American journal of preventive medicine
-
A study was undertaken to analyze the independent relationship between race (black/white) and cigarette smoking among 18- to 24-year-olds in the United States, 1983-1993. ⋯ From 1983 to 1993, blacks aged 18 to 24 years became decreasingly at risk to be smokers, compared to whites, even after adjustment for confounding factors. Young blacks have been more resistant than young whites to begin smoking in recent years. Understanding reasons behind this widening black/white difference could lead to better prevention strategies.
-
Mammography is under-used among older minority women. Identifying differences in their attitudes and beliefs by stage of mammography adoption will guide interventions for these under-studied and under-served women. ⋯ Mammography interventions for older urban women should combine provider recommendations with barrier-reducing interventions. Knowledge is associated with mammography contemplation, but barriers may affect whether contemplation leads to action. Precontemplators may need explanation of the rationale for screening; contemplators may need intervention to assuage fears.
-
Data from a large population-based trauma registry were used to assess risk factors and outcomes associated with injuries that were either caused unintentionally, were self-inflicted, or resulted from an assault. ⋯ Although the overwhelming number of injuries in the registry were unintentionally caused, deaths from intentionally caused injuries accounted for almost half of all deaths. The data from Nevada's registry provided the ability to identify who is at risk for trauma-related injury and death. Prevention programs should be designed to target these populations. As prevention programs are implemented, trauma registries such as Nevada's will provide a sound source of data for assessing long-term trends in injury patterns.