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Biomedical subjects

I Rootman

Publications and source records attributed to I Rootman.

32 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Trends in reported illegal narcotic use in Canada: 1956-1973.

Information on reported narcotic users aids in the development of drug control policy as well as programmes of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. In Canada, such information may be obtained from a narcotic users index which classifies known narcotic drug users into three categories: "illicit", "licit", and "professional". This paper presents trend data on known narcotic users in Canada from 1956 to 1973 by category, location, initially reported drug, sex and age. Between 1956 and 1973, the number of known "licit" and "professional" narcotic drug users steadily decreased, while the number of "illicit" narcotic drug users increased by 283 per cent, with the greatest increase taking place after 1969. Heroin was the most frequent initially reported drug (representing between 80 per cent and 89 per cent of known "illicit" narcotic drug users). Cocaine, as an initially reported "narcotic", had the largest proportional increase from 1956 to 1973. There were generally more reported male users than female in all age groups, a trend that increased over the time span considered. There were recent dramatic increases in the numbers and rates of reported users in the 20-24 year-old group, which has become the dominant pattern among new cases in recent years. Although the index on which this paper is based does not provide figures on total narcotic use in Canada, it is a valuable resource for epidemiologic research. This narcotic user index may be used to make minimum estimates of the extent and geographic and social distribution of narcotic-related problems in Canada.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Contacts with a Canadian "street level" drug and crisis centre, 1972-76.

The Calgary Distress Centre/Drug Centre is a "street level" agency that deals with both drug and non-drug related crises. Telephone and drop-in service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Centre has approximately 60 non-professional volunteers and a paid staff of six. Data about crisis information and counselling contacts over the period 1972-76 are presented and discussed. The Distress Centre/Drug Centre is perhaps a useful model on which to base other crisis intervention facilities. Furthermore, the systematic compilation of data regarding contacts with the agency provides significant insight regarding trends in drug use and evolution of the agency.

Canada↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Contacts with a Canadian drug information and crisis centre, 1971-74.

This paper presents data on contacts with a Canadian drug information and crisis centre over a three year span (July, 1971 to June, 1974). The following trends emerged: (1) Although there was only a small change in the total number of contacts, there were substantial decreases in the number of "crisis" and "information" contacts and a substantial increase in the number of "counselling" contacts; (2) The number of "crisis" contacts involving each drug decreased over the time span, particularly those involving "psychedelic hallucinogens" other than L.S.D., solvents, cannabis and opiates. The number of alcohol-involved crisis contacts declined least and alcohol came to account for the second largest proportion of crisis contacts after L.S.D.; (3) There was little change in the age distribution of "crisis" contacts over the period; (4) Crisis contacts in the most recent period (1973-74) were more likely to be rated serious than in the earlier periods; (5) Crisis contacts were less likely to be sent to hospitals in the most recent period.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epidemiologic field units on narcotic-related problems.

Much more understanding is needed of the epidemiology of narcotic-related problems. This paper describes a research strategy which is responsive to the heterogeneous nature of such problems. It is suggested that it is feasible and useful to establish, for defined geographic areas, epidemiologic field units which would have continuity, be comprehensive and develop programmatically relevant information on a timely basis. The possible areas of inquiry and the components of such a unit are discussed.

Canada↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pediatric injuries: parental knowledge, attitudes and needs.

OBJECTIVE: To understand current parental knowledge, attitudes and information needs about childhood injuries. METHOD: Telephone survey of 1,516 parents in Metropolitan Toronto and Barrie. RESULTS: Over half of the parents knew that injuries were the leading cause of death and about 70% believed that injuries were the most preventable of major health disorders. However, most parents were not particularly concerned, and most had limited understanding of the major causes of injury. Traditional modes of receiving safety information by obtaining pamphlets from doctors' offices or drug stores and through media coverage were preferred. CONCLUSIONS: Although parents were aware of the risk of general childhood injury, they need to be educated about specific injury risks and effective countermeasures. A concerted and thoughtful effort is needed to market safety information for parents in Ontario.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Disadvantaged women and smoking.

High rates of smoking are found among disadvantaged women, and there is a demand for cessation interventions specifically targeted to meet their needs. This project used a number of information sources to examine the factors associated with these women's smoking behaviours and the potential barriers and supports to cessation. Few of the women-centred cessation programs whose representatives were contacted were appropriate for, or available to, disadvantaged women in Canada. Interviews with 386 disadvantaged women revealed that their smoking was intimately linked with their life situation of poverty, isolation and caregiving; smoking was a mechanism for coping with the stress of their lives. Agencies outside traditional tobacco control organizations, such as women's centres, were well positioned to initiate or expand services that support smoking cessation for these women and were trusted by the women who used their services. The findings have implications for programs, research and policy.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Health communication research and health promotion.

This paper examines the relationship between health communication research and health promotion. In doing so, it identifies a number of research questions, priorities and capacity requirements pertaining to the intersection of the two fields. It concludes by suggesting that there is a great need in Canada to find support for the development of training and research programs in health communication research in general, and with an emphasis on health promotion in particular.

Canada↗