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Do health behaviors moderate the effect of socioeconomic status on metabolic syndrome?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine whether the effect of socioeconomic factors on metabolic syndrome is influenced by such covariates as health behavior and psychosocial factors. METHODS: This study used data collected from 4400 households during the 2001 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A stratified multistage probability sampling method was applied and the final sample included 6601 subjects older than 20 years who had completed necessary health examinations. RESULTS: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Koreans was 25.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.8-27.2) for men and 28.7% (95% CI, 27.2-30.2) for women. Analysis of moderator effects showed that interactions between education and smoking or exercise status and between income and alcohol or smoking status were significant. The significance of the interaction terms indicates that health behavior and psychosocial factors modified the relationship between socioeconomic factors and metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study provide evidence that such behaviors as smoking, drinking alcohol, and insufficient exercise contribute to the incidence of metabolic syndrome. Changes to higher socioeconomic status may not reduce the odds of metabolic syndrome unless behavior also is adapted.

Adult↗

Representation of the governed: leadership building for people with behavioral health disorders who are homeless or were formerly homeless.

Many organizations that provide services to individuals with behavioral health disorders are required to include people with psychiatric disabilities on their boards and action groups, yet this requirement rarely results in successful, ongoing representation. We report on a pilot project that trained people who were homeless and formerly homeless, most of whom were diagnosed with behavioral health disorders, for internships on boards and action groups that provide services to people who are homeless. We relate the project's goals to the theme of empowerment, present our findings, discuss key implementation issues, and offer recommendation for future program efforts and research.

Conduct Disorder↗

Longitudinal study of dental health behaviors and other caries predictors in early childhood.

This longitudinal study of 231 preschoolchildren from a medium sized Norwegian town had three aims: firstly, to examine the children's early dental behavior, secondly to study the variation of dental health behavior according to mother's education, mother's dental health, and her dental attendance pattern, and thirdly to identify any behavioral or social predictors of dental caries in 36-month-old children. Data were collected at health centers, using precoded questionnaires and examinations, when the children were 6, 18, and 36 months old. Data about the mothers were collected at the maternity ward. At 36 months of age, 80% of the children were caries free. Favorable dental behaviors were related to toothbrushing and use of fluorides. These behaviors were so well established and consistent at all ages that they can be regarded as norms for this community. The most unfavorable and inconsistent behavior was related to sugar consumption. Dental health education could be most usefully applied to this area, where the greatest potential for improvement in behavior exists. A relationship was found between the children's caries experience and the number of missing teeth of the mother, her dental attendance pattern and her level of education. None of the social or behavioral variables tested had a strong enough association with caries experience to justify their use as caries predictors in this age group.

Child Behavior↗

Oral health behaviors in medical patients with diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: Periodontal disease is common among patients with noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and interferes with diabetic control. However, no study has examined predictors of oral health behavior among patients with diabetes in a medical setting. This study describes self-reported oral hygiene among primary care patients with IDDM and NIDDM, evaluating age, race, gender, psychosocial stress, family dysfunction, and other health predictors of preventive oral behaviors. METHODS: A written survey of oral health behaviors, psychological stress, and family function was conducted among 390 out of 473 possible primary care dentate patients with diabetes (IDDM=81; NIDDM=309). Fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C also were obtained. Data were collected between January 1989 and June 1991, and analyzed using Mantel-Haenszel's chi-square and logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients with IDDM with severe family dysfunction were less likely to brush, floss, or visit a dentist regularly than those with better reported family function. Whites with NIDDM were more likely to practice these oral health behaviors than were blacks. Female gender correlated with flossing in the group of patients with IDDM, and with brushing in both groups. Patients with NIDDM who exercised were also more likely to visit the dentist annually. Age was positively associated with a history of periodontal disease in the group with IDDM. CONCLUSIONS: These data document for the first time the relationship between family dysfunction and oral health practices of patients with IDDM, and corroborate the known associations among white race, female gender, and oral hygiene. This information could be used to coordinate diabetic oral health promotion between primary care physicians and oral health professionals.

Adolescent↗

Part-time work and hurried adolescence: the links among work intensity, social activities, health behaviors, and substance use.

The present study examines adolescents' part-time work intensity and its relation to participation in various activities as well as substance use. We consider mechanisms articulated in two theoretical perspectives on how high work intensity is associated with substance use: (1) the "time trade-off perspective," and (2) "the precocious development perspective." Nationally representative data were drawn from the "Monitoring the Future" project from 8th, 10th and 12th grade students (overall N approximately 380,000) to address our research questions. Work intensity was found to be linked to more time spent on unstructured social activities, but to less time spent engaged in sports, health behaviors, and school-related activities. Social time use and health behaviors were found to partially mediate the relationship between work hours and substance use. Overall, results provide evidence for a combination of both perspectives.

Adolescent↗

Surveillance for health behaviors of American Indians and Alaska Natives. Findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1997-2000.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: In the United States, disparities in risks for chronic disease (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are evident among American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) and other groups. This report summarizes findings from the 1997-2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for health-status indicators, health-risk behaviors, and HIV testing and perceived risk for HIV infection among AI/ANs, compared with other racial/ethnic groups in five regions of the United States. REPORTING PERIOD COVERED: 1997-2000. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: BRFSS is a state-based telephone survey of the civilian, noninstitutionalized, adult (i.e., persons aged > or =18 years) population. For this report, responses from the 36 states covered by the Indian Health Service administrative areas were analyzed. RESULTS: Region and sex-specific variations occurred in the prevalence of high-risk behaviors and health-status indicators. For example, the prevalence of current cigarette smoking ranged from 21.2% in the Southwest to 44.1% in the Northern Plains, and the awareness of diabetes was lower in Alaska than in other regions. Men were more likely than women to report binge drinking and drinking and driving. For the majority of health behaviors and status measures, AI/ANs were more likely than respondents of other racial/ethnic groups to be at increased risk. For example, AI/ANs were more likely than respondents of other racial/ethnic groups to report obesity (23.9% versus 18.7%) and no leisure-time physical activity (32.5% versus 27.5%). INTERPRETATION: The 1997-2000 BRFSS data demonstrate that health behaviors vary regionally among AI/ANs and by sex. The data also reveal disparities in health behaviors between AI/ANs and other racial/ethnic groups. The reasons for these differences by region and sex, and for the racial/ethnic disparities, are subjects for further study. However, such patterns should be monitored through continued surveillance, and the data should be used to guide prevention and research activities. For example, states with substantial AI/AN populations, and certain tribes, have successfully used BRFSS data to develop and monitor diabetes and tobacco prevention and control programs. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS: Federal and state agencies, tribes, Indian health boards, and urban Indian health centers will continue to use BRFSS data to develop and guide public health programs and policies. The BRFSS data will also be used to monitor progress in eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities. Regional Indian health boards, tribal epidemiology centers, and Indian Health Service Area Offices can use the findings of this report to prioritize interventions to prevent specific health problems in their geographic areas. Moreover, tribes and other institutions that promote AI/AN health care can use the report to document health needs when applying for resources.

AIDS Serodiagnosis↗

Gender-specific behavioral health and community release patterns among New Jersey prison inmates: implications for treatment and community reentry.

OBJECTIVES: We describe behavioral health diagnoses and community release patterns among adult male and female inmates in New Jersey prisons and assess their implications for correctional health care and community reentry. METHODS: We used clinical and classification data on a census of "special needs" inmates (those with behavioral health disorders) in New Jersey (n=3189) and a census of all special needs inmates released to New Jersey communities over a 12-month period (n=974). RESULTS: Virtually all adult inmates with special needs had at least 1 Axis I mental disorder, and 68% of these had at least 1 additional Axis I mental disorder, a personality disorder, or addiction problem (67% of all male and 75% of all female special needs inmates). Of those special needs inmates released, 25% returned to the most disadvantaged counties in New Jersey (27% of all male and 18% of all female special needs inmates). CONCLUSIONS: Two types of clustering were found: gender-specific clustering of disorders among inmates and spatial clustering of ex-offenders in impoverished communities. These findings suggest a need for gendered treatment strategies within correctional settings and need for successful reentry strategies.

Adult↗

Model for incorporating social context in health behavior interventions: applications for cancer prevention for working-class, multiethnic populations.

BACKGROUND: This article proposes a conceptual framework for addressing social contextual factors in cancer prevention interventions, and describes work that operationalizes this model in interventions for working class, multiethnic populations. METHODS: The Harvard Cancer Prevention Program Project Includes Three Studies: (1) an intervention study in 25 small businesses; (2) an intervention study in 10 health centers; and (3) a computer simulation modeling project that translates risk factor modifications into gains in life expectancy and number of cancers averted. The conceptual framework guiding this work articulates pathways by which social context may influence health behaviors, and is used to frame the interventions and guide evaluation design. RESULTS: Social contextual factors cut across multiple levels of influence, and include individual factors (e.g., material circumstances, psychosocial factors), interpersonal factors (e.g., social ties, roles/responsibilities, social norms), organizational factors (e.g., work organization, access to health care), and neighborhood/community factors (e.g., safety, access to grocery stores). Social context is shaped by sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., social class, race/ethnicity, gender, age, language) that impact day-to-day realities. CONCLUSIONS: By illuminating the pathways by which social contextual factors influence health behaviors, it will be possible to enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing social inequalities in risk behaviors.

Behavior Therapy↗

Primary care clinicians evaluate integrated and referral models of behavioral health care for older adults: results from a multisite effectiveness trial (PRISM-e).

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that integrated behavioral health services for older adults in primary care improves health outcomes. No study, however, has asked the opinions of clinicians whose patients actually experienced integrated rather than enhanced referral care for depression and other conditions. METHOD: The Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Elderly (PRISM-E) study was a randomized trial comparing integrated behavioral health care with enhanced referral care in primary care settings across the United States. Primary care clinicians at each participating site were asked whether integrated or enhanced referral care was preferred across a variety of components of care. Managers also completed questionnaires related to the process of care at each site. RESULTS: Almost all primary care clinicians (n = 127) stated that integrated care led to better communication between primary care clinicians and mental health specialists (93%), less stigma for patients (93%), and better coordination of mental and physical care (92%). Fewer thought that integrated care led to better management of depression (64%), anxiety (76%), or alcohol problems (66%). At sites in which the clinicians were rated as participating in mental health care, integrated care was highly rated as improving communication between specialists in mental health and primary care. CONCLUSIONS: Among primary care clinicians who cared for patients that received integrated care or enhanced referral care, integrated care was preferred for many aspects of mental health care.

Adult↗

Cancer-related beliefs and health behavior change among breast cancer survivors and their first-degree relatives.

It is unclear why some cancer survivors and their relatives are motivated by the (personal or vicarious) cancer experience to make positive health behavior changes while others are not. Consistent with Leventhal's Commonsense Model, we hypothesized that breast cancer survivors and their first-degree relatives (FDRs) would change behaviors they believed: (1) had caused the survivor's cancer or (2) could prevent a future cancer incidence. Sixty-five breast cancer survivors (stages 0-III) and 33 FDRs were recruited. Assessments occurred within three months of the survivor completing treatment (i.e. all surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation) and again three months later. Findings indicate that survivors who believed that unhealthy diet, insufficient exercise, or alcohol consumption contributed to their cancer were more likely to modify the relevant behavior. Likewise, survivors were more likely to implement healthy changes they believed would ward off a recurrence. Findings were similar when data from FDRs was added to the sample. Thus, healthy lifestyle changes after a personal (and possibly a vicarious) cancer diagnosis are tied to whether individuals believe changes can affect cancer outcomes. Given the role of health behavior change in reducing medical risks, these findings have important implications for maintaining the health of cancer survivors.

Adult↗

Social control of health behavior: associations with conscientiousness and neuroticism.

Despite considerable research demonstrating associations of conscientiousness and neuroticism with health-related behavior, our understanding of how and why these traits are related to lifestyle is limited. This study examined the social regulation of health behavior in a probability sample of 509 household residents who completed a Random Digit Dial (RDD) telephone survey. Results suggest that the social regulation of health behavior experienced by highly conscientious individuals has more to do with their own internalized notions of responsibility and obligation to others than to specific actions by others aimed at influencing their health habits. In contrast, individuals with higher neuroticism experience more overt attempts by others to influence their health habits but have more negative affective and behavioral responses to these social influence attempts. Findings suggest that elucidating the distinct social influence processes that operate for conscientiousness and neuroticism may further understanding of how these traits are related to health behaviors and status.

Adult↗

Health behaviors, chronic disease prevalence and self-rated health of older Asian Indian immigrants in the U.S.

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlates of healthy behaviors and self-rated health in middle-aged and older Asian Indian immigrants in the U.S. Asian Indian men (n=162) and women (n=64), 50 years of age or older completed a telephone survey which collected information regarding demographics, behavioral risk factors, acculturation, perceived control, quality of social support, depression, body mass index, chronic disease prevalence, and self-rated health. Participants' average length of residence in the U.S. was 25 years, 52% were normal weight, 41% were vegetarians, 55% incorporated aerobic activity into daily lifestyle, and only 5% smoked. Hypertension and diabetes were most common chronic diseases (31 and 18%, respectively). Younger age, longer length of residence and a bicultural or more American ethnic identity were associated with greater participation in physical activity. Likewise, higher income, a bicultural or more American ethnic identity and depression were associated with higher fat intake. Poor self-rated health was associated with older age, female gender, BMI>25, satisfaction with social support, and greater number of chronic disease conditions. A multitude of factors influence the practice of healthy behaviors and the perceived health of Asian Indian immigrants, which should be addressed when developing culturally appropriate health promotion interventions.

Acculturation↗

Health status, health perceptions, and health behaviors of young adult women.

A descriptive, exploratory study of 76 young adult women enrolled in a women's health course at a large, midwestern university was undertaken to identify their current health status, health perceptions, and general health behaviors. Two groups of young adult females participated, nursing students (n = 38) and non-nursing students (n = 38). The panel of young adult women in this study reported their health as good or excellent, viewed health as very important and generally used positive health practices. However, data revealed that the lifestyles of many respondents were not conducive to promoting or maintaining health. Negative health practices identified were drinking and driving, non-performance of self breast examinations, ineffective stress management strategies and poor dietary and exercise habits. No significant differences were noted between nursing and non-nursing students.

Adult↗

The effects of self-efficacy promoting cardiac rehabilitation program on self-efficacy, health behavior, and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic heart disease results from athesclerotic changes of the coronary artery. These changes are aggravated by hypercholesterolemia, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, coronary-prone personality, and stress. Because these risk factors affect not only the prevalence of the ischemic heart disease but also recurrence of the disease, cardiac rehabilitation programs were introduced to help patients with ischemic heart disease reduce risk factors. Diverse cardiac rehabilitation programs are needed to motivate participation in cardiac rehabilitation and to enhance patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of a self-efficacy promoting cardiac rehabilitation program on self-efficacy, health behavior and quality of life of patients with ischemic heart disease. METHODS: Data were collected from 45 hospitalized ischemic heart disease patients. Medical records were reviewed to obtain demographic and clinical characteristics. Data regarding self-efficacy, health behavior, and quality of life were obtained from interviews using structured questionnaires. The nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design was used to conduct this study. One session of conventional group education was given to patients in the control group while they were in the hospital. Patients in the experimental group participated in a newly developed cardiac rehabilitation program. It focused on strengthening self-efficacy with four self-efficacy sources - performance accomplishment, vicarious experiences, verbal persuasion and physical status using two individualized in-hospital education sessions and four weekly telephone counseling follow-up calls after discharge. RESULTS: Four weeks after discharge, the increment of total self-efficacy score was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (p<.01). There was also a significant difference in the total quality of life scores increments between the two groups (p<.01). However, no significant changes were noted in the increments of total health behavior scores between the two groups. CONCLUSION: A cardiac rehabilitation program focusing on promoting self-efficacy was effective in improving self-efficacy, and quality of life of patients with ischemic heart disease.

Journal Article↗

Relationships among adolescent subjective well-being, health behavior, and school satisfaction.

This study examined the relationship among subjective well-being (SWB), school satisfaction, and health behavior of Finnish secondary school students (N = 245). Pupils (51.0% female) in seventh and ninth grades from 13 secondary schools completed an anonymous questionnaire. Adolescent subjective well-being was measured using the Berne questionnaire of subjective well-being, and two subscales from an original Finnish questionnaire of values and subjective well-being. Results indicated that school satisfaction, body satisfaction, and self-rated good health explained 50% of the variance in global satisfaction among female respondents. For males, most significant predictors for global satisfaction included, in addition to those observed among girls, low-intensity drinking which explained 31% of the variance. The most significant associations for global ill-being for females were school dissatisfaction, high-intensity drinking, and self-rated moderate health, explaining 34% of the variance. In global ill-being, the variables of body dissatisfaction and regular drinking explained only 14% of the variance for boys. The results support the need to enhance adolescent positive attitudes toward life and school, self-perception, and adolescent coping with negative emotions.

Adolescent↗

Benefits in behavioral health carve-out plans of Fortune 500 firms.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the prevalence and nature of behavioral health carve-out contracts among Fortune 500 firms in 1997. METHODS: A survey was conducted of 498 companies that were listed as Fortune 500 firms in 1994 or 1995. A total of 336 firms (68 percent) responded to the survey. Univariate analyses were used to analyze prevalence, types, and amounts of covered services, cost sharing, and benefit limits. A total of 132 firms reported contracting with managed behavioral health organizations; 124 firms answered benefits questions about covered services, cost-sharing levels, and annual and lifetime limits. RESULTS: Most of the plans covered a broad range of services. Cost sharing was typically required, and for inpatient care it was often substantial. Fifteen percent of the firms offered mental health benefits that were below the limits defined in this study as minimal benefit levels, and 34 percent offered substance abuse treatment benefits that fell below minimal levels. The most generous mental health benefits and substance abuse treatment benefits, defined as no limits or a lifetime limit only of $1 million or more, were offered by 31 percent and 20 percent of the firms, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The carve-out contracts of the Fortune 500 firms in this study typically covered a wide range of services, and the benefits appeared generous relative to those reported for other integrated and carve-out plans. However, these benefits generally did not reach the level of parity with typical medical benefits, nor did they fully protect enrollees from the risk of catastrophic expenditures.

Contract Services↗