Prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron-Deficiency Anemia in US Females Aged 12-21 Years, 2003-2020.

This study examines prevalence of iron deficiency among females aged 12 to 21 years to inform future screening strategies for iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia.

Quality of life outcomes in patients presenting for evaluation of CNS tumors.

BACKGROUND: We describe patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in adults with CNS tumors and evaluate their correlation with physician-reported functional status. METHODS: We completed a retrospective cohort study of patients managed at a high-volume CNS tumor institute between September 2013 and September 2014. PROs were measured using 6 domains from the PROs Measurement Information System (PROMIS): anxiety, physical function, pain interference, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and satisfaction with social roles. Physician-reported outcomes were measured using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Scale of Performance Status (ECOG). We compared differences in PROMIS scores across tumor types using analysis of variance and measured the correlation between PROMIS scores and ECOG scores using spearman correlations. Finally, we compared the range of PROMIS physical function scores within each ECOG level. RESULTS: In a cohort of 2,828 patients, 1,284 (45.4%) completed all 6 PROMIS domains. There were significant differences in PROMIS scores across tumor types for all domains except anxiety. The strength of the correlation between PROMIS and ECOG scores was weak to moderate for all PROMIS domains (all p < 0.001). The correlation was the strongest between the physical function domain and ECOG score (ρ = -0.54), although there was a broad distribution of physical function scores within ECOG level, with scores spanning nearly 5 SDs within most ECOG levels. CONCLUSIONS: Symptom burden was associated with tumor type. There were only weak to moderate correlations between PROMIS and ECOG scores, underscoring the importance of integrating PROs into clinical practice for patients with CNS tumors.

Associations Between Unhealthy Weight-Loss Strategies and Depressive Symptoms.

INTRODUCTION: There appears to be a link between weight loss and improved mental health, but less is known about how using unhealthy weight-loss strategies impacts the odds of reporting depression. METHODS: This study includes respondents from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2014 who attempted to lose weight over the past year. Analysis occurred in 2017. Multivariable logistic regression was used to describe associations between all weight-loss strategies, including those grouped as unhealthy (smoking, vomiting, laxatives, skipping meals, and using diet pills), and the adjusted odds of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥10). The model was then stratified by BMI, sex, race, and antidepressant use to compare the effect of using at least one unhealthy weight-loss strategy and depression within certain populations. RESULTS: The sample included 6,765 respondents (weighted n=59.2 million, 95% CI=55.5, 62.9 million). Of these respondents, 18.0% (n=1,270) reported using at least one unhealthy weight-loss strategy. In unadjusted analysis, unhealthy weight-loss strategies were generally associated with higher incidence and odds of reporting depression. In multivariable analysis, using at least one unhealthy weight-loss strategy was significantly associated with odds of reporting depression (AOR=1.47, 95% CI=1.14, 1.91, p<0.01). When the model was stratified, this effect was statistically significant among respondents with class I or II obsesity (AOR=2.20, 95% CI=1.56, 3.10, p<0.01); female respondents (AOR=1.46, 95% CI=1.06, 2.00, p=0.02); and respondents who did not use an antidepressant (AOR=1.57, 95% CI=1.14, 2.15, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Unhealthy weight-loss strategies are associated with increased odds of depression. This may inform screening practices and public health messaging.

Correction: Men's health 2018.

In the article by Chaitoff et al (Men's health 2018: BPH, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, supplements. Cleve Clin J Med 2018; 85(11):871-880, doi:10.3949/ccjm.85a.18011), the prostate-specific antigen level of a 60-year-old man was given as 5.1 mg/dL. The unit of measure should have been 5.1 ng/mL. This has been corrected online.

Men's health 2018: BPH, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, supplements.

This review describes the latest research and guidelines for 4 topics in men's health commonly addressed by primary care physicians: the diagnosis and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction and the evidence concerning the use of dietary supplements in men.

Associations Between Physician Empathy, Physician Characteristics, and Standardized Measures of Patient Experience.

PURPOSE: To identify correlates of physician empathy and determine whether physician empathy is related to standardized measures of patient experience. METHOD: Demographic, professional, and empathy data were collected during 2013-2015 from Cleveland Clinic Health System physicians prior to participation in mandatory communication skills training. Empathy was assessed using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Data were also collected for seven measures (six provider communication items and overall provider rating) from the visit-specific and 12-month Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician and Group (CG-CAHPS) surveys. Associations between empathy and provider characteristics were assessed by linear regression, ANOVA, or a nonparametric equivalent. Significant predictors were included in a multivariable linear regression model. Correlations between empathy and CG-CAHPS scores were assessed using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. RESULTS: In bivariable analysis (n = 847 physicians), female sex (P < .001), specialty (P < .01), outpatient practice setting (P < .05), and DO degree (P < .05) were associated with higher empathy scores. In multivariable analysis, female sex (P < .001) and four specialties (obstetrics-gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and thoracic surgery; all P < .05) were significantly associated with higher empathy scores. Of the seven CG-CAHPS measures, scores on five for the 583 physicians with visit-specific data and on three for the 277 physicians with 12-month data were positively correlated with empathy. CONCLUSIONS: Specialty and sex were independently associated with physician empathy. Empathy was correlated with higher scores on multiple CG-CAHPS items, suggesting improving physician empathy might play a role in improving patient experience.