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Biomedical subjects

A R Leonard

Publications and source records attributed to A R Leonard.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1984

Indices of relative body weight and ideal weight charts.

Established indices of relative body weight are reviewed and critically evaluated in terms of five criteria: (1) high correlation with obesity, (2) a conceptual interpretation, (3) universality, (4) simplicity of computation, and (5) zero correlation with height. Regression procedures are used to create standard weight charts which are distributed similarly to the body weight of 13,645 Americans, provided by the National Health Survey (NHS), and which have an arithmetic mean equal to the mean of the Metropolitan Life Insurance ( MLI ) table of desirable weights. A similar method is used to create a standard weight table based on body mass index (BMI). Finally, standard body weight charts which are uncorrelated with sex, age, and/or body frame are developed and discussed in terms of their usefulness.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Hypertension among Asians and Pacific islanders in California.

Hypertension is investigated among Asians and Pacific islanders in California. Descriptive rates are provided for four Asian and Pacific islander ethnic-sex-age subgroupings. Overall, Filipinos have rates of hypertension nearly equal to those of American blacks and, in some large demographic categories, have prevalence rates comparable to blacks. Uncontrolled hypertension is shown to be related to overall health levels measured by life expectancy, chronologic age, and relative body weight. Change in dietary patterns toward the adoption of American foods increases both relative body weight and the risk of hypertension. The adjusted rates of hypertension are similar for men and women after the effects of relative body weight, alcohol consumption, and other variables are removed. A psychologic dimension of variables, including excess alcohol intake and proneness to depression and boredom, increases prevalence of high blood pressure. Social support mechanisms such as marriage, religious affiliation, and a large number of friends are associated with lower levels of hypertension. Many predictor variables are analyzed along with reasons for the high prevalence rates of hypertension for Filipinos and low rates for Japanese.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

California's approach to hypertension control: an overview.

California's Department of Health Services, recognizing the serious community health problem presented by uncontrolled hypertension, developed community-based programs of early detection and referral, follow-up and education. Special consideration was given to underserved populations at high risk. A statewide probability household survey was conducted and showed an improvement in control status during the past decade for definite and critical hypertension, but not for mild hypertension. With diminishing public resources, future efforts must be cost effective, focus on care for persons known to have hypertension and encourage maximum coordination between private and public agencies.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hypertension-related mortality in California.

Death rates in California for hypertension-related diseases during 1969-71 and 1979-81 are compared. During both periods, age-standardized rates for a composite hypertension-related mortality category are highest for blacks, followed by whites, and lowest for Asians and Pacific Islanders. Filipinos who have high prevalence rates of hypertension record low rates of hypertension-related mortality. After adjusting for the comparability ratio, the age-standardized hypertension-related death rate declined by more than 28 percent between 1969-71 and 1979-81. The decrease was greatest at age 15-44 years. Of all major hypertension-related diseases, cerebrovascular diseases registered consistently large percentage declines in mortality for all age and race groupings examined. Possible reasons for the considerable decline in hypertension-related mortality and low death rates for Asians and Pacific Islanders are discussed. The combined effects of improved population awareness, level of treatment, and control of hypertension; a greater knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and associated modifications of behavior; and improved medical technology and care may have contributed to the decline.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hypertension and related health issues among Asians and Pacific Islanders in California.

The prevalence of controlled and uncontrolled hypertension in the United States is lower for persons ethnically classified as Asian, particularly Japanese and excepting Filipinos, than for the general population. In this study, measurements of blood pressure were taken of 8,353 adults living in California, including 1,757 Asians and Pacific Islanders, and the subjects were asked six questions concerning high blood pressure. The results show that Asians and Pacific Islanders with hypertension, in comparison with hypertensive persons of other races, were less likely to be aware of their hypertension, to be under treatment with medication, and to be controlling their blood pressure; similarly, they had their blood pressure measured less frequently and visited physicians less often. Compared with the general population, Asians and Pacific Islanders were less knowledgeable about hypertension. In relation to health care, they recorded lower frequencies of hospital stays, days of bed disabilities, and days of not feeling well than persons of other races. Asians and Pacific Islanders' lower treatment rates and knowledge level concerning hypertension may be related to the fact that a high percentage are foreign-born. Consequently, they have been taught less about hypertension, rely more on traditional methods of medicine, and are hampered by the lack of availability of health care providers of their own ethnic background. In addition, Filipinos have experienced high levels of poverty and lack of education. These factors require additional study as part of efforts to help improve health care for these ethnic groups in the United States.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Hypertension--unexpected research results and program redirection.

The California Department of Health Services (DHS) has conducted two statewide surveys to evaluate the effectiveness of a coordinated hypertension control program. Unfortunately, the expected reduction in the prevalence of elevated blood pressure did not occur. Public knowledge about hypertension did increase, but among hypertensive persons awareness, treatment, and control did not improve. The responses to several survey questions were examined to determine why there was no improvement in the rate of control of elevated blood pressure. Obviously, many persons with hypertension have not complied with medical advice at various points in the hypertension control system. Consequently, the DHS is redirecting its Hypertension Control Program. Less emphasis is being placed on the coordination of blood pressure control resources, including public education, while more emphasis is being placed on increasing compliance with treatment recommendations, focusing on patient tracking as described by the National High Blood Pressure Education Program and long-term adherence to therapy as discussed in the 1984 Report of the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

Adult↗