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J Watkins

Publications and source records attributed to J Watkins.

203 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

A social cognitive-based model for condom use among college students.

BACKGROUND: Social cognitive theory has been used extensively to explain health behaviors. Although the influence of one construct in this model-self-efficacy-has been well established, the role of other social cognitive constructs has not received as much attention in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention research. More complete understanding of how social cognitive constructs operate together to explain condom use behaviors would be useful in developing HIV and sexually transmitted disease (STD) prevention programs for college students. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to test a social cognitive-based model of condom use behaviors among college students. METHODS: Data were collected from a sample of college students attending six different colleges and universities. Participants were 18 to 25 years of age, single, and sexually active. For the sample of 1,380 participants, the mean age was 20.6 years (SD = 1.76). Most participants reported having had vaginal intercourse (95.8%) and oral sex (86.5%); 16% reported anal sex. FINDINGS: Self-efficacy was related directly to condom use behaviors and indirectly through its effect on outcome expectancies. As predicted, self-efficacy was related to anxiety, but anxiety was not related to condom use. Substance use during sexual encounters was related to outcome expectancies but not to condom use as predicted. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings lend support to a condom use model based on social cognitive theory and provide implications for HIV interventions. Interventions that focus on self-efficacy are more likely to reduce anxiety related to condom use, increase positive perceptions about condoms, and increase the likelihood of adopting condom use behaviors.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of PACS on the visualization of the lateral cervical spine and the management of patients presenting with trauma.

In patients presenting with trauma, early diagnosis of neck injuries is likely to affect long-term outcome. This paper reports a study that compared lateral images of the cervical spine produced by a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) with the same images produced using computed radiography (CR). The study was undertaken at the Hammersmith Hospital, London. Data were collected on 100 patients who presented with trauma. Both soft copy (PACS) and hard copy (CR) images of the cervical spine were produced for each patient from the same radiographic exposure. The images were viewed by five clinical members of the Accident and Emergency Department. Data were collected on the level of the cervical spine that could be viewed, the clinical management following the viewing of the image and the use of PACS 'tools'. Overall no statistically significant differences between modalities were found in the level of visualization. Within viewer differences were found for three viewers: one indicating better visualization with PACS and two indicating better visualization with CR. The results relating to patient management indicate greater clinician confidence following the viewing of PACS images for two viewers. The use of PACS 'tools' improved visualization of the cervical spine for one viewer.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Implementation of a multidisciplinary disease management program for heart failure patients.

Institutions across the country are considering the feasibility of a disease management program for heart failure (HF) patients. Published reports suggest that such programs can save money and improve outcomes. However, the design of a disease management program can be challenging. This paper describes the structure and function of a successful disease management program for heart failure patients. The program is supported by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers, and physicians who approach the problem from a self care perspective. Program components include standardized educational materials, reinforcement of educational contacts, monthly support groups, and a quarterly newsletter. Existing staff built the program with few additional resources and staff. The program, which costs only approximately $330/patient for a 6 month intervention, has decreased hospital readmissions (29%) and days in the hospital (43%) significantly. (c)1999 by CHF, Inc.

Journal Article↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The role of cryosurgery in external ocular and periocular disease.

This preliminary report suggests that cryosurgery has a definite place in the management of certain external periocular and ocular problems. Cryosurgery for basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the lid is easily performed, gives excellent cosmetic results, and has a low recurrence rate. It is not recommended for lesions involving the fornices, or sclerotic and morphea-type basal cell carcinomas. Tumor recurrences following radiation, surgery, or cryosurgery can still be retreated with cryosurgery. To date, there is no evidence that cryosurgery at temperatures above -40 C causes damage to the lacrimal outflow system. Cryosurgery is of value in the management of trichiasis, reactive lymphoid hyperplasia, spider hemangioma, molluscum contagiosum, and conjunctival dysplasia. Cryotherapy for management of intraepithelial epithelioma and squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva and cornea is still under investigation. Cryosurgery will, in our opinion, become the treatment of choice for basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the eyelids. The 96% cure rate with one treatment for these lesions reported here is artificially high since the follow-up period is too short. However, retreatment with cryosurgery is a simple ten-minute outpatient procedure which is certainly not the case with recurrences after other forms of therapy.

Basal Cell Carcinoma↗