American journal of preventive medicine
-
Previous studies suggested that the cancer incidence rates in American Indians and Alaska Natives were lower than in other groups. The objective of this study was to compare the cancer incidence rates in American Indians and whites in Montana. ⋯ There is a significant disparity in the cancer incidence rates between American Indians and whites in Montana. Regional or state-level surveillance data will be needed to describe the changing patterns of cancer incidence in many native communities in the United States.
-
New Mexico has the highest rate of drug-induced mortality in the United States. The contribution of prescription drugs to the total overdose death rate has not been adequately described. ⋯ The rate of prescription drug overdose death in New Mexico increased significantly over the 10-year study period. Comprehensive surveillance of drug overdose deaths is recommended to describe their occurrence in the context of both medical and diverted use of prescription drugs. Understanding decedent profiles and the potential risk factors for prescription drug overdose death is crucial for effective drug overdose prevention education among healthcare providers.
-
Lower use of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has been suggested as a factor in higher rates of CRC incidence and mortality among African Americans. Racial differences in colorectal cancer test use are not well understood. ⋯ The type of test used to screen for colorectal cancer has important implications for compliance with recommended screening intervals. Understanding reasons for racial differences in CRC test use may help identify approaches to increasing test use in the Medicare population.
-
The goal of this research effort is to evaluate changes in public opinion associated with the youth tobacco access (YTA) prevention media campaign in Arizona. ⋯ While exposure to the campaign was limited, important changes were observed. For example, at post-campaign, the respondents in the intervention community reported greater satisfaction with current YTA prevention efforts. However, future research must investigate if increased satisfaction leads to more or less community involvement. Further, research must also investigate whether a campaign influencing community members to assign greater responsibility for YTA prevention on the retailers selling tobacco serves community interests. Data from this evaluation suggest that researchers and practitioners must be aware of potential negative, as well as potential positive, outcomes of YTA prevention efforts.
-
This national study assessed police chiefs' support for various types of firearm control measures, perceptions regarding firearms as a public health problem, and the likelihood of initiating firearm control advocacy activities. ⋯ Police chiefs support several potentially important firearm control policies. This suggests the need to evaluate interventions aimed at increasing their role in shaping policy on this important public health issue.