scholarly journals Prediction of Medical Costs in a Health Insurance Carrier according to Risk Profiles and Uses by its Affiliates

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodolfo Herrera Medina ◽  
Jaime Lee ◽  
Ferney Herrera Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Medical Costs ◽  
Sampling Frame ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Insurance Carrier ◽  
Statistical Criteria

Objective: To find a model of prediction of the medical cost of a Health Benefits Management Company (EAPB) with adequate statistical criteria. Methods: A Cross-sectional study with retrospective follow-up of the use of health services in an EAPB during a one-year period. The sampling frame consisted of a population of 1,529,188 affiliates who were assigned to a primary care IPS group. By simple random sampling size was estimated at 190,917 users. The dependent variable was the cost of the services used deflated to the year 2013. As independent variables besides the traditional sociodemographic variables chosen in this type of prediction models, variables of the insurance were added; Variables of risk management (inclusion or not in promotion and prevention program) and of comorbidities. Results: Simple Linear Regression modeling showed errors of inappropriate statistical criteria such as violating the principle of normality in cost errors. The Generalized Linear Models, proposed to estimate POS average costs, have an appropriate goodness of fit and evaluated with small Deviations and minimum Akaike criterion (AIC) compared to other models of the exponential family Conclusions: The appropriate statistical model to predict medical costs was the Generalized Linear Model with two parts segmented by age groups and gender. This research suggests that to estimate the benefit premium of any EAPB, besides socio-demographic variables, insurance variables, membership or not in promotion programs and risk prevention and/or management and the burden of disease of that population should be used.

scholarly journals Prevalence of caesarean section and womens' attitude towards caesarean section in Manipur, North-Eastern India

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 694
Author(s):  
Joymati Oinam ◽  
Shantibala Kongjenbam ◽  
Yumnam Ningthemba Singh
Keyword(s):  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Favorable Attitude ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
P Value ◽  
Sampling Frame ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: The rapid increase of caesarean section (CS) rate throughout the world has become a serious public health issue since the level of CS is well above the WHO (1985) recommended 15% and it is increasing over time. Objectives of the study was to determine the prevalence of caesarean section and women’s attitudes towards CS, to investigate rural-urban differences and any associated factors between attitude with socio-demographic factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in urban and rural areas of three districts of Manipur from 2015 to 2017 among 600 eligible married women aged 18-35 years selected by simple random sampling. Household was taken as sampling unit and electoral roll (2013) as sampling frame. An interview schedule was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics like mean, SD, proportion and inferential statistics like χ2 test was used. p-value 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: Mean age of the participants was 29.7±4.6 years. The overall prevalence of CS rate was 18.5% and the first child CS rate was 19.9% and majority of them belongs to 30-35 age groups. Majority of the women (84.2%) have neutral attitude and only 7.6% have favorable attitude towards CS. Favorable attitude towards CS was more among women who married at ≥30 years, whose husband was >30 years and was a government employee and who ever had CS.Conclusions: Although the prevalence of CS is well above the WHO (1985) recommendation. Majority still preferred vaginal delivery and the demand for CS is low in the present setting. 

scholarly journals Acoustic-Based Prediction of End-Product-Based Fibre Determinates within Standing Jack Pine Trees

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 605
Author(s):  
Peter F. Newton
Keyword(s):  
Wood Density ◽  
Pinus Banksiana ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Microfibril Angle ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Predictive Ability ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Cross Sectional

The objective of this study was to specify, parameterize, and evaluate an acoustic-based inferential framework for estimating commercially-relevant wood attributes within standing jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb) trees. The analytical framework consisted of a suite of models for predicting the dynamic modulus of elasticity (me), microfibril angle (ma), oven-dried wood density (wd), tracheid wall thickness (wt), radial and tangential tracheid diameters (dr and dt, respectively), fibre coarseness (co), and specific surface area (sa), from dilatational stress wave velocity (vd). Data acquisition consisted of (1) in-forest collection of acoustic velocity measurements on 61 sample trees situated within 10 variable-sized plots that were established in four mature jack pine stands situated in boreal Canada followed by the removal of breast-height cross-sectional disk samples, and (2) given (1), in-laboratory extraction of radial-based transverse xylem samples from the 61 disks and subsequent attribute determination via Silviscan-3. Statistically, attribute-specific acoustic prediction models were specified, parameterized, and, subsequently, evaluated on their goodness-of-fit, lack-of-fit, and predictive ability. The results indicated that significant (p ≤ 0.05) and unbiased relationships could be established for all attributes but dt. The models explained 71%, 66%, 61%, 42%, 30%, 19%, and 13% of the variation in me, wt, sa, co, wd, ma, and dr, respectively. Simulated model performance when deploying an acoustic-based wood density estimate indicated that the expected magnitude of the error arising from predicting dt, co, sa, wt, me, and ma prediction would be in the order of ±8%, ±12%, ±12%, ±13%, ±20%, and ±39% of their true values, respectively. Assessment of the utility of predicting the prerequisite wd estimate using micro-drill resistance measures revealed that the amplitude-based wd estimate was inconsequentially more precise than that obtained from vd (≈ <2%). A discourse regarding the potential utility and limitations of the acoustic-based computational suite for forecasting jack pine end-product potential was also articulated.

Measuring illicit cigarette trade in Colombia

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (Suppl 4) ◽  
pp. s260-s266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman Maldonado ◽  
Blanca Amalia Llorente ◽  
Roberto Magno Iglesias ◽  
Diego Escobar
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Simple Random Sample ◽  
Consumption Pattern ◽  
Sampling Frame ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Sampling Weights ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Excise Tax ◽  
Illicit Trade

BackgroundBy 2016, tobacco industry provided the only illicit trade estimates in Colombia and used these to discourage tax increases since the 1990s. To establish the viability of a threefold hike in the excise tax, policy makers needed unbiased estimates of the illicit cigarette.ObjectiveTo estimate the size of illicit cigarette trade in five Colombian cities (63% of the market), analyse characteristics of smokers of illicit cigarettes and compare market share results with one industry-funded survey.MethodsStreet cross-sectional survey with smokers’ self-report on consumption pattern, last purchase information and direct observation of smoker’s packs. Sampling frame: smokers, men and women, 12 years old or older, all income levels, resident in five Colombian cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena and Cúcuta) with 1 733 316 smokers in 2013. Sample size 1697, simple random sample by city, sampling weights based on age groups and cities. Confidence level 95%, margin of error 3.5% for Bogotá and Medellín and 5% for the other three cities. Data collection period: 24 August–14 September 2016.ResultsIllicit cigarettes represent 3.5% of consumption in the five cities, a much lower estimate than the industry data. There are significant differences across cities, with Bogotá at the bottom (1.5%) and Cúcuta at the top (22.8%).ConclusionThe low overall penetration of illicit cigarettes in Colombia indicates that the industry’s warnings against tax increases are not justified. The limited importance of tax levels as determinant of consumption of illicit cigarettes is also suggested by the differences across cities, all of them with the same tax regime.

scholarly journals BLOOD PRESSURE PROFILES AMONG EAST BONGAS AND WEST BONGAS PEOPLE IN EFFORT AND SUPPORT FROM UNIVERSITAS PADJADJARAN AND THE REGENT OF MAJALENGKA REGENCY AND CHIEVES OF THE VILLAGES

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 215
Author(s):  
Diah Dhianawaty D. ◽  
Henhen Heryaman ◽  
Mas Rizky Anggun Adipurna Syamsunarno
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Pressure Profile ◽  
Joint National Committee ◽  
National Committee ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
The People ◽  
Pressure Profiles

Objective: To support the people in East Bongas and West Bongas villages to prevent and treatment the hypertension disease.Methods: This was a cross-sectional design while the subjects were taken by a simple random sampling. A total of 323 families were included, and blood pressure of the male and female subjects aged between 18 to 65 y was measured and had been given a question relating to their blood pressure.Results: The blood pressure profile was classified based on the seventh report of the Joint National Committee (JNC 7). The youngest male and female participants of pre-hypertension were 18 and 22 y, respectively. The normal blood pressure, pre-hypertension, hypertension stage-1, and hypertension stage-2 were 34.3%, 49.5%, 12.1%, and 4.1%, respectively. Prevalence of patients with hypertension based on the age groups 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60-69 y were 6.8%, 15.6%, 33.9%, and 37.3%, respectively. Prevalence of patients with hypertension in male was 16.8%, the female was 15.7%, and the total of both were 16.2%. Prevalence based on gender showed that those who had information about hypertension in male was 46.8%, the female was 47.9%, and the total of both were 47.4%. Prevalence of hypertension patients increased, for a male was 8.9%, the female was 8.2%, and the total of both were 8.5% after the participants declared that they were not hypertension patients.Conclusion: In both villages occurred an increase of hypertension prevalence. Based on this information, the people in two villages should be given the appropriate knowledge and awareness regarding hypertension.

scholarly journals FREQUENCY, DISTRIBUTION AND DETERMINANTS OF HYPERTENSION IN ADULT STROKE POPULATION OF D.I.KHAN DIVISION, PAKISTAN

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 81-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nazafatul Ain ◽  
Saira Khan ◽  
Muhammad Marwat ◽  
Nisar Khan ◽  
Iftikhar Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Frequency Distribution ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Stroke Population ◽  
Chi Square Test

Background: Global Health Estimates 2015 has shown the stroke as second leading global cause of death and 3rd leading global cause for DALYs for year 2015. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency, distribution and determinants of hypertension in adult stroke population of D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, Pakistan from February 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017. A sample 217 was selected with margin of error 5.59%, 90%CL and 50% prevalence of hypertension in 200,000 adults at risk of stroke population through consecutive sampling. All indoor adult patients of stroke were eligible. Sex, age groups, and residence and presence of hypertension were variables. Frequency and distribution of hypertension were analyzed by count and percentage. Hypotheses for distribution were substantiated by chi-square goodness-of-fit and of association by chi-square test of association. Results: Out of 217 patients with stroke, 123 (56.7%) were men and 94 (43.3%) were women, 86 (39.6%) were≤60 years and 131 (60.4%) were>60 years, and 105 (48.4%) were urban and 112 (51.6%) were rural. Frequency of hypertension was 132/217 (60.83%). Out of 132 patients with hypertension, men were 74 (34.10%), women 58 (26.73%), age group≤60 years 46 (21.20%), >60 years 86 (39.63%), urban 72 (33.18%) and rural 60 (27.65%). Presence of hypertension was associated to residence (p=.023) but not to sex (p=.817) and age groups (p=.072). Conclusion: Frequency of hypertension in adult stroke population of D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan was found to be similar as expected. Frequency was more in men, in older age group (of>60years) and in urban population. The presence of hypertension in adult stroke population of D.I.Khan Division was associated to residence but not to sex and age groups.

scholarly journals FREQUENCY, DISTRIBUTION AND DETERMINANTS OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN ADULT ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME POPULATION OF D.I.KHAN DIVISION, PAKISTAN

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 131-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Marwat ◽  
Iftikhar Ahmad ◽  
Fariha Ashiq ◽  
Sania Ali ◽  
Sher Zamir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Frequency Distribution ◽  
Goodness Of Fit ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Chi Square Test

Background: Global Health Estimates 2015 has shown IHD as second leading global cause of death and 3rd leading global cause for DALYs for 2015. The objectives of this study were to determine frequency, distribution and determinants of DM in adult acute coronary syndrome (ACS) population of D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Departments of Ophthalmology & Community Medicine, Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan, from February 1, 2017 to April 30, 2017. 331 cases were selected with margin of error 4.511%, 90%CL and 25% prevalence of DM in 73,438 adults assumed to have IHD. All indoor adult patients of ACS were eligible. Sex, age groups, and residence and presence of DM were variables. Frequency and distribution were analyzed by count and percentage. Hypotheses for distribution were substantiated by chi-square goodness-of-fit and of association by chi-square test of association. Results: Out of 331 patients with ACS, 225 (68.0%) were men and 106 (32.0%) women, 221 (66.8%) ≤60 years and 110 (33.2%) >60 years, and 210 (63.4%) urban and 121 (35.6%) rural. Frequency of DM was 79/331 (23.87%). Out of 79 patients with DM, men were 44 (13.29%), women 35 (10.57%), age group ≤60 years 57 (17.22%), >60 years 22 (6.65%), urban 53 (16.01%) and rural 60 (7.85%). Our prevalence of DM was lower than expected (p=.00214), our distribution by sex was similar to expected (p=.4993) while our distribution for age groups (p=.01209) and residence (p=.00005) were not similar to expected. Presence of DM was associated to sex (p=.011) but not to age groups (p=.0304) and residence (p=.5241). Conclusion: Prevalence of DM in adult ACS population of D.I.Khan Division, Pakistan was found lower than expected. The prevalence was more in men than women, more in younger age group (≤60 years) than older age group (>60 years) and more in urban than rural population. Our prevalence of DM was lower than expected, our distribution by sex was similar to expected while our distribution for age groups and residence were not similar to expected. The presence of DM was associated to sex but not to age groups and residence.

scholarly journals Taste function in children: normative values and associated factors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirjam van den Brink ◽  
Irene IJpma ◽  
Marta Fiocco ◽  
Wim J. E. Tissing ◽  
Remco C. Havermans
Keyword(s):  
Linear Models ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Normative Values ◽  
List Type ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Taste Strips ◽  
Taste Dysfunction

Abstract Background Although less frequent than in adults, taste loss also occurs in childhood. “Taste Strips” are frequently used for diagnosing taste dysfunction; however, normative values are lacking for children. In this study, we will create normative values for the “Taste Strips” in children. Methods This cross-sectional study included 609 children aged 6–15 years. “Taste Strips” were used to determine sweet, sour, salty, and bitter taste scores by a non-forced procedure. The 10th percentile was used to distinguish normal taste function from a reduced sense of taste. Multivariable generalized linear models (GLM) were estimated to study the effect of age (group), sex, and 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) status on taste function. Results Taste function changed with age, allowing for a distinction of three age groups: (I) 6–7 years, (II) 8–9 years, and (III) 10–15 years. Normative values were created for the age groups and boys and girls separately. Additionally, GLM showed a significant effect of (1) age (group) on sweet, salty, bitter, and total taste scores; (2) sex on sweet, sour, and total taste scores; and (3) PROP status on total taste scores. Conclusions This study provided normative values for the “Taste Strips” in children, highlighting age- and sex-related differences. Impact Taste dysfunction can be harmful and impacts quality of life, a topic that became increasingly important since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although taste dysfunction is thought to be rare in childhood, the detrimental impact of such dysfunction might be large, as children’s eating habits are strongly influenced by input from the chemical senses. Measuring taste function may elucidate the relationship between taste dysfunction and disease, fostering the development of more appropriate supportive strategies. However, adequate tools are lacking for children. Normative values of the “Taste Strips” are now available for children, which bolster the clinical utility of this test.

Predictive equations to estimate peak aerobic capacity and peak heart rate in persons with Down syndrome

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Goncalo V. Mendonca ◽  
Inês Santos ◽  
Bo Fernhall ◽  
Tracy Baynard
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Oxygen Uptake ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Healthy Population ◽  
Limits Of Agreement ◽  
Peak Heart Rate ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Estimations based on the available equations for predicting oxygen uptake (VO2) from treadmill speed of locomotion are not appropriate for individuals with Down syndrome (DS). We aimed at developing prediction models for peak absolute oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak heart rate (HRpeak) based on retrospective data from a healthy population with and without Down syndrome (DS). A cross-sectional analysis of VO2peak and HRpeak was conducted in 196 and 187 persons with and without DS, respectively, aged from 16-45 years. Non-exercise data alone versus combined with HRpeak were used to develop equations predictive of absolute VO2peak. Prediction equations for HRpeak were also developed. Two additional samples of participants (30 with, 29 without DS) enabled model cross-validation. Relative VO2peak and HRpeak were lowest for persons with DS across all ages (~ 40% and 20 bpm, respectively). For persons with DS, VO2peak predictions provided no differences compared with actual values. Predicted HRpeak was similar to actual values in both groups of participants. Large limits of agreement were obtained for VO2peak (DS: 735, non-DS: 558.2 mL.min-1) and HRpeak (DS: 24.8, non-DS: 16.6 bpm). Persons with DS exhibit low levels of VO2peak and HRpeak in all age groups included in this study. It is possible to estimate absolute VO2peak in persons with DS using non-exercise variables. HRpeak can be accurately estimated in groups of people with and without DS. Yet, because of large limits of agreement, caution is advised if using these equations for individual estimations of VO2peak or HRpeak in either population.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PERCEIVED ETHNIC DISCRIMINATION AND HEALTH: EVIDENCE FROM THE NATIONAL LATINO & ASIAN AMERICAN STUDY (NLAAS)

2016 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
C. SIORDIA ◽  
Y.D. COVINGTON-WARD
Keyword(s):  
Asian American ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Quantitative Relationship ◽  
Ethnic Discrimination ◽  
American Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neighborhood Perception ◽  
Perceived Ethnic Discrimination

Background: The field of aging studies continues to better understand between-racial-group health disparities. Previous work provides empirical evidence for a statistical relationship between perceived discrimination and adverse health across all age groups. Specific Aim: We contribute to the literature by investigating the quantitative relationship between Perceived Ethnic Discrimination (PED), Self-Rated Physical Health (SR-PH), Self-Rated Mental Health (SR-MH), and their combined score (SR-PH-MH). Setting & Design:The cross-sectional observational study used data collected between 2002 and 2004 from the National Latino and Asian American Study (n=4,559; average age=41; 54% female; 18% Mexican; 36% Non-Mexican Latinos; 12% Chinese; 31% Non-Chinese Asians). We provide descriptive statistics for those below and at or above age 65. Results: Multivariable linear models adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, education, body mass index, and neighborhood perception provide evidence that although a small effect, PED explains between-people variance in SR-PH (β=-0.01; α=0.001), SR-MH (β=-0.03; α=0.001), and SR-PH-MH (β=-0.04; α=0.001). Conclusions: The analysis supports arguments that PED has a non-random association with health. As we continue to explore novel measures of frailty, markers of social stress should be considered.

scholarly journals Is chronic low back pain a risk factor for diabetes? The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000569 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Heuch ◽  
Ivar Heuch ◽  
Knut Hagen ◽  
Elin Pettersen Sørgjerd ◽  
Bjørn Olav Åsvold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Chronic Low Back Pain ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Increased Risk

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to examine the risk of diabetes associated with the presence or absence of chronic low back pain, considering both cross-sectional and cohort data.Research design and methodsAnalyses were based on the Norwegian HUNT2 and HUNT3 surveys of Nord-Trøndelag County. The prevalence of diabetes was compared in groups with and without chronic low back pain among 45 157 participants aged 30–69 years. Associations between low back pain at baseline and risk of diabetes were examined in an 11-year follow-up of 30 380 individuals with no baseline diagnosis of diabetes. The comorbidity between diabetes and low back pain was assessed at the end of follow-up. All analyses were carried out considering generalized linear models incorporating adjustment for other relevant risk factors.ResultsCross-sectional analyses did not reveal any association between low back pain and diabetes. With adjustment for age, body mass index, physical activity and smoking, the cohort study of women showed a significant association between low back pain at baseline and risk of diabetes (RR 1.30; 95%  CI 1.09 to 1.54, p=0.003). The association differed between age groups (p=0.015), with a stronger association in relatively young women. In men, no association was found in the whole age range (RR 1.02; 95%  CI 0.86 to 1.21, p=0.82). No association was observed between diabetes and chronic low back pain at the end of follow-up.ConclusionAmong younger women, those with chronic low back pain may have an increased risk of diabetes.

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