Cost effectiveness of a community based research project to help women quit smoking.

Objective: To estimate the cost effectiveness of a four year, multifaceted, community based research project shown previously to help women quit smoking.

Design: A quasi-experimental matched control design.

Setting: Two counties in Vermont and two in New Hampshire, USA.

Factors associated with arm swelling after breast cancer surgery.

Purpose: As life expectancy improves for women with breast cancer, more women will be living with symptoms of lymphedema. This study reports the incidence of arm or hand swelling and associated risk factors in women with invasive breast cancer following surgery.

Methods: Data were obtained from baseline and follow-up interviews of women with invasive breast cancer (n = 145), and mammography and pathology records.

Factors influencing quality of life in breast cancer survivors.

Longitudinal data from 195 breast cancer survivors were used to identify factors affecting the level and rate of change in quality of life after completion of treatment. Women were interviewed up to four times at approximately yearly intervals using Kaplan and Bush's Quality of Well Being instrument (QWB). Random coefficient regression analysis was used to model QWB as a function of time since diagnosis and personal characteristics.

Relationships between cigarette smoking during pregnancy, gestational age, maternal weight gain, and infant birthweight.

Objective: To estimate the effect of smoking on infant birthweight independent of gestational age and maternal weight gain during pregnancy.

Methods: Stepwise regression was used to identify sets of maternal and infant characteristics not modified by prenatal smoking that were predictors of infant birthweight, gestational age, and net maternal weight gain. These were then included in regression analyses to assess the effects of smoking, as measured by cigarette consumption, exhaled carbon monoxide, or urinary cotinine on gestational age, net maternal weight gain, and infant birthweight.

Evaluation of a community breast screening promotion program.

Background: This study reports results of a controlled evaluation of a comprehensive community breast screening promotion program. This program promoted increased use of mammography, clinical breast examination, and breast self-examination through community organization, physician training, and public education.

Methods: The program was conducted in one of three matched Florida study areas, with before and after assessment of breast screening behaviors, beliefs, and perceptions of women ages 40 and older.