There is a rich and extensive literature regarding coalitions as vehicles for amassing resources, influence, and energy in pursuit of a health goal. Despite insufficient empirical data regarding outcome, a number of observers have posited the aspects of coalition processes thought to lead to goal attainment. The supplement, which this article is part of, is devoted to an examination of how these elements fitted together (or did not) in the seven areas across the United States where Allies coalitions devoted themselves to achieving asthma control. The aim of this article is to present the theoretical bases for the work of the coalitions. It illustrates and emphasizes how the community context influenced coalition development, how membership was involved in and assessed coalition processes and structures, and the community-wide actions that were instituted and the capacities they were trying to strengthen.

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Objective: This study synthesized evidence regarding the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the United States (US). Methods: A systematic literature review (SLR) identified recently published (2015)(2016)(2017)(2018)(2019) observational studies of PTSD prevalence in the US via the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases. Eligible studies' most recent data were collected no earlier than 2013. Data elements extracted included study design, sample size, location, data source/year(s), study population(s), traumatic event type, prevalance estimates with corresponding look-back periods, and clinical metrics. Results: Data from 38 identified articles were categorized by population, diagnostic criteria, and lookback period. Among civilians, point prevalence ranged from 8.0% to 56.7%, 1-year prevalence from 2.3% to 9.1%, and lifetime prevalence from 3.4% to 26.9%. In military populations, point prevalence ranged from 1.2% to 87.5%, 1-year prevalence from 6.7% to 50.2%, and lifetime prevalence from 7.7% to 17.0%. Within these ranges, several estimates were derived from relatively high quality data; these articles are highlighted in the review. Prevalence was elevated in subpopulations including emergency responders, refugees, American Indian/Alaska Natives, individuals with heavy substance use, individuals with a past suicide attempt, trans-masculine individuals, and women with prior military sexual trauma. Female sex, lower income, younger age, and behavioral health conditions were identified as risk factors for PTSD. Conclusions: PTSD prevalence estimates varied widely, partly due to different study designs, populations, and methodologies, and recent nationally representative estimates were lacking. Efforts to increase PTSD screening and improve disease awareness may allow for a better detection and management of PTSD.

T he purpose of this article is to describe the design and implementation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's (RWJF) Allies Against Asthma crosssite evaluation. The Allies Against Asthma (Allies) program consists of seven coalition sites, each comprising various stakeholders such as local health care providers, schools and day care centers, community advocacy groups, businesses, local government organizations, managed care organizations, academic institutions, parent groups, and other community-based organizations, which aim to combat pediatric asthma. The evaluation approach for Allies was designed collaboratively by

For health improvement efforts to effectively address community needs, community members must be engaged in planning and implementing public health initiatives. For Allies Against Asthma's coalitions, the community included not only the subpopulation of individuals who suffer disproportionately from asthma but also the individuals and institutions that surround them. Through a quantitative self-assessment survey, informal discussion among coalition leadership, and interviews with key informants, data relevant to community engagement identified a number of important ways the Allies coalitions approached community involvement. Respondents' comments made clear that the way the coalitions conduct their work is often as important as what they do. Across coalitions, factors that were identified as important for community involvement included (a) establishing a commitment to community involvement, (b) building trust, (c) making participation feasible and comfortable, (d) responding to community identified needs, (e) providing leadership development opportunities, and (f) building a shared commitment to desired outcomes.

Recent estimates show that food allergies affect a substantial proportion of children in the United States and appear to have increased in prevalence. At present, management of food allergies consists of strict avoidance of the responsible allergen and an appropriate response should a reaction occur. Creating safe environments for the growing number of children with food allergies requires a partnership between affected families and members of the caregiving and educational communities. This article reviews issues affecting children with food allergies at different stages of psychosocial development and discusses strategies that can be implemented to promote food safety within child care and school environments as well as in the community. It also presents an overview of policy developments at the state and national level that have implications for children with food allergies.

The Early Childhood Asthma Project involved asthma case identification in 35 Head Start centers in Detroit, MI, and attempted implementation of an intervention designed to help families manage a child's asthma more effectively. Surveys were distributed to the parents of all Head Start children (3408), and 2198 complete surveys were returned. Case detection found probable asthma in 30% of the children whose parent returned a sufficiently complete survey. Implementation of the intervention was unsuccessful in this setting. Obstacles to effective implementation included the sample's low participation and high attrition, limited involvement of Head Start personnel, factors related to the program approach, and the target population's beliefs about asthma.

Caregiver and adolescents descriptions of wheeze are different from each other and both may be different from clinical definitions of the term. Study findings have implications for the ways in which questions about "wheeze" are framed and interpreted.