Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Older Respondents (older + respondent)
Selected AbstractsEmergency Medicine Residency Selection: Factors Influencing Candidate DecisionsACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 6 2005Melissa DeSantis MD Abstract Background: Published information is limited regarding factors considered by emergency medicine resident candidates when selecting a residency program. Objective: To identify factors considered important by applicants when making decisions about residency programs. Methods: A self-administered survey questionnaire was mailed to all applicants who interviewed at the authors' emergency medicine residency program for the 2003,2004 match year. Results: Surveys were completed by 105 respondents (53% response rate). Factors were rank-ordered by the proportion of respondents who indicated that the factor was "very important" or "important" when selecting residency programs. The five most important factors were friendliness (95%), environment (87%), interview day (81%), academics (76%), and location (74%). Male applicants were more likely to consider the existence of a flight program important or very important (55%), compared with female applicants (33%, p < 0.05, chi-square). Older respondents (over the age of 30 years) were more likely to consider gender issues (16%, compared with 13%) and research (32%, compared with 20%) as important factors (p < 0.05, chi-square). Conclusions: Residency applicants indicated that the most important factors when selecting residency program(s) were friendliness, environment, interview day, academics, and location. [source] Chronic urticaria: a patient survey on quality-of-life, treatment usage and doctor,patient relationALLERGY, Issue 4 2009M. Maurer Background:, Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common skin disorder characterized by recurrent spontaneous outbreaks of itchy wheals and/or angioedema. It has been shown to have substantial impact on patient quality-of-life, but little else is known about patient perspectives on CU and its treatment. Methods:, An internet survey was conducted with 321 randomly selected, representative adults in Germany and France who were diagnosed with CU. The survey included the Skindex-29 questionnaire on quality-of-life and questions about treatment usage and patients' relation to their physician. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of quality-of-life, use of prescription medication and various aspects of the doctor,patient relation. Results:, The survey confirmed that CU has substantial impact on quality-of-life, with median Skindex scores of 68 for symptoms, 50 for functioning and 53 for emotions. Only two in three respondents were taking prescription medication for their CU. Older respondents, French respondents and fully employed respondents were significantly (P < 0.01) more likely to be taking prescription medication. Only three in five respondents under a physician's care reported that their physician had discussed the emotional impact of CU on them. Patients whose physicians had discussed this emotional impact were significantly (P < 0.001) more satisfied with treatment and more trusting of their physician. Conclusions:, CU has a heavy impact on quality-of-life. Physicians need to be aware that many patients are not taking second generation anti-histamines and counsel them better on this point. Physicians should also discuss the emotional impact of CU with patients, because it improves their satisfaction and trust. [source] Antenatal screening practice for infectious diseases by general practitioners in AustraliaAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Michelle L. GILES Introduction:, This study aimed to assess self-reported screening practice in the antenatal setting, factors associated with screening, barriers to universal testing for HIV and follow-up for infants born to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected women. Methods:, A total of 3100 general practitioners (GPs) were mailed the survey. The half from Victoria was randomised to receive their questionnaire by registered post or regular post. All GPs from New South Wales (NSW) received their questionnaire via regular post. Results:, The overall response rate was 70%. Registered post resulted in a higher cumulative response rate compared with regular post (86% vs. 67%P < 0.001). Greater than 90% of respondents always screened for syphilis, rubella and hepatitis B virus. Testing for HIV and HCV approached 66% in NSW. In Victoria more respondents always screen for HCV (72%) compared with HIV-1 (64%). Respondents from NSW were less likely to screen for toxoplasmosis (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.64 (0.43, 0.94) P = 0.02) or HCV (AOR 0.75 (0.61, 0.92) P = 0.005) compared with Victoria. Older respondents were more likely to screen for toxoplasmosis (AOR 1.54 (1.05, 2.27) P = 0.03), cytomegalovirus (OR 1.5 (1.0, 2.1) P = 0.05) and chlamydia (AOR 1.88 (1.27, 2.77) P = 0.002). Of respondents who have managed a pregnant woman with HCV 25% inappropriately test infants for infection before one month of age. Conclusion:, This study highlights the need for more education and resources to increase HIV testing rates and to improve follow-up of an HCV-exposed infant. [source] One-year prevalence of subthreshold and threshold DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder in a nationally representative sampleDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 2 2001Robin M. Carter B.A. Abstract Several studies of representative populations have reported prevalence rates of DSM-III and DSM-III-R generalized anxiety disorder (GAD); however, no community study has examined the effect of the stricter DSM-IV criteria on prevalence estimates and patterns of comorbidity. Furthermore, past studies based on "lifetime" symptom assessments might have led to upper-bound 1-year and point prevalence estimates. Data is presented from a national representative sample study of 4,181 adults in Germany, 18,65 years old, who were interviewed for DSM-IV disorders with the 12-month version of the Munich-Composite International Diagnostic Interview. The prevalence rate of strictly defined, 12-month threshold DSM-IV GAD was estimated to be 1.5%; however, 3.6% of respondents presented with at least subthreshold syndromes of GAD during the past 12 months. Higher rates of worrying and GAD were found in women (worrying 10%, GAD 2.7%) and in older respondents (worrying 9.3%, TAD 2.2%). Taking into account a wider scope of diagnoses than previous studies, a high degree of comorbidity in GAD cases was confirmed: 59.1% of all 12-month GAD cases fulfilled criteria for major depression, and 55.9% fulfilled criteria for any other anxiety disorder. In conclusion, prevalence and comorbidity rates found for DSM-IV GAD are not substantially different from rates reported for DSM-III-R GAD. The minor differences in our findings compared to previous reports are more likely attributable to differences in study methodology rather than changes in diagnostic criteria for DSM-IV. Depression and Anxiety 13:78,88, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] What do we know about dementia?: a survey on knowledge about dementia in the general public of JapanINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 4 2008Yumiko Arai Abstract Objective The importance of early detection of dementia has been highlighted in recent years by the medical and scientific community; however, delays often occur between the recognition of signs or symptoms and a decision by the patient or family to seek professional help. Such delays may be caused by a lack of knowledge about dementia among patients and family members. The aim of this study was to determine the understanding of dementia among the general public. Methods We conducted a survey in Japan that asked 11 questions regarding knowledge of ,general' information, ,symptoms', and ,biomedical' issues related to dementia. A quota sampling method was used to select 2,500 participants, 2,115 of who were eligible for the analyses. Results The average number of correct responses among females was significantly greater than that among the males. A multiple comparisons test demonstrated that middle-aged women were more knowledgeable than younger and older respondents. It was revealed that there was a lack of knowledge on biomedical aspects of dementia, i.e. cause, treatment, and prognosis along with a misunderstanding of dementia as senescence forgetfulness among the general public. Conclusions There appeared to be gaps in knowledge on dementia among the general public, which may prevent caregivers from planning upcoming social and financial challenges. Correct information needs to be given by health professionals and care staff. Educational initiatives planned for the general public could be useful, and should target those groups, men and non-middle aged women who have lower knowledge. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Underestimation and overestimation of personal weight status: associations with socio-demographic characteristics and weight maintenance intentionsJOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 4 2006J. Brug Abstract Objective, Unwarranted underestimation and overestimation of personal weight status may prevent weight maintenance behaviour. The present study reports on correlates of under- and overestimation of personal weight status and the association with weight maintenance intentions and self-reported action. Design, Comparison of three cross-sectional surveys, representing different population groups. Subjects, Survey 1: 1694 adolescents 13,19 years of age; survey 2: 979 nonobese adults 25,35 years of age; survey 3: 617 adults 21,62 years of age. Measurements, Self-administered written questionnaires (surveys 1 and 3) and telephone-administered questionnaires (survey 2); self-reported BMI, self-rated weight status, intentions and self-reported actions to avoid weight gain or to lose weight, sex, age, education and ethnic background. Respondents were classified as people who are realistic about personal body weight status or people who under- and overestimate their body weight status, based on BMI and self-rated weight status. Results, Most respondents in the three survey populations were realistic about their weight status. Overestimation of weight status was consistently more likely among women, whereas underestimation was more likely among men, older respondents and respondents from ethnic minorities. Self-rated weight status was a stronger correlate of intentions and self-report actions to avoid weight gain than weight status based on Body Mass Index. Conclusions, Relevant proportions of the study populations underestimated or overestimated their bodyweight status. Overestimation of personal weight status may lead to unwarranted weight maintenance actions, whereas underestimation may result in lack of motivation to avoid further weight gain. [source] Dental Service Utilization among Urban and Rural Older Adults in China , A Brief CommunicationJOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY, Issue 3 2007Bei Wu PhD Abstract Objectives: China's health care system is bifurcated in nature between rural and urban areas. In addition, there is a huge gap in socioeconomic status between rural and urban residents. The purpose of the study was to examine the factors related to dental visits among elders in rural and urban areas of Shanghai, China. Methods: Using a stratified random sampling method, a cross-sectional, face-to-face survey was conducted among elders aged 60 years and above in Shanghai during 2003-04. A total of 1,044 older respondents were included in the sample. Results: There was a significant urban and rural difference in dental visit rates over the 12-month period of the study. Results from the logistic regression analysis suggested that residing in urban areas was a significant positive factor related to dental visits. In addition, being younger, being able to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses, having had regular medical checkups, having a higher number of limitations because of chronic conditions, and being more concerned about eating a healthy diet were associated with increased odds of dental visits. Conclusions: Results suggest that urban,rural differences, as reflected in the socioeconomic status gap, disparity in medical insurance coverage, and access to dental care, have a significant impact on the use of dental services by Chinese elders. Individual sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and health attitude are important explanatory variables. [source] Clinicians choices of restorative materials for childrenAUSTRALIAN DENTAL JOURNAL, Issue 4 2003LA Tran Abstract Background: Recently, there has been an expansion in the range of tooth-coloured restorative materials available. In 1999, the National Health and Medical Research Council recommended clinicians use alternatives to amalgam in children ,where appropriate'. Methods: A three-part 29-item questionnaire was developed, tested in a focus group, and distributed to members of the Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry (AA; paediatric dentists and paediatric dentistry postgraduate students; n=55), and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry, Victorian Branch (SPD; general dentists and dental therapists; n=50). Participant information, material choices, and six hypothetical clinical scenarios were addressed. Results: The overall response rate was 74 per cent. For both groups, the first ranked factor influencing choice of restorative material for vital primary teeth was child age, and caries experience for vital first permanent molars. For moderate-sized Class I and II restorations in primary molars, a tooth-coloured material was chosen by 92 and 84 per cent respondents respectively. For restoring two separate proximal lesions in a primary molar, 65 per cent chose a tooth-coloured material followed by a stainless steel crown (27 per cent; all AA members), then amalgam (8 per cent). The SPD respondents were significantly more likely to choose glass ionomer cement for Class I and II restorations and for restoring two proximal lesions (all p=0.000) in primary molars than AA respondents, who were more likely to choose composite resins/compomers or amalgam/stainless steel crowns for these restorations. Younger respondents (21,40 years) were significantly more likely to choose composite resins/compomers or amalgam/stainless steel crowns (p=0.048) than older respondents (41,65 years), who were likely to choose glass ionomer cement. Conclusions: For Class I and II restorations in primary molars, glass ionomer cement was the material chosen most frequently (SPD respondents); preference for amalgam or stainless steel crowns was low (both SPD and AA groups). The wide range of materials chosen for the hypothetical clinical scenarios suggests the need for guidelines on selection of restorative materials, and the need for longitudinal studies to follow actual clinical outcomes of the materials chosen. [source] | ||||||||||