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1.

Background

African American adults achieve smaller amounts of weight loss than their white counterparts when exposed to the same intervention and are more likely to regain weight during long-term follow-up.

Objective

To identify perceived motivators, barriers, and facilitators to weight loss and behavior change among African American adults.

Methods

Two focus groups were conducted between April and May 2015 at an urban community health center in Baltimore City, Maryland. A total of 13 participants took part in the discussions. Eligible participants were obese (BMI 30+) African American adults aged 21–70 who had at least one obesity-related comorbidity. Discussion questions were designed to identify the personal, social, and environmental factors that influence weight loss and behavior change among urban minority populations.

Results

Statements were first classified as a motivator, barrier, or facilitator, then divided further as a personal, social, or environmental factor influencing weight loss and behavior change. Among the findings, several novel motivators (reducing or eliminating medication, improving physical intimacy) and barriers (personal transportation, lack of access to scales) emerged that were not previously characterized in the existing literature.

Conclusions

This study was intended to provide preliminary evidence that may be used to guide the development of innovative and culturally relevant weight-loss interventions in the future. Results are applicable to similar urban minority populations.  相似文献   

2.

Background

As with many other populations, abuse of older adults is a growing problem across the Africa Diaspora. Modernization and urbanization are eroding the traditional values of respect for older adults. Also, older adults living in environments with limited social and economic resources, and having no means of economic support create a recipe for elder abuse and neglect.

Methods

This article reviews the current literature on the epidemiology, risk factors, and interventions used for elder abuse across the African Diaspora.

Results

Reports of elder abuse range from 24.9% to 81.1% across the Diaspora. Risk factors include cognitive and physical impairment, social isolation, lack of resources and widowhood.

Conclusion

Community-based programs using the unique social networks of older populations of African descent can provide a venue to improve caregiver training and support, reinforce traditional filial and informal caregiving practices, increase the utilization of available governmental and institutional.  相似文献   

3.

Background

Few interventions have focused on the difficulties that African American women face when managing asthma.

Objective

To evaluate a telephone-based self-regulation intervention that emphasized African American women's management of asthma in a series of 6 sessions.

Methods

A total of 422 African American women with persistent asthma were randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group receiving usual care. Behavioral factors, symptoms and asthma control, asthma-related quality of life, and health care use at baseline and 2 years after baseline were assessed. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the long-term effect of the intervention on outcomes.

Results

Compared with the control group, those who completed the full intervention (6 sessions) had significant gains in self-regulation of their asthma (B estimate, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.17–1.30; P < .01), noticing changes to their asthma during their menstrual cycle (B estimate, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.69–2.15; P < .001), and when having premenstrual syndrome (B estimate, 1.70; 95% CI, 0.67–2.72; P < .001). They also had significant reductions in daytime symptoms (B estimate, ?0.15; 95% CI, ?0.27 to ?0.03; P < .01), asthma-related hospitalization (B estimate, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.00–1.02; P < .05), and improved asthma control (B estimate, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.57–2.12; P < .001). However, neither grouped changed over time in outcomes.

Conclusion

Despite high comorbidity, African American women who completed a culturally responsive self-management program had improvements in asthma outcomes compared with the control group. Future work should address significant comorbidities and psychosocial issues alongside asthma management to improve asthma outcomes in the long term.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT01117805.  相似文献   

4.

Background

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) reverses kidney failure in one-third of multiple myeloma (MM) patients, which may lead to blood pressure (BP) improvement. We evaluate the long term impact of ASCT on BP and renal function in MM patients.

Methods

We studied 192 MM patients that underwent ASCT. We compared BP readings and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at 4 weeks before ASCT, on day of ASCT and post-ASCT at 30, 100 and 180 days.

Results

Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on day of ASCT and at both 30 and 100 days post-ASCT was significantly lower as compared to pre-ASCT SBP and DBP. There was a significantly higher mean GFR at day of ASCT and 30 days post-ASCT and significantly lower mean GFR at 180 days post-ASCT as compared to pre-ASCT. White patients had similar patterns to the total group for SBP, DBP, and GFR except for SBP which was still significantly lower and GFR which was not significantly different at 180 days. African–American patients showed no significant reductions in the mean values of SBP and DBP and no significant increases for GFR in follow-up after day of ASCT. Furthermore, the mean value of GFR was significantly lower at 180 days post-ASCT.

Conclusions

ASCT in MM patients had a positive impact on SBP and DBP and GFR but the impact was minimal for African–American patients. We recommend that clinicians consider closer follow-up of BP and kidney function and more intense therapy in African–Americans with MM.  相似文献   

5.

Background

African Americans (AA) are a third as likely as Caucasians to become registered organ donors at the Department of Motorized Vehicles (DMV). The Department of Health and Human Services has set the goal that at least 50% of adults in each state are registered donors.

Aims

The purpose of this study was to explore the personal, behavioral and environmental factors associated with AA donor registration decision-making at the DMV.

Methods

Guided by the Social Cognitive Theory, 13 focus groups (n = 100 participants) were conducted with AAs within 3 months of visiting a DMV and making a decision regarding whether to become or to not become a registered donor. The data were analyzed using inductive thematic and qualitative content analyses.

Results

Study participants expressed a desire to learn more information while waiting in line at the DMV. Knowing a family member or friend in need of an organ transplant, and the desire to make one's own decision were two salient factors associated with the decision to become a registered organ donor. Several aspects of the DMV environment (e.g., noisy, overcrowded, lacking privacy) were cited as deterrents to becoming a registered donor.

Discussion

This study highlights the personal, behavioral and environmental factors associated with AA organ donor registration decision-making at the DMV.

Conclusion

The DMV is a setting where many adults make a decision about organ donation. Policies that create an environment in the DMV to support informed decision-making (e.g., privacy, informed clerks, available educational materials, etc.) are indicated.  相似文献   

6.

Background

There are few direct data concerning symptom dynamics of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) in an allergen challenge chamber (ACC).

Objective

To determine the AC dynamics on subsequent exposures to ragweed pollen (RW) in individuals with allergic rhinitis in an ACC. To determine whether consecutive exposures in an ACC have any persistent detrimental ocular physical effects.

Methods

Participants underwent 3 exposures to RW in an ACC. Ocular symptoms of itching and tearing were self-assessed. Ocular redness and lid swelling were assessed by trained ophthalmic technicians. Complete ophthalmic examinations (COEs) were performed by an ophthalmologist.

Results

A total of 188 of 201 participants (93%) developed an ocular redness score of 2 or more in each eye in ACC exposure 1. Reproducibility of redness occurred in approximately 70% of individuals completing ACC exposures 1 through 3. There were no significant changes between baseline COE and end of study COE. Phenotypes were identified by redness responses during and after exposure. Baseline total ocular symptom scores, at 24 hours after a priming exposure, were identified as late-phase reactions rather than enhanced sensitivity.

Conclusion

When assessed by trained professionals, AC was present with a very high frequency in selected individuals allergic to RW monitored in an ACC. Intrasubject reproducibility of redness was consistent across 3 ACC allergen exposures. Phenotypes were identified as early-phase responses, protracted early-phase responses, dual responses, and late-phase responses.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02079649.  相似文献   

7.

Background

Although previous studies have investigated the association between atopy phenotypes and allergic diseases, atopy characterizations in association with the development of allergic diseases remain poorly understood.

Objective

To identify atopy phenotypes in school-age children and to evaluate the association between atopy phenotypes and allergic diseases.

Methods

We enrolled 616 children with atopy defined as 1 or more positive allergen responses on skin prick tests and 665 children without atopy from the Children's Health and Environmental Research (CHEER) study. All children were followed up for 4 years at 2-year intervals. Atopy phenotypes were classified using latent class analysis.

Results

Four atopy phenotypes were characterized: later sensitization to indoor allergens (cluster 1); multiple early sensitization (cluster 2); early sensitization to outdoor allergens, especially Alternaria, and later sensitization to indoor allergens, including Aspergillus (cluster 3); and early sensitization to indoor allergens and later sensitization to outdoor allergens (cluster 4). New cases of asthma during follow-up were increased in clusters 2 and 3 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76 and 4.25, respectively). The risk of new-onset bronchial hyperresponsiveness was highest in cluster 3 (aOR, 5.03). Clusters 2 and 4 had an increased risk of allergic rhinitis (aOR, 7.21 and 2.37, respectively).

Conclusion

Identification of atopy phenotypes facilitates prediction of the development of asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in school-age children. Our study suggests prevention of additional sensitization is required to modify the progression of allergic diseases.  相似文献   

8.

Objective

Pharmacists play a relevant role in the real-life management of asthma because they are a first-line referral for patients. In fact, the role of pharmacies has been underlined and evidenced also in guidelines. Nonetheless, the true effect of pharmacy-based management of asthma has been assessed in only a few studies. We review the available literature on asthma management in a territorial pharmacy setting.

Data Sources

The literature was searched for the keywords pharmacy, bronchial asthma, control, and management.

Study Selections

The available studies were subdivided into observational and interventional and described.

Results

Seven observational studies and 14 interventional trials were found, involving approximately 20,000 individuals. Most of those studies were performed in Europe and Australia. A high proportion of patients had poorly controlled asthma in the observational studies. The active involvement of pharmacists, in the interventional trials, consistently led to an improvement of the quality of life, a better inhalation technique, and a reduction of exacerbations.

Conclusion

The literature analysis confirms the relevance of the role of pharmacists in the real-life management of bronchial asthma and underlines the need for a more specific training for those health care professionals.  相似文献   

9.

Objective

To recapitulate the more recent epidemiologic studies on the association of air pollution with respiratory allergic diseases prevalence and to discuss the main limitations of current approaches used to establish a link between pollinosis and pollution.

Data Sources

Through the use of PubMed, we conducted a broad literature review in the following areas: epidemiology of respiratory allergic diseases, effect of pollution and climate changes on pollen grains, and immunomodulatory properties of pollen substances.

Study Selections

Studies on short- and long-term exposure to air pollutants, such as gaseous and particulate materials, on allergic sensitization, and on exacerbation of asthma symptoms were considered.

Results

Trend in respiratory allergic disease prevalence has increased worldwide during the last 3 decades. Although recent epidemiologic studies on a possible association of this phenomenon with increasing pollution are controversial, botanic studies suggest a clear effect of several pollutants combined to climatic changes on the increased expression of allergenic proteins in several pollen grains. The current literature suggests the need for considering both pollen allergen and pollutant contents for epidemiologic evaluation of environmental determinants in respiratory allergies. We propose that a measure of allergenic potential of pollens, indicative of the increase in allergenicity of a polluted pollen, may be considered as a new risk indicator for respiratory health in urban areas.

Conclusion

Because public greens are located in strict proximity to the anthropogenic sources of pollution, the identification of novel more reliable parameters for risk assessment in respiratory allergic diseases is an essential need for public health management and primary prevention area.  相似文献   

10.

Background

The reported associations of blood lipid profiles with asthma are ambiguous.

Objective

To explore the association between asthma and the serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

Methods

A systematic search was performed in the PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Chinese Biomedical Literature databases. Ten studies were identified. We divided these studies into 2 subgroups according to age: children (<18 years old) and adults (≥18 years old).

Results

In children, the asthma group had lower HDL-C levels (weighted mean difference, ?3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], ?5.83 to ?1.04; P = .005) compared with the nonasthma group, whereas the serum levels of LDL-C in these 2 groups were not statistically different. In contrary, in adults, the asthma group had higher LDL-C levels (weighted mean difference, 8.95; 95% confidence interval, 3.55–14.35; P = .001) compared with the nonasthma group, whereas the HDL-C levels were not statistically different.

Conclusion

There is a significant association between asthma and the serum levels of HDL-C and LDL-C. Moreover, this association differs in children and adults.  相似文献   

11.

Background

Interleukin (IL) 16 and thymus and activation-regulated cytokine (TARC) are chemoattractant cytokines for eosinophils and TH2 cells. Differential levels of these components in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and allergic rhinitis with asthma (ARwA) may be related to a different inflammatory response in both asthma phenotypes.

Objective

To assess the nasal lavage immunoreactivity of IL-16 and TARC cytokines.

Methods

We used multienzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect IL-5, IL-13, IL-16, IL-33, I-309/CCL1, TARC/CCL17, monocyte-derived chemokine/CCL22, periostin, and eosinophil cationic protein levels in nasal lavages from patients with AERD and patients with ARwA.

Results

The IL-13, IL-16, TARC, and periostin levels were significantly higher in patients with AERD compared with those of patients with ARwA. Correlation analysis of mediator levels in AERD revealed a possible role of IL-16 and TARC in eosinophil recruitment and activation.

Conclusion

IL-16, TARC, and periostin distinguish between patients with AERD and those with ARwA. These mediators, taken together rather than individually, may comprise good specific nasal markers in patients with AERD. The effects of IL-16 and TARC on TH1, TH2, and T-regulatory cell functions in AERD cannot be disregarded.  相似文献   

12.

Background

Skin prick tests (SPTs) and measurements of serum specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) antibodies are the most commonly used diagnostic tools for confirming sensitization. However, disagreement between the tests has been observed.

Objective

To compare SPT and the CAP system for diagnosis of sensitization to common inhalant allergens.

Methods

Subjects included 2,635 patients 10 to 90 years old who underwent analyses by SPT and CAP at the Dong-A University Hospital (Busan, Korea) from June 2011 through May 2016. The 2 test results were compared for 17 inhalant allergens.

Results

Agreement between the SPT and sIgE level was 75.3%. Overall agreement was moderate (κ = 0.59), with strong agreement for house dust mites and birch (κ > 0.7) and weak agreement for Tyrophagus putrescentiae and dog (κ < 0.3). When CAP was compared with SPT as the reference, the sensitivity was 75.8% and the specificity was 75.2%. Mean wheal size by SPT showed a positive correlation with sIgE levels (r = 0.59), which decreased with age.

Conclusion

There was a discrepancy between SPT and CAP for diagnosing allergic sensitization among inhalant allergens. The allergic sensitization and correlation between the tests decreased with age. Cautious interpretation of the clinical relevance of allergen sensitization based on SPT and CAP results is required, especially in older patients.  相似文献   

13.

Objective

To review the use of pollen for the production of allergen extracts to diagnose and treat allergic diseases, examine the associated regulations, and highlight candidate areas for improvement.

Data Sources

A PubMed search was performed using focused keywords combined with a review of regulatory documents and industry guidelines.

Study Selections

The information obtained through literature, documents, and industry was scrutinized and used with personal experience and expertise to write this article.

Results

Both genetic and environmental factors affect the allergenic composition of pollen because it is a biologically active pharmaceutical ingredient obtained from nature. The potential effect of airborne contaminants in pollen requires major attention but can be properly addressed through careful collection practices, combined with a proper interpretation of the data on purity obtained for each pollen lot. The regulations associated with pollen used to manufacture allergen extracts in the United States and Europe and the numbers of pollen allergen extracts commercially available in both areas of the world differ. A critical parameter to select the appropriate extracts for diagnosis and allergen immunotherapy is to understand the phenomenon of cross-reactivity among pollen families, genera, and species.

Conclusion

Physicians should be aware of the factors responsible for the qualitative and quantitative composition of pollen allergen extracts and the associated regulations to produce suitable extracts to diagnose and treat allergic diseases. Collaboration and cooperation among allergen manufacturing companies and regulatory agencies are necessary.  相似文献   

14.

Background

Food allergies are increasingly prevalent in the pediatric population. Balancing allergen avoidance with the promotion of healthy eating behaviors can be challenging for families.

Objective

To characterize mealtime behaviors among parents of young children with food allergy.

Methods

Seventy-four parents of young children with food allergies (≤7 years of age) completed measures of mealtime behavior, perceptions of food allergy risk and severity, pediatric parenting stress, and food allergy–related quality of life. Mealtime behavior reports were compared with published data regarding typically developing children, young children with type 1 diabetes, and children with diagnosed feeding disorders (with or without related medical factors).

Results

Parents of young children with food allergies reported frequent mealtime concerns. Specifically, they reported significantly more mealtime behavioral concerns than typically developing peers, comparable mealtime behavioral concerns to young children with type 1 diabetes, and significantly fewer mealtime behavioral concerns than children with diagnosed feeding disorders. Parental mealtime concerns were positively correlated with other parent perceptions of food allergy, such as risk of allergen exposure, illness-related parenting stress, and food allergy–related quality of life.

Conclusion

Young children with food allergy and their parents are more likely to exhibit mealtime behavioral concerns than typically developing peers and their parents. Future research should investigate the effect of food allergies and maladaptive mealtime behaviors on children's nutrition to provide clinical guidelines for parents who may benefit from psychosocial and/or nutritional support.  相似文献   

15.

Background

There is a trend toward an increased worldwide prevalence of allergic diseases. It is speculated that industrialization with resultant air pollution plays a role. However, there are sparse epidemiologic data on the relation between air pollution and atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults.

Objective

To investigate the relation between exposure to air pollutants and adult AD in a cross-sectional study based on data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan.

Methods

We identified 1,023 adult patients with AD and 4,092 age- and sex-matched controls without allergic diseases in 2011. Using data from 71 Environmental Protection Agency monitoring stations across Taiwan, levels of exposure to air pollutants were determined by the location of a subject's place of residence. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex, levels of urbanization, and family income, was performed.

Results

We found an association between particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter or the Pollutant Standards Index (the highest sub-index of the concentrations of 5 main air pollutants after transformation) and the development of adult AD. The adjusted odds ratios were 1.05 (95% confidence interval 1.02–1.08) and 1.02 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.03), respectively.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that air pollution, represented by particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter or the Pollutant Standards Index, was modestly associated with the development of AD in adults.  相似文献   

16.

Background

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disease that causes cellular influx and mediator release in the nose. These inflammatory changes might be used as nasal biomarkers to assess the efficacy of novel anti-allergic treatments.

Objective

To assess the specificity and reproducibility of nasal biomarkers in patients with allergic rhinitis after grass pollen exposure in an allergen challenge chamber.

Methods

In a monocenter pilot study, 15 patients with allergic rhinitis and 19 healthy individuals underwent two 4-hour Dactylis glomerate pollen challenges in the challenge chamber with an interval of 21 days. Before challenge, on exit, and after 2 and 22 hours, a nasal lavage was performed and nasal secretions were collected on filter paper to determine a wide panel of cells and mediators. Furthermore, total nasal symptom score, nasal flow, and nasal nitric oxide were measured.

Results

Pollen exposure significantly increased eosinophil, interleukin (IL) 5, IL-6, IL-13, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β levels in allergic patients but not in healthy individuals. The effect could be reproduced for eosinophils, IL-5, IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein 1β after the second allergen challenge. By contrast, the IL-13 levels were higher and eotaxin levels first increased after repetitive allergen challenge. There was no correlation between total nasal symptom score and elevated cell or cytokine levels. Nasal nitric oxide levels were nonspecifically elevated in both patients with allergy and healthy controls.

Conclusion

A subset of cellular and soluble biomarkers in nasal lavage and secretion reveals specificity and reproducibility in patients with allergic rhinitis. These can be used to measure the immunologic efficacy of antiallergic treatments in an allergen challenge chamber. Carryover effects attributable to priming must be considered when designing cross-over studies.

Trial Registration

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00297843.  相似文献   

17.

Background

Recent data reveal that the rate of anaphylaxis is increasing and suggest that idiopathic anaphylaxis may account for most of these cases.

Objective

To determine the pattern of anaphylaxis at a tertiary care referral center.

Methods

A retrospective electronic medical record review spanning 12 years (2002–2013) identified patients with anaphylaxis.

Results

Of the 4,777 records reviewed, 730 patients met our anaphylaxis definition. Median age was 34.0 years; 72.7% were adults, 58.6% were female, and 86.8% were white. Median time to evaluation by an allergist was 8.8 months. Foods were the most common cause (29.9%), followed by Hymenoptera venom (24.6%), idiopathic anaphylaxis (13.7%), and medications (13.3%). The most common foods were peanuts (23.9%), tree nuts (21.6%), shellfish (16.1%), and egg and milk (both 10.1%). The most common cause of anaphylaxis in adults was Hymenoptera venom. The most frequent symptoms were urticaria and/or angioedema, reported in 84.7% of cases. Atopy was present in 43.8%. In 15.4% of cases, anaphylaxis was not the chief reason for the office visit.

Conclusion

We found food allergy was the most common overall cause of anaphylaxis, with peanut the most frequent food trigger. Idiopathic anaphylaxis was not the most common cause but accounted for 13.7% of all cases. Approximately 1 in 6 cases of anaphylaxis may be missed if a comprehensive evaluation is not performed.  相似文献   

18.

Objective

To review our current understanding of immunotherapy, the immune mechanisms underlying food allergy, and the methodological advances that are furthering our understanding of the role of immune cells and other molecules in mediating food allergies.

Data Sources

Literature searches were performed using the following combination of terms: allergy, immunotherapy, food, and mechanisms. Data from randomized clinical studies using state-of-the-art mechanistic tools were prioritized.

Study Selections

Articles were selected based on their relevance to food allergy.

Results

Current standard of care for food allergies is avoidance of allergenic foods and the use of epinephrine in case of severe reaction during unintentional ingestion. During the last few decades, great strides have been made in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying food allergy, and this information is spearheading the development of exciting new treatments.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy protocols are effective in desensitizing individuals to specific allergens; however, recurrence of allergic sensitization is common after discontinuation of therapy. Interestingly, in a subset of individuals, immunotherapy is protective against allergens even after discontinuation of immunotherapy. Whether this protection is permanent is currently unknown because of inadequate long-term follow-up data. Research on understanding the underlying mechanisms may assist in modifying protocols to improve outcome and enable sustained unresponsiveness, rather than a temporary relief against food allergies. The cellular changes brought about by immunotherapy are still a black box, but major strides in our understanding are being made at an exciting pace.  相似文献   

19.

Objective

To provide physicians, researchers, and other interested health care professionals with information about how mite source materials and allergen extracts are manufactured, including the critical process parameters that can affect the final composition of allergenic extracts available for clinical use.

Data Sources

A PubMed search was performed using focused keywords combined with relevant regulatory documents and industry guidelines.

Study Selections

The information obtained through literature and specialized books was evaluated and combined with the personal expertise and experience of the authors.

Results

Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus are the primary species responsible for allergen sensitizations and allergy symptoms in genetically predisposed individuals. Storage mites belonging to the families Glycyphagidae, Echimyopodidae, and Acaridae can also be relevant sources of indoor mite allergens. The cultivation and purification processes used to produce mite raw materials play a critical role in the final composition of mite allergen extracts. Mite extract standardization in the United States is based on total allergenic activity with respect to a single national standard, whereas in Europe consistency is ensured by in-house standards and international references. Because of the limitation of allergen avoidance and pharmacotherapy for patients with severe allergic rhinitis and asthma, house dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy or sublingual immunotherapy can be an invaluable treatment option for them.

Conclusion

Differences in manufacturing processes and extract standardization approaches may lead to differences in extract quality and potency. Physicians should be aware of these potential sources of mite extract variability. Use of well-standardized house dust mite extracts would be critical for success in the diagnosis and treatment of house dust mite allergy.  相似文献   

20.

Background

Comparative studies have demonstrated that asthma education to pediatric patients decreases average hospital usage and that allergy specialists provide stronger asthma education and more improved outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate the real-world benefits of allergy subspecialty involvement outside inpatient consultation and the impediments for patients in establishing allergy subspecialty care.

Methods

The study population was composed mostly of minority children 0 to 18 years old seen at a large university-affiliated stand-alone children's hospital who had a hospital discharge diagnosis of asthma from 2009 to 2013. The retrospective portion of the study compared all variables pertaining to asthma, teaching, and discharge reconciliation for the following subgroups: patients recommended to allergy and immunology (AI) follow-up who adhered to the appointment (adherent), patients recommended to AI follow-up who did not adhere (nonadherent), and patients not recommended to AI follow-up (non-referred). In the phone interview portion of the study, the nonadherent patients were contacted to identify barriers to AI follow-up.

Results

Of the referred sample, the adherent group had significantly fewer visits to the pediatric intensive care unit, days in the pediatric intensive care unit, and days in the hospital. Providing more specific hospital discharge instructions increased AI follow-up and hospital teaching given on the baseline admission decreased hospital visits. Phone interviews showed that nonadherent patients most commonly missed follow-up because the parents believed it unnecessary because their child showed acute improvement or from advice from their primary care physician.

Conclusion

These results showed improvement in outcomes for patients who attended AI follow-up and specifically identified key barriers that could be addressed in a standardized form to prevent nonadherence in the future.  相似文献   

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