Publications by authors named "Augustine T Lam"
Background: Whether bisphenol A (BPA) exposure is a contributing factor to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between chronic BPA exposure and BPH risk, and explored whether this association was modified by alcohol drinking.
Methods: This study included a total of 650 BPH cases and 650 controls recruited from the same hospital in Hong Kong during 2011-2016.
Background: Environmental exposures are contributing factors to prostate cancer etiology, but these remain unclear. We aimed to document the associations between environmental risk factors and prostate cancer in Chinese, with special reference to bisphenol A (BPA).
Methods: We recruited 431 newly diagnosed prostate cancer cases and 402 age-matched controls from Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong.
Background: The increase in non-communicable disease (NCD) is becoming a global health problem and there is an increasing need for primary care doctors to look after these patients although whether family doctors are adequately trained and prepared is unknown.
Objective: This study aimed to determine if doctors with family medicine (FM) training are associated with enhanced empathy in consultation and enablement for patients with chronic illness as compared to doctors with internal medicine training or without any postgraduate training in different clinic settings.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey using the validated Chinese version of the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) Measure as well as Patient Enablement Instrument (PEI) for evaluation of quality and outcome of care.
Adherence with oral hypoglycaemic agent is crucial to achieve optimal glycaemic control. The 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) has been frequently used, yet the association between MMAS-8 score and glycaemic control among Chinese diabetes patients is largely unknown. Two general out-patient clinics were randomly selected in a district with socio-demographic characteristics representative of the entire Hong Kong population.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Despite empirical evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of collaborative stepped care program (SCP) in Western countries, such programs have not been evaluated in the east, which has a different services system structure and cultural nuances in seeking help for mental illness. Furthermore, only a few studies have used SCP for depression and anxiety prevention. We conducted a trial to test its effectiveness in preventing major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder among primary care patients with subthreshold depression and/or anxiety in Hong Kong.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are recognized as a major source of significant pain and disability in the healthcare sector. However, they are preventable if appropriate surveillance and intervention programs are implemented.
Objective: The purpose of this paper is to describe the holistic ergonomic approach that was used to address the multifactorial problems encountered by healthcare workers in their daily work.
Objectives: Primary care physicians (PCPs) are influential in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake in the community. This study aims to evaluate the factors associated with PCPs' practice of CRC screening among asymptomatic patients in a Chinese population.
Methods: A validated postal questionnaire was sent to all practicing PCPs who were members of a community-based network in Hong Kong.