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Effective Prevention (effective + prevention)
Selected AbstractsQueen Mary Utilization of Antihypertensive Drugs Study: side-effects of antihypertensive drugsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 4 2005B. M. Y. Cheung PhD FRCP Summary Background and objective:, Effective prevention of cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients requires good control of blood pressure. Side-effects of antihypertensive drugs affect tolerability and compliance. Accordingly, we surveyed side-effects in the hypertension outpatient clinic. Methods:, A total of 228 patients (109 men, 119 women) were interviewed in April,May 2004 in the Queen Mary Utilization of Antihypertensive Drugs Study. Results:, The percentage of patients receiving no drug (life-style modification), one, two, three and over three drugs were 3, 30, 40, 22 and 6% respectively. The proportion of patients taking calcium channel blockers, , -blockers (BB), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, thiazide diuretics, , -blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers were 65, 64, 33, 24, 4 and 7% respectively. Blood pressure on treatment was 144 ± 21/82 ± 11 mmHg. Among patients on antihypertensive drug therapy, 34% reported adverse effects: dizziness (9%), ankle swelling (7%), headache (5%), fatigue (4%), chest discomfort (3%) and cough (3%). Fewer patients on BBs reported side-effects (OR 0·46, P = 0·008). The likelihood of experiencing side-effects was unrelated to sex, age, weight, BMI, years of treatment, number of drugs used, heart rate on treatment or compliance. Conclusions:, To achieve good blood pressure control, multiple drugs are used. Thiazides are underused whereas BBs are popular. The popularity of the latter may be related to its tolerability. [source] Infant abuse in Osaka: Health center activities from 1988 to 1999PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 2 2001Michiko Kobayashi AbstractBackground: In 1988, the first survey of child abuse in Japan was conducted in Osaka Prefecture as a joint effort between medical, health and welfare agencies. Ensuing surveys in 1988 revealed that infant abuse had a death rate of 10% in Health Center. Methods: In 1996 and 1999, surveys were performed on 130 and 215 abused children under 18 years of age. They were studied in terms of their activity of Health Center, including help, means of involvement by health visitors. Results: Fifty-five percent of children were detected via health centers. In 69% of cases, health visitors listened to parents and promptly contacted other agencies. Ninety-five percent of cases had home visits. The concerted effort of the health centers with allied disciplines in Osaka Prefecture yielded the following changes: the mortality rate decreased from 9.8% in 1988 to 2.3% in 1996, and institutionalized cases tripled from 13.7% in 1988 to 39.5% in 1999. The rate of admission to day care centers increased from 22.4% in 1988 to 58.7% in 1999. Along with the constant support of health visitors, day care centers provided secure support and protection for parents and infants. Conclusions: Effective prevention and treatment become possible only when treatment of the child's physical and psychological health, mental care for parents and tangible support for childrearing and daily life were undertaken in a concerted way. To this end, a systematic commitment of all child agencies, child guidance centers, as well as medical, health educational, welfare and other allied disciplines is required. [source] Identification and characterization of Kentucky self-employed occupational injury fatalities using multiple sources, 1995,2004AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 12 2006Terry Bunn PhD Abstract Background Identification and characterization of occupational injury fatalities in self-employed workers typically relies on a single data source and thus may miss some cases. Methods Kentucky self-employed worker injury fatalities were identified using Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program data (1995,2004) and compared to non self-employed worker data. Occupations and industries listed on death certificates were compared to those in which the decedent was actually engaged. Results Of 1,281 Kentucky worker injury deaths, 28% were self-employed. Death certificates failed to identify 31% of these deaths as work-related; industry and occupation were incorrectly identified in 27% and 16%, respectively. Fifty-seven percent of the deaths were in agriculture, primarily tractor-related. For Kentucky, the self-employed crude death rate was higher (27.6/100,000) than the non self-employed worker (5.4/100,000) rate or the US (11.5/100,000) self-employed rate. Conclusions Multiple information sources improve identification of self-employed status in work-related injury fatalities. Effective prevention requires accurate surveillance and examination of contributing factors. Self-employed worker injuries in high-risk industries should be more fully examined for development of effective injury prevention programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Dyslexia and psycho-social functioning: an exploratory study of the role of self-esteem and understandingDYSLEXIA, Issue 4 2009Melody M. Terras Abstract Individuals with dyslexia may have lower self-esteem and exhibit more emotional and behavioural difficulties than those without reading problems. However, the nature of any relationship between self-esteem and psychopathology remains unknown. This exploratory study assessed levels of self-esteem using the Self-Perception Profile for Children (Manual for the Self-Perception Profile for Children. University of Denver, CO: Denver; 1985) and psycho-social adjustment using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (J. Child Psychol. Psychiatry, 1997; 38: 581,586) and examined child and parent understanding, attitudes and the perceived impact of reading difficulties on daily life. Sixty-eight children assessed as dyslexic on the basis of discrepancy scores (mean age 11.2 years; 44 male), and their parents, participated. No global self-esteem deficit was found, but the mean score for both child and parent-rated scholastic competence was significantly lower than that of the general population. Rates of social, emotional and behavioural difficulties were significantly higher than in the general population and were correlated with self-esteem. For children who had high global self-worth, both children and their parents had more positive attitudes towards their reading difficulties and were less likely to perceive a negative impact on relationships. The association between academic self-esteem and emotional symptoms is consistent with the proposed link between dyslexia and internalizing difficulties. Good self-esteem and a good understanding of dyslexia may help children avoid some of these difficulties. Further research with larger more representative samples is necessary as understanding the factors that promote successful psycho-social adjustment is essential to the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Sexual orientation, substance use behaviors and substance dependence in the United StatesADDICTION, Issue 8 2009Sean Esteban McCabe ABSTRACT Aims To assess past-year prevalence rates of substance use behaviors and substance dependence across three major dimensions of sexual orientation (identity, attraction and behavior) in a large national sample of adult women and men in the United States. Design Data were collected from structured diagnostic face-to-face interviews using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule DSM-IV version IV (AUDADIS-IV). Setting Prevalence estimates were based on data collected from the 2004,2005 (wave 2) National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Participants A large national sample of 34 653 adults aged 20 years and older: 52% female, 71% white, 12% Hispanic, 11% African American, 4% Asian and 2% Native American. Findings Approximately 2% of the population self-identified as lesbian, gay or bisexual; 4% reported at least one life-time same-sex sexual partner and 6% reported same-sex sexual attraction. Although non-heterosexual orientation was generally associated with a higher risk of substance use and substance dependence, the majority of sexual minority respondents did not report substance use or meet criteria for DSM-IV substance dependence. There was considerable variation in substance use outcomes across sexual orientation dimensions; these variations were more pronounced among women than among men. Conclusions Results support previous research findings of heightened risk of substance use and substance dependence among some sexual minority groups and point to the need for research that examines the reasons for such differences. Results also highlight important gender differences and question previous findings indicating uniformly higher risk for substance dependence among sexual minorities. Risks appear to vary based on gender and how sexual orientation is defined. Findings have implications for more effective prevention and intervention efforts that target subgroups at greatest risk. [source] Genetic and non-genetic influences on the development of co-occurring alcohol problem use and internalizing symptomatology in adolescence: a reviewADDICTION, Issue 7 2009Luca Saraceno ABSTRACT Aims Alcohol problem use during adolescence has been linked to a variety of adverse consequences, including cigarette and illicit drug use, delinquency, adverse effects on pubertal brain development and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In addition, heavy alcohol-drinking adolescents are at increased risk of comorbid psychopathology, including internalizing symptomatology (especially depression and anxiety). A range of genetic and non-genetic factors have been implicated in both alcohol problem use as well as internalizing symptomatology. However, to what extent shared risk factors contribute to their comorbidity in adolescence is poorly understood. Design We conducted a systematic review on Medline, PsycINFO, Embase and Web of Science to identify epidemiological and molecular genetic studies published between November 1997 and November 2007 that examined risk factors that may be shared in common between alcohol problem use and internalizing symptomatology in adolescence. Findings Externalizing disorders, family alcohol problems and stress, as well as the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) S-allele, the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) low-activity alleles and the dopamine D2 receptor (DDR2) Taq A1 allele have been associated most frequently with both traits. An increasing number of papers are focusing upon the role of gene,gene (epistasis) and gene,environment interactions in the development of comorbid alcohol problem use and internalizing symptomatology. Conclusions Further research in adolescents is warranted; the increasing availability of large longitudinal genetically informative studies will provide the evidence base from which effective prevention and intervention strategies for comorbid alcohol problems and internalizing symptomatology can be developed. [source] Superficial digital flexor tendon lesions in racehorses as a sequela to muscle fatigue: A preliminary studyEQUINE VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 6 2007M. T. Butcher Summary Reasons for performing study: Racing and training related lesions of the forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon are a common career ending injury to racehorses but aetiology and/or predisposing causes of the injury are not completely understood. Objectives: Although the injury takes place within the tendon, the lesion must be considered within the context of the function of the complete suspensory system of the distal limb, including the associated muscles. Methods: Both muscle and tendon function were investigated in vivo using implanted strain gauges in 3 Thoroughbred horses walking, trotting and cantering on a motorised treadmill. These data were combined with assessments of muscle architecture and fibre composition to arrive at an overview of the contribution of each muscle-tendon unit during locomotion. Results: The superficial digital flexor muscle has fatigue-resistant and high force production properties that allow its tendon to store and return elastic energy, predominantly at the trot. As running speed increases, deep digital flexor tendon force increases and it stabilises hyperextension of the fetlock, thus reinforcing the superficial digital flexor in limb load support. The deep digital flexor muscle has fast contracting properties that render it susceptible to fatigue. Conclusion: Based on these measurements and supporting evidence from the literature, it is proposed that overloading of the superficial digital flexor tendon results from fatigue of the synergistic, faster contracting deep digital flexor muscle. Potential relevance: Future research investigating distal limb system function as a whole should help refine clinical diagnostic procedures and exercise training approaches that will lead to more effective prevention and treatment of digital flexor tendon injuries in equine athletes. [source] Primary prevention of eating disorders: characteristics of effective programmes and how to bring them to broader disseminationEUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW, Issue 3 2008Uwe Berger Abstract Objective Based upon the observation of advances in the primary prevention of eating disorders (ED), it is summarized that school-based programmes, focusing on risk factors for females with interactive elements, dissonance induction and booster sessions yield significant effects even under strong methodological conditions. However, beyond the presented research findings it remains often unclear, if and how programmes can be brought to a broader dissemination within a community, region or country. Method Introducing the programme PriMa (German school-based programme for the primary prevention of anorexia nervosa (AN) for girls up to the age of 12), we describe the process of programme evaluation (including 1.006 girls from 42 schools in Thuringia, Germany, who participated in a controlled study using a pre-post-design and a 3 months follow-up), programme implementation and development of follow-up programmes, including an intervention for boys and flanking secondary preventive actions (such as a telephone hotline). Results Using standardized measures, the girls in the intervention group of PriMa reported significant improvements in body self esteem, figure dissatisfaction, knowledge and eating attitudes. The teachers, who conducted the programme, felt well qualified and were evaluated significantly positive by their students. Based upon the PriMa evaluation, we established a comprehensive health promotion programme at 60 Thuringian schools within the last 3 years, which could function as a model of a fruitful cooperation between a governmental institution (Thuringian Ministry of Culture) and a research institution (University Hospital Jena). Conclusions Existing programmes have the potential for effective prevention of ED. To confirm these effects under ,real world conditions' within a given community will still be a great challenge that often requires methodological and organizational concessions and compromises. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [source] Prevention and treatment of hepatitis C in injection drug usersHEPATOLOGY, Issue 5B 2002Brian R. Edlin 3180 18th St. Injection drug users constitute the largest group of persons infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the United States, and most new infections occur in drug users. Controlling hepatitis C in the U.S. population, therefore, will require developing, testing, and implementing effective prevention and treatment strategies for persons who inject drugs. Fortunately, a substantial body of research and clinical experience exists on the prevention and management of chronic viral diseases among injection drug users. The need to implement interventions to stop the spread of HCV among drug users is critical. The capacity of substance-use treatment programs need to be expanded to accommodate all who want and need treatment. Physicians and pharmacists should be educated in how to provide access to sterile syringes and to teach safe injection techniques, both of which are lifesaving interventions. The treatment of hepatitis C in drug users requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together expertise in treating hepatitis and caring for drug users. Treatment decisions should be made individually by patients with their physicians, based on a balanced assessment of risks and benefits and the patient's personal values. Physicians should carefully assess, monitor, and support adherence and mental health in all patients, regardless of whether drug use is known or suspected. Research is needed to better understand how best to prevent and treat hepatitis C in substance users. In the meantime, substantial progress can be made if existing knowledge and resources are brought to bear. [source] Incidence of In-Hospital Falls in Geriatric Patients Before and After the Introduction of an Interdisciplinary Team,Based Fall-Prevention InterventionJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 12 2007Wolfgang Von Renteln-Kruse MD Falls are among the most common unwanted events in older hospital inpatients, but evidence of effective prevention is still limited compared with that in the community and in long-term care facilities. This article describes a prevention program and its effects on the incidence of falls in geriatric hospital wards. It was a prospective cohort study with historical control including all 4,272 patients (mean age 80, 69% female) before and 2,982 (mean age 81, 69% female) after introduction of the intervention. The intervention included fall-risk assessment on admission and reassessment after a fall; risk alert; additional supervision and assistance with the patients' transfer and use of the toilet; provision of an information leaflet; individual patient and caregiver counseling; encouragement of appropriate use of eyeglasses, hearing aids, footwear, and mobility devices; and staff education. Measurements included standardized fall-incidence reporting, activity of daily living and mobility status, number of falls and injurious falls, and number of patients who fell. Before the intervention was introduced, 893 falls were recorded. After the intervention was implemented, only 468 falls were recorded (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=0.82, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.73,0.92), 240 versus 129 total injurious falls (IRR=0.84, 95% CI=0.67,1.04), 10 versus nine falls with fracture (IRR=1.40, 95% CI=0.51,3.85) and 611 versus 330 fallers. The relative risk of falling was significantly reduced (0.77, 95% CI=0.68,0.88). A structured multifactorial intervention reduced the incidence of falls, but not injurious falls, in a hospital ward setting with existing geriatric multidisciplinary care. Improvement of functional competence and mobility may be relevant to fall prevention in older hospital inpatients. [source] Hepatitis B reactivation in patients receiving cytotoxic chemotherapy: Diagnosis and managementJOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, Issue 5 2010John S Lubel Abstract Nearly one third of the world's population have been infected with hepatitis B and the virus is endemic in many Asian countries. With increasing life expectancy and the expected global increase in cancer, chemotherapy induced reactivation of hepatitis B is likely to become an increasing problem. Patients with significant levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in serum prior to chemotherapy and patients receiving intensive chemotherapy for hematological malignancies appear particularly at risk. Most patients who suffer reactivation of hepatitis B are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prior to chemotherapy and are therefore easily identifiable by routine screening. In addition, the very large population of patients who have been exposed to the virus and have apparently cleared the virus as assessed by serological testing (HBsAg negative/hepatitis B core antibody [HBcAb] positive) may also be at risk of reactivation. These patients should be monitored and in some cases receive prophylaxis during chemotherapy. Published experience with antiviral prophylaxis has largely been limited to the nucleoside analogue, lamivudine. The commencement of antiviral prophylaxis prior to chemotherapy and its continuation until restitution of normal host immunity is the cornerstone to effective prevention of hepatitis B reactivation. This review summarizes the important issues related to HBV reactivation and suggests an algorithm for managing these patients in the clinical setting. [source] Social and Financial Resources and High-Risk Alcohol Consumption Among Older AdultsALCOHOLISM, Issue 4 2010Rudolf H. Moos Background:, This study examined long-term mutual predictive associations between social and financial resources and high-risk alcohol consumption in later life. Method:, A sample of 55- to 65-year-old older adults (n = 719) was surveyed at baseline and 10 years and 20 years later. At each contact point, participants completed an inventory that assessed social and financial resources and alcohol consumption. Results:, Over the 20-year interval, there was evidence of both social causation and social selection processes in relation to high-risk alcohol consumption. In support of a social causation perspective, higher levels of some social resources, such as participation in social activities, friends' approval of drinking, quality of relationship with spouse, and financial resources, were associated with a subsequent increased likelihood of high-risk alcohol consumption. Conversely, indicating the presence of social selection, high-risk alcohol consumption was associated with subsequent higher levels of friends' approval of drinking and quality of the spousal relationship, but lower quality of relationships with extended family members. Conclusions:, These findings reflect mutual influence processes in which older adults' social resources and high-risk alcohol consumption can alter each other. Older adults may benefit from information about how social factors can affect their drinking habits; accordingly, information about social causation effects could be used to guide effective prevention and intervention efforts aimed at reducing the risk that late-life social factors may amplify their excessive alcohol consumption. [source] Addressing the epidemic of chronic kidney disease in AustraliaNEPHROLOGY, Issue 2004Timothy MATHEW SUMMARY: The Australia Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AUSDIAB) study provided, for the first time in Australia, a snapshot of the prevalence of kidney damage, reduced kidney function, hypertension and diabetes in the adult population. With this information, and the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry (ANZDATA) registry, that has recorded kidney failure statistics for many years, the extent of the chronic kidney disease burden in Australia is being better defined. This burden is even more pronounced in the Indigenous population where the incidence of kidney disease and kidney failure is increased several-fold. Diabetes is the second most common cause of kidney failure among Australians. The number of patients with diabetes accepted to dialysis has doubled in the last 7 years, the mean body weight of patients commencing dialysis has increased 7 kg in the past decade and the mean age at acceptance to dialysis is rising in a linear fashion (presently 60 years). These facts, together with a static transplant rate, all point to the prevalence of dialysis likely staying at or increasing beyond the present yearly growth rate of 6,7%. The evidence shows that a large proportion of chronic kidney disease patients are dying of cardiovascular risk factors before they reach dialysis or transplantation. There are many gaps in delivering appropriate preventative treatment to these patients. A relatively small reduction in the rise in dialysis numbers that might flow from an effective prevention of progression program, could make a significant impact on the spiralling numbers and associated cost of kidney failure treatment in Australia. We now need to develop and implement a national kidney disease strategy designed to address the whole continuum of chronic kidney disease from its earliest stage right through to dialysis and transplantation. [source] Raising awareness about fecal incontinence,,NEUROUROLOGY AND URODYNAMICS, Issue 4 2010Donna Z. Bliss Abstract There is a lack of awareness about fecal incontinence despite its prevalence and adverse impact on quality of life. Inadequate knowledge about fecal incontinence deters help-seeking, therapeutic consultation, and clinical research about effective prevention and management strategies. A systematic, evidenced-based approach to raise awareness of fecal incontinence is essential to forward progress and overcome multiple barriers. In this manuscript, strategies of this approach are prioritized and focus on increasing continence literacy and communication, emphasizing prevention and screening, disseminating evidenced-based management interventions, and promoting larger scale impact through effective partnerships. Neurourol. Urodynam. 29:612,615, 2010. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Medication use and risk of fallsPHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 2 2002C. Ineke Neutel PhD, FACE Abstract Purpose Injuries due to falls are an important public health concern, particularly for the elderly, and effective prevention is an ongoing endeavour. The present study has two related objectives: (1) to describe associations between drug use and falls in an institutionalized population, and (2) to identify a high risk subgroup within the larger population. Methods The initial analysis was based on a population of 227 residents who were followed over a 1-year period. Logistic regression techniques were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of the association of falls and drug use. The study of potential ,high-risk' groups employed a case,crossover design to estimate the risk of falling associated with starting a new drug course. Results Relatively weak ORs for risk of falling were observed for various drug classes; the highest OR was for benzodiazepines (BZD) at OR=1.8, (unadjusted). Residents taking multiple drugs were at particular risk for falling, e.g. an OR of 6.1, for those using 10+ drugs. The case,crossover analysis indicated that residents starting a new BZD/antipsychotic were at very high risk (OR,=,11.4,) for experiencing a fall. Conclusions Residents who took many different types of medications, as well as residents starting a new BZD/antipsychotics were at greatly increased risk of falling. These are high risk groups where increased monitoring or adjustments to drug regimens could lead to prevention of falls. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] School-based health centers: Opportunities and challenges for school psychologistsPSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS, Issue 3 2003Adena B. Meyers School psychologists have the potential to contribute to the development and delivery of health and mental health services through school-based health centers (SBHCs). Possible roles for school psychologists within SBHCs are described. Factors that influence school psychologists' efforts within SBHCs are discussed, including factors such as system reforms, school system governance, importance of SBHC to stakeholders, and availability of funding. Knowledge of collaborative problem solving, effective prevention and intervention strategies, and recognition of limitations of traditional mental health programs were also identified as facilitators of the school psychologist's role in a SBHC. Factors that may impede the development of SBHCs are reviewed. These factors include definitional confusion, deemphasis on prevention, community stigma, limited resources, lack of integration and coordination of services, and an emphasis on a narrow role of providing only medical services. Additional factors discussed include the narrow role of school psychologists, space limitations, the challenge of collaboration, role strain, and lack of research on interventions within a SBHC. Strategies for overcoming barriers are suggested. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 40: 253,264, 2003. [source] The Essential Ingredients of Successful Sibling Relationships: An Emerging Framework for Advancing Theory and PracticeCHILD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES, Issue 2 2010Laurie Kramer Abstract, Although conflict is a frequent and dynamic interpersonal process in children's sibling relationships, ambivalence (i.e., combinations of, or shifts between, positive and negative behaviors and affects) may better characterize normative sibling interactions. Nonetheless, there is a general assumption that reducing conflict is the most effective mechanism for improving sibling relationships. This review argues that the focus on conflict as the predominant attribute of sibling relationships is misplaced and has served to overshadow research on other relationship processes; it has also handicapped the development of effective prevention and intervention tools. Strategies are presented for moving theory, research, and practice toward the identification and development of factors and social processes that promote prosocial forms of sibling engagement and manage conflict. Innovative strategies are needed on two fronts: to help young siblings set their relationship on a positive trajectory and to help them avoid or remediate conflictual interactions. [source] Waist circumference in relation to body perception reported by Finnish adolescent girls and their mothersACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 3 2009JS Van Vliet Abstract Aim: To study how waist circumference (WC) relates to body perception in adolescent girls and to maternal perception of the girl's body size. Methods: Three hundred and four girls, 11,18 years, were measured for height, weight and WC. 294 girls provided self-report data on weight, height and body image before anthropometric measurements. Paired data from 237 girls and mothers on perception of the girls' body size were collected. Results: In girls, self-reported weight indicated awareness of actual body size. The girls' body perception showed an overestimation of body size relative to international reference values for body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05), but not for WC. Girls' body perception exceeded that of their mothers (p < 0.05). Maternal perception agreed better than the girls' perception with international reference values for BMI (p < 0.05). No significant difference between mothers and girls were found concerning agreement of body perception with international reference values for WC. Conclusion: WC rather than BMI agrees with perception of body size, possibly due to its relation to abdominal fat at different ages. For effective prevention and treatment programmes for weight-related health problems among adolescent girls, we recommend measuring WC to diminish the discrepancy between measured and perceived body size. [source] Best practices in community-based prevention for youth substance reduction: towards strengths-based positive development policyJOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Jeong Woong Cheon Substance use among youth remains a major public health and safety concern. One fundamental way to address youth substance use prevention is to keep young people on a positive trajectory by engaging them in positive activities from early years of their childhood. In this article, the author offers a best practice analysis of systematic review about 12 selected community-based preventions, and proposes policy changes towards incorporating a strengths perspective. A substantive, methodological, and value-based critical analysis of the strongly effective preventions was conducted. A strengths-based positive youth development perspective is specified as one feasible needed improvement and subsequent policy changes in the school district as well as in the local, state, and federal levels are proposed along with the suggestion of a mandated community youth participation strategy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||