Limited Health Literacy and Hearing Loss Among Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Effective communications between health care providers and patients are critical for high-quality health care. OBJECTIVE: This study sampled adults age 65 years and older to explore (1) characteristics associated with limited health literacy (LHL) and (2) medical costs and gaps in care based on health literacy, hearing loss, and hearing aid use status. METHODS: The study included 19,223 adults age 65 years and older who completed a health survey that was linked to his or her medical claims that were generated after medical care provided in the year prior to survey completion. Health literacy, hearing loss, and hearing aid use were assessed through self-reports. Health literacy was coded as limited and adequate. Hearing loss and hearing aid use were coded into five categories: no hearing loss, unaided mild, aided mild, unaided severe, and aided severe hearing loss. KEY RESULTS: Seven percent reported LHL and 41% reported hearing loss. Hearing loss, especially unaided severe, was associated with LHL, as were memory loss, depression, loneliness, older age, and male gender. People with aided severe hearing loss and LHL had higher annual medical costs than those with adequate health literacy. Similarly, those with no hearing loss and LHL had higher annual medical costs than those with adequate health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: Unaided mild, aided severe, and unaided severe hearing loss were positively associated with LHL, although the association was reduced among hearing aid users. Specifically, aided mild or severe hearing loss had lower odds of LHL, compared to unaided mild or severe hearing loss, respectively. We also observed that people with both hearing loss and LHL were more likely to have higher medical costs. Continued focus on solutions to address both LHL and hearing loss remains warranted. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2020;4(2):e129-e137.] PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Health survey and medical claims data were used for this study. Hearing loss, especially unaided severe, was associated with limited health literacy, as were memory loss, depression, loneliness, older age, and male gender. Those with both limited health literacy and hearing loss had the highest medical costs. Health literacy and hearing loss can affect health care communications, warranting further study.

Geographic and Seasonal Variation of Vitamin D: A Retrospective Study in Two Centers of Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem in many countries throughout the world. This study aimed at understanding the status of vitamin D deficiency in relation to age, gender, geography and season among relatively bigger numbers of population residing in central and western regions of Nepal. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out by reviewing the records of vitamin D tests in two centers of Nepal- namely united reference laboratories at Pokhara and Chitwan Medical College at Chitwan. A total of 3320 individuals who were tested for clinical suspicion of vitamin D deficiency over a period of one year were included in the study. RESULTS: Mean vitamin D level was 18.7 ng/mL. Majority of subjects tested for vitamin D were females (71.36 %) with female to male ratio of 2.49:1. Hypovitaminosis D (≤ 30 ng/mL) was found in 84.5% subjects and was moderate to severely deficit (less than 10 ng/mL) in 25.9% of subjects. Status of hypovitaminosis D was found to be less in ≥50 years (79.9%) than the younger subjects (89.9% in ≤18 years and 87.0% in 19-49 years age group). Vitamin D deficiency was found lower in hills districts (80.8% vs 89.7% in the plains), which was found to be more pronounced during winter through summer seasons as compared to fall season. CONCLUSIONS: Population residing in plain areas and summer, spring and winter season are found to have increased problem of Hypovitaminosis D. It is also found to be common among younger children and female of reproductive age group. We have also found out the increased problem of hypovitaminosis D among population residing in the plain areas than in the hills especially in the summer, spring and winter season.

Characteristics and Health Outcomes Associated With Hearing Loss and Hearing Aid Use Among Older Adults.

Background: This study recruited older adults to explore physical and psychosocial conditions and other health outcomes associated with hearing loss (HL) and hearing aid use. Method: Survey data were used to categorize 20,244 participants into five groups: no HL, unaided mild HL, aided mild HL, unaided severe HL, and aided severe HL. Results: Individuals with unaided severe HL were more likely to report poor-fair self-rated health and were less likely to leave the home, or exercise 4 to 7 days per week, while there were no such associations for those with aided mild or severe HL. In addition, those with aided hearing were less likely to report depression, low social support, or mobility limitations. Discussion: In several instances, hearing aid use reduced associations between HL and negative psychosocial and physical characteristics, and health outcomes. More research using longitudinal study designs is needed to better understand the true implications of these findings.

Factors associated with job satisfaction among graduate nursing faculties in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction among nursing faculty is critical to improving quality of nursing education, producing future nurses who will contribute directly to the health of patients at a local and national level. This study explores factors associated with job satisfaction among graduate nursing faculties in different universities of Nepal. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing faculty with at least one year of teaching in their respective institutions. A 36-items job satisfaction questionnaire with 6-point Likert type responses was administered online. The questionnaire was pre-tested with 30 faculties pooled from multiple institutions. Link to the final survey was sent via e-mail to 327 nursing faculties working in 39 nursing colleges. Respondents were contacted by phone as a follow up to the email to politely remind them about the survey. Data analysis was carried out with SAS University Edition software. Chi-Square test and t-test were used for simple descriptive analysis. A multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to identify the significant factors associated with nursing faculties' job satisfaction. Adjusted odds ratio was calculated and significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05 with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The response rate was 54.4%. After retrospective cleaning of data, usable response rate was 52.3% (n = 171). The average age of the nursing faculties was 36.8 ± 7.0 years. Based on the overall job satisfaction score, 36.8% nursing faculties were satisfied with their current job. The coefficient for Cronbach's alpha was 0.895 suggesting very good reliability of the overall measure. The significant factors associated with job satisfaction were the involvement of the faculties in decision making process related to the department (OR = 4.83) and adequate access to reference materials (OR = 2.90). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that nursing faculties have positive attitude towards their job but are dissatisfied with the benefits offered to them and the operating condition of their institutions. Expanding the teaching learning resources, such as reference books, subscription to journals, and continuing education opportunities for nursing faculties through participation in professional meetings would be helpful in improving the quality of nursing education in Nepal.

Self-Reported Hearing Loss in Older Adults Is Associated With Higher Emergency Department Visits and Medical Costs.

Hearing loss is common among older adults. Thus, it was of interest to explore differences in health care utilization and costs associated with hearing loss and hearing aid use. Hearing loss and hearing aid use were assessed through self-reports and included 5 categories: no hearing loss, aided mild, unaided mild, aided severe, and unaided severe hearing loss. Health care utilization and costs were obtained from medical claims. Those with aided mild or severe hearing loss were significantly more likely to have an emergency department visit. Conversely, those with aided severe hearing loss were about 15% less likely to be hospitalized. Individuals with unaided severe hearing loss had the highest annual medical costs ($14349) compared with those with no hearing loss ($12118, P < .001). In this study, those with unaided severe hearing loss had the highest medical costs. Further studies should attempt to better understand the relationship between hearing loss, hearing aid use, and medical costs.

Low dose mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclophosphamide in the induction therapy of lupus nephritis in Nepalese population: a randomized control trial.

BACKGROUND: The management of proliferative lupus nephritis (LN) comprises timely and coordinated immunosuppressive therapy. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness and safety profile of low dose mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and cyclophosphamide (CYC) in induction therapy of LN in Nepalese population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, open-label, randomized trial over a period of one and half years. Forty-nine patients with class III to V lupus nephritis were enrolled, out of which 42 patients (21 in each group) could complete the study. CYC was given intravenously as a monthly pulse and MMF was administered orally in the tablet form in the maximum daily dose of 1.5 g in two divided doses. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 25.43 ± 10.17 years with female to male ratio of 7.3:1. Mean baseline serum creatinine was 1.58 ± 1.38 mg/dL and eGFR was 62.38 ± 26.76 ml/min/1.73m2. Mean 24-h urinary protein was 4.35 ± 3.71 g per 1.73 m2 body surface area. At 6 months, serum creatinine (mg/dL) decreased from 1.73 to 0.96 in CYC and from 1.24 to 0.91 in the MMF group with improvement in eGFR (ml/min/1.73 m2) from 60.33 to 88.52 in CYC and from 64.42 to 89.09 in MMF group. Twenty-four-hour urinary protein (gm/1.73m2) reduced from 4.47 to 0.94 in CYC and from 4.5 to 0.62 in the MMF group. Primary end point was achieved in higher percentage of patients with MMF than CYC (28.6% vs. 19%) while equal proportion of patients (67% in each group) achieved secondary end point in both groups. Number of non-responders was higher in CYC group than in the MMF group (14.3% vs. 4.8%). There was no difference in the rate of achievement of secondary end point in both CYC and MMF groups (3.16 vs. 3.05 months). The occurrence of adverse events was higher in the CYC than in MMF group (56 vs. 15 events). CONCLUSION: Present study has concluded that MMF, used in relatively lower dose, is equally effective in inducing remission with reduction of proteinuria and improvement of kidney function with lesser adverse events than CYC in the induction therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered to ClinicalTrials.gov PRS. NCT03200002 (Registered date: June 28, 2017).

The impact of inadequate health literacy on patient satisfaction, healthcare utilization, and expenditures among older adults.

Inadequate health literacy (HL) is associated with impaired healthcare choices leading to poor quality-of-care. Our primary purpose was to estimate the prevalence of inadequate HL among two populations of AARP® Medicare Supplement insureds: sicker and healthier populations; to identify characteristics of inadequate HL; and to describe the impact on patient satisfaction, preventive services, healthcare utilization, and expenditures. Surveys were mailed to insureds in 10 states. Multivariate regression models were used to identify characteristics and adjust outcomes. Among respondents (N = 7334), 23% and 16% of sicker and healthier insureds, respectively, indicated inadequate HL. Characteristics of inadequate HL included male gender, older age, more comorbidities, and lower education. Inadequate HL was associated with lower patient satisfaction, lower preventive service compliance, higher healthcare utilization and expenditures. Inadequate HL is more common among older adults in poorer health, further compromising their health outcomes; thus they may benefit from expanded educational or additional care coordination interventions.

Incorporating Reporting Efforts to Manage and Improve Health and Wellness Programs.

Wellness programs are designed to help individuals maintain or improve their health. This article describes how a reporting process can be used to help manage and improve a wellness program. Beginning in 2014, a wellness pilot program became available in New Jersey for individuals with an AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plan insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. The program has since expanded to include Missouri, Texas, Alabama, and Washington. This wellness program includes an online health portal, one-on-one telephonic coaching, gym membership discounts, and local health events. To assure smooth program operations and alignment with program objectives, weekly and monthly reports are produced. The weekly report includes metrics on member engagement and utilization for the aforementioned 4 program offerings and reports on the last 4 weeks, as well as for the current month and the current year to date. The monthly report includes separate worksheets for each state and a summary worksheet that includes all states combined, and provides metrics on overall engagement as well as utilization of the 4 program components. Although the monthly reports were used to better manage the 4 program offerings, the weekly reports help management to gauge response to program marketing. Reporting can be a data-driven management tool to help manage wellness programs. Reports provide rapid feedback regarding program performance. In contrast, in-depth program evaluations serve a different purpose, such as to report program-related savings, return on investment, or to report other longer term program-related outcomes.

Care Coordination Challenges Among High-Needs, High-Costs Older Adults in a Medigap Plan.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Many adults 65 years or older have high health care needs and costs. Here, we describe their care coordination challenges. PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTING: Individuals with an AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plan insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (for New York residents, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York). METHODOLOGY AND SAMPLE: The three groups included the highest needs, highest costs (the "highest group"), the high needs, high costs (the "high group"), and the "all other group." Eligibility was determined by applying an internally developed algorithm based upon a number of criteria, including hierarchical condition category score, the Optum ImpactPro prospective risk score, as well as diagnoses of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, or diabetes. RESULTS: The highest group comprised 2%, although consumed 12% of health care expenditures. The high group comprised 20% and consumed 46% of expenditures, whereas the all other group comprised 78% and consumed 42% of expenditures. On average, the highest group had $102,798 in yearly health care expenditures, compared with $34,610 and $7,634 for the high and all other groups, respectively. Fifty-seven percent of the highest group saw 16 or more different providers annually, compared with 21% and 2% of the high and all other groups, respectively. Finally, 28% of the highest group had prescriptions from at least seven different providers, compared with 20% and 5% of the high and all other groups, respectively. IMPLICATIONS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE: Individuals with high health care needs and costs have visits to numerous health care providers and receive multiple prescriptions for pharmacotherapy. As a result, these individuals can become overwhelmed trying to manage and coordinate their health care needs. Care coordination programs may help these individuals coordinate their care.

The Impact of Obesity on Health Care Utilization and Expenditures in a Medicare Supplement Population.

Objective: Obesity is a contributor to increased chronic conditions resulting in higher utilization of medical services among broad populations of older adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of the impact of weight on health care use patterns among Medicare Supplement insureds. Method: We estimated the impact of weight as a function of body mass index (BMI) on health care utilization and expenditures using propensity weighted multivariate regression models. The outcomes were controlled initially for demographics and socioeconomics and then additionally for chronic conditions and health status. Results: Among the 9,484 survey respondents, 22.9% were obese. Those categorized as obese were significantly more likely to incur inpatient admissions and orthopedic procedures. Annualized health care expenditures were US$1,496 higher for obese compared with normal weight. The excess utilization and expenditures associated with obesity were explained by chronic conditions and poor health status. Conclusion: Obesity-related expenditures associated with medical management are largely preventable and may benefit from interventions that target lifestyle behaviors and weight management among older adults.

Assessment of Nutritional Status of Nepalese Hemodialysis Patients by Anthropometric Examinations and Modified Quantitative Subjective Global Assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional status of patients on maintenance hemodialysis by using modified quantitative subjective global assessment (MQSGA) and anthropometric measurements. METHOD: We Conducted a cross sectional descriptive analytical study to assess the nutritional status of fifty four patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis by using MQSGA and different anthropometric and laboratory measurements like body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference (MAC), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), triceps skin fold (TSF) and biceps skin fold (BSF), serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile in a government tertiary hospital at Kathmandu, Nepal. RESULTS: Based on MQSGA criteria, 66.7% of the patients suffered from mild to moderate malnutrition and 33.3% were well nourished. None of the patients were severely malnourished. CRP was positive in 56.3% patients. Serum albumin, MAC and BMI were (mean + SD) 4.0 + 0.3 mg/dl, 22 + 2.6 cm and 19.6 ± 3.2 kg/m(2) respectively. MQSGA showed negative correlation with MAC (r = -0.563; P = <0.001), BMI (r = -0.448; P = <0.001), MAMC (r = -0.506; P = <.0001), TSF (r = -0.483; P = <.0002), and BSF (r = -0.508; P = <0.0001). Negative correlation of MQSGA was also found with total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol without any statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Mild to moderate malnutrition was found to be present in two thirds of the patients undergoing hemodialysis. Anthropometric measurements like BMI, MAC, MAMC, BSF and TSF were negatively correlated with MQSGA. Anthropometric and laboratory assessment tools could be used for nutritional assessment as they are relatively easier, cheaper and practical markers of nutritional status.

Propensity to Succeed: Prioritizing Individuals Most Likely to Benefit from Care Coordination.

The objective was to develop a propensity to succeed (PTS) process for prioritizing outreach to individuals with Medicare Supplement (ie, Medigap) plans who qualified for a high-risk case management (HRCM) program. Demographic, socioeconomic, health status, and local health care supply data from previous HRCM program participants and nonparticipants were obtained from Medigap membership and health care claims data and public data sources. Three logistic regression models were estimated to find members with higher probabilities of engaging in the HRCM program, receiving high quality of care once engaged, and incurring enough monetary savings related to program participation to more than offset program costs. The logistic regression model intercepts and coefficients yielded the information required to build predictive models that were then applied to generate predicted probabilities of program engagement, high quality of care, and cost savings a priori for different members who later qualified for the HRCM program. Predicted probabilities from the engagement and cost models were then standardized and combined to obtain an overall PTS score, which was sorted from highest to lowest and used to prioritize outreach efforts to those newly eligible for the HRCM program. The validity of the predictive models also was estimated. The PTS models for engagement and financial savings were statistically valid. The combined PTS score based on those 2 components helped prioritize outreach to individuals who qualified for the HRCM program. Using PTS models may help increase program engagement and financial success of care coordination programs.

Big Data, Little Data, and Care Coordination for Medicare Beneficiaries with Medigap Coverage.

Most healthcare data warehouses include big data such as health plan, medical, and pharmacy claims information for many thousands and sometimes millions of insured individuals. This makes it possible to identify those with multiple chronic conditions who may benefit from participation in care coordination programs meant to improve their health. The objective of this article is to describe how large databases, including individual and claims data, and other, smaller types of data from surveys and personal interviews, are used to support a care coordination program. The program described in this study was implemented for adults who are generally 65 years of age or older and have an AARP(®) Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan (i.e., a Medigap plan) insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (or, for New York residents, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York). Individual and claims data were used first to calculate risk scores that were then utilized to identify the majority of individuals who were qualified for program participation. For efficient use of time and resources, propensity to succeed modeling was used to prioritize referrals based upon their predicted probabilities of (1) engaging in the care coordination program, (2) saving money once engaged, and (3) receiving higher quality of care. To date, program evaluations have reported positive returns on investment and improved quality of healthcare among program participants. In conclusion, the use of data sources big and small can help guide program operations and determine if care coordination programs are working to help older adults live healthier lives.

Evaluation of a high-risk case management pilot program for Medicare beneficiaries with Medigap coverage.

The objective was to evaluate the 3-year experience of a high-risk case management (HRCM) pilot program for adults with an AARP Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance Plan. Participants were provided in-person visits as well as telephonic and mailed services to improve care coordination from December 1, 2008, to December 31, 2011. Included were adults who had an AARP Medigap Insurance Plan, resided in 1 of 5 pilot states, and had a Hierarchical Condition Category score>3.74, or were referred into the program. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust for case-mix differences among 2015 participants and 7626 qualified but nonparticipating individuals. Participants were in the program an average of 15.4 months. After weighting, multiple regression analyses were used to estimate differences in quality of care and health care expenditures between participants and nonparticipants. Increased duration in the program was associated with fewer hospital readmissions. Additionally, participants were significantly more likely to have recurring office visits and recommended laboratory tests. The program demonstrated $7.7 million in savings over the 3 years, resulting in a return on investment of $1.40 saved for every dollar spent on the program. Savings increased each year from 2009 to 2011 and with longer length of engagement. The majority of savings were realized by the federal Medicare program. This study focused on quality of care and savings for an HRCM program designed solely for Medicare members with Medicare Supplement coverage. This program had a favorable impact on quality of care and demonstrated savings over a 3-year period.

A more generalizable method to evaluate changes in health care costs with changes in health risks among employers of all sizes.

The objective of this study was to estimate the association between changes in health care expenditures relative to changes in health risk status for employers of all sizes. Repeat health risk assessments (HRAs) were obtained from 50,005 employees and spouses with 2 years of health plan enrollment, and from 37,559 employees and spouses with 3 years of enrollment in employer-sponsored medical coverage. Changes in health care expenditures were measured from the year before completion of the first HRA to the years before and after the completion of the second HRA. Propensity score weighting was used to adjust for those who did not repeat the HRA so results could be extrapolated to the larger population. Propensity score weighted multiple regression analyses were used to estimate the relationship between changes in health care expenditures with changes in risk status for 9 risk categories. Significantly higher health care expenditures were associated with those who moved from low risk to medium or high risk, compared to those who remained low risk. Expenditure reductions estimated for those who improved their health status from high risk to medium or low risk were not statistically significant. This study is unique because of its large sample size, its use of data from a wide range of employer sizes, and its efforts to extend generalizability to those who did not complete both HRAs. These results demonstrate that the potential for short-term health care savings may be greater for programs that help maintain low risk than for programs focused on risk reduction.

Disparities in major joint replacement surgery among adults with Medicare supplement insurance.

The objective of this study was to determine if disparities in hip and knee replacement surgery exist among osteoarthritis patients with AARP-branded Medicare supplement plan (ie, Medigap) coverage provided by UnitedHealthcare. Patients were selected into the study if they had 1 or more medical claims with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis from July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. Logistic regression analyses tested for age-, sex-, race-, or income-related differences in the likelihood of receiving a hip or knee replacement surgery. The regression models controlled for socioeconomics, health status, type of supplement plan, and residential location. Of the 2.2 million Medigap insureds eligible for this study, 529,652 (24%) had osteoarthritis. Of these, 32,527 (6.1%) received a hip or knee replacement. Males were 6% (P < 0.001) more likely than females to have a replacement surgery. Patients living in minority or lower income neighborhoods were less likely to receive a hip or knee replacement. Supplement plan type was not a strong predictor of the likelihood of hip or knee replacement. Disparities were much greater by comorbid condition and residential location. Disparities in hip and knee replacement surgery existed by age, sex, race, and income levels. Larger disparities were found by residential location and comorbid condition. Interventions are being considered to address these disparities.