Abstract: Using microdata from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2002-2012) and a difference-in-differences methodology, we estimate the impact of state-level public smoking bans on drinking, binge drinking and drunk driving among adults in the United States. In doing so, we expand the limited and mixed empirical literature by moving beyond average effects to assess heterogeneity in alcohol-related behavioral change by sex and race/ethnicity, thus providing evidence to support public health policy aimed at reducing relevant disparities. We find that public smoking bans do not impact drinking on average, but there are differential effects by sex and race/ethnicity. Specifically, the bans reduce drinking on the extensive margin among Asian, Black/African American and Hispanic/Latinx adults regardless of sex, as well as Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander men. They also reduce drinking on the intensive margin among Hispanic/Latinx and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander men. The impact on women is driven by non-smokers, as is the impact on Asian and Black/African American men. The impact on Hispanic/Latinx and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander men is largely driven by smokers. We also find that public smoking bans reduce the likelihood and frequency of binge drinking among non-smoking Asian women, but they increase the likelihood of binge drinking among Black/African American women. Further, there is some evidence that the bans increase the number of drunk driving occurrences among Asian men who smoke. Our results withstand several robustness checks, which further suggest that we conservatively estimate the impact of public smoking bans on drinking behaviors. 

Abstract: The impact of the 2016 Canada Child Benefit (CCB) on parental health has not yet been evaluated. We do so using the Canadian Community Health Survey (2011-2021) and a difference-in-differences approach. Our findings indicate a small yet statistically significant positive effect on self-reported general and mental health, possibly driven by increased physical activity. This suggests that the CCB helped buffer against the average decline in parental health during our study period. The improvement in maternal general health was concentrated among those with young children, whereas the positive effect on mental health was observed for both mothers and fathers, regardless of the child’s age or the associated transfer amount. An event study further reveals that improvements in mental health were fairly immediate and sustained over time. However, the CCB is unlikely to flatten the socioeconomic health gradient and may even exacerbate inequalities among parents. Our heterogeneity analysis shows that improvements in parental health were concentrated among higher-income parents and two-parent families, while the CCB had a detrimental effect on the mental health of lone parents, despite being income-tested. We argue that policy adjustments are necessary to address these health disparities, such as larger or better-targeted child benefits.

Abstract: The objective of this study is to explore the role of food security status (FSS), financial literacy attitude (FLA) and interactive nutrition literacy (INL) on the diet quality of college students. We use a cross-sectional convenience sample from one land-grant university, consisting of undergraduate and graduate students (n = 883). The mean age in our sample is 20.9 (±2.3). Respondents are predominately white (88.9%) and female (70.6%). Our main outcome measures are FSS, INL and FLA, as well as the short Healthy Eating Index (sHEI) and sHEI subscales. Multivariate analyses are used to assess differences in diet quality between INL and FLA groups. A path analysis is used to establish which model best explains diet quality in this population. Model significance remains between below- and above-average INL (F (5, 884) = 16.4, p < 0.001) in sHEI-score, intake of vegetables, fruit, added sugars and saturated fat. Model significance remains between below- and above-average FLA (F (5, 820) = 3.9, p = 0.02) in total vegetable intake, added sugar and saturated fat. INL strongly predicts the total sHEI-score (β=0.27) and food insecurity negatively predicts FLA (β= -0.25). INL and FLA are strongly correlated (r=0.26). In conclusion, this study provides evidence to support wellness interventions targeting financial and nutrition literacy in college students to improve their food security and diet quality, thus reducing the risk of future chronic disease development.

Abstract: This objective of this study is to assess the usability and acceptability of a web-based perinatal pilot intervention called 'Guiding Lifemakers on Wellness' (GLOW). Fifteen participants completed virtual cognitive walkthroughs of the GLOW  program, structured across three phases: (1) discussion of perinatal health experiences; (2) task performance with cognitive load ratings using the NASA-RTLX; and (3) reflections on website usability and engagement. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically using grounded theory. Participants described diverse perinatal health and nutrition experiences, with financial strain noted as a barrier to food access. Most website tasks were rated 'low' in cognitive demand, although recipe searches and discussion board posts required greater effort. Discussion boards, meal plans and videos were identified as the most compelling features of the GLOW program. On balance, our findings support the refinement of GLOW as a scalable digital intervention to promote perinatal well-being.