Health-related characteristics and preferred methods of receiving health education according to dominant language among Latinos Aged 25 to 64 in a large Northern California health plan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Latinos are a fast growing segment of the U.S. health care population. Acculturation factors, including English fluency, result in an ethnic group heterogeneous with regard to SES, health practices, and health education needs. This study examined how demographic and health-related characteristics of Spanish-dominant (SD), Bilingual (BIL), and English-dominant (ED) Latino men and women aged 25–64 differed among members of a large Northern California health plan.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This observational study was based on data from cohorts of 171 SD (requiring an interpreter), 181 BIL, and 734 ED Latinos aged 25–64 who responded to random sample health plan member surveys conducted 2005–2006. Language groups were compared separately by gender on education, income, behavioral health risks (smoking, obesity, exercise frequency, dietary practices, health beliefs), health status (overall health and emotional health, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heartburn/acid reflux, back pain, depression), computer and Internet access, and health education modality preferences.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Compared with ED Latinos, higher percentages of the SD and BIL groups had very low educational attainment and low income. While groups were similar in prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, SD were less likely than ED Latinos to rate overall health and emotional well-being as good, very good, or excellent and more likely to report heartburn and back pain (women only). The groups were similar with regard to smoking and obesity, but among women, SD were more likely to be physically inactive than ED, and BIL were less likely than SD and ED groups to eat <3 servings of fruit/vegetables per day. SD and BIL of both genders were significantly less likely than ED Latinos to believe that health practices had a large impact on health. Compared to ED men and women, SD and BIL Latinos had significantly lower Internet and computer access. As a result, SD Latinos had a greater preference for lower technology health education modalities such as videos and taped phone messages.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There are important differences among Latinos of different English language proficiency with regard to education, income, health status, health behaviors, IT access, and health education modality preferences that ought to be considered when planning and implementing health programs for this growing segment of the U.S. population.</p

The Impact of Pharmaceutical Side Effects on Audiological and Vestibular Measurements

There are over 2,000 drugs with a combined total of over 400 side effects that could result in obtaining inaccurate case history information or inaccurate test results that may lead to misdiagnosing the patient\u27s hearing or vestibular problem. The recommendations that are made could be inappropriate and thus can lead to management errors. A review of the auditory, vestibular, and cognitive side effects of many of the drugs patients take regularly (including drugs that can cause tinnitus) is provided. This article offers suggestions to obtain a more accurate case history. A review of preferred Web sites to obtain drug side effect information is included. Suggestions for improved communication strategies between the audiologist, the physician, the patient, and the pharmacist are highlighted

Common Aminoglycosides and Platinum-Based Ototoxic Drugs: Cochlear/Vestibular Side Effects and Incidence

This is a reference chart that identifies 16 aminoglycoside antibiotics and platinum based drugs that could be cochleotoxic, vestibulotoxic or both. Using the most currently available data from published research from the National Library of Medicine\u27s PubMed data base, incidence figures and risk factors are included in the chart along with the potential of permanence of reversibility of the impairment

Auditory and Vestibular Side Effects of FDA-Approved Drugs for Diabetes

As of September 10, 2019, there were 75 medications (oral/injectable/inhalants) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for diabetes management: 1 inhalant, 21 oral combinations, 22 injectable, and 31 oral medications (not in combination with any other diabetes drug). This article isolates the auditory and vestibular side effects of those drugs as reported by the drug\u27s manufacturer as well as those side effects that could interfere with a balance assessment. Twenty of the 75 approved medications (26%) could have an auditory-related side effect. Hearing loss and tinnitus are not on the list. Only two, or just 3%, have vertigo and spinning as reported side effects (one each). More than 50% of the drugs will have some effect on a balance assessment. Audiologists who evaluate a patient with diabetes (PWD) are presented with symptoms that could be related to their diabetes medication. Although the manufacturer might report a side effect as rare or as a percentage from their clinical trials subjects, not all PWD will experience these adverse events. Auditory and vestibular side effects do not dominate the diabetes drug side effect list, but, rather, the most reported side effects could impact a balance assessment. The lists that appear in Appendices A and B should serve as a guide for all professionals involved in managing the PWD (i.e., audiologists, otolaryngologists, diabetes educators, pharmacists, optometrists, dentists, etc.). The list also serves as a counseling tool if a communication problem emerges during the progression of the diabetes

Auditory and Vestibular Side Effects of FDA-Approved Drugs for Diabetes

AbstractAs of September 10, 2019, there were 75 medications (oral/injectable/inhalants) approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for diabetes management: 1 inhalant, 21 oral combinations, 22 injectable, and 31 oral medications (not in combination with any other diabetes drug). This article isolates the auditory and vestibular side effects of those drugs as reported by the drug's manufacturer as well as those side effects that could interfere with a balance assessment. Twenty of the 75 approved medications (26%) could have an auditory-related side effect. Hearing loss and tinnitus are not on the list. Only two, or just 3%, have vertigo and spinning as reported side effects (one each). More than 50% of the drugs will have some effect on a balance assessment. Audiologists who evaluate a patient with diabetes (PWD) are presented with symptoms that could be related to their diabetes medication. Although the manufacturer might report a side effect as rare or as a percentage from their clinical trials subjects, not all PWD will experience these adverse events. Auditory and vestibular side effects do not dominate the diabetes drug side effect list, but, rather, the most reported side effects could impact a balance assessment. The lists that appear in Appendices A and B should serve as a guide for all professionals involved in managing the PWD (i.e., audiologists, otolaryngologists, diabetes educators, pharmacists, optometrists, dentists, etc.). The list also serves as a counseling tool if a communication problem emerges during the progression of the diabetes.</jats:p