Showing papers by "Stephen Sutton published in 2000"

Relationships among Fat Weight, Body Weight, Water Weight, and Condition Factors in Wild Atlantic Salmon Parr

Abstract: We investigated the relationship between fat content and condition indices in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr sampled from a wild population on a seasonal basis. Condition of individual fish was indexed by residuals from the least-squares regressions of fat weight, dry weight, wet weight, and water weight (separately on fork length) as well as by relative condition factor, Fulton's condition factor, percent fat, and percent water. For all fish analyzed in the study (n = 284), residualized fat weight accounted for 81% of the variation in percent fat, for 58% of the variation in residualized dry weight, for 46% of the variation in residualized wet weight and relative condition factor, for 41% of the variation in Fulton's condition factor, for 35% of the variation in residualized water weight, and for 28% of the variation in percent water. All indices except Fulton's condition factor, residualized water weight, and percent water were significantly correlated with fat weight for all combinations of ...

Interpreting cross-sectional data on stages of change

Abstract: The vast majority of studies investigating stage theories of health behaviour such as the transtheoretical model have used a cross-sectional research design. Participants are classified into stages and compared on theoretically relevant variables. This paper discusses the proper interpretation of cross-sectional data on stages of change. Linear patterns are not consistent with the stage model assumption that different causal factors are important at different stages but discontinuity patterns (patterns that do not show consistent increments or decrements across stages) can be diagnostic of a stage model. Researchers who use cross-sectional designs should specify predictions concerning the patterns to be expected under a stage model and under possible rival models, and interpret their data accordingly. Wherever possible, they should conduct prospective longitudinal and experimental studies which enable stronger inferences to be drawn.

Predicting uptake of a routine cervical smear test: A comparison of the health belief model and the theory of planned behaviour

Abstract: This paper reports on a study carried out to identify predictors of uptake of cervical screening among 142 women (59% response rate) in inner London Two social cognition models were used: The Health Belief Model (HBM; Becker, 1974) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) and in addition anticipated affect following non-attendance for screening was assessed The TPB emerged as by far the superior model for predicting screening intentions, explaining 51% of the variance in comparison with only 4% explained by the HBM variables However, neither model was able to predict a significant amount of variance in uptake of screening three months later Possible reasons for the poor prediction of this type of behaviour are discussed

Predictors of attendance in the United Kingdom flexible sigmoidoscopy screening trial.

Abstract: Objective—To investigate predictors of attendance in the United Kingdom flexible sigmoidoscopy screening trial. Design—Prospective design in which participants completed a postal questionnaire before being sent their invitation for screening. Setting—Welwyn Garden City and Leicester, United Kingdom. Participants—A total of 2758 patients aged 55 to 64, registered with general practices in the two centres, who (a) expressed interest in having the screening test, (b) completed a postal questionnaire, and (c) were subsequently invited for screening. Main results—The attendance rate among questionnaire responders was 76.1%.Multiple logistic regression analysis yielded a final model that included nine independent predictors of attendance.Patients with the following characteristics were more likely to attend: men; home owners; non-smokers; those who had regular check ups at the dentist; those with better subjective health; those who minded less about having medical tests; those who said they would definitely rather than probably take up the oVer of sigmoidoscopy screening; and those who perceived less barriers and more benefits to having the test. Conclusions—The findings are broadly consistent with previous studies of screening participation, although subjective health emerged as an important predictor in this study. There was no evidence for “reverse targeting”: attenders were not at lower (or higher) risk for colorectal cancer compared with non-attenders. The findings relating to attitudes and beliefs could be used in eVorts to improve attendance, for example by developing information leaflets that address barriers to screening. Other findings could be used to target interventions to subgroups that have relatively low rates of screening participation. (J Med Screen 2000;7:99‐104) Keyword: sigmoidoscopy

Single blind, randomised trial of efficacy and acceptability of oral Picolax versus self administered phosphate enema in bowel preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy screening

Abstract: Objective: To compare the acceptability and efficacy of two methods of self administered bowel preparation for flexible sigmoidoscopy screening: a single phosphate enema and a single sachet of Picolax. Design: Single blind, randomised trial. Setting: Endoscopy units of two general hospitals. Participants: 1442 men and women aged 55-64 years who had agreed to be screened by flexible sigmoidoscopy. Main outcome measures: Attendance rates, compliance with allocated preparations, adverse effects, quality of bowel preparation, procedure time, and yield of neoplasia. Results: Compliance with the enema was higher than with the Picolax (608 (84%) v 566 (79%); difference 6%, 95% confidence interval 2% to 10%). Almost half of those who refused Picolax used an enema at home. Wind, incontinence, and sleep disturbance were more frequent in the Picolax group than the enema group; bottom soreness was more frequent in the enema group. Around 30% (187) found the diet restriction required by Picolax difficult; 78% (471) found the enema easy to administer. The quality of preparation was better with the enema; the proportion of procedures complete to the descending colon was greater and the mean duration of the procedure was shorter. There was no significant difference in polyp detection rates. Conclusion: A single phosphate enema self administered around one hour before leaving home is a more acceptable and effective method of preparing the distal bowel for flexible sigmoidoscopy than Picolax.

Comparative optimism in breast cancer risk perception: effects of experience and risk factor knowledge

Abstract: We studied the effects of experience and risk factor knowledge on perceptions of breast cancer risk in a nationally representative sample of 1,157 middle-aged women. Personal risk was perceived to be lower than peers' risk, indicating comparative optimism. Optimism was found to depend on experience with breast cancer. Only 19% of women with affected first-degree relatives were comparative optimists, while 63% believed their personal risk was equal to and 18% believed it was higher than peers' risk. Among women having some other relative, or knowing somebody else or knowing nobody with breast cancer, the respective figures were 45-50% (lower), 45-50% (equal) and 5% (higher). Knowledge that breast cancer can be inherited did not affect risk perception, suggesting that a tendency to downplay one's personal risk persisted even in the presence of medical risk factors.

Acceptability of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening in older adults in the United Kingdom.

Abstract: Objectives—To assess the acceptability of bowel cancer screening using flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS). Setting—Adults aged 55 to 64 recruited from general practices in Welwyn Garden City and Leicester, which were the pilot and start up centres of a multicentred randomised controlled trial of FS screening (the ICRF/MRC Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Screening Trial). Methods—Screenees (n=4422) were sent a three month follow up questionnaire that included measures of satisfaction with information given before the test, facilities at the test unit, attitudes of the staV, and explanation of the results. Measures of pain, embarrassment, feelings of being “in control” during the test, willingness to encourage others to have the test, and gladness to have participated were also included. In addition, semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 60 screenees, stratified by screening outcome and gender. Results—The follow up questionnaire was completed by 94% of screenees. Responses indicated a high level of satisfaction with the procedure: 99% were satisfied with the information given before the test, the facilities, the attitudes of the staV, and the explanation of their results; 91% reported only mild or no pain;97% reported little or no embarrassment; and 99% were glad they had the test. Satisfaction ratings varied little by gender or outcome group. The quantitative results were reinforced by the qualitative data, which also revealed high acceptability. Conclusion—In the context of a clinical trial with dedicated trial staV , FS is aw ell tolerated procedure. There are high levels of satisfaction with service provision and positive attitudes towards the programme. (J Med Screen 2000;7:38‐45)

Local knowledge of a unique population of Atlantic salmon: implications for community-based management of recreational fisheries in Newfoundland and Labrador

Abstract: [Extract] Recreational fisheries resources have considerable social, cultural, and economic value to the people of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The 1991 Survey of Hunting and Fishing in Canada found that the province has the highest rate of participation in recreational fishing in terms of the proportion of the population who participate (38 per cent) and mean number of days fished per year (17.5 days) of all Canadian provinces (Canadian Wildlife Service, 1993). The total gross economic value of Newfoundland and Labrador's recreational fisheries in 1990 was estimated to be $106.4 million (Buchanan et al., 1994). The primary species exploited recreationally in the province are migratory and non-migratory Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis).