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Biomedical subjects

E M Adlaf

Publications and source records attributed to E M Adlaf.

54 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Predictors of health risk behaviours among young adults: analysis of the National Population Health Survey.

This paper examines the individual and social determinants of physical inactivity, daily smoking, heavy drinking, and overall risk behaviour among 1,395 Canadians aged 20-24 in the 1994 National Population Health Survey. Logistic regression was used to estimate models of risk behaviour using the following variables: sex, mastery, self-esteem, sense of coherence, chronic stress, psychological distress, social support, income adequacy, education, and main activity (working, looking for work, attending school, other). Results of the analysis indicate that the most consistent predictors were chronic stress and main activity. Thus, social context appears to be an important influence on risk-related behaviour, and should be taken into account in approaches designed to promote health behaviours.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of methylphenidate use among adolescents in Ontario.

Despite a growing interest in the use of methylphenidate (Ritalin) to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, prevalence data has been scarce in Canada. A probability school survey conducted in 1997 among Ontario students in grades 7, 9, 11 and 13 is used to collect data on such use. Overall, 3.4% of students (5.3% of males, 1.7% of females) used methylphenidate in the previous year. Rates and patterns are similar to those found in the United States. Future research needs to examine reasons and correlates of use, extent of medical supervision and possible non-medical use of methylphenidate.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Structured opportunities for student physical activity in Ontario elementary and secondary schools.

This paper examines structured opportunities for student physical activity in Ontario elementary and secondary schools. Random samples of elementary and secondary schools were selected, and telephone surveys of 353 elementary and 360 secondary school personnel were conducted in 1998. The findings indicate that elementary schools offered physical education, on average, just under three days per week. The duration of physical education class and, in some cases, the duration of vigorous physical activity in class and the weekly amount of vigorous activity in class, were significantly higher at successive grade levels. The physical education enrollment rate in secondary schools was significantly lower at successive grade levels. Student participation in secondary school intramurals and interschool sports was 22.8% and 28.7% respectively. These findings suggest increasing the weekly frequency of physical education in elementary schools and increasing participation in physical education classes in secondary schools. Also, intramural opportunities and participation should be promoted.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Preventing smoking and other drug use: let the buyers beware and the interventions be apt.

Those concerned with smoking prevention programs in the schools may be misled by a recent report that "we know what works; now let's make it happen." The advocated "social influences" programs appear to have no reliable effects on regular (greater than or equal to weekly) smoking and only short-term and small effects (5-8 percentage points) on "experimental" (less than weekly) smoking. To prevent smoking and other drug abuse among the children most at risk, it may be crucial to use broad-based, multidisciplinary interventions that go well beyond the health education classroom.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Enduring resurgence or statistical blip? Recent trends from the Ontario Student Drug Use Survey.

This paper describes trends in alcohol and other drug use among Ontario students between 1977 and 1995, especially those occurring between 1993 and 1995. Data are based on the Ontario Student Drug Use Survey, which to date represents 10 cross-sectional surveys conducted every two years since 1977. In each survey, approximately 4,000 students in grades 7, 9, 11 and 13 are interviewed in their classrooms. The findings show that after a decade of declining drug use, rates of use increased between 1993 and 1995. Of the 20 drugs surveyed in 1995, the use of 8 increased significantly from 1993. Increases in drug use were more common among 9th- and 11th-grades.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Introduction of high-alcohol beer in Ontario: preliminary observations on its use by underage drinkers.

Preliminary data are reported on the use of high-alcohol beer by underage drinkers in Ontario. Students in grades 11 and 12 with a valid driver's licence completed a questionnaire between January and May, 1994 (i.e., between three and seven months after the introduction of high-alcohol beer). About one-half of students who had drunk alcohol within the previous four weeks reported consuming high-alcohol beer within that period. In this group, males were much more likely to report high-alcohol beer consumption in the previous month. Both male and female high-alcohol beer consumers drank alcohol more frequently, got drunk more frequently, and drank five or more drinks on the same occasion more frequently than non-consumers. One reason for trying high-alcohol beer, "wanted a higher alcohol content", was endorsed by more than one-third of high-alcohol beer consumers. Our data suggest that the users of high-alcohol beer among this underage drinking sample tend to be heavier drinkers and more likely to experience alcohol-related problems.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Age and sex differences in physical inactivity among Ontario teenagers.

Research on physical activity and fitness indicates their importance in the prevention of disease and promotion of health. However, levels of physical activity have been shown to vary significantly by age, sex and a wide range of additional factors. This paper examines age and sex differences in physical inactivity among 13 to 19 year olds participating in the 1990 Ontario Health Survey. Findings from the bivariate analysis suggest a major increase in physical inactivity between ages 15 and 16. When logistic regression is used to examine the adjusted effects of predictor variables on physical inactivity, the effects of age remain significant. However, the odds of inactivity at one year increments are not significant. There are significant increased odds of inactivity associated with such factors as sex, friends' (activity) participation, perceived future health problems, and perceived health status. The public health implications of the findings suggest that those responsible for developing programs and policies to increase physical activity among teenagers should consider the critical years of decreased activity and the factors that might explain why this decline occurs.

Adolescent↗