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A brief food frequency questionnaire was used to assess daily fruit and vegetable consumption among 23 699 adults in 16 US states sampled in a random-digit dialing telephone survey. Men consumed fewer servings per day (3.3) than did women (3.7). Only 20% of the population consumed the recommended 5 or more daily servings. Intakes varied somewhat by state and were lower among the young and the less educated. Efforts are needed to improve fruit and vegetable consumption among all Americans, especially younger adults and those with lower levels of education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, data collected in 1989 in a random-digit dialing telephone survey of 60 590 adults in 38 states and the District of Columbia were analyzed. Approximately 38% of women and 24% of men reported that they were currently trying to lose weight. Methods reported were counting calories (24% of women, 14% of Men), participating in organized weight loss programs (10%, 3%), taking special supplements (10%, 7%), taking diet pills (4%, 2%), and fasting for 24 hours or longer (5%, 5%). Among both sexes, only half of those trying to lose weight reported using the recommended method of caloric restriction combined with physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although attempted weight loss is common, little is known about the goals and durations of weight loss attempts and the rates of achieved weight loss in the general population. Methods. Data were collected by telephone in 1989 from adults aged 18 years and older in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Analyses were carried out separately for the 6758 men and 14,915 women who reported currently trying to lose weight. Results. Approximately 25% of the men respondents and 40% of the women respondents reported that they were currently trying to lose weight. Among men, a higher percentage of Hispanics (31%) than of Whites (25%) or Blacks (23%) reported trying to lose weight. Among women, however, there were no ethnic differences in prevalence. The average man wanted to lose 30 pounds and to weigh 178 pounds; the average woman wanted to lose 31 pounds and to weigh 133 pounds. Black women wanted to lose an average of 8 pounds more than did White women, but Black women's goal weight was 10 pounds heavier. The average rate of achieved weight loss was 1.4 pounds per week for men and 1.1 pounds per week for women; these averages, however, may reflect only the experience of those most successful at losing weight. Conclusions. Attempted weight loss is a common behavior, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity, and weight loss goals are substantial; however, obesity remains a major public health problem in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relations between leisure-time physical activity and dietary fat were examined in a population-based probability sample of 29 672 adults in the 1990 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Consumption of 13 high-fat food items and participation in physical activities were measured, and fat and activity scores were calculated. Dietary fat and physical activity were strongly and inversely associated. This association was independent of nine other demographic and behavioral risk factors. Etiologic researchers should consider that diet and physical activity can potentially confound each other, and creators of public health messages that target one behavior should consider including the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1977. a large rubella outbreak occurred in Hawaii. Because attack rates were high among women of childbearing age, we conducted extensive surveillance efforts to detect both pregnancies complicated by rubella and cases of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Initial surveillance included a survey of physicians and hospitals, review of fetal death and birth certificates, and cord blood screening for rubella-specific IgM of infants born following the epidemic, Two years after the outbreak, the medical community was again surveyed In identify affected children who were missed initially, No case of CRS was identified either shortly after the outbreak or in the ensuing two years. In addition, none of the 5.605 cord serum samples obtained was found to contain rubella-specific IgM antibody. Through active surveillance, we received 12 reports of rubella m pregnant women, o[ whom I I elected to terminate their pregnancies. The extensive use of therapeutic abortion by exposed women may have prevented the birth of infants with CRS. Surveillance for rubella-related abort ions is an important component in assessing the health impact of rubella in a community. (Am J Public Health 1984: 74:1249-1251.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]