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Biomedical subjects

O Grafstein

Publications and source records attributed to O Grafstein.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

[Physician-initiated smoking cessation program].

The detrimental effects of smoking are well-known, but physicians have generally been unsuccessful in eliminating this serious public health problem. It has been suggested that the family physician is the ideal person to give antismoking advice and to initiate a treatment program. The aim of this study was to examine intervention by family physicians in cigarette smoking. 93 smokers who presented for routine medical treatment at their family medical clinic were assigned alternately to a study or control group. The study group participated in a 10-minute antismoking counselling session given by their family physician, while the control group did not. After 15 months, 55% of the treated group had decreased their daily cigarette intake or stopped smoking completely, as compared to 39% of the control group. 5 (11%) of those who participated in the counselling session reported that they had stopped smoking completely, compared with 2 (4.3%) in the control group. We suggest that antismoking advice by the family physician is essential in the fight against the smoking epidemic and would significantly reduce the degree of smoking.

Counseling↗
PubMed1989

Inequity in health. A case study.

This article presents a particular case of inequity in health, that of two types of Israeli urban settlement: development towns and veteran towns. Inequity in health is demonstrated by the varying levels of resources allocated to each type of community, by the differences in health-care utilization (process), and by the diversity of external factors affecting the two categories of towns. Despite the existence of almost universal health insurance coverage in Israel, it is shown that inhabitants of less privileged development towns are more prone to inequitable health outcomes with respect to the wealthier populations living in veteran towns. This case illustrates an integrated approach to inequity in health, including the health-care system structure, utilization patterns, and the socio-demographic-economic background of different strata.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Primary care utilization in Israel--analysis of national data.

Analysis of data from the 1981 National Health Services Utilization Survey was carried out in order to identify factors relevant to primary care utilization in Israel on a semi-quantitative basis. The analysis consisted of stratification of the sample population into age- and sex-groups and the use of a logistic regression model for each stratum. Within the strata age still played a major role in explaining the probability of utilization; in addition, origin, employment status and education were also significant for most strata. In men aged greater than or equal to 65, living arrangements (alone, with spouse or with children) affected utilization. These findings were consistent with previous published reports and with findings of small-scale studies in Israel.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Tracking of blood pressure over an eight year period in Jerusalem school children.

Tracking of blood pressure (BP) over an 8-year period between the age of 6 and 14 years and the effect of weight, height, BMI and weight gain has been studied in a population of school children in Jerusalem (n = 533). Pearson's correlation coefficients were 0.65 for weight, 0.61 for height, 0.32 for systolic BP and 0.29 for diastolic BP over an 8-year period. Children maintaining their percentile rank for weight or BMI showed higher correlations than those increasing or decreasing their percentile rank. Girls' menarcheal status did not have a significant effect on the level of BP at 14 years of age. The prevalence of significant and severe BP as defined by the NHLBI Task Force was 1% at 6 years and 0.4% at 14 years. The predictive value of the BP at 6 years for 14 years of age was low even for those with hypertension levels: for SBP 16-33% and for DBP 0-37%. Based on the present study and others, large scale screening of BP is not recommended, rather community based programs aimed at modifying health behaviour in order to prevent development of cardiovascular risk factors and associated morbidity and mortality should be introduced.

Blood Pressure↗