Preventive medicine
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Preventive medicine · Sep 2015
Do provincial policies banning smoking in cars when children are present impact youth exposure to secondhand smoke in cars?
To examine youth exposure to smoking in cars following 7 provincial bans on smoking in cars with children in Canada. ⋯ Although rates declined, significant differences were only found in Ontario relative to control provinces in the immediate and long term.
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Preventive medicine · Sep 2015
Coverage of a national cardiovascular risk assessment and management programme (NHS Health Check): Retrospective database study.
To determine coverage of NHS Health Check, a national cardiovascular risk assessment programme in England, in the first four years after implementation, and to examine prevalence of high cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and uptake of statins in high risk patients. ⋯ Coverage of the programme and statin prescribing in high risk individuals was low. Coverage was similar in deprived and affluent groups but lower in some ethnic minority groups, possibly widening inequalities. These findings raise a question about whether recommendations by WHO to develop CVD risk assessment programmes internationally will deliver anticipated health benefits.
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Preventive medicine · Sep 2015
Has recommended preventive service use increased after elimination of cost-sharing as part of the Affordable Care Act in the United States?
An early provision of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) eliminated cost-sharing for a range of recommended preventive services. This provision took effect in September 2010, but little is known about its effect on preventive service use. ⋯ These early observations suggest positive benefits from the ACA policy of eliminating cost-sharing for some preventive services. Future research is warranted to monitor and evaluate longer term effects of the ACA on access to care and health outcomes.
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Preventive medicine · Sep 2015
Smoke-free home and vehicle rules by tobacco use status among US adults.
To assess the prevalence and characteristics of smoke-free home and vehicle rules by tobacco use. ⋯ Most adults have smoke-free home and vehicle rules, but differences exist by tobacco use. Opportunities exist to educate adults about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the benefits of smoke-free environments, particularly among combustible tobacco users.
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Preventive medicine · Sep 2015
Nicotine replacement therapy and other interventions for pregnant smokers: Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2009-2010.
Current U.S. guidelines recommend consideration of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for pregnant smokers if behavioral therapies fail, only under close supervision of a provider, and after discussion of known risks of continued smoking and possible risks of NRT. The percentage of pregnant smokers offered NRT by their prenatal care providers is unknown. ⋯ One in five pregnant smokers was offered NRT. About a quarter of pregnant smokers did not receive any interventions to stop smoking. There may still be reluctance to provide NRT to pregnant women, despite known harms of continued smoking during pregnancy.