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Health Research (health + research)
Kinds of Health Research Selected AbstractsRURAL HEALTH RESEARCH: HAVE WE TURNED THE CORNER?AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 5 2000Professor Roger Strasser First page of article [source] AN ASSESSMENT OF FUNDING TO SUPPORT RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTH RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIAAUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 5 2000Carla Patterson ABSTRACT: A. systematic search was undertaken to ascertain the nature, source and extent of funding awarded to research projects that were directed specifically at aspects of rural health over the past decade. Comment is also made on the challenge of obtaining such information directly from databases. The sources investigated were the conventional research funding bodies, hospital trusts and foundations, university funding schemes and government sources. The results of these searches revealed a crude average of 3 million dollars per year from conventional research funding with the remaining sources adding a similar amount in total. Analysis of the data using a framework modified from the Strategic Review of Health and Medical Research in Australia shows that funding is concentrated in the health services and public health areas with a preponderance of funding being directed towards the description of conditions and interventions. Significant levels of funding have been directed towards the National Health Priority Areas. [source] EPIDEMIOLOGY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE IN LIGHT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH RESEARCHBIOETHICS, Issue 2 2009SRIDHAR VENKATAPURAM ABSTRACT The present article identifies how social determinants of health raise two categories of philosophical problems that also fall within the smaller domain of ethics; one set pertains to the philosophy of epidemiology, and the second set pertains to the philosophy of health and social justice. After reviewing these two categories of ethical concerns, the limited conclusion made is that identifying and responding to social determinants of health requires inter-disciplinary reasoning across epidemiology and philosophy. For the reasoning used in epidemiology to be sound, for its scope and (moral) purpose as a science to be clarified as well as for social justice theory to be relevant and coherent, epidemiology and philosophy need to forge a meaningful exchange of ideas that happens in both directions. [source] The Global Health Situation in the 21st Century: Aspects from the Global Forum on Health Research and the World Health Organization in Geneva,INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF MISSION, Issue 376-377 2006Louis J. Currat The objective of this paper is, in a first part, to give an overview of the main health problems in the world today and of their main causes. Then an attempt is made to compare the financial and human resourced available today to solve these problems with the resources which would be needed if we are to achieve the Health Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Given the fact that the available resources are limited, the question is then raised as to the selection of the strategies which would contribute the most to an improvement of the health situation in the world. To conclude on a positive note, a few examples are then given of great achievements in the health field over the past 50 years, but attention is drawn to the tremendous challenges remaining if the health MDGs are to be reached by 2015, particularly in Africa. [source] A Comparison of Two Methods for Identifying Frail Medicare-Aged PersonsJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 3 2002Kathleen K. Brody BSN This article compares the efficacy of two screening methods to identify frail Medicare-aged persons using self-report questionnaire data: a clinical judgment method developed by nurse and social worker professionals in a community-based long-term care department and an empirical research method previously developed by the Center for Health Research using computer formulas and stepwise logistic regression coefficients. A sub-aim was to see whether the empirical method proved robust over time by measuring aggregate utilization and mortality in frail and nonfrail cohorts, which would increase the interest of physicians, managed care organizations, and other agencies providing service to Medicare beneficiaries. [source] Identifying women with severe angiographic coronary diseaseJOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010C. Kreatsoulas Abstract., Kreatsoulas C, Natarajan MK, Khatun R, Velianou JL, Anand SS (McMaster University; CARING Network, McMaster University; Population Health Research Institute, McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences; Interventional Cardiology, Hamilton Health Sciences; Eli Lilly Canada,May Cohen Chair in Women's Health, McMaster University; Michael G. DeGroote-Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario Chair in Population Health Research, McMaster University; Population Genomics Program, McMaster University; McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada). Identifying women with severe angiographic coronary disease. J Intern Med 2010; 268:66,74. Objectives., To determine sex/gender differences in the distribution of risk factors according to age and identify factors associated with the presence of severe coronary artery disease (CAD). Design., We analysed 23 771 consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography from 2000 to 2006. Subjects., Patients did not have previously diagnosed CAD and were referred for first diagnostic angiography. Outcome measures., Patients were classified according to angiographic disease severity. Severe CAD was defined as left main stenosis ,50%, three-vessel disease with ,70% stenosis or two-vessel disease including proximal left anterior descending stenosis of ,70%. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between risk factors and angina symptoms with severe CAD. Results., Women were less likely to have severe CAD (22.3% vs. 36.5%) compared with men. Women were also significantly older (69.8 ± 10.6 vs. 66.3 ± 10.7 years), had higher rates of diabetes (35.0% vs. 26.6%), hypertension (74.8% vs. 63.3%) and Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class IV angina symptoms (56.7% vs. 47.8%). Men were more likely to be smokers (56.9% vs. 37.9%). Factors independently associated with severe CAD included age (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.05,1.05, P < 0.01), male sex (OR = 2.43; CI 2.26,2.62, P < 0.01), diabetes (OR = 2.00; CI 1.86,2.18, P < 0.01), hyperlipidaemia (OR = 1.50; CI 1.39,1.61, P < 0.01), smoking (OR = 1.10; CI 1.03,1.18, P = 0.06) and CCS class IV symptoms (OR = 1.43; CI 1.34,1.53, P < 0.01). CCS Class IV angina was a stronger predictor of severe CAD amongst women compared with men (women OR = 1.82; CI 1.61,2.04 vs. men OR = 1.28; CI 1.18,1.39, P < 0.01). Conclusions., Women referred for first diagnostic angiography have lower rates of severe CAD compared with men across all ages. Whilst conventional risk factors, age, sex, diabetes, smoking and hyperlipidaemia are primary determinants of CAD amongst women and men, CCS Class IV angina is more likely to be associated with severe CAD in women than men. [source] Modifying Women's Risk for Cardiovascular DiseaseJOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 2 2007Kathleen M. McCauley Objective:, To present current recommendations for cardiovascular disease risk reduction in women. Data Sources:, Medline databases were searched from 1990 to 2006 using keywords women and cardiovascular risk, hypertension, cholesterol, and hormone replacement therapy, as well as Web sites from scientific associations such as the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, Agency for Health Research and Quality, and the Centers for Disease Control for relevant scientific statements and guidelines. Study Selection:, Randomized controlled trials, particularly those that have influenced current practice recommendations, scientific statements, and clinical practice guidelines were selected. Data Extraction and Synthesis:, Factors contributing to women's particular risk and current practice recommendations. Conclusions:, Current research has clarified the importance of regular exercise (at least 30 minutes/day most days of the week); abstinence from smoking; a diet focused on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat protein sources; and maintenance of normal weight. This lifestyle combined with a partnership with a health care provider to maintain a normal blood pressure (115/75 mm Hg) and optimal lipoproteins through pharmacotherapy when indicated can prevent 82% of cardiovascular disease events in women. JOGNN, 36, 116-124; 2007. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552-6909.2007.00125.x [source] Defining a National Health Research and Practice Agenda for Older Adults with Intellectual DisabilitiesJOURNAL OF POLICY AND PRACTICE IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 1 2004Philip W. Davidson Abstract With the increasing number of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) surviving into old age governments, provider agencies, and practitioners are recognizing the insufficiencies of available information related to the interaction of the aging process with lifelong disability, the incidence of disease and secondary conditions with advancing age, and the means to provide quality medical and health care. These insufficiencies were noted by a World Health Organization report that identified a need for more research on the health of older adults with IDs and reports from two meetings held by United States Public Health Service and the United States Surgeon General that examined health disparities among adults with ID. This paper reports the process and results of the Tampa Scientific Conference on Intellectual Disabilities, Aging, and Health, a meeting held in 2002 specifically to examine health issues germane to older adults with ID. The meeting produced a long-term research agenda for determining more effective physical and mental health outcomes for aging and older persons with ID and recommendations for aging-related medical and health surveillance practices that would improve the overall health status of adults with ID. [source] Addressing Global Health Research in the National InterestJOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY, Issue 2 2007Lois K. Cohen PhD No abstract is available for this article. [source] The Content of Rural Health ResearchTHE JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2000Thomas C. Ricketts Ph.D First page of article [source] EDITORIAL: The Journey toward Equality for Women's Sexual Health Research: Are We There Yet?THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2pt2 2010Sheryl A. Kingsberg PhD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Emergency Medicine Public Health Research Funded by Federal Agencies: Progress and PrioritiesACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2009Gail D'Onofrio MD Abstract The emergency department (ED) visit provides an opportunity to impact the health of the public throughout the entire spectrum of care, from prevention to treatment. As the federal government has a vested interest in funding research and providing programmatic opportunities that promote the health of the public, emergency medicine (EM) is prime to develop a research agenda to advance the field. EM researchers need to be aware of federal funding opportunities, which entails an understanding of the organizational structure of the federal agencies that fund medical research, and the rules and regulations governing applications for grants. Additionally, there are numerous funding streams outside of the National Institutes of Health (NIH; the primary federal health research agency). EM researchers should seek funding from agencies according to each agency's mission and aims. Finally, while funds from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are an important source of support for EM research, we need to look beyond traditional sources and appeal to other agencies with a vested interest in promoting public health in EDs. EM requires a broad skill set from a multitude of medical disciplines, and conducting research in the field will require looking for funding opportunities in a variety of traditional and not so traditional places within and without the federal government. The following is the discussion of a moderated session at the 2009 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference that included panel discussants from the National Institutes of Mental Health, Drug Abuse, and Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Further information is also provided to discuss those agencies and centers not represented. [source] Study Designs and Evaluation Models for Emergency Department Public Health ResearchACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2009Kerry B. Broderick MD Abstract Public health research requires sound design and thoughtful consideration of potential biases that may influence the validity of results. It also requires careful implementation of protocols and procedures that are likely to translate from the research environment to actual clinical practice. This article is the product of a breakout session from the 2009 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference entitled "Public Health in the ED: Screening, Surveillance, and Intervention" and serves to describe in detail aspects of performing emergency department (ED)-based public health research, while serving as a resource for current and future researchers. In doing so, the authors describe methodologic features of study design, participant selection and retention, and measurements and analyses pertinent to public health research. In addition, a number of recommendations related to research methods and future investigations related to public health work in the ED are provided. Public health investigators are poised to make substantial contributions to this important area of research, but this will only be accomplished by employing sound research methodology in the context of rigorous program evaluation. [source] Rural Health Research: Have we Turned the Corner?AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH, Issue 5 2000Professor Roger Strasser First page of article [source] Inference for Kappas for Longitudinal Study Data: Applications to Sexual Health ResearchBIOMETRICS, Issue 3 2008Yan Ma Summary Analysis of instrument reliability and rater agreement is used in a wide range of behavioral, medical, psychosocial, and health-care-related research to assess psychometric properties of instruments, consensus in disease diagnoses, fidelity of psychosocial intervention, and accuracy of proxy outcomes. For categorical outcomes, Cohen's kappa is the most widely used index of agreement and reliability. In many modern-day applications, data are often clustered, making inference difficult to perform using existing methods. In addition, as longitudinal study designs become increasingly popular, missing data have become a serious issue, and the lack of methods to systematically address this problem has hampered the progress of research in the aforementioned fields. In this article, we develop a novel approach based on a new class of kappa estimates to tackle the complexities involved in addressing missing data and other related issues arising from a general multirater and longitudinal data setting. The approach is illustrated with real data in sexual health research. [source] Bridging the Gap between Clinical Research and Knowledge Translation in Pediatric Emergency MedicineACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2007Lisa Hartling MSc In 2006, a multidisciplinary group of researchers from across Canada submitted a successful application to the Canadian Institutes for Health Research for a Canadian Institutes for Health Research Team in Pediatric Emergency Medicine. The conceptual foundation for the proposal was to bring together two areas deemed critical for optimizing health outcomes: clinical research and knowledge translation (KT). The framework for the proposed work is an iterative figure-eight model that provides logical steps for research and a seamless flow between the development and evaluation of therapeutic interventions (clinical research) and the implementation and uptake of those interventions that prove to be effective (KT). Under the team grant, we will conduct seven distinct projects relating to the two most common medical problems affecting children in the emergency department: respiratory illness and injury. The projects span the research continuum, with some projects targeting problems for which there is little evidence, while other projects involve problems with a strong evidence base but require further work in the KT realm. In this article, we describe the history of the research team, the research framework, the individual research projects, and the structure of the team, including coordination and administration. We also highlight some of the many advantages of bringing this research program together under the umbrella of a team grant, including opportunities for cross-fertilization of ideas, collaboration among multiple disciplines and centers, training of students and junior researchers, and advancing a methodological research agenda. [source] Current Directions in Videoconferencing Tele-Mental Health ResearchCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY: SCIENCE AND PRACTICE, Issue 3 2009Lisa K. Richardson The provision of mental health services via videoconferencing tele-mental health has become an increasingly routine component of mental health service delivery throughout the world. Emphasizing the research literature since 2003, we examine (a) the extent to which the field of tele-mental health has advanced the research agenda previously suggested and (b) implications for tele-mental healthcare delivery for special clinical populations. Previous findings have demonstrated that tele-mental health services are satisfactory to patients, improve outcomes, and are probably cost effective. In the very small number of randomized controlled studies that have been conducted to date, tele-mental health has demonstrated equivalent efficacy compared to face-to-face care in a variety of clinical settings and with specific patient populations. However, methodologically flawed or limited research studies are the norm, and thus the research agenda for tele-mental health has not been fully maximized. Implications for future research and practice are discussed. [source] Oral Health Research and Biostatistics MeetingCOMMUNITY DENTISTRY AND ORAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Article first published online: 3 MAR 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Male reproductive health research needs and research agenda: Asian and Pacific perspectiveINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue S2 2000Yi-Fei Wang Enhancing male reproductive health, and increasing men's participation in it, involves encouraging a range of positive reproductive health and social behaviour by men to help ensure women's and children's well-being. More intellectual work,including research programmes,is urgently needed to clarify the conceptual framework for male reproductive health. At the Asia and the Pacific Symposium ,Intra-regional Cooperation in Reproductive Health Research' (Shanghai, China, 12,13 October 1998) the Symposium participants identified regional research needs and recommended a regional reproductive health research agenda, which addresses six key issues related to male reproductive health: (i) male contraceptive technology; (ii) reproductive tract infections/sexually transmitted diseases and male infertility; (iii) male involvement in reproductive health; (iv) male adolescent reproductive health; (v) male reproductive ageing; and (vi) environment and male reproductive health. One of the major challenges now facing us is the elaboration of a comprehensive, yet realistic, male reproductive health research agenda that reflects the needs and demands of Asian developing countries. Making full use of an interdisciplinary approach is of strategic importance to achieve this. [source] Outcome measures used in forensic mental health research: a structured reviewCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 1 2009Jemma C. Chambers Background,The evidence base for forensic mental health (FMH) services has been developing since the late 1990s. Are outcome measures sound enough for the evaluation tasks? Aims,To identify, from published literature, outcome measures used in FMH research and, where feasible, assess their quality. Method,A structured review was undertaken of trials and intervention studies published between 1990 and 2006. Details of outcome variables and measures were abstracted. Evidence regarding most frequently occurring outcome measures was assessed. Results,Four hundred and fifty different instruments were used to assess outcomes, incorporating 1038 distinct variables. Very little evidence could be found to support the measurement properties of commonly used instruments. Conclusions and implications for practice,There is little consistency in the use of outcome measure in FMH research. Effort is required to reach consensus on validated outcome measures in this field in order to better inform practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The global alcohol industry: an overviewADDICTION, Issue 2009David H. Jernigan ABSTRACT Aims To describe the globalized sector of the alcoholic beverage industry, including its size, principal actors and activities. Methods Market research firms and business journalism are the primary sources for information about the global alcohol industry, and are used to profile the size and membership of the three main industry sectors of beer, distilled spirits and wine. Findings Branded alcoholic beverages are approximately 38% of recorded alcohol consumption world-wide. Producers of these beverages tend to be large multi-national corporations reliant on marketing for their survival. Marketing activities include traditional advertising as well as numerous other activities, such as new product development, product placement and the creation and promotion of social responsibility programs, messages and organizations. Conclusions The global alcohol industry is highly concentrated and innovative. There is relatively little public health research evaluating the impact of its many marketing activities. [source] Quantitative and qualitative methods in UK health research: then, now and . . . ?EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 3 2002K. Mcpherson phd Quantitative and qualitative methods in UK health research: then, now and . . . ? This paper examines the current status of qualitative and quantitative research in the context of UK (public) health research in cancer. It is proposed that barren competition between qualitative and quantitative methods is inevitable, but that effective synergy between them continues to be essential to research excellence. The perceived methodological utility, with respect to understanding residual uncertainties, can account for the status accorded various research techniques and these will help to explain shifts witnessed in recent years and contribute towards an understanding of what can be realistically expected in terms of future progress. It is argued that the methodological debate, though familiar to many, is worthy of rearticulation in the context of cancer research where the psychosocial aspects of living with a cancer and the related complexity of providing appropriate cancer care are being addressed across Europe, as evidenced in recent directions in policy and research. [source] Using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) to Target Health Disparities in FamiliesFAMILY RELATIONS, Issue 4 2009Jerica M. Berge Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an action research approach that emphasizes collaborative partnerships between community members, community organizations, health care providers, and researchers to generate knowledge and solve local problems. Although relatively new to the field of family social science, family and health researchers have been using CBPR for over a decade. This paper introduces CBPR methods, illustrates the usefulness of CBPR methods in families and health research, describes two CBPR projects related to diabetes, and concludes with lessons learned and strengths and weaknesses of CBPR. [source] The health, social care and housing needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older people: a review of the literatureHEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, Issue 6 2009Samia Addis MSc Abstract This paper reports the findings of a literature review of the health, social care and housing needs of older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adults undertaken in 2006 for the Welsh Assembly Government. Peer-reviewed literature was identified through database searches of BNI, PubMed, CINAHL, DARE, ASSIA and PsychInfo. Follow-up searches were conducted using references to key papers and journals as well as specific authors who had published key papers. A total of 187 papers or chapters were retrieved, of which 66 were included in the study; major themes were identified and the findings synthesised using a meta-narrative approach. The main themes that emerged from the review were isolation, health behaviours, mental health and sexual health behaviours. The literature indicates that the health, social care and housing needs of LGBT older people is influenced by a number of forms of discrimination which may impact upon the provision of, access to and take up of health, social care and housing services. Understanding of the health, social care and housing needs of older LGBT people is limited and research in this area is scarce. The research which exists has been criticised for using small samples and for tending to exclude participants from less affluent backgrounds. The focus of research tends to be on gay men and lesbians; consequently, the needs of bisexual and transgender people remain largely unknown. Additionally, research which does exist tends to focus on a narrow range of health issues, often related to the health needs of younger LGBT people. Discrimination in various forms has a major impact on needs and experiences, leading to marginalisation of LGBT people both in the provision of health and social care services and neglect of these groups in public health research. [source] Assessment of the benefits of user involvement in health research from the Warwick Diabetes Care Research User Group: a qualitative case studyHEALTH EXPECTATIONS, Issue 3 2007Antje Lindenmeyer PhD Abstract Objective, To assess the benefits of involving health-care users in diabetes research. Design and participants, For this qualitative case study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with researchers who had worked extensively with the group. During regular meetings of the Research User Group, members discussed their views of the group's effectiveness as part of the meeting's agenda. Interviews and discussions were transcribed, coded using N-Vivo software and analysed using constant comparative methods. Results, Involvement of users in research was generally seen as contributing to effective and meaningful research. However, the group should not be considered to be representative of the patient population or participants of future trials. An important contributor to the group's success was its longstanding nature, enabling users to gain more insight into research and form constructive working relationships with researchers. The user-led nature of the group asserted itself, especially, in the language used during group meetings. A partial shift of power from researchers to users was generally acknowledged. Users' main contribution was their practical expertise in living with diabetes, but their involvement also helped researchers to remain connected to the ,real world' in which research would be applied. While the group's work fulfilled established principles of consumer involvement in research, important contributions relying on personal interaction between users and researchers were hard to evaluate by process measures alone. Conclusions, We demonstrated the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of this longstanding, experienced, lay-led research advisory group. Its impact on research stems from the continuing interaction between researchers and users, and the general ethos of learning from each other in an on-going process. Both process measures and qualitative interviews with stakeholders are needed to evaluate the contributions of service users to health research. [source] Medical journals and effective dissemination of health researchHEALTH INFORMATION & LIBRARIES JOURNAL, Issue 4 2001Aravinthan Coomarasamy Clinical medical journals have not been effective in meeting the information needs of practitioners and bridging the gap between clinical research and practice. The slow adoption of results of clinical research is at least partly due to the failure of clinical journals to disseminate information in a way that would motivate practitioners to change practice. Although implementation is primarily a local process, medical journals are in a unique position to advance implementation by modifying their focus and adjusting their contents. Strategies that may be useful include publication of pre-appraised evidence summaries and ,clinical bottom-lines' and giving importance to systematic reviews and large evaluative research articles as they represent higher levels of evidence and have greater potential to change practice. Clinical journals should encourage researchers to consider how and by whom the findings will be used and provide information on implications for implementation such as possible strategies that may work, cost-effectiveness, side-effects and potential barriers to implementation. Medical journal publishers should explore ways to cooperate so that findings of landmark clinical trials could be shared thus reducing the ,scatter' of medical information. Electronic media offers numerous advantages such as quick accessibility and linking of information, and medical journals should capitalize on such innovations. There is a paradigm shift in health care practice as evidence is consciously and explicitly incorporated into individual patient care. Medical journals need to change to reflect this change in practice and provide practitioners with valid and relevant information. [source] Translating health research into clinical advice and health recommendations: the NHMRC experience 2000,2005INTERNAL MEDICINE JOURNAL, Issue 6 2006A. C. Green No abstract is available for this article. [source] Male reproductive health research needs and research agenda: Asian and Pacific perspectiveINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANDROLOGY, Issue S2 2000Yi-Fei Wang Enhancing male reproductive health, and increasing men's participation in it, involves encouraging a range of positive reproductive health and social behaviour by men to help ensure women's and children's well-being. More intellectual work,including research programmes,is urgently needed to clarify the conceptual framework for male reproductive health. At the Asia and the Pacific Symposium ,Intra-regional Cooperation in Reproductive Health Research' (Shanghai, China, 12,13 October 1998) the Symposium participants identified regional research needs and recommended a regional reproductive health research agenda, which addresses six key issues related to male reproductive health: (i) male contraceptive technology; (ii) reproductive tract infections/sexually transmitted diseases and male infertility; (iii) male involvement in reproductive health; (iv) male adolescent reproductive health; (v) male reproductive ageing; and (vi) environment and male reproductive health. One of the major challenges now facing us is the elaboration of a comprehensive, yet realistic, male reproductive health research agenda that reflects the needs and demands of Asian developing countries. Making full use of an interdisciplinary approach is of strategic importance to achieve this. [source] Managing interdisciplinary health research,theoretical and practical aspectsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2002Jens Aagaard-Hansen Abstract Interdisciplinary health research can offer valuable evidence for health care managers. However, there are specific challenges regarding the management of such projects. Based on 7 years of experience from a project in western Kenya, the authors point to the need for a sufficient time horizon, a high level of communication, equity between the disciplines and the identification of appropriate evaluation criteria as issues to be considered. The theoretical framework of Rosenfield was modified to comply with the complexities of field management. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Reducing the length of mental health instruments through structurally incomplete designsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 3 2007Niels Smits Abstract This paper presents structurally incomplete designs as an approach to reduce the length of mental health tests. In structurally incomplete test designs, respondents only fill out a subset of the total item set. The scores on the unadministered items are estimated using methods for missing data. As an illustration, structurally incomplete test designs recording, respectively, two thirds, one half, one third and one quarter of the complete item set were applied to item scores on the Centre of Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale of the respondents in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). The resulting unobserved item scores were estimated with the missing data method Data Augmentation. The complete and reconstructed data yielded very similar total scores and depression classifications. In contrast, the diagnostic accuracy of the incomplete designs decreased as the designs had more unobserved item scores. The discussion addresses the strengths and limitations of the application of incomplete designs in mental health research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||