State health and the level of practice authority for nurse practitioners.

Background: Studies show positive outcomes for nurse practitioner care compared with physicians, in a variety of clinical settings. Of unique interest is the relationship of nurse practitioner level of practice authority (NP-LPA) and population health.

Purpose: Does state population health differ by NP-LPA?

Methods: United Foundation Annual Reports (2019 and 2021) provided data on state health rankings.

Variation in adherence measures as a function of calculation methods.

Aim: We aim to compare different operational definitions of medication adherence as well as examine the within-patient variability among these measures among patients treated for multiple comorbid conditions.

Methods: Electronically monitored adherence data from a study on comorbid conditions were examined using three different calculation methods. DAILY adherence calculated the number of administrations divided by the number prescribed, without considering inter-dose interval.

US Population Reference Values for Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaires Based on Demographics of Patients with Prostate Cancer.

Introduction: The patient experience with prostate cancer differs throughout the disease continuum, with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms worsening as the disease progresses. To understand the prostate cancer experience, it is important to understand the experience of same-aged men without prostate cancer as a basis for comparison. This study provides the US population reference values for six patient-reported outcome (PRO) questionnaires.

Psychometric Properties of the Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory Following Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Background And Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Patient Assessment of Own Functioning Inventory (PAOFI) following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

Methods: The PAOFI was completed by 182 participants 3 months after verified aSAH. Exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate the underlying factor structure of the PAOFI and reliability and concurrent validity were evaluated for each subscale.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Barriers to Healthy Eating Scale: Results from Four Independent Weight Loss Studies.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 22-item Barriers to Healthy Eating (BHE) scale in four independent weight loss studies conducted over 13 years.

Methods: Principal axis factoring with promax rotation was performed to reveal the underlying factor structure. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach α, and convergent validity was assessed by correlating the baseline BHE with the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle questionnaire total and subscale scores.

Validity and performance of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bladder (FACT-Bl) among advanced urothelial cancer patients.

Purpose: The recent increase in emerging novel therapies in the bladder cancer therapeutic area has increased the need for fit-for-purpose patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures for these patients. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bladder (FACT-Bl) in 182 patients with advanced urothelial cancer (UC) and fills an important gap by demonstrating its validity for use in clinical trials.

Methods: Data were collected as part of a multicentre, open-label study of durvalumab in patients with inoperable or metastatic solid tumours.

Psychometric Properties of the Simons Simplex Collection Sleep Interview.

Background And Purpose: An estimated 40%-80% of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have sleep problems. The Simons Simplex Collection Sleep Interview (SSCSI) is a parent-report questionnaire assessing bedtime and nighttime sleep problems and daytime function. The present study evaluated the factorial model of the SSCSI that best characterizes children aged 4-18 years with ASD.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Relapse Situation Efficacy Questionnaire in a Weight Loss Treatment Study.

Objectives We assessed the psychometric properties of the Relapse Situation Efficacy Questionnaire - Weight (RSEQ-W) including internal consistency reliability, criterion-related validity (concurrent and predictive validity) and construct validity (convergent validity and factor analysis). Methods We administered the RSEQ-W at baseline, and at 6 and 12 months in a 12-month prospective behavioral weight loss study. Spearman correlations were used to examine the convergent and concurrent validity; multivariate linear regression was used to assess the predictive validity; exploratory factor analysis was conducted using principal component analysis.

Psychometric Properties of the Problem Solving Inventory in Caregivers of Individuals With Memory Loss.

Limited research exists assessing problem-solving capabilities among caregivers of individuals with memory loss using a validated instrument. To address this gap, the current study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI) using data at baseline and 8 weeks from a randomized controlled trial among caregivers (N = 78) of community-dwelling individuals with memory loss. Participants were mainly White (85.

Sex Differences in the Psychometric Properties of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Background: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) is a well-known, validated, and reliable instrument used to measure the clinical construct of sleep quality. Little research has been done to measure its psychometric properties by sex. Previous researchers have established the validity of a three-factor structure, but it is unknown whether it applies to both men and women equally.

An acetaminophen icon helps reduce medication decision errors in an experimental setting.

Objectives: To assess the effect of adding an acetaminophen ingredient icon to acetaminophen medication labels on consumer decision making about concomitant use of acetaminophen medications to avoid overdose, which is associated with liver injury.

Design: Parallel-group randomized study.

Setting: Consumer research facilities in Indianapolis, Baltimore, and Los Angeles.

Predictors of medication adherence: fact or artifact.

Numerous studies have examined socio-demographic, psychosocial, and other factors as potential contributors to poor adherence. Variability exists in the strength and consistency of findings. We speculated that the method of measuring adherence might be a factor in the variability in identification of predictor variables.

Patterns of acetaminophen medication use associated with exceeding the recommended maximum daily dose.

Background: Acetaminophen overuse has been linked to liver injury.

Purpose: To identify patterns of medication use associated with exceeding the recommended daily maximum dose of 4 g acetaminophen.

Methods: Respondents from a national panel completed a detailed daily medication diary online for 7 days (n = 5649), identifying medications taken from a comprehensive list of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription (Rx) acetaminophen medications.

Prevalence and correlates of exceeding the labeled maximum dose of acetaminophen among adults in a U.S.-based internet survey.

Purpose: Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic; excessive doses can lead to liver damage. We sought to determine the proportion of acetaminophen users exceeding the recommended maximum daily dose of 4 g and identify correlates of such behavior.

Methods: U.

Assigning dose of nicotine gum by time to first cigarette.

Introduction: Nicotine gum, a proven effective aid to cessation, comes in two doses: 2-mg and 4-mg. Assignment to the higher dose has traditionally been based on daily cigarette consumption. This paper evaluates efficacy of the gum when the 4-mg dose is assigned based on time to first cigarette (TTFC) being ≤ 30 min.

Consumer understanding of prescription drug information: an illustration using an antidepressant medication.

Background: Patient education and warnings have emerged as prominent interventions for improving drug safety. As part of the provision of information and guidance on safe use of drugs, patients often receive multiple pieces of written information when they obtain a prescription medication, including a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-mandated medication guide (MG), consumer medication information (CMI), and patient package insert (PPI).

Objective: To determine whether patients understand the materials providing drug information and whether the materials convey the intended information.

Providing accurate safety information may increase a smoker's willingness to use nicotine replacement therapy as part of a quit attempt.

Aim: Previous studies have reported that smokers who are misinformed about the safety of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) are less likely to report using it. In this study, we examined whether providing information that counters these concerns might impact on intentions to use NRT.

Participants: 900 smokers recruited from a market research database.

Effect of compliance with nicotine gum dosing on weight gained during a quit attempt.

Aim: Using nicotine gum can reduce the amount of weight gained when quitting. Here we examine the relationship between weight gain and use of adequate amounts of gum. To mitigate the confounders associated with correlational analyses, we contrast the effects of active gum and placebo, and analyze outcomes prospectively.

Self-reported weight loss practices among African American and Hispanic adults in the United States.

Objective: To describe weight loss methods used and interactions with health care professionals on the issue of weight among African Americans and Hispanics.

Methods: Five hundred thirty-seven African American and 526 Hispanic adults who self-described as being overweight participated in a telephone interview.

Results: Exercise and healthy eating were the 2 most commonly used weight loss methods among both groups; prescription medications were the least-utilized weight loss aid.

Perceived safety and efficacy of nicotine replacement therapies among US smokers and ex-smokers: relationship with use and compliance.

Aim: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is effective for smoking cessation, but most smokers try to quit without using it. We examined the impact of misperceptions of NRT safety and efficacy on its use.

Design And Participants: A total of 3203 current and former US smokers completed a national mail-out survey of issues and attitudes related to smoking cessation.

Rapid absorption of nicotine from new nicotine gum formulations.

Rationale: A clinically limiting feature of currently-available nicotine gum is its slow rate of nicotine delivery and consequently slow onset of therapeutic effects. Previous research suggested that a nicotine hydrogen tartrate gum (NHTG1) that delivered nicotine more rapidly provided more effective craving relief. A subsequent gum formulation (NTHG2) was developed to further increase speed of delivery.

Weight loss expectations and goals in a population sample of overweight and obese US adults.

The purpose of this study was to investigate weight loss expectations and goals in a population sample of US adults who planned to make a weight loss attempt, and to examine predictors of those expectations and goals. Participants were 658 overweight and obese adults (55% women, mean age = 47.9 years, BMI = 31.

Use of nicotine replacement therapy among never smokers in the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) have been available without a prescription in the United States since 1996. Given that nicotine, at least as it is delivered through tobacco products, is addictive, we examined whether NRT was being used by individuals who have never smoked cigarettes. Adults (n=18,986) and adolescents (n=9187) who participated in the in-home survey and physical examination components of the 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were assessed for cigarette smoking status, other tobacco use or exposure, and use of NRT.

Self-reported comorbidities among self-described overweight African-American and Hispanic adults in the United States: results of a national survey.

Objective: To examine the concordance between self-described weight status and BMI, the prevalence of self-reported comorbidities, and the association between comorbidities and self-rated health among overweight African-American and Hispanic US adults.

Methods And Procedures: A nationally representative sample of 537 African-American and 526 Hispanic adults who were identified using a combination of random digit dialing and listed household sampling and self-described as being slightly or very overweight participated in a telephone interview. Self-reported height and weight were used to calculate BMI.

Use of dietary supplements for weight loss in the United States: results of a national survey.

We examined dietary supplement use for weight loss and perceptions about safety, efficacy, and regulatory oversight of these products. A random digit-dialed telephone survey was conducted in 2005-2006, with a representative sample of 3,500 US adults. The survey assessed the beliefs and practices related to weight control.