Random Digit Dial Telephone Survey Research Articles

The prevalence of epilepsy along the Arizona–Mexico border

This study describes the epidemiology of epilepsy on the Arizona-Mexico border. Households in Southern Arizona were identified using two strategies. County-wide random digit dialing telephone surveys were supplemented with door-to-door recruitment in three Arizona border communities. Utilizing a two-step screening process, individuals with a seizure disorder or epilepsy were identified. A consensus diagnosis was arrived at after reviewing results from the detailed interview, medical records and clinical examination. A total of 15,738 household individuals were surveyed. Two hundred and three individuals were identified as having had epilepsy at some point in their life; 25% of them were previously not diagnosed. The sex and age-adjusted prevalence estimate was 14.3 per 1000 (95% CI: 12.5-16.1) for lifetime epilepsy, and 11.8 per 1000 (CI: 10.2-13.5) for active epilepsy (seizures in the past 5 years or currently taking antiseizure medications). Non-Hispanic Whites were two times more likely to have active epilepsy than Hispanics. The majority of individuals with lifetime history of epilepsy had idiopathic or cryptogenic epilepsy; most were localization-related epilepsy although the exact location could not be determined for the majority. Although most individuals with epilepsy report receiving care from a neurology specialist, they were more likely to have visited a non-specialist in the past 3 months. The lower prevalence of epilepsy among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanics supports previous survey findings in the Southwest US and may be due to language, acculturation factors, stigma, or a reflection of the "healthy immigrant effect". The surprisingly high proportion of previously un-diagnosed individuals shows a need for further investigation as well as a need to increase community awareness.

Sleep Quality among Hispanics of Mexican Descent and Non-Hispanic Whites: Results from the Sleep Health and Knowledge in US Hispanics Study

Objectives: To investigate differences in sleep quality between Hispanics of Mexican descent (HMD) and Non-Hispanic Whites (NHW) and evaluate the effect of acculturation to the US lifestyle in sleep health. We hypothesize that the detrimental effect of acculturation on health outcomes will impact sleep quality among HMD. Design: We performed a population-based random digit dialing telephone survey to determine sleep quality in HMD and NHW. We collected from 3667 subjects, demographics, previous diagnosis of depression or anxiety, past treatment for sleep disorders, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics. Results: The prevalence of poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5) was 64.4% for HMD and 64.3% for NHW (p = 0.93). A prior diagnosis of depression or anxiety was an independent predictor of poor sleep quality in both groups (OR 3.4 and 2.7 for HMD and NHW. Ethnicity was not a predictor of poor sleep quality in HMD or NHW. Acculturation was not a predictor of poor sleep quality in HMD. However, highly acculturated young HMD males had significantly more prevalence of poor sleep quality compared to NHW (64.8% vs. 49.8%, p Conclusion: The absence of sleep quality differences in a large sample of HMD and NHW living in San Diego County is contrary to current data of having poorer sleep quality among Latinos. We found that neither ethnicity nor acculturation were predictors of poor sleep quality in HMD. However, we demonstrated a highly prevalent poor sleep quality among the two ethnic groups. The finding of significantly lower sleep quality in young highly acculturated HMD men may represent the heterogeneity of ethnicity related to sleep. Programs to improve sleep quality in subjects with depression and/or anxiety, and in young highly-acculturated HMD seems warranted.

Telephone Surveys Underestimate Cigarette Smoking among African-Americans

Background: This study tested the hypothesis that data from random digit-dial telephone surveys underestimate the prevalence of cigarette smoking among African-American adults.Method: A novel, community-sampling method was used to obtain a statewide, random sample of N = 2118 California (CA) African-American/Black adults, surveyed door-to-door. This Black community sample was compared to the Blacks in the CA Health Interview Survey (N = 2315), a statewide, random digit-dial telephone survey conducted simultaneously.Results: Smoking prevalence was significantly higher among community (33%) than among telephone survey (19%) Blacks, even after controlling for sample differences in demographics.Conclusion: Telephone surveys underestimate smoking among African-Americans and probably underestimate other health risk behaviors as well. Alternative methods are needed to obtain accurate data on African-American health behaviors and on the magnitude of racial disparities in them.

Rural parent behaviors and expectations when caring for children with acute respiratory infections

To explore rural parents' behaviors and expectations regarding acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in children. A random digit dial telephone survey administered to 655 rural adults; 176 answered questions regarding care of their children. Increasing fluid intake was the action most parents reported "always" taking when caring for a child with an ARI. Parents take their child to see a provider when they "just know" their child will not get better or when the child has discolored phlegm or discharge. Most reported reasons for not taking child to a provider were because the child got better on their own and they knew how to treat their child on their own. When seeing a provider for an ARI, parents considered it very important that the provider listen to the child's symptoms, examine their child for the cause of their symptoms, and provide symptom management advice. Parents expect providers to treat the ARI in one visit and allow for follow-up by phone or e-mail. Nurse practitioners (NPs) in rural communities should be aware of the behaviors and expectations of parents in their practice. Awareness of these potentially unique issues will allow NPs to work with rural patients more effectively.

Impact of tobacco control policy on quitting and nicotine dependence among women in five European countries

ObjectiveTo describe differences in and factors associated with former smoking and nicotine dependence among women in Ireland, Sweden, France, Italy and the Czech Republic.MethodsA cross-sectional, random digit dial telephone survey...

A longitudinal study of risk-glorifying video games and reckless driving.

A multiwave longitudinal study investigated the association of playing mature-rated and risk-glorifying video games and risky driving among adolescents. The study involved a large random digit dial telephone survey. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and included auto-regressive lags for the major outcome variables. Consistent with predictions, playing the targeted games was associated with increased reports of a variety of risky driving habits (e.g., speeding, tailgating, weaving in traffic), being pulled over by the police, automobile accidents, and willingness to drink and drive. These effects were observed after controlling for a variety of demographic and parenting variables. Finally, the effects of these games were shown to be mediated by increases in sensation seeking and rebelliousness. The results support a view of video games as affecting real-world behavior by altering a sense of self.

Family Members' Reports of Non-Staff Abuse in Michigan Nursing Homes

Recent research showed that mistreatment of nursing home residents by other residents may be highly prevalent. The present study examined the issue from family members' perspectives. The data came from the 2005 and 2007 random-digit dial telephone surveys of Michigan households with a family member in long-term care. Based on family members' reports, about 10% of nursing home residents aged 60 and over were abused by non-staff in nursing homes (e.g., other residents and visitors) during the past 12 months. Family members were more likely to report non-staff abuse when the nursing home residents were younger, were female, had behavior problems, and had greater level of physical functioning. Family members who reported staff abuse were four times more likely to also report non-staff abuse.

Utahns' understanding of autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundThe general public has numerous misconceptions and a lack of awareness and understanding regarding some of the prevalence, characteristics, and treatments of autism. As a result, education and awareness activities to increase the general public's understanding and awareness of autism are important. This study was conducted throughout Utah to inform public education and awareness efforts being planned as part of Utah's State Plan for Improving Outcomes for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Development Disorders. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to identify public awareness and knowledge of ASD in Utah, such as the public's understanding of the prevalence, characteristics, and treatments of autism, as well as the sources of this information. MethodsTo identify public perceptions and attitudes of autism spectrum disorder, 1001 Utah residents 18 years of age or older were surveyed using a 32-question statewide random-digit dialed telephone survey. ResultsThe percentages of responses for 15 of the 20 autism-related questions are presented by ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino), education level, and income level. ConclusionsThe study indicates that autism education efforts need to address the least understood aspects of autism; the causes of autism, how autism is diagnosed, and how autism is treated. Radio or TV outlets are more effective, particularly so with Hispanic or Latinos and populations with less education. Medical professionals are also an important resource for families with direct autism-related needs.

Health Care Consumers' Preferences Around Health Information Exchange

PURPOSE Consumer buy-in is important for the success of widespread federal initiatives to promote the use of health information exchange (HIE). Little is known, however, of consumers' preferences around the storing and sharing of electronic health information. We conducted a study to better understand consumer preferences regarding the privacy and security of HIE. METHODS In 2008 we conducted a cross-sectional, random digit dial telephone survey of residents in the Hudson Valley of New York State, a state where patients must affirmatively consent to having their data accessed through HIE. RESULTS There was an 85% response rate (N = 170) for the survey. Most consumers would prefer that permission be obtained before various parties, including their clinician, could view their health information through HIE. Most consumers wanted any method of sharing their health information to have safeguards in place to protect against unauthorized viewing (86%). They also wanted to be able to see who has viewed their information (86%), to stop electronic storage of their data (84%), to stop all viewing (83%), and to select which parts of their health information are shared (78%). Among the approximately one-third (n = 54) of consumers who were uncomfortable with automatic inclusion of their health information in an electronic database for HIE, 78% wished to approve all information explicitly, and most preferred restricting information by clinician (83%), visit (81%), or information type (88%). CONCLUSION Consumers in a state with an opt-in consent policy are interested in having greater control over the privacy and security of their electronic health information. These preferences should be considered when developing and implementing systems, standards and policies.

The Knowledge Gap Hypothesis in Singapore: The Roles of Socioeconomic Status, Mass Media, and Interpersonal Discussion on Public Knowledge of the H1N1 Flu Pandemic

This study applies the knowledge gap hypothesis to examine the direct and interactive influence of socioeconomic status, mass media, and interpersonal discussion on public knowledge of the H1N1 flu pandemic in Singapore. Using a nationally representative random digit-dialing telephone survey of 1,055 adult Singaporeans, results show that attention to newspapers was not associated with a widened knowledge gap about the H1N1 pandemic between the high and low socioeconomic status individuals. Conversely, attention to television news and interpersonal discussion were associated with a narrowed knowledge disparity between the high and low socioeconomic status individuals. Findings suggest that the knowledge gap hypothesis was not supported in this study. Instead, results suggest that attention to television news and interpersonal discussions were associated with a reduced knowledge gap. Household income and risk perceptions were also found to be positively associated with public knowledge about the H1N1 flu pandemic. Both theoretical and practical implications were discussed.

Opinions of Maryland Adults Regarding Communication Practices of Dentists and Staff

Communication practices of dental care providers are especially important to provider–patient and provider–caregiver communication because most patients report that they obtain oral health information from their dentist. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of English-speaking Maryland adults who had a child 6 years and younger in the home about the communication practices of their dentists and staff. Five questions from the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey were included in a random digit dial telephone survey administered in March and April 2010. A total of 803 surveys were completed with adults 18–65 years of age who had a child in their home 6 years of age and younger. Land and cell phones were used. The analysis included frequencies, percentages, chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression. The response rate was 24%. Overall, those with higher levels of education and women were more likely to respond favorably about the communication practices of their dentist and staff. Respondents whose child was insured with Medicaid/State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) were less likely to respond favorably. Medicaid/SCHIP recipients are the individuals with the greatest dental disease and in need of preventive information and regimens for themselves and for their children. Spending time with patients and providing them with accurate information in a manner that patients feel respected and listened to contributes to the patient's ability to understand and act upon this information. Thus, these communication practices are pivotal to increasing oral health literacy and decreasing dental disparities.

Comparison of Men Who Have Sex with Men in Clinical Samples with MSM in a Community Probability Sample

Objective: To compare the demographic characteristics, HIV prevalence, and STD/HIV transmission behaviors among men who have sex with men (MSM) in clinical settings with a community-based sample of MSM.Methods: In 2003, 311 MSM participated in a random digit dial telephone survey in Seattle neighborhoods with high prevalences of MSM. We compared the results with data on MSM residing in the same areas seen at a public health STD clinic (n=523) and HIV testing program (n=310). Results: MSM in the three samples were largely similar in terms of their demographic characteristics, substance use, many aspects of sexual behavior (including unprotected anal intercourse and number of recent male sex partners), HIV testing history, and HIV prevalence. However, MSM in the STD and HIV testing samples were more likely than survey respondents to have had STD. Among HIV negative MSM, 24% of STD clinic patients and 10% of survey respondents were potentially exposed to HIV, i.e., reported unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with a man who was HIV positive or of unknown HIV status (OR, 2.7, 95%CI, 1.7-4.4). Similarly, 50% of HIV positive MSM STD clinic patients were potential HIV transmitters, reporting UAI with a man of negative or unknown status, compared with 31% HIV positive survey respondents (OR, 2.2, 95% CI, 1.0-4.8). Conclusions: MSM seen in STD/HIV clinical settings had higher HIV/STD risk than survey respondents. Nevertheless, clinical samples of MSM may be more broadly representative of urban MSM than previously thought, and remain useful for describing selected aspects of MSM populations.

Do time perspective and sensation-seeking predict quitting activity among smokers? Findings from the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Four Country Survey

Personality factors such as time perspective and sensation-seeking have been shown to predict smoking uptake. However, little is known about the influences of these variables on quitting behavior, and no prior studies have examined the association cross-nationally in a large probability sample. In the current study it was hypothesized that future time perspective would enhance – while sensation-seeking would inhibit – quitting activity among smokers. It was anticipated that the effects would be similar across English speaking countries. Using a prospective cohort design, this cross-national study of adult smokers (N=8845) examined the associations among time perspective, sensation-seeking and quitting activity using the first three waves of data gathered from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey (ITC-4), a random digit dialed telephone survey of adult smokers from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia. Findings revealed that future time perspective (but not sensation-seeking) was a significant predictor of quitting attempts over the 8-month follow-up after adjusting for socio-demographic variables, factors known to inhibit quitting (e.g., perceived addiction, enjoyment of smoking, and perceived value of smoking), and factors known to enhance quitting (e.g., quit intention strength, perceived benefit of quitting, concerns about health effects of smoking). The latter, particularly intention, were significant mediators of the effect of time perspective on quitting activity. The effects of time perspective on quitting activity were similar across all four English speaking countries sampled. If these associations are causal in nature, it may be the case that interventions and health communications that enhance future-orientation may foster more quit attempts among current smokers.

Subliminal Stimulation: What Does the Public Think about It?

Abstract The beliefs and attitudes towards “subliminal” stimulation of 500 adult residents of the City & County of Honolulu were ascertained via a random digit dialing telephone survey. Familiarity with the term “subliminal advertising” was not related to gender but related to education, ethnicity, income, occupation, and age. Respondents expressed different degrees of acceptability for six hypothetical situations which depicted various purported applications of subliminal stimulation. Generally, “pro-social” uses were more acceptable than “user-gain” applications. The degree of awareness did not affect the acceptability rating of “pro-social” uses, but was negatively related to “user-gain” applications. The acceptability of the six hypothetical situations was not significantly related to gender, age, general predisposition towards advertising, and informed consent. However, there were significant differences in the acceptability of the situations as a function of education, occupation, ethnicity, and inc...

Residential property values are associated with obesity among women in King County, WA, USA

Studies of social determinants of weight and health in the US have typically relied on self-reported education and incomes as the two primary measures of socioeconomic status (SES). The assessed value of one's home, an important component of wealth, may be a better measure of the underlying SES construct and a better predictor of obesity. The Seattle Obesity Study (SOS), conducted in 2008–9, was a cross-sectional random digit dial telephone survey of 2001 adults in King County, Washington State, US. Participants' addresses were geocoded and residential property values for each tax parcel were obtained from the county tax assessor's database. Prevalence ratios of obesity by property values, education, and household income were estimated separately for women and men, after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, household size, employment status and home ownership. Among women, the inverse association between property values and obesity was very strong and independent of other SES factors. Women in the bottom quartile of property values were 3.4 times more likely to be obese than women in the top quartile. No association between property values and obesity was observed for men. The present data strengthen the evidence for a social gradient in obesity among women. Property values may represent a novel and objective measure of SES at the individual level in the US. Measures based on tax assessment data will provide a valuable resource for future health studies.

652 PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE AMONG OLDER, COMMUNITY-DWELLING CALIFORNIANS

You have accessJournal of UrologyGeneral & Epidemiological Trends & Socioeconomics: Quality of Life1 Apr 2012652 PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF URINARY INCONTINENCE AMONG OLDER, COMMUNITY-DWELLING CALIFORNIANS Aqsa Khan, Claudia Sevilla, Emily Dubina, Catherine Bresee, Karyn Eilber, and Jennifer Anger Aqsa KhanAqsa Khan Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author , Claudia SevillaClaudia Sevilla Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author , Emily DubinaEmily Dubina Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author , Catherine BreseeCatherine Bresee Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author , Karyn EilberKaryn Eilber Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author , and Jennifer AngerJennifer Anger Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2012.02.732AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Understanding the prevalence and correlates of urinary incontinence (UI) becomes increasingly important as the aging population in the United States grows. UI among community-dwelling adults is associated with an increased risk of nursing home admissions and may be an important predictor of health in older, non-institutionalized adults. In this study we sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of UI among older, community-dwelling Californians by analyzing data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS). METHODS CHIS is a biennial, population-based random digit dialing telephone survey which began in 2001. The CHIS 2003 adult survey included one question for Californians aged 65 and older about UI: “In the past 30 days, have you been incontinent, that is unable to hold or control your urine more than once?” Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted for correlates of UI with respect to demographics, general health, comorbidities, and health behaviors. RESULTS 8,668 individuals aged 65 and older responded. Overall prevalence was 25.4% and 14.5% among females and males respectively. UI was significantly associated with poorer overall health, increased falls, decreased mobility, and other comorbities (see Table). Prevalence increased with age and female gender. After adjusting for other health factors there was no significant association found with level of education, household income, smoking status, or alcohol consumption. Correlate Unadjusted OR (p) 95% CI Adjusted OR (p) 95% CI Self-Described as Poor Health 6.38(<0.001) (4.71,8.37) 3.52(<0.001) (2.53,4.90) Fallen in Past 12 months 2.71(<0.001) (2.23,3.30) 1.75(<0.001) (1.42,2.17) Requires Assistance for Daily Activities 3.91(<0.001) (3.01,5.09) 1.97(<0.001) (1.48,2.63) Overweight/Obese 1.26(0.002) (1.09,1.46) 1.37(<0.001) (1.17,1.60) Heart Disease 1.63(<0.001) (1.39,1.91) 1.39(0.007) (1.07,1.54) Prostate Cancer 1.99(<0.001) (1.39,2.85) 1.53(0.031) (1.04,2.26) Current Hormone Replacement Therapy 1.46(0.001) (1.17,1.81) 1.79(<0.001) (1.43,2.23) CONCLUSIONS UI prevalence among men and women in California parallels that of other population−based studies. CHIS demonstrated that poor health, falls, and decreased mobility are strongly correlated with UI. CHIS data did not find a correlation between UI and smoking after adjusting for other health factors, a debated association in prior studies. © 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 187Issue 4SApril 2012Page: e265-e266 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2012 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Aqsa Khan Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author Claudia Sevilla Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author Emily Dubina Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author Catherine Bresee Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author Karyn Eilber Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author Jennifer Anger Los Angeles, CA More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Introduction to the Special Issue of Articles from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health

Children’s health and well-being can be measured using a variety of metrics. Very often these measures are drawn from data systems which provide primarily national estimates of domain-specific indicators. The National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) is unique among these systems in that it collects information on a comprehensive set of physical, mental and social health indicators among children, their access to and utilization of health services as well as family and community level factors that have been shown to influence health and development. The survey is designed to provide both nationaland state-level estimates which are necessary for the development, implementation, and monitoring of effective health promotion and disease prevention programs for children and their families. As such, the NSCH fills a critical void and is the only data system that provides comparable estimates of children’s health from birth to age 17 across every state in the nation. Reflecting a sustained commitment on the part of the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the 2007 NSCH is the second such effort, building on the success of the first NSCH in 2003 to collect accurate and timely information on the health and wellbeing of children and their families with a third round of the NSCH (2011) soon to be publicly available. The 2007 NSCH not only provides updated estimates of child health at both national and state levels but, coupled with the 2003 NSCH, also provides the capacity to evaluate national, regional, and state trends as well as the impact of federal and state-level programs and policies. The 2007 NSCH was fielded between April 2007 and July 2008 yielding 91,642 completed child-level interviews across the United States including 1,700–1,900 interviews in each State. Consistent with the original NSCH in 2003, the survey was conducted as a module of the State and Local Area Integrated Telephone Survey Program (SLAITS) which utilizes the sampling frame of the National Immunization Survey (NIS). The NIS is a random-digit dial telephone survey that uses computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) technology to contact and interview households. In order to identify eligible subjects, households were screened for the presence of a child under the age of 18 years; if more than one child resided in the household, one was randomly selected to be the subject of the interview. Respondents were adults knowledgeable about the child’s health. In nearly three-quarters of interviews this was the child’s mother while 20.5 % of the remaining interviews were conducted with the child’s father, 4.2 % were conducted with a grandparent and 1.8 % with other relatives or guardians. Interviews were conducted in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Korean. Overall, 5.3 % of interviews were conducted in Spanish and 0.2 % were conducted in one of the four Asian languages [1]. The overall response rate was 51.2 % and the interview completion rate was 66.0 % for all households with children [2]. Similar to the 2003 survey, the 2007 NSCH contained ‘‘core’’ survey items in several domains, including: health and functional status, health care financing, access and The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Health Resources and Services Administration of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Care Coordination for the Chronically Ill: Understanding the Patient's Perspective

To identify factors associated with perception of care coordination problems among chronically ill patients. Patient-level data were obtained from a random-digit dial telephone survey of adults with chronic conditions. The survey measured respondents' self-report of care coordination problems and level of patient activation, using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13). Logistic regression was used to assess association between respondents' self-report of care coordination problems and a set of patient characteristics. Respondents in the highest activation stage had roughly 30-40 percent lower odds of reporting care coordination problems compared to those in the lowest stage (p < .01). Respondents with multiple chronic conditions were significantly more likely to report coordination problems than those with hypertension only. Respondents' race/ethnicity, employment, insurance status, income, and length of illness were not significantly associated with self-reported care coordination problems. We conclude that patient activation and complexity of chronic illness are strongly associated with patients' self-report of care coordination problems. Developing targeted strategies to improve care coordination around these patient characteristics may be an effective way to address the issue.

A medical risk attitude subscale for DOSPERT

AbstractBackground: The Domain-Specific Risk Taking scale (DOSPERT) is a widely used instrument that measures perceived risk and benefit and attitude toward risk for activities in several domains, but does not include medical risks.Objective: To develop a medical risk domain subscale for DOSPERT.Methods: Sixteen candidate risk items were developed through expert discussion. We conducted cognitive telephone interviews, an online survey, and a random-digit dialing (RDD) telephone survey to reduce and refine the scale, explore its factor structure, and obtain estimates of reliability.Participants: Eight patients recruited from UIC medical center waiting rooms participated in 45-60 minute cognitive interviews. Thirty Amazon Mechanical Turk workers completed the online survey. One hundred Chicago-area residents completed the RDD telephone survey.Results: On the basis of cognitive interviews, we eliminated five items due to poor variance or participant misunderstanding. The online survey suggested that two additional items were negatively correlated with the scale, and we considered them candidates for removal. Factor analysis of the responses in the RDD telephone survey and non-statistical factors led us to recommend a final set of 6 items to represent the medical risk domain. The final set of items included blood donation, kidney donation, daily medication use for allergies, knee replacement surgery, general anesthesia in dentistry, and clinical trial participation. The interitem reliability (Cronbach’s α) of the final set of 6 items ranged from 0.57-0.59 depending on the response task. Older respondents gave lower overall ratings of expected benefit from the activities.Conclusion: We refined a set of items to measure risk and benefit perceptions for medical activities. Our next step will be to add these items to the complete DOSPERT scale, confirm the scale’s psychometric properties, determine whether medical risks constitute a psychologically distinct domain from other risky activities, and characterize individual differences in medical risk attitudes.

Hesitation to Seek Gambling-related Treatment Among Ontario Problem Gamblers

This study aimed to examine barriers in seeking help for gambling problems. A random digit dialing telephone survey was conducted among adults in Ontario, Canada. Respondents meeting criteria for possible past year gambling problems were asked an open-ended question on why they might hesitate once they had decided to seek help. Of 556 eligible respondents, 47% asserted they would not hesitate to seek help. The most frequently identified possible reasons for hesitation were shame, difficulty acknowledging the problem, and treatment-related issues. Younger gamblers and those with higher problem severity, self-perception of a gambling problem, and past treatment experience were more likely to volunteer shame and treatment-related issues. Gamblers with lower problem severity, no self-perception of a gambling problem, and no history of help seeking more frequently said they would not hesitate to seek help. However, among problem/pathological gamblers, 49% did not self-perceive even a moderate gambling problem; they were more likely than self-perceived problem gamblers in this high severity group to predict no hesitation. In addition to revealing perceived and objective factors that impede help seeking for gambling problems, the identification of possible barriers may indicate, among some disordered gamblers, awareness of gambling problems and consideration given to possible actions. Both tackling barriers and enhancing problem awareness are necessary components of strategies to provide accessible and timely assistance to those with gambling problems.