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Health Promotion (health + promotion)
Kinds of Health Promotion Terms modified by Health Promotion Selected AbstractsMEN'S HEALTH PROMOTION BY GENERAL PRACTITIONERS IN A WORKPLACE SETTINGAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 6 2002Samar Aoun ABSTRACT:A project to promote men's health through diabetes education and screening was undertaken throughout rural industries in 1999/2000 in the south-west of Western Australia. Five hundred and twenty-five men aged 40,65 years participated from 27 industries. Sixty-four per cent of these men were identified at high-risk of developing diabetes and were referred to their general practitioner (GP) for follow-up. Seventy-six per cent of those at-risk visited their GP and hence the strategy adopted has been appropriate in engaging men in the preventive concept of seeking care, that is, getting them to attend their GP when they only have the risk factors but not the disease. However, men were left short of knowing how to achieve a change in their lifestyle behaviour and take appropriate action. Given the constraints of rural practice and the need to prioritise those with disease and gaps in service provision for both health services and GPs, there are two challenges: identifying those at-risk and modifying their behaviour. [source] Serum ,-glutamyltransferase within its normal concentration range is related to the presence of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factorsDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 9 2005D.-J. Kim Abstract Aims Although many studies have reported an association between serum ,-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and cardiovascular risk factors, the mechanism of this relationship has not been clarified. Methods The medical records of 29 959 subjects (age, median 48, range 14,90 years; 16 706 men, 13 253 women) who visited the Center for Health Promotion at Samsung Medical Center for a medical check-up between January 2001 and December 2003, were investigated. Subjects with hepatic enzyme/GGT concentrations higher than three times the upper limit of the reference range, a positive test for hepatitis C virus antibody, a positive test for hepatitis B virus surface antigen, currently taking anti-diabetic/anti-hypertensive/anti-lipid medication, or a white blood cell (WBC) count higher than 10 000 cells/ml, were excluded. The subjects of each gender were classified into five groups according to their serum GGT concentrations, into quartiles of the normal range of GGT (groups 1, 2, 3 and 4) and into a group with elevated GGT (group 5). Results As the group number increased (group 1 , 5), the frequencies of all of the following increased: (i) diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG); (ii) hypertension, obesity (body mass index , 27 kg/m2), dyslipidaemia (LDL-cholesterol , 4.1 mmol/l and/or triglyceride , 2.46 mmol/l, or HDL-cholesterol < 1.16 mmol/l); (iii) metabolic syndrome. Moreover, these significant relationships between GGT concentrations within its normal range and the presence of diabetes/IFG, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia, and metabolic syndrome persisted after adjusting for several clinical and biochemical variables and for the presence of fatty liver based on ultrasonographic findings. Odds ratios (95% CI) for group 4 (highest quartile of normal range of GGT) vs. group 1 (lowest quartile of normal range of GGT); the referent group, were 3.16 (2.15,4.65) for diabetes, 2.24 (1.73,2.90) for IFG, 1.93 (1.59,2.33) for obesity, 1.38 (1.23,1.55) for dyslipidaemia and 2.88 (2.28,3.65) for metabolic syndrome in men. In women, the odds ratios were 2.72 (1.34,5.52), 3.67 (2.26,5.97), 2.10 (1.61,2.74), 1.80 (1.58,2.04) and 3.57 (2.52,5.07), respectively. Conclusions Our data show that, even within its normal range, serum GGT concentrations are closely associated with the presence of diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors, and that these associations are independent of a fatty liver by ultrasonography. [source] Book Review: The Mediterranean Diet: Constituents and Health Promotion by Antonia-Leda Matalas, Antonis Zampelas, Vassilis Stavrinos, and Ira WolinskyEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF LIPID SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2003Caroline Bolton-Smith No abstract is available for this article. [source] The Ottawa Charter,from nursing theory to practice: Insights from the area of alcohol and other drugsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING PRACTICE, Issue 4 2000Morgan Smith RN This article aims to assist nursing services to use the Ottawa Charter as a framework for nursing practice. Incorporation of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion into a nursing structure constitutes an innovation in nursing practice that was evaluated as a quality improvement exercise in a health-care organization responsible for providing services in the area of alcohol and other drugs. The evaluation consisted of two stages and sought to identify the degree to which the framework was effective in practice. This involved identifying issues surrounding the implementation of the Ottawa Charter as a framework for nursing practice as well as identifying the means by which quality improvements could occur. The evaluation involved an initial questionnaire to all nursing staff, followed by a series of focus groups. The data collected was both informative and enlightening and revealed a range of pertinent issues such as staff understanding and interpretation of the Ottawa Charter, expansion of the nurse's role and suggestions for organizational change. The Ottawa Charter strategies are discussed in relation to their relevance to the organization under evaluation and also expanded into recommendations to assist those contemplating using the Ottawa Charter as a framework for nursing practice. There was considerable agreement among the respondents that the Ottawa Charter provided a useful framework for nursing practice, but was on occasions problematic. [source] Mental Health Promotion for Vulnerable African American YouthJOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING, Issue 1 2006Deborah Shelton Fifty-six African American youth between 10,14 years of age participated in a community-based 14-week expressive arts program designed for youth at risk of involvement with the juvenile justice system. Positive and statistically significant findings for pre-post changes in self-control, protective factors, and resilience were found. Difficulty in engaging parents and the strong racial biases of the community appear to have influenced the lack of improvement in self-esteem scores. [source] Foundations for Health PromotionJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2009Alyson Hill PhD RD [source] Health Promotion and Participatory Action Research with South Asian WomenJOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 1 2002U.K. Choudhry Purpose: To examine South Asian immigrant women's health promotion issues and to facilitate the creation of emancipatory knowledge and self-understanding regarding health-promoting practices; to promote health education and mobilization for culturally relevant action. Method: The study was based on critical social theory; the research model was participatory action research (PAR). Two groups of South Asian women (women from India and of Indian origin) who had immigrated to Canada participated in the project. The qualitative data were generated through focus groups. Reflexive and dialectical critique were used as methods of analyzing qualitative data. The data were interpreted through reiterative process, and dominant themes were identified. Findings: Three themes that were extracted from the data were: (a) the importance of maintaining culture and tradition, (b) placing family needs before self, and (c) surviving by being strong. An issue for action was the risk of intergenerational conflicts leading to alienation of family members. Over a period of 3 years, the following action plans were carried out: (a) workshops for parents and children, (b) sharing of project findings with the community, and (c) a presentation at an annual public health conference. Conclusions and Implications: The project activities empowered participants to create and share knowledge, which was then applied toward action for change. Health and health promotion were viewed as functions of the women's relationships to the world around them. [source] Health Promotion Begins at the BreastJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 3 2004Nancy K. Lowe Editor No abstract is available for this article. [source] Health Promotion and Risk Reduction in Malawi, Africa, Village WomenJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 2 2001FAAN, Susan Gennaro RN Objective: A train-the-trainer intervention was evaluated in which village leaders in Malawi, Africa, taught other villagers how to improve their health. Design: Health knowledge and reported health practices were compared before and after the educational intervention in 15 villages in Chimutu, Malawi, Africa. Setting: Surveys were completed by trained data gatherers in the village setting. Patients/Participants: All men and women of childbearing age who were present in the village when data collection occurred were asked to participate. There were 187 participants in the preintervention survey and 175 participants in the postintervention survey. Intervention: Seveniy-six village women were trained, using low literacy techniques, to provide content on health promotion and risk reduction in pregnancy. Over 20,000 persons have received at least one health teaching session from the village trainers. Results: The intervention resulted in reported changes in prenatal and postpartum care and in more births occurring in the hospital or clinic. Some positive nutritional changes were reported, although few changes in beliefs about use of herbal medicines or about the use of witchcraft were reported. Conclusions: A train-the-trainer approach is a sustainable intervention that appears to have positive benefits on the health of village women living in Malawi, Africa. [source] Rediscovering the "M" in "MCH": Maternal Health Promotion After ChildbirthJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 3 2000THOUGHTS & OPINIONS Although maternal mortality is not a major health concern in the United States, evidence is accruing that after 6 weeks postpartum mothers continue to face mental and physical health, lifestyle, and parenting concerns. Exemplar areas for enhanced maternal health promotion after childbirth include (a) lifestyle changes in exercise, nutrition, and smoking, and (b) psychosocial well-being, particularly mood and body image. Research on health of women after childbirth supports rethinking the scope and duration of maternal health promotion. [source] Faculty and Staff Health Promotion: Results From the School Health Policies and Programs Study 2006JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 8 2007Danice K. Eaton PhD ABSTRACT Background:, US schools employ an estimated 6.7 million workers and are thus an ideal setting for employee wellness programs. This article describes the characteristics of school employee wellness programs in the United States, including state-, district-, and school-level policies and programs. Methods:, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts the School Health Policies and Programs Study every 6 years. In 2006, computer-assisted telephone interviews or self-administered mail questionnaires were completed by state education agency personnel in 49 states plus the District of Columbia and among a nationally representative sample of school districts (n = 445). Computer-assisted personal interviews were conducted with personnel in a nationally representative sample of elementary, middle, and high schools (n = 873). Results:, During the 2 years preceding the study, 67.3% of states provided assistance to districts or schools on how to develop or implement faculty and staff health promotion activities or services. Although nearly all schools offered at least 1 health promotion service or activity, few schools offered coordinated activities and services within a comprehensive employee wellness program. During the 12 months preceding the study, none of the health screenings were offered by more than one third of schools; only a few of the health promotion activities and services were offered by more than one third of schools; about one third of schools offered physical activity programs, employee assistance programs, and subsidies or discounts for off-site health promotion activities; and only 1 in 10 schools provided health-risk appraisals for faculty and staff. Conclusions:, More schools should implement comprehensive employee wellness programs to improve faculty and staff health behaviors and health status. [source] School-Based Health Promotion Across AustraliaJOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH, Issue 6 2000Bernard J. Marshall No abstract is available for this article. [source] Sickle Cell Disease: Health Promotion and Maintenance and the Role of Primary Care Nurse PractitionersJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 9 2003APRN-BC, FNP-C, Ruth A. Tanyi BSJ Purpose To discuss the role of nurse practitioners (NPs) with regard to early identification of affected individuals, effective monitoring and screening, effective pain management and prophylaxis, and health education for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Data Sources Electronic database searches were performed using Medline, Cinahl, and PsycINFO. Data were obtained from medical textbooks, research, and review articles. Conclusions SCD is a chronic inherited disease belonging to a group of conditions called hemo-globinopathies. Individuals with SCD often require close medical care from specialists. Nonetheless, NPs are in ideal positions to facilitate the health promotion and health maintenance necessary to decrease the high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. Implications for Practice NPs must understand the importance of early identification of affected individuals, effective monitoring and screening, effective pain treatment, and prophylaxis. The unpredictable trajectory of SCD can lead to frustration, fear, helplessness, hopelessness, and emotional distress. Ineffective pain management is a major problem for people with SCD. NPs can overcome this problem by initiating effective and prompt pain management in a nonjudgmental manner. [source] Obesity and associated modifiable environmental factors in Iranian adolescents: Isfahan Healthy Heart Program , Heart Health Promotion from ChildhoodPEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2003RoYA Kelishadi Abstract Objective:,To evaluate the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Iranian adolescents and their relationship with modifiable environmental factors. Methods:,The subjects of the present study were 1000 girls and 1000 boys, aged between 11 and 18 years selected by multistage random sampling, their parents (n = 2000) and their school staff (n = 500 subjects) in urban and rural areas of two provinces in Iran. Data concerning body mass index (BMI), nutrition and the physical activity of the subjects were analyzed by SPSSV10/Win software. Results:,The prevalence of 85th percentile , body mass index (BMI) < 95th percentile and BMI > 95th percentile in girls was significantly higher than boys (10.7 ± 1.1 and 2.9 ± 0.1%vs 7.4 ± 0.9 and 1.9 ± 0.1%, respectively; P < 0.05). The mean BMI value was significantly different between urban and rural areas (25.4 ± 5.2 vs 23.2 ± 7.1 kg/m2, respectively; P < 0.05). A BMI> 85th percentile was more prevalent in families with an average income than in high-income families (9.3 ± 1.7 vs 7.2 ± 1.4%, respectively; P < 0.05) and in those with lower-educated mothers (9.2 ± 2.1 vs 11.5 ± 2.4 years of mothers education, respectively). The mean total energy intake was not different between overweight or obese and normal-weight subjects (1825 ± 90 vs 1815 ± 85 kCal, respectively; P > 0.05), but the percentage of energy derived from carbohydrates was significantly higher in the former group compared with the latter (69.4 vs 63.2%, respectively; P < 0.05). Regular extracurricular sports activities were significantly lower and the time spent watching television was significantly higher in overweight or obese than non-obese subjects (time spent watching telelvision: 300 ± 20 vs 240 ± 30 min/day, P < 0.05). A significant linear association was shown between the frequency of consumption of rice, bread, pasta, fast foods and fat/salty snacks and BMI (, = 0.05,0.06; P < 0.05). A significant correlation was shown between BMI percentiles and serum triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein,cholesterol and systolic blood pressure (Pearson's r = 0.38, ,0.32 and 0.47, respectively). Conclusions:,Enhanced efforts to prevent and control overweight from childhood is a critical national priority, even in developing countries. To be successful, social, cultural and economic influences should be considered. [source] Cross-Validation and Discriminant Validity of Adolescent Health Promotion Scale Among Overweight and Nonoverweight Adolescents in TaiwanPUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 6 2006Mei-Yen Chen ABSTRACT This study used cross-validation and discriminant analysis to evaluate the construct and discriminant validity of Adolescent Health Promotion (AHP) scale between the overweight and nonoverweight adolescents in Taiwan. A cross-sectional survey method was used and 660 adolescents participated in this study. Cluster and discriminant analyses were used to analyze the data. Our findings indicate that the AHP is a valid and reliable scale to discriminate between the health-promoting behaviors of overweight and nonoverweight adolescents. For the total scale, cluster analyses revealed two distinct patterns, which we designated the healthy and unhealthy groups. Discriminate analysis supported this clustering as having good discriminant validity, as nonoverweight adolescents tended to be classified as healthy, while the overweight tended to be in the unhealthy group. In general, overweight adolescents practiced health-related behaviors at a significantly lower frequency than the nonoverweight. These included exercise behavior, stress management, life appreciation, health responsibility, and social support. These findings can be used to further develop and refine knowledge of adolescent overweight and related strategies for intervention. [source] Sexual Behaviors, Condom Use, and Sexual Health of Americans Over 50: Implications for Sexual Health Promotion for Older AdultsTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2010Vanessa Schick PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., In the contemporary U.S., men and women are living longer and healthier lives. As such, many people spend greater portions of their lives as sexually active individuals. Yet, little is known about the myriad of ways that older adults experience their sexual lives. Aim., This study sought to assess the context and frequency of sexual behaviors, condom use, sexual pleasure, and sexual experience of men and women over age 50. Methods., Information regarding the sexual experiences of a nationally representative sample of men and women over age 50 within the past year was examined. Main Outcome Measures., Sexual behavior over the past year was assessed in relation to several situational and contextual characteristics (e.g., event location, type of partner, health status, condom use). Participants were also asked about their experience (i.e., pleasure, arousal, pain, lubrication/erectile difficulties, and orgasm) during their most recent partnered sexual event. Bivariate or ordinal logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship of age, health and partner status to sexual frequency and experience. Results., Although sizable proportions (20,30%) of both men and women remained sexually active well into their 80s age was related to a lower likelihood of solo and most partnered sexual behaviors. When controlling for age, relationship status, and health remained significant predictors of select sexual behaviors. The participant's evaluation of their most recent sexual experience in terms of arousal, erectile difficulty, and orgasm all declined with age. Health status was related to men's evaluation of the experience. Relationship status was the most consistent predictor of women's evaluation of the experience. Condom use rates remained low for participants across age groups. Conclusion., Many older adults continue be sexually active well into advanced age (80+). Thus, providers need to be attentive to the diverse sexual health needs of older adults. Schick V, Herbenick D, Reece M, Sanders SA, Dodge B, Middlestadt SE, and Fortenberry JD. Sexual behaviors, condom use, and sexual health of Americans over 50: Implications for sexual health promotion for older adults. J Sex Med 2010;7(suppl 5):315,329. [source] Health, Equity and Intellectual DisabilityJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 2 2005Stephen R. Leeder In this paper, we first describe the current state of health across the world. We then note that despite general good health, it is not everyone's experience and that differences in health among people frequently appear to be unfair. Health promotion is a movement committed to prevention and to creating opportunities for all people to live healthy lives. We examine the application of health promotion to people with intellectual disability. Finally, we bring equity, health promotion and intellectual disability together and ask to what extent people with these problems are victims of inequity. If they are , as seems likely , societies that have built their health services on humane values should assume greater responsibility for meeting their special needs, promoting their opportunities for health as well as managing their illnesses. [source] Promoting the health of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: patients' and carers' viewsJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 3-4 2010Ann Caress Aims and objectives., The aim of this study was to generate in-depth insights into patients' and family members' understanding of the causation, progression and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the role of health promotion with this population. In particular, we were interested in identifying the ways patients and family members considered that they could maximise their (patients') health, in the presence of this disease. Background., Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is highly prevalent and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, impacting on quality of life and healthcare expenditure. Health promotion is, therefore, an important consideration. There are few examples in the literature of health promotion programmes for this population, including those directed at smoking cessation, which also focus on the family or significant others. Design., An exploratory, descriptive design was employed. Method., Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews were conducted with 14 patients and 12 family caregivers. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using content analysis procedures which captured the meaning of the data. Results., The three main themes were ,health promotion: what's that?', ,community resources for health promotion' and ,it wasn't just the smoking'. Many participants seemed unaware that their health might benefit from a healthier life style and provided little spontaneous information on any activities they carried out to maintain or improve their health. Conclusions., This study highlighted a dearth of health promoting activity amongst people affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The reality for most patients was to manage the day-to-day demands that the symptoms of the disease imposed on them. Our data suggest that a more wide-ranging approach, encompassing aspects of health promotion, might be welcomed by many patients and their family carers. Relevance to clinical practice., The findings from this study highlight gaps in patients' and carers' understanding of the potential role of health promotion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and areas for intervention by health professionals. With the increase in smoking rates of women and predicted future increases in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, it is imperative that health professionals find effective ways to provide support and health promotive care for patients and families. [source] An empowerment approach to needs assessment in health visiting practiceJOURNAL OF CLINICAL NURSING, Issue 5 2002ANNA M. HOUSTON BSc ,,This paper examines the usefulness of an integrated approach to needs assessment using an empowerment framework, within a health visitor/client interaction, in the home setting. ,,It is intended to demonstrate the existence of a flexible approach to assessing need that is based on research about necessary processes for carrying out health visiting. ,,The design of the tool described in this paper allows the use of professional judgement as well as fulfilling commissioning requirements to address health outcomes. ,,Health promotion and empowerment are central to health visiting practice and should be reflected in the way needs are assessed. ,,Many NHS trusts have introduced a system of targeting and prioritizing health visiting through a system of questioning to assess needs. This may reveal the work that health visitors do, but may also inhibit the open, listening approach required for client empowerment. ,,Different methods of assessing need can be used that do not compromise the commissioning requirements, the health visitor's duty of care or professional accountability. ,,The empowerment approach is key to the philosophy of health visiting. ,,There are ways of approaching needs assessment that do not compromise the ethos of partnership-working in a health promoting way. [source] Comparing knowledge and perceived risk related to the human papilloma virus among Australian women of diverse sexual orientationsAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 1 2009Ruth McNair Abstract Objectives: The study compared levels of awareness of human papilloma virus (HPV) as a sexually transmissible infection (STI) between women of different sexual orientations. It also examined self-reported risk factors for HPV infection, perceived level of personal risk, and willingness to have the HPV vaccine. Methods: Recruitment occurred through community sampling and data was collected using a self-completion questionnaire. Results: A convenience sample of 349 women completed the questionnaire in early 2007, 309 were sexually active; 47.6% had lifetime sexual partners of both genders, 26.9% had only male partners, and 25.5% had only female partners. Women with partners of both genders were more likely to have ever had a pap test but were also more likely to report an abnormal result (OR 3.19) than women with only male partners. Only 68% of the sample had heard of HPV and women with partners of both genders were significantly more likely to be aware than women with only male partners (OR 2.56). Forty-four per cent did not know how HPV was transmitted and less than half correctly identified HPV-associated clinical problems, with no differences according to gender of partners. The majority of women had risk factors for HPV, however, few felt personally at risk. Conclusions: The very low personal risk perception for HPV, particularly among women who have female and male sexual partners, suggests the need for targeted education for this group regarding HPV transmission and prevention. Implications: Health promotion regarding HPV should be broadened to specifically include information about HPV as an STI between women. [source] Facilitating effective health promotion practice in a public health unit: lessons from the fieldAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 1 2007Jessica Berentson-Shaw Objectives: Health promotion is a core function of public health services and improving the effectiveness of health promotion services is an essential part of public health service development. This report describes the rationale, the process and the outcomes of a realignment designed to improve the effectiveness of health promotion activities in a public health unit (PHU) in New Zealand. Methods: A practice environment analysis revealed several factors that were hindering the effectiveness of the health promotion unit's (HPU) activities. Two primary change mechanisms were implemented. The first was an outcomes-focused model of planning and service delivery (to support evidenced-based practice), the second was the reorganisation of the HPU from a topicsbased structure to an integrated one based on a multi-risk factor paradigm of population health. Results: During the realignment barriers were encountered on multiple levels. At the individual level, unfavourable attitudes to changes occurred because of a lack of information and knowledge about the benefits of evidence and research. At higher levels, barriers included resourcing concerns, a lack of organisational commitment and understanding, and tensions between the political need for expedient change and research and development need for timely consideration of the impact of different models of practice. Conclusions and Implications: This realignment took place within the context of a changing public health environment, which is significantly altering the delivery of public health and health promotion. Realignments designed to facilitate more effective health promotion and public health practice will continue, but need to do so in the light of others' experience and debate. [source] Breastfeeding is an essential complement to vaccinationACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2009Josè G Dòrea Abstract Aim:, This article explores the role of breastfeeding in different aspects of vaccination in the first 6 months when infants are still developing: (1) pain management; (2) immunomodulation of infants' vaccine responses; (3)metabolism of thimerosal. Methods:, Major databases were searched for studies that addressed outcomes of related issues. Results:, Studies reveal that breastfeeding can: (1) help mothers and infants to cope with the stressful situations that accompany parenteral vaccines; (2) improve response to vaccines in the still maturing immunologic and enterohepatic systems of infants; (3) influence physiologic parameters that can change metabolism of ethylmercury derived from some vaccines. Conclusion: Health promotion that supports vaccinations should also emphasize early initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding up until 6 months for maximum protection of the infants with a possible beneficial effect on the vaccine response. Paediatric professionals should inform mothers of the proven benefits of breastfeeding and its importance in complementing vaccination and lowering stress and the risk of untoward reactions on susceptible infants. [source] Survey of the pre-school child health surveillance programme in SwedenACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2000R Kornfält A survey of the programme for developmental surveillance in the Child Health Centres (CHCs) in Sweden was performed using a questionnaire administered to the Chief Medical Officers (CMO) of the Child Health Services. The questionnaire asked about methods used for auditory examination, developmental surveillance and identification of disturbances in mother-child interaction. Activities for health promotion concerning breastfeeding, non-smoking and allergy prevention were also queried. Thirty-four CMOs representing 1731 CHCs and 645000 children answered the questionnaire. The reply rate was 81%. Various methods of auditory examination are offered all infants and children in Sweden. The national guidelines for health supervision are followed fairly closely by all. Screening for disturbances in attention, motor development and perception (DAMP) is performed by all but four districts, with various methods, resources and degrees of co-operation with school health services. Support in mother-child interaction is considered very important and new methods to identify and treat disturbances are gradually introduced. Breastfeeding is encouraged; breast milk is the main source of food for 67% of babies at 4 mo of age. Activities to stop or diminish use of tobacco are ongoing everywhere, as are programmes to identify children at risk of developing allergies and for allergy prevention. Thus, the Child Health Services maintain a high standard and are ambitious about introducing new methods and ideas. [source] Primary prevention of neural tube defects with folate in Western Australia: the value of the Western Australian Birth Defects RegistryCONGENITAL ANOMALIES, Issue 2 2006Carol Bower ABSTRACT This paper reviews the role of the Western Australian Birth Defects Registry in the primary prevention of neural tube defects. The Registry provides complete and up-to-date information on all neural tube defects (NTD), including terminations of pregnancy. These data have been used to determine a baseline rate of NTD and to monitor trends in NTD over time, when health promotion of folic acid supplement use and voluntary fortification of food with folate were introduced. The register has also been used to investigate NTD in special populations (Indigenous infants in Australia) and as a sampling frame for case control studies. The data derived from these studies have been used to assist in assessing whether mandatory food fortification in Australia is indicated to prevent NTD. [source] Mental health in Europe: problems, advances and challengesACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2001W. Rutz Objective:,To describe mental health care needs and challenges across the WHO European region of 51 nations. Method:,Based on morbidity and mortality data from HFA Statistical Database and Health21, the policy framework of WHO Europe, major trends in mental health care needs, psychiatric reform and mental health promotion are discussed. Results:,There is a mortality crisis related to mental ill health in Eastern European populations of transition. Destigmatization is required to improve early intervention and humanization of services, and national mental health audits are needed to create the basis for national mental health planning, implementation and monitoring. There are both problems and advances in service restructuring, and comprehensive mental health promotion programmes, preventive and monitoring strategies are required. Conclusion:,Partnerships between national and international organizations, especially WHO and the European Union, have to be strengthened to make progress on the way to integrated community mental health services. [source] Unplanned attempts to quit smoking: missed opportunities for health promotion?ADDICTION, Issue 11 2009Rachael L. Murray ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate the occurrence, determinants and reported success of unplanned and planned attempts to quit smoking, and sources of support used in these attempts. Design Cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 3512 current and ex-smokers. Setting Twenty-four general practices in Nottinghamshire, UK. Participants Individuals who reported making a quit attempt within the last 6 months. Measurements Occurrence, triggers for, support used and success of planned and unplanned quit attempts. Results A total of 1805 (51.4%) participants returned completed questionnaires, reporting 394 quit attempts made within the previous 6 months of which 37% were unplanned. Males were significantly more likely to make an unplanned quit attempt [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04,2.46], but the occurrence of unplanned quit attempts did not differ significantly by socio-economic group or amount smoked. The most common triggers for unplanned quit attempts were advice from a general practitioner or health professional (27.9%) and health problems (24.5%). 5.4% and 4.1% of unplanned quit attempts used National Health Service cessation services on a one to one and group basis, respectively, and more than half (51.7%) were made without any support. Nevertheless, unplanned attempts were more likely to be reported to be successful (adjusted OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.23,3.27, P < 0.01). Conclusions Unplanned quit attempts are common among smokers in all socio-demographic groups, are triggered commonly by advice from a health professional and are more likely to succeed; however, the majority of these unplanned attempts are unsupported. It is important to develop methods of providing behavioural and/or pharmacological support for these attempts, and determine whether these increase cessation rates still further. [source] A question of balance: prioritizing public health responses to harm from gamblingADDICTION, Issue 5 2009Peter J. Adams ABSTRACT Aim To provide an overview on the nature and importance of public health approaches to the global expansion of commercial gambling. Method Three key areas of public health activity are examined: harm minimization, health promotion and the political determinants for change. Findings The rapid proliferation of gambling experienced in many countries is driven by the commercial development of new products orientated around continuous and rapid mass consumption. This is particularly the case with ongoing refinements to electronic gambling machines and the development of new gambling technologies using the internet and mobile telephones. So far responses to negative impacts have, on the whole, focused upon individualized treatment interventions. A public health approach to gambling offers a broad range of strategies to tackle the wider implications of gambling expansion: harm reduction provides evidence-based strategies for managing identifiable harm; health promotion focuses upon communities building their capacity, knowledge and resilience with regard to the attractions of gambling, and action on the political determinants sets out to increase the accountability and reduce the conflicts of interest that influence government resolve in managing their gambling environments. Conclusion In this new environment of mass consumption, efforts in developing treatment responses to problem gambling need to be balanced with, at least, equal efforts in developing public health responses. With the expansion of commercial gambling occurring globally, international agencies could play a critical role in supporting public health initiatives. [source] Understanding herb and dietary supplement use in patients with epilepsyEPILEPSIA, Issue 8 2009Kitti Kaiboriboon Summary Objective:, To determine the prevalence of herb and dietary supplement use and to provide a comprehensive analysis of factors influencing the use of these products in patients with epilepsy. Methods:, We performed a cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires in a selected group of patients who were receiving care at a tertiary epilepsy center. Logistic regression was used to measure the association between the demographic variables and herb and dietary supplement use. In addition, we performed a MEDLINE search for each of the herb and dietary products used by our patients to determine the effect of these products on seizures and on their potential for interactions with other drugs metabolized by the liver. Results:, One hundred eighty-seven patients completed the survey. Fifty-six percent of this group of patients with epilepsy used herbs and dietary supplements at the time of the survey. A considerable portion (71%) of these patients reported the use of these products to their physician, and most of them relied on their physicians as the primary source of information. Most of the patients used dietary supplement for health promotion rather than to specifically benefit their epilepsy condition. Approximately one-third of patients used herb or dietary supplements that had the potential to increase seizures (16%) or to interact with hepatically metabolized drugs (19%). The most powerful independent predictors of herb and dietary supplement use were partial epilepsy [odds ratio (OR) 3.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27,8.88] and Caucasian race (OR 3.55; 95% CI 1.11,11.34). Conclusion:, Patients with epilepsy commonly used dietary supplements along with their antiepileptic medications. The majority of these patients used herb and dietary supplements for health promotion rather than because of dissatisfaction with conventional treatment. It is important that physicians involved in the care of patients with epilepsy routinely inquire about the use of dietary supplements and that they make use of reliable resources to assess the safety of these products with regard to modification of seizure risk and the potential for interactions with antiepileptic drugs. [source] Relationship between intensity of physical activity and health-related quality of life in Portuguese institutionalized elderlyGERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2008Alexandrina Lobo Aims: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is considered to be the key goal for health promotion in older people. This study explores the relationship between HRQOL and objectively measured intensity of physical activity (PA) in institutionalized older adults. The analysis of the PA patterns of the subjects in relation to recommended levels of PA was also performed. Methods: One hundred and eighty-five residents of long-term care homes aged 65 years or more, volunteered for this study. The Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36-Item health survey (MOS SF-36) questionnaires and the uni-axial MTI Actigraph were used to assess HRQOL and PA, respectively. Participants were classified as less active, reasonably active and more active by tertile of moderated physical activity (MPA). Results: (i) The men represented a greater number of counts/h and min of MPA in all the tertile groups; (ii) men from the less active group had a significantly higher body mass index; (iii) women came third and exhibited less total activity even though they used this time in more intense activities; (iv) there was a higher significant correlation between MPA, physical function and negative association with body pain in relation to the time of institutionalization in both sexes but was more strongly visible in men; and (v) only men presented a significant positive association with physical health, mental health and vitality. Conclusion: Any intensity of PA seems to be better than no activity for HRQOL, but MPA confers greater benefits for the perception of physical function and body pain in the case of institutionalized elderly persons. [source] Life satisfaction in older peopleGERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2007Hisashi Kudo Objective: Factors influencing life satisfaction were studied in a cohort study. Methods: Life satisfaction was measured using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center (PGC) morale scale. Two thousand one hundred and fifty-one older people, approximately 99% of all older people (2165 subjects) in a rural town, Tashiro, Akita prefecture responded to the questionnaire and, after eliminating 455 for incomplete answers, 1710 subjects (79% of all older people) were entered into the present study. Approximately 10% were self-care dependent older people. Results: Female self-care independent older people showed lower morale scores than men. Morale scores in self-care independent older people decreased with age in both women and men. Morale scores of self-care independent men were higher when they were healthy, had an occupation and took part in social activities in the community; morale scores of self-care independent women were higher when they were healthy and had hobbies. Family composition, self-care dependency, income and habits for health promotion were also factors of morale scores, while education was not. Conclusions: Healthy older persons with some gender specific lifestyles had the higher morale scores. With advanced age, lifestyles do not determine the morale scores. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||