Preventive medicine
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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.
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Preventive medicine · Jan 2005
The neurocognitive effects of alcohol on adolescents and college students.
Adolescents and college students are at high risk for initiating alcohol use and high-risk (or binge) drinking. There is a growing body of literature on neurotoxic and harmful cognitive effects of drinking by young people. On average, youths take their first drink at age 12 years. ⋯ Underage alcohol use is associated with brain damage and neurocognitive deficits, with implications for learning and intellectual development. Impaired intellectual development may continue to affect individuals into adulthood. It is imperative for policymakers and organized medicine to address the problem of underage drinking.
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Preventive medicine · Jan 2005
Correlates of weight loss and muscle-gaining behavior in 10- to 14-year-old males and females.
This study examined the influence of appearance and social acceptance esteem, awareness and internalization of media stereotypes, body size acceptance, and teasing on the weight loss and muscle-gaining behaviors of 10- to 14-year-old boys and girls. ⋯ Weight loss and muscle-gaining behaviors appear to have their onset in children as young as 10 years. The findings support the need for prevention programs that focus on media literacy and ways to decrease weight-based teasing in the school setting.
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Preventive medicine · Jan 2005
Factors associated with physical activity among older people--a population-based study.
Regular physical activity improves survival and functional ability, and can improve quality of life. Few studies have examined factors associated with physical activity in older adults at a population level. This study examines factors associated with physical activity in the New South Wales (NSW) older population. ⋯ About half of older adults report adequate physical activity. These results will inform strategies to promote physical activity among older people.
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Preventive medicine · Dec 2004
Factors influencing the wearing of facemasks to prevent the severe acute respiratory syndrome among adult Chinese in Hong Kong.
The global outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 has been an international public health threat. Quick diagnostic tests and specific treatments for SARS are not yet available; thus, prevention is of paramount importance to contain its global spread. This study aimed to determine factors associating with individuals' practice of the target SARS preventive behavior (facemask wearing). ⋯ The Health Belief Model is useful in identifying determinants of facemask wearing. Findings have significant implications in enhancing the effectiveness of SARS prevention programs.