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Biomedical subjects

J Syrotuik

Publications and source records attributed to J Syrotuik.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1986

Health beliefs as predictors of success of alternate modalities of smoking cessation: results of a controlled trial.

The primary objective of this study was to determine whether health beliefs influenced the outcome of the three alternate modalities of reducing cigarette consumption. The study randomized volunteers either to a control group or to one of three cessation programs, using behavior modification, health education, or hypnosis. A questionnaire was used to document health beliefs, demographic characteristics, and smoking history. Blood samples were taken before and after the completion of intervention programs to measure changes in serum thiocyanate. A follow-up questionnaire was used to assess smoking behavior after 6 months. Statistically significant decreases in serum thiocyanate levels followed participation in each of the three programs. Factor analysis and reliability tests were used to identify four scales reflecting major variable dimensions in the health belief model. Significant correlations between change in serum thiocyanate and two of the scales (general health concern and perceived vulnerability) were found only for the group randomly assigned to the health education intervention program.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Social support and mental health: direct, protective and compensatory effects.

This study deals with the relationship between social support and mental health. This relationship was conceptualized as a multi-faceted one which may be understood in terms of direct (main), protective (buffering) and compensatory effects. Hypotheses relating to these effects were evaluated in terms of spousal/community support and job strains (pressure, autonomy, opportunities) among a sample of 455 married males who were employed on a full-time basis. Results indicated that spousal support generally had more important implications for psychological well-being than did community support. However, the relative impact of these different sources of support appeared to be related to the degree to which the mental health symptomology reported was affectively defined. With respect to protective effects, spousal support was found to moderate the relationship between certain job strains (pressure) and mental health. No protective effects were found for community support. Tests of the hypothesis that community support compensates for low levels of spousal support were made in terms of both direct and protective effects. No direct effect compensation was observed. However, protective effect compensation was observed for certain job strains (opportunities) and was relevant to a wide range of symptomology. The overall results suggest a primary/secondary hierarchy of supports and strains in which primary supports (e.g. spousal) assume a protective function with respect to secondary strains (e.g. job) while secondary supports (e.g. community) do not protect individuals from primary strains (e.g. spousal). Secondary supports have a protective function for secondary strains in the absence of primary supports. It is further suggested that sex roles may be important determinants of the availability and use of different support sources.

Adult↗
PubMed1983

Random number generators for microcomputers.

The feasibility of random number generation using microcomputers is discussed and the appropriateness of alternative algorithms is evaluated on the basis of several criteria of statistical randomness. The relative deficiencies of each algorithm are cited and a modified Fibonacci generator is recommended for use in the microcomputer environment.

Computers↗