ObjectivesEstablished prostate cancer (PCa) risk factors include age, family history of PCa and African ancestry. Studies, mostly among highly screened, predominantly European ancestral populations, suggest that employment in certain occupations (eg, farming, military) may also have an increased risk for PCa. Here, we evaluated the association between usual adult occupation and PCa risk in Ghanaian men, a population with historically low rates of PCa screening.MethodsThe Ghana Prostate Study is a case-control study of PCa that was conducted from 2004 to 2012 in 749 cases and 964 controls. In-person interviews were conducted to collect information from participants, including longest held job. Industrial hygienists classified job titles into occupational categories. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate ORs and 95% CIs for the association between longest held job and PCa risk (overall, aggressive (Gleason≥7)), controlling for potential confounders.ResultsRisk was increased among men in management (overall PCa OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.4 to 3.2; aggressive PCa OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.3 to 3.5) and military occupations (overall PCa OR=3.4, 95% CI 1.7 to 7.0; aggressive PCa OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.5 to 8.3). Risks were also elevated for management and military-specific jobs based on 3-digit level Standard Occupational Classification definitions. Sensitivity analyses accounting for access to medical care did not show significant differences.ConclusionsOur study provides some evidence for increased risk of PCa among men in management and military occupations, which is consistent with the published literature. Additional research is needed to clarify the drivers of the associations between these occupations and PCa.
Background Teledermatology is a conduit for patients communicating with dermatologists on the internet, which bypasses in-person visits. It holds promise to address access needs for dermatologic care; however, the interest in using teledermatology is unknown in underserved populations with potential barriers to the use of health care technology. Objective This study aimed to characterize the association between demographic characteristics with interest in exchanging digital images or videos of skin lesions with health care providers electronically. Methods We examined data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 4 cycle 4 (2014) of the National Cancer Institute. HINTS is a cross-sectional, nationally representative household survey conducted annually, which collects information on demographics, perceptions and use of health information, and provides information on how cancer risks are perceived. HINTS 4 cycle 4 had a sample of 3677 participants. We examined the outcome to the question, “how interested are you in exchanging digital images or videos (eg, photos of skin lesions) with a health care provider electronically?” We dichotomized the outcome by a high level of interest (responding with “very”) and those who did not have a high level of interest (responding with “somewhat,” “a little,” or “not at all”) in exchanging images or videos. We used a multivariable logistic regression model developed through backwards selection, with all final covariates associated with varying levels of teledermatology use at P<.05. Sensitivity analysis was performed by changing the outcome dichotomy to model those who were “not at all” interested. Two-sided tests were performed with P<.05 considered significant. Results Among 3447 respondents, 888 (weighted prevalence=26.2%) were “very” interested in participating in teledermatology. A higher interest in using teledermatology was associated with a younger age, higher educational attainment, higher household income, internet usage, type of mobile device ownership, history of electronic medical information exchange with a clinician within the past 12 months, and high level of trust in web-based information on cancer (for all, P<.01), but not with the female gender, race or ethnicity, health insurance status, or having a regular medical provider. Conclusions Modifiable access barriers to teledermatology adoption include trust, experience with teledermatology, and use of health apps. Teledermatology program implementation should address these specific factors within the digital divide to promote equitable access to care across diverse patient populations.
Few studies examine the experience of AD in adults and AD-treating physicians. Our objective was to compare the perspectives on AD among adults with, and AD-treating physicians. A crosssectional sample of 602 adults who met AD UK Working Party criteria. Severity was assessed using POEM. A national sample of AD-treating physicians in outpatient settings wwere surveyed (N¼401). Based on POEM score, 40% patients had moderate/severe AD (MSAD). Itch was reported as the most bothersome symptom for patients (57.5%) and AD-treating physicians. 15% of MSAD patients reported daily sleep disturbance, compared to 7% of physicians who reported that their MSAD patients experience this everyday. 41.4% of MSAD patients reported an average pain level of 7 or greater during the past week compared to 14.0% of physicians who rated their patient's pain. With respect to treatment experience, 29.6% of MSAD patients felt both physician and patient were equally in charge of treatment decisions vs 60.9% of physicians. 67.7% of physicians think their patients are very/somewhat satisfied with treatment vs 72.2% of patients with MSAD. Among those who reported treatment dissatisfaction, the primary reason was that these do not appear to work. Lastly, 1/3 of patients reported not being well informed about the cause of AD, similar to physicians who reported 34.0% of patients were not well informed. Recognition of itch burden, need for improved therapies, and disease education were similar between patients and physicians. Differences were observed in perception of pain and treatment experience. Our findings can help inform strategies to improve the care of adults with AD.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.