Fundamentals of Epidemiology for the Audiologist

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Peter Torre ◽  
Kelly M. Reavis
Keyword(s):  
Epidemiologic Study ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Health Care Practice ◽  
Measures Of Association ◽  
Practice Recommendations ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Hearing Health ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of disease and other health-related events in populations. An understanding of epidemiology among audiologists is important for ear and hearing health care practice. This tutorial presents an overview of the fundamental concepts of epidemiology for the practicing audiologist and audiology students. Method The authors provide an overview of epidemiology and focus on its applicability to audiology. The most common epidemiologic study designs, measures of occurrence, and measures of association are highlighted and discussed. Concepts related to p values, confidence intervals, confounding, and bias are introduced. Finally, the authors discuss screening as a means to control adverse hearing health outcomes. Conclusions Epidemiologic approaches are of value to the audiologist involved in the evidence-based decision processes of planning, monitoring, and treating individuals with ear and hearing problems. For audiologists to make practice recommendations based on epidemiologic data, they need insight into epidemiologic study design and interpretation of data from these studies. Understanding the fundamentals of epidemiology and applying epidemiologic principles to the clinical practice of audiology can increase the quality of care individuals receive.

scholarly journals Cross-sectional study evaluating the association between integrated care and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in Dutch primary care

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. e040781
Author(s):  
Pim P Valentijn ◽  
Marcel Kerkhoven ◽  
Jantien Heideman ◽  
Rosa Arends
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Primary Care Practice ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Practice Population ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association between integrated care and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a primary care practice population.DesignA cross-sectional survey study.SettingPrimary care practice population.ParticipantsA sample (n=5562) of patients in two general practitioner practices in the Netherlands.Primary outcome measuresThe Rainbow Model of Integrated Care Measurement Tool patient version and EQ-5D was used to assess integrated service delivery and HRQOL. The association between integrated care and HRQOL groups was analysed using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsOverall, 933 respondents with a mean age of 62 participated (20% response rate) in this study. The multivariate analysis revealed that positive organisational coordination experiences were linked to better HRQOL (OR=1.87, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.95), and less anxiety and depression problems (OR=0.36, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.63). Unemployment was associated with a poor HRQOL (OR=0.15, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.28). Ageing was associated with more mobility (OR=1.06, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.09), self-care (OR=1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.11), usual activity (OR=1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05) and pain problems (OR=1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.04). Being married improved the overall HRQOL (OR=1.60, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.26) and decreased anxiety and depression (OR=0.47, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.72). Finally, females had a poor overall HRQOL (OR=1.67, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.93) and more pain and discomfort problems (OR=1.47, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.95).ConclusionThis study shows for the first time that organisational coordination activities are positively associated with HROQL of adult patients in a primary care context, adding to the evidence of an association between integrated care and HRQOL. Also, unemployment, ageing and being female are accumulating risk factors that should be considered when designing integrated primary care programmes. Further research is needed to explore how various integration types relate to HRQOL for people in local communities.

scholarly journals Uncovering the heterogeneity of disease impact in axial spondyloarthritis: bivariate trajectories of disease activity and quality of life

RMD Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. e000755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maike Imkamp ◽  
Valéria Lima Passos ◽  
Annelies Boonen ◽  
Suzanne Arends ◽  
Maxime Dougados ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Disease Activity ◽  
Axial Spondyloarthritis ◽  
International Study ◽  
High Impact ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Insight Into

ObjectiveThe goal of managing axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is to improve and maintain patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mainly through targeting towards low disease activity. Here, we aim to gain insight into the joint evolution of HRQoL and disease activity by identifying and characterising latent subgroups of patients with longstanding disease displaying similar trajectories throughout 8  years of follow-up.MethodsData from Outcome in Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) International Study (n=161) and Groningen Leeuwarden AS cohort (n=264) were used. Biennially, HRQoL was assessed by AS Quality of Life (ASQoL) and disease activity by AS Disease Activity Score—C reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP). Bivariate trajectories of these outcomes were estimated by group-based trajectory modelling. Next, trajectories were profiled by comparing the latent groups with respect to baseline factors using analysis of variance and χ² test.ResultsFive bivariate trajectories were distinguished, in which ASQoL and ASDAS-CRP were tightly linked: (t1) low impact of disease; (t2) moderate impact; (t3) high impact with major improvement; (t4) high impact with some improvement; (t5) very high impact. Profiling revealed, for example, that (t1) was characterised by male gender and Human Leucocyte Antigen B27 positivity; (t3) by younger age, shorter symptom duration and biological intake and (t5) by the highest proportion of females.ConclusionsWe identified five bivariate trajectories of HRQoL and disease activity demonstrating a clear mutual relationship. The profiles revealed that both individual-related and disease-related features define the type of disease course in respect to HRQoL and disease activity in axSpA. This may provide clinicians insight into the differences among patients and help in the management of the disease.

Insight into health-related quality of life of young children with haemophilia B treated with long-acting nonacog beta pegol recombinant factor IX

Haemophilia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. e222-e224 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Carcao ◽  
S. Kearney ◽  
E. Santagostino ◽  
J. O. O. Oyesiku ◽  
N. L. Young ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Factor Ix ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Recombinant Factor Ix ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Long Acting ◽  
Insight Into

Standardizing Methodologies for Economic Evaluation in Health Care: Practice, Problems, and Potential

1993 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Drummond ◽  
Arno Brandt ◽  
Bryan Luce ◽  
Joan Rovira
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Economic Evaluation ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Scientific Quality ◽  
Health Care Practice ◽  
Health Care Interventions ◽  
Analytical Work ◽  
Care Decision

AbstractThere has been an exponential growth in the literature on economic evaluation in health care. As the range and quality of analytical work has improved, economic studies are becoming more influential with health care decision makers. The development of standards for economic evaluation methods would help maintain the scientific quality of studies, facilitate the comparison of economic evaluation results for different health care interventions, and assist in the interpretation of results from setting to setting. However, standardization might unnecessarily stifle methodological developments. This paper reviews the arguments for and against standardization, assesses attempts to date, outlines the main areas of agreement and disagreement on methods for economic evaluation, and makes recommendations for further work.

Epidemiology 2: Study Design

2010 ◽  
pp. 47-58
Author(s):  
Muktar H. Aliyu
Keyword(s):  
Study Design ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Epidemiologic Study ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Study Designs ◽  
Based Medicine

The usefulness of evidence arising from scientific research is influenced by several factors, and foremost among these factors is the design of the epidemiologic study from which the findings are drawn. In evidence-based medicine, the quality of scientific evidence is often graded on the base of the type of study design and includes appraisal of methods by which studies of exposure and outcomes are planned and implemented. Several factors must be considered when designing a scientific study, including the hypothesis being tested, study cost, time frame, subject characteristics, choice of variables or measurements, and ethical concerns. In this chapter, the different types of study designs commonly encountered in clinical research, common measures of morbidity and mortality in epidemiology, and errors (random and systematic) that may threaten conclusions derived from inferences arising from epidemiologic studies are discussed.

Australian Adult Consumers’ Beliefs About Plant Foods: A Qualitative Study

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 795-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma Lea ◽  
Anthony Worsley ◽  
David Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Environmental Benefits ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Community Group ◽  
Plant Foods ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Insight Into

This exploratory qualitative study examined consumers’ perceived barriers and benefits of plant food (fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds) consumption and views on the promotion of these foods. Ten focus groups were conducted in Melbourne, Australia. Groups consisted of employees of various workplaces, community group members, university students, and inner-city residents. Health-related benefits predominated, particularly relating to the properties of plant foods (e.g., vitamins). Taste, variety, versatility, and environmental benefits were also considered important. The main barriers to eating plant foods were lack of knowledge and skills and length of preparation time. The poor quality of plant foods was also an issue for consumers. Awareness of the promotion of plant foods was generally high. Participants noted that promotions require a stronger practical emphasis with a focus on quick, easy-to-prepare foods and meals. These findings provide insight into effective ways to promote a higher consumption of plant foods.

scholarly journals Nurse competencies for health promotion in the mental health context

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (spe2) ◽  
pp. 157-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Isis Freire de Aguiar ◽  
Hélder de Pádua Lima ◽  
Violante Augusta Batista Braga ◽  
Priscila de Souza Aquino ◽  
Ana Karina Bezerra Pinheiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Professional Competence ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Health Care Practice ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Health Care Delivery Systems

OBJECTIVE: To identify the competencies of nurses to health promotion in psychiatric and mental health context. METHODS: Integrative review of literature performed through search using the keywords: "mental health" and "professional competence", in the databases SciELO, LILACS, CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane, in the period of 2003 to 2011. 215 studies were identified, of these, six followed the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Based on the National Panel for Psychiatric Mental Health NP Competencies, the competencies were identified on the evaluated studies: Monitoring and ensuring the quality of health care practice, management of patient health/illness status, cultural competence, managing and negotiating health care delivery systems, the nurse practitioner-patient relationship. CONCLUSION: The studies analysis evidenced the need for education and training so that nurses may develop the competencies of health promotion in diverse psychiatric care and mental health contexts, in order to broaden knowledge and skills.

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