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Articles

HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Awareness and Referral to Providers Among Hispanic/Latino Persons — United States, 2019

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An analysis of data on people being tested for HIV at CDC-funded test sites reveals low levels of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) awareness and referrals among Hispanic/Latino people. These findings suggest the need to expand key efforts to increase awareness of this highly effective prevention strategy among this population and to link all people who can benefit from PrEP to the services they need. CDC analyzed data on PrEP awareness among individuals tested at 89 CDC-funded state and local health departments and community-based organizations in the U.S. The analysis found that in 2019, only 1 in 4 Hispanic/Latino people receiving a CDC-funded HIV test were aware of PrEP, and just 1 in 5 who were eligible for PrEP referral were referred to PrEP providers. Low levels of PrEP awareness and referrals among Hispanic/Latino people suggest the need to identify barriers to PrEP services, make PrEP education and referrals more routine, expand coverage for PrEP medications, and scale up culturally and linguistically appropriate HIV prevention efforts to improve equitable uptake of PrEP and reach the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. goals.

Prevalence of Arthritis and Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation — United States, 2016–2018

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The number of US adults with arthritis continues a 15-year, statistically significant trend of increasing prevalence, most recently increasing from 54.4 million in 2013-2015 to 58.5 million in 2016-2018. The same is true for the number of U.S. adults whose activities are limited due to arthritis, which is increasing faster than previously projected and increased from 23.7 million to 25.7 million over the last surveillance period. CDC analyzed combined National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2016–2018. Analyses were limited to adults aged 18 years or older. Arthritis and activity limitations due to arthritis are most common among adults with worse physical and mental health profiles and those who are more economically/socially marginalized. Disparities in arthritis prevalence suggests disproportionate unmet need for interventions that stop or slow the debilitating impact of arthritis. Two strategies to address existing arthritis and its adverse outcomes as well as limit future arthritis development are: 1) increased delivery of arthritis-appropriate, evidence-based self-management; physical activity; and other interventions; and 2) greater investment in improving social determinants of health that increase arthritis risk and better collaboration across public health, clinical, community, employment and other sectors. People with arthritis can take steps to feel better and are encouraged to talk to their health care provider, employer, advocacy group, or other resource about finding support that is right for them.

Walking and Other Common Physical Activities Among Adults with Arthritis — United States, 2019

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CDC analyzed 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data and found that 67% of adults with arthritis reported engaging in physical activity in the past month. Walking (71%) is the most common activity for physically active US adults with arthritis followed by gardening (13%) and weightlifting (7%); nonetheless, 33% of adults with arthritis are not physically active, leaving room for public health action. Walking is the most common exercise among physically active adults with arthritis, especially for those with lower socioeconomic status. Walking is low-cost, convenient, and adaptable to various settings, which makes it an ideal physical activity for adults living with arthritis. The American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation recommends that health care providers discuss physical activity options with adult arthritis patients. No one type of physical activity fits all. This new report highlights the physical activities most commonly reported by US adults with arthritis which can serve as a discussion point for health care providers with arthritis patients when discussing physical activity options. To obtain the most benefit from physical activity, adults with arthritis should engage in a physical activity plan that includes a combination of aerobic, muscle strengthening, and balance exercises. However, any activity is better than none. Evidence-based physical activity programs can support adults with arthritis in getting and staying active by helping them overcome common barriers to physical activity. These programs can improve their mental and physical health and quality of life.

Distribution of SARS-CoV-2 Variants in a Large Integrated Health Care System — California, March–July 2021

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This report looking at the distribution of variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 found that infections with the Delta variant increased rapidly among members of an integrated health care system in Southern California during March 4–July 21, 2021. Infections with the Delta variant were more common among people of younger age and of non-Hispanic Black ethnicity compared to other variants. Researchers examined case data, by vaccination status, from 6,798 specimens testing positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 collected across Kaiser Permanente Southern California. The study described the distribution of variants during March 4–July 21, 2021. Among 6,798 sequenced positive specimens, 88% (5,994) were in unvaccinated people, 10% (648) were in fully vaccinated people, and 2% (156) were in partially vaccinated people. The weekly proportion of infections caused by the Alpha variant increased from 20% to 67% during March 4–May 19, 2021. The weekly proportion of Delta variant infections increased from 0% to 95% during April 15─July 21, 2021. The weekly proportion of variants was similar among fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Infection with the Delta variant was more common among younger people, particularly those aged 18-44 years. These findings reinforce the importance of vaccination and other continued preventive measures such as masking and handwashing to help control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Multicomponent Strategies to Prevent SARS-CoV-2 Transmission — Nine Overnight Youth Summer Camps, United States, June–August 2021

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COVID-19 Outbreaks at Youth Summer Camps — Louisiana, June–July 2021

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National and State Trends in Anxiety and Depression Severity Scores Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic — United States, 2020–2021

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• Percentage of Women Aged 25–44 Years Who Had Ever Used Infertility Services, by Type of Service — National Survey of Family Growth, United States, 2006–2010 and 2015–2019

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

CDC works 24/7 protecting America’s health, safety and security. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are curable or preventable, chronic or acute, or from human activity or deliberate attack, CDC responds to America’s most pressing health threats. CDC is headquartered in Atlanta and has experts located throughout the United States and the world.