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Ecodevelopmental theory is a theoretical framework used to explain the interplay among risk and protective processes associated with HIV risk behaviors among adolescents. Although ecodevelopmentally based interventions have been found to be efficacious in preventing HIV risk behaviors among Hispanic youth, this theory has not yet been directly empirically tested through a basic research study in this population. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to empirically evaluate an ecodevelopmentally based model using structural equation modeling, with substance use and early sex initiation as the two outcomes of the ecodevelopmental chain of relationships. The sample consisted of 586 Hispanic youth (M age = 13.6; SD = 0.75) and their primary caregivers living in Miami, Florida. Adolescent, parent, and teacher reports were used. The results provided strong support for the theoretical model. More specifically, the parent-adolescent acculturation gap is indirectly related both to early sex initiation and to adolescent substance use through family functioning, academic functioning, perceived peer sexual behavior, and perceived peer substance use. Additionally, parent's U.S. orientation is associated with adolescent substance use and adolescent sex initiation through social support for parents, parental stressors, family functioning, academic functioning, and perceived peer sexual behavior and substance use. These findings suggest that HIV risk behaviors may best be understood as associated with multiple and interrelated ecological determinants. (Contains 1 note, 1 table, and 2 figures.)

Introduction. Previous research suggests the presence of a spouse may considerably affect melanoma detection rates through more frequent examinations, better access to healthcare, and improved social support. Yet, the role of marital status on melanoma survival is currently unknown. The aim of this study is to assess whether marital status is associated with survival following melanoma diagnosis. Methods. We performed secondary analysis of data from all participants of the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS) and included adult melanoma patients diagnosed between 2001 and 2009 with follow-up information available until 2015. Marital status was categorized as single, married, divorced, or widowed. The primary outcome was survival interval after melanoma diagnosis, which was assessed according to the time from the date of diagnosis to the time of death or last contact. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the independent association between marital status and survival. Results. We assessed data from 36,578 melanoma patients. Married patients were significantly more likely to survive than single patients (Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.65; 99% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.57–0.74; P < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, race, ethnicity, geographic location, insurance status, tobacco use, primary site, stage, and histology. There was no evidence of effect modification by gender (P = 0.189). Conclusions. Married patients, including both men and women, had a 35% reduction in the risk of death after melanoma diagnosis compared with single patients, and mechanisms independent of earlier detection, such as social support, may play a role in survival in patients with melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Only two-thirds of U.S. adults are compliant with screening for colorectal cancer. This study identified factors of blood stool test (BST) compliance and colonoscopy use among randomly selected households in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Methods. This study used cross-sectional data collected 10/2009-04/2010. Analyses were restricted to 1,118 single-family homes containing a minimum of one member ≥ 50 years. Results. Half of households were compliant with BST (55%) or completed colonoscopy (55%). Factors associated with BST compliance included retirement (adjusted odds ratio[AOR] = 1.57**), being uninsured (AOR=0.64**), diagnosed morbidities (AOR=1.68**), fruit/vegetable consumption (AOR=1.60**), and using alternative medicines (AOR=1.36*). Factors associated with colonoscopy included Hispanic ethnicity (AOR=0.56**), lower education (AOR=0.66*), being single (AOR=0.65*), retirement (AOR=2.0r**), being uninsured (AOR=0.61**), diagnosed morbidities (AOR=2.13***), former smoking (AOR=1.94**), and fruit/vegetable consumption (AOR=1.75***)(*p<.05;**p<.01;***p<.001). Conclusion. This is the first study of factors of BST and colonoscopy in Miami-Dade County. These findings provide a basis for community-based interventions aimed at increasing screening within this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qualitative interviews in both the Guatemalan Maya sending community of Jacaltenango and the receiving community of Jupiter, Florida, illustrate the gendered role of transnational gossip. Women whose husbands have migrated are subject to a high level of scrutiny from their family and neighbors, who may accuse them of infidelity, raising their children inappropriately, or spending money unwisely. To avoid gossip and its potential consequences, many women isolate themselves to such an extent that they experience psychological and physical symptoms of depression and anxiety. This article contributes to the debate on migration and gender by defining and confirming the gendered nature of transnational gossip, identifying the factors that intensify gossip in the context of international migration, and providing evidence of the specific negative impact for women in the sending community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Studies on the mental health of families hosting disaster refugees are lacking. This study compares participants in households that hosted 2010 Haitian earthquake disaster refugees with their nonhost counterparts.Methods: A random sample survey was conducted from October 2011 through December 2012 in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Haitian participants were assessed regarding their 2010 earthquake exposure and impact on family and friends and whether they hosted earthquake refugees. Using standardized scores and thresholds, they were evaluated for symptoms of three common mental disorders (CMDs): posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depressive disorder (MDD).Results: Participants who hosted refugees (n = 51) had significantly higher percentages of scores beyond thresholds for MDD than those who did not host refugees (n = 365) and for at least one CMD, after adjusting for participants' earthquake exposures and effects on family and friends.Conclusions: Hosting refugees from a natural disaster appears to elevate the risk for MDD and possibly other CMDs, independent of risks posed by exposure to the disaster itself. Families hosting refugees deserve special attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racial disparities are known to negatively impact survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, data regarding the Hispanic ethnicity are scarce in the pancreatic cancer literature. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze whether race and ethnicity are independent predictors of survival in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in Florida. A retrospective study was performed utilizing all patients diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 1983 and 2013 in the Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS). Statistical analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression models, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Of 36,756 patients identified with pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the FCDS, 9.1% were Hispanic and 91% were non-Hispanic. Ethnicity was associated with improved survival among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanics (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.82–0.90, both p = 0.001). Furthermore, 90% of patients were White, and 9% were Black. Compared to Whites, Blacks had a significantly decreased survival (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.03–1.13, p = 0.003). In Florida patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, Hispanic ethnicity is associated with improved survival compared to Non-Hispanics. Additionally, Blacks present at an earlier age and later stage of diagnosis with worse survival compared to Whites and Others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]