Preventive medicine
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Preventive medicine · Feb 2005
Comparative StudyComparison of the factors that influence obesity prevalence in three district municipalities of the same city with different socioeconomical status: a survey analysis in an urban Turkish population.
To evaluate the obesity status, factors and comorbidities related to it in three district municipalities (DM) that compose city center of Bursa with inhabitants of different socioeconomic status. ⋯ The prevalence of obesity in Bursa is increasing although inhabitants are taking some precautions parallel to their socioeconomical and educational levels. Obesity is becoming a more alarming public health problem in Bursa and Turkey like in most other parts of the world, which forces us to invent new prevention policies. Besides, the results of our study highlight the fact that especially female education requires more attention for decreasing obesity prevalence in coming generations.
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Preventive medicine · Feb 2005
The AMA proposal to mandate nicotine reduction in cigarettes: a simulation of the population health impacts.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has advocated gradually reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes to decrease smoking prevalence. Some experts have voiced concerns that smokers may "compensate" by smoking more cigarettes or inhaling more deeply. Further, a black market may emerge, perpetuating cigarette availability. Thus, it is unclear whether a federal mandate would result in a net increase or decrease in population health. The purpose of this research is to estimate the long-term health gains or losses that are likely to accrue to the US population if the nicotine content of cigarettes is gradually reduced to trace levels over a 6-year period. ⋯ Despite any mortality increases due to compensatory smoking or the emergence of a black market, implementation of the AMA proposal would likely prevent the addiction of scores of new smokers and result in important gains to the nation's health. This research should prove useful to Congress as they contemplate giving the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco.
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Preventive medicine · Feb 2005
Appropriate antibiotic use: variation in knowledge and awareness by Hispanic ethnicity and language.
Recent campaigns are informing the public that antibiotics are inappropriate for viral respiratory infections. As little is known about their effect on populations challenged by less access to care, lower education, low income, low English proficiency, or non-mainstream cultural backgrounds, this study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and awareness in an ethnically diverse community. ⋯ To bridge knowledge gaps, educational campaigns for all segments of the population are needed. Content should be responsive to heterogeneity within populations.