Publications by authors named "Barbara Di Nardo"
Purpose: We evaluated the predictors of the incidence of erectile dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and identified subgroups of patients in whom the interaction between clinical and psychological characteristics determined an increase in the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Materials And Methods: The study was based on 670 individuals. The presence of erectile dysfunction and the severity of depressive symptoms were investigated with a questionnaire filled in every 6 months for 3 years.
Background And Aim: In the context of the QuED Study we assessed whether a quality of care summary score was able to predict the development of cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods And Results: The score was calculated using process and intermediate outcome indicators (HbA1c), blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, microalbuminuria) and ranged from 0 to 40. Overall, 3235 patients were enrolled, of whom 492 developed a CV event after a median follow-up of 5 years.
In the context of a nationwide outcomes research program on Type 2 diabetes, we investigated physician and patient practices related to foot care. Patients filled in a questionnaire investigating whether they had received information about foot care, how often they had had their feet examined in the last year, and how often they usually checked their feet. Analyses were adjusted for patient case-mix and physician-level clustering.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: In the context of the QuED (Quality of Care and Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes) project, we evaluated the longitudinal changes over 3 years in quality of life (QoL) in patients with type 2 diabetes according to the presence or the development of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Research Design And Methods: Patients were requested to fill in a questionnaire investigating the presence of ED and QoL (SF-36 Health Survey, depression symptoms [Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression], and quality of sexual life) every 6 months for 3 years. The analyses were based on multilevel models, adjusted for patient clinical and sociodemographic characteristics.
Background: Clinical trials demonstrate significant benefit from cholesterol management for patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this work was to explore the correlates of lipid management in patients with type 2 diabetes, including the subjective beliefs of physicians, setting of care, and patient-related factors.
Methods: This longitudinal outcomes research study involved 2359 patients with type 2 diabetes recruited by 111 general practitioners and 214 physicians practicing in diabetes clinics.
In the context of an Italian nation-wide outcomes research program on type 2 diabetes, we investigated the contribution of both patient and setting-related factors to patient satisfaction with their relationship with their physicians. The level of patient satisfaction was measured using the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) 14 patient satisfaction questionnaire. The main results were obtained using multilevel analysis, a statistical technique that takes into account the clustered nature of our data.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: The role of general practice and diabetes clinics in the management of diabetes is still a matter of debate. Methodological flaws in previous studies may have led to inaccurate conclusions when comparing the care provided in these different settings. We compared the care provided to type 2 diabetic patients attending diabetes outpatient clinics (DOCs) or being treated by a general practitioner (GP) using appropriate statistical methods to adjust for patient case mix and physician-level clustering.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: We estimated the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and identified subgroups of patients in which the interaction among clinical, psychological and sociodemographic characteristics determined an increased likelihood of erectile dysfunction.
Materials And Methods: The presence of erectile dysfunction was based on patient self-reporting. Clinical information was collected by participating physicians.
Background: A large body of evidence supports the need for reducing the cardiovascular burden of diabetes. Only indirect and occasional data describe the adequacy of routine management of hypertension in patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to explore the interplay of some potential key determinants of quality of antihypertensive care, including the settings, physicians' beliefs about blood pressure (BP) control, and patient-related factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Within the context of a large, nationwide outcomes research program in type 2 diabetes, we assess the prevalence of self-reported erectile dysfunction and evaluate its impact on quality of life.
Research Design And Methods: The study involved 1,460 patients enrolled by 114 diabetes outpatient clinics and 112 general practitioners. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire investigating their ability to achieve and maintain an erection.