Influenza vaccination in older people with diabetes and their household contacts.

BACKGROUND: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of influenza infections and severe complications. The vaccination of close contacts could offer indirect protection to people with diabetes; this is known as "herd immunity." The aim of this study is to investigate the vaccination rates of people with diabetes and their household contacts in Hong Kong. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Face-to-face interviews with 158 patients diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and aged ⩾65years were conducted in clinics. Telephone interviews were then conducted with 281 adult household contacts. RESULTS: Seasonal influenza vaccination rates were 54.5% and 27.4%, in people with diabetes and their contacts, respectively. The vaccination status of patients was not significantly associated with the vaccination of their household contacts (p=0.073). Among household contacts, children or the elderly, the partners or couples of patients, and those with more hours of daily contact, or with chronic conditions, were associated with higher vaccination rates. However, only age remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors in logistic regression models. CONCLUSIONS: The low vaccination rates of people with diabetes and their close contacts highlight the need to promote vaccination in susceptible populations and to educate the public about herd immunity.

Prevalence and psychosocial correlates of depressive symptoms in urban Chinese women during midlife.

OBJECTIVE: Depression is common in women with much research focusing on hormonal changes and menopausal symptoms but with little exploration of psychosocial problems in midlife. This study investigates the prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms in midlife Chinese women and its association with psychosocial factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional, community-based household survey of women aged 45 to 64 years of age was conducted in Hong Kong from September 2010 to March 2011. The structured questionnaire included demographic data, educational status, marital status and household income, as well as perceived current stressful events and significant life events in the past 12 months. Information on clinically relevant depressive symptoms was measured by the validated chinese Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). RESULTS: A total of 402 participants were recruited in the study period. Of the 393 women who completed the questionnaire, the prevalence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score≧10) was 11.0%. In multiple regression analysis, being single/divorced/separated/widowed, having an educational level of primary school level or below, having multiple chronic diseases, loss of hobby or loss of close social support in the past 12 months in midlife were associated with clinically relevant depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Correlates of clinically relevant depressive symptoms in midlife Chinese women can be used to identify those at increased risk and potentiate further studies to explore early psychosocial and community interventions.