OBJECTIVES To determine the demographic characteristics, risk behaviours and prevalence of HIV-1 among injection drug users (IDU) attending Calgary's needle exchange program (NEP). METHODS A survey was conducted from June through September 1998 among IDU attending Calgary's NEP. Demographic and behaviour characteristics were determined by personal interview and saliva was tested for HIV antib...

Despite advances in drug treatment, outcomes in asthma remain unsatisfactory. Often overlooked in developing treatment strategies are important factors that affect outcomes in asthma, namely behavioral issues such as the low rate of patient adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen, inadequate physician-patient communication, and inconsistent implementation of evidence-based treatment guide...

BACKGROUND Determining what constitutes "good practice" in the measurement of the costs and effects of health promotion and disease prevention measures is of particular importance. The aim of this paper was to gather expert knowledge on (economic) evaluations of health promotion and prevention measures for children and adolescents, especially on the practical importance, the determinants of pro...

This review is describing different models of case management, showing their similarities and differences with regards to the way they operate. Good relationship between patient and case manager, application of the biopsychosocial model, availability of psychosocial treatment methods and rehabilitation programs, and individual treatment plan are all important factors in case management's succes...

OBJECTIVE An estimated 6-10 million people in India live with active epilepsy, and less than half are treated. We analyze the health and economic benefits of three scenarios of publicly financed national epilepsy programs that provide: (1) first-line antiepilepsy drugs (AEDs), (2) first- and second-line AEDs, and (3) first- and second-line AEDs and surgery. METHODS We model the prevalence and...

BACKGROUND Integrating the best available evidence into program standards is essential if system-wide improvements in the delivery of community-based mental health services are to be achieved. Since the beginning of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program movement, program standards have included a role for the community. In particular, ACT program standards have sought to ensure that m...

This review examines the impact of assertive community treatment (ACT) and case management models on the use of inpatient hospitalization and other community mental health services, costs, and other clinical and social outcomes. ACT programs have been found to reduce hospitalization and increase use of community mental health services at an equivalent or reduced cost. Greater fidelity to the AC...

Our evaluation study identifies facilitators and barriers to participation among families participating in the treatment arm of Stanford ECHALE. This culturally tailored obesity prevention trial consisted of a combined intervention with two main treatment components: 1) a folkloric dance program; and 2) a screen time reduction curriculum designed for 7-11 year old Latinas and their families. We...

taneously produce the ability to perform such activities is a logical leap. In addition to concerns of institutional capacity, there are ethical implications of such work. Although Lemery notes the importance of ethical oversight, the risk of violating medical ethics may outweigh any potential goodwill such efforts might garner. When the focus of medical care turns from the patient to higher id...

BACKGROUND Voice problems are more common in teachers due to intensive voice use during routine at work. There is evidence that occupational disphonia prevention programs are important in improving the quality voice and consequently the quality of subjects' lives. AIM To investigate the impact of educational voice interventions for teachers on quality of life and voice. METHODS A longitudin...