Associations between Upper Extremity Motor Function and Aphasia after Stroke: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Purpose. Poststroke aphasia (PSA) often coexists with upper extremity (UE) motor dysfunction. However, whether the presence of PSA affects UE motor performance, and if language function associates with UE motor performance, are unclear. This study is aimed at (1) comparing the motor status of UE between patients with PSA and without PSA and (2) investigating the association between language function and UE motor status in patients with PSA. Methods. Patients with stroke were compared and correlated from overall and three periods (1-3 months, 4-6 months, and >6 months). Fugl-Meyer assessment for the upper extremity (FMA-UE) and action research and arm test (ARAT) were used to compare the UE motor status between patients with PSA and without PSA through a cross-sectional study among 435 patients. Then, the correlations between the evaluation scale scores of UE motor status and language function of patients with PSA were analyzed in various dimensions, and the language subfunction most closely related to UE motor function was analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. Results. We found that the scores of FMA-UE and ARAT in patients with PSA were 14 points ((CI) 10 to 18, p < 0.001 ) and 11 points lower ((CI) 8 to 13, p < 0.001 ), respectively, than those without PSA. Their FMA-UE ( r = 0.70 , p < 0.001 ) and ARAT ( r = 0.62 , p < 0.001 ) scores were positively correlated with language function. Regression analysis demonstrated that spontaneous speech ability may account for UE motor function ( R 2 = 0.51 , p < 0.001 ; R 2 = 0.42 , p < 0.001 ). Consistent results were also obtained from the analyses within the three time subgroups. Conclusion. Stroke patients with PSA have worse UE motor performance. UE motor status and language function showed positive correlations, in which spontaneous speech ability significantly accounts for the associations.

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Correlations of apathy with clinical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and olfactory dysfunctions: a cross-sectional study

BMC Neurology ◽

10.1186/s12883-020-01978-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shu-yang Yu ◽

Teng-hong Lian ◽

Peng Guo ◽

Li-xia Li ◽

Du-yu Ding ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Verbal Fluency ◽

Daily Living ◽

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Of Daily Living ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Apathy is one of the most common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), however, correlations of apathy with demographic variables, cognitive functions, neuropsychiatric symptoms, activity of daily living and olfactory functions in AD patients are still lacking comprehensive investigations. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Total 124 typical AD patients were consecutively recruited from April 2014 to April 2017. In 124 AD patients, 47 cases (37.9%) were male and 77 cases were female; patients’ age were 43–93 years with an average of 68 years. Patients were divided into AD with apathy (AD-A) and AD with no apathy (AD-NA) groups according to the score of Modified Apathy Evaluation Scale, then were evaluated cognitive functions, neuropsychiatric symptoms and activity of daily living, and tested olfactory functions. Above variables were compared between AD-A and AD-NA groups. Further correlation analyses and linear regression analysis were performed between apathy and above variables. Results Compared with AD-NA group, global cognitive level, verbal memory, verbal fluency and activity of daily living were significantly compromised in AD-A group (P < 0.002); depression and agitation were severely displayed in AD-A group (P < 0.002). Apathy was negatively correlated with global cognitive function, verbal memory, verbal fluency and activity of daily living (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of olfactory functions between the two groups (P > 0.002), and correlations between apathy and olfactory threshold, olfactory identification and global olfactory function were significant (P < 0.05) but quite weak (|r| < 0.3). Further linear regression analysis showed that only verbal fluency and instrumental activities of daily living were independently associated with apathy. Conclusions Independent correlations among apathy, verbal fluency and instrumental activities of daily living in AD patients might be related to the common brain area involved in their pathogeneses.

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Nutritional status and quality of life in diabetic patients on hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study from Palestine

Journal of Health Population and Nutrition ◽

10.1186/s41043-021-00255-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Eba’a Hafi ◽

Ro’ya Soradi ◽

Sarah Diab ◽

Ahmad M. Samara ◽

Marah Shakhshir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Malnutrition is a common problem among hemodialysis (HD) patients that negatively impacts their prognosis and is linked to an increase in morbidity and mortality in these patients, as well as a decrease in their quality of life (QOL). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the QOL and to investigate factors that can influence it, including nutritional status, as well as socio-demographic factors, among Palestinian diabetic patients on HD therapy. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that occurred at a large hemodialysis center in Palestine. Malnutrition was assessed by the malnutrition-inflammation scale (MIS), and the quality of life was evaluated by using the EuroQoL five-dimensional instrument (EQ-5D). Multivariable linear regression analysis was carried out to look at the effect of multiple variables on QOL. Results A total of 118 diabetic patients on HD were included. Of these, 66.9% were male, and 60.2% were aged 60 years or higher. Having multiple comorbid diseases (p=0.004) and having been on HD for >4 years (p=0.003) were significantly associated with a higher MIS score, whereas living alone (p=0.037) and having been on HD for >4 years (p=0.002) was significantly associated with lower EQ-5D score. We also observed a significant association between the MIS score and the EQ-5D score(r=−0.616, p<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that diabetic hemodialysis patients who lived within a family household were positively correlated with the QOL score (standardized coefficient, 0.178; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.042 to 0.372; p = 0.015), and MIS score was significantly and negatively correlated with QOL scores (standardized coefficient, −0.587; 95% CI, −0.047 to −0.028; p < 0.001). Conclusions We found that malnutrition was associated with a lower QOL score among diabetic patients on HD. We recommend general practitioners, dietitians, nephrologists, and nurses to make plans that pay more attention to this group of patients who show evidence of malnutrition. Patients on dialysis for ≥ 4 years, patients who live alone, and those suffering from multiple co-morbid diseases should receive special care due to their higher risk of being impacted by this problem.

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migraine in Japan: a multicentre cross-sectional study

The Journal of Headache and Pain ◽

10.1186/s10194-021-01263-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Keisuke Suzuki ◽

Takao Takeshima ◽

Hisaka Igarashi ◽

Noboru Imai ◽

Daisuke Danno ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stepwise Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Stepwise Linear Regression ◽

New Onset

Abstract Objectives To assess the impacts of social situation changes due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on headache-related disability and other symptoms in patients with migraine in Japan. Methods We conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional study including 659 outpatients with migraine diagnosed by headache specialists. The participants were asked about the impacts of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on headache-related disability, headache days, headache intensity, stress, physical activity, hospital access and their work and home lives. For headache-related disability, the total Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score and part A and B scores were analysed. Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis was performed to identify the clinical predictors of changes in the total MIDAS score before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to new-onset headache during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Finally, 606 migraine patients (73 M/533 F; age, 45.2 ± 12.0 years) were included in the study, excluding those with incomplete data. Increased stress, substantial concern about COVID-19 and negative impacts of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on daily life were reported in 56.8 %, 55.1 and 45.0 % of the participants, respectively. The total MIDAS and A and B scores did not significantly change after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. New-onset headache, which was observed in 95 patients (15.7 %), was associated with younger age and worsened mood and sleep in the logistic regression analysis. The multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis of changes in the total MIDAS score before and during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic identified worsened sleep, increased acute medication use, increased stress, medication shortages, comorbidities, the absence of an aura and new-onset headache were determinants of an increased total MIDAS score during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions In this multicentre study, clinical factors relevant to headache-related disability, such as new-onset headache, stress and sleep disturbances, were identified, highlighting the importance of symptom management in migraine patients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Análisis de la coordinación motriz global en escolares según género, edad y nivel de actividad física (Analysis of global motor coordination in schoolchildren according to gender, age and level of physical activity)

Retos ◽

10.47197/retos.v38i38.73938 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 95-101

Author(s):

Andrés Rosa Guillamón ◽

Eliseo García Canto ◽

Hector Martínez García

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Motor Performance ◽

Motor Coordination ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Predictive Capacity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Activity Test ◽

Las Mujeres

El objetivo fue analizar la coordinación motriz según género, edad y nivel de actividad física. Estudio descriptivo-transversal realizado con 101 escolares de 6-8 años. Se midió la coordinación motriz con el Test 3JS, y la actividad física con el Test corto de actividad física Krece Plus. Los análisis de la varianza simple arrojaron los siguientes resultados: 1) los varones tuvieron un mejor desempeño motor que las mujeres en lanzamiento de precisión, golpeo de precisión, bote y conducción (p entre < .05 y < .001), mostrando una mejor coordinación motriz global (p = .002) y eficacia coordinativa (p< .001); 2) los escolares de 8 años tuvieron un mejor desempeño motor que sus semejantes de 6-7 años en giro, bote y conducción (p< .001), mostrando una mejor coordinación motriz global y eficacia coordinativa (p< .001 para ambos); 3) aquellos categorizados como más activos tuvieron un mejor desempeño motor que sus semejantes menos activos en bote y conducción(p = .001 para ambos), mostrando también una mejor coordinación motriz global y eficacia coordinativa (p = .001 para ambos). Los análisis de regresión lineal mostraron la capacidad predictiva del género, la edad y la actividad física sobre la coordinación motriz. Los resultados sugieren que tener un mayor nivel de actividad física, ser varón y tener una mayor edad son tres elementos diferenciadores de la coordinación motriz en escolares españoles de seis a ocho años.Abstract. The objective was to analyze the motor coordination according to gender, age and level of physical activity. Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out with 101 schoolchildren aged 6-8 years old. Motor coordination was measured with the 3JS Test, and physical activity with the Krece Plus Short Physical Activity Test. The analysis of the simple variance generated the following results: 1) boys had better motor performance than girls in precision throwing, precision hitting, ball jump, and ball movement (p between <.05 and <.001), showing better global motor coordination (p = .002) and coordination effectiveness (p <.001); 2) 8-year-old schoolchildren had better motor performance than 6-7 year-old schoolchildren in ball spin, ball jump, and ball movement (p <.001), showing better overall motor coordination and coordinating effectiveness (p <.001 for both); 3) those categorized as more active had better motor performance than their less active peers in ball jump and ball movement (p = .001 for both), also showing better overall motor coordination and coordination effectiveness (p = .001 for both). Linear regression analysis showed the predictive capacity of gender, age and physical activity on motor coordination. The results suggest that having a higher level of physical activity, being male and being older are three differentiating elements for motor coordination in Spanish schoolchildren aged six to eight years old.

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Fear of future workplace violence and its influencing factors among nurses in Shandong, China: a cross-sectional study

BMC Nursing ◽

10.1186/s12912-021-00644-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chang Fu ◽

Yaru Ren ◽

Guowen Wang ◽

Xiuxin Shi ◽

Fenglin Cao

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Influencing Factors ◽

Workplace Violence ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Level

Abstract Background Fear of workplace violence has become a critical issue worldwide, which can lead to burnout, low levels of job satisfaction, and turnover. However, to date, little attention has been directed toward fear of workplace violence among nurses. Accordingly, this study investigated the level of fear of future workplace violence and its influencing factors among nurses in Shandong, China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 30 through September 30, 2020 in Shandong Province, China. A total of 1898 nurses were enrolled from 12 tertiary hospitals. Fear of future workplace violence was measured using the Fear of Future Violence at Work scale. Demographic information, employment characteristics, social support, and experience of workplace violence were assessed. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of fear of future workplace violence. Results The average score of fear of future violence at work was 67.43 ± 17.20 among nurses. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that higher fear of future violence at work scores were reported among nurses who were female (B = 7.10, p < 0.001), married (B = 3.50, p = 0.028), with a monthly income ≥5000 Chinese yuan (CNY) (B = 3.14, p = 0.007), working in the department of internal medicine (B = 2.90, p = 0.032), surgery (B = 5.03, p < 0.001), pediatrics (B = 5.38, p = 0.003), or emergency department (B = 4.50, p = 0.010), working as a contract employee (B = 2.41, p = 0.042), or who had experienced workplace violence (B = 7.02, p < 0.001). Lower fear of future violence at work scores were found among nurses who took vacations (1–14 days: B = − 2.52, p = 0.047; ≥15 days: B = − 3.69, p = 0.007) and had a high-level of social support (B = − 2.03, p = 0.020). Conclusions There was a high level of fear of future workplace violence among nurses in Shandong, China. This should be considered an important issue by hospital administrators and government officials. Effective interventions need to be enacted to address the influencing factors of fear of future workplace violence.

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Association between Visceral or Subcutaneous Fat Accumulation and B-Type Natriuretic Peptide among Japanese Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10061315 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1315

Author(s):

Yoshinori Hayashi ◽

Hirohide Yokokawa ◽

Hiroshi Fukuda ◽

Mizue Saita ◽

Taiju Miyagami ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Multiple Linear Regression ◽

Natriuretic Peptide ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Subcutaneous Fat ◽

Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Some previous studies have shown reduced levels of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in individuals with obesity. We aimed to estimate the relationship between BNP and abdominal fat distribution, adjusted for confounding factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1806 Japanese individuals (981 men and 825 women) who underwent a medical health check-up. Analyzed data included age, sex, visceral fat area (VFA), and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) as obtained from computed tomography, blood pressure, and blood test results including BNP. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association between BNP, VFA, and SFA after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and body mass index. Results: In the models analyzed separately for VFA and SFA, BNP correlated independently with VFA in multiple linear regression analysis among all subjects and in both men and women, while SFA correlated inversely with BNP in all subjects and women but not in men. In the model that included both VFA and SFA, BNP correlated independently with VFA, but SFA and BNP were not correlated in any models. Conclusion: Higher VFA showed an independent, significant association with lower BNP. In addition, the inverse correlation with BNP was stronger for VFA than for SFA.

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Bone responsiveness to parathyroid hormone is negatively associated with parathyroid hormone-lowering drug use in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a cross-sectional study

BMC Nephrology ◽

10.1186/s12882-021-02482-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Naoto Tominaga ◽

Tomoki Yonaha ◽

Masayuki Yamanouchi ◽

Hirofumi Sumi ◽

Yasuhiro Taki ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Parathyroid Hormone ◽

Bone Resorption ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Tracp 5B

Abstract Background Parathyroid hormone (PTH) acts on bone to indirectly increase the number and activity of osteoclasts. Thus, PTH has a stimulatory effect on bone resorption and upregulates bone turnover. However, the responsiveness of bone to PTH varies widely among patients receiving dialysis. In fact, relative to the serum PTH level, the level of serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b), a bone resorption marker derived from osteoclasts, varies as well. This study aimed to examine factors related to bone responsiveness to PTH in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD). Methods This study included patients receiving chronic HD in Kawasaki Municipal Tama Hospital (Kanagawa, Japan) and Yonaha Medical Clinic (Okinawa, Japan) and excluded patients who received HD for less than 6 months, those who received a combination of HD and peritoneal dialysis, and those who had cancer bone metastases or myeloma. The TRACP-5b/intact PTH (iPTH) ratio was created as an index of bone responsiveness to PTH, categorized into tertiles (low, medium, and high), and a cross-sectional study was conducted. P < 0.05 indicated statistically significant differences. Results One hundred and six patients were analyzed. Age (P = 0.010), body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.003), use of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) agonists (P = 0.008), use of vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs) (P = 0.012), plasma iPTH level (P < 0.001), serum 1,25(OH)2D level (P = 0.003), and serum TRACP-5b level (P < 0.001) were significantly different among the three categories. In the single linear regression analysis, age (P = 0.016), corrected serum calcium level (P = 0.007), and ln [1,25(OH)2D] (P = 0.044) showed a significant positive correlation with ln [TRACP-5b/iPTH], whereas BMI (P = 0.026), use of CaSR agonists (P = 0.001), use of VDRAs (P = 0.009), and serum phosphorus level (P = 0.018) showed a significant negative correlation. Upon conducting multiple linear regression analysis incorporating significant variables in the single linear regression analysis, a significant negative correlation was observed between the TRACP-5b/iPTH ratio and intravenous administration of a CaSR agonist (etelcalcetide) and/or a VDRA (calcitriol or maxacalcitol) in all the adjusted models. Conclusions Bone responsiveness to PTH is negatively correlated with the intravenous administration of a CaSR agonist and/or a VDRA in patients undergoing chronic HD.

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Association between Age at Menarche and Hypertension among Females in Southern China: A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Hypertension ◽

10.1155/2019/9473182 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 ◽

pp. 1-9

Author(s):

Wei Zhou ◽

Tao Wang ◽

Lingjuan Zhu ◽

Minghua Wen ◽

Lihua Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Southern China ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Age At Menarche ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Female Population

Background. Association between age at menarche (AAM) and hypertension remains a controversial topic, and data in China were sparse. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between AAM and hypertension in Chinese female population. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 5,102 females aged ≥15 years were enrolled. Self-reported AAM was assessed by the questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and AAM. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between hypertension and AAM. Generalized additive model (GAM) and smooth curve fitting (penalized spline method) were conducted to explore the exact shape of curve between them. Results. The overall mean of AAM was 15.5 years. Each additional year of AAM was associated with a 15% higher risk of hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.19). Among females with hypertension, there was a significant positive association between AAM and SBP (β = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.29–1.46) and DBP (β = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.47–1.13). A significantly higher risk of hypertension was found in younger subjects (15–44 y: OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.21–1.55; P for interaction = 0.009) compared with those aged between 62 and 97 y.Conclusions. AAM was positively associated with hypertension and blood pressure, especially among females in early adulthood from southern China.

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Association of burnout with doctor–patient relationship and common stressors among postgraduate trainees and house officers in Lahore—a cross-sectional study

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.5519 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

pp. e5519 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Waqas Ahmad ◽

Huma Ashraf ◽

Afnan Talat ◽

Aleena Ahmad Khan ◽

Ammad Anwar Baig ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Power Sharing ◽

Patient Relationship ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Doctor Patient Relationship ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Graduate Trainees

Introduction Burnout is defined as a prolonged state of physical and psychological exhaustion. Doctors, due to the demanding nature of their job, are susceptible to facing burnout, which has far reaching implications on their productivity and motivation. It affects the quality of care they provide to patients, thus eroding the doctor–patient relationship which embodies patient centeredness and autonomy. The study aims at addressing the stressors leading to burnout and its effect on the doctor–patient relationship. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study design with convenience (non-probability) sampling technique was employed in six major hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 600 doctors were approached for the study which included house officers or “HOs” (recent graduates doing their 1 year long internship) and post-graduate trainees or “PGRs” (residents for 4–5 years in their specialties). Burnout was measured using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventor (CBI) while attitudes towards the doctor–patient relationship was measured using the Patient Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS), which measures two components of the relationship: power sharing and patient caring. Pearson correlation and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data via SPSS v.21. Results A total of 515 doctors consented to take part in the study (response rate 85.83%). The final sample consisted of 487 doctors. The burnout score was not associated with the total and caring domain scores of PPOS (P > 0.05). However, it was associated with the power sharing sub-scale of PPOS. Multiple linear regression analysis yielded a significant model, by virtue of which CBI scores were positively associated with factors such as female gender, feeling of burn out, scoring high on sharing domain of PPOS and a lack of personal control while CBI scores were negatively associated with private medical college education, having a significant other, accommodation away from home and a sense of never ending competition. Burnout levels varied significantly between house officers and post graduate trainees. Twenty-three percent of the participants (mostly house officers) had high/very high burnout levels on the CBI (Kristenson’s burnout scoring). Both groups showed significant differences with respect to working hours, smoking status and income. Conclusion Although burnout showed no significant association with total and caring domain scores of PPOS (scale used to assess doctor–patient relationship), it showed a significant association with the power sharing domain of PPOS suggesting some impact on the overall delivery of patient care. Thus, it necessitates the monitoring of stressors in order to provide an atmosphere where patient autonomy can be practiced.

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Analysis of diagnostic delay and its influencing factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-93499-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhongshang Dai ◽

Yiming Ma ◽

Zijie Zhan ◽

Ping Chen ◽

Yan Chen

Keyword(s):

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Linear Regression ◽

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Delay ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

AbstractTo explore the status of diagnostic delay and to clarify its potentially influencing factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A cross-sectional study was conducted in a Chinese tertiary hospital between July 2019 and February 2020. A total of 408 eligible outpatients with COPD were recruited, and relevant data were collected in the form of questionnaires. Diagnostic delay was compared among different characteristics using the Wilcoxon test and Kruskal–Wallis H test. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to diagnostic delay. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) duration of diagnostic delay was 230 (50–720) days. The proportions of COPD patients who chose tertiary, secondary, and first-level hospitals for the first visit were 53.7%, 29.9%, and 16.4%, respectively. Additionally, the proportions of patients who underwent pulmonary function tests for the first visit in tertiary, secondary, and first-level hospitals were 74.0%, 24.6%, and 1.5% (p < 0.001), respectively. In terms of characteristics related to diagnostic delay, there was a significant difference in residence, resident manner, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, modified Medical British Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, age, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) % predicted, and years of education (all p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis showed that significant predictors of diagnostic delay included FEV1% predicted (p < 0.05), resident manner (p < 0.001), and years of education (p < 0.01). Our study indicates that varying degrees of diagnostic delay may exist in patients with COPD. Measures are needed to intervene in the potential factors associated with diagnostic delay.

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