Comparison of bone mineral density measurements at different sites: applications for primary care providers.

Bone densitometry is an effective screening tool for osteoporosis; however, problems may exist when patients present with high variability between readings at different sites. The purpose of this study was to compare bone mineral density measures of the femur, spine and whole body using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. While correlations between anatomic regions were high, substantial variability existed for participants which presents the potential for misdiagnosis and confusion.

Use of decision rules for osteoporosis prevention and treatment: implications for nurse practitioners.

Purpose: To describe the current literature regarding the benefits of bone mineral density (BMD) screening and to discuss clinical decision rules for BMD screening.

Data Sources: Extensive review of the scientific literature regarding osteoporosis, BMD screening, and current clinical decision rules.

Conclusions: Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by deterioration of bone and increased susceptibility to fractures, crippling, and disfigurement.

The effect of 15 weeks of exercise on balance, leg strength, and reduction in falls in 40 women aged 65 to 89 years.

Objective: Risk of falling increases as people age, and decreased leg strength and poor balance have been implicated as contributors. Our aims were to:1) assess the efficacy of a fall-prevention exercise program on balance and leg strength in women aged 65 to 89 years and 2) conduct a 1-year follow-up to determine the effect of exercise on fall rates.

Methods: Forty women were classified by falling history and fear of falling and assigned to exercise and control groups using stratified randomization.

Comparison between 60 matched pairs of postmenopausal black and white women: analysis of risk factors related to bone mineral density.

Purpose: Osteoporosis is a systemic disease in which bone density is reduced, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased vulnerability to fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare known or suspected risk factors (medical, gynecological, and lifestyle characteristics) related to bone loss between 60 matched pairs of black and white postmenopausal women.

Methods: The two racial groups were matched one for one on selective anthropometric variables [age (years), standing height (cm), and body weight (kg)] in order to equate age and body size between groups.

Literacy, medical care, and health status in Tennessee.

Based on the most recent information, Tennessee is facing an enormous problem with literacy and health outcomes. As a result, the healthcare industry is vulnerable because of patients' inability to understand and follow a plan of treatment. This in part has resulted in poor healthcare and increased costs in providing care.

American Academy of Family Physicians patient education materials: can patients read them?

Background And Objectives: A large proportion of US adults struggle with limited literacy skills, which affect their ability to fully function in health care settings. This study evaluated the readability of English language American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) patient education materials.

Methods: A random sample of 171 AAFP patient education materials was selected from a list of 518 health topics available via the Internet.

Risk factors for osteoporosis among middle-aged women.

Objective: To investigate the risk factors for osteoporosis among a sample of middle-aged women.

Methods: Adipose tissue and bone mineral density levels at the left femur, lumbar spine, and total body were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Subjects (n=342) were surveyed regarding a variety of osteoporosis-related risk factors.

Content analysis of prime-time television coverage of physical activity, 1970-2001.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine how major nightly television networks reported on the health benefits of physical activity.

Methods: A retrospective content analysis of physical activity coverage on four major nightly television networks from 1970 to 2001 was performed. The Vanderbilt Television News Archives were searched for keywords "physical activity," "physical fitness," and "exercise.

Patients' attitudes regarding physical characteristics of family practice physicians.

Background: This study examined patient perceptions and attitudes toward various aspects of the male and female physician's professional appearance in the family practice setting.

Methods: Four hundred ninety-six patients from two family practice clinics in Knoxville, Tennessee, completed a valid and reliable questionnaire. Questionnaires were offered to all patients on registering at their respective clinic during a 2-week period.

Development and content validation of family practice residency recruitment questionnaires.

Background And Objectives: The residency recruitment process involves a substantial time and financial commitment on the part of medical students and residency programs. This paper describes the development and content validation process of two written questionnaires designed to assess the application and interview process at our family practice residency program.

Methods: Two written questionnaires were developed after completion of a literature review and from areas deemed important by our academic faculty.

Predictors of screening for breast and colorectal cancer among middle-aged women.

Background And Objectives: Rates of breast and colorectal cancer screenings among women in the United States fall below current guidelines set forth by the American Cancer Society and Healthy People 2010. This study examined predictors of breast and colorectal cancer screening behaviors among women patients (ages 50-75) at a university-based family practice clinic.

Methods: A random sample of 600 women patients were sent a comprehensive written questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics and breast and colorectal cancer screening behaviors and beliefs via the US Postal Service.

Osteoporosis coverage in selected women's magazines and newspapers, 1998-2001.

Objective: To evaluate the accountability of osteoporosis information available in selected mass-circulating women's magazines (n=8) and a sample of newspapers (n=2).

Methods: Osteoporosis articles (n=132) were assessed for sources of information used, incidence/prevalence statistics, risks factors, and prevention measures.

Results: Expert sources were highlighted in the majority of articles, whereas incidence/ prevalence statistics were described in less than half of the articles.

Lifetime physical activity and calcium intake related to bone density in young women.

Objective: Osteoporosis is a significant public health problem associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Our aim in this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between lifetime physical activity and calcium intake and bone mineral density (BMD) and BMC (bone mineral content) in 42 regularly menstruating Caucasian women (age 21.26+/-1.

Osteoporosis prevention in college women: application of the expanded health belief model.

Objective: To examine personal characteristics and expanded health belief model (EHBM) constructs associated with the practice of osteoporosis-protective behaviors among a random sample of nontraditional college women.

Methods: A valid and reliable written mail questionnaire assessing osteoporosis knowledge, EHBM constructs, weight-bearing exercise (EX), and dietary calcium intake (CA) was completed by 273 women.

Results: A high proportion of women did not meet current guidelines for EX (50.