American journal of preventive medicine
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The goal of this research effort is to evaluate changes in public opinion associated with the youth tobacco access (YTA) prevention media campaign in Arizona. ⋯ While exposure to the campaign was limited, important changes were observed. For example, at post-campaign, the respondents in the intervention community reported greater satisfaction with current YTA prevention efforts. However, future research must investigate if increased satisfaction leads to more or less community involvement. Further, research must also investigate whether a campaign influencing community members to assign greater responsibility for YTA prevention on the retailers selling tobacco serves community interests. Data from this evaluation suggest that researchers and practitioners must be aware of potential negative, as well as potential positive, outcomes of YTA prevention efforts.
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Lower use of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been suggested as a factor in higher rates of CRC incidence and mortality among African Americans. Racial differences in colorectal cancer test use are not well understood. ⋯ The type of test used to screen for colorectal cancer has important implications for compliance with recommended screening intervals. Understanding reasons for racial differences in CRC test use may help identify approaches to increasing test use in the Medicare population.
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This national study assessed police chiefs' support for various types of firearm control measures, perceptions regarding firearms as a public health problem, and the likelihood of initiating firearm control advocacy activities. ⋯ Police chiefs support several potentially important firearm control policies. This suggests the need to evaluate interventions aimed at increasing their role in shaping policy on this important public health issue.
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African Americans have lower rates of physical activity (PA) than Caucasians. Although correlates of PA have been studied in many populations, little is known about the influences on physical activity for African Americans, particularly African-American men. ⋯ Various factors influenced PA in men and women, suggesting a need for gender targeting in addition to cultural adaptations in PA interventions for African Americans.