Fitwits Leads to Improved Parental Recognition of Childhood Obesity and Plans to Encourage Change.

Introduction: Brief tools are needed to help physicians and parents reach consensus on body mass index (BMI) categories for children and to discuss health-improving behaviors. This study tested the Fitwits intervention with interactive flashcards and before and- after surveys to improve parents' perceptions of children's BMI status.

Methods: We enrolled 140 parents and their 9- to 12-year-old children presenting for well child care, regardless of BMI status, scheduled with 53 Fitwits-trained physicians.

Fitwits: preparing residency-based physicians to discuss childhood obesity with preteens.

Objective: To evaluate the Fitwits MD office tool and games for obesity discussions with 9- to 12-year-olds.

Methods: A nonrandomized intervention study using pre- and posttest assessments in 2 residency programs compared 31 control group and 55 intervention physicians (34 previously trained, 21 newly trained to use Fitwits). Surveys addressed comfort and competence regarding: obesity prevention and treatment, nutrition, exercise, portion size, body mass index (BMI), and the term "obesity.

Fitwits MD™: an office-based tool and games for conversations about obesity with 9- to 12-year-old children.

Background: Physician feelings of ineffectiveness and family-related barriers hamper childhood obesity discussions. Physicians desire appealing, time-efficient tools to frame and sensitively address obesity, body mass index, physical activity, nutrition, and portion size. Our university design-led coalition codeveloped tools and games for this purpose.

Racial differences in beliefs about genetic screening among patients at inner-city neighborhood health centers.

Background: Genetic testing has the potential to identify persons at high risk for disease. Given the history of racial disparities in screening, early detection and accessing treatment, understanding racial differences in beliefs about genetics is essential to preventing disparities in some conditions.

Methods: In 2004, a sample of older adult patients from four inner-city health centers was surveyed to assess beliefs about genetic determinants of disease, genetic testing and religion.

Impact of vaccine economic programs on physician referral of children to public vaccine clinics: a pre-post comparison.

Background: The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program is a major vaccine entitlement program with limited long-term evaluation. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effect of VFC on physician reported referral of children to public health clinics and on doses administered in the public sector.

Methods: Minnesota and Pennsylvania primary care physicians (n = 164), completed surveys before (e.

Determinants of adult vaccination at inner-city health centers: a descriptive study.

Background: Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination rates among adults 65 years and older or less than 65 years with high risk medical conditions are still below Healthy People 2010 recommended levels of 90%. This study was designed to: 1) assess self-reported pneumococcal vaccination rates following health center level interventions to increase adult vaccination rates; and 2) determine factors associated with vaccination.

Methods: Tailored interventions to increase immunizations were implemented at two inner-city health centers.

Predictors of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination among patients at three inner-city neighborhood health centers.

Background: Despite the availability of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV), vaccination rates are modest, and racial disparity in these rates is known to occur.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify determinants of patient-reported receipt of PPV among patients from 3 inner-city health centers that serve large numbers of minority and disadvantaged patients.

Methods: In 2003, a random sample of patients from 3 inner-city health centers was surveyed by computer-assisted telephone interview concerning their vaccination status and their attitudes and beliefs about PPV.

What predicts influenza vaccination status in older Americans over several years?

Objectives: To examine the correlates of repeat influenza vaccination and determine whether there are age-group (50-64, > or =65) differences in decision-making behavior.

Design: Longitudinal survey study.

Setting: Two community health centers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Barriers and facilitators of colon cancer screening among patients at faith-based neighborhood health centers.

We determined the barriers to and facilitators of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among two faith-based, inner city neighborhood health centers in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Data from a random sample of patients 50 years and older (n = 375) were used to estimate logistic regression equations to compare and contrast the predictors of four different CRC screening protocols: (1) fecal occult blood test (FOBT) < or = 2 years ago, (2) colonoscopy < or = 10 years ago, (3) lower endoscopy (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) < or = 10 years ago, and (4) any of these screening measures. Racial differences (between African Americans or Caucasians) in type of colon cancer screening were not found.

Physician attitudes and beliefs associated with patient pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination status.

Background: Barriers to adult immunizations persist as current rates for pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) receipt among eligible adults remain below national goals. This study investigated potential barriers to patients receiving the PPV, including predisposing, enabling, environmental and reinforcing factors among physicians from a variety of practice and geographic settings.

Methods: Participants were 60 primary care physicians from inner-city, rural, suburban, and Veterans Affairs practices, which included adults aged 65 years and older.

Barriers to pneumococcal and influenza vaccination in older community-dwelling adults (2000-2001).

Objectives: To identify facilitators of and barriers to vaccination in patients from a range of socioeconomic levels.

Design: A survey was conducted in 2001 using computer-assisted telephone interviewing.

Setting: Patients from inner-city health centers and suburban practices were interviewed.

Shortage of influenza vaccine in 2000-2001: did it change patient beliefs?

Objective: To determine which patient beliefs associated with influenza vaccination changed during a vaccine shortage year (2000-2001) from a nonshortage year (1999-2000).

Methods: Elderly patients (n=319), who had been previously interviewed about the 1999-2000 influenza season, were interviewed regarding the 2000-2001 season. Participants were from inner-city and suburban medical practices receiving influenza vaccine supply on time or late in the season.

Knowledge and beliefs about influenza, pneumococcal disease, and immunizations among older people.

Objectives: Despite the burden of disease caused by influenza and pneumococcus, immunization rates are moderate and have not reached national goals set for 2010. This study's objective was to identify patient knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs that serve as facilitators of and barriers to influenza and pneumococcal vaccination.

Design: A survey conducted in 2000 by computer-assisted telephone interviewing.