Heart failure awareness survey in Germany: general knowledge on heart failure remains poor.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Zelenak C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5542724 | biostudies-other | 2017 Aug
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
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Project description:BACKGROUND:For a better heart failure outcome, it is fundamental to improve the awareness of heart failure at the general population level. We conducted this study to identify the current status of awareness of heart failure in the Korean general population. METHODS:This cross-sectional nationwide survey recruited a total of 1,032 participants aged 30 years or older, based on a stratification systematic sampling method. A 23-item questionnaire was surveyed through telephone interviews. RESULTS:Although 80% of the participants had heard of heart failure, 47% exactly defined what heart failure is. A minority of participants correctly recognized the lifetime risk of developing heart failure (21%) as well as the mortality (16%) and readmission risk (18%) of heart failure and the cost burden of heart failure admission (28%). Regarding preferred treatment options, 71% of the participants chose a treatment option that could improve the quality of life. Approximately two-thirds of the participants agreed that current medical treatment could reduce mortality and improve the quality of life. More than half of the participants (59%) thought that heart failure patients should live quietly and reduce all physical activities. Across survey items, we found a lower awareness state in the elderly groups and people at lower income and educational levels. CONCLUSIONS:The current awareness status of heart failure in the Korean general population is still low. Proactive educational efforts should be made to improve public awareness with special attention to individuals with lower disease awareness.
| S-EPMC6731018 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background and objectivesFactors associated with low heart failure (HF) awareness have not been well-evaluated. This study was conducted to find out which demographic features would be associated with low HF awareness in the general population of Korea.MethodsA telephone interview was conducted with 1,032 adults (58 years and 50.6% were male) across the country. Based on answer to 15 questions about HF, we scored from 0 to 15 points (mean, 7.53±2.75; median, 8; interquartile range, 6-9). A score of <8 was defined as low HF awareness, and a score of ?8 was defined as high HF awareness.ResultsA total of 478 subjects (46.3%) had low HF awareness. HF awareness scores were 5.18±1.85 and 9.55±1.50 in subjects of low and high HF awareness groups, respectively. Subjects with low HF awareness were older, more female-dominant, more diabetic, lower educational and house hold income levels, and more frequently living in rural areas, compared to those with high HF awareness (p<0.05 for each). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, older age (?67 years: odds ratio [OR], 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-2.19; p=0.004), female sex (OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.02-1.73; p=0.034) and low educational level (high school graduate or less vs. college graduate: OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.75-3.22; p<0.001) were significantly associated with low HF awareness even after controlling for potential confounders.ConclusionsOlder age, female sex, and lower level of education were independently associated with low HF awareness in the general Korean population. More attention and education are needed for these vulnerable groups to improve HF awareness.
| S-EPMC7321753 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Mounting evidence suggests that interoceptive signals are fundamentally important for the experience of the self. Thus far, studies on interoception have mainly focused on the ability to monitor the timing of ongoing heartbeats and on how these influence emotional and self-related processes. However, cardiac afferent signalling is not confined to heartbeat timing and several other cardiac parameters characterize cardiodynamic functioning. Building on the fact that each heart has its own self-specific cardio-dynamics, which cannot be expressed uniquely by heart rate, we devised a novel task to test whether people could recognize the sound of their own heart even when perceived offline and thus not in synchrony with ongoing heartbeats. In a forced-choice paradigm, participants discriminated between sounds of their own heartbeat (previously recorded with a Doppler device) versus another person's heart. Participants identified the sound of their own heart above chance, whereas their metacognition of performance - as calculated by contrasting performance against ratings of confidence - was considerably poorer. These results suggest an implicit access to fine-grained neural representations of elementary cardio-dynamic parameters beyond heartbeat timing.
| S-EPMC4876374 | biostudies-other
Project description:ObjectivesThis study was designed to assess the awareness and knowledge of antibiotic usage and antibiotic resistance among the general public in the Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana. It also tries to decipher whether the level of education and the professional status of an individual has a positive association with the level of knowledge on antibiotic resistance.MethodsA population-base survey involving members of the public was conducted from August to November 2019. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect data from 632 respondents. Data were analyzed through SPSS v.21 using Chi square statistics and multivariate regression. Differences in knowledge were evaluated using ANOVA and the assumption of equal variance was tested with Levene statistics.ResultsThe response rate was 74.3%. Lower educational status group had a greater knowledge level (39.7%) on antibiotic resistance. Despite the high score, the lowest educational status group, (M = 1.82, SD = 0.769), middle educational status group (M = 1.98, SD = 0.748), and the high educational status group (M = 1.88, SD = 0.773) were not significantly different from each other with regard to their general knowledge level on antibiotic resistance (P < 0.05). The study revealed that, working in the healthcare sector is a major contributor to the level of knowledge on antibiotic resistance.ConclusionGiven the scale of the issue on antibiotic resistance and the fact that attempts to resolve it will involve efforts on the part of all, it is important that the public is aware of the importance of the issue of antibiotic resistance, its implications and what they can do to address it. The level of knowledge among respondents with lower educational status should be enough evidence to introduce more educational campaigns on antibiotic resistance.
| S-EPMC7353772 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BACKGROUND:Oral cancer (OC) is associated with multiple risk factors and high mortality rates and substantially contributes to the global cancer burden despite being highly preventable. This cross-sectional study sought to assess current knowledge, awareness, and behaviors of patients in rural communities surrounding OC risk. METHODS:An anonymous 21-question survey was distributed to patients in waiting rooms of a large integrated medical-dental health system serving north-central Wisconsin. Survey results were summarized via descriptive statistics. Odds ratios surrounding health literacy on OC risk factors were obtained using unconditional univariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS:Of 504 dental and 306 medical patients completing the survey, 62.2% were female, Caucasian/White (92%) with 41% having a???high school diploma/equivalent. Current smoker/smokeless tobacco use was reported by 34%, while 39% reported former tobacco exposure. Alcohol use was reported by 54% of respondents at the following frequencies: < once/week, (35%); 1-2 times/week, (16%); 3-4 times/week, (6%); 5-6 times/week, (2%); and daily, (23%). Knowledge about tobacco and alcohol use and increased OC risk was reported by 94 and 40%, respectively. About 50% reported knowledgeability regarding cancer-associated symptomology. Tobacco cessation was reported by 20% of responders. Receipt of education on OC from healthcare providers and human papilloma virus links to OC causation was reported by 38 and 21%, respectively. CONCLUSION:Patients who smoked >?20+ cigarettes per day were more knowledgeable about tobacco and OC risk compared to non-smokers and those who smoked ??19 cigarettes/day (p?=?0.0647). Patients who were alcohol consumers exhibited higher knowledgeability surrounding increased OC risk with alcohol and tobacco exposures compared to alcohol abstainers (p?=?0.06). We concluded that patients recognized links between tobacco and OC risk but demonstrated lower knowledge of other causal factors. Strategic patient education by providers could increase awareness of OC risk.
| S-EPMC5952627 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundChronic heart failure (HF) is associated with significant healthcare expenditure, morbidity, and mortality. This study investigated the epidemiology of HF in Germany.MethodsThis retrospective study used anonymous healthcare claims data from the German Health Risk Institute on individuals with statutory health insurance. Patients with uninterrupted data from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013 or death (whichever occurred first), and ?2 recorded HF-related diagnoses in 2011, were included. Patients with newly diagnosed HF were identified. Patients were followed up for 2 years from first diagnosis.ResultsOf 3,132,337 eligible patients, 123,925 (55.0% women; mean age 76.2 years) had HF: a prevalence of 3.96%. Of these, 26,368 had newly diagnosed HF: an incidence of 655/100,000 persons at risk. Incidence increased with age and was similar regardless of sex. During follow-up, there were 48,159 hospital admissions among newly diagnosed patients (1.8 hospitalizations/patient/2 years); HF accounted for 6% of these. Additionally, 20,148 patients (16.3%) overall and 5983 newly diagnosed patients (22.7%) died. Most new cases of HF were diagnosed by office-based physicians (63.2%); new cases among hospital inpatients were predominantly diagnosed by internal medicine specialists (70.7%). Overall, 94.0% received their initial prescription for HF treatment from a family practitioner.ConclusionsThe high prevalence and incidence observed in this representative sample emphasize the burden of HF in Germany. Substantial hospitalization rates and mortality highlight the need for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and for close cooperation between physician specialties and healthcare sectors.
| S-EPMC5655572 | biostudies-literature
Project description:AimsPharmacists in all clinical settings are recognized drug experts and integral educators of biosimilar medicines. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess pharmacists' knowledge, predictors of knowledge, and views toward biosimilar medicines in Jordan.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Jordan during October-December 2020. An Internet-based self-administrated questionnaire on knowledge and views was distributed using social media groups to the pharmacists among different areas in Jordan. A descriptive and univariate analysis was performed. Binary logistic regression was conducted to determine the predictors of knowledge including all variables with p < 0.20 on univariate analysis.ResultsA total 536 responses were received, 502 of which were completed (93.7% response rate). A total of 52.6% of the pharmacists were knowledgeable about biosimilar medicines and the mean of knowledge level was 6.47 ± 1.62 (range 2-10). Multivariate analysis identified that respondents who had heard about biosimilars before (OR = 1.942, 95% CI = 1.231-3.063, p < 0.05) was more likely to be knowledgeable. Respondents who had not taken the course or the postgraduating training course about biosimilars that were less likely to be knowledgeable (OR = 0.548, 95% CI = 0.357-0.839, p < 0.05). A positive response was noted in pharmacist's view regarding the implementation of biosimilar medicines in healthcare setting, biosimilar medicine prescription related to decreased costs, self-study about biosimilar medicine, and incorporating biosimilar education program at the pharmacy school curriculum universities level.ConclusionsPharmacists' views and knowledge vary regarding the particularities and key issues on biosimilar medicines in Jordan. Incorporating biosimilar course in pharmacy school curriculum could improve their acceptance for future pharmacy jobs.
| S-EPMC9252697 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesTo assess the awareness, knowledge and attitudes towards cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among relatives of people with and without heart disease and their influence in South China.DesignThis is a cross-sectional survey. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the demographic factors associated with CPR training, learning and knowledge.SettingThe study was conducted in two hospitals, the largest cardiovascular institute and the largest eye care centre in South China.ParticipantsHealthy individuals who accompanied their relatives with heart disease to the outpatient department of cardiovascular disease and systemically healthy patients who came for regular ophthalmic examination and had no relatives with heart disease were consecutively recruited for the study. A total of 1644 respondents with heart disease relatives and 813 respondents without heart disease relatives completed the survey.ResultsThirty three per cent of respondents never heard of CPR and only 11% had received CPR training. Factors associated with a higher rate of CPR training were higher level of education and income (p<0.001). Most respondents stated that CPR training was necessary and would like to learn CPR. However, only one-third considered it beneficial to perform CPR as a layperson. In addition, healthcare respondents (p<0.001), younger (p<0.05) and more educated respondents (p<0.001) earned higher scores on the knowledge of CPR skills. Only 5.3% had perfect scores on a CPR skills test. Notably, respondents with relatives suffering from heart disease had significantly less training experience and CPR knowledge than those without (p<0.001).ConclusionsAlthough the attitudes towards learning CPR are very positive, there was a lack of knowledge on this topic among the general public. This study demonstrates an urgent need to boost awareness and training in CPR in South China, especially among people whose relatives have heart disease.
| S-EPMC7768962 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSecond medical opinions (SOs) can assist patients in making informed treatment decisions and improve the understanding of their diagnosis. In Germany, there are different approaches to obtain a structured SO procedure: SO programs by health insurers and SOs according to the SO Directive. Through a direct survey of the population, we aimed to assess how structured SOs should be provided to fulfil patients' needs.MethodsA stratified sample of 9990 adults (≥18 years) living in the federal states of Berlin and Brandenburg (Germany) were initially contacted by post in April and sent a reminder in May 2020. The survey results were analyzed descriptively.ResultsAmong 1349 participants (response rate 14%), 56% were female and the median age was 58 years (interquartile range (IQR) 44-69). Participants wanted to be informed directly and personally about the possibility of obtaining an SO (89%; 1201/1349). They preferred to be informed by their physician (93%; 1249/1349). A majority of participants would consider it important to obtain an SO for oncological indications (78%; 1049/1349). Only a subset of the participants would seek an SO via their health insurer or via an online portal (43%; 577/1349 and 16%; 221/1349). A personally delivered SO was the preferred route of SO delivery, as 97% (1305/1349) would (tend to) consider this way of obtaining an SO. Participants were asked to imagine having moderate knee pain for years, resulting in a treatment recommendation for knee joint replacement. They were requested to rate potential qualification criteria for a physician providing the SO. The criteria rated to be most important were experience with the recommended diagnosis/treatment (criterion (very) important for 93%; 1257/1349) and knowledge of the current state of research (criterion (very) important for 86%; 1158/1349). Participants were willing to travel 60 min (median; IQR 60-120) and wait 4 weeks (median; IQR 2-4) for their SO in the hypothetical case of knee pain.ConclusionIn general, SOs were viewed positively. We found that participants have clear preferences regarding SOs. We propose that these preferences should be taken into account in the future design and development of SO programs.
| S-EPMC8760563 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundAdherence to treatment guidelines affects outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). We investigated patient pathways and treatment patterns for HF in Germany.MethodsThis retrospective study used anonymous healthcare claims data from the German Health Risk Institute on individuals with statutory health insurance. Patients with uninterrupted data from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2013 or death (whichever occurred first), and ?2 recorded HF-related diagnoses in 2011, were included. Patients with newly diagnosed HF were identified. Use of treatment patterns recommended by the European Society of Cardiology (2008) and German Nationale VersorgungsLeitlinien (2011) guidelines was evaluated.ResultsOf 123,925 patients with HF, 21.3% were newly diagnosed. Overall, 63.2% of new HF diagnoses were made in the ambulatory setting; 61.6% of these were made by family practitioners and 14.8% by cardiologists. In the ambulatory setting, family practitioners were primarily responsible for treatment; specialists in internal medicine (70.3% cardiologists) were mainly responsible for performing HF-related technical diagnostics. One-fifth (20.9%) of patients received a New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification; 45.1% of these received a guideline-based treatment pattern. Application of the recommended treatment pattern decreased with advancing disease severity (NYHA class IV: 21.1% application) and older age (?90 years: 28.3% application).ConclusionsFamily practitioners play a key role in the diagnosis and initial treatment of HF in Germany. A substantial proportion of patients do not receive guideline-recommended pharmacotherapy. These findings should be reflected in the planning of national disease management programmes.
| S-EPMC5655600 | biostudies-literature