Self-monitoring of blood glucose with finger tip versus alternative site sampling: effect on glycemic control in insulin-using patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: This study compared glycemic control in finger tip versus forearm sampling methods of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).

Research Design And Methods: One hundred seventy-four insulin-using patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to SMBG using either finger-tip testing (FT) or forearm alternative site testing (AST) and followed up for 7 months. Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) was measured at baseline, month 4, and month 7.

Limited literacy and psychiatric disorders among users of an urban safety-net hospital's mental health outpatient clinic.

Little is known about the relationship between mental illness and literacy despite both being prevalent problems. We examine whether literacy varies by psychiatric diagnoses. Interviews and chart reviews (N = 100) were conducted in a behavioral health outpatient clinic.

The role of numeracy on cancer screening among urban women.

Objectives: To determine the role of numeracy on cancer screening knowledge and practices among an ethnically diverse population.

Methods: Women aged 40+ presenting for primary care at an urban academic medical center were surveyed. Numeracy was measured as a dichotomous outcome (numerate: yes/no) using 3 criteria adapted from a validated instrument.

The effect of a primary care exercise intervention for rural women.

Objective: Rural women have limited exercise opportunities and significant barriers to engaging in physical activity. This study assessed the effect of a brief primary care based walking intervention in rural women.

Methods: The participants were recruited in March, 2003 by a primary care nurse at three locations in rural Missouri.