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Biomedical subjects

G H Spivey

Publications and source records attributed to G H Spivey.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Inner-city housing and respiratory disease in children: a pilot study.

This cross-sectional pilot study, designed to examine problems and methodology of studies on the relationship of housing and health, focused on respiratory disease in inner-city black children in Baltimore. Public housing was contrasted to the older row private housing. History of illness, familial, and demographic characteristics were obtained by questionnaire, and a small subsample of children received physical examinations. The condition of the indoor environment was evaluated and measurements of indoor temperature, volume, relative humidity, and carbon monoxide were made. Children in public housing had higher illness rates than those in private housing. Evidence of self-selection into housing type was found. Carbon monoxide levels were found to be greater inside than outside the homes. Preliminary analysis suggests public housing-private-housing classification is less important than other variables, including socioeconomic variables.

Black or African American↗

Health habits and risk factors among truck drivers visiting a health booth during a trucker trade show.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report is to provide general information on the personal characteristics, health status, and health interests reported by long-haul truck drivers. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was conducted based on a convenience sample. Statistical independence between comparison groups for driver type, age, and gender were tested with the Pearson chi-square test. SETTING: The study population consisted of truck drivers who stopped at one of 65 truck stops participating in a trucker trade show. SUBJECTS: Subjects were 2,945 male self-identified truck drivers and 353 female self-identified truck drivers who visited health booths at the trade show. It was estimated that two thirds of visitors to the health booth participated. MEASURES: A self-administered, close-ended questionnaire recorded the participant's personal characteristics, health status, and health interests. Blood pressure was measured by trained volunteers. RESULTS: A large percentage of male truck drivers smoked cigarettes (54% vs. 30% of U.S. white males), did not exercise regularly (92%), were overweight (50% vs. 25% of U.S. white males), and/or were not aware they had high blood pressure (66% vs. 46% of U.S. population). Also, 23% of surveyed truck drivers tested positive on one measure of alcoholism. CONCLUSIONS: Although a scientific sample frame was not used, the health status and lifestyle observed in this study suggest truck drivers would clearly benefit from a health education and promotion program. The truck stops should be evaluated as a possible setting for such a program.

Adolescent↗