ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the factors involved in the success of smoking cessation in heavy smokers enrolled in an intensive care smoking cessation camp program.MethodsHeavy smokers enrolled in the program were classified into a success (n = 69) or failure (n = 29) group, according to whether they maintained smoking cessation for 6 months after the end of the program. Demographics, smoking behaviors, and smoking cessation-related characteristics were analyzed.ResultsStatistically significantly more participants in the success group had a spouse (98.6%; p = 0.008) compared with participants in the failure group (82.8%). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that having a spouse was not an independent factor in smoking cessation (p = 0.349). A significant difference in the frequency of counseling between the success and failure groups was observed (p = 0.001), with 72.5% of those who received counseling on 3–5 occasions for 6 months after the end of program successfully quit smoking, indicating that those who received more counseling had a higher likelihood of smoking cessation success. This was confirmed as an independent factor by multivariate logistic regression (p < 0.005). Furthermore, a graduate school level of education or higher, indicated a statistically greater success rate compared to those that were less well educated (p = 0.043). This was also observed as a significant independent factor using multivariate logistic regression (p = 0.046).ConclusionEducation level, marital status, and the number of counseling sessions were significant factors contributing to smoking cessation success.

Background Portion control is a useful component of weight reduction interventions and meal replacement (MR) plans represent a promising strategy for portion control. Research performed with pooled data on the effect of MR plans according to various characteristics of MR interventions remains scarce.Objective Our aim was to assess the effects of MR-based diets compared with foodbased diets on weight loss, according to calorie-restriction types and energy intake proportions from MR.Methods Electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, and Research Information Sharing Service) were searched for randomized controlled trials on weight loss results of MR-based calorie-restricted diets compared with food-based calorie-restricted diets from January 2000 to May 2020. Standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) from all study outcomes were calculated using a randomeffects model. Heterogeneity was quantified by Q test and I 2 . Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot and a trim and fill method. Both interventions (MR and control) were separated into very-low-energy diets and low-energy diets (LEDs). A meta-analysis of variance was conducted by dividing patient-related factors and treatment-related factors into subgroups. In multivariable meta-regressions, background variables were selected first, after which main independent variables were included.Results Twenty-two studies involving 24 interventions and 1,982 patients who were overweight or obese were included. The effect size in which MR-based LED was compared with food-based LED for weight loss was small, favoring MR (Hedges' g ¼ 0.261; 95% CI 0.156 to 0.365; I 2 ¼ 21.9; 95% CI 0.0 to 53.6). Diets including !60% of total daily energy intake from MR had a medium effect size favoring MR with regard to weight loss among the groups (Hedges' g ¼ 0.545; 95% CI 0.260 to 0.830; I 2 ¼ 42.7; 95% CI 0.0 to 80.8). ConclusionsThe effect of MR-based LED on weight loss was superior to the effect of food-based LED, and receiving !60% of total daily energy intake from MR had the greatest effect on weight loss.

Although extensive research exists on toxic environments in the Tri-State Mining District (TSMD), there has been a lack of research on how harmful effects in TSMD could affect residents living in those areas. However, quite recently, such research regarding relationships between the health conditions of residents and toxic elements in the TSMD began to grow. The increase of empirical studies means greater complexity of the findings that require a more intricate understanding. To meet the goals of this study, an extensive, systematic review of the literature using PRISMA was conducted. This method resulted in 19 articles that define the harmful effects of the TSMD on the ecology and the physical health of residents. This research found that toxic metals not only negatively impact natural processes in the TSMD environments (fish species reduction, kidney and liver problems, and toxic diet) but also continuously affect the health of residents (high blood Pb and mortality).This study makes a vital contribution building upon the existing outcomes of the correlations between toxic elements in the TSMD areas and the health of residents. Furthermore, conclusions of this study provide updated information to policymakers and health-related professionals by providing adequate and innovative remediations and health-related services in the TSMD.

In order to understand the prevalence of school-aged childhood obesity in the United States and suggest better methods to prevent and treat the public health problem, we examined it with significant and identifiable factors within the social-ecological model. To investigate the association between social-ecological factors and child obesity/overweight (BMI), we used the 5th wave of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study. The dataset included information on 9-year-old children. The sample size for our study was 2054. We utilized multiple normal distributions for missing values and the Ordinary Least Square regression analysis. Black and Hispanic children were more likely to be obese/overweight than White children; children with higher physical activity were negatively associated with higher obesity; older mothers were more likely to be associated with children’s obesity; family structure was also significantly related to the likelihood of childhood obesity; finally, school environment was significantly associated with child obesity. To combat childhood obesity, more school physical activities should be implemented, such as increasing physical education opportunities as well as building more sizable playgrounds and accessible recreation facilities at school and in communities. School environments also should be pleasant and safe for children. Health practitioners need to assess home environments to intervene for children’s health.

Background While previous studies have examined the relationships between social support and health care accessibility among ethnic minority populations, studies on Korean Americans remain scarce. Therefore, this study aims to assess the relationship between Korean Americans’ mental health, accessibility to health care, and how they perceive the level of social support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method/result We distributed online surveys to Korean Americans from May 24, 2020, to June 14, 2020, generating 790 responses from participants residing in 42 states. Binary Logistic and Ordinary Least Square regression analyses revealed that poor mental health was associated with language barriers inhibiting Korean Americans’ access to COVID-19-related information. Their perceived social support from family members and close friends was positively associated with mental health. Conclusion Our findings recommend that equipping community health care services with translators or interpreters is necessary. Additionally, health practitioners and staff should be trained to utilize telehealth tools to effectively treat individuals with mental health problems. American policymakers and health care professionals need to understand and address the unique hardships Korean Americans experience amid COVID-19.