National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
Latest available findings on quality of and access to health care
Data
- Data Infographics
- Data Visualizations
- Data Tools
- Data Innovations
- All-Payer Claims Database
- Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP)
- Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS)
- AHRQ Quality Indicator Tools for Data Analytics
- State Snapshots
- United States Health Information Knowledgebase (USHIK)
- Data Sources Available from AHRQ
Search All Research Studies
AHRQ Research Studies Date
Topics
- Access to Care (6)
- Adverse Drug Events (ADE) (1)
- Adverse Events (2)
- Antibiotics (2)
- (-) Cancer (98)
- Cancer: Breast Cancer (34)
- Cancer: Cervical Cancer (7)
- Cancer: Colorectal Cancer (20)
- Cancer: Lung Cancer (7)
- Cancer: Ovarian Cancer (2)
- Cancer: Prostate Cancer (3)
- Cancer: Skin Cancer (3)
- Cardiovascular Conditions (5)
- Case Study (8)
- Children/Adolescents (1)
- Clinical Decision Support (CDS) (1)
- Clinician-Patient Communication (1)
- Colonoscopy (6)
- Communication (2)
- Comparative Effectiveness (3)
- COVID-19 (1)
- Data (1)
- Diagnostic Safety and Quality (13)
- Digestive Disease and Health (4)
- Disabilities (1)
- Disparities (4)
- Education: Patient and Caregiver (3)
- Elderly (9)
- Electronic Health Records (EHRs) (2)
- Evidence-Based Practice (24)
- Family Health and History (2)
- Genetics (5)
- Guidelines (12)
- Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) (2)
- Healthcare Costs (5)
- Healthcare Delivery (4)
- Healthcare Utilization (4)
- Health Information Technology (HIT) (7)
- Health Insurance (2)
- Health Literacy (1)
- Health Promotion (5)
- Imaging (19)
- Implementation (2)
- Infectious Diseases (3)
- Medicaid (4)
- Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) (1)
- Medicare (2)
- Medication (6)
- Men's Health (1)
- Mortality (1)
- Nutrition (2)
- Opioids (1)
- Organizational Change (1)
- Pain (1)
- Patient-Centered Healthcare (2)
- Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (4)
- Patient Adherence/Compliance (4)
- Policy (4)
- Practice Patterns (1)
- (-) Prevention (98)
- Primary Care (6)
- Primary Care: Models of Care (1)
- Provider Performance (2)
- Quality Improvement (1)
- Quality of Life (2)
- Racial and Ethnic Minorities (9)
- Risk (7)
- Rural/Inner-City Residents (1)
- Rural Health (1)
- Screening (70)
- Sexual Health (3)
- Shared Decision Making (6)
- Social Determinants of Health (1)
- Social Media (1)
- Surgery (5)
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) (22)
- Uninsured (1)
- Urban Health (1)
- Vaccination (1)
- Vulnerable Populations (4)
- Women (37)
- Workflow (1)
- Young Adults (1)
AHRQ Research Studies
Sign up: AHRQ Research Studies Email updates
Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
Results
1 to 25 of 98 Research Studies DisplayedDanan ER, Than C, Chawla N
Abnormal cervical cancer screening results among US veteran and non-veteran participants in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
Researchers tested whether Veterans with a recent cervical cancer screening test were more likely than non-Veterans to have received an abnormal result. Data was taken from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). An adjusted regression model of the date indicated that a previously observed association between Veteran status and abnormal screening result was explained by differences in sociodemographic and health factors between Veterans and non-Veterans. The researchers concluded that clinicians should address modifiable risk factors and provide evidence-based follow-up for abnormal results.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Danan ER, Than C, Chawla N .
Abnormal cervical cancer screening results among US veteran and non-veteran participants in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS).
Prev Med Rep 2023 Dec; 36:102472. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102472..
Keywords: Cancer: Cervical Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Women, Prevention
Marcotte LM, Deeds S, Wheat C
Automated opt-out vs opt-in patient outreach strategies for breast cancer screening: a randomized clinical trial.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect on breast cancer screening of an opt-out automatic mammography referral strategy compared with an opt-in automated telephone message strategy. Participants in the pragmatic randomized clinical trial, conducted at a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center, were female veterans aged 45-75 eligible for breast cancer screening and enrolled in VA primary care. The results indicated that the opt-out population-based breast cancer screening outreach approach compared with an opt-in approach did not result in a significant difference in mammography completion, but did lead to more canceled mammography referrals, which increased staff burden.
AHRQ-funded; HS026369.
Citation: Marcotte LM, Deeds S, Wheat C .
Automated opt-out vs opt-in patient outreach strategies for breast cancer screening: a randomized clinical trial.
JAMA Intern Med 2023 Nov; 183(11):1187-94. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.4321..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Health Promotion
Landy R, Gomez I, Caverly TJ
Methods for using race and ethnicity in prediction models for lung cancer screening eligibility.
The purpose of this study was to compare eligibility for lung cancer screening in a representative United States population by refitting the life-years gained from screening-computed tomography (LYFS-CT) model to exclude race and ethnicity versus a counterfactual eligibility method that recalculates life expectancy for racial and ethnic minority individuals utilizing the same covariates but substitutes White race and utilizes the higher predicted life expectancy, preventing historically underserved groups from being penalized. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2015-2018 included 25,601 individuals aged 50 to 80 years who ever smoked. The study found that removing race and ethnicity from the submodels underestimated lung cancer death risk and all-cause mortality in African American individuals. It also overestimated mortality in Hispanic American and Asian American individuals. As a result, the LYFS-CT NoRace model increased Hispanic American and Asian American eligibility by 108% and 73%, respectively, while decreasing African American eligibility by 39%. Utilizing LYFS-CT with the counterfactual all-cause mortality model better maintained calibration across groups and increased African American eligibility by 13% without decreasing eligibility for Hispanic American and Asian American individuals.
AHRQ-funded; HS026198.
Citation: Landy R, Gomez I, Caverly TJ .
Methods for using race and ethnicity in prediction models for lung cancer screening eligibility.
JAMA Netw Open 2023 Sep; 6(9):e2331155. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.31155..
Keywords: Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention
Estenson L, Kim N, Jacobson M
Do age-based discontinuation recommendations influence cervical cancer screening rates? Evidence from the United States' Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2016 and 2018.
The purpose of this study was to determine how the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation of discontinuing routine cervical cancer screening for certain women after age 65 affects Papanicolaou (Pap) test rates among women at age 66 in the United States. The researchers utilized nationally representative 2016 and 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data for 226,031 women ages 56-76 to calculate changes in annual Pap test rates at age 66. Among women 66-76, 22.5% indicated they had received a Pap test within the past year. At age 66, annual Pap rates decreased by 5.9 percentage points (p.p.) off a pre-66 rate of 39 percent. The change differed by race/ethnicity, education, and marital status. Pap rates did not change discretely for non-Hispanic Black women but did change for women from other racial/ethnic groups. The decrease was larger for women who graduated college than for women without a college degree and for women who were never married than for women who were married/partnered or divorced/separated. The USPSTF recommendation to stop cervical cancer screening after the age of 65 resulted in a substantial decrease in the rate of Pap tests at age 66 but disparately affects women based on marital status, education and race.
AHRQ-funded; HS026488.
Citation: Estenson L, Kim N, Jacobson M .
Do age-based discontinuation recommendations influence cervical cancer screening rates? Evidence from the United States' Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2016 and 2018.
Prev Med 2023 Jul; 172:107543. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107543..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Cervical Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Women, Sexual Health
Lee SJC, Lee J, Zhu H
Assessing barriers and facilitators to lung cancer screening: initial findings from a patient navigation intervention.
This study’s objective was to examine the challenges to providing lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography for patients, particularly minority, under-, and uninsured populations. The authors conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of telephone-based navigation for lung cancer screening in an integrated, urban safety-net health care system. They used bilingual navigators (Spanish and English) to make systematic contact with patients, recording standardized call characteristics in a study-specific database. A total of 225 patients (mean age 63 years, 46% female, 70% racial/ethnic minority) were assigned navigators, with a total of 559 barriers to screening identified during 806 telephone calls. The most common barrier types were personal (46%), provider (30%), and practical (17%). System (6%) and psychosocial (1%) barriers were described by English-speaking patients, but not by Spanish-speaking patients. Provider-related barriers decreased by 80% over the course of the lung cancer screening process.
AHRQ-funded; HS022418.
Citation: Lee SJC, Lee J, Zhu H .
Assessing barriers and facilitators to lung cancer screening: initial findings from a patient navigation intervention.
Popul Health Manag 2023 Jun; 26(3):177-84. doi: 10.1089/pop.2023.0053..
Keywords: Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Imaging
Lee CI, Abraham L, Miglioretti DL
National performance benchmarks for screening digital breast tomosynthesis: update from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium.
The purpose of this study was to develop performance benchmarks for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) screening and assess longitudinal performance patterns in United States community practice. Between 2011 and 2018 the researchers collected DBT screening examinations from five Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) registries. Measures of performance were calculated based on the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, fifth edition and included abnormal interpretation rate (AIR), cancer detection rate (CDR), sensitivity, specificity, and false-negative rate (FNR). These rates were compared with previously published BCSC and National Mammography Database benchmarks, concurrent BCSC DM screening examinations, and expert opinion acceptable performance ranges. The study included a total of 896,101 women undergoing 2,301,766 screening examinations and 1,843,591 DM examinations were included in this study. All performance measures were higher for DBT except sensitivity and FNR, when compared with BCSC DM screening examinations from the same time period and previously published BCSC and National Mammography Database performance benchmarks. The following rates of radiologists received acceptable performance ranges with DBT: 97.6% for CDR, 91.8% for sensitivity, 75.0% for AIR, and 74.0% for specificity.
AHRQ-funded; HS018366.
Citation: Lee CI, Abraham L, Miglioretti DL .
National performance benchmarks for screening digital breast tomosynthesis: update from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium.
Radiology 2023 May; 307(4):e222499. doi: 10.1148/radiol.222499..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Imaging, Prevention, Women
Henrikson NB, Ivlev I, Blasi PR
Skin cancer screening: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the advantages and potential risks of skin cancer screening to assist the decision-making of the US Preventive Services Task Force. The researchers utilized the data sources MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, dated between June 1, 2015, and January 7, 2022. Two independent reviewers evaluated the articles and extracted pertinent data from studies of fair or good quality; the findings were summarized narratively. The primary outcomes and indicators were morbidity; mortality; stage, precursor lesions, or lesion thickness of skin cancer at detection; potential harms of screening. Twenty studies from 29 articles were included (N = 6,053,411). Direct evidence on the effectiveness of screening was obtained from 3 nonrandomized analyses of 2 population-based skin cancer screening initiatives in Germany (n = 1,791,615), indicating no significant reduction in melanoma mortality benefit at the population level over a period of 4 to 10 years of follow up activities. Six studies (n = 2,935,513) offered inconclusive evidence on the relationship between physician-conducted skin examination and lesion thickness or stage at diagnosis. Usual care vs. routine physician-conducted skin examination was not associated with increased detection of skin cancer or precursor lesions (5 studies) or stage at melanoma detection (3 studies). The correlation between physician-conducted skin examination and lesion thickness at detection was inconsistent (3 studies). Nine studies (n = 1 326 051) found a consistent positive association between more advanced stage at melanoma detection and increasing risk of melanoma-associated and all-cause mortality. Two studies (n = 232) found negligible enduring cosmetic or psychosocial harms related to screening.
AHRQ-funded; 75Q80120D00004.
Citation: Henrikson NB, Ivlev I, Blasi PR .
Skin cancer screening: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2023 Apr 18; 329(15):1296-307. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.3262..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Skin Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Katz AJ, Chen RC, Usinger DS
Cardiovascular disease prevention and management of pre-existent cardiovascular disease in a cohort of prostate cancer survivors.
This study examined receipt of preventive care and management of pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a prospective cohort of men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2011 and 2013 throughout North Carolina linked to Medicare and private insurance claims and clinical data from the Veterans Affairs (VA). Primary outcome for patients with pre-existent CVD was a composite measure of annual preventive care (blood glucose screening, cholesterol level testing, and ≥ 1 primary care provider visit). The sample comprised 492 patients successfully linked to insurance claims and/or VA data, among whom 103 (20.9%) had pre-existent CVD. Receipt of preventive care declined from 52.7% during the first year after prostate cancer diagnosis to 40.8% during the third year. Among patients with pre-existent CVD, only 23.4% saw a cardiologist in all 3 years. Black men were more likely than White men to visit a cardiologist during the first year after diagnosis.
AHRQ-funded; 29020050040I.
Citation: Katz AJ, Chen RC, Usinger DS .
Cardiovascular disease prevention and management of pre-existent cardiovascular disease in a cohort of prostate cancer survivors.
J Cancer Surviv 2023 Apr;17(2):351-59. doi: 10.1007/s11764-022-01229-5.
Keywords: Cardiovascular Conditions, Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Prevention
Ho TH, Bissell MCS, Lee CI
Prioritizing screening mammograms for immediate interpretation and diagnostic evaluation on the basis of risk for recall.
The purpose of this study was to establish a prioritization method for immediate interpretation of screening mammograms and potential diagnostic assessment. A cohort based on the population, comprising screening mammograms conducted from 2012 to 2020 at 126 radiology centers from 7 Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium registries, was examined. Classification trees were used to identify combinations of clinical history (age, BI-RADS density, time elapsed since the previous mammogram, history of false-positive recall or biopsy outcome), screening technique (digital mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis), and facility features (profit status, location, screening volume, practice type, academic affiliation) that grouped screening mammograms by recall rate, with ≥12/100 classified as high and ≥16/100 as very high. The efficiency ratio was calculated as the percentage of recalls divided by the percentage of mammograms. The research cohort consisted of 2,674,051 screening mammograms in 925,777 women, with 235,569 recalls. The study found that the primary predictor of recall was the time interval since the last mammogram, followed by age, history of false-positive recall, breast density, history of benign biopsy, and screening method. Recall rates were extremely high for baseline mammograms and high for women with ≥5 years since their previous mammogram. The 9.2% of mammograms in subgroups with very high and high recall rates represented 19.2% of recalls, yielding an efficiency ratio of 2.1 compared to a random strategy. Including women under 50 with dense breasts accounted for 20.3% of mammograms and 33.9% of recalls (efficiency ratio = 1.7). Findings incorporating facility-level characteristics were analogous.
AHRQ-funded; HS018366
Citation: Ho TH, Bissell MCS, Lee CI .
Prioritizing screening mammograms for immediate interpretation and diagnostic evaluation on the basis of risk for recall.
J Am Coll Radiol 2023 Mar;20(3):299-310. doi: 10.1016/j.jacr.2022.09.030.
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Imaging, Women, Prevention, Diagnostic Safety and Quality
Tracer H, Justus M
AHRQ Author: Tracer H
Vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
This Putting Prevention into Practice case study is used to increase understanding of the USPSTF final recommendation on vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer. A case study was presented using a 53-year-old-patient with no significant history presenting for a wellness visit. The patient’s 10-year cardiovascular risk and BMI are described. Three multiple-choice questions are presented regarding harms and benefits, and recommendations not to use supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Tracer H, Justus M .
Vitamin, mineral, and multivitamin supplementation to prevent cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2022 Nov;106(5):565-66..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cardiovascular Conditions, Cancer, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Huang RJ, Epplein M, Hamashima C
An approach to the primary and secondary prevention of gastric cancer in the United States.
In 2020, a summit was convened at Stanford University to address the disparity of gastric cancer as a leading cause of mortality among certain racial, ethnic and immigrant groups in the United States, and the absence of a national strategy for addressing gastric cancer prevention. A working group was formed to conduct a structured literature review to critically evaluate the effectiveness, potential benefits, and potential harms of methods of primary and secondary prevention. The purpose of this article was to provide a consensus statement from that group. The authors found that the distribution of gastric cancer rates is highly inequitable and falls primarily on Asian, African American, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaskan Native populations. The group concluded that there is an urgent need for cancer prevention trials in high-risk minority populations in the United States.
AHRQ-funded; HS026395.
Citation: Huang RJ, Epplein M, Hamashima C .
An approach to the primary and secondary prevention of gastric cancer in the United States.
Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022 Oct;20(10):2218-28.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.09.039..
Keywords: Cancer, Digestive Disease and Health, Prevention
Ross RL, Rubio K, Rodriguez HP
Mammography and decision aid use for breast cancer screening in older women.
This study examines the association between practice-level decision-aid use and mammography use among older women. Physician practice responses to the 2017/2018 National Survey of Healthcare Organizations and Systems were linked to 2016-17 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiary data from eligible beneficiaries aged 65-74 years. Findings showed that health information technology-enabled automation of mammography reminders and other advanced health information technology functions may support mammography, whereas breast cancer decision aids may reduce patients' propensities to be screened through the alignment of their preferences and screening decision.
AHRQ-funded; HS022241; HS024075.
Citation: Ross RL, Rubio K, Rodriguez HP .
Mammography and decision aid use for breast cancer screening in older women.
Am J Prev Med 2022 Oct;63(4):630-35. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.04.014..
Keywords: Imaging, Screening, Shared Decision Making, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Women, Prevention, Cancer, Elderly
Warren DK, Peacock KM, Nickel KB
Postdischarge prophylactic antibiotics following mastectomy with and without breast reconstruction.
The authors investigated factors associated with post-discharge prophylactic antibiotic use after mastectomy with and without immediate reconstruction and the impact on surgical-site infection (SSI). They found that anti-methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus antibiotics were associated with decreased risk of SSI for patients who had mastectomy only and those who had mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. They concluded that the high numbers needed to treat suggest that potential benefits of post-discharge antibiotics should be weighed against potential harms associated with antibiotic overuse.
AHRQ-funded; HS019455.
Citation: Warren DK, Peacock KM, Nickel KB .
Postdischarge prophylactic antibiotics following mastectomy with and without breast reconstruction.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2022 Oct;43(10):1382-88. doi: 10.1017/ice.2021.400..
Keywords: Antibiotics, Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Medication, Surgery, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Prevention, Women, Practice Patterns
Hicklin K, O'Leary MC, Nambiar S
Assessing the impact of multicomponent interventions on colorectal cancer screening through simulation: what would it take to reach national screening targets in North Carolina?
The authors simulated the impact of multicomponent interventions in North Carolina over 5 years to assess the potential for meeting national screening targets for colorectal cancer (CRC). They reported that each multicomponent intervention was associated with increased CRC screening and averted both CRC cases and deaths, while three had the potential to reach screening targets.
AHRQ-funded; HS022981.
Citation: Hicklin K, O'Leary MC, Nambiar S .
Assessing the impact of multicomponent interventions on colorectal cancer screening through simulation: what would it take to reach national screening targets in North Carolina?
Prev Med 2022 Sep;162:107126. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107126..
Keywords: Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Colonoscopy, Prevention
O'Connor EA, Evans CV, Ivlev I
Vitamin and mineral supplements for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This evidence report and systematic review updated the 2013 USPSTF final recommendation to assess benefits and harms of using vitamin and mineral supplements for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. After an extensive literature review, 84 studies were included. While multivitamin use was significantly associated with a lower incidence of any cancer and lung cancer, the evidence had serious limitations. Beta carotene was significantly associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular mortality. Vitamins D and E were not significantly associated with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease events, or cancer incidence. Evidence for the benefit of other supplements was equivocal, minimal, or absent. There was limited evidence that suggested some supplements may be associated with higher risk of serious harms (hip fracture [vitamin A], hemorrhagic stroke [vitamin E], and kidney stones [vitamin C, calcium]).
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: O'Connor EA, Evans CV, Ivlev I .
Vitamin and mineral supplements for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Jun 21;327(23):2334-47. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.15650..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Prevention, Cardiovascular Conditions, Cancer, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines
Guirguis-Blake JM, Evans CV, Perdue LA
Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
This evidence summary reviewed the benefits and harms of aspirin in primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention to accompany the final recommendation and evidence review of the US Preventive Services Task Force. A literature review was conducted of English-language randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of low-dose aspirin compared with placebo or no intervention in primary prevention populations. Aspirin was found not to be significantly associated with reductions in CVD mortality or all-cause mortality. There was limited trial evidence on benefits for CRC, with the findings highly variable by length of follow-up and statistically significant only when considering long-term observational follow-up beyond randomized trial periods. Low-dose aspirin was associated with significant increases in total major bleeding and in site-specific bleeding.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: Guirguis-Blake JM, Evans CV, Perdue LA .
Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: updated evidence report and systematic review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Apr 26;327(16):1585-97. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.3337..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cardiovascular Conditions, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Dehmer SP, O'Keefe LR, Evans CV
Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: updated modeling study for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
The purpose of the study was to develop, model, and report estimates of the harms from and benefits of the use of low-dose aspirin for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal cancer (CRC.) The researchers developed and used a simulation model to provide estimates for hypothetical United States cohorts of men and women between the ages of forty and seventy-nine years without a previous history of elevated bleeding risks or CVD, and up to a 20% 10-year risk for a CVD event. The model focused on the routine, lifetime use of low-dose aspirin with 5-year intervals of no use between 65 and 85 years of age. The study’s primary outcome was lifetime net benefit which was measured in life-years and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs.) Harms included an increase in nonfatal intracranial hemorrhage and gastrointestinal bleeding, and benefits included a reduction in nonfatal ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. The study found that the estimated lifetime net quality-adjusted life-years was positive for men and women with 5% or more 10-year CVD risk when they started use between the ages of 40-59 years, and for men and women with 10% or greater 10-year CVD risk when starting between the ages of 60 and 69 years. The estimated lifetime net life-years were mostly negative for those starting low-dose aspirin use between 60 and 79 years of age. Five-year intervals of stopping use between 65 and 85 years of age did not provide a significant advantage to lifetime use. The researchers concluded that the routine, lifetime use of low-dose aspirin may benefit several population groups, with the largest estimated benefit in those with greater 10-year CVD risk who begin routine, low-dose aspirin dosage at younger ages.
AHRQ-funded; 290201500007I.
Citation: Dehmer SP, O'Keefe LR, Evans CV .
Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: updated modeling study for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA 2022 Apr 26;327(16):1598-607. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.3385..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Prevention, Cardiovascular Conditions, Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Prevention, Evidence-Based Practice
Fendrick AM, Dalton VK, Tilea A
Out-of-pocket costs for colposcopy among commercially insured women from 2006 to 2019.
The objective of this study was to describe out-of-pocket costs for colposcopy and related services among age-appropriate, commercially insured women from 2006 to 2019. Findings suggested that out-of-pocket costs for colposcopy were very common and significant and have increased over time. Reported out-of-pocket costs for cervical cancer screening-related care, such as office visits, were not included, thus the findings may underestimate patients’ total financial burden.
AHRQ-funded; HS025465.
Citation: Fendrick AM, Dalton VK, Tilea A .
Out-of-pocket costs for colposcopy among commercially insured women from 2006 to 2019.
Obstet Gynecol 2022 Jan;139(1):113-15. doi: 10.1097/aog.0000000000004582..
Keywords: Healthcare Costs, Colonoscopy, Screening, Cancer: Cervical Cancer, Cancer, Prevention, Women
Fan T, Stefanos R
AHRQ Author: Fan T
Screening for colorectal cancer.
This AHRQ-authored Putting Preventions in Practice quiz has three questions and answers on the US Preventive Services Task Force final recommendation on screening for colorectal cancer. A case study is presented with questions on the best behavioral interventions, the effect of a patient’s age on the counseling approach, and what is an appropriate test and interval for colorectal screening. References are also provided at the end of the answers.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Fan T, Stefanos R .
Screening for colorectal cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Sep 1;104(3):295-96..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Colorectal Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Guidelines, Evidence-Based Practice, Case Study
Cunningham-Erves J, Campbell L, Barlow C
Reducing HPV associated cancers and disparities: engaging African American men to develop a culturally-appropriate program that addresses their needs.
Reducing HPV associated cancers and disparities: engaging African American men to develop a culturally-appropriate program that addresses their needs.
Am J Health Educ 2021;52(4):194-206. doi: 10.1080/19325037.2021.1930614.
This paper discusses the results of the Healthy Men, Healthy Communities program that aims to improve preventive behaviors among African American men to reduce HPV-related cancer disparities. An educational intervention was developed using cultural-targeting strategies such as linguistics, peripherals, evidence, socio-culture, and constituent-involving. Research team members were recruited from community-based (CBO) leaders. Three focus groups, 30 surveys, and a community review and program evaluation with African American men were conducted. The five focus group themes were: 1) The Known and Unknown of Cancer, HPV, and the vaccine; (2) Personal experiences with cancer were commonplace; (3) Barriers to Engaging HPV Cancer Preventive Behaviors; (4) Multi-Modal Strategies are needed to improve preventive behaviors; and (5) Actual versus Preferred Sources of Information. Survey data showed men desired information on penile (52%) and oral cancer (48%). A speaker summit on various topics was the preferred education format (96%). A post-summit evaluation indicated most males intended to get screened (73%), eat healthier (77%), and exercise more (65%). After these interventions the HPV vaccine was administered to about 40% of the men, and their children and grandchildren.
Am J Health Educ 2021;52(4):194-206. doi: 10.1080/19325037.2021.1930614.
This paper discusses the results of the Healthy Men, Healthy Communities program that aims to improve preventive behaviors among African American men to reduce HPV-related cancer disparities. An educational intervention was developed using cultural-targeting strategies such as linguistics, peripherals, evidence, socio-culture, and constituent-involving. Research team members were recruited from community-based (CBO) leaders. Three focus groups, 30 surveys, and a community review and program evaluation with African American men were conducted. The five focus group themes were: 1) The Known and Unknown of Cancer, HPV, and the vaccine; (2) Personal experiences with cancer were commonplace; (3) Barriers to Engaging HPV Cancer Preventive Behaviors; (4) Multi-Modal Strategies are needed to improve preventive behaviors; and (5) Actual versus Preferred Sources of Information. Survey data showed men desired information on penile (52%) and oral cancer (48%). A speaker summit on various topics was the preferred education format (96%). A post-summit evaluation indicated most males intended to get screened (73%), eat healthier (77%), and exercise more (65%). After these interventions the HPV vaccine was administered to about 40% of the men, and their children and grandchildren.
AHRQ-funded; HS022990.
Citation: Cunningham-Erves J, Campbell L, Barlow C .
Reducing HPV associated cancers and disparities: engaging African American men to develop a culturally-appropriate program that addresses their needs.
Am J Health Educ 2021;52(4):194-206. doi: 10.1080/19325037.2021.1930614..
Keywords: Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Cancer, Disparities, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Men's Health, Prevention, Health Promotion, Education: Patient and Caregiver
Tracer H, Pierre J
AHRQ Author: Tracer H
Screening for lung cancer.
This paper is part of the “Putting Prevention into Practice” series. It provides an evidence-based case study related to lung cancer screening. Questions and answers related to the case are included.
AHRQ-authored.
Citation: Tracer H, Pierre J .
Screening for lung cancer.
Am Fam Physician 2021 Jul 1;104(1):79-80..
Keywords: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), Cancer: Lung Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Case Study, Evidence-Based Practice
Glenn BA, Nonzee NJ, Tieu L
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the transition between adolescence and adulthood.
This study looked at the barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young adults receiving care at the student health center of a large public university. The authors conducted semi-structured interviews (n=27) and four focus groups with undergraduate and graduate students (n=18) and semi-structured interviews with 6 health care providers. The interviews and focus groups explored perceived risk of HPV infection, benefits of the HPV vaccine, and motivations for and barriers to HPV vaccination. Many students cited their parents’ views and recommendations from their medical providers as influential on their decision-making process. Cervical cancer prevention was considered the main benefit of the HPV vaccine and sexual activity was a risk factor for HPV infection. Students often lacked knowledge about the vaccine’s benefit for males. Safety and side effects of the vaccine perceived as new were also cited. Providers’ vaccine recommendations were impacted by health system factors including clinical infrastructure, office visit priorities, and processes for recommending and documentation vaccination. Providers suggested various promotion strategies including improving the timing and messaging of outreach efforts on campus and bolstering clinical infrastructure.
AHRQ-funded; HS000046.
Citation: Glenn BA, Nonzee NJ, Tieu L .
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the transition between adolescence and adulthood.
Vaccine 2021 Jun 8;39(25):3435-44. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.04.019..
Keywords: Young Adults, Sexual Health, Infectious Diseases, Vaccination, Prevention, Cancer: Cervical Cancer, Cancer, Women
Baskin AS, Wang T, Bredbeck BC
Trends in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy utilization for small unilateral breast cancer.
This study describes trends in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) utilization for small unilateral breast cancer instead of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) which is recommended. The authors used the National Cancer Database to identify women with unilateral, T1 breast cancer. Of the total cohort of 765,487, 69% underwent BCS and 31% chose mastectomy. Of 176,673 women aged 70 years or older, 75% underwent BCS and 25% chose mastectomy. CPM rates have increased in both cohorts since 2006. Patient factors such as younger age, white rate, private insurance, tumor factors, and facility factors were associated with increased CPM rates compared with unilateral mastectomy.
Citation: Baskin AS, Wang T, Bredbeck BC .
Trends in contralateral prophylactic mastectomy utilization for small unilateral breast cancer.
J Surg Res 2021 Jun;262:71-84. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.12.057..
Keywords: Cancer: Breast Cancer, Cancer, Women, Surgery, Prevention, Healthcare Utilization
Brajcic BC, Ko CY, Liu JB
A NSQIP-based randomized clinical trial evaluating choice of prophylactic antibiotics for pancreaticoduodenectomy.
This paper describes the protocol for an upcoming multicenter randomized surgical trial to evaluate choice of prophylactic antibiotics for pancreaticoduodenectomy. The rationale and methodology of the trial evaluating piperacillin-tazobactam compared to cefoxitin for surgical site infection prevention is described. The study will utilize a clinical registry for data collection.
AHRQ-funded; HS000078.
Citation: Brajcic BC, Ko CY, Liu JB .
A NSQIP-based randomized clinical trial evaluating choice of prophylactic antibiotics for pancreaticoduodenectomy.
J Surg Oncol 2021 May;123(6):1387-94. doi: 10.1002/jso.26402..
Keywords: Cancer, Antibiotics, Medication, Prevention, Surgery, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Comparative Effectiveness, Evidence-Based Practice
Danan ER, White KM, Wilt TJ
Reactions to recommendations and evidence about prostate cancer screening among White and Black male veterans.
This study looked at differences in attitudes about recommendations and evidence on prostate cancer screening among White and Black male veterans. The authors provided a draft educational pamphlet about the benefits and harms of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening to 44 men, ages 55-81 at a midwestern VA medical center in 2013 and 2015. The groups were divided into four White and two Black focus groups. Three universal themes were low baseline familiarity with prostate cancer, surprise and resistance to the guidelines not to test routinely, and negative emotions in response to ambiguity. Discussions in the White groups highlighted the potential benefits of screening, minimized the harms, and emphasized personal choice in screening decisions. Discussions in Black groups devoted almost no time to benefits, considered harms significant, and emphasized personal and collective responsibility for cancer prevention through diet, exercise, and alternative medicine. Discussion in Black groups also emphasized the history of racism and discrimination in healthcare and medical research.
AHRQ-funded; HS026379.
Citation: Danan ER, White KM, Wilt TJ .
Reactions to recommendations and evidence about prostate cancer screening among White and Black male veterans.
Am J Mens Health 2021 May-Jun;15(3):15579883211022110. doi: 10.1177/15579883211022110..
Keywords: Cancer: Prostate Cancer, Cancer, Screening, Prevention, Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Evidence-Based Practice, Health Promotion, Education: Patient and Caregiver