Resultados: Se identificaron correlaciones positivas muy fuertes en el consumo de alcohol (rho=0.82) y marihuana (rho=0.79), y entre ideación y planificación suicida (rho=0.62). Sentirse solo se correlacionó positivamente con preocupación/insomnio (rho=0.47), ideación suicida (rho=0.37), planificación suicida (rho=0.30) e intimidación (rho entre 0.20 y 0.24). Las distintas formas de intimidación mostraron correlaciones positivas (rho=0.27- 0.35). La comprensión parental se correlacionó negativamente con el menosprecio parental (rho=-0.32) y este último positivamente con ideación suicida (rho=0.31). Los hallazgos clave fueron consistentes entre análisis ponderados y no ponderados.

Conclusión: Los hallazgos priorizan factores accionables: climas parentales adversos y riesgos del entorno incluyendo la escuela (p. ej., peleas, intimidación) se vinculan con malestar y consumo; apoyos parentales y vínculos positivos con pares operan como protectores. Se respaldan paquetes escolares integrados con componente familiar y foco en enfoque holístico de la prevención del consumo, retrasar la edad de inicio, promoción de salud mental y mejora del clima escolar.

Palabras Claves: Correlación de Spearman, Encuesta Mundial de Salud Escolar, Argentina, salud adolescente, consumo de sustancias, ideación suicida, intimidación, soledad.

Objective: To describe the challenges and lessons learned in adults with diabetes mellitus during the image collection phase of the Foot Selfie project, designed to develop and train an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for early detection of diabetic foot risk lesions.

Methods: Cross-sectional, mixed-methods study conducted in 2024 in five hospitals in Lima, Peru. Adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were recruited using non-probabilistic sampling. Plantar foot images labeled into eight categories were obtained in hospital settings, and a subgroup of participants were followed at home using a mobile application for daily photo capture; field reports were analyzed to identify operational barriers and facilitators.

Results: A total of 812 participants were enrolled (mean age: 60.7 ±10.2 years; 56% female), and 14,685 images were captured, 33% during home follow-up. Most participants were mestizo (71.8%) and had internet access (76%). Prior history of foot ulcers was reported by 33.5% of participants, partial amputations in 15.6% and toe deformities in 46.8%. Within the home follow-up group (n=92), only 3.3% completed the full 30-day period of daily photo capture. Main barriers included technical limitations (incompatible devices, low image resolution), inadequate lighting and low adherence due to competing responsibilities or limited digital literacy. Key facilitators included proactive follow-up by health personnel, caregiver support and educational reinforcement.

Conclusion: Large-scale image collection for AI training is feasible but requires tailored strategies to ensure technical quality, adherence and equity in implementation.

Keywords: diabetic foot, artificial intelligence, early detection, mHealth, lessons learned

Objetivo: describir la prevalencia de inseguridad alimentaria (I.Alim), sobrepeso y obesidad en personas con vulnerabilidad socio-económica en Mar del Plata, Argentina, período 2024-2025

Métodos: estudio transversal en una muestra por conveniencia de hogares vulnerables de Mar del Plata. Se aplicó la Escala de Experiencia de Inseguridad Alimentaria de la FAO. Se realizaron antropometrías en un subgrupo de mujeres y niños; se calculó IMC en adultas y peso para la edad (puntaje z) en niños, según OMS.

Resultados: sobre 122 encuestas, el 34,4% de los hogares (IC95% 26,1-43,6) refirió I.Alim. moderada (salteaban comidas) y el 19,7% (IC95% 13,1-27,8) I.Alim. grave (pasaban hambre); en el 26,2% (IC95% 18,7-35,0) de estos últimos, alguien no comió al menos un día. El 61,3% (IC95% 52,2-70,1) debió endeudarse para llegar a fin de mes. En el 52,5% (IC95% 43,2-61,7) el principal sostén del hogar tenía sólo estudios primarios. En 41 niños con edad media de 9,8 años (DE1,2) el 56,1% (IC95% 39,8-71,5) fueron niñas. El 34,1% (IC95% 20,1-50,6) tuvo peso normal, 31,7% (IC95% 18,1-48,1) sobrepeso y 34,1% (IC95% 20,1-50,6) obesidad. En 36 mujeres la edad media fue 40,1 años (DE 15,7), el 19,4% (IC95% 8,2-36,0) tuvo peso normal, 22,2% (IC95% 10,1-39,1) sobrepeso y 58,3% (IC95% 40,8-74,5) obesidad.

Conclusión: estos hallazgos reflejan la frecuente paradoja asociada a la I.Alim. y la vulnerabilidad socio-económica: hambre y exceso de peso conviviendo como formas de malnutrición incrementando el riesgo y la carga futura de Enfermedades no Transmisibles. Urgen políticas públicas socio-sanitarias equitativas, integrales e intersectoriales para garantizar alimentación adecuada.

Palabras claves: Inseguridad alimentaria – Obesidad – Inequidades en salud – Enfermedades no transmisibles – Salud pública

Abstract

Title: Community Health Worker Programs for Chronic Disease Management in Urban Settings: A Scoping Review

Hardik Pipalia ¹,

¹Director of Research and Evaluation, ANIZ INC, Atlanta, GA; hpipalia@aniz.org ; 0000-0002-1234-5678

*Corresponding author: hpipalia@aniz.org

Received: date; Accepted: date; Published: date

Objective: To systematically map the existing literature on community health worker programs for chronic disease management in urban settings, identify key program models and implementation strategies, and determine gaps in current research evidence. Using PEO framework: P (urban residents with chronic diseases), E (community health worker interventions and programs), O (chronic disease management outcomes, program implementation, health service utilization).

Methods: Search Strategy: Comprehensive electronic search conducted across six databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from January 2015 through December 2024. Search strategy developed using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and keywords including: "community health worker," "community health aide," "lay health worker," "peer health educator," combined with "chronic disease," "diabetes," "hypertension," "cardiovascular disease," "urban health," and "city." Additional searches included reference lists of included studies and consultation with subject matter experts.

Eligibility Criteria: Inclusion criteria: (1) studies examining community health worker programs or interventions; (2) focus on chronic disease management including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, COPD, or multiple chronic conditions; (3) participants residing in urban areas or metropolitan regions; (4) any study design including experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies; (5) published in English language; (6) peer-reviewed journal articles and relevant gray literature reports. Exclusion criteria: rural-only populations, acute care interventions, pediatric populations under 18 years, conference abstracts without full methodology description, studies published before 2015.

Information Sources: Electronic databases with specified date ranges, final search completed January 2025. Additional sources included clinical trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov), organizational websites of major public health agencies (CDC, WHO, NIH), and manual searching of reference lists from systematic reviews and key articles identified during screening process.

Selection of Sources: Two independent reviewers conducted title and abstract screening using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full-text screening performed independently with disagreements resolved through discussion and consensus. When consensus could not be reached, third reviewer consultation was used for final decision-making.

Risk of Bias: Consistent with scoping review methodology, formal quality assessment was not conducted as the objective focused on mapping available evidence rather than synthesizing study effectiveness or quality.

Results: Included Studies: From 2,847 records initially identified through database searches, 1,156 underwent title and abstract screening, 284 proceeded to full-text review, and 89 studies met final inclusion criteria. Studies spanned publication years 2015-2024 with increasing frequency in recent years (2020-2024: n=58, 65%). Geographic distribution included North America (n=42, 47%), Europe (n=21, 24%), Asia (n=15, 17%), Australia/Oceania (n=7, 8%), and other regions (n=4, 4%). Study designs comprised randomized controlled trials (n=31, 35%), quasi-experimental studies (n=18, 20%), cross-sectional studies (n=16, 18%), qualitative studies (n=14, 16%), and mixed-methods studies (n=10, 11%).

Synthesis of Results: Five primary categories of community health worker program models were identified: (1) Clinical Support Programs (n=38 studies, 43%): CHWs providing medication management, appointment scheduling, care coordination, and clinical follow-up support in collaboration with healthcare providers; (2) Health Education and Behavior Change Programs (n=34 studies, 38%): CHWs delivering group education sessions, individual counseling, lifestyle modification support, and self-management training; (3) Peer Support and Navigation Programs (n=25 studies, 28%): CHWs with shared chronic disease experience providing emotional support, healthcare system navigation, and social connection facilitation; (4) Home-Based Care Management Programs (n=22 studies, 25%): CHWs conducting home visits for health monitoring, medication adherence support, and family education; (5) Technology-Enhanced Programs (n=18 studies, 20%): CHWs utilizing mobile health applications, remote monitoring devices, and digital communication platforms. Chronic disease focus areas included diabetes (n=52 studies, 58%), hypertension (n=47 studies, 53%), cardiovascular disease (n=28 studies, 31%), multiple chronic conditions (n=24 studies, 27%), and COPD (n=12 studies, 13%). Implementation settings varied including community health centers (n=41 studies, 46%), participants' homes (n=33 studies, 37%), community organizations (n=28 studies, 31%), and healthcare facilities (n=25 studies, 28%). Research gaps identified included limited long-term sustainability studies, insufficient cost-effectiveness analyses, minimal examination of program scalability, and inadequate representation of diverse urban populations including immigrants, elderly residents, and individuals with multiple comorbidities.

Conclusion: Community health worker programs for chronic disease management in urban settings encompass diverse implementation models with varying levels of evidence supporting effectiveness and feasibility. While clinical support and health education programs represent the most frequently studied approaches, significant evidence gaps exist regarding program sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability across different urban contexts. The literature demonstrates growing integration of technology-enhanced approaches, though digital equity considerations remain underexplored. Future research priorities should include rigorous evaluation of long-term program outcomes, comprehensive economic evaluations, examination of implementation factors supporting program sustainability, and enhanced focus on health equity and cultural responsiveness in diverse urban populations. The expanding evidence base provides foundation for evidence-informed program development while highlighting critical knowledge gaps requiring targeted research investment.

Keywords: scoping review, community health workers, chronic disease management, urban health, implementation science, health services research

© 2025 by the authors. Submitted for possible open access publication under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Abstract

Title: Effectiveness of Integrated Mental Health and Substance Use Services in HIV Prevention for High-Risk Populations: A Systematic Review

Hardik Pipalia ¹,

¹Director of Research and Evaluation, ANIZ INC, Atlanta, GA; hpipalia@aniz.org ; 0000-0002-1234-5678

*Corresponding author: hpipalia@aniz.org

Received: date; Accepted: date; Published: date

Objective: To determine whether integrated behavioral health models combining mental health, substance use, and HIV prevention services improve clinical outcomes compared to standard care for high-risk populations. Secondary objectives include assessing cost-effectiveness and identifying optimal integration strategies.

Methods: Search Strategy: Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library from 2015 to December 2024 using terms related to integrated care, HIV prevention, mental health, and substance use services.

Eligibility Criteria: Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and cohort studies examining integrated behavioral health interventions for HIV prevention in high-risk populations were included. Studies published in English with quantitative outcomes were eligible. Exclusion criteria included single-intervention studies and populations under 18 years.

Information Sources: Four electronic databases were searched with final search completed December 2024. Additional studies were identified through reference lists and expert consultation.

Selection of Sources: Two independent reviewers screened 1,247 titles and abstracts, with 89 full-text articles assessed for eligibility. Disagreements were resolved through discussion and third reviewer consultation.

Risk of Bias: Quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool for quantitative studies, with particular attention to selection bias, confounding, and outcome measurement validity.

Results: Included Studies: Forty-seven studies involving 18,436 participants across diverse high-risk populations were included, with study durations ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

Synthesis of Results: Integrated models significantly favored intervention groups across all primary endpoints. HIV testing rates increased 23-41% (7 studies, n=3,124), PrEP adherence improved 35-52% (12 studies, n=4,567), and high-risk sexual behaviors decreased 28-45% (15 studies, n=5,891). Mental health outcomes showed depression score reductions of 2.8-4.2 points on PHQ-9 scale (8 studies, n=2,134). Substance use decreased 25-40% (11 studies, n=3,789). Cost-effectiveness analyses demonstrated $1.20-$2.80 savings per dollar invested.

Conclusion: Integrated behavioral health models demonstrate superior effectiveness compared to standard care for HIV prevention outcomes in high-risk populations. The evidence supports comprehensive care approaches addressing the syndemic nature of HIV risk, mental health, and substance use disorders. Healthcare systems should prioritize adoption of fully integrated models to optimize prevention effectiveness and advance health equity. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for this review.

Keywords: community health, care coordination, substance abuse, depression, addiction services, prevention services, vulnerable populations, cost-effectiveness

© 2025 by the authors. Submitted for possible open access publication under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Este estudio presenta los hallazgos de una cohorte longitudinal realizada en Tumbes, Perú, entre 2017 y 2023. El estudio evaluó la incidencia de neuropatía periférica (NP) en adultos con distintos estados glucémicos (euglucemia, prediabetes y diabetes mellitus tipo 2). Se analizaron los factores asociados al desarrollo de NP, incluyendo edad, sexo, hipertensión y tabaquismo, utilizando modelos estadísticos ajustados para determinar su efecto. Se encontró que la incidencia de NP fue baja y no se asoció con el estado glucémico. La edad avanzada se encontró como un factor de riesgo y el sexo femenino como un factor protector.

This cross-sectional study analyzed socioecological factors influencing alcohol counseling among 3,093 adults with chronic diseases using 2022 National Health Interview Survey data. Results revealed that only 7.2% received provider alcohol counseling, with age and health status as primary predictors. The research addresses gaps in understanding demographic, healthcare access, and cultural factors affecting alcohol counseling practices, with implications for secondary prevention and health disparity reduction.

Objective:

To identify the most effective community-based strategies for type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention and management among underserved, predominantly Hispanic urban populations.

Methods:

A systematic PubMed search (January 2014–March 2024) identified English-language systematic reviews examining T2D primary prevention or community-based interventions in U.S. urban settings with high Hispanic representation. Reviews limited to non-urban, pediatric, or type 1 diabetes populations were excluded. Eligible studies were selected through two-stage screening of titles/abstracts and full texts. Six systematic reviews encompassing over 60,000 participants were included. Although no formal risk-of-bias tool was applied, studies were appraised for design quality, sample size, and relevance to target population; consistency of findings across diverse settings supports reliability.

Results:

Culturally tailored diabetes self-management education (DSME) reduced HbA1c by 0.34–1.2% and improved quality of life, particularly when delivered in Spanish and with family involvement. Structured lifestyle interventions combining dietary guidance, physical activity, and behavioral support reduced diabetes-related morbidity and mortality by 10–15% and incidence by up to 58% in high-risk groups. DSME delivery at community venues or virtually improved engagement among low-income populations. Success factors included family participation and sociocultural adaptation; barriers included socioeconomic constraints, low health literacy, and adherence challenges.

Conclusion:

Effective strategies for urban Hispanic communities integrate culturally tailored DSME, accessible lifestyle interventions, and robust community support. Collaborative, multisectoral approaches that address social determinants of health—such as economic stability, language access, and transportation—are essential to reduce T2D disparities. Future efforts should expand virtual and community-embedded programs to promote equity and lasting impact.

This analytical cross-sectional study of 493 Latino/a immigrants in South Florida examined whether fatalism moderates the relationships between depressive symptoms, immigration stress, and unhealthy dietary behaviors. While fatalism did not significantly modify these associations, higher depressive symptoms and greater immigration stress were each linked to more frequent consumption of unhealthy foods, particularly sweets. Findings highlight the need to address mental health and sociocultural factors in developing culturally tailored dietary interventions for Latino/a immigrant communities.

This cross-sectional study explored how socioeconomic factors influence Latino immigrants’ adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. Using data from a larger parent study, we assessed employment, income, education, health insurance, job security, and demographics. Results showed that job insecurity and having children were significantly associated with higher adherence to public health guidelines. Findings highlight the need for tailored preventative measures and stronger public health strategies to support vulnerable immigrant communities during pandemics.

This abstract characterizes social risk and social needs burden in a diverse Miami-Dade County community and evaluates a comprehensive community health screening assessment.

This abstract is a cross-sectional analysis of elevated blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI) collected from participants in Miami-Dade health fairs led by MedSWISH, a student-led community service organization at FIU HWCOM. Analysis of these screening measures showed significant elevations in both BP and BMI, indicating a need for improvement in targeting these key health indicators throughout Miami.

We tried to investigate if there was any relationship between vitamin D levels and increased progression of rheumatoid arthritis (as measured by CRP, a marker used to measure inflammation in RA and other chronic conditions) in a population sample that included low socioeconomic status subjects as determined by the poverty-to-income ratio (standard metric used to determine how close a subject is to living in the federal poverty line).

Objective: Sexual minority men (SMM) account for over two-thirds of new HIV infections in the United States. Minority stress is associated with multiple adverse physiological, physical, mental health, and behavioral outcomes. Guided by the Broaden and Build theory, the current study aims to examine whether optimism and positive affect (PA) are related to mental and behavioral health among stimulant-using MSM with HIV.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from 254 MSM with HIV reporting stimulant use, who participated in a broader longitudinal study, were analyzed. Study variables were measured using validated psychological instruments, self-report, and viral load. Multiple linear regression models were tested to examine direct effects and the moderation of Optimism PA via interaction. The models were adjusted for HIV diagnosis, age at diagnosis, race/ethnicity, relationship status, and incarceration.

Results: Higher optimism and positive affect were associated with lower depression and anxiety symptoms. Optimism moderate vs. low OR=0.42 (95% CI 0.24–0.76), high vs. low OR=0.14 (0.05–0.39), PA OR=0.92 (0.86–0.98). ART adherence showed no significant statistical association with the predictors. Graduate-degree status was related to lower odds of undetectable viral load (β=−1.89, p=.026). Stimulant severity was higher for ages 66–80 vs. 18–35 and for multiracial vs. White participants.

Conclusion: Findings reveal optimism and PA as protective factors for anxiety and depression among stimulant-using MSM. The results identify positive mental health constructs as modifiable targets for intervention. Longitudinal research is needed to examine how structural conditions and multi-level factors affect MSM’s physical, mental, and behavioral health over time.

Objective:

Latinos in the U.S. drink less than non-Latino whites but face higher alcohol-related consequences. Positive alcohol outcome expectancies (AOEs, beliefs about beneficial effects: tension reduction, social enhancement) are associated with increased alcohol use, while findings on negative AOEs (e.g., sickness, impaired control) remain inconsistent. This study examined associations between AOEs and alcohol intake among adult Latino immigrants.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study utilizes data from an NIH-funded study examining Latino/a immigrants’ alcohol use. Between 2019-2020, data was collected on 493 adult Latino immigrants (45.7% female; mean age=37.21, SD=4.93) who immigrated to the U.S. 12 years before assessment. Multivariable regression tested associations between positive/negative AOEs and alcohol quantity, frequency, and severity while controlling for confounders.

Results:

Positive AOEs were associated with drinking frequency (β=2.11; 95% CI 0.99, 3.24; p< 0.001), quantity (β=0.45; 95% CI 0.31, 0.60; p< 0.001), and severity (β=1.03; 95% CI 0.72, 1.34; p< 0.001). Negative AOEs were associated with drinking quantity (β=0.27; 95% CI 0.11, 0.43; p< 0.001) and severity (β=0.62; 95% CI 0.28, 0.96; p< 0.001), but not frequency (β=0.97; 95% CI -0.24, 2.19; p=0.117).

Conclusion:

Study findings highlight the role of AOEs on Latino immigrants’ drinking behaviors. This knowledge can guide interventions targeting AOE to curb rising alcohol use among Latino immigrants as time in the U.S. increases.

This study analyzed national survey data from BRFSS 2023 using SPSS to explore how age, education, and income influence alcohol consumption among U.S. adults 18 and older. Results showed higher and heavier drinking in younger groups, while those with higher educational attainment reported lower levels of consumption.

This study provides a cross-sectional analysis of the availability and distribution of substance use disorder (SUD) treatment services across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Using national survey and directory data, we categorized facilities by service type (outpatient, residential, hospital inpatient, detoxification) and assessed financial accessibility through Medicaid and other payment options. We also examined the extent to which facilities reported services for individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions. The findings highlight significant variability across counties, with outpatient services dominating the treatment landscape, while inpatient and residential capacity remain limited. Medicaid acceptance was uneven, particularly low in Palm Beach. These results carry important policy implications, including the need to expand higher-intensity treatment options, improve integration of mental health and SUD services, and address financial barriers to care.

This scoping review evaluates disparities in access to minimally invasive and robotic cardiac surgery in the United States. Findings highlight inequities related to race, socioeconomic status, and hospital volume, and explore their implications for patients with chronic and congenital heart disease.

Examines how income, education, and extreme heat shape hypertension risks in Florida communities.

This abstract reports a cross-sectional study of 73 adults aged ≥50 (66 women, 7 men; mean age 64) recruited at South Florida health fairs (Feb–Oct 2024) to examine how access to primary care relates to osteoporosis risk and knowledge. Participants completed a 16-item survey and had FRAX 10-year probabilities calculated, then were grouped by visit frequency (≥yearly “regular access” vs