Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in Arizona. Given that by the year 2030 Arizona is expected to be the second most populated state in the U.S., it is imperative to evaluate whether this state has the colorectal screening capacity to accommodate the growing population.Methods: 338 members of the American College of Gastroenterology were invited to participate. Information for the total number of colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies performed during an average week was ascertained by analyzing 105 surveys. We estimated the current and potential volume of screening procedures.Results: Physicians reported performing 8,717 endoscopic procedures weekly (7,990 colonoscopies and 727 sigmoidoscopies). They reported being able to increase their capacity by an additional 3,183 (36.5%) procedures a week (2,347 colonoscopies and 836 flexible sigmoidoscopies).Conclusions: Our findings suggest that Arizona has the ability to significantly expand its endoscopic capacity.

Purpose and methods: Effective parental education about newborn screening (NBS) may help to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of screening. We investigated experiences, knowledge and opinions regarding NBS education among Ontario mothers. Mothers whose infants recently received NBS were invited to complete a mailed survey (n=1712). Results: Of the 750 participants, 93% recalled their infant receiving NBS, while 69% recalled receiving information about NBS. Of this group, fewer than 50% reported receiving information prenatally, yet a majority of mothers (64%) viewed this as the most important time for education. Those who received information prenatally reported higher satisfaction (OR 2.4). The 40% of mothers who recalled being informed about the meaning of results had higher knowledge about NBS (OR 2.7) and reported higher satisfaction (OR 4.2). Conclusions: Parental education about NBS could place greater emphasis on the prenatal period and on fostering understanding about the meaning of results.

Thesis (M.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1946.

Thesis (M.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1946.

xv, 170 p. A print copy of this title is available from the UO Libraries, under the call number: KNIGHT LB1131 .B14 2007 / Many research studies in early childhood assessment have addressed the importance of quality assessment services. Such services involve gathering information on children through direct observation of functional skills in natural settings, which requires considerable time and effort. Due to the unavailability of sufficient resources for the quality assessment services, a new approach needs to be undertaken. Current research has suggested that parent-completed screening utilizing parental knowledge about their child is valid and reliable in appraising current and observable behaviors (Bodnarchuk & Eaton, 2004; O'Neill, 2007). There has been, however, little investigation on in-depth standardized assessments completed by parents for young children aged 18 to 36 months. This study examined validity and reliability of in-depth parental report on child development with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire Inventory for Toddlers (ASQ-IT) for children aged 18-36 moths old. Fifty child-caregiver dyads were divided into two groups, non-risk and risk based on environmental factors including maternal age at the child's birth, family income, and maternal education. In examining psychometric information of the parent-completed measure, acceptable outcomes were found. Accuracy was supported by two examinations for concurrent validity; (1) the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 2nd Edition (BDI-2) administered by professionals and the ASQ-IT completed by parents (r = .63 -.83,p < .01), and (2) the same two measures completed by professionals (r = .72 -.92,p < .01). Findings of both reliability studies, test-retest reliability with the ASQ-IT completed by parents, and inter-observer reliability between parents and professionals, suggested substantial consistency, p = .79 -.93 and p = .65 -.88 respectively. In differential item functioning (DIF) (i.e., 3% of DIF items) and known-group validity analyses (p < .0005 at 36 months), the ability of the ASQ-IT to detect changes in the children's development was confirmed. Results from the social validity examining parent perception of the ASQIT completion identified efficiency of the ASQ-IT (e.g., reasonable time to complete) as well as many benefits. / Adviser: Jane K. Squires

Purpose and methods: Effective parental education about newborn screening (NBS) may help to maximize the benefits and minimize the harms of screening. We investigated experiences, knowledge and opinions regarding NBS education among Ontario mothers. Mothers whose infants recently received NBS were invited to complete a mailed survey (n=1712). Results: Of the 750 participants, 93% recalled their infant receiving NBS, while 69% recalled receiving information about NBS. Of this group, fewer than 50% reported receiving information prenatally, yet a majority of mothers (64%) viewed this as the most important time for education. Those who received information prenatally reported higher satisfaction (OR 2.4). The 40% of mothers who recalled being informed about the meaning of results had higher knowledge about NBS (OR 2.7) and reported higher satisfaction (OR 4.2). Conclusions: Parental education about NBS could place greater emphasis on the prenatal period and on fostering understanding about the meaning of results.

No description available.

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients is increasing worldwide. Cirrhotic patients are recommended by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) to receive HCC screening and surveillance every 6 months to a year. The purpose of this study was to identify the current screening and surveillance patterns for cirrhotic patients with HCC in clinical practice. Hepatocellular carcinoma can be detected by radiological studies in addition to laboratory testing. It is important to implement the AASLD screening guidelines, as early identification might decrease the mortality rate of patients with cirrhosis and HCC. The research question guiding this study was: What are the screening patterns of cirrhotic patients diagnosed with cirrhosis and HCC that have been referred to the Hepatology Division? A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional design was used for this study. Data were collected from subjects who were referred to a Specialty Hepatology Division for evaluation and treatment. Approval was obtained from the IRB. Cirrhotic patients diagnosed with HCC meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were used in this study. The aim of the study was to identify the clinical patterns of practitioners screening for HCC in cirrhotic patients. Validity and reliability for the data collection tool was not established. Variables that were studied included demographic data, etiology of cirrhosis, type of HCC screening, time increments of screening, and size of tumor at the time of diagnosis. The data were analyzed with the use of crosstabs, frequency, and correlation statistics. Despite the recommended HCC screening and surveillance guidelines cirrhotic patients were not screened. The different screening patterns that were identified were none, sporadic, and annual (every 6 months to 1 year). The patterns differed by the practitioner managing the patient. Also, cirrhosis was diagnosed late in the disease process, although many of the patients are followed by gastroenterologists. It can be assumed that the late diagnosis of cirrhosis was another factor that was preventing the implementation of HCC screening and surveillance. Implications for practice were identified. Practitioners are responsible for performing HCC screening and surveillance of cirrhotic patients based on the recommended guidelines of the AASLD for the management of cirrhotic patients and the detection of small lesions. Only 33% of the patients were screened with the use of ultrasound, and 43% were screened with alpha-fetoprotein. The lesions that were diagnosed were larger in the non-screened patients than the screened patients. The Hepatology Division was the only setting that was screening the patients based on the recommended guidelines. The recommendation based on the results of this study is for all cirrhotic patients to be managed by hepatology services if one is available.

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences

No description available.