A cluster-analytical approach towards physical activity and eating habits among 10-year-old children Sabbe, D., De Bourdeaudhuij, I., Legiest, E., Maes, L. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
The purpose was to investigate whether clusters—based on physical activity (PA) and eating habits—can be found among children, and to explore subgroups' characteristics. A total of 1725 10-year olds completed a self-administered questionnaire. K-means cluster analysis was based on the weekly quantity of vigorous and moderate PA, the excess index (weekly consumption of sugar and/or fat) and the daily diversity index. Chi-squares tested gender differences in clusters and associations with socio-economic status (SES), overweight, controlling for gender. Following distribution was reliable: Sporty Healthy Eaters (n = 242; high vigorous PA, average moderate PA, low excess, higher diversity), Sporty Mixed Eaters (n = 288; high overall PA, very high excess, high diversity), Moderate Active Healthy Eaters (n = 221; average vigorous PA, highest moderate PA, lower excess, higher diversity), Unsporting Unhealthy Eaters (n = 276; below average on all indexes, diversity extremely low) and Sedentary Healthy Eaters (n = 318; lowest overall PA, higher excess, highest diversity). The Sporty Healthy Eaters and Sporty Mixed Eaters comprised more males, Sedentary Healthy Eaters more females. No associations with SES or overweight were found for the clusters. Co-occurrence of healthy and unhealthy behaviour exists. Only Sporty Healthy Eaters combine high levels of PA with low excess index and higher dietary diversity index. Effective ways of directing children to selective, individual relevant recommendations should be developed.
The impact of an appearance-based educational intervention on adolescent intention to use sunscreen Olson, A. L., Gaffney, C. A., Starr, P., Dietrich, A. J. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
During adolescence, there is a steady decline in the use of sun protection and increased use of indoor tanning lights. Previous health education efforts have changed knowledge but not these behaviors. Middle school students (n = 113) received a single educational class that included personal viewing of skin changes visible under ultraviolet (UV) filtered light. Pre-/post-surveys assessed past, current and future intent to use sunscreen, as well as sun benefit and sun risk attitudes. Prior to the session, 42% were sunscreen non-users and 21% were consistent users. At post-test, one-third of students who had not previously intended to use sunscreen in the next month now intended to use it. Among students who had seen skin damage, 59% reported intention to use sunscreen in the next month versus 35% who did not see skin changes (P = 0.04). Viewing sun damage was an independent predictor of intent to use sunscreen in the next month (OR 2.9, P = 0.04), as was older age (OR 2.6, P = 0.04) and previous consistent sunscreen use (OR 6.1, P = 0.004). A brief educational intervention that emphasizes risk-to-appearance and personalizes the risks of UV exposure has the potential to influence early adolescent sun protection. Long-term studies of this approach are needed.
Young people and mental health: novel methods for systematic review of research on barriers and facilitators Oliver, S., Harden, A., Rees, R., Shepherd, J., Brunton, G., Oakley, A. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
This paper describes how barriers to, and facilitators of, good mental health amongst young people (11–21 years) were elucidated from a systematic review of studies of young people's views and how these barriers and facilitators were compared with effectiveness studies to identify effective and appropriate interventions, promising interventions needing further evaluation and the need for further intervention. All studies were published before 2000. No clear pattern for effectiveness emerged in terms of mental health promotion focus, the type of intervention, intervention provider or young people. Well-evaluated interventions neither always target what we know young people themselves see as important barriers to their mental health (for instance, loss of friends and family, violence and bullying) nor always build on what they see as key facilitators, particularly their preferred coping strategies. In particular, while young people see material and physical resources as major influences on their mental health, few evaluated interventions targeted these. Rigorously evaluated interventions more often addressed priorities not raised by young people themselves and populations at low risk for mental health problems. These innovative review methods can inform intervention development and evaluation in a new way based on the strengths and needs identified by the target population.
Portrayal of tanning, clothing fashion and shade use in Australian women's magazines, 1987-2005 Dixon, H., Dobbinson, S., Wakefield, M., Jamsen, K., McLeod, K. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
To examine modelling of outcomes relevant to sun protection in Australian women's magazines, content analysis was performed on 538 spring and summer issues of popular women's magazines from 1987 to 2005. A total of 4949 full-colour images of Caucasian females were coded for depth of tan, extent of clothing cover, use of shade and setting. Logistic regression using robust standard errors to adjust for clustering on magazine was used to assess the relationship between these outcomes and year, setting and model's physical characteristics. Most models portrayed outdoors did not wear hats (89%) and were not in shade (87%). Between 1987 and 2005, the proportion of models depicted wearing hats decreased and the proportion of models portrayed with moderate to dark tans declined and then later increased. Younger women were more likely to be portrayed with a darker tan and more of their body exposed. Models with more susceptible phenotypes (paler hair and eye colour) were less likely to be depicted with a darker tan. Darker tans and poor sun-protective behaviour were most common among models depicted at beaches/pools. Implicit messages about sun protection in popular Australian women's magazines contradict public health messages concerning skin cancer prevention.
Who is providing and who is getting asthma patient education: an analysis of 2001 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data Shah, S. S., Lutfiyya, M. N., McCullough, J. E., Henley, E., Zeitz, H. J., Lipsky, M. S. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Patient education in asthma management is important; however, there is little known about the characteristics of patients receiving asthma education or how often primary care physicians provide it. The objective of the study was to identify the characteristics of patients receiving asthma education. It was a cross-sectional study using 2001 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data. The study included 1230 physicians providing office-based ambulatory medical care in the United States. Patients in the study (weighted n = 11 279 952) were those diagnosed with asthma based on International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision code receiving care from a pediatrician, internist or a family physician. Main and secondary outcome measures were asthma education ordered or provided. Multivariate analysis indicated that asthma patients receiving education were more likely to have office visits > 20 min [odds ratio (OR) = 3.934], be seen for an acute reason (OR = 2.268), be seen in follow-up rather than an initial visit (OR = 1.780), live in rural rather than metropolitan areas (OR = 1.507), have public rather than private insurance (OR = 1.276) and be seen in privately owned practices (OR = 1.248). Bivariate analyses indicated that patients seeing family physicians were more likely than those seeing internists or pediatricians to receive education. Patient education was not uniformly provided. Family physicians provided more asthma education than either pediatricians or internists. Future research should investigate the quality of education provided.
Researching special populations: retention of Latino gay and bisexual men and transgender persons in longitudinal health research Kuhns, L. M., Vazquez, R., Ramirez-Valles, J. Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0000
Few studies have sought to assess predictors of retention of racial/ethnic or sexual minorities in longitudinal health research. The purpose of this study is to investigate predictors of retention of Latino gay and bisexual men and transgender (GBT) research participants after the baseline interview. Data come from a sample of 643 Latino GBT individuals in two cities (Chicago and San Francisco). We assessed potential predictors of retention (operationalized as successful re-contact) using binary logistic regression of retention on five factors (sociodemographic/health, residential stability, acculturation/attachment to the United States, gay community attachment/stigmatization and research process/design). Our overall follow-up rate was 83 and 80% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. We found that traditional factors (e.g. education, income) were not associated with retention among Latino GBT. The strongest predictors of successful retention were the number of pieces of contact information provided by participants and city of residence (San Francisco). Furthermore, successful methods of contact (i.e. telephone, email) varied by city. We conclude that a largely immigrant urban population of Latino GBT individuals can be successfully followed in longitudinal research. The strong relationship between study design variables and successful retention indicates that collection of thorough contact information is vital to successful follow-up with this population.
Be MedWise - A public education initiative by the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) to promote safe and appropriate use of over-the-counter medicines.
Meta Description: [ 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 - Enables the sharing of health success stories amongst the worldwide internet community. Visitors can enter their own health success story (case study) or search the database for other health success stories - all non-identifying.
Meta Description: [ This site is dedicated to collecting, storing, cross-referencing, and sharing health event case studies. ]
Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati - Patient education information written by the nurses and physicians at Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati.
Meta Description: [ 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 - Provides support for CAT Scan patients. Includes a message board for communication, descriptions, and links for all things CT.
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Dr. Sinatra.com - An online resource for solutions for pressing health problems, from arthritis to blood pressure, digestion to weight loss.
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Enhancement, Inc - A nonprofit foundation whose purpose is to teach and disseminate material relating to health and/or wellness, through videos, publications, and lectures.
Meta Description: [ 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? - Article from the magazine pertaining to health issues.
Meta Description: [ 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 - Medical and health information for health professionals, patients and families. Information about hospitals, diseases, injuries, health care, surgery and infections.
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Health Authority - Offers information on tobacco addiction, weight loss, cholesterol reduction and hypertension control.
Meta Description: [ 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 - Developed by leading medical experts, these tests and actions, both medical and self-examinations, are the focal point of the Healthful Life Program.
Meta Description: [ 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 - A gateway website for health and human services information from the US Government. Healthfinder can lead you to selected online publications, clearinghouses, databases, web sites, and support and self-help groups, as well as the government agencies and not-for-profit organizations.
Meta Description: [ 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 - Personal and family health news, interactive checkups, medical encyclopedias, discussion groups, articles on drugs, diseases.
Meta Description: [ 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.
Meta Description: [ 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 - HealthySelf provides fee-based health and medical information on diseases, procedures, treatments (conventional and alternative) and resources.
Meta Description: [ 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 - with many free online full-text books and magazines on health and illness.
Meta Description: [ 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.
Juvenile Diabetes - Juvenile Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which can be due to environmental trigger or virus which hampers the function of beta cell. Juvenile Diabetic lack the production of insulin so sugar builds up high in the blood, overflows into the urine and passes from the body unused.
Juvenile Diabetes - Juvenile Diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which can be due to environmental trigger or virus which hampers the function of beta cell. Juvenile Diabetic lack the production of insulin so sugar builds up high in the blood, overflows into the urine and passes from the body unused.
Lab Tests Online - Designed as a single resource where people can find up-to-date lab testing information vital to the understanding and management of their health.
Meta Description: [ 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 experts provide current medical information and news on health topics.
Meta Description: [ Mayo Clinic offers award-winning medical and health information and tools for healthy living. ]
Med Help International - The Virtual Medical Center for Patients - Med Help provides patient medical information via our virtual medical center. Site includes: the largest patient medical library on the Net, Ask-The-Doctor Forums, medical news, and patient networking.
Meta Description: [ 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 - A unique new Internet health resource. Covering over 220 conditions, for consumers and families facing chronic or life-threatening medical diseases. Free sample Guides are available.
Meta Description: [ 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 for patients on common ailments and medical questions.
Meta Description: [ Medinfo provides accessible and easy to understand information on common medical problems and complaints, written by a UK family practitioner. ]
MUSC Health - Complete health and disease information along with the latest health care news. Presented by the experts at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Meta Description: [ 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 - Health and wellness information from the faculty of the Universities of Cincinnati, Ohio State and Case Western Reserve. Question answering for non-emergencies.
Meta Description: [ 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.
Patient Medical Assistant - Dr. Michael Cole's quick and simple guidelines for common medical problems.
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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 - Individuals and health care professionals can rate and review the effectiveness of different treatments for specific health conditions.
Meta Description: [ Which health treatments work? RemedyFind is a free, unbiased site where you rate the treatments you’ve used for specific health conditions. ]
Seek Wellness - Information on incontinence, sexual problems, low testosterone, high fiber foods, eating disorders, wellness, fitness, overactive bladder, arthritis, and some other diseases.
Meta Description: [ 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 - Current medical news, articles, and research.
Meta Description: [ Disease at Stop Getting Sick. Specializing in allergy, virus, infectious disease and allergy relief ]
The Medical Reporter - An independent, educational health and medical magazine on the Web for health care consumers.
Meta Description: [ 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 - An online community seminar for healthcare consumers to become even better patients by improving the relationship with their doctor.
Meta Description: [ 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 - Small bits of advice and tips on a variety of subjects, primarily health-related.
Meta Description: [ 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 - Provided by the Oxford Heart Health Network and the Oxford County Board of Health, Ontario, Canada. It contains useful health information and links.
Meta Description: [
Why Doctors Order Laboratory Tests - An excellent reference, written for parents to help explain diagnostic procedures to their children. Because its intended audience is children, the descriptions are brilliant in their simplicity and structure. You can search for a test in two ways: 1) by name, or 2) by the kind of sample that is collected or type of imaging.
Meta Description: [ 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.
