Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors that includes hypertriglyceridemia. Although low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is the critical therapeutic target in patients with coronary artery disease, LDL cannot be calculated in those with excessive hypertriglyceridemia. Non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) does not require LDL for calculation and may be an alternative therapeutic target in MS.

Provider and patient intervention to improve weight loss: a pilot study in a public hospital clinic.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of a literacy-appropriate weight loss intervention targeting providers and patients in improving physicians' weight loss counseling and patients' self-reported beliefs, and self-efficacy.

Methods: The study took place in a public hospital nephrology clinic. The intervention included two physician workshops and a small group patient education.

Vaccine risk/benefit communication: effect of an educational package for public health nurses.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an in-service for public health nurses (PHNs) and accompanying educational materials could improve vaccine risk/benefit communication. The content and timing of vaccine communication were recorded during 246 pre-and 217 postintervention visits in two public health immunization clinics. Pre-/postintervention comparisons showed PHN communication of severe side effects (13% vs.

Infant hearing screening: stakeholder recommendations for parent-centered communication.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify what stakeholders considered best practices for parent-provider communication regarding newborn hearing screening and diagnosis. We used consensus data to develop educational materials for parents.

Methods: We conducted 29 focus groups and 23 individual interviews between October 2003 and May 2004.

Recommendations for effective newborn screening communication: results of focus groups with parents, providers, and experts.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine parent and provider knowledge and awareness of newborn screening; to gather opinions from parents, providers, and newborn screening professionals about the content and timing of newborn screening education; and to use consensus data to formulate recommendations and to develop educational materials for parents and providers.

Methods: We conducted 22 focus groups and 3 individual interviews between October 2003 and May 2004, with English- and Spanish-speaking parents of infants <1 year of age who had experience with initial testing, retesting, or false-positive screenings; health professionals who provide prenatal care or health care for newborns; and state newborn screening program health professionals.

Results: Parents and providers had limited knowledge and awareness about newborn screening practices.

Assessment of newborn screening parent education materials.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the readability and user-friendliness (clarity, complexity, organization, appearance, and cultural appropriateness of materials) of parent education brochures on newborn screening.

Methods: We studied English-language versions of the brochures that state newborn screening programs prepare and distribute. We obtained brochures from 48 states and Puerto Rico.

Tipping the scales: the effect of literacy on obese patients' knowledge and readiness to lose weight.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between the literacy level of overweight/obese patients and their weight-loss knowledge, attitudes, and readiness.

Methods: Structured patient interviews and a literacy screening instrument were administered in two primary care clinics at a university-based public hospital.

Results: A convenience sample of 210 overweight or obese adult outpatients (body mass index > or =25 kg/m2 or > or =30 kg/m2, respectively) were enrolled.

Childhood vaccine risk/benefit communication among public health clinics: a time-motion study.

United States law requires that immunization providers use Centers for Disease Control Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) and inform parents about vaccine risks and benefits prior to every childhood immunization. A recent national survey found that public health clinics (PHCs) reported high compliance with this law. To further investigate these findings, we conducted an immunization time-motion study in two PHCs in Kansas and Louisiana.