Matched analysis of parent's and children's attitudes and practices towards motor vehicle and bicycle safety: an important information gap.

The purpose of this study was to compare parents' and children's attitudes and habits towards use of bicycle helmets and car seat belts. We hypothesized that parental perception of their children's safety practices did not reflect actual behavior and further, that parental practices, rather than their beliefs about a particular safety practice, have a greater affect on their child's risk-taking behavior. The study population consisted of children in grades four and five and their parents/guardians.

Screening and brief intervention for alcohol problems among college students treated in a university hospital emergency department.

The authors evaluated a protocol to screen and provide brief interventions for alcohol problems to college students treated at a university hospital emergency department (ED). Of 2,372 drinkers they approached, 87% gave informed consent. Of those, 54% screened positive for alcohol problems (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test score < or = 6).

Feasibility of screening and intervention for alcohol problems among young adults in the ED.

This study evaluates the feasibility of screening and brief intervention (SBI) for alcohol problems among young adults (18-39 years) in a rural, university ED. Research staff screened a convenience sample of patients waiting for medical treatment with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), used motivational interviewing techniques to counsel screen-positive patients (AUDIT >/= 6) during the ED visit, and referred patients to off-site alcohol treatment as appropriate. Patients were interviewed again at 3 months.

Alcohol problems among young adult emergency department patients: making predictions using routine sociodemographic information.

Objectives: The study aims were to explore the process of identifying young adult Emergency Department (ED) patients at risk for alcohol problems, examine the sociodemographic predictors of patient alcohol problems, and determine differences between patients who screened positive and those who screened negative for alcohol problems. Implications for ED practice are discussed.

Method: As part of a larger study, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was administered to consenting patients ages 18 to 29.

Family presence during resuscitation: to see or not to see?

Encouraging family presence during resuscitation is controversial. Health care providers should use evidence-based practice to review this issue and be open to the idea of allowing the family to be present. The literature supports family presence during resuscitation and there is insufficient research in opposition to family presence.