bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption and young people in Australia: problems and prevention
Authors: Fisher John , Cross Donna , Carroll Tom , Murray Peter
Published: March 2007

THE consumption of alcohol by young people in Aus tralia is of increasing public health concern. This paper, which draws on recent studies, discusses the prevalence of teenage drinking within its social con text, and some of the problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption. It concludes with a summary of the major prevention efforts and suggests a much closer co-ordination of preventive strategies.
Why people attend seminars on drug misuse
Authors: Hochuli Vernon
Published: March 2007

SEMINARS in Kent attracted 1200 people. Eight hun dred and sixty four, responding to a questionnaire, gave reasons why they had attended. Two-thirds of the audience were female, and one-third were under 35 years of age. Prevention of drug misuse and how to help were considered important topics by the older age groups, but the younger members of the audi ence were more interested in drugs available, their appearance and effect on people. Only a minority in each age group gave helping a person with a drug misuse problem as a reason for attending the seminar.
Consumer opinion of when to attend for hospital antenatal care
Authors: Lester Carolyn , Farrow Stephen
Published: March 2007

BETWEEN May 1985 and June 1986 a case control study of late and early antenatal bookings took place in two South Wales hospitals, one urban and one rural. The study examined respondents' opinions on the importance of early hospital antenatal care and the optimum time for a booking visit. Respondents were asked to state the major influence on their opinions regarding antenatal care. It was found that the majority of both late and early attenders thought that early hospital antenatal care was important, but of these many, particularly late attenders, had no accurate idea of the advisable gestation for first attendance. The most frequently mentioned influ ence on the respondents' opinions was health service literature provided during antenatal care. Some of these booklets gave no specific advice on when the first hospital visit should take place.
The impact of change on family planning services
Authors: Leathard Audrey , Leathard Audrey
Published: March 2007

The future looks threatening to district health authority family planning clinics, supportive to general practitioner services, and dismissive of consumer needs. As health education becomes increasingly drawn into the field of Aids and its drug-linked implications, the concern is whether financial priorities will be shifted at the expense of family planning facilities.
Monitoring alcohol advertisements on television - developing a consensus approach
Authors: Pendleton Laura , Smith Christopher , Roberts John L.
Published: March 2007

THE advertising of alcoholic beverages on television is governed by a number of regulations (Section 34 of the IBA Code of Advertising Standards and Practice). Amongst other things, these regulations forbid advertisements showing solitary drinking, drinking by those who appear to be under 25, associating drinking with sexual or social success, or promoting the attractions of high-strength drinks. In recent years it has been suggested that a number of adver tisements have been contravening the regulations. In an attempt to develop a consensus approach on the interpretation of the code, Drink Wisely North West undertook a feasibility study in which 21 alcohol advertisements were looked at by 20 people who completed a short form about each one. It was found that 14 of these advertisements were thought by a majority of the viewers to break the regulations in some way. The results of the study suggest that this is a matter worth pursuing. This paper outlines a cost-effective way of doing this on a large scale.
Girls, smoking and self-esteem — the adolescent context
Authors: Piepe Tony , Cattermole Beverley , Charlton Peter , Morey Fiona , Morey Judy , Yerrell Paul
Published: March 2007

THIS paper collates a number of results relating to schoolgirls and smoking, particularly in relation to the mass media, and suggests a strategy for intervention.
Doctors and alcohol screening - the gap between attitudes and action
Authors: Rowland N. , Maynard A. , Kennedy P. , Stone W. , Wintersgill W.
Published: March 2007

THE failure of doctors to identify patients who drink to excess has been attributed to inadequate edu cation, negative attitudes towards problem drinkers and pessimism about treatment. As part of an early intervention programme at the York District Hospi tal, doctors were given brief alcohol education and encouraged to screen patients for alcohol problems. At subsequent evaluation doctors were well- informed about the nature and extent of alcohol problems and had positive attitudes to screening patients. Their performance did not reflect their views, however, with only 29 per cent of patients being screened. It is suggested that it is not unfavourable attitudes towards alcohol problems but doctors' perception of their role which deter mines their treatment of problem drinkers.
Boundaries and horizons, the role of health education within health promotion
Authors: French Jeff
Published: March 2007

THIS paper sets out to define the role of health edu cation within an overall framework of health promo tion. A typology of health promotion is described, and the nature of health education's contribution is examined. It is concluded that direct social action and behavioural change, whilst valid strategies for health promotion, are not valid strategies for state sponsored health education. Finally, some basic prin ciples of practice for health education are suggested.
Evaluation of the HEA Aids press campaign: December 1988 to March 1989
Authors: Wellings Kaye , McVey Dominic
Published: March 2007

IN late 1988 and early 1989, the Health Education Authority ran an Aids/HIV public education press campaign. The decision to use press advertising was prompted by a growing awareness of the potentially dysfunctional effects, for the maintenance of public concern about Aids, of on/off bursts of high profile advertising followed by periods of apparent inactiv ity. Additionally, it was felt that the press might be best suited to the effective transmission of certain key pieces of information. Efforts to evaluate the campaign therefore paid close attention to the extent to which these goals were attained, and the findings are presented to guide future strategies in terms of optimal choice of media.
Inviting women for cervical screening: what messages do leaflets convey?
Authors: Eardley Anne , Elkind Andrea , Thompson Rebecca
Published: March 2007

HEALTH education leaflets sent to women invited for a smear test as part of computer-managed cervical screening schemes were assessed for content and readability. More than two-thirds of the leaflets included information on the purpose of the test, recall interval, the location of the cervix, how to obtain results and possible reasons for being called back. One-third or less discussed the eligibility of certain groups, the possibility of pain, discomfort or embarrassment, or the importance of notifying GPs of recent tests. Fifteen per cent were 'fairly difficult' or 'difficult' to read. Continuing attention needs to be paid to the content and style of leaflets if women's concerns are to be adequately addressed.
Cholesterol reduction is sustainable: 12 month follow-up of a cholesterol campaign in rural Australia
Authors: van Beurden Eric , James Ray , Tyler Colin , Henrikson Denise
Published: March 2007

FREE living individuals with high levels of blood cholesterol can voluntarily change their diet, reduce blood cholesterol and maintain these changes for at least 12 months. A longitudinal study of randomly selected participants in the 1987 North Coast New South Wales Cholesterol Reduction Campaign indi cates a 10.6 per cent reduction in mean blood choles terol at four to five months and a 9.4 per cent reduction at 12 months. Fifty-five per cent of partici pants maintained at least half of their initial reduc tion and 34 per cent further improved their initial change. These results demonstrate the efficacy of a cholesterol reduction programme based on behav iour modification principles which maximise partici pants' compliance.
Heterosexual anal intercourse and the risk of Aids and HIV for 16-20-year-olds
Authors: Breakwell Glynis M. , Fife-Schaw Christopher R.
Published: March 2007

'LOWER bound' prevalence estimates for heterosex ual anal intercourse, derived from a cohort-sequen tial longitudinal survey study of a sample of 2,171 16-20 year-olds in the UK, are presented. A non-triv ial number of people report past experience of het erosexual anal intercourse and a willingness to have it in the future. Those who reported having had het erosexual anal intercourse were more likely also to report having been younger when they first had va ginal intercourse; having had more sexual partners; having current partners who had had other partners in the past and being less willing to use condoms in the future.
Diet, obesity and being overweight: a qualitative research study
Authors: Barker Rhiannon , Cooke Brian
Published: March 2007

LAY perceptions of being overweight or obese were examined in qualitative one-to-one interviews and group discussions conducted with people who were overweight, obese or slimmers. Many dieters re ported being caught in cyclical patterns of weight loss followed by weight gain. Successful slimmers were aware of the need to make long-term changes to their diet. The challenge facing health educators is to develop new materials or initiatives which en courage and support long-term adjustments to eat ing behaviour.
HIV and Aids-related knowledge amongst inmates of Scottish prisons
Authors: Power K.G. , Markova I. , Rowlands A. , McKee K.J. , Kilfedder C.
Published: March 2007

THE HIV and Aids knowledge level of a representa tive sample of inmates (559) from eight Scottish pri sons was assessed using a 48-item questionnaire. Overall, inmates were highly knowledgeable. They were aware of basic high-risk sexual and drug be haviour. They knew that the virus was not trans mitted by routine social contact. They were also aware of most methods of reducing the risk of trans mission. However, they showed less understanding about issues concerning the HIV antibody test. Many believed it safe to share items of injecting equipment such as cooking-up spoons and there was uncer tainty about the effectiveness of bleach solution as a sterilising agent for injecting equipment. They be lieved that a high risk of transmission is likely if bitten, or involved in a fight with someone who is HIV seropositive. The results are discussed in re lation to the educational needs of prison inmates.
Spinning webs of words: a glance through some back issues of the HEJ
Authors: Thorpe Lucy
Published: March 2007

"It is easy to spin webs of words on paper, m uch less easy to suggest the means to carry them in to practical effect"1.
The influence of a campaign to encourage no-smoking policies in restaurants and cafes in Greater Nottingham
Authors: Whelan R. , White JA , Gilmour-Jones S.
Published: March 2007

IN response to the low level of non-smoking pro vision in public catering establishments in Greater Nottingham, a campaign was launched to encourage the implementation of no-smoking policies, with an information pack sent by post to 356 establishments. Managers were encouraged to order action packs, which included free no-smoking display materials, and to register their establishments in a public guide to no-smoking restaurants. A certificate was awarded by the Department of Public Health to those making over 50 per cent non-smoking provision. The response rate to the campaign was 10.1 per cent after the first mail-out, rising to 14.8 per cent after the second mail-out, and achieving a total of 25.2 per cent after telephone contact had been made. While the campaign was a valuable initial exercise, this work should be continued by environmental health officers who visit catering establishments in the course of their normal duties.
Male body image and health beliefs: a qualitative study and implications for health promotion practice
Authors: Watson JM
Published: March 2007

THE aim of this study was to explore male self- image, its impact on health beliefs and/or behaviour and the implications of this for health promotion practice. Qualitative research methods were used with a sample of 30 men, aged 30-41. The main re sults revealed shared concepts of health that were based on the body and self-image. Embodied signs were used to place and maintain the location of identity in participants' construction of 'mascu linity'. Finally, data suggesting a 'dislocation' of body and self-image in the context of ageing and life-course transitions (marriage and fatherhood) are considered. The paper concludes that the separation of the body from self-image could have important implications for the efficacy of health promotion in terventions, such as well-man screening, which aim to encourage personal responsibility for health.
School sex education: can DHAs help to bridge the divide between theory and practice?
Authors: Trippe Helen
Published: March 2007

A joint Health Authority/University survey of school sex education was carried out in Southampton in 1992/3, to which 94 per cent of schools replied. The survey was part of a series of initiatives planned in response to continuing high local rates of abortions to teenagers. Questionnaires were sent to all middle (8-12 years), first and middle (5-12 years) and secondary maintained schools within the Health District. Independent schools, both preparatory and secondary, were also included. Questions were based on a literature review of official guidance on the content and organisation of school sex education programmes. Schools were also asked about their use of District Health Authority (DHA) services for sex education. Ninety-three per cent of schools had implemented the recom mendation to appoint designated teachers for sex education, while the requirement for schools to have policies for sex education had been met by 72 per cent of respondents. Approximately three-quarters of schools had included written objectives within their policies. Demands arising from implementation of the national curriculum and lack of suitably trained staff were the main reasons given for not being able to develop sex education programmes in line with recommendations. Only a quarter of teachers replying to the survey had attended a course in health education in the previous two years. Less than a fifth of schools had consulted with related feeder/referral schools about the content or organisation of sex education, and a third had not been in contact with parents within the previous two years, to discuss either the planning or content of sex education. Schools were generally enthusiastic about help they had received from DHA services for sex education, but two-thirds wanted greater DHA input into the planning of programmes. Three-quarters of maintained secondary schools wanted more help from family planning nurses in the future.
A survey of health promotion in Welsh primary schools, 1993
Authors: Smith Christopher , Frankland Jane , Playle Rebecca , Moore Laurence
Published: March 2007

This paper presents data from a 1993 self-completion questionnaire survey of primary schools in Wales on the organisation and provision of health education teaching, the implementation of health-related policies and the involvement of outside agencies and professionals in the planning and delivery of health promotion. The results from the 308 schools (62 per cent) which returned questionnaires show a widespread commitment to, and a sound base for the further expansion of, health promotion activity. It is recommended that greater attention should be given to the continuing education of primary school teachers in health promotion, the develop ment of policies on smoking, nutrition and sex education and the planned integration of community resources into school health promotion programmes.
Cardiac rehabilitation: the agenda set by post-myocardial-infarction patients
Authors: Campbell Neil , Grimshaw Jeremy , Rawles John , Ritchie Lewis
Published: March 2007

Physical and psychosocial benefits have been demonstrated by cardiac rehabilitation following myocardial infarction, but there is little evidence about which of the various regimes is best. This paper describes the attitudes of post-myocardial-infarction patients towards cardiac rehabilita tion and identifies their preferences for these services. Qualitative methods were used with a sample of post-myocardial-infarction patients who had no experience of extended rehabilitation programmes. The results indicate strong demand for cardiac rehabilitation. Exercise sessions were requested by eighty-six per cent, with most patients finding that weather conditions prevented walking-based home exercises. Group sessions and one-to-one counselling on personal medical issues were also popular, but demand for stress management was low despite many patients attributing their infarction to stress. The greatest influence foreseen on attendance at cardiac rehabilitation was travelling distance, with many patients unable to attend centralised programmes.
An assessment of health and lifestyle surveys undertaken by health boards in Scotland (1986-95)
Authors: Kohli Harpreet , Hanlon Phil
Published: March 2007

Health and lifestyle surveys undertaken in Scotland during 1986-95 were reviewed by interviewing two individuals from each of the 15 Scottish health boards. Information was collected on the number, extent, cost, motivation for, and outputs from the surveys. Thirteen boards had undertaken a total of 30 surveys (15 with adults and 15 with young people). National health status targets were not cited as important reasons for undertaking earlier surveys, but are becoming increasingly important. Accurate records of costs (including opportunity costs) were not kept. Surveys provided new (but unsurprising) information on boards' popula tions and there was a sense of disappointment at the overall impact of the surveys. Thirteen boards had future plans for surveys with more qualitative and locality-based approaches.
A survey of attitudes to sex education among secondary school governors in Nottinghamshire
Authors: Davis Pauline , Denman Susan , Pearson James
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitudes of secondary school governors in Nottinghamshire, with regard to the content and organisation of sex education and to ascertain their training and support needs in this area. The data were collected by means of a self-completed questionnaire, sent to half of all Nottinghamshire governors of state-maintained secondary schools. The response rate was 67 per cent (n = 405). It was found that 83 per cent of the governors were aware of the existence of a written sex education policy in their schools. Most believed that the topics of contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, homo sexuality and HIV and AIDS should be included in sex education pro grammes. In general they appeared to be positive with regard to the entitlement of children to sex education and the teaching of the subject, However co-opted governors were at variance with the other governor types, and were more likely, for example, to believe that sex education encourages children to experiment with sex, and that sex education is the responsibility of parents, not teachers. Co-opted governors held similar views to parent governors about the government being justified in giving parents the option to withdraw their children from lessons (over half in agreement), while only a third of teacher and LEA governors concurred with this statement. Four out of five governors reported feeling confident about their role and legal responsibilities with regard to sex education, but most would welcome the provision of training in this area. Recommenda tions are made with regard to the training of governors in sex education and further research in this area is suggested.
The impact of using pharmacy window space for health promotion about emergency contraception
Authors: Sharma Sangeeta , Anderson Claire
Published: March 2007

Pharmacy window space has traditionally been used by the pharmaceutical industry to advertise its products. The impact of using pharmacy window space to educate the public about emergency contraception was evaluated. The number of enquiries during the campaign increased by 2-4 times and the number of leaflets taken by 3-43 times. The amount of emergency con traception dispensed during the campaign was three times greater than during the control phase. A larger number of pregnancy tests was purchased during the campaign phase. This study indicates the positive role that pharmacists have in health promotion.
Smoke-free policies in schools: a qualitative investigation of the benefits and barriers
Authors: Hartland J. , Tudor-Smith C. , Bowker S.
Published: March 2007

One method of tackling the worsening teenage smoking problem in Wales is through the application of school smoke-free policies. However, in Welsh secondary schools the current situation in terms of the existence and scope of smoke-free policies is variable, This research was designed to explore the reasons for these variations. Secondary schools in one unitary authority were contacted and interviews carried out with teachers. The findings demonstrate the complex nature of the situation in schools and the difficult decisions facing school managerial staff. On the basis of the information gathered, possible ways forward are described.
Nutrition education in the National Curriculum
Authors: Coulson Neil S , Eiser Christine , Eiser J Richard
Published: March 2007

The Education Reform Act 1988 and the subsequent implementation of the National Curriculum has led to important changes for nutrition education in schools. This applies in particular to the location, methods and materials used and the time allocated. Our review suggests that nutrition education is included within each Key Stage and is located primarily within science, design & tech nology and through cross-curricular themes, notably health education. Tea chers may be well placed to deliver a comprehensive and coherent food and nutrition education to schoolchildren. However, the extent to which such potential is being realised remains unclear.
A 'five-a-day' fruit and vegetable pack for primary school children. Part II: controlled evaluation in two Scottish schools
Authors: Boaz Annette , Ziebland Sue , Wyke Sally , Walker Jeremy
Published: March 2007

A pack to encourage primary school children to consume more fruit and vegetables consists of a fridge chart, a set of cardboard counters with pictures of fruit and vegetable characters, a portion guide, instructions for use and a record book. The pack was piloted in a controlled study in two Lothian schools in May and June 1997. Data were collected on four occasions with a 'Day in the Life' questionnaire, focus-group discussions and short questionnaire at the end of the study. Full sets of data were available for 99 of 113 children from the rolls of two P3 and two P4 classes. The packs were popular with the children who said that they had used them regularly during the study period. The children also reported that the packs encouraged them to eat more fruit (71 per cent) and more vegetables (59 per cent) but consumption, measured by the Day in the Life questionnaire, remained low throughout. Mean portions of fruit, fruit juice and vegetables showed small increases following the inter vention, but standard deviations were large. It was concluded that the packs are promising in their appeal to children and that future work will need to involve individual classroom teachers, the school catering service and the children's families to maximise support.
Stages of Change training for opportunistic smoking intervention by the primary health care team. Part I : randomised controlled trial of the effect of training on patient smoking outcomes and health professional behaviour as recalled by patients
Authors: Lennox A Scott , Bain Norma , Taylor Ross J. , McKie Linda , Donnan Peter T. , Groves Jane
Published: March 2007

The Stages of Change approach to smoking cessation intervention is increasingly advocated in primary care, and training in the approach is readily available. However, there has been little formal evaluation of the effectiveness of such training. A one-day Stages of Change training for primary health care teams was evaluated using both quantitative analysis of patient outcomes in a randomised controlled trial, and qualitative analysis of interviews with workshop partici pants. This paper reports the quantitative findings. Patients in the intervention group were more likely than controls to recall smoking having been mentioned in a consultation, but there were no significant effects of the intervention on patient smoking outcomes fourteen months after the workshops.
Access to healthy foods: part I. Barriers to accessing healthy foods: differentials by gender, social class, income and mode of transport
Authors: Caraher Martin , Dixon Paul , Lang Tim , Carr-Hill Roy
Published: March 2007

This paper examines the issues of access to food and the influences people face when shopping for a healthy food basket. It uses data from the Health Edu cation Authority's 1993 Health and Lifestyles Survey to examine the barriers people face in accessing a healthy diet. The main findings are that access to food is primarily determined by income, and this is in turn closely related to physical resources available to access healthy food. There is an associated class bias over access to sources of healthy food. The poor have less access to a car, find it harder to get to out-of-town shopping centres and thus are less able to carry and transport food in bulk. The majority of people shop in supermarkets as they report that local shops do not provide the services people demand and that food choice and quality are limited. In tackling food poverty and pro moting healthy eating, health promotion practice needs to address these struc tural issues as opposed to relying on psycho-social models of education based on the provision of information and choice.
Evaluating community development for health: a survey of evaluation activity across the Lothians
Authors: Smart Helen
Published: March 2007

This research examines the experiences of project workers in one Scottish Health Board area in evaluating community development for health initiatives. A field study was undertaken, involving semi-structured telephone interviews with workers from 15 community health projects across the Lothians: Sup plementary data were gathered by documentary analysis. A predominance of process evaluation was found, with a bias toward the use of qualitative methods. Impact evaluation was also undertaken. Lack of resources emerged as a major problem. The need for training in research methods and evaluation techniques and a greater understanding of the community-development approach on the part of funding bodies was identified. There was no indication that negotiations took place between projects and funders regarding criteria and methods. Clear guidance from funders about their expectations regarding evaluation would be welcome.
Ethnic and Gender Differences in Mental Health Utilization: the Case of Muslim Jordanian and Moroccan Jewish Israeli Out-Patient Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Al-Krenawi Alean , Graham John R. , Ophir Menachim , Kandah Jamil
Published: March 2007

A sample of 148 (87 Jordanian [61 male, 26 female] and 61 Israeli [26 male, 35 female]) was selected from a psychiatric clinic in Ashdod Israel and Zarka Jordan, using convenience sampling methodology over a 12 month period in late 1997 and early 1998. A revised Hopkins Symptom Checklist: A Self-Report Symptom Inventory (HSCL) was translated into Arabic and Hebrew and distributed to subjects; additional questions explored demographic characteristics, forms of received treatment, patient perceptions of treatment efficacy, patient use of traditional healers, and patient explanation of etiology. Data revealed that there were differences in dimensions between the 2 groups based on nationality and gender. More Jordanians than Israelis expected medications as the main treatment, and unlike Israelis, no Jordanian patients received individual psycho therapy. Israeiis expected medications, advice, directions, and instructions from psychiatrists. Both ethnic groups consulted a wide array of traditional healers, although precise types of healers varied according to gender and ethnicity. Israeli subjects gave more diverse explanations of mental health etiologies: physical, family, divorce, economic, unernploynlent; whereas Jordanians tended to emphasize divine and spiritual sources. implications for psychiatric practice are discussed.
Transsexualism and Slater's Selective Vocabulary Test
Authors: Kenna J.C. , Hoenig J.
Published: March 2007

It has been shown elsewhere that transsexual males use a vocabulary which differs from that of normal males. This could be demonstrated by Slater's Selective Vocabulary Test.

This test was administered to 56 male transsexuals and the 'd' score — a device to eliminate the influence of I.Q. — was calculated. The normal d score for males is zero and the higher the score the greater is the degree of femininity.

An attempt was made to find factors which facilitate this abnormal development of the vocabulary in male transsexuals. In order to do this the cases were divided into a group of high and a group of low 'd', scores, and tested for correlations with a number of factors which seemed likely to influence the vocabulary development.
The Epidemiology of Alcohol Consumption in Spain
Authors: Rodriguez Maria Elena , Anglin M. Douglas
Published: March 2007

This paper is a comprehensive review of the available information about alcohol con sumption in Spain. Alcohol use is the most severe drug problem among both young people and adults; almost half the Spanish population drink daily, and more than a fourth drink a quantity of alcohol sufficient to cause health problems in the long term. The consumption of alcohol may be considered to be culturally rooted when compared with other drug use which follows a more recent epidemic pattern. For those who use other drugs, for example cannabis and cocaine, alcohol is commonly used in conjunction. Clearly the level of alcohol use and abuse is high in Spain and constitutes a severe public health and socioeconomic problem.
Differential Attitudes of Chinese Students Toward People With Disabilities: a Cross-Cultural Perspective
Authors: Fong Chan  , Hedl John J. , Parker Harry J. , Lam Chow S. , Chan Tai-Nai , Yu Brenda
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of 338 Chinese secondary school students toward three major disability groups (people who are physically disabled, emotionally disturbed, and mentally retarded) using an adaptation of the American Scale of Attitudes toward Disabled Persons (SADP). We found that physically disabled persons were rated higher across the three subscales of the SADP compared to either emotionally disturbed and mentally retarded individuals, who were rated similarly low by the students. The lack of differentiation between the two men tal handicapping conditions is at variance with contemporary western findings. The overall negative attitudes toward people with mental disabilities may have significant implications for community rehabilitation programming for this population.
Cultural Variations of Premenstrual Experience
Authors: Chandra Prabha S. , Chandra Prabha S.
Published: March 2007

Forty-eight female nursing students who were in the reproductive age group were evaluated for cognitive, affective and somatic changes in the premenstrual phase. A retrospective rating method was used with measurements on numerical and visual analogue scales. The visual analogue scale was used for bidirectionality of measure ment. Ratings on 17 items were compared during the premenstrual phase and the rest of the cycle. Significant changes were seen in three of the distressing items. A Premenstrual Syndrome, the late luteal phase disorder of DSM-IIIR criteria, was identified in 6% of the women. The varying patterns of premenstrual changes and their prevalence are discussed in a sociocultural context.
A Psychiatric Mobile Crisis Unit in New York City: Description and Assessment, with Implications for Mental Health Care in the 1990S
Authors: Chiu Thomas L. , Primeau Chuck
Published: March 2007

This article presents a review and assessment of a community Mobile Crisis Intervention Team working on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Of special importance, a trend is noted invoiving a changing philosophy and modus operandi. Some reasons are offered to explain the trend and questions are raised about the future of the delivery of mental health services in large urban areas.
The Evaluation of Mental Health Care Transformation in the Cities of Europe
Authors: Schene A.H. , Henderson J.H. , Knudsen H. Ch. , Rijkschroeff R. , Thornicroft G.
Published: March 2007

At the WHO International Conference 'Changing Mental Health Care in the Cities of Europe' an invitational workshop was organised for participants interested in evaluation research. This report of the workshop first summarises the activities of the Commission of European Communities working on the 'Evaluation of Compre hensive Care of the Mentally III'. Secondly current issues which arose in the discussions on problems of scientific evaluation of changing mental health care in Europe are described. Thirdly three particular research programmes are summar ised especially focussing on research methodology.
Down and Out: Social Marginality and Homelessness
Authors: Schnabel Paul
Published: March 2007

In the last ten years the problem of homelessness has been on the increase. Compared to the situation about sixty years ago the homeless of today congregate more in the centres of the big cities, adhere to a different lifestyle and are socially, culturally and ethnically more diverse. Some indications of the scale of the problem in the Netherlands are given, but the focus of the paper is on the role of psychiatry: on the one hand, in providing services to the mentally ill among the homeless and, on the other hand, in protecting communities against people who are considered bothersome or unfit for civil life. The development of systems of comprehensive care for different categories of socially marginal people is discussed.
Lay Explanations of Symptoms of Mental Ill Health in Kuwait
Authors: Fakhr El-Islam M. , Abu-Dagga Sanaa I.
Published: March 2007

The cognitive schemas of 208 subjects were elicited in relation to 12 hypothetical symptoms which are most commonly presented by patients suffering from psychiatric disorder. Three types of explaining schemas were recognised as physical, psychosocial and supernatural explanations. Somatic symptoms tended to have physical explanations and emotional symptoms tended to have psychoso cial explanations although both are known in clinical practice to indicate psychiatric disorder and to disappear together when the disorder recovers.

Supernatural explanations were most likely in elderly males and in extended families. Symptoms associated with supernatural cognitive schemas fit in with the cultural background and not with the level of modern education achieved.
Mental Health Policy in Practice: Lessons From the All Wales Strategy Mental Illness
Authors: Huxley Peter , Oliver Joseph
Published: March 2007

The ultimate objective of the All Wales Strategy - Mental Illness, is to produce a community based mental health service led by multidisciplinary community mental health teams. This paper is based upon a report commissioned by the Welsh Office Social Services Inspectorate based upon a review of progress in the implemen tation of the strategy through scrutiny of County Joint Plans and meetings with County Joint Planning Teams. In general, we found that community multidisciplinary teamwork was not well developed throughout Wales. Insufficient attention was being paid to issues of staff development and the capacity to monitor and evaluate service developments. The need for a baseline assessment of current performance by health and social services authorities seemed inescapable, if the impact of the strategy is to be reliably and validly assessed.
Beyond the Mental Hospital: Crisis Intervention and Continuity of Care in Trieste. A Four Year Follow-Up Study in a Community Mental Health Centre
Authors: Mezzina Roberto , Vidoni Daniela
Published: March 2007

A sample group of 39 new patients with acute and severe crises underwent a 4-year follow-up study at the community mental health center in Trieste (CMHC). The CMHC is a full-time service, open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, and is fully integrated into a network of services which has completely replaced the preexisting mental hospital.

Evaluation shows: 1) a generally good outcome of the initial crisis; 2) a low relapse rate; 3) a tendency towards favourable long-term outcomes.

In terms of practice, voluntary and compulsory hospitalization were avoided in favor of short-term day and night support in the CMHC. There were no suicides, no crimes, no drop-outs. Social adjustment remained unchanged.

Accessibility and continuity of care were favored by not separating special crisis services. Instead, crisis intervention was integrated into a comprehensive Mental Health Service offering a wide range of preventive and rehabilitative responses.

The study demonstrates that the mental health services in Trieste are able to cope with acute crises without psychiatric hospitalization.
Physical Status and Dementia Risk: a Three-Year Prospective Study in Urban Japan
Authors: Minami Yuko , Tsuji Ichiro , Fukao Akira , Hisamichi Shigeru , Asano Hirotake , Sato Makito , Shinoda Kazuo
Published: March 2007

A three-year prospective study of 3,180 non-dementia persons in Sendai City, Japan was conducted to examine the effects of physical status and diseases diagnosed on dementia incidence. This cohort had been made at the initial survey in 1988 and the evaluation for incident dementia was performed on 2,461 respondents (77.4%) in a follow-up survey in 1991. Regarding physical status, the logistic regression including sex, age, health status, ambulatory activity and activities of daily living indicated that the poor health status and the limitation of ambulatory activity were significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia. The significant positive association with dementia was observed on stroke, respiratory disease and depression. This study identified the high risk population for dementia in the aspect of physical status.
The Treatment of Acute Psychosis Without Neuroleptics: Six-Week Psychopathology Outcome Data From the Soteria Project
Authors: Mosher Loren R. , Vallone Robert , Menn Alma
Published: March 2007

Background: Today's treatment of acute psychosis usually includes short-term hospitalization and anti-psychotic drug treatment. The Soteria project compared this form of treatment (control) with that of a small, home-like social environment, usually without neuroleptics (experimental).

Method: Newly diagnosed, young, unmarried persons with DSM-11 schizophrenia were randomly assigned to treatment in two experimental and two control settings. Subjects and families were assessed at admission on 29 independent variables. Treatment environments were studied by means of Moos', COPES or WAS scales. Three dependent six week psychopathology outcome measures were collected.

Results: The groups were comparable on 25 of 29 admission variables. The environments of the two experimental and two control settings were different from each other. The milieus were similar to each other within each condition. At six weeks, psychopathology in both groups had improved significantly, and similarly, and overall change was the same.

Conclusion: Specially designed, replicable milieus were able to reduce acute psychotic symptomatology within six weeks, usually without antipsychotic drugs, as effectively as usual hospital ward treatment that included routine neuroleptic drug use.
Determinants of Help-Seeking Behaviour in Cases of Epilepsy Attending a Teaching Hospital in India: an Indigenous Explanatory Model
Authors: Banerjee Tapas , Banerjee G.
Published: March 2007

Psychosocial factors determining the choice of health facility in 30 cases of epilepsy attending the psychiatric outpatient department (OPD) of a teaching (referral) hospital in India were studied. The majority of those who chose indigenous healers as their first contact treatment facility did so on the decision of the family. A belief in the supernatural causation of epilepsy combined with family decision was associated with the choice of indigenous health facility. Belief in the physical cause of epilepsy and the participation of social network in decision making were, on the other hand, closely associated with the choice of practitioners of modern medicine. The time-lag between onset of illness and first contact for treatment was short when indigenous healers were consulted first, however these patients usually took a long time to reach the referral centre when they passed through the indigenous healers.
Family and Cultural Correlates of Depression Among Chinese Elderly
Authors: Zhang Amy Y. , Yu Lucy C. , Yuan Jianping , Tong Zhifu , Yang Chaoyuan , Foreman Stephen E.
Published: March 2007

This study hypothesized that depressive experiences of the elderly could be aggravated by universal factors such as low social status, poor health, financial strain, and unhealthy lifestyle, as well as by factors specific to an indigenous socio-cultural environment (stressful family dynamics) of a given population. Three hundred and fifty Chinese subjects aged 65 or older were interviewed either at their homes or in the geriatric out-patient clinic of Beijing Hospital. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to examine significant predictors of depression. Results showed that certain social status, poor physical health, financial strain, unhealthy lifestyle, and stressful family situation explained 47 percent of the variance in depression. However, stressful family situation alone explained 13 percent of the variance in depression, indicating that family factors were important predictors of depression for Chinese elderly. Furthermore, this study demonstrated for the first time that verbal abuse within Chinese families is a significant correlate of depression among the elderly. Cultural implications of these findings are discussed.
Service Utilisation by Former Long-Stay Psychiatric Patients in Northern Ireland
Authors: McGilloway Sinead , Donnelly Michael
Published: March 2007

The shift from hospital to community care for people with mental health problems places continuing demands on community-based services. However, compara tively little is known about the patterns of service use among those previously resident in psychiatric hospitals. In this study, a total of 145 former long-stay psychiatric patients in Northern Ireland (NI) - most with a diagnosis of schizo phrenia and aged under 60 - were followed up one year after discharge to identify the type and frequency of service use during the previous six months. Although a wide range of services was used, GPs, CPNs and social workers respectively were central to client care outside hospital. However, access to, and use of, services- influenced, in part, by the unique integrated health and social services structure in NI - varied widely across types and sectors of accommodation. The findings have implications both for the successful management of community placement for former long-stay patients and for the planning and implementation of services for future more dependent cohorts.
Improving Boss-Man and Man-Boss Communication
Authors: Hatch A.S.
Published: March 2007

Studies and experience suggest that organizational communica tion takes place at very low efficiencies. Supervisors should give considerable attention to individual and group commu nications, so as to avoid large and unequal "distances" be tween themselves and their em ployees. Each employee has his individual "need to know," and the magnitude of this need is generally underestimated. A formal program of communi cation can do much to increase job efficiency and job satisfac tion.
Applying Survey Methods To Employee Communication
Authors: Gieselman Robert D.
Published: March 2007

Organizational communication audits are a necessary first step in assessing communica tion strengths and weaknesses. This article discusses the use of survey methods to gather information before devising plans to improve communica tion in the firm. Included are materials on conducting, timing, and publicizing surveys, re porting results, plus sample questions.
A Taxonomic Approach To Organizational Communication
Authors: Knapp Mark L.
Published: March 2007

Attempts to define the study known as organizational communication have generally had little success in achieving professional consensus. Authors usually ask, "How can we define this area?" Knapp asks instead, "How can we categorize the writing and research on organizational communication?" His answer may offer some insight into the nature and dimensions of the subfect.
The Dynamics of Collective Bargaining
Authors: Adams Sexton , Vaden Richard E.
Published: March 2007

The dynamic nature of collective bargaining becomes apparent when explained in terms of communication theory. In this paper the authors develop a four- phase communication model to describe the various relationships between labor and management.
Management By Objectives Applied To the Business Communication Class
Authors: Ross Kenton E.
Published: March 2007

The objective of the experiment described here was to find an effective way of teaching communication without alienating students from the task of writing. Pre-test and post-test opinionnaires established that over sixty per cent of the students believed the course helped improve their writing.
Communication Effectiveness
Authors: Level Dale A.
Published: March 2007

This study asked seventy-two first-line supervisors which communication mode (written only, oral only, oral followed by written, written followed by oral) was most effective and which was least effective in ten common situations. The implication of the results is that a combination method might be appropriate for any of the ten situations.
Management's Role in Organizational Communication Analysis
Authors: Greenbaum Howard H.
Published: March 2007

This paper, originally presented at the ABCA 1971 annual convention, deals with management's responsibilities for organizational communication systems. Internal management can design, create, and maintain a communication system that increases the probability of greater organizational effectiveness. The mate rial was accompanied by visual aids, here only roughly represented in type.
Toward International Business Communication
Authors: Haneda Saburo
Published: March 2007

The author describes his efforts to develop international communication as an academic subject matter, and describes the historical development of studies in the various fields of Business English and Business Communication in Japan.