Scandinavian journal of public health
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Scand J Public Health · Jan 2005
Myths and perceptions of back pain in the Norwegian population, before and after the introduction of guidelines for acute back pain.
Deyo's seven "myths" about back pain are based on common misconceptions of causality and therapy of back pain. These myths were alive in the Norwegian population in 2001; this report investigates whether this is true two years later. ⋯ Perceptions in the general population in Norway are slowly changing to be more in accordance with existing knowledge on accurate behaviour and treatment of back pain. This may be related to introduction of new evidence-based guidelines. The difference between educational groups is reduced, but is still a challenge to health professionals and health authorities.
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For decades men in Sweden have smoked at far lower rates than those in comparable countries. Previous studies showed that snus use played a major role in low smoking rates among men in northern Sweden; daily smoking declined from 19% (95% CI 16-22%) in 1986 to 11% (CI 8.9-14%) in 1999. ⋯ For the first time snus use is also associated with a decrease in smoking prevalence among women. These patterns of tobacco use have implications for all smoking-dominated societies.
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Scand J Public Health · Jan 2005
Low socioeconomic status is associated with chronic musculoskeletal complaints among 46,901 adults in Norway.
A study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and chronic musculoskeletal complaints (MSC), and to determine how this relationship is influenced by change in SES. ⋯ Individuals with low SES had higher prevalence of chronic MSC than those with high SES. Future studies should try to clarify whether chronic MSC are a cause or consequence of low SES.
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Scand J Public Health · Jan 2005
Comparative StudyInfantile colic and the role of trait anxiety during pregnancy in relation to psychosocial and socioeconomic factors.
A study was undertaken to assess the impact of psychological, psychosocial and socioeconomic factors on the risk of having a child with infantile colic. ⋯ Psychological and psychosocial factors were found to be significantly related to an increased risk for infantile colic, and these factors interacted with age, parity, social support, and educational level in a complex manner. Even though no single most important psychosocial risk factor was identified, the findings lend support to the strategy of offering special attention in terms of information and support in the maternal healthcare system to very young women, women who do not cohabit with the father, and women with high trait anxiety.