American journal of preventive medicine
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Melanoma early detection with thorough skin self-examination: the "Check It Out" randomized trial.
Monthly thorough skin self-examination (TSSE) is an important practice for early melanoma detection that is performed by a small minority of the population. ⋯ The TSSE intervention was effective in increasing performance of TSSE, in that it resulted in increased surgery on the skin, and that increase in skin procedures only persisted for 6 months. Intervention to increase TSSE may result in long-term benefit in early detection of melanoma while causing only a short-term excess of skin surgeries.
-
Questions regarding the nature of the association between drug use and risk of homelessness remain unresolved and have important policy implications. ⋯ The role of homelessness as a risk factor for drug use initiation should be further explored. Efforts to prevent homelessness may also contribute to the prevention of drug abuse.
-
HIV risk-reduction efforts have traditionally focused on the individual. The need for including the role of the social context and community is being recognized. Social capital provides social relationships and potential resources that may hinder or trigger risk or protective health behaviors, especially for individuals with limited economic means. ⋯ Individual actions and community context must be considered simultaneously when facilitating and assessing behavioral interventions.
-
Ladder use is involved in many occupational and non-occupational activities. Falls from ladders can result in serious injury and affect people of all ages. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively examine nonfatal ladder-related injuries on a national level. ⋯ Given the 50% increase in ladder-related injuries during the study period, the relatively high likelihood of hospital admission, and the predominance of injuries in non-occupational settings, increased efforts are needed to prevent ladder-related injuries.