Geriatric Depression Scale - 30 assessments: face-to-face or telephone interviews for older people - a randomized crossover study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The Geriatric Depression Scale - 30 (GDS-30) for detecting depressive disorders provides an objective and reliable outcome measure validated by many studies and scientific articles. The aim of the study was to compare the concordance of measurements using the GDS-30 conducted in face-to-face and telephone interviews. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study design was approved by the Bioethical Committee of the University of Rzeszów (Resolution No. 2022/075). Study participants were community-dwelling older people in south-eastern Poland, aged 60 years and over, with a normal cognitive status. They were divided into 2 groups, each examined with the Geriatric Depression Scale - 30 questionnaire. The first group (G1) was examined first by means of direct contact (A), and the second group (G2) by telephone (B). After an average period of 2 weeks, the study was repeated, this time swapping the method of contact: in G1 telephone contact (B) was used, in G2 face-to-face contact (A). RESULTS: The study involved a group of 225 people (128 women and 97 men), mean aged 68.2 years, randomly divided into the 2 groups (G1 and G2). Cohen's kappa coefficient analysis showed good (14 questions) to very good (16 questions) concordance for individual responses to questions. Analysis of Krippendorf's alpha coefficient values showed very good concordance for results on the whole questionnaire. Good concordance of the means of measurement was also confirmed by the Bland and Altman method, where more than 95% of the sample was within the 95% concordance limits. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the study showed that the GDS-30 questionnaire had a high compliance in both face-to-face and telephone surveys.

UK Valuation of EQ-5D-5L, a Generic Measure of Health-Related Quality of Life: A Study Protocol.

OBJECTIVES: A high-quality and widely accepted UK EQ-5D-5L value set is urgently required to enable the latest version of EQ-5D scored using recent UK public preferences to inform policy including health technology assessments submitted to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. This article outlines the study protocol for the generation of a new EQ-5D-5L UK value set. METHODS: Twelve hundred interviews will be undertaken using the composite time trade-off elicitation technique for 102 health states (86 from the international EQ-5D-5L valuation protocol, plus 16 with best predictive performance in an extended design used in the Native American EQ-5D-5L valuation). The sample will be UK adults (age ≥18 years) proportionately representative across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, representative for age, sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic group, with inclusion of participants with/without health problems. Participants will choose to be interviewed via videoconference (by Zoom) or in-person in a central venue. Data quality will be rigorously assessed. RESULTS: The value set will be generated using tobit random effects and heteroscedastic tobit models (with censoring at -1) using all data, excluding time trade-off values highlighted by participants as ones they would reconsider and data from interviewers failing protocol compliance. Quality and acceptance will be achieved by public involvement, regular Steering Group meetings, independent assessment of data quality at 4 time points, and final endorsement of data and analyses. CONCLUSION: This study will produce a UK value set for the EQ-5D-5L for use in prospective and retrospective data sets containing EQ-5D-5L data.

Evaluation of eating habits by 7-day food record: web-PC vs. traditional paper format.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of a web-based 7-day food-record using METADIETA-web link (Meteda s.r.l.) - a professional software used in nutritional practice and research - compared with the traditional paper format. Twenty-six healthy adults of both sexes were recruited in this cross-over study based on the number coming from the sample size calculation, and randomly assigned to start with METADIETA-web or traditional 7-Day Food-Diary. All the 7-day food-diaries were recorded in the Metadieta-software. The System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire was administered to evaluate the participants' preferences in terms of usability, acceptability, and feasibility. Differences in energy intake, nutrient composition, and SUS between the digital and traditional modalities were evaluated. Energy and nutrients were not significantly different between the two methods with a variation <15%, with alcohol intake showing the strongest relation (0.1% variation). The Interclass Correlation Coefficient showed a grade of consistency between the two methods excellent for alcohol, good for proteins, carbohydrates, and fibre, moderate for energy and saturated fat, and poor for total fat and cholesterol. SUS suggested that the web-based platform was in general well accepted, but highlighted some inconsistencies and complexity compared to the written food diary. The web-based 7-day food-record may allow an accurate and quicker analysis of food timing than conventional approaches, seeming reliable for energy and macronutrient composition, making it a potentially attractive tool for nutritional research. However, the reported inconsistencies and complexity must be considered and addressed.

Awareness, Perception, and Utilization of Skin Lightening Agents Among Females of Asmara, Eritrea: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The use of skin lightening agents (SLAs) is common among African females with black skin color. Although they usually contain harmful ingredients and can cause complications, their use remains to be a common practice. This study was conducted to assess the awareness, perception, and utilization of SLAs among females residing in Asmara, Eritrea. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study using a quantitative approach was conducted in representative samples of all beauty salons available in Asmara from May to July, 2021. The study participants were selected using two-stage stratified cluster sampling and data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression, at bivariate and multivariate level, were performed. Results: The study enrolled 721 females and 684 completed the study. The majority of the respondents had the perception that SLAs can make someone light colored (84.4%), look beautiful (67.8%), trendy and fashionable (55.0%), and white skin is more attractive than dark skin (58.8%). About two-thirds (64.2%) reported they had previously used SLAs, mainly influenced by friends (60.5%). Approximately 46% were current users, while 53.6% stopped it mainly due to adverse effects, fear of adverse effects and ineffectiveness. A total of 150 products including natural ingredients were mentioned being used to lighten the skin, and Aneeza, Natural face, and Betamethasone containing brands were among the top used products. The occurrence of at least one adverse effect due to the use of SLAs was 43.7%, while 66.5% were satisfied with the use of SLAs. Additionally, employment status and perception of SLAs were found to be determinants of being a current user. Conclusion: Utilization of SLAs, including products containing harmful or medicinal ingredients, was prevalent among the females of Asmara city. Thus, coordinated regulatory interventions are recommended to tackle unsafe practices and raise public awareness to promote the safe use of cosmetics.

The Impact of Stopping Risk Assessment Checklists at a Specialist Personality Disorder Unit.

Aim This study was conducted in Springbank Ward, a specialist ward for patients with emotionally unstable personality disorder, based in Cambridge, United Kingdom. We aimed to assess any change in incident frequency following the introduction of a new protocol for leaving the ward, in which patients are offered an optional conversation with staff in place of a formal risk assessment checklist. We also aimed to assess patient and staff perceptions of the change. Methods We used data routinely collected by Springbank Ward to compare incident frequency in the year before and after the change in protocol. We conducted structured interviews with patients and staff to obtain qualitative data on the new protocol and used thematic analysis to interpret the interview data. Results There were 466 incidents during the period before the change in protocol and 408 incidents in the period after. Adjusted for occupancy rate, there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of incidents. Patients and staff were generally satisfied with the new protocol, with an average satisfaction rating of 4.1 out of 5. Thematic analysis generated five main themes: 'taking ownership', 'autonomy versus restriction', 'staff-patient interaction', 'staff expertise' and 'protocol efficiency'. Conclusions Our study reveals high satisfaction with the new way risk is assessed and managed for patients leaving Springbank Ward, with an appreciation for its holistic and minimally restrictive approach. This was achieved without significantly increasing incident frequency.

Assessing the comparative feasibility, acceptability and equivalence of videoconference interviews and face-to-face interviews using the time trade-off technique.

This study examines the comparative equivalence, feasibility and acceptability of video and in-person interviews in generating time trade-off (TTO) values. Sample participants in England were recruited using a blended approach of different methods and sampled based on age, gender, ethnicity, and index of multiple deprivation. Participants were randomly allocated to be interviewed either via video or in-person. Participants completed TTO tasks for the same block of 10 EQ-5D-5L health states using the EQ-VTv2 software. Feasibility, acceptability and equivalence was assessed across mode using: sample representativeness; participant understanding, engagement and feedback; participant preferred mode of interview; data quality; mean utility and distribution of values for each health state; and regression analyses assessing the impact of mode whilst controlling for participant characteristics. The video and in-person samples had statistically significant differences in ethnicity and income but were otherwise broadly similar. Video interviews generated marginally lower quality data across some criteria. Participant understanding and feedback was positive and similar across modes. TTO values were similar across modes; whilst mean in-person TTO values were lower for the more severe states, mode was insignificant in most regression analyses. There was no clear preference of mode across all participants, though the characteristics of participants preferring to be interviewed in-person or by video differs. Video and in-person TTO interviews were feasible, acceptable and generated good-quality data, though video interviews had lower quality data across some criteria. Whilst TTO values differed across modes for the more severe states, mode does not appear to be the cause. The study found that the characteristics of people preferring each mode differed, and this should be taken into account in future valuation studies since sample representativeness for some characteristics, and therefore potentially TTO values, could be affected by the choice of mode.

Validation of questionnaires for restless legs syndrome in the general population: the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT).

Questionnaires for restless legs syndrome have rarely been validated against face-to-face interviews in the general population. We aimed to validate the modified Norwegian, seven-item Cambridge-Hopkins restless legs syndrome questionnaire and a single diagnostic question for restless legs syndrome. We also aimed to stratify validity at 65 years of age. Among a random sample of 1,201 participants from the fourth wave of the Trøndelag Health Study, 232 (19%) agreed to participate, out of whom 221 had complete data for analyses. Participants completed the questionnaires for restless legs syndrome immediately before attending a face-to-face interview using the latest diagnostic criteria. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and Cohen's kappa statistic (κ) of questionnaire- versus interview-based diagnoses. We found acceptable validity of the seven-item modified Cambridge-Hopkins diagnostic questionnaire for restless legs syndrome (κ = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.51) and good validity of the single diagnostic question (κ = 0.47, 95% CI 0.35-0.58). We also found good validity through the combination of modified Cambridge-Hopkins diagnostic questionnaire for restless legs syndrome items 2 and 5, while item 1 or 2 alone showed only acceptable validity. The single diagnostic question was significantly more valid among those aged <65 years (κ = 0.60 versus κ = 0.26). Both single- and two-item questionnaire-based diagnoses overestimated interview-based restless legs syndrome prevalence. The seven-item modified Cambridge-Hopkins diagnostic questionnaire for restless legs syndrome will be useful for epidemiological studies although low sensitivity may cause underestimation of true restless legs syndrome prevalence in the general population, especially among elderly. Brief questionnaire-based diagnoses of up to three items seem best utilised as an initial screen. Future studies should identify brief and even more valid questionnaire-based diagnoses for restless legs syndrome in order to estimate prevalence accurately in large epidemiological studies.

Evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of nurse-led distant and face-to-face interviews programs for promoting behavioral change and disease management in patients with diabetic nephropathy: a triangulation approach.

BACKGROUND: We examined whether telecommunication-device-based distance interviews are inferior to face-to-face interviews in terms of facilitating behavioral changes and disease management in patients with diabetic nephropathy. We also examined the feasibility of a newly designed six-month telenursing program. METHODS: This study represents a post-hoc analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial, in which we compared the efficacy of remote self-management education with that of direct education for patients with diabetic nephropathy. The participants were 40 company employees, who were randomly divided into two groups. Over 6 months, the intervention group (n = 21) received three distance interviews using a tablet computer. Meanwhile, the control group (n = 19) received three face-to-face interviews. In addition, both groups received biweekly nine telephone calls. A triangulation approach was used. We first compared the two groups in inferiority tests. Then, we analyzed data from semi-structured interviews with all participants and nurses, examining whether trusting relationships and motivation were developed, and the accuracy of the information exchanges. Further, for the intervention group, we also enquired about the overall operability of the telenursing device. RESULTS: The completion rates for the program were 81.0 and 78.9% for the participants in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Both groups showed similar behavioral changes, and the participants verified the feasibility of the distance interviews. The participants in the intervention group felt that they understood the severity of their diseases and the necessity of self-management, and felt confidence in the nurses. On the other hand, their degree of behavioral change regarding self-monitoring was lower than that shown by the control group. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that both interview methods are effective for encouraging the adoption of self-management; further, in terms of taking medication and improving the main clinical indicators, we found that the distance method is not inferior to the direct face-to-face method. However, when considering long-term effects, based on the respective degrees of improvement in behavioral change, the direct method seems to be more effective. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network clinical trial registry (No. UMIN000026568) on March 15, 2017, retrospectively.

Gender-based violence screening methods preferred by women visiting a public hospital in Pune, India.

BACKGROUND: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major global public health concern and is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Early identification of GBV is crucial for improved health outcomes. Interactions with health care providers may provide a unique opportunity for routine GBV screening, if a safe, confidential environment can be established. METHODS: Between November 2014 and February 2015, a cross-sectional, observational study was conducted where women were interviewed about their opinions concerning GBV screening in a tertiary health care setting in Pune, India. Trained counsellors interviewed 300 women at different out-patient and in-patient departments using a semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Twenty-three percent of these women reported experiencing GBV in their life. However, 90% of women said they had never been asked about GBV in a health care setting. Seventy-two percent expressed willingness to be asked about GBV by their health care providers, with the preferred provider being nurses or counsellors. More than half (53%) women reported face-to-face interview as the most preferred method for screening. There were no major differences in these preferences by GBV history status. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence for preferred GBV screening methods and optimal provider engagement as perceived by women attending a public hospital.

Comparison of Face-To-Face Interview and Telephone Methods of Administration on the Ecohis Scores

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the administration of the Brazilian version of Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) questionnaire, applied by face-to-face and telephone format. A randomized sample of 76 parents/guardians of children up to 6 years old was selected in a Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil. Patients were randomly selected for 2 different groups, according to administration sequence: F-T (Face-to-face-Telephone) and T-F (Telephone-Face-to-face). Two interviewers administered the ECOHIS questionnaire with 2 week interval between the methods. The reliability between sections of the different methods of administration was assessed by Cronbach's alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). There were differences in means of the ECOHIS between face-to-face and telephone methods. However, the value Cronbach's alpha were between 0.94-0.96, and value ICC ranged from 0.91-0.93, proving to be acceptable values. The Bland-Altman plots confirmed the results of reliability tests, supporting the accuracy of the methods. Although there is a slight difference in the scores, the use of both mode of administration of the ECOHIS yields reliable data when single method is used from the beginning to the end of the study. The results provided evidence to use either Face-to-face or Telephone method of administration of the ECOHIS

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a administração da versão brasileira do questionário Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS), aplicado através de entrevista pessoal e por telefone. Uma amostra randomizada de 76 pais/responsáveis de crianças de até 6 anos de idade foi selecionada na Clínica de Odontopediatria da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brasil. Os pacientes foram selecionados aleatoriamente para 2 grupos diferentes, de acordo com a sequência de administração: E-T (Entrevista Pessoal-Telefone) e T-E (Telefone-Entrevista Pessoal). Dois entrevistadores aplicaram o questionário ECOHIS com um intervalo de 2 semanas entre os métodos. A confiabilidade entre as seções dos diferentes métodos de administração foi avaliada pelo Alfa de Cronbach e Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). Houve diferenças nas médias do ECOHIS entre os métodos de entrevista pessoal e telefone. No entanto, os valores de Alfa de Cronbach foram entre 0,94-0,96 e ICC entre 0,91-0,93, mostrando valores aceitáveis. O gráfico de Blant-Altman confirmou os resultados dos testes de confiabilidade, suportando a acurácia dos métodos. Embora exista uma pequena diferença nos escores, o uso de ambos os métodos de administração do ECOHIS produz dados confiáveis quando um único método é utilizado do início até o final do estudo. Os resultados forneceram evidências para usar tanto entrevista pessoal quanto por telefone como métodos de administração do ECOHIS.

Comparação de estimativas para o auto-relato de condições crônicas entre inquérito domiciliar e telefônico - Campinas (SP), Brasil / Comparison of estimates for the self-reported chronic conditions among household survey and telephone survey - Campinas (SP), Brazil

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar as estimativas obtidas por diferentes modalidades de inquérito para condições crônicas auto-referidas em adultos residentes em Campinas (SP) no ano de 2008. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados os dados do ISACamp, inquérito domiciliar realizado pela Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Estadual de Campinas com apoio da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, e do VIGITEL - Campinas (SP), inquérito telefônico realizado pelo Ministério da Saúde para Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas na população adulta (18 anos ou mais). Estimativas do auto-relato de hipertensão arterial, diabetes, osteoporose, asma/bronquite/enfisema, foram avaliadas e comparadas por meio do teste t de Student para duas amostras independentes. RESULTADOS: Para as estimativas globais, maior prevalência de hipertensão arterial e osteoporose foram verificadas pelo inquérito telefônico. Diabetes e asma/bronquite/enfisema não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas significantes. Na análise segundo variáveis sócio-demográficas, maior prevalência de hipertensão foi obtida pelo VIGITEL para os homens, entre as pessoas de 18 a 59 anos e nos que referiram 9 ou mais anos de estudo. Maior prevalência de osteoporose entre adultos (18 a 59 anos) foi verificada pelo VIGITEL. Em relação à asma/bronquite/enfisema nos idosos, maior prevalência foi observada pelo ISACamp. CONCLUSÃO: Exceto para hipertensão arterial, os dados obtidos do inquérito telefônico constituíram uma alternativa rápida para disponibilizar estimativas globais da prevalência das condições estudadas na população adulta residente em Campinas (SP).

OBJECTIVE: To compare the estimates obtained by different methods of population-based surveys for self-reported chronic conditions among adults living in Campinas in the year 2008. METHODS: Data from ISACamp Survey, conducted by the Faculty of Medical Sciences from Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) with support from the County Health Department and VIGITEL (Campinas), a telephone survey conducted by the Brazilian Ministry of Health toward Surveillance of Risk and Protective Factors for Chronic non-communicable Diseases in the adult population (18 years and over) were analyzed. Estimates of self-reported hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, and asthma/bronchitis/emphysema were evaluated and compared by the independent (two-sample) Student's t-test. Results: For global estimates, a higher prevalence of hypertension and osteoporosis was ascertained by the telephone survey. Diabetes and asthma/bronchitis/emphysema results showed no statistically significant differences. According to sociodemographic variables, a higher prevalence of hypertension was obtained by VIGITEL for men, among people aged 18 to 59 years, and those who reported nine or more years of schooling. A higher prevalence of osteoporosis among adults (18 to 59 years) was verified by VIGITEL. Concerning asthma/bronchitis/emphysema in the elderly, ISACamp survey showed a higher prevalence. CONCLUSION: Except for the hypertension prevalence, the telephone survey has proven to be a rapid alternative to provide global prevalence estimates of health conditions in the adult population of Campinas.

Effect of Doctor-led Telephone Interview on State of Anxiety for Patients with Epilepsy / 中国康复理论与实践

@#ObjectiveTo observe the effect of the doctor-led telephone interview on the state of anxiety for outpatients with epilepsy.Methods100 outpatients with epilepsy and state of anxiety were divided into two groups: intervention group (doctor-led telephone interview) and control group (outpatient face-to-face visit in the epileptic clinic), 50 cases in each group. Doctor-let semi-structured telephone interview was performed in the intervention group, while routine face-to-face interview in outpatient was performed in the control group for 6 months. Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) was used to assess the anxiety state before and 6 months after intervention. The state of anxiety and the patients' contents in the two groups were analyzed.ResultsThe scores of SAS in two group decreased 6 months after intervention and the intervention group was better than the control group.ConclusionThe doctor-led telephone interview can improve the state of anxiety for the patients with epilepsy.

Acurácia de informações sobre classes de medicamentos obtidas com questionário postal aplicado a idosos - Rio de Janeiro, RJ / Accuracy of drug class information obtained from a postal questionnaire to elderly respondents

OBJETIVOS: verificar a confiabilidade e a validade das informações sobre medicamentos obtidas em questionário postal, respondido por idosos, sendo a entrevista face a face o padrão-ouro. MÉTODOS: estudo seccional (Perfil de Utilização de Medicamentos por Aposentados Brasileiros), onde foram utilizadas duas abordagens (postal e domiciliar) para coleta de informações de aposentados pelo Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) com sessenta anos de idade ou mais. Foram utilizadas também as estatísticas kappa (simples (k), ajustado (PABAK) e ponderado), índices de correlação intra-classe, indicadores de sensibilidade e especificidade, e o gráfico de Luiz et al. RESULTADOS: 234 idosos (M = 42 por cento; F = 58 por cento) responderam às duas abordagens (média = 71,7 anos). A concordância entre postal e entrevista domiciliar foi excelente (k = 0,94) para hipoglicemiantes; muito boa (k = 0,83-0,82) para inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina e anti-hipertensivos; boa (k = 0,71) para diuréticos; e razoável (k = 0,47) para antiinflamatórios não esteróides. A concordância foi boa (k = 0,61) para o número total de medicamentos usados. A validade da abordagem postal foi elevada, às vezes total, para os fármacos empregados no tratamento do diabetes (sensibilidade e especificidade = 100 por cento), seguidos dos anti-hipertensivos. Os menores valores obtidos foram para antiinflamatórios não esteróides (sensibilidade = 64 por cento; especificidade = 88 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: a abordagem postal pode ser usada para se obter informações acuradas sobre classes de medicamentos usados por população com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, considerando idosos com perfil social semelhante ao dos beneficiários do INSS.