Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent, ranging from 16% to 91% among women, and it can lead to multiple reproductive disorders. However, risk factors associated with dysmenorrhea remain unexamined. Cold exposures can significantly disturb blood circulation and prostaglandin production in the uterus, leading to dysmenorrhea. This study investigated the relationship between cold exposures and dysmenorrhea, as well as potential disparities between Asians and Whites and the potential cultural influences on these associations. This was a cross-sectional survey among 197 Asian and 222 non-Asian women recruited from the U.S., with more than 40% from California. We assessed cold exposures, such as the frequency of consumption of cold water/drinks and ice cream, as well as room temperatures at home and public places, for both summer and winter over the past 12 months. The type of cold exposure associated with dysmenorrhea differs between Asian and White women. We found that among Asian women, a higher frequency of ice cream consumption in winter (beta = 1.19, p = 0.0002 when comparing high to low categories) was associated with dysmenorrhea; however, among White women, increased consumption of cold water/drinks in winter (beta = 0.49, p = 0.04 when comparing high to low categories) was also associated with dysmenorrhea. Higher home room temperatures in winter were associated with reduced severity of dysmenorrhea among White women but not among Asian women. All these associations supported our hypothesis and were stronger among women who lived in states with colder winters. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, women who drank cold water/drinks less frequently during their menstrual period were more likely to experience more severe dysmenorrhea. In conclusion, this study provides crucial evidence to support the link between cold exposures and dysmenorrhea among Asians and Whites. The associations contradictory to our hypothesis are likely due to reserved causation influenced by Asian cultural practice. This paper sheds light on an understudied area that profoundly affects women’s quality of life.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a pilot community-based behavioral intervention on the home food environment in U.S. households. Parents (21 females, 2 males; age = 36 ± 5.5 years; 78% Hispanic) of elementary school-aged children attended a 10-week dietary improvement behavioral intervention targeting an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption and a reduction in sugar intake. Home food availability of fruit, vegetables, and sugar-laden foods and beverages were assessed before and after the intervention using a modified version of the Home Food Inventory. Relative to baseline, the intervention resulted in significant increases in fruit availability (7.7 ± 3.2 items vs. 9.4 ± 3.1 items; p = 0.004) and low sugar cereal (2.3 ± 1.4 types vs. 2.7 ± 1.4 types; p = 0.033). There was a significant reduction in sugar-sweetened beverage availability (3.2 ± 1.9 types vs. 1.7 ± 1.3 types; p = 0.004). There was a significant increase in the number of households with accessible ready-to-eat vegetables and fruit, and a significant reduction in available prepared desserts, and candy (p < 0.01). There were no significant changes in the availability of vegetables and sugar-laden cereals. The current intervention resulted in positive changes in the home food environment. Further research to confirm these results in a randomized controlled trial is warranted.

Long-haul truck drivers (LHTD) experience disproportionately greater chronic disease risk, which may be influenced by both occupational and lifestyle factors. This study aimed to explore the multilevel factors associated with LHTD's diet and physical activity (PA). Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with LHTD in the Southern California border region. Interview questions captured occupational and lifestyle factors relating to PA and diet at multiple levels and were analyzed using thematic analysis. Emergent themes relating to both diet and PA included time constraints, attitudes and perceived beliefs, and accessibility of environments to engage in PA and healthy eating. Themes specific to PA were weather conditions and flatbed job duties. Themes specific to diet included access to refrigerators/microwaves and social interactions. Findings from this study can inform the development of tailored, multi-level interventions to encourage PA and healthy dietary behaviors among LHTD.