Advice and Care for Headaches: Who Seeks it, Who Gives it?

Cephalalgia ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (9) ◽  
pp. 740-752 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Thomas ◽  
HF Boardman ◽  
H Ogden ◽  
DS Millson ◽  
PR Croft

Using data from a cross-sectional survey and a prospective record linkage study the aims of this study were to: (i) determine sources of advice and care for headaches in a population survey of adults, and (ii) investigate prospectively the influences of headaches on general practice consultation in a 12-month follow-up of the responders to the population survey. A population based cross-sectional survey was mailed to 4885 adults (aged ≥ 18 years) with an adjusted response rate of 56% ( n = 2662). The main outcome measures of interest were (i) self-report advice and care-seeking in the survey (ii) consultation with general practitioner for headache and for other conditions in 12-month period subsequent to the survey. Reporting a recent GP consultation for headache was associated with younger age (mean: 46 vs 48 years), female gender (68% vs 60%), and greater headache severity as measured by frequency, pain, and associated disability. The commonest sources of advice and care in the past were GPs (27%), opticians (21%), and pharmacists (8%). Consultations for headache were not common in the 12-months following the survey ( n = 144); however, those reporting a recent headache were almost 4 times more likely to consult subsequently with a headache than those not (relative risk; 95% CI: 3.7; 1.9, 7.0). Recent reporting of headache was also associated with an increased risk of consulting for mental disorders (1.7; 1.2, 2.6), diseases of the digestive (1.6; 1.1, 2.3) and respiratory system (1.4; 1.1, 1.8), and a decreased risk of consulting for circulatory diseases (0.8; 0.7, 1.0). Only a minority of headache sufferers consult their GP, regardless of severity, with opticians and pharmacists being other important sources of information. Headache appears to have an additional impact upon GP workload through increased rates of consultations for nonheadache conditions amongst headache sufferers. The interesting findings regarding rates of consultation for digestive and circulatory conditions amongst headache sufferers may be linked to the use of headache medication.

Author(s):  
Gunn Pungpapong ◽  
Rasmon Kalayasiri

Objective: To assess prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and stress among adolescents experiencing lockdown during the 2019 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in both Asian and Western countries. Material and Methods: From May-June 2020, secondary school students were enrolled in an online cross-sectional survey, through social media; including, but not limited to, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp and LINE. We assessed the presence and severity of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7) and stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10) within the last month, and assessed significant associations with demographics, degree of social distancing, and other associated issues using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results: From 392 respondents (56.4% male, 43.1% female), from Thailand (59.2%), the United Kingdom (26.5%) and other countries (14.3%), we identified depressive symptoms in 58.7%, anxiety in 40.3% and high levels of stress in 9.7%. By multivariate analysis, we found significant associations between being female and depression and anxiety, being in late secondary school years and depression, and changes in patterns of substance use and anxiety and stress. Participants not located in Thailand had increased risk of depression.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated depression, anxiety and stress in six, four and one out of ten adolescents, respectively, who were experiencing lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found female gender, older school years, and changes in substance use patterns to be significantly associated with these mental health conditions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azam Baheiraei ◽  
Elham Khoori ◽  
Robert M. Weiler ◽  
Fazlollah Ahmadi ◽  
Abbas Rahimi Foroshani ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Adolescent health concerns are an important source of information that should be considered when planning school and community health promotion policies, programs and services. Adolescence is a critical period of human development and the health concerns of adolescents can point to important issues that may be eclipsed by epidemiologic and other clinical sources of information. This study aimed to assess the health concerns of adolescents living in Tehran, Iran and to examine associations between selected demographics and the health concerns reported by participants. Methods: This study was a population-based cross-sectional survey in 2011. Data were collected from a stratified random cluster sample of 915 adolescents, aged 14–18 years, living in Tehran, using the Persian version of the Adolescent Health Concern Inventory (AHCI-P). The data were analyzed using the χ2, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests and logistic regression analysis. Results: The mean numbers of health concerns in girls and boys were 48 (±27.6) and 44.5 (±27.4) respectively. The highest ranking health concern subscale for both girls and boys was The Future, and “being successful” was endorsed as the most prominent concern in the subscale. Female (OR: 1.42, CI 95%: 1.08–1.87), mother’s educational level (OR: 2.23, CI 95%: 1.07–4.65) and living in northern (OR: 1.76, CI 95%: 1.13–2.74) and western (OR: 2.02, CI 95%: 1.30–3.16) regions of Tehran were significant predictors of a higher level of health concerns. Conclusion: Findings can be used to inform school and public health promotion policies, programs and supportive services designed to improve the overall health and well-being of adolescents.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Ulrich ◽  
Eva Grill ◽  
Virginia L. Flanagin

AbstractWhen we think of our family and friends, we probably know someone who is good at finding their way and someone else that easily get lost. We still know little about the biological and environmental factors that influence our navigational ability. Here, we investigated the frequency and sociodemographic determinants of wayfinding and their association with vestibular function in a representative cross-sectional sample (N = 783) of the adult German-speaking population. Wayfinding was assessed using the Wayfinding Strategy Scale, a self-report scale that produces two scores for each participant representing to what degree they rely on route-based or orientation (map-based) strategies. We were interested in the following research questions: (1) the frequency and determinants of wayfinding strategies in a population-based representative sample, (2) the relationship between vestibular function and strategy choice and (3) how sociodemographic factors influence general wayfinding ability as measured using a combined score from both strategy scores. Our linear regression models showed that being male, having a higher education, higher age and lower regional urbanization increased orientation strategy scores. Vertigo/dizziness reduced the scores of both the orientation and the route strategies. Using a novel approach, we grouped participants by their combined strategy scores in a multinomial regression model, to see whether individuals prefer one strategy over the other. The majority of individuals reported using either both or no strategy, instead of preferring one strategy over the other. Young age and reduced vestibular function were indicative of using no strategy. In summary, wayfinding ability depends on both biological and environmental factors; all sociodemographic factors except income. Over a third of the population, predominantly under the age of 35, does not successfully use either strategy. This represents a change in our wayfinding skills, which may result from the technological advances in navigational aids over the last few decades.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Neo M. Tapela ◽  
Lei Clifton ◽  
Gontse Tshisimogo ◽  
Moagi Gaborone ◽  
Tebogo Madidimalo ◽  
...  

Introduction. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and an emerging public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa. Few studies have examined performance on the management of hypertension in this region, where the context may be distinct from other developing regions. Objectives. We aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of hypertension, awareness, treatment, and control among adults in Botswana, a middle-income African country undergoing rapid demographic transition and with high HIV burden. Methods. In this 2014 cross-sectional survey of adults aged 15–69 years, information on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle behavior, and medical history was collected through in-person interviews and physical measurements (body mass index and triplicate blood pressure (BP)). Hypertension was defined as self-report of use of antihypertensives in the previous two weeks and/or having elevated BP (≥140/90 mmHg). Multivariable logistic regression was employed to explore factors associated with hypertension, awareness (report of previous diagnosis), treatment (antihypertensives), and control (BP < 140/90). Results. Our analysis (N = 4,007) yielded an age-standardized hypertension prevalence of 30% (95% CI: 28%–32%, N = 1,393). Among hypertensives, 54% (50–58%) were unaware of their condition, 45% (40–50%) of those aware were untreated, and 63% (55–70%) of those on medications were suboptimally treated (BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg). A fifth of hypertensives who were diagnosed but not on medications had BP ≥ 180/110 mmHg. Diabetes was the strongest correlate of hypertension and awareness (aOR 4.00, 1.86–8.59; aOR 3.30, 1.44–7.55, respectively). Males were less likely to be aware (aOR 0.62, 0.41–0.94) or controlled (aOR 0.36, 0.16–0.83). Obese individuals were more likely to be treated (aOR 2.17, 1.12–4.22), yet less likely to be controlled (aOR 0.32, 0.15–0.66). Conclusions. We report the first nationally representative estimates of the hypertension care cascade performance in Botswana, which will support planning and future policy evaluations. Findings contribute to the relatively sparse evidence on this subject and may inform development of innovations that improve quality of hypertension management and adherence support in similar settings.


2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1388-1397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milena Sia Perin ◽  
Marilia Estevam Cornélio ◽  
Henrique Ceretta Oliveira ◽  
Thais Moreira São-João ◽  
Caroline Rhéaume ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo assess salt intake and its dietary sources using biochemical and self-report methods and to characterize salt intake according to sociodemographic and disease-related variables in a sample of the Brazilian population.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional survey.SettingSalt intake was assessed by biochemical (24 h urinary Na excretion) and self-report methods (sodium FFQ, 24 h dietary recall, seasoned-salt questionnaire, discretionary-salt questionnaire and total reported salt intake).ParticipantsAdults and older people (n 517) aged 20–80 years, living in Artur Nogueira, São Paulo, Brazil.ResultsMean salt intake based on 24 h urinary Na excretion and total reported salt intake was 10·5 and 11·0 g/d, respectively; both measures were significantly correlated. Discretionary salt and seasoned salt were the most important sources of salt intake (68·2 %). Men in the study consumed more salt than women as estimated by 24 h urinary Na excretion (11·7 v. 9·6 g salt/d; P<0·0001). Participants known to be hypertensive added more salt to their meals but consumed less salty ultra-processed foods. Waist circumference in both sexes and BMI were positively correlated with salt intake estimated by 24 h urinary Na excretion. In addition, regression analysis revealed that being a young male or having a high waist circumference was a predictor of higher salt intake.ConclusionsSalt intake in this population was well above the recommended amount. The main source of salt intake came from salt added during cooking. Salt intake varied according to sex and waist circumference.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9602-9602
Author(s):  
Kate Webber ◽  
Afaf Girgis ◽  
Barbara Kaye Bennett ◽  
Antonino Bonaventura ◽  
Frances M. Boyle ◽  
...  

9602 Background: Cancer survivors experience a range of post-treatment issues which are not well met by current services. This study explores the unmet needs of adult cancer survivors and their levels of comfort in addressing issues with oncologists and GPs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was mailed to adult cancer survivors 4 years from diagnosis from 6 oncology units. Self-report data were obtained ranking physical, psychological and practical areas of importance to survivors; unmet needs in these areas; and the providers with whom they were happy to discuss each issue. Descriptive statistics were obtained regarding needs and preferences. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses assessed demographic and clinical variables associated with 4 or more unmet care needs. Results: 228 surveys were returned (response rate 50.5%). Respondents had a mean age of 59.3 years (range 32-87), 71.5% were female, with most common primary cancers being breast (71.5%), colorectal (13.9%), prostate (4.5%) and ovarian (2.2%). The most commonly reported unmet needs were information about late effects (50.3%), managing fatigue (41.7 %), genetic risk to family (34.7%), reassurance (32.0 %) and diet (31.4 %). The median number of unmet needs was 4 (range 0-23). On univariate analysis, female gender, younger age and tertiary education were associated with greater unmet needs (p<0.001, p=0.01 and p=0.02). On multivariate analysis higher education (p=0.04) remained independently associated. Conclusions: Cancer survivors report significant unmet care needs, and their comfort levels for discussing them varies between providers. Some key issues are not entrusted to either oncologists or GPs. Models of care for survivors must address these potential deficits in care. [Table: see text]


Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 1409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael Cardoso ◽  
Feng Guo ◽  
Thomas Heisser ◽  
Michael Hoffmeister ◽  
Hermann Brenner

In the past two decades, an extensive rollout of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes has been initiated in European countries with a large heterogeneity of screening offers. Using data from a population-based cross-sectional survey conducted between 2013 and 2016 in all European Union countries, we analysed the utilisation of faecal tests and colonoscopy among people aged 50–74 years and the factors associated with uptake by type of screening offer. We observed the highest utilisation of either test for countries with fully rolled out organised programmes with faecal tests (ranging from 29.7% in Croatia to 66.7% in the UK) and countries offering both faecal tests and colonoscopy (from 22.7% in Greece to 70.9% in Germany). Utilisation was very low for countries with no programme (from 6.3% in Romania to 30.5% in Norway). Younger age (50–54 years), longer time since last consultation with a doctor and a lifestyle score associated with increased CRC risk were significantly associated with lower test use, a pattern observed across all types of screening offers. Our results suggest that more countries should implement organised programmes with faecal immunochemical tests, in combination with alternative endoscopy offers where resources allow. Furthermore, there is a large potential for increasing screening use in Europe by better reaching the younger eligible individuals, those who have not been to the doctor recently and those at increased risk for CRC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711689
Author(s):  
Kashan Niazi

BackgroundElectronic media are playing a negative role in people’s lives and yet people are unaware of the hazardous effect.AimTo show that screen-time of >1 hour had detrimental associations with school performance.MethodA population-based, cross-sectional survey of 363 students, mean age 14.2 years (grades 5–8), from both government and private-sector schools in Karachi was conducted. A total of 363 students (210 males [57.9%] and 153 females [42.1%]) were included in the study. Of these students, 193 (53.2%) belonged to government schools and 173 (46.8%) to private schools. A questionnaire form was filled in. Weekday, weekend television, and video game screen-time was looked at. The main outcome was self-report of school performance (grades A, B, and C). Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to test the independent effects of each variable, adjusting for demographics, child personality, and parenting style.ResultsTelevision content measurement showed that 69 (19%) students watched sports channels regularly while 30 (8.3%) and 3 (0.8%) watched educational and action programmes, respectively. The viewers of entertainment TV programmes (268 [73.8%]) and news programmes (159 [43.8%]) were in the majority. In terms of school grades, 154 students (42.4%) attained grade A, 180 students (49.6%) scored grade B, and 29 (8%) obtained grade C. Data showed no association between increased screen-time of ≤1 hour (weekdays as well as weekends) with poor school performance (P=0.46 and P=0.58, respectively).ConclusionScreen-time of ≤1 hour does not have any detrimental associations with poor school performance.


Author(s):  
Binyan Zhang ◽  
Wentao Wu ◽  
Guoshuai Shi ◽  
Baibing Mi ◽  
Fangyao Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Despite high altitude was implicated in adverse birth outcomes, there remained a paucity of evidence on low-to-medium altitude effect. This study aimed to explore the association of low-to-medium altitude with birth outcomes. A population-based cross-sectional survey was performed using a stratified multistage random sampling method among women with their infants born during 2010–2013 in Northwestern China. Altitude was determined in meters based on the village or community of the mother’s living areas. Birth outcomes involved birth weight, gestational age, and small for gestational age (SGA). Generalized linear models were fitted to investigate the association of altitude with birth outcomes. Moreover, the dose–response relationship between altitude and birth outcomes was evaluated with a restricted cubic spline function. A total of 27 801 women with their infants were included. After adjusting for potential confounders, every 100-m increase in the altitude was associated with reduced birth weight by 6.4 (95% CI −8.1, −4.6) g, the slight increase of gestational age by 0.015 (95% CI 0.010, 0.020) week, and an increased risk of SGA birth (odds ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.02, 1.04). Moreover, there was an inversely linear relationship between altitude and birth weight (P for overall < 0.001 and P for nonlinear = 0.312), and a positive linear relationship between altitude and SGA (P for overall < 0.001 and P for nonlinear = 0.194). However, a nonlinear relationship was observed between altitude and gestational age (P for overall < 0.001 and P for nonlinear = 0.010). The present results suggest that low-to-medium altitude is possibly associated with adverse birth outcomes.


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