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Prevalence Figures (prevalence + figure)
Selected AbstractsPosttraumatic stress disorder and the structure of common mental disordersDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 4 2002Brian J. Cox Ph.D. Abstract Krueger [1999: Arch Gen Psychiatry 56:921,926] identified a three-factor structure of psychopathology that explained the covariation or grouping of common mental disorders found in the U.S. National Comorbidity Survey (NCS) [Kessler et al., 1994: Arch Gen Psychiatry 51:8,19]. These three fundamental groupings included an externalizing disorders factor and two internalizing disorders factors (anxious-misery and fear). We extended this research through the examination of additional data from a large subsample of the NCS (n=5,877) that contained diagnostic information on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Factor analytic findings revealed that PTSD showed no affinity with the fear factor defined by panic and phobic disorders, and instead loaded on the anxious-misery factor defined primarily by mood disorders. An identical pattern of results emerged for both lifetime PTSD and 12-month PTSD prevalence figures. Implications of these findings for the classification of PTSD and research on its etiology are briefly discussed. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Prevalence of BRCA1 genomic rearrangements in a large cohort of Italian breast and breast/ovarian cancer families without detectable BRCA1 and BRCA2 point mutationsGENES, CHROMOSOMES AND CANCER, Issue 9 2006Simona Agata The presence of genomic rearrangements of the BRCA1 gene in breast and/or ovarian cancer families has been intensively investigated in patients from various countries over the last years. A number of different rearrangements have been reported by several studies that clearly document the involvement of this mutation type in genetic predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. Population-specific studies are now needed to evaluate the prevalence of genomic rearrangements before deciding whether to include ad hoc screening procedures into standard diagnostic mutation detection approaches. Indeed, the vast majority of the studies have been performed on small, highly selected, sample sets because of the limitations imposed by the laborious technical approaches. Moreover, prevalence figures are likely to differ across different countries according to the ethnic origin of each specific population. Here we analyze a large cohort of 653 Italian probands, negative for BRCA1 and BRCA2 point mutations, gathered from four National Institutions. We report the identification of BRCA1 genomic rearrangements in 12 independent families. Noteworthy, half of the probands carry mutations that recur in more than one Italian family. Considering the whole spectrum of Italian BRCA1 gene rearrangements identified thus far in consecutive patients, we estimate that alterations of this type account for 19% (95% CI: 0.11 < 0.19 < 0.28) of the BRCA1 mutation positive families. We conclude that the search for major genomic rearrangements is essential for an accurate and comprehensive BRCA1 mutation detection strategy in Italy. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Prevalence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women in Sri Lanka: a cross-sectional community studyINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RHEUMATIC DISEASES, Issue 3 2007Sarath LEKAMWASAM Abstract Objective:, This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of osteoporosis among postmenopausal women selected from seven provinces in Sri Lanka. Method:, The study was a community-based cross-sectional survey of a group of 1642 community-dwelling postmenopausal women in seven provinces, except the North and East, in Sri Lanka. Phalangeal bone mineral density (BMD) was measured in all subjects using an AccuDEXA. In a subgroup of 150 women BMDs in the spine from L2,L4 and proximal femur were measured using a Norland Eclipse central DXA machine. In this subgroup, the diagnosis of osteoporosis was made according to the WHO criteria based on T-scores of the spine or femoral neck. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of different phalangeal BMD levels were examined and the prevalence of osteoporosis was calculated using the most acceptable cut-off value. Results:, A sharp decline in phalangeal BMD (0.006 g/cm2/year) was seen during the postmenopausal period. Phalangeal T-score of ,2.00, which had sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of 78%, 85%, 91% and 68% respectively, was selected as the most suitable value to predict osteoporosis: 357 women had phalangeal T-scores either equal to or lower than ,2.00. When the positive predictive value and negative predictive value of this cut-off value were applied, 736 women (44.9%) in our sample were likely to have osteoporosis. Conclusions:, Osteoporosis is a prevalent disease among postmenopausal women in Sri Lanka. Similar prevalence figures have been reported from other Asian countries. [source] The Validity of a Personality Disorder Diagnosis for People with an Intellectual DisabilityJOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES, Issue 3 2008Jessica Moreland Background, It has long been appreciated that people with intellectual disabilities experience mental health problems. Studies into the prevalence of personality disorder in the population of people with an intellectual disability indicate significant variations, which have no clear explanation. Method, Work on personality disorder and personality is reviewed. Results, This article will outline some of the reasons for the variations in the reported prevalence figures including the impact of diagnostic overshadowing, problems inherent within the diagnostic classification systems and instruments that have a significant impact upon the reliability of a diagnosis. It will also argue that there are some fundamental issues relating to the validity of the construct of personality disorder and its application to the population of people with intellectual disabilities. The article notes that the model of personality, which in itself is not without critics, is derived from research on the general population and has not been integrated with personality research conducted within the population of people with an intellectual disability. Conclusion, It is suggested that the current diagnostic systems need to be reviewed in the context of an existing evidence base from within the field of intellectual disabilities. There are grounds to be cautious with the current diagnostic process and to question its clinical utility. Furthermore, diagnosis may only serve as an intermediate step and as part of a more detailed nomothetic approach. [source] Case for and against specificity of depression in Alzheimer's diseasePSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES, Issue 4 2010Christian Even MD Aims:, The aims of this study were to assess the epidemiological, phenomenological, and pathophysiological evidence that suggests the specificity of depression associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods:, We reviewed the English-language literature. Results:, Depression occurs significantly more often in patients with AD than in the general elderly population. While development of depression in response to the disability and emotional stress of AD may be a contributory factor in some patients, several studies showed that depression was not, or was only seldom, related to self-awareness of AD and these studies could not explain the high prevalence figures. To overcome the overlapping phenomenology of the two diseases, specific diagnostic criteria have been developed for depression in this context. Mixed findings have come from neuropathological and neuroimaging studies, with some evidence linking the underlying neural substrate of AD and depression, suggesting an overlapping cause of primary depression and depression comorbid with AD. Few randomized controlled trials for depression associated with AD have been conducted, with rather poor results for the use of antidepressants. Conclusions:, Currently, depression associated with AD is not considered a separate disorder by regulatory authorities and is unlikely to be considered as such in the near future. Several obstacles remain to support such a specific position, including the heterogenous nature of depression in general and within AD itself, the lack of a distinct set of symptoms, and limited treatment. [source] National rates of birth defects among hospitalized newborns,,§BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH, Issue 11 2006T.M. Bird Abstract BACKGROUND: The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) family of hospital discharge databases offer an unprecedented opportunity to generate national estimates of newborn infants with birth defects. This report estimates national hospital admissions for newborn infants diagnosed with birth defects computed from HCUP and compares them to pooled prevalence figures computed from state birth defect surveillance systems. METHODS: HCUP-derived rates of 36 birth defects from 1997 through 2001 were compared to rates derived from pooled data reported by 26 state-based surveillance systems stratified by inclusion of elective terminations in case definitions. Rate ratios (RRs) were calculated for each birth defect by dividing the rate derived from HCUP by the rate derived from the relevant surveillance systems. RESULTS: HCUP newborn hospitalization rates for birth defects closely approximate pooled birth defect rates for surveillance systems that do not include elective terminations. HCUP rates were not significantly different for 35 of 36 defects. Overall, 20 HCUP rates were within 10% of state rates, 11 more were within 20% of state rates, and only 1 differed by more than 50%. HCUP rates compared most closely to state rates for cardiovascular (VSD RR = 0.98, ASD = 0.96, pulmonary valve atresia and stenosis = 0.92), orofacial (cleft palate RR = 1.10, cleft lip = 1.06), and genitourinary defects (obstructive genitourinary RR = 1.01, bladder exstrophy = 0.97). HCUP rates compared less favorably to rates derived from surveillance systems that included elective terminations. CONCLUSIONS: HCUP data approximate state-based surveillance system data for defects that are easily recognized in the newborn period and infrequently a cause for elective termination. HCUP data can be used to examine the impact of public health efforts on the number of infants born with birth defects as well as the cost and consequences of variations in the hospital management of birth defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2006. © 2006 Wiley,Liss, Inc. [source] Vaccines and the changing epidemiology of autismCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2006B. Taylor Abstract Background The epidemiology of autism has been rather confusing, with very variable published prevalence figures and no clear incidence data. The cause of autism is unclear; vaccines have been incriminated. Methods Literature review and interpretation. Results The recorded prevalence of autism has increased considerably in recent years. This reflects greater recognition, with changes in diagnostic practice associated with more trained diagnosticians; broadening of diagnostic criteria to include a spectrum of disorder; a greater willingness by parents and educationalists to accept the label (in part because of entitlement to services); and better recording systems, among other factors. The cause(s) of autism remains unclear. There is a strong genetic component which, along with prenatally determined neuro-anatomical/biochemical changes, makes any post-natal ,cause' unlikely. Conclusions There has (probably) been no real increase in the incidence of autism. There is no scientific evidence that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the mercury preservative used in some vaccines plays any part in the aetiology or triggering of autism, even in a subgroup of children with the condition. [source] Ascertaining the prevalence of childhood disabilityCHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 1 2005T. Hutchison Abstract Objectives, To reapply 1985 Office of Population Census and Surveys (OPCS) disability survey methods, modified as necessary, to a sample of children to ascertain presence of disability. To compare OPCS-based prevalence with prevalence based on carer's views and medical records. Design, Analytical study. Setting, Community Child Health Department in UK. Participants, Principal carers of 100 children aged 5,15, selected from a district special needs register. Main outcome measures, Comparable information about disability from three sources and diagnosis from carers and medical records. Results, Medical records of 46% contained a diagnosis. Carers were always aware of this, although a single question did not always elicit their knowledge. OPCS-derived threshold disability criteria in categories of Hand function, Personal care, Consciousness and Continence gave prevalence results similar to medical records and carers. OPCS criteria yielded higher prevalence of disability in the areas of Locomotion (8%), Communication (14%) and Hearing (18%). Carers, OPCS and medical records disagreed markedly about prevalence of disabilities of Vision, probably because of the use of differing definitions. OPCS learning criteria were judged unsuitable and standard attainment targets (SATs) were substituted. These provided similar prevalence figures to carers and medical records. OPCS behaviour criteria were also unsuitable and were replaced by the General Health and Behaviour Questionnaire (GHBQ). This found an increased prevalence of problems compared with carers and doctors. Conclusions, Diagnostic labels have limited use when collecting data about disabled children. Doubt is cast on the validity of some of the 1985 OPCS threshold criteria, and reassessment is suggested before their future use. Further work is needed on the use of SATs and GHBQ in the benchmarking of disability. To collect population data it would be easier and at least equally effective (with caution in the case of Vision) to ask carers directly rather than applying descriptive thresholds and external judgements. Similar information could be obtained from medical records, however, they are likely to be out of date. [source] | ||||||||||