American journal of preventive medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of a behavioral intervention for reducing sedentary behavior in persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot examination.
Sitting time (ST), a form of sedentary behavior, has been identified as a highly prevalent risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS)-related morbidity. There is limited information on the efficacy of behavioral interventions for reducing ST in persons with MS. ⋯ We provide the first data on the efficacy of a behavioral intervention for reducing ST in MS patients. This highlights the importance of designing and testing the effect of behavioral interventions that reduce ST on secondary outcomes such as function, symptoms, quality of life, and health status in persons with MS.
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Regular assessment of the size and composition of the U.S. public health workforce has been a challenge for decades. Previous enumeration efforts estimated 450,000 public health workers in governmental and voluntary agencies in 2000, and 326,602 governmental public health workers in 2012, although differences in enumeration methodology and the definitions of public health worker between the two make comparisons problematic. ⋯ Using multiple data sources for public health workforce enumeration potentially improves accuracy of estimates but also adds methodologic complexity. Improvement of data sources and development of a standardized study methodology is needed for continuous monitoring of public health workforce size and composition.
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The development of an antibody in people with hemophilia to products used in the treatment and prevention of bleeding, also referred to as an inhibitor, is the most serious complication of hemophilia care today. CDC, together with healthcare providers, consumer organizations, hemophilia organizations, and federal partners, has developed a public health agenda to prevent the development of inhibitors. This paper describes a public health approach that combines a national surveillance program with epidemiologic, laboratory, and prevention research to address knowledge gaps in rates and risk factors for inhibitor development, and in knowledge and behaviors of patients and providers, in addition to screening and treatment practices.
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Skin cancer prevention emphasizes early adoption and practice of sun protection behaviors. Adolescence represents a high-risk period for ultraviolet radiation exposure, presenting an opportunity for intervention. The ubiquity of mobile phones among teens offers an engaging medium through which to communicate prevention messages. ⋯ A brief, SMS-based intervention affected youth skin cancer prevention behaviors and knowledge. Future research will determine whether program effects were sustained at 24 weeks and explore how sun safety parenting practices inform these effects.
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CDC designed its Health Systems Integration Program to prepare leaders to function at the interface of public health and health care. Specific Health Systems Integration Program competencies in the areas of communication, analysis and assessment, and health systems were developed to nurture evidence-based decision-making and leadership skills crucial for future public health leaders. ⋯ This report describes the Health Systems Integration Program journal club format, its implementation, challenges, and key elements of success. Other programs using a journal club model as a learning format might consider using the Health Systems Integration Program's innovative approach that focuses on leadership development.