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Purpose To present an integrative review related to basal-bolus insulin therapy and glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data sources A search of the Cochrane, Medline (first search and PubMed), and CINAHL electronic databases was conducted from 2004 through 2011 using the search terms 'basal-bolus insulin therapy, sliding scale insulin, glycemic control, and adult.' Conclusions Comparisons were made of glycemic control, safety, adverse events, body weight, and insulin dose showing basal-bolus insulin therapy to be at least equal, if not superior to sliding scale insulin for the patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Overall patients using basal-bolus insulin therapy experienced better glycemic control, fewer hypoglycemic events, and had less weight gain. Implications for practice Basal-bolus insulin therapy is recommended over sliding scale insulin for achieving glycemic control in both the inpatient and outpatient setting because of a reduced number of occurrences of hyper- or hypoglycemic events. This could translate to decreased hospitalizations, decreased length of stay, decreased healthcare costs, and improved patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a faith-based health screening/education program to ultimately reduce risk factors for diabetes (DM), cardiovascular disease (CVD), and stroke (CVA ) in a southern, rural, African-American population. Over 120 parishioners from four rural African-American churches attended health education/screening programs offered as a part of their Bible Study. The majority of participants were female, married, with a mean age of 45 years. The program included education about prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes (DM), and stroke (CVA) followed by health screening, individual counseling, and healthy snacks. Pre/post test surveys for health knowledge were given. While the pre/post health knowledge scores showed some improvement, they were not statistically significant indicating the need for more than one program. Participants under age 30 and over age 60 years had the least knowledge on the pretest about these illnesses compared to the middle-age group. Almost 50% were found to have high blood pressure, and 14% had high blood sugar levels of which they were unaware. Participant and pastor feedback was positive and supported the feasibility of ongoing faith-based screening/ education programs as one way to meet the health needs of a rural African-American population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to compare body mass index (BMI), consumption of fruits and vegetables, smoking, and physical activity in residents of the 7 Florida counties with the highest reported BMI to residents of the 7 Florida counties with the lowest reported BMI utilizing 2002 data from the Florida Department of Health Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Results showed that survey respondents in counties with the lowest mean BMI consumed significantly more fruits and vegetables, compared to respondents in counties with the highest BMI. A positive relation between mean BMI and consumption of fruits and vegetables remained when controlled for physical activity, but not for smoking. Education about the importance of increased fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as physical activity, are important factors in the campaign against obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Explores the reasons affecting pregnant teenagers' decision to seek or not to seek prenatal care during the first trimester of pregnancy. Reasons for seeking early prenatal care; Reasons for delay in seeking prenatal care; Relation between pregnant teenagers' decision and family conditions.

African American women are more likely to die of colorectal cancer than are women of any other racial or ethic group. Early diagnosis depends on routine examination and screening. However, studies have shown that African American women are not utilizing available screening tools. African American women age fifty or older were questioned about their risk factors and frequency of CRC screening. The conceptual framework used was the Health Belief Model. Women who perceived fewer barriers, more benefits, higher perceived susceptibility, and increased confidence in the accuracy of screening, were likely to undergo screening. Implications for nursing practice are discussed especially focused on the role of advanced practice nurses as primary care providers. Utilization of a faith-based approach to reaching this population was also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine relationships among heart failure (HF) physical symptoms, social support, social problem-solving, depressive symptoms, and self-care behaviors in outpatients with HF. Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected from 201 outpatients. Structural equation modeling was used in this preliminary analysis to examine the relationships among the study variables. Results: HF physical symptoms and social support were predictors of depressive symptoms and self-care behaviors. Social problem-solving also predicted self-care behaviors. Social support mediated the relationship between HF physical symptoms and depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Social support may influence depressive symptoms and self-care behaviors, whereas social problem-solving may impact self-care behaviors. Future research should examine causality and subcomponents of social problem-solving on these outcome variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaborates the benefits of self-containment to the nursing profession. Trends in corporate design and self-governance; Recognition of the relationships between staffing requirements and the available staffing resources; Implementation considerations.