No abstract

Objectives: The consumption of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) is popular on college campuses in the United States. Limited research suggests that energy drink consumption lessens subjective intoxication in persons who also have consumed alcohol. This study examines the relationship between energy drink use, high-risk drinking behavior, and alcohol-related consequences. Methods:In Fall 2006, a Web-based survey was conducted in a stratified random sample of 4,271 college students from 10 universities in North Carolina.Results: A total of 697 students (24% of past 30-day drinkers) reported consuming AmED in the past 30 days. Students who were male, white, intramural athletes, fraternity or sorority members or pledges, and younger were significantly more likely to consume AmED. In multivariable analyses, consumption of AmED was associated with increased heavy episodic drinking (6.4 days vs. 3.4 days on average; p < 0.001) and twice as many episodes of weekly drunkenness (1.4 days ⁄ week vs. 0.73 days ⁄ week; p < 0.001). Students who reported consuming AmED had significantly higher prevalence of alcoholrelated consequences, including being taken advantage of sexually, taking advantage of another sexually, riding with an intoxicated driver, being physically hurt or injured, and requiring medical treatment (p < 0.05). The effect of consuming AmED on driving while intoxicated depended on a student's reported typical alcohol consumption (interaction p = 0.027).Conclusions: Almost one-quarter of college student current drinkers reported mixing alcohol with energy drinks. These students are at increased risk for alcohol-related consequences, even after adjusting for the amount of alcohol consumed. Further research is necessary to understand this association and to develop targeted interventions to reduce risk. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2008; 15:453-460 ª 2008 by the Society for Academic Emergency MedicineKeywords: energy drinks, alcohol, injury E nergy drinks are beverages that claim to provide a burst of energy by using a combination of caffeine (the principal active ingredient), other plant-based stimulants (e.g., guarana, yerba mate), simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose), glucuronolactone (a naturally occurring glucose metabolite), amino acids (e.g., taurine, carnitine, creatine), herbs (e.g., ginkgo biloba, ginseng), and vitamins. The effects of these ingredients are incompletely understood. A 6-ounce serving of brewed coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine; the caffeine content of energy drinks varies considerably, with some energy drinks containing more than 300 mg or more per serving.

To explore the use of photovoice as a research methodology to identify and explore community health and disability priorities. Methods: Published studies (n=31) that applied photovoice as a research methodology to promote and enhance individual and community change were identified and reviewed. Results: Findings are explored and organized by community concerns and priorities; participant recruitment, training, and camera instruction; identification of photo assignment; photo assignment discussion; data analysis; outcomes; and evaluation of program and policy changes. Conclusions: Despite the limitations of the studies and/or how they are reported, findings from this review support further application of photovoice to facilitate community change.

No abstract

Over the past two decades, new anti-immigration policies and laws have emerged to address the migration of undocumented immigrants. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess and understand how these immigration policies and laws may affect both access to health services and health outcomes among undocumented immigrants. Eight databases were used to conduct this review, which returned 325 papers that were assessed for validity based on specified inclusion criteria. Forty critically appraised articles were selected for analysis; thirty articles related to access to health services, and ten related to health outcomes. The articles showed a direct relationship between anti-immigration policies and their effects on access to health services. In addition, as a result of these policies, undocumented immigrants were impacted by mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Action items were presented, including the promotion of cultural diversity training and the development of innovative strategies to support safety-net health care facilities serving vulnerable populations.