Use Of Medical Care Research Articles

Abstract B026: Exploring differences in supportive care medication use among racial and ethnic minorities with pancreatic and colorectal cancers

Abstract Background: Pancreatic (PC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are both cancers of the digestive system, with similar symptom profiles. Neurologic and psychiatric symptoms are commonly seen in multiple types of cancer including PC and CRC. Supportive care medications (SCM) are central to symptom management and improving health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL). Examples of SCM used to manage these symptoms include opioid analgesics, non-opioid analgesics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics. Racial disparities in clinical outcomes including HRQoL have been reported in PC and CRC, respectively. While racial disparities have been separately described in the use of SCM for PC and CRC, no comparisons of SCM use based on cancer type in racial and ethnic minorities has been performed. The purpose of our study was to explore differences in SCM use among racial and ethnic minorities with PC and CRC, respectively. Methods: We used the National Cancer Institute Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (NCI SEER)- Medicare-linked database to analyze all patients with a PC or CRC diagnosis and a newly initiated outpatient prescription claim for an SCM of interest from 2009-2018. Patients on SCM before cancer diagnosis or were not a member of racial or ethnic group were excluded from the analysis. We assessed five SCM classes, including opioids, non-opioid analgesics, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics. Prescription claims were specific to patients diagnosed with PC or CRC, and compared by cancer type. Our objective was to characterize the relationship between cancer type and receipt of SCM in racial and ethnic minorities. Results: After assessment of our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 45,502 patients were included in the analysis (PC- 44.9%; CRC- 55.1%). Racial demographics were as follows: Black/African American: 51.5%, Hispanic- 23.6%, Asian- 23.5%, American Indian/Alaska Native: 1.3%. When comparing cancer types, patients with PC were more likely to receive multiple classes of SCM including opioids (Odds Ratio [OR] 2.17, 95%CI: 2.09-2.25), non-opioid analgesics (OR 1.29, 95%CI: 1.22-1.37), antidepressants (OR 1.19, 95%CI: 1.14-1.24), and anxiolytics (OR 1.45, 95%CI:1.37- 1.54). PC patients were less likely to receive antipsychotics (OR 0.77, 95%CI: 0.72- 0.83). Differences were similar when disaggregated by specific race and ethnicity. Conclusion: Among racial and ethnic minorities, patients with PC were more likely to be prescribed multiple classes of SCM used to treat neurologic and psychiatric symptoms, including opioids, non-opioid analgesics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics. The observed results suggests a heavier overall symptom burden for PC in this population. Citation Format: John M. Allen, MegCholack Awunti, Yi Guo, Sherise C. Rogers, Lisa Scarton, Chardaé Whitner, Diana J. Wilkie. Exploring differences in supportive care medication use among racial and ethnic minorities with pancreatic and colorectal cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B026.

2622. Recent or concurrent rhino/enterovirus infection with respiratory syncytial virus associated with decreased symptoms and medical care use in healthy children, PREVAIL, 2017–2020

Abstract Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are common in children, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations each year. Viral coinfections are frequently detected during RSV infection, but the effect of these coinfections is poorly understood, and most studies only include hospitalized children. We examined the effect of the most frequently identified co-infection, rhinovirus/enterovirus (RE), on symptoms status and medical care use in a birth cohort of healthy children with RSV. Methods PREVAIL is a CDC-funded, 2-year birth cohort (2017–2020) in Cincinnati, OH of healthy, full-term infants. Weekly, mid-turbinate nasal swabs were tested using the Luminex Respiratory Pathogen Panel. RSV infection was defined as a swab positive for RSV (A or B). C Concurrent coinfection was defined as detection of RE at the time of RSV infection, prior RE infection was defined as a swab positive for RE up to 14 days prior to RSV infection. Symptomatic infection was defined as presence of cough or fever reported by the mother via text survey or abstracted from the child’s medical record and medical care use was defined as receiving medical care or not. Odds of symptomatic infection or medical care use with RSV were calculated using a generalized estimating equation adjusted for the child’s age at infection, type of insurance, coinfection with RE and sex. Results Overall, 128 RSV infections were identified in 101/245 (41%) children; 89 (69%) were symptomatic, 59 (46%) were medically attended, 4 (3%) were hospitalized. Concurrent co-infection with RE occurred in 20% (n=26) and 31% (n=40) had a RE coinfection between 0-14 days prior to the RSV episode. Coinfection with RE, whether concurrent (aOR 0.29, 95%CI 0.10-0.82) or prior (aOR 0.18, 95%CI 0.07-0.45) was associated with decreased odds of symptomatic disease. Concurrent (aOR 0.19 95%CI 0.06-0.60) or prior (aOR 0.25, 95%CI 0.11, 0.55) RE coinfection was also associated with decreased odds of medical care use. Conclusion RSV infections were common in the PREVAIL cohort, most infections were symptomatic with nearly half medically attended. Coinfection with RE 0-14 days prior to RSV infection was associated with decreased odds of both symptoms and medical care use. Disclosures Mary A. Staat, MD, MPH, CDC: Grant/Research Support|Cepheid: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Grant/Research Support|NIH: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Up-To-Date: Honoraria

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM OF UKRAINE

The aim of this article is to establish the theoretical and methodological basis for the operation of Ukraine's healthcare system through the definition of its objectives and functions, examination of its primary structural elements and performance indicators between 2010-2019, and identification of the key classification features that categorise the present healthcare system as belonging to a specific model of medical systems. Methodology. The study is based on theoretical research on the concepts of healthcare system functioning. Results. The article defines the "healthcare system" as a hierarchical formation of state, municipal, and private organizations that interact as subjects and objects of management. These organizations implement medical, financial, organizational, socio-economic, and other measures to maintain optimal human performance and social activity by restoring physiological and psychological functions. The main objectives of the healthcare system are highlighted. It is determined that the functions of the healthcare system are subordinated to its main goals and reflect its orderly, regular and organised behaviour in interaction with the external environment. It is emphasised that the functions of the healthcare system are an integrated result of the functioning of its constituent elements. Practical implications. The analysis and characterisation of the key performance indicators of the healthcare system for the period 2010-2019 showed that the existing infrastructure of the sector is still rather cumbersome, characterised by the dominance of specialised and inpatient medical care and irrational use of the potential of outpatient facilities. In terms of key criteria, such as ownership, financing methods, the role of the state in managing the sector, and incentives for healthcare professionals and consumers, the national healthcare system still has signs of the Semashko model, which does not meet modern requirements for the use of expensive medical technologies and is unable to provide high quality healthcare services. Value/originality. It is established that the primary means to reform the national healthcare system is through the formation of hospital trusts, which will guarantee improved medical services and significantly decrease the expense of maintaining medical infrastructure in Ukraine. Additionally, it is acknowledged that the key technology for forging a successful network of medical facilities should be strategical planning at all levels of the country's healthcare system.

Digital musculoskeletal program is associated with decreased joint replacement rates.

To compare 12-month total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) rates for digital musculoskeletal (MSK) program members vs patients who received traditional care for knee or hip osteoarthritis (OA). Retrospective, longitudinal study with propensity score-matched comparison group that used commercial medical claims data representing more than 100million commercially insured lives. Study participants with hip OA (M16.x) or knee OA (M17.x) International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) codes were identified in the medical claims database. Digital MSK program members were identified using record linkage tokens. The comparison group had hip- or knee-related physical therapy identified via ICD-10-CM and Current Procedural Terminology codes. Respectively in each knee and hip OA group, digital members were matched to control group patients with similar demographics, comorbidities, and baseline MSK-related medical care use. TKA and THA at 12 months post participation were compared. In the knee OA group, 739 of 56,634 control group patients were matched to 739 digital members. At 12months, 3.79% of digital members and 14.21% of control group patients had TKA (difference, 10.42%; P < .001). In the hip OA group, 141 of 20,819 control group patients were matched to 141 digital members. At 12 months, 16.31% of digital members and 32.62% of control group patients had THA (difference, 16.31%; P = .001). These findings suggest that patients who participated in a digital MSK program to manage OA have lower rates of total joint arthroplasty in the 12 months afterenrollment.

Home-Based Medical Care Use In Medicare Advantage And Traditional Medicare In 2018.

The use of home-based medical care differed in Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare in 2018. Having exactly one such visit was thirty-one times as likely for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries (18.6percent) as for traditional Medicare beneficiaries (0.6percent), likely reflecting incentives in the Medicare Advantage program to code all accurate diagnoses. Multiple home-based medical care visits were less likely in Medicare Advantage than in traditional Medicare (1.6percent versus 2.1percent of beneficiaries, respectively).

Trends of legionellosis reported in Jeju Province, Republic of Korea, 2015-2022.

The number of reported cases of Legionnaires' disease (LD) in the Republic of Korea surged nationally in 2016; however, in 2022, this number was higher in Jeju Province than the previous national peak. A descriptive epidemiological study was conducted to analyze trends in the incidence of reported LD cases in Jeju Island from 2015 to 2022. The data for this study were obtained from case reports submitted to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency through its Disease and Health Integrated Management System. The selection criteria were cases or suspected cases of LD reported among Jeju residents between 2015 and 2022. The 95% confidence interval of the crude incidence rate was calculated using the Poisson distribution. Since 2020, the incidence rate of LD in Jeju has risen sharply, showing a statistically significant difference from the national incidence rate. A particular medical institution in Jeju reported a significant number of LD cases. Screening with the urine antigen test (UAT) also increased significantly. Our findings indicate that the rapid increase in cases of LD in Jeju Province since 2020 was due to the characteristics of medical-care use among Jeju residents, which were focused on a specific medical institution. According to their clinical practice guidelines, this medical institution conducted UATs to screen patients suspected of pneumonia.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Factors Associated With Delayed or Missed Pediatric Preventive Care in the US Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted medical care use. Yet information on how the pandemic has affected pediatric preventive care use in the US is lacking. To examine the prevalence of and risk and protective factors for delayed or missed pediatric preventive care in the US due to the COVID-19 pandemic, further stratified by race and ethnicity to assess associations by groups. This cross-sectional study used data from the 2021 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) collected between June 25, 2021, and January 14, 2022. Weighted data from the NSCH survey are representative of the population of noninstitutionalized children aged 0 to 17 years in the US. For this study, race and ethnicity were reported as American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, or multiracial (≥2 races). Data analysis was performed on February 21, 2023. The Andersen behavioral model of health services use was used to assess predisposing factors, enabling factors, and need factors. The main outcome was delayed or missed pediatric preventive care due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bivariate and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were performed using multiple imputation with chained equations. Of the 50 892 NSCH respondents, 48.9% were female and 51.1% were male; their mean (SD) age was 8.5 (5.3) years. With regard to race and ethnicity, 0.4% were American Indian or Alaska Native, 4.7% were Asian or Pacific Islander, 13.3% were Black, 25.8% were Hispanic, 50.1% were White, and 5.8% were multiracial. More than one-fourth of children (27.6%) delayed or missed preventive care. In multivariable Poisson regression using multiple imputation, Asian or Pacific Islander children (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.16 [95% CI, 1.02-1.32]), Hispanic children (PR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.09-1.31]), and multiracial children (PR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.11-1.37]) were more likely to have delayed or missed preventive care compared with non-Hispanic White children. Among non-Hispanic Black children, risk and protective factors included age 6 to 8 years (vs 0-2 years [PR, 1.90 (95% CI, 1.23-2.92)]) and difficulty covering basic needs somewhat or very often (vs never or rarely [PR, 1.68 (95% CI, 1.35-2.09)]). Among multiracial children, risk and protective factors included age 9 to 11 years (vs 0-2 years [PR, 1.73 (95% CI, 1.16-2.57)]), lower household income (<100% vs ≥400% federal poverty level: 0.52 [0.35-0.79]), and 2 or more vs 0 health conditions (PR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.14-2.08]). Among non-Hispanic White children, risk and protective factors included older age (9-11 years vs 0-2 years [PR, 2.05 (95% CI, 1.78-2.37)]), 4 or more children vs 1 child in the household (PR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.07-1.39]), fair or poor vs excellent or very good caregiver health (PR, 1.32 [95% CI, 1.18-1.47]), difficulty covering basic needs somewhat or very often (vs never or rarely [PR, 1.36 (95% CI, 1.22-1.52)]), good vs excellent or very good perceived child health (PR, 1.19 [95% CI, 1.06-1.34]), and 2 or more vs 0 health conditions (PR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.12-1.38]). In this study, the prevalence of and risk factors for delayed or missed pediatric preventive care varied by race and ethnicity. These findings may guide targeted interventions to enhance timely pediatric preventive care among different racial and ethnic groups.

Medical Care Use Among Patients with Monogenic Osteoporosis Due to Rare Variants in LRP5, PLS3, or WNT1

Pathogenic variants in the LRP5, PLS3, or WNT1 genes can significantly affect bone mineral density, causing monogenic osteoporosis. Much remains to be discovered about the phenotype and medical care needs of these patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of medical care among Dutch individuals identified between 2014 and 2021 with a pathogenic or suspicious rare variant in LRP5, PLS3, or WNT1. In addition, the aim was to compare their medical care utilization to both the overall Dutch population and the Dutch Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) population. The Amsterdam UMC Genome Database was used to match 92 patients with the Statistics Netherlands (CBS) cohort. Patients were categorized based on their harbored variants: LRP5, PLS3, or WNT1. Hospital admissions, outpatient visits, medication data, and diagnosis treatment combinations (DTCs) were compared between the variant groups and, when possible, to the total population and OI population. Compared to the total population, patients with an LRP5, PLS3, or WNT1 variant had 1.63 times more hospital admissions, 2.0 times more opened DTCs, and a greater proportion using medication. Compared to OI patients, they had 0.62 times fewer admissions. Dutch patients with an LRP5, PLS3, or WNT1 variant appear to require on average more medical care than the total population. As expected, they made higher use of care at the surgical and orthopedic departments. Additionally, they used more care at the audiological centers and the otorhinolaryngology (ENT) department, suggesting a higher risk of hearing-related problems.

P60 Cost-Related Medical Care Use Reduction and Mediation Nonadherence in US Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Comparison of High Deductible Health Plans and Traditional Insurance Enrollees

To examine cost-related forgone and delayed medical care and medication nonadherence in privately insured high deductible health plan (HDHP) vs. traditional insurance plan enrollees with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) in the US.

Income-related inequality in out-of-pocket health-care expenditures under Taiwan's national health insurance system: An international comparable estimation based on A System of Health Accounts

National estimates of out-of-pocket health-care expenditures (OOP-HCEs) that use comparable international guidelines based on A Systems of Health Accounts (SHA) are generally unavailable in Taiwan. International comparable OOP are essential for designing universal health-coverage (UHC) policy. We designed an SHA-based household OOP questionnaire. A nationally representative cross-sectional survey was then conducted from January to August 2022. The final questionnaire was completed by 657 households and 1969 individuals. The total OOPs were divided into expenditures related to curative care (HC.1), rehabilitative care (HC.2), long-term care (HC.3), ancillary services (HC.4), and medical goods (HC.5). National estimates were calculated by accounting for the complex survey design. Variance was estimated through Taylor series linearization. The concentration index was calculated using household income as the ranking variable. We then identified factors contributing to the inequality in OOP distribution by household income. National estimates revealed an OOP of NT$424 billion, which accounted for 29.6% of Taiwan's national health expenditure in 2021. Private health insurance (PHI) reimbursements accounted for 9.0% of the total OOP. The OOPs for curative care and medical goods accounted for 50.1% and 39.0% of the total OOP, respectively. The OOPs after PHI reimbursements were progressive (concentration index = 0.103, P = 0.012). The frequency of medical-care use and the number of medical visits negatively affected progressive OOPs. International comparable OOPs revealed that under the Taiwanese National Health Insurance (NHI), OOPs can still be high. However, the NHI might have caused OOPs to be progressive from the perspective of income but regressive from the perspective of health status. Countries striving for UHC should consider the redistribution effect of public health insurance and possible inequalities in health.

10-year follow-up study on medical expenses and medical care use according to biological age: National Health Insurance Service Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HealS 2002~2019).

The world is witnessing a sharp increase in its elderly population, accelerated by longer life expectancy and lower birth rates, which in turn imposes enormous medical burden on society. Although numerous studies have predicted medical expenses based on region, gender, and chronological age (CA), any attempt has rarely been made to utilize biological age (BA)-an indicator of health and aging-to ascertain and predict factors related to medical expenses and medical care use. Thus, this study employs BA to predict factors that affect medical expenses and medical care use. Referring to the health screening cohort database of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), this study targeted 276,723 adults who underwent health check-ups in 2009-2010 and kept track of the data on their medical expenses and medical care use up to 2019. The average follow-up period is 9.12 years. Twelve clinical indicators were used to measure BA, while the total annual medical expenses, total annual number of outpatient days, total annual number of days in hospital, and average annual increases in medical expenses were used as the variables for medical expenses and medical care use. For statistical analysis, this study employed Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Regression analysis of the differences between corrected biological age (cBA) and CA exhibited statistically significant increases (p<0.05) in all the variables of the total annual medical expenses, total annual number of outpatient days, total annual number of days in hospital, and average annual increases in medical expenses. This study quantified decreases in the variables for medical expenses and medical care use based on improved BA, thereby motivating people to become more health-conscious. In particular, this study is significant in that it is the first of its kind to predict medical expenses and medical care use through BA.

The Impact of Health Coverage, Race and Ethnicity on Utilization of Preventive Medical Care during the First Year of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Findings from the National Health Interview Survey 2019-2020.

This study examined COVID-19's impact in the 2020 compared to 2019 survey years on preventive medical care utilization. Using a cross-sectional sample of adults aged 18years and over (2019; n = 31,997; 2020; n = 31,568), from the National Health Interview Survey, multivariable models compared 2020 to 2019 survey years for receiving diabetes screening blood tests, well-care visits, and physical therapy. An additional multivariable model predicted not having medical care due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020 2020 survey year. In the 2020 versus 2019 survey years, the likelihood lowered for receiving a blood test for diabetes screening (aOR .83 CI = .76, .90). There was a lowered likelihood for a well care visits (aOR = .98 CI = .84, 1.1) and physical therapy (aOR = .97 CI = .89, 1.0). Black (aOR = .62 CI = .51, .75), Hispanic (aOR = .62 CI = .51, .75) and Asian (aOR .67 CI = .53, .86) adults had a lowered likelihood of having physical therapy compared to White adults. Having no insurance coverage lowered the likelihood of getting all three indicators of preventive medical care. There was a higher likelihood of not getting medical care due to COVID-19 in the 2020 survey year (aOR = 1.7 CI = 1.3, 2.1) with Medicaid compared to private coverage. Use of preventive medical care lowered in the pandemic. Race and ethnicity and not having any coverage contributed to not receiving preventive care. Medicaid appeared to increase utilization of preventive medical care but not acute medical care.

Clinical characteristics, medication use, and impact of primary headache on daily activities: an observational study using linked online survey and medical claims data in Japan

BackgroundLimited epidemiological data are available for headache disorders in Japan, and no recent studies have reported the impact of several primary headache disorders in Japan. This study aimed to report the up-to-date epidemiological data and impact of primary headaches on daily activities as well as the use of medical care, clinical features, and pain severity/activity impairment using nationwide data in Japan.MethodsWe used anonymized online survey data coupled with medical claims data, from individuals aged 19–74 years old, that were provided by DeSC Healthcare Inc. The outcomes included the prevalence of migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache, and other headache types stratified by age and sex, use of medical care, clinical features, medication use, and severity of pain/activity impairment. All outcomes were examined separately for each headache type. This is the second paper reported concurrently with this research.ResultsThe study population comprised 691/1,441/21/5,208 individuals with migraine/tension-type headache/cluster headache/other headache types, respectively. The prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache was higher in women than in men but was similar for cluster headache (male vs. female, 1.7% vs. 7.4%, 5.3% vs. 10.8%, and 0.1% vs. 0.1%, respectively). The percentage of individuals with migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache who had not seen a doctor was 81.0%, 92.0%, 57.1%, respectively. The common headache triggers were fatigue in migraine and tension-type headache, and weather-related phenomena and turning of the seasons in migraine. Common activities refrained from or reduced by headaches were “operating a computer or smartphone”, “drinking alcohol”, and “going to crowded places” in all three headache types and housework-related activities in women. Among individuals taking medicines, 16.8%, 15.8%, 47.6% with migraine, tension-type headache, and cluster headache reported moderate to severe pain, respectively, and 12.6%, 7.7%, 19.0% reported moderate to severe disability, respectively.ConclusionsThis study found various triggers of headache attacks, and daily activities refrained from or reduced by headaches. Additionally, this study suggested that the disease burden in people possibly experiencing tension-type headaches, many of whom had not seen a doctor. The study findings are of clinical value for the diagnosis and treatment of primary headaches.

Longitudinal medical subspecialty follow-up of critically and non-critically ill hospitalized COVID-19 survivors up to 24months after discharge.

Medical specialty usage of COVID-19 survivors after hospital discharge is poorly understood. This study investigated medical specialty usage at 1-12 and 13-24months post-hospital discharge in critically ill and non-critically ill COVID-19 survivors. This retrospective study followed ICU (N = 89) and non-ICU (N = 205) COVID-19 survivors who returned for follow-up within the Stony Brook Health System post-hospital discharge. Follow-up data including survival, hospital readmission, ongoing symptoms, medical specialty care use, and ICU status were examined 1-12 and 13-24months after COVID-19 discharge. "New" (not previously seen) medical specialty usage was also identified. Essentially all (98%) patients survived. Hospital readmission was 34%, but functional status scores at discharge were not associated with hospital readmission. Many patients reported ongoing [neuromuscular (50%) respiratory (39%), chronic fatigue (35%), cardiovascular (30%), gastrointestinal (28%), neurocognitive (22%), genitourinary (22%), and mood-related (13%)] symptoms at least once 1-24months after discharge. Common specialty follow-ups included cardiology (25%), vascular medicine (17%), urology (17%), neurology (16%), and pulmonology (14%), with some associated with pre-existing comorbidities and with COVID-19. Common new specialty visits were vascular medicine (11%), pulmonology (11%), and neurology (9%). ICU patients had more symptoms and follow-ups compared to the non-ICU patients. This study reported high incidence of persistent symptoms and medical specialty care needs in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors 1-24months post-discharge. Some specialty care needs were COVID-19 related or exacerbated by COVID-19 disease while others were associated with pre-existing medical conditions. Longer follow-up studies of COVID-19 survivor medical care needs are necessary.

A multi-country survey on access to healthcare and treatment services among individuals with critical medical care needs during the first wave of the pandemic

BackgroundHealthcare services were significantly interrupted during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study was to determine the associations between sociodemographic factors and healthcare access during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among individuals with critical care needs.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of the data of 5,156 participants recruited from 152 countries during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The dependent variables were self-reported difficulty of access to health care, challenges with obtaining medication, and the use of alternative medical services. The independent variables were age at last birthday; sex at birth, level of education, employment status and the macro-social vulnerability status. The confounding variable was the country income level. Three multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between the dependent variables and the independent variables after adjusting for the confounder.ResultsDifficulty accessing health care services and obtaining medications was experienced by 1922 (37.3%) and 3746 (72.7%) participants respectively. Also, 1433 (27.8%) used alternative medical care. Retirees (AOR:1.59), unemployed (AOR:1.198), people living with HIV (AOR:2.36) and at increased risk of COVID-19 (AOR:2.10), people who used drugs (AOR:1.83) and transacted sex (AOR:1.971) had significantly higher odds for reporting difficulty with access to health care. Males (AOR:1.23), respondents with secondary level of education (AOR:1.39), retirees (AOR:2.19), unemployed (AOR:1.47), people living with HIV (AOR:2.46), people who used drugs (AOR:1.79), transacted sex (AOR:2.71) and those who might be (AOR: 1.66) and were at (AOR: 2.3) increased risk of severe COVID-19 had significantly higher odds for reporting difficulty with access to medications. People who used drugs (AOR:2.093) transacted sex (AOR:1.639), who might be (AOR: 1.211) and were at (AOR: 1.511) increased risk of severe COVID-19, and who had difficulty accessing usual healthcare (AOR: 9.047) and obtaining medications (AOR:2.16) had significantly higher odds of reporting alternative medical care use. People living with HIV (AOR:0.562) had significantly lower odds of using alternative medical care.ConclusionWe identified populations who had challenges with access to healthcare and obtaining medications used alternative medical care except for people living with HIV. Priority attention should be given to alternative medical care use during future health pandemics.

How to promote the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system: A tripartite evolutionary game theory perspective.

Due to the disorderly access to medical care and inefficient use of health resources, the advancement of the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment is more valued in promoting health system reform. Hence, this article integrates prospect theory into an evolutionary game model of the local government health departments, the medical institutions, and the patients in the system promotion of the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment. The simulation shows the specific influencing mechanism of the psychological perceived value of game subjects. Then by introducing the stochastic evolutionary game model, the system promotion under different medical cultures is also discussed in detail. The results indicate that for local government health departments, the amount and duration of financial subsidies are the key factors influencing the game system's evolution. For medical institutions, participating in the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system is relatively beneficial. For patients, the recovery rate in primary hospitals matters more than the cost of treatment. Changes in the risk sensitivity coefficient will cause the equilibrium of the game system to change. However, changes in the loss avoidance factor do not change the equilibrium and only have an impact on the speed of convergence. With the health departments' intervention, patients in rural medical culture are more inclined to support the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system than those in urban or town medical culture. Therefore, in order to promote the hierarchical diagnosis and treatment system, this article recommends that more attention should be paid to the regulatory role of health departments and the participation improvement of medical institutions and patients.

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of urinary incontinence in Japanese women: A web-based cross-sectional study.

Epidemiological studies on urinary incontinence that used a validated international standard questionnaire are limited in Japan, and few studies have examined the sociodemographic and behavioral correlates of urinary incontinence. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence according to the Japanese version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form, and its sociodemographic and behavioral correlates among Japanese women. A web-based cross-sectional study. A randomly sampled cross-sectional Internet survey was conducted in Japan among 3030 women aged 20-64 years. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form score, sociodemographic, body mass index, medical and childbirth history, practice of pelvic floor muscle training, and medical care use were obtained. Descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and forced-entry logistic regression analysis were used in data analysis. Participants' average age was 43.4 years, and the response rate was 32.9%. The prevalence of urinary incontinence was 25.5%, and it increased with age. Stress urinary incontinence was the most common subtype (57.4%), followed by urge urinary incontinence (20.3%) and mixed urinary incontinence (16.7%). Less than 5% of those with urinary incontinence had experience with pelvic floor muscle training and medical care use. Middle-aged and older (p < 0.001), overweight and obesity (p < 0.001), vaginal delivery status (p < 0.001), low back pain (p = 0.008), and previous pelvic floor muscle training engagement (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with urinary incontinence. Increasing population awareness of urinary incontinence from an early age and developing effective interventions for the identified at-risk groups, such as the middle-aged and older, those with overweight and obesity, and those with previous pregnancies, are urgently needed.

Comparison of the use of blood pressure telemonitoring versus standard medical care in the achievement of short-term therapeutic goals in blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension: An open-label clinical trial.

In Mexico less than half of the treated hypertensive patients reach blood pressure (BP) targets. Most hypertensive individuals rely on the standard medical care (SMC) to achieve the BP control goals; however, the efficacy of BP telemonitoring (BPT) to achieve BP targets has been poorly studied. To compare the efficacy of BPT versus SMC to achieve BP goals in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. A two-arm, open-label clinical trial was conducted in patients ≥18 years with uncontrolled hypertension. The participants were randomized to 2 arms (BPT vs SMC) and followed for 12 weeks. For the statistical analysis, the chi-squared test and covariance were used. One hundred and seventy-eight participants were included, BPT (n = 94) and SMC (n = 84), after 12 weeks of follow up, we observed a baseline-adjusted reduction in systolic BP with both BPT (-13.5 [1.3] mmHg) and the SMC (-5.9 [1.4] mmHg; p < 0.001) but a greater decrease with BPT (p < 0.001). Likewise, we found a baseline-adjusted reduction of diastolic BP with BPT (-6.9 [0.9] mmHg) and SMC (-2.7 [0.9] mmHg) (p = 0.007) with a more significant percentage change from baseline with BPT (-6.8% [1.0] vs 2.5% [1.1]; p = 0.007). In the BPT arm, a larger proportion of patients achieved the BP target versus SMC (30.5% vs 12.8%; p = 0.005). BPT showed a greater proportion of patients achieving office BP control goals (<140/90 mmHg), compared to standard medical care.

Patient loyalty to HIV care in an HIV facility in Eldoret, Kenya: A mediated mediation

Patient loyalty is the continuous commitment and engagement in care where patients can improve and sustain quality of life through continuous use of medical care. Identifying strengths and weaknesses in providing excellent quality care is a key measure of success of healthcare professionals and hospital management. However, few studies have examined patient loyalty from a strategic leadership perspective within HIV health care systems. The purpose of this study is to determine how patient loyalty to HIV care is influenced by multiple factors in a healthcare system environment. The study employs a mixed-methods approach guided by the complexity theory and the theory of planned behavior. A total of 444 surveys with (50 healthcare providers and 394 adult HIV-infected patients) currently on antiretroviral drugs, as well as 22 in-depth interviews with healthcare providers will be conducted. The study will be done at AMPATH Eldoret Kenya. We will use stratified proportionate and census sampling methods to select study participants for the survey while purposive and convenient sampling techniques will be used for in-depth interviews. Structured questionnaires and interviewer guides will guide data collection. Quantitative data analysis will entail hierarchical regression to test direct effects while multiple regression will test the mediation effects using the Hayes PROCESS Model No.6 in SPSS. Qualitative data analysis will be conducted using a thematic analytical method.

Poverty and antibiotic misuse: a complex association

Poverty and antibiotic misuse: a complex association