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Biomedical subjects

J M Bellis

Publications and source records attributed to J M Bellis.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Computer-based smoking cessation interventions in adolescents: description, feasibility, and six-month follow-up findings.

The impact of adolescent smoking cessation clinics has been disappointing due to low participation rates, high attrition, and low quit rates. This paper describes two computerized self-help adolescent smoking cessation intervention programs: 1) a program utilizing the expert system which is based on the transtheoretical model of change and 2) a popular action-oriented smoking cessation clinic program for teens which was modified for computer presentation. High participation rates in the program among 132 smokers demonstrate the high feasibility and acceptability of the programs. Quit rates of up to 20% were observed during the intervention, and an additional 30% made unsuccessful quit attempt(s). The 6-month follow-up findings indicated that adolescents were poorly prepared to maintain abstinence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Assessing the stages of change and decision-making for contraceptive use for the prevention of pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

A synergistic approach was taken to examine contraceptive use adoption for two related behaviors: pregnancy prevention and the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). One hundred twenty-three young adults responded to questionnaire items based on two constructs from the Trans-theoretical Model of Change, the Stages of Change and Decisional Balance, as well as other pertinent variables. In Phase 1, two Decisional Balance measures were developed: One for the prevention of pregnancy and one for disease prevention. Final versions of both measures consisted of two 10-item scales: one representing the positive aspects (PROS) and one representing the negative aspects (CONS) of contraceptive and condom use. In Phase 2, the same individuals were staged for both pregnancy and disease prevention according to their readiness to change for contraceptive and condom use. MANOVAs and ANOVAs indicated that the PROS and CONS for both measures were related to stage of change for both contraceptive and condom use. Results from this pilot study were consistent with prior applications of the Trans-theoretical Model to the cessation of such problem behaviors as smoking and to the adoption of positive health behaviors such as exercise acquisition.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Smoking status and mammography in a statewide survey.

The association between smoking status and mammography was examined for women aged 40 to 75 (n = 2902), who were recruited through a statewide random digit dial survey. Controlling for income, education, age, marital status, ethnicity, and self-rated health, logistic regression showed that current smokers were less likely to be screened on each of three indicators of mammography status. Less than a high school education, income less than $20,000, martial status, and age also showed associations with screening. Having a recent medical visit was important for screening specifically among the women who smoked (n = 851). Smoking may pose a challenge to achieving national mammography goals.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

An expert system intervention for smoking cessation.

Intervention efficacy can be increased when the treatment is maximally matched to the needs of the client. One means of achieving such matching is through use of an expert system, a computer-based decision-making system designed to utilize client information to produce unique, matched information and interventions. An expert system can combine the individual matching possible in a clinic-based intervention and the low cost associated with a public health approach. This paper begins by discussing several alternative implementations of the expert system approach within the general context of communication theory. Second, the theoretical model and related empirical evidence which form the basis of the expert system is described briefly. Third, the details of a computer-driven, expert system intervention specifically developed for smoking cessation is described. Finally, empirical results from a study comparing the expert system intervention to three alternative interventions for smoking cessation are presented. In general, the expert system approach can provide a cost effective, viable, and efficacious means of intervening in a specific problem behavior area. Implications and potential areas of development are discussed.

Adult↗