Demonstrates the usefulness of the Rasch model in evaluating the cross cultural equivalence of health-related quality of life instruments (HRQOL). Results from 195 U.S. cancer patients and 118 Austrian cancer patients identity biased items, providing a better estimate of each cultural group's HRQOL. (SLD)

Drawing on nursing home records, examines the relationship between vision impairment and disruptive behaviors among nursing home residents (N=89). Results indicate that vision status is a significant independent contributor to disruptive behaviors among long-term care residents. Findings show vision to be an important comorbid impairment in…

Reports on a project that tested the feasibility of recruiting and training volunteers as lay health educators who could coordinate and reinforce the educational efforts of health care providers. The program proved successful in identifying, recruiting, and training volunteers from racially and religiously diverse institutions. Favorable outcomes…

This study examined the relationship between diagnostic group membership (lifetime depressed, n=367; lifetime mixed psychiatric, n=367; nonpsychiatric, n=367) and scores on the Depression-Subtle (D-S) and Depression-Obvious (D-O) scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. D-O scores were significantly related to group membership,…

Seven different short forms of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Revised (WAIS-R) were compared in a mixed clinical sample of 306 adults to evaluate short form predictions of the full scale IQ. The seven-test short form of C. Ward (1990) was the best predictor across ranges of intellectual functioning, supporting its use when time is limited.…

The comparative validity of Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) scores for 123 African American and 561 Caucasian clients from a community mental health center was studied by contrasting mean MMPI-2 scores and correlations between these scores and therapists' ratings. Correlations were not significantly different for racial…

A structured clinical interview, the Acute Stress Disorder Inventory, was developed to diagnose acute stress disorder. It was validated against clinician-based diagnoses of 65 trauma patients, and its test-retest reliability was assessed with 60 trauma survivors. Results suggest that the interview is a useful diagnostic tool. (SLD)

The associations of health and psychosocial factors with the Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire were examined in adult type 1 diabetic patients (N=385). The most important factors from multivariate analysis were self-efficacy and diabetes-related social support, especially among those in good physical condition. Diabetes-specific factors…

Experience treating women with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) from varied sociocultural backgrounds in a large inner-city general hospital is related to a literature review. Subgroups were identified according to personality pathology, psychiatric symptoms, and psychosocial stress factors. Accurate assessment, needs of individuals, treatment…

Continuing medical education needs assessment should be reconceived for a changing health-care environment. The physician-patient relationship is being changed by empowerment of health consumers and public policy concerns regarding the health care system. Needs assessment should focus on environmental scanning, identification of key forces, use of…

Performed a comparative analysis of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) items administered to 4,430 older adults and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living administered to 605 people with rheumatoid arthritis scoring both with Likert and Rasch measurement models. Findings show the superiority of the Rasch approach over the Likert method. (SLD)

Tests an asthma education program in 204 Latino families with an asthmatic child. The curriculum was culturally-tailored, and all participants received education on understanding asthma, preventing attacks, and managing asthma. Outcomes included changes in asthma knowledge and home environment asthma management procedures. Asthma knowledge…

In a randomized, controlled trial, patients with joint diseases and concomitant treatment with NSAIDs and diuretics received systematic education. The intervention group was given information focusing on awareness of drug interactions and encouragement of self-adjustment of treatment. Results reveal that the intervention group achieved greater…

First-year Australian and international medical students self-evaluated their medical communication skills during two interviews with a standardized patient. Self-evaluations were compared with clinical tutors' evaluations. Students' evaluations showed moderate, significant correlations with the tutor's. Students improved their medical…

Study aims to assess the need for a thyrotoxicosis patient education programs and evaluates a group education session. Patients with thyrotoxicosis were surveyed to assess their needs. Determined that people with thyrotoxicosis had limited knowledge about their condition. The offer of a group education program has little effect on that knowledge…