Arch Intern Med
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Comparative Study
Discrepancies in the use of medications: their extent and predictors in an outpatient practice.
Misuse of medications is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Few studies have examined the frequency of, and factors associated with, discrepancies between what doctors prescribe and what patients take in actual practice. ⋯ Discrepancies among recorded and reported medications were common and involved all classes of medications, including cardiac and prescription drugs. Older age and polypharmacy were the most significant correlates of discrepancy. The pervasiveness of discrepancies can have significant health care implications, and action is urgently needed to address their causes. Such action would likely have a positive impact on patient care.
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Comparative Study
Associations of general and abdominal obesity with multiple health outcomes in older women: the Iowa Women's Health Study.
Recent clinical guidelines on the health risks of obesity use body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) and waist circumference, but the waist-hip ratio may provide independent information. ⋯ The waist-hip ratio offers additional prognostic information beyond BMI and waist circumference.