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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utilization of a tobacco quit line prior to and after an increase in tobacco taxes. METHODS: Intake data were utilized to assess the number of callers to the quit line between May 2004 and April 2006. The characteristics of callers were also compared over three time periods; the 5 months prior to a voter initiative to increase the tax (May-September 2004), the 3 months just prior to the tax increase (October-December 2004), and the 5 months after the tax became effective (January-May 2005). RESULTS: The mean number of intake calls to the quit line between May 2004 and April 2006 was 388 per month (range = 200-1 088). The number of calls per month increased just prior to and just after the tax increase (3-month moving average = 691-731 calls). Persons completing an intake between October to December 2004 and January to May 2005 were more likely to be younger than 45 years, woman, White, smoke one or more packs of cigarettes per day, and were less likely to have tried to quit using tobacco in the past year than did persons calling between May and September 2004. CONCLUSIONS: Organizations supporting quit lines should anticipate an increase in the utilization of these services and changes in the characteristics of callers prior to and following an increase in tobacco taxes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess trends in diabetes screening among American Indian adults and identify opportunities to extend blood glucose screening to those at risk for undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes. METHODS: In 1999, 2001, and 2003, approximately 1,000 American Indian adults aged 18 years and older living on or near the seven reservations in Montana were interviewed through telephone surveys. RESULTS: Of respondents without diagnosed diabetes, the proportion who recalled blood glucose screening for diabetes within the past 3 years increased from 68 percent in 1999 to 78 percent in 2003. Between 1999 and 2003, screening increased among men (64%-75%), women (71%-80%), those aged 18-44 years (64%-72%), and those aged 45 years and older (76%-84%). Factors independently associated with screening included age more than 45 years, family history of diabetes, and a history of high cholesterol. Current smokers were less likely to report screening compared to nonsmokers. Gender, obesity, and a history of high blood pressure were not associated with screening. CONCLUSIONS: Although self-reported diabetes screening increased over a 5-year period among Indians in Montana, additional groups who could benefit from screening include younger and obese individuals, and those with hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]