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Do we believe the tobacco industry lied to us? Association with smoking behavior in a military population
Klesges, R. C., Sherrill-Mittleman, D. A., DeBon, M., Talcott, G. W., Vanecek, R. J. Despite the dangers of smoking, tobacco companies continue to impede tobacco control efforts through deceptive marketing practices. Media campaigns that expose these practices have been effective in advancing anti-industry attitudes and reducing smoking initiation among young people, yet the association between knowledge of industry practices and smoking cessation and relapse has not been studied. In a large military sample entering Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT), where tobacco use is prohibited, we investigated (i) the prevalence of agreement with a statement that tobacco companies have misled the public about the health consequences of smoking and (ii) the association of this acknowledgement with smoking status upon entry into BMT (N = 36 013). At baseline, 56.6% agreed that tobacco companies have been deceptive, and agreement was a strong predictor of smoking status [smokers less likely to agree, odds ratio (OR) = 0.39, P < 0.01]. At 12-month follow-up, we examined the association between industry perception at baseline and current smoking status (N = 20 672). Recruits who had been smoking upon entry into BMT and who had acknowledged industry deception were less likely to report current smoking (OR = 0.84, P = 0.01). These findings suggest that anti-industry attitudes may affect smoking relapse following cessation.
A review of undergraduate university tobacco control policy process in Canada
Baillie, L., Callaghan, D., Smith, M., Bottorff, J., Bassett-Smith, J., Budgen, C., Federsen, M. The college years occur during the stage of life when many people develop permanent smoking habits, and approximately one-third go on to become addicted smokers. The 18–24 year demographic that makes up the majority of undergraduate attendees represents the earliest years that the tobacco industry now can legally attempt to lure new customers into smoking. This research investigated the ways in which university tobacco control policies are developed, introduced to students, faculty and staff and how they are implemented and enforced. Findings show that tobacco control initiatives at Canadian undergraduate universities face a wide range of challenges including a lack of dedicated and consistent tobacco control personnel, ownership issues, funding, enforcement and monitoring dilemmas. Participants also reported that the layout and geographic location of the campus can result in difficulties in implementation. Consequently, it appears that there may be a growing, although inadvertent, tolerance for smoking on Canadian campuses.
Efficacy of a single computer-tailored e-mail for smoking cessation: results after 6 months
Te Poel, F., Bolman, C., Reubsaet, A., de Vries, H. To date, few Internet-delivered smoking cessation interventions have been tested. This study tested the efficacy, understandability, credibility and personal relevance of an e-mail-delivered computer-tailored smoking cessation intervention. It included tailored action plan feedback, as recent studies have demonstrated the importance of planning in facilitating quitting smoking. Participants (Dutch adults) were randomly assigned to the intervention (computer-tailored e-mail; N = 224) or the control group (generic, non-tailored e-mail; N = 234). The results 6 months after baseline (N = 195) showed that significantly more participants in the intervention group reported not having smoked in the last 24 hours (21.5%) and 7 days (20.4%) in contrast with participants in the control group (9.8 and 7.8%, respectively). Intention-to-treat analyses revealed similar results, though overall lower quitting percentages. Furthermore, participants in the intervention group appreciated the computer-tailored e-mail significantly more in terms of understandability, credibility and personal relevance. Hence, the computer-tailored intervention is effective for the Dutch smoking population motivated to quit smoking. Further research is needed into the efficacy of the intervention for smokers who are not motivated to quit smoking and into the benefits of (multiple) e-mail-delivered tailored letters with tailored action plan feedback over and above tailoring without action plan feedback.
Implementation fidelity of packaged teen smoking cessation treatments delivered in community-based settings
Sterling, K., Curry, S., Sporer, A., Emery, S., Mermelstein, R. Efficacious ‘packaged’ teen smoking cessation treatment programs, those developed by national organizations, are widely disseminated to local communities to help teens quit smoking. The implementation fidelity of these programs in community settings has not been documented. The efficacy of these programs could be lessened if they are not implemented as intended. Data from Helping Young Smokers Quit describe the frequency and types of modifications made to packaged teen cessation treatment programs for community delivery. A national sample of 591 community-based teen tobacco cessation treatment programs was profiled and 59% used a single packaged treatment program. Bivariate analyses found that 63% of program administrators reported implementing their program as planned; 37% modified their selected program. The most frequently reported modifications were made to the length and format of the program. Of those who modified their programs, >90% reported multiple program modifications (e.g. length and content). Administrators modified their programs to accommodate implementation barriers, such as time constraints and low participant enrollment, and to address the needs of participants with multiple risk behaviors that are co-morbid with tobacco use.
Keeping Kids Smokefree: lessons learned on community participation
Charlier, N., Glover, M., Robertson, J. Community participation in program decision-making and implementation is an ideal that community and academic stakeholders aspire to in participatory research. This ideal, however, can be difficult to achieve. We describe lessons learned about community participation from a quasi-experimental trial aimed at reducing the uptake of smoking among pre-adolescents in a community with a high percentage of Maori and Pacific Island people. The intervention involves students, parents, school teachers and management, extended families and members of the wider community. A total of approximately 4000 students (and their parents) of four urban Auckland schools were enrolled in the study over 3 years. The intervention is carried out through collaborations between public health professionals, academic institutions and school personnel. In order to enhance community participation, we conclude that (i) time commitment is needed to establish long-term ongoing relationships through face-to-face communication, (ii) research team members should ideally share similar cultural and ethnic backgrounds to the target audience and have in-depth understanding of and experience in the community milieu and (iii) collaborative partnerships between academic institutions and public health services are necessary to create strength and cohesion, and assist with clear articulation of the research project mission and objectives.
Community-based health programmes: role perceptions and experiences of female peer facilitators in Mumbai's urban slums
Alcock, G. A., More, N. S., Patil, S., Porel, M., Vaidya, L., Osrin, D. Community-based initiatives have become a popular approach to addressing the health needs of underserved populations, in both low- and higher-income countries. This article presents findings from a study of female peer facilitators involved in a community-based maternal and newborn health intervention in urban slum areas of Mumbai. Using qualitative methods we explore their role perceptions and experiences. Our findings focus on how the facilitators understand and enact their role in the community setting, how they negotiate relationships and health issues with peer groups, and the influence of credibility. We contextualize this within broader conceptualizations of peer-led health interventions and offer recommendations for similar community-based health initiatives.

NYT > Health

Democrats Clinch Vote for Health Debate
By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN and ROBERT PEAR Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:39:34 -0000
Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas cautioned that their support on what was expected to be a party-line vote on Saturday evening did not guarantee that they would ultimately vote for the bill itself.
Medical Marijuana: No Longer Just for Adults
By KATHERINE ELLISON Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:38:45 -0000
Several Bay Area doctors who recommend medical marijuana for patients say their client base includes teenagers with psychiatric conditions including A.D.H.D.
Novelties: From the Lab, a New Weapon Against Cholesterol
By ANNE EISENBERG Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:57:14 -0000
Tiny particles containing gold and other metals may someday help keep cholesterol from building up in blood vessels.
Patient Money: How to Find Mental Health Care When Money Is Tight
By LESLEY ALDERMAN Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:24:53 -0000
Hot lines, online groups and organizations that charge fees on a sliding scale are options for finding help.
Signs Swine Flu Wave May Have Peaked in U.S.
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:19:40 -0000
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said flu activity was declining in all regions of the country.
The Breaking Point: Hospital Falters as Refuge for Illegal Immigrants
By KEVIN SACK Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:06:32 -0000
When an Atlanta hospital closed its dialysis unit, many illegal immigrants had to scramble to find treatment.

BBC News | Health | UK Edition

Lawnmowers 'injure thousands'
Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:15:34 -0000
Using a ride-on lawnmower might save energy but they land thousands of people in hospital, experts warn.
Childhood abuse 'quickens ageing'
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:48:10 -0000
Physical or emotional abuse during childhood could speed up the body's ageing process, US research suggests.
Fans sign up for Smokefree United
Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:51:32 -0000
Chelsea fans might be celebrating being top of the Premier League but they are struggling to give smoking the red card.
Drug-resistant swine flu hits UK
Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:14:49 -0000
Health officials in Cardiff say a Tamiflu-resistant strain of swine flu has spread between hospital patients.
New skin 'may help burns victims'
Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:06:41 -0000
Researchers say they have found a way to use human embryonic stem cells to create new skin to help serious burns victims.
'Enzyme clue' to breast tumours
Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:54:02 -0000
Scientists identify an enzyme crucial for turning breast tissue into tumours, according to a study.

NYT > Health

Democrats Clinch Vote for Health Debate
By DAVID M. HERSZENHORN and ROBERT PEAR Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:39:34 -0000
Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas cautioned that their support on what was expected to be a party-line vote on Saturday evening did not guarantee that they would ultimately vote for the bill itself.
Medical Marijuana: No Longer Just for Adults
By KATHERINE ELLISON Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:38:45 -0000
Several Bay Area doctors who recommend medical marijuana for patients say their client base includes teenagers with psychiatric conditions including A.D.H.D.
Novelties: From the Lab, a New Weapon Against Cholesterol
By ANNE EISENBERG Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:57:14 -0000
Tiny particles containing gold and other metals may someday help keep cholesterol from building up in blood vessels.
Patient Money: How to Find Mental Health Care When Money Is Tight
By LESLEY ALDERMAN Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:24:53 -0000
Hot lines, online groups and organizations that charge fees on a sliding scale are options for finding help.
Signs Swine Flu Wave May Have Peaked in U.S.
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 23:19:40 -0000
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said flu activity was declining in all regions of the country.
The Breaking Point: Hospital Falters as Refuge for Illegal Immigrants
By KEVIN SACK Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:06:32 -0000
When an Atlanta hospital closed its dialysis unit, many illegal immigrants had to scramble to find treatment.

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