Three-Year Prospective Adherence to Three Breast Cancer Screening Modalities

Background.This study prospectively examined rates of adherence to mammography, clinical breast examination (CBE), and breast self-examination (BSE) in a cohort of women over 3 years to determine whether participation in BSE influenced participation in the other two screening modalities.Methods.Women ages 51 and older (n= 450) who attended a small group educational session to learn BSE and to hear about CBE and mammography guidelines were assessed annually by telephone for 3 consecutive years to determine their subsequent breast cancer screening behavior.Results.Annual CBE and mammography screening are highly positively associated. Regular performance of BSE has a modest positive association with both CBE and mammography adherence over time.Conclusions.Women who perform BSE regularly over time may be more likely to adhere to the other breast cancer screening guidelines.     

Booze on the box: The portrayal of alcohol on British television: a content analysis

The portrayal of alcohol was examined in a systematic sampleof 50 programmes broadcast on British television. Four out offive programmes contained visual or verbal references to alcohol.On average, there was a reference to alcohol in every 6 minutesof programming. The programmes showed more alcohol being consumedthan soft drinks or beverages, but there were few referencesto the hazards of alcohol consumption. The main recommendationis that television companies should accept a responsibilityfor presenting a more realistic and healthier approach to theuse of alcohol in Britain     

The human sexuality team: An ideal role for rehabilitation nurses

Reprinted from Sexuality Update, a publication of The National Task Force On Sexuality and Disability of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine, Vol 2, No. 1, 1989.     

Linking perceptions of the community to behavior: are protective social factors associated with physical activity?

Although the relationship of psychosocial factors to physical activity has been explored, there is increased interest in how perceptions of the community environment influence behavior. However, few methodological studies have incorporated perceptions of the social and community environment (protective social factors) or addressed key measurement issues. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were administered to a national sample of 1,818 U.S. adults. Unadjusted and multivariate-adjusted odds ratios were calculated to compare active and inactive participants by Protective Social Factors (PSF) scores and selected sociodemographics. Confirmatory factor analysis and reliability analysis suggested strong PSF scale psychometric properties (alpha = .92). After adjustment for potential confounders, a 10-point rise in the PSF score resulted in a 12% increased likelihood of meeting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/American College of Sports Medicine recommendations. Additional analyses indicated that greater perceived PSFs were associated with meeting these recommendations among Whites but not among African Americans.     

PRIMARY CARE MANAGEMENT OF COMMON DERMATOLOGIC DISORDERS IN WOMEN: Pharmacologic Considerations

This article describes the clinical management of dermatologic disorders most commonly encountered in the primary care setting. The common presenting clinical signs and symptoms are reviewed, and the initial laboratory tests that may establish the diagnosis are recommended. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments are reviewed. Diagnosis and management of disorders of the sebaceous and apocrine glands, disorders of the hair and pigmentation, fungal, viral, and bacterial infections, dermatitis, and infestations are discussed. A review of the care of skin burns and wounds is included as well as the diagnosis and management of urticaria.     

Personal history,training, and worksite as predictors of back pain of nurses

Back pain among nurses is a common problem. Prior studies of this problem have been based on cross-sectional or retrospective data. This 18-month prospective study involving nurses newly graduated from nursing school investigated personal, worksite, and training factors associated with future risk of back pain. Each nurse underwent a preliminary interview and periodic follow-ups to identify those with back injuries. Contingency tables and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that prior significant back pain episodes (evidenced by previous job changes because of back pain, frequent medication use, etc.) were associated with increased future risk. Training at nursing school or on the job did not have a protective effect. This pilot study therefore suggests factors useful in placement and counseling of new nurses and indicates the need for further implementation of mechanical lift assist device use. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.