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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Peer-reviewed articles and public health: the mad cow affair in Italian newspapers.

CONTEXT: It has been suggested that early announcements of research works to be published in peer-reviewed journals may diminish newsworthiness of scientific articles, but this issue has not been widely studied. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact on the news media, in terms of volume and prominence of coverage, of a scientific article published in peer-reviewed journals about issues with relevance to public health compared with the impact of preliminary release of information on the same issue. DESIGN: Analysis of press coverage of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) in the 7 newspapers with the widest circulation in Italy, between March 20, 1996, when the British secretary of state for health announced the identification of 10 cases of a new-variant CJD, described April 6, 1996, in The Lancet, and May 10, 1996. Related newspaper articles were identified by hand search. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Numbers of newspaper articles published before and after publication of the Lancet article. RESULTS: We collected 535 articles, of which 62 (11.6%) appeared on the front page. The number of articles published daily peaked on March 26 with 48 items and 1 article on the front page of all the newspapers. A total of 386 (72%) of the 535 articles and 56 (88.7%) of the 62 published on the front page were published in the first 2 weeks of the study period, before the Lancet publication. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis suggests that, in the case of issues of public health importance, when peer-reviewed research is published after a health risk is disclosed to the public, its impact in the media is small. Coordination between news release by public health authorities and publication by peer-reviewed journals may improve the quality of public information.

Encephalopathy, Bovine Spongiform↗

Perceptions of the media in a community exposed to serial murder.

This study examined resident perceptions of the media in a community exposed to serial murder. Residents were surveyed regarding the popularity, accuracy and trust of various information sources. One hundred eighty-four residents (48% response rate) responded to mailed questionnaires. Results indicated that traditional sources of news (television, radio, and newspapers) were the most popular sources of information. However, police press conferences were judged to be the most accurate and trustworthy. Residents viewed media reports on methods of reducing personal risk as beneficial and enhancing feelings of safety. However, details of mutilations and sensational reporting were judged to increase personal fears and led to widespread dissatisfaction with the media.

Adult↗

A mortality study of newspaper printing workers.

Following an inquiry from the workers of a large newspaper plant in Milan, Italy, a mortality study was undertaken to investigate the reportedly high occurrence of cancer. The study covered the period from 1956 to 1975. Among the 700 workers participating, for a total of 12,198 person-years, 199 deaths had occurred. Overall mortality was not lower than expected and a significant excess was found among the workers aged 25-54 years. Cancer mortality was higher than expected; the only significant excess, however, was found among packers and forwarders who had a greater incidence of all neoplasms, all respiratory cancers, and lung cancer. Some possible explanations concerning personal life-style and occupational exposure previously not considered are proposed. Mortality from circulatory diseases and ischemic heart disease was significantly in excess among the workers aged 25-54 years and was associated with length of employment, age at the time of hiring, and duration of follow-up; analysis by job category revealed a significant mortality excess from these causes among packers and forwarders. It is suggested that the mortality pattern observed for cardiovascular disease, as well as for all causes, could be interpreted in the light of the peculiar characteristics of newspaper production. The initial complaint, instigating the study, arose from the packers and forwarders department.

Adult↗

VDT-related musculoskeletal symptoms: interactions between work posture and psychosocial work factors.

Video display terminal (VDT) operators (n = 150) in the editorial department of a large metropolitan newspaper participated in a study of day-to-day musculoskeletal symptoms. Work posture related to the VDT workstation and psychosocial work factors were also investigated for their contributions to the severity of upper body pain, numbness, and stiffness using a representative subsample (n = 70). Self-report measures included Karasek's Job Content Instrument and the author-designed Work Interpersonal Relationships Inventory. Independent observations of work posture were performed using techniques similar to those reported by Sauter et al. [1991]. Pain during the last week was reported by 59% (n = 88) of the respondents, and 28% (n = 42) were categorized by symptom criteria potentially to have musculoskeletal disorders. More hours per day of VDT use and less decision latitude on the job were significant risk factors for potential musculoskeletal CTDs. Head rotation and relative keyboard height were significantly related to more severe pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and upper back. Lower levels of co-worker support were associated with more severe hand and arm numbness. For both the region of the shoulders, neck, and upper back and the hand and arm region, however, the contributions of relative keyboard and seat back heights to symptom severity were modified by psychological workload, decision latitude, and employee relationship with the supervisor. Alternative explanations for these findings are discussed.

Adult↗

Influence of various recruitment strategies on the study population and outcome of a randomized controlled trial involving patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of 2 different recruitment methods on the characteristics of participants with osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee and on the efficacy of an exercise program. METHODS: In a clinical trial on the effectiveness of exercise therapy in OA of the hip or knee, 2 groups of patients were recruited: one group through referrals by physiotherapists (PT group, n = 110) and one group invited by newspaper articles (NP group, n = 90). At baseline, demographic, clinical, and psychosocial data were collected and compared between the 2 groups using chi-square and Student's t-tests. After 13 weeks of exercise therapy and followup assessments at weeks 39 and 65, the main outcome measures (pain, physical function, and global perceived effect) were assessed and compared by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The NP group reported less pain and tiredness at baseline, although more joints were affected with osteoarthritis. The PT group scored higher on the scale 'powerful-others' of locus of control. After adjusting for baseline differences, the effect of treatment after 13, 39, and 65 weeks was comparable for both groups for all outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Recruitment method affects clinical characteristics and physical functioning of patients recruited for the study. A mix of recruitment strategies does not seem to affect treatment outcome, on the condition that adjustments are made for baseline differences.

Exercise Therapy↗

Perceived exercise barriers, enablers, and benefits among exercising and nonexercising adults with arthritis: results from a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Rates of participation in regular exercise are lower among individuals with arthritis than those without arthritis. This study examined perceived exercise barriers, benefits, and enablers in exercising and nonexercising adults with arthritis. METHODS: Twelve focus groups were conducted with 68 adults with arthritis. Groups were segmented by exercise status, socioeconomic status, and race. Focus group discussions were transcribed verbatim and coded. NVivo software was used to extract themes for exercisers and nonexercisers. RESULTS: A wide range of physical, psychological, social, and environmental factors were perceived to influence exercise. Some of these factors were similar to those in general adult samples, whereas others were unique to individuals with chronic disease. Symptoms of arthritis were barriers to exercise, yet improvements in these outcomes were also seen as potential benefits of and motivations for exercise. Exercisers had experienced these benefits and were more likely to have adapted their exercise to accommodate the disease, whereas nonexercisers desired these benefits and were more likely to have stopped exercising since developing arthritis. Health care providers' advice to exercise and the availability of arthritis-specific programs were identified as needs. CONCLUSION: This study has implications for how to market exercise to individuals with arthritis and how communities and health care professionals can facilitate the uptake of exercise. These implications are discussed.

Adult↗

News media coverage of human papillomavirus.

BACKGROUND: Now that human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing is being incorporated into cervical cancer screening programs, salient and accurate media information about HPV will be crucial to inform women's screening choices and to manage psychosocial responses to HPV DNA test results. METHODS: The authors conducted a content analysis of 111 news stories about HPV from the 10 most circulated newspapers and from 3 major television networks for the period from January 1995 through July 2002. Stories were assessed for predominant theme (STD, cancer, or new tests); information about symptoms, transmission, prevention, and cancer-causing properties of HPV; screening test descriptions; and recommended screening guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty-six percent of stories primarily were about new tests for HPV or cervical cancer, 30% of stories focused on cervical cancer or its link to HPV, and 27% of stories emphasized sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or genital warts. Seventy-nine percent of stories mentioned that HPV is an STD, and 50% of stories reported that HPV is very common. Twenty-six percent of stories reported that most women with HPV will not develop cervical carcinoma. Of 81 stories that mentioned a screening test for HPV or cervical carcinoma, 38% reported the sensitivity of the test; 30% mentioned wrong, uncertain, or unnecessary test results; and 25% mentioned consequences of such results. CONCLUSIONS: Media coverage of HPV could better fulfill women's educational needs by including information about low-risk and high-risk types of HPV and their differing links to cervical cancer; describing HPV prevention, transmission, and symptoms; explaining the benefits and consequences of HPV testing; and outlining the latest screening guidelines in every story.

Female↗

Halitosis prevention campaign: a report of oral health promotion activities in Japan.

A local dental association, Hakodate Dental Association, has been conducting an oral health promotion campaign, 'Good-bye Bad Breath', in a local community since April 1998. The purpose of this campaign was not only to prevent oral malodour but also to raise people's awareness about oral health. Oral health education has been provided at schools and through television commercials, radio programmes and newspaper articles. Campaign posters and leaflets on bad breath have also been distributed to drug stores, medical clinics and schools, as well as dental clinics. It has been emphasised that oral malodour is a preventable condition and that the dentist can provide adequate advice and suitable treatment. Medical and pharmaceutical associations have cooperated with the Dental Association in running the campaign. Dental care was provided free of charge to the local residents. The free services provided included the assessment of oral malodour using a portable sulphide detector, instructional programmes, and consultations with dentists. This campaign offered a good opportunity to encourage people to visit the dentist for regular check-ups. The number of regular check-ups and halitosis patients has increased in 70% of the clinics belonging to the Dental Association.

Counseling↗

Policy perspectives on newspaper reports of nurse strikes.

Content analysis was used to study 1980 U.S. newspaper articles about nurse strikes. Multivariate analysis revealed that the 893 nurse strike articles presented a more negative image of the nurse than newspaper articles on other nursing subjects. There were more negative headlines, criticism of nurses, and negative relationships. Desire for higher salaries was the major strike issue reported by newspapers, conveying that nurses are interested in personal economic gain as opposed to quality patient care. Nurse strike articles were more likely to appear in larger circulation newspapers and be about strikes in hospitals rather than other health care settings. The most extensive and favorable press coverage occurred in states were organized labor is concentrated. Policy implications of these findings include the difficulty of using the nurse strike as a labor tactic in states with a strong antiunion press.

Humans↗

Visual rehabilitation of patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy. A follow-up study at the Low Vision Clinic, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Linköping.

Seventy-nine patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy were subjected to a full range of low vision rehabilitation measures and followed for an average of 3.6 years at the Low Vision Clinic. They were provided with high power optical aids, followed by educational training in the use of such aids and of residual vision, including the utilization of peripheral retina by means of eccentric viewing technique in many cases (23%). Mean age was 52.7 years. Type I diabetes was diagnosed in 69 subjects and type II in 10 subjects. Proliferative retinopathy was present in 73 cases and background retinopathy in 6 cases. All subjects showed macular changes in varying degrees. (Another 36 patients participated in the first series of visits but could not be followed up, the main reason being that 31 of them died before follow-up. There were no major differences between the two groups regarding rehabilitation results.) The average power of the telescopes used for distance vision was 4.8 X, and the mean power of the aids used for reading and near vision, mainly increased near addition and hyperocular lenses, was 22.2 dioptres (5.6 X). The patients were also provided with aids for intermediate distance and for 'spot use'. The average number of series of visits was 2.7 and the number of 1 h training sessions 2.5 per series of visits. With aids and training, mean visual acuity improved from 0.17 to 0.73 on the first series of visits. After the last series of visits acuity was still as good as 0.64. Ability to read TV titles increased from 15.2% to 79.7% in the group and reached 64.6% after the last series of visits. The number of individuals able to read newspaper text increased from 1.3% to 97.5%. After the last series of visits the number was still as large as 86.1%. Of the individuals who had to stop working because of poor vision, 89% would have been able to return to work after rehabilitation. However, because of unemployment problems in the area, only 72% managed to return. It is quite obvious from the results that the presented methods, including high power aids and training sessions, are extremely successful in rehabilitation of patients with advanced diabetic retinopathy, provided that they have at least some residual vision. Dramatic improvements in visual performance were seen, allowing a life of much better quality than before.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗

A reanalysis of the impact of non celebrity suicides. A research note.

Previous work on suicide and the media has neglected theoretical issues. Some work has implied that only celebrity suicides can be expected to trigger additional suicides in the real world. The present study focuses on non celebrity suicides. Correcting coding errors in a previous work, it finds that the suicides of non celebrities are associated with increases in the national suicide rate. An index of publicized celebrity suicide stories was, however, more closely associated to increases in suicide than the publicized non celebrity stories. The model explains 90 percent of the variance in monthly suicide rates.

Cross-Sectional Studies↗

The influence of newspaper reports on outbreaks of mass hysteria.

A previous study suggested that newspaper reports contributed to the generation and propagation of a recent epidemic of "mysterious gas poisoning" among Arab schoolgirls. To further explore the role of the press in mass hysteria, the authors reviewed newspaper reports related to two separate outbreaks of hysteria among schoolchildren. Despite extensive coverage of both epidemics, only one questionably related new outbreak and no relapses of illness in the original settings occurred following these reports. The variable influence the media may have on mass hysteria and the multitude of other factors that can affect such outbreaks are discussed.

Child↗