Janice Barnhart

Sample Design and Cohort Selection in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

PURPOSE The Hispanic Community Health Study (HCHS)/Study of Latinos (SOL) is a multicenter, community-based cohort study of Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States. A diverse participant sample is required that is both representative of the target population and likely to remain engaged throughout follow-up. The choice of sample design, its rationale, and benefits and challenges of design decisions are described in this study. METHODS The study design calls for recruitment and follow-up of a cohort of 16,000 Hispanics/Latinos 18-74 years of age, with 62.5% (10,000) over 44 years of age and adequate subgroup sample sizes to support inference by Hispanic/Latino background. Participants are recruited in community areas surrounding four field centers in the Bronx, Chicago, Miami, and San Diego. A two-stage area probability sample of households is selected with stratification and oversampling incorporated at each stage to provide a broadly diverse sample, offer efficiencies in field operations, and ensure that the target age distribution is obtained. CONCLUSIONS Embedding probability sampling within this traditional, multisite cohort study design enables competing research objectives to be met. However, the use of probability sampling requires developing solutions to some unique challenges in both sample selection and recruitment, as described here.

Prevalence of Diabetes Among Hispanics/Latinos From Diverse Backgrounds: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

OBJECTIVE We examine differences in prevalence of diabetes and rates of awareness and control among adults from diverse Hispanic/Latino backgrounds in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The HCHS/SOL, a prospective, multicenter, population-based study, enrolled from four U.S. metropolitan areas from 2008 to 2011 16,415 18–74-year-old people of Hispanic/Latino descent. Diabetes was defined by either fasting plasma glucose, impaired glucose tolerance 2 h after a glucose load, glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), or documented use of hypoglycemic agents (scanned medications). RESULTS Diabetes prevalence varied from 10.2% in South Americans and 13.4% in Cubans to 17.7% in Central Americans, 18.0% in Dominicans and Puerto Ricans, and 18.3% in Mexicans (P < 0.0001). Prevalence related positively to age (P < 0.0001), BMI (P < 0.0001), and years living in the U.S. (P = 0.0010) but was negatively related to education (P = 0.0005) and household income (P = 0.0043). Rate of diabetes awareness was 58.7%, adequate glycemic control (A1C <7%, 53 mmol/mol) was 48.0%, and having health insurance among those with diabetes was 52.4%. CONCLUSIONS Present findings indicate a high prevalence of diabetes but considerable diversity as a function of Hispanic background. The low rates of diabetes awareness, diabetes control, and health insurance in conjunction with the negative associations between diabetes prevalence and both household income and education among Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S. have important implications for public health policies.

Sleep-disordered Breathing in Hispanic/Latino Individuals of Diverse Backgrounds. The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

RATIONALE Hispanic/Latino populations have a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and may be at risk for sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). An understanding of SDB among these populations is needed given evidence that SDB increases cardiovascular risk. OBJECTIVES To quantify SDB prevalence in the U.S. Hispanic/Latino population and its association with symptoms, risk factors, diabetes, and hypertension; and to explore variation by sex and Hispanic/Latino background. METHODS Cross-sectional analysis from the baseline examination of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was derived from standardized sleep tests; diabetes and hypertension were based on measurement and history. The sample of 14,440 individuals had an age-adjusted prevalence of minimal SDB (AHI ≥ 5), moderate SDB (AHI ≥ 15), and severe SDB (AHI ≥ 30) of 25.8, 9.8, and 3.9%, respectively. Only 1.3% of participants reported a sleep apnea diagnosis. Moderate SDB was associated with being male (adjusted odds ratio, 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 2.3-3.1), obese (16.8; 11.6-24.4), and older. SDB was associated with an increased adjusted odds of impaired glucose tolerance (1.7; 1.3-2.1), diabetes (2.3; 1.8-2.9), and hypertension. The association with hypertension varied across background groups with the strongest associations among individuals of Puerto Rican and Central American background. CONCLUSIONS SDB is prevalent in U.S. Latinos but rarely associated with a clinical diagnosis. Associations with diabetes and hypertension suggest a large burden of disease may be attributed to untreated SDB, supporting the development and evaluation of culturally relevant detection and treatment approaches.

Clinical risk factors for fractures in multi-ethnic women: the Women's Health Initiative.

To identify risk factors for fractures in multi‐ethnic women, we studied 159,579 women enrolled in the Womens Health Initiative. In general, risk factors for fractures were similar across ethnic groups. However, irrespective of their ethnicity, women with multiple risk factors have a high risk of fracture. Targeting these high‐risk women for screening and intervention could reduce fractures.

Smoking among U.S. hispanic/latino adults: The hispanic community health study/study of latinos

BACKGROUND Prior national surveys capture smoking behaviors of the aggregated U.S. Hispanic/Latino population, possibly obscuring subgroup variation. PURPOSE To describe cigarette use among Hispanic/Latino adults across subgroups of age, gender, national background, SES, birthplace, and degree of acculturation to the dominant U.S. culture. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 16,322 participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos aged 18-74 years, recruited in Bronx NY, Chicago IL, Miami FL, and San Diego CA, was conducted during 2008-2011. RESULTS Prevalence of current smoking was highest among Puerto Ricans (men, 35.0%; women, 32.6%) and Cubans (men, 31.3%; women, 21.9%), with particularly high smoking intensity noted among Cubans as measured by pack-years and cigarettes/day. Dominicans had the lowest smoking prevalence (men, 11.0%; women, 11.7%). Individuals of other national backgrounds had a smoking prevalence that was intermediate between these groups, and typically higher among men than women. Non-daily smoking was common, particularly although not exclusively among young men of Mexican background. Persons of low SES were more likely to smoke, less likely to have quit smoking, and less frequently used over-the-counter quit aids compared to those with higher income and education levels. Smoking was more common among individuals who were born in the U.S. and had a higher level of acculturation to the dominant U.S. culture, particularly among women. CONCLUSIONS Smoking behaviors vary widely across Hispanic/Latino groups in the U.S., with a high prevalence of smoking among population subgroups with specific, readily identifiable characteristics.

VASOMOTOR SYMPTOMS AND CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Objective: We assessed whether vasomotor symptoms (VMS) are associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC) and how hormone therapy (HT) may influence this association. Methods: Participants were a subset of women aged 50 to 59 years with a history of hysterectomy who were enrolled in the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen-alone clinical trial and underwent a CT scan of the chest at the end of the trial to determine CAC. Participants provided information about VMS (hot flashes and/or night sweats), as well as HT use, on self-administered questionnaires at trial baseline. Results: The sample consisted of 918 women with a mean (SD) age of 55.1 (2.8) years at WHI randomization and 64.8 (2.9) years at CAC ascertainment. The prevalence of a CAC score higher than 0 was 46%, whereas the prevalence of a CAC score of 10 or higher and higher than 100 was 39% and 19%, respectively. At randomization, 77% reported a history of any VMS at any time before or at enrollment in the WHI, whereas 20% reported any VMS present only at enrollment. Compared with those without a history of any VMS and after adjustment for potential confounders, a history of any VMS at any time up to and including WHI enrollment was associated with significantly reduced odds for CAC higher than 0 (odds ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.45-0.98). Moreover, as duration of HT increased, the inverse association between any VMS and CAC moved toward the null. Conclusions: A history of any VMS was significantly associated with reduced odds for CAC independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors and other relevant covariates. This association seems to be influenced by duration of HT.

Is Acculturation Related to Obesity in Hispanic/Latino Adults? Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Background. The study examined the association of obesity with acculturation in a large and diverse sample of US Hispanic/Latino adults. Methods. The Hispanic Community Health Study (HCHS)/Study of Latinos (SOL) is a community-based cohort study of Hispanic/Latino adults aged 18–74 years (N = 16,415) from four urban areas. Height and weight were directly measured using a standardized protocol. Acculturation was assessed by the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH). Other immigration related variables included place of birth, length of residency in the US, and age at immigration. Odds ratios were calculated to assess the association of overweight, moderate obesity, and extreme obesity (≥40 kg/m2) with acculturation and sociodemographic variables. Results. The prevalence of obesity was 42.4% for women and 36.5% for men and varied by field center and Hispanic/Latino background. The strongest predictor of moderate and extreme obesity was length of residency in mainland US. This association was consistent across Hispanic/Latino backgrounds. Acculturation was not significantly associated with obesity. Discussion. The burden of obesity is high among Hispanic/Latino adults. The study findings suggest that prolonged exposure to the environments in these communities, rather than acculturation, is an important risk factor for obesity in this population.

Risk Perception and Its Association with Cardiac Risk and Health Behaviors Among Urban Minority Adults: The Bronx Coronary Risk Perception Study

Purpose. Examine the relationship among risk perceptions, health behaviors, and a measure for actual risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Design. Cross-sectional survey. Setting/Subjects. Adults from three outpatient medical clinics with at least one CHD risk factor. Measures. Perceived risk using the new Coronary Risk, Individual Perception (CRIP) scale, an index of CHD risk, and summary scores for self-reported diet and exercise. Analysis. Bivariate associations using Spearman rank and Kruskal-Wallis; multiple regression models for outcomes (health behaviors). Results. The 16-item CRIP scale had acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.76; interitem total correlation = 0.34 ± 0.17). The response rate was 80.3%, and the mean age of 256 respondents was 56.6 (± 9.9) years; 70 % were women, 63% Hispanic, and 27% black. CRIP scores were inversely associated with low fat/high fiber intake (r = −0.17; p = .007) and exercise (r = −0.19; p = .003). Among respondents with three or more CHD risk factors (n = 132), 44 % perceived themselves to be at low risk for CHD. In multivariable models, men with high CRIP scores had higher fat intake than women (p = .02), but men exercised more (p = .04). Conclusions. In this study, gender moderated the relationship between risk perception and health behaviors, and many respondents underestimated their risk of CHD. Behavioral intervention research aimed at reducing cardiometabolic risk in minority populations should resolve differences between perceived and actual risk of CHD to foster lifestyle changes and examine temporal relationships between risk perception and health behaviors.

Periodontitis and sleep disordered breathing in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

STUDY OBJECTIVES To investigate the association between sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and severe chronic periodontitis. DESIGN Cross-sectional data analysis from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. SETTING Community-based setting with probability sampling from four urban US communities. PARTICIPANTS 12,469 adults aged 18-74 y. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Severe chronic periodontitis was defined using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American Academy of Periodontology case classification based on full-mouth periodontal assessments performed by calibrated dentists. SDB was evaluated in standardized home sleep tests, and defined as the number of apnea plus hypopnea events associated with ≥ 3% desaturation, per hour of estimated sleep. SDB was quantified using categories of the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI): 0.0 events (nonapneic); 0.1-4.9 (subclinical); 5.0-14.9 (mild); and ≥ 15 (moderate/severe). Covariates were demographic characteristics and established periodontitis risk factors. C-reactive protein was a potential explanatory variable. Using survey estimation, multivariable binary logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence limits (CL). Following adjustment for confounding, the SDB and periodontitis relationship remained statistically significant, but was attenuated in strength and no longer dose-response. Compared with the nonapneic referent, adjusted odds of severe periodontitis were 40% higher with subclinical SDB (OR = 1.4, 95% CL: 1.0, 1.9), 60% higher with mild SDB (OR = 1.6, 95% CL: 1.1, 2.2) and 50% higher with moderate/severe SDB (OR = 1.5, 95% CL: 1.0, 2.3) demonstrating an independent association between SDB and severe periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies a novel association between mild sleep disordered breathing and periodontitis that was most pronounced in young adults.

Cigarette Smoking and Depressive Symptoms Among Hispanic/Latino Adults: Results From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

INTRODUCTION In the present study, we investigated associations among cigarette smoking, smoking cessation treatment, and depressive symptoms in Hispanic/Latino adults. METHODS The multisite prospective population-based Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) enrolled a cohort of Hispanic/Latino adults (aged 18-74) from diverse backgrounds (n = 16,412) in 4U.S. communities (Chicago, San Diego, Miami, and Bronx). Households were selected using a stratified 2-stage probability sampling design and door-to-door recruitment, and sampling weights calibrated to the 2010U.S. Population Census. Hispanic/Latino individuals of Dominican, Central American, South American, Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican background were considered. Cigarette smoking, smoking cessation treatment, and depressive symptoms were measured by self-report. RESULTS Results indicated that current smokers had greater odds for significant depressive symptoms (CES-D score ≥ 10) than never smokers in all Hispanic background groups [odds ratio (OR) > 1.5]. Depressed persons were not more likely to receive prescribed smoking cessation medications from a doctor (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.98-2.08), take over-the-counter medications (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.75-1.66), or receive psychotherapy (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.57-1.85). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, these findings suggest that the positive association between smoking status and depressive symptoms is present in all examined Hispanic/Latino background groups.