Assessing contraband tobacco in two jurisdictions: a direct collection of cigarette butts.

Background: The sale of contraband tobacco allows for tobacco tax evasion, which can undermine the effectiveness of tobacco tax policies in reducing the number of smokers. Estimates of the proportion of contraband vary widely as do the methods used to measure the proportion of contraband being smoked. The purpose of this study is to determine the proportion of contraband use in two different jurisdictions.

The effect of supplemental vitamins and minerals on the development of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Vitamin supplementation is used for many purposes with mainly alleged benefits. One of these is the use of various vitamins for the prevention of prostate cancer.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic.

A descriptive analysis of hospitalization due to acute gastrointestinal illness in Canada, 1995-2004.

Background: Gastrointestinal illness (GI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Canada, research has already demonstrated a rate in excess of one episode per person-year. National passive surveillance programs may be enhanced by information from hospitalizations for acute gastrointestinal disease.

Prevalence of smoking associated with pregnancy in three Southern Ontario Health Units.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of pregnancy-associated smoking among women residing in three Southern Ontario Health Units and to examine potential risk factors for smoking during pregnancy, using an existing data collection mechanism.

Methods: During May 2001, questions about pregnancy-associated smoking were asked during the telephone follow-up of postpartum women living in the three health units in Southern Ontario; this follow-up is routinely conducted by public health nurses. Sociodemographic data were also obtained.