Self-report as a selection instrument in screening for cardiovascular disease risk

Perceptions of Research Participation among a Sample of Florida Residents Aged 50 and Over Reporting Dementia

As the population ages, the prevalence of dementia will increase. More research is needed; however, low rates of research participation, especially by older adults, hinder progress. Data came from HealthStreet, a University of Florida community engagement program in which community health workers assess community members for their health conditions. Adults 50 and over were included in these analyses; their perceptions of health research studies were assessed. Our sample had an average age of 60.5 years and 4.3% reported dementia (n = 4,881). Overall, older adults reported a high willingness to participate in research. Individuals who reported dementia had 0.64 times the odds of reporting willingness to participate in a research study that required an overnight stay, compared to those who did not report dementia (95% CI: 0.45-0.89). We report on willingness to participate in research in a more granular basis than has been previously done. Community members reporting dementia, compared to those without, were as or more likely to desire future participation in health research. However, barriers to participation remain and must be addressed.

Prescription Opioid Use Among a Community Sample of Older and Younger Women

Background: Women bear a heavier burden of the consequences related to prescription opioid use compared to their male counterparts; however, there has been little attention in the literature regarding prescription opioid use among women. We aimed to examine risk factors for prescription opioid use among women. Methods: Demographics, health status, and substance use data, including prescription opioid use, were collected through a community engagement program, HealthStreet, during a health needs assessment. Women older than 18 years were classified by opioid use: past 30-day, lifetime, but not past 30-day, or no lifetime prescription opioid use. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were calculated, and multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs; confidence interval [CI]). Results: Among 5,549 women assessed, 15% reported past 30-day use and 41% reported lifetime use of prescription opioids. While prescription sedative use was the strongest risk factor for past 30-day use among younger women (aOR = 4.84; 95% CI, 3.59-6.51), past 6-month doctor visits was the strongest risk factor for past 30-day use among older women (aOR = 4.15; 95% CI, 2.62-6.60). Conclusions: We found higher rates of prescription opioid use in this community sample of women compared to national rates. Risk factors for recent prescription opioid use (past 30-day use) differed among older and younger women. Clinicians should be more vigilant about prescribing opioids as the medical profile for women may change through age, especially the co-prescribing of opioids and sedatives.

A Swedish primary healthcare prevention programme focusing on promotion of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle reduced cardiovascular events and mortality: 22-year follow-up of 5761 study participants and a reference group

Objective

To evaluate long-term risk of first cardiovascular (CV) events, CV deaths and all-cause deaths in community-dwelling participants of a cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention programme delivered in a primary care setting.

Methods

Individuals who visited a primary healthcare service in Sollentuna (Sweden) and agreed to participate in the programme between 1988 and 1993 were followed. They had at least one CV risk factor but no prior myocardial infarction and received support to increase physical activity using the programme Physical Activity on Prescription and to adopt health-promoting behaviours including cooking classes, weight reduction, smoking cessation and stress management. Participants (n=5761) were compared with a randomly selected, propensity score-matched reference group from the general population in Stockholm County (n=34 556). All individuals were followed in Swedish registers until December 2011.

Results

In the intervention group and the reference group there were 698 (12.1%) and 4647 (13.4%) first CV events, 308 (5.3%) and 2261 (6.5%) CV deaths, and 919 (16.5%) and 6405 (18.5%) all-cause deaths, respectively, during a mean follow-up of 22 years. The HR (95% CI) in the intervention group compared with the reference group was 0.88 (0.81 to 0.95) for first CV events, 0.79 (0.70 to 0.89) for CV deaths and 0.83 (0.78 to 0.89) for all-cause deaths.

Conclusions

Participation in a CVD prevention programme in primary healthcare focusing on promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyle was associated with lower risk of CV events (12%), CV deaths (21%) and all-cause deaths (17%) after two decades. Promoting physical activity and healthy living in the primary healthcare setting may prevent CVD.

Sex differences in prescription opioid use patterns assessed through a community engagement program in Florida

BACKGROUND

Morbidity and mortality attributed to prescription opioids are a crisis in the US and spreading globally. Sex differences related to these conditions have not been adequately assessed.

METHODS

Through our community engagement program, data on demographics, health status, and substance use, including prescription opioids (e.g., Vicodin®, Oxycodone), were collected from community members in Florida (primarily North Central Florida) during a health needs assessment. Participants over 18 years of age were classified by opioid use: past 30-day, lifetime but not past 30-day, or no lifetime prescription opioid use. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were calculated, and multinomial logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aOR; CI). Analyses were conducted for men and women separately to examine sex specific effects.

RESULTS

Among 9221 community members assessed, the mean age was 45 years, 60% were female, and 58% were black. Respondents who endorsed past 30-day use and lifetime use were more likely to be female. Prescription sedative use was the strongest risk factor for past 30-day (aOR = 3.96; 95% CI, 3.35-4.68) and lifetime (aOR = 2.67; 95% CI, 2.34-3.04) prescription opioid use, regardless of sex. Other factors including marijuana use and history of cancer were significantly associated with prescription opioid use; they varied by sex.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors identified in this community sample provide additional information not accounted for by national studies. Future examinations of the consequences of concomitant opioid and sedative use, especially among women, are needed.

Status of cardiovascular health in the Republic of Serbia: Results from the National Health Survey

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the most significant cause of death in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of CVD continues to rise due to the increasing incidence of CVD. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) across sex and age groups and to analyze associations between demographic and socio-economic variables and ideal CVH metrics in the adult population of the Republic of Serbia.

METHODS

Information on demographic (age, sex, marital status, and type of settlement) and socio-economic characteristics (education, and wealth index), and the 7 ideal CVH metrics (smoking, physical activity, healthy diet, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose) was obtained for 13100 respondents aged 20 years and above, from the 2013 National Health Survey in the Republic of Serbia. According to the American Heart Association, the ideal CVH was defined as the simultaneous presence of 7 ideal CVH metrics.

RESULTS

Out of all ideal CVH metrics, the most prevalent components were ideal glucose (92.2%), ideal cholesterol (86.4%) and ideal smoking (63%), while the least prevalent ideal CVH component was ideal healthy diet (2.4%). Only 0.1% had all 7 CVH components at the ideal level. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis the higher number of ideal CVH metrics was observed in women (OR = 4.46), younger people (OR = 7.12), people living without partner (OR = 1.70), more educated (OR = 2.51 for middle educated and OR = 3.57 for high educated), as well as among the rich (OR = 1.43).

CONCLUSION

Our findings of existing age-specific, sex and socio-economic differences in the prevalence and number of ideal CVH metrics should serve for the development of appropriate CVD prevention policies tailored to fit specific needs of both sexes, all age groups and people with different socioeconomic status.

Neighborhood conditions, religious coping, and uncontrolled hypertension

The purpose of this study is to see whether God-mediated control beliefs moderate the relationship between living in rundown neighborhoods and uncontrolled hypertension. God-mediated control refers to the belief that God will help people handle the stressors that arise in life. Data are provided by a nationwide survey of adults (N = 1919). Three ways of assessing uncontrolled hypertension are examined: a binary format contrasting people with and without uncontrolled hypertension, systolic and diastolic blood pressure scored continuously, and a four ordinal category scheme recommended by the American Heart Association. The data suggest that stronger God-mediated control beliefs moderate the relationship between neighborhood conditions and uncontrolled blood pressure when blood pressure is scored continuously and when the American Heart Association scheme are used as outcomes.

Red cell distribution width and risk of cardiovascular mortality: Insights from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)-III

INTRODUCTION

Red cell distribution width (RDW) has been linked to cardiovascular disease. We sought to determine whether addition of RDW improved the Framingham risk score (FRS) model to predict cardiovascular mortality in a healthy US cohort.

METHODS

We performed a post-hoc analysis of the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey-III (1988-94) cohort, including non-anemic subjects aged 30-79years. Primary endpoint was death from coronary heart disease (CHD). We divided the cohort into three risk categories: <6%, 6-20% and >20%. RDW>14.5 was considered high. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were created. Discrimination, calibration and reclassification were used to assess the value of addition of RDW to the FRS model.

RESULTS

We included 7005 subjects with a mean follow up of 14.1years. Overall, there were 233 (3.3%) CHD deaths; 27 (8.2%) in subjects with RDW>14.5 compared to 206 (3.1%) in subjects with RDW≤14.5 (p<0.001). Adjusted hazard ratio of RDW in predicting CHD mortality was 2.02 (1.04-3.94, p=0.039). Addition of RDW to FRS model showed significant improvement in C-statistic (0.8784 vs. 0.8751, p=0.032) and area under curve (0.8565 vs. 0.8544, p=0.05). There was significant reclassification of FRS with a net reclassification index (NRI) of 5.6% (p=0.017), and an intermediate-risk NRI of 9.6% (p=0.011). Absolute integrated discrimination index (IDI) was 0.004 (p=0.02), with relative IDI of 10.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that RDW is a promising biomarker which improves prediction of cardiovascular mortality over and above traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Modifiable Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors: 10-Year Health Outcomes From a Health Promotion Program

INTRODUCTION

Previous studies have examined the impact of healthy lifestyle choices on health-related outcomes; however, given their fragmented, often cross-sectional nature, assessing the relative impact of daily modifiable behaviors on overall long-term outcomes, particularly for a diverse working adult population, remains challenging.

METHODS

Relationships between ten self-reported healthy lifestyle behaviors and health outcomes during the subsequent 9 years in a cohort of 10,248 participants enrolled during 2003 in a voluntary workplace wellness program were assessed. Cox proportional-hazards models computed hazard ratios (HRs) for lifestyle characteristics associated with time to one of seven self-reported chronic diseases or death. Data were collected between 2003 and 2012 and analyzed between 2014 and 2016.

RESULTS

Behaviors that most significantly affected future outcomes were low-fat diet, aerobic exercise, nonsmoking, and adequate sleep. A dose-response effect was seen between dietary fat intake and hypertension, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and hypercholesterolemia. After dietary fat intake, aerobic exercise was the next most significant behavior associated with development of outcomes. Compared with sedentary participants, those who exercised 4 days per week were less likely to develop new-onset diabetes (HR=0.31, 95% CI=0.20, 0.48); heart disease (HR=0.46, 95% CI=0.27, 0.80); and hypercholesterolemia (HR=0.61, 95% CI=0.50, 0.74). Low-fat diet and adequate sleep were more significant than commonly promoted healthy behaviors, such as eating a daily breakfast.

CONCLUSIONS

Modifiable lifestyle behaviors targeted in health promotion programs should be prioritized in an evidence-based manner. Top priorities for workplace health promotion should include low-fat diet, aerobic exercise, nonsmoking, and adequate sleep.

Concordance between Self-Reported and Physician-Reported Chronic Co-morbidity among Disabled Older Adults

La discordance entre les auto-rapports et les dossiers médicaux reflètent des éléments concernant les patients et les prestataires qui ont des implications pour la recherche et la gestion. Cette étude a examiné la discordance et les facteurs socio-démographiques qui expliquent la concordance. Un échantillon téléologique de 402 personnes âgées handicapées a été interrogés à l’aide d’un questionnaire structuré. On a trouvé les concordances les plus hauts pour le diabète, l’accident cardiovasculaire (CVA), et le cancer, et les plus bas pour l’arthrite, et les conditions rénales et digestives. Les facteurs explicatifs importants inclurent: (a) l’âge dans l’explication de la concordance dans l’hypertension; (b) l’ethnicité en expliquant la concordance dans l’arthrite et le cancer; (c) la situation de famille en expliquant la concordance dans les maladies de la thyroïde; (d) l’éducation pour expliquer la concordance dans les conditions gastro-intestinales, et (e) l’état fonctionnel en expliquant la concordance dans maladies respiratoires, gastro-intestinales et thyroïdiennes. La comorbidité a accrue la concordance dans toutes les conditions de santé, et a diminué la concordance pour l’hypertension. Une enquête plus poussée est nécessaire pour examiner la cause des disparités entre les deux sources d’information.

Predictors of congruency between self-reported hypertension status and measured blood pressure in the stroke belt

BACKGROUND

Few studies have comprehensively investigated the validity of self-reported hypertension (HTN) and assessed predictors of HTN status in the stroke belt. This study evaluates validity self-reporting as a tool to screen large study populations and determine predictors of congruency between self-reported HTN and clinical measures.

METHODS

Community Initiative to Eliminate Stroke project (n = 16,598) was conducted in two counties of North Carolina in 2004 to 2007, which included collection of self-reported data and clinical data of stroke-related risk factors. Congruency between self-reported HTN status and clinical measures was based on epidemiological parameters of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. McNemar's test and Kappa agreement levels assessed differences in congruency, while odds ratios and logistic regression determined significant predictors of congruency.

RESULTS

Sensitivity of self-reported HTN was low (33.3%), but specificity was high (89.5%). Prevalence of self-reported HTN was 16.15%. Kappa agreement between self-report and clinical measures for blood pressure was fair (k = 0.25). Females, whites, and young adults were most likely to be positively congruent, whereas individuals in high risk categories for total blood cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and diabetes were least likely to accurately capture their HTN status.

CONCLUSION

Self-report HTN information should be used with caution as an epidemiological investigation tool.

Health risk factor modification predicts incidence of diabetes in an employee population: results of an 8-year longitudinal cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To understand risk factor modification effect on Type 2 diabetes incidence in a workforce population.

METHODS

Annual health risk assessment data (N = 3125) in years 1 through 4 were used to predict diabetes development in years 5 through 8.

RESULTS

Employees who reduced their body mass index from 30 or more to less than 30 decreased their chances of developing diabetes (odds ratio = 0.22, 95% confidence interval: 0.05 to 0.93), while those who became obese increased their diabetes risk (odds ratio = 8.85, 95% confidence interval: 2.53 to 31.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Weight reduction observed over a long period can result in clinically important reductions in diabetes incidence. Workplace health promotion programs may prevent diabetes among workers by encouraging weight loss and adoption of healthy lifestyle habits.

Status of cardiovascular health among adult Americans in the 50 States and the District of Columbia, 2009

BACKGROUND

With ideal cardiovascular health metrics, the American Heart Association established a goal of improving cardiovascular health for all Americans by 20% by 2020. Determining how the metrics vary by state is important to the individual states as well as to researchers and policy makers nationwide.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using 2009 data from Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a state-based telephone survey with 356 441 eligible participants, we examined the 7 metrics defined by the American Heart Association: hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, diabetes, physical activity, and consumption of fruits and vegetables. The 3 primary outcomes of this study were (1) the percentage of the population achieving ideal health status on all 7 factors, (2) the percentage of the population with only 0 to 2 of the 7 metrics (poor cardiovascular health); and (3) the mean overall score (number of ideal metrics). Overall, 3.3% of population was in ideal cardiovascular health, and 9.9% was in poor cardiovascular health. The mean overall score was 4.42. The percentage with ideal cardiovascular health varied from 1.2% (Oklahoma) to 6.9% (District of Columbia ). The adjusted prevalence ratio of ideal cardiovascular health ranged from 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.29 to 0.52 (Oklahoma), to 1.91, 95% confidence interval 1.51 to 2.42 (District of Columbia), with Illinois as the referent.

CONCLUSIONS

In the United States, the cardiovascular health status of the population varies substantially by state. The estimates here could help state programs charged with preventing heart disease and stroke to set their goals for reducing risk and improving cardiovascular health in their jurisdictions.

General health checks in adults for reducing morbidity and mortality from disease

BACKGROUND

General health checks are common elements of health care in some countries. These aim to detect disease and risk factors for disease with the purpose of reducing morbidity and mortality. Most of the commonly used screening tests offered in general health checks have been incompletely studied. Also, screening leads to increased use of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, which can be harmful as well as beneficial. It is, therefore, important to assess whether general health checks do more good than harm.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to quantify the benefits and harms of general health checks with an emphasis on patient-relevant outcomes such as morbidity and mortality rather than on surrogate outcomes such as blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched The Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Trials Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Healthstar, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) to July 2012. Two authors screened titles and abstracts, assessed papers for eligibility and read reference lists. One author used citation tracking (Web of Knowledge) and asked trialists about additional studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised trials comparing health checks with no health checks in adults unselected for disease or risk factors. We did not include geriatric trials. We defined health checks as screening general populations for more than one disease or risk factor in more than one organ system.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the trials. We contacted authors for additional outcomes or trial details when necessary. For mortality outcomes we analysed the results with random-effects model meta-analysis, and for other outcomes we did a qualitative synthesis as meta-analysis was not feasible.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 16 trials, 14 of which had available outcome data (182,880 participants). Nine trials provided data on total mortality (155,899 participants, 11,940 deaths), median follow-up time nine years, giving a risk ratio of 0.99 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.95 to 1.03). Eight trials provided data on cardiovascular mortality (152,435 participants, 4567 deaths), risk ratio 1.03 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.17) and eight trials on cancer mortality (139,290 participants, 3663 deaths), risk ratio 1.01 (95% CI 0.92 to 1.12). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses did not alter these findings.We did not find an effect on clinical events or other measures of morbidity but one trial found an increased occurrence of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia with screening and one trial found an increased occurence of self-reported chronic disease. One trial found a 20% increase in the total number of new diagnoses per participant over six years compared to the control group. No trials compared the total number of prescriptions, but two out of four trials found an increased number of people using antihypertensive drugs. Two out of four trials found small beneficial effects on self-reported health, but this could be due to reporting bias as the trials were not blinded. We did not find an effect on admission to hospital, disability, worry, additional visits to the physician, or absence from work, but most of these outcomes were poorly studied. We did not find useful results on the number of referrals to specialists, the number of follow-up tests after positive screening results, or the amount of surgery.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

General health checks did not reduce morbidity or mortality, neither overall nor for cardiovascular or cancer causes, although the number of new diagnoses was increased. Important harmful outcomes, such as the number of follow-up diagnostic procedures or short term psychological effects, were often not studied or reported and many trials had methodological problems. With the large number of participants and deaths included, the long follow-up periods used, and considering that cardiovascular and cancer mortality were not reduced, general health checks are unlikely to be beneficial.

Hypertension: development of a prediction model to adjust self-reported hypertension prevalence at the community level

BACKGROUND

Accurate estimates of hypertension prevalence are critical for assessment of population health and for planning and implementing prevention and health care programs. While self-reported data is often more economically feasible and readily available compared to clinically measured HBP, these reports may underestimate clinical prevalence to varying degrees. Understanding the accuracy of self-reported data and developing prediction models that correct for underreporting of hypertension in self-reported data can be critical tools in the development of more accurate population level estimates, and in planning population-based interventions to reduce the risk of, or more effectively treat, hypertension. This study examines the accuracy of self-reported survey data in describing prevalence of clinically measured hypertension in two racially and ethnically diverse urban samples, and evaluates a mechanism to correct self-reported data in order to more accurately reflect clinical hypertension prevalence.

METHODS

We analyze data from the Detroit Healthy Environments Partnership (HEP) Survey conducted in 2002 and the National Health and Nutrition Examination (NHANES) 2001-2002 restricted to urban areas and participants 25 years and older. We re-calibrate measures of agreement within the HEP sample drawing upon parameter estimates derived from the NHANES urban sample, and assess the quality of the adjustment proposed within the HEP sample.

RESULTS

Both self-reported and clinically assessed prevalence of hypertension were higher in the HEP sample (29.7 and 40.1, respectively) compared to the NHANES urban sample (25.7 and 33.8, respectively). In both urban samples, self-reported and clinically assessed prevalence is higher than that reported in the full NHANES sample in the same year (22.9 and 30.4, respectively). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between clinical and self-reported hypertension prevalence were 'moderate to good' within the HEP sample and 'good to excellent' within the NHANES sample. Agreement between clinical and self-reported hypertension prevalence was 'moderate to good' within the HEP sample (kappa =0.65; 95% CI = 0.63-0.67), and 'good to excellent' within the NHANES sample (kappa = 0.75; 95%CI = 0.73-0.80). Application of a 'correction' rule based on prediction models for clinical hypertension using the national sample (NHANES) allowed us to re-calibrate sensitivity and specificity estimates for the HEP sample. The adjusted estimates of hypertension in the HEP sample based on two different correction models, 38.1% and 40.5%, were much closer to the observed hypertension prevalence of 40.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of a simple prediction model derived from national NHANES data to self-reported data from the HEP (Detroit based) sample resulted in estimates that more closely approximated clinically measured hypertension prevalence in this urban community. Similar correction models may be useful in obtaining more accurate estimates of hypertension prevalence in other studies that rely on self-reported hypertension.

Normal aging and cognition: the unacknowledged contribution of cerebrovascular risk factors

Despite the widespread assumption that cognitive decline is an inherent part of the normal aging process, research suggests that part of the variance in age-related cognitive decline is attributable to modifiable factors common in geriatric populations such as cerebrovascular risk factors. We completed a literature search using Science Citation Index and evaluated the most cited articles from the last 10 years to determine the extent to which investigations of normal aging and cognition account for the influence of cerebrovascular risk factors. We found that the majority of the most frequently cited literature does not adequately account for the contribution of cerebrovascular risk factors and therefore, it is possible that many conclusions about normal aging and cognition are flawed or incomplete. Further investigation of the role of cerebrovascular risk factors in age-related cognitive decline is imperative to more accurately understand the effect of aging on cognition.

Validation of diabetes mellitus and hypertension diagnosis in computerized medical records in primary health care

BACKGROUND

Computerized Clinical Records, which are incorporated in primary health care practice, have great potential for research. In order to use this information, data quality and reliability must be assessed to prevent compromising the validity of the results.The aim of this study is to validate the diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in the computerized clinical records of primary health care, taking the diagnosis criteria established in the most prominently used clinical guidelines as the gold standard against which what measure the sensitivity, specificity, and determine the predictive values.The gold standard for diabetes mellitus was the diagnostic criteria established in 2003 American Diabetes Association Consensus Statement for diabetic subjects. The gold standard for hypertension was the diagnostic criteria established in the Joint National Committee published in 2003.

METHODS

A cross-sectional multicentre validation study of diabetes mellitus and hypertension diagnoses in computerized clinical records of primary health care was carried out. Diagnostic criteria from the most prominently clinical practice guidelines were considered for standard reference.Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and global agreement (with kappa index), were calculated. Results were shown overall and stratified by sex and age groups.

RESULTS

The agreement for diabetes mellitus with the reference standard as determined by the guideline was almost perfect (κ=0.990), with a sensitivity of 99.53%, a specificity of 99.49%, a positive predictive value of 91.23% and a negative predictive value of 99.98%.Hypertension diagnosis showed substantial agreement with the reference standard as determined by the guideline (κ=0.778), the sensitivity was 85.22%, the specificity 96.95%, the positive predictive value 85.24%, and the negative predictive value was 96.95%. Sensitivity results were worse in patients who also had diabetes and in those aged 70 years or over.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results substantiate the validity of using diagnoses of diabetes and hypertension found within the computerized clinical records for epidemiologic studies.

Is patient self-report an adequate tool for monitoring cardiovascular conditions in patients with hypercholesterolemia?

BACKGROUND

To determine the accuracy of patient self-reports of specific cardiovascular diagnoses and to identify individual patient characteristics that influence the accuracy.

METHODS

This investigation was conducted as a part of the randomized controlled ORBITAL study. Patients with hypercholesterolemia were enrolled in 1961 primary-care centers all over Germany. Self-reported questionnaire data of 7640 patients were compared with patients' case report forms (CRFs) and medical records on cardiovascular diseases, using kappa statistics and binomial logit models.

RESULTS

kappa values ranged from 0.89 for diabetes to 0.04 for angina. The percentage of overreporting varied from 1% for diabetes to 17% for angina, whereas the percentage of underreporting varied from 8.0% for myocardial infarction to 57% for heart failure. Individual characteristics such as choice of individual general practitioner, male gender and age were associated with the accuracy of self-report data.

CONCLUSION

Since the agreement between patient self-report and CRFs/medical records varies with specific cardiovascular diagnoses in patients with hypercholesterolemia, the adequacy of this tool seems to be limited. However, the authors recommend additional data validation for certain patient groups and consideration of individual patient characteristics associated with over- and underreporting.

Clustering of risk factors for cardiovascular disease among women in Southern Brazil: a population-based study

The association between clustering of risk factors and self-reported cardiovascular disease among women was investigated in a cross-sectional study using a multistage population-based sample. Participants were interviewed at home about diabetes mellitus, physical activity, and diet pattern. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure > 140/90mmHg or use of anti-hypertensive medication. Cardiovascular disease included self-reported myocardial infarction, heart failure, coronary artery bypass surgery, and stroke. A sample of 1,007 women from Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, mostly white (73%), 44.8 ± 0.8 years old, and with 9.3 ± 0.3 years of schooling was investigated. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of vigorous or moderate physical activity were clustered into a combination of risk factors, which were independently associated with self-reported cardiovascular disease. The main cluster included hypertension and diabetes, accounting for an independent risk ratio of 8.5 (95%CI: 3.0-24.5). Clustering of cardiovascular risk factors is strongly associated with self-reported cardiovascular disease among women.

No evidence for marked ethnic differences in accuracy of self-reported diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether the accuracy of self-reported diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia in high-risk groups differs according to ethnicity.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We analyzed data of 430 patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease from different ethnic origin, including Turkish, Surinamese, and Dutch. Risk factors based on self-reports were compared with data from medical records and with a gold standard based on clinical measurements. Proportions of concordance between self-reports and other methods and kappa statistics (kappa) were determined by ethnicity.

RESULTS

Concordance between self-reports and other data sources was highest in diabetes and lowest for hypercholesterolemia. Agreement of self-reports was substantial to almost perfect for diabetes (kappa: 0.84-0.76), substantial to moderate for hypertension (kappa: 0.63-0.51), and moderate for hypercholesterolemia (kappa: 0.55-0.48). There was no statistically significant association between ethnicity and concordance, except for self-reporting of diabetes among Surinamese vs. Dutch indigenous patients (odds ratio=0.37; 95% confidence interval: 0.14-0.97).

CONCLUSION

There are no marked ethnic differences in the accuracy of self-reports of diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia in high-risk populations. Larger studies including multiple ethnic groups are needed to confirm these findings.

Agreement of self-reported comorbid conditions with medical and physician reports varied by disease among end-stage renal disease patients

OBJECTIVE

To compare self-report of eight diseases with review of medical records and physician reports.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

In a cohort of 965 incident end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients (Choices for Healthy Outcomes in Caring for End-stage renal disease study), data on existing medical conditions were obtained from medical record abstraction, physician report (CMS Form 2728), and self-report in a baseline questionnaire. We evaluated agreement with kappa statistics (k) and sensitivity of self-report. Regression models were used to examine characteristics associated with agreement.

RESULTS

The results showed excellent or substantial agreement between self-report and the medical record for diabetes (k=0.93) and coronary artery intervention (k=0.79), and poor agreement for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (k=0.20). Physician-reported prevalence for all diseases was equal or lower than that by self-report. Male patients were more likely to inaccurately report hypertension. Compared to white patients, African American patients were more likely to inaccurately report cardiovascular diseases.

CONCLUSION

In ESRD patients, self-report agreement with the medical record varies with the specific disease. Awareness of diseases of the cardiovascular system appears to be low. African American and male ESRD patients are at risk of low awareness of disease and educational interventions are needed in this high-risk population.

Cardiovascular risk factors and events in glaucoma patients with peripapillary focal arteriolar narrowing

PURPOSE

To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors and events in glaucoma patients with and without peripapillary focal arteriolar narrowing of retinal vessels.

METHODS

We examined the fundus photographs of 325 consecutive glaucoma patients for evidence of focal arteriolar narrowing of retinal vessels adjacent to the optic disc. Cases and controls were matched for age, race, sex and mean deviation on Humphrey visual field. Medical information regarding cardiovascular risk factors and events was collected from patients' primary care physicians, and this information was confirmed by questionnaires sent to the patients themselves.

RESULTS

A total of 58 pairs of cases and controls were matched. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was exactly equal in both groups, 65.5% and 27.6%, respectively. Similarly, the prevalences of myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, angioplasty, family history of heart disease and smoking were nearly identical in both groups. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of strokes or transient ischaemic attacks. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and mortality was greater in the case group (mean differences of 8.6, p = 0.42 and 5.2, p = 0.25, respectively), however, these differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant relationship between peripapillary focal arteriolar narrowing of retinal vessels and cardiovascular risk factors or events in patients with glaucoma. Proximal narrowing does not appear to be a marker of systemic vascular disease.

Low-budget method for lifestyle improvement in primary care. Experiences from the Göteborg Health Profile Project

OBJECTIVE

To describe a self-administered preventive tool dealing with risk factors for cardiovascular disease and its effect with special reference to the question: did the project involve persons most in need of lifestyle changes?

DESIGN

Screening questions offered to consecutive patients and followed by a self-administered health profile, intervention, and follow-up. Setting. Primary healthcare area of Askim, Sweden.

SUBJECTS

Men and women between 18 and 65 years of age visiting GPs for acute disorders or planned visits during a three-month period were offered screening questions and, if wanted, a health profile.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participation rates, effects on lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

There was an overrepresentation of subjects with a less favourable lifestyle among those who asked for the health profile. There was good agreement for all variables between self-estimation in screening questions and grading in the basal health profile. Lifestyle improvement was observed for dietary habits, physical activity, and mental stress at the one year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that a relevant selection of persons with a "risk profile" can be made by means of simple screening questions. The pedagogic model using self-administered health profile in combination with own responsibility seems to be a tool for low-budget preventive work in primary healthcare.

Agreement between patient reports of cardiovascular disease and patient medical records

OBJECTIVE

To determine how well patient-reported cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk factor information agrees with medical record information.

METHODS

Information from Patient/Family History (PFH) questionnaires completed between 1996 and 1999 by residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, aged 20 years and older was compared with information available through the Mayo Clinic medical diagnostic index. Positive and negative agreement values were calculated by comparing agreement between the 2 data sources. Also, with the Mayo Medical Index serving as the criterion standard, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of questionnaire information were calculated overall and by subgroups of sex, age, and years of education.

RESULTS

Questionnaire responses were retrieved for 26,162 patients. Positive agreement values ranged from 31% for report of a medical problem or surgery related to arteries to the head, arms, or legs or the aorta to 78% for high blood pressure. Negative agreement values ranged from 90% for high cholesterol to 98% for medical problem or surgery related to arteries to the head, arms, or legs or the aorta. Sensitivity of questionnaire information ranged from 37% to 73%, whereas positive predictive values ranged from 27% to 86%. Positive agreement, sensitivity, and positive predictive values tended to increase with increasing age of the patient. Specificity and negative predictive values were 87% or greater, and negative agreement, specificity, and negative predictive values decreased with increasing age.

CONCLUSION

Positive patient reports of CVD conditions and risk factors are relatively inaccurate. However, negative self-reports of these conditions are unlikely to be noted in the medical record. Further development of the PFH questionnaire is necessary to ensure accurate patient reporting of CVD data.

Validação de inquérito de risco referido para vigilância em saúde de fatores de risco de doença arterial coronariana em servidores públicos estaduais de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Foi investigada a validade da Ficha de Saúde, inquérito de risco referido (INQ-RR) do Programa IPSEMG-Família, na identificação de pessoas em risco de desenvolver doença arterial coronariana (DAC) numa amostra aleatória, estratificada por sexo, de 297 segurados com idade igual e superior a 40 anos, de Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os resultados obtidos em entrevistas realizadas pelas equipes de saúde da família foram comparados com dados de exames clínico-laboratoriais. Foram avaliados a sensibilidade, a especificidade e os valores preditivos positivos e negativos das questões sobre história atual ou prévia de diabetes mellitus, hipertensão arterial, colesterol elevado e tabagismo. Dentre os participantes que apresentavam pelo menos um exame clínico-laboratorial alterado, 81,0% (sensibilidade total) foram identificados pelo inquérito de risco referido ao declarar ter pelo menos um fator de risco. Os padrões de Sheffield e da Nova Zelândia foram utilizados para determinar os segurados com risco elevado de adquirir doença coronariana e avaliar se estes seriam também identificados pela Ficha de Saúde. A sensibilidade para identificar esse subgrupo de pacientes foi de 100,0%.

Diabetes mellitus in Turkish immigrants in Sweden

This study analyses the risk of self-reported diabetes mellitus among Turkish-born immigrants in Sweden. Two simple random samples were used: The Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare Immigrant Survey, and the Swedish Survey of Living Conditions, both from 1996. Totally 526 Turkish immigrants, 285 men and 241 women, were compared with 2854 Swedish controls, 1425 men and 1429 women, all in ages 27-60 years. Data were analysed by sex in an age-adjusted model, and a full model also included education, employment status, BMI and country of birth (logistic regression). Among Turkish men, age-adjusted diabetes prevalence was not higher than among Swedish men, odds ratio (OR) 1.04 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35-3.11). Among Turkish women, age-adjusted diabetes prevalence was higher than among Swedish women, OR 3.22 (95% CI 1.36-7.64), but when also adjusting for educational level, employment status and BMI, OR was 1.22 (95% CI 0.41-3.66). We conclude, that age-adjusted presence of known diabetes was higher among Turkish-born women than among Swedish women, but was explained by lower employment rate, lower educational status and a higher level of overweight and obesity.

Self-report of high cholesterol: determinants of validity in U.S. adults

BACKGROUND

Hypercholesterolemia is a major cardiovascular risk factor, and cholesterol awareness is important in both clinical practice and in public health. We evaluated the validity of self-reported hypercholesterolemia and identified determinants of validity.

METHODS

The study design was a cross-sectional survey, from 1988 to 1994, of adult participants (N=8236) from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for whom self-report of hypercholesterolemia and serum measurement were available. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for self-reported hypercholesterolemia were calculated using total cholesterol > or =5.17 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) and/or taking cholesterol-lowering medication as the criterion standard.

RESULTS

Overall test characteristics for self-report were sensitivity, 51%; specificity, 89%; PPV, 87%; and NPV, 55%. Sensitivity of self-report was higher among older subjects and non-Hispanic whites, specificity was higher among subjects with >12 years of education, PPV was higher in older subjects, and NPV was higher in younger subjects and in those with >12 years of education. Using higher cholesterol thresholds to define hypercholesterolemia led to higher sensitivity, lower specificity, lower PPV, and higher NPV. Sociodemographic and anthropometric predictors of validity were identified by logistic regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to low sensitivity, self-reported hypercholesterolemia should be used with caution, both during the patient encounter and for surveillance of trends in hypercholesterolemia in the absence of measured cholesterol levels. Specificity is consistently much higher than sensitivity. The high PPV may be of use in certain clinical situations. Such validation studies should form the foundation for future research based on self-report.

Stroke risk factor profiles in African American women: an interim report from the African-American Antiplatelet Stroke Prevention Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

If sex differences in stroke risk factor profiles exist among African Americans in the United States, prevention strategies will need to reflect those differences. African Americans and women have been underrepresented in stroke prevention studies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether medical and lifestyle factors differ among women and men who have enrolled in the African-American Antiplatelet Stroke Prevention Study (AAASPS).

METHODS

We performed a planned exploratory analysis of differences in baseline characteristics and risk factors between women and men enrolled in AAASPS, a double-blind, randomized, multicenter, controlled trial. Frequencies of vascular risk factors and related conditions, medical therapies, stroke subtypes, and vascular territories were compared between women and men by 1-way ANOVA and Fisher's exact test where appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 1087 African American patients (574 women, 513 men) enrolled between December 1995 and June 1999. Women had higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, family history of stroke, and no reported leisure exercise. Men had higher rates of smoking and heavy alcohol use. Few differences were noted in proportions of stroke subtype or proportions receiving preventive therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

AAASPS represents the largest enrollment of African American women in a recurrent stroke prevention study. Our data suggest that African American women in a clinical trial differ from men in the frequency of key vascular risk factors. Although limited, these data provide an important first characterization of sex differences in African Americans with stroke.