The Role of Patient Activation in Preferences for Shared Decision Making: Results From a National Survey of U.S. Adults.

Studies investigating preferences for shared decision making (SDM) have focused on associations with sociodemographic variables, with few investigations exploring patient factors. We aimed to investigate the relationship between patient activation and preferences for SDM in 6 common medical decisions among a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of American adults. Adults older than 18 were recruited online (n = 2,700) and by telephone (n = 700).

Cost of illness for neuromuscular diseases in the United States.

Introduction: We conducted a comprehensive study of the costs associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). and myotonic dystrophy (DM) in the U.S.

Economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in the U.S., 2006.

Background: Excessive alcohol consumption causes premature death (average of 79,000 deaths annually); increased disease and injury; property damage from fire and motor vehicle crashes; alcohol-related crime; and lost productivity. However, its economic cost has not been assessed for the U.S.

The economic impact of chronic fatigue syndrome in Georgia: direct and indirect costs.

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating chronic illness affecting at least 4 million people in the United States. Understanding its cost improves decisions regarding resource allocation that may be directed towards treatment and cure, and guides the evaluation of clinical and community interventions designed to reduce the burden of disease.

Methods: This research estimated direct and indirect costs of CFS and the impact on educational attainment using a population-based, case-control study between September 2004 and July 2005, Georgia, USA.

Maternal support for human papillomavirus vaccination in Honduras.

Background: Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer death for women in Latin America, and vaccinating against human papillomavirus (HPV) has the potential to limit this disease. We sought to determine Honduran women's awareness of HPV vaccination and interest in vaccinating their daughters against HPV.

Methods: We interviewed mothers aged ≥17 at primary care clinics in Honduras.

Impact of patient adherence and test performance on the cost-effectiveness of cervical cancer screening in developing countries: the case of Honduras.

Objective: We examined the impact of patient adherence and screening test performance on the cost-effectiveness of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and Pap smears when used with colposcopy for diagnosis.

Materials And Methods: Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using computer modeling. The primary outcome was cancer prevalence in the 10 years after screening.

A community-based education program about cervical cancer improves knowledge and screening behavior in Honduran women.

Objectives: This study examined changes in knowledge and behavior after a community-based cervical cancer education program in Honduras.

Methods: The program consisted of radio broadcasts targeting rural women and presentations to community nurses. The effectiveness of the radio broadcasts was assessed using a cross-sectional design (control groups n = 124, n = 243; intervention group n = 233).

Is managed care leading to consolidation in health-care markets?

Objective: To determine the extent to which managed care has led to consolidation among hospitals and physicians.

Data Sources: We use data from the American Hospital Association, American Medical Association, and government censuses.

Study Design: Two stage least squares regression analysis examines how cross-section variation in managed care penetration affects provider consolidation, while controlling for the endogeneity of managed-care penetration.