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Ascher Bartlett J, Barhouma S, Bangerth S, Mejia V, Weaver C, Kohli R, Emamaullee J. Finance, race, ethnicity, and spoken language impact clinical outcomes for children with acute liver failure. Pediatr Transplant 2024; 28:e14686. [PMID: 38317347 PMCID: PMC10857738 DOI: 10.1111/petr.14686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is an emergency, necessitating prompt referral and management at an experienced liver transplant center. Social determinants of health (SDOH) drive healthcare disparities and can affect many aspects of disease presentation, access to care, and ultimately clinical outcomes. Potential associations between SDOH and PALF outcomes, including spontaneous recovery (SR), liver transplant (LT) or death, are unknown. This study aims to investigate how SDOH may affect PALF and therefore identify areas for intervention to mitigate unrecognized disparities. METHODS A retrospective, single-center cohort was analyzed and then compared and validated with data from the multicenter National Institutes of Health PALF Study Group. The single-center review included 145 patients admitted with PALF using diagnostic codes. Medical records were reviewed to extract patient demographics, family structure, inpatient social worker assessments, and clinical outcomes. Data were stratified by outcome. RESULTS This analysis determined that level of family support (p = .02), caretaker employment (p = .02), patient age, race, and language (p = .01) may impact clinical outcomes. Specifically, the cohort of children that died had the largest proportion of non-English speaking patients with limited support systems and parents who worked full-time. Conversely, patients who underwent LT more often belonged to English-speaking families with a homemaker and extensive support systems. CONCLUSION This study suggests that SDOH impact PALF outcomes and highlights patient populations facing additional challenges during an already complex healthcare emergency. These associations may indicate unconscious biases held by transplant teams when evaluating waitlist candidacy, as well as barriers to healthcare access. Strategies to better understand the broader applicability of our findings and, if confirmed, efforts to mitigate social disparities, may improve clinical outcomes in PALF.
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Cross SH, Yabroff KR, Yeager KA, Curseen KA, Quest TE, Kamal A, Zarrabi AJ, Kavalieratos D. Social Deprivation and End-of-Life Care Use Among Adults With Cancer. JCO Oncol Pract 2024; 20:102-110. [PMID: 37983588 PMCID: PMC10827296 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Socioeconomic differences are partially responsible for racial inequities in cancer outcomes, yet the association of area-level socioeconomic disadvantage and race with end-of-life (EOL) cancer care quality is poorly understood. METHODS This retrospective study used electronic medical records from an academic health system to identify 33,635 adults with cancer who died between 2013 and 2019. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined associations between decedent characteristics and EOL care, including emergency department (ED) visits, intensive care unit (ICU) stays, palliative care consultation (PCC), hospice order, and in-hospital deaths. Social deprivation index was used to measure socioeconomic disadvantages. RESULTS Racially minoritized decedents had higher odds of ICU stay than the least deprived White decedents (eg, other race Q3: aOR, 2.06 [99% CI, 1.26 to 0.3.39]). White and Black decedents from more deprived areas had lower odds of ED visit (White Q3: aOR, 0.382 [99% CI, 0.263 to 0.556]; Black Q3: aOR, 0.566 [99% CI, 0.373 to 0.858]) than least deprived White decedents. Compared with White decedents living in least deprived areas, racially minoritized decedents had higher odds of receiving PCC and hospice order, whereas White decedents in most deprived areas had lower odds of PCC (aOR, 0.727 [99% CI, 0.592 to 0.893]) and hospice order (aOR, 0.845 [99% CI, 0.724 to 0.986]). Greater deprivation was associated with greater odds of hospital death relative to least deprived White decedents, but only among minoritized decedents (eg, Black Q4: aOR, 2.16 [99% CI, 1.82 to 2.56]). CONCLUSION Area-level socioeconomic disadvantage is not uniformly associated with poorer EOL cancer care, with differences among decedents of different racial groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H. Cross
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | | | - Kimberly A. Curseen
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Tammie E. Quest
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Ali John Zarrabi
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Dio Kavalieratos
- Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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Papageorge MV, Woods AP, de Geus SWL, Ng SC, McAneny D, Tseng JF, Kenzik KM, Sachs TE. The Persistence of Poverty and its Impact on Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and Survival. Ann Surg 2023; 277:995-1001. [PMID: 35796386 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of persistent poverty on the diagnosis, surgical resection and survival of patients with non-small cell lung (NSCLC), breast, and colorectal cancer. BACKGROUND Disparities in cancer outcomes exist in counties with high levels of poverty, defined as ≥20% of residents below the federal poverty level. Despite this well-established association, little is known about how the duration of poverty impacts cancer care and outcomes. One measure of poverty duration is that of "persistent poverty," defined as counties in high poverty since 1980. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, patients with NSCLC, breast and colorectal cancer were identified from SEER (2012-2016). County-level poverty was obtained from the American Community Survey (1980-2015). Outcomes included advanced stage at diagnosis (stage III-IV), resection of localized disease (stage I-II) and cancer-specific survival. Hierarchical generalized linear models and accelerated failure time models with Weibull distribution were used, adjusted for patient-level covariates and region. RESULTS Overall, 522,514 patients were identified, of which 5.1% were in persistent poverty. Patients in persistent poverty were more likely to present with advanced disease [NSCLC odds ratio (OR): 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.18; breast OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.17; colorectal OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94-1.06], less likely to undergo surgery (NSCLC OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.73-0.90; breast OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.72-0.94; colorectal OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.70-1.00) and had increased cancer-specific mortality (NSCLC HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.06-1.13; breast HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05-1.32; colorectal HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.17) as compared with those without poverty. These differences were observed to a lesser magnitude in counties with current, but not persistent, poverty and disappeared in counties no longer in poverty. CONCLUSIONS The duration of poverty has a direct impact on cancer-specific outcomes, with the greatest effect seen in persistent poverty and resolution of disparities when a county is no longer in poverty. Policy focused on directing resources to communities in persistent poverty may represent a possible strategy to reduce disparities in cancer care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna V Papageorge
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Alison P Woods
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Susanna W L de Geus
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Sing Chau Ng
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - David McAneny
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer F Tseng
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Kelly M Kenzik
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Teviah E Sachs
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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Frey LJ, Hughes Halbert C, Blasy CD. Supporting the Capture of Social Needs Through Natural Language Processing. J Am Board Fam Med 2023; 36:513-514. [PMID: 37290826 PMCID: PMC10484332 DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.220415r0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Social factors impact morbidity and mortality among patients. Documenting social needs in the clinical notes is currently widely done by family physicians. The unstructured format of information on social factors in electronic health records limits the ability of providers to address these issues. A proposed solution is using natural language processing to identify social needs from the electronic health record. This could support physicians in capturing structured social needs information that is consistent and reproducible without increasing documentation burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis J Frey
- From the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Charleston, SC (LJF, CDB); University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (CHH)
| | - Chanita Hughes Halbert
- From the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Charleston, SC (LJF, CDB); University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (CHH)
| | - Christopher D Blasy
- From the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Charleston, SC (LJF, CDB); University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (CHH)
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Miller MC, Bayakly R, Schreurs BG, Flicker KJ, Adams SA, Ingram LA, Hardin JW, Lohman M, Ford ME, McCollum Q, McCrary-Quarles A, Ariyo O, Levkoff SE, Friedman DB. Highlighting the value of Alzheimer's disease-focused registries: lessons learned from cancer surveillance. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1179275. [PMID: 37214775 PMCID: PMC10196140 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1179275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Like cancer, Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) comprise a global health burden that can benefit tremendously from the power of disease registry data. With an aging population, the incidence, treatment, and mortality from ADRD is increasing and changing rapidly. In the same way that current cancer registries work toward prevention and control, so do ADRD registries. ADRD registries maintain a comprehensive and accurate registry of ADRD within their state, provide disease prevalence estimates to enable better planning for social and medical services, identify differences in disease prevalence among demographic groups, help those who care for individuals with ADRD, and foster research into risk factors for ADRD. ADRD registries offer a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact, scientifically rigorous research efficiently. As research on and development of ADRD treatments continue to be a priority, such registries can be powerful tools for conducting observational studies of the disease. This perspectives piece examines how established cancer registries can inform ADRD registries' impact on public health surveillance, research, and intervention, and inform and engage policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C. Miller
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Rana Bayakly
- Georgia Department of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bernard G. Schreurs
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Kimberly J. Flicker
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Swann Arp Adams
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Lucy A. Ingram
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - James W. Hardin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Matthew Lohman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Marvella E. Ford
- Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Hollings Cancer Center, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Quentin McCollum
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Audrey McCrary-Quarles
- Department of Health Sciences, South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC, United States
| | - Oluwole Ariyo
- Department of Biology, Allen University, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Sue E. Levkoff
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Daniela B. Friedman
- Office of the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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Nephew LD, Gupta D, Carter A, Desai AP, Ghabril M, Patidar KR, Orman E, Dziarski A, Chalasani N. Social determinants of health impact mortality from HCC and cholangiocarcinoma: a population-based cohort study. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0058. [PMID: 36757397 PMCID: PMC9916098 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The social determinants of health can pose barriers to accessing cancer screening and treatment and have been associated with cancer mortality. However, it is not clear whether area deprivation is independently associated with mortality in HCC and cholangiocarcinoma when controlling for individual-level social determinants of health. APPROACH AND RESULTS The cohort included individuals over 18 years old diagnosed with HCC (N=3460) or cholangiocarcinoma (N=781) and reported to the Indiana State Cancer Registry from 2009 to 2017. Area disadvantage was measured using the social deprivation index (SDI). SDI was obtained by linking addresses to the American Community Survey. Individual social determinants of health included race, ethnicity, sex, marital status, and insurance type. The primary outcome was mortality while controlling for SDI and individual social determinants of health by means of Cox proportional hazard modeling. In HCC, living in a neighborhood in the fourth quartile of census-track SDI (most deprived) was associated with higher mortality (HR: 1.14, 95% CI, 1.003-1.30, p=0.04) than living in a first quartile SDI neighborhood. Being uninsured (HR: 1.64, 95% CI, 1.30-2.07, p<0.0001) and never being married (HR: 1.31, 95% CI, 1.15-1.48, p<0.0001) were also associated with mortality in HCC. In cholangiocarcinoma, SDI was not associated with mortality. CONCLUSIONS Social deprivation was independently associated with mortality in HCC but not cholangiocarcinoma. Further research is needed to better understand how to intervene on both area and individual social determinants of health and develop interventions to address these disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D. Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Dipika Gupta
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Northwest, Gary, Indiana, USA
| | - Allie Carter
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Archita P. Desai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Marwan Ghabril
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Kavish R. Patidar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Eric Orman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Alisha Dziarski
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Lord BD, Harris AR, Ambs S. The impact of social and environmental factors on cancer biology in Black Americans. Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:191-203. [PMID: 36562901 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-022-01664-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with early onset of chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy. The involvement of neighborhood-level factors in defining cancer risk and outcomes for marginalized communities has been an active area of research for decades. Yet, the biological processes that underlie the impact of SES on chronic health conditions, such as cancer, remain poorly understood. To date, limited studies have shown that chronic life stress is more prevalent in low SES communities and can affect important molecular processes implicated in tumor biology such as DNA methylation, inflammation, and immune response. Further efforts to elucidate how neighborhood-level factors function physiologically to worsen cancer outcomes for disadvantaged communities are underway. This review provides an overview of the current literature on how socioenvironmental factors within neighborhoods contribute to more aggressive tumor biology, specifically in Black U.S. women and men, including the impact of environmental pollutants, neighborhood deprivation, social isolation, structural racism, and discrimination. We also summarize commonly used methods to measure deprivation, discrimination, and structural racism at the neighborhood-level in cancer health disparities research. Finally, we offer recommendations to adopt a multi-faceted intersectional approach to reduce cancer health disparities and develop effective interventions to promote health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany D Lord
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bldg. 37/Room 3050, Bethesda, MD, 20892-4258, USA.
| | - Alexandra R Harris
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bldg. 37/Room 3050, Bethesda, MD, 20892-4258, USA
| | - Stefan Ambs
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bldg. 37/Room 3050, Bethesda, MD, 20892-4258, USA
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Gawronski BE, Cicali EJ, McDonough CW, Cottler LB, Duarte JD. Exploring perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes regarding pharmacogenetic testing in the medically underserved. Front Genet 2023; 13:1085994. [PMID: 36712853 PMCID: PMC9880414 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1085994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pharmacogenetic testing may hold promise in addressing health disparities, as medically underserved patients appear to be prescribed medications with pharmacogenetic guidelines at higher rates. While routine clinical implementation of testing in medically underserved populations has not yet been achieved, using patient perspectives to inform implementation should increase the likelihood of success. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes regarding pharmacogenetic testing in medically underserved patients. Methods: We developed a survey instrument to assess respondent views on pharmacogenetic testing. The survey instrument was developed through a process of literature review, expert input, iterative pilot testing, and final refinement. The survey instrument was fielded to US adults with an estimated household income of $42,000 per year or less. Results: During the survey instrument development, 59 pilot testers provided 133 comments which lead to 38 revisions to the survey instrument. The nationwide survey resulted in 1,060 respondents, of which half (49.8%) reported having no health insurance or being on Medicaid. Most patients (78.9%) had not previously heard of pharmacogenetic testing. After being provided an explanation of pharmacogenetic testing, 60.5% were very or moderately interested in receiving testing if there were no cost and 75.8% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that pharmacogenetic testing should be available to help with medication selection regardless of cost. Respondents shared that their greatest concern with pharmacogenetic testing was that the test would cost them money, which was expressed by over half (52.7%). This was followed by concerns that the results could reveal a risk for a disease, could affect health insurance, and would not improve care. Discussion: Our results indicate a strong interest in pharmacogenetic testing and identify key perceptions, attitudes, concerns, and potential barriers that can be addressed as pharmacogenetic testing is clinically implemented in medically underserved patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian E. Gawronski
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Emily J. Cicali
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Caitrin W. McDonough
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Linda B. Cottler
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Julio D. Duarte
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Center for Pharmacogenomics and Precision Medicine, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Soqia J, Al-shafie M, Agha LY, Alameer MB, Alhomsi D, Saadoun R, Saifo M. Depression, anxiety and related factors among Syrian breast cancer patients: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:796. [PMID: 36528568 PMCID: PMC9759902 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04469-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer represents a traumatic experience with a psychological burden. The prevalence of psychological distress (which include depression and anxiety) among breast cancer patients is estimated to be 15 to 54%, but studies have shown that applying some psychological treatments has contributed to decreasing depression and anxiety. So, it is crucial to diagnose and treat patients with the appropriate means. After reviewing the literature, no studies discussed depression and anxiety among Syrian breast cancer patients. METHODS A cross-sectional study in Al-Bairouni hospital in Damascus, Syria carried out using face-to-face interviews based on a structured questionnaire. All breast cancer patients were included, except who refused to participate, and responses with missing data were excluded. The questionnaire consisted of 2 sections: the first included Socio-demographic characteristics, and the other evaluated patients' depression using PHQ-2 and GAD-2 scales. Data were gathered using the Kobo toolbox app and then entered into an Excel sheet. RESULTS Five hundred patients were interviewed. 35.6% of the patients had a GAD-2 score greater than or equal to 3.00, while 35% had a PHQ-2 score greater than or equal to 3.00. There is a significant negative relationship between the age of the patient and the GAD-2 score and PHQ-2 score, which means the older the patient is, the lower the GAD-2 and PHQ-2 scores are. A multivariable regression model showed that younger (age ≤ 45 years) and being widowed were associated with being positive for further evaluation for generalized anxiety disorder. Similarly, patients younger than 45 are significantly associated with the need for further evaluation for major depressive disorder (MDD). Social status had a stronger association with the need for further assessment for MDD, with divorced women showing the strongest association, followed by widowed and married women compared to single women. CONCLUSION This study showed high anxiety and depression among breast cancer patients. The patient's age and social status were significant factors in determining the need for further psychological assessment. In General, Younger patients showed higher levels of depression and anxiety, the size of the tumor did not show significant association with psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameel Soqia
- Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria.
| | - Mohammed Al-shafie
- grid.8192.20000 0001 2353 3326Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Laila Yakoub Agha
- grid.8192.20000 0001 2353 3326Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mhd Basheer Alameer
- grid.8192.20000 0001 2353 3326Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Dima Alhomsi
- grid.8192.20000 0001 2353 3326Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Rakan Saadoun
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany ,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mannheim Medical Center, Mannheim, Germany ,grid.412689.00000 0001 0650 7433 Department of Plastic Surgery, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Maher Saifo
- grid.8192.20000 0001 2353 3326Faculty of Medicine, Damascus University, Damascus, Syria
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Sharma RK, Patel S, Gallant JN, Esianor BI, Duffus S, Wang H, Weiss VL, Belcher RH. Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in the presentation and management of pediatric thyroid cancer. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 162:111331. [PMID: 36206698 PMCID: PMC10115562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Disparities across race and socioeconomic status (SES) in cancer treatment exist for many malignancies. Disadvantaged groups have repeatedly been shown to receive sub-optimal treatment. This study intends to analyze racial and SES disparities in the presentation and management of pediatric thyroid cancer. METHODS A retrospective national database study of children who underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid papillary, medullary, and follicular carcinoma between 2007 and 2016 was conducted using the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of 1) tumor stage/size at diagnosis and 2) treatment modalities. RESULTS 1942 children were analyzed. The average tumor size at presentation was 20 mm for White patients, 26 mm for Non-White patients, and 27 mm for Hispanic patients (p < 0.001). Stage of disease differed significantly by race/ethnicity (p < 0.001) with Non-White and Hispanic patients having more distant disease than White patients at presentation. On multivariable regression, Hispanic patients (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.06-1.87, p = 0.017) were more likely to be diagnosed at later stages. Non-White (OR 2.03, 1.50-2.73, p < 0.001) and Hispanic patients (OR 1.57, 1.19-2.07, p = 0.002) had larger tumors at diagnosis than White patients after controlling for other SES factors. CONCLUSIONS SES disparities exist in pediatric thyroid cancer. Non-White and Hispanic patients are more likely to present with larger tumors and distant disease as compared to White patients. Understanding and intervening on these SES disparities is essential to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul K Sharma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Siddharth Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jean-Nicolas Gallant
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Brandon I Esianor
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sara Duffus
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Huiying Wang
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Vivian L Weiss
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ryan H Belcher
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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11
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Shen J, Fuemmeler BF, Sheppard VB, Bear HD, Song R, Chow WH, Zhao H. Neighborhood disadvantage and biological aging biomarkers among breast cancer patients. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11006. [PMID: 35773311 PMCID: PMC9246873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood is associated with adverse clinical outcomes among breast cancer patients, but the underlying pathway is still unclear. Limited evidence has suggested that accelerated biological aging may play an important role. In this study, using a sub-sample of 906 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer at M.D. Anderson, we examined whether levels of selected markers of biological aging (e.g., allostatic load, telomere length, and global DNA methylation) were affected by neighborhood disadvantage. The Area Deprivation Index was used to determine the neighborhood disadvantage. Based on the median ADI at the national level, the study population was divided into low and high ADI groups. Overall, breast cancer patients from the high ADI group were more likely to be younger and non-Hispanic Black than those from the low ADI group (P < 0.001, respectively). They were also more likely to have higher grade and poorly differentiated breast tumors (P = 0.029 and 0.019, respectively). For the relationship with markers, compared to the low ADI group, high ADI group had higher median levels of allostatic load (P = 0.046) and lower median levels of global DNA methylation (P < 0.001). Compared to their counterparts, those from the high ADI group were 20% more likely to have increased allostatic load and 51% less likely to have increased levels of global DNA methylation. In summary, we observed that levels of allostatic load and global DNA methylation are influenced by neighborhood disadvantage among breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Shen
- Departments of Family Medicine and Population Health, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Bernard F Fuemmeler
- Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Vanessa B Sheppard
- Health Behavior and Policy, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Harry D Bear
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA
| | - Renduo Song
- Departments of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wong-Ho Chow
- Departments of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hua Zhao
- Departments of Family Medicine and Population Health, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA.
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