Iniquidades raciais e envelhecimento: análise da coorte 2010 do Estudo Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE) / Racial inequities and aging: analysis of the 2010 cohort of the Health, Welfare and Aging Study (SABE)

RESUMO: Introdução: Entender as disparidades raciais no Brasil tem sido algo bastante complexo e pouco investigado em alguns segmentos populacionais, como na população idosa. Objetivo: Objetivou-se apresentar de forma descritiva uma análise comparativa, numa perspectiva racial, do perfil sociodemográfico, das condições de saúde e de uso de serviços de saúde dos idosos da cidade de São Paulo, SP. Métodos: Trata-se de uma análise transversal do Estudo Saúde, Bem-Estar e Envelhecimento (SABE). Para o presente trabalho, foram considerados 1.345 idosos da coorte de 2010. Selecionaram-se os dados referentes aos idosos de cor preta, parda e branca. Abordaram-se os dados em três eixos essenciais: sociodemográficos, condições de saúde e uso e acesso a serviços de saúde. A medida epidemiológica de associação escolhida foi a razão de prevalência (RP), para expressar as diferenças entre os grupos. Resultados e conclusão: Os resultados evidenciaram um cenário mais favorável para o envelhecimento dos idosos de cor branca em comparação com aqueles de cor parda ou preta, no tocante aos indicadores sociodemográficos, às condições de saúde ou de uso e ao acesso a serviços de saúde.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Understanding racial disparities in Brazil has been very complex and poorly investigated in some population segments, such as the elderly individuals. Objective: This study aimed to present descriptively a comparative analysis in a racial perspective of sociodemographic profile, health conditions, and health service use by older people in the city of São Paulo. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of the Health, Welfare and Aging Study (SABE). For this study, 1,345 elderly individuals were considered in the cohort of 2010. Data about the black, brown, and white elders were selected. The data were addressed in three major axes: sociodemographic, health conditions, and health service use. The chosen epidemiological measure of association was the prevalence ratio (PR), as well as the percentage values for expressing differences among the groups. Results and conclusion: The results showed a more favorable scenario for the aging of the white elderly compared to those of brown or black color, considering sociodemographic indicators, health conditions or use and access to health services.

Parenting Efficacy and Health-promoting Behaviors for Children of Mothers from Native and Multicultural Families in Korea

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the levels of parenting efficacy and health-promoting behaviors for children of mothers, and to explore the relationships between parenting efficacy and the behaviors of mothers from native and multicultural families in South Korea. METHODS: Data was collected by a self-report questionnaire completed by 258 mothers who had 6-month to 36-month-old children attending kindergartens or multicultural family support centers located in Seoul and in Gyeounggi Province, South Korea. RESULTS: No significant difference in parenting efficacy was found, depending on the maternal country of origin. However, Chinese mothers performed health-promoting behaviors more frequently for their children than Korean and Vietnamese mothers did (F = 6.87, p < .001). The significant positive correlations between parenting efficacy and maternal health-promoting behaviors for children were found, regardless of maternal country of origin (r = .57, p < .001 for Korean, r = .42, p < .001 for Chinese, and r= .40, p < .001 for Vietnamese mothers). CONCLUSIONS: Since maternal health-promoting behaviors were different depending on the native country of the mothers, maternal country of origin should be considered in designing programs for improving maternal health-promoting behaviors for their children. In addition, increasing the level of parenting efficacy can be an effective way for improvement of maternal health-promoting behaviors.

Physical activity for an ethnically diverse sample of endometrial cancer survivors: a needs assessment and pilot intervention / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To determine the physical activity (PA) behavior, needs and preferences for underserved, ethnically diverse women with a history of endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS: Women with a history of EC (41 non-Hispanic black, 40 non-Hispanic white, and 18 Hispanic) completed a needs assessment during their regular follow-up appointments at Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, USA. An 8-week pilot PA intervention based on the results of the needs assessment was conducted with 5 EC survivors. RESULTS: Mean body mass index (BMI) among the 99 respondents was 34.1+/-7.6 kg/m2, and 66% did not exercise regularly. Self-described weight status was significantly lower than actual BMI category (p<0.001). Of the 86% who were interested in joining an exercise program, 95% were willing to attend at least once weekly. The primary motivations were improving health, losing weight, and feeling better physically. Despite the high interest in participation, volunteer rate was very low (8%). However, adherence to the 8-week pilot PA intervention was high (83%), and there were no adverse events. Body weight decreased in all pilot participants. CONCLUSION: These data show that ethnically diverse EC survivors have a great need for, and are highly interested in, PA interventions. However, greater care needs to be taken to assess and identify barriers to increase participation in such programs.

Diagnóstico educativo sobre adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en médicos y enfermeras de la atención primaria de salud / Educative diagnosis on adherence to antiretroviral treatment in doctors and nurses in primary health care

Introducción: la deficiente adherencia a los tratamientos antirretrovirales, se ha convertido en un problema de salud de gran importancia, por lo que es necesario promover una correcta relación terapéutica, entre el profesional de la salud, y la persona con VIH/sida. Objetivos: identificar el nivel de conocimientos relacionados con la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral, las principales prácticas profesionales que se realizan, y la percepción de capacitación que tienen los médicos y enfermeras del municipio Camagüey, en el periodo de septiembre de 2006 a junio de 2007. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, la población estuvo constituida por 150 enfermeras y 90 médicos. La muestra quedó conformada por 100 enfermeras y 65 médicos de la atención primaria de salud, que atendían en los consultorios, a las personas con VIH/sida. Resultados: los médicos y las enfermeras muestran escasos conocimientos en algunos elementos esenciales, relacionados con la adherencia a los tratamientos de larga duración, y la repercusión que tienen en la calidad de vida de las personas con VIH/sida. Existen dificultades en algunas prácticas profesionales, llevadas a cabo con los pacientes. Hubo insuficiente percepción de capacitación relacionada con el tema, para promover la adherencia en los pacientes. Conclusiones: los conocimientos que poseen los médicos y enfermeras de la familia, son insuficientes para abordar con calidad, la atención a las personas con VIH/sida, que se acogen al sistema de atención ambulatorio

Introduction: poor adherence to antiretroviral treatment has become an important health issue, so it is necessary to promote proper therapeutic relationship between health professional and the persons with HIV/AIDS. Objectives: to identify the level of knowledge related to the antiretroviral therapy adherence, the major professional practices performed and the training perception of doctors and nurses from Camag³ey municipality during september 2006 to june 2007. Methods: a cross sectional study was conducted, out of 150 nurses and 90 doctors, a sample was made up by 100 nurses and 65 doctors from primary care, assisting HIV/AIDS patients. Results: physicians and nurses showed little knowledge of essential elements relating to adherence to long-term treatment and the impact it has on the quality of life of HIV/AIDS people. There are difficulties in some professional practices, performed on patients. There was insufficient awareness training related to the topic, to promote adherence in these patients. Conclusions: the knowledge of primary care doctors and nurses are insufficient to deal with quality care for HIV/AIDS people, benefiting from the outpatient care system

Reflexões sobre o adoecer e mudanças dietéticas durante a assistência nutricional em pacientes com hepatite C / Reflections about getting sick and dietetic changes during nutritional assistance with hepatitis C patients

Trata-se de investigar os significados atribuídos por pacientes portadores do vírus da hepatite C sobre a doença e o tratamento dietético. Para tanto, adota-se a metodologia da pesquisa qualitativa em que o sujeito interage com sua narrativa sobre o objeto de estudo e os pesquisadores analisam cuidadosamente seus enunciados. As acepções sobre o adoecer e as mudanças dos hábitos alimentares e de vida dos pacientes foram analisadas por meio da obtenção de entrevistas em profundidade. Ao trazer os sentidos expressos sobre a doença, cria-se a possibilidade de compreensão dos aspectos culturais sobre a alimentação, a nutrição e a dietética; um desafio para os profissionais de saúde e nutrição, que precisam relatar a seus pacientes a necessidade de seguir hábitos alimentares mais saudáveis, implicando alterações nem sempre simples de serem realizadas. Consideram-se hábitos e representações do ato da alimentação, como parte da identidade cultural do sujeito. Justifica-se este estudo pela necessidade de situar maior interação entre profissionais, estudantes de saúde e pacientes de modo a ampliar a compreensão dos fenômenos que cercam a experiência da doença pelos pacientes. Conclui-se que os pacientes de hepatite C atendidos no ambulatório do Hospital Universitário da cidade de Salvador e o profissional podem atingir os objetivos de aconselhamentos nutricionais, se trilharem direções dialógicas. Com isso, observou-se a adesão à orientação dietética sem rupturas bruscas e sofrimentos dos pacientes.

This paper investigates the meanings attributed by patients to hepatitis C on disease and dietary treatment. To this end, we adopt the methodology of qualitative research in which the individual interacts with his narrative on the subject of study and the researchers carefully examine their statements. The meanings of the illness and changes in dietary habits and life of the patients were analyzed by obtaining in-depth interviews. By bringing the senses expressed about the disease, it creates the possibility of understanding cultural factors on diet, nutrition and dietetics - a challenge for health professionals and nutrition, which need to report their patients the need to follow dietary healthier, involving changes not always simple to perform. Habits and representations of the act of feeding are considered part of the cultural identity of the subject. This study is justified by the need to place greater interaction among professionals, students, patients and health so as to broaden the understanding of the phenomena that surround the experience of illness by patients. We conclude that outpatients with hepatitis C at the University Hospital in the city of Salvador and the professional can achieve the goals of nutritional advice, if they follow dialogic lines. Thus, there was compliance with dietary counseling without sudden breaks and suffering of patients.

[Factors related to exercise performance according to theory of planned behavior in female students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences]

The regular physical activity can lead to physical, psychological and social health. Studies have shown that%80 of Iranian people does not exercise. Therefore, due to the importance of exercise performance and concepts of Theory of Planned Behavior, different studies are needed regarding its related factors according to a theoretical framework. The aim of this descriptive correlational study was to determine factors related to exercise performance according to the Theory of Planned Behavior in female students in 2009. 444 female students were selected by stratified sampling method. Data collection tool was a questionnaire including 6 parts: 1- external variables, 2-attitiude to exercise, 3-subjective norms of exercise, 4- perceived control behavior toward exercise, 5- intention to exercise, and 6- exercise. Content validity index, face validity and reliability of the tool were identified by internal consistency and test-retest methods respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS [ver. 15]. Mean, standard deviation, distribution of frequency, regression and path analysis were calculated in data analysis. Attitude and control of perceived behavior were positively correlated with intention to exercise and subjective norms, controlled perceived behavior regarding exercise as well as intention to exercise were positively correlated with exercise performance. Furthermore, control of perceived behavior was indirectly correlated with exercise performance through intention to exercise while subjective norms had no correlation with exercise performance. Providing positive attitude and increasing the control of perceived behavior regarding exercise can motivate people to do it

Perceptions and practices of a pakistani population regarding cervical cancer screening.

Cervical cancer is among the three leading causes of cancers among females worldwide. It is also among the three most common causes of cancer deaths among females, about 80% of which occur in less developed countries. The present cross-sectional knowledge, attitude and practice survey was carried out to determine the perceptions and practices of a Pakistani female population regarding cervical cancer screening. Through convenient sampling, 192 subjects were recruited and administered a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. About 5% of subjects knew that screening was available for cervical cancer. Only 2.6% of the sample had ever received a Pap test. The most common reason cited for not having received a Pap test was the lack of information. In conclusion, the Pakistani population studied here demonstrated a very low coverage of the Pap test and a poor knowledge regarding its utility.

Do diagnóstico à ação: a experiência do Programa Agita São Paulo na promoção do estilo de vida ativo / From diagnosis to action: the experience of Agita São Paulo program in promoting an active lifestyle

O Programa Agita São Paulo aplica uma abordagem multi-nível de intervenção para a promoção da física atividade entre os 40 milhões de habitantes do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Desde seu lançamento em 1996, o programa tem sido amplamente utilizado como exemplo em todo o Brasil e em outros países da América Latina, e a Organização Mundial da Saúde tem caracterizado-o como um modelo para outros países em desenvolvimento. O Agita São Paulo incentiva as pessoas a adotarem um estilo de vida ativo, acumulando pelo menos 30 minutos de atividade física moderada por dia, na maioria dos dias da semana. O Programa tem três principais grupos-alvo: estudantes, trabalhadores, e os idosos. São organizados mega-eventos que simultaneamente visam atingir e envolver um grande número de pessoas, como também realiza cursos e atividades com instituições que se tornam parceiras do Programa. Algumas das características especiais e de lições aprendidas com o Programa Agita São Paulo, pode ter contribuído para o seu crescimento, incluindo: uma abordagem multi-setorial, ampla utilização de parcerias, base científica para todas as atividades, a extensa cobertura de mídia não paga que o Programa tem recebido numa abordagem de dois chapéus, utilizando métodos que permitem promover atividade física tanto em setores governamentais como não-governamentais em função das circunstâncias culturais (utilizando a cultura local para disseminar a mensagem do programa) incentivando atividades que são agradáveis e simples. Essas características ajudaram a tornar o Programa Agita São Paulo um modelo que poderia ser utilizado em outros países como uma forma eficaz de promover a saúde através da atividade física.

The Agita São Paulo Program applies a multilevel intervention approach to promoting physical activity among the 40 million inhabitants of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Since being launched in 1996, the Program has been widely copied throughout Brazil and in other countries of Latin America, and the World Health Organization has characterized it as a model for other developing countries. The Agita São Paulo message encourages people to adopt an active lifestyle by accumulating at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, on most days of the week. The Program has three main target groups: students, workers, and the elderly. The Program organizes mega-events that simultaneously reach and involve large numbers of people, and it also conducts ongoing activities with institutions that become partners of the Program. A number of the special features of and lessons learned from the Agita São Paulo Program may have contributed to its success, including: a multisectorial approach; broad use of partnerships; the inclusion principle (avoiding messages or attitudes that might exclude any social group); the scientific basis for all the Program activities; the extensive free media coverage that the Program has received; a twohats approach, using either governmental or nongovernmental methodologies to promote physical activity, depending on the circumstances; cultural adaptation (using local culture to disseminate the message and make its assimilation easier); encouraging activities that are pleasurable. These distinctive characteristics help make the Agita São Paulo Program model that could be used in other countries as an effective way to promote health through physical activity.

Social heterogeneity and children's nutrition in the rural environment

OBJECTIVES: this study is inserted in an Interdisciplinary Program of Research and aims to learn about the nutritional situation and life context of children under five in the rural environment of Arambaré/RS, Brazil, through an epidemiological cross-sectional descriptive study. METHOD: the data of anthropometrical assessment (Weight/Age, Age/Height, Weight/Height) expressed in Z scores, whose reference population is that of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) were analyzed in the Epinut software, and the semi-structured form applied to the child's responsible was analyzed through descriptive statistics in the Epi-Info 6.04. RESULTS: It is evidenced that the nutritional problems vary within the social heterogeneity present in the municipality. There are different levels of vulnerability to illness. CONCLUSION: this study demonstrates the importance of understanding the social dynamics modelling individual behavior that reflects on health.

OBJETIVOS: o estudo insere-se num Programa Interdisciplinar de Pesquisa e objetiva conhecer a situação nutricional e o contexto de vida do universo de crianças menores de cinco anos do meio rural de Arambaré/RS, Brasil, por meio de um estudo epidemiológico do tipo seccional descritivo. MÉTODOS: os dados da avaliação antropométrica (peso/idade, idade/estatura, peso/estatura) expressos em escore z, como população de referência a do National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), foram analisados no Epinut, e os do formulário semi-estruturado aplicado ao responsável da criança, foram analisados via estatística descritiva no Epi-info 6.04. RESULTADOS: constata-se que os problemas nutricionais variam dentro da heterogeneidade social presente no município o que representa diferentes graus de vulnerabilidade ao adoecimento. CONCLUSÕES: este estudo demonstra a importância de compreender as dinâmicas sociais que modulam os comportamentos dos indivíduos e repercutem sobre sua saúde.

OBJETIVOS: El estudio se inserta en un Programa Interdisciplinar de Investigación y objetiva conocer la situación nutricional y el contexto de vida del universo de niños menores de cinco años del medio rural de Arambaré/RS, Brasil, a través de un estudio epidemiológico del tipo seccional descriptivo. MÉTODOS: Los datos de la evaluación antropométrica (peso/edad, edad/estatura, peso/estatura) fueron analizados en el Epinut, y los del formulario semi-estructurado aplicado al responsable del niño fueron analizados vía estatística descriptiva en el Epi-info 6.04. RESULTADOS: Se constata que los problemas nutricionales varían dentro de la heterogeneidad social presente en el municipio, lo que representa diferentes grados de vulnerabilidad al adolecimiento. CONCLUSIONES: Se demostró la importancia de comprender las dinámicas sociales que modulan los comportamientos de los individuos y repercuten sobre su salud.

Breastfeeding in Nepal: patterns and determinants.

The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of breast-feeding according to the characteristics of mother and her child. Cox proportional hazard model technique has been employed to investigate the determinants of breast-feeding. The data were utilized from a sample survey of Palpa and Rupandehi districts of rural Nepal. The study revealed that the current age of mothers, their education and socio-economic status were found to be the main determinants of breast-feeding. The current age of mother showed statistically significant relation with the duration of breast-feeding. Younger mothers are most likely to terminate breast-feeding early as compared to older counter-parts. The decreased risk of terminating breast-feeding was found with increased duration of post-partum amenorrhea, and a strong positive association was found to be statistically significant. The increased relative risk of terminating breast-feeding was found with increased the level of education of mothers, which indicates that the education is inversely related to the duration of breast-feeding. For instance, three times higher risk of terminating breast-feeding was found for educated mothers as compared to illiterate mothers. Socio-economic status of the household exhibits a statistically significant effect on the duration of breast-feeding. It is believed that this finding may help planners and policy-makers for designing proper policy and program for improving mothers and their children's health and for reducing fertility of a country.

Health-related behaviors and overweight: a study of Latino adolescents in the United States of America

OBJECTIVES: This study examined, by gender, differences in being overweight among adolescents of Mexican, Puerto Rican, and other Latin American heritage who live in the United States of America, and investigated the relationships between these differences and socioeconomic status, health-related behaviors, and family characteristics. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey study obtained and analyzed data from nationally representative samples of Latino 8th and 10th graders in the Monitoring the Future study from 1991 to 2004 (N = 11 265). RESULTS: A higher proportion of Mexican-American girls were overweight than other Latin American girls, both before and after adjusting for many confounders. For both genders, being overweight was inversely associated with socioeconomic status and frequency of vigorous exercise, and positively associated with the amount of television viewing. No family characteristic variable examined was associated with overweight. CONCLUSIONS: Time spent exercising and time spent watching television are two potentially modifiable risk factors that, if targeted, may result in important reductions in overweight. The findings indicate the need to identify gender- and culturally-appropriate interventions that can increase physical activity and reduce sedentary activities among Latino adolescents, particularly in families of low socioeconomic status.

OBJETIVOS: Analizar las diferencias, según el sexo, en el sobrepeso de adolescentes de origen mexicano, puertorriqueño y de otros países latinoamericanos que viven en los Estados Unidos de América e investigar la relación entre esas diferencias y el estatus socioeconómico, las conductas relacionadas con la salud y las características familiares. MÉTODOS: En este estudio transversal por encuesta se obtuvieron y analizaron los datos de muestras representativas para el país de estudiantes latinoamericanos del 8.° y 10.° grados del estudio Monitoring the Future de 1991 a 2004 (N = 11 265). RESULTADOS: Se observó una mayor proporción de niñas estadounidenses de origen mexicano con sobrepeso que de niñas latinoamericanas de otro origen, tanto antes como después de ajustar por numerosos factores de confusión. Independientemente del sexo, el sobrepeso estuvo asociado inversamente con el estatus socioeconómico y la frecuencia de los ejercicios físicos fuertes, y directamente asociado con el tiempo dedicado a ver televisión. No se encontró asociación entre el sobrepeso y las características familiares. CONCLUSIONES: El tiempo dedicado a realizar ejercicios y a ver televisión son dos factores susceptibles de modificar y, si se plantean como objetivo, se puede lograr una importante reducción del sobrepeso. Estos resultados demuestran la necesidad de identificar intervenciones apropiadas, desde el punto de vista cultural y según el sexo, que permitan aumentar la actividad física y reducir las actividades sedentarias en los adolescentes hispanoamericanos, especialmente en las familias de bajo estatus socioeconómico.

Cancer screening, reproductive history, socioeconomic status, and anticipated cancer-related behavior among Hmong adults.

In the United States, breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate cancer screening rates are low or non-existent in the Hmong population compared to non-Hispanic Whites. No Hmong adults report ever participating in prostate (male only) and colorectal cancer screening. US-born Hmong women, those living in the US 20 years, and those 39 years old are more likely to be screened for breast and cervical cancer than other women. The Hmong, in general, are a young population (median age = 34 years) with low socioeconomic status. As a function of these characteristics, 52% of Hmong women reported having their first child at 15-19 years old and continued to bear children until 40-54 years old. The combination of young age at first pregnancy and multiparity probably protects Hmong women from breast cancer but elevates cervical cancer risk.

Características asociadas a las prácticas de lactancia en madres asistentes a tres instituciones de salud de Pereira 2004 / Associated Characteristics of Breast Feeding Practices in Wet-Nurses in Three Health Care Institutions in Pereira

Durante el primer semestre de 2005 se realizó con recursos de la Secretaría Departamental de Salud de Risaralda, una investigación sobre características asociadas a las prácticas de lactancia materna de madres de niños menores de 2 años que asisten a los servicios de salud de la IPS Comfamiliar Centro y las Empresas Sociales del Estado Kennedy y Cuba del municipio de Pereira. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de casos y controles; para un tamaño de muestra de 55 casos y 106 controles (53 domiciliarios y 53 institucionales). La base de datos fue digitada en Epiinfo y a través de Stat transfer se procesó en SPSS, donde se realizó el análisis bivariado y multivariado y de todas las exposiciones con relación al desenlace lactancia materna. Resultados: El programa de Crecimiento y Desarrollo, espacio donde los organismos de salud llevan a cabo intervenciones para estimular la salud del niño, aparece asociado a la lactancia materna y se comporta como factor protector; igualmente el trabajar en casa, tener apoyo de la familia, una percepción favorable de los beneficios de la lactancia para la madre y la no hospitalización del niño, fueron características que permitieron la lactancia por parte de las madres. Se recomendó evaluar los procesos de hospitalización para que no sean una barrera hacia la lactancia; ser más explícitos en los programas de promoción de la salud en cuanto a los beneficios que trae ésta para las madres y fortalecer las redes sociales que acojan a las madres que no reciben apoyo que trabajan fuera de la casa.

KAP surveys and malaria control in Vietnam: findings and cautions about community research.

The malaria disease burden is increasing in many countries despite the existence of effective preventative strategies and antimalarial drugs. An understanding of community perspectives and practices is one of the essential components of a successful malaria control program. This paper reports on a KAP (Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices) survey among the Raglai ethnic minority population in Ninh Thuan Province, Vietnam, which in 2003 had one of the country's highest confirmed rates of malaria. We found high levels of correct knowledge about malaria's transmission and symptoms, and self-reports of adequate bed net usage and appropriate health-seeking behavior. While the survey generated useful findings, an initial, qualitative investigation (eg, observation and focus group discussions) to explore the large numbers of potential influences on behavior and exposure risk would have provided a more robust underpinning for the design of survey questions. This would have strengthened its validity and generated additional information. The adoption of rigorous, multi-disciplinary research methods offers the best chance of contributing to the development of successful malaria control programs and effective policies.

Cigarette, alcohol use and physical activity among Myanmar youth workers, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand.

Over 1.2 million migrants from Myanmar are currently residing in Thailand. Little information is known about Myanmar youth risk behaviors. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and the factors associated with cigarette and alcohol use, and physical inactivity, among Myanmar youth working in a harbor town in Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand. One hundred and seventy-seven young workers aged 15-24 years, living in the study area, were interviewed by structured questionnaire. About 21.5% were current smokers, 25.4% were alcohol drinkers, and 36.7% were physically inactive. Univariate analysis indicated one variable was significantly associated with cigarette smoking: education level higher than primary school (OR=2.3, 95% CI 1.02-5.0), Three variables were significantly associated with alcohol drinking: married status (OR=2.2, 95%CI 1.02-4.5); non-seafood-processing workers, i e, street vendors, construction laborers, etc. (OR=3.4, 95% CI 1.7-7.1), and high job stress due to supervisor/boss (OR=2.1 95% CI 1.1-4.2). Two variables were significantly associated with physical inactivity: female youth (OR=3.9 95% CI 2.1-7.5), and education level higher than primary school (OR=0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8). The prevalence of smoking, alcohol drinking and physical inactivity among Myanmar migrant youths was quite high. Government and non-government organizations should co-operate to provide interventions to reduce youths' risk behaviors.

Behavioral and hygienic characteristics of primary schoolchildren which can be modified to reduce the prevalence of geohelminth infections: a study in central Java, Indonesia.

Five schools in central Java that enroll more than 500 students in grades one through six were chosen for a study of the prevalence of parasitic geohelminths and selected protozoan infections. The schools are located in regions that differ in geological features, density of vegetation and cultural and economic attributes. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among children in the five schools ranged from 8.7% to 76.1%, and protozoan infections from 2.8% to 32.1%. The principal objective of the study was to identify physical, hygienic and behavioral characteristics of the children that increase the likelihood of becoming infected. Although most of the characteristics studied are considered to be contributing factors, few previous attempts have been made to rank them in order of importance in causing infection. The results of this study suggest that a systematic and sustained effort to teach children to (a) avoid certain types of behavior that favor infection, and (b) practice good personal hygiene, are the best approaches to significant and enduring reduction of the scourge of intestinal parasitism.

Lay beliefs about smoking in Kelantan, Malaysia.

Studies have shown that smokers rationalize smoking by self-exempting beliefs. This study explored lay beliefs about smoking in Kelantan, Malaysia, using focus groups among outpatients, medical students and staff, and a questionnaire survey of 193 male smokers. In focus groups, patients said they could do something to make smoking safe. When asked, 'Do you think there are any safe ways to smoke?' 132/193 (68%) male smokers described at least one way. The commonest were 'drink water' (69/193, 36%), 'use a filter' (60/193, 31%), 'smoke after food' (27/193, 14%), and 'take sour fruit' (21/193, 11%). At three- or six-month follow-up, numbers agreeing with these beliefs were: for 'drink water' 67/115 (58%), for 'take sour fruit' 61/115 (53%), and for 'smoke after food' 38/115 (33%), with 88/115 (77%) supporting at least one. The main explanations for water were that it cleaned or moistened the lungs or throat. Sour fruit was described as cleaning, and sometimes as 'sharp', able to scrape out the essence of cigarettes. The conclusion is that self-exempting false beliefs about smoking are widespread, and here they probably represent an extension of the traditional humoral system. Anti-smoking campaigns and health workers in smoking cessation services should address these beliefs.