Patient Satisfaction with Wait-Times for Breast Cancer Surgery in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Do shorter waits for breast cancer surgery lead to greater wait-related patient satisfaction? Using survey and cancer clinic chart data of 99 patients with breast cancer from Newfoundland and Labrador, we found that median wait-time from first visit to a surgeon to surgery was 22.0 days and 87% were satisfied with their wait-time. Wait-related satisfaction was not associated with the length of wait but rather with the stage, severity of treatment, wait-time for a diagnosis and satisfaction with diagnosis-related wait. These findings highlight the importance of an early and timely diagnosis in patients' perceptions of breast cancer care wait-times.

Smoking and alcohol consumption patterns among elderly Canadians with mobility disabilities.

BACKGROUND: Mobility disability is a major adverse health outcome associated with aging and an impediment to older adults' well-being and behaviors in social and leisure activities. It has been shown that lifestyle factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption, have been used as coping strategies to deal with the negative impact of disability. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption among older Canadians with different levels of mobility disabilities and to examine factors associated with these two lifestyle patterns among those with disabilities. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was performed using individuals (n = 6,038) aged 65 years and older from both the 2001 Participation and Activity Limitation Survey and the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey. Multivariate logistic regressions examined the relationship between disability severity and smoking as well as alcohol consumption while controlling for potential confounding socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: The proportion of current smokers among seniors with less-severe and more-severe mobility disabilities and those in the general population was comparable with 12.55%, 11.57% and 11.93%, respectively. Forty-eight percent of seniors in the general population consumed alcohol regularly, compared to only 12.85% with more-severe mobility disabilities. No significant association was shown between the severity level of mobility disabilities and smoking (odds ratio = 0.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.75, 1.08). However, seniors having more-severe disability were less likely to consume alcohol regularly (odds ratio = 0.76, 95% confidence interval: 0.65, 0.89). Other variables including age, gender, income, living status, and social participation also impacted these lifestyle patterns among the study population. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking and alcohol patterns present different associations with the severity level of mobility disabilities. Compared with the general population, elderly Canadians with mobility disabilities had similar smoking prevalence but differ significantly in terms of alcohol consumption. Results from this research will be relevant to decision makers involved in program planning, health education, and policy development as it pertains to the prevention and management of age-related disability.

Interaction between alcohol drinking and obesity in relation to colorectal cancer risk: a case-control study in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

BACKGROUND: While substantive epidemiological literature suggests that alcohol drinking and obesity are potential risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC), the possible interaction between the two has not been adequately explored. We used a case-control study to examine if alcohol drinking is associated with an increased risk of CRC and if such risk differs in people with and without obesity. METHODS: Newly diagnosed CRC cases were identified between 1999 and 2003 in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Cases were frequency-matched by age and sex with controls selected using random digit dialing. Cases (702) and controls (717) completed self-administered questionnaires assessing health and lifestyle variables. Estimates of alcohol intake included types of beverage, years of drinking, and average number of alcohol drinks per day. Odds ratios were estimated to investigate the associations of alcohol independently and when stratified by obesity status on the risk of CRC. RESULTS: Among obese participants (BMI ≥ 30), alcohol was associated with higher risk of CRC (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2-4.0) relative to the non-alcohol category. Among obese individuals, 3 or more different types of drinks were associated with a 3.4-fold higher risk of CRC relative to non-drinkers. The risk of CRC also increased with drinking years and drinks daily among obese participants. However, no increased risk was observed in people without obesity. CONCLUSION: The effect of alcohol of drinking on CRC seems to be modified by obesity.

Tobacco smoking and colorectal cancer: a population-based case-control study in Newfoundland and Labrador.

OBJECTIVE: Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) has the highest incidence rate of both colorectal cancer (CRC) and smoking prevalence in Canada. The objective of this study was to examine if CRC is associated with smoking in this population. METHODS: Newly diagnosed cases identified between 1999 and 2003 were frequency-matched by 5-year age group and sex with controls selected from the residents of NL through random digit dialing. A total of 702 cases and 717 controls consented to participate in the study and completed a set of self-administered questionnaires. Measures of tobacco use included type of tobacco, age of initiation of smoking, years of smoking, years since started smoking, number of cigarettes smoked daily, pack years, and years since abstention from smoking. Odds ratios were estimated using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: In comparison with non-smokers, former and current smokers were at a significantly elevated risk of CRC with corresponding odds ratios of 1.36 and 1.96. The risk significantly increased with cigarette smoking years, the amount of cigarettes smoked daily, and cigarette pack years. The risk significantly decreased with years of abstention from smoking cigarettes. This association was stronger among drinkers and in men. In addition, this effect was observed to be slightly stronger for rectum than colon cancer. DISCUSSION: In summary, cigarette smoking increased the risk of CRC in the NL population. The risk of CRC associated with cigarette smoking varies by sex, drinking status, and site of CRC.

How important are out-of-pocket costs to rural patients' cancer care decisions?

OBJECTIVE: We examined the importance of 5 items (stage of illness, personal feelings, travel costs, drug costs and child care costs) in the cancer treatment decisions of urban and rural residents after they had started treatment for their cancer. METHODS: We surveyed 484 adults who presented for care at cancer clinics in Newfoundland and Labrador from September 2002 to June 2003. Respondents rated the importance of each of the 5 items in their cancer care decisions on a 5-point Likert scale, which was later collapsed into 2 categories, "important" and "not important." We used chi2 tests and multiple logistic regression to compare the responses of urban and rural residents. RESULTS: In our sample of 484 respondents, there were 258 (53.3%) urban and 226 (46.7%) rural residents. After controlling for other significant predictors, we found that rural residents were more likely to report that travel costs (odds ratio [OR] 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-2.63), drug costs (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.13-2.23) and child care costs (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.09-4.96) were "important" in cancer treatment decisions compared with urban residents. Stage of disease and personal feelings were equally important to urban and rural residents. CONCLUSION: Financial impediments disproportionately affect rural residents' decisions about cancer care and highlight the need to ensure that centralized specialist care, such as cancer treatment, is accessible.

On the rock, in a hard place: challenges in working with advocacy and care provider groups.

Researchers from Memorial University of Newfoundland collaborated with a patient advocacy organization and the provincial cancer care provider on a study showing substantial variation in out-of-pocket costs for patients travelling to access cancer treatment. While the partnered research phase of the study proceeded smoothly, the successful dissemination of the findings--and the resulting government and media interest--created pressure for the provincial cancer care provider. This agency distanced itself from the study and ended its role in what has proved to be an otherwise successful partnership.

Prevalence of specific cardiovascular disease risk factors in young Newfoundland and Labrador adults living in urban and rural communities.

INTRODUCTION: The province of Newfoundland and Labrador has a high rate of cardiovascular disease. Risk factors of cardiovascular disease have not been well studied in young adults. There are reasons to believe that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors may be higher in young adults residing in rural versus urban settings. METHODS: 540 men and women, ages 18 to 34 years and residing in urban and rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador were compared for cigarette smoking and for body size. Both body mass index and waist circumference measures were used to indicate body size. Education level and family income were also studied. Data were collected via personal interview as part of a larger study, Nutrition Newfoundland and Labrador. RESULTS: No difference was noted between the 2 groups in regular smoking or BMI. More female rural residents had a waist circumference above the accepted cut-off compared with female urban residents (32.5% v. 17.0%). CONCLUSION: Young adults in urban and rural areas both experience high rates of modifiable risk factors for CVD. Some may be more prevalent in rural areas. Prevention programs should include young adults, especially those residing in rural areas.

A comprehensive evaluation of food fortification with folic acid for the primary prevention of neural tube defects.

BACKGROUND: Periconceptional use of vitamin supplements containing folic acid reduces the risk of a neural tube defect (NTD). In November 1998, food fortification with folic acid was mandated in Canada, as a public health strategy to increase the folic acid intake of all women of childbearing age. We undertook a comprehensive population based study in Newfoundland to assess the benefits and possible adverse effects of this intervention. METHODS: This study was carried out in women aged 19-44 years and in seniors from November 1997 to March 1998, and from November 2000 to March 2001. The evaluation was comprised of four components: I) Determination of rates of NTDs; II) Dietary assessment; III) Blood analysis; IV) Assessment of knowledge and use of folic acid supplements. RESULTS: The annual rates of NTDs in Newfoundland varied greatly between 1976 and 1997, with a mean rate of 3.40 per 1,000 births. There was no significant change in the average rates between 1991-93 and 1994-97 (relative risk [RR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-1.34). The rates of NTDs fell by 78% (95% CI 65%-86%) after the implementation of folic acid fortification, from an average of 4.36 per 1,000 births during 1991-1997 to 0.96 per 1,000 births during 1998-2001 (RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14-0.35). The average dietary intake of folic acid due to fortification was 70 µg/day in women aged 19-44 years and 74 µg/day in seniors. There were significant increases in serum and RBC folate levels for women and seniors after mandatory fortification. Among seniors, there were no significant changes in indices typical of vitamin B12 deficiencies, and no evidence of improved folate status masking haematological manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. The proportion of women aged 19-44 years taking a vitamin supplement containing folic acid increased from 17% to 28%. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, mandatory food fortification in Canada should continue at the current levels. Public education regarding folic acid supplement use by women of childbearing age should also continue.

The G8 Heart Health Projects Database: testing the compatibility of an Internet-based resource with health promotion planning processes.

This study examined the context and processes in which health promotion policy and program decisions are made to ensure that an Internet-based information system on heart health promotion programs provides appropriate information for decision makers' needs and is compatible with their decision-making processes. Five focus groups and six individual interviews were conducted with potential users of and contributors to the G8 Heart Health Projects Database. Results suggest that Internet-based systems such as this are seen as useful tools, but will only be used at certain critical points in program development and then, only when they meet several rigorous criteria. Systems must be completely credible and up-to-date, providing instant answers to complex questions about program design, implementation, and effectiveness, with adequate qualitative information for assessing contextual applicability. Participants also provided information about the conditions required if they were to submit project information to the system.

Need for an improved submission process for listing drugs for reimbursement in Canadian provinces.

BACKGROUND: To have a drug listed in a province's formulary, manufacturers must submit an application providing data required by the provincial rules and guidelines. The procedures for the scientific evaluation of drugs considered for listing for reimbursement in five provinces have been examined previously. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates the clarity of the same five provinces' rules and guidelines about effectiveness and cost data that should be included in listing submissions from the perspective of the pharmaceutical company. METHODS: The manufacturers of five recently introduced drugs selected by the investigators received questionnaires asking about the departments within their companies that are responsible for the submission, the data required by each of the five provinces and the clarity of each province's requirements for submission. Each company was also asked similar questions about its own submission experience with its drug. Investigators visited each manufacturer to review the questionnaires and answer questions. RESULTS: The manufacturers perceived the rules and guidelines on effectiveness and economic data of several provinces as being neither clear nor consistent. Consequently, information that companies submit in their attempts at compliance with the rules and guidelines varies substantially. CONCLUSIONS: The manufacturers' perceptions of the information required by the provinces on effectiveness and cost information were inconsistent. Previous work indicated that the provinces make significant decisions about listings based on inadequate information resulting in a scientifically flawed system that contributes to considerable inequality in access to new drugs between provinces. The findings of the present work reinforce this conclusion.

"Cost-effectiveness" estimates result in flawed decision-making in listing drugs for reimbursement.

BACKGROUND: Facing financial pressures, the provinces and territories have chosen to use "cost-effectiveness" for making decisions about drug listings. This study examines the scientific basis for the procedures used to determine cost-effectiveness in 5 Canadian provinces. METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to key provincial informants asking about the respondent's expertise and role, the administrative and scientific basis for decision-making, organizational structures and other factors in the scientific evaluation and decision-making process, and the transparency of the process. There were also questions about the data required and received and their importance, the place of cost-effectiveness and other economic impact evaluations, the data sources for them, and the use of follow-up monitoring to evaluate the decisions made. RESULTS: Information required by the provinces for decision-making about cost-effectiveness is not available to them at the time of their decisions about listing new medications. The primary sources of data on both efficacy and cost-effectiveness are pharmaceutical companies. Efficacy information is generated in a scientifically rigorous manner, whereas the effectiveness and cost data are estimates potentially subject to biases and evaluated by judgement (expert opinion) alone. Moreover, there is no collaboration in the assessment process between provinces. The outcomes are large differences between provinces in the decisions made and, hence, in the pharmaceuticals accessible to residents. CONCLUSIONS: Current methods for making decisions about provincial drug listings are based on inadequate data, and the lack of consistency in the provinces' decisions suggest they may be scientifically flawed. We recommend establishing a single national scientific review committee, with re-evaluation of each drug's cost-effectiveness after a suitable period of monitored use.