American journal of preventive medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Correlates of Sun Protection and Sunburn in Children of Melanoma Survivors.
Sunburns during childhood increase melanoma risk. Children of melanoma survivors are at higher risk, but little is known about their sunburn and sun protection. One study showed that almost half of melanoma survivors' children experienced sunburn in the past year. This study evaluated sunburn and sun protection in melanoma survivors' children, and relevant survivor characteristics from Social Cognitive Theory and the Health Belief Model. ⋯ Melanoma survivors may have a heightened awareness of the importance of their children's sun protection, but their children are not routinely protected. Correlates of children's sunburn and sun protection suggest subgroups of survivors to target with interventions to improve sun protection.
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Review
Physical Activity During the Early Years: A Systematic Review of Correlates and Determinants.
Being physically active during the early years (age 0-6 years) is vital for healthy development. Identifying correlates and determinants of physical activity (PA) is crucial to guide effective interventions. This systematic review synthesized studies investigating potential correlates and determinants of PA during the early years, accounting for different types of PA assessment. ⋯ Numerous studies investigated potential correlates and determinants of PA, but overall quality was low. A small number of demographic/biological and social/cultural factors were associated with PA. There is a need for high-quality studies exploring correlates/determinants across all domains of the ecologic model.
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Expert recommendations differ for colorectal cancer screening in the elderly. Recent studies suggest that healthy adults aged >75 years may benefit from screening. This study examined screening use and follow-up, and how they varied by health status within age strata, among a large cohort of elderly individuals in community settings. ⋯ In three integrated healthcare systems, many older, relatively healthy patients were not screening up-to-date, and some relatively young, healthy patients did not receive timely follow-up. Findings suggest a need for re-evaluating age-based screening guidelines and improving screening completion among the elderly.
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Anxiety and depression are linked to increased risk of cardiometabolic disease and mortality, and unhealthy behaviors may be the key mechanisms underlying these associations. Although higher levels of psychological symptoms are associated with individual unhealthy behaviors (e.g., physical activity, smoking), their roles in overall lifestyle remain understudied. ⋯ Among midlife women, anxiety and depression symptoms were associated with unhealthier lifestyle throughout follow-up and reduced odds of having a healthy lifestyle 20 years later. Treating psychological symptoms may promote healthier lifestyles.
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African Americans and low-income whites have higher mortality than the U.S. general population. This study prospectively investigated the combined influence of major lifestyle factors and poverty on mortality in this vulnerable population. ⋯ This study demonstrates the importance of health behaviors on mortality among all groups, but highlights the need for additional research to identify factors contributing to high risk of mortality among low-income and African American populations.