The Role of Diet Compared to Physical Activity on Women's Cancer Mortality: Results From the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Background: Among women in the United States, cancer is the second leading cause of death. Prior studies have examined how lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical activity, influence cancer mortality. However, few have evaluated if diet or physical activity has a stronger protective effect for cancer mortality. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate and compare the impacts of diet and physical activity on women's cancer mortality. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional data were abstracted from the Third US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) on female respondents from 1988 to 1994. Physical activity was derived from the CDC's metabolic equivalent (MET) intensity levels. Dietary classifications were derived from the USDA's healthy eating index (HEI). We utilized the National Death Index to obtain mortality follow-up information on our cohort until December 31, 2015. Chi-squared, multivariable Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier estimates were employed for statistical analyses. Results: Of 3,590 women (median age: 57, range: 40-89), 30% had an obese BMI (BMI≥30 kg/m2). Additionally, 22% of participants self-reported a healthy diet, 69% needed dietary improvement, and 9% had a poor diet. Furthermore, 21% reported physical inactivity, 44% did not meet physical activity guidelines, and 35% met guidelines. On multivariate analysis, healthy diet (HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51-0.98; p = 0.04), but not physical activity (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.55-1.38; p = 0.55), independently predicted for lower cancer mortality. Participants with a healthy diet but low exercise had decreased cancer mortality compared to participants with an unhealthy diet but high exercise (p = 0.01). Conclusions: A healthful diet was associated with lower cancer mortality in women, even after adjusting for obesity, inflammation, and other covariates. In addition, diet may play a stronger role in reducing cancer mortality in women than physical activity.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Over Time in Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Adults in the United States.

Purpose: We proposed to identify the factors that determine the trends in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination initiation and completion among heterosexual and sexual minority adults. Methods: Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2007 to 2016, we performed chi-squared tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: Heterosexual females initiated vaccination at 23.5% compared with sexual minority females at 34.6% (p<0.001). Although heterosexual males also had a lower vaccination initiation than sexual minority males (7.7% vs. 15.5%; p=0.12), their completion rate appeared higher (38% vs. 17%; p=0.14). Conclusion: Interventions are needed to enhance support for completion rates of HPV vaccine among sexual minority individuals.

Increased Urinary Cadmium Levels in Foreign-Born Asian Women-An NHANES Study of 9639 U.S. Participants.

The purpose of this study was to determine the disparities and trends in demographics, social behaviors, and occupations for cadmium exposure in the U.S. Data were obtained from the NHANES database from 2007 to 2016. Analysis of variance tests were used to compare the association of the geometric mean values of urinary cadmium levels and various demographic and behavioral characteristics. We also conducted multivariable logistic regression while adjusting for these factors to determine the risk of toxic urinary cadmium levels (≥2 µg/g) across various patient characteristics. Of the 9639 participants, 52.8% were ≥45 years old, 51.7% female, and 48.3% male. White, Black, Mexican American, other Hispanic, and Asian comprised 66.4%, 11.5%, 8.7%, 5.8%, and 5.5%, respectively. Over 82% of participants were U.S. born. A total of 19.6% were current smokers. On multivariate analysis, older age (OR: 8.87), current smoking (OR = 5.74), Asian race (OR = 4.52), female sex (OR = 4.32), and foreign nativity (OR = 1.83) were significantly associated with higher cadmium levels. Older, Asian, foreign-born females showed a measurement of 0.69 µg/g, a value more than three-fold the sample population's mean of 0.20 µg/g. A trend analysis demonstrated a cadmium level decrease over time (OR = 0.47). Asians had the highest urinary cadmium levels, especially older, foreign-born females. Smoking and poverty were also associated with significant elevations in cadmium levels.

Social isolation, inflammation, and cancer mortality from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey - a study of 3,360 women.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the role of social isolation on inflammation and cancer mortality among women. METHODS: Data were abstracted from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988 to 1994. The Social Network Index was used to assess participants' degree of social isolation. C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels were included as markers of inflammation. We used the National Death Index to identify causes and dates of mortality. Chi-square and multivariable Cox regressions were employed for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Of 3360 women (median age: 54 years), the most isolated, very isolated, somewhat isolated, and not isolated comprised 14.5, 30.2, 37.1, and 18.2% of the sample, respectively. The most isolated participants were more likely to have low income (56.8% vs 12.2%, p < 0.001), have fewer years of education (40.8% vs 12.3%; p < 0.001), have low physical activity (27.3% vs 14.7%; p < 0.003), be obese (32.5% vs 24.4%; p = 0.02), and be current smokers (34.2% vs 10.3%; p < 0.001) compared to the not isolated ones. Mean fibrinogen levels increased with degree of social isolation (p = 0.003), but C-reactive protein showed no association (p = 0.52). Kaplan-Meier estimates indicated higher cancer mortality rates among participants with elevated fibrinogen levels, though not with statistical significance (p = 0.08). Furthermore, there was no association between social isolation and cancer mortality (p = 0.54). On multivariate analysis, obesity (HR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.11-2.18), higher education (HR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.01-1.83), and smoking (HR = 4.42, 95% CI: 2.84-6.88) were independent predictors for cancer mortality, while high physical activity predicted for lower mortality from cancer (HR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.51-0.87). However, social isolation was not a predictor. CONCLUSION: Social isolation among women was associated with an increased level of fibrinogen, but not associated with cancer mortality. The relationship between inflammation and cancer mortality warrants further investigation.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Trends and Disparities in the United States: Who Is Getting Left Behind?

BACKGROUND: United States guidelines recommend human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for males and females up to 26, with more recent extended coverage for those 27 to 45 years based on discussion with patients' clinician. This study seeks to assess trends and disparities of vaccination in the United States based on demographic characteristics. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2016. χ2 Analyses were used for statistical methods. RESULTS: Of 12,844 participants (median age, 22 years; range, 9-36 years), 2711 (21.3%) initiated HPV vaccination, of which 1358 (56.3%) completed the 3-dose vaccination series. Vaccination rates were higher in females compared with males (24.6% vs 13.0%; P < 0.001) and in Whites compared to Mexican Americans (22.6% vs 19.4%; P = 0.02). The uninsured had lower vaccination rates than private insurance and Medicaid (12.5% vs 22.4% vs 28.5%; P < 0.001). We divided the 10 year study into five separate periods (2007-2008, 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, and 2015-2016) to analyze trends. Vaccine initiation increased from 19.6% to 49.6% for 14-19-year olds (P < 0.001), 10.4% to 35.5% for females (P < 0.001), and 8.5% to 32.9% for Blacks (P < 0.001). Although on trend analyses, the vaccination rates with the highest proportional increase were found in those: older than 25 to 29 years (4.56-fold), Mexican Americans (4.56 fold), below high school education (2.32 fold), and low income group (2.90 fold) over time. CONCLUSIONS: The HPV vaccination rates in Mexican Americans increased nearly 5-fold over the last 10 years. However, their vaccination rates continue to lag behind Whites and Blacks.

Applying Artificial Intelligence to Gynecologic Oncology: A Review.

IMPORTANCE: Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an increasing role in health care. In gynecologic oncology, it can advance tailored screening, precision surgery, and personalized targeted therapies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the role of AI in gynecologic oncology. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Artificial intelligence publications in gynecologic oncology were identified by searching "gynecologic oncology AND artificial intelligence" in the PubMed database. A review of the literature was performed on the history of AI, its fundamentals, and current applications as related to diagnosis and treatment of cervical, uterine, and ovarian cancers. RESULTS: A PubMed literature search since the year 2000 showed a significant increase in oncology publications related to AI and oncology. Early studies focused on using AI to interrogate electronic health records in order to improve clinical outcome and facilitate clinical research. In cervical cancer, AI algorithms can enhance image analysis of cytology and visual inspection with acetic acid or colposcopy. In uterine cancers, AI can improve the diagnostic accuracies of radiologic imaging and predictive/prognostic capabilities of clinicopathologic characteristics. Artificial intelligence has also been used to better detect early-stage ovarian cancer and predict surgical outcomes and treatment response. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Artificial intelligence has been shown to enhance diagnosis, refine clinical decision making, and advance personalized therapies in gynecologic cancers. The rapid adoption of AI in gynecologic oncology will depend on overcoming the challenges related to data transparency, quality, and interpretation. Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming health care. However, many physicians are unaware that this technology is being used in their practices and could benefit from a better understanding of the statistics and computer science behind these algorithms. This review provides a summary of AI, its applicability, and its limitations in gynecologic oncology.

Racial disparities in high-risk uterine cancer histologic subtypes: A United States Cancer Statistics study.

OBJECTIVE: Black women with uterine cancer on average have worse survival outcomes compared to White women, in part due to higher rates of aggressive, non-endometrioid subtypes. However, analyses of incidence trends by specific high-risk subtypes are lacking, including those with hysterectomy and active pregnancy correction. The objective of our study was to evaluate racial disparities in age-adjusted incidence of non-endometrioid uterine cancer in 720,984 patients. METHODS: Data were obtained from United States Cancer Statistics using SEER*Stat. We used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to correct for hysterectomy and active pregnancy. Age-adjusted, corrected incidence of uterine cancer from 2001 to 2016 and annual percent change (APC) were calculated using Joinpoint regression. RESULTS: Of 720,984 patients, 560,131 (77.7%) were White, 72,328 (10.0%) were Black, 56,239 (7.8%) were Hispanic, and 22,963 (3.2%) were Asian/Pacific Islander. Age-adjusted incidence of uterine cancer increased from 40.8 (per 100,000) in 2001 to 42.9 in 2016 (APC = 0.5, p < 0.001). Black women had the highest overall incidence at 49.5 (APC = 2.3, p < 0.001). The incidence of non-endometrioid subtypes was higher in Black compared to White women, with the most pronounced differences seen in serous carcinoma (9.1 vs. 3.0), carcinosarcoma (6.1 vs. 1.8), and leiomyosarcoma (1.3 vs. 0.6). In particular, Black women aged 70-74 with serous carcinoma had the highest incidence (61.3) and the highest APC (7.3, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Black women have a two to four-fold higher incidence of high-risk uterine cancer subtypes, particularly serous carcinoma, carcinosarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma, compared to White women after correcting for hysterectomy and active pregnancy.

Age and racial differences in the presentation of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia are a group of diseases with few data given their rarity. The aim of this study was to determine the age and racial differences in the presentation and survival of patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in the United States. METHODS: Data were collected from the National Cancer Database from January 2004 to December 2014. Chi-square tests, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier models were performed. Demographic characteristics included age at diagnosis, race, insurance status, facility location and type, community median income, high school dropout rate, education, income, and population density data. RESULTS: There were 1004 eligible patients including 64% white (n=645), 23% black (n=233), and 8.3% Asian patients (n=83). Median age was 30.8 (range 14-59) years. Stage I, II, III, IV, and unknown were diagnosed in 32%, 5.4%, 30%, 18%, and 15% of patients, respectively, with 5-year survival of 99%, 93%, 94%, 72%, and 95%, respectively (p<0.001). Compared with national birth rates, those with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia were overrepresented at younger (age 10-19 years: 8.2% vs 4.8%) and older ages (age 40-54 years: 17% vs 3.3%). The extremes of age at presentation were more pronounced in black patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (age 10-19 years: 11% vs 6.9%, 40-54 years: 18% vs 3.2%), and black patients constituted 23% of patients compared with 15% of births nationwide. Some 59% of patients were treated at Academic/Research Programs. Only 6/448 (1.3%) facilities treated more than one patient per year, and only 9% (n=92) of patients were treated at one of these high-volume facilities. On multivariable analysis, older age, higher Charlson/Deyo co-morbidity score, and higher stage disease were independently associated with worse survival (all p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia was disproportionately higher in those at extremes of age and in black women as compared with United States national data. The lack of centralization of care justifies the need to develop regional centers of excellence for this rare malignancy.

Prevalence of Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection by Number of Vaccine Doses Among US Adults.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is effective at reducing the incidence of cervical cancer caused by HPV. Studies have shown that 1 dose of the HPV vaccine offers comparable protection against genital HPV infection as additional doses; however, it is unknown whether oral HPV prevalence also differs by number of vaccine doses. We examined differences in prevalence of oral HPV by number of doses using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2009 to 2016. The prevalence of HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 infections was statistically significantly lower in individuals who received 1 dose (0.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.0% to 0.9%) or 2-3 doses (0.4%, 95% CI = 0.0% to 1.2%) compared with unvaccinated individuals (1.2%, 95% CI = 0.9% to 1.6%). Smokers, individuals who initiated oral sex at age 17 years or younger, and those with more than 2 oral sexual partners had higher rates of oral HPV infection. Ongoing prospective studies are essential to further evaluate the efficacy of a single-dose regimen for prevention of oral HPV.

Income, inflammation and cancer mortality: a study of U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey mortality follow-up cohorts.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and cancer mortality in a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population while controlling for education, occupation, and income. METHODS: Data were obtained from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1988 to 1994 (N = 7817) and 1999-2002 (N = 2344). We fit Cox proportional hazard models to examine the relationship between C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen with cancer mortality. RESULTS: In the full Cox multivariate model, clinically raised CRP was associated with cancer mortality in NHANES 1988-1994 (> 0.99 mg/dL: 95%CI: 1.04-2.13). However, across two inflammatory biomarkers (CRP and Fibrinogen), two NHANES time periods (1998-1994 and 1999-2002) and three income levels (12 strata in total), Hazard ratio confidence intervals did not include the null only for one association: CRP and cancer mortality among low income participants from 1988 to 1994 (HR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.10-3.04). CONCLUSIONS: We find evidence that only in one unique stratum is earlier life CRP, and not fibrinogen, associated with prospective cancer mortality. After more complete control for socioeconomic confounding, CRP and fibrinogen do not predict cancer mortality in most subpopulations.

Relationship status and other demographic influences on survival in patients with ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of marital status and other demographic factors on survival of patients with ovarian cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2010 to 2015. Analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox proportional hazard methods. RESULTS: Of 19 643 patients with ovarian cancer (median age 60 years, range 18-99), 16 278 (83%), 1381 (7%), 1856 (9%), and 128 (1%) were White, Black, Asian, and Native American, respectively. The majority of patients (10 769, 55%) were married while 4155 (21%) were single, 2278 (12%) were divorced, and 2441 (12%) were widowed. Patients were more likely to be married if they were Asian (65%) or White (56%) than if they were Black (31%) or Native American (39%) (p<0.001). Most married patients were insured (n=9760 (91%), non-Medicaid) compared with 3002 (72%) of single, 1777 (78%) divorced, and 2102 (86%) of widowed patients (p<0.001). Married patients were more likely to receive chemotherapy than single, divorced, and widowed patients (8515 (79%) vs 3000 (72%), 1747 (77%), and 1650 (68%), respectively; p<0.001). The 5-year disease-specific survival of the overall group was 58%. Married patients had improved survival of 60% compared with divorced (52%) and widowed (44%) patients (p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, older age (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.016 to 1.021, p<0.001), Black race (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.38, p<0.001), and Medicaid (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.30, p<0.001) or uninsured status (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.44, p<0.01) carried a worse prognosis. Single (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.26, p<0.001), divorced (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.25, p<0.01), and widowed (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.26, p<0.001) patients had decreased survival. CONCLUSION: Married patients with ovarian cancer were more likely to undergo chemotherapy with better survival rates. Black, uninsured, or patients with Medicaid insurance had poorer outcomes.

Trends and survival outcomes of robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgery for stage II uterine cancer.

INTRODUCTION: A recent randomized clinical trial showed that minimally invasive surgery led to poorer survival compared with open surgery in early stage cervical cancer. We determined the trends in adoption of minimally invasive surgery and 5-year overall survival outcomes after open, laparoscopic-assisted, and robotic-assisted hysterectomy for stage II uterine cancer with cervical stromal involvement. METHODS: Data for patients with stage II uterine cancer were acquired from the National Cancer Database from 2010 to 2015. χ2 testing, Kaplan-Meier methods, and Cox models were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Of 2949 patients, 44.3% underwent open hysterectomy, 13.9% underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy, and 41.8% underwent robotic hysterectomy. The proportion of robotic cases increased from 26.8% in 2010 to 48.3% in 2015 (annual percent change 10.1%), with a decrease in open hysterectomy from 63.3% to 34.3% (annual percent change -12.5%). The overall 5-year survival was 77.6% in robotic, 76.8% in laparoscopic, and 72.5% in open hysterectomy (p=0.045); however, after adjusting for known prognostic factors, robotic (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.21; p=0.97) and laparoscopic hysterectomy (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.44; p=0.54) did not portend for improved survival compared with open hysterectomy. Black women (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.02; p<0.001) and individuals with co-morbidities (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.75, p<0.001) had worse adjusted survival and the highest rates of open hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: The use of minimally invasive surgery for stage II uterine cancer has increased over time, with comparable adjusted 5-year survival after robotic or laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with open hysterectomy. Black women and those with co-morbidities had lowest rates of minimally invasive surgery and the poorest adjusted survival.

Chemotherapy alone for patients 75 years and older with epithelial ovarian cancer-is interval cytoreductive surgery still needed?

BACKGROUND: Patients ≥75 years old with ovarian cancer experience high perioperative morbidity, but recruitment into prospective trials to assess the role of surgery continues to be challenging. OBJECTIVE: To compare overall survival for patients ≥75 years old with ovarian cancer after chemotherapy alone vs neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval cytoreductive surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Data were extracted from the National Cancer Data Base from 2004 to 2014. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Of 1661 patients (median age: 79 years), most were white (88%) and had stage III-IV disease (95%), and 51% had serous histology. Of those who did not receive primary surgery, 58% had chemotherapy alone and the remainder had neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval cytoreductive surgery. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval cytoreductive surgery increased from 28% to 50% in years 2004-2007 to 2012-2014 (P<.001). Compared with neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval cytoreductive surgery, chemotherapy-only patients were older (80 vs 78 years; P<.001) and had more advanced stage disease (98% vs 91%; P<.001). The 5-year overall survival of the entire study group was 14%; those who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval cytoreductive surgery had overall survival of 25% compared with only 7% in chemotherapy alone group (P<.001). In multivariable analysis, neoadjuvant chemotherapy with interval cytoreductive surgery (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.54; P<.001) was an independent predictor for improved survival. Older (80-84 years) age (hazard ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.63; P=.002), advanced (stage III-IV) disease (hazard ratio; 2.06, 95% confidence interval, 1.37-3.09; P=.001), and clear cell histology (hazard ratio; 2.17, 95% confidence interval, 1.10-4.28; P=.03) portended for worse outcome. CONCLUSION: Patients ≥75 years with ovarian cancer old have an overall poor prognosis. Receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval cytoreductive surgery is associated with greater overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone.

Ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer patients with distant metastases at diagnosis: most common locations and outcomes.

To determine the location patterns of distant metastases at initial staging and outcomes of ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancer patients. Data were obtained from the SEER database from 2010 to 2015. Analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox proportional hazard methods. Of 3035 patients (median age: 63, range: 17-95) with stage IV gynecologic cancer, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers were present in 42%, 40%, and 18% of the cohort. The proportion of lung, liver, bone and brain metastases were identified in 38%, 57%, 4%, and 1% of ovarian cancer patients, 62%, 22%, 13%, and 3% of uterine cancer patients, and 59%, 16%, 23%, and 2% of cervical cancer patients, respectively. The 5-year disease-specific survival for all patients was 19%. Those with liver metastases had survival rates of 26% compared to 15% for lung, 13% for bone, and 6% for brain (p < 0.0001). Patients with ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers had survival rates of 28%, 12%, and 12%, respectively (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, brain metastasis (HR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.21-2.22, p < 0.01), uterine (HR = 1.77, 95 CI 1.56-2.02, p < 0.0001) and cervical (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.11-1.63, p < 0.01) cancers, and lack of insurance (HR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.16-1.73, p < 0.001) were independent predictors for poorer survival. Age, year, region, and race did not affect prognosis. Stage IV ovarian cancer most frequently metastasizes to the liver, whereas uterine and cervical cancers spread more to the lung. Overall, these patients have poor prognosis, particularly those with uterine or cervical primary disease or brain metastases.

Hospital-acquired conditions after surgery for gynecologic cancer - An analysis of 82,304 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the hospital-acquired condition (HAC) following oophorectomy and/or hysterectomy for gynecologic cancer patients based on clinical outcomes and costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2011. Chi-squared and Wilcoxon rank sum two-sample tests and multivariate logistic regression model were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of 82,304 women (median age: 60 years, range: 1-101), 49,386 (60.0%) had endometrial, 23,510 (28.6%) had ovarian, and 9408 (11.4%) had cervical cancers. Of 135 HAC events, these involved catheter-associated urinary tract infections (n = 47), vascular catheter-associated infection (n = 41), foreign object retained after surgery (n = 19), pressure ulcers (n = 16), manifestation of poor glycemic control (n = 10), and air embolism (n = 2). Older patients (≥60 years) experienced more HACs relative to younger (0.23% vs. 0.09%; OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.30-3.50; p = 0.003), and patients with Medicaid experienced more HACs compared to those with private insurance (0.35% vs. 0.10%; OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 1.70-5.62; p < 0.001). Laparoscopic surgeries were associated with less HACs compared to open surgeries (0.05% vs. 0.19%; OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.90; p = 0.03). Length of hospitalization and hospital charges were greater for those with HACs, (12 days vs. 3 days; p < 0.001; $89,324 vs. $31,107; p < 0.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: The odds of hospital-acquired conditions were higher in older patients, open surgery, Medicaid insured with higher associated hospital charges.

Assessment of parental awareness of the shaken baby syndrome in Ireland.

UNLABELLED: Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) results in cerebral trauma. Creating awareness through education may improve parental response to a distressed infant. We aim to assess current parental understanding of SBS and identify knowledge gaps. A prospective assessment was carried out in two independent maternity hospitals (National Maternity Hospital (NMH) and Midland Regional Hospital (MRH)) over a 4-month period. Multi-dimensional questionnaires were distributed to parents (n = 233) and results were assessed anonymously. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS21 software. Two hundred thirty-three participants were included: n = 114 (NMH), n = 119 (MRH). Fifty-four percent (n = 62, NMH) and 50 % (n = 60, MRH) had never heard of SBS. Of those who had, media was the commonest source: 94 % (47/50) NMH; 86 % (47/59) MRH. Less than 1 % of participants obtained information through a health care provider. Nearly all respondents wanted further information, regardless of whether they had prior knowledge (100 % (NMH); 99.2 % (MRH)). Participants wanted information delivered via a midwife (51 % (58/114) NMH; 45 % (54/119) MRH), with reading material (61 % (69/114) NMH; 59 % (70/119) MRH), during pre-natal period (50 % (57/114) NMH; 65 % (77/119) MRH). Importantly, parents of Irish origin were more likely to have heard of SBS compared to those of non-Irish origin (p = 0.026 (NMH), p = 0.020 (MRH)). CONCLUSION: Half of all participants had no prior knowledge of SBS, with majority expressing interest in learning more. Therefore, a national "Don't Shake" campaign is evolving. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Studies have shown that educating parents regarding shaken baby syndrome (SBS) may result in a more safe and appropriate response to infant crying [ 3 ]. • In Ireland, there is no such education provided to parents in maternity hospitals. What is New: • Just over half of our participants had not heard of SBS, and we have identified parental perceptions of SBS, and parents preferred method of anti-SBS education delivery. • This research will act as a launching platform for an anti-SBS campaign in Ireland.