Search

Addresses the need for safety education as a continuous process through elementary and secondary phases of education in the context of human risk within modern society. Discusses the teaching of safety subjects in civil engineering curriculum. (YP)

Objective: Millions of US households experienced food insecurity in 2005. Research indicates that low wages and little social support contribute to food insecurity. The present study aimed to examine whether social support moderates the relationship between income and food insecurity.Design: Using a mail survey, we collected data on social support sources (social network, intimate partner and community) and social support functions from a social network (instrumental, informational and emotional). We used hierarchical logistic regression to examine the potential moderation of various measures of social support on the relationship between income and food insecurity, adjusting for potential confounding variables.Setting: Oregon, USA.Subjects: A stratified random sample of Oregonians aged 18-64 years (n 343).Results: We found no evidence of an association between social support and food insecurity, nor any evidence that social support acts as a moderator between income and food insecurity, regardless of the measure of social support used.Conclusions: Although previous research suggested that social support could offset the negative impact of low income on food security, our study did not find support for such an effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many factors are associated with food insecurity in the United States. We conducted interviews with 25 low-income and/or food-insecure Oregonians to explore their experiences with food insecurity, the role of social support, and whether these experiences differed based on rural/urban residence. Ill health and unemployment emerged as food-insecurity contributors. Coping strategies cited included use of nutrition assistance programs, alternate food sources, and drawing on social support. The findings suggest that policy and practice efforts should be directed at increasing the human capital of low-income Oregonians and the benefit levels of essential nutrition assistance programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to increase understanding of acceptability of the diaphragm among young women at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. METHODS: A total of 140 young (aged 18-25 years) women who had never used the diaphragm and who were at risk for HIV and other STIs completed questionnaires that included questions about the diaphragm and other sexual and reproductive health topics. These women were participants in a focus group study. RESULTS: The majority of participants perceived that the diaphragm had several characteristics (e.g., is a method they can control, is effective in preventing pregnancy, will not cause side effects, does not decrease sexual pleasure) considered important when selecting a birth control method. However, most were not confident in various aspects of diaphragm use, including their ability to use the method correctly, without breaking the mood, or when sexually excited. In multivariate analyses, intention to use the diaphragm was significantly higher among participants who were less motivated to avoid pregnancy and those with greater perceived self-efficacy to use a diaphragm in different contexts (e.g., when sexually excited). CONCLUSION: The diaphragm has characteristics that some women consider desirable, suggesting that it could be an acceptable HIV prevention method for some at-risk women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the endorsement of conspiracy beliefs about birth control (e.g., the belief that birth control is a form of Black genocide) and their association with contraceptive attitudes and behavior among African Americans. The authors conducted a telephone survey with a random sample of 500 African Americans (aged 15-44). Many respondents endorsed birth control conspiracy beliefs, including conspiracy beliefs about Black genocide and the safety of contraceptive methods. Stronger conspiracy beliefs predicted more negative attitudes toward contraceptives. In addition, men with stronger contraceptive safety conspiracy beliefs were less likely to be currently using any birth control. Among current birth control users, women with stronger contraceptive safety conspiracy beliefs were less likely to be using contraceptive methods that must be obtained from a health care provider. Results suggest that conspiracy beliefs are a barrier to pregnancy prevention. Findings point to the need for addressing conspiracy beliefs in public health practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine perceived race-based discrimination in obtaining family planning or contraceptive services among African American women in the U.S. METHODS: We conducted a 30-minute telephone survey with a random sample of 500 African Americans (aged 15-44), which included questions about race-based discrimination when obtaining family planning services. The present analyses were limited to the 326 women who completed interviews. RESULTS: The majority (79%) of women reported having seen a health care provider for family planning or birth control services. Of those, 67% reported race-based discrimination when obtaining such services. Half of the women reported more general experiences of discrimination when obtaining family planning services (e.g., poorer service), and 52% reported experiences that reflect stereotypes of African American women (e.g., doctor or nurse assumed they had multiple sexual partners). Most indicated that experiences of discrimination occurred infrequently. Generally, background characteristics were not significantly associated with perceived discrimination. However, in multivariate models, stronger Black identity, younger age, and lower income were associated with reports of discrimination. CONCLUSION: African American women may be vulnerable to prejudice within reproductive health care contexts, including family planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stripping technique has been used to cencentrate selected hydrocarbons present in water samples at the parts per billion level for analysis by gas chromatography. The chromatograms of hydrocarbons thus striped from several different water samples show, similarities. Washing out of atmospheric pollutants by rainfall is postulated as an explanation of these results. This hypothesis is supported by a comparison of the data with those for trace atmospheric analysis. The comparison shows that the same compounds are present in similar relative amounts both in water samples and the atmosphere. After a period of rain the atmospheric concentrations decrease whilst the water bound concentrations increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas chromatography has been applied to the determination of a number of trace hydrocarbons in the atmosphere after concentration on active carbon. The concentrations of selected compounds have been measured at four locations during two hour periods throughout at least 20 days over a period of one year. A diurnal pattern of concentration variation is demonstrated. Concentration maxima at each location occur at times of peak road traffic density. The results of different analytical investigations can be compared only if the sampling periods are identical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]