Preventive medicine
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Preventive medicine · Jun 2021
What challenges do UK adults face when adhering to COVID-19-related instructions? Cross-sectional survey in a representative sample.
Adherence to government COVID-19-related instructions is reported to be high, but the psychosocial impacts of measures such as self-isolation and physical distancing could undermine long-term adherence to containment measures. The first step in designing interventions to mitigate the impacts of adhering to COVID-19-related instructions is to identify what are the most prevalent challenges and what characterises the people facing them. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a representative sample of the UK population (N = 2252), of whom n = 2139 (94.9%) reported adhering to the UK government's COVID-19-related instructions, and were included in the final analysis. ⋯ For the first time, the present study quantifies the extent to which people experienced challenges when adhering to government COVID-19-related instructions. Few people reported experiencing no challenges when adhering to COVID-19-related instructions. Interventions to address the effects of changes in daily routine, mental health challenges, and physical health challenges should be prioritised, with a focus on key subgroups including women, younger adults, and people without care commitments.
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Preventive medicine · Jun 2021
The relationships between marijuana use and exercise among young and middle-aged adults.
As decriminalization, increased access, and decreased perception of risk spurs the popularity of medical and recreational marijuana, more information is needed on possible links between marijuana use and social determinants of health. The goal of this study was to assess the relationships between marijuana use and exercise. Data sources included the two most recent waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Wave IV, 2008-2009; N = 14,784 and Wave V, 2016-2018; N = 12,043). ⋯ Indeed, the only significant estimates suggest a positive relationship, even among heavier users during the past 30 days. These findings are at odds with much of the existing literature, which generally shows a negative relationship between marijuana use and exercise. As additional states legalize the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana, perhaps its impact on exercise, one of the leading social determinants of health, is not necessarily a primary concern.
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Preventive medicine · Jun 2021
ReviewEffects of park-based interventions on health-related outcomes: A systematic review.
Increasing use of parks for physical activity has been proposed for improving population health, including mental health. Interventions that aim to increase park use and park-based physical activity include place-based interventions (e.g., park renovations) and person-based interventions (e.g., park-based walking or exercise classes). Using adapted methods from the Community Guide, a systematic review (search period through September 2019) was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of park-based interventions among adults. ⋯ Most of the renovations were associated with increased park-level use and physical activity, however among those implementing programming, park-level effects were more modest. Less than half of the place-based intervention studies had an average quality rating of "high." The study of parks as sites for physical activity interventions is nascent. Hybrid methods that combine placed-based evaluations and cohort studies could inform how to best optimize policy, programming, design and management to promote health and well-being.
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Preventive medicine · Jun 2021
ReviewPromoting colorectal cancer screening: A scoping review of screening interventions and resources.
Early detection through screening can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality, but approximately 33% of adults aged 50-75 are not getting screened as recommended. Many interventions to increase CRC screening have been tested, but clinical and community organizations may be challenged in identifying the optimum programs and program materials to increase screening and ultimately reduce CRC mortality. ⋯ Interventions varied greatly in terms of follow-up time, test modality, and data sources. Organizations seeking to implement a program aimed at increasing CRC screening should consider both intervention components and relevant program materials.
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Preventive medicine · Jun 2021
ReviewExamining lung cancer screening utilization with public-use data: Opportunities and challenges.
Lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography is recommended for high-risk smokers who meet specific eligibility criteria. Current guidelines suggest that eligible adults with a heavy smoking history will benefit from annual low dose computed tomography but due to several associated risks (e.g., false-positives, radiation exposure, overdiagnosis) a shared decision-making consultation is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and endorsed by the United States Preventive Services Task Force. ⋯ The results show that none of the surveys include items that fully assess current LCS guidelines. Implications for future research-including the potential to examine factors associated with LCS uptake and patient-provider communication-are addressed.