Showing papers by "Monica L. Kasting published in 2018"
TL;DR: While HCV screening is increasing over time, these increases are minimal and there is substantial room for improvement, and future research should develop interventions to increase screening with special focus on groups demonstrating significantly lower screening rates, such as Hispanics and females.
Abstract: Background: Rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are markedly higher for baby boomers compared with other birth cohorts, and they are now recommended for universal one-time screening. This study examines HCV screening rates and predictors for four birth cohorts [born 1985] of a nationally representative sample over time.Methods: We used data from the 2013-2015 National Health Interview Surveys, an annual weighted survey of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. We assessed HCV screening prevalence stratified birth cohort with bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: There were 15,100 participants born 1985 in the final analytic sample. Screening was 11.5%-12.8% for baby boomers. The second youngest birth cohort was similar to baby boomers (13.7%-14.9%), whereas the older birth cohort was screened less. After excluding participants who typically have higher rates of HCV screening than the general population, we developed a multivariable model of the general population. In the final model for baby boomers the odds of HCV screening increased significantly with each subsequent year (OR=1.20; 95% CI=1.05-1.38 and OR=1.31; 95% CI=1.13-1.52). HCV screening was also significantly associated with age, gender, and race/ethnicity in baby boomers.Conclusions: While HCV screening is increasing over time, these increases are minimal and there is substantial room for improvement.Impact: Future research should develop interventions to increase HCV screening with special focus on groups demonstrating significantly lower screening rates, such as Hispanics and females. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(4); 503-13. ©2018 AACR.
36 citations
TL;DR: Future interventions to increase AFIX engagement should focus on implementing and evaluating AFIX activities in groups identified as having low engagement in AFix activities.
7 citations
01 Nov 2018
TL;DR: This paper conducted a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 770 pediatric and family medicine physicians in Florida and assessed vaccination practices, clinic characteristics, and HPV-related knowledge, and the primary outcome was whether physicians' clinics engaged in ≥ 1 AFIX activity.
Abstract: HPV vaccination rates in Florida are low. To increase rates, the CDC recommends clinics adhere to components of their evidence-based quality improvement program, AFIX ( A ssessment, F eedback, I ncentives, and e X change of information). We explored factors associated with engaging in HPV-specific AFIX-related activities. In 2016, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of 770 pediatric and family medicine physicians in Florida and assessed vaccination practices, clinic characteristics, and HPV-related knowledge. Data were analyzed in 2017. The primary outcome was whether physicians' clinics engaged in ≥1 AFIX activity. We stratified by physician specialty and developed multivariable models using a backward selection approach. Of the participants in the analytic sample (n = 340), 52% were male, 60% were White of any ethnicity, and 55% were non-Hispanic. Pediatricians and family medicine physicians differed on: years practicing medicine (p
6 citations
TL;DR: A prospective follow-up of a subset of participants from a population‐based study of Black breast cancer survivors receiving GC/GT for BRCA1 and BRCa2 mutations shows minimal psychological consequences for women receiving genetic counseling/genetic testing.
Abstract: Objective Prior studies demonstrating minimal psychological consequences for women receiving genetic counseling/genetic testing (GC/GT) for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer rely on predominantly Caucasian women. We conducted a prospective follow-up of a subset of participants from a population-based study of Black breast cancer (BC) survivors receiving GC/GT for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Methods Black women with invasive BC at age ≤ 50 years diagnosed between 2009 and 2012 were recruited through the Florida Cancer Registry. Participants (n = 215, age M = 44.7, SD = 6.2) were offered telephone pre- and post-test GC, a subset completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables. Results There were no baseline differences in cancer-related distress, psychological distress, or quality of life between test result groups. Social well-being improved in women receiving negative results (P = .01), but no other outcomes demonstrated significant changes over time between groups. Conclusions Our study is among the first to demonstrate minimal negative psychosocial outcomes following GC/GT among young Black BC survivors, irrespective of test results.
6 citations