Procedural skills workshops for primary care physicians in Israel: a comprehensive analysis.

BACKGROUND: Some of the most common complaints addressed by primary care physicians (PCPs) require manual procedures, such as lacerations repair, abscesses drainage, ingrown toenails removal, dry needling for myofascial pain syndrome, and Epley maneuver for treating benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The aim of this study was to describe the procedural skills workshops program for PCPs implemented in Maccabi Healthcare Services and to investigate how many PCPs have participated and used the skills since the program's inception in 2017. METHODS: In this observational study, we followed all participants in courses from 2017 to 2021. We extracted all procedures performed during these years by PCPs who learned the skill in MHS. RESULTS: During the study period, 620 PCPs participated in workshops for dry needling, soft-tissue and joint injections, BPPV treatment, minor surgical procedures, and spirometry. Most procedures performed were dry needling (average annual number 3,537) and minor surgical procedures (average annual number 361). The average annual use per physician was highest for dry needling (annual average use per physician who used the learned skill was 50.9), followed by soft tissue and joint injections (16.8), minor surgical procedures (14.8), and BPPV treatment (7.5). CONCLUSION: procedural skills workshops may expand PCPs' therapeutic arsenal, thus empowering PCPs and providing more comprehensive care for patients. Some manual skills, such as dry needling, soft tissue injections, and the Epley maneuver, were more likely to be used by participants than other skills, such as spirometry and soft tissue injections.

Group A Streptococcus Carriage in Adults in Southern Israel: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Group A streptococcus (GAS) carriage among adults is studied less than in children. The variability of reported carriage rates is considerably large and differs among diverse geographic areas and populations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of GAS carriage among adults in Israel. METHODS: In this prospective study, conducted in a large healthcare maintenance organization in Israel, we obtained pharyngeal cultures from adults attending the clinic without upper respiratory tract complaints or fever. Patient data included sex, age, number of children, and religious sectors. RESULTS: From May to December 2022, eight family physicians collected a total of 172 throat swabs (86% response rate). The median age was 37 years (range 18-65); 72.7% were females, 22.7% were ultra-Orthodox Jewish, and 69.2% had children. The prevalence of GAS carriage was 6.98%, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 3.7%-11.9%. GAS carriers were younger (31.7 vs. 39.3 years, P = 0.046), and the majority were ultra-Orthodox Jews (58.3% vs. 20%, P = 0.006). All GAS carriers were from lower socioeconomic status. When assessing risk factors for GAS carriage using multivariate analysis, only being an ultra-Orthodox Jew was positively related to GAS carriage (adjusted odds ratio 5.6, 95%CI 1.67-18.8). CONCLUSIONS: Being an ultra-Orthodox Jew was the single variable associated with a GAS carriage, which may be related to having many children at home and living in overcrowded areas. Primary care physicians in Israel should recognize this situation when examining patients with sore throats, mainly ultra-Orthodox Jews.

Attitudes and knowledge about weight management among primary care physicians in Israel: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity has been increasing worldwide and is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Weight management can reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life of patients with obesity. This study explored primary care physicians' (PCPs') attitudes and knowledge about weight management. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 400 PCPs between 2020 and 2021. The survey included questions on treatment approaches (pharmaceutical and surgical) and items regarding the respondents' demographic characteristics. We compared PCPs with low or high proactivity toward weight management. We explored attitudes and knowledge with the chi-square test for categorical variables or the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 145 PCPs answered our survey (a response rate of 36.25%). More than half (53.8%) of the respondents showed low proactivity toward weight management in their practice. Proactive respondents were more likely to believe that pharmaceutical treatment effectively reduces weight and offered medical and surgical treatment options more frequently to their patients. Lack of knowledge was the most predominant reason for PCPs avoiding offering treatment to their patients, especially in less proactive PCPs (33.3% vs. 5.3%, p-value < 0.001). When comparing different pharmaceutical options, 46.6% of PCPs report they tend to prescribe liraglutide to their patients compared with only 11% who prescribe orlistat and 10.3% who prescribe phentermine (p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Many PCPs still do not actively provide obesity treatment despite improved awareness and therapeutic options. PCPs' proactivity and attitudes are vital to this effort.

Prevalence of Sarcopenia in chronic heart failure, and modulating role of Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVES: Sarcopenia, heart failure (HF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common among the older people. Our objective was to evaluate the frequency of sarcopenia, among community-dwelling older adults with heart failure, possible causative factors and the additive factor of CKD. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of 1420 older people living in the community was carried out. Participants (aged 75 years and more) came from a European multicenter prospective cohort (SCOPE study). Global geriatric assessment including short physical performance battery, handgrip strength test and bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed. Previous known HF was defined as physician-diagnosed HF registered in the patient's medical record or the use of HF-related medications, regardless of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Sarcopenia was defined by the updated criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using Berlin Initiative Study (BIS) to define the stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Two-year mortality was also collected. RESULTS: A total of 226 (15.9%) participants had a prior chronic HF diagnosis, with a median age of 80.0 (5.0), 123 (54.4%) were women. Using EWGSOP2 definition, 11.5% HF and 10.7% in non-HF participants met diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia. In multivariate analyses, only a lower body mass index (BMI) (odds ratios [OR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73-0.93), and lower Short Physical Performance Battery score (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.69-0.96) were associated with sarcopenia. Patients with HF and sarcopenia have a similar all-cause mortality risk but higher two-year cardiovascular mortality risk (p=0.047). CONCLUSION: One out of ten community-dwelling older adults with concurrent clinical stable chronic HF, without considering LVEF, have sarcopenia. Lower BMI and poor physical performance are associated with sarcopenia in this population, but not CKD.

Short physical performance battery is not associated with falls and injurious falls in older persons: longitudinal data of the SCOPE project.

INTRODUCTION: Falls and fall-related injuries in older persons are a major public health problem. Our objective was to study the predictive value of the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) in the cohort of the SCOPE project on falls, injurious falls, and possible difference of prediction between indoors and outdoors falls. METHODS: For this sub-study of the SCOPE project participants reporting no falls at baseline, and survey data on falls at the 12-month and 24-month follow-up were included. Participant´s characteristics were assessed during the baseline interview and medical examinations. Falls as well as injurious falls and fall circumstances were obtained self-reported. SPPB and its association with fallers vs. no fallers at 12 and at 24 months were studied with logistic regression models. RESULTS: The 1198 participants had a median age of 79 years (77-82), and a median SPPB of 10 (8-11), with a 52.5% of female. A total of 227 and 277 falls (12- and 24- month visits, respectively) were reported. In the crude model, the SPPB sum scores (p < 0.001) as well as most single item scores were significant different between fallers and non-fallers over time. However, the association was attenuated in models adjusted for age, sex, marital status, number of medications, quality of life, handgrip strength, and muscle mass [e.g., 12 months; OR 0.94 (0.87-1.02)]. While SPPB fails to differentiate between injurious and non-injurious falls (p = 0.48), a lower SPPB score was associated with falls at home (p < 0.01) after 24 months. CONCLUSION: SBPP was not able to significantly predict the risk of falling as well as experiencing an injurious fall. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered prospectively on 25th February 2016 at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02691546).

Common Bacterial Infections during the 3-Month Period after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Correlations between SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial infections have mainly been studied in hospitals, and these studies have shown that such interactions may be lethal for many. In the context of community flora, less is known of the trends and consequences of viral infections relative to subsequent bacterial infections. PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the prevalence and characteristics of bacterial infections in the three months following SARS-CoV-2 infections, in a community, real-world setting. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared patients who completed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or an antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 during January 2022, the peak of the Omicron wave, and examined bacterial infections following the test. We searched these cases for diagnoses of the following four bacterial infections for three months following the test: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis, pneumonia, cellulitis, and urinary tract infections (UTI). RESULTS: During January 2022, 267,931 patients tested positive and 261,909 tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Test-positive compared to test-negative patients were significantly younger (42.5 years old vs. 48.5 years old, p < 0.001), smoked less, and had fewer comorbidities (including ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic renal failure). In the multivariable analysis, test-positive patients had an increased risk for GAS pharyngitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.25, 95% CI 1.14-1.38, p-value < 0.001) and pneumonia (aOR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.15-1.35, p-value < 0.001), a trend towards an increased prevalence of UTI (aOR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.99-1.12, p-value = 0.092), and lower risk for cellulitis (aOR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.86-0.99, p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A history of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the past three months increased susceptibility to respiratory tract bacterial infections and the prevalence of UTI.

Diabetes and factors associated with cognitive and functional decline. The screening for CKD among older people across Europe (SCOPE) study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in older people is a heterogeneous condition that exhibits differential characteristics in comparison with younger adults. DM increases the risk of disability, is associated with dementia and loss of function, and cognition may often be interrelated and more pronounced in older patients with DM than in those without. AIMS: Our aim was to evaluate the incidence of functional and/or cognitive impairment in older adults with and without DM, and its associated factors in DM participants. METHODS: A 2-year prospective analysis was conducted in a European multicenter prospective cohort (SCOPE study). Older community-dwelling adults (aged ≥ 75 years) underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment. New functional and/or cognitive decline was explored. RESULTS: Of 1611 participants, 335 (22.0%) had DM at baseline. The percentage of participants scoring at least one ADL impairment and/or cognitive impairment (MMSE < 24) was similar in both groups (9.6%). Factors associated with any new disability in participants with DM in the multivariate analysis were female sex (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.42-7.56), history of stroke (OR 4.58, 95% CI 1.64-12.7), and greater IADL dependency (OR 1.08 95% CI 1.02-1.15). DISCUSSION: Association between DM and cognitive or functional decline in outpatients of 75 years and older was not found, but factors such as female gender, history of stroke, and IADL dependency could be related. CONCLUSION: Decline in functional and cognitive status of community-dwelling older adults with DM was similar to participants without DM in a short period of 2 years of follow-up, though several clinical factors may increase its risk in this population.

Quality of Life and Kidney Function in Older Adults: Prospective Data of the SCOPE Study.

A longitudinal alteration in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) over a two-year period and its association with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression was investigated among 1748 older adults (>75 years). HRQoL was measured by the Euro-Quality of Life Visual Analog Scale (EQ-VAS) at baseline and at one and two years after recruitment. A full comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed, including sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-SF), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The association between EQ-VAS decline and covariates was investigated by multivariable analyses. A total of 41% of the participants showed EQ-VAS decline, and 16.3% showed kidney function decline over the two-year follow-up period. Participants with EQ-VAS decline showed an increase in GDS-SF scores and a greater decline in SPPB scores. The logistic regression analyses showed no contribution of a decrease in kidney function on EQ-VAS decline in the early stages of CKD. However, older adults with a greater GDS-SF score were more likely to present EQ-VAS decline over time, whereas an increase in the SPPB scores was associated with less EQ-VAS decline. This finding should be considered in clinical practice and when HRQoL is used to evaluate health interventions among older adults.

Smoking cessation - better together: A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death and illness globally. There is conflicting evidence regarding the association between quitting rates and partners' smoking status. It is thought that spouses influence one another's health habits, including smoking. This study aims to evaluate this association in patients who made a smoking cessation attempt with pharmacotherapy. METHODS: For this Israeli nationwide retrospective cohort study, we randomly selected patients who filled a prescription for varenicline as part of their smoking cessation process and were partnered. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire 26-52 weeks after the first varenicline purchase. The independent variables were the partner's smoking status at the beginning of the smoking cessation process and while answering the questionnaire. The outcome was a success in the quitting process. RESULTS: In all, 226 (50%) participants had partners who smoked at the beginning of the quitting process, and 230 (50%) had non-smoking partners; 178 (39%) participants reported successful smoking cessation. There was a significant difference in success rates depending on partners' smoking status at the end of the process, with success rates of 39% with a non-smoking partner, 76% with a partner who also stopped smoking, and 31% with a partner who continued smoking (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that having a partner who stopped smoking during the quitting process was associated with higher odds of quitting compared with having a non-smoking partner (OR=4.73; 95% CI: 1.86-12.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that both partners quitting was associated with increased odds of successful quitting. Health providers should make efforts to engage both partners in smoking cessation.

Methylphenidate use and misuse among medical residents in Israel: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Methylphenidate (MPH) and other stimulants may be misused, mainly as cognitive enhancers and recreational drugs. Data regarding misuse among medical residents are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of and main reasons for methylphenidate (MPH) use and misuse among Israeli medical residents. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we sent an online questionnaire to medical residents who had completed their first residency exam and specialists with up to 2 years of experience. We asked about the use of MPH before and during residency and attitudes toward the use of MPH as a cognitive enhancer. We also added the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) questionnaire, a validated tool used to screen for the presence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Users and misusers were classified based on self-report of use and formal ADHD diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with MPH misuse. RESULTS: From March 2021 to August 2021, 370 physicians responded to our questionnaire (response rate 26.4%). Twenty-eight met the exclusion criteria and were not included. The respondents' average age was 36.5 years. Women comprised 63.5% of the respondents. Of the participants, 16.4% were classified as users and 35.1% as misusers. The prevalence of misusers was 45.6% among surgery and OB/GYN physicians, 39.4% among pediatricians and internists, and 24% among family physicians (P < 0.001). Misusers had a more liberal approach than others to MPH use as a cognitive enhancer. Factors associated with misuse of MPH included not being a native-born Israeli (OR-1.99, 95% CI 1.08, 3.67) and type of residency (OR-2.33, 95% CI 1.22, 4.44 and OR-4.08, 95% CI 2.06, 8.07 for pediatrics and internal medicine and surgery, respectively). CONCLUSION: Very high levels of MPH misuse during residency may be related to stress, long working hours, night shifts, and the academic burden of the residency period. We believe that our findings should be considered by healthcare policymakers as they make decisions regarding the conditions of medical residencies. The use of MPH as a cognitive enhancer should be further studied and discussed.

Long COVID symptoms in Israeli children with and without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of long COVID symptoms in children with and without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and to evaluate factors associated with long COVID. DESIGN: A nationwide cross-sectional study. SETTING: Primary care. PARTICIPANTS: 3240 parents of children aged 5-18 with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection completed an online questionnaire (11.9% response rate); 1148 and 2092 with/without a history of infection, respectively. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was the prevalence of long COVID symptoms in children with/without a history of infection. Secondary outcomes were the factors associated with the presence of long COVID symptoms and with failure to return to baseline health status in children with a history of infection including gender, age, time from illness, symptomatic illness and vaccine status. RESULTS: Most long COVID symptoms were more prevalent in children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection: headaches (211 (18.4%) vs 114 (5.4%), p<0.001), weakness (173 (15.1%) vs 70 (3.3%), p<0.001), fatigue (141 (12.3%) vs 133 (6.4%), p<0.001) and abdominal pain (109 (9.5%) vs 79 (3.8%), p<0.001). Most long COVID symptoms in children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were more prevalent in the older age group (12-18) compared with the younger age group (5-11). Some symptoms were more prevalent in children without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including attention problems with school malfunctioning (225 (10.8%) vs 98 (8.5%), p=0.05), stress (190 (9.1%) vs 65 (5.7%), p<0.001), social problems (164 (7.8%) vs 32 (2.8%)) and weight changes (143 (6.8%) vs 43 (3.7%), p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the prevalence of long COVID symptoms in children with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection might be higher and more prevalent in adolescents than in young children. Some of the symptoms, mainly somatic symptoms, were more prevalent in children without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting the impact of the pandemic itself rather than the infection.

Postpartum Depression Among Gay Fathers With Children Born Through Surrogacy: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies on postpartum depression (PPD) in gay fathers are scarce. The goals of this study were to examine the prevalence of PPD among Israeli gay fathers with children born through surrogacy and to identify characteristics associated with PPD in this population. METHODS: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, we sent surveys to gay fathers who had children who were 0 to 12 months of age and were born through surrogacy. Surveys were sent through 3 major surrogacy agencies in Israel and through the media. Data were collected concerning sociodemographic, medical, and lifestyle factors as well as concerning satisfaction with partners, family, and social support. Each respondent completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, which screens for PPD. Characteristics of fathers with and without probable PPD were compared. RESULTS: Between July 2018 and December 2019, 66 men answered our questionnaire. The respondents, mean age of 37.5 years, were mostly first-time fathers (82%), with high rates of twin pregnancies (42%). Eight respondents (12%) were classified as having depressive symptoms (95% CI: 5.4%-22.5%), and 16 respondents (25%) reported current or past use of antidepressant medications. A negative association was observed between satisfaction with family support and report of depressive symptoms (χ22=6.53, P=0.038) and Spearman correlation test (rs=-0.34, P=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of probable PPD among gay fathers was 12% compared with 8.8% reported in fathers in the general population. High satisfaction with family support was associated with a lower incidence of probable PPD among gay fathers. Increased awareness of the potential for PPD in gay fathers can improve early diagnosis and treatment.

Inflammaging and Blood Pressure Profiles in Late Life: The Screening for CKD among Older People across Europe (SCOPE) Study.

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker for systemic inflammation. Since inflammation plays a relevant role in vascular aging, the aim of this study was to investigate whether NLR is associated with blood pressure profiles in older adults. This study was performed within the framework of the SCOPE study including 2461 outpatients aged 75 years and over. Mean blood pressure values, namely systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) were investigated across tertiles of NLR. Change in blood pressure levels in 2 years of follow-up were compared across categories of baseline NLR. Data of 2397 individuals were used, of which 1854 individuals had hypertension. Mean values of blood pressure did not differ across categories of baseline NLR in individuals without hypertension. Individuals with hypertension with a high-range NLR had lower SBP and PP when compared to those in low-range NLR (mean difference SBP -2.94 mmHg, p = 0.032 and PP -2.55 mmHg, p = 0.030). Mean change in blood pressure in 2 years did only slightly differ in non-clinically relevant ranges, when compared across tertiles of baseline NLR. NLR as a marker of inflammaging was not associated with unfavorable blood pressure profiles in older individuals with or without hypertension.

Dry needling for the treatment of acute myofascial pain syndrome in general practitioners' clinics: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain is one of the leading complaints in the ambulatory setting. There are many ways to treat it, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches. Dry needling (DN) is an option that is easy to learn, cheap and has a good safety profile. The aim of this study was to assess the association between DN performed by GPs for acute myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) and pain relief and to evaluate factors associated with treatment success. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, two GPs performed DN in their clinics. Patients were asked to rank their pain using the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) before, 10-min and 1-week after the procedure. The SF-MPQ index consists of 3 parts; visual analog scale (VAS), pain rating index (PRI) and present pain intensity (PPI). Logistic regressions were performed to assess the variables associated with short- and medium- term success. RESULTS: Fifty two patients were recruited from September 2019 until August 2020. VAS was 6.0 ± 2.3 (before), 4.1 ± 2.5 (10-min after) and 2.6 ± 2.71 (1-week after), P < 0.05. PRI was 17 ± 9.1 (before), 10.8 ± 8.5 (10-min after) and 5.1 ± 6.5 (1-week after), P < 0.05. PPI was 2.6 ± 1.0 (before), 1.7 ± 1.0 (10-min after) and 1.1 ± 1.2 (1-week after), P < 0.05. Short-term success was associated with the physician who performed the procedure (OR 10.08, 95% CI 1.15,88.4) and with the use of a single needle (vs. multiple needles inserted) (OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.03,20.11). Medium-term success was associated with being a native born (non-immigrant), OR 8.59, 95% CI 1.11,66.28 and with high level of initial pain, OR 11.22, 95% CI 1.82,69.27. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated improvement in acute pain 10-min and 1-week after DN performed by a GP, in all parts of the SF-MPQ. Therefore, we believe DN is a good therapeutic option for GPs to aid patients suffering from MPS.

Smoking quit rates among patients receiving pharmacotherapy who received general practitioner counselling versus intensive counselling: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral treatments can augment the success of pharmacotherapy in smoking cessation. The aim of this study was to compare smoking quit rates between patients receiving individual counseling with their general practitioner during office visits or intensive counselling with behavioral support, both augmented by varenicline. METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cohort study conducted in a large Healthcare Maintenance Organization in Israel. We selected randomly patients who filled a prescription for varenicline and received either individual consulting by their general practitioner or intensive counselling with behavioural support, and asked them to answer a questionnaire. The outcome variables were smoking cessation 26-52 weeks following the beginning of treatment and satisfaction with the process. RESULTS: 870 patients were contacted and 604 agreed to participate (a response rate of 69%); 301 patients in the general practitioner group, 300 in the intensive counselling group and 3 were excluded due to missing date. The quit rate was 36.5% in the general practitioner group and 42.3% in the intensive counselling group (P = 0.147). In a logistic regression analysis, controlling for age, gender, socioeconomic status, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pack years and duration of varenicline consumption, the adjusted OR for quitting in the general practitioner group was 0.79 (95% CI 0.56,1.13). The adjusted OR was higher in the group with the highest socioeconomic status at 2.06 (1.39,3.07) and a longer period of varenicline consumption at 1.30 (1.15,1.47). Age, gender and cigarette pack-years were not associated with quit rate. In the general practitioner group 68% were satisfied with the process, while 19% were not. In the intensive counselling group 64% were satisfied and 14% were not (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: We did not detect a statistically significant difference in smoking quit rates, though there was a trend towards higher quit rates with intensive counselling.

Long-COVID in patients with a history of mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: a Nationwide Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluating the prevalence of long-COVID symptoms in patients with a history of mild or asymptomatic infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the factors associated with developing long-COVID. DESIGN: A nationwide cohort study. Using a centralized database, we have identified patients with and without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection 1-6 months before data collection. Patients were asked to fill out an online questionnaire through text messages. SETTING: Israeli general practice. SUBJECTS: 2755 persons participated in the study in September 2021 (a response rate of 7.5%): 819 with and, 936 without a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We asked patients to provide details about their demographic status, medical history, COVID-related variables and the presence of long-COVID symptoms. RESULTS: Most prevalent long-COVID symptoms were decreased smell sensation (35.1% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001), decreased taste sensation (25.2% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001), memory disturbances (36.9% vs. 14.4%, p < 0.001), dyspnea (24.2% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.001) and arthralgia (33% vs. 16.3%, p < 0.001). Risk factors associated with long-COVID included female gender, symptomatic COVID-19, overweight or obesity and the presence of dyslipidemia. About 34.6% of participants reported not returning to their baseline health condition after the acute illness. CONCLUSION: Long-COVID is frequently seen following a mild symptomatic COVID-19 infection and, to a lesser extent, following an asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Primary care physicians should be aware of these symptoms and consider this option in their differential diagnosis. Health policymakers should expect a significant impact of this syndrome on public health.Key PointsLong-COVID has emerged as a significant health problem with a serious impact on normal daily function• Long-COVID symptoms were evident in patients with mild symptomatic disease and in asymptomatic patients to a lesser extent.• Risk factors for having Long-COVID symptoms include female gender, symptomatic disease, increased BMI, and the presence of dyslipidemia.• Fatigue, dyspnea, weakness, decreased libido, weight changes, memory, and sleep disturbances were associated with not returning to the baseline health state.

Breastfeeding mothers' experiences with community physicians in Israel: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The guidelines of all leading professional organizations recommend providing adequate support and education regarding breastfeeding; yet many mothers feel that they receive inadequate information from their health care providers in the primary care setting. This is in line with studies that demonstrate that physicians' knowledge about breastfeeding is lacking. The aim of this study was to expand our understanding of the breastfeeding-related experiences of mothers with primary care physicians (PCPs). METHODS: In this qualitative study, we interviewed breastfeeding mothers in Israel in the first six months after delivery. The interviews were conducted between December 2020 and May 2021. We used thematic analysis to explore women's attitudes and experiences with their PCPs regarding breastfeeding concerns. All authors read the transcribed interviews and independently marked statements regarding breastfeeding. Then, in a joint process, codes, subthemes and themes were defined. Each subtheme was backed up with a quote from the interviews. RESULTS: We interviewed 13 women aged 24 to 37. We identified four main themes. The first of these was physicians' inconsistent attitudes toward breastfeeding. Some were indifferent, while others related to breastfeeding solely in the context of infant development. Some were supportive, while others opposed breastfeeding. Several women revealed physicians' inappropriate and disturbing attitudes to breastfeeding. The second theme was physicians' lack of knowledge regarding medical treatment for breastfeeding issues. This theme included lack of knowledge, incorrect treatment of breastfeeding problems, and contradictions among HCPs. The third was mothers' preference for alternative resources, including individualized breastfeeding counselling, maternity and childcare nurses, mothers' groups (in person or online), and family and friends over medical treatment for breastfeeding problems. The fourth theme involved mothers' suggestions for PCPs, which highlighted the importance of communication, prenatal physician-initiated dialogue on breastfeeding, expanding professional knowledge on breastfeeding, and increasing the availability of treatment for breastfeeding problems. CONCLUSION: The women in this study reported unsatisfactory breastfeeding support by PCPs and incorrect or inadequate treatment of medical problems related to breastfeeding. They also felt they had no medical experts to approach with breastfeeding-related problems. We believe that physicians should expand their knowledge on breastfeeding medicine so that they can provide comprehensive patient-centered treatment to both mothers and infants. Education programs for improving knowledge and skills in breastfeeding issues should be implemented throughout the medical training.

Treatment outcomes of acute streptococcal tonsillitis according to antibiotic treatment. A retrospective analysis of 242,366 cases treated in the community.

BACKGROUND: Acute upper respiratory infections are the most common reason for primary physician visits in the community. This study investigated whether the type of antibiotic used to treat streptococcal tonsillitis can reduce the burden by affecting the number of additional visits. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of different antibiotic treatments for tonsillitis on the number of additional primary physician visits and the development of infectious or inflammatory sequels. METHODS: This retrospective study included first cases of culture-confirmed streptococcal tonsillitis (n = 242,366, 55.3% females, 57.6% aged 3-15 years) treated in primary clinics throughout Israel between the years 2010 and 2019. Primary outcomes were the number of additional primary physician visits, due to any cause or due to specific upper airway infections. Secondary outcomes were the number of developed complications, such as peritonsillar abscess, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal arthritis, chorea and death. RESULTS: Compared to penicillin-V, adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) for additional primary physician visits at 30-days were highest for IM benzathine-benzylpenicillin (IRR = 1.46, CI 1.33-1.60, p < .001) and cephalosporin treatment (IRR = 1.27, CI 1.24-1.30, p < .001). Similar results were noted for visits due to specific diagnoses such as recurrent tonsillitis, otitis media and unspecified upper respiratory tract infection. Amoxicillin showed decreased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of developing complications (aOR = 0.68, CI 0.52-0.89, p < .01 for any complication. aOR = 0.75, CI 0.55-1.02, p = .07 for peritonsillar or retropharyngeal abscess). CONCLUSION: Penicillin-V treatment is associated with fewer additional primary physician visits compared to other antibiotic treatments. Amoxicillin and penicillin-V are associated with fewer complications. These findings are limited by the retrospective nature of the study and lack of adjustment for illness severity. Further prospective studies may be warranted to validate results.

Diabetes, sarcopenia and chronic kidney disease; the Screening for CKD among Older People across Europe (SCOPE) study.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia may be more present in older adults with diabetes (DM). Accordingly, we evaluated the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated risk factors among community-dwelling older adults with DM. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of older people living in the community was carried out. Participants (aged 75 years and more) came from an European multicenter prospective cohort (SCOPE study). Global geriatric assessment including short physical performance battery, handgrip strength test and bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed. Sarcopenia was defined by the updated criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using Berlin Initiative Study (BIS) to define the stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous known DM was defined as physician-diagnosed DM registered in the patient's medical record or the use of DM-related medications. Hemoglobin A1c levels and specific DM therapies administered were collected. Time elapsed from the first diagnosis of DM was not collected and, therefore, was not included in the analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1,420 subjects were evaluated with a median age of 79.0 (6.0) years, of which 804 (56.6%) were women and 615 (43.3%) men; 315 (22.2%) participants had prior DM diagnosis, with a median age of 80.0 (6.0), 146 (46.3%) were women. Using EWGSOP2 definition, 150 (10.6%) participants in the SCOPE study met diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia. Participants without diabetes had more often normal results in the 3 sarcopenia components than participants with diabetes [887 (80.31%) vs. 227 (72.1%), p = 0.002], highlighting higher percentages of severe sarcopenia in participants with diabetes [27 (8.6%) vs. 58 (5.2%), p = 0.028]. Confirmed or severe sarcopenia was detected in 41 (13%) participants with diabetes and 109 (9.8%) participants without diabetes (p = 0.108). According to BIS equation, sarcopenia was not significantly more prevalent in the more advanced stages of CKD (p = 0.845). In multivariate analyses, older age (odds ratios [OR], 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.27), and lower body mass index (OR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71-0.89 were associated with the presence of sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: One tenth of all older community-dwelling subjects have sarcopenia. Older age and being thinner, but not worse renal function, were associated with higher prevalence of sarcopenia in older older adults with diabetes.

Primary care physicians' attitudes and knowledge regarding medical cannabis and willingness to prescribe it: the Israeli experience.

BACKGROUND: Use of medical cannabis (MC) in Israel has increased since its regulatory approval in 2016. Currently, more than 1% of Israeli adults are treated with MC; this requires primary care physicians (PCPs) to be familiar with this treatment option. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the attitudes and knowledge of Israeli PCPs toward MC and evaluated their willingness to prescribe it for different medical conditions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey which was distributed to PCPs in Israel. Physicians were asked about their opinions, knowledge, and willingness to prescribe MC. RESULTS: Two hundred and one PCPs answered the questionnaire. Their average age was 47 years (±11.2), 71% were specialists. 51% of the respondents thought that MC is an effective treatment. 63% replied that they had little knowledge and 75% indicated that they would like to deepen it. 61% of the respondents were willing to initiate an MC treatment for a dying patient, while less than 50% were willing to initiate MC treatment for various other conditions. Most respondents indicated that they were willing to renew a prescription for any approved medical condition. Willingness to prescribe MC increased for physicians who agreed that MC was effective (odds ratio [OR] 21.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.40-200.85), for physicians who strongly agreed with the statement that they had sufficient knowledge (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.58-15.83) and for residents compared with specialists (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.52-10.73). CONCLUSIONS: Our survey revealed PCPs' differing opinions and insufficient knowledge regarding treatment with MC. These findings suggest that continuing medical education regarding MC is needed.

Use of medical cannabis (MC) in Israel has increased substantially since its regulatory approval in 2016. Currently, more than 1% of Israeli adult population receive MC; this requires primary care physicians (PCPs) to be familiar with this treatment option. We assessed the attitudes and knowledge of Israeli PCPs toward MC and evaluated their willingness to prescribe it for different medical indications. Two hundred and one PCPs answered our questionnaire. 51% of the respondents thought that MC was an effective treatment. 63% of physicians stated that they had little knowledge regarding MC and 75% indicated that they would like to deepen it. 61% of the respondents were willing to initiate MC treatment for a dying patient, while less than 50% were willing to initiate MC treatment for other conditions. Willingness to initiate treatment with MC was low for most indications, while renewal was more acceptable. Our survey revealed PCPs' different opinions and insufficient knowledge regarding the utilization of MC in primary care. These findings emphasize the necessity for continuous medical education regarding MC.