Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Dec 2024
Patient Interest in Mental Health Screening by Endocrinologists.
Endocrine disorders often coexist with mental health issues. Little is known about patient beliefs regarding endocrinologists' involvement in mental health screening. We studied the beliefs of patients with endocrine disorders regarding endocrinologists' asking about mental health and whether patients perceive that endocrinologists are capable of recognizing mental health concerns. ⋯ Many patients with endocrine disorders want endocrinologists to ask about their mental health. We recommend that endocrinologists consider incorporating mental health screening for depression and anxiety into routine patient care because many patients would welcome this approach.
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Southern medical journal · Dec 2024
Qualitative Exploration of Contraceptive Knowledge in Men and Women.
The level of knowledge about contraceptives overall is low in the United States. This qualitative study adds to the literature that explores gendered differences in contraceptive knowledge. Specifically, we examined knowledge regarding different contraceptive methods, directions on use, mechanism of action, efficacy, and adverse effects. We also looked at men's perspectives on their partner's knowledge. ⋯ A low level of knowledge about contraceptives is associated with increased rates of unintended pregnancy. This study demonstrates a need for improved education about contraception. Given the impact of male opinion in contraceptive use, efforts to increase their knowledge could be important interventions to increase contraceptive uptake.
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Southern medical journal · Dec 2024
Examining Provider Attitudes and Barriers toward Prescribing PrEP within Primary Care Settings in Alabama.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention tool. Expanding PrEP access and utilization is made possible by incorporating it into primary care practice. This study explored the barriers in and attitudes toward prescribing PrEP to adults among primary care providers (PCPs) in Alabama, a priority HIV jurisdiction with low PrEP uptake. ⋯ With barriers hindering PrEP prescribing by Alabama's PCPs, in addition to preexisting healthcare barriers experienced by patients in the US Deep South, immediate attention is warranted. Further exploration into developing policies for streamlining sexual history intake and inclusive medical education and training regarding PrEP is needed in Alabama.
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Free clinics provide care to underserved populations nationwide. The Birmingham Free Clinic offers dermatology care and operates an onsite dispensary. Little is known about specialty care services and medication optimization in the free clinic setting. This study analyzed dermatologic diagnoses and medication distribution patterns to optimize the dermatologic formulary at a free clinic. ⋯ Eighty-gram tubes of triamcinolone 0.1% ointment were added to the dermatologic formulary, and low-cost alternatives were suggested for ketoconazole 2% shampoo. This study provides a model for formulary optimization in free clinics with specialty care services.
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Southern medical journal · Dec 2024
Understanding Trends in Pediatric Drowning Injuries in North Carolina.
Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in the pediatric and adolescent population. This epidemiologic study describes the trends in emergency department (ED) visits for pediatric drowning injury in North Carolina and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on incidence rate. ⋯ This study is limited by the fortunate rarity of pediatric drowning events. Injuries may be underreported because these are only ED presentations. This study relied on provider documentation in electronic health records. The definition of postpandemic is not well defined, and sequelae of the COVID-19 pandemic may not yet be fully appreciated. The incidence of North Carolina ED encounters for drowning injury in the pediatric population has decreased, and the COVID-19 pandemic had a noticeable, although not statistically significant, effect.