Determinants of HPV vaccine awareness and healthcare providers' discussion of HPV vaccine among females.

Two human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are available and can prevent 98% of HPV 16 and 18 infections. This study aimed to explore determinants of 1) HPV vaccine awareness among a cohort of low-income women participating in a cancer prevention program in Central Texas and compare them to United States residents; 2) determinants of healthcare providers' discussion of HPV vaccine among female residents of the United States. Bivariate and multivariable analysis of HPV vaccine awareness using survey data (n = 359) collected between 2014 and 2016 in Central Texas, and the Health Information and Nutrition Survey (HINTS) data which is a nationally representative dataset (unweighted n = 1214) collected in 2013 were conducted.

The cost-effectiveness of training US primary care physicians to conduct colorectal cancer screening in family medicine residency programs.

Background: Demand for a wide array of colorectal cancer screening strategies continues to outpace supply. One strategy to reduce this deficit is to dramatically increase the number of primary care physicians who are trained and supportive of performing office-based colonoscopies or flexible sigmoidoscopies. This study evaluates the clinical and economic implications of training primary care physicians via family medicine residency programs to offer colorectal cancer screening services as an in-office procedure.

The role of health literacy and communication habits on previous colorectal cancer screening among low-income and uninsured patients.

Objective: To determine the association between health literacy, communication habits and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among low-income patients.

Methods: Survey responses of patients who received financial assistance for colonoscopy between 2011 and 2014 at a family medicine residency clinic were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression (n = 456). There were two dependent variables: (1) previous CRC screening and (2) CRC screening adherence.

Expanding Access to Colorectal Cancer Screening: Benchmarking Quality Indicators in a Primary Care Colonoscopy Program.

Background: An inadequate supply of physicians who perform colonoscopies contributes to suboptimal screening rates, especially among the underserved. This shortage could be reduced if primary care physicians perform colonoscopies. This purpose of this article is to report quality indicators from colonoscopy procedures performed by family medicine physicians as part of a colorectal cancer prevention program targeting uninsured, low-income individuals.

Rural Healthy People 2020: New Decade, Same Challenges.

Purpose: The health of rural America is more important than ever to the health of the United States and the world. Rural Healthy People 2020's goal is to serve as a counterpart to Healthy People 2020, providing evidence of rural stakeholders' assessment of rural health priorities and allowing national and state rural stakeholders to reflect on and measure progress in meeting those goals. The specific aim of the Rural Healthy People 2020 national survey was to identify rural health priorities from among the Healthy People 2020's (HP2020) national priorities.

Effects of diabetes self-management programs on time-to-hospitalization among patients with type 2 diabetes: a survival analysis model.

Objective: This study compared time-to-hospitalization among subjects enrolled in different diabetes self-management programs (DSMP). We sought to determine whether the interventions delayed the occurrence of any acute event necessitating hospitalization.

Methods: Electronic medical records (EMR) were obtained for 376 adults enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) self-management programs.

Behavioral and technological interventions targeting glycemic control in a racially/ethnically diverse population: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Diabetes self-care by patients has been shown to assist in the reduction of disease severity and associated medical costs. We compared the effectiveness of two different diabetes self-care interventions on glycemic control in a racially/ethnically diverse population. We also explored whether reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) will be more marked in minority persons.

Primary care physicians' perceptions of diabetes treatment protocols.

Primary care physicians' perceptions of diabetes treatment protocols (DTPs) in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were examined at the individual and organizational levels. A 27-item electronic survey was administered to primary care physicians from an integrated multispecialty health care system in Texas. Information was collected on various aspects of DTPs, including attitudes toward these protocols, perceived barriers, and knowledge, as well as utilization of diabetes self-management programs.

Factors associated with successful completion of the chronic disease self-management program by adults with type 2 diabetes.

This study examines factors associated with completion (attendance ≥4 of 6 sessions) of the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) by adults with type 2 diabetes. Patients with glycated hemoglobin ≥ 7.5 within 6 months were enrolled and completed self-report measures on demographics, health status, and self-care (n = 146).

Challenges and opportunities for implementing diabetes self-management guidelines.

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to examine primary care providers' perceived challenges when implementing evidence-based diabetes self-management guidelines and opportunities for promoting the use of such guidelines in practice.

Methods: We engaged 3 group discussions with 43 key stakeholders representing family physicians, medical directors, and quality assurance leaders in a large, university-affiliated, integrated health care organization in Central Texas. Transcripts from group discussions were summarized using thematic content analysis.

Disparities in diabetes management by race or ethnicity in a primary care clinic in central Texas.

We determined the nature and magnitude of extant health disparities in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) by race and ethnicity. Data were abstracted from the electronic medical records and charts of all patients 18 years or older who had been diagnosed with T2DM and seen over a 1-year period in one primary care clinic. Data abstracted included patient demographics; provision of counseling on smoking cessation, diet, exercise, and home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM); health care utilization; laboratory measures; and clinical outcomes.

Provision of counseling on diabetes self-management: are there any age disparities?

Objective: To determine whether there are any age-related disparities in the frequency of provision of counseling and education for diabetes care in a large HMO in Central Texas.

Methods: EMR search from 13 primary care clinics on patients aged ≥18 years (n=1300) who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Results: There were no significant age differences in the frequency of provision of counseling about HBGM, diet, smoking or diabetes education.