American journal of preventive medicine
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Limited health literacy may be a contributing factor to racial disparities in health care. This study examined the mediating effect of limited health literacy on the relationship between race and HIV-medication adherence. ⋯ In this study, limited health literacy mediated the relationship between race and HIV-medication adherence. Investigators need to consider the potential utility of responding to literacy and communication barriers in health care as part of interventions to reduce racial disparities.
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National surveillance data provide population-level estimates of physical activity participation, but generally do not include detailed subgroup analyses, which could provide a better understanding of physical activity among subgroups. This paper presents a descriptive analysis of self-reported regular physical activity among black adults using data from the 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (n=19,189), the 2004 National Health Interview Survey (n=4263), and the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n=3407). ⋯ The observed physical activity patterns were consistent with national trends. The data suggest that older black adults and those with low education and income levels are at greatest risk for inactive lifestyles and may require additional attention in efforts to increase physical activity in black adults. The variability across datasets reinforces the need for objective measures in national surveys.
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Comparative Study
Psychiatrists' practices and perceptions regarding anticipatory guidance on firearms.
Most suicides (60%) and homicides (67%) are committed with firearms. Additionally, 90% of homicide offenders and 80% of individuals reporting suicide behaviors meet diagnostic criteria for mental illness. Medical society guidelines support the counseling of patients regarding firearms. This study assessed psychiatrists' anticipatory guidance on firearms and their perceived roles on this topic. ⋯ When psychiatrists are provided with firearm information, they were significantly more likely to be involved in anticipatory guidance regarding firearms. This implies that professional societies and journals should attempt to increase the information they provide to their members regarding this topic. Psychiatrists may be in a unique position to help reduce firearm morbidity and mortality for mentally ill patients.
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This study assessed whether smoking in the movies was associated with smoking in young adults. ⋯ The association between smoking in the movies and young adult smoking behavior exhibited a dose-response relationship; the more a young adult was exposed to smoking in the movies, the more likely he or she would have smoked in the past 30 days or have become an established smoker.