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Biomedical subjects

G K Jarvis

Publications and source records attributed to G K Jarvis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Observation of accurate ion dissociation thresholds in pulsed field ionization-photoelectron studies.

We report the first observation, together with a mechanism for such an observation, of a steplike feature in the pulsed field ionization photoelectron measurement of CH4(C2H2), marking the 0 K dissociation threshold for the formation of CH3(+) + H(C2H(+) + H) from CH4(C2H2). The nonexistence of a step in the spectrum for C 2H4 at its dissociation threshold for C2H2(+) formation provides strong support for the proposed mechanism. This experiment shows that, for a range of molecules, where the ion dissociation lifetimes near the dissociation thresholds are <10(-7) s, pulsed field ionization photoelectron measurements will yield not only highly accurate ionization energies, but also 0 K dissociation thresholds.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

A survey of drinking behaviors of Canadian correctional officers.

77 correctional officers from two Canadian medium security penitentiaries were surveyed concerning their use of alcohol. 94% reported drinking at least once during the preceding year. 45 men consumed alcohol more frequently than the 29 women, more often felt obligated to drink at social gatherings, and were more likely to believe that drinkers do not suffer health problems related to their drinking. Although other studies have indicated correctional officers have special problems with drinking, more similarities with the general population than differences were found in the present drinking patterns.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Past and current drug use among Canadian correctional officers.

Current and past drug use was assessed in a sample of 77 Canadian correctional officers working in two medium-security penitentiaries. 58% of correctional officers indicated past illicit drug use. This compares with 20% of Canadians who indicate illicit drug use. Correctional officers were more likely than the general population to have used marijuana and cocaine.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Gender and age differences in the drinking behaviors of university students.

A sample of 457 university students were queried concerning their use of alcohol. The majority (90%) of students reported drinking at least once over the past year, with men drinking more often. Age differences were noted, with older students (Mdn = 32.0 yr. vs 19.0 yr.) more likely to report drinking 4 to 6 times per week. Women generally had healthier attitudes concerning alcohol consumption, e.g., more likely to try to prevent a friend from driving after drinking, pay for use of a taxi, or have a designated driver. Men were more likely to indicate that it is socially acceptable to be intoxicated occasionally and also that most drinkers do not suffer health problems as a result of their drinking. The present study indicates a need to educate university students about the effects of alcohol with a particular emphasis needed for male students.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Age, gender, and location as factors in permission to smoke among university students.

A sample of 457 (177 men, 280 women) university undergraduates were surveyed on their use of tobacco and locations where smokers have been told not to smoke. 21% of the students (20% of men, 22% of women) surveyed indicated that they smoked. Age differences were noted, with the older men and women more likely to use tobacco than their younger peers. In general, men were more likely than women to be asked not to smoke. The large number of smokers who have been asked not to smoke may indicate an increase in social pressure to reduce the use of tobacco in public.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Suicidality among adolescent Alberta Indians.

A high rate of suicide attempts and suicide ideation characterized a sample of 229 grade 7 to 9 adolescents resident on seven reserves in central Alberta. The prevalence of suicidality for these adolescent Indians was very similar to rates reported for Navajo youth and for 8th- and 10th-grade American non-Indian students. Comparison of Indian and non-Indian suicidality risk factors showed somewhat elevated levels of family disruption and psychological problems among Indian adolescents. Compared to Canadian nonadolescents, substance abuse levels were high, and conditions necessary to modeling were virtually omnipresent. Suicide ideation was significantly elevated for Indian adolescents with low psychological well-being, no father in the home, and a prior suicide in the household. Controlling for age, risk factors for suicide attempts were heavy alcohol use, no father in the home, sleeping problems, and low psychological well-being. The high rates of adolescent Native suicide imply that a much higher proportion of their suicide attempts succeed. Targeted, community-based counselling and educational programs are needed to address these problems.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Perceived level of stress among university undergraduate students in Edmonton, Canada.

A sample of 457 (177 men, 280 women) undergraduate students were surveyed regarding perceived level of stress. Women were more likely than men to report an unacceptable stress level. To reduce stress, women were more likely to indicate a need to limit commitments, exercise, and worry less. Reasons for not reducing stress were lack of time and lack of self-discipline, both of which were reported significantly more often by women. The present data suggest health education interventions are needed to assist students in coping with the stress they experience.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1991

Medical examiners and manner of death.

An experimental study of medical examiners in Alberta, Canada, produced manner of death determinations from simulated cases (vignettes) in order to examine interexaminer variation in certification judgments. Characteristics of medical examiners such as experience, residence, and religious background were investigated. The influence of victim characteristics was also examined, including race, age, gender, marital status, cause of death, and the presence of alcohol. Experience, residence, and religion of examiner were found to be related to judgments as were gender, medical cause of death, and the presence of alcohol.

Accidents↗
PubMed1987

Religion and differences in morbidity and mortality.

Religion and its effects on morbidity and mortality (with particular emphasis on mortality) are reviewed as are special issues which have in the past made the study of religion and death difficult. The morbidity and mortality experience of various religious groups is portrayed, including Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, the clergy, Seventh-day Adventists, Latter-day Saints, Parsis, Jehovah's Witnesses and Hutterites. Studies of religious effects on morbidity and mortality have broadened in focus from the study of specific health practices, or health-related behaviors, to include the study of social support, religious participation and health-related attitudes. Gaps in the literature are identified and a preliminary model of religion's effect on morbidity and mortality is discussed.

Attitude to Death↗
PubMed1982

Death styles among Canada's Indians.

Data are examined from a prospective study of Native mortality on 35 reserves and colonies in the province of Alberta, Canada. Native Indian deaths tend to occur at a younger age than others, to be multiple events and to occur in non-hospital settings with others present. In almost half the cases death resulted from accident, suicide or homicide. Though circumstances of weather and physical isolation, as well as human negligence and carelessness resulted in some deaths, the majority of violent deaths were associated with the heavy use of alcohol.

Accidents↗
PubMed1982

The ecology of self-injury: a multivariate approach.

In an ecological study of the distribution of self-injury in London, Canada, the authors found that self-injury occurred more frequently in the central areas of the city. Multivariate analysis revealed that living arrangements, such as high density of housing and single-person households, are closely associated with inflated rates on self-injury. Low socio-economic status is also related to self-injury but neither family status nor mobility are significant predictors. Ecological relationships such as these suggest directions for future research on individuals and may also be of direct use to planners who wish to locate treatment services advantageously.

Humans↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Health knowledge of Native Indian youth in central Alberta.

This paper is the first report of health knowledge among Native Indian youth in central Alberta and, in the absence of comparable information for Native youth in other regions of Canada, provides a unique basis for comparison of the health knowledge of Native youth attending junior high school with that of non-Native young Canadians included in the Canada Health Knowledge Survey. The results of our survey of 229 Native Indian youth from seven different reserves in central Alberta indicate that a higher proportion of the Native youth were more knowledgeable about dental health, fire safety, and the effects of smoking, alcohol and drugs. However, they generally scored lower on items related to knowledge of first aid for burns, nutrition, communicable diseases, and personal health. Factors contributing to these differences and suggestions for future action are suggested on the basis that accurate information of this kind is essential for health promotion efforts directed toward reducing risky health behaviours and promoting healthier lifestyles among youth of Native Indian communities.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Ethnographic and secrecy patterns among drug abusers.

The underground nature of drug abuse is a major cross-national barrier to the collection of sound epidemiological data. The authors examine some common patterns of secrecy developed by drug abusers to avoid social disapproval or punishment in different socio-cultural settings. Assurances of anonymity and confidentiality may not be sufficient to make the majority of heavy drug abusers "visible" to the researcher. One way to overcome this barrier is to train field staff to recognize certain ethnographic signs i.e. the specific appearance and behaviour of drug abusers that can facilitate identification of target populations.

Amphetamines↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A rationale for identification of cases of drug abuse.

To overcome the blanket of secrecy developed by many drug-abusing populations, special strategies have been used to generate more reliable and valid data on the extent and nature of the problem. The epidemiological rationale for eight strategies to identify cases of drug abuse are reviewed along with their limitations and examples of their application. The choice of strategies in any given setting will depend upon the drug-use patterns and legal framework of the particular society, the form of social organization developed by drug abusers and the types of contact they have with formal institutions such as law enforcement and treatment agencies.

Confidentiality↗