UK Normative Data Research Articles

The relationship between birth satisfaction, posttraumatic stress disorder and postnatal depression symptoms in Croatian women.

Studies show that a woman's dissatisfaction with her birth experience may affect her well-being. This study aimed to examine: (1) the birth satisfaction in Croatian women and compare it with UK normative data; (2) the association of different dimensions of birth satisfaction with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms. In a cross-sectional online study, 603 postnatal Croatian women completed the Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised (subscales: Stress experienced during labour (SL), Women's personal attributes (WA), and Quality of care provision (QC)); City Birth Trauma Scale (subscales: Birth-related symptoms and General symptoms); and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Subscale and total scale scores were calculated. Path analysis tested the model of three aspects of birth satisfaction effect on PTSD dimensions and depressive symptoms. The average birth satisfaction score was significantly lower compared to the UK data on the total scale and all three subscale scores. Path analysis revealed that all three dimensions of birth satisfaction (SL, WA, and QC) had an effect on Birth-related symptoms. However, only Women's personal attributes (i.e., feeling anxiety or being in control during childbirth) had an effect on General symptoms and depressive symptoms, as well. Different aspects of birth satisfaction are important for maternal mental health following childbirth.

Cognitive impairment and health-related quality of life following traumatic brain injury.

Cognitive impairment is a common and disabling consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) but its impact on health-related quality of life is not well understood. To investigate the relationship between cognitive impairment and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after TBI. Retrospective, cross-sectional study of a specialist TBI outpatient clinic patient sample. Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Tool - Revised (ACE-R), and SF-36 quality of life, Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaires. 240 adults were assessed: n = 172 (71.7%) moderate-severe, 41 (23.8%) mild, 27 (11.3%) symptomatic TBI, 174 (72.5%) male, median age (range): 44 (22-91) years. TBI patients reported poorer scores on all domains of SF-36 compared to age-matched UK normative data. Cognitively impaired patients reported poorer HRQoL on the physical, social role and emotional role functioning, and mental health domains. Cognitive impairment predicted poorer HRQoL on the social and emotional role functioning domains, independently of depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance, daytime sleepiness and TBI severity. Mediation analysis revealed that the effect of depressive symptoms on the emotional role functioning domain of HRQoL was partially mediated by cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive impairment is associated with worse health-related quality of life after TBI and partially mediates the effect of depressive symptoms on emotional role functioning.

A benchmarking and comparative analysis of emotional intelligence in student and qualified radiographers: an international study.

IntroductionEmotional intelligence (EI) has been identified as an important trait for healthcare students and healthcare professionals alike and is a predictor of improved work performance and patient satisfaction. In this paper, we benchmark an international cohort of radiography students and compare their scores to those of known qualified practitioner and normative data.Methods EI scores were at commencement from radiography degree programmes at four universities in Australia, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom using the short form of the trait EI questionnaire (TEIQue‐SF), which yields a Global score and four sub‐factors. In total 293 students chose to participate.ResultsFor the Australian combined Irish and UK groups, there were significant differences in Global EI and three of the four sub‐factors between students and qualified radiographers (Australia: students = 5.01, qualified = 5.27; P ≤ 0.01) (Irish/UK students = 5.04, qualified = 5.28; P ≤ 0.01). When compared to the UK normative data, there was a significant difference for Global EI between the UK students and the UK norm data set (students = 4.71, normative = 4.99; P ≤ 0.01).ConclusionThis study provides benchmarking data for an international radiography student group. The clear differences of higher EI scores for qualified practicing radiographers when compared to student score opens discussion of the impact of academic and clinical practicum as a contributing factor in EI skills development.

Normative data for the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is widely used in both research and clinical contexts. However, UK normative data from HADS remain limited. In our recent review of the literature, only six reports from four studies were identified as reporting UK normative data and all had limitations. The aim of our study was to use a large population-based dataset to address this. The Epidemiology of Functional Disorders Study is a large longitudinal population-based study carried out in Northwest England. All adults aged between 25 and 65 years registered with three general practices were sent a self-completion questionnaire which contained the HADS and other health-related instruments. Scores were calculated for participants completing all items on each sub-scale (anxiety 6,189 participants and depression 6,198 participants). Scores are presented by gender and by 5-year age groups. Percentile scores were also generated. The median anxiety score was higher in women [6, interquartile range (IQR) 4-9] than in men (5, IQR 2-8) and increased with age in both groups. The median depression score for both women and men was 3 (IQR 1-6). Our study is the largest population-based study providing UK normative data from the HADS. While our data confirm some of the normative data reported previously, subtle and important differences emerged, particularly at the upper end of the percentile scores. Due to the nature of our study design and the number of participants sampled, we believe that our data are likely to be more representative of the UK population than existing published normative values.

Health-related utility values of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome and its predictors

ObjectivesEuroQoL-5 dimension (EQ-5D) is a standardised preference-based tool for measurement of health-related quality of life and EQ-5D utility values can be converted to quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to aid cost-utility...

FRI0448 Evaluating health status of 620 patients with primary sjÖgren’s syndrome using EQ-5D

BackgroundEQ-5D is a standardised tool for measurement of health status and is an increasingly popular health-related quality of life instrument but has not been applied to patients with primary Sjögren’s...

Population health status of South Asian and African-Caribbean communities in the United Kingdom

BackgroundPopulation health status scores are routinely used to inform economic evaluation and evaluate the impact of disease and/or treatment on health. It is unclear whether the health status in black and minority ethnic groups are comparable to these population health status data. The aim of this study was to evaluate health-status in South Asian and African-Caribbean populations.MethodsCross-sectional study recruiting participants aged ≥ 45 years (September 2006 to July 2009) from 20 primary care centres in Birmingham, United Kingdom.10,902 eligible subjects were invited, 5,408 participated (49.6%). 5,354 participants had complete data (49.1%) (3442 South Asian and 1912 African-Caribbean). Health status was assessed by interview using the EuroQoL EQ-5D.ResultsThe mean EQ-5D score in South Asian participants was 0.91 (standard deviation (SD) 0.18), median score 1 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.848 to 1) and in African-Caribbean participants the mean score was 0.92 (SD 0.18), median 1 (IQR 1 to 1). Compared with normative data from the UK general population, substantially fewer African-Caribbean and South Asian participants reported problems with mobility, usual activities, pain and anxiety when stratified by age resulting in higher average health status estimates than those from the UK population. Multivariable modelling showed that decreased health-related quality of life (HRQL) was associated with increased age, female gender and increased body mass index. A medical history of depression, stroke/transient ischemic attack, heart failure and arthritis were associated with substantial reductions in HRQL.ConclusionsThe reported HRQL of these minority ethnic groups was substantially higher than anticipated compared to UK normative data. Participants with chronic disease experienced significant reductions in HRQL and should be a target for health intervention.

Individual differences and preference for dietary fat using the Fat Preference Questionnaire© in a UK sample

Dietary fat is a fundamental contributor to the selection of food largely due to its pleasant orosensory characteristics. Consequently high fat foods are often over eaten leading to weight gain and in severe cases, obesity. This paper presents two studies investigating preference for fat. Study 1 is a large-scale questionnaire study which produced both UK normative data for the Fat Preference Questionnaire© and the first normative data for males. The results suggest that the Fat Preference Questionnaire© is a reliable and valid measure of fat preference in a UK population, although some changes to the measure are recommended. Female data was found to closely mirror the existing US data. Sex differences were established in scores of preference for high fat foods and quantities eaten. Study 2 investigated the extent to which individual difference in eating behaviour, body mass and personality predict preference for dietary fat. High scores in Dietary Restraint were found to be the best predictor of high fat intake, especially dietary restraint specific to fat. Personality weakly predicted preference for dietary fat, and high BMI was associated with high intake of fat.

Cognitive function in 6- to 12-year-old offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes

Maternal diabetes is a recognized risk factor for congenital malformation, perinatal morbidity and obesity in later childhood. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of maternal diabetes on cognitive function in offspring. Participants were 6- to 12-year-old offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes. All women received their antenatal care and delivered at one university hospital. HbA(1c) was monitored monthly throughout pregnancy and cognitive function was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, version 4. We present results in 40 offspring. There was no difference in overall full-scale IQ compared with UK normative data. However, working memory was poorer than other parts of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children version 4 test and significantly lower compared with UK normative data [8.4 (2.2) vs. 10.1 (3.2), P < 0.01]. We found no correlation between measurement of digit span or HbA(1c) at any stage during pregnancy (r = -0.225 to 0.002), gestational age at delivery (r = -0.178) or infant birthweight ratio (r = -0.176). There was no relationship between working memory score and maternal hypoglycaemia episodes or maternal duration of diabetes. Comparing infants born before (n = 9) or after 37 weeks' gestation, digit span was non-significantly lower [7.9 (1.8) vs. 8.6 (2.4)]. These results suggest offspring of women with Type 1 diabetes have normal overall cognitive function but poorer working memory. We have been unable to identify specific risk factors. Further larger studies are required to increase the understanding of this memory defect and identify any modifiable risk factors.

The PTT-20: UK normative data for 5- to 11-year-olds on a 20-item past-tense task

Grammatical morphology, particularly the use of the past tense in English, has been identified as a behavioural marker for specific language impairment. However, there is a dearth of instruments that assess key verb features, are short and easy to administer for clinical use, and have normative data for the UK population. The present study aimed to develop a short version of a past-tense task (named the PTT-20) and to provide UK normative data for a large control sample of primary school-age children. The task consisted of 20 items taken from a well-known 52-item task developed by Marchman, Wulfeck, and Ellis Weismer in 1999, retaining the key features and variety of verbs of the original design. It was administered to 424 typically developing children aged 5;0 to 11;6 years. The short version reduced administration time by two-thirds to around 5-8 minutes. Normative data revealed developmental progression in performance throughout the primary school years, with the task exhibiting ceiling effects in 29% of children by age 11 years. Expected and impaired performance indicators are presented by age band, that is, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 years. Comparisons between identified children with specific language impairment and typically developing children revealed significant differences in performance. The PTT-20 correlated highly with the full 52-item task and had good internal consistency. The PTT-20 can be a useful tool in the identification and assessment of young school-age children with suspected language difficulties. It can also be used in research and practice as a benchmark against which to compare the ability of children with identified language impairments.

Psychopathological screening of children with ADHD: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in a pan-European study

To examine the psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) parent version and to determine the effects of age, gender, country and investigator type (paediatrician, child psychiatrist, other physician) on the SDQ scores in the prospective, non-interventional ADORE study. The SDQ was completed for 1,459 children with ADHD (aged 6-18 years) in 10 European countries. Factor analysis provided an exact replication of the original 5-factor SDQ subscale structure. All subscales were sufficiently homogeneous. The mean total difficulties and SDQ subscale scores of the ADORE sample clearly differed from UK normative data. Younger children were more impaired on different SDQ scales than older children, and girls were more emotionally affected than boys. Differences between countries were found for each SDQ scale, but the investigator type had no significant effect. Correlation coefficients between SDQ scales and other scales used in ADORE ranged from low (r<0.30) to high (r>0.50). The present study confirmed the validity and reliability of the parent-reported SDQ scale structure and showed that the scale scores are dependent on age and gender. In contrast to investigator type, different cultures had a significant effect on SDQ scores. Correlations with other scales used in the ADORE study underline both separate domains and meaningful associations.

Growth in children with Helicobacter pylori infection and dyspepsia

Aims: To compare the height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) of children presenting with dyspeptic symptoms and Helicobacter pylori infection, to those with dyspepsia but without the infection. Methods:...

Health status in patients with sub-clinical hypothyroidism

Sub-clinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common disorder. People with this condition may have symptoms which could affect their perception of health. Therefore, the perceived health status of people with SCH was assessed and compared with population-matched norms. A prospective cross-sectional survey. Seventy-one adults with SCH, age range 18-64 years were studied. Perceived health status was measured by the Short Form-36 (SF-36) version 2 questionaire, which has been validated in a UK population setting. The SF-36 has eight scales measuring physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional and mental health. Their SF-36 scores were compared with UK normative data after matching for age and sex and are reported as z-scores. Scores of all eight SF-36 scales were significantly lower in people with SCH compared with the normative population. A negative score (compared with zero of the normative population) indicates worse health status. The most significantly impaired aspects of health status were vitality and role limitations due to physical problems (role physical scale) with z-scores (95% confidence intervals) of -1.01 (-0.74 to -1.29) and -0.73 (-0.43 to -1.04) respectively. Thyroid autoimmunity did not influence the results. Perceived health status is significantly impaired in people with SCH when compared with UK normative population scores. This needs to be taken into consideration by clinicians when managing patients with this disease.

The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS): normative data and latent structure in a large non-clinical sample.

To provide UK normative data for the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and test its convergent, discriminant and construct validity. Cross-sectional, correlational and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The DASS was administered to a non-clinical sample, broadly representative of the general adult UK population (N = 1,771) in terms of demographic variables. Competing models of the latent structure of the DASS were derived from theoretical and empirical sources and evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. Correlational analysis was used to determine the influence of demographic variables on DASS scores. The convergent and discriminant validity of the measure was examined through correlating the measure with two other measures of depression and anxiety (the HADS and the sAD), and a measure of positive and negative affectivity (the PANAS). The best fitting model (CFI =.93) of the latent structure of the DASS consisted of three correlated factors corresponding to the depression, anxiety and stress scales with correlated error permitted between items comprising the DASS subscales. Demographic variables had only very modest influences on DASS scores. The reliability of the DASS was excellent, and the measure possessed adequate convergent and discriminant validity Conclusions: The DASS is a reliable and valid measure of the constructs it was intended to assess. The utility of this measure for UK clinicians is enhanced by the provision of large sample normative data.

Assessing health-related quality-of-life in patients with severe haemophilia A and B

Severe haemophilia is a chronically disabling and painful condition but treatment may modify progression of the disease and consequently health-related quality-of-life (HR-QoL). In order to assess HR-QoL in patients with severe haemophilia A and B, 99 patients received MOS Short Form 36 (SF-36) and EuroQol (EQ-5D) questionnaires. The relationships between responses from both questionnaires, HIV status, age, orthopaedic history and the number of bleeds patients had experienced in the previous year were examined. Scores from both questionnaires were also compared to appropriate UK normative data. The final analysis was based on 70 and 71 SF-36 and Euroqol questionnaires, respectively. Age aside, none of the clinical variables were found to be statistically significant predictors of health-related quality-of-life (HR-QoL). However, results from both questionnaires clearly showed that compared to the general population these patients with severe haemophilia are experiencing significantly lower levels of HR-QoL irrespective of differences in age.