Showing papers in "American Journal of Health Behavior in 2003"
TL;DR: Overall, tailored messages appear to stimulate greater cognitive activity than do messages that are not tailored, and non-tailored messages that happen to be a good fit for a given individual also have similar effects.
Abstract: Objective To discuss tailored messages in the broader context of communication strategies designed to enhance the relevance of health information to a given audience. Methods Describe specific mechanisms through which tailored health communication can enhance message relevance and identify situations in which the use of tailoring is most appropriate. Results Overall, tailored messages appear to stimulate greater cognitive activity than do messages that are not tailored. However, non-tailored messages that happen to be a good fit for a given individual also have similar effects. Conclusion Health communication programs and materials that succeed in making information relevant to their intended audience will be more effective than those that do not. Tailoring is a proven approach to enhancing message relevance, but not the only approach to do so, and under many circumstances may not be the preferred choice.
946 citations
TL;DR: It appears from data that cancer diagnosis in adults may have a positive influence on smoking and diet and a negative influence on exercise.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To examine changes in lifestyle behaviors after a cancer diagnosis and medical and demographic influences on such changes. METHODS Adult cancer survivors (n = 352) completed a survey including demographic, medical, and lifestyle behavior change questions. RESULTS Results showed that since cancer diagnosis, 46% of smokers quit smoking, 47% improved their dietary habits, and 30.1% exercised less. Adult cancer survivors who changed their lifestyle behaviors varied, depending on various demographic and medical variables and physician recommendation. CONCLUSION It appears from our data that cancer diagnosis in adults may have a positive influence on smoking and diet and a negative influence on exercise.
258 citations
TL;DR: Empowerment emerged as a transactional partnering process between adults and youth as responsibility for voicing, decision making, and action in a participatory community health promotion intervention.
Abstract: Objective To develop a theoretical framework of youth empowerment in the context of a participatory community health promotion intervention, a longitudinal qualitative study was conducted. Methods Individual and group interviews, documents, and observations were analyzed using the constant comparative method and theoretical sampling. Results Practitioners created an environment conducive to adolescents' taking responsibility for their quality-of-life issues by welcoming and enabling youth. Power was transferred to youth as responsibility for voicing, decision making, and action. This led to positive changes in youth development and their social integration into community. Conclusion Empowerment emerged as a transactional partnering process between adults and youth.
178 citations
TL;DR: Results provide clear evidence that a coherent, comprehensive, and integrated program can have enduring effects in multiple domains.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To report long-term effectiveness of the Positive Action program. METHODS: Used matched-schools design and school-level achievement and disciplinary data to evaluate program effects on student performance and behavior in elementary schools. RESULTS: Participation in the Positive Action program improved student behavior, school involvement, and academic achievement at all 3 levels of schools, with the results showing a clear dose-response relationship. CONCLUSION: Results provide clear evidence that a coherent, comprehensive, and integrated program can have enduring effects in multiple domains. Language: en
161 citations
TL;DR: The use of SCT was supported in understanding factors associated with vigorous physical activity rates among college students and exercise role identity, self-regulation, outcome expectancy value, social support, and positive exercise experience accounted for 27% of the variance in days of vigorousPhysical activity.
Abstract: Objective To test Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) in predicting future vigorous physical activity among college students. Methods College students (n=350) completed a set of instruments measuring SCT constructs. Their vigorous physical activity was tracked for 4 weeks. Results Exercise role identity, self-regulation, outcome expectancy value, social support, self-efficacy, and positive exercise experience accounted for 27% of the variance in days of vigorous physical activity. Conclusion The results supported the use of SCT in understanding factors associated with vigorous physical activity rates among college students.
141 citations
TL;DR: Social support and social norms contribute independently to the understanding of variation in the frequency of strenuous leisure-time exercise.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To clarify the contribution of social support and social norms to exercise behavior. METHODS A sample of 363 college students completed a questionnaire that assessed social support and social negativity from friends, descriptive and injunctive social norms related to friends, perceived behavioral control, attitude, intention, and leisure-time exercise. RESULTS Esteem social support was the strongest predictor of total and strenuous leisure-time exercise (P < .001), and descriptive norm was a significant (P < .01 predictor of strenuous leisure-time exercise. CONCLUSION Social support and social norms contribute independently to our understanding of variation in the frequency of strenuous leisure-time exercise.
123 citations
TL;DR: The NHLBI guidelines for overweight and obesity effectively predicted absences and health care costs.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES To assess the relationship between body mass index, as categorized by the recently released guidelines of the NHLBI, and health care costs and absenteeism in a sample of municipal workers. METHODS A cross-sectional study was employed that compared the obesity-related health care costs and absences of normal and overweight/obese city workers. RESULTS While accounting for age, gender, race, smoking behavior, and educational attainment, BMI predicted both average annual health-care costs and work absence hours. CONCLUSIONS The NHLBI guidelines for overweight and obesity effectively predicted absences and health care costs.
116 citations
TL;DR: Cognitive-behavioral interventions are a promising approach for helping young smokers quit smoking and have a scientific basis for developing and selecting smoking cessation treatments for adolescents.
Abstract: Objectives: To offer programmers, policy makers, and researchers a scientific basis for developing and selecting smoking cessation treatments for adolescents. Methods: An evidence review panel systematically rated published and unpublished reports of cessation treatments for youth to make recommendations on theoretical foundations, delivery settings, types of intervention, and provider type. Results: Twenty studies had sufficient validity to inform the recommendations. The 9 studies that reported treatments that increased cessation were based on social cognitive theory. Conclusions: Cognitive-behavioral interventions are a promising approach for helping young smokers quit smoking. Evidence is insufficient to draw other conclusions at this time.
115 citations
TL;DR: Assessment of prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in young adolescents and associations between symptoms and sociodemographic and behavioral factors found substance use was often associated with depressive symptoms, especially among girls.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES To assess prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in young adolescents and examine associations between symptoms and sociodemographic and behavioral factors. METHODS Cross-sectional survey data from 3621 seventh grade students from 16 middle schools were analyzed. RESULTS Elevated depressive symptoms were reported by 40% of girls and 30% of boys. Socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity, and age group were independently associated with depressive symptomatology. For girls, monthly alcohol use, monthly smoking, heavy drinking, and inhalant use were significant correlates. For boys, monthly alcohol use and inhalant use were significant. CONCLUSIONS Elevated depressive symptomatology was a prevalent problem. Substance use was often associated with depressive symptoms, especially among girls.
110 citations
TL;DR: The tacit knowledge resulting from designing a complex Web site to facilitate administration of an Internet-based survey is examined to examine whether online instrumentation used in survey research is both practical and desirable.
Abstract: Objectives: To examine the tacit knowledge resulting from designing a complex Web site to facilitate administration of an Internet-based survey. Methods: Formative methods guided studying the feasibility of conducting an online survey using versions of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter II and the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey. Results: Web-site design software and pilot testing were critical to success. Incorporating the target audience as consumers in both Web site development and formative evaluation simplified data collection and analysis. Conclusions: Online instrumentation used in survey research is both practical and desirable. Future refinements are necessary, but improved designs can emanate from this particular effort.
99 citations
TL;DR: The family context is critical to the prevention of problem behaviors and the promotion of prosocial behaviors among Latino adolescents.
Abstract: Objective: To explore the relations between familial factors and behavioral outcomes in Latino adolescents using a youth development framework. Methods: A convenience sample of Latino youth (n=446) completed an anonymous survey. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the associations between levels of family involvement and problem and prosocial behavior outcomes. Results: Higher levels of parental monitoring and familial connectedness were consistently associated with less problem-behavior involvement. Sociocultural encouragement was consistently associated with more prosocial-behavior involvement. Conclusion: The family context is critical the prevention of problem behaviors and the promotion of prosocial behaviors among Latino adolescents. (authors)
TL;DR: The use of the WWW has produced the largest sample of successful illicit drug users ever surveyed and further application of this approach (WWW) is recommended when hidden populations are surveyed.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To examine the potential of surveys delivered via the World Wide Web (WWW) as a method for reaching hidden populations such as that of nonabusive users of illicit drugs. METHODS Past and current approaches to collecting data from hidden populations were reviewed. RESULTS A number of approaches have been used in the past efforts to reach drug users but the use of the WWW has produced the largest sample of successful illicit drug users ever surveyed. CONCLUSION Further application of this approach (WWW) is recommended when hidden populations are surveyed.
TL;DR: The BMI-SMT technique provided reliable information to help community and individual-based programs track and measure body-image perception data among individuals and populations.
Abstract: Objective To assess the reliability of a BMI-based Silhouette Matching Test (BMI-SMT). Methods The perceptions of ideal and current body images of 215 ninth through twelfth graders' were assessed at 5 different schools within a mid-Atlantic state public school system. Results Findings provided quantifiable data and discriminating measurements of community and population-based body image perceptions. Conclusions The BMI-SMT technique provided reliable information to help community and individual-based programs track and measure body-image perception data among individuals and populations.
TL;DR: Content analysis can help media advocates pinpoint areas for creating news to advance policy and help reporters expand sources beyond the "usual suspects" and ask better questions based on epidemiology and risk factors.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To describe how content analysis of the news assists media advocates. METHODS: A description of how findings from the Berkeley Media Studies Group's research on how 2 public health issues have been portrayed in the news has informed media advocacy. RESULTS: For media advocates, the research suggests they make themselves available to reporters, prepare spokespeople representing key stakeholders, and make data available. For reporters, the research suggests they expand sources beyond the "usual suspects," provide context in regular reporting, increase enterprise and investigative reporting, and ask better questions based on epidemiology and risk factors. CONCLUSION: Content analysis can help media advocates pinpoint areas for creating news to advance policy. Language: en
TL;DR: System thinking has potential to improve synthesis, translation, and dissemination of research findings in other health promotion initiatives and to close the gap between health promotion research and practice by using systems thinking.
Abstract: Objective To help close the gap between health promotion research and practice by using systems thinking. Methods We reviewed 3 national US tobacco control initiatives and a project (ISIS) that had introduced systems thinking to tobacco control, speculating on ways in which systems thinking may add value to health promotion dissemination and implementation in general. Results The diversity of disciplines involved in tobacco control have created disconnection in the field; systems thinking is necessary to increase the impact of strategies. Conclusion Systems thinking has potential to improve synthesis, translation, and dissemination of research findings in other health promotion initiatives.
TL;DR: African American rural adolescents, particularly females, may have greater risk for STD/HIV infection than do their nonrural counterparts.
Abstract: Objective: To determine differences between African American adolescents on STD/HIV sexual-risk behaviors and precursors to these risk behaviors. Methods: Six hundred sixty-three rural and 3313 nonrural adolescents who completed the 1999 YRBS Survey were selected. Results: Rural females and males were more likely to report ever having coitus and not using a condom during last coitus. Rural females were also more likely to report early coitus having 3 or more lifetime coital partners and having more than 1 coital partner in the last 3 months. Conclusions: African American rural adolescents particularly females may have greater risk for STD/HIV infection than do their nonrural counterparts. (authors)
TL;DR: Pregnancy prevention programs designed for economically disadvantaged African American adolescent females should address the correlates of their pregnancy desire.
Abstract: Objective: To examine the prevalence and correlates of wanting to become pregnant among a sample of 462 sexually active nonpregnant African American adolescent females. Methods: Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios their 95% confidence intervals and respective P values. Results: Significant correlates with pregnancy desire included having a male partner who desired pregnancy having a boyfriend at least 5 years older having low self-esteem perceiving greater perceived barriers to condom use and perceiving low family support. Conclusions: Pregnancy prevention programs designed for economically disadvantaged African American adolescent females should address these correlates of their pregnancy desire. (authors)
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Given the dearth of studies on youth smoking cessation, scientifically rigorous studies need to be conducted with attention to methodological issues, research gaps, and reporting of key research components.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES To provide recommendations that will build a better foundation for research on youth smoking cessation. METHODS The Youth Tobacco Collaborative Cessation panel evaluated youth tobacco cessation literature and convened meetings to reach consensus. RESULTS Methodological issues include design, recruitment and retention, follow-up, measurement, and youth vernacular. Research gaps include youth characteristics, theoretical approaches, delivery settings, and type of provider. Thirteen key research components for reporting are addressed. CONCLUSIONS Given the dearth of studies on youth smoking cessation, scientifically rigorous studies need to be conducted with attention to methodological issues, research gaps, and reporting of key research components.
TL;DR: Cognitive interviewing techniques can be used to identify question-response problems for poorer and less educated survey respondents and to describe how qualitative analyses of interviews can improve survey questionnaires.
Abstract: Objectives To illustrate how cognitive interviewing techniques can be used to identify question-response problems for poorer and less educated survey respondents and to describe how qualitative analyses of interviews can improve survey questionnaires Methods A cognitive interviewing project testing a general health questionnaire was administered in southern rural Mississippi Results Three themes of response difficulty were identified: 1) responding within a survey interaction, 2) making mathematical calculations, and 3) responding within another system of knowledge Conclusion Understanding how sociocultural factors impact the response process is vital for survey research
TL;DR: The need to enhance parental monitoring as a proactive protective parental response is indicated because frequent monitoring was associated with less likelihood that adolescents had engaged in a variety of alcohol-risk behaviors or had been in a range of risk situations.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES To assess the association between parental monitoring and adolescent alcohol risk. METHODS Adolescent managed-care patients completed a survey of their involvement with alcohol and their perceptions of monitoring and other forms of parental influence. RESULTS Frequent monitoring was associated with less likelihood that adolescents had engaged in a variety of alcohol-risk behaviors or had been in a variety of risk situations. Choosing to share alcohol-related concerns with other adults and placing importance on parents' opinions were not as consistently related to alcohol risk. CONCLUSIONS The need to enhance parental monitoring as a proactive protective parental response is indicated.
TL;DR: When exercise interventions are developed, ethnicity and gender may need to be considered when dealing with affective and instrumental attitudes.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the moderating influence of ethnicity on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in the exercise domain and to generate common and ethnic-specific underlying accessible beliefs. METHODS: 90 Caucasian and 94 African American undergraduate students completed a TPB questionnaire. RESULTS: Multilevel modeling analyses indicated that ethnicity and gender interacted by moderating the relationships between exercise intention and effective (beta = -0.44) and instrumental (betaeta = 0.39) attitudes. Furthermore, common and ethnic-specific underlying accessible beliefs were identified. CONCLUSION: When exercise interventions are developed, ethnicity and gender may need to be considered when dealing with affective and instrumental attitudes.
TL;DR: This study underscores the importance of expanding the understanding of sexual behaviors of college women and openly addressing anal intercourse as a part of the sexual repertoire ofCollege women.
Abstract: Objective: To determine trends and sexual risk behaviors associated with anal intercourse among college women over an 8-year period. Methods: A sexual activity questionnaire was used to collect data from 813 students enrolled in a womens health course. Results: Thirty-two percent of the women had engaged in anal intercourse and this measure was consistent across time. Women who had engaged in anal intercourse were significantly younger at first intercourse and had a greater lifetime number of partners and more reported STIs. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of expanding our understanding of sexual behaviors of college women and openly addressing anal intercourse as a part of the sexual repertoire of college women. (authors)
TL;DR: Improving communication among youth, families, and service providers should be a focus of suicide prevention planning.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine suicidality among urban youth and its relationship to patterns of adult support. METHODS: Study surveyed 879 adolescents. Suicide ideation and attempts, perceived adult support, family and formal network availability, and network activation were assessed. RESULTS: Only half of those reporting a suicide attempt had spoken with an adult about their distress. Suicide attempters were more likely than nonattempters to report they would not go to family members in the future, although they were more likely to report a past discussion. CONCLUSION: Improving communication among youth, families, and service providers should be a focus of suicide prevention planning. Language: en
TL;DR: Although it is important to address the cultural needs of all Mexican American women, it is also important to understand the tangible environmental barriers faced by the older women.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES To test the effectiveness of a community intervention program to promote breast and cervical cancer screening. METHOD Low-income Mexican American neighborhoods located in 2 Texas cities were assigned to intervention or comparison conditions. A 2-year community intervention was delivered via local mass media and reinforced by indigenous volunteers. RESULTS There were higher Pap smear completion rates for women under 40 years of age in the intervention community. CONCLUSION Although it is important to address the cultural needs of all Mexican American women, it is also important to understand the tangible environmental barriers faced by the older women.
TL;DR: Overall isolates were more likely to have experimented with cigarettes than were group members or liaisons, however, among male 10th graders, more group members and liaisons had smoked than isolates.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between peer social network positions and smoking experimentation among Chinese adolescents. METHODS Self-administered questionnaires were administered to 1040 adolescents in grades 6, 8, and 10. Paired-friendship linkages were used to assign participants into 3 mutually exclusive social network positions. RESULTS Overall isolates were more likely to have experimented with cigarettes than were group members or liaisons. However, among male 10th graders, more group members or liaisons had smoked than isolates. CONCLUSIONS Smoking experimentation differs by social position, particularly among older adolescents. The association of social position with smoking experimentation could not be explained completely by traditional peer-related variables.
TL;DR: HAART users were more likely to have the following: AIDS, positive coping styles, social support, and a high quality of life, and were less likely to: do jail time, perform sexual-risk acts, and use substances.
Abstract: Author(s): Comulada, W Scott; Swendeman, Dallas T; Rotheram-Borus, Mary Jane; Mattes, Kathy M; Weiss, Robert E | Abstract: ObjectiveTo examine HAART use.MethodsHIV+ youth, aged 14-29 (n=253; 71% male; 74% ethnic minority), were recruited in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.ResultsAlmost all youth had been offered HAART (84%); 77% had ever used it, 54% were currently using, and 63% of users adhered to 90% of their medications. Compared to non-users, users were more likely to be female, Latino or African American. Users were also more likely to have the following: AIDS, positive coping styles, social support, and a high quality of life. Users were less likely to: do jail time, perform sexual-risk acts, and use substances.ConclusionsHIV+ youth self-select to use HAART.
TL;DR: Gender-specific interventions may be needed to promote certain health behaviors but not others, and self-efficacy and decisional balance may be related differently to stage of change in low-income populations.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To investigate gender differences in stage-of-change distribution, self-efficacy, and decisional balance, for 3 health behaviors. METHODS Five hundred fifty-four (males = 107; females = 447) low-income, predominantly African American, patients completed stage-of- change, self-efficacy, and decisional balance scales for smoking cessation, exercise adoption, and dietary fat reduction. RESULTS Males and females differ in stage of change for smoking and exercise, but not dietary fat intake. CONCLUSIONS Gender-specific interventions may be needed to promote certain health behaviors but not others, and self-efficacy and decisional balance may be related differently to stage of change in low-income populations.
TL;DR: As there has been no change in help seeking for potential symptoms of bowel cancer from similar studies conducted 15 years ago, there are concerns for encouraging behaviors that will result in the early detection of colorectal cancer.
Abstract: Objectives To document knowledge, behavior and experiences of adults regarding potential signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Methods Telephone interviews with 1332 randomly selected adults, using similar questions to a survey conducted in 1988. Results Twenty three percent (n=306) of respondents reported that they had experienced blood in bowel motions and about one third of these reported that they did not seek medical advice at all. Conclusions As there has been no change in help seeking for potential symptoms of bowel cancer from similar studies conducted 15 years ago, there are concerns for encouraging behaviors that will result in the early detection of colorectal cancer.
TL;DR: The theory of action that links the Chicano-Latino Youth Leadership Institute with positive youth development and to highlight promising practices is described and a significant number of participants are positively impacted.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE To describe the theory of action that links the Chicano-Latino Youth Leadership Institute with positive youth development and to highlight promising practices. METHODS A logic model provided the basis for data collection through written surveys, focus groups, reflection forms, and analysis of Minnesota Student Survey Results. RESULTS Primary participant outcomes include increased levels of community service, improved peer relationships, and higher graduation rates than those of Chicano-Latino non-participants. CONCLUSION Based on the first 3 years of program evaluation data, this culturally specific youth development model is positively impacting a significant number of participants.
TL;DR: The more assets students reported, the more they reported thriving in physical, psychological, social, and academic domains and adults must become more intentional about building the relationships, opportunities, values, and skills young people need for optimally healthy development.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the relation of student exposure to selected developmental assets with indicators of thriving using more reliable measures than previously reported. Methods: Self-report surveys were completed by a diverse sample of 5136 students in 6th-12th grades. Analyses of variance were used to examine the assets-thriving relation. Results: A majority of students reported experiencing only 3 of 12 assets. The more assets students reported the more they reported thriving in physical psychological social and academic domains. Conclusions: Adults must become more intentional about building the relationships opportunities values and skills young people need for optimally healthy development. (authors)