Effect of stressful life events on changes in smoking among the French: longitudinal findings from GAZEL.

BACKGROUND: Changes in life events may play a contributing role in changes in smoking behaviors. The objective was to examine the impact of stressful life events (SLEs) on smoking among French adults. METHODS: We examined smoking prevalence in 20 625 employees of the French GAZEL cohort for up to 5 years before and after a SLE during three time periods (years -1 vs. -5; years +1 vs. -1; years +5 vs. +1). Repeated measures analysis of time series data indexed to events were used, employing generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: For women, comparing 1 year after vs. 1 year before SLEs, decreased odds of smoking were found for employment promotion (OR: 0.80; 95% CI = 0.67-0.95), marriage (OR: 0.57; 95% CI = 0.48-0.68) and divorce (OR: 0.78; 95% CI = 0.68-0.90). Comparing 5 years after to 1 year after SLEs, women had decreased odds of smoking for important purchase (OR: 0.87; 95% CI = 0.79-0.96), children leaving home (OR: 0.83; 95% CI = 0.74-0.93), retirement (OR: 0.73; 95% CI = 0.64-0.83) and death of loved one (OR: 0.86; 95% CI = 0.79-0.93). For men, decreased odds of smoking were observed in all three time periods for all SLEs except when comparing 1 year before to 5 years before marriage (OR: 1.66; 95% CI = 1.09-2.52) and divorce (OR: 1.49; 95% CI = 1.25-1.77). CONCLUSION: Time surrounding SLEs during which individuals are susceptible to changing smoking behaviors may be an important consideration.

Promoting changes in obesogenic behaviors: does coworker social support play a role?

PURPOSE: To examine the association between worksite social support and changes in diet, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). DESIGN: Cohort analysis of an underlying randomized, controlled weight gain prevention worksite trial: Promoting Activity and Changes in Eating. SETTING: The trial occurred in the greater Seattle area. SUBJECTS: Baseline and follow-up data were obtained on a nested cohort of employees (n = 958-1078) from 33 small- to medium-sized worksites. MEASURES: Worksite social support, diet, physical activity, and BMI measures were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire. ANALYSIS: To adjust for multilevel data and multiple time points, we used generalized estimating equations and logistic mixed models. RESULTS: Higher baseline worksite social support was associated with greater changes in fruit and vegetable intake (p = .001; summary food-frequency questions). CONCLUSION: This study does not support a conclusive relationship between worksite social support and health behavior change.

Undertaking cancer research in international settings: report from the american society for preventive oncology special interest group on international issues in cancer.

The mission of the American Society for Preventive Oncology Special Interest Group in International Issues in Cancer is to serve as a worldwide cancer prevention resource. At the 2013 annual meeting, we presented three early career investigators who conducted research with international collaborators as part of postdoctoral studies. We present a synopsis of each of the scientific presentations. The investigators also highlight useful strategies to encourage a more successful international collaboration, including seeking out existing collaborations between colleagues and international researchers, maintaining awareness and sensitivity of cultural norms, establishing clear communication about investigator roles and expectations, and persevering in the face of potential challenges due to the nature of these collaborations. Incorporation of these key elements could prove useful for researchers interested in pursuing cross-country projects.

Intention to quit smoking and concerns about household environmental risks: findings from the Health in Common Study in low-income housing.

PURPOSE: To assess the association between intention to quit smoking and perceptions of household environmental risks among racially/ethnically diverse residents of low-income housing. METHODS: Baseline data were collected from 2007 to 2009 for the Health in Common Study, which assessed social and physical determinants of cancer risk-related behaviors among residents of 20 low-income housing developments in the Greater Boston metropolitan area. Participants were surveyed about their tobacco use and concerns about household exposures. Household environmental inspections were also conducted to identify conditions associated with increased risk of exposure to indoor environmental agents, including pesticides, mold, and cleaning products. RESULTS: Intention to quit smoking was associated with a greater degree of concern about exposures in the home, yet not with the actual presence of household hazards, as identified by home inspections and survey findings. CONCLUSIONS: An ecological approach targeting multiple levels of influence may help to highlight the importance of both quitting tobacco and reducing potential household environmental exposures as part of comprehensive efforts to promote individual and household health.

Are social relationships a healthy influence on obesogenic behaviors among racially/ethnically diverse and socio-economically disadvantaged residents?

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between social support and ties (family, friend, and neighbors) individually and jointly with diet and physical activity among an ethnically-diverse, low-income population. METHODS: The Health in Common study (2005-2009) was designed to examine risk factors among individuals residing in low-income housing in the Boston, MA area. Cross-sectional surveys (n = 828) were administered in residents' homes. Linear/logistic multivariable analyses were employed with clustering of individuals within housing sites controlled as a random effect. RESULTS: In multivariable analyses, total social support was significantly associated with higher red meat consumption per day (p = 0.029). Having more friends was significantly associated with more daily fruit and vegetable intake (p = 0.007) and higher levels of daily vigorous physical activity (p = 0.011). Those who reported having a greater number of family ties also reported higher daily consumption of sugary drinks (p = 0.013) and fast food (p = 0.011). More neighbor social ties were associated with more fast food per day (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Social relationships can have both positive and negative associations with health behaviors. Understanding these relationships could help to inform the design of interventions that promote healthy behavior change among vulnerable populations.

The association between worksite social support, diet, physical activity and body mass index.

OBJECTIVE: Social support may be associated with improved diet and physical activity-determinants of overweight and obesity. Wellness programs increasingly target worksites. The aim was to evaluate the relationship between worksite social support and dietary behaviors, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). METHOD: Baseline data were obtained on 2878 employees from 2005 to 2007 from 34 worksites through Promoting Activity and Changes in Eating, a group-randomized weight reduction intervention in Greater Seattle. Worksite social support, diet, physical activity, and BMI were assessed via self-reported questionnaire. Principal component analysis was applied to workgroup questions. To adjust for design effects, random effects models were employed. RESULTS: No associations were found with worksite social support and BMI, or with many obesogenic behaviors. However, individuals with higher worksite social support had 14.3% higher (95% CI: 5.6%-23.7%) mean physical activity score and 4% higher (95% CI: 1%-7%) mean fruit and vegetable intake compared to individuals with one-unit lower support. CONCLUSION: Our findings do not support a conclusive relationship between higher worksite social support and obesogenic behaviors, with the exception of physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake. Future studies are needed to confirm these relationships and evaluate how worksite social support impacts trial outcomes.