American journal of preventive medicine
-
Historical Article
The medicine and public health initiative ten years later.
The Medicine and Public Health Initiative (MPHI) was created jointly 10 years ago by the American Medical Association and the American Public Health Association to bridge the nearly century-wide gulf between the respective disciplines. We review the history of MPHI and its growing significance in light of recent terrorism events. ⋯ Sustainability 10 years later in the post-911 world requires renewed commitment by all collaborators. In order to meet the numerous health challenges facing our nation, from terrorism to chronic disease, and for MPHI to be successful, medicine and public health must work in tandem.
-
Comparative Study
Parent attitudes toward immunizations and healthcare providers the role of information.
Lack of information has been associated with patient anxiety or concern in a number of healthcare areas. ⋯ While most parents agreed that they had access to enough immunization information, approximately a third did not. Perceived lack of information was associated with negative attitudes about immunizations and toward healthcare providers. Basic information about the benefits and risks of vaccines presented by a trusted provider could go a long way toward maintaining and/or improving confidence in the immunization process.
-
The U.S. Public Health Service clinical practice guideline calls for clinicians and healthcare organizations to identify and treat every tobacco user seen in a healthcare setting. There is little information on the extent of compliance with the guideline's treatment model described by the "5A's" (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange). ⋯ Results demonstrate substantial clinician compliance with the first two steps-Ask and Advise. Greater efforts are needed in providing the more effective tobacco treatments-Assist and Arrange. Compliance with the guideline is associated with greater patient satisfaction.
-
The purpose of this study was to examine whether the characteristics of retail food stores where African-American women shopped mediated the association between their income and intake of fruits and vegetables. Food store characteristics included store type (supermarket, specialty store, limited assortment store, independent grocer), store location (suburbs, city of Detroit), and perceptions of the selection/quality and affordability of fresh produce for sale. ⋯ Previous studies have shown that few supermarkets are located in the city of Detroit, a symptom of economic divestment over the past several decades. Results of this study suggest this may have negative implications for dietary quality, particularly among lower-income women.
-
Self-efficacy theory proposes that girls who have confidence in their capability to be physically active will perceive fewer barriers to physical activity or be less influenced by them, be more likely to pursue perceived benefits of being physically active, and be more likely to enjoy physical activity. Self-efficacy is theorized also to influence physical activity through self-management strategies (e.g., thoughts, goals, plans, and acts) that support physical activity, but this idea has not been empirically tested. ⋯ The measure of self-management strategies for physical activity yields valid scores among adolescent girls and warrants experimental study as a mediator of the influence of efficacy beliefs on physical activity.