Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Aug 2020
Responding to COVID-19: Perspectives on Curricular Changes in a Rural Medical School.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly led to global human devastation, including multiple deaths, sicknesses, and financial reverberations across many individuals and communities. As COVID-19 gained its foothold in the United States, medical school administrators, faculty, and students had to undergo rapid change to mitigate the disease spread, putting all parties in dubious situations. ⋯ Medical schools with students practicing in rural, remote regions with a dearth of healthcare resources have even more complicated decisions to make in these unprecedented times. We provide an overview of rapid decision-making processes that can be used by curriculum leaders and medical school administrators to continue to meet accreditation requirements while attempting to keep medical students safe and prepared for graduation in response to the COVID-19 health crisis.
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Southern medical journal · Aug 2020
Social Norms and Self-Management Ability among Uninsured Primary Care Patients.
The purpose of this study was to examine the association between social norms and self-management ability among uninsured low-income primary care patients. ⋯ The findings of this study suggest the association between social norms and self-management ability and its impact on health among low-income, uninsured primary care patients. Self-management ability is important for maintaining health. Providing intervention programs on self-management skills should focus on not only individual behaviors but also social norms that affect their health behaviors.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2020
Primary Care Perceptions and Practices on Discussion and Advice Regarding Sexual Practices.
The United States has experienced an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the past decade, a trend that may be influenced by communication gaps between family physicians and patients. We sought to identify factors that hinder discussion about safe sexual practices and STIs, understand physicians' perceptions of their role in preventing STIs, and explore methods of initiating discussions on sexual health. ⋯ Our study identified several barriers that family physicians may face when initiating discussions and advising patients on safe sexual practices. To prevent new cases of STIs, it is important to work around these barriers to improve physician-patient communication. This can be further improved by providing continuous learning opportunities for medical students, residents, and board-certified family physicians on ways to appropriately counsel patients on safe sexual practices.
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Southern medical journal · Jul 2020
Factors Associated with Colorectal Cancer Screening among Mississippi Adults: Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Mississippi has one of the highest mortality rates in colorectal cancer (CRC) and one of the lowest rates of CRC screening in the United States. The purpose of the study was to assess the characteristics of Mississippians who met the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on CRC screening and type of the test they used. ⋯ Mississippi adults aged 50 to 75 were more likely to be compliant with the CRC screening standards if they had insurance coverage or access to care. To further increase the overall CRC screening rate and for the benefit of the 70 × 2020 state initiative, certain screenings such as stool test need to be promoted and recommended by family practitioners, and certain subgroups of the population such as smokers need to be targeted and educated.