American journal of preventive medicine
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Because the presence and improper storage of household firearms are risk factors for injury, it is important to understand the prevalence of ownership and storage practices within households to help guide intervention development. This systematic review of published articles (1992 to 2002) provides prevalence estimates of firearm ownership and storage practices in U.S. households. ⋯ Although the methodologic rigor of published articles varies substantially, the literature clearly establishes that firearms are common in U.S. households, even in the homes of medical professionals and those with children.
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Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Obesity is a risk factor for arthritis, but the relationship between arthritis and weight has not been well characterized at the population level in the United States. Previous research shows that physicians often fail to advise their obese patients to lose weight. ⋯ Body mass index (BMI) is an important independent risk factor for self-reported arthritis. Although physicians often fail to advise obese adults with arthritis to lose weight, adults who report receiving such advice were more likely to report weight-loss efforts. Improved awareness of the relationship between arthritis and weight might help motivate patients to lose weight, and physician advice to lose weight could contribute to the prevention and treatment of arthritis.
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The purpose of this study was to identify various barriers and facilitators associated with participation in fitness and recreation programs/facilities among persons with disabilities. ⋯ The degree of participation in physical activity among people with disabilities is affected by a multifactorial set of barriers and facilitators that are unique to this population. Future research should utilize this information to develop intervention strategies that have a greater likelihood of success.
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Americans spend over $33 billion annually on weight-loss products and services. Although weight-control methods are of considerable public health interest, few national data on weight-loss practices are available. This paper examines the prevalence of specific weight-loss practices among U.S. adults trying to lose weight. ⋯ Increased efforts are needed among all those trying to lose weight to promote effective strategies for weight loss, including the use of calorie reduction and increased physical activity.
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Since many health data are unavailable at the county level, policymakers sometimes rely on state-level datasets to understand the health needs of their communities. This can be accomplished using small-area estimation techniques. However, it is unknown which small- area technique produces the most valid and precise results. ⋯ Local health departments and policymakers who need to track trends in behavioral risk factors and health status within their counties should utilize the regression method unless their county is large enough for direct estimation of the outcome of interest.