YH Cheng - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by YH Cheng
Hong Kong Medical Journal, Feb 1, 2007
An exploratory study examining breastfeeding practices among mothers in a maternity hospital in H... more An exploratory study examining breastfeeding practices among mothers in a maternity hospital in Hong Kong Key Messages 1. Mothers in the breastfeeding group were more knowledgeable about and held more positive attitudes towards breastfeeding than those in the infant formula group. 2. Previous breastfeeding experience influences current breastfeeding practice, including choice and duration of feeding method. 3. Mothers who do not need to breastfeed their babies during work hours quit breastfeeding earlier than those who do need to breastfeed during work hours. The need to breastfeed the baby while working may not be a factor in ceasing to breastfeed. 4. Having a job is not a crucial factor in the choice between breastfeeding or/and use of infant formula.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Aug 1, 2017
Background: About 15-20% of the general public in Hong Kong consult TCM practitioners. This study... more Background: About 15-20% of the general public in Hong Kong consult TCM practitioners. This study explored the decision making process involved in Hong Kong Chinese's choice between TCM and western medicine. Methods: Eight focus group interviews (six to eight participants per group) and four individual interviews were conducted. Results: The participants kept an "old fashioned" concept of TCM. Many saw TCM as a non-scientific practice and had stronger trust on the credibility of western medicine. Some participants, however, preferred the more personalized treatment approach of TCM. While western medicine was usually the initial choice, the participants were pragmatic to adopt TCM when they felt western medicine was not working, or to supplement the treatment. They were often referred by members of their social networks. Conclusion: The public' perception of TCM lagged behind its actual development. Many TCM users are pragmatic users who learn through trial and error.
Qualitative Health Research, Jun 1, 2008
In this study, I used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach by means of thematic analysis to ex... more In this study, I used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach by means of thematic analysis to examine the lived experiences of hand-injured workers in Hong Kong. Twenty-seven informants with moderate to severe disabilities were interviewed over ten years about how they lived through their disability and their discourses were examined in the cultural context. Three categories (survivors, achievers, strugglers) were synthesized from the informants' life courses. Each category was analyzed under three themes: biographical disruption, working with a disability, and linking family and significant others, but these three categories proved fluid and subject to individual life course and contextual factors. All informants had to work “against the odds.” Most returned to work after recovery but some tended to drift within the labor market. Human agency and situated context facilitated achievers to progress through “oddson chance.” Outcome measures of rehabilitative interventions that focus on returning to employment might underestimate the sequelae of being disabled in society.
Medical Education, Sep 1, 2004
OBJECTIVE To examine teachers' views of the first batch of graduates of a revised medical curricu... more OBJECTIVE To examine teachers' views of the first batch of graduates of a revised medical curriculum in Asia. METHODS A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was carried out to obtain the views of all the clinical teachers involved in teaching final year students of the old curriculum in 2000-01 and the new curriculum in 2001-02 at the University of Hong Kong, which commenced curricular reform in 1997. RESULTS Nearly 62% of respondents felt that better graduates were being produced with the new curriculum. The majority of them rated the new curriculum students better in nearly all the major goals of the new curriculum, such as self-directed learning initiative, problem solving skills, interpersonal skills and clinical performance in patient care. However, the core knowledge of the new curriculum students was of concern to some teachers. CONCLUSION This study focused on the first complete cycle of a revised medical curriculum in Asia. Teachers' views of the new curriculum students were highly positive and they felt that better graduates were being produced.
Medical Education, Jul 1, 1996
The differences in knowledge and attitudes were measured by a self-administered and anonymous que... more The differences in knowledge and attitudes were measured by a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire with 14 items before the seminar (n = 145), and again 2 weeks after the seminar (n = 15 1). The students also completed an evaluation form at the end of the seminar. Before the seminar, the students were most deficient in their knowledge on the exact magnitude of the risks from smoking and on the risks from smoking relative to the risks from air pollution and asbestos. After the seminar, their knowledge increased significantly (P < 0405). As for attitudes, in the pre-test 35% strongly agreed that tobacco advertising should be completely banned, and 50% did so in the post-test (P = 0.02). The corresponding figures for banning of all forms of tobacco promotion were 26% and 43% (P <0.005). In the pre-test, one in four students strongly disagreed that doctor's advice to their patients to stop smoking is totally ineffective, with this proportion increasing to 70% in the post-test (P < 0.005). The majority of the students stated that the seminar was useful. The preclinical medical curriculum should, at the very least, include a tobacco seminar. Our survey shows that it is effective in improving students' knowledge and attitudes on tobacco control.
Hong Kong Medical Journal, Jun 1, 2007
Health promotion programmes to educate older adults about the benefits of engaging in physical ac... more Health promotion programmes to educate older adults about the benefits of engaging in physical activity with respect to their self-efficacy are crucial. Education can enhance individual's knowledge and/or awareness concerning the health benefits of physical activity and exercise. Those who are deprived and less educated should receive more attention from policymakers and service providers.
Hong Kong Medical Journal, Aug 1, 2006
132 words exactly Full text (including abstract, but excluding references/tables): about 1840 wor... more 132 words exactly Full text (including abstract, but excluding references/tables): about 1840 words Number of figures/tables = 2 Number of references = 13 2 ABSTRACT
Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, 2011
Inequalities in oral health and oral health care delivery among adults in Hong Kong: an analysis ... more Inequalities in oral health and oral health care delivery among adults in Hong Kong: an analysis of extant data Key Messages 1. Socio-demographic variations in oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour exist in Hong Kong; older adults living in institutions have poorest oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour. 2. Socio-demographic variations in oral health exist with respect to clinical oral health status and perceived burden of oral health on quality of life. Older adults living in institutions have poorest dental caries status. 3. Socio-demographic variations in the use of oral health care services exist. Older people, particularly those living in institutions, have less accessible oral care services. 4. This study highlights inequalities in oral health and oral health care delivery among adults in Hong Kong. Appropriate provision of oral health care services for older people is needed.
Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, 2010
This randomised controlled trial examined the effects of a Minimum Data Set Residential Assessmen... more This randomised controlled trial examined the effects of a Minimum Data Set Residential Assessment Instrument (MDS-RAI) evaluated by a multidisciplinary care planning team, with a view to enhancing the health status of elderly residents in long-term care settings. 2. After 12 months, the experimental group fared significantly worse in terms of cognitive performance and urinary incontinence, but significantly better in terms of psychosocial outcome measures when compared with the control group. After 18 months, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. 3. The adoption of MDS-RAI to fulfil the needs of residents in longterm care settings could be useful. However, direct application of the measures in local residential care facilities should be cautious since far more 'unknowns' play potential roles in results than this study has been able to examine.
Social Science & Medicine, 2002
Studies have documented that health and income are important variables affecting the quality of l... more Studies have documented that health and income are important variables affecting the quality of life in old age. However, there is little knowledge about whether perceived financial sufficiency affects the health of elderly persons. Recent research has documented that in addition to material and behavioural determinants, psychosocial pathways also have an influence on health inequalities. This is the first paper to examine the relation between self-rated economic condition (measured with a single item question) and reported health conditions (i.e., somatic complaints, diagnosed physical diseases, functional health (Activities of Daily Living), self-rated health, and mental health status (General Health Questionnaire-30 [GHQ-30]) among elderly persons in Hong Kong. The respondents of the study were persons aged 65 and over residing in public housing estates in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. Four hundred and fifty respondents were interviewed in 1995 by means of a structured questionnaire. The study found that although it did not record the actual income levels of the respondents, the subjective measure vividly demonstrated the health differentials among the elderly respondents. Multiple regression analyses suggested that self-rated economic condition was a significant predictor of the number of somatic complaints and physical illnesses reported, as well as of functional health, self-rated health, and mental health status (controlling for socio-demographic variables). However, the measure explained a higher proportion of variance in models related to psychological health than those related to physical health. The findings substantiated the role of psychosocial processes in understanding perceived health and illness and health inequalities in particular.
Qualitative Health Research, 2008
In this study, I used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach by means of thematic analysis to ex... more In this study, I used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach by means of thematic analysis to examine the lived experiences of hand-injured workers in Hong Kong. Twenty-seven informants with moderate to severe disabilities were interviewed over ten years about how they lived through their disability and their discourses were examined in the cultural context. Three categories (survivors, achievers, strugglers) were synthesized from the informants' life courses. Each category was analyzed under three themes: biographical disruption, working with a disability, and linking family and significant others, but these three categories proved fluid and subject to individual life course and contextual factors. All informants had to work “against the odds.” Most returned to work after recovery but some tended to drift within the labor market. Human agency and situated context facilitated achievers to progress through “oddson chance.” Outcome measures of rehabilitative interventions that fo...
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2003
Session: C-15P FREE COMMUNICATION/POSTER GERIATRIC PHYSICAL ASSESSMEN
Medical Education, 2004
OBJECTIVE To examine teachers' views of the first batch of graduates of a revised medical curricu... more OBJECTIVE To examine teachers' views of the first batch of graduates of a revised medical curriculum in Asia. METHODS A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was carried out to obtain the views of all the clinical teachers involved in teaching final year students of the old curriculum in 2000-01 and the new curriculum in 2001-02 at the University of Hong Kong, which commenced curricular reform in 1997. RESULTS Nearly 62% of respondents felt that better graduates were being produced with the new curriculum. The majority of them rated the new curriculum students better in nearly all the major goals of the new curriculum, such as self-directed learning initiative, problem solving skills, interpersonal skills and clinical performance in patient care. However, the core knowledge of the new curriculum students was of concern to some teachers. CONCLUSION This study focused on the first complete cycle of a revised medical curriculum in Asia. Teachers' views of the new curriculum students were highly positive and they felt that better graduates were being produced.
Medical Education, 1996
The differences in knowledge and attitudes were measured by a self-administered and anonymous que... more The differences in knowledge and attitudes were measured by a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire with 14 items before the seminar (n = 145), and again 2 weeks after the seminar (n = 15 1). The students also completed an evaluation form at the end of the seminar. Before the seminar, the students were most deficient in their knowledge on the exact magnitude of the risks from smoking and on the risks from smoking relative to the risks from air pollution and asbestos. After the seminar, their knowledge increased significantly (P < 0405). As for attitudes, in the pre-test 35% strongly agreed that tobacco advertising should be completely banned, and 50% did so in the post-test (P = 0.02). The corresponding figures for banning of all forms of tobacco promotion were 26% and 43% (P <0.005). In the pre-test, one in four students strongly disagreed that doctor's advice to their patients to stop smoking is totally ineffective, with this proportion increasing to 70% in the post-test (P < 0.005). The majority of the students stated that the seminar was useful. The preclinical medical curriculum should, at the very least, include a tobacco seminar. Our survey shows that it is effective in improving students' knowledge and attitudes on tobacco control.
Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research, 2007
Physical exercise has a positive impact on physical and mental health among older adults. This st... more Physical exercise has a positive impact on physical and mental health among older adults. This study identifies significant correlates of exercise behavior among Hong Kong Chinese older adults under the transtheoretical model. The data came from a survey of a representative community sample of 425 elderly respondents in Hong Kong. Using multiple regression models, the authors found that perceived benefits of exercise and self-efficacy for exercise were related significantly to exercise behavior, and their effects on exercise were mediated completely through the stages of changes in exercise. Although perceived barriers to exercise are significantly and negatively associated with exercise behavior, this relationship disappeared in multiple regression analysis after controlling demographic and several health-related variables. Findings suggest that perceived benefits and self-efficacy on exercise should be strengthened to motivate older adults to engage in a more active lifestyle. 'This work was funded by Seed Funding for Basic Research Fund at the University of Hong Kong. The authors thank the research assistants for their assistance in data collection and the volunteers who participated in the study. The authors also thank the anonymous reviewers for their comments on earlier drafts of this article.
Gerontology, 1988
278 geriatric patients with fractured proximal end of the femur were studied retrospectively 1.5–... more 278 geriatric patients with fractured proximal end of the femur were studied retrospectively 1.5–5 years (average 3.5 years) after they received treatment in two hospitals. Of the survivors 63&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;percnt;, 56&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;percnt; were totally pain-free while 15&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;percnt; had varying degrees of hip pain. Only 26.5&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;percnt; could squat fully. The physical activity was inversely proportional to the age. The widowed were doing better
American Journal of Human Biology, 2006
It is important to establish valid field measures of lower body strength in the elderly as well a... more It is important to establish valid field measures of lower body strength in the elderly as well as provide representative normative values that are culturally specific in order to help health professionals in the risk assessment of this group. A sample of 1038 elderly Hong Kong Chinese undertook a 30 s chair stand test (30CST), with a sub-sample of 143 completing isometric measures of maximal hip flexion and knee extension, plus a habitual physical activity questionnaire. The 30CST was significantly, yet only weakly, correlated with the isometric strength measures (r ~ 0.3-0.4), but accurately discriminated between levels of habitual physical activity and across ages in decades. The normative values generated provide useful data for health screening in this elderly Hong Kong population but do not compare well with their healthier US counterparts.
Hong Kong Medical Journal, Feb 1, 2007
An exploratory study examining breastfeeding practices among mothers in a maternity hospital in H... more An exploratory study examining breastfeeding practices among mothers in a maternity hospital in Hong Kong Key Messages 1. Mothers in the breastfeeding group were more knowledgeable about and held more positive attitudes towards breastfeeding than those in the infant formula group. 2. Previous breastfeeding experience influences current breastfeeding practice, including choice and duration of feeding method. 3. Mothers who do not need to breastfeed their babies during work hours quit breastfeeding earlier than those who do need to breastfeed during work hours. The need to breastfeed the baby while working may not be a factor in ceasing to breastfeed. 4. Having a job is not a crucial factor in the choice between breastfeeding or/and use of infant formula.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Aug 1, 2017
Background: About 15-20% of the general public in Hong Kong consult TCM practitioners. This study... more Background: About 15-20% of the general public in Hong Kong consult TCM practitioners. This study explored the decision making process involved in Hong Kong Chinese's choice between TCM and western medicine. Methods: Eight focus group interviews (six to eight participants per group) and four individual interviews were conducted. Results: The participants kept an "old fashioned" concept of TCM. Many saw TCM as a non-scientific practice and had stronger trust on the credibility of western medicine. Some participants, however, preferred the more personalized treatment approach of TCM. While western medicine was usually the initial choice, the participants were pragmatic to adopt TCM when they felt western medicine was not working, or to supplement the treatment. They were often referred by members of their social networks. Conclusion: The public' perception of TCM lagged behind its actual development. Many TCM users are pragmatic users who learn through trial and error.
Qualitative Health Research, Jun 1, 2008
In this study, I used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach by means of thematic analysis to ex... more In this study, I used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach by means of thematic analysis to examine the lived experiences of hand-injured workers in Hong Kong. Twenty-seven informants with moderate to severe disabilities were interviewed over ten years about how they lived through their disability and their discourses were examined in the cultural context. Three categories (survivors, achievers, strugglers) were synthesized from the informants' life courses. Each category was analyzed under three themes: biographical disruption, working with a disability, and linking family and significant others, but these three categories proved fluid and subject to individual life course and contextual factors. All informants had to work “against the odds.” Most returned to work after recovery but some tended to drift within the labor market. Human agency and situated context facilitated achievers to progress through “oddson chance.” Outcome measures of rehabilitative interventions that focus on returning to employment might underestimate the sequelae of being disabled in society.
Medical Education, Sep 1, 2004
OBJECTIVE To examine teachers' views of the first batch of graduates of a revised medical curricu... more OBJECTIVE To examine teachers' views of the first batch of graduates of a revised medical curriculum in Asia. METHODS A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was carried out to obtain the views of all the clinical teachers involved in teaching final year students of the old curriculum in 2000-01 and the new curriculum in 2001-02 at the University of Hong Kong, which commenced curricular reform in 1997. RESULTS Nearly 62% of respondents felt that better graduates were being produced with the new curriculum. The majority of them rated the new curriculum students better in nearly all the major goals of the new curriculum, such as self-directed learning initiative, problem solving skills, interpersonal skills and clinical performance in patient care. However, the core knowledge of the new curriculum students was of concern to some teachers. CONCLUSION This study focused on the first complete cycle of a revised medical curriculum in Asia. Teachers' views of the new curriculum students were highly positive and they felt that better graduates were being produced.
Medical Education, Jul 1, 1996
The differences in knowledge and attitudes were measured by a self-administered and anonymous que... more The differences in knowledge and attitudes were measured by a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire with 14 items before the seminar (n = 145), and again 2 weeks after the seminar (n = 15 1). The students also completed an evaluation form at the end of the seminar. Before the seminar, the students were most deficient in their knowledge on the exact magnitude of the risks from smoking and on the risks from smoking relative to the risks from air pollution and asbestos. After the seminar, their knowledge increased significantly (P < 0405). As for attitudes, in the pre-test 35% strongly agreed that tobacco advertising should be completely banned, and 50% did so in the post-test (P = 0.02). The corresponding figures for banning of all forms of tobacco promotion were 26% and 43% (P <0.005). In the pre-test, one in four students strongly disagreed that doctor's advice to their patients to stop smoking is totally ineffective, with this proportion increasing to 70% in the post-test (P < 0.005). The majority of the students stated that the seminar was useful. The preclinical medical curriculum should, at the very least, include a tobacco seminar. Our survey shows that it is effective in improving students' knowledge and attitudes on tobacco control.
Hong Kong Medical Journal, Jun 1, 2007
Health promotion programmes to educate older adults about the benefits of engaging in physical ac... more Health promotion programmes to educate older adults about the benefits of engaging in physical activity with respect to their self-efficacy are crucial. Education can enhance individual's knowledge and/or awareness concerning the health benefits of physical activity and exercise. Those who are deprived and less educated should receive more attention from policymakers and service providers.
Hong Kong Medical Journal, Aug 1, 2006
132 words exactly Full text (including abstract, but excluding references/tables): about 1840 wor... more 132 words exactly Full text (including abstract, but excluding references/tables): about 1840 words Number of figures/tables = 2 Number of references = 13 2 ABSTRACT
Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, 2011
Inequalities in oral health and oral health care delivery among adults in Hong Kong: an analysis ... more Inequalities in oral health and oral health care delivery among adults in Hong Kong: an analysis of extant data Key Messages 1. Socio-demographic variations in oral health knowledge, attitudes and behaviour exist in Hong Kong; older adults living in institutions have poorest oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour. 2. Socio-demographic variations in oral health exist with respect to clinical oral health status and perceived burden of oral health on quality of life. Older adults living in institutions have poorest dental caries status. 3. Socio-demographic variations in the use of oral health care services exist. Older people, particularly those living in institutions, have less accessible oral care services. 4. This study highlights inequalities in oral health and oral health care delivery among adults in Hong Kong. Appropriate provision of oral health care services for older people is needed.
Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi / Hong Kong Academy of Medicine, 2010
This randomised controlled trial examined the effects of a Minimum Data Set Residential Assessmen... more This randomised controlled trial examined the effects of a Minimum Data Set Residential Assessment Instrument (MDS-RAI) evaluated by a multidisciplinary care planning team, with a view to enhancing the health status of elderly residents in long-term care settings. 2. After 12 months, the experimental group fared significantly worse in terms of cognitive performance and urinary incontinence, but significantly better in terms of psychosocial outcome measures when compared with the control group. After 18 months, no significant difference was observed between the two groups. 3. The adoption of MDS-RAI to fulfil the needs of residents in longterm care settings could be useful. However, direct application of the measures in local residential care facilities should be cautious since far more 'unknowns' play potential roles in results than this study has been able to examine.
Social Science & Medicine, 2002
Studies have documented that health and income are important variables affecting the quality of l... more Studies have documented that health and income are important variables affecting the quality of life in old age. However, there is little knowledge about whether perceived financial sufficiency affects the health of elderly persons. Recent research has documented that in addition to material and behavioural determinants, psychosocial pathways also have an influence on health inequalities. This is the first paper to examine the relation between self-rated economic condition (measured with a single item question) and reported health conditions (i.e., somatic complaints, diagnosed physical diseases, functional health (Activities of Daily Living), self-rated health, and mental health status (General Health Questionnaire-30 [GHQ-30]) among elderly persons in Hong Kong. The respondents of the study were persons aged 65 and over residing in public housing estates in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. Four hundred and fifty respondents were interviewed in 1995 by means of a structured questionnaire. The study found that although it did not record the actual income levels of the respondents, the subjective measure vividly demonstrated the health differentials among the elderly respondents. Multiple regression analyses suggested that self-rated economic condition was a significant predictor of the number of somatic complaints and physical illnesses reported, as well as of functional health, self-rated health, and mental health status (controlling for socio-demographic variables). However, the measure explained a higher proportion of variance in models related to psychological health than those related to physical health. The findings substantiated the role of psychosocial processes in understanding perceived health and illness and health inequalities in particular.
Qualitative Health Research, 2008
In this study, I used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach by means of thematic analysis to ex... more In this study, I used a hermeneutic phenomenological approach by means of thematic analysis to examine the lived experiences of hand-injured workers in Hong Kong. Twenty-seven informants with moderate to severe disabilities were interviewed over ten years about how they lived through their disability and their discourses were examined in the cultural context. Three categories (survivors, achievers, strugglers) were synthesized from the informants' life courses. Each category was analyzed under three themes: biographical disruption, working with a disability, and linking family and significant others, but these three categories proved fluid and subject to individual life course and contextual factors. All informants had to work “against the odds.” Most returned to work after recovery but some tended to drift within the labor market. Human agency and situated context facilitated achievers to progress through “oddson chance.” Outcome measures of rehabilitative interventions that fo...
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2003
Session: C-15P FREE COMMUNICATION/POSTER GERIATRIC PHYSICAL ASSESSMEN
Medical Education, 2004
OBJECTIVE To examine teachers' views of the first batch of graduates of a revised medical curricu... more OBJECTIVE To examine teachers' views of the first batch of graduates of a revised medical curriculum in Asia. METHODS A cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire was carried out to obtain the views of all the clinical teachers involved in teaching final year students of the old curriculum in 2000-01 and the new curriculum in 2001-02 at the University of Hong Kong, which commenced curricular reform in 1997. RESULTS Nearly 62% of respondents felt that better graduates were being produced with the new curriculum. The majority of them rated the new curriculum students better in nearly all the major goals of the new curriculum, such as self-directed learning initiative, problem solving skills, interpersonal skills and clinical performance in patient care. However, the core knowledge of the new curriculum students was of concern to some teachers. CONCLUSION This study focused on the first complete cycle of a revised medical curriculum in Asia. Teachers' views of the new curriculum students were highly positive and they felt that better graduates were being produced.
Medical Education, 1996
The differences in knowledge and attitudes were measured by a self-administered and anonymous que... more The differences in knowledge and attitudes were measured by a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire with 14 items before the seminar (n = 145), and again 2 weeks after the seminar (n = 15 1). The students also completed an evaluation form at the end of the seminar. Before the seminar, the students were most deficient in their knowledge on the exact magnitude of the risks from smoking and on the risks from smoking relative to the risks from air pollution and asbestos. After the seminar, their knowledge increased significantly (P < 0405). As for attitudes, in the pre-test 35% strongly agreed that tobacco advertising should be completely banned, and 50% did so in the post-test (P = 0.02). The corresponding figures for banning of all forms of tobacco promotion were 26% and 43% (P <0.005). In the pre-test, one in four students strongly disagreed that doctor's advice to their patients to stop smoking is totally ineffective, with this proportion increasing to 70% in the post-test (P < 0.005). The majority of the students stated that the seminar was useful. The preclinical medical curriculum should, at the very least, include a tobacco seminar. Our survey shows that it is effective in improving students' knowledge and attitudes on tobacco control.
Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research, 2007
Physical exercise has a positive impact on physical and mental health among older adults. This st... more Physical exercise has a positive impact on physical and mental health among older adults. This study identifies significant correlates of exercise behavior among Hong Kong Chinese older adults under the transtheoretical model. The data came from a survey of a representative community sample of 425 elderly respondents in Hong Kong. Using multiple regression models, the authors found that perceived benefits of exercise and self-efficacy for exercise were related significantly to exercise behavior, and their effects on exercise were mediated completely through the stages of changes in exercise. Although perceived barriers to exercise are significantly and negatively associated with exercise behavior, this relationship disappeared in multiple regression analysis after controlling demographic and several health-related variables. Findings suggest that perceived benefits and self-efficacy on exercise should be strengthened to motivate older adults to engage in a more active lifestyle. 'This work was funded by Seed Funding for Basic Research Fund at the University of Hong Kong. The authors thank the research assistants for their assistance in data collection and the volunteers who participated in the study. The authors also thank the anonymous reviewers for their comments on earlier drafts of this article.
Gerontology, 1988
278 geriatric patients with fractured proximal end of the femur were studied retrospectively 1.5–... more 278 geriatric patients with fractured proximal end of the femur were studied retrospectively 1.5–5 years (average 3.5 years) after they received treatment in two hospitals. Of the survivors 63&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;percnt;, 56&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;percnt; were totally pain-free while 15&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;percnt; had varying degrees of hip pain. Only 26.5&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;percnt; could squat fully. The physical activity was inversely proportional to the age. The widowed were doing better
American Journal of Human Biology, 2006
It is important to establish valid field measures of lower body strength in the elderly as well a... more It is important to establish valid field measures of lower body strength in the elderly as well as provide representative normative values that are culturally specific in order to help health professionals in the risk assessment of this group. A sample of 1038 elderly Hong Kong Chinese undertook a 30 s chair stand test (30CST), with a sub-sample of 143 completing isometric measures of maximal hip flexion and knee extension, plus a habitual physical activity questionnaire. The 30CST was significantly, yet only weakly, correlated with the isometric strength measures (r ~ 0.3-0.4), but accurately discriminated between levels of habitual physical activity and across ages in decades. The normative values generated provide useful data for health screening in this elderly Hong Kong population but do not compare well with their healthier US counterparts.