BACKGROUND: The majority of older adults have 2 or more chronic conditions and among patients with diabetes, 40% have at least three. OBJECTIVE: We sought to understand how the number, type, and severity of comorbidities influence diabetes patients’ self-management and treatment priorities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observation study. PATIENTS: A total of 1,901 diabetes patients who responded… Continue reading Beyond comorbidity counts: How do comorbidity type and severity influence diabetes patients’ treatment priorities and self-management?
Keyword: Cross-sectional Study
How does feeling informed relate to being informed? the DECISIONS survey
Background. An important part of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care is making sure patients are informed about decisions regarding their health care. The objective was to examine whether patients' perceptions about how informed they were about common medical decisions are related to their ability to answer various knowledge questions. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted November… Continue reading How does feeling informed relate to being informed? the DECISIONS survey
Race, ethnicity, and shared decision making for hyperlipidemia and hypertension treatment: The DECISIONS survey
Background. Racial/ethnic differences in shared decision making about cardiovascular risk-reduction therapy could affect health disparities. Objective. To investigate whether patient race/ethnicity is associated with experiences discussing cardiovascular risk-reduction therapy with health care providers. Setting. National sample of US adults identified by random-digit dialing. Design. Cross-sectional survey conducted in November 2006 to May 2007. Participants. Among… Continue reading Race, ethnicity, and shared decision making for hyperlipidemia and hypertension treatment: The DECISIONS survey
Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of neighborhood characteristics with inflammatory markers: Findings from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis
We investigated cross-sectional associations of neighborhood deprivation, problems, safety, and cohesion with circulating levels of fibrinogen, interleukin-6, and C-reactive protein (n=5370) and longitudinal associations with changes in IL-6 over a 3-4 year period (n=946). In cross-sectional analyses, higher levels of neighborhood deprivation and problems were associated with higher levels of all three inflammatory markers, whereas… Continue reading Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of neighborhood characteristics with inflammatory markers: Findings from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis
The influence of persistent pathogens on circulating levels of inflammatory markers: A cross-sectional analysis from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Background: Systemic inflammation is linked to cardiovascular risk, but the influence of persistent pathogens, which are conventionally dichotomously categorized, on circulating levels of inflammatory markers is not clear. Antibody levels of pathogens have not been examined in relation to inflammation. Methods. Using data from a subsample of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, we examined circulating… Continue reading The influence of persistent pathogens on circulating levels of inflammatory markers: A cross-sectional analysis from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Decision-making processes for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer screening: The DECISIONS survey
Background. Patients should understand the risks and benefits of cancer screening in order to make informed screening decisions. Objectives. To evaluate the extent of informed decision making in patient-provider discussions for colorectal (CRC), breast (BrCa), and prostate (PCa) cancer screening. Setting. National sample of US adults identified by random-digit dialing. Design. Cross-sectional survey conducted between… Continue reading Decision-making processes for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer screening: The DECISIONS survey
Perceived risk of cancer and patient reports of participation in decisions about screening: The DECISIONS study
Background. Health behavior theories suggest that high perceived risk for cancer will be associated with screening, but few studies have examined how perceived risk relates to the screening decision process. Objective. To examine relationships between perceived risk of cancer and behaviors during decision making for 3 screening tests. Design. Cross-sectional survey conducted between November 2006… Continue reading Perceived risk of cancer and patient reports of participation in decisions about screening: The DECISIONS study
Use of the Internet and ratings of information sources for medical decisions: Results from the DECISIONS survey
Background. The rise in Internet use for seeking health information raises questions about the role the Internet may play in how patients make medical decisions. Objective. To examine Internet use and perceived importance of different sources of information by patients making 9 specific medical decisions covering prescription medication initiation, cancer screening, and elective surgery. Setting.… Continue reading Use of the Internet and ratings of information sources for medical decisions: Results from the DECISIONS survey