Determinants of the number of mammography units in 31 countries with significant mammography screening

Inequity in the healthcare utilization among latent classes of elderly people with chronic diseases and decomposition analysis in China

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown chronic disease-based healthcare utilization inequity is common. Hence, exploring this issue can help in establishing targeted measures and protecting the rights and interests of vulnerable groups. Against this background, the purpose of this study is to explore the latent classification of elderly patients with chronic disease and compare healthcare utilization inequity among latent classes.

METHODS

This study used the data of 7243 elderly patient with chronic diseases collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2018. Latent class analysis was used to classify the patients with chronic diseases, and analysis of variance and [Formula: see text] tests were utilized to test the differences in characteristics among latent classes. Healthcare utilization inequity was measured based on the concentration index (CI), and the CI was decomposed to compare the horizontal index of healthcare utilization among the latent classes.

RESULTS

The patients with chronic diseases were divided into five latent classes, namely, the musculoskeletal system, hypertension, respiratory system, digestive system and cardiovascular system groups. Statistically significant differences in social demographic characteristics were observed among the five latent classes (P < 0.05). A pro-rich healthcare utilization inequity for all respondents was observed (outpatient CI = 0.080, inpatient CI = 0.135), and a similar phenomenon in latent classes was found except for the musculoskeletal system group in outpatient visits (CI = -0.037). The digestive system group had the worst equity (outpatient CI = 0.197, inpatient CI = 0.157) and the respiratory system group had the best (outpatient CI = 0.001, inpatient CI = 0.086). After balancing the influence of health need factors, healthcare utilization inequity was almost alleviated. Furthermore, for all respondents, the contribution of health need factors (65.227% for outpatient and 81.593% for inpatient) was larger than that of socioeconomic factors (-21.774% for outpatient and 23.707 for inpatient), and self-rated health status was the greatest contributor (57.167% for outpatient and 79.399% for inpatient). The characteristics were shown in latent classes.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare utilization inequity still exists in elderly patients with chronic diseases, and the specific performances of inequity vary among latent classes. Moreover, self-rated health status plays an important role in healthcare utilization inequity. Providing financial support to low-income patients with certain chronic diseases, focusing on their physical and mental feelings and guiding them to evaluate their health status correctly could be essential for alleviating healthcare utilization inequity among elderly patients with chronic diseases.

Medical Practice Variation Among Primary Care Physicians: 1 Decade, 14 Health Services, and 3,238,498 Patient-Years

PURPOSE

Variation in medical practice is associated with poorer health outcomes, increased costs, disparities in care, and increased burden on the public health system. In the present study, we sought to describe and assess inter- and intra-primary care physician variation, adjusted for patient and clinic characteristics, over a decade of practice and across a broad range of health services.

METHODS

We assessed practice patterns of 251 primary care physicians in southern Israel. For each of 14 health services (imaging tests, cardiac tests, laboratory tests, and specialist visits) we described interphysician and intraphysician variation, adjusted for patient case mix and clinic characteristics, using the coefficient of variation. The adjusted rates were assessed by generalized linear negative-binomial mixed models.

RESULTS

The variation between physicians was on average 3-fold greater than the variation of individual physician practice over the years. Services with low utilization were associated with greater inter- and intraphysician variation: r_s = (-0.58), P = .03 and r_s = (-0.39), P = .17, respectively. In addition, physician utilization ranks averaged over all health services were consistent across the 14 health services (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.93-0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show greater variation in practice patterns between physicians than for individual physicians over the years. It appears that the variation remains high even after adjustment for patient and clinic characteristics and that the individual physician utilization patterns are stable across health services. We propose that personal behavioral characteristics of medical practitioners might explain this variation.

Does lack of resources impair access to breast and cervical cancer screening in Japan?

Objectives

To assess the impact of the quantity of resources for breast and cervical cancer screening on the participation rates in screening in clinical settings in municipalities, as well as to clarify whether lack of resources impairs access to cancer screening in Japan.

Methods

Of the 1,746 municipalities in 2010, 1,443 (82.6%) and 1,469 (84.1%) were included in the analyses for breast and cervical cancer screening, respectively. In order to estimate the effects of the number of mammography units and of gynecologists on the participation rates in breast and cervical cancer screening in clinical settings, multiple regression analyses were performed using the interaction term for urban municipalities.

Results

The average participation rate in screening in clinical settings was 6.01% for breast cancer, and was 8.93% for cervical cancer. The marginal effect of the number of mammography units per 1,000 women was significantly positive in urban municipalities (8.20 percent point). The marginal effect of the number of gynecologists per 1,000 women was significantly positive in all municipalities (2.54 percent point) and rural municipalities (3.68 percent point).

Conclusions

Lack of mammography units in urban areas and of gynecologists particularly in rural areas impaired access to breast and cervical cancer screening. Strategies are required that quickly improve access for the residents and increase their participation rates in cancer screening.

Regional and social inequalities in the performance of Pap test and screening mammography and their correlation with lifestyle: Brazilian national health survey, 2013

Background

Mass population screening for the early detection of cervical and breast cancer has been shown to be a safe and effective strategy worldwide and has reduced the incidence and mortality rates of these diseases. The aim of this study is to analyse the reach of screening tests for cervical and breast cancer according to sociodemographic variables and to analyse their correlation with a healthy lifestyle.

Methods

We have analysed data collected from 31.845 women aged 18 and over, who were interviewed for the Brazilian National Health Survey, a nationwide household inquiry, which took place between August 2013 and February 2014. The Pap tests performed in the last 3 years in women aged between 25 and 64 and screening mammogram performed in the last 2 years in women aged between 50 and 69 were considered adequate. We identified habits that constitute a healthy lifestyle, such as the consumption of five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables, 30 min or more of leisurely physical activity and not smoking.

Results

We observed that the Pap test (78.8 %) was more widespread than the screening mammogram (54.5 %), with significant geographical and social differences concerning access to health care. Access for such screening was higher for women living in more developed regions (Southeast and South), who were white-skinned, better educated, living with a partner and, especially, who were covered by private health insurance. Those who underwent the tests according to established protocols also had a healthy lifestyle, which corroborates the healthy behaviour pattern of damage prevention.

Conclusion

Despite the progress made, social disparity still defines access to screening tests for cervical and breast cancer, with women covered by private health insurance tending to benefit the most. It is necessary to reduce social and regional inequalities and ensure a more uniform provision and access to the tests, especially for socially disadvantaged women, in order to reduce the incidence and mortality rate resulting from the aforementioned diseases.

Characteristics and trends in publication of scientific papers presented at the European Congress of Radiology: a comparison between 2000 and 2010

OBJECTIVE

To determine journal publication rates of scientific papers presented orally at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2010, with comparison of country data to ECR 2000.

METHODS

All oral presentations from ECR 2010 were evaluated for publication between 2010 and 2014 using the MEDLINE database. Countries, collaborations, subspecialties, modalities and study design were ranked by publication percentage. Chi-square tests were used to compare publication percentages for each category of variables. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated for each country relative to the host nation, Austria. ECR 2010 country statistics were compared with analogous data from ECR 2000.

RESULTS

In total, 360/840 abstracts were subsequently published (43 %). The author's country of origin (p = 0.02), subspecialty (p = 0.02) and study design (p = 0.001) were significantly associated with subsequent publication. Switzerland, the Netherlands, France and Germany were among the top six countries by publication percentage in 2000 and 2010. In 2010, Switzerland had the highest publication rate (62 %) and HR in comparison to Austria (HR 2.62 [1.31-5.25], p = 0.01). Three Asian nations increased relative publication rates over the 10-year period.

CONCLUSION

Several European nations consistently convert relatively high percentages of oral abstracts at ECR into publications, and the influence of Asian countries is increasing.

MAIN MESSAGES

• Certain European nations consistently publish high percentages of orally presented abstracts at ECR. • The influence of several Asian countries on ECR is increasing. • Country, subspecialty and study design are significantly associated with journal publication. • Authors collaborating internationally have the highest publication rates and mean impact factors. • Among all modalities, PET-CT, MRI and CT have the highest publication percentages.

Inequalities in socioeconomic status and race and the odds of undergoing a mammogram in Brazil

Background

Access to mammograms, in common with other diagnostic procedures, is strongly conditioned by socioeconomic disparities. Which aspects of inequality affect the odds of undergoing a mammogram, and whether they are the same in different localities, are relevant issues related to the success of health policies.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the 2008 PNAD - Brazilian National Household Sample Survey (11.607 million women 40 years of age or older), on having had at least one mammogram over life for women 40 years of age or older in each of Brazil’s nine Metropolitan Regions (MR), according to socioeconomic position. The effects of income, schooling, health insurance and race in the different regions were investigated using multivariate logistical regression for each region individually, and for all MRs combined. The age-adjusted odds of a woman having had a mammogram according to race and stratified by two income strata (and two schooling strata) were also analyzed.

Results

Having a higher income increases four to seven times a woman’s odds of having had at least one mammogram in all MRs except Curitiba. For schooling, the gradient, though less steep, is favorable to women with more years of study. Having health insurance increases two to three times the odds in all MRs. Multivariate analysis did not show differences due to race (except for the Fortaleza MR), but the stratified analysis by income and schooling shows effects of race in most MRs, with greater differences for women with higher socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

This study confirms that income and schooling, as well as having health insurance, are still important determinants of inequality in health service use in Brazil. Additionally, race also contributes to the odds of having had a mammogram. The point is not to isolate the effect of each factor, but to evaluate how their interrelations may exacerbate differences, generating patterns of cumulative adversity, a theme that is still little explored in Brazil. This is much more important when we consider that race has only recently started be included in analyses of health outcomes in Brazil.

[Variations in the diagnostic confirmation process between breast cancer mass screening units]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse variations in the diagnostic confirmation process between screening units, variations in the outcome of each episode and the relationship between the use of the different diagnostic confirmation tests and the lesion detection rate.

METHOD

Observational study of variability of the standardised use of diagnostic and lesion detection tests in 34 breast cancer mass screening units participating in early-detection programmes in three Spanish regions from 2002-2011.

RESULTS

The diagnostic test variation ratio in percentiles 25-75 ranged from 1.68 (further appointments) to 3.39 (fine-needle aspiration). The variation ratio in detection rates of benign lesions, ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive cancer were 2.79, 1.99 and 1.36, respectively. A positive relationship between rates of testing and detection rates was found with fine-needle aspiration-benign lesions (R(2): 0.53), fine-needle aspiration-invasive carcinoma (R(2): 0 28), core biopsy-benign lesions (R(2): 0.64), core biopsy-ductal carcinoma in situ (R(2): 0.61) and core biopsy-invasive carcinoma (R(2): 0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in the use of invasive tests between the breast cancer screening units participating in early-detection programmes was found to be significantly higher than variations in lesion detection. Units which conducted more fine-needle aspiration tests had higher benign lesion detection rates, while units that conducted more core biopsies detected more benign lesions and cancer.

Explaining variations in breast cancer screening across European countries

OBJECTIVE

In this study I aim to explore the statistical causes of country differences in mammography screening among women aged 50-69 years in 13 European countries. I focus on the relative importance of individual (e.g. age, education, etc.) and institutional (e.g. public screening programmes) factors in explaining these differences.

DATA AND METHODS

I use individual level data from the first three waves (2004-2006-2009) of the SHARE as well as regional and country level data on institutional factors. The analytical approach is based on multilevel statistical models, which allow me to analyse the contribution of individual and institutional factors in explaining the variation in breast cancer screening across European countries.

RESULTS

I find that the standard deviation in screening rates across countries increases slightly from 19.5 to 20.8 per cent after controlling for individual factors. Observed individual factors such as age, education, health status, etc., do not significantly contribute to the explanation of cross-country differences. In contrast, after controlling for observed institutional factors such as the availability of an organised screening programme, the standard deviation drops from 20.86 to 12.92 per cent. These factors can statistically explain about 40 per cent of the between-country differences in screening rates. Moreover, I found that these institutional factors seem to prevent a woman from considering a mammogram "not necessary".

CONCLUSION

This analysis provides important insights about patient's attitudes and understanding of benefits of breast cancer prevention and highlights the importance of the availability of an organised screening programme for screening differences across European countries.

Cancer trends and risk factors in Cyprus

Cyprus, a European Union member state, is a small island in the Mediterranean with a population approaching 900,000 people. Cancer is the second leading cause of death; more therapeutic options for any patient with the disease are available in a central oncology centre in the capital of the island (Nicosia) and fewer therapeutic options (e.g. chemotherapy and hormone therapy only) in a few other public hospitals. Palliative care is offered in several hospices and hospitals, although the field needs improvement. With regards to screening, a national breast cancer screening programme has been in place countrywide since 2007 and is offered free of charge to women between the ages of 50 and 69 years, while colorectal and prostate cancer screening is performed on an individual basis (a pilot programme for colorectal cancer screening was recently initiated). Genetic testing is available for breast and colon cancer. To improve understanding of the causes of cancer in the country, a cancer research centre was established in 2010 (Mediterranean Centre for Cancer Research). Recent epidemiologic work has revealed increasing cancer trends in Cyprus; prostate cancer is the most common in men and breast cancer is the most common in women. Interestingly, thyroid cancer incidence in women has been rising from 1998 to 2008. Cancer of the colon and rectum is also on the rise affecting both sexes. Overall, cancer incidence in Cyprus is lower than other EuroMed countries with similar lifestyle and geography.

A systematic review of medical practice variation in OECD countries

BACKGROUND

Major variations in medical practice have been documented internationally. Variations raise questions about the quality, equity, and efficiency of resource allocation and use, and have important implications for health care and health policy.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature on medical practice variations in OECD countries.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE to find publications on medical practice variations in OECD countries published between 2000 and 2011. We present an overview of the characteristics of published studies as well as the magnitude of variations for select high impact conditions.

RESULTS

A total of 836 studies were included. Consistent with the gray literature, there were large variations across regions, hospitals and physician practices for almost every condition and procedure studied. Many studies focused on high-impact conditions, but very few looked at the causes or outcomes of medical practice variations.

CONCLUSION

While there were an overwhelming number of publications on medical practice variations the coverage was broad and not often based on a theoretical construct. Future studies should focus on conditions and procedures that are clinically important, policy relevant, resource intensive, and have high levels of public awareness. Further study of the causes and consequences of variations is important.

Possible logistic and sociodemographyc factors on breast cancer screening in Turkey: lessons from a women’s health project in Mersin province

Mortality from breast cancer is decreasing partly owing to early detection. In Mersin province in our country, local health authorities launched an education program on sexual diseases and breast cancer early detection for women over 15 years of age. After the educational session, clinical breast examination was offered by a nurse or physician, and if suspicious they were recommended to apply a specialist for further examination. Here, we report the results on those women with abnormal clinical breast examination. In this second project, socio-demographic variables were investigated such as educational level and place of living,parameters to measure the success of previous project, whether they followed the recommendation themselves, whether mammograms were reported in accordance with Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS). Of 3,793 women recruited, mean age was 42.2 years, 42.3%were younger than 40.0 years. Majority (88.5%) were married, graduate of primary school (60.6%), without a job(91.2%), and inhabiting in the province (38.7%). Of the population, 98.1% believe in the importance of screening in the treatment of breast cancer. According to 70.3%,monthly breast self-examination enables early detection, 33.5% believe that clinical breast examination detects cancer early, and 35.5% think that annual mammography can detect it early. Among 2,183 women 40 years of age or over, 41.5% had mammography at once before participating in the first project. Breast self-examination was being carried out by 56.6% on a monthly basis. After an abnormal breast examination, 86.4% applied to hospitals for specialist examination. Reasons for declining to seek for further examination among 410 women answering were as follows:42.0% did not accept, 27.0% did not know it was important, 16.6% because of economical reasons, and 5.0% were too shy to be examined. Being older, being married, being the graduate of primary and secondary school, residing in rural areas, having a mammogram positively affected the decision in univariate analyses (p<0.05). All but educational level (p=0.059) remained significant in multivariate analysis. Mammography was reported in accordance with BIRADS in only 45 (1.2%). Awareness of population on breast cancer early detection can be raised through education. Generally, women follow professional recommendation from professionals. Mammography reporting among radiologist in accordance with BIRADS is rare. Successful early detection of breast cancer may be obtained by public education together with improving detection methods.

Condicionantes socioeconômicos e geográficos do acesso à mamografia no Brasil, 2003-2008

Este estudo examinou os efeitos de características da população e geográficas na chance de mamografia, no Brasil em 2003 e 2008. A partir do Suplemento Saúde da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios, foram analisados os padrões de mamografia em mulheres com 25 anos ou mais, por meio de razão de prevalências, e em mulheres com 40 anos ou mais, por meio de regressão logística multivariada, incluindo o local de residência e a distribuição geográfica da oferta. Entre as mulheres com 50-69 anos, 54,6% relataram ter feito mamografia, em 2003, e 71,5%, em 2008. A chance de realização do exame é maior entre as de 50 a 69 anos, aumenta com a renda familiar e escolaridade, dentre as casadas, para as que consultaram médico e têm plano de saúde. Residir em área metropolitana triplica a chance de mamografia. Comparado com a região Norte, residentes das demais regiões têm chances maiores e a distância influencia negativamente a realização do exame. No período, a cobertura aumentou na faixa etária alvo da política nacional, com redução das desigualdades de renda e de escolaridade. A ampliação do acesso parece mais ligada às políticas de aumento de renda e inclusão social, e à ampliação da oferta de exames na rede pública e conveniada, do que ao aumento do número de mamógrafos.

Variation in performance in low-volume mammography screening programmes: experience from Switzerland

BACKGROUND

Reading volume and mammography screening performance appear positively correlated. Quality and effectiveness were compared across low-volume screening programmes targeting relatively small populations and operating under the same decentralised healthcare system. Except for accreditation of 2nd readers (restrictive vs non-restrictive strategy), these organised programmes had similar screening regimen/procedures and duration, which maximises comparability. Variation in performance and its determinants were explored in order to improve mammography practice and optimise screening performance.

METHODS

Circa 200,000 screens performed between 1999 and 2006 (4 rounds) in 3 longest standing Swiss cantonal programmes (of Vaud, Geneva and Valais) were assessed. Indicators of quality and effectiveness were assessed according to European standards. Interval cancers were identified through linkage with cancer registries records.

RESULTS

Swiss programmes met most European standards of performance with a substantial, favourable cancer stage shift. Up to a two-fold variation occurred for several performance indicators. In subsequent rounds, compared with programmes (Vaud and Geneva) that applied a restrictive selection strategy for 2nd readers, proportions of in situ lesions and of small cancers (≤1cm) were one third lower and halved, respectively, and the proportion of advanced lesions (stage II+) nearly 50% higher in the programme without a restrictive selection strategy. Discrepancy in second-year proportional incidence of interval cancers appears to be multicausal.

CONCLUSION

Differences in performance could partly be explained by a selective strategy for second readers and a prior experience in service screening, but not by the levels of opportunistic screening and programme attendance. This study provides clues for enhancing mammography screening performance in low-volume programmes.

Disparities in breast cancer mortality trends between 30 European countries: retrospective trend analysis of WHO mortality database

OBJECTIVE

To examine changes in temporal trends in breast cancer mortality in women living in 30 European countries.

DESIGN

Retrospective trend analysis. Data source WHO mortality database on causes of deaths Subjects reviewed Female deaths from breast cancer from 1989 to 2006

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in breast cancer mortality for all women and by age group (<50, 50-69, and >or=70 years) calculated from linear regressions of log transformed, age adjusted death rates. Joinpoint analysis was used to identify the year when trends in all age mortality began to change.

RESULTS

From 1989 to 2006, there was a median reduction in breast cancer mortality of 19%, ranging from a 45% reduction in Iceland to a 17% increase in Romania. Breast cancer mortality decreased by >or=20% in 15 countries, and the reduction tended to be greater in countries with higher mortality in 1987-9. England and Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland had the second, third, and fourth largest decreases of 35%, 29%, and 30%, respectively. In France, Finland, and Sweden, mortality decreased by 11%, 12%, and 16%, respectively. In central European countries mortality did not decline or even increased during the period. Downward mortality trends usually started between 1988 and 1996, and the persistent reduction from 1999 to 2006 indicates that these trends may continue. The median changes in the age groups were -37% (range -76% to -14%) in women aged <50, -21% (-40% to 14%) in 50-69 year olds, and -2% (-42% to 80%) in >or=70 year olds.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in breast cancer mortality after 1988 varied widely between European countries, and the UK is among the countries with the largest reductions. Women aged <50 years showed the greatest reductions in mortality, also in countries where screening at that age is uncommon. The increasing mortality in some central European countries reflects avoidable mortality.