Using a geolocation social networking application to calculate the population density of sex-seeking gay men for research and prevention services.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) continues to have a heavy impact on men who have sex with men (MSM). Among MSM, black men under the age of 30 are at the most risk for being diagnosed with HIV. The US National HIV/AIDS strategy recommends intensifying efforts in communities that are most heavily impacted; to do so requires new methods for identifying and targeting prevention resources to young MSM, especially young MSM of color. OBJECTIVE: We piloted a methodology for using the geolocation features of social and sexual networking applications as a novel approach to calculating the local population density of sex-seeking MSM and to use self-reported age and race from profile postings to highlight areas with a high density of minority and young minority MSM in Atlanta, Georgia. METHODS: We collected data from a geographically systematic sample of points in Atlanta. We used a sexual network mobile phone app and collected application profile data, including age, race, and distance from each point, for either the 50 closest users or for all users within a 2-mile radius of sampled points. From these data, we developed estimates of the spatial density of application users in the entire city, stratified by race. We then compared the ratios and differences between the spatial densities of black and white users and developed an indicator of areas with the highest density of users of each race. RESULTS: We collected data from 2666 profiles at 79 sampled points covering 883 square miles; overlapping circles of data included the entire 132.4 square miles in Atlanta. Of the 2666 men whose profiles were observed, 1563 (58.63%) were white, 810 (30.38%) were black, 146 (5.48%) were another race, and 147 (5.51%) did not report a race in their profile. The mean age was 31.5 years, with 591 (22.17%) between the ages of 18-25, and 496 (18.60%) between the ages of 26-30. The mean spatial density of observed profiles was 33 per square mile, but the distribution of profiles observed across the 79 sampled points was highly skewed (median 17, range 1-208). Ratio, difference, and distribution outlier measures all provided similar information, highlighting areas with higher densities of minority and young minority MSM. CONCLUSIONS: Using a limited number of sampled points, we developed a geospatial density map of MSM using a social-networking sex-seeking app. This approach provides a simple method to describe the density of specific MSM subpopulations (users of a particular app) for future HIV behavioral surveillance and allow targeting of prevention resources such as HIV testing to populations and areas of highest need.

How well did Norwegian general practice prepare to address the COVID-19 pandemic?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe the quality improvement measures made by Norwegian general practice (GP) during the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluate the differences in quality improvements based on region and assess the combinations of actions taken. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Participants were included after taking part in an online quality improvement COVID-19 course for Norwegian GPs in April 2020. The participants reported whether internal and external measures were in place: COVID-19 sign on entrance, updated home page, access to video consultations and/or electronic written consultations, home office solutions, separate working teams, preparedness for home visits, isolation rooms, knowledge on decontamination, access to sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 clinics. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred GP offices were included. The mean number of general practitioners per office was 5.63. RESULTS: More than 80% of practices had the following preparedness measures: COVID-19 sign on entrance, updated home page, COVID-19 clinic in the municipality, video and written electronic consultations, knowledge on how to use PPE, and home office solutions for general practitioners. Less than 50% had both PPE and knowledge of decontamination. Lack of PPE was reported by 37%, and 34% reported neither sufficient PPE nor a dedicated COVID-19 clinic. 15% reported that they had an isolation room, but not enough PPE. There were no geographical differences. CONCLUSIONS: Norwegian GPs in this study implemented many quality improvements to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the largest potentials for improvement seem to be securing sufficient supply of PPE and establishing an isolation room at their practices.

Improved diabetes care by primary care physicians: results of a group-randomized evaluation of the Medicare Health Care Quality Improvement Program (HCQIP).

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) measurements in patients with diabetes mellitus contribute to glycemic control, and, therefore to lower diabetic complication rates. Determine if an intervention that includes claims-based feedback about patterns of HbA1C measurement results in more frequent monitoring of HbA1C in diabetic Medicare beneficiaries. SUBJECTS: Primary care physicians in a single Southern state treating Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: A group-randomized evaluation of an intervention that included claims-based feedback about patterns of HbA1C measurement, educational materials, and practice aids. RESULTS: Rates for each quality indicator increased from 1996 to 1998 for both the intervention and comparison groups, although increases were larger for intervention counties. HbA1C testing rates increased in intervention counties 16.8% compared to 13.0% in the comparison counties, an absolute difference of 4.0% (95% CI, 0.7 to 7.3). Differences for other indicators were small, although positive and favoring the intervention, and lacked statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Physician interventions that included practice-level feedback about monitoring of glycemic control successfully led to improved care of diabetic Medicare beneficiaries.

Association of insurance and race/ethnicity with disease severity among men diagnosed with prostate cancer, National Cancer Database 2004-2006.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies documenting variations in severity of prostate cancer at diagnosis by race/ethnicity and insurance status have been limited to small sample sizes and patients ≥65 years of age. This study examines disease severity among patients ages 18 to 99 from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). METHODS: Patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2006 with prostate cancer were selected from the NCDB (n = 312,339). We evaluated the association among three disease severity measures: prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, Gleason score 8 to 10, and clinical T-stage 3/4, by race/ethnicity and insurance while adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical factors. RESULTS: Uninsured and Medicaid-insured patients had elevated PSA levels, higher odds of advanced Gleason score [uninsured odds ratio (OR), 1.97; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.82-2.12; Medicaid OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.55-1.79], and advanced clinical T stage (uninsured OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.69-2.03; Medicaid OR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.35-1.63) compared with privately insured patients. Black (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.15-1.23), Hispanic (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.10-1.23), and Asian patients (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.24-1.43) had higher odds of advanced Gleason score and similar odds of advanced stage of disease relative to whites. CONCLUSION: Insurance status is strongly associated with disease severity among prostate cancer patients. IMPACT: Strong associations between insurance and disease severity may be related to lack of access to preventive services such as PSA screening and barriers to medical evaluation. Although the risks and benefits of PSA screening have not been fully elucidated, it is important that all men have the opportunity to be informed about this option and preventative medical services.