Association of Social Support and Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Completion Among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Patients.

PURPOSE: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is presently the most evidence-based, effective treatment of obesity. Nevertheless, only half of the eligible individuals who are referred for this procedure complete it. This study aims to investigate the association between social support and MBS completion, considering race and ethnicity. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 413 participants were enrolled between 2019 and 2022. Using the 19-item Brief Family Relationship Scale, which comprises three subscales (eight-item Cohesion subscale, four-item Expressiveness subscale, and seven-item Conflict subscale), the quality of family relationship functioning was assessed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between MBS completion and social support status, adjusting for variables including race, ethnicity, age, gender, body mass index, and insurance. RESULTS: The mean age of the sample was 47.55 years (SD 11.57), with 87% of the participants being female and 39% non-Hispanic White. Nearly 35% of participants (n = 145) completed MBS. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed overall cohesion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.52 [95% CI, 1.15-2.00]; p = .003) and overall expressiveness (aOR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.22-2.05]; p < .001) were associated with higher odds of pursuing MBS. There was no significant interaction between overall cohesion, expressiveness, conflict, and race/ethnicity (p = .61, p = .63, p = .25, respectively). CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that there is a link between family-based social support and MBS completion, regardless of race and ethnicity. Future research should continue to explore the complex interplay between family dynamics and MBS outcomes, considering cultural variations to enhance the effectiveness of obesity interventions within diverse communities.

Disparities in Patient Family Social Determinants of Health in a Large Urban Pediatric Health System.

INTRODUCTION: This analysis sought to identify disparities in social determinants of health (SDOH) outcomes at a Texas pediatric hospital. METHODS: This retrospective study used electronic health records of pediatric patients families surveyed August -December 2022. Outcomes for health literacy, social support, food, transportation, energy, digital, and housing insecurity, and tobacco exposure were analyzed across demographic categories. RESULTS: Among 15,294 respondents to the survey (mean child age, 8.73 years; 43.68% Hispanic, 29.73% non-Hispanic White, 18.27% non-Hispanic Black, 6.79% other race/ethnicity; 53.95% male), 50.25% of respondents reported at least one SDOH, whereas 23.39% reported two or more SDOH. The most prevalent SDOH was lack of social support (3,456, 23.91%). Hispanic, non-Hispanic Black, and other race/ethnicity respondents, non-English speakers, and public insurance users had higher odds of reporting almost all SDOH in logistic regression models adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, language, gender, and insurance type. DISCUSSION: Race/ethnicity, language, and insurance type disparities were identified for all SDOH.

Adaptation of a standardized lifestyle intervention to maximize health outcomes in adolescent metabolic and bariatric surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is safe and efficacious in treating adolescents with severe obesity. Behavioral/lifestyle programs can support successful preparation for surgery and post-MBS weight loss, but no standardized lifestyle intervention exists for adolescents. Here we describe the process of developing and adapting the Diabetes Prevention Program Group Lifestyle Balance (DPP/GLB) curriculum to support adolescents pre- and post-MBS. METHODS: We collected both qualitative and quantitative data from a diverse group of adolescents (N = 19, mean age 15.2 years, range 13-17, 76% female, 42% non-Hispanic Black, 41% Hispanic, 17% other). Additionally, we included data from 13 parents, all of whom were mothers. These participants were recruited from an adolescent MBS program at Children's Health System of Texas. In an online survey, we asked participants to rank their preferences and interests in DPP/GLB content topics. We complemented these results with in-depth interviews from a subset of 10 participants. This qualitative data triangulation informed the development of the TeenLYFT lifestyle intervention program, designed to support adolescents who were completing MBS and described here. This program was adapted from adolescent and parent DPP/GLB content preferences, incorporating the social cognitive model (SCM) and the socioecological model (SEM) constructs to better cater to the needs of adolescent MBS patients. RESULTS: Adolescents' top 3 ranked areas of content were: (1) steps to adopt better eating habits and healthier foods; (2) healthy ways to cope with stress; and (3) steps to stay motivated and manage self-defeating thoughts. Nearly all adolescent participants preferred online delivery of content (versus in-person). Mothers chose similar topics with the addition of information on eating healthy outside the home. Key themes from the adolescent qualitative interviews included familial support, body image and self-confidence, and comorbidities as key motivating factors in moving forward with MBS. CONCLUSIONS: The feedback provided by both adolescents and parents informed the development of TeenLYFT, an online support intervention for adolescent MBS candidates. The adapted program may reinforce healthy behaviors and by involving parents, help create a supportive environment, increasing the likelihood of sustained behavior change. Understanding adolescent/parent needs to support weight management may also help healthcare providers improve long-term health outcomes for this patient population.

Factors Associated with the Decision to Complete Bariatric Metabolic Surgery among a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Sample of Adults: A Classification and Regression Tree Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Less than 50% of eligible candidates who are referred complete Bariatric Metabolic Surgery (BMS). The factors influencing the decision to complete BMS, particularly how these factors vary across different racial and ethnic groups, remain largely unexplored. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included adult patients referred to a bariatric surgeon or obesity medicine program between July 2019-September 2022. Sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index (BMI), anxiety, depression, body appreciation, and patient-physician relationship information were collected via survey and electronic health records. The association between BMS completion and potential decision-driving factors was examined using Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis. RESULTS: A total of 406 BMS -eligible patients participated in the study (mean [SD] age: 47.5 [11.6] years; 87.2% women; 18.0% Hispanic, 39% non-Hispanic Black [NHB], and 39% non-Hispanic White [NHW]; mean [SD] BMI: 45.9 [10.1] kg/m2). A total of 147 participants (36.2%) completed BMS. Overall, the most influential factor driving the decision to complete BMS was younger age (< 68.4 years), higher patient satisfaction, and BMI (≥ 38.0 kg/m2). Hispanic participants prioritized age (< 55.4 years), female sex, and body appreciation. For NHB participants, the highest ranked factors were age < 56.3 years, BMI ≥ 35.8 kg/m2, and higher patient satisfaction. For NHW patients, the most influential factors were age (39.1 to 68.6 years) and higher body appreciation. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight racial and ethnic group differences in the factors motivating individuals to complete BMS. By acknowledging these differences, healthcare providers can support patients from different backgrounds more effectively in their decision-making process regarding BMS.

Impact of employment status and work setting on body weight and health behaviors among people with obesity.

BACKGROUND: The impact of employment and the work-from-home (WFH) setting on body weight among people with obesity is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between employment status, WFH setting, and change in body weight among adults with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Patients from an obesity medicine clinic completed an online survey in 2022 to assess health, work, and lifestyle behaviors. Multiple regression models examined the association between WFH status and change in body weight. RESULTS: The analytical sample included 380 patients (81.9% female, mean age 52.5 years, mean body mass index 43.25, 50.0% non-Hispanic White, 25.7% non-Hispanic Black, 18.7% Hispanic, 5.7% other ethnicity). During the pandemic, 28.7% were employed in a WFH setting (73.4% of this subgroup were in a WFH setting only), 36.1% were employed but not in a WFH setting, 11.8% were unemployed, and 23.4% were retired. Mean body weight change for participants who partially WFH during the pandemic was +5.4 (±7.2) % compared to those completely WFH -0.3 (±9.8) % (P = 0.006). After adjusting for key demographics, participants who were partially WFH gained 7.8% more weight compared to those completely WFH (ß= 7.28, SE = 1.91, p <  0.001). The most significant predictors for weight gain after adjusting for WFH frequency (partially vs. completely) included overeating (aOR 11.07, 95% CI 3.33-36.77), more consumption of fast food (aOR 7.59, 95% 2.41-23.91), and depression (aOR 6.07, 95% CI 1.97-18.68). CONCLUSION: These results show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WFH hybrid (combination of office and WFH) setting is associated with greater weight gain compared to those who completely WFH in people with obesity. Risk factors include overeating, higher fast food consumption, and depression.

Persistent symptoms and conditions among children and adolescents hospitalised with COVID-19 illness: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited in-depth research exploring persistent symptoms and conditions among children and adolescents who contracted COVID-19 illness that required hospitalisation. The main objective of this study was to conduct qualitative interviews among families who had a child hospitalised with COVID-19 illness to elucidate their child's physical, mental and social health outcomes months after initial acute infection. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A qualitative study that composed of in-depth interviews among families with a child hospitalised with COVID-19 illness in one large urban US paediatric healthcare system. Parents (N=25) were recruited from an ongoing quantitative study to estimate the prevalence of long COVID in children hospitalised with COVID-19 illness. During in-depth interviews, parents were invited to describe their child's post-COVID-19 symptoms and experiences. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and coded in NVivo. RESULTS: Seven themes were identified concerning the child's prolonged COVID-19 experiences: (1) post-traumatic stress disorder, (2) social anxiety, (3) severe symptoms on reinfection, (4) worsened pre-existing conditions, (5) lack of insurance coverage for costly treatments, (6) access and utilisation of support systems and (7) overall resilience and recovery. Four parent-specific themes were identified: (1) fear of COVID-19 unknowns, (2) mixed messaging from health information sources, (3) schools being both a support system and a hindrance and (4) desire for and access to support systems. CONCLUSIONS: A subset of children who were hospitalised with COVID-19 illness are experiencing a range of serious mental health impacts related to persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Clinical and public health support strategies should be developed to support these children and their families as they reintegrate in school, social and community activities.

Quality of Life Among Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross Sectional Study.

Caregivers of children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience more stress than caregivers of typically developing children but there is limited research evaluating caregivers' quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to describe the association of caregiver QoL in children with ASD and/or ADHD. This study included patients with ADHD and/or ASD seen in one pediatric specialty clinic between September 2018-August 2020. Caregivers were classified as those caring for children with ASD-only, ADHD-only, or youth with both conditions (ADHD + ASD). An adapted version of the PedsQL Family Impact Module was used to measure caregiver QoL. The sample included caregivers of 931 children. The majority of these children were male (74.7%), non-Hispanic white (63.3%), and aged 6 to 12 years (57.8%). Across the groups, significant differences were observed in patient age (p < 0.0001), preferred language (p = 0.005), and insurance (p = 0.001). Caregivers of non-Hispanic Black children had 4-times the odds of reporting feeling isolated from others (OR 4.36, 95% CI 1.19-16.00 p = 0.03). Those caring for children with ADHD-only had significantly lower odds of reporting helplessness or hopelessness (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26-0.80, p = 0.004), and difficulty talking about their child's health with others (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.17-0.54, p < 0.0001). Similarly, caregivers of children who had ADHD + ASD reported higher odds of difficulty making decisions together as a family (OR 14.18, 95% CI 1.15-17.91, p=0.04) and difficulty solving family problems together (OR 45.12, 95% CI 2.70-752.87), p = 0.008). Caring for children with ADHD and/or ASD may affect caregiver QoL.

Health status of childcare center providers in a COVID-19 hotspot.

BACKGROUND: Childcare center providers in Miami-Dade County, Florida a COVID-19 hotspot, are made up almost entirely of ethnic minority women. This is a critical frontline staff that is now encountering the triple threat of respiratory illnesses from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza viruses (or the seasonal flu), and COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: To examine sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometrics, and health behaviors that were collected from a sample of CCC teachers in Miami Dade County, a COVID-19 hotspot. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were used from Healthy Caregivers, Healthy Children (HC2), a randomized controlled intervention trial (#NCT02697565) for healthy weight maintenance among children 2-to-5 years old, conducted in 24 subsidized childcare centers in MDC in 2015-2018. Prevalence was determined by frequency or mean/standard deviation of each variable. Chi-squared analyses were performed to test for differences in BMI categories. RESULTS: In this sample of childcare center providers (n = 255), the majority (61%) had an elevated body mass index. Positive health behaviors such as regular exercise and eating fruits and vegetables were only reported in about a third of the sample. CONCLUSION: It is vital that we encourage the uptake of regular vaccination schedules as a means to protect our community, especially the critical frontline workers that have been caring for our young children.

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Practice Pattern Survey.

PURPOSE: Obesity is a complex, chronic disease that is strongly associated with complications which cost the US healthcare system billions of dollars per year. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) has emerged as a safe and effective procedure for treatment of obesity, but without practice guidelines there are likely to be variations practice. We sought to describe current practice patterns amongst endoscopists who perform ESG to help define areas of focus for future research and guideline development. METHODS: We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey to examine practice patterns related to ESG. The survey was organized in 5 sections: Endoscopic Practice, Training, and Resources; Pre-ESG Evaluation and Payment Model; Perioperative/Operative Period; Post-operative Period; and Endobariatric Practice Other Than ESG. RESULTS: A variety of exclusion criteria were reported by physicians performing ESG. Most respondents (n = 21/32, 65.6%) would not perform ESG for BMI under 27, and 40.6% (n = 13/32) would not perform ESG on patients with BMI over 50. The majority of respondents (74.2%, n = 23/31) reported ESG was not covered in their region, and most reported patients covered residual costs (67.7%, n = 21/31). CONCLUSIONS: We found significant variability with respect to practice setting, exclusion criteria, pre-procedural evaluation, and medication use. Without guidelines for the selection of patients or standards for pre- and post-ESG care, substantial barriers to coverage will remain, and ESG will remain limited to those who can meet out-of-pocket costs. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings, and future research should be focused on establishing patient selection criteria and standards in practices to provide guidance for endobariatric programs.

Depression and Anxiety as Predictors of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Completion Among Ethnically Diverse Patients.

BACKGROUND: Mental health conditions including depression and anxiety are often prevalent among metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) patients, but it is not known if these conditions predict the decision to complete the procedure and if this varies by race and ethnicity. This study aimed to determine if depression and anxiety are associated with MBS completion among a race/ethnically diverse sample of patients. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included participants who were referred to an obesity program or two MBS practices between August 2019 and October 2022. Participants completed the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) instrument to determine history of anxiety and/or depression, as well as MBS completion status (Y/N). Multivariable logistic regression models determined the odds of MBS completion by depression and anxiety status adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 413 study participants (87 % women, 40% non-Hispanic White, 39% non-Hispanic Black, and 18% Hispanic). Participants with a history of anxiety were less likely to complete MBS (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.30-0.90, p = 0.020). Women had increased odds of a history of anxiety (aOR = 5.65, 95% CI = 1.64-19.49, p = 0.006) and of concurrent anxiety and depression (aOR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.39-6.79, p = 0.005) compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that participants with anxiety were 48% less likely to complete MBS compared to those without anxiety. Additionally, women were more likely to report a history of anxiety with and without depression versus men. These findings can inform pre-MBS programs about risk factors for non-completion.

Effectiveness of semaglutide versus liraglutide for treating post-metabolic and bariatric surgery weight recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of semaglutide versus liraglutide for treating post-metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) weight recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 207 adults with post-MBS weight recurrence treated with semaglutide 1.0 mg weekly (n = 115) or liraglutide 3.0 mg daily (n = 92) at an academic center from January 1, 2015, through April 1, 2021, was conducted. The primary end point was percentage body weight change at 12 months of treatment with regimens containing semaglutide or liraglutide. RESULTS: The mean sample age was 55.2 years; mean BMI was 40.4 kg/m2 ; 89.9% were female; and 50% completed sleeve gastrectomy, 29% completed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 21% completed adjustable gastric banding. Least-squares mean weight change at 12 months was -12.92% versus -8.77% in the semaglutide and liraglutide groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The adjusted odds ratios were 2.34 (95% CI: 1.28-4.29) for ≥10% weight loss and 2.55 (95% CI: 1.22-5.36) for ≥15% weight loss over 12 months in the semaglutide group versus liraglutide group, respectively. Weight-loss efficacy of semaglutide (vs. liraglutide) did not differ by subgroups explored, including age, sex, and MBS procedure. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that treatment regimens including semaglutide 1.0 mg weekly lead to superior weight loss compared with liraglutide 3.0 mg daily for treating post-MBS weight recurrence, regardless of procedure type or the magnitude of weight recurrence.

The Role of Body Appreciation in the Decision to Complete Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Among Ethnically Diverse Patients.

PURPOSE: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an evidence-based safe, effective treatment for obesity. However, only half of referred or eligible persons complete the procedure for unknown reasons. The proposed study examined the association between the degree of body appreciation and the decision to complete MBS by ethnicity. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 409 participants who had been referred to a bariatric surgeon or an obesity medicine program between August 2019 and May 2022. Participants completed a survey about health behaviors and psychosocial characteristics, including body appreciation by MBS completion status (Y/N). Multivariate logistic regression models generated adjusted odd ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of body appreciation among MBS completers vs. non-completers. RESULTS: The sample mean age was 47.18 years (SD 11.63), 87% were female. 39.6% identified as non-Hispanic White (NHW), 38.5% as non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and 17.6% as Hispanic. Over a third of the sample (31.05%, n = 127) completed MBS. "Often" experiencing body appreciation was the most significant predictor of MBS completion (aOR: 28.19, 95% CI: 6.37-124.67, p-value < 0.001), followed by "Sometimes" (aOR: 20.47, 95% CI: 4.82-86.99, p-value < 0.001) and "Always" (aOR: 13.54, 95% CI: 2.55-71.87, p-value < 0.01) after controlling for sex, age, and race/ethnicity. There was not a significant interaction between body appreciation and race/ethnicity (p-value = 0.96). CONCLUSION: Results showed a significant association between body appreciation and MBS completion, controlling for sex, age, and race/ethnicity. MBS clinical settings may want to assess body appreciation as a pre-operative screener among ethnically diverse patients.

Telehealth utilization among multi-ethnic patients with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The science of telemedicine has shown great advances over the past decade. However, the field needs to better understand if a change in care delivery from in-person to telehealth as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will yield durable patient engagement and health outcomes for patients with obesity. The objective of this study was to examine the association of mode of healthcare utilization (telehealth versus in-person) and sociodemographic factors among patients with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective medical chart review identified patients with obesity from a university outpatient obesity medicine clinic and a community bariatric surgery practice. Patients completed an online survey (1 June 2020-24 September 2020) to assess changes in healthcare utilization modality during subsequent changes in infection rates in the geographic area. Logistic regression analysis examined the association of mode of healthcare utilization and key sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 583 patients (87% female, mean age 51.2 years (standard deviation 13.0), mean body mass index 40.2 (standard deviation 6.7), 49.2% non-Hispanic white, 28.7% non-Hispanic black, 16.4% Hispanic, 7% other ethnicity, 33.1% completed bariatric surgery) were included. Adjusted logistic regression models showed older age was inversely associated with telehealth use (adjusted odds ratio = 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.98) and non-Hispanic black were more likely to use telehealth compared to non-Hispanic white (adjusted odds ratio = 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.05-2.81). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting access to healthcare among patients with obesity. Telehealth is an emerging modality that can maintain healthcare access during the pandemic, but utilization varies by age and ethnicity in this high-risk population.

Association of corticosteroid use and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in asthmatic children varies by age.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to examine the impact of corticosteroids use on ADHD among children with asthma by administration routes. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional analysis included pediatric patients ages 5-20 years old from the 2016 and 2019 Kids Inpatient Database (unweighted N = 111,702). ICD-10-CM codes were used to identify corticosteroids use, asthma, and ADHD cases. Survey logistic regression models with purposeful variable selection algorithms were built to examine the association between corticosteroids use, and ADHD by asthma severity and age. An inverse probability weighting (IPW) approach was used to help further control residual confounding. RESULTS: Among children aged 5-11 years old, the odds of ADHD were significantly higher in children with moderate to severe asthma who used inhaled corticosteroids than nonusers (moderate asthma: adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-2.44; severe asthma: aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.18-2.21). Although oral corticosteroid use was not independently associated with ADHD in young children, combined use of inhaled and oral corticosteroid had almost 5 times higher odds of use among ADHD in children with severe asthma vs. nonusers (aOR 4.85, 95% CI 2.07 - 11.35). No associations were found between any corticosteroid use and ADHD among asthmatic children aged 12-20 years. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective analysis, we found inhaled corticosteroids were positively associated with ADHD in younger children with moderate to severe asthma, but not in older children.

Association Between Patient Satisfaction With Their Patient-Physician Relationship and Completion of Bariatric Surgery by Race and Ethnicity Among US Adults.

Importance: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is an effective and safe treatment for obesity and its comorbidities, but less than 50% of those who are eligible and referred for MBS complete the procedure. The patient-physician relationship could be a decisive factor in the decision to complete MBS; however, this relationship has not been explored, particularly among racially and ethnically diverse populations. Objective: To examine the association between patient-reported satisfaction with their patient-physician relationship and MBS completion by self-reported racial and ethnic group. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study included 408 patients who were referred to a bariatric surgeon or obesity medicine program between July 24, 2019, and May 19, 2022. Exposure: Patient satisfaction with their physician was measured by 7 dimensions (general satisfaction, technical quality, interpersonal manner, communication, financial aspects, time spent with physician, and accessibility and convenience) using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form. Main Outcomes and Measures: Completion status for MBS (yes or no). Results: A total of 408 patients (mean [SD] age, 47.3 [11.6] years; among 366 with data available, 317 [86.6%] women and 49 [13.4%] men) were included in the study. Of 363 patients with data available on race and ethnicity, 66 were Hispanic/Latinx (18.2%), 136 (37.5%) were non-Hispanic Black, 146 (40.2%) were non-Hispanic White, and 15 (4.1%) were other race or ethnicity. A total of 124 patients (30.4%) completed MBS. Overall, the mean (SD) patient satisfaction score was significantly greater in MBS completers vs noncompleters (3.86 [0.56] vs 3.61 [0.64]; P < .001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed technical quality was the most significant factor for MBS completion (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.99 [95% CI, 1.24-3.19]), followed by communication (aOR, 1.78 [95% CI, 1.16-2.72]) and accessibility and convenience (aOR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.03-2.53]). The interaction between racial and ethnic groups and patient satisfaction was not significant (eg, mean [SD] score for Hispanic/Latinx completers, 3.95 [0.55] vs 3.77 [0.60] for non-Hispanic White completers; P = .46 for interaction). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that there is an association between patient satisfaction with the patient-physician relationship and the decision to complete MBS regardless of race and ethnicity. These findings have important implications for strategies to improve the proportion of qualified patients who complete MBS to achieve improved health outcomes.

Prevalence of polypharmacy and associated adverse outcomes and risk factors among children with asthma in the USA: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of polypharmacy, identify risk factors and examine related adverse outcomes in the US children with asthma. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: This population-based, cross-sectional study included 1776 children with asthma from the 2011-2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. EXPOSURES: Polypharmacy is defined as taking ≥2 medications concurrently for ≥1 day over the past 30 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: (1) Weighted prevalence estimates of polypharmacy in children with asthma; (2) asthma attacks and emergency department (ED) visits. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of polypharmacy in the US children with asthma was 33.49% (95% CI 31.81% to 35.17%). 15.53% (95% CI 14.31% to 16.75%), 12.63% (95% CI 11.37% to 13.88%) and 5.33% (95% CI) of participants were taking 2, 3-4, and 5 prescription medications, respectively. In addition to asthma medications, the most common sources of polypharmacy included antihistamines (20.17%, 95% CI 16.07% to 24.28%), glucocorticoids (16.67%, 95% 12.57% to 20.78%), and anti-infectives (14.28%, 95% CI 10.29 to 18.28). Risk factors for the increased number of medications included age 5-11 years old (vs 1-4 years: adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 1.38, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.72), fair-to-poor health (vs excellent or very good: aIRR 1.42, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.92), or ≥6 healthcare utilisation encounters over the last year (vs 0-5 encounters: aIRR 1.45, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.66). Polypharmacy increased the odds of an asthma attack (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.80, 95% CI 1.99 to 3.93) and ED visit (aOR 2.41, 95%1.59-3.63) after adjusting for demographics, insurance and health status. CONCLUSIONS: Every one in three US children with asthma experienced polypharmacy. Although it may reflect the treatment guidelines that various asthma medications are needed for maintenance therapy, our results suggested that polypharmacy increased the odds of asthma attacks or ED visits. This may be due to the concurrent use with other non-asthma medications indicating that there is an opportunity to improve medication management in children with asthma.

Comparison of Long-Term Complications of COVID-19 Illness among a Diverse Sample of Children by MIS-C Status.

Most pediatric COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic; however, a small number of children are diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a rare but severe condition that is associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Persistent symptoms of COVID-19 illness in children diagnosed with/without MIS-C is largely unknown. A retrospective EHR review of patients with COVID-19 illness from one pediatric healthcare system to assess the presence of acute (<30 days) and chronic (≥30, 60-120, and >120 days) long-term COVID symptoms was conducted. Patients/caregivers completed a follow-up survey from March 2021 to January 2022 to assess the presence of long COVID. Results showed that non-MIS-C children (n = 286; 54.49% Hispanic; 19.23% non-Hispanic Black; 5.77% other ethnicity; 79.49% government insurance) were younger (mean age 6.43 years [SD 5.95]) versus MIS-C (n = 26) children (mean age 9.08 years, [SD 4.86]) (p = 0.032). A share of 11.5% of children with MIS-C and 37.8% without MIS-C reported acute long COVID while 26.9% and 15.3% reported chronic long COVID, respectively. Females were almost twice as likely to report long symptoms versus males and those with private insurance were 66% less likely to report long symptoms versus those with government insurance. In conclusion, a substantial proportion of ethnically diverse children from low resource backgrounds with severe COVID illness are reporting long-term impacts. Findings can inform pediatric professionals about this vulnerable population in post-COVID-19 recovery efforts.

Long-Term Outcomes after Adolescent Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) is a safe and effective treatment option for adolescents with severe obesity, but no long-term studies are available with more than10 years of follow-up data to document sustained improved outcomes. METHODS: A total of 96 patients who completed MBS at 21 years of age or younger in a tertiary academic center 2002 to 2010 were contacted for a telehealth visit. Body weight, comorbidity status, social/physical function status, and long-term complications were evaluated 10 to 18 years after surgery. RESULTS: Mean participant (83% female, 75% Hispanic) age at MBS was 18.8 (±1.6) years (median age 19 years, range 15-21 years), and median pre-MBS BMI was 44.7 kg/m 2 (SD 6.5). At follow-up (mean 14.2 [±2.2] years) post-MBS (90.6% Roux-en-Y gastric bypass [RYGB] or 8.3% laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding [LAGB]) mean total body weight decreased by 31.3% (interquartile range [IQR] 20.0% to 38.9%); 32.0% (IQR, 21.3% to 40.1%) among RYGB participants and 22.5% (IQR, 0.64% to 28.3%) among LAGB participants. Patients with pre-MBS hyperlipidemia (14.6%), asthma (10.4%), and diabetes/hyperglycemia (5.2%) reported 100% remission at follow-up (p < 0.05 for all). Pre-post decrease in hypertension (13.5% vs 1%, p = 0.001), sleep apnea (16.7% vs 1.0%, p < 0.001), gastroesophageal reflux disease (13.5% vs 3.1%, p = 0.016), anxiety (7.3% vs 2.1%, p = 0.169), and depression (27.1% vs 4.2%, p < 0.001) were also found. CONCLUSIONS: Significant sustained reductions in weight and comorbidities, and low rates of long-term complications, a decade or more after completing MBS as an adolescent were found. These findings have important implications for adolescents who may be considering MBS for weight reduction and overall health improvements that extend into adulthood.

Changes in body weight, health behaviors, and mental health in adults with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between body weight changes, health behaviors, and mental health in adults with obesity during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Between March 1, 2021, and November 30, 2021, adults from three obesity practices completed an online survey. The primary outcomes were ≥ 5% of body weight change since March 2020 and associated health behaviors and mental health factors. RESULTS: The sample (n = 404) was 82.6% female (mean age 52.5 years, mean BMI 43.3 kg/m2 ). Mean weight change was + 4.3%. Weight gain ≥ 5% was reported by 30% of the sample, whereas 19% reported ≥ 5% body weight loss. The degree of both weight gain and weight loss correlated positively with baseline BMI. Eighty percent of the sample reported difficulties with body weight regulation. Those who gained ≥ 5% versus those who lost ≥ 5% body weight were more likely to report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression; less sleep and exercise; less healthy eating and home-cooked meals; and more takeout foods, comfort foods, fast foods, overeating, and binge eating. CONCLUSIONS: Weight gain in adults with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with higher baseline BMI, deteriorations in mental health, maladaptive eating behaviors, and less physical activity and sleep. Further research is needed to identify effective interventions for healthier minds, behaviors, and body weight as the pandemic continues.