scholarly journals Is healthcare-seeking with gynaecological alarm symptoms influenced by personal and professional relations? A Danish population-based, cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. e033471
Author(s):  
Anja Schmidt Vejlgaard ◽  
Sanne Rasmussen ◽  
Dorte Ejg Jarbøl ◽  
Kirubakaran Balasubramaniam
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Registration System ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Civil Registration ◽  
Personal Relation ◽  
Alarm Symptom

ObjectivesTo identify the personal and professional relations of women experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms, to analyse if involving a personal relation is related to healthcare-seeking with gynaecological alarm symptoms, and to analyse if having an available social network is associated with involvement of this relation.DesignWeb-based, population-based, cross-sectional questionnaire survey.SettingThe general population in Denmark.ParticipantsThe study invited 100 000 individuals randomly drawn from the Danish Civil Registration System. Pregnant women and women who did not answer relevant questions about social network were excluded. A total of 5053 women who experienced at least one gynaecological alarm symptom were included in the study.Primary and secondary outcomes(1) Personal and professional relations that women experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms involve; (2) the association between involving a personal relation and healthcare-seeking; and (3) the association between having an available social network and involvement of this relation.ResultsThe general practitioner (GP) was the most involved professional relation, while the spouse/partner was the most involved personal relation. When experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms, more than 50% of women did not involve a professional relation and 20% did not involve a personal relation. For all four gynaecological alarm symptoms, the odds of involving the GP were higher in the oldest age group. Women were two to seven times more likely to involve their GP if they had personal relation involvement. No statistically significant association was found between having an available social network and involving the GP.ConclusionInvolving a personal relation in healthcare-seeking was associated with increased involvement of the GP, who consequently was the most involved professional relation when experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms. Spouse/partner was the most involved personal relation. The oldest age group had the highest odds of involving the GP. No association was found between having an available social network and involving the GP.

scholarly journals Is concern for gynaecological alarm symptoms associated with healthcare-seeking? A Danish population-based cross-sectional study

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Schmidt Vejlgaard ◽  
Sanne Rasmussen ◽  
Peter Fentz Haastrup ◽  
Dorte Ejg Jarbøl ◽  
Kirubakaran Balasubramaniam
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Attention ◽  
Health Campaigns ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Current Health ◽  
Alarm Symptom

Abstract Background Diagnosing cancer at an early stage increases survival, and for most gynaecological cancers the diagnostic pathway is initiated, when women seek medical attention with symptoms. As many factors influence healthcare-seeking, knowledge about these factors is important. Concern can act as a barrier or a trigger for women experiencing gynaecological alarm symptoms. This study aimed to examine whether concern for the symptom or the current health was associated with healthcare-seeking among women with gynaecological alarm symptoms. Methods Some 100,000 randomly selected Danish citizens were invited to a national web-based survey. The questionnaire included items regarding symptom experiences, healthcare-seeking and concern for the experienced symptoms and current health. This study included 5019 women with self-reported gynaecological alarm symptoms (pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, bleeding during intercourse and postmenopausal bleeding). Concern was reported on a 5-point Likert scale from ‘not at all’ to ‘extremely’. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression models. Results Women who were ‘extremely’ concerned about a gynaecological alarm symptom had two to six times higher odds of reporting healthcare-seeking compared to women who were ‘not at all’ concerned. Symptom concern was associated with higher odds of healthcare-seeking for all four gynaecological alarm symptoms and the odds increased with increasing levels of concern. Additionally, concern for current health was associated with higher odds of healthcare-seeking. Concern for current health as expressed by others was positively associated with healthcare-seeking but had only minor influence on the association between concern for current health and healthcare-seeking. Conclusions Concern for a gynaecological alarm symptom and for current health was positively associated with healthcare-seeking. The results can be used for future informational health campaigns targeting individuals at risk of postponing warranted healthcare-seeking.

scholarly journals Gender differences in the use of atypical antipsychotics in early-onset schizophrenia: a nationwide population-based study in Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Izabela Fulone ◽  
Marcus Tolentino Silva ◽  
Luciane Cruz Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Atypical Antipsychotics ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Administrative Database ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Early Onset Schizophrenia ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Assistance Programme

Abstract Background The use of atypical antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental disorders in populations under 18 years of age is increasing worldwide. Little is known about treatment patterns and the influence of gender differences, which may be a predictor of clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in the use of atypical antipsychotics in patients with early-onset schizophrenia (EOS) assisted by the public health system in Brazil. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of outpatients with EOS aged 10 to 17 years who received at least one provision of atypical antipsychotics (clozapine, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine or ziprasidone) from a large Brazilian pharmaceutical assistance programme. Data were retrieved from a nationwide administrative database from 2008 to 2017. Results Of the 49,943 patients with EOS, 63.5% were males, and the mean age was 13.6 years old. The patients were using risperidone (62.5%), olanzapine (19.6%), quetiapine (12.4%), ziprasidone (3.3%) and clozapine (2.2%). We found gender differences, especially in the 13–17 year age group (65.1% for males vs. 34.9% for females, p < 0.001), in the use of risperidone (72.1% for males vs. 27.9% for females, p < 0.001) and olanzapine (66.5% for males vs. 33.5% for females, p < 0.001). Only in the 13 to 17 years age group were the prescribed doses of olanzapine (p = 0.012) and quetiapine (p = 0.041) slightly higher for males than for females. Conclusions Our findings showed gender differences among patients diagnosed with EOS and who received atypical antipsychotics. More attention should be devoted to gender differences in research and clinical practice.

scholarly journals Age, sex and ethnic differentials in the prevalence and control of epilepsy among Sri Lankan children: a population-based study

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. e000430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jithangi Wanigasinghe ◽  
Carukshi Arambepola ◽  
Roshini Murugupillai ◽  
Thashi Chang
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Focal Epilepsy ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Male Dominance ◽  
Epilepsy Syndrome ◽  
Childhood Epilepsy ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of childhood epilepsy in Sri Lanka by different age groups (0–5, 6–10 and 11–16 years), sex and ethnicity, and to describe the types and outcomes of epilepsy.Design and patientsA population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in the district considered to be ethnically most balanced in Sri Lanka. A door-to-door survey was performed in the 0–5 year age group (60 geographically defined areas as clusters; 19 children per cluster), and a school-based survey in the 6–16 year age group (150 classes as clusters; 25 children per cluster). The screened children with epilepsy were reviewed individually for confirmation of the diagnosis of epilepsy, typing of the underlying epilepsy syndrome and assessment of control. The same group of children were re-evaluated 1 year later to reconfirm the syndromic diagnosis and to assess the stability of control of epilepsy.ResultsThe overall prevalence of childhood epilepsy was 5.7 per 10 000 children aged 0–16 years (95% CI: 38 to 87). It was higher with younger ages (73.4 per 10 000 children aged 0–5 years; 55.1 per 10 000 children aged 6–10 years and 50.4 per 10 000 children aged 11–16 years). A male dominance was noted in both age groups. In each age group, the prevalence was highest in children of Sinhalese ethnicity. Symptomatic focal epilepsy was the single most common group of epilepsy in both age groups. Majority of children remained well controlled on medications.ConclusionThe findings indicate a relatively high burden of epilepsy among children in Sri Lanka, however, these were comparable to the burden of disease reported from other countries in the region.

scholarly journals Women’s barriers for contacting their general practitioner when bothered by urinary incontinence: a population-based cross-sectional study

BMC Urology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorte Ejg Jarbøl ◽  
Peter Fentz Haastrup ◽  
Sanne Rasmussen ◽  
Jens Søndergaaard ◽  
Kirubakaran Balasubramaniam
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Incontinence ◽  
General Practitioner ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthcare Seeking ◽  
Lower Educational Level ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is a frequently occurring condition among women and increases with age. Effective treatments exist but many women hesitate to contact their general practitioner (GP) regarding UI. Therefore, it is important to generate knowledge regarding barriers for healthcare-seeking. Several factors such as age, duration and number of symptoms are associated with healthcare-seeking. How socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with experiencing barriers for healthcare-seeking for UI has not been explored. The objectives of this study were to: (1) analyze frequencies of barriers for healthcare-seeking, and (2) investigate associations between SES and barriers for contacting the GP, among women reporting bothersome UI. Method A cross-sectional web-based questionnaire study of symptoms occurrence among 51,090 randomly selected women. This study investigates reported symptoms of three types of UI (stress UI, urge UI and UI without stress or urge) and reported barriers for GP contact combined with register data on SES. Results A total of 4,051 (16.4%) women reported to be bothered by either stress UI (9.1%), urge UI (4.0%) or incontinence without stress or urge (2.4%) and 76.3%, 70%, and 64% respectively, had not contacted their GP regarding the symptom(s). The most frequently reported barriers were ‘being too embarrassed’ (19.3%) and ‘being too busy’ (18.4%) for stress incontinence, and ‘being too embarrassed (19.0%) or ‘worried about wasting the doctor’s time’ (16.9%) for women with bothersome urge UI or UI without stress or urge. Younger women had higher odds of reporting barriers and the barriers embarrassment and being worried about what the doctor might find were significantly associated with lower educational level. Conclusion Women with lower educational level have an increased risk of not seeking healthcare for UI symptoms. The GP should be aware of identifying women bothered by UI for whom effective treatment options to alleviate the symptoms are available.

scholarly journals Water pipe tobacco smoking: are the Bahraini smokers aware of its health effects?

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebrahim Khalil ◽  
Sajida Mansor Ayyad ◽  
Fatima S. Sharaf Al-Alawi ◽  
Hasan A. Ali Khalil ◽  
Muyassar Sabri Hassan Awadalla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Water Pipe ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Tobacco Epidemic ◽  
Higher Educational ◽  
Pipe Tobacco

The tobacco epidemic kills half of its users annually and 600,000 deaths occur in people exposed to cigarette and water pipe tobacco (WT) smoking. A population-based cross sectional study was conducted to explore the knowledge and perceptions on health effects of WT smoking amongst Bahraini adults in the popular coffee shops of Bahrain and in women’s congregations. Randomly, 206 Bahraini adults of both genders were selected and distributed with a developed questionnaire to collect data; results were analyzed using SPSS (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Among the WT smokers, the highest proportion (45%) was observed between 21 and 30 age group and in the higher educational category. Majority smoked daily. The leading motives of WT smoking were meeting friends, passing of time and pleasure. Many smokers believed WT as less harmful than cigarettes, but affect the respiratory system, and causes: cancers, cardiovascular disease and pregnancy-related disorders. The knowledge scores were significantly higher in the younger age group, higher educational qualifications, and higher income. A considerable proportion of smokers perceived WT smoking as a sign of maturity, acceptable by the society. The perception scores were significantly higher in women and in the age group of &gt;40. This study has revealed a lack of knowledge amongst the Bahraini adults who assume that health risks of WT are lower than cigarettes demanding further research to evaluate WT smoking risks, health effects, environmental effects of smoke, and regulatory services in Bahrain for a responsive approach to curb the WT tobacco epidemic.

scholarly journals Prevalence of chronic conditions and multimorbidity in Estonia: a population-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. e049045
Author(s):  
Mikk Jürisson ◽  
Heti Pisarev ◽  
Anneli Uusküla ◽  
Katrin Lang ◽  
M Oona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Insurance ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Insurance Fund ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Health Insurance Fund ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

ObjectivesPrevalence estimates for specific chronic conditions and multimorbidity (MM) in eastern Europe are scarce. This national study estimates the prevalence of MM by age group and sex in Estonia.DesignA population-based cross-sectional study, using administrative data.SettingData were collected on 55 chronic conditions from the Estonian Health Insurance Fund from 2015 to 2017. MM was defined as the coexistence of two or more conditions.ParticipantsThe Estonian Health Insurance Fund includes data for approximately 95% of the Estonian population receiving public health insurance.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevalence and 95% CIs for MM stratified by age group and sex.ResultsNearly half (49.1%) of the individuals (95% CI 49.0 to 49.3) had at least 1 chronic condition, and 30.1% (95% CI 30.0 to 30.2) had MM (2 or more chronic conditions). The number of conditions and the prevalence of MM increased with age, ranging from an MM prevalence of 3.5% (3.5%–3.6%) in the youngest (0–24 years) to as high as 80.4% (79.4%–81.3%) in the oldest (≥85 years) age group. Half of all individuals had MM by 60 years of age, and 75% of the population had MM by 75 years of age. Women had a higher prevalence of MM (34.9%, 95% CI 34.7 to 35.0) than men (24.4%, 95% CI 24.3 to 24.5). Hypertension was the most frequent chronic condition (24.5%), followed by chronic pain (12.4%) and arthritis (7.7%).ConclusionsHypertension is an important chronic condition amenable to treatment with lifestyle and therapeutic interventions. Given the established correlation between uncontrolled hypertension and exacerbation of other cardiovascular conditions as well as acute illnesses, this most common condition within the context of MM may be suitable for targeted public health interventions.

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