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Aljarallah JA, Sekhar C. The Assessment of Geriatric Depression Among Primary Healthcare Physicians in Buraidah City, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e62239. [PMID: 39006566 PMCID: PMC11243689 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global geriatric population is increasing, leading to a higher prevalence of non-communicable diseases, including depression. This condition often remains underdiagnosed and untreated disease. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted among 130 primary healthcare physicians (PCPs) in Buraidah to assess their practices in diagnosing geriatric depression from March 2023 to March 2024. After ethical committee approval, data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire, entered, cleaned, and analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Version 21.0, Armonk, NY). Informed consent was obtained and the confidentiality of the participant information was maintained. Statistical tests, including the Chi-square test, were used for inference. RESULTS Out of 130 PCPs, 85.4% (n=111) were diagnosing depression during their clinical practice. The most common depression scale used in their regular practice was the patient health questionnaire (PHQ)-2 (70%, n=91), followed by the Geriatric Depression Scale (53.8%, n=70). Nearly 26.2% (n=34) of physicians responded that there is no need for routine lab tests for the diagnosis of depression. Concerning the initial plan of depression management, nearly 76.2% (n=99) of physicians preferred non-pharmacological treatment. Regarding barriers to diagnosis of depression in elderly patients, nearly 76.2% (n=99) mentioned the need for more training about geriatric depression, followed by 70% for both short consultation time and the need for Ministry of Health guidelines. There was a statistically significant association observed between <35 years of age group and a preference for a high percentage of pharmacological therapy (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings of the study, there was a good number (85.4%) of PCPs diagnosing depression in their clinics, and also three-fourths of the physicians (76.2%) preferred non-pharmacological treatment. Only one-fourth (26.2%) of the PCPs mentioned no lab is required for the diagnosis of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chandra Sekhar
- Family Medicine, Family Medicine Academy, Qassim Health Cluster, Buraidah, SAU
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Amare D, Ambaw F, Alene KA. Effect of integrating traditional care with modern healthcare to improve tuberculosis control programs in Ethiopia: a protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023; 24:582. [PMID: 37697429 PMCID: PMC10494418 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07559-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, despite being a preventable and curable disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) End-TB Strategy, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), sets a target of reducing the TB mortality rate by 95%, TB incidence rate by 90%, and catastrophic costs due to TB by 2035, compared with a 2015 level. To achieve these ambitious targets, several interventions have been implemented in the last few years, resulting in major progress toward reducing the burden of TB. However, over one-third of the global TB cases remained undetected and never received treatment. Most of those undetected cases were found in low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia. Though several interventions were implemented to increase TB case detection and mitigate catastrophic costs associated with TB, sustaining these interventions in resource-constrained settings remains challenging. Consequently, an alternative method is needed to increase TB case detection while decreasing diagnosis delays and catastrophic costs. Therefore, this study aimed to integrate traditional TB care into modern TB care to improve TB control programs, including early TB case detection, and reduce catastrophic costs in high TB burden settings such as Ethiopia. METHODS A cluster randomized controlled trial will be conducted in northwest Ethiopia to determine the effectiveness of integrating traditional care with modern TB care. The intervention will be conducted in randomly selected districts in the South Gondar Zone. The control group will be an equal number of districts with usual care. The intervention comprised three key components, which include referral linkage from traditional to modern health care; training of health professionals and traditional care providers in three different rounds to increase their knowledge, attitude, and skills toward the referral systems; and TB screening at traditional health care sites. The primary outcomes of interest will be an increase in case detection rate, and the secondary outcomes of interest will be decreased diagnosis delays and catastrophic costs for TB patients. Data will be collected in both the intervention and control groups on the main outcome of interest and a wide range of independent variables. Generalized linear mixed models will be used to compare the outcome of interest between the trial arms, with adjustment for baseline differences. DISCUSSION This cluster-randomized controlled trial study will assess the effectiveness of a strategy that integrates traditional healthcare into the modern healthcare system for the control and prevention of TB in northwest Ethiopia, where nearly 90% of the population seeks care from traditional care systems. This trial will provide information on the effectiveness of traditional and modern healthcare integration to improve TB case detection, early diagnosis, and treatment, as well as reduce the catastrophic costs of TB. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05236452. Registered on July 22, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desalegne Amare
- School of Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
| | - Fentie Ambaw
- School of Public Health, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Kefyalew Addis Alene
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Geospatial and Tuberculosis Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
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Schmidt MM, Lee M, Francois MS, Lu J, Huang R, Cheng L, Weng Y. Learning Experience Design of Project PHoENIX: Addressing the Lack of Autistic Representation in Extended Reality Design and Development. JOURNAL OF FORMATIVE DESIGN IN LEARNING 2023; 7:1-19. [PMID: 37360548 PMCID: PMC10195660 DOI: 10.1007/s41686-023-00077-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents Project PHoENIX, which stands for Participatory, Human-centered, Equitable, Neurodiverse, Inclusive, eXtended reality. The project aims to co-produce research with autistic users to create a virtual reality (VR) environment that is highly usable, accessible, and sensitive to the needs and preferences of these individuals. Project PHoENIX utilizes participatory design within a learning experience design (LXD) frame to locate autistic people, their caregivers, and providers centrally in the processes of immersive technology design and development, as well as research design and execution. An overarching literature review on VR and autism and issues of limited design precedent of VR environments with autistic participants is provided, as well as details on the Project PHoENIX design framework, project description, and project design outcomes. Details are provided on how the online VR environment was co-designed and co-developed through collaborative research with autistic stakeholders while being sensitive to their needs and preferences. Research findings and implications are discussed regarding the design process, constraints, principles, and insights. The paper concludes by discussing lessons learned and how this project can provide much-needed design precedent for advancing the field towards a more inclusive, human-centered, and neurodiverse VR research and development paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jie Lu
- University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Rui Huang
- University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Li Cheng
- University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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Hurley JC. Establishing the safety of selective digestive decontamination within the ICU population: a bridge too far? Trials 2023; 24:337. [PMID: 37198636 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07356-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infection prevention interventions within the intensive care unit (ICU) setting, whether studied within quality improvement projects or cluster randomized trials (CRT), are seen as low risk and grounded in an ethical imperative. Selective digestive decontamination (SDD) appears highly effective at preventing ICU infections within randomized concurrent control trials (RCCTs) prompting mega-CRTs with mortality as the primary endpoint. FINDINGS Surprisingly, the summary results of RCCTs versus CRTs differ strikingly, being respectively, a 15-percentage-point versus a zero-percentage-point ICU mortality difference between control versus SDD intervention groups. Multiple other discrepancies are equally puzzling and contrary to both prior expectations and the experience within population-based studies of infection prevention interventions using vaccines. Could spillover effects from SDD conflate the RCCT control group event rate differences and represent population harm? Evidence that SDD is fundamentally safe to concurrent non-recipients in ICU populations is absent. A postulated CRT to realize this, the SDD Herd Effects Estimation Trial (SHEET), would require > 100 ICUs to achieve sufficient statistical power to find a two-percentage-point mortality spillover effect. Moreover, as a potentially harmful population-based intervention, SHEET would pose novel and insurmountable ethical issues including who is the research subject; whether informed consent is required and from whom; whether there is equipoise; the benefit versus the risk; considerations of vulnerable groups; and who should be the gatekeeper? CONCLUSION The basis for the mortality difference between control and intervention groups of SDD studies remains unclear. Several paradoxical results are consistent with a spillover effect that would conflate the inference of benefit originating from RCCTs. Moreover, this spillover effect would constitute to herd peril.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Hurley
- Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Division of Internal Medicine, Grampians Health Services, Ballarat, VIC, Australia.
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Bezuglov E, Morgans R, Khalikov R, Bertholz V, Emanov A, Talibov O, Astakhov E, Lazarev A, Shoshorina M. Effect of xenon and argon inhalation on erythropoiesis and steroidogenesis: A systematic review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15837. [PMID: 37215856 PMCID: PMC10192833 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Xenon and argon inhalation were included on the WADA Prohibited List in 2014 due to the reported positive effects on erythropoiesis and steroidogenesis that occur as a result of their application. Thus, the systematic review of studies supporting these notions is of interest. Methods A thorough search on the effects of xenon and argon inhalation on erythropoiesis and steroidogenesis, as well as their negative effects on human health and method detection was conducted. Pubmed and Google Scholar databases and the Cochrane Library were researched, as well as the WADA research section. The search was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. All articles written in English and published between 2000 and 2021 were analyzed, as well as reference studies meeting the search criteria. Results At present, there are only two publications in healthy human subjects evaluating the effects of xenon inhalation on erythropoiesis that found no conclusive evidence of a positive effect on erythropoiesis. This research was published following the inclusion of this gas on the WADA Prohibited List in 2014 and had a high risk of bias. There were no studies available on the effect of argon inhalation on erythropoiesis. Furthermore, no studies were found on the effect of xenon or argon inhalation on steroidogenesis in healthy subjects and no studies relating to the effects of xenon or argon inhalation on erythropoiesis and steroidogenesis were found on the WADA website. Conclusion There is still inconclusive evidence to support the administration of xenon and argon inhalations on erythropoiesis and steroidogenesis and their positive effects on health. Further research is warranted to establish the effects of these gases. Additionally, improved communication between anti-doping authorities and all key stakeholders is required to support the inclusion of various substances on recognized prohibited lists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduard Bezuglov
- Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- High Performance Sport Laboratory, Moscow Witte University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ryland Morgans
- Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ruslan Khalikov
- Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladislav Bertholz
- Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Oleg Talibov
- High Performance Sport Laboratory, Moscow Witte University, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Artemii Lazarev
- High Performance Sport Laboratory, Moscow Witte University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, USA
| | - Maria Shoshorina
- Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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Kuguyo O, Chambwe N, Nhachi CFB, Tsikai N, Dandara C, Matimba A. A cervical cancer biorepository for pharmacogenomics research in Zimbabwe. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1320. [PMID: 36526993 PMCID: PMC9756582 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10413-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research infrastructures such as biorepositories are essential to facilitate genomics and its growing applications in health research and translational medicine in Africa. Using a cervical cancer cohort, this study describes the establishment of a biorepository consisting of biospecimens and matched phenotype data for use in genomic association analysis and pharmacogenomics research. METHOD Women aged > 18 years with a recent histologically confirmed cervical cancer diagnosis were recruited. A workflow pipeline was developed to collect, store, and analyse biospecimens comprising donor recruitment and informed consent, followed by data and biospecimen collection, nucleic acid extraction, storage of genomic DNA, genetic characterization, data integration, data analysis and data interpretation. The biospecimen and data storage infrastructure included shared -20 °C to -80 °C freezers, lockable cupboards, secured access-controlled laptop, password protected online data storage on OneDrive software. The biospecimen or data storage, transfer and sharing were compliant with the local and international biospecimen and data protection laws and policies, to ensure donor privacy, trust, and benefits for the wider community. RESULTS This initial establishment of the biorepository recruited 410 women with cervical cancer. The mean (± SD) age of the donors was 52 (± 12) years, comprising stage I (15%), stage II (44%), stage III (47%) and stage IV (6%) disease. The biorepository includes whole blood and corresponding genomic DNA from 311 (75.9%) donors, and tumour biospecimens and corresponding tumour DNA from 258 (62.9%) donors. Datasets included information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, family history, clinical information, and HPV genotype. Treatment response was followed up for 12 months, namely, treatment-induced toxicities, survival vs. mortality, and disease status, that is disease-free survival, progression or relapse, 12 months after therapy commencement. CONCLUSION The current work highlights a framework for developing a cancer genomics cohort-based biorepository on a limited budget. Such a resource plays a central role in advancing genomics research towards the implementation of personalised management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oppah Kuguyo
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Clinical Pharmacology Department, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Avondale, Mazowe Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nyasha Chambwe
- grid.416477.70000 0001 2168 3646Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY USA
| | - Charles F. B. Nhachi
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Clinical Pharmacology Department, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Avondale, Mazowe Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Nomsa Tsikai
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Department of Oncology, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Collet Dandara
- grid.7836.a0000 0004 1937 1151Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism Research Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology & Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alice Matimba
- grid.13001.330000 0004 0572 0760Clinical Pharmacology Department, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Avondale, Mazowe Street, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Solgi E, Tavakoli-Far B, Badehnoosh B, Khavandegar A, Bakhtiyari M. Vaginal and oral probiotics effect in the prevention of preterm delivery in patients visiting Kamali Hospital, Karaj, Iran in 2020. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X 2022; 16:100169. [PMID: 36312324 PMCID: PMC9596744 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurox.2022.100169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of preterm labor (PTL) is growing, and annually one in ten babies is born prematurely. Various studies have examined the effect of oral or vaginal probiotics on the prevention of preterm labor, which has yielded contrasting results. This study aimed to compare the impact of vaginal and oral probiotics on the prevention of preterm delivery. METHODS This clinical trial was performed among 185 pregnant women with a gestational age greater than or equal to 25 weeks visiting Kamali Hospital, Karaj, Iran in 2020. The participants were divided into three groups; intervention group 1 receiving Oral probiotic pill once a day until 37 weeks of pregnancy, intervention group 2 receiving probiotic vaginal suppository once a day until 37 weeks of pregnancy, and control group not receiving any intervention. Patients were then followed up until the end of pregnancy. RESULTS Demographic characteristics and gestational age at the time of intervention were not significantly different among the three groups. Overall, 26.7 % in the control group, 30 % in intervention group 1 %, and 22.5 % in intervention group 2 had deliveries less than 37 weeks. There was no significant difference in the frequency of preterm labor and the duration of pregnancy among the groups (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSION Probiotics use does not increase the rate of preterm delivery or reduce the duration of pregnancy, but the rate of preterm delivery was lower in the oral probiotic group. Further clinical studies on the impact of probiotics on PTL can yield valuable results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Solgi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Resident, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Bahareh Tavakoli-Far
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Bita Badehnoosh
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Correspondence to: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dietary Supplements and Probiotics Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
| | - Armin Khavandegar
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Science, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bakhtiyari
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Corresponding author at: Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
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Atasoy S, Hausteiner-Wiehle C, Sattel H, Johar H, Roenneberg C, Peters A, Ladwig KH, Henningsen P. Gender specific somatic symptom burden and mortality risk in the general population. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15049. [PMID: 36065007 PMCID: PMC9445038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18814-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender specific all-cause mortality risk associated with a high somatic symptom burden (SSB) in a population-based cohort was investigated. The study population included 5679 women and 5861 men aged 25-74 years from the population-based MONICA/KORA Cohort. SSB was assessed following the Somatic Symptom Scale-8 and categorized as very high (≥ 95th percentile), high (60-95th percentile), moderate (30-60th percentile), and low (≤ 30th percentile). The impact of SSB on all-cause mortality risk within a mean follow-up period of 22.6 years (SD 7.1; 267,278 person years) was estimated by gender-specific Cox regression models adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, somatic and psychosocial risk factors, as well as pre-existing medical conditions. Approximately 5.7% of men and 7.3% of women had very high SSB. During follow-up, 3638 (30.6%) mortality cases were observed. Men with a very-high SSB had 48% increased relative risk of mortality in comparison to men with a low SSB after adjustment for concurrent risk factors (1.48, 95% CI 1.20-1.81, p < .0001), corresponding to 2% increased risk of mortality for each 1-point increment in SSB (1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03; p = 0.03). In contrast, women with a very high SSB had a 22% lower risk of mortality (0.78, 95% CI 0.61-1.00, p = 0.05) and women with high SSB had an 18% lower risk of mortality (0.82; 95% CI 0.68-0.98, p = 0.03) following adjustment for concurrent risk factors. The current findings indicate that an increasing SSB is an independent risk factor for mortality in men but not in women, pointing in the direction of critical gender differences in the management of SSB, including women's earlier health care utilization than men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seryan Atasoy
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, University Hospital Rechts Der Isar, Technische Universität München, Langerstr. 3, 81676, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Constanze Hausteiner-Wiehle
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, University Hospital Rechts Der Isar, Technische Universität München, Langerstr. 3, 81676, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, BG Trauma Center, Murnau, Germany
| | - Heribert Sattel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, University Hospital Rechts Der Isar, Technische Universität München, Langerstr. 3, 81676, Munich, Germany
| | - Hamimatunnisa Johar
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Global Public Health, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Casper Roenneberg
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, University Hospital Rechts Der Isar, Technische Universität München, Langerstr. 3, 81676, Munich, Germany
| | - Annette Peters
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Ladwig
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, University Hospital Rechts Der Isar, Technische Universität München, Langerstr. 3, 81676, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Henningsen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, University Hospital Rechts Der Isar, Technische Universität München, Langerstr. 3, 81676, Munich, Germany
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Lin Z, Zhao D, Lin J, Ni A, Lin J. Statistical methods of indirect comparison with real-world data for survival endpoint under non-proportional hazards. J Biopharm Stat 2022; 32:582-599. [PMID: 35675418 DOI: 10.1080/10543406.2022.2080696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In clinical studies that utilize real-world data, time-to-event outcomes are often germane to scientific questions of interest. Two main obstacles are the presence of non-proportional hazards and confounding bias. Existing methods that could adjust for NPH or confounding bias, but no previous work delineated the complexity of simultaneous adjustments for both. In this paper, a propensity score stratified MaxCombo and weighted Cox model is proposed. This model can adjust for confounding bias and NPH and can be pre-specified when NPH pattern is unknown in advance. The method has robust performance as demonstrated in simulation studies and in a case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Lin
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Dan Zhao
- Biometrics Department, Servier Pharmaceuticals, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Junjing Lin
- Statistical and Quantitative Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ai Ni
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jianchang Lin
- Statistical and Quantitative Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Hausiku L, Kouame K, Aboua YG. Perceptions and attitude of women of Luderitz, Namibia on Pap smear and cervical cancer prevention. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:126. [PMID: 35449007 PMCID: PMC9027836 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01698-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is one of the leading malignancies globally and has taken third place in Namibia amongst women aged 15-44 years. Infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been proven to increase women's susceptibility to developing cervical carcinoma. Sadly, Namibia carries a twin burden of HIV and cervical cancer. Namibians are aware of HIV/AIDS, but remain poorly informed about cervical cancer. Furthermore, among those who are aware of the disease, low utilisation of screening tests have been reported. OBJECTIVE The purpose was to explore perceptions and attitudes held by women about cervical cancer, reasons for low uptake of Pap smear testing amongst those who are aware of the malignancy as well as unearth motivation factors that has fuelled women to go for screening. METHODOLOGY A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling as a sampling technique. The survey instrument used was a self-administered questionnaire. It consisted of both closed and open ended questions. A total of 136 women were surveyed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The level of awareness for cervical cancer (92.6%) and Pap smear (93.4%) were high. Most were able to identify that Pap smear test is used for screening for pre-cancerous lesions. However, knowledge about the impact of a HIV positive status along with co infection with HPV as the leading causes for progression of invasive cervical carcinoma was not well known. Knowledge about the other risk factors such as multiple sexual partners (39.7%), early sex debut (34.9%) and smoking was poorly demonstrated. This suggests that a high awareness level does not necessarily translate into having a good perception or understanding of a disease. A good attitude towards screening was observed although less than half of the study population reported ever having a test done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Hausiku
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Private Bag 13388, Windhoek, 9000, Namibia
| | - Koffi Kouame
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, P O Box PBag×1 Nelson Mandela Drive Campus, Mthatha, 5099, South Africa
| | - Yapo Guillaume Aboua
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Private Bag 13388, Windhoek, 9000, Namibia.
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Comment on: "Attempting to Separate Placebo Effects from Exercise in Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis". Sports Med 2021; 52:959-960. [PMID: 34932205 PMCID: PMC8938364 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01621-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Salami K, Imbault N, Erlebach A, Urban J, Zoglowek M, Tornieporth NG. A systematic scorecard-based approach to site assessment in preparation for Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials in affected countries. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:24. [PMID: 32082610 PMCID: PMC7020360 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00567-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We sought to develop and test an objective scorecard-based system for assessing and categorizing available research sites in Lassa fever-affected countries based on their preparedness and capability to host Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials. Methods We mapped available clinical research sites through interrogation of online clinical trial registries and relevant disease-based consortia. A structured online questionnaire was used to assess the capability of clinical trial sites to conduct Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials. We developed a new scoring template by allocating scores to questionnaire parameters based on perceived importance to the conduct of clinical trials as described in the WHO/TDR Global Competency Framework for Clinical Research. Cutoff points of 75% and 50% were used to categorize sites into categories A, B, or C. Results This study identified 44 clinical trial sites in 8 Lassa fever-affected countries. Out of these, 35 sites were characterized based on their capacity to hold Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials. A total of 14 sites in 4 countries were identified as ready to host Lassa fever vaccine trials immediately or with little support. Conclusion It is feasible to hold Lassa fever vaccine trials in affected countries based on the outcome of the survey. However, the findings are to be validated through sites' visits. This experience with a standardized and objective method of the site assessment is encouraging, and the site selection method used can serve as an orientation to sponsors and researchers planning clinical trials in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aljoscha Erlebach
- 3Department of Information and Communication, Hochschule Hannover - University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Faculty III, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johanna Urban
- 3Department of Information and Communication, Hochschule Hannover - University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Faculty III, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mike Zoglowek
- 3Department of Information and Communication, Hochschule Hannover - University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Faculty III, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadia G Tornieporth
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovations, London, UK.,3Department of Information and Communication, Hochschule Hannover - University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Faculty III, Hannover, Germany
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13
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Cardillo L, Cahill F, Wylie H, Williams A, Zylstra J, Davies A, Fullwood L, Van Hemelrijck M. Patients' perspectives on opt-out consent for observational research: systematic review and focus group. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 27:1321-1329. [PMID: 30525978 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2018.27.22.1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: observational research is increasingly important in clinical decision-making. Opt-out consent has been proposed as a more practical way to obtain participants' consent for such research. The authors evaluated patients' views on opt-out consent for observational research by identifying perceived benefits and barriers. METHODS: following a systematic literature review of research on participants' perspectives on opt-out consent, a focus group interview was conducted with oncological patients and their family members. RESULTS: the review identified 13 articles detailing perspectives on opt-out consent. Perceived advantages included benefitting medicine and future generations. These findings were confirmed in the focus group. The main reported barriers to opt-out consent are concerns regarding privacy and the sharing of data with third parties. Participants also demonstrated concerns on insufficient education on opt-out consent. CONCLUSION: participants demonstrated willingness to participate in observational studies utilising opt-out consent. Special focus should be placed on outlining existing safeguards in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cardillo
- Medical Student, King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Translational Oncology & Urology Research
| | - Fidelma Cahill
- Research Nurse, King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Translational Oncology & Urology Research
| | - Harriet Wylie
- Clinical Trial Coordinator, King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Translational Oncology & Urology Research
| | - Ambi Williams
- Research Manager, King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences
| | - Janine Zylstra
- Clinical Research Manager, Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | - Andrew Davies
- Consultant oesophagogastric and general surgeon, Department of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London
| | | | - Mieke Van Hemelrijck
- Reader in Cancer Epidemiology, King's College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Translational Oncology & Urology Research
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14
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Davies G, Jordan S, Brooks CJ, Thayer D, Storey M, Morgan G, Allen S, Garaiova I, Plummer S, Gravenor M. Long term extension of a randomised controlled trial of probiotics using electronic health records. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7668. [PMID: 29769554 PMCID: PMC5955897 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25954-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Most randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are relatively short term and, due to costs and available resources, have limited opportunity to be re-visited or extended. There is no guarantee that effects of treatments remain unchanged beyond the study. Here, we illustrate the feasibility, benefits and cost-effectiveness of enriching standard trial design with electronic follow up. We completed a 5-year electronic follow up of a RCT investigating the impact of probiotics on asthma and eczema in children born 2005–2007, with traditional fieldwork follow up to two years. Participants and trial outcomes were identified and analysed after five years using secure, routine, anonymised, person-based electronic health service databanks. At two years, we identified 93% of participants and compared fieldwork with electronic health records, highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement. Retention of children from lower socio-economic groups was improved, reducing volunteer bias. At 5 years we identified a reduced 82% of participants. These data allowed the trial’s first robust analysis of asthma endpoints. We found no indication that probiotic supplementation to pregnant mothers and infants protected against asthma or eczema at 5 years. Continued longer-term follow up is technically straightforward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Davies
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Sue Jordan
- Department of Nursing, The College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK.
| | | | - Daniel Thayer
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Melanie Storey
- Department of Nursing, The College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Gareth Morgan
- The Children's Trust, Tadworth, Surrey, UK.,The Harley Street Clinic Children's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stephen Allen
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, UK
| | - Iveta Garaiova
- Research Department, Cultech Limited, Baglan Industrial Park, Port Talbot, UK
| | - Sue Plummer
- Research Department, Cultech Limited, Baglan Industrial Park, Port Talbot, UK
| | - Mike Gravenor
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
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15
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Alemayehu C, Mitchell G, Nikles J. Barriers for conducting clinical trials in developing countries- a systematic review. Int J Equity Health 2018; 17:37. [PMID: 29566721 PMCID: PMC5863824 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-018-0748-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical trials for identification of efficient and effective new diagnostic and treatment modalities are needed to address disproportionately high burden of communicable (e.g., HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria) and non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes) in developing countries. However, gross under-representation in global clinical trial platforms contributes to sustained health inequity in these countries. We reviewed the literature on barriers facing clinical researchers in developing countries for conducting clinical trials in their countries. Methods Literature indexed in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science, WHO Global Health Library were searched. Grey literature was also searched. Search key words included barriers, challenges, clinical trials and developing countries. Articles within the scope of this review were appraised by two reviewers. Results Ten studies, which are reported in 15 papers, were included in this review. Following critical review we identified five unifying themes for barriers. Barriers for conducting clinical trials included lack of financial and human capacity, ethical and regulatory system obstacles, lack of research environment, operational barriers and competing demands. Conclusion and recommendation There were substantial barriers at system, organization and individual level. We propose that to address this problem, instituting a system for wider implementation of local investigator-initiated trials is warranted. These trials are more applicable to local populations because they build on local healthcare knowledge. They are more demand-led, influence policy and responsive to a country’s needs because they are driven by a local or national agenda. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12939-018-0748-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jane Nikles
- The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Reseaerch (UQCCR), Brisbane, Australia
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16
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Bartlett R, Wright T, Olarinde T, Holmes T, Beamon ER, Wallace D. Schools as Sites for Recruiting Participants and Implementing Research. J Community Health Nurs 2018; 34:80-88. [PMID: 28467204 DOI: 10.1080/07370016.2017.1304146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Schools can be a valuable resource for recruitment of participants for research involving children, adolescents, and parents. Awareness of the benefits and challenges of working with schools can assist researchers in developing effective school partnerships. This article discusses the advantages of conducting research within the school system as well as the challenges that may also arise. Such challenges include developing key contacts, building relationships, logistical arrangements, and facilitating trust in the research topic and team. Suggestions for strategies to forge successful collaborative relationships with schools are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Bartlett
- a University of North Carolina Greensboro, School of Nursing , Greensboro , North Carolina
| | - Tiffany Wright
- a University of North Carolina Greensboro, School of Nursing , Greensboro , North Carolina
| | - Tia Olarinde
- b Texas Department of State Health Services , Austin , Texas
| | - Tara Holmes
- c Stony Brook University Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies , Stony Brook , New York
| | - Emily R Beamon
- a University of North Carolina Greensboro, School of Nursing , Greensboro , North Carolina
| | - Debra Wallace
- a University of North Carolina Greensboro, School of Nursing , Greensboro , North Carolina
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17
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McMahon C, Denaxas S. A novel metadata management model to capture consent for record linkage in longitudinal research studies. Inform Health Soc Care 2017; 44:176-188. [PMID: 29106808 PMCID: PMC6484449 DOI: 10.1080/17538157.2017.1364251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Informed consent is an important feature of longitudinal research studies as it enables the linking of the baseline participant information with administrative data. The lack of standardized models to capture consent elements can lead to substantial challenges. A structured approach to capturing consent-related metadata can address these. Objectives: a) Explore the state-of-the-art for recording consent; b) Identify key elements of consent required for record linkage; and c) Create and evaluate a novel metadata management model to capture consent-related metadata. Methods: The main methodological components of our work were: a) a systematic literature review and qualitative analysis of consent forms; b) the development and evaluation of a novel metadata model. Discussion: We qualitatively analyzed 61 manuscripts and 30 consent forms. We extracted data elements related to obtaining consent for linkage. We created a novel metadata management model for consent and evaluated it by comparison with the existing standards and by iteratively applying it to case studies. Conclusion: The developed model can facilitate the standardized recording of consent for linkage in longitudinal research studies and enable the linkage of external participant data. Furthermore, it can provide a structured way of recording consent-related metadata and facilitate the harmonization and streamlining of processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana McMahon
- a University College London, Institute of Health Informatics , London , United Kingdom.,b Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research , London , United Kingdom
| | - Spiros Denaxas
- a University College London, Institute of Health Informatics , London , United Kingdom.,b Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research , London , United Kingdom
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18
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Quantifying person-level brain network functioning to facilitate clinical translation. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1248. [PMID: 29039851 PMCID: PMC5682602 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although advances in neuroimaging have yielded insights into the intrinsic organization of human brain networks and their relevance to psychiatric and neurological disorders, there has been no translation of these insights into clinical practice. One necessary step toward clinical translation is identifying a summary metric of network function that is reproducible, reliable, and has known normative data, analogous to normed neuropsychological tests. Our aim was therefore to establish the proof of principle for such a metric, focusing on the default mode network (DMN). We compared three candidate summary metrics: global clustering coefficient, characteristic path length, and average connectivity. Across three samples totaling 322 healthy, mostly Caucasian adults, average connectivity performed best, with good internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.69-0.70) and adequate eight-week test-retest reliability (intra-class coefficient=0.62 in a subsample N=65). We therefore present normative data for average connectivity of the DMN and its sub-networks. These proof of principle results are an important first step for the translation of neuroimaging to clinical practice. Ultimately, a normed summary metric will allow a single patient's DMN function to be quantified and interpreted relative to normative peers.
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19
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Dickie DA, Aribisala B, Mair G, Berge E, Lindley RI, Sandercock P, von Kummer R, von Heijne A, Peeters A, Cala L, Farrall A, Morris Z, Bradey N, Potter G, Adami A, Wardlaw JM. Blood pressure variability and leukoaraiosis in acute ischemic stroke. Int J Stroke 2017; 13:473-480. [PMID: 28872448 DOI: 10.1177/1747493017729267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Higher blood pressure, blood pressure variability, and leukoaraiosis are risk factors for early adverse events and poor functional outcome after ischemic stroke, but prior studies differed on whether leukoaraiosis was associated with blood pressure variability, including in ischemic stroke. In the Third International Stroke Trial, blood pressure was measured in the acute phase of ischemic stroke immediately prior to randomization, and at 0.5, 1, and 24 h after randomization. Masked neuroradiologists rated index infarct, leukoaraiosis, and atrophy on CT using validated methods. We characterized blood pressure variation by coefficient of variance and three other standard methods. We measured associations between blood pressure, blood pressure variability, and leukoaraiosis using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for age, and a number of covariates related to treatment and stroke type/severity. Among 3017 patients, mean (±SD) systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased from 155(±24)/82(±15) mmHg pre-randomization to 146(±23)/78(±14) mmHg 24 h later ( P < 0.005). Mean within-subject coefficient of variance was 0.09 ± 0.05 for systolic and 0.11 ± 0.06 for diastolic blood pressure. Patients with most leukoaraiosis were older and had higher blood pressure than those with least ( P < 0.0001). Although statistically significant in simple pairwise comparisons, no measures of blood pressure variability were associated with leukoaraiosis when adjusting for confounding variables ( P > 0.05), e.g. age. Our results suggest that blood pressure variability is not a potential mechanism to explain the association between leukoaraiosis and poor outcome after acute stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Dickie
- 1 Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.,2 Brain Research Imaging Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,3 Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) Collaboration, Edinburgh, UK.,4 Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Benjamin Aribisala
- 2 Brain Research Imaging Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,3 Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) Collaboration, Edinburgh, UK.,4 Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Grant Mair
- 2 Brain Research Imaging Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,3 Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) Collaboration, Edinburgh, UK.,4 Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Eivind Berge
- 5 Department of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Richard I Lindley
- 6 George Institute for Global Health and Discipline of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Sandercock
- 4 Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rudiger von Kummer
- 7 Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Andre Peeters
- 9 Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Lesley Cala
- 10 School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia
| | - Andrew Farrall
- 4 Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Nick Bradey
- 12 Neuroradiology, James Cook University Hospital, South Tees Hospital NHS Trust, Middlesborough, UK
| | | | - Alessandro Adami
- 14 Department of Neurology, Stroke Center, Ospedale Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- 2 Brain Research Imaging Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,3 Scottish Imaging Network, A Platform for Scientific Excellence (SINAPSE) Collaboration, Edinburgh, UK.,4 Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,15 UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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20
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Bjerk M, Brovold T, Skelton DA, Bergland A. A falls prevention programme to improve quality of life, physical function and falls efficacy in older people receiving home help services: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:559. [PMID: 28806904 PMCID: PMC5556992 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2516-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls and fall-related injuries in older adults are associated with great burdens, both for the individuals, the health care system and the society. Previous research has shown evidence for the efficiency of exercise as falls prevention. An understudied group are older adults receiving home help services, and the effect of a falls prevention programme on health-related quality of life is unclear. The primary aim of this randomised controlled trial is to examine the effect of a falls prevention programme on quality of life, physical function and falls efficacy in older adults receiving home help services. A secondary aim is to explore the mediating factors between falls prevention and health-related quality of life. METHODS The study is a single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Participants are older adults, aged 67 or older, receiving home help services, who are able to walk with or without walking aids, who have experienced at least one fall during the last 12 months and who have a Mini Mental State Examination of 23 or above. The intervention group receives a programme, based on the Otago Exercise Programme, lasting 12 weeks including home visits and motivational telephone calls. The control group receives usual care. The primary outcome is health-related quality of life (SF-36). Secondary outcomes are leg strength, balance, walking speed, walking habits, activities of daily living, nutritional status and falls efficacy. All measurements are performed at baseline, following intervention at 3 months and at 6 months' follow-up. Sample size, based on the primary outcome, is set to 150 participants randomised into the two arms, including an estimated 15-20% drop out. Participants are recruited from six municipalities in Norway. DISCUSSION This trial will generate new knowledge on the effects of an exercise falls prevention programme among older fallers receiving home help services. This knowledge will be useful for clinicians, for health managers in the primary health care service and for policy makers. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov . NCT02374307 . First registration, 16/02/2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bjerk
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College, PO box 4 St. Olavs plass, Oslo, 0130 Norway
| | - Therese Brovold
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College, PO box 4 St. Olavs plass, Oslo, 0130 Norway
| | - Dawn A. Skelton
- Institute of Applied Health Research, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Astrid Bergland
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo and Akershus University College, PO box 4 St. Olavs plass, Oslo, 0130 Norway
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21
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Gander JC, Gordon EJ, Patzer RE. Decision aids to increase living donor kidney transplantation. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2017; 4:1-12. [PMID: 29034143 PMCID: PMC5638125 DOI: 10.1007/s40472-017-0133-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW For the more than 636,000 adults with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the U.S., kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment compared to dialysis. Living donor kidney transplantation (LDKT) comprised 31% of kidney transplantations in 2015, an 8% decrease since 2004. We aimed to summarize the current literature on decision aids that could be used to improve LDKT rates. RECENT FINDINGS Decision aids are evidence-based tools designed to help patients and their families make difficult treatment decisions. LDKT decision aids can help ESRD patients, patients' family and friends, and healthcare providers engage in treatment decisions and thereby overcome multifactorial LDKT barriers. SUMMARY We identified 12 LDKT decision aids designed to provide information about LDKT, and/or to help ESRD patients identify potential living donors, and/or to help healthcare providers make decisions about treatment for ESRD or living donation. Of these, 4 were shown to be effective in increasing LDKT, donor inquiries, LDKT knowledge, and willingness to discuss LDKT. Although each LDKT decision aid has limitations, adherence to decision aid development guidelines may improve decision aid utilization and access to LDKT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Gander
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Elisa J Gordon
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, and Center for Healthcare Studies, and Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Rachel E Patzer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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22
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Talman P, Duong T, Vucic S, Mathers S, Venkatesh S, Henderson R, Rowe D, Schultz D, Edis R, Needham M, Macdonnell R, McCombe P, Birks C, Kiernan M. Identification and outcomes of clinical phenotypes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease: Australian National Motor Neuron Disease observational cohort. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e012054. [PMID: 27694488 PMCID: PMC5051496 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-012054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To capture the clinical patterns, timing of key milestones and survival of patients presenting with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/motor neuron disease (ALS/MND) within Australia. METHODS Data were prospectively collected and were timed to normal clinical assessments. An initial registration clinical report form (CRF) and subsequent ongoing assessment CRFs were submitted with a completion CRF at the time of death. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. PARTICIPANTS 1834 patients with a diagnosis of ALS/MND were registered and followed in ALS/MND clinics between 2005 and 2015. RESULTS 5 major clinical phenotypes were determined and included ALS bulbar onset, ALS cervical onset and ALS lumbar onset, flail arm and leg and primary lateral sclerosis (PLS). Of the 1834 registered patients, 1677 (90%) could be allocated a clinical phenotype. ALS bulbar onset had a significantly lower length of survival when compared with all other clinical phenotypes (p<0.004). There were delays in the median time to diagnosis of up to 12 months for the ALS phenotypes, 18 months for the flail limb phenotypes and 19 months for PLS. Riluzole treatment was started in 78-85% of cases. The median delays in initiating riluzole therapy, from symptom onset, varied from 10 to 12 months in the ALS phenotypes and 15-18 months in the flail limb phenotypes. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was implemented in 8-36% of ALS phenotypes and 2-9% of the flail phenotypes. Non-invasive ventilation was started in 16-22% of ALS phenotypes and 21-29% of flail phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS The establishment of a cohort registry for ALS/MND is able to determine clinical phenotypes, survival and monitor time to key milestones in disease progression. It is intended to expand the cohort to a more population-based registry using opt-out methodology and facilitate data linkage to other national registries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Talman
- Neurosciences Department, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thi Duong
- Center for Pattern Recognition and Data Analytics (PRaDa), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steve Vucic
- St Joseph's Hospital Nomanby Road, Auburn, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Mathers
- Calvary Healthcare Bethlehem Hospital Neuro-Consultancy, South Caulfield, Victoria, Australia
| | - Svetha Venkatesh
- Center for Pattern Recognition and Data Analytics (PRaDa), Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robert Henderson
- Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Caulfield, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dominic Rowe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Schultz
- Department of Neurology, Flinders Medical Centre, Flinders Drive, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert Edis
- Royal Perth Hospital, Shenton Park Campus Selby Street, Shenton Park, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Merrilee Needham
- Neurosciences Department, Fiona Stanley Hospital Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Macdonnell
- Neurosciences Department, Austin Health Studly Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pamela McCombe
- Department of Neurology, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research and Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston Road, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carol Birks
- Motor Neurone Disease Association of Australia, Australia
| | - Matthew Kiernan
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Validation and Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Method To Measure Miltefosine in Leishmaniasis Patients Using Dried Blood Spot Sample Collection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2016; 60:2081-9. [PMID: 26787691 PMCID: PMC4808221 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02976-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
To facilitate future pharmacokinetic studies of combination treatments against leishmaniasis in remote regions in which the disease is endemic, a simple cheap sampling method is required for miltefosine quantification. The aims of this study were to validate a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify miltefosine in dried blood spot (DBS) samples and to validate its use with Ethiopian patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Since hematocrit (Ht) levels are typically severely decreased in VL patients, returning to normal during treatment, the method was evaluated over a range of clinically relevant Ht values. Miltefosine was extracted from DBS samples using a simple method of pretreatment with methanol, resulting in >97% recovery. The method was validated over a calibration range of 10 to 2,000 ng/ml, and accuracy and precision were within ±11.2% and ≤7.0% (≤19.1% at the lower limit of quantification), respectively. The method was accurate and precise for blood spot volumes between 10 and 30 μl and for Ht levels of 20 to 35%, although a linear effect of Ht levels on miltefosine quantification was observed in the bioanalytical validation. DBS samples were stable for at least 162 days at 37°C. Clinical validation of the method using paired DBS and plasma samples from 16 VL patients showed a median observed DBS/plasma miltefosine concentration ratio of 0.99, with good correlation (Pearson's r = 0.946). Correcting for patient-specific Ht levels did not further improve the concordance between the sampling methods. This successfully validated method to quantify miltefosine in DBS samples was demonstrated to be a valid and practical alternative to venous blood sampling that can be applied in future miltefosine pharmacokinetic studies with leishmaniasis patients, without Ht correction.
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Xafis V. The acceptability of conducting data linkage research without obtaining consent: lay people's views and justifications. BMC Med Ethics 2015; 16:79. [PMID: 26577591 PMCID: PMC4647472 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-015-0070-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A key ethical issue arising in data linkage research relates to consent requirements. Patients’ consent preferences in the context of health research have been explored but their consent preferences regarding data linkage specifically have been under-explored. In addition, the views on data linkage are often those of patient groups. As a result, little is known about lay people’s views and their preferences about consent requirements in the context of data linkage. This study explores lay people’s views and justifications regarding the acceptability of conducting data linkage research without obtaining consent. Methods A qualitative study explored lay people’s views regarding consent requirements in data linkage via four hypothetical data linkage scenarios of increasing complexity. Prior to considering the scenarios, participants were provided with information regarding best practice data linkage processes via discussion and a diagrammatic representation of the process. Results Lay people were able to understand the intricate processes involved in data linkage and the key protections afforded within a short amount of time. They were supportive of data linkage research and, on the whole, believed it should be conducted without consent provided a data linkage organization de-identifies the data used so that researchers do not handle identifiable data. Many thought that de-identified data holds a different status to identifiable data and should be used without specific consent in research that aims to benefit society. In weighing up conflicting values and interests, participants shifted consent preferences before arriving at their final consent preference for each scenario and provided justifications for their choices. They considered the protection of people’s information, societal benefits, and the nature and constraints of research and recognized that these need to be balanced. Conclusions With some exposure to the features of data linkage, lay people have the capacity to understand the processes sufficiently in order to consider ethical issues associated with consent preferences. Shifts in views reveal the complexity of such decisions. While privacy protection remained an important consideration for most participants, adequate protection measures adopted in best practice data linkage were viewed by most as protection enough for data linkage to proceed without specific individual consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Xafis
- Discipline of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. .,Discipline of Paediatrics, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia. .,Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Australia.
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Beard E, Lewis JJ, Copas A, Davey C, Osrin D, Baio G, Thompson JA, Fielding KL, Omar RZ, Ononge S, Hargreaves J, Prost A. Stepped wedge randomised controlled trials: systematic review of studies published between 2010 and 2014. Trials 2015; 16:353. [PMID: 26278881 PMCID: PMC4538902 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-015-0839-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a stepped wedge, cluster randomised trial, clusters receive the intervention at different time points, and the order in which they received it is randomised. Previous systematic reviews of stepped wedge trials have documented a steady rise in their use between 1987 and 2010, which was attributed to the design's perceived logistical and analytical advantages. However, the interventions included in these systematic reviews were often poorly reported and did not adequately describe the analysis and/or methodology used. Since 2010, a number of additional stepped wedge trials have been published. This article aims to update previous systematic reviews, and consider what interventions were tested and the rationale given for using a stepped wedge design. METHODS We searched PubMed, PsychINFO, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and the Current Controlled Trials Register for articles published between January 2010 and May 2014. We considered stepped wedge randomised controlled trials in all fields of research. We independently extracted data from retrieved articles and reviewed them. Interventions were then coded using the functions specified by the Behaviour Change Wheel, and for behaviour change techniques using a validated taxonomy. RESULTS Our review identified 37 stepped wedge trials, reported in 10 articles presenting trial results, one conference abstract, 21 protocol or study design articles and five trial registrations. These were mostly conducted in developed countries (n = 30), and within healthcare organisations (n = 28). A total of 33 of the interventions were educationally based, with the most commonly used behaviour change techniques being 'instruction on how to perform a behaviour' (n = 32) and 'persuasive source' (n = 25). Authors gave a wide range of reasons for the use of the stepped wedge trial design, including ethical considerations, logistical, financial and methodological. The adequacy of reporting varied across studies: many did not provide sufficient detail regarding the methodology or calculation of the required sample size. CONCLUSIONS The popularity of stepped wedge trials has increased since 2010, predominantly in high-income countries. However, there is a need for further guidance on their reporting and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Beard
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - James J Lewis
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Andrew Copas
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 175 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NU, UK.
| | - Calum Davey
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - David Osrin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
| | - Gianluca Baio
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Jennifer A Thompson
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, 175 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1T 7NU, UK.
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Katherine L Fielding
- MRC Tropical Epidemiology Group, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Rumana Z Omar
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Sam Ononge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - James Hargreaves
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.
| | - Audrey Prost
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Fuentes LW, Johnson ML, Holtgrave DR. An exploration of weekly patterns in HIV-related behaviors: implications for successful interventions and future research. AIDS Care 2015; 27:1118-27. [PMID: 25894315 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2015.1032204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated weekly patterns of health behaviors and information seeking in areas such as diet and smoking cessation, but little information is available on whether similar patterns may exist in HIV. If such patterns do exist, there could be important implications for the timing of interventions for both prevention and care. This review provides a summary of the available literature on weekly patterns in HIV-relevant behaviors and existing interventions (including prevention and antiretroviral therapy [ART] adherence), and provides recommendations for additional research. Data were collected from published reports indexed from database inception through December 2014 and identified through PubMed and EBSCO. Only English language reports were included. Evidence of weekly patterns was found in information-seeking behaviors, risk behaviors, screening and care, and structuring of existing interventions, including ART adherence interventions. These patterns included increased interest in HIV-related information early in the week, weekend patterns of risk behavior among some populations, and interest in weekend and evening clinic hours. Literature on text messaging for ART adherence indicates that weekly short message service messages are the most effective. Implications for prevention and adherence interventions are discussed, and recommendations for future research are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura W Fuentes
- a Department of Health, Behavior & Society , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
| | | | - David R Holtgrave
- a Department of Health, Behavior & Society , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , MD , USA
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Riley KE, Park CL. How does yoga reduce stress? A systematic review of mechanisms of change and guide to future inquiry. Health Psychol Rev 2015; 9:379-96. [DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2014.981778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen E. Riley
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Crystal L. Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Ghojazadeh M, Naghavi-Behzad M, Nasrolah-Zadeh R, Bayat-Khajeh P, Piri R, Mirnia K, Azami-Aghdash S. Knowledge production status of Iranian researchers in the gastric cancer area: based on the medline database. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2014; 15:5083-8. [PMID: 24998590 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.12.5083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scientometrics is a useful method for management of financial and human resources and has been applied many times in medical sciences during recent years. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of science production by Iranian scientists in the gastric cancer field based on the Medline database. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this descriptive-cross sectional study Iranian science production concerning gastric cancer during 2000-2011 was investigated based on Medline. After two stages of searching, 121 articles were found, then we reviewed publication date, authors names, journal title, impact factor (IF), and cooperation coefficient between researchers. SPSS.19 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS There was a significant increase in published articles about gastric cancer by Iranian researchers in Medline database during 2006-2011. Mean cooperation coefficient between researchers was 6.14±3.29 person per article. Articles of this field were published in 19 countries and 56 journals. Those basex in Thailand, England, and America had the most published Iranian articles. Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Mohammadreza Zali had the most outstanding role in publishing scientific articles. CONCLUSIONS According to results of this study, improving cooperation of researchers in conducting research and scientometric studies about other fields may have an important role in increasing both quality and quantity of published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Ghojazadeh
- Liver and Gastrointestinal Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran E-mail :
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Olver IN. Opting in for opt-out consent. Med J Aust 2014; 200:201-2. [PMID: 24580514 DOI: 10.5694/mja13.10695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian N Olver
- Cancer Council Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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A history of ashes: an 80 year comparative portrait of smoking initiation in American Indians and Non-Hispanic whites--the Strong Heart Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:1747-62. [PMID: 23644825 PMCID: PMC3709346 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10051747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The consequences of starting smoking by age 18 are significant. Early smoking initiation is associated with higher tobacco dependence, increased difficulty in smoking cessation and more negative health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine how closely smoking initiation in a well-defined population of American Indians (AI) resembles a group of Non-Hispanic white (NHW) populations born over an 80 year period. We obtained data on age of smoking initiation among 7,073 AIs who were members of 13 tribes in Arizona, Oklahoma and North and South Dakota from the 1988 Strong Heart Study (SHS) and the 2001 Strong Heart Family Study (SHFS) and 19,747 NHW participants in the 2003 National Health Interview Survey. The participants were born as early as 1904 and as late as 1985. We classified participants according to birth cohort by decade, sex, and for AIs, according to location. We estimated the cumulative incidence of smoking initiation by age 18 in each sex and birth cohort group in both AIs and NHWs and used Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios for the association of birth cohort, sex and region with the age at smoking initiation. We found that the cumulative incidence of smoking initiation by age 18 was higher in males than females in all SHS regions and in NHWs (p < 0.001). Our results show regional variation of age of initiation significant in the SHS (p < 0.001). Our data showed that not all AIs (in this sample) showed similar trends toward increased earlier smoking. For instance, Oklahoma SHS male participants born in the 1980s initiated smoking before age 18 less often than those born before 1920 by a ratio of 0.7. The results showed significant variation in age of initiation across sex, birth cohort, and location. Our preliminary analyses suggest that AI smoking trends are not uniform across region or gender but are likely shaped by local context. If tobacco prevention and control programs depend in part on addressing the origin of AI smoking it may be helpful to increase the awareness in regional differences.
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Berry JG, Ryan P, Duszynski KM, Braunack-Mayer AJ, Carlson J, Xafis V, Gold MS. Parent perspectives on consent for the linkage of data to evaluate vaccine safety: a randomised trial of opt-in and opt-out consent. Clin Trials 2013; 10:483-94. [PMID: 23568940 DOI: 10.1177/1740774513480568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined parents' consent preferences and understanding of an opt-in or opt-out invitation to participate in data linkage for post-marketing safety surveillance of childhood vaccines. METHODS A single-blind parallel-group randomised controlled trial: 1129 families of babies born at a South Australian hospital in 2009 were sent information at 6 weeks post-partum, explaining data linkage of childhood immunisation and hospital records for vaccine safety surveillance, with 4 weeks to opt in or opt out by reply form, telephone, or email. At 10 weeks post-partum, 1026 (91%) parents were followed up by telephone interview. RESULTS In both the opt-in (n = 564) and opt-out arms (n = 565), four-fifths of the parents recalled receiving the information (81% vs. 83%, P = 0.35), three-fifths reported reading it (63% vs. 67%, P = 0.11), but only two-fifths correctly identified the health records to be linked (43% vs. 39%, P = 0.21). Parents who actively consented (opted in) were more likely than those who passively consented (did not opt out) to recall the information (100% vs. 83%, P < 0.001), report reading it (94% vs. 67%, P < 0.001), and correctly identify the data sources (60% vs. 39%, P < 0.001). Most parents supported data linkage for vaccine safety surveillance (94%) and trusted its privacy protections (84%). Most parents wished to have minimal or no direct involvement, preferring either opt-out consent (40%) or no consent (30%). A quarter (24%) of parents indicated opt-in consent should be sought; of these, 8% requested consent prior to every use, 5% preferred to give broad consent just once and 11% preferred periodic renewal. Three-fifths of the parents gave higher priority to rapid vaccine safety surveillance (61%) rather than first seeking parental consent (21%), and one in seven was undecided (15%). Although 91% of parents reported that their babies were fully immunised (76%) or under-immunised (15%), and trusted vaccines as safe (90%), three-fifths (62%) were very or somewhat concerned about serious reactions. LIMITATIONS The context of data linkage is limited to vaccine safety surveillance. Only recall and understanding retained at 1 month post enrolment were measured. CONCLUSIONS This trial demonstrates that informed consent for a population-based surveillance programme cannot realistically be achieved using mail-based opt-in and opt-out approaches. While recall and understanding of the study's purpose were better among parents who actively consented (opted in) compared with parents who passively consented (did not opt out), participation was substantially lower (21% vs. 96% respectively). Most parents appeared to have a poor understanding of data linkage for vaccine safety surveillance; nonetheless, they supported data linkage. They preferred a system utilising opt-out consent or no consent to one using opt-in consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesia G Berry
- Discipline of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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Tol A, Shojaeezadeh D, Eslami A, Alhani F, Mohajeritehrani M, Baghbanian A, Sharifirad G. Evaluation of self-care practices and relative components among type 2 diabetic patients. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2012; 1:19. [PMID: 23555122 PMCID: PMC3577380 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9531.99219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess self-care practices and their relative components among type 2 diabetic patients. We hypothesized that some sociodemographic and health-related factors, high diabetes distress, and low self-efficacy would be associated with poorer self-care practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months in 2011. Study population was type 2 diabetic patients referring to Omolbanin center, an outpatient diabetic center in Isfahan. One hundred forty diabetic patients met the inclusion criteria and were all included in the study. Patients' self-care practices were measured by Summary of Diabetes Self-care Activities (SDSCA) self-report scale that includes items on the following aspects of the diabetes regimen: General diet, specific diet, exercise, blood glucose testing, foot care, medications, and smoking. Diabetes distress measured by Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS) scale and Stanford diabetes self-efficacy scale was used for scoring this issue. Collected data were analyzed by using SPSS software version 11.5. RESULTS Participants were between the ages of 37 and 75 years, with a mean of 53.23 years (SD=7.82). Fifty-four percent (n=76) were females; 97.1% were married (n=136), and 53.6% had education lower than diploma (n=75). Mean of duration of diabetes was 7.1 (SD=5.63) years. "Medications" subscale was considered as the most important one in measuring diabetes self-care practices (5.24 ± 2.38 days/week). Study findings revealed that general diet had significant relation with comorbidity, type of treatment, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood sugar (FBS), (Blood Sugar) (BS), waist circumference, diabetes distress, and self-efficacy. Specific diet had significant relation with comorbidity, education, triglyceride (TG), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Exercise showed significant relation with history of diabetes, education, type of treatment, disease duration, TG, BMI, and BS. Also, blood glucose testing showed significant relation with disease duration, self-efficacy, TG, DBP, BS, LDL, and high density lipoprotein (HDL). On the other hand, foot care was related to age, diabetes distress, TG, BMI, HDL, and diabetes complications. Medications subscale as the most important subscale of self-care practices was relevant with age, disease duration, diabetes complications, type of treatment, FBS, HDL, and self-efficacy. The last subscale, smoking, had significant relation with sex, diabetes complications, diabetes distress, self-efficacy, TG, total cholesterol, BS, and HDL. CONCLUSION This information should be used in clinical practice when targeting and designing educational and care plan for patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azar Tol
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Davoud Shojaeezadeh
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, TUMS, Iran
| | - Ahmadali Eslami
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Alhani
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Medicine, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Abdolvahab Baghbanian
- Department of Public Health, Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Golamreza Sharifirad
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
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Donahue PK, Robinson KA. Advancing evidence in preterm neonatal medicine. DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEWS 2010; 16:289-295. [PMID: 25708071 DOI: 10.1002/ddrr.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Few interventions and treatments for premature infants have undergone the rigors of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), the cornerstone of evidence-based healthcare. Multiple barriers in establishing a quality evidence base for the care of preterm infants are examined including the systematic exclusion of children from drug trials, vulnerability of the infants, burden to families of the consent process for RCTs, and the lack of standard measurements and subgroup definitions that impede systematic reviews. Delays in getting evidence into practice are highlighted, including clinician knowledge of existing evidence, attitudes about the evidence, and behavior. Landmark trials are used as examples. Finally, a call for the research community to develop guidance on good clinical research practice for preterm infants is offered that will allow the synthesis of the totality of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela K Donahue
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland.
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