Objectives: To examine the risk associated with the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) of conversion to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's disease (AD). Design: Observational, longitudinal study. Setting: Tertiary academic Alzheimer's Disease Centers funded by the National Institute on Aging. Participants: Research volunteers aged 50 and older with two to six annual visits; 884 were taking PPIs at every visit, 1,925 took PPIs intermittently, and 7,677 never reported taking PPIs. All had baseline normal cognition or MCI. Measurements: Multivariable Cox regression analyses evaluated the association between PPI use and annual conversion of baseline normal cognition to MCI or dementia or annual conversion of baseline MCI to dementia, controlling for demographic characteristics, vascular comorbidities, mood, and use of anticholinergics and histamine-2 receptor antagonists. Results: Continuous (always vs never) PPI use was associated with lower risk of decline in cognitive function (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) =0.66–0.93, P =.005) and lower risk of conversion to MCI or AD (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.69–0.98, P =.03). Intermittent use was also associated with lower risk of decline in cognitive function (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.76–0.93, P =.001) and risk of conversion to MCI or AD (HR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.74–0.91, P =.001). This lower risk was found for persons with normal cognition or MCI. Conclusion: Proton pump inhibitors were not associated with greater risk of dementia or of AD, in contrast to recent reports. Study limitations include reliance on self-reported PPI use and lack of dispensing data. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results to guide empirically based clinical treatment recommendations.
Aim: To argue that nurse practitioners have been under-utilized generally in the current global health environment, creating barriers to achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. Background: Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses possessing expert knowledge and leadership skills that can be optimized to narrow disparities and ensure access to high-quality health care globally. Nurses worldwide have been challenged to meet global public health needs in the context of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 virus), and there are early indications that nurse practitioners are being called upon to the full extent of their capabilities in the current pandemic. Sources of evidence: PubMed; Google Scholar; the International Council of Nurses; World Health Organization; United Nations; and the experiences of the authors. Discussion: Several international reports, nursing and health organizations have called for continued investment in and development of nursing to improve mechanisms that promote cost-effective and universally accessible care. Expanding nurse practitioner scopes of practice across nations will leverage their clinical capacities, policy and advocacy skills, and talents to lead at all levels. Conclusion: Ongoing empirical data and policy change is needed to enable the full scope and strategic utilization of nurse practitioners across healthcare systems and contexts. Implications for nursing practice, and nursing and health policy: Widespread education regarding nurse practitioner capacities for interdisciplinary partners, policymakers and the public is needed. Policies that safely expand their roles are critical. Role titles and remuneration reflective of their scope and service are required to lead, sustain and grow the workforce internationally.
by
Julie A. Womack;
Terrence E. Murphy;
Harini Bathulapalli;
Kathleen M. Akgun;
Cynthia Gibert;
Ken M. Kunisaki;
David Rimland;
Maria Rodriguez-Barradas;
H. Klar Yaggi;
Amy C. Justice;
Nancy S. Redeker
by
Betsy Sleath;
Robyn Sayner;
Michelle Vitko;
Delesha Carpenter;
Susan Blalock;
Kelly W. Muir;
Annette Giangiacomo;
Mary Elizabeth Hartnett;
Alan L. Robin
Objective The purpose of this study was to: (a) describe the extent to which ophthalmologists and glaucoma patients discuss vision quality-of-life during office visits, and (b) examine the association between patient and ophthalmologist characteristics and provider-patient communication about vision quality-of-life. Methods Patients with glaucoma who were newly prescribed or on glaucoma medications were recruited at six ophthalmology clinics. Patients’ visits were video-tape recorded and quality-of-life communication variables were coded. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the data. Results Two hundred and seventy-nine patients participated. Specific glaucoma quality-of-life domains were discussed during only 13% of visits. Older patients were significantly more likely to discuss one or more vision quality-of-life domains th an younger patients. African American patients were significantly less likely to make statements about their vision quality-of-life and providers were less likely to ask them one or more vision quality-of-life questions than non-African American patients. Conclusion Eye care providers and patients infrequently discussed the patient's vision quality-of-life during glaucoma visits. African American patients were less likely to communicate about vision quality-of-life than non-African American patients. Practice implications Eye care providers should make sure to discuss vision quality-of-life with glaucoma patients.
by
Akira Fujiyoshi;
David R. Jacobs;
Annette L. Fitzpatrick;
Alvaro Alonso;
Daniel A. Duprez;
A. Richey Sharrett;
Teresa Seeman;
Michael J. Blaha;
Jose A. Luchsinger;
Stephen R. Rapp
Background-Studies suggest a link between vascular injuries and dementia. Only a few studies, however, examined a longitudinal relation of subclinical vascular disease with dementia. We tested whether baseline coronary artery calcium (CAC), a biomarker of subclinical vascular disease, is associated with incident dementia independent of vascular risk factors and APOE-e4 genotype in a community-based sample. Methods and Results-We analyzed 6293 participants of MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), aged 45 to 84 years at baseline (2000-2002), initially free of cardiovascular disease and noticeable cognitive deficit. Dementia cases were identified using hospital and death certificate International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes. Cox models were used to obtain hazard ratios according to CAC category, or per 1 SD log2[CAC+1], adjusted for vascular risk factor, APOE-e4, with or without exclusion of interim stroke or cardiovascular disease. We observed 271 dementia cases in a median follow-up of 12.2 years. Baseline CAC had a graded positive association with dementia risk. Compared with no CAC, CAC score of 1 to 400, 401 to 1000, and =1001 had increased risk of dementia by 23%, 35%, and 71%, respectively, (Ptrend=0.026) after adjustment. 1 SD higher log2[CAC+1] was associated with 24% (95% confidence interval, 8%-41%; P=0.002) increase in dementia risk. Although the association was partially explained by interim stroke/cardiovascular disease, it remained significant even after excluding the interim events, or regardless of baseline age. Conclusions-Higher baseline CAC was significantly associated with increased risk of dementia independent of vascular risk factor, APOE-e4, and incident stroke. This is consistent with a hypothesis that vascular injuries play a role in the development of dementia.
Objective Describe trends in opioid plus high-risk medication coprescribing in the USA. Design Analyses of serial, cross-sectional, nationally representative data of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) over 2007-2016 and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) over 2007-2018. Setting US ambulatory (NAMCS) and emergency department (ED, NHAMCS) settings. Participants Patient visits in which the patient was 18 years and older with an opioid prescription in the NAMCS or NHAMCS databases. Primary and secondary outcome measures Frequency of opioid plus high-risk medication coprescribing. Results From a combined sample of 700 499 visits over 2007-2018, there were 105 720 visits (15.1%) where opioids were prescribed. n=31 825 were from NAMCS and n=73 895 were from NHAMCS. The mean prevalence of coprescription of opioids and high-risk medications for the combined NAMCS and NHAMCS sample was 18.4% in 2007, peaked at 33.2% in 2014 and declined to 23.8% in 2016. Compared with adults receiving opioid prescriptions alone, those coprescribed opioids and high-risk medications were older, more likely female, white and using private or Medicare insurance (p<0.0001). Conclusions Coprescribing is more common in ambulatory than ED settings and has been declining, yet one in four patient visits where opioids were prescribed resulted in coprescribed, high-risk medications in 2016. Efforts and research to help lower the rates of high-risk prescribing are needed.
by
Emily C Shen;
Swetha Srinivasan;
Lauren E Passero;
Caitlin G Allen;
Madison Dixon;
Kimberly Foss;
Brianna Halliburton;
Laura Milko;
Amelia K Smit;
Rebecca Carlson;
Megan C Roberts
Studies suggest that 1–3% of the general population in the United States unknowingly carry a genetic risk factor for a common hereditary disease. Population genetic screening is the process of offering otherwise healthy patients in the general population testing for genomic variants that predispose them to diseases that are clinically actionable, meaning that they can be prevented or mitigated if they are detected early. Population genetic screening may significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from these diseases by informing risk-specific prevention or treatment strategies and facilitating appropriate participation in early detection. To better understand current barriers, facilitators, perceptions, and outcomes related to the implementation of population genetic screening, we conducted a systematic review and searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for articles published from date of database inception to May 2020. We included articles that 1) detailed the perspectives of participants in population genetic screening programs and 2) described the barriers, facilitators, perceptions, and outcomes related to population genetic screening programs among patients, healthcare providers, and the public. We excluded articles that 1) focused on direct-to-consumer or risk-based genetic testing and 2) were published before January 2000. Thirty articles met these criteria. Barriers and facilitators to population genetic screening were organized by the Social Ecological Model and further categorized by themes. We found that research in population genetic screening has focused on stakeholder attitudes with all included studies designed to elucidate individuals’ perceptions. Additionally, inadequate knowledge and perceived limited clinical utility presented a barrier for healthcare provider uptake. There were very few studies that conducted long-term follow-up and evaluation of population genetic screening. Our findings suggest that these and other factors, such as prescreen counseling and education, may play a role in the adoption and implementation of population genetic screening. Future studies to investigate macro-level determinants, strategies to increase provider buy-in and knowledge, delivery models for prescreen counseling, and long-term outcomes of population genetic screening are needed for the effective design and implementation of such programs. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020198198
Approximately 30 million people currently live with HIV worldwide and the incidence of stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is elevated among people living with HIV as compared to those living without the virus. PTSD is a severely debilitating, stress-related psychiatric illness associated with trauma exposure. Patients with PTSD experience intrusive and fearful memories as well as flashbacks and nightmares of the traumatic event(s) for much of their lives, may avoid other people, and may be constantly on guard for new negative experiences. This review will delineate the information available to date regarding the comorbidity of PTSD and HIV and discuss the biological mechanisms which may contribute to the co-existence, and potential interaction of, these two disorders. Both HIV and PTSD are linked to altered neurobiology within areas of the brain involved in the startle response and altered function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Collectively, the data highlighted suggest that PTSD and HIV are more likely to actively interact than to simply co-exist within the same individual. Multi-faceted interactions between PTSD and HIV have the potential to alter response to treatment for either independent disorder. Therefore, it is of great importance to advance the understanding of the neurobiological substrates that are altered in comorbid PTSD and HIV such that the most efficacious treatments can be administered to improve both mental and physical health and reduce the spread of HIV.
by
Stacy Cooper Bailey;
James W Griffith;
Chandana Vuyyuru;
Stephanie Batio;
Evelyn Velazquez;
Delesha M Carpenter;
Terry C Davis;
Ruth Parker;
Michelle Taddeo;
Michael S Wolf
Background: Most health literacy measures require in-person administration or rely upon self-report. Objective: We sought to develop and test the feasibility of a brief, objective health literacy measure that could be deployed via text messaging or online survey. Design: Participants were recruited from ongoing NIH studies to complete a phone interview and online survey to test candidate items. Psychometric analyses included parallel analysis for dimensionality and item response theory. After 9 months, participants were randomized to receive the final instrument via text messaging or online survey. Participants: Three hundred six English and Spanish-speaking adults with ≥ 1 chronic condition Main Measures: Thirty-three candidate items for the new measure and patient-reported physical function, anxiety, depression, and medication adherence. All participants previously completed the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) in parent NIH studies. Key Results: Participants were older (average 67 years), 69.6% were female, 44.3% were low income, and 22.0% had a high school level of education or less. Candidate items loaded onto a single factor (RMSEA: 0.04, CFI: 0.99, TLI: 0.98, all loadings >.59). Six items were chosen for the final measure, named the HL6. Items demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α=0.73) and did not display differential item functioning by language. Higher HL6 scores were significantly associated with greater educational attainment (r=0.41), higher NVS scores (r=0.55), greater physical functioning (r=0.26), fewer depressive symptoms (r=−0.20), fewer anxiety symptoms (r=−0.15), and fewer barriers to medication adherence (r=−0.30; all p<.01). In feasibility testing, 75.2% of participants in the text messaging arm completed the HL6 versus 66.2% in the online survey arm (p=0.09). Socioeconomic disparities in completion were more common in the online survey arm. Conclusions: The HL6 demonstrates adequate reliability and validity in both English and Spanish. This performance-based assessment can be administered remotely using commonly available technologies with fewer logistical challenges than assessments requiring in-person administration.
by
Sharleen M Traynor;
Lisa R Metsch;
Lauren Gooden;
Maxine Stitzer;
Tim Matheson;
Susan Tross;
Adam W Carrico;
Mamta K Jain;
Carlos del Rio;
Daniel J Feaster
Background: People living with HIV who report substance use (PLWH-SU) face many barriers to care, resulting in an increased risk for poor health outcomes and the potential for ongoing disease transmission. This study evaluates the mechanisms by which Patient Navigation (PN) and Contingency Management (CM) interventions may work to address barriers to care and improve HIV outcomes in this population. Methods: Mediation analysis was conducted using data from a randomized, multi-site trial testing PN interventions to improve HIV care outcomes among 801 hospitalized PLHW-SU. Direct and indirect effects of PN and PN + CM were evaluated through five potential mediators—psychosocial conditions, healthcare avoidance, financial hardship, system barriers, and self-efficacy for HIV treatment adherence—on engagement in HIV care and viral suppression. Results: The PN + CM intervention had an indirect effect on improving engagement in HIV care at 6 months by increasing self-efficacy for HIV treatment adherence (β = 0.042, 95% CI = 0.008, 0.086). PN + CM also led to increases in viral suppression at 6 months (β = 0.090, 95% CI = 0.023, 0.168) and 12 months (β = 0.069, 95% CI = 0.009, 0.129) via increases in self-efficacy, although the direct effects were not significant. No mediating effects were observed for PN alone. Conclusion: PN + CM interventions for PLWH-SU can increase an individual's self-efficacy for HIV treatment adherence, which in turn improves engagement in care at 6 months and may contribute to viral suppression over 12 months. Building self-efficacy may be a key factor in the success of such interventions and should be considered as a primary goal of PN + CM in practice.