Reducing tobacco consumption in California: development of a statewide anti-tobacco use campaign

Article Abstract:

The importance to health of not smoking has been clearly established since the issuance of the Surgeon General's report on the association of smoking and disease. As a result of that report and continuing medical alerts concerning the dangers of smoking, the per capita rate of smoking has persistently declined each year since 1979. A newly established anti-tobacco initiative has been undertaken in California with the passage of Proposition 99. This legislation establishes a goal of reducing the level of smoking by 75 percent by the year 1999, and places an additional 25 cents a pack excise tax on cigarettes. The Proposition also establishes a Cigarette and Tobacco Products Surtax Fund to be used for six separate purposes, including medical care and health information programs. Assembly Bill 75 implements Proposition 99, establishing a fund of $279.3 million to be used for medical education under the direction of a 12-member Tobacco Education Oversight Committee. Currently about 25 percent of all adult Californians smoke, and the health burden of smoking in California involves an estimated 31,000 annual deaths, or 16 percent of all deaths in the state, and a yearly cost of $7.1 billion. This is a new and complex program which has been rapidly rolled out, and there are thus many start-up difficulties, including a poor linkage between state agencies charged with the administration of the program and community groups. There is also anxiety concerning the lack of assurance that the monies will be forthcoming in the future. However, there is evidence that the use of mass media to promote health practices has worked in other areas of the country, and that the expenditure to support a smoke-free Californian society will also be successful. The people of California have initiated a new phase in governmental activism against smoking. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Laws, regulations and rules, Political aspects, California, Smoking cessation programs, Smoking cessation, Smoking, Tobacco habit

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Hospitalizations for firearm-related injuries: a population-based study of 9562 patients

Article Abstract:

Young black men appear to have high rates of hospitalization for firearm-related injuries. Researchers used data from a statewide database of all patients discharged from California hospitals to identify those treated for firearm-related injuries. A total of 9,562 people were treated at 371 California hospitals for firearm-related injuries in 1991. Half of the victims were treated at 13 hospitals and one-quarter were treated at two Los Angeles hospitals. Blacks between the ages of 15 and 24 had the highest rates of injury followed by blacks between the ages of 25 and 34. Seventy-four percent of the injuries resulted from assaults and many involved handguns. Overall, 81% of the victims did not have private insurance. In the two Los Angeles hospitals that treated 25% of the victims, over 90% of those treated had no private insurance. Total hospital charges in Los Angeles county exceeded $71 million. The total hospital charges statewide to treat these victims exceeded $164 million.

Health aspects, Causes of, Statistics, Firearms, Wounds and injuries, Injuries, Hospitalization, Hospital care

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Progress on posttraumatic stress disorder

Article Abstract:

The Veterans Administration (VA) has performed extensive research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), improved diagnosis of PTSD, and expanded care for veterans with the disorder since the 1970s. PTSD results from exposure to life-threatening conditions and is characterized by flashbacks, desensitization to certain stimuli, and extreme emotional arousal. In 1995, the numerous VA treatment centers were visited by thousands of veterans. PTSD gained attention as many Vietnam veterans experienced the disorder during the 1970s. The National Center for PTSD has expanded and conducts research and provides extensive research databases. Much progress has been made in diagnosing the severity of PTSD using psychological, neurological, and biochemical tests. The VA's research and services have benefited nonveterans in various countries who have been victims of violent crime, terrorism, and natural and technological disasters.

Research, Post-traumatic stress disorder, United States. Department of Veterans Affairs

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