Prevalence of diabetes in a Navajo Indian community.

The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) of 494 (76 per cent) Navajo adults living in a reservation community was 10.2 per cent, approximately 60 per cent greater than the estimated prevalence (6.4 per cent) in the general US population. The screening protocol utilized likely underestimates the prevalence of NIDDM in this population. A high proportion of Navajo people were overweight when compared to the general US population.     

Recent developments in the epidemiology of diabetes in the Americas.

The prevalence of diabetes recorded in population surveys in the American region varies from < 1% (rural Mapuche Indians aged 20 years and over, Chile) to almost 50% (Pima Indians aged 20 years and over, United States of America). The prevalence of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was approximately 2.5 times higher among Mexican Americans than in non-Hispanic white Americans. In the Mexican Americans, prevalence followed a sociocultural gradient: 16% in low-income barrios, about 10% in middle-income neighbourhoods and 5% in high-income suburbs in San Antonio, Texas. Data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicate prevalence of diabetes in the age range 45-74 years of 24% for Mexican Americans, 26% for Puerto Ricans and 16% for Cuban Americans, compared to 12% for non-Hispanic whites. Figures for a low-income district of Mexico City show a 36% lower prevalence than for Mexican Americans in the USA. Prevalence in Brazil is approximately 7% in subjects aged 30-69 years. Black Americans have a relatively high prevalence of NIDDM, though not as high as the Mexican Americans. There is evidence that complications of diabetes may vary between populations, and that they may be particularly severe in Mexican Americans, and higher in black than in white Americans. The extent to which these differences relate to access to health care and treatment remains to be clarified.     

Prevalence of hepatitis C infection among general practice patients in the Lyon area, France

Study objective: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients in general practices. Design and Participants: A screening campaign requested by the French Health Insurance Fund and involving 271 general practitioners (GPs) and 96% of the 95 medical laboratories was conducted in the Lyon area. Each GP participated for one week and offered an HCV screening to all patients aged 18–69 years during this period. Risk factors were estimated by a medical questionnaire (MQ) filled in by the physician. Main results: From May to October 1997, 11,805 subjects were recruited into the study. Among them, 101 were known HCV positive. The MQ was filled up in 86% of the 11,704 remaining patients. Only 59% of those (6876/11,704) went to a laboratory to be tested. Fifty-one were ELISA positive of whom 30 were confirmed by RIBA or PCR. If we add 101 patients that were known HCV positive and estimate the prevalence among patients who did not go to the laboratory, this study gives a total estimated prevalence of 1.3%. Conclusions: The prevalence of HCV infection among patients of GPs is about 1.3%, very close to the estimate in the French general population. The substantial number of patients known HCV positive is probably related to the participation of GPs sensitised to HCV issues and who already have screened most of their HCV patients.     

A Markov chain model to assess the efficacy of screening for non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence and severe consequences of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in Taiwan calls for urgent measures to detect this disease in the asymptomatic phase. However, the efficacy of early detection of NIDDM is highly dependent on its natural history from the disease-free state, through the asymptomatic to the symptomatic phase and death from NIDDM or other causes. METHODS: In order to project the above progression, a five-state illness-and-death Markov chain model was proposed to estimate these transition parameters using data from two rounds of a blood sugar screening programme for NIDDM in Puli, in central Taiwan. RESULTS: Results showed that the annual incidence for asymptomatic NIDDM was 10.67 per 1000 (95% CI: 8.26-13.79) and the average duration between the asymptomatic and symptomatic phases (the sojourn time) was 8 years (95%CI: 5.74-11.29). The 10-year survival rate for asymptomatic NIDDM (79.35%) was better than that for symptomatic NIDDM (69.45%). Prediction of deaths from NIDDM was performed to assess how the efficacy of screening for NIDDM varied by different screening frequencies (annual, biennial, 4-yearly and the control group). Results indicated there is no substantial difference in mortality reduction from NIDDM among the annual, biennial and 4-yearly screening regimens. However, a 4-yearly screening regimen significantly reduced deaths from NIDDM by 40% (95% CI: 26-51%). CONCLUSIONS: A long sojourn time and the substantial reduction in mortality suggest that a 4-yearly screening regime for NIDDM would be most effective and feasible in Taiwan. The proposed five-state Markov chain model can be applied to other similar NIDDM screening projects.     

Homocysteinaemia and degenerative complications in non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: NIDDM) is known to be associated with degenerative complications. Although, the pathophysiology of such complications is well known, the role of homocysteine (Hcy) is still discussed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the homocysteine levels and the NIDDM related complications in a group of NIDDM patients. Our study population consisted of 41 NIDDM patients including 13 subjects (G1) without complications (group controls), 17 patients (G2) with microangiopathy and 11 patients (G3) with coronary deficiency. Plasmatic homocysteine, glycemia, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) and lipidic parameters were essessed in all patients. Our results showed that mean levels of plasmatic homocysteine were within the normal range (10.4 +/- 3.3 micromol/l, 9.9 +/- 5.5 micromol/l and 14.8 +/- 10.4 micromol/l in G1, G2 and G3 respectively). Nevertheless, moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia was found in 36% in the coronary group (G3), 17.3% in patients with microangiopathy (G2) and 7.7% in controls. These preliminary results showed that cardiovascular complications in NIDDM patients may be related to high levels of homocysteine.     

Factors influencing GPs' decisions regarding screening for high alcohol consumption: a focus group study in Swedish primary care

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore factors that influence general practitioners' (GPs') decisions regarding screening for high alcohol consumption. METHODS: GPs working at three primary healthcare centres in Sweden participated in focus group interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and a deductive framework approach was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The majority of the participating GPs did not believe in asking all patients about their alcohol consumption. Reported factors that influenced how many and which patients were questioned about alcohol consumption were time, age of the patient, consultation setting, patient-physician relationship, what symptoms the patient presented with, and knowledge of measures if patients appear to have a high alcohol consumption. Thus, alcohol screening and intervention were not performed in all patient groups as was originally intended, but were performed in limited groups of patients such as those with alcohol-related symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of participants in this study was small and the conclusions cannot be generalized, the results provide some valuable insights into why GPs are hesitant to engage in screening for high alcohol consumption. Since prevention of alcohol-related health problems is an important public health issue, many different screening and intervention strategies have to be formulated and evaluated in order to reach patients with both hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption within the healthcare system. Screening all consecutive patients for a limited period or screening patient groups known to include a fairly high frequency of high alcohol consumers are two ways of limiting the time requirements and increasing role legitimacy. Still, there is a need for a broader public health strategy involving many players in the community in alcohol preventive measures, especially in more primary preventive approaches.     

Trends in the prevalence and incidence of diabetes: non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The revision of the classification of diabetes mellitus, to differentiate clearly between insulin-dependent (IDDM) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and the provision of unambiguous guidelines for diagnosis (1) constitute important recent developments in diabetes epidemiology. However, our knowledge even of the prevalence of NIDDM remains surprisingly incomplete for many areas of the world. Whilst NIDDM may still be uncommon in rural Africa, prevalence has been reported as approximately 10% in blacks in the United States, indicating a need for more information regarding the prevalence of NIDDM in urban Africa. There is also little information with regard to urban communities in Latin America. The highest prevalence of NIDDM is found in certain indigenous North American and Western Pacific societies. In extreme cases approximately one-third of the adult population now suffers from the disease. NIDDM is also common (prevalence approximately 5%) in Europe and in communities of European origin. Data from the United States suggest that approximately one-fifth of white North Americans can expect to develop NIDDM if they live to the seventh decade of life. Of populations of South-East Asian ethnicity, Indians appear to be the most susceptible. Indian migrants to Fiji, South Africa and South America all demonstrate prevalence of NIDDM of 10% or more. Whilst it was formerly believed that Chinese were rarely affected by NIDDM, recent reports cast some doubt on this. Prevalence of NIDDM in the Western Pacific varies widely. However, with the possible exception of certain Melanesian populations, prevalence is high in all communities which have abandoned their traditional lifestyle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Pressure during decision making of continuous sedation in end-of-life situations in Dutch general practice

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Little is known about pressure from patients or relatives on physician's decision making of continuous palliative sedation. We aim to describe experienced pressure by general practitioners (GPs) in cases of continuous sedation after the introduction of the Dutch practice guideline, using a questionnaire survey. METHODS: A sample of 918 Dutch GPs were invited to fill out a questionnaire about their last patient under continuous sedation. Cases in which GPs experienced pressure from the patient, relatives or other persons were compared to those without pressure. RESULTS: 399 of 918 invite GPs (43%) returned the questionnaire and 250 provided detailed information about their most recent case of continuous sedation. Forty-one GPs (16%) indicated to have experienced pressure from the patient, relatives or colleagues. In GPs younger than 50, guideline knowledge was not related to experienced pressure, whereas in older GPs, 15% with and 36% without guideline knowledge reported pressure. GPs experienced pressure more often when patients had psychological symptoms (compared to physical symptoms only) and when patients had a longer estimated life expectancy. A euthanasia request of the patient coincided with a higher prevalence of pressure for GPs without, but not for GPs with previous experience with euthanasia. GPs who experienced pressure had consulted a palliative consultation team more often than GPs who did not experience pressure. CONCLUSION: One in six GPs felt pressure from patients or relatives to start sedation. This pressure was related to guideline knowledge, especially in older GPs, longer life expectancy and the presence of a euthanasia request, especially for GPs without previous experience of euthanasia.     

Implementation of a pilot programme for screening for chlamydial infection in general practice

Objectives: To determine whether opportunistic screening for Chlamydia trachomatis, based on a selective screening algorithm, is possible in general practice in Belgium; to assess feasibility of the screening strategy with respect to workload, acceptability, and organisational aspects.

Methods: Implementation of a pilot screening programme by 37 GPs for a period of 15 weeks. GPs’ screening practices were registered and compared with the guidelines they had received. Outcome measures were: the number of patients included in the risk assessment, uptake of screening by eligible patients, prevalence of previously unidentified infection, and uptake of treatment. After the study period GPs evaluated a number of feasibility issues on a scoring form.

Results: 326 women underwent the risk assessment and 214 were tested by an amplification assay on a urine sample. Prevalence in women at risk was 6.4%. Overall effective screening rate was 77.6%; 9 of 11 positives took up treatment. Participating GPs found the strategy feasible and perceived that it was well accepted by their patients.

Discussion: The screening strategy was easily implemented by most GPs but some of them dropped out. The guidelines were followed relatively well and there were no major logistic problems. The uptake of treat ment was suboptimal. Efforts must be made to stimulate and educate more GPs to perform screening; laboratory and storage conditions should be optimised; refunding criteria should be revised; and overscreening must be avoided.     

Clinical characteristics of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus among southwestern American Indian youths

The clinical characteristics and presentation of non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) among 22 youths, aged less than 20 years, of an American Indian tribe Tohono O'odham Nation in the southwestern United States were studied. Ten males and 12 females (7-20 years old) were identified with a 13.7-year mean age of onset of diabetes. Over 80% (18/22) of the patients were obese at diagnosis having a body mass index greater than the 95th percentile for their age and sex, and there was a strong family history of NIDDM; eight patients were born to mothers who had gestational diabetes, and 19 patients had at least one parent with NIDDM. At the time of diagnosis, plasma glucose levels ranged from 10.3 mmol/L to 33 mmol/L, with nearly 60% (13/22) of the patients having a glucose reading greater than 16.8 mmol/L. C-peptide levels were done on 10 patients, and these were in the normal to elevated range. Clinical management of the 22 patients varied. To control hyperglycaemia and symptoms, such as nocturia and polyuria, 14 patients were on oral hypoglycaemic medication, and five were on insulin therapy. Compliance with dietary management was very difficult for these patients as evidenced by the fact that only three patients were on dietary control for their diabetes. The cases described in this series demonstrate NIDDM in childhood and illustrate the importance of accurate classification of diabetes during childhood, particularly in children from populations at high risk for NIDDM.     

高血压,年龄与Ⅱ型糖尿病患病率的关系研究

对湖北省部分地区２５岁及以上的９４５０名居民进行了高血压、年龄与Ⅱ型糖尿病——非胰岛素依赖型糖尿病（ＮＩＤＤＭ）及糖耐量低减（ＩＧＴ）患病率关系的流行病学研究。结果表明：２５岁及以上的ＮＩＤＤＭ患病率为２．６２％，ＩＧＴ患病率为４．４８％，男女性的ＮＩＤＤＭ与ＩＧＴ患病率差别无统计学意义（Ｐ＞０．０５），高血压患者中，ＮＩＤＤＭ和ＩＧＴ患病率分别为６．７５３％和９．６３３％，非高血压者ＮＩＤＤＭ和ＩＧＴ患病率仅为２．３４８％和３．７９０％，前者分别为后者的２．９倍和２．５倍，二者的标准化患病率差别仍有统计学意义。     

Screening for asymptomatic Chlamydia trachomatis infection in pregnancy; cost-effectiveness favorable at a minimum prevalence rate of 3% or more

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost-effectiveness of antenatal screening for Chlamydia trachomatis. DESIGN: Pharmaco-economic model analysis. METHOD: The risks of C. trachomatis infection during pregnancy and of complications of the infection as well as the cost of screening for complications (pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, infertility and neonatal pneumonia) and of treatment were estimated. Assumed were a ligase chain reaction on urine and treatment of identified infected cases with erythromycin or amoxicillin (second choice). Cost-effectiveness was calculated and presented in net direct and indirect costs per major complication averted. RESULTS: For C. trachomatis prevalences in pregnancy above 4% benefits exceed the costs. For prevalences between 2.82% and 4.00% net costs are positive, but a major complication averted costs less than f 1000.-. Considering sensitivity analysis as well, screening for C. trachomatis at prevalences above 3% costs less than f 1000.-per major complication averted and might even save costs. No recent Dutch data on C. trachomatis prevalence in pregnancy are published however. CONCLUSION: Given the current information, antenatal C. trachomatis screening can be recommended from a pharmaco-economic perspective if C. trachomatis prevalence in pregnancy is 3% or more.     

Measles incidence estimations based on the notification by general practitioners were suboptimal

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the notification by general practitioners (GPs) to the Municipal Health Service (MHS) and the presentation of measles complaints by patients to the GP during a measles epidemic in a 78% vaccinated population. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Measles cases in children under 13 years were identified via questionnaires, GPs' records, and MHS's records. Consultation rate, notification rate, and completeness of notification were determined. Determinants of consultation were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 1654 responders, 164 measles cases were identified. Consultation rate: 30%; notification rate: 30% (range among GPs: 0-62%); completeness of notification: 9%. Determinants of GP consultation: perceived seriousness of illness (adjusted OR 45; 95% CI: 6-347), self-reported complications (adjusted OR 9; 95% CI: 1-70), and need to consult for respiratory tract infections (adjusted OR 8; 95% CI: 1-51). CONCLUSION: Incidence estimations based on the notification by GPs to the MHS are suboptimal for measles in The Netherlands. Perceived seriousness of illness seemed to be the most important factor to consult.     

Survey on colorectal cancer screening knowledge, attitudes, and practices of general practice physicians in Lazio, Italy

BACKGROUND: Several international guidelines have recommended the involvement of general practitioners (GPs) in screening programs, but current evidence suggests this is very difficult. We implemented a survey to understand the attitudes, knowledge, and practices regarding colorectal cancer screening of GPs in the Lazio region. METHODS: Survey of all GPs working in 13 of the 50 districts in Lazio using a mail-in questionnaire. RESULTS: Out of 1192 GPs, 699 responded (59%). Ninety-four percent consider CRC a preventable disease. Knowledge about oncological screenings is higher in GPs using the guidelines as source of information. Twenty-five percent properly recommend the available screening tests for colorectal cancer, 22% do not recommend any, 6% under-recommend, and 47% over-recommend. Adequate knowledge of oncological screenings is positively associated with correct recommendation. Thirty-two percent of GPs recommend inappropriate follow-up tests for patients with positive fecal occult blood test. CONCLUSIONS: The low response rate reveals the lack of GP's interest in screening. Knowledge about screening and use of guidelines as sources of scientific information are important factors to improve attitudes about screening, but there is a large percentage of well-informed GPs who do not recommend colorectal cancer screening at all. Currently, many GPs do not properly follow the patients up after a positive FOBT.     

Economic evaluation of alternative indicators for screening for diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: the optimal indicator for screening for diabetes mellitus without relying on fasting conditions was clarified. METHODS: the subjects were 891 men ages 26 through 80 years (48.5 +/- 8.5). The objectives of this study were (1) to elucidate the efficacy of 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), glycosylated hemoglobin, and fructosamine (FRA) as screening tests for non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and (2) to perform an economic evaluation for each indicator. The efficacy of each indicator was evaluated by drawing the receiver operating characteristic curves and calculating the areas under these curves (AUCs). An original model was developed for the pur pose of cost-effectiveness analysis. RESULTS: each indicator was evaluated as a screening test for NIDDM alone and for both IGT and NIDDM. The AUCs of 1,5-AG and fasting plasma glucose were the largest in the case of the detection of NIDDM alone and the detection of both IGT and NIDDM, respectively. FRA was, however, the most cost-effective in Japan. CONCLUSION: using equations, we indicated the equi librium points at which the cost-effectiveness ratios of each indicator intersected in order to generalize the results. By calculating the appropriate-actual ratios of costs for each indicator, we could ascertain the optimal indicator for each country.     

Melanoma incidence and patient compliance in a targeted melanoma screening intervention. One-year follow-up in a large French cohort of high-risk patients

Background: Early diagnosis of melanoma can save lives. However, mass screening is not recommended, and few studies have addressed targeted screening.

Objective: To evaluate a targeted melanoma screening intervention by measuring the cumulative melanoma incidence and patient compliance with the screening.

Methods: This was a prospective one-year follow-up of a cohort of 3923 French patients at elevated risk of melanoma who were recruited from April to October 2011 by 78 GPs using the Self-assessment of melanoma risk score. Following standard practice, based on the GPs’ opinions, a subset of these patients was referred to dermatologists. The dermatologists scheduled excisions when required. Melanomas were confirmed using pathology reports. Patient compliance with the clinical pathway was assessed retrospectively. The cohort was followed prospectively using three data sources (GPs, dermatologists and patients). Analyses of factors associated with compliance were performed using multiple logistic regression.

Results: GPs examined the skin of 3923 high-risk patients, 1506 of whom were referred to dermatologists. Nine cases of melanoma were diagnosed, corresponding to a cumulative incidence of 229.4/100 000. Of the referred patients, 57.9% attended the dermatologist consultation. Patient attendance was better when the GPs provided a dermatologist's name (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.51–3.09). A delay before consulting a dermatologist was inversely associated with the estimated lesion malignancy.

Conclusion: Performing this targeted screening in a high-risk population resulted in a high melanoma detection rate, despite moderate compliance. Observations suggest that naming a dermatologist is a simple, inexpensive means of increasing patient compliance with the screening.     

GP's management of genital Chlamydia: a survey of reported practice

BACKGROUND: Genital chlamydial infection is the commonest curable sexually transmitted disease in the industrialized world. Little is known about how GPs manage this condition. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine current knowledge concerning genital chlamydia among GPs and to establish how patients with this infection are managed in primary care. METHODS: A confidential self-administered postal questionnaire survey was sent to all 494 GPs in one English health district (Leicestershire). RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 290 GPs (a response rate of 59%). A much higher proportion of GPs had tested and/or treated female patients for chlamydia [70%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 64-75%] as opposed to male patients (20%, CI 15-25%). Female patients (70%, CI 64-75%) were also more likely to be managed in general practice than male patients (56%, CI 50-62%). A majority of GPs (66%, CI 60-72%) routinely used an appropriate method of testing for chlamydia although a high vaginal swab, an inappropriate method of testing, was used by a fifth of GPs (19%, CI 15-24%). A large number of different treatment regimes were used by GPs. The majority of GPs (85%, CI 79-89%) prescribed an appropriate antibiotic although few GPs (19%, CI 14-25%) specified a chlamydia treatment regime in accordance with accepted international guidelines with respect to drug, dosage and duration of therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients with known or suspected genital chlamydial infection are commonly managed in UK general practice. There is scope to improve the management of this infection in general practice.      

The timing of norplant insertion and postpartum depression in teenagers

Background: This study tested the hypothesis that teenagers who have Norplant inserted during the puerperium report more depressive symptoms during the first postpartum year than their peers who do not receive Norplant.

Methods: We studied the prevalence of depressive symptoms in a group of 212 mothers aged 19 years less, in relation to the timing of Norplant insertion. The participants were divided into 3 groups: 100 (47%) had Norplant inserted during the puerperium (early Norplant users); 72 (34%) had Norplant inserted during the next 10 months (late Norplant users); and 40 (19%) used other contraceptives (40% oral contraceptives; 17% condoms; 43% nothing). Depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale. Postpartum depression was defined as a scale score ≥16, 6–12 months after Norplant insertion or delivery. Variables examined as potential confounders were identified a priori from a review of the literature and controlled for in analysis of variance.

Results: At delivery, members of the 3 contraceptive groups did not differ significantly with regard to age, race, parity, educational, marital, or socioeconomic status. Late Norplant users were, however, more apt to have new boyfriends (p = .03), to rate the support they received from the baby’s father as poor (p = .004), and experience depression prior to Norplant insertion (p = .02). Contrary to the study hypothesis, late rather than early Norplant insertion was associated with postpartum depression. Multivariate analyses identified 3 independent predictors of the severity of depressive symptoms at follow-up (depression prior to Norplant insertion, a new boyfriend at delivery, and late Norplant insertion); R² = 41.3%.

Conclusions: Contrary to the study hypothesis, puerperal Norplant insertion did not exacerbate postpartum depression. Delaying Norplant insertion may increase the risk of depression during the first postpartum year, particularly in teenagers with other psychosocial risk factors.     

Frequent salad vegetable consumption is associated with a reduction in the risk of diabetes mellitus

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate the association between the reported frequency of consumption of vegetables and fruits, the choice of staple carbohydrate, and glucose intolerance. One thousand one hundred twenty-two subjects aged 40-64 years in a population-based study underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, and their food consumption was assessed using a food-frequency questionnaire. The crude prevalence of undiagnosed non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) was 4.5%, and that of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) 16.8%. The age-standardized prevalence rates were 2.3 and 11.2%, respectively. Frequent consumption of vegetables throughout the year was inversely associated with the risk of having NIDDM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.04-0.69). This association was maintained after adjustment for age, gender, and family history. Vegetable consumption during the summer months had a much weaker inverse association with the risk of having NIDDM that failed to reach statistical significance. A nonsignificant inverse association between frequent consumption of fruits and NIDDM was observed. Frequent self-reported pasta and rice consumption was associated with a reduction in the risk of having IGT and NIDDM. (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.44-0.87, and OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.27-0.99, respectively) but this relationship was not independent of age. Whether these associations reflect specific effects of particular nutrients or are a reflection of the patterning of lifestyle factors remains to be determined.