The Mental and Physical Health of the Homeless.

BACKGROUND: The health status of homeless individuals in Germany has been described incompletely. Mental and somatic illnesses seem to contribute to the high mortality in this cohort. METHODS: In this national, multicenter, cross-sectional study, data were collected on the health of 651 homeless individuals in the metropolitan regions of Hamburg, Frankfurt, Leipzig, and Munich metropolitan regions. The lifetime prevalences of physician-diagnosed mental and somatic illnesses were determined with interviewbased questionnaires. Furthermore, clinical and laboratory examinations were carried out. Multivariable regressions were performed to identify determinants of health status and access to care. RESULTS: High prevalences of both mental and somatic illnesses were confirmed. Particularly, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases were highly prevalent. Evidence for possible unrecognized arterial hypertension and possible unrecognized hypercholesterolemia was found in 27.5% and 15.6% of homeless individuals, respec - tively. 23.1% of study participants reported having received a diagnosis of a mental illness. Evidence for a possible unrecognized mental illness was found in 69.7%. A history of immigration from another country to Germany was found to be an important determinant of the summed scores for mental, somatic, and possible unrecognized illness. Homeless individuals of non-German origin were more likely to be living without shelter (p = 0.03) and to lack health insurance (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: High prevalence rates for mental and somatic illnesses and limited access to mainstream medical care were found. Homeless individuals appear to receive inadequate care for mental illness. Healthcare programs for homeless individuals in Germany should pay particular attention to homeless migrants.

[Use of Health Care by Homeless Individuals: Results of the Hamburg Survey of Homeless Individuals]. / Inanspruchnahme von Gesundheitsleistungen bei Obdachlosen: Ergebnisse der Hamburger Obdachlosenbefragung.

OBJECTIVE: There is a lack of studies focusing on the use of health care facilities by homeless people. The aim of this study was to survey health care use by the homeless. METHODS: Data were taken from the Hamburg survey of homeless individuals (n=150, mean age:12,5 years; SD: 12,5 years). Assessment covered details of health insurance status, use of ambulatory and hospital care, medication use, and reasons for not accessing health services. RESULTS: In total, 61,2% of the homeless individuals had health insurance. About two thirds of homeless individuals (65,9%) had accessed some sort of medical services in the past 12 months. The key reason for not making use of health services was the absence of any need for treatment (74,6%). In sum, 39,8% of homeless individuals had made at least one hospital visit in the past 12 months. About one third (34,2%) had used mobile support services (mainly a mobile doctor's office). In total, 37,7% of homeless individuals took medications regularly, with 'prices too high' (63,6%) being the key reason for difficulties in access to medications. Almost one half of homeless individuals (47,0%) had not made a visit to a physician in the past three months. CONCLUSION: Additional efforts are required to improve access to health care by homeless individuals. Future research in this area is therefore necessary.

Determinants of health care use among homeless individuals: evidence from the Hamburg survey of homeless individuals.

BACKGROUND: To identify the determinants of health care use among homeless individuals. METHODS: Data were taken from the Hamburg survey of homeless individuals (n = 100 individuals in the here used model, mean age 44.8 years, SD 12.5) focusing on homeless individuals in Hamburg, Germany. The number of physician visits in the past 3 months and hospitalization in the preceding 12 months were used as outcome measures. Drawing on the Andersen model of health care use as a conceptual framework, predisposing characteristics, enabling resources and need factors as well as psychosocial variables were included as correlates. RESULTS: Negative binomial regressions showed that increased physician visits were associated with being female (IRR: 4.02 [95% CI: 1.60-10.11]), absence of chronic alcohol consume (IRR: 0.26 [95% CI: 0.12-0.57]) and lower health-related quality of life (IRR: 0.97 [95% CI: 0.96-0.98]). Furthermore, logistic regressions showed that the likelihood of hospitalization was positively associated with lower age (OR: 0.93 [95% CI: 0.89-0.98]), having health insurance (OR: 8.11 [2.11-30.80]) and lower health-related quality of life (OR: 0.97 [95% CI: 0.94-0.99]). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that predisposing characteristics (both age and sex), enabling resources (i.e., health insurance) and need factors in terms of health-related quality of life are main drivers of health care use among homeless individuals. This knowledge may assist in managing health care use.

Comparison of different iterative CT reconstruction techniques and filtered back projection for assessment of the medial clavicular epiphysis in forensic age estimation.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of iterative reconstruction and filtered back projection (FBP) on image quality in computed tomography (CT)-based forensic age estimation of the medial clavicular epiphysis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: CT of the clavicle was performed in 19 patients due to forensic reasons (70 mAs/140 kVp). Raw data were reconstructed with FBP and with an iterative algorithm at level 4 and 6. Clavicular ossification stage was determined by two radiologists in consensus, firstly on FBP reconstructed images and secondly after reviewing all reconstructions including iDose 4 and 6. In addition, the 3 reconstructions were compared regarding artefacts and delineation of the meta-/epiphyseal interface. Quantitative image noise was measured. RESULTS: Quantitative noise was lower in iDose 6 reconstructed images than in FBP (P < 0.042), but not significantly lower between iDose 4 and FBP (P = 0.127). Side by side comparison revealed lesser qualitative image noise on both iDose reconstructed images than for FBP. The meta-/epiphyseal interface delineation was rated better on both iDose levels than with FBP. In 3 of 19 patients, the clavicular ossification stage was reclassified after iterative reconstructions had been additionally reviewed. CONCLUSION: Using iterative CT reconstruction algorithms, a reduction of image noise and an enhancement of image quality regarding the meta-/epiphyseal clavicular interface can be achieved. The study highlights the importance of image standardization as variation of reconstruction technique has impact on forensic age estimation.

What makes a medical school socially accountable in Latin America? A report from a Latin American panel based on a qualitative approach.

BACKGROUND: Latin America is a region with huge health inequalities and a tremendous growth in the number of medical schools during the last decades. The role of the medical schools in reducing health inequality has not been systematically explored. METHODS: A qualitative framework method was used to explore the meaning, barriers, and facilitators of the concept of the social accountability of medical schools in Latin America. Twenty nine Latin American academic leaders from seven countries participated in an expert panel discussion. The Atlas ti.7 software was used to analyze the information. RESULTS: Social accountability was identified as a core dimension of the mission of medical schools. The panel identified a gradient of three dimensions associated with social accountability. First, a formative dimension related to student selection, curricular structure and community based learning initiatives. Second, a societal dimension associated with institutional mission, community partnerships, and social research projects. Third, a political dimension related with involvement in health policies and primary care engagement. Lack of accreditation standards was identified as a main barrier to improve social accountability. CONCLUSIONS: Latin American leaders consider that medical schools should develop specific formative, societal, and political initiatives in order to be socially accountable.

Interposition sleeve as treatment option for interprosthetic fractures of the femur: a biomechanical in vitro assessment.

PURPOSE: The number of patients having hip and knee arthroplasties on the ipsilateral leg is going to rise. In this regard, the prevalence of interprosthetic femoral fractures is going to increase further. The treatment of these fractures is difficult and sometimes it is impossible to perform an osteosynthesis because of worse bone quality. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of an interposition sleeve as an alternative treatment option for interprosthetic fractures with major bone loss. METHODS: Six human cadaveric femurs were instrumented using cemented hip- and knee prosthesis. Interprosthetic fractures were induced during a four-point-bending test and then treated using the interposition sleeve. Afterwards the constructs were tested using the four-point-bending test again. RESULTS: Load-to-failure of the construct before fracturing was significantly higher than after treatment with the interposition sleeve (10681 N vs. 5083 N; p = 0.002). The failure mechanism of the femurs with the interposition sleeve was plastic deformation of the hip or knee prosthesis. The interposition sleeve did not fail in any specimen. CONCLUSION: The interposition sleeve is a valuable treatment option for interprosthetic fractures in situations in which osteosynthesis is impossible or insecure due to major bone defects. However, fracture healing should be preferred whenever possible.

Social accountability of medical schools and academic primary care training in Latin America: principles but not practice.

BACKGROUND: Latin America has one of the highest rates of health disparities in the world and is experiencing a steep increase in its number of medical schools. It is not clear if medical school authorities consider social responsibility, defined as the institutional commitment to contribute to the improvement of community well-being, as a priority and if there are any organizational strategies that could reduce health disparities. OBJECTIVE: To study the significance and relevance of social responsibility in the academic training of medical schools in Latin America. METHODS: The study combined a qualitative thematic literature review of three databases with a quantitative design based on a sample of nine Latin American and non-Latin American countries. RESULTS: The thematic analysis showed high agreement among academic groups on considering medical schools as 'moral agents', part of a 'social contract' and with an institutional responsibility to reduce health disparities mainly through the implementation of strong academic primary care programs. The quantitative analysis showed a significant association between higher development of academic primary care programs and lower level of health disparities by country (P = 0.028). However, the data showed that most Latin American medical schools did not prioritize graduate primary care training. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows a discrepancy between the importance given to social responsibility and academic primary care training in Latin America and the practices implemented by medical schools. It highlights the need to refocus medical education policies in the region.

The value of sub-stages and thin slices for the assessment of the medial clavicular epiphysis: a prospective multi-center CT study.

The clavicle plays an important role for forensic age estimation in living individuals, particularly with regard to the age of majority. The present prospective study aims to evaluate the age-dependent ossification process of the medial clavicular epiphysis in order to establish the clavicular sub-stages introduced in 2010 as well as the advantages and possibilities of thin-slice computed tomography (CT). For this purpose, 0.6 mm thin-slice CT scans of sternoclavicular joints of 572 bodies aged between 10 and 40 years were evaluated by means of two complementary classification systems: a five-stage system and a sub-staging system for the main stages 2 and 3. Assessment was possible in 493 cases. The results for stages 4 and 5 are in line with previous studies that found the ages of 21 years and 26 years, respectively, as minimum ages for these stages. Sub-stage 3c was first found at the age of 19 years in both sexes, thereby corroborating the value of this sub-stage as to statements about the age of majority. In comparison to other CT studies, stage 3a was first observed ~1 year earlier (16.4 years in males and 15.5 years in females). Stage 2c only occurred in 3 cases. In conclusion, the data corroborate the significance of diagnosing sub-stages as well as the value of thin-slice CT. For forensic practice, the concomitant and complementary use of both classification systems applied in this study can be recommended.

[Medico-legal assessment of the ability to undergo imprisonment: a retrospective analysis of larger numbers of cases from Hamburg]. / Die gerichtsärztliche Uberprüfung der Haftfähigkeit: eine retrospektive Analyse grösserer Fallzahlen aus Hamburg.

The medico-legal assessment and preparation of expert opinions on the ability to undergo imprisonment is an important part of the administration of justice. However, statistical data or reports on such examinations are rare. The article therefore presents an analysis of data from the Medico-Legal Service ("Gerichtsärztlicher Dienst") of the City of Hamburg covering the period from 1975 to 2011. Based on a previous study from the early 1970s, the development of such assessment activities and their results were analysed in detail with the help of relevant statistical data. Conclusions can be drawn as to the need for general medical knowledge of experts giving opinions in the field of clinical forensic medicine.

[Design and validation of an instrument to assess families at risk for health problems]. / Diseño y validación del instrumento SALUFAM: un instrumento de valoración de la salud familiar con alto valor predictivo clínico para la atención primaria chilena.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of screening instruments with a high clinical predictive value to identify families at risk and therefore, develop focused interventions in primary care. AIM: To develop an easy to apply screening instrument with a high clinical predictive value to identify families with a higher health vulnerability. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the first stage of the study an instrument with a high content validity was designed through a review of existent instruments, qualitative interviews with families and expert opinions following a Delphi approach of three rounds. In the second stage, concurrent validity was tested through a comparative analysis between the pilot instrument and a family clinical interview conducted to 300 families randomly selected from a population registered at a primary care clinic in Santiago. The sampling was blocked based on the presence of diabetes, depression, child asthma, behavioral disorders, presence of an older person or the lack of previous conditions among family members. The third stage, was directed to test the clinical predictive validity of the instrument by comparing the baseline vulnerability obtained by the instrument and the change in clinical status and health related quality of life perceptions of the family members after nine months of follow-up. RESULTS: The final SALUFAM instrument included 13 items and had a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.821), high test re-test reproducibility (Pearson correlation: 0.84) and a high clinical predictive value for clinical deterioration (Odds ratio: 1.826; 95% confidence intervals: 1.101-3.029). CONCLUSIONS: SALUFAM instrument is applicable, replicable, has a high content validity, concurrent validity and clinical predictive value.

Perceived and objective breast cancer risk assessment in Chilean women living in an underserved area.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy among Chilean women and an increasingly significant public health threat. This study assessed the accuracy of breast cancer risk perception among underserved, Chilean women. METHODS: Women aged 50 to 70 years, with no mammogram during the last 2 years, were randomly selected from a community clinic registry in Santiago, Chile (n = 500). Perceived risk was measured using three methods: absolute risk, comparative risk, and numerical risk. Risk comprehension was measured by comparing women's perceived and objective risk estimates. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess overestimation of perceived risk. RESULTS: Women at high risk of breast cancer were more likely than average risk women to perceive themselves at high or higher risk, using absolute and comparative risk approaches (P < 0.001). The majority of participants (67%) overestimated their breast cancer risk, on the basis of risk comprehension; although, participants achieved higher accuracy with comparative risk (40%) and absolute risk (31.6%) methods. [Age, breast cancer knowledge and Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (BCRAT) 5-year risk were significantly associated (P < 0.01) with accuracy of perceived risk]. CONCLUSION: Chilean women residing in an underserved community may not accurately assess their breast cancer risk, although risk perception and level of accuracy differed between perceived risk measures. Comparative and absolute risk methods may better reflect women's interpretation and accuracy of risk perception. IMPACT: Improving our understanding of Chilean women's perceptions of developing breast cancer may lead to the development of culturally relevant efforts to reduce the breast cancer burden in this population.

Diseño y validación del instrumento SALUFAM: un instrumento de valoración de la salud familiar con alto valor predictivo clínico para la atención primaria chilena / Design and validation of an instrument to assess families at risk for health problems

Background: There is a paucity of screening instruments with a high clinical predictive value to identify families at risk and therefore, develop focused interventions in primary care. Aim: To develop an easy to apply screening instrument with a high clinical predictive value to identify families with a higher health vulnerability. Material and Methods: In the first stage of the study an instrument with a high content validity was designed through a review of existent instruments, qualitative interviews with families and expert opinions following a Delphi approach of three rounds. In the second stage, concurrent validity was tested through a comparative analysis between the pilot instrument and a family clinical interview conducted to 300families randomly selected from a population registered at a primary care clinic in Santiago. The sampling was blocked based on the presence of diabetes, depression, child asthma, behavioral disorders, presence of an older person or the lack of previous conditions among family members. The third stage, was directed to test the clinical predictive validity of the instrument by comparing the baseline vulnerability obtained by the instrument and the change in clinical status and health related quality of life perceptions of the family members after nine months of follow-up. Results: The final SALUFAM instrument included 13 items and had a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.821), high test re-test reproducibility (Pearson correlation: 0.84) and a high clinical predictive value for clinical deterioration (Odds ratio: 1.826; 95% confidence intervals: 1.101-3.029). Conclusions: SALUFAM instrument is applicable, replicable, has a high content validity, concurrent validity and clinical predictive value.

[Predictive factors for smoking initiation and quitting among a cohort of Chilean women followed for 5.5 years]. / Factores predictores de inicio y cesación de tabaquismo en una cohorte de mujeres chilenas con 5,5 años de seguimiento.

BACKGROUND: Chilean women have one of the highest smoking prevalence in the world. Aim To estimate the main factors associated with smoking initiation and quitting among a cohort of adult women living in a low socioeconomic status area of Santiago, Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A random population-based sample of 1,100 women, 18 years and older, were selected from a community located in the South East area of Santiago. Sociodemographic, as well as smoking, beliefs, behaviors, stages of change and nicotine addiction level were recorded during a personal interview. After an average follow-up period of 5.5 years, women were re-evaluated. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of women completed the study. At baseline, 39% of women were smokers. At the end of the study, there was an absolute smoking rate reduction of 7.1% (p <0.001). The main variables associated with smoking initiation were younger age (Odds ratio (OR): 1.08, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.05-1.12), higher education level (OR: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.07-1.35), and having fewer children (OR: 1.3 95% CI: 1.01-1.66). Factors related with quitting were younger age of onset (OR: 1.06 95% CI: 1.02-1.1), higher level of nicotine dependence (OR: 4.22, 95% CI: 1.74-10.27), and higher perception of smoking addiction (OR: 4.34, 95% CI: 2-9.09). Stage of change was associated with smoking cessation but its effect was diluted after adjusting for the level of nicotine addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic and family factors were the main variables related with initiation, whereas age of onset, belief of addiction, and nicotine dependence were the main factors related with cessation. Women with a high motivation for quitting should be evaluated for nicotine addiction level to define the best strategy for intervention.

Factores predictores de inicio y cesación de tabaquismo en una cohorte de mujeres chilenas con 5, 5 años de seguimiento / Predictive factors for smoking initiation and quitting among a cohort of Chilean women followed for 5.5 years

Background: Chilean women have one of the highest smoking prevalence in the world. Aim To estimate the main factors associated with smoking initiation and quitting among a cohort of adult women living in a low socioeconomic status area of Santiago, Chile. Material and methods: A random population-based sample of 1,100 women, 18 years and older, were selected from a community located in the South East area of Santiago. Sociodemographic, as well as smoking, beliefs, behaviors, stages of change and nicotine addiction level were recorded during a personal interview. After an average follow-up period of 5.5years, women were re-evaluated. Results: Seventy-three percent of women completed the study. At baseline, 39 percent of women were smokers. At the end of the study, there was an absolute smoking rate reduction of 7.1 percent (p <0.001). The main variables associated with smoking initiation were younger age (Odds ratio (OR): 1.08, 95 percent confidence intervals (CI): 1.05-1.12), higher education level (OR: 1.2, 95 percent CI: 1.07-1.35), and having fewer children (OR: 1.3 95 percent CI: 1.01-1.66). Factors related with quitting were younger age of onset (OR: 1.06 95 percent CI: 1.02-1.1), higher level of nicotine dependence (OR: 4.22, 95 percent CI: 1.74-10.27), and higher perception of smoking addiction (OR: 4.34, 95 percent CI: 2-9.09). Stage of change was associated with smoking cessation but its effect was diluted after adjusting for the level of nicotine addiction. Conclusions: Sociodemographic and family factors were the main variables related with initiation, whereas age of onset, belief of addiction, and nicotine dependence were the main factors related with cessation. Women with a high motivation for quitting should be evaluated for nicotine addiction level to define the best strategy for intervention.

Death from paraesophageal hiatus hernia: post-mortem assessment and forensic relevance.

Hiatus hernias of the diaphragma are rarely recorded under forensic aspects. Their relevance is demonstrated by the case of an elderly lady who was suffering from severe abdominal pain after dinner. She vomited several times and died 4 days later. After a forgery of the notarial last will and testament was revealed, a post-mortem was performed and a paraesophageal hiatus hernia was detected. The toxicological investigation revealed high levels of pethidin, and a married couple, both of them medical doctors, responsible for the forgery of the last will was charged with murder. The pathogenetic reconstruction led to the conclusion that a mechanism of 'self-tamponing' was initiated on the grounds of a pre-existing paraesophageal hernia filled up by the last meal ingested. The blockage of the gastrointestinal passage way induced severe abdominal pain and permanent vomiting, furthermore resulting in hemorrhagic infarction and perigastritis. Death from natural cause was finally appreciated by the court and the accused were acquitted. The post-mortem estimation of paraesophageal hiatus hernias is discussed, particularly, the necessity of an in situ preparation with separate incision of the translocated part and histological investigation. A synoptic expertise of clinicians, toxicologists and forensic pathologists is mandatory for estimating the relevance of high levels of analgesics.

Pesticide take-home pathway among children of agricultural workers: study design, methods, and baseline findings.

Farmworkers are exposed to pesticides and may take home pesticide residues to their families. In this paper, self-reported pesticide exposure and home practices to reduce the amount of pesticide residues taken home were examined among 571 farmworkers. Urine samples from a subsample of farmworkers and children and dust samples from households and vehicles also assessed pesticide exposure. Overall, 96% of respondents reported exposure to pesticides at work. Many employers did not provide resources for hand washing. Farmworkers' protective practices to keep pesticide residues out of the home were at a low level. In a subset of respondents, pesticide levels above the limit of quantitation were seen in the urine of children and adults and in house and vehicle dust. The results support the take-home pathway of pesticide exposure. Ways must be found to reduce this pesticide exposure among children of farmworkers.

[Cost-effectiveness analysis of a preventive program for gallbladder disease in Chile]. / Análisis de costo-efectividad de un programa preventivo de enfermedad vesicular en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Chilean women have one of the highest mortality rates from gallstone disease in the world. There is no primary prevention for the disease and the benefits of prophylactic cholecystectomy in high risk groups have not been studied. AIM: To analyze the cost and effectiveness of a screening program for gallbladder disease in the Chilean women population. METHODS: A decision analytic model is used to compare lifetime cost and effectiveness of standard care with three screening strategies. The first two strategies consider "universal ultrasound screening" for all women 40 years old and laparoscopic cholecystectomy for those with gallstones ("elective intervention") or with calculous > or = 3 cm ("high risk intervention"). The third strategy is based on "selective screening" for obese women. RESULTS: The lifetime probability of a 40 years old Chilean woman of dying from gallbladder disease is reduced by 70% in the universal screening/elective intervention, by 63% in the high risk intervention and by 18% in the selective screening strategy. Her lifetime expectancy increases by 5.25, 4.64 and 1.24 months respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of each screening strategy is US$ 180, US$ 147 and US$ 481 respectively. CONCLUSION: A screening program for gallbladder disease in a high risk population achieves significant benefits at a low incremental cost and acceptable cost-effectiveness.