Exploration of Predictive Modeling of Defense Health Agency & Department of Veterans Affairs Beneficiaries Dietary Supplements Use

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to predict dietary supplements (DS) use among Defense Health Agency (DHA) and Veterans Affairs (VA) beneficiaries who were scheduled for surgical procedures.DesignThis was a predictive descriptive multicenter study with a convenience sample of 2,623 adult subjects. After institutional review board exemption, data collection occurred preoperatively via electronic survey. Participation was voluntary and data unidentifiable.MethodsData were collected in preoperative anesthesia clinics during preanesthetic evaluations, or in surgery holding areas immediately prior to surgery, using a validated data collection tool. The total convenience sample size was 2,623 subjects from 6 medical centers. Data were voluntarily, anonymously, and verbally obtained from subjects using electronic survey methodology. Collected data included: gender, age, rank, beneficiary status, race, body mass index, tobacco use, marital status, and knowledge of DS side effects and drug interactions. For predictive modeling of DS use, multiple logistic regression was performed for binary outcomes via SPSS.FindingsFor binary logistic regression the predictors were significant for the following outcomes: taking DS (education, sex, age, and race; P < .05), knowledge of side effects (age, race, and rank; P < .05), and believe they are having side effects (age; P < .05).ConclusionsUnderstanding DS use is central to predict and anticipate potential negative sequelae in patient outcomes in anesthesia. College education, females, Caucasians, and increasing age are indicators for greater DS use. These results provide opportunities for perianesthesia nurses to improve preoperative assessments, design patient specific perianesthesia care, and enhance patient education. Further research is recommended.