bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Support for Restrictive Tobacco Policies among Residents of Selected Minnesota Communities
Authors: Forster Jean L. , McBride Colleen , Jeffery Robert , Schmid Thomas L. , Pirie Phyllis L. 
Published: December 2011

Background. Tobacco related diseases remain the most important public health problem. Public policy approaches to tobacco control have been used historically, and remain a viable, though largely untested, tobacco control strategy. The purpose of this article is to report assessment of support for tobacco control policies among the general public. Methods. A random sample of 821 residents from seven Minnesota communities was surveyed by telephone to assess their support for 12 measures designed to restrict smoking behavior and curb demand for tobacco. Some of these policies were similar to those already in place, while others had not yet been adopted. Results. Over 50% of the respondents indicated that they strongly favored or some-what favored each of the measures, suggesting that a constituency exists for further regulation of tobacco. Measures that restrict tobacco advertising, prohibit smoking in public places, increase the penalties for selling tobacco to minors, and reduce access of young people to tobacco are especially popular. omen, nonsmokers, and older people form the basis of support for these measures. Conclusions. These results suggest that Minnesota citizens are more supportive of restrictive tobacco control policies than policy makers might believe, and that more aggressive lobbying on behalf of such measures at the state and local level is warranted.
Personal Power Imagery and Relaxation Techniques Used in Smoking Cessation Programs
Authors: Wynd Christine A. 
Published: December 2011

Background. Theoretically-based interventions are necessary for enhancing the power of self-control behaviors in smokers attempting to quit smoking cigarettes. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of guided imagery and relaxation techniques as interventions for smoking cessation. The relationship of imagery and self-control was also examined. Methods. A convenience sample of 84 adult smokers participated in one of three treatment conditions: power imagery (n = 28), relaxation imagery (n =29), and “placebo” control (n = 27). Treatment group members were taught imagery during a six-session smoking cessation program, and the control group was provided imagery training upon study completion. Results. Smoking quit rates were 67% for the power imagery group, 69 % for the relaxation group, and 27% for the control group. At a three-month follow-up, the power imagery group had a continued abstinence rate of 52 % (relapse rate = 48 %), the relaxation group had an abstinence rate of 55% (relapse rate = 45 %), and the control group cessation rate remained at 27% (relapse rate = 73%). One-way and repeated measures MANOVAs demonstrated significant differences among the three groups at posttreatment, F (8, 158) = 13.92, p < .05, and revealed that the practice of imagery treatments over time produced changes in power test scores and smoking rates, F(3, 127) = 24.67, p < .05. Discussion. This study demonstrated that power and relaxation imagery treatments were equally effective in reducing smoking rates. Further investigations into the therapeutic uses of imagery are recommended.
Health Messages on Television Commercials
Authors: Wallack Lawrence , Dorfman Lori 
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose. Television is an important source of health information in the United States, yet little research has focused on the presentation of general health issues on television. This preliminary study reports on the health-related content of television commercials found on a typical television day. Methods. We conducted a content analysis of a composite day of television comprising 20 hours randomly selected over a three week period (April-May 1989). Findings are presented regarding health messages found in commercial time — advertisements, public service announcements (PSAs), editorials, and promotions for upcoming programs. Results. Overall, 31 % of the 654 commercial spots contained health messages. Most health messages were claims of good nutrition in food and beverage advertisements. PSAs comprise 1.4% of the 20-hour sample and 5.8% of the commercial time. Health messages appeared in 38% of PSAs, accounting for less than seven minutes. Not one PSA addressed tobacco, alcohol, or diet — the three leading behavioral risk factors for poor health. Discussion. PSAs are usually seen as a mechanism by which the public health community can alert the public to important health issues. Given the declining pool of PSA time, public health educators will need to seek alternative strategies for influencing television content, such as media advocacy. In addition, further research on audience interpretation and response to commercial messages is suggested.
Powerlessness, Empowerment, and Health: Implications for Health Promotion Programs
Authors: Wallerstein Nina 
Published: December 2011

Purpose and Scope. This article reviews the health and social science research relevant to both the role of powerlessness as a risk factor for disease, and the role of empowerment as a health-enhancing strategy. The research literature surveyed includes studies that address these key concepts from the fields of social epidemiology, occupational health, stress research, social psychology, community psychology, social support and networks, community competence and community organizing. Definitions are provided to operationalize these sometimes loosely-applied terms. Important Findings. Powerlessness, or lack of control over destiny, emerges as a broad-based risk factor for disease. Empowerment, though more difficult to evaluate, can also be demonstrated as an important promoter of health. Major Conclusions. Given the importance and currency of these concepts of powerlessness and empowerment, a model of empowerment education is proposed for health-promotion practitioners. Measurement of empowerment raises issues for researchers on how to test the multiple personal and community changes that may result from an empowering education intervention.
Smoking Cessation in Texas-Mexico Border Communities: A Quasi-Experimental Panel Study
Authors: McAlister Alfred L. , Ramirez Amelie G. , Amezcua Cesareo , Pulley LeaVonne , Stern Michael P. , Mercado Salvador 
Published: December 2011

Background. Smoking-related disease and injury is prominent among the numerous health problems on the U. S.-Mexico border, but little is known about the methods that might help promote smoking cessation among the low-income populations in this region. Method. Media campaigns were combined with different forms of intensive and community-wide interpersonal communication to encourage smoking cessation in a border U. S. city and in a Mexican city. Panels of moderate to heavy smokers were followed in four groups to allow quasi-experimental comparison of smoking cessation rates. Results. Over a five-year study period smoking cessation rates of 17% (self-reported) and 8% (verified) were observed in panels in the program community (N = 160). In the comparison community (N = 135) corresponding rates of smoking cessation were 7% (self-reported) and 1.5% (verified). Within the program community, no differences were observed in smoking cessation among smokers exposed to a community-wide program and those assigned to receive personal counseling. Discussion. Although the observed changes in smoking were unexpectedly small in the treatment and comparison groups, the approximately 8% effect size for the community-wide program was close to what was predicted. Results indicate that such programs may yield effects similar to those of more intensive approaches, but further research with greater statistical power will be necessary to confirm that point.
Putting Stress into Words: The Impact of Writing on Physiological, Absentee, and Self-Reported Emotional Well-Being Measures
Authors: Francis Martha E. , Pennebaker James W. 
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose. Inhibiting or holding back one's thoughts, feelings, or behaviors is associated with long-term stress and disease. Actively confronting upsetting experiences can reduce the negative effects of inhibition. The present study describes a unique approach to aid individuals in dealing with psychological and emotional issues that they must often face. Methods. Forty-one of the 81 university employees who were participating in a wellness program agreed to participate in the present study. Subjects were randomly assigned to write about either personal traumatic experiences (n = 23) or non-traumatic topics (n = 18) for 20 minutes once a week for four consecutive weeks. Results. Results indicate that individuals who wrote about upsetting personal experiences evidenced significant drops in selected blood measures compared to those who wrote about non-traumatic topics (e.g., for SGOT: 4.0% drop among traumatic topic group versus 13.1% increase among non-traumatic topic group, ANOVA p = .029; for SGPT: 24.5% drop versus 7.7% increase, p =. 001). During the month of writing, traumatic topic group subjects evidenced a 28.6% reduction in absentee rates from work relative to the eight months before the experiment compared with a 48.5% increase in absentee rates among non-traumatic topic subjects (p =. 04). Subjects low in emotional inhibition evidenced the greatest reductions in absentee rates following personal disclosure compared to those high in emotional inhibition (p = .011). Discussion. The proposed writing strategy offers a unique tool for health promotion practitioners. Individuals encouraged to let themselves go and confront traumatic experiences in their lives can potentially enhance their own health.
Health Locus of Control and Self-Efficacy Beliefs in a Healthy Elderly Sample
Authors: Waller Kathy V. , Bates R. Carson 
Published: December 2011

Background. The elderly are the fastest growing segment of the population, and this will place additional burdens on the healthcare system. It is therefore valuable to study the elderly who have reached their later years relatively free of disease and in good health. Methods. Health locus of control, self-efficacy beliefs, and lifestyle behaviors were studied in a sample of 57 healthy elderly subjects. Subjects completed the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, and Healthstyle Self- Test for Seniors. Results. Most of the subjects were characterized by an internal health locus of control belief (91.2%), high generalized self-efficacy (57.9%), and good health behaviors. As hypothesized, positive relationships were found among these variables. Discussion. Individuals with an internal health locus of control and high generalized self-efficacy are more likely to benefit from a health education program than those with an external locus of control and low self-efficacy. Health educators can better serve their clients by evaluating these parameters when developing programs.
Mind-Body Health: Research, Clinical, and Policy Applications
Authors: Pelletier Kenneth R. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose of the Review. This critical review presents an overview of the development in the field of mind-body medicine over the last 10 years and has taken tentative steps toward suggesting the components of a new model of health based on psychoneuroimmunology. While documenting the major shortcomings of present research design, methodology, data analysis, and subsequent hypotheses, this article points out areas of sufficient promise for practical and responsible clinical applications of the research. Search Method Used. A thorough review of the clinical and experimental medical literature related to the interaction between mind and body is presented, and the new and complex research in the field of psychoneuroimmunology is analyzed. Summary of Important Findings. Despite the mixed and sometimes conflicting findings in current research, there is an increasingly compelling body of scientific evidence indicating that mind-body interactions are at the root of both health and disease. Research demonstrates that psychological factors seem to play a causal role in the onset and course of many chronic disorders and that psychological, emotional, psychosocial, and behavioral interventions have at least as much proof of effectiveness as many purely medical treatments. Major Conclusions. There is a substantial growing body of scientific and clinical knowledge which demonstrates an inextricable interaction between mind and body. Such an approach empowers individuals and organizations to assume greater responsibility for health as a basis for the development of a true health care system.
Health Risk Changes with a Low-Cost Individualized Health Promotion Program: Effects at up to 30 Months
Authors: Fries James F. , Fries Sarah Tilton , Parcell Charles L. , Harrington Harry 
Published: December 2011

Background and Purpose. Health promotion programs are increasingly important components of health care in an era of predominantly chronic illness preceded by identified health risk behaviors. We report a large and relatively long experience with a low-cost intervention delivered through the mail and using sequential time-oriented risk appraisal and personalized recommendations, each six months, together with self-management materials. Methods. We performed a prospective, longitudinal, observational study of 103,937 consecutive program participants observed for at least six months and up to 30 months. The primary study endpoint is overall health risk score, with secondary analysis of individual risk behaviors. A concurrent comparison group utilizes the initial scores of new participants by calendar time over the study period. Results. Strong overall positive effects were observed, with improvement in computed health risk scores over 18 months of 14.7% (p < .0001) in those 65 and over and 18.4% (p < .0001) in those under 65. At 30 months, improvement was 18.8% (p < .0001) and 25.7% (p < .0001), respectively. There was improvement in self-report scores for all targeted health risk behaviors, except for pounds over ideal weight, including smoking; dietary fat, salt, and fiber; alcohol; exercise; cholesterol; and reported stress. There was progressive improvement approximating 5% each six-month period. Results were consistent across age groups 16–35, 36–50, 51–65, and over 65 and over different educational level. Results could not be accounted for by sequential changes in initial health habits of participants over time. Discussion. Low-cost health promotion programs may be practically applied to large populations with positive effects which continue to improve with time in program. Changes in senior populations are as great as in younger persons. Effects in those in lower socioeconomic classes appear as great as those in higher classes.
Using the Stages of Change Model to Increase the Adoption of Physical Activity among Community Participants
Authors: Marcus Bess H. , Banspach Stephen W. , Lefebvre R. Craig , Rossi Joseph S. , Carleton Richard A. , Abrams David B. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. This study examined the use of the stages of change model to design an exercise intervention for community volunteers. Design. The “Imagine Action” campaign was a community-wide event incorporating the involvement of local worksites and community agencies. Community members registering for the campaign were enrolled in a six-week intervention program designed to encourage participation in physical activity. Subjects. Six hundred and ten adults aged 18 to 82 years old enrolled in the program. Seventy-seven percent of the participants were female and the average age was 41.8 years (SD = 13.8). Setting. The campaign was conducted in a city with a population of approximately 72,000 and was promoted throughout community worksites, area schools, organizations, and local media channels. Measures. One question designed to assess current stage of exercise adoption was included on the campaign registration form as were questions about subject name, address, telephone number, birthdate, and gender. Intervention. The intervention included written materials designed to encourage participants to initiate or increase physical activity, a resource manual describing activity options in the community, and weekly “fun walks” and “activity nights.” Results. A Stuart-Maxwell test for correlated proportions revealed that subjects were significantly more active after the six-week intervention. Sixty-two percent of participants in Contemplation became more active while 61 % in Preparation became more active. Conclusions. Most participants increased their stage of exercise adoption during the six-week intervention. This study provides preliminary support for use of the stages of change model in designing exercise interventions.
Exercise, Lipids, and Obesity in Adolescents with Parental History of Coronary Disease
Authors: Stewart Kerry J. , Goldberg Andrew P. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to determine 1) if adolescents of parents with clinically manifest premature coronary artery disease (CAD) are less physically fit and habitually active, and have less favorable lipid profiles and more obesity than children of nonaffected parents, and 2) if aerobic fitness and activity are related to obesity and lipids in adolescents. Setting. Patients were identified in the Coronary Care Unit or out-patient clinic. Adolescents were evaluated in the cardiovascular laboratories at the Francis Scott Key Medical Center. Design. Comparisons between groups were tested with ANOVA. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to assess relationships among study variables. Subjects. Thirty-six children of affected parents, ages 12 to 19 years, and 29 comparison subjects participated in the study. Measures. Fitness was determined by treadmill testing, fasting blood was analyzed for lipoprotein lipids, habitual physical activity was measured by self-report, and the sum of six skinfolds was used to calculate obesity. Results. Total and LDL cholesterol were higher in girls with a parental history of CAD. The sample size was too small to draw any definitive conclusions about differences based on parental history in lipids or fitness in the boys, or obesity in both genders. Overall, joggers were more fit and less fat than nonjoggers. Girls playing organized sports were more fit and less fat than nonparticipants. Aerobic fitness correlated negatively with obesity in both genders; fitness was independently associated with HDL cholesterol only in the boys. Conclusion. The relationships among parental history of premature coronary heart disease, exercise, lipids, and obesity may be gender-specific.
Relationship between Serum Cholesterol Levels and Television Viewing in 11,947 Employed Adults
Authors: Tucker Larry A. , Bagwell Marilyn 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among high-, moderate-, and low-duration television viewers. The confounding effects of age, gender, income, body fat percentage, weekly exercise duration, and smoking were also examined. Design. A cross-sectional or correlational design was employed. Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel odds ratios were used to estimate risk of the television viewers regarding hypercholesterolemia. Setting. Participants were employees of over 55 corporations that had their employees screened as part of the ongoing risk-management program of Health Advancement Services (HAS), Inc. Subjects. Subjects were 11,947 employed adults. About 85% of the subjects eligible for participation completed the screenings and were used in the study. Measures. Serum cholesterol was assessed in a certified lab, and lifestyle information, including television viewing habits, was collected via a written questionnaire. Body fat was measured using skinfolds from three body sites. Results. High-duration television viewers were almost two times more likely to suffer from hypercholesterolemia as infrequent viewers, with and without control of multiple confounding factors. Moderate-duration viewers were at 1.5 times the risk of hypercholesterolemia compared to infrequent viewers. Neither television group was at greater risk of moderately elevated cholesterol levels (200–239) compared to the infrequent viewers with all of the potential confounders controlled. Conclusions. Cause-and-effect conclusions are not warranted; however, this study coupled with other investigations shows that excessive television viewing may be an important lifestyle factor linked to decreased health and functioning.
Employee Advisory Boards as a Vehicle for Organizing Worksite Health Promotion Programs
Authors: Sorensen Glorian , Hsieh Jean , Hunt Mary K. , Morris Diane H. , Harris Donald R. , Fitzgerald Gordon 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to describe the “employee advisory board model” applied in the Treatwell program, a worksite nutrition intervention program. Design. The employee advisory boards of five of the seven intervention worksites participating in the Treatwell program were surveyed. Results were compared with results of employee surveys conducted in these five worksites. Setting. The five worksites included in this study are among 16 participating worksites from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Subjects. Of the 95 board members represented in the five worksites, 88% responded to the survey. This article also presents results from the 698 respondents of the five intervention worksites where the board surveys were conducted. Intervention. The boards in each worksite participated in planning, promoting, and implementing this program in each worksite. Measures. Respondents to the board survey were asked about their participation on and satisfaction with the board and factors they thought contributed to its effectiveness. A survey of all employees included information on demographics and program participation. Results. Board members reported that they were highly satisfied with the board's functioning. Board member hours spent on Treatwell activities were directly related to the proportion of employees aware of the program. (r = .82). The boards' effectiveness was limited by conflicting priorities between the job and board responsibilities. Conclusion. The employee advisory board model povides promise for increasing worker awareness of worksite health promotion programs through enhanced worker ownership.
From Research to Public Policy: The Prevention of Motor Vehicle Injuries, Childhood Drownings, and Firearm Violence
Authors: Wintemute Garen J. 
Published: December 2011

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to review the development of the modern sciences of injury epidemiology and injury prevention and to illustrate the use of applied research in formulating effective public policy. Search Methods. MEDLINE searches were conducted from 1966 to 1990, and bibliographies of articles thus obtained were reviewed. Fugitive sources were identified by multiple means. Major Findings. Motor vehicle fatality rates on a per mile driven basis have been reduced by 50 % over the past 25 years, largely through attention to the road environment and design of motor vehicles. Passive restraint systems such as air bags promise further reductions. Drowning has emerged as a leading cause of death among young children. Complete pool fencing is expected to prevent many of these events. Firearm violence, particularly among young people, is rapidly increasing. Firearms are hazardous consumer products but are not addressed as such by our current regulatory structure and intervention agenda. Conclusions. Epidemiologic and other applied research can make important contributions to the development of public policies designed to prevent injury. Such policies often address the design and performance of hazardous products and environments and consider individual behavior change as only a secondary objective.