bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whooping cough
Authors: Linthwaite Peter
Published: March 2007

THE Department of Health have identified the need for a major health education campaign aimed at increasing the rate of immunisation against whooping cough, and therebydecreasingits incidence, particularly in view of a predicted upturn in Autumn 1985. The Health Education Council is developing this campaign to be run later this year, the first stage of which was to commission preliminary research to examine attitudes, knowledge and behav iour in this area.

The results would be used to help identify the appropriate form and content of the materials to be used, but quite apart from this particular use, this research, has a wider interest value — and perhaps further applications. This article describes the research and some of the main findings with this in mind. (MORI — Market and Opinion Research International — were commissioned to undertake the research, and the HEC has received their report 'Attitudes towards Whooping Cough Immunisation' by Brian Gosschalk and Lynn Cherkas, — now lodged in the HEC library).
Education in human relationships : the case for people with mental handicap
Authors: Malin Nigel A. , Campion Margaret G.
Published: March 2007

HUMAN relationships teaching within health educa tion is explored in the context of providing services for people with mental handicap. The paper consid ers social policy and previous research and bases its findings on interviews with teachers from special schools within the Lincolnshire area. These data suggest that sex, health, and social education are recognised as important by teachers, but more guidance is needed. Programmes in schools are unsystematic and seen as unco-ordinated by teach ing staff. There is an argument for inter-agency collaboration, staff training that recognises human relations concepts, and the introduction of specialist workers into schools to develop this area. Human relationships education is important in enabling mentally handicapped people to survive indepen dently within the community.
The evaluation of a secondary school smoking education intervention
Authors: Ledwith Frank , Osman Liesl
Published: March 2007

BASED on previous work from the USA, a five lesson smoking education plan was developed and used with Secondary 1 pupils (aged 12-13 years) in three schools. A survey by anonymous questionnaire six months after the intervention showed that, among pre-test non-smokers, 27 claimed to be smokers (7.3%) in the intervention schools compared with 11 (16.7%) in a control school (p<.001), while there was no statistically significant effect of the intervention on pre-test smokers. Multivariate analyses showed similarity of concurrent and true prospective predic tions of risk factors for smoking, but failed to show the prospective value for peer group example in those who had never smoked at pre-test. The conclu sion drawn on the efficacy of the intervention must be qualified since no objective validation of smoking testimony was attempted, while the control school was not chosen strictly at random and had a somewhat higher initial smoking rate. Nevertheless, there are good grounds for arguing that the educa tional intervention had a beneficial effect.
Health education - the multi-ethnic dimension
Authors: Massey Doreen E.
Published: March 2007

A group met in December 1985 at the Health Education Council to consider the relationship between health education and multi-ethnic education. Doreen Massey attempts to catch some of the dynamic of the seminar by recording statements made, and describing the processes through which they were made.
Does health education in general practice work?
Authors: Fowler Godfrey
Published: March 2007

IN the fourth and final part of his series on health education in general practice, Godfrey Fowler looks at the evidence for its effectiveness.
An examination of health education in teenage magazines
Authors: Davies Elizabeth
Published: March 2007

THIS study investigates the health education con tent of four weekly teenage magazines over a period of three months. Health information was found in problem pages, 'true life' experiences, and in articles on sex, drugs, diet, and exercise. There was less health coverage overall than in older women's maga zines. Although articles were generally responsible, some concerning diet and exercise tended to avoid health risks. The results are discussed in relation to previous work on dieting during adolescence, the advertising of beauty products, and in terms of the potential which magazines have in health education.
Factors related to health behaviour among the elderly in eastern Finland
Authors: Sirkka-Liisa Kivela , Aulikki Nissinen
Published: March 2007

RELATIONSHIPS between different areas of health behaviour - socio-economic factors, health status, and functional capacity - were studied among people aged between 65 and 74 in eastern Finland. Some relationships between different areas of health behaviour were found, and some unhealthy behaviours were associated with each other. But, as a whole, elderly people behaving negatively in one area of health did not necessarily act negatively in other areas.
Aids - a global challenge
Authors: Mann Jonathan
Published: March 2007

Aids is a unique international health problem of extraordinary scope and unprecedented urgency. Dr Mann, head of the WHO's special programme on Aids, looks at the global implications of the epidemic, and makes the case for immediate co-ordinated action on a worldwide scale.
The health-promoting school: organisation and policy development in Welsh secondary schools
Authors: Nutbeam Don , Clarkson Jo , Phillips Karin , Everett Vince , Hill Anne , Catford John
Published: March 2007

THE Welsh Heart Programme was established in 1985 as a national demonstration project to promote health, and to reduce the risks of cardiovascular dis ease among the population of Wales. The develop ment of a youth health project has been an important element, and to provide information for planning, monitoring and evaluation, two surveys were under taken in 1986. The first provided information on children's health behaviour, knowledge and attitudes. The second, reported here, investigated curriculum development for health education, the school environment, and family and community links.

From a random sample of 81 secondary schools, 75 responded to the survey by means of a self-com pletion questionnaire. More than three-quarters reported having a planned health education pro gramme, but the results suggest that many pupils are either receiving disjointed programmes, or no health education at all. Most of the schools with planned programmes reported having a designated member of staff as health education co-ordinator, most of whom had received in-service training.

The results suggest that a reasonable base exists for the development of health promotion strategies aimed at young people, although there is clear scope for further development. Priority issues are attention to the timing of health education programmes, teaching methods, and continued in-service support for teachers. The wider development of supporting school policies, as well as closer and more active links with families and local communities are also advocated.
Mass media and the prevention of illicit drug use in Scotland
Authors: Davies John K.
Published: March 2007

THE last three years have seen an unprecedented explosion of interest with the "drugs problem", both in UK and overseas. Due to the levels of concern in the population the British Government has developed a comprehensive strategy to tackle this problem. One of the more controversial aspects of this strategy has been the use of high profile mass media prevention campaigns. This paper examines the development of such a campaign in Scotland. It highlights the need for a clear and realistic understanding of how mass media works in health communication.
Health education in a computer-managed cervical screening programme
Authors: Eardley Anne , Elkind Andrea , Spencer Brenda , Haran Dave , McGuinness Helen
Published: March 2007

IN designing health education material for a cervical screening programme, attention needs to be given to those features identified by research as influencing women's use of screening services. These include not only women's attitudes and beliefs about cervical screening, but also organisational and administra tive barriers that can deter women from attending for a smear test. Health information may be presented through a variety of media and at different stages in the cervical screening decision-making process. This paper describes the specific health education used in a computer-managed scheme and how it was modi fied in the light of findings from research which monitored and evaluated the scheme.
Applying the Good Teeth programme
Authors: Scanlan Susan E.
Published: March 2007

THE Good Teeth Programme, which aims to instruct parents and children on the importance of eliminat ing plaque by tooth-brushing and on the choice of safe (ie sugar-free) snacks, has been used in the nur sery department of a primary school. The effective ness of this programme has been assessed by oral examination of the children involved and by the com pletion of questionnaires by parents before the pro gramme and afterwards. The examinations showed a great improvement in the standard of oral hygiene which could be attributed to the programme, and although the improvement in parental knowledge as shown by the answers to the questionnaires was not as great as had been hoped, it was concluded that the application of the programme was well worthwhile.
Alcohol and cigarette consumption among white and Asian general practice patients
Authors: Ahmad W.I.U. , Kernohan E.E.M. , Baker M.R.
Published: March 2007

LOW prevalence of alcohol and cigarette consump tion in Asian populations has been reported, though there is come evidence that smoking is becoming more acceptable to certain groups of Asian males. We examined the smoking and alcohol drinking behaviour of 243 general practice attenders in Brad ford, 103 of whom were of White/British, 83 of Pakistani and 57 of Indian origin. Smoking was more prevalent in White/British females compared with males, and in Indian and Pakistani groups was almost exclusively confined to males. The alcohol consumption in the Pakistani group and in Indian females was negligible, while three-quarters of the White/British and half of the Indian males were classed as 'drinkers'. In comparison with the Indian males and White/British females, White/British males tended to be heavier drinkers but there was no difference in frequency of alcohol consumption. The findings show that there is a need for smoking and alcohol-related health promotion across ethnic groups.
Sex and the modern medical student — the effect of Aids publicity
Authors: Nicholl David J.
Published: March 2007

TO assess the impact of the Government 'Don't die of ignorance' Aids campaign, which began in Decem ber 1986, a retrospective questionnaire was admin istered to medical students at Birmingham University in October 1987. Three hundred and fifty two students replied (a 58 per cent response rate) about their sexual behaviour during the nine months prior to and nine months following the campaign. There were two homosexuals, three bisexual males and no lesbians or bisexual females. The results show that sexual behaviour and the use of condoms among heterosexuals having multiple partners (15 males, 9 females) did not change significantly. Never theless, there was confusion about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) transmission routes: 15.7 per cent considered that blood donation, and two per cent that masturbation, have some risk of HIV trans mission, while 12.5 per cent considered that blood transfusion, and 23.3 per cent that oral sex, carried a high risk of HIV transmission.
Public attitudes to smoking in Avon
Authors: Bolger P.G. , Stewart-Brown S.L.
Published: March 2007

NINE hundred and eighty nine people attending gen eral practices completed a questionnaire eliciting their views about tobacco smoking, a response rate of 89 per cent. The results showed strong support for restrictions on tobacco smoking in public places, a ban on cigarette advertising and a tighter enforce ment of the law prohibiting tobacco sales to people under 16.
School achievement as an independent predictor of smoking in childhood and early adolescence
Authors: Stanton Warren R. , Silva Phil A.
Published: March 2007

THIS study was designed to examine the relative value of academic achievement as an independent predictor of young people smoking. A wide range of variables was used in the analyses, including measures related to family background, attitudes to smoking, exposure to smoking among family and friends, and self-esteem. After the effect of these variables had been taken into account, academic achievement at age 9 was not related to smoking at age 9 but academic achievement at age 11 was related to a change in smoking from age 9 to 11 years, and for boys, further change in smoking from age 11 to age 13. Other predictors of smoking at these ages varied as a function of age and gender.
An examination of the use of health education leaflets by health promotion officers
Authors: Murphy Simon , Smith Christopher
Published: March 2007

THIS paper reports on a study examining the use of health education leaflets by health promotion offi cers. Twenty-nine officers were interviewed throughout the nine district health authorities of Wales. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, they were questioned on three inter-relating areas: the process of obtaining leaflets, views on the use of leaflets and the distribution of leaflets. Respondents stated that the demand for leaflets from health pro fessionals has been increasing, while they have ex perienced financial restrictions and have been attempting to rationalise leaflet provision. This has resulted in an attempt by officers to 'play down' their role as leaflet providers and for the majority to de velop a reluctant reliance on commercially produced leaflets to satisfy professional needs. Results also show that officers thought that the most effective use of health education leaflets was when they were used as interactive devices or reinforcement refer ences. However, results also highlighted health pro motion officers' lack of confidence in current leaflet use by other professionals. The implications for health promotion policy and practice are discussed.
Cyclists under threat: a survey of Oxford cyclists' perceptions of risk
Authors: Joshi Mary Sissons , Smith Graham Paul
Published: March 2007

FIFTY regular cyclists in Oxford kept a diary over 14 days in early June 1992 and recorded 404 incidents which made them feel at risk. This constituted a rate of 0.9 incidents per cyclist per day of cycling. Fear was mostly induced by other road users. Cars were blamed in 45.3 per cent of the incidents, followed by buses (14.6 per cent), vans (8.4 per cent) and other cyclists (6.4 per cent). Buses make up less than 5 per cent of the city-centre traffic but were involved in 27 per cent of the incidents rated as 'moderately to ex tremely threatening' by the cyclists. Seventy-one per cent of the incidents took place in 'straight-ahead' situations with only 19 per cent at junctions and roundabouts. Perceived risk must be addressed if cycling is to be promoted for health reasons.
Physical activity in primary- and secondary- school children in West Glamorgan
Authors: Thirlaway Kathryn , Benton David
Published: March 2007

AGE and gender differences in 684 West Glamorgan schoolchildren's leisure-time physical activity were estimated from an activity diary which allowed the assessment of the type and quantity of physical ac tivity in which children participated. The study was carried out between September 1991 and February 1992. Boys were more active than girls and year six juniors were more active than secondary-school chil dren. Boys were more active, primarily because they played more team games. As leisure-time physical activity decreased sharply on entering secondary school, it is at this stage that the nature of physical education programmes should be considered.
Back to the future: our social history and its impact on health education
Authors: Young Ian , Whitehead Margaret
Published: March 2007

"The democratic state desiies that all its citizens enjoy a state of wellbeing, for it recognises that they all have equal rights However, the conditions of wellbeing are health and education, so that it is the task of the state to provide on the the broadest poss ible basis the means for maintaining and promoting health and education through public action."
Oh for those halcyon days!
Authors: Lewis Derek F
Published: March 2007

"If one wishes to assess progress or the lack of it in a particular age it is necessary to take into account the whole climate of ideas prevailing at the time, and not merely some part of it " (Chpt on historical develop ment of health education, 1968)'
Belief systems and social circumstances influencing the health choices of people in Lochaber
Authors: Maclnnes Ann , Milburn Kathryn
Published: March 2007

This paper reports findings from a small exploratory study carried out in 1991/2 in the Scottish Highlands. In-depth qualitative and ethnographic methods were used to gain insight into the ways in which people living locally conceptualised and explained health. The motivations and reason ings underpinning individual choices relevant to health promoting be haviour were examined in the context of local cultural and social circumstances. Informants' accounts of health-relevant behaviours and choices indicated that these were influenced both by the meanings attached to health (lay concepts), and by explanations of why some people were healthier than others (lay explanations). The study demonstrated that health choices were not made on the basis of a simple cost/benefit analysis in which indisputable and measurable health risks were weighed against identifiable and certain health benefits. Making health promoting choices required the weighing up of a large number of variables, many of which were unquantifiable. Thus, for many informants the 'correct' health choices were difficult to identify, let alone achieve.
Intention to exercise more
Authors: Whitty P.M. , Jessop E.G.
Published: March 2007

There is plenty of evidence that people in England do not take enough exercise, but little knowledge of how to change this. We report here an analysis of people who were not taking adequate exercise but declared an intention to take more exercise: there is evidence that intent predicts actual behaviour change. In a random household survey in Colchester, Essex, which achieved an 86 per cent response rate, 179 respondents had taken exercise on less than three occasions in the week before the survey; of these, 43 declared an intent to take more exercise in the next three months. Age and current activity level, but not sex, social class, beliefs about benefits of and barriers to exercise, or peer support, were associated with declared intent to exercise. People who take some, but not enough, exercise are an important target group.
Ethnicity, health and control: results from an exploratory study of ethnic minority communities' attitudes to health
Authors: Dickinson Roger , Bhatt Arvind
Published: March 2007

This paper reports some findings from an exploratory study of ethnic minority communities in England based on a survey of 277 South Asian, Chinese, and Afro-Caribbean men and women aged between 35 and 64, purposively selected in seven separate sampling locations. Personal inter views were conducted in the respondents' first languages. The survey results show that there are notable differences between communities and between language groups within communities on certain dimensions of attitude and belief regarding health and illness. The authors conclude with a call for further research of this type to produce detailed information to guide the further development and evaluation of health promotion interventions for ethnic minorities.
Concepts of health in Australian men: a qualitative study
Authors: Paxton S.J. , Sculthorpe A. , Gibbons K.
Published: March 2007

This study examined concepts of health and illness in 55 adult male Australians using qualitative methodology. Aspects of health most fre quently cited included functional capacity, psychological well-being, ab sence of illness, and physical fitness. Forty per cent of respondents failed to mention any aspect of behaviour in illness causation. The negative impact of environmental factors on health was a concern for many respondents. Susceptibility to illness and perceived gender differences in health status were also examined. The diverse concepts of illness need to be considered in the development of health education.
Promoting physical activity in primary care: measuring the knowledge gap
Authors: Gould MM , Thorogood M. , Iliffe S. , Morris JN
Published: March 2007

Semi-structured interviews with GP trainers and their associated practice nurses were conducted during March to July 1994 to identify their attitudes to, and knowledge about, the health benefits of physical activity. Par ticipants were asked about the health benefits of physical activity, personal exercise habits and information or training received about promoting healthy exercise. While there was unanimous agreement that physical activity is 'a good thing', specific knowledge of the health benefits of exercise was sketchy. Most of the nurses and all of the doctors had received no training in this area. The knowledge gaps found in the interviewees are therefore not surprising. This training issue must be addressed before effective promotion of physical activity can take place in primary health care.
Problems of evaluation: lessons from a Smokebusters campaign
Authors: van Teijlingen Edwin , Friend James , Twine Frederick
Published: March 2007

This article addresses methodological and practical issues that arose during the evaluation of the Grampian Smokebusters Campaign. This longitudinal study started early in 1988, with a first follow-up in late-1989/early-1990, and a second follow-up in the Autumn of 1991. A number of problems became apparent and there are general lessons to be learnt from the attempts to deal with them. Before expanding on the evaluation problems, however, the principles and workings of this health promotion activity are briefly outlined.
Health at work: a survey of attitudes, activities and needs of businesses in inner Birmingham
Authors: Thomas Mary , Sadler Stacey
Published: March 2007

In the summer of 1993 Birmingham City Council commissioned MEL Research to undertake a survey of health promotion activity within small and medium-sized enterprises located in Birmingham's inner city, an area of material deprivation. The purpose of the survey was to build up a baseline of information which would underpin service planning. The research team found the responding companies to be enthusiastic about occupational health issues in principle rather than practice. Nevertheless, about a third had a smoking policy and a similar number an alcohol policy. They were generally happy to promote physical activity and were keen to apply for Heartbeat Awards. Many wanted help in developing an HIV/AIDS policy. This article concludes with a description of the services provided in response to the needs identified by this survey.
Fun runs: do they achieve their objectives?
Authors: Brodie David , Hammond Justin , Bundred Peter
Published: March 2007

Fun runs are becoming increasingly popular as a means of attempting to attract individuals to participate in exercise. This study evaluated the characteristics of those who compete in such runs. Of a total of 819 runners over two years of the same event, 191 returned completed questionnaires. The results revealed that the vast majority of the runners were aged below 47, more socio-economically advantaged, frequent vigorous exercisers, and participators in previous organised running events. In this particular run, the aim of targeting a large percentage of infrequent exercisers was not achieved. Consequently, the promotional strategies need to be reviewed, or alternative interventions designed.
Fruit and vegetable consumption of 10-11-year-old children in a region of Scotland
Authors: Wrieden Wendy
Published: March 2007

The fruit and vegetable consumption of nearly 2000 10-11-year-old children in Tayside, Scotland was assessed using a simplified food- frequency questionnaire. Only a quarter of children ate fruit and veget ables three or more times a day. Although overall fruit and vegetable consumption (mean 2.3 portions/day, excluding potatoes) was similar across different groups of the children, it was found that girls rather than boys, those from schools in an owner-occupied as opposed to a local authority housing scheme catchment, and those in a rural area rather than an urban area had a higher percentage of frequent green-vegetable-eaters, and a lower consumption of chips and baked beans.
Stopping them starting: evaluation of a community-based project to discourage teenage smoking in Cardiff
Authors: Gordon I. , Whitear B. , Guthrie D.
Published: March 2007

A project in Cardiff in 1994/95 aimed to delay the onset of smoking among Year 7 pupils (11-12-year-olds) through a combination of school-based education and community interventions. Pupils' intention to smoke and attitudes towards smoking were compared before and after a six-month intervention period. There was evidence that fewer young people thought that they would become smokers in those schools where there was local agency involvement, althouth the numbers of pupils smoking increased over the intervention period. The study period was insufficient to allow conclusive statements about the effects of the community initiatives to be made. This modest experiment used limited resources to encourage community-wide participation in tackling the smoking issue and requires sustaining to counter positive images of smoking. Practical examples of such community interventions to support school-based education are given.
Exploring the use of action research to stimulate and evaluate workplace health promotion
Authors: Wilkinson Emma , Elander Elizabeth , Woolaway Martin
Published: March 2007

This article describes a health authority's approach to setting up and evaluating a coronary heart disease prevention programme through the workplace. The Bedfordshire Healthy Workplace Project was set up in 1992 'to stimulate interest and activity in workplace health promotion' and has developed an action research model to evaluate the impact of working with local employers on coronary heart disease risk behaviour. Action research as a methodology for health promotion research, and some of the main benefits and barriers are discussed.
Encouraging young women to exercise: can teenage magazines play a role?
Authors: Mitchell Kirstin
Published: March 2007

This study used focus groups with young women, content analysis of teenage magazines, and interviews with key health professionals and magazine editors to investigate the role currently played by teenage magazines in shaping adolescent attitudes towards physical activity. It suggests that magazines may play an influential role in the lives of adolescent girls. Current coverage of physical activity in teenage magazines is minimal, and gives prominence to concerns of attractiveness and physical appearance as motives for exercising. However, improving the coverage of physical activity appears to be a strategy acceptable to both readers and editors. Recommendations are made for using teenage magazines to promote physical activity among young women.
Evaluation of training in behaviour change counselling skills: the application of clinical-audit methodology
Authors: Hall Debra , James Peter , Roberts Sue
Published: March 2007

This paper reports on the evaluation of a trainmg course in behaviour change counselling skills which used clinical-audit methodology. Course participants included members of the primary health care, diabetes and dieteties teams working within North Tyneside ( N=63). The Behaviour Change Training Evaluation Questionnaire (BCTEQ) was used to assess trainees' acquisition of knowledge and skills. The results of the study suggested that there were some differences between staff groups in the acquisition of skills and that certain aspects of the skills training were more readily acquired across all staff groups. This study has important practical implications for organising future training in behaviour change counselling skills. The study also demonstrated that the method used could improve the effectiveness of the training course through: illustrating the need to tailor training to specific groups; providing information about knowledge and skill acquisition; identifying the length of training required for different course aspects; and identifying the future training needs of trainees. Finally, areas for further research are suggested.
Inequality in access to local environments: the experiences of Asian and non-Asian girls
Authors: Jones Linda
Published: March 2007

The growing emphasis on building healthy public policy draws attention to social and environmental inequalities in health, including the impact of racism and crime. This study reports on questionnaire and focus group research with a sample of 214 Year 7 and Year 9 girls (11-14 years old), of whom just under half were of Asian origin. The findings highlighted considerable differences between the attitudes and behaviour reported by Asian-origin and non-Asian girls. The problems encountered in managing hostile urban environments were seen as significantly greater by Asian-origin girls and fears about assault and harassment resulted in restricted access and a home-focused style of life. They reported restrictions on their physical activity, and some degree of frustration about their lack of freedom, which have policy implications for health promoters.
The folic acid campaign in Wales: changes in women's knowledge from 1995 to 1997
Authors: Mckeown Suzanne , Roberts Chris , Tudor-Smith Chris
Published: March 2007

This paper presents information on changes in awareness and knowledge of folic acid among women in Wales before and after the launch of a national folic acid campaign in 1996. Data were collected for quota samples between years 1995 and 1997. Encouragingly, the results show increased awareness for women of all ages and an improvement in knowledge of the benefits of folic acid following the launch of the campaign. Also, some evidence of increased self-reported use of folic acid is noted. However, some areas of concern are highlighted, such as a lack of knowledge among all women of the correct time to take folic acid, lower levels of awareness of folic acid in younger women and a gap in awareness between the lower and higher socio-economic groups.
Civilisations, markets and services: Village servants in India from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries
Authors: Guha Sumit
Published: March 2007

This article focuses on the history of the set of practices labelled jajmani. These practices have been cited as evidence that a fundamentally inegalitarian spiritual principle could transcend and limit the economic domain. That idea underpins the belief that human beings must be grouped in mutually exclusive 'civilisations'. Projected geo-politically. the 'civilisation' is then endowed by Samuel Huntington with the Hobbesian, self-aggrandising traits of the nation- state. I suggest that we eschew grand unifying principles and try understand the meanings and motives that generate the repetitive patterns of meaningful interaction which we refer to as a 'society', a 'social practice or an 'institution'.
Cultural Sensitivity Training in Mental Health: Treatment of Orthodox Jewish Psychiatric Inpatients
Authors: Sublette Elizabeth , Trappler Brian
Published: March 2007

We describe some of the cultural/religious issues which arose in the treatment of major psychiatric disorders among Orthodox Jewish inpatients at SUNY Fioaith Science Center's University Hospital (SUH) in Brooklyn, New York. The distinct ways in which cultural and religious factors impacted on presentation, therapeutic interventions, and transference-countertransference reactions are noted. Specific reference is made to the use of religion by patients and famines as a means of defense, rationalization or power-brokering. Via case vignettes, we explore ways of distinguishing between culturally appropriate vs. maladaptive behaviors in the Orthodox population. Practical sections are suggested for sensitive ways to surmount culture-based barriers to effective inpatient therapy in this group.
Review Article Case Management: an Update
Authors: Holloway Frank , Carson Jerome
Published: March 2007

Background: Case management in its various forms represents a major innova tion in mental health care. Its efficacy remains controversial.

Aims: To update after a decade a previous review article (Holloway, 1991).

Methods: Descriptive literature and controlled trials of case management and its derivative Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) was accessed through four comprehensive and systematic reviews of the literature, repeated Medline and Embase searches and personal contacts.

Results and Conclusions: The concept of case management has continued to evolve over the past decade. No controlled trial has been published exploring the model of the case manager as a service broker without responsibility for the provision of care. Basic case management principles have frequently been incorporated within routine clinical practice. Published controlled trials of ACT, which were almost exclusively carried out in North America, have shown markedly positive results. However caution is required in extrapolating these findings to routine clinical practice within different systems of health and social care. Case management is not in itself an effective treatment for severe mental illness.
Myths and Stereotypes in Minority Groups
Authors: Rendon Mario
Published: March 2007

Human groups display phenomena which seem unconsciously motivated and which are revealed in labels, stereotypes and modem myths. Such phenomena can be under stood through a methodology applied by both Freud in psychoanalysis, and modern structuralists in anthropology. The forces operating behind myths and stereotypes are opposites. Assimilation on the one hand works toward forming larger group units. Ethocentrism on the other, resists assimilation by mechanisms such as splitting, projections, condensations and displacements. People belonging to minority groups are vulnerable to projected distortions and through a mechanism of projective-identification they enter into a collusion in order to embody projected elements. Illustrations are provided and neo-Freudian modifications are suggested to replace Freud's explanation by means of an aggressive instinct, and extensive sampling from clinical practice as well as scientific and folk literature is used. The so called "Puerto Rican Syndrome" is analyzed as a modem myth.
Psychosocial Transitions
Authors: Roskin Michael
Published: March 2007

Utilizing the standardized Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90), emotional health scores of those experiencing psychosocial transitions were compared. Parents whose child died approximately 60 months earlier (N=62) were compared to new immigrants living in absorption centers who arrived approximately 8 months earlier (N=122). Even 5 years after the event, the emo tional health of bereaved parents appeared to be lower than the new immigrant group. The differences appeared more pronounced for females and for the 45 + year old groupings (male and female). Depression seemed to be contrary. In most instances, no significant difference in depression scores were noted.
A Time Series Analysis of International Immigration and Suicide Mortality in Canada
Authors: Trovato Frank
Published: March 2007

A neglected topic concerning suicide as a sociological phenomenon is the relationship be tween international immigration and suicide mortality. This study examines the association between these variables using time series data for the period 1950 to 1982 in Canada. The central hypothesis, derived from the Durkheimian theory of social integration and suicide, is that the higher the immigration rate, the higher the rate of suicide. Two statistical controls, the unemployment rate and age composition, drawn from the "economic anomie" and "social demographic" perspectives respectively were introduced into a multiple regression model involving immigration and suicide. While some of the results in the initial stages of the analysis appear to contradict the established literature concerning the relevance of immigration and unemployemnt in predicting suicide, more refined breakdowns which allow for the separate investigation of male and female suicide propensities, generally support the social integration and economic anomie theories. It is concluded that the 15-34 male cohort is highly sensitive to changes in their economic prospects and in their immigration experience and therefore, have higher suicide rates than women in the same age group.
Community Mental Health in Two Sectors County Caroni and St. George East—an Evaluation
Authors: James V. , Psych M.R.C.
Published: March 2007

An evaluation of the community mental health program in Trinidad in two sectors with differing sociological backgrounds is made. Results showed that both sectors had regular outpatient clinics, outpatient group psychotherapy, and mental health officers partly community based. County Caroni had a low admission rate to St. Ann's Hospital, an ongoing education programme, an outpatient club, and an Extended Care Centre with Day Care Centre. The predominant illnesses seen in County Caroni were Alcoholism in the males and Depression and Anxiety States in the females. In St. George East, there was a higher admission rate to St. Ann's Hospital. The education program was irregular. There was an Extended Care Centre in Tacarigua half of which was allocated to psychiatric patients and a Day Care Centre at the Tumpuna Rehabilitation Centre. The most frequent illnesses in St. George East were Schizophrenia and Alcoholism in the males, and Schizophrenia and Depression with equal frequency in the females. The results indicated that the specific needs of each sector were different—hence the need for different approaches. The difficulties of implementing the Com munity Mental Health programme are discussed.
The Reception of Family Therapy: a View From the Psychiatric Journals
Authors: Hajal Fady
Published: March 2007

An analysis of the reviews of books on family studies and therapy in psychiatric jour nals was done to determine how mental health professionals perceived the family therapy movement and how they responded to its basic theoretical and clinical tenets. The reviews published in leading psychiatric journals from 1955 to 1970 illustrate the rich debate that accompanied the family therapy movement in the first fifteen years of its history in the U.S. Concern over efficacy, theory, limits and affiliation dominated the reviews. The reviewers' responses evolved in a fluctuating pattern from an early acceptance of family therapy to a middle phase of resistance and con testation when family treatment seemed to challenge the domination of the individual approach in the field of psychiatry and, finally, a renewed support of the family approach as an addition to the expanding psychotherapeutic armamentarium. This paper challenges the prevailing view among family therapists and others that family therapy developed in a hostile psychiatric environment.
Inter-Relationships of Beliefs About Mental Illness, Psychiatric Diagnoses and Mental Health Care Delivery Among Africans
Authors: Ilechukwu S.T.C.
Published: March 2007

A survey of 50 male and 50 female (N =100) psychiatric outpatients of Lagos Univer sity Teaching Hospital was carried out. DSM III diagnoses of patients was determined from the case notes. Sociodemographic data were also recorded. Findings were analysed for inter-relationships of diagnoses, sociodemographic data and three belief categories (medical, psychosocial and supernatural). The expected predominance of supernatural beliefs was absent; psychosocial responses were greater than the supernatural. There was no relationship between psychoses and supernatural belief types.
Psychogenic Vomiting Among Female Asian Migrants To the United Kingdom
Authors: Clarke David J. , Salmons Paula H. , Harrison Tom
Published: March 2007

Three female Asian migrants to the United Kingdom presented with vomiting which was not of organic origin. Cultural, dynamic and other factors influenced the adop tion of vomiting as a manifestation of distress. Non-organic vomiting should be evaluated in terms of its symbolism, gains, and communicatory function for the individual.
Psychiatric Outpatients in a General Hospital of Ethiopia: Diagnostic and Sociodemographic Characteristics
Authors: Khandelwal Sudhir K. , Workneh Fikre
Published: March 2007

Delivery of mental health care in developing countries has been woefully inadequate. General hospital psychiatric units can play a significant role in providing care to the mentally ill as well as in the training of health professionals. The problems of mental illness are practically the same everywhere as has been highlighted in this paper, which discusses the functioning and diagnostic and demographic data of such a unit in Ethiopia. The paper also compares diagnostic data from Ethiopia with that of an Indian and a British study.
Clinician-Rated Symptoms and Signs of Depression in Aged Finns
Authors: Kivelä Sirkka-Liisa , Pahkala Kimmo
Published: March 2007

The study describes symptoms and signs of depression in elderly (60 years or over) Finns. Lists of symptoms and signs assessed by the examining physicians in a popula tion study were used in rating, and the symptoms and signs of persons diagnosed as depressed were compared to those of persons who were not depressed.

The commonest symptoms both in men and women were sleep disturbances, fatiguability, loss of interest, depressed mood, loss of activity, pains, pessimism and sense of uselessness. In addition, worry was a common symptom in women. Hallucina tions and other delusions than those about unforgivable behaviour were very uncom mon. Loss of libido did not strongly indicate occurrence of depression, and in persons aged 70 years or over it could not be included in symptoms of depression. Sex dif ferences in the commonest symptoms of depression were evident: worry, crying spells, helplessness, loneliness, suicidal ideas and pains were more common in depressed women than in depressed men. Some age differences in symptoms were also found both in men and in women.

Sad expression was a common sign of depression in both sexes. In addition, slow movements, scarcity of gestures and slow speech were quite common signs in depressed men and stooping posture was quite common in depressed women.
Family History Study of Major Psychiatric Disorders and Syndromes
Authors: Kitamura Toshinori , Takazawa Noboru , Moridaira Junko
Published: March 2007

The family history of major psychiatric disorders was examined among relatives of 193 in-patients fulfilling the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC) for Schizophrenia, Unspecified Functional Psychoses, Schizoaffective Disorder, Manic Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder. The morbid risk (MR) for schizophrenia was greater among the relatives of probands with non-affective psychoses whereas the MR for mania was greater among the relatives of probands with affective bipolar disorder. When major psychiatric syndromes were examined, only manic syndrome showed familial aggregation.
A Community Mental Health Team to Serve Revolving Door Patients the Doddington Edward Wilson (Dew) Mental Health Team 1984-1988
Authors: McLean E.K. , Leibowiiz Judy A.
Published: March 2007

This is a descriptive paper. It outlines the running of a specialist service aimed to meet the needs of long-term mentally ill patients who live in community settings in an inner urban district of London.

The service functions in an outreach model from an office base on a large public housing estate. No patient care premises are available on site, consequently all patient activities are carried out in public rooms and other non-mental-health venues.

The staffing of the Team and details of its organisational practice are described: demographic and clinical statistics for two years' working are presented.

Advantages and disadvantages of the outreach model are discussed. The need for such a specialist service in contrast to the traditional generic service model is argued. The paper is intended as a basic description to underlie current evaluative studies. No evaluation data are presented here.
The Use of Inpatient Psychiatric Care by Immigrants in a London Borough
Authors: Glover Gyles R.
Published: March 2007

The prevalence of admission to psychiatric inpatient care in the major immigrant groups in the London Borough of Newham in 1982 is surveyed and results discussed with reference to relevant published literature. High admission rates were found among young West Indian men and older West Indian women, Pakistani men, older Indian women, Irish women and women from the West African new commonwealth. Women from the East African new commonwealth had a low admission rate. The diagnostic mixture found in patients from the various groups is discussed.
Suicide by Burning in Korea
Authors: Ho Suk Jae , Hwan Han Chang , Kil Yeon Byeong
Published: March 2007

Of 2,143 admissions following suicide attempts over a seven year period (1980- 1986)in Seoul, Korea, there were 38 cases (1.8%) of suicide by burning. These cases were matched by age and sex with a control group of suicide attempts in general and were investigated for psychosocial differences from other suicide attempters. No significant differences were found in social factors such as education, religion, marital status, seasonal change and occupation. The majority of suicide attempts by burning were in a public place (73.7%) and were eventually fatal despite intensive medical treatment (78.9%). Half (52.7%) suffered from significant mental disorders and marital disharmony.
The Frequency of Depressive Symptoms in a General Population with Reference to DSM-III
Authors: Lindal Eirikur , Stefansson Jon G.
Published: March 2007

The frequency with which symptoms of depression are found among subjects with either a lifetime diagnosis of depression or dysthymia and among subjects with no psychiatric disorders, are analysed.

The data is derived from a large study (n=862) on the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders which was conducted in Iceland. The survey instrument was the NIMH-Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS). Results from 379 subjects are reported in this study, these subjects have either experienced a Major Depressive Episode (n=46), dysthymia (n=32) or have no psychiatric disorder (n=301). The frequency of symptoms are grouped together in hierarchical tables and displayed and analysed. In the hierarchical groupings of symptoms, males were found to report more grave symptoms of suicide than were females, both in the depression and dysthymic groups. In a comorbidity correlation between these and other disorders, sex differences emerged in the diagnosis of Tobacco Dependence, with women exhibiting higher frequencies of dependence when found in the depressed group.
Single and Repeated Admissions to a Mental Health Center: Demographic, Clinical and Use of Service Characteristics
Authors: Swigar Mary E. , Astrachan Boris , Levine Michael A. , Mayfield Violet , Radovich Carol
Published: March 2007

Eight hundred and forty one patients with 1,135 consecutive admissions to a university-affiliated mental health center were studied to examine patterns of treatment program use. Twenty two percent of patients had repeat admissions accounting for 42% of hospital episodes.

Single admission and repeater groups are compared, and differences among repeater subgroups with progressively greater numbers of admissions per patient are described. Only 10 patients with the highest number of admissions during the study period also were very high utilizers of all services (inpatient, crisis, day hospital, regional chronic state hospital). These patients' characteristics are discussed with implications for future study.