American journal of preventive medicine
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The lengthy and uncertain translation of research into clinical practice is well documented. Much of the current "gold standard" clinical research is slow, expensive, and lacks perceived relevance for practitioners and decision makers. In contrast, we summarize experiences conducting the My Own Health Report (MOHR) project to collect and address patient reported measures using principles of rapid, relevant pragmatic research. ⋯ Phases that were especially accelerated included funding and review, and recruitment and implementation. Conducting complex studies rapidly and efficiently is a realistic goal. Key lessons learned for prevention research include use of existing research networks; use of web-based assessment/feedback tools that are tailored to fit local needs; engaging relevant stakeholders early on and throughout the process to minimize need for redesign; and making pragmatic decisions that balance internal and external validity concerns rather than waiting for perfect solutions.
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Although prior studies have shown disparities in maternal health behaviors according to race/ethnicity and acculturation, whether these patterns are evident among new immigrant populations remains unclear. ⋯ The consistency of the associations of being foreign-born with less smoking and more breastfeeding suggests that for the majority of ethnic groups studied, acculturation in the U.S. results in poorer maternal health behaviors.
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Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for all asthma patients. Persons with work-related asthma may have more severe disease than those with non-work-related asthma and may particularly benefit from receiving influenza vaccination. ⋯ Among persons with work-related and non-work-related asthma, less than half received influenza vaccination in the prior year, both below the Healthy People 2010 target of 60%. These results suggest the need for strengthening current vaccination interventions to meet the updated Healthy People 2020 objective of achieving at least 70% influenza vaccination coverage.
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Tobacco marketing contributes to increased tobacco use susceptibility and sustained use. There are limited data on youth exposure to tobacco coupons, a type of pro-tobacco promotion. ⋯ Findings from this study indicate that despite restrictions on marketing to youth, youth are still being exposed to tobacco promotions such as coupons. Efforts to limit youth exposure may be valuable in reducing curiosity, susceptibility, and initiation.
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Despite declining use of conventional tobacco products, youth use of non-cigarette tobacco has become prevalent; however, quitting behaviors remain largely unexplored. ⋯ Continued efforts are needed to better understand youth motivation for quitting all tobacco products. Public health messaging about the dangers of all tobacco and cessation efforts should be aimed at the full range of tobacco products, not just cigarettes, and tailored to meet the needs of youth polytobacco users.