Efficacy of the health belief model for predicting intention to pursue genetic testing for colorectal cancer.

This study examined the Health Belief Model's efficacy to predict intention to undergo genetic testing for the Colorectal Carcinoma (CRC) gene within a rural/frontier setting. Survey data were collected on 558 Southwest Montanan residents. Regression analysis revealed that perceived benefits, including affordability and satisfying curiosity, were the strongest indicators of intention to undergo genetic testing for CRC.

Determining client need in a multi-state fetal alcohol syndrome consortium: from training to practice.

Background: A multi-state consortium was developed in the US to conduct baseline data collection and intervention research on fetal alcohol syndrome. Each state employed support specialists whose job it was to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption in women who were at high risk for drinking alcohol during their pregnancy. The purpose of this paper is to report how support specialists in three primarily rural/frontier states were trained to assess client need and how client need was actually assessed in the field.

Moderate physical activity and its relationship to select measures of a healthy diet.

Context: In rural communities, physical activity may influence and predict nutritional behaviors.

Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to determine if an individual's stage of participation in moderate physical activity was related to select measures of a healthy diet.

Methods: Data were collected using a mail-in survey from a random sample conducted in the rural/frontier communities of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

Formative evaluation of a multisite alcohol consumption intervention in pregnant women.

The purpose of this preliminary study was to conduct an analysis of the time spent in intervention activities designed to decrease alcohol consumption in high-risk pregnant women across three States. Based on the program's logic model an intervention dosage form was developed specifically for the process evaluation. The form enabled the researchers to generate six client measures of intervention dosage.

Determinants of alcohol use in pregnant women at risk for alcohol consumption.

The purpose of this investigation was to identify determinants of alcohol consumption based on a number of demographic and psychosocial variables in a group of pregnant women at risk for alcohol consumption. Data were collected on a sample of 232 pregnant females who agreed to participant in a multistate alcohol prevention intervention. The variables of interest included demographic measures of race, age, education, marital status, health status, employment status and if they had been involved in physical abuse during the past year.

Developing theoretical and environmental policy for underage drinking.

Objective: To estimate concern/support for policy for underage drinkers and formulate policy-specific communication strategies.

Methods: An environmentally based approach to policy formulation used concepts from the transtheoretical, decision-balance, and social-norms models. Interviews were conducted with community stakeholders, and surveys were collected on community residents as part of the evaluation effort.

Dietary intake, eating behavior, and physical activity-related determinants of high body mass index in rural communities in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

Objective: To assess the relation between body mass index (BMI) levels and various lifestyle variables related to physical activity and specific characteristics of a healthy eating pattern, using baseline cross-sectional data from the Wellness IN the Rockies project.

Subjects: A total of 928 males and 889 females, aged 18-99 y, recruited from six rural communities in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.

Measurements: Using BMI as the criterion, overweight was defined as a BMI >or=25 kg/m(2) and obesity was defined as a BMI >or=30 kg/m(2).

Comparing changes in health risk factors and medical costs over time.

Purpose: This study was designed to examine the association between health status/behaviors and changes in these measures over time with health costs.

Design: This study employed a 6-year (1993-1998) retrospective cohort design to examine the relationship between health indicator variables, health insurance costs, and utilization. The outcome variables of interest were measures of health insurance costs and utilization of health care services.

Mental health issues in the workplace: a case for a new managerial approach.

Anger, stress, and depression in the workplace are growing concerns among management. Traditionally, health outcomes have functioned under the realm of workplace health professionals. This study assessed whether a traditional worksite health promotion program had an impact on mental health factors.

Alteration of mood state after a single bout of noncompetitive and competitive exercise programs.

This study evaluated the effects of three popular physical activities on the psychological well-being of university students. 44 students in three physical activity classes enrolled in the Fitness for Life Program at Montana State University which included circuit training, weight training, and racquetball were administered the Profile of Mood States scale 5 min. before and 5 min.

The relationship between the stages of change for exercise and health insurance costs.

Objective: To determine the relationship between the stages of exercise participation and health insurance costs.

Methods: A hurdle model was used to examine health survey and health insurance costs data by stage of exercise participation.

Results: Employees classified in the maintenance stage (regular exercisers) of exercise adoption had lower costs and a lower probability of being classified in the high-cost group than did employees classified in the other stages of change for exercise participation.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a home-based fall risk reduction program for rural community-dwelling older adults.

Background: We investigated the effectiveness of a low-cost, multifactor fall risk reduction program in a group of rural community-dwelling older adults. The goal of the program was to provide health care workers and communities with a primary prevention tool that can be used to teach seniors about fall-related risks. The long-term goal of this program is to reduce the incidence of falling among community-dwelling older adults.

The relationship between the stages of exercise adoption and other health behaviors.

Purpose: To examine the relationship between stage of exercise adoption and the practice of other health behaviors.

Design: Demographic, socioeconomic, and health behavior data were collected using a cross-sectional mail survey. Data were collected as part of a larger employee benefits research study.

Analysis of a worksite health promotion program's impact on job satisfaction.

This study assessed the impact of participation in a health promotion program and engagement in healthy behaviors on job satisfaction. A survey response rate of 70% (n = 1,283) was obtained at a northern state university with an established worksite health promotion program. Significant differences in job satisfaction were obtained by education level, job classification, marital status, dependents, and regular exercise behaviors.