Analysis of wedding appeals on cigarette packs in China

Introduction

Exchanging or gifting cigarettes is a common practice in Chinese culture, often occurring during weddings to connote celebrations and happiness. We examined Chinese cigarette packs for wedding terminology and imagery to assess the extent to which packs are marketed for such occasions.

Methods

Cigarette packs were collected from Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Kunming and Chengdu in February 2017 using a systematic protocol designed to capture unique packs. Packs were coded by two independent coders for text and imagery of traditional Chinese wedding symbols, such as double happiness, dragon and phoenix, and other culturally specific phrases and images associated with weddings in China.

Results

From the sample of 738 unique cigarette packs, 68 (9.2%) contained either lexical and/or imagery appeals for wedding gifting. Of these 68 packs, 65 contained both lexical and imagery appeals, 1 pack had only a lexical appeal and 2 packs only included an imagery appeal. The most common appeal was ‘double happiness’ found on 56 packs (82.4%) for both lexical and imagery, followed by ‘dragon and phoenix’ found lexically on 12 packs (17.6%), and through imagery on 15 packs (22.1%).

Conclusions

Chinese tobacco manufacturers take full advantage of the cigarette gifting and sharing culture demonstrated by packs with imagery and terminology specific to weddings. With only a 35% text health warning label, manufacturers have much real estate to make packs attractive for gifting on such occasions. Implementing plain packaging policies may be effective in decreasing gifting attractiveness for cigarette packs.

Variations in recommended surveillance in colorectal cancer survivorship care plans

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Background: Survivorship care plans (SCPs) outline pertinent information about a cancer survivor’s treatment and follow-up care. We describe the content of colorectal cancer (CRC) SCPs, completed as part of a randomized controlled trial of SCPs, and evaluate whether follow-up recommendations are guideline concordant. Methods: We analyzed 74 CRC SCPs from an academic and community cancer center. Frequency distributions and descriptive statistics were calculated for the entire cohort and separately by recruiting site. Follow-up recommendations were compared to American Cancer Society (ACS), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines (Table). Results: Content routinely provided in SCPs (>80%) included patient demographics, cancer diagnosis, treatment details (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) as well as treatment-related side effects. SCP content specified less frequently included cancer stage, cancer risk (predisposing conditions), and recommendations for genetic counseling/testing and health promotion. Nearly all SCPs from the community site provided uniform, guideline-concordant follow-up. At the academic site, on average, more than 15 follow-up recommendations were listed for each surveillance modality, except colonoscopy. Among the SCPs that specified the frequency of follow-up care, the rate of guideline-concordant recommendations was 15/42 (36%) for follow-up visits, 29/43 (67%) for imaging, 12/45 (27%) for laboratory and 39/39 (100%) for colonoscopy. Conclusions: SCPs consistently provided information about CRC diagnosis and treatment, but often omitted information about cancer risk, staging and prognosis. There was considerable variation between cancer centers in the follow-up recommendations suggested for CRC survivors. Future work to improve the consistency of SCP follow-up recommendations with guidelines may be needed. Clinical trial information: NCT03035773 . [Table: see text]

Smoke and Scan: A Content Analysis of QR Code-Directed Websites Found on Cigarette Packs in China

Introduction

Quick Response codes, or “QR” codes, are used widely in China—for mobile payment, marketing, public transportation, and various other applications. In this study, we examined the content of websites linked from QR codes on cigarette packs collected in China.

Aims and Methods

In February 2017, 738 unique cigarette packs were collected from five Chinese cities (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Kunming, and Chengdu) using a systematic protocol. Cigarette packs were coded for presence of QR codes on packaging. Packs containing QR codes were then scanned using the WeChat app. Websites sourced from QR codes were coded for required verification, website type, age- and health-related statements, engagement strategies, and marketing appeals.

Results

From the sample of 738 unique packs, 109 packs (14.8%) had a QR code on the packaging. The QR codes were linked to 24 unique websites of which 23 could be analyzed. All 23 unique websites were either brand-specific or social media websites; none focused on health or quit information. Of the 23 websites, only three (13.0%) websites had age-restricted site access and just six (26.1%) had any mention of health-related risks associated with product usage. Engagement strategies and/or marketing appeals were found on 20 (87.0%) websites.

Conclusions

The Chinese tobacco industry uses QR codes on cigarette packaging to link to web-based marketing content including social media recruitment, contests and giveaways, and product advertisement. It is important to understand where packs send consumers online and what messages they receive, and to consider QR codes on packaging when drafting policy.

Implications

Scanning QR codes in China is a commonplace activity. The authors are aware of no published studies on the role QR codes play on the marketing of cigarette packs, in China or elsewhere. This study demonstrates QR codes on cigarette packs can expose users and nonusers to cigarette marketing on interactive websites and protobacco social media pages, mostly without restrictive access or health warnings. This is an area that health authorities can consider regulating, given that this is a channel through which the tobacco industry can communicate with current and potential consumers.

Patient-reported outcomes in RA care improve patient communication, decision-making, satisfaction and confidence: qualitative results

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of integrating patient-reported outcomes (PROs) into routine clinics, from the perspective of patients with RA, clinicians and other staff.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study using a mixed methods sequential explanatory design at an academic arthritis clinic. RA patients completed selected Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures on tablets in the waiting room. Results were immediately available to discuss during the visit. Post-visit surveys with patients and physicians evaluated topics discussed and their impact on decision making; patients rated confidence in treatment. Focus groups or interviews with patients, treating rheumatologists and clinic staff were conducted to understand perspectives and experiences.

RESULTS

Some 196 patients and 20 rheumatologists completed post-visit surveys at 816 and 806 visits, respectively. Focus groups were conducted with 24 patients, 10 rheumatologists and 4 research/clinic staff. PROs influenced medical decision-making and RA treatment changes (38 and 18% of visits, respectively). Patients reported very high satisfaction and treatment confidence. Impact on clinical workflow was minimal after a period of initial adjustment. PROs were valued by patients and physicians, and provided new insight into how patients felt and functioned over time. Reviewing results together improved communication, and facilitated patient-centred care, shared decision making, and the identification of new symptoms and contributing psychosocial/behavioural factors.

CONCLUSION

PRO use at RA visits was feasible, increased understanding of how disease affects how patients feel and function, facilitated shared decision-making, and was associated with high patient satisfaction and treatment confidence.

Global review of tobacco product flavour policies

OBJECTIVE

We determined which countries prohibit flavoured tobacco products and the details of those restrictions in order to identify possible gaps and opportunities for these and other countries to address.

METHODS

We reviewed the grey literature, scanned news articles and consulted with key informants and identified 11 countries and the European Union (EU) that ban or restrict tobacco product flavours. We reviewed policy documents for their stated policy rationale, terms and definitions of flavours, tobacco products covered and restrictions on the use of flavour imagery and terms on tobacco product packaging.

RESULTS

Countries with a tobacco product flavour policy include the USA, Canada, Brazil, Ethiopia, Uganda, Senegal, Niger, Mauritania, EU (28 Member States), Moldova, Turkey and Singapore. Most of the countries' policies provide a rationale of dissuading youth from taking up tobacco use. Ten of the 12 policies use the terms 'flavours' (n=6) or 'characterising flavours' (n=4). Six policies cover all products made entirely or partly of tobacco leaf. Countries consistently prohibit flavours associated with fruits, vanilla and spices. The USA and Niger make an exception for menthol, while Mauritania and Uganda do not specify the scope of flavours or ingredients covered by their policies. Eight policies make no specific reference to restricting flavour descriptors on tobacco product packaging.

CONCLUSION

Countries looking to implement policies restricting flavours in tobacco products can build on existing comprehensive policies. Future research could examine the implementation and impacts of these policies, to inform other countries interested in acting in this policy domain.

Menthol and flavor capsule cigarettes in the Philippines: A comparison of pack design

INTRODUCTION

Tobacco use is a major public health problem in the Philippines. Menthol flavored and flavor capsule cigarettes are independently associated with increased smoking initiation and appeal to youth and young adults. Packaging is an important tobacco marketing tool. We describe cigarette packs sold in the Philippines market and describe products’ flavor and capsule inclusion.

METHODS

Tobacco packs were systematically collected in the Philippines in 2016 and categorized as non-flavored non-capsule, menthol non-capsule, menthol capsule, and non-menthol capsule. Structural elements (e.g. pack type, shape) and graphic components (e.g. imagery, descriptors, color) of the packs were compared.

RESULTS

Menthol capsule packs were significantly more likely to be hard packs than menthol non-capsule. Menthol packs were more likely to be colored green than non-flavored packs. Non-menthol capsule packs were more likely to display the term ‘fresh’ than non-capsule packs. Capsule packs were more likely to display technological appeals than non-capsule packs.

CONCLUSIONS

Menthol and flavor capsule cigarettes are packaged differently (most notably, in terms of color and technological appeals) than non-menthol and non-capsule packs. Packaging and labeling policy should take this into consideration.

Maternal Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavioral Intention after Exposure to Injury Prevention Recommendations in the News Media

INTRODUCTION

Injury prevention recommendations are frequently presented in the media. Parental understanding and response to these recommendations remain uninvestigated.

METHODS

A nationally representative sample of 1,081 mothers completed a cross-sectional survey measuring knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intention after watching/reading video news stories and print articles on two child safety topics.

RESULTS

Of the 1,081 respondents, 33% reported hearing little about injury prevention in the media in the past 30 days, and 32% reported never hearing about injury prevention. Nearly one-half (46%) reported the injury prevention studies they had previously read or heard about in the media were confusing to them at least some of the time. The proportion of mothers who recalled the correct key statistic presented in the story varied by safety topic and medium in which the story was presented. A greater proportion of mothers correctly recalled information from the story narrative than the statistics. Mothers also rated the most interesting part of the story differently based on safety topic and medium. A small proportion were not planning to follow the safety recommendations after viewing the news story.

CONCLUSIONS

There are gaps in making injury news stories understandable and memorable for mothers in order to encourage behavioral change.

Preparing Older Patients With Serious Illness for Advance Care Planning Discussions in Primary Care

CONTEXT

Little is known about how to prepare older patients for advance care planning (ACP) discussions in primary care.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to explore older patients' perspectives and experiences on ACP discussions with family members and/or primary care clinicians.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative interview study with 20 older patients who were involved in the clinic's ACP quality improvement initiative. We used an inductive approach to generate a coding scheme and used thematic analysis alongside a constant comparative methodology to iteratively refine emergent themes after coding the data. We used the transtheoretical behavior change model to conceptualize the process of ACP discussions, focusing on the contemplation, preparation, and action stages.

RESULTS

Four key themes emerged from our analyses: 1) the relevance/importance of ACP as a whole; 2) independently conceptualizing wishes and preferences for the future; 3) the process of engagement in ACP discussions; and 4) different outcomes of ACP discussions. While patients contemplated having an ACP discussion, they needed time to conceptualize their wishes on their own before documenting wishes or engaging with others. Moving to the preparation stage, patients shared their perspectives about how to engage family members and primary care clinicians in ACP discussions and reported different outcomes of these discussions, which varied according to patients' goals for ACP.

CONCLUSION

Understanding how to best prepare patients for ACP discussions from patients enrolled in an ACP primary clinic quality improvement initiative may assist primary care practices in developing interventions to improve the occurrence and effectiveness of such discussions.

Promoting Bike Helmet Safety for Urban Children Through a Culturally Tailored Educational Video Intervention

Bicycle-related falls are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity. Use of bicycle helmets substantially reduces risk of severe traumatic brain injury but compliance with this safety practice is particularly low in urban children. We recruited eleven 8- to 15-year-old youth to participate in focus groups to inform the creation of a video promoting helmet use. Key emerging themes included that youth were responsible for keeping themselves safe and that most youth had cell phones with cases to protect them. A video was created that linked the concept of use of cases to protect phones to use of helmets to protect heads. Soliciting information from urban youth was helpful for developing this educational video.

A randomized pilot trial of a couple-based intervention addressing sexual concerns for breast cancer survivors

The purpose was to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 4-session couple-based Intimacy Enhancement (IE) intervention addressing breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns delivered via telephone. Twenty-nine post-treatment breast cancer survivors reporting sexual concerns and their intimate partners were randomized (2:1) to the IE intervention or to an educational control condition, both of which were delivered by trained psychosocial providers. Feasibility and acceptability were measured through recruitment, retention, session completion, and post-intervention program evaluations. Couples completed validated sexual, relationship, and psychosocial outcome measures at pre- and post-intervention. Between-group effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the Hedges g. Data supported intervention feasibility and acceptability. For survivors, the IE intervention had medium to large positive effects on all sexual outcomes and most psychosocial outcomes. Effects were less visible for relationship outcomes and were similar but somewhat smaller for partners. The IE intervention demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and promise in addressing breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns and enhancing their and their partners' intimate relationships and psychosocial well-being. Implications for Psychosocial Oncology Practice The IE intervention demonstrated feasibility and acceptability, suggesting it could be well-received by breast cancer survivors with sexual concerns and their partners. Effects of the IE intervention on breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns and on their and their partners' intimate relationships and psychosocial well-being could not be attributed to therapist time and attention. Interventions that psychosocial providers can use to address breast cancer survivors' sexual concerns are important to the growing number of breast cancer survivors living for many years after their diagnosis.

Cost-effectiveness of health coaching and financial incentives to promote physical activity after total knee replacement

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of Telephonic Health Coaching and Financial Incentives (THC + FI) to promote physical activity in total knee replacement recipients.

DESIGN

We used the Osteoarthritis Policy Model, a computer simulation of knee osteoarthritis, to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of THC + FI compared to usual care. We derived transition probabilities, utilities, and costs from trial data. We conducted lifetime analyses from the healthcare perspective and discounted all cost-effectiveness outcomes by 3% annually. The primary outcome was the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER), defined as the ratio of the differences in costs and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) between strategies. We considered ICERs <$100,000/QALY to be cost-effective. We conducted one-way sensitivity analyses that varied parameters across their 95% confidence intervals (CI) and limited the efficacy of THC + FI to 1 year or to 9 months. We also conducted a probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), simultaneously varying cost, utilities, and transition probabilities.

RESULTS

THC + FI had an ICER of $57,200/QALY in the base case and an ICER below $100,000/QALY in most deterministic sensitivity analyses. THC + FI cost-effectiveness depended on assumptions about long-term efficacy; when efficacy was limited to 1 year or to 9 months, the ICER was $93,300/QALY or $121,800/QALY, respectively. In the PSA, THC + FI had an ICER below $100,000/QALY in 70% of iterations.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on currently available information, THC + FI might be a cost-effective alternative to usual care. However, the uncertainty surrounding this choice is considerable, and further research to reduce this uncertainty may be economically justified.

Combining online and in-person methods to evaluate the content validity of PROMIS fatigue short forms in rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE

Fatigue is frequent and often severe and disabling in RA, and there is no consensus on how to measure it. We used online surveys and in-person interviews to evaluate PROMIS Fatigue 7a and 8a short forms (SFs) in people with RA.

METHODS

We recruited people with RA from an online patient community (n = 200) and three academic medical centers (n = 84) in the US. Participants completed both SFs then rated the comprehensiveness and comprehensibility of the items to their fatigue experience. Cognitive debriefing of items was conducted in a subset of 32 clinic patients. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations were evaluated using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Mean SF scores were similar (p ≥ .61) among clinic patients reflecting mild fatigue (i.e., 54.5-55.9), but were significantly higher (p < .001) in online participants. SF Fatigue scores correlated highly (r ≥ 0.82; p < .000) and moderately with patient assessments of disease activity (r ≥ 0.62; p = .000). Most (70-92%) reported that the items "completely" or "mostly" reflected their experience. Almost all (≥ 94%) could distinguish general fatigue from RA fatigue. Most (≥ 85%) rated individual items questions as "somewhat" or "very relevant" to their fatigue experience, averaged their fatigue over the past 7 days (58%), and rated fatigue impact versus severity (72 vs. 19%). 99% rated fatigue as an important symptom they considered when deciding how well their current treatment was controlling their RA.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that items in the single-score PROMIS Fatigue SFs demonstrate content validity and can adequately capture the wide range of fatigue experiences of people with RA.

Family companions' involvement during pre-surgical consent visits for major cancer surgery and its relationship to visit communication and satisfaction

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between family companion presence during pre-surgical visits to discuss major cancer surgery and patient-provider communication and satisfaction.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of 61 pre-surgical visit recordings with eight surgical oncologists at an academic tertiary care hospital using the Roter Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). Surgeons, patients, and companions completed post-visit satisfaction questionnaires. Poisson and logistic regression models assessed differences in communication and satisfaction when companions were present vs. absent.

RESULTS

There were 46 visits (75%) in which companions were present, and 15 (25%) in which companions were absent. Companion communication was largely emotional and facilitative, as measured by RIAS. Companion presence was associated with more surgeon talk (IRR 1.29, p = 0.006), and medical information-giving (IRR 1.41, p = 0.001). Companion presence was associated with less disclosure of lifestyle/psychosocial topics by patients (IRR 0.55, p = 0.037). In adjusted analyses, companions' presence was associated with lower levels of patient-centeredness (IRR 0.77, p 0.004). There were no differences in patient or surgeon satisfaction based on companion presence.

CONCLUSION

Companions' presence during pre-surgical visits was associated with patient-surgeon communication but was not associated with patient or surgeon satisfaction.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Future work is needed to develop interventions to enhance patient-companion-provider interactions in this setting.

Compliance with the City of Chicago's partial ban on menthol cigarette sales

INTRODUCTION

In the USA, menthol cigarettes are associated with smoking initiation and decreased likelihood of cessation, particularly for low-income and non-White populations. Local ordinances to restrict menthol cigarette sales are an emergent policy option. In July 2016, Chicago, Illinois became the first major US city to ban menthol cigarette sales within 500 feet of schools. This study assessed ban compliance in June 2017.

METHODS

We randomly selected 100 of 154 stores within 500 feet of a high school. Ninety stores were included in the analysis, excluding permanently closed stores or stores that did not sell tobacco prior to the ban. Compliance was determined by whether a menthol cigarette pack was purchased. We also assessed presence of menthol cigarette replacement packs. Multivariable logistic regression modelled compliance by store type, school (distance to high school, school type) and neighbourhood-level factors (poverty level, proportion of non-White residents).

RESULTS

Compliance rate was 57% (weighted, n=53) and no replacement packs were observed. Non-compliant stores were more likely to advertise menthol cigarettes, but ads were present in eight compliant stores. Gas stations had 81% lower odds (OR=0.19, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.58) of complying with the menthol cigarette ban compared with larger/chain stores. School-level and neighbourhood factors were not associated with compliance.

DISCUSSION

The poor compliance observed with Chicago's partial menthol cigarette ban highlights the need for comprehensive efforts. Optimising local resources to target enforcement efforts in gas stations could improve compliance. Ordinances that also restrict advertising could potentially enhance ban impact by reducing exposure to product and promotions.

Older Patients' Perspectives on Quality of Serious Illness Care in Primary Care

BACKGROUND

Despite increased focus on measuring and improving quality of serious illness care, there has been little emphasis on the primary care context or incorporation of the patient perspective.

OBJECTIVE

To explore older patients' perspectives on the quality of serious illness care in primary care.

DESIGN

Qualitative interview study.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty patients aged 60 or older who were at risk for or living with serious illness and who had participated in the clinic's quality improvement initiative.

METHODS

We used a semistructured, open-ended guide focusing on how older patients perceived quality of serious illness care, particularly in primary care. We transcribed interviews verbatim and inductively identified codes. We identified emergent themes using a thematic and constant comparative method.

RESULTS

We identified 5 key themes: (1) the importance of patient-centered communication, (2) coordination of care, (3) the shared decision-making process, (4) clinician competence, and (5) access to care. Communication was an overarching theme that facilitated coordination of care between patients and their clinicians, empowered patients for shared decision-making, related to clinicians' perceived competence, and enabled access to primary and specialty care. Although access to care is not traditionally considered an aspect of quality, patients considered this integral to the quality of care they received. Patients perceived serious illness care as a key aspect of quality in primary care.

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to improve quality measurement and implementation of quality improvement initiatives in serious illness care should consider these aspects of care that patients deem important, particularly communication as an overarching priority.

A review of paper-based advance care planning aids

Background

Advance care planning (ACP) aids can help prepare patients, family members, and physicians for in-the-moment medical decision-making. We wished to describe the content and approach of paper-based ACP aids in order to characterize existing aids and inform the development of a new ACP aid.

Methods

Paper-based ACP aids were identified through an environmental scan and screened for eligibility. ACP conceptual frameworks and data were gathered via stakeholder engagement and used to inform the coding framework that two investigators used to independently code each aid. A directed content analysis was conducted on these eligible aids. Aids were categorized through a deliberative process with an investigator abstracting general information for each aid.

Results

Fifteen aids met the eligibility criteria. They ranged in length from 6 to 78 pages with the average aid written at an eighth-grade reading level. The content analysis revealed that many aids encouraged choosing a surrogate decision maker and informed users about legal medical documents. Fewer than half of the aids facilitated patient clarification of values regarding quality of life issues. The authors identified and termed the following three categories of aids: informative; semi-action oriented; and action-oriented. It was often unclear whether patients contributed to the development or testing of the ACP aids reviewed.

Conclusions

Most existing paper-based ACP aids address legal matters such as completing an advance directive. Only a minority elicited patient values and it was unclear whether any were developed in partnership with patients. Future development of ACP aids should account for patient preferences with a goal of supporting in-the-moment medical decision-making.

Abstract P6-12-21: Breast cancer survivors undergoing survivorship visits at Johns Hopkins are a high-risk population

Background: Survivorship care plans (SCPs) are strongly recommended for all breast cancer survivors to address sequelae of cancer care, plan cancer surveillance and screening, and encourage health promotion and care coordination. Ongoing studies are evaluating the impact of SCPs in cancer survivor populations and the role of survivorship visits (SVs) as an intervention. Here we describe characteristics and outcomes of patients who participated in SVs at Johns Hopkins (JH).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who participated in a SV with one of two nurse practitioners ˜1-3 months after completion of locoregional therapy and initial systemic therapy, as referred by their JH breast cancer provider. We collected patient demographics, comorbidity status, tumor characteristics, treatments received, and responses to GAD7 (generalized anxiety disorder 7-item), PHQ9 (patient health questionnaire-9), and a symptom questionnaire. Characteristics of SV participants were compared to analytical breast cancer cases from the JH Cancer Registry (JHCR 2010-2015), matched for stage.

Results: 87 women (stages I-III) who participated in a SV in 2010-2016 were identified. Compared to patients in the JHCR (n=2,942), the SV cohort was younger (age ≤50, 43% v 34%, p=0.14), more likely to be African American (33% v 22%, p=0.04), and more likely to have a higher TNM stage (I, 26% v 49%; II, 48% v 37%; III, 25% v 15%, p&lt;0.001), node-positive status (60% v 33%, p&lt;0.001), hormone receptor-negative disease (44% v 18%, p&lt;0.001), and HER2-positive disease (38% v 14%, p&lt;0.001). The SV cohort was also more likely to receive chemotherapy (94% v 43%, p&lt;0.001) and undergo radiation therapy (78% v 54%, p&lt;0.001). The SV cohort had a higher recurrence event rate than the JHCR cohort (11.5% v 8.0%) and a shorter median follow-up (886 v 1292 days), suggestive of a higher risk profile. In the SV cohort, a comparison of comorbidities at breast cancer diagnosis versus time of SV visit identified a significant increase in the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy (9% v 73%, p&lt;.001), anemia (15% v 50%, p&lt;.001), lymphedema (0% v 28%, p&lt;.001), anxiety (15% v 38%, p&lt;.001), and depression (13% v 29%, p&lt;.001). Patients in the SV cohort were overweight at diagnosis (body mass index, median 29 [IQR 24, 32]). At the time of the SV, patients reported symptoms of sleep difficulty (53%), numbness or tingling (46%), weight changes (45%), muscle aches (44%), and pain (37%).

Conclusions: Patients who participated in SVs had high-risk cancers and, compared to baseline, a higher frequency of comorbidities that are potentially associated with breast cancer and its treatment. These data can inform future breast cancer survivorship care models as they describe a population that may be at greater risk for worse cancer and non-cancer outcomes, and that might benefit more from interventions like SCPs and SVs. Ongoing studies are identifying optimal target populations, appropriate timing of such interventions, and informative measures of patient-centered outcomes.

Funding: Komen Maryland/Komen Scholar SAC110053 (ACW).

Citation Format: Skuli SJ, Bantug ET, Zafman N, Riley C, Ruck JM, Sheng J, Smith KC, Snyder CF, Smith KL, Stearns V, Wolff AC. Breast cancer survivors undergoing survivorship visits at Johns Hopkins are a high-risk population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-12-21.

Media Messages and Perception of Risk for Ebola Virus Infection, United States

News media have been blamed for sensationalizing Ebola in the United States, causing unnecessary alarm. To investigate this issue, we analyzed US-focused news stories about Ebola virus disease during July 1–November 30, 2014. We found frequent use of risk-elevating messages, which may have contributed to increased public concern.

A qualitative exploration of companion involvement in the presurgical consent visit for patients undergoing major surgery for advanced cancer

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Background: The decision to undergo non-emergent cancer surgery is complicated by risk of mortality and diminished quality of life weighed against potential benefits of extended life and symptom management. Sometimes, unanticipated clinical information or quality of life considerations (“disruptions”) arise during these pre-surgical visits, which can lead to to the surgery’s reconsideration, postponement, or cancelation. Little is known about disruptions. This paper explores case studies of how patients, companions, and surgeons negotiate surgical plan disruptions. Methods: This study is based on secondary analysis of pre-surgical recordings with 61 patients and nine surgeons. Patients were recruited at nine surgical oncology clinics at an academic tertiary care hospital from July 2015-September 2016. Qualitative analysis incorporated existing theory and inductively developed codes. Results: Four of the 61 pre-surgical visits were identified as having a disruption. Each case study explores the presentation of the disruption, patient reaction to the disruption, companion involvement and role in the encounter, and resolution of the disruption. While each disruption involves a nuanced approach to decision making, there are cross cutting themes across the cases. Specifically, analysis of these visits explored companion roles, including: patient autonomy-enhancing behaviors and patient autonomy-detracting behaviors. This analysis also addressed variation and similarities in surgeons’ behaviors, including examples of collaborative, facilitative, and informative behaviors. Conclusions: As more high risk surgeries are performed on sicker and older patients, decision making regarding whether to pursue surgery may become increasingly complex, and lend itself more frequently to disruptions. Disruption reflects the engagement and mutual influence of multi-party participants in treatment decision making. By enhancing our understanding of disruptions, we hope to assist in the delicate communication and shared decision making needed for a patient and family centered resolution. Clinical trial information: NCT02489799.

Family companions’ involvement during pre-surgical consent visits for major cancer surgery and its relationship to visit communication and satisfaction

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Background: While research has explored the role of companions (accompanying family members) in medical visits, studies have not examined companions’ involvement in pre-surgical visits. This study explored how companions’ presence impacts communication and satisfaction during pre-surgical visits to discuss major cancer surgery. Methods: Secondary analysis of 61 pre-surgical visit recordings with 8 surgical oncologists at an academic tertiary care hospital. Recordings were analyzed using the Roter Interaction Analysis System, and surgeons and patients completed a post-visit satisfaction questionnaire. Poisson and logistic regression models were used to assess differences in communication and satisfaction when companions were present (n = 46, 75%) and not present (n = 16, 25%). Models were fit using generalized estimating equations to account for nesting of patients within surgeons. Results: Companion communication was largely emotional and facilitative. In unadjusted analyses, companion presence was associated with a 29% increase in surgeon talk in the visit overall (IRR 1.29, p = 0.006), and a 41% increase in the amount of medical information provided (IRR 1.41, p = 0.001). Companion presence was associated with 45% less patient disclosure related to lifestyle/psychosocial topics (IRR 0.55, p = 0.037). In adjusted analyses, companions’ presence was associated with 23% lower levels of patient-centeredness (IRR 0.77, p 0.004). No difference between visits with and without companions in patient nor surgeon satisfaction. Conclusions: Companions’ presence increased the medical focus of the discussion; surgeons conveyed more medical information, and patients disclosed less psychosocial information. Companions might perceive patients as anxious prior to major surgery, compelling companions to advocate for the patient. Companion’s presence might be beneficial; however, this benefit might not be captured by the patient-centeredness ratio. As there was no difference in satisfaction, patient and surgeon satisfaction may not be predicated on patient-centeredness, but on the conveyance of timely, surgery-related information. Clinical trial information: NCT02489799.

"We're Just Not Prepared for Eating Over Our Whole Life": A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Dietary Behaviors Among Longer Term Cancer Survivors

Background: In many countries, there are growing numbers of persons living with a prior diagnosis of cancer, due to the aging population and more successful strategies for treatment. There is also growing evidence of the importance of healthful diet and weight management for survivorship, yet many long-term cancer survivors are not successfully following recommendations. Methods: We explored this issue in a mixed methods study with 53 adult survivors of 3 cancers (breast, prostate, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma), living in Maryland. Participants provided three 24-hour dietary recalls, and results were used to classify respondents on 2 metrics of healthful eating (the Healthy Eating Index 2010, and a 9-item index based on current dietary recommendations). Recalls were also used to guide in-depth qualitative discussions with participants regarding self-assessment of dietary behaviors, healthful eating, and diet’s importance in cancer prevention and survivorship. Results: Survivors following a more healthful diet were more likely to be female, have greater socioeconomic resources, more years since diagnosis, normal weight, and no smoking history. Qualitative discussions revealed a more nuanced understanding of dietary strategies among healthful eaters, as well as the importance of household members in dietary decision making. Discussion: Most survivors had received little nutrition counseling as part of their cancer care, highlighting the importance of holistic, household-oriented nutrition education for maintaining health among long-term cancer survivors.

An analysis of purchase price of legal and illicit cigarettes in urban retail environments in 14 low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To estimate and compare price differences between legal and illicit cigarettes in 14 low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

DESIGN

A cross-sectional census of all packs available on the market was purchased.

SETTING

Cigarette packs were purchased in formal retail settings in three major cities in each of 14 LMIC: Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine and Vietnam.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 3240 packs were purchased (range = 58 packs in Egypt to 505 in Russia). Packs were categorized as 'legal' or 'illicit' based on the presence of a health warning label from the country of purchase and existence of a tax stamp; 2468 legal and 772 illicit packs were in the analysis.

MEASUREMENTS

Descriptive statistics stratified by country, city and neighborhood socio-economic status were used to explore the association between price and legal status of cigarettes.

FINDINGS

The number of illicit cigarettes in the sample setting was small (n < 5) in five countries (Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia) and excluded from analysis. In the remaining nine countries, the median purchase price of legal cigarettes ranged from US$0.32 in Pakistan (n = 72) to US$3.24 in Turkey (n = 242); median purchase price of illicit cigarettes ranged from US$0.80 in Ukraine (n = 14) to US$3.08 in India (n = 41). The difference in median price between legal and illicit packs as a percentage of the price of legal packs ranged from 32% in Philippines to 455% in Bangladesh. Median purchase price of illicit cigarette packs was higher than that of legal cigarette packs in six countries (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam). Median purchase price of illicit packs was lower than that of legal packs in Turkey, Ukraine and China.

CONCLUSIONS

The median purchase price of illicit cigarettes is higher than that of legal cigarette packs in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia appear to have few or no illicit cigarettes for purchase from formal, urban retailers.