Statin adherence in patients with high cardiovascular risk: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Statin adherence is an essential problem although lifetime medication is recommended especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk. The importance of perceived risk as a predictor of adherence among cardiology patients has not been fully explored. This study aimed to test the importance of perceived risk as a predictor of statin adherence amongst hypercholesterolemic patients to identify predictors associated with poor adherence. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at cardiology outpatient clinics of the University hospital in Ankara, Turkey. A total of 327 consecutive patients with high CV risk were recruited. Self-reported Morisky Green Levine Medication Adherence Scale was used to assess statin adherence. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 34.5% had concerns about side effects. Also, the mean age was 63.85 ± 11.29 years, 66.1% were men, 32.4% applied non-drug alternative therapies, 53.2% had a Mediterranean-style diet and 20.8% checked their lipid values irregularly. Participants reported 50.2% high, 30% moderate, and 19.9% low statin medication adherence. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) control rates were 44.6%, 74.3%, 61.5% and 41.6%. On multiple logistic regression, concern about side effects was associated with a statistically significant quadruple elevation of odds of non-adherence. Also, being male, former smokers, not having complementary interventions, having regular visits, being educated for more than 5 years, having low depressive symptom scores, living in a rural, being never or former smokers, employee were significant predictors of high medication adherence scores. CONCLUSION: Approximately half of the patients reported high medication adherence. Proper strategies to improve adherence would include patient education efforts focused on patients with concerns about side effects and those who are female, less educated, current smokers, interested in complementary interventions, have irregular follow-up visits, and have depressive symptoms. Brief medication adherence scales may facilitate the assessment of patients' adherence.

Diversification Into Non-Inpatient Service Lines Among Community Hospitals in Wisconsin.

Community hospitals may be able to increase revenue by diversifying into non-inpatient service lines. A model predicting this kind of diversification has not been developed. Data from community hospitals in Wisconsin was analyzed to explain diversification into non-inpatient service lines. Principal components analysis was applied to the services offered to identify factors. The derived factor scores were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Two distinct noninpatient identities were identified: a vertically integrated acute hospital and a hospital diversified into community-based services. Regression analysis revealed that horizontal integration was related to vertical integration into non-inpatient service lines. Community hospitals belonging to alliances and systems had lower vertical integration scores.

Length of stay by uncomplicated diabetes bariatric surgery patients: A laparoscopic adjustable banding versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVE: Bariatric surgery is an effective procedure for morbidly obese patients when all else fails. The purpose of this study was to compare the hospital length of stay (LOS) for two surgical procedures, laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). METHODS: This study was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2009 to 2014. Patients who received bariatric surgery as indicated by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) procedure codes were selected (N = 4001). Cases were limited to uncomplicated diabetic patients. Differences in the odds of long vs short (2< and ≥2) stay for a patient receiving LSG were compared with LAGB while adjusting for hospital volume, hospital size, patient age, gender, ethnicity, season, and year using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The odds for LSG (odds ratio [OR] = 0.100, 0.066-0.150, P < 0.001) patients for long LOS are lower when compared with LAGB. In the stratified logistic regression model, both male (OR = 0.157, 0.074-0.333, P < 0.001) and female (OR = 0.077, 0.046-0.127, P < 0.001) had reduced odds of extended LOS for LSG. Discharged patients in the year 2012 (OR = 0.660, 0.536-0.813, P < 0.001) had decreased odds of having a longer LOS when compared with the year 2014. Both government, nonfederal (OR = 0.452, 0.251-0.816, P = 0.008), and private investor-owned (OR = 0.421, 0.244-0.726, P < 0.001) patients had similar odds for long duration of stay when compared with government or private. Urban non-teaching (OR = 1.954, 1.653-2.310, P < 0.001) patients had higher odds for long LOS in comparison with urban teaching. New England patients' (OR = 0.365, 0.232-0.576, P < 0.001) odds for extended LOS were lower when compared with pacific. Both patients who received care in low (OR = 1.330, 1.109-1.595, P = 0.002) and medium (OR = 1.639, 1.130-2.377, P = 0.009) volume hospital had increased odds for long duration of stay. Female patients in the stratified logistic regression model with high (OR = 1.330, 1.109-1.595, P < 0.002) volume had elevated odds of extended LOS when compared with very low volume hospital. CONCLUSION: Among the uncomplicated diabetic patients, LSG provides a substantially low odds of extended LOS after adjusting for covariates when compared with LAGB. The finding of the relative reduction in LOS for LSG suggests opportunities for improvement both for cost reduction for third party insurance payers and greater efficacy and outcomes for patients.

A Practice Innovations Decision Model.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this commentary is to propose a flexible practice innovations decision model (PIDM) for use in health services planning and management. METHOD: This is an example of fuzzy decision analysis. The elements of the model are explained by applying it to the decision of whether to open a primary care clinic in retail space. The model contains 10 criteria, each of which scored as 1 (met) or 0 (not met). The scores are summed to guide the decision. RESULT: In this example, success was defined a priori as meeting 8 or more criteria. Sensitivity analysis and simulation can be used in practice to test the model. CONCLUSION: The PIDM appears to be applicable to a variety of decisions, and the fuzzy scoring combined with simulation and sensitivity analysis generates plausible results. The model should be modified as necessary for each situation in which it is applied.

Oral nutritional supplement use in relation to length of stay in heart failure patients at a regional medical center.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: Improving the nutritional status of hospitalized patients has been shown to reduce length of stay (LOS), hospital costs, readmission rates, complication rates, and mortality. Provision of nutrient-rich, liquid, oral nutrition supplements (ONS) is one approach to improve nutritional status. Little information is available on ONS use and LOS among heart failure patients. METHODS: This study used a retrospective design to examine whether routine ONS use was associated with hospital LOS among 570 heart failure inpatients (89 ONS = yes; 481 ONS = no) at a regional medical center, adjusting for significant personal, locational, and time variables using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Oral nutrition supplement use was associated with high LOS in this sample (odds ratio = 2.43). High LOS was also associated with higher Charlson comorbidity index values, discharge destination, hospital room location, and dietitian consults. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that ONS orders alone are not adequate to reduce LOS among heart failure patients. Continued research is needed on ways to improve care to reduce LOS among hospitalized patients.

Does the trait anxiety affect the dental fear?

The aims of the present study were to evaluate possible associations between trait anxiety, dental fear and the predictors of these interactions including demographic characteristics and dental history of patients applied to the dental care center in Ankara, Turkey. A sample of 607 participants (mean age: 21.02 ± 2.32) responded to a Turkish version of the Modified Dental Fear Survey (MDFS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) and a questionnaire regarding previous negative dental experience. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between dental fear and the independent variables including trait anxiety, age groups, education level, dental visit frequency, experience and the source of dental knowledge. There was a trend for increasing in trait anxiety scores with greater levels of dental fear in a medium level of the dental fear group (OR = 1.055, 95%CI [1.025-1.086]; p < 0.001) and in a high level of the dental fear group (OR = 1.090 [1.057-1.124]; p < 0.001). Comparing to the low level of dental fear group; participants of medium dental fear level intended more likely to go to the dentist when they have a complaint instead of regularly going (odds ratio; OR = 3.177, 95%CI [1.304-7.741]; p = 0.011). Participants of high dental fear level tended to be less likely to have experienced no problem (OR = 0.476, 95%CI [0.284-0.795]; p = 0.005) than the low level of the dental fear group. We strongly indicate that higher dental fear scores have a predisposition of having high trait anxiety scores. Unpleasant dental experiences increased the risk for high dental fear levels. Patients with dental fear tended only to visit a dentist when necessary, avoiding regular visits.

Does the trait anxiety affect the dental fear?

Abstract The aims of the present study were to evaluate possible associations between trait anxiety, dental fear and the predictors of these interactions including demographic characteristics and dental history of patients applied to the dental care center in Ankara, Turkey. A sample of 607 participants (mean age: 21.02 ± 2.32) responded to a Turkish version of the Modified Dental Fear Survey (MDFS), the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) and a questionnaire regarding previous negative dental experience. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between dental fear and the independent variables including trait anxiety, age groups, education level, dental visit frequency, experience and the source of dental knowledge. There was a trend for increasing in trait anxiety scores with greater levels of dental fear in a medium level of the dental fear group (OR = 1.055, 95%CI [1.025–1.086]; p < 0.001) and in a high level of the dental fear group (OR = 1.090 [1.057–1.124]; p < 0.001). Comparing to the low level of dental fear group; participants of medium dental fear level intended more likely to go to the dentist when they have a complaint instead of regularly going (odds ratio; OR = 3.177, 95%CI [1.304–7.741]; p = 0.011). Participants of high dental fear level tended to be less likely to have experienced no problem (OR = 0.476, 95%CI [0.284–0.795]; p = 0.005) than the low level of the dental fear group. We strongly indicate that higher dental fear scores have a predisposition of having high trait anxiety scores. Unpleasant dental experiences increased the risk for high dental fear levels. Patients with dental fear tended only to visit a dentist when necessary, avoiding regular visits.

Increased hospital documentation requirements may not increase breastfeeding among first-time mothers.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To examine if initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding on discharge in first-time mothers increased after a change in hospital policy increased reporting requirements about breastfeeding by new mothers. METHODS: Five hundred women that gave birth to their first child were studied, with half giving birth prior to reporting requirements and half giving birth after the reporting began. After implementing mandatory reporting requirements through an accrediting body, an increase in maternity care practices designed to promote breastfeeding was expected. Medical records of those women were reviewed to identify key variables, including age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education level, health insurance, type of delivery, gestational age, initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding throughout the hospital stay. RESULTS: There was an 18.7% increase in initiation of breastfeeding the year the mandatory reporting began. However, there was a 5.9% decrease in exclusive breastfeeding that year. The odds of initiating breastfeeding were greater after implementation of mandatory reporting measures (OR = 2.07; P = 0.0007), yet the odds for exclusive breastfeeding on discharge did not show a statistically significant change (OR = 0.94; P = 0.7507). Other variables that had a significant effect on both initiation and exclusive breastfeeding included being non-Hispanic white, other race/ethnicity category, marital status and type of insurance (exclusive breastfeeding only). CONCLUSION: Professional support that can be offered to new mothers may have a positive effect on their decision to breastfeed. However, a hospital policy change that increases reporting requirements may not have long-term impact on breastfeeding. Longer term studies and multisite studies are needed.

Increased medical cost metrics for patients 50 years of age and older in the collaborate care model of treatment for depression.

BACKGROUND: The collaborative care model (CCM) has been consistently shown to achieve effectiveness in depression management compared to usual care. In the present study, we aimed to determine the impact of age on cost metrics in patients who were treated with CCM for 6 months after a diagnosis of depression. METHODS: The upper quartile of age was 50 years and older (n = 56), and the comparison group was composed of patients in the three younger quartiles, aged 18-49 years (n = 163). RESULTS: Patients in the older age group had an elevated median Current Procedure Terminology cost rank of 255.5 compared to 168.0 for the younger patients (P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that being in the upper quartile of age (≥ 50 years) (odds ratio = 2.272, 95% confidence interval: 1.064-4.851; P = 0.034) and having higher numbers of clinical visits 6 months prior to index (odds ratio = 1.209, 95% confidence interval: 1.118-1.307; P < 0.001) were significant predictor variables of being cost rank outliers (>80th percentile) in patients with CCM. CONCLUSION: Medical cost utilization in the 6 months after diagnosis of depression was significantly higher in patients in the upper age quartile (≥ 50 years) enrolled in CCM than those in the lower quartiles (age < 50).

Impact of predictors upon the reduction of lipid parameters in family medicine practice.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate predictors of changes in lipid parameters consisting of LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), TC (total cholesterol) and non-HDL-C (non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol) among primary care patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study conducted on family medicine patients. METHODS: Demographic features and other clinically relevant information were abstracted from medical records. The primary outcome was the difference in LDL-C level from initial testing to the index test. Secondary outcomes were the changes in TC and non-HDL-C levels between two measurements. RESULTS: Three hundred and eleven participants were included in the final secondary analysis. Multiple linear regression revealed that male patients (ß = 4.97, P = 0.040), diabetes (ß = 9.75, P = 0.003) and higher LDL-C levels at baseline (ß = 0.35, P < 0.001) were positively associated with LDL variance, whereas longer time period (ß = -0.15, P = 0.045) and familial hypercholesterolemia history (ß = -7.56, P = 0.033) were negatively associated. Male patients (ß = 8.45, P = 0.002), DM (ß = 9.26, P = 0.011), higher TC levels at baseline (ß = 0.35, P < 0.001) and taking statins (ß = 7.31, P = 0.023) were positively associated with TC variance, whilst longer time period (ß = -0.183, P = 0.031) and familial hypercholesterolemia (ß = -10.70, P = 0.008) were negatively associated. CONCLUSION: In the present study, patients who were male, on statin treatment, diagnosed with diabetes and had higher baseline lipid values were more likely associated with better lipid outcomes at future testing.

Impact of predictors upon the reduction of lipid parameters in family medicine practice / Impacto de preditores da redução dos parâmetros de lipídios na prática da medicina de família

ABSTRACT CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate predictors of changes in lipid parameters consisting of LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), TC (total cholesterol) and non-HDL-C (non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol) among primary care patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study conducted on family medicine patients. METHODS: Demographic features and other clinically relevant information were abstracted from medical records. The primary outcome was the difference in LDL-C level from initial testing to the index test. Secondary outcomes were the changes in TC and non-HDL-C levels between two measurements. RESULTS: Three hundred and eleven participants were included in the final secondary analysis. Multiple linear regression revealed that male patients (β = 4.97, P = 0.040), diabetes (β = 9.75, P = 0.003) and higher LDL-C levels at baseline (β = 0.35, P < 0.001) were positively associated with LDL variance, whereas longer time period (β = -0.15, P = 0.045) and familial hypercholesterolemia history (β = -7.56, P = 0.033) were negatively associated. Male patients (β = 8.45, P = 0.002), DM (β = 9.26, P = 0.011), higher TC levels at baseline (β = 0.35, P < 0.001) and taking statins (β = 7.31, P = 0.023) were positively associated with TC variance, whilst longer time period (β = -0.183, P = 0.031) and familial hypercholesterolemia (β = -10.70, P = 0.008) were negatively associated. CONCLUSION: In the present study, patients who were male, on statin treatment, diagnosed with diabetes and had higher baseline lipid values were more likely associated with better lipid outcomes at future testing.

RESUMO CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Avaliar preditores de alterações nos parâmetros lipídicos que consistem em LDL-C (colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade), TC (colesterol total) e não HDL-C (não colesterol de lipoproteína de alta densidade) entre os pacientes de cuidados primários. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo retrospectivo realizado em pacientes de medicina familiar. MÉTODOS: Aspectos demográficos e outras informações clinicamente relevantes foram extraídos dos prontuários médicos. O desfecho primário foi a diferença de nível de LDL-C entre os exames iniciais e o exame índice. Os desfechos secundários foram as mudanças dos níveis de TC e não HDL-C entre as duas medidas. RESULTADOS: Trezentos e onze participantes foram incluídos na análise secundária final. Regressão linear múltipla revelou que os pacientes do sexo masculino (β = 4,97, P = 0,040), diabetes (DM) (β = 9,75, P = 0,003) e níveis de LDL mais elevados no início do estudo (β = 0,35, P < 0,001) foram associados positivamente com variância LDL, enquanto longo período de tempo (β = -0,15, P = 0,045) e história hipercolesterolemia familiar (β = -7,56, P = 0,033) foram associados negativamente. Pacientes do sexo masculino (β = 8,45, P = 0,002), com DM (β = 9,26, P = 0,011), níveis elevados de CT na linha de base (β = 0,35, P < 0,001) e tomar estatinas (β = 7,31, P = 0,023) associaram-se positivamente com a variância TC, enquanto longo período de tempo (β = -0,183, P = 0,031), hipercolesterolemia familiar (β = -10,70, P = 0,008) foram associados negativamente. CONCLUSÕES: No presente estudo, os pacientes que eram do sexo masculino, em tratamento com estatinas, com diagnóstico de DM e que tinham valores lipídicos basais mais elevados foram mais provavelmente associados a melhores resultados de lipídios em testes futuros.

Haemoglobin levels correlates with the presence of coronary artery disease.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Although the condition of low haemoglobin (Hb) levels has been established as a risk factor in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), it is still a debate particularly in patients with angiographically documented disease. In the present study, we sought to identify the relationship between Hb levels and the presence of CAD. METHODS: The study consisted of 356 consecutive patients referred for elective coronary angiography (CAG). Exclusion criteria included a history of prior MI within last 3 months, presence of neoplastic disorders or any inflammatory diseases or overt diabetes mellitus. Blood samples for haematologic and biochemical measurements were collected on admission following at least 12 hours of overnight fasting. Patients were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of Hb (quartile I < 13.50 g/dL, quartile II 13.50-14.70 g/dL, quartile III 14.71-15.74 g/dL, quartile IV > 15.74 g/dL). Additionally, patients filled out a questionnaire of asking their brief medical histories and baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Lower Hb quartiles were independently related to the presence of CAD in subjects who were referred to elective CAG. The patients with older age [P = 0.008, odds ratio (OR) = 1.042], male gender (P = 0.007, OR = 3.408), in quartile I (P = 0.003, OR = 5.697), in quartile II (P < 0.001, OR = 8.767), in quartile III (P = 0.011, P = 3.076), higher white blood cells count (P = 0.037, OR = 1.208), lower platelet count (P = 0.049, OR = 0.995), condition of current smoker (P = 0.030, OR = 2.548), higher value of fasting glucose (P = 0.014, OR = 1.038), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 (mL/min/1.73 m(2) ; P = 0.004, OR = 3.269) were more likely associated with the risk of the presence of CAD. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that lower quartiles of Hb levels were independently related to the presence of CAD in subjects who were referred to elective CAG. Hb levels, which can be measured easily in almost all medical centres, may be considered as a potential predictor for the presence of CAD in patients at high risk for CAD.

Diabetes and obesity not associated with 6-month remission rates for primary care patients with depression.

BACKGROUND: Complex interrelationships appear to exist among depression, diabetes, and obesity, and it has been proposed that both diabetes and obesity have an association with depression. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to explore the effect of obesity and diabetes on response to the treatment of depression. Our hypothesis was that obesity and the diagnosis of diabetes in primary care patients with depression would have no effects on depression remission rates 6 months after diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review analysis of 1894 adult (age ≥18y) primary care patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder or dysthymia and a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10 from January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2012. Multiple logistic regression modeling retaining all independent variables was performed for the outcome of remission (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 < 5) 6 months after diagnosis. RESULTS: The presence of obesity (odds ratio = 0.937, 95% CI: 0.770-1.140, p = 0.514) or the diagnosis of diabetes (odds ratio = 0.740, 95% CI: 0.535-1.022, p = 0.068) did not affect the likelihood of remission, while controlling for the other independent variables. CONCLUSIONS: In primary care patients treated for depression, the presence of diabetes or obesity at the time of diagnosis of depression does not appear to significantly affect remission of depressive symptoms 6 months after diagnosis.

Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) greater than 100 mg/dL as a quality indicator: locating risk in person, place and time.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Achieving control over elevated lipid parameters, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, is an acknowledged quality indicator in primary care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s model for investigation of outbreaks (person-place-time) can be applied to the analysis of quality indicators. METHODS: A sample of 322 family medicine patients for whom lipid levels were ordered was extracted. LDL > 100 mg/dL was cross-tabulated by personal characteristics [age group, gender, body mass index (BMI), diagnoses], month (time) and ordering department (place). RESULTS: Age (except one age category), gender, time and location were not related to LDL > 100 mg/dL after adjustment for covariates. All levels of BMI above normal elevated the risk of LDL > 100 mg/dL [BMI 25-29.9: odds ratio (OR) = 3.41, confidence interval (CI) = 1.61-7.23, P = 0.0014; BMI 30-34.9: OR = 2.93, CI = 1.28-6.70, P = 0.0109; BMI ≥ 35: OR = 2.75, CI = 1.19-6.37, P = 0.0181]. Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) were at reduced risk for LDL > 100 mg/dL (CAD: OR = 0.47, CI = 0.24-0.91, P = 0.0254; DM: OR = 0.28, CI = 0.14-0.55, P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: An outbreak investigation model is useful for analysing variations in this quality indicator. Patients with higher BMI and those not diagnosed with CAD or DM type I/II may be considered for intensified lipid lowering using quality improvement efforts. These might include counselling for lifestyle changes or medication therapy depending upon their calculated cardiac risk.

Tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy rates in school-aged children: Relative contributions of socio-demographic and clinical features.

OBJECTIVES: The present study sought to investigate the frequencies of tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and both adenotonsillectomy (T&A) among 6-12 years old children. In addition, we tried to find out the predictors associated with these previous upper respiratory tract (URT) surgeries. METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of 1900 children educated in 3 different elementary schools in Ankara, Turkey. Data about demographics and health conditions were obtained from survey questionnaires completed by parents. RESULTS: Of the 1900 children, 15 children (0.8%) previously underwent tonsillectomy, 43 children (2.3%) had adenoidectomy and 80 children (4.2%) had T&A surgical histories. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that older students compared to younger ones [odds ratio (OR) = 1.15, p = 0.011], and those who had parent-reported apnea compared to subjects without apnea were more likely to have URT surgery histories [OR = 2.34, p = 0.001]. Those children with surgery histories were more likely to have fathers with a higher educational level [medium level: OR = 2.07, p = 0.012; high level: OR = 2.79, p = 0.001 vs. low level) and the subjects had greater BMI percentiles [overweight: OR = 1.71, p = 0.036; obesity: OR = 2.32, p = 0.003 vs. healthy weight]. Children who had 1-2 URT infections per year [OR = 0.47, p = 0.019] had less probability of URT surgery histories, whereas those children with AOM ≥ 3 times per year [OR = 2.52, p = 0.003] had more probability of URT surgery history. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a reasonable explanation for higher rates of URT surgery among children with a high level of paternal education may originate from their awareness about URT associated diseases and possibly due to the ease of access to health care services.

Association of renal function, estimated by four equations, with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Individuals with impaired renal function are at increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is also associated with an increased likelihood of having chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the present study, we sought to determine the association between impaired renal function with CAD presence and CAD severity based on four different estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations. METHODS: We estimated GFR values using four equations: modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), Cockcroft-Gault (C-G), chronic kidney disease epidemiology (CKD-Epi), and Mayo Quadratic. Three hundred and fifty-six CAD patients were classified by the number of stenotic coronary arteries occluded >50%, while the CAD severity was categorized based on the number of involved coronary arteries determined to be healthy, single- and multi-vessel disease. RESULTS: The mean values of eGFR calculated by CKD-Epi, MDRD, Mayo, and C-G equations were 77.44, 71.34, 96.33, and 89.49 mL/min/1.73 m(2) respectively. Based on these equations, the prevalence of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) among the patients with significant CAD was 41.5, 45.2, 50, and 42.9%, respectively. eGFR values calculated by four formulas were significantly higher in healthy subjects than those with single-vessel disease (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.003, and p = 0.028, respectively). Prediction of CAD severity was statistically significant for men but not women. After controlling for the confounding effects of other covariates, three of the equations were independently related to significant CAD: CKD-Epi (p = 0.004, ß = 0.969), MDRD (p = 0.003, ß = 0.965), and C-G (p = 0.021, ß = 0.978). CONCLUSION: The present study established that accurate eGFR equations commonly used still accurate to determine the association of the impaired renal function with CAD presence and extent.

Predictors of knowledge level and awareness towards breast cancer among Turkish females.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer (BC) is the most-common malignancy of women worldwide. Though there are differences among developed and developing countries, BC remains the most common cancer type of women in Turkey. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the level of knowledge, awareness, and their potential predictors towards BC in Ankara, Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present descriptive study was conducted on 376 females attending a breast health outpatient clinic. A self-administered questionnaire was designed to evaluate knowledge level about BC and predictors effecting its level. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square test. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean age of the participants was 46.2±9.93 (22-75). The majority (92.6 %) were married; 41.5% were educated less than nine years. Most of the women were housewives (82.7%) and, were living in an urban region (86.4%). Predictors of effecting responses to seven knowledge and awareness questions about BC varied from demographic features including older age groups, higher educational levels, being married, living in an urban area, being employee, smoking, having greater BMI to additional attributes associated breast health such as the increased number of births, applying for the purpose of control, positive family history of breast diseases, any diagnoses of breast diseases and performing BSE practice. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that females in Turkey have better knowledge of BC than other developing countries even though it is not at the desired level. These findings revealed that females should be more informed about BC risk factors, prognosis and treatments by primary health-care providers to counteract the ascending burden of this disease.