Isr Med Assoc J
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Comparative Study
Ethnic differences in cigarette smoking among adolescents: a comparison of Jews and Arabs in Jerusalem.
Prevention of cigarette smoking is an important issue in public health policy. Since most adult smokers began smoking in childhood, understanding behavorial factors associated with smoking initiation would contribute to smoking initiation programs. Health-related behavior may vary between different ethnic groups. ⋯ This study demonstrated the presence of ethnic differences in smoking prevalence and the reasons for smoking among adolescents in Israel. These results suggest the need for specific smoking prevention policies for different ethnic groups.
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Appropriateness of hospital admission has both clinical and economic relevance, especially in light of the growing pressure for increased efficiency of health services utilization. In Israel, the number of referrals and use of the emergency room continue to rise along with an increase in hospital admissions and the number of inappropriate admissions. Using evaluation protocols, such as the Pediatric Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol, international studies have shown that 10-30% of hospital admissions are medically unnecessary. Inappropriate hospitalizations have an economic impact as well as medical and psychological effects on the child and the family. ⋯ The assessment and identification of characteristics of inappropriate hospital admissions can serve as indicators of problems in healthcare management and as a basis for improving quality of care and developing appropriate medical decision-making processes.