Search

Eligibility for lung cancer screening (LCS) requires assessment of lung cancer risk, based on smoking history alongside demographic and medical factors. Reliance on individual face-to-face eligibility assessment risks inefficiency and costliness. The SUMMIT Study introduced a telephone-based lung cancer risk assessment to guide invitation to face-to-face LCS eligibility assessment, which significantly increased the proportion of face-to-face attendees eligible for LCS. However, levels of agreement between phone screener and in-person responses were lower in younger individuals and minority ethnic groups. Telephone-based risk assessment is an efficient way to optimise selection for LCS appointments but requires further iteration to ensure an equitable approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Despite the possibility of preventing many cases of HIV, malaria and unplanned pregnancy, protective measures are often not taken by those at risk in Uganda. The study aim was to explore young people’s perspectives on the reasons why this is so. Methods Focus groups were conducted with 100 secondary school and college students in Kanungu, Uganda in 2011. Three parallel groups considered HIV, malaria and family planning, and common messages were then explored jointly in a workshop based on the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance). Results Participants identified various reasons why preventive action was not always taken. They worried about the effectiveness and side effects of several key interventions: condoms, antiretroviral treatment, various contraceptives and impregnated mosquito nets. Cost, rural isolation and the quality and availability of health services also limited the extent to which people were able to follow health advice. Although there was respect for policy supporting abstinence and fidelity, it was seen as hard to follow and offering inadequate protection when gender imbalance put pressure on women to have sex. Conclusions There is an opportunity to improve the uptake of preventive measures by tackling the misconceptions and fears that participants reported with clear, evidence-based messages. This should be done in a way that encourages more open communication about reproductive health between men and women, that reaches out to isolated communities, that draws on both voluntary and government services and enlists young people so that they can shape their future.

ABSTRACT Despite the availability of effective treatment and vaccines for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and C virus (HCV), many people are still infected and remain unaware of their infection. The Camden and Islington Viral Hepatitis Identification Tool (CIVHIT), a computer‐based search tool, was introduced in 60 general practices (GPs) in April 2014 to support identification, testing and treatment of individuals at high risk for blood‐borne viruses (BBVs). CIVHIT searched electronic medical records (EMRs), flagging all those with codes linked to risk factors or medical conditions associated with BBVs. CIVHIT was associated with a 78.5% increase in BBV tests in primary care in both boroughs. This translated to a 55.8% rise in new diagnoses. HBV testing saw the largest increase resulting in twice as many people diagnosed. Only 23.2% of HBV and 14.9% of HCV‐positive tests were referred to secondary care. In an index practice, the most common flag was a history of STIs (477/719, 66.3%). Individuals with previous or current drug use and those with a known hepatitis contact were more likely to be offered a test compared to those flagged due to a history of STI. HIV and HBV testing was lower in males following a test offer. There was an increased likelihood of testing for HBV and HCV with increasing age. Additionally, individuals with previous or current drug use and individuals with a known hepatitis contact were more likely to test for HCV compared to individuals flagged due to STI history. CIVHIT shows promise to assist with the elimination of BBVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]