Previous studies have indicated that tobacco outlets seem to be clustered in low-income minority neighborhoods. This study utilized a cross-sectional design to examine the relationships among minority status, median household income, population density, commercial land use, and location of tobacco outlets at the census tract level in Polk County, Iowa. Using geographically weighted regression, this study re-examines one previously carried out in the same location by Schneider et al. (Prevention Science 6: 319-325, 2005). Contrary to that and some other previous studies, this research found no relationship between tobacco outlet density and percent Hispanic, and found a negative relationship with regard to two variables-that of being African American and median household income. Positive significant relationships were found with population density and land use.

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There is a vast anthropological/sociological literature on the use of folk healers in Hispanic (Mexican - American) communities. While the use of folk healers has decreased with urbanization, acculturation, and increased education, recent studies done in Dallas, Texas, show that elderly Hispanic women are familiar with, and use a variety of informal healing methods and substances for a variety of illnesses, both physical and mental. The folk-healing system is used to supplement the formal scientific one, rather than replace it. Informants seemed to have a clear idea about the point at which one or the other should be consulted. There are a variety of herbs readily available for use and sold in boticas or botanicas.

This study examines the density of lottery outlets within ethnically concentrated neighborhoods in Middlesex County, New Jersey, using geospatial statistical analyses. No prior studies have empirically examined the relationship between lottery outlet density and population demographics. Results indicate that lottery outlets were not randomly dispersed across the county but rather were significantly clustered in some census tracts. Using geospatial statistical analysis, percent poverty was found to be negatively related to the density of lottery outlets, while percent commercial use was highly positively related. Percent Hispanic was strongly significant in all the models predicting lottery outlet density and had the highest explanatory power other than percent commercial. Other independent variables, including median household income and race (African American and White) were not found to be significant predictors of lottery outlet density. Implications for policy and research are discussed.