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Moderators and mediators of behaviour change in a lifestyle program for treated hypertensives: a randomized controlled trial (ADAPT)
Burke, V., Beilin, L. J., Cutt, H. E., Mansour, J., Mori, T. A. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
We aimed to examine moderators and mediators of behaviour change in a cognitive lifestyle program for drug-treated overweight hypertensives in Perth, Australia. We collected data at baseline, 4 months (post-intervention) and 1-year follow-up in a randomized controlled trial of a program that focused on weight loss, diet, and exercise. Mediation analysis used regression models that estimate indirect effects with bootstrapped confidence limits. Outcomes examined were saturated fat intake (% energy) and physical activity (hours per week). In total, 90/118 individuals randomized to usual care and 102/123 to the program-completed follow-up. Sex was a moderator of response post-intervention for diet and physical activity, with a greater response among women with usual care and among men with the program. Change in self-efficacy was a mediator of dietary change post-intervention [effect size (ES) –0.055, 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.125, –0.005] and at follow-up (ES 0.054, 95% CI –0.127, –0.005), and in physical activity post-intervention (ES 0.059, 95% CI 0.003, 0.147). These findings highlight different responses of men and women to the program, and the importance of self-efficacy as a mediator. Mediators for physical activity in the longer term should be investigated in other models, with appropriate cognitive measurements, in future trials.
Storage of household firearms: an examination of the attitudes and beliefs of married women with children
Johnson, R. M., Runyan, C. W., Coyne-Beasley, T., Lewis, M. A., Bowling, J. M. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Although safe firearm storage is a promising injury prevention strategy, many parents do not keep their firearms unloaded and locked up. Using the theory of planned behavior as a guiding conceptual framework, this study examines factors associated with safe storage among married women with children and who have firearms in their homes. Data come from a national telephone survey (n = 185). We examined beliefs about defensive firearm use, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and firearm storage practices. A Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test was conducted to assess associations between psychosocial factors and firearm storage practices. Women were highly motivated to keep firearms stored safely. Those reporting safe storage practices had more favorable attitudes, more supportive subjective norms and higher perceptions of behavioral control than those without safe storage. One-fourth believed a firearm would prevent a family member from being hurt in case of a break-in, 58% believed a firearm could scare off a burglar. Some 63% said they leave decisions about firearm storage to their husbands. Women were highly motivated to store firearms safely as evidenced by favorable attitudes, supportive subjective norms and high perceptions of behavioral control. This was especially true for those reporting safer storage practices.
Will patients agree to have their literacy skills assessed in clinical practice?
Ryan, J. G., Leguen, F., Weiss, B. D., Albury, S., Jennings, T., Velez, F., Salibi, N. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
If health providers are aware of their patients' literacy skills, they can more appropriately tailor their communication with patients. Few providers, however, assess patient's literacy skills for fear of offending patients, but no research has ever determined if patients object to such assessments. Our objectives were to determine the percentage of patients seen for routine health care that would agree to undergo literacy assessment and if satisfaction of patients differs in practices that perform literacy assessments versus practices that do not. We randomized 20 private and public medical practices to an intervention group that implemented literacy assessments with the Newest Vital Sign and a control group that did not. For intervention practices, we noted the percentage of patients agreeing to undergo the assessment. For both intervention and control practices, we assessed patient satisfaction. Of 289 patients asked to undergo literacy assessment in the intervention practices, 284 (98.3%) agreed to do so, including 125 (46.1%) with low or possibly low literacy skills. There was no difference in satisfaction between the intervention group and the control group. We conclude that patients are willing to undergo literacy assessments during routine office visits and performing such assessments does not decrease patient satisfaction.
Perceived risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in Cameroon
Awah, P. K., Kengne, A. P., Fezeu, L. L. K., Mbanya, J.-C. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
We set out to assess the perceived risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus in an urban setting using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to collect data from different stakeholders constituting the triangle of care. Ethnomethodological analyses were done manually and with Ethnograph® software. The results showed an awareness of emergence of CVD and diabetes in Cameroon and perceived relationships between risk factors and CVD and diabetes. The awareness of behavioural risk factors was higher than the biological ones, though perceptions about them were muddled. The main drawbacks for reducing risk factors were perceived to emerge from the lack of a national policy programme on non-communicable diseases; and the low level of awareness of the need to reduce these risk factors. The assessment illustrates that there is currently a mismatch between the needs and expectations of all the stakeholders regarding health promotion and advice on risk factors reduction and an apparent reluctance by health care providers to fulfil this role. This issue can only be addressed in countries of sub-Sahara through capacity building for control and prevention of CVD risk factors.
The role of life skills promotion in substance abuse prevention: a mediation analysis
Buhler, A., Schroder, E., Silbereisen, R. K. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Research has shown that life skills programs are the most effective single activity in school-based substance abuse prevention. However, little is known about the processes through which they are effective. This study examines whether an evidence-based prevention program targeting general competence is effective through the promotion of knowledge about life skills and enhanced related behaviors. Based on a sample of 442 fifth graders participating in a quasi-experimental prevention study, as expected, mediation analyses revealed that increased knowledge about life skills paralleled an increase in students’ distant attitudes toward alcohol and nicotine use. Unexpectedly, behaviors manifesting enhanced life skills were found not only among program participants who remained experimental/non-smokers or stopped smoking but also among smokers. In general, findings suggest that favorable prevention outcomes may be influenced through building knowledge about general life skills. The notion of uniform mechanisms of effectiveness in prevention programs is discussed.
Girls and young women's participation in physical activity: psychological and social influences
Coleman, L., Cox, L., Roker, D. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
The importance of increasing young women's level of physical activity is recognized as a priority within the United Kingdom and other Westernized nations. This study, conducted in two distinct geographical locations in the United Kingdom, explores the leading influences upon levels of physical activity participation among 75 young women aged 15–19. Through in-depth interviews, this study explores the influence of psychological and social influences, by examining contrasting accounts from those young women who ‘always’ and ‘never’ participate in sport or physical activity. The main differences lie with the always participates, relative to the never participates, reporting more positive images of ‘sport’, positive perceptions of their own ability, low self-consciousness, firm motivations and personal choice to engage in activities and the supporting influence of their friends and family. The study also notes the detrimental impact of life transitions such as moving from college to full-time employment. Further case study analyses reveal the friendship group as the primary influence over all other factors considered. The research concludes by summarizing the influences on physical activity participation that are pertinent to this age group, highlights theoretical implications, suggests possible intervention strategies and reports areas of further investigation that are required.
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Moderators and mediators of behaviour change in a lifestyle program for treated hypertensives: a randomized controlled trial (ADAPT)
Burke, V., Beilin, L. J., Cutt, H. E., Mansour, J., Mori, T. A. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
We aimed to examine moderators and mediators of behaviour change in a cognitive lifestyle program for drug-treated overweight hypertensives in Perth, Australia. We collected data at baseline, 4 months (post-intervention) and 1-year follow-up in a randomized controlled trial of a program that focused on weight loss, diet, and exercise. Mediation analysis used regression models that estimate indirect effects with bootstrapped confidence limits. Outcomes examined were saturated fat intake (% energy) and physical activity (hours per week). In total, 90/118 individuals randomized to usual care and 102/123 to the program-completed follow-up. Sex was a moderator of response post-intervention for diet and physical activity, with a greater response among women with usual care and among men with the program. Change in self-efficacy was a mediator of dietary change post-intervention [effect size (ES) –0.055, 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.125, –0.005] and at follow-up (ES 0.054, 95% CI –0.127, –0.005), and in physical activity post-intervention (ES 0.059, 95% CI 0.003, 0.147). These findings highlight different responses of men and women to the program, and the importance of self-efficacy as a mediator. Mediators for physical activity in the longer term should be investigated in other models, with appropriate cognitive measurements, in future trials.
Storage of household firearms: an examination of the attitudes and beliefs of married women with children
Johnson, R. M., Runyan, C. W., Coyne-Beasley, T., Lewis, M. A., Bowling, J. M. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Although safe firearm storage is a promising injury prevention strategy, many parents do not keep their firearms unloaded and locked up. Using the theory of planned behavior as a guiding conceptual framework, this study examines factors associated with safe storage among married women with children and who have firearms in their homes. Data come from a national telephone survey (n = 185). We examined beliefs about defensive firearm use, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and firearm storage practices. A Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test was conducted to assess associations between psychosocial factors and firearm storage practices. Women were highly motivated to keep firearms stored safely. Those reporting safe storage practices had more favorable attitudes, more supportive subjective norms and higher perceptions of behavioral control than those without safe storage. One-fourth believed a firearm would prevent a family member from being hurt in case of a break-in, 58% believed a firearm could scare off a burglar. Some 63% said they leave decisions about firearm storage to their husbands. Women were highly motivated to store firearms safely as evidenced by favorable attitudes, supportive subjective norms and high perceptions of behavioral control. This was especially true for those reporting safer storage practices.
Will patients agree to have their literacy skills assessed in clinical practice?
Ryan, J. G., Leguen, F., Weiss, B. D., Albury, S., Jennings, T., Velez, F., Salibi, N. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
If health providers are aware of their patients' literacy skills, they can more appropriately tailor their communication with patients. Few providers, however, assess patient's literacy skills for fear of offending patients, but no research has ever determined if patients object to such assessments. Our objectives were to determine the percentage of patients seen for routine health care that would agree to undergo literacy assessment and if satisfaction of patients differs in practices that perform literacy assessments versus practices that do not. We randomized 20 private and public medical practices to an intervention group that implemented literacy assessments with the Newest Vital Sign and a control group that did not. For intervention practices, we noted the percentage of patients agreeing to undergo the assessment. For both intervention and control practices, we assessed patient satisfaction. Of 289 patients asked to undergo literacy assessment in the intervention practices, 284 (98.3%) agreed to do so, including 125 (46.1%) with low or possibly low literacy skills. There was no difference in satisfaction between the intervention group and the control group. We conclude that patients are willing to undergo literacy assessments during routine office visits and performing such assessments does not decrease patient satisfaction.
Perceived risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in Cameroon
Awah, P. K., Kengne, A. P., Fezeu, L. L. K., Mbanya, J.-C. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
We set out to assess the perceived risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus in an urban setting using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews to collect data from different stakeholders constituting the triangle of care. Ethnomethodological analyses were done manually and with Ethnograph® software. The results showed an awareness of emergence of CVD and diabetes in Cameroon and perceived relationships between risk factors and CVD and diabetes. The awareness of behavioural risk factors was higher than the biological ones, though perceptions about them were muddled. The main drawbacks for reducing risk factors were perceived to emerge from the lack of a national policy programme on non-communicable diseases; and the low level of awareness of the need to reduce these risk factors. The assessment illustrates that there is currently a mismatch between the needs and expectations of all the stakeholders regarding health promotion and advice on risk factors reduction and an apparent reluctance by health care providers to fulfil this role. This issue can only be addressed in countries of sub-Sahara through capacity building for control and prevention of CVD risk factors.
The role of life skills promotion in substance abuse prevention: a mediation analysis
Buhler, A., Schroder, E., Silbereisen, R. K. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Research has shown that life skills programs are the most effective single activity in school-based substance abuse prevention. However, little is known about the processes through which they are effective. This study examines whether an evidence-based prevention program targeting general competence is effective through the promotion of knowledge about life skills and enhanced related behaviors. Based on a sample of 442 fifth graders participating in a quasi-experimental prevention study, as expected, mediation analyses revealed that increased knowledge about life skills paralleled an increase in students’ distant attitudes toward alcohol and nicotine use. Unexpectedly, behaviors manifesting enhanced life skills were found not only among program participants who remained experimental/non-smokers or stopped smoking but also among smokers. In general, findings suggest that favorable prevention outcomes may be influenced through building knowledge about general life skills. The notion of uniform mechanisms of effectiveness in prevention programs is discussed.
Girls and young women's participation in physical activity: psychological and social influences
Coleman, L., Cox, L., Roker, D. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0000
The importance of increasing young women's level of physical activity is recognized as a priority within the United Kingdom and other Westernized nations. This study, conducted in two distinct geographical locations in the United Kingdom, explores the leading influences upon levels of physical activity participation among 75 young women aged 15–19. Through in-depth interviews, this study explores the influence of psychological and social influences, by examining contrasting accounts from those young women who ‘always’ and ‘never’ participate in sport or physical activity. The main differences lie with the always participates, relative to the never participates, reporting more positive images of ‘sport’, positive perceptions of their own ability, low self-consciousness, firm motivations and personal choice to engage in activities and the supporting influence of their friends and family. The study also notes the detrimental impact of life transitions such as moving from college to full-time employment. Further case study analyses reveal the friendship group as the primary influence over all other factors considered. The research concludes by summarizing the influences on physical activity participation that are pertinent to this age group, highlights theoretical implications, suggests possible intervention strategies and reports areas of further investigation that are required.
Sites:
Complete Home Medical Guide: Online medical encyclopedia. Includes commonly prescribed drugs.AllAboutBlackHealth: Information on health related issues as they affect African Americans and other minorities at risk.
Anesthesia Preoperative Preparation: Useful information on the preoperative preparation of patients for anesthesia and surgery.
Be MedWise: NCPIE encourages health professionals and community groups to foster patient-professional communication about medicines. However, NCPIE does not supervise or endorse the activities of any group or professional. Discussion and action concerning medicines are solely the responsibility of patients a...
Case Health: This site is dedicated to collecting, storing, cross-referencing, and sharing health event case studies.
Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati: Cincinnati Children's provides patient education information about pediatric diseases, procedures, treatments and more.
Cliff Steer : Heart Man: Free video by a heart transplant patient, aimed at Jr. High kids, about positive life styles, the non-use of drugs and alcohol, and organ donation.
CT Network: Providing support and information for CAT scan patients and technicians.
Dr. Sinatra.com: DrSinatra.com is an online resource for health research and natural therapies, providing in-depth articles on lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and curing heart disease.
Enhancement, Inc: Enhancement, Inc. is a nonprofit foundation whose purpose is to teach and disseminate material relating to health and/or wellness, through videos, publications, lectures, etc.
FamilyDoctor: A database of over 600 articles and guides, covering 37 common medical topics. All articles are reviewed and edited by family doctors and specialists.
Good Health -- Healthy Lifestyle: This site is dedicated to convincing people to live a healthy lifestyle, to improve their quality of life, and avoid (or reduce the severity of) chronic disease.
Good Housekeeping - Can the Internet Be Hazardous to Your Health?: When it comes to medical information on the Web, you can't believe everything you read. Good Housekeeping tells you what to watch out for and how to separate fact from fiction.
Health and Medical Information: Fireworks Splice HTML
Health Authority: Offers information on tobacco addiction, weight loss, cholesterol reduction and hypertension control.
Health Helper.com: Medical and health self-help information, covering conventional and alternative health.
Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: Healthful life project is for all adults to promote longer and healthier lives. Visit our website for hot topics in health promotion, disease prevention, HWPA/law, healthful life nutrition, sponsors, human tune-up and more
Healthfinder: healthfinder® is a free guide to reliable health information, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
HealthScout: Personalized Health News For You And Your Family: Consumer Health News, Information and Resources Updated Daily - Consumer Health Information by HealthScout,Health calculators. Trying to lower the fat in your diet? Exactly how many calories and how much fat should you eat? Use our online calculator to find out!
Healthtouch Online: A resource that brings together valuable information from trusted sources on topics such as medications, health, diseases, supplements and natural medicine.
HealthySelf: Health and Medical Information Research Service: Health research and medical research by HealthySelf provides custom information on diseases, treatments,procedures,prevention and resources. Alternative medicine, herbs, naturopathic, and pet health issues.
HELP - Health Education Library for People: World's largest consumer health library with online full text health books to help you to take better care of your health
Home Healthcare Guide: The NHS Home Healthcare guide from SurgeryDoor provides over 120 pages on common ailments, their causes, effects and treatment.
How to Review Your Blood Test Results: Explains glucose, electrolytes, minerals, thyroid and others.
JAMA's Patient Education Pages: The full text of patient education pages from the Journal of the American Medical Association.
James Kimbro Maguire, Jr., M.D. Simmons Surgical Society: Dr. Maguire is a spine surgeon and member of the Simmons Surgical Society.
Lab Tests Online: Lab Tests Online offers patient education to help health care consumers better manage their care. A public resource on clinical lab testing from the professionals who do the testing.
Mayo Clinic Health Oasis: Mayo Clinic offers award-winning medical and health information and tools for healthy living.
Med Help International - The Virtual Medical Center for Patients: Providing patient information, medical, and health advice. Interactive question and answer forums staffed by online doctors from leading medical centers. Extensive library of articles on all diseases and health conditions. Specializing in areas such as heart disease, neurology, child behavior, de...
Medifocus Patient Research Guides: Welcome to Medifocus - Home to 120 complete medical guides and treatment options on diseases and other medical conditions
MedInfo - Patient Information: Medinfo provides accessible and easy to understand information on common medical problems and complaints, written by a UK family practitioner.
MUSC Health: Medical University of South Carolina Hospital information. Information on medical services and procedures available at MUSC, U.S. News reports MUSC as one of the top hospitals in the US. Healthcare, drug and treatment information.
National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE): Designed to help consumers make sound decisions about the use of medicines, and to stimulate and improve communication between consumers and health care professionals by developing programs, providing educational kits, and offering guidelines, tips, and resources.
NetHealth Online Guide: A comprehensive guide to health on the Internet, with reviews and links to hundreds of online resources.
Netwellness.org: Experts in wellness, health, medicine, diet, drugs, fitness
NOAH: Health Topics and Resources: A meta site of listings by topic and source with the added bonus of offering a large selection of materials in Spanish as well as English.
Ohio State University's Patient Education Documents: Covers an extensive list of medical and surgical conditions. Documents are available in pdf format.
Patient Medical Assistant: Default page
Patient Protect: Consultation devoted to protecting patients against healthcare costs, abuse, negligence, and incompetence in the field. Articles, resources, and links for those seeking medical advice or treatment.
PreOp.com: Offers patients animated videos, graphics, and medical illustrations as explanations for the most common surgical and diagnostic procedures performed in the US.
Remedyfind: Which health treatments work? RemedyFind is a free, unbiased site where you rate the treatments you’ve used for specific health conditions.
Seek Wellness: A reliable source of health information on incontinence, impotence, sexual problems, eating disorders, wellness, fitness, nutrition, arthritis, gout, AddisonÂ’s disease, heart disease and others.
Simmons Surgical Society: The Simmons Surgical Society is a group of physicians dedicated to the alleviation of pain and suffering experienced by patients with spinal disorders
SoYouWanna Be A Human Guinea Pig?: This full-length article will teach you how to volunteer for science experiments, from simple questionnaires to complex drug trials.
StopGettingSick.com: Disease at Stop Getting Sick. Specializing in allergy, virus, infectious disease and allergy relief
The Medical Reporter: The Medical Reporter, an independent, educational health magazine on the Web for enlightened healthcare consumers, emphasizing patient education, patient advocacy, patient rights, and medical information
Think Like A Doctor: Think Like A Doctor is an online community seminar for healthcare consumers to become even better patients by improving the relationship with their doctor - by thinking like a doctor. Topics cover depression, cancer, high blood pressure, migraines (headaches), drugs, and heart disease. Go beyond ...
Tips of All Sorts.com: Tips Of All Sorts - transferable information provided simply. Be amazed at all the wonderful, unique, informative and even wacky tips on almost anything possible!
Whole Hearted Living:
Why Doctors Order Laboratory Tests: How do doctors use laboratory tests to help them make diagnoses? In this guide for parents, you'll learn important facts about common lab tests, from bone scans to ultrasounds.
Wired for Health: Health information at the touch of a button for young people and their teachers, Wired for Health aims to provide accurate and engaging information on health.
This directory is based on the Open Directory and may have been modified