Type of Multimorbidity and Propensity to Seek Care among Elderly Medicare Beneficiaries

Greater propensity to seek care is critical for improving health of elderly individuals with multimorbidity. We used the Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey (2012) to assess propensity to seek care among community-dwelling elderly Medicare beneficiaries (\u3e 65 yrs.; N=11,270) having (1) no physical or mental illness; (2) single physical or mental condition; (3) multimorbidity with physical conditions only; and (4) multimorbidity with both physical and mental conditions. As compared to multimorbidity with physical conditions, elderly with no multimorbidity were less likely (Adjusted Odds Ratio [95% CI]: 0.50 [0.36, 0.68]) and elderly with both physical and mental conditions were more likely (1.57 [1.28, 1.93]) to have a health problem for which they should have seen a doctor but did not. Further, elderly having a usual source of care were less likely (0.53 [0.37, 0.75]) to have a health problem for which they should have seen a doctor but did not. Multimorbidity is negatively associated with propensity to seek care. The presence of both chronic mental and physical conditions worsened propensity to seek care among elderly individuals. Future efforts to increase the awareness of receiving timely care and improve the access to care can enhance propensity to seek care among elderly individuals with multimorbidity

Persistence with Mammography Screening and Stage at Breast Cancer Diagnosis among Elderly Appalachia-West Virginia Women

The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between persistence with mammography screening and stage at breast cancer diagnosis in elderly Appalachia-West Virginia women diagnosed with first incident breast cancer. The study utilized West Virginia Cancer Registry-Medicare linked database to identify women age 70 and above diagnosed with first incident breast cancer in 2007. Persistence to mammography screening was defined as having had at least three mammography screenings before breast cancer diagnosis. A multiple logistic regression was conducted to assess the association between persistence with mammography screening and stage at breast cancer diagnosis in these women. Of the 221 elderly Appalachia-West Virginia women included in the analysis, 113 women (51.1%) were persistent to mammography screening before their diagnosis with breast cancer. In a multiple logistic regression after adjusting for all the variables, as compared to elderly women who were not persistent with mammography screening, women who were persistent with mammography screening were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with early stage breast cancer (adjusted odds ratio=4.25, 95% confidence interval=1.96-9.19). Persistence with mammography screening is significantly associated with earlier stages of breast cancer in the rural and underserved Appalachia-West Virginia women. The study findings suggest targeting interventions to encourage regular mammography in these women for whom there are no clear guidelines

Depression treatment patterns among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and depression

Objective—To estimate rates and the patterns of depression treatment among adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and depression. Methods—We used a retrospective, cross-sectional study design, pooling data from 2010 and 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The study sample consisted of 527 individuals aged 21 years or older, diagnosed with COPD and depression. Depression treatment was grouped into 3 categories based on those who received: 1) neither antidepressant nor psychotherapy; 2) antidepressants only; and 3) psychotherapy combined with antidepressants (combination therapy). We conducted chi-squared tests and multinomial logistic regressions to examine factors (demographic, socio-economic characteristics, healthcare access, health status, and personal health practices) associated with depression treatment among adults with COPD and depression. Key Findings—The mean age of the study sample was 55.96 years(SD=13.36). Overall, 18.8% of the sample adults did not report any use of antidepressants or psychotherapy, 58.3% reported antidepressants use only and 23% reported using combination therapy. Females(AOR=1.89, 95% CI= 1.02, 3.55), older adults(\u3e=65 years: AOR=3.69, 95% CI= 1.62, 8.41), adults with fair/poor physical health status(AOR=3.32, 95% CI=1.29, 8.56) and those suffering from anxiety (AOR=1.94, 95% CI= 1.09, 3.46) were more likely to receive antidepressant treatment. Older adults(AOR=2.94, 95% CI=1.05, 8.22), those who were never married(AOR=3.17, 95% CI=1.18, 8.56), suffered from anxiety(AOR=6.01, 95% CI=3.11, 11.61) and current smokers (AOR=2.29, 95% CI= 1.05, 4.98) were more likely to receive combination therapy. Whereas, adults who were uninsured(AOR=0.21, 95% CI= 0.05, 0.86) and did not have physical activity (AOR=0.33, 95% CI= 0.16, 0.67) were less likely to receive combination therapy. Key limitations of our study is that we could not control for the severity of depression or COPD which may have influenced depression treatment. Conclusion—Efforts to improve depression care among adults with co-occurring COPD and depression may need to be tailored for different subgroups

Psychological Distress Among Asian Indians and Non-Hispanic Whites in the United States

Introduction: The prevalence of psychological distress (PD) among Asian Indians is unknown. This study estimated and compared moderate–serious PD in Asian Indians and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs) in the United States. Methods: We used a cross-sectional design using the National Health Interview Survey (2012–2017). Adult (age \u3e18 years) NHWs and Asian Indians (N=2,218) were included. PD was measured using the six-item Kessler (K6) scale. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine the association of Asian Indian ethnicity with PD. Results: In the analysis, 19.9% of NHWs and 11.0% of Asian Indians reported moderate–serious PD. Asian Indians were less likely to report PD in both unadjusted (unadjusted odds ratio=0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.42–0.58) and fully adjusted (adjusted odds ratio=0.7; 95% CI 0.59–0.82) models. Conclusions: Asian Indians had a lower prevalence of PD than NHWs, likely due to multiple protective factors such as high socioeconomic status and lower multimorbidity

Depression treatment patterns among individuals with osteoarthritis: a cross sectional study

Background Arthritis and depression often co-occur; however, studies that describe patterns of depression treatment among individuals with arthritis are scant. The purpose of the study was to examine depression treatment patterns among individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) by predisposing, enabling, need factors, personal health practices and external health environment. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional design was used. Data were obtained from 2008 and 2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The sample consisted of 647adults aged over 21 years with depression and OA. Depression treatment was categorized as: 1) No treatment;2) antidepressant use only and 3) both antidepressants and psychotherapy (combination therapy). Chi- square tests and multinomial logistic regressions were used to describe patterns of depression treatment. All analysis was performed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.3. Results Overall, 13.0% of the study sample reported no depression treatment, 67.8% used antidepressants only and 19.2% used combination therapy. Among individuals with OA significant subgroup differences in depression treatment were observed. For example, African Americans were less likely to report depression treatment compared to whites [antidepressants: AOR=0.33, 95% CI=0.21,0.51; combination therapy: AOR=0.39, 95% CI=0.23, 0.65]. Elderly adults were more likely to receive antidepressants and less likely to receive psychotherapy as compared to younger adults [AOR=0.53, 95% CI= 0.28,0.98]. Adults with anxiety were more likely to report depression treatment compared to those without anxiety [antidepressants: AOR=1.53, 95% CI=1.06, 2.22; combination therapy: AOR=3.52, 95% CI=2.40, 5.15]. Conclusion Future research needs to examine the reason for low rates of combination therapy as well as subgroup differences in combination therapy among individuals with OA

Dynamics in Health and Employment: Evidence from Indonesia

This paper examines the consequences of disability, identifying for the first time, the separate impacts of onsets and recoveries from disability on both employment status and hours worked using panel data from Indonesia. We find that changes in physical functioning have no affect hours worked among the employed. However, we find that onsets of physical limitations lead to an increase in the probability of leaving employment, while recoveries increase the probability of returning to work. We also find a larger effect among self-employed workers compared to salaried workers. These results overall point towards a need for social protection policies with a focus on health, disability, and employment in Indonesia

Type of Multimorbidity and Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Adults

Objective. To examine the association between type of multimorbidity and CAM use among adults with multimorbidity. Methods. The current study used a cross-sectional design with retrospective data from 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Multimorbidity was classified into two groups: (1) adults with coexisting physical and mental illnesses and (2) adults with two or more chronic physical illnesses only. CAM use was measured using a set of 18 variables. Logistic regression and multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess the association between the type of multimorbidity and ever used CAM, CAM use in the past 12 months, and type of CAM. Results. Overall, 31.2% of adults with coexisting physical and mental illnesses and 20.1% of adults with only physical illnesses used CAM in the past 12 months. Adults with coexisting physical and mental illnesses were more likely to ever use CAM (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.49, 1.90), use CAM in the past 12 months (AOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.15, 1.52), and use mind-body therapies in the past 12 months (AOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.16, 1.59) compared to adults with only physical illnesses. Conclusion. Multimorbidity of chronic physical and mental illnesses was associated with higher CAM use

Association Between Statin Medications and COPD-Specific Outcomes: A Real-World Observational Study

Background Disease-modifying drugs are not yet available for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have anti-inflammatory properties and are therefore being considered for use in the management of COPD. Objective Our objective was to examine the association between statin use and COPD-specific outcomes in a realworld setting. Methods This was a retrospective longitudinal dynamic cohort study that used Medicaid claims data from multiple years (2005–2008) to identify patients with newly diagnosed COPD. Statin therapy was determined from the prescription drug file using National Drug Codes (NDCs). COPD-specific outcomes such as hospitalizations and emergency room and outpatient visits were identified based on a primary diagnosis of COPD. Multivariable logistic regressions with inverse probability treatment weights (IPTWs) were used to examine the relationship between statin therapy and COPD-specific outcomes. Results The study included 19,060 Medicaid beneficiaries with newly diagnosed COPD, 30.3% of whom received statins during the baseline period. Adults who received statins had significantly lower rates of COPDspecific hospitalizations (4.7 vs. 5.2%; p \ 0.05), emergency room visits (13.4 vs. 15.4%; p \ 0.001), and outpatient visits (41.4 vs. 44.7%; p \ 0.001) than those who did not receive statin therapy. Even after adjusting for observed selection bias with IPTWs, adults receiving statins were less likely to have COPD-specific hospitalizations [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66–0.87], emergency room visits (AOR 0.81; 95% CI 0.75–0.89), and outpatient visits (AOR 0.86; 95% CI 0.80–0.91) than those not receiving statins. Conclusions Findings from this study suggest statins have beneficial effects in patients with newly diagnosed COPD and warrant further clinical trial investigation

Depression treatment patterns among individuals with osteoarthritis: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND: Arthritis and depression often co-occur; however, studies that describe patterns of depression treatment among individuals with arthritis are scant. The purpose of the study was to examine depression treatment patterns among individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) by predisposing, enabling, need factors, personal health practices and external health environment. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional design was used. Data were obtained from 2008 and 2010 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The sample consisted of 647adults aged over 21 years with depression and OA. Depression treatment was categorized as: 1) No treatment;2) antidepressant use only and 3) both antidepressants and psychotherapy (combination therapy). Chi- square tests and multinomial logistic regressions were used to describe patterns of depression treatment. All analysis was performed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) version 9.3. RESULTS: Overall, 13.0% of the study sample reported no depression treatment, 67.8% used antidepressants only and 19.2% used combination therapy. Among individuals with OA significant subgroup differences in depression treatment were observed. For example, African Americans were less likely to report depression treatment compared to whites [antidepressants: AOR=0.33, 95% CI=0.21,0.51; combination therapy: AOR=0.39, 95% CI=0.23, 0.65]. Elderly adults were more likely to receive antidepressants and less likely to receive psychotherapy as compared to younger adults [AOR=0.53, 95% CI= 0.28,0.98]. Adults with anxiety were more likely to report depression treatment compared to those without anxiety [antidepressants: AOR=1.53, 95% CI=1.06, 2.22; combination therapy: AOR=3.52, 95% CI=2.40, 5.15]. CONCLUSION: Future research needs to examine the reason for low rates of combination therapy as well as subgroup differences in combination therapy among individuals with OA

Dental workforce availability and dental services utilization in Appalachia: a geospatial analysis

Objectives—There is considerable variation in dental services utilization across Appalachian counties, and a plausible explanation is that individuals in some geographical areas do not utilize dental care due to dental workforce shortage. We conducted an ecological study on dental workforce availability and dental services utilization in Appalachia. Methods—We derived county-level (n = 364) data on demographic, socio-economic characteristics and dental services utilization in Appalachia from the 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) using person-level data. We obtained county-level dental workforce availability and physician-to-population ratio estimates from Area Health Resource File, and linked them to the county-level BRFSS data. The dependent variable was the proportion using dental services within the last year in each county (ranging from 16.6% to 91.0%). We described the association between dental workforce availability and dental services utilization using ordinary least squares regression and spatial regression techniques. Spatial analyses consisted of bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) and geographically weighted regression (GWR). Results—Bivariate LISA showed that counties in the central and southern Appalachian regions had significant (p \u3c .05) low-low spatial clusters (low dental workforce availability, low percent dental services utilization). GWR revealed considerable local variations in the association between dental utilization and dental workforce availability. In the multivariate GWR models, 8.5% (tstatistics \u3e1.96) and 13.45% (t-statistics \u3e1.96) of counties showed positive and statistically significant relationships between the dental services utilization and workforce availability of dentists and dental hygienists, respectively. Conclusions—Dental workforce availability was associated with dental services utilization in the Appalachian region; however, this association was not statistically significant in all counties. The findings suggest that program and policy efforts to improve dental services utilization need to focus on factors other than increasing the dental workforce availability for many counties in Appalachia