American journal of preventive medicine
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Biography Historical Article
Building a foundation for suicide prevention: the contributions of Jack C. Smith.
Among his many other accomplishments, Jack C. Smith nurtured the early development of efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to address suicide as a public health problem. Smith's vision was to achieve suicide prevention through epidemiology, and his vision shaped the emergence of suicide as a public health issue. ⋯ In this paper we document Smith's role in the development of the public health approach to suicide prevention. We also articulate the conceptual basis for a public health approach to suicide and discuss future directions for public health in the prevention of suicide and suicidal behavior. While Smith also made important contributions to development of CDC efforts to address homicide, his special interest was suicide; therefore, this article will emphasize his contributions to this area.
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Effects of a short-term health promotion intervention for a predominantly African-American group of stroke survivors.
The study examined the effects of a 12-week health promotion intervention for a predominantly urban African-American population of stroke survivors. ⋯ A short-term health promotion intervention for predominantly African-American stroke survivors was effective in improving several physiological and psychological health outcomes.
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Comparative Study
Massachusetts' advertising against light cigarettes appears to change beliefs and behavior.
This study examined the effects of advertising directed against light cigarettes (lights). ⋯ Amidst extensive anti-smoking efforts, the MASS campaign to counter-market light cigarettes appears to promote smoking cessation and to inform smokers of the risks of light cigarettes. Further counter-marketing efforts should be encouraged.
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The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of roll-over protection structures (ROPS) as an engineering control for prevention of fatalities from farm tractor roll-overs. ⋯ Future research efforts should include the development of collapsible and telescoping ROPS that can be used in low clearance areas such as dairy barns and fruit orchards. ROPS retrofits also need to be developed for many older tractor models. Effective educational and incentive programs need to be developed to increase the acceptance and use of ROPS among U.S. farmers. A national policy should be implemented to ensure that all tractors operated in the United States are equipped with ROPS or crush-proof cabs.
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To characterize Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States with reported acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). ⋯ The AIDS epidemic among Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States has primarily affected MSM and is concentrated in a few states where most Asians and Pacific Islanders reside. Prevention activities should include consideration of cultural diversity and an understanding of cultural norms regarding sexuality. Additional information on risk behaviors and seroprevalence among Asian and Pacific Islander MSM is needed to better guide prevention planning.