Personal Health Experiences Research Articles

Medical students as patients

The personal health experiences of medical students may contribute in important but previously unacknowledged ways to their well-being and education. This pilot study surveyed medical students about their health care needs, practices, insurance status, and concerns about seeking care. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 151 students at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in 1993-94. Participant privacy was protected. Responses were compiled and analyzed using logistic regression models and odds ratios. A total of 112 students responded. Most reported health care needs and half routinely received care at their training institution. One-third had informally requested prescriptions or diagnostic tests from medical school faculty and housestaff; one-fourth used such informal consultation as their "usual" method of obtaining care. Eighteen students were uninsured. The students reported that they had not sought care for several reasons, and many had experienced difficulty in obtaining care. The students indicated concern about confidentiality and about the dual role as both student and patient at the training institution. They believed that their academic standing would be jeopardized if they developed certain health problems. When asked about hypothetical scenarios, a majority preferred to avoid the dual role of medical-student-patient. When asked about scenarios in which medical student peers exhibited suicidal depression or severe drug abuse, the students overwhelmingly preferred not to notify the medical school administration. Significant differences in responses were found with respect to gender and training level. This pilot study examined the health care needs, practices (including the use of informal consultation), insurance status, and concerns of students at one medical school. The findings highlight the students' perceptions of illness and vulnerability during medical school training. Constructive implications for academic medicine are discussed regarding initiatives in the areas of policy, research, and the resources and structure of student health care services.

Employee perceptions of workplace health and safety issues. Can a questionnaire contribute to health needs assessment?

A questionnaire survey was conducted to determine attitudes and perceptions of employees of a Scottish local authority of the role of occupational health services. Questions were included covering the following areas: influences on health, the effect of the workplace on health, satisfaction with work and working conditions, the role of occupational health services, and personal health experience. Most of the survey respondents believed that the prime function of an occupational health service is to ensure a safe working environment. However, it was indicated that management has responsibility for employee welfare at work and that an appropriate management structure to address safety issues should be accessible. In addition, employees would like the occupational health service to provide some health promotional activities, particularly stress management courses and the opportunity for exercise.

Hepatitis B antigen and antibody in the U.S. Army: prevalence in health care personnel.

The prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HB(S)Ag) and antibody (anti-HB(S)) seropositivity and the association of seropositivity with demographic, personal health, and professional experiences were studied in a cohort of Army Medical Department officer personnel. Serologic evidence of Hepatitis B infection was found in 5.0 per cent of personnel and was associated with age, sex, place of birth, history of hepatitis, history of blood transfusion, and previous overseas assignments. Seropositivity rates were higher for patient care oriented officer personnel, especially for those in surgical specialties, and rose with increasing professional experience. These data present a composite of risk factors operative in the acquisition of Hepatitis B seropositivity and identify a cohort for prospective study.