title: Preventing Foodborne and Enteric Illnesses Among At-Risk Populations in the United States and Rhode Island.
abstract: One out of every six people in the United States is estimated to become sick each year from pathogens that can cause foodborne illness. The groups at greatest risk for serious illness, hospitalization, or death include young children, older adults, people with chronic conditions, and pregnant women. Such health disparities must be considered along with those disparities that may exist among racial and ethnic groups and among groups of varying socioeconomic status. We analyzed risk profiles for enteric disease using data from Rhode Island and the nation as a whole, exploring disparities among groups defined by demographic and health characteristics. As expected, disparities in the burden of enteric illnesses are not limited to racial or ethnic differences in disease burden, or in differences otherwise attributable to socioeconomic status. Age is an especially important determinant of risk, as is residential status. Other groups found to be especially vulnerable to foodborne and enteric illnesses in Rhode Island include pregnant women and those with certain health conditions (e.g., cancer, liver disease or immunosuppression). By understanding what groups are at increased risk, providers can more effectively counsel their patients to mitigate risk and effectively treat these conditions. [Full article available at http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal-2016-11.asp].
authors: Public Health Epidemiologist, Center for Acute Infectious Disease, Division of Preparedness, Response, Infectious Disease, and Emergency Medical Services, Rhode Island Department of Health.
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Barkley
authors: Chief, Center for Food Protection, Division of Environmental Health, Rhode Island Department of Health.
authors: Ernest
authors: E
authors: Julian
authors: Planning and Program Specialist, Center for Food Protection, Division of Environmental Health, Rhode Island Department of Health.
authors: Brendalee
authors: B
authors: Viveiros
authors: Senior Public Health Epidemiologist, Center for Acute Infectious Disease, Division of Preparedness, Response, Infectious Disease, and Emergency Medical Services, Rhode Island Department of Health.
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Gosciminski
authors: State Epidemiologist and Medical/Director, Division of Preparedness, Response, Infectious Disease, and Emergency Medical Services, Rhode Island Department of Health.
authors: Utpala
authors: U
authors: Bandy
mesh_terms: D017677:Age Distribution; D005006:Ethnicity; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012237:Rhode Island / Q000453:epidemiology; D012480:Salmonella Infections / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: Rhode Island; disparities; foodborne diseases