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ObjectivesSurveys can assist in screening oral diseases in populations to enhance the early detection of disease and intervention strategies for children in need. This paper aims to develop short forms of child-report and proxy-report survey screening instruments for active dental caries and urgent treatment needs in school-age children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 497 distinct dyads of children aged 8-17 and their parents between 2015 to 2019 from 14 dental clinics and private practices in Los Angeles County. We evaluated responses to 88 child-reported and 64 proxy-reported oral health questions to select and calibrate short forms using Item Response Theory. Seven classical Machine Learning algorithms were employed to predict children's active caries and urgent treatment needs using the short forms together with family demographic variables. The candidate algorithms include CatBoost, Logistic Regression, K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Naïve Bayes, Neural Network, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine. Predictive performance was assessed using repeated 5-fold nested cross-validations.ResultsWe developed and calibrated four ten-item short forms. Naïve Bayes outperformed other algorithms with the highest median of cross-validated area under the ROC curve. The means of best testing sensitivities and specificities using both child-reported and proxy-reported responses were 0.84 and 0.30 for active caries, and 0.81 and 0.31 for urgent treatment needs respectively. Models incorporating both response types showed a slightly higher predictive accuracy than those relying on either child-reported or proxy-reported responses.ConclusionsThe combination of Item Response Theory and Machine Learning algorithms yielded potentially useful screening instruments for both active caries and urgent treatment needs of children. The survey screening approach is relatively cost-effective and convenient when dealing with oral health assessment in large populations. Future studies are needed to further leverage the customize and refine the instruments based on the estimated item characteristics for specific subgroups of the populations to enhance predictive accuracy.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV. California implemented a coronavirus lockdown (stay-at-home order) in March 2020, which ended in January 2021. We evaluated the pandemic's impact on both clinical outcomes of HIV RNA viral load (VL) and retention rate in a randomized clinical trial conducted from May 2018 to October 2020. The intervention group took co-encapsulated antiretrovirals (ARVs) with ingestible sensor (IS) pills from baseline through week 16. The IS system has the capacity to monitor adherence in real-time using a sensor patch, a mobile device, and supporting software. Both the IS and usual care (UC) groups were followed monthly for 28 weeks. Longitudinal mixed-effects models with random intercept and slope (RIAS) were used to fit log VL and self-reported adherence. The sample size of the study was 112 (54 in IS). Overall, the retention rate at week 28 was 86%, with 90% before the lockdown and 83% after the lockdown. The lockdown strengthened the associations between adherence and VL. Before the lockdown, a 10% increase in adherence was associated with a 0.2 unit decrease in log VL (β = -1.88, p = 0.004), while during the lockdown, the association was a 0.41-unit decrease (β = -2.27, p = 0.03). The pandemic did not have a significant impact on our adherence-focused intervention. Our findings regarding the intervention effect remain valid. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02797262. Date registration: September 2015.

ObjectivesVaccine hesitancy among essential workers remains a significant public health challenge. We examined psychological constructs of perceived susceptibility, threat, and self-efficacy and their associations with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among a racially and ethnically diverse essential workforce population.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional survey of essential workers from September-December 2020 at a large Los Angeles safety-net medical center as part of a program offering free COVID-19 serology testing. Program participants completed a standardized survey at the time of phlebotomy. Hierarchical logistic regression was utilized to determine factors independently associated with vaccine hesitancy.ResultsAmong 1327 persons who had serology testing, 1235 (93%) completed the survey. Of these, 958 (78%) were healthcare workers. Based on expressed intent, 22% were vaccine-hesitant 78% were vaccine acceptors. In our multivariate model, vaccine hesitancy was associated with female gender [aOR = 2.09; 95% CI (1.44-3.05)], African American race [aOR = 4.32; (2.16-8.62)], LatinX ethnicity [aOR = 2.47; 95% CI (1.51-4.05)] and history of not/sometimes receiving influenza vaccination [aOR = 4.39; 95% CI (2.98-6.48)]. Compared to nurses, vaccine hesitancy was lower among physicians [aOR = 0.09; 95% CI (0.04-0.23)], non-nursing/non-physician healthcare workers [aOR = 0.55; 95% CI (0.33-0.92)], and non-healthcare care workers [aOR = 0.53; 95% CI (0.36-0.78)].ConclusionsAmong a racially/ethnically diverse group of safety net medical center essential workers, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was associated with racial/ethnic minority groups, employment type, and prior influenza vaccination hesitancy. Interestingly, we found no association with the Health Belief Model construct measures of perceived susceptibility, threat, and self-efficacy. Psychological constructs not assessed may be drivers of vaccine hesitancy in our population.

BackgroundCo-encapsulated antiretrovirals (ARVs) with ingestible sensor (IS) has the capacity to monitor adherence in real-time using a sensor patch, a mobile device, and supporting software. We evaluated the acceptability, effectiveness, and sustainability of the IS system with real-time text reminders.MethodsParticipants were recruited from HIV clinics in Los Angeles and were randomised 1:1 to IS or usual care (UC) group. Adherence to ARVs (primary outcome) was measured by IS system (IS group only), plasma ARV concentration, and self-report. IS-measured adherence was clustered by group-based trajectory model and was validated by ARV concentration summarized by integrated pharmacokinetic adherence measure (IPAM) score. HIV RNA viral load (VL) was compared between IS and UC group.FindingsA total of 112 (IS = 54, UC = 58) participants who completed baseline with at least one follow-up data collection were included in analyses. Overall satisfaction rate for the IS system was >90%. The IPAM score was higher (0.018, 95% CI: -0.098-0.134, p = 0.75) and VL decayed faster (-0.020, 95% CI: -0.042-0.002, p = 0.08) in the IS group compared with the UC group. The ingestible sensor system was well tolerated by study participants.InterpretationThe IS system was well accepted by participants and its use was associated with improved adherence and lower HIV RNA VL. The findings provide a potentially effective strategy for improving adherence.FundingThis work was supported by grant R01-MH110056 from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)/National Institutes of Health (NIH). Y. Wang was in part supported by the NIMH/NIH award T32MH080634. E. Daar was in part supported by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences through UCLACTSI Grant UL1TR001881. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NIH.

This study reports the results of focus groups with school nurses and teachers from elementary, middle, and high schools to explore their perceptions of child and adolescent oral health. Participants included 14 school nurses and 15 teachers (83% female; 31% Hispanic; 21% White; 21% Asian; 14% African American; and 13% Others). Respondents were recruited from Los Angeles County schools and scheduled by school level for six one-hour focus groups using Zoom. Audio recordings were transcribed, reviewed, and saved with anonymization of speaker identities. NVivo software (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia) was used to facilitate content analysis and identify key themes. The nurses' rate of "Oral Health Education" comments statistically exceeded that of teachers, while teachers had higher rates for "Parental Involvement" and "Mutual Perception" comments. "Need for Care" was perceived to be more prevalent in immigrants to the United States based on student behaviors and complaints. "Access to Care" was seen as primarily the nurses' responsibilities. Strong relationships between community clinics and schools were viewed by some as integral to students achieving good oral health. The results suggest dimensions and questions important to item development for oral health surveys of children and parents to address screening, management, program assessment, and policy planning.

BackgroundThis scoping review reports on studies that collect survey data using quantitative research to measure self-reported oral health status outcome measures. The objective of this review is to categorize measures used to evaluate self-reported oral health status and oral health quality of life used in surveys of general populations.MethodsThe review is guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) with the search on four online bibliographic databases. The criteria include (1) peer-reviewed articles, (2) papers published between 2011 and 2021, (3) only studies using quantitative methods, and (4) containing outcome measures of self-assessed oral health status, and/or oral health-related quality of life. All survey data collection methods are assessed and papers whose methods employ newer technological approaches are also identified.ResultsOf the 2981 unduplicated papers, 239 meet the eligibility criteria. Half of the papers use impact scores such as the OHIP-14; 10% use functional measures, such as the GOHAI, and 26% use two or more measures while 8% use rating scales of oral health status. The review identifies four data collection methods: in-person, mail-in, Internet-based, and telephone surveys. Most (86%) employ in-person surveys, and 39% are conducted in Asia-Pacific and Middle East countries with 8% in North America. Sixty-six percent of the studies recruit participants directly from clinics and schools, where the surveys were carried out. The top three sampling methods are convenience sampling (52%), simple random sampling (12%), and stratified sampling (12%). Among the four data collection methods, in-person surveys have the highest response rate (91%), while the lowest response rate occurs in Internet-based surveys (37%). Telephone surveys are used to cover a wider population compared to other data collection methods. There are two noteworthy approaches: 1) sample selection where researchers employ different platforms to access subjects, and 2) mode of interaction with subjects, with the use of computers to collect self-reported data.ConclusionThe study provides an assessment of oral health outcome measures, including subject-reported oral health status and notes newly emerging computer technological approaches recently used in surveys conducted on general populations. These newer applications, though rarely used, hold promise for both researchers and the various populations that use or need oral health care.

HIV disproportionately affects Latinos versus Whites, with Latinos having higher rates of HIV. Additionally, many HIV-positive Latinos are unaware of their infection. Proyecto Protégete, an HIV prevention intervention developed for Latino men who have sex with men (MSM), used social and sexual networking mobile applications (apps) to recruit individuals for HIV testing and linkage to medical care and prevention services. This study occurred in Los Angeles County, California, USA from December 18, 2015 to April 22, 2017. The study's primary aim was to assess Proyecto Protégete's ability to successfully recruit Latino MSM involved in high-risk sexual activities. A secondary aim was to evaluate its capacity to promote HIV testing and linkage to HIV medical care and prevention services among this population by comparing it to two programs with similar samples. Comparisons using Fisher's Exact Test were conducted between Proyecto Protégete and the HIV testing program of the agency in which Proyecto Protégete was located and the County-funded HIV testing programs to compare the samples' rates of HIV-positive Latino MSM identified through HIV testing and linked to HIV medical care and prevention services. Participants were recruited through seven apps. In Proyecto Protégete, 9,573 individuals completed the screener, 4,657 were eligible, and 359 (7.7% of those eligible) enrolled. Among those enrolled, 79% reported anal sex without a condom in the previous twelve months; 51% reported anal sex under the influence of alcohol. The HIV positivity rates were as follows: Proyecto Protégete, 1.71%; the agency, 1.25% (p = .293, compared to Proyecto Protégete); and the County, 1.09% (p = .172, compared to Proyecto Protégete). The rates of those confirmed as new HIV-positives and linked to medical care within 30 days were as follows: Proyecto Protégete, 71.4%; the agency, 81.5% (p = .450, compared to Proyecto Protégete); and the County, 77.3% (p = .503, compared to Proyecto Protégete). Proyecto Protégete had a higher rate of linked referrals to prevention services than the agency's testing program (19.5% versus 8.3%, p < .001). Proyecto Protégete experienced successes in some areas but not in others. Future research should build on Proyecto Protégete's experiences to promote HIV-related services among Latino MSM.

The problems of identifying the slow component (e.g., for weather forecast initialization) and of characterizing slow-fast interactions are central to geophysical fluid dynamics. In this study, the related rectification problem of slow manifold closures is addressed when breakdown of slow-to-fast scales deterministic parameterizations occurs due to explosive emergence of fast oscillations on the slow, geostrophic motion. For such regimes, it is shown on the Lorenz 80 model that if 1) the underlying manifold provides a good approximation of the optimal nonlinear parameterization that averages out the fast variables and 2) the residual dynamics off this manifold is mainly orthogonal to it, then no memory terms are required in the Mori-Zwanzig full closure. Instead, the noise term is key to resolve, and is shown to be, in this case, well modeled by a state-independent noise, obtained by means of networks of stochastic nonlinear oscillators. This stochastic parameterization allows, in turn, for rectifying the momentum-balanced slow manifold, and for accurate recovery of the multiscale dynamics. The approach is promising to be further applied to the closure of other more complex slow-fast systems, in strongly coupled regimes.

BackgroundDifferences in experiences of care reported by Asian Americans (Asians) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (Whites) may be due to lack of measurement invariance.MethodsWe evaluated the three-factor structure and the equivalence of responses to the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Clinical and Group (CG-CAHPS) Adult Visit Survey 1.0 and compared care experiences of Asians and Whites. Thirteen questions were used to elicit reports about specific aspects of care and two questions assessed overall care perceptions. This analysis of the CAHPS database included 769 providers and 266,327 respondents. Most surveys (98%) were administered by mail and the rest (2%) by phone. Only 0.5% of the surveys were administered in Spanish. The sample was 64% female, 89% White and 2% Asian, 39% 65 years or older, and 32% were high school graduates or less.ResultsA three-factor model was supported by categorical confirmatory factor analysis using weighted least squares with mean and variance adjustment: confirmatory fit index (CFI) = 0.99 and root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.03). A multi-group configural invariance model also fit the data well: (CFI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.031). Regression models indicated that Asians reported worse access, lower scores on office staff courtesy and helpfulness and rating their doctors and were less likely to recommend their doctors to family/friends than did Whites.ConclusionsUse of the CG-CAHPS Adult Visit Survey 1.0 to assess perceptions of care by Asians and Whites is supported. Quality improvement efforts are needed to address worse experiences of care among Asians in the United States.

BackgroundDental caries is the most common chronic childhood infectious disease and is a serious public health problem affecting both developing and industrialized countries, yet it is preventable in most cases. This study evaluated the potential of screening for dental caries among children using a machine learning algorithm applied to parent perceptions of their child's oral health assessed by survey.MethodsThe sample consisted of 182 parents/caregivers and their children 2-7 years of age living in Los Angeles County. Random forest (a machine learning algorithm) was used to identify survey items that were predictors of active caries and caries experience. We applied a three-fold cross-validation method. A threshold was determined by maximizing the sum of sensitivity and specificity conditional on the sensitivity of at least 70%. The importance of survey items to classifying active caries and caries experience was measured using mean decreased Gini (MDG) and mean decreased accuracy (MDA) coefficients.ResultsSurvey items that were strong predictors of active caries included parent's age (MDG = 0.84; MDA = 1.97), unmet needs (MDG = 0.71; MDA = 2.06) and the child being African American (MDG = 0.38; MDA = 1.92). Survey items that were strong predictors of caries experience included parent's age (MDG = 2.97; MDA = 4.74), child had an oral health problem in the past 12 months (MDG = 2.20; MDA = 4.04) and child had a tooth that hurt (MDG = 1.65; MDA = 3.84).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate the potential of screening for active caries and caries experience among children using surveys answered by their parents.

Uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among Latino men who have sex with men (LMSM) remains low. We examined awareness, accessibility, acceptability and use of PrEP among LMSM. LMSM were recruited using social/sexual networking apps. Multiple Logistic regressions identified significant predictors of PrEP awareness, accessibility and acceptability. Among 276 participants, only 6% reported current PrEP use. Among non-PrEP users, 85% reported PrEP awareness, 71% indicated high likelihood of future PrEP use, but only 35% reported knowledge about accessing PrEP. In multiple logistic regressions, a lower likelihood of PrEP awareness was associated with lower level education, whereas a higher likelihood was associated with reporting 6-10 or over 10 sexual partners. A lower likelihood of PrEP accessibility was associated with lower level education and undocumented status. A lower likelihood of PrEP acceptability was associated with an income of $15,001-30,000, whereas a higher likelihood was associated with lower level education and reporting 6-10 or over 10 sexual partners. PrEP promotion targeting Latino MSM should be expanded for those with lower levels of education and those who are undocumented.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH) now that HIV is a manageable chronic disease. Identification and treatment of comorbid medical conditions for PLWH, including CVD and its risk factors, typically lack a critical component of care: integrated care for histories of trauma. Experiences of trauma are associated with increased HIV infection, CVD risk, inconsistent treatment adherence, and poor CVD outcomes. To address this deficit among those at greatest risk and disproportionately affected by HIV and trauma-i.e., Black and Latinx individuals-a novel culturally-congruent, evidence-informed care model, "Healing our Hearts, Minds and Bodies" (HHMB), has been designed to address patients' trauma histories and barriers to care, and to prepare patients to engage in CVD risk reduction. Further, in recognition of the need to ensure that PLWH receive guideline-concordant cardiovascular care, implementation strategies have been identified that prepare providers and clinics to address CVD risk among their Black and Latinx PLWH. The focus of this paper is to describe the hybrid Type 2 effectiveness/implementation study design, the goal of which is to increase both patient and organizational readiness to address trauma and CVD risk among 260 Black and Latinx PLWH recruited from two HIV service organizations in Southern California. This study is expected to produce important information regarding the value of the HHMB intervention and implementation processes and strategies designed for use in implementing HHMB and other evidence-informed programs in diverse, resource-constrained treatment settings, including those that serve patients living in deep poverty. Clinical trials registry: NCT04025463.

ObjectivesTo develop computerized adaptive testing (CAT) and short forms of self-report oral health measures that are predictive of both the children's oral health status index (COHSI) and the children's oral health referral recommendation (COHRR) scales, for children and adolescents, ages 8-17.Material and methodsUsing final item calibration parameters (discrimination and difficulty parameters) from the item response theory analysis, we performed post hoc CAT simulation. Items most frequently administered in the simulation were incorporated for possible inclusion in final oral health assessment toolkits, to select the best performing eight items for COHSI and COHRR.ResultsTwo previously identified unidimensional sets of self-report items consisting of 19 items for the COHSI and 22 items for the COHRR were administered through CAT resulting in eight-item short forms for both the COHSI and COHRR. Correlations between the simulated CAT scores and the full item bank representing the latent trait are r = .94 for COHSI and r = .96 for COHRR, respectively, which demonstrated high reliability of the CAT and short form.ConclusionsUsing established rigorous measurement development standards, the CAT and corresponding eight-item short form items for COHSI and COHRR were developed to assess the oral health status of children and adolescents, ages 8-17. These measures demonstrated good psychometric properties and can have clinical utility in oral health screening and evaluation and clinical referral recommendations.

We investigated the use of a system with an ingestible sensor (Proteus Digital Health Feedback system) coencapsulated with antiretrovirals (ARVs) to measure real-time adherence. To assess the safety and impact, if any, coencapsulation might have on ARV concentrations, we evaluated the pharmacokinetics of ARVs coencapsulated with an ingestible sensor for eight commonly used fixed-dose combination ARVs: emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF); FTC/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF); efavirenz (EFV)/FTC/TDF; abacavir (ABC)/lamivudine (3TC); dolutegravir (DTG)/ABC/3TC; rilpivirine (RPV)/TAF/FTC; elvitegravir (EVG)/cobicistat (COBI)/FTC/TAF; and bictegravir (BIC)/FTC/TAF. The steady-state apparent peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) were determined from plasma concentrations measured at predose, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h postdose, and compared with literature values. A total of 49 unique patients on stable regimens for at least 12 weeks with undetectable viral loads were recruited. Cmax and AUC values were not statistically significantly different from literature values for all of the formulations except the Cmax of FTC/TDF, Cmax of BIC, and the Cmax of RPV. In a subsequent evaluation of FTC/TDF and BIC/FTC/TAF using a crossover design, the geometric mean ratio (GMR) between the coencapsulated and the unencapsulated formulations for FTC/TDF were the following: FTC, 84.6% (90% confidence interval [CI] 66.6-107.4) for AUC and 77.5% (60.1-99.9) for Cmax. For tenofovir (TFV), the GMR was 96.2% (90% CI 89.2-103.8) for AUC and 87.3% (64.2-118.7) for Cmax. The GMR for BIC (from the BIC/FTC/TAF formulation) was 98.0% (90% CI 84.5-113.5) for AUC and 89.9% (84.5-95.7) for Cmax. The observed deviation in FTC/TDF (Truvada) may be due to participant characteristics, fasted/fed conditions, and/or random variation and may warrant further investigations with a larger sample size. These findings provide assurance for use of coencapsulated ARVs for future HIV treatment-adherence research.

Adherence with antiretroviral therapy is important for preventing disease progression and HIV transmission. The co-encapsulated pill sensor system sends a signal through a cutaneous patch and allows real-time monitoring of pill ingestion. A 16-week pilot study used a sensor system in 15 HIV-infected individuals with real-time monitoring of pill-taking with a personalized short message system text. System acceptability was assessed by survey at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. Follow-up occurred in 80% of subjects through 8 weeks. The system effectively collected measures of pill ingestion, which triggered text message reminders. Only 2 of 14 participants stated that co-encapsulated pills were "unable to take" or "poorly tolerated." At least 75% of respondents stated at each visit that the patch was very or somewhat comfortable. With regard to text message reminders, only 10-15% of the participants at any visit did not find the messages to be helpful. Larger studies will define the utility of this system to assess antiretroviral adherence relative to standard measures.

ObjectivesTo develop child- and parent-reported toolkits for active caries and caries experience in children and adolescents, ages 8-17.MethodsA sample of 398 child/parent dyads recruited from 12 dental practices in Los Angeles County completed a computer-assisted survey that assessed oral health perceptions. In addition, children received a dental examination that identified the presence or absence of active caries and caries experience. A Multiple Adaptive Regression Splines model was used to identify a subset of survey items associated with active caries and caries experience. The splines and coefficients were refined by generalized cross-validation. Sensitivity and specificity for both dependent variables were evaluated.ResultsEleven child self-reported items were identified that had sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.45 relative to active caries. Twelve parent-reported items had a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.50. Seven child self-reported items had a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.34, and 11 parent-reported items had a sensitivity of 0.86 and specificity of 0.47 for caries experience.ConclusionsThe survey items identified here are useful in distinguishing children with and without active caries and with and without caries experience. This research presents a path towards using children's and their parents' reports about oral health to screen for clinically determined caries and caries exposure. The items identified in this study can be useful when clinical information is unavailable.

BackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive chronic disease characterized by airflow obstruction that leads to shortness of breath and substantial negative impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQL). The course of COPD includes periodic acute exacerbations that require changes in treatment and/or hospitalizations. This study was designed to examine the responsiveness of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) measures to changes associated with COPD exacerbation recovery.MethodsA longitudinal analysis using mixed-effects models was conducted of people who were enrolled while stable (n = 100) and those who experienced an acute exacerbation (n = 85). PROMIS (physical function, pain interference, pain behavior, fatigue, anxiety, depression, anger, social roles, discretionary social activities, Global Health, dyspnea severity and dyspnea functional limitations) and COPD-targeted HRQL measures were completed at baseline and at 12 weeks.ResultsWe administered PROMIS measures using computer adaptive testing (CAT), followed by administration of any remaining short form (SF) items that had not yet been administered by CAT. Examination of the difference between group differences from baseline to 12 weeks in the stable and exacerbation groups revealed that the exacerbation group changed (improved) significantly more than the stable group in anxiety (p

ObjectiveTo describe preferences for survey instruments on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and subjective well-being (SWB) among adults with spinal cord injury (SCI), and compare perspectives on the instruments between the United States and the United Kingdom.DesignWe conducted 20 in-depth interviews.SettingParticipants were interviewed in their homes, some in person and some via Skype.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 20 adults with SCI (10 in the US and 10 in the UK) were recruited via print and on-line advertisements.InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresInterviewees reviewed six instruments and rated how important it was for their medical providers to know answers to each survey. Two coders analyzed verbatim transcriptions independently using an inductive approach. Keyword-in-context (KWIC) analysis identified the most frequently used words by interviewees to discuss the merits of each instrument.ResultsParticipants in both samples identified the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) as "vital" that their medical providers know about it. This was followed by the Spinal Cord Injury Independence Measure III, and a stand-alone Eudaimonic Well-Being question. The KWIC analysis showed that the most distinctive words used to discuss FSS were "fatigue" and "pain."ConclusionsUnderstanding what HRQOL and SWB measures are valued by adults living with SCI can lead to selection of informative instruments, which could help clinicians to complement and tailor established care and rehabilitation protocols for individual needs. Participants identified fatigue as a significant issue, and the FSS as a vitally important instrument to share with medical providers.

BACKGROUND: Parents play an important role in their childrens oral health behaviors, provide oral health access, initiate prevention, and coping strategies for health care. AIM: This paper develops a short form (SF) to assist parents to evaluate their childrens oral health status using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) framework that conceptualized health as physical, mental, and social components. DESIGN: Surveys of parents were conducted at dental clinics in Los Angeles County, together with an on-site clinical examination by dentists to determine clinical outcomes, Childrens Oral Health Status Index (COHSI), and referral recommendations (RRs). Graded response models in item response theory were used to create the SF. A toolkit including SF, demographic information, and algorithms was developed to predict the COHSI and RRs. RESULTS: The final SF questionnaire consists of eight items. The square root mean squared error for the prediction of COHSI is 7.6. The sensitivity and specificity of using SF to predict immediate treatment needs (binary RRs) are 85% and 31%. CONCLUSIONS: The parent SF is an additional component of the oral health evaluation toolkit that can be used for oral health screening, surveillance program, policy planning, and research of school-aged children and adolescents from guardian perspectives.

ObjectiveTo develop and evaluate psychometrically a self-reported instrument assessing physical fatigability (PF) and mental fatigability (MF) in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI).DesignCross-sectional.SettingPeer-support groups at rehabilitation centers, online support groups.ParticipantsAdults with SCI (N=464) in the United States.InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresThe dimensional structure was assessed by confirmatory factor analysis. The relationship between item responses and fatigability was measured with item response theory (graded response model). Reliability was measured with test information functions. Differential item functioning was evaluated with Wald chi-square tests and the weighted area between the curves. Construct validity was assessed using the known groups method.ResultsAn 82-item pool was developed from prior qualitative research and consultations with rehabilitation experts. A non-probability sample (N=464) was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PF and MF scales. The item pool was reduced to 75 based on factor loadings and R2. Both scales are primarily unidimensional, despite moderate multidimensionality. There is good discrimination overall: 18 PF items and 26 MF items have high or very high discrimination power (slopes > 1.35). The measurement precision in the theta range -2.0 to 2.5 is the equivalent of 0.94 reliability for PF and 0.91 for MF. For both measures, F statistics P values were significant at P

PurposeChildren and adolescents are vulnerable to dental problems and oral diseases. This paper presents the development of two multi-item self-report scales for use in assessing oral health status of children and adolescents.MethodsFollowing the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System framework, survey questions were designed using a newly developed conceptual model. These items were administered to 334 children and adolescents (8-17 years) along with concurrent dental exams. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted and the item response theory graded response model was used to estimate item parameters and oral health status scores and to identify short-form items. The items were selected by high level of information and wide coverage of different domains to assess Child Oral Health Status Index (COHSI) and treatment referral recommendations (RR).ResultsThe long form consists of 28 items. The short-form includes 12 items (8 for COHSI and 7 for RR with 3 common items).The intra-class correlations between long form and short-form were 0.90 for COHSI and 0.87 for RR.ConclusionThe short-forms provide a possible solution for the longstanding challenge of oral health evaluation for large populations of children and adolescents. The calibrated long form provides the foundation for computer adaptive test administration. These oral health assessment toolkits can be used for oral health screening, surveillance program, policy planning, and research.

BackgroundRecurrent strokes are preventable through awareness and control of risk factors such as hypertension, and through lifestyle changes such as healthier diets, greater physical activity, and smoking cessation. However, vascular risk factor control is frequently poor among stroke survivors, particularly among socio-economically disadvantaged blacks, Latinos and other people of color. The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is an effective framework for multi-component interventions aimed at improving care processes and outcomes for individuals with chronic disease. In addition, community health workers (CHWs) have played an integral role in reducing health disparities; however, their effectiveness in reducing vascular risk among stroke survivors remains unknown. Our objectives are to develop, test, and assess the economic value of a CCM-based intervention using an Advanced Practice Clinician (APC)-CHW team to improve risk factor control after stroke in an under-resourced, racially/ethnically diverse population.Methods/designIn this single-blind randomized controlled trial, 516 adults (≥40 years) with an ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack or intracerebral hemorrhage within the prior 90 days are being enrolled at five sites within the Los Angeles County safety-net setting and randomized 1:1 to intervention vs usual care. Participants are excluded if they do not speak English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Korean or if they are unable to consent. The intervention includes a minimum of three clinic visits in the healthcare setting, three home visits, and Chronic Disease Self-Management Program group workshops in community venues. The primary outcome is blood pressure (BP) control (systolic BP

PurposeTo identify which aspects of life are most important to adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) and compare perspectives in the United States and the United Kingdom.MethodsWe conducted 20 in-depth interviews with adults with SCI (ten in the US and ten in the UK). Verbatim transcriptions were independently analyzed line-by-line by two coders using an inductive approach. Codes were grouped into themes about factors that constitute and affect quality of life (QOL).ResultsFive overarching themes emerged: describing QOL in the context of SCI; functional adjustment; medical care; financial resources; and socio-political issues. Twenty subthemes emerged on factors that affect QOL. Participants in both samples identified medical care as a key influence on QOL. The US group talked about a predominantly negative influence (e.g., fragmented primary and specialist care, insurance constraints, bureaucracy), whereas UK interviewees mentioned a predominantly positive influence (e.g., universal provision, including free and continuous care, free wheelchairs and home care, and length of rehabilitation commensurate with level of injury). Functional adjustment, such as physical and mental adjustment post-discharge and aging with SCI, was another important contributor to QOL, and varied by country. Most US interviewees reported poor knowledge about self-care post-discharge and poor quality of home adaptations compared to the UK group.ConclusionsFor adults living with SCI, good QOL is essential for successful rehabilitation. Differences between interviewees from the two countries in perceived medical care and functional adjustment suggest that factors affecting QOL may relate to broader health system characteristics.

Background:Parents' perceptions of their 8-17-year-old children's oral health status were assessed using a sample from diverse dental clinics in Greater Los Angeles County to identify constructs for a survey instrument. Methods:Focus groups with 29 parents or guardians were conducted to identify themes that informed development of survey items. The draft items were administered to a different group of 32 parents or guardians in cognitive interviews, and revised for subsequent field-testing. Results:Thematic and narrative analyses were performed after the focus groups and key lay-oriented dimensions were uncovered, notably the relationship between oral health, systemic health and the life course. In the cognitive interviews, parents entered multiple responses to questions related to the look of their child's teeth, and their overall perception of tooth color. Parents also assessed their child's fear or discomfort with the dental experience, and other social and psychological concerns related to oral health status. The temporal dimensions of certain items were specified; for example, oral pain and mood items were revised to include duration of the symptom or mood state. As parents tended to confuse oral health maintenance and prevention, these two related concepts were separated into two items. Based on the qualitative work, we revised items in preparation for a field test. Conclusions:As a PRO measurement study, qualitative research informed a field test survey to assess factors associated with oral health status and the individual's perceptions and subjective views of these constructs for eventual item development for epidemiological and clinical use.