Effect of Asthma Call-back Survey methodology changes on work-related asthma estimates, 19 states, 2007–2012

Objective: Asthma Call-back Survey methodology has been changed recently, as a new sampling design, weights calculation (2011–2012), and revised work-related asthma (WRA) section (2012) were implemented. To assess the effect of these changes on the WRA and possible WRA estimates among ever-employed adults with current asthma, we analyzed 2007–2012 data for 37?505 ever-employed adults (≥18 years) collected from 19 US states (representing an estimated 10 million adults each year). Methods: Using data from landline telephone (LLP) households, we calculated estimates applying poststratification weights (2007–2010) and “raking” weights (2011–2012). Also, using data from LLP/cellular telephone (CP) households combined, we calculated estimates applying “raking” weights (2012). Results: Based on LLP household data, the WRA estimates ranged from 7.8% to 9.7% during 2007–2010, was 9.1% in 2011 and 15.4% in 2012. Possible WRA estimates ranged from 35.1% to 38.1% during 2007–2010, was 38.1% in 2011 and 39.8% in 2012. Using the 2012 LLP/CP household data, the WRA and possible WRA estimates were 15.4% and 38.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Implementation of “raking” weights did not substantially change the WRA or possible WRA estimates among ever-employed adults with current asthma. The WRA and possible WRA estimates based on LLP and LLP/CP samples in 2012 were comparable, as CP users are younger and less likely to have WRA. The substantial upward shift in the 2012 WRA estimates likely was associated with the revision to the WRA section.     

Effects of Adult Romantic Attachment and Social Support on Resilience and Depression in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries

Background:

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause psychological consequences that negatively affect quality of life. It is increasingly recognized that factors such as resilience and social support may produce a buffering effect and are associated with improved health outcomes. However the influence of adult attachment style on an individual’s ability to utilize social support after SCI has not been examined.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between adult romantic attachment perceived social support depression and resilience in individuals with SCI. In addition we evaluated potential mediating effects of social support and adult attachment on resilience and depression.

Methods:

Participants included 106 adults with SCI undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Individuals completed measures of adult attachment (avoidance and anxiety) social support resilience and depression. Path analysis was performed to assess for presence of mediation effects.

Results:

When accounting for the smaller sample size support was found for the model (comparative fit index = .927 chi square = 7.86 P = .01 β = -0.25 standard error [SE] = -2.93 P < .05). The mediating effect of social support on the association between attachment avoidance and resilience was the only hypothesized mediating effect found to be significant (β = -0.25 SE = -2.93 P < .05).

Conclusion:

Results suggest that individuals with SCI with higher levels of attachment avoidance have lower perceived social support which relates to lower perceived resilience. Assessing attachment patterns during inpatient rehabilitation may allow therapists to intervene to provide greater support.     

Quality of life in bipolar and schizoaffective disorder — A naturalistic approach

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in bipolar type I (BD I) and schizoaffective (SQA) patients during a 2-year period in a naturalistic study.

Methods

This study was based on the data generated by the Bipolar Comprehensive Outcome Study, a prospective, non-interventional, observational study of participants with BD I and SQA disorder. Mixed-Model Repeated Measures Analysis was used to analyze changes in the SF-36 and EQ-5D.

Results

Participants exhibited low health status at baseline with SF-36 mean scores of 46.7 ± 10.5 and 36.9 ± 12.9 (best imaginable health = 100, normal population ≈ 50) for physical and mental components, respectively. No significant differences were found between the ratings of the BD I and SQA patients on HRQoL. The SF-36 SMC improved significantly over 24 months although SPC scores remained consistent across the study. On the whole, the lowest SMC score was observed among the depressed patients (38.20), followed by the patients with a mixed state (39.01) and the manic patients (39.83).

Limitations

The observational design may have limited the causal relationships and the generalizability within the current findings.

Conclusions

HRQoL was significantly impaired in all stages of BD and SQA when compared to the general population. The impairment of HRQoL was most pronounced in the depressed state, followed by the mixed state and then the manic state. The euthymic patients showed the least impairment. In addition, patients showed a global improvement in their mental health satisfaction over the 2 years follow up period.