Family medicine
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Diet plays an important role in the management of diabetes, and a suboptimal diet is a commonly identified problem. Family support may be important in overcoming barriers to good diet. We conducted this study to examine the role of the family in overcoming barriers to diet self-care among older Hispanic patients with diabetes. ⋯ To fully understand difficulties encountered by older Hispanic adults with adherence to a diabetic diet, primary care physicians should explore the role of family support and family functioning. For those with poorly functioning families or low levels of family support, family-level interventions may need to be considered.
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Emergency contraception (EC) is an underutilized method of preventing unplanned pregnancy. This study assessed family physicians' and nurse providers' knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about EC. ⋯ Although the majority of participating providers were willing to prescribe EC and had generally favorable attitudes toward it, rates of providing this therapy were low. There was a discrepancy between providers' perceived and actual knowledge about EC. Interventions targeting misunderstandings might help reduce missed opportunities to provide EC.
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Parental concerns may contribute to immunization refusals and low infant immunization rates. Little knowledge is available about how often and why parents refuse immunizations for their children. This study was conducted to estimate, based on reports from health care providers and parents, the frequency of and reasons for immunization refusal. ⋯ Providers indicate low vaccine refusal rates within offices of traditional primary care providers and in public health clinics. Strategies for efficient provider-patient communication are needed to address parental concerns about vaccines.