Objective: To assess associations between race/ethnicity and medication adherence, and the potential modifying effects of weight category (normal, overweight, obese) in a community-based sample. Study design and setting: We studied 1355 participants from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk...

Objective: To assess the relationship between fatigue and health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among people with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: Community-dwelling people with OA, and OA patients on the waiting list for joint replacement surgery, were recruited. RA...

Objective: Exercise is an important adjunctive treatment for knee osteoarthritis (OA); however, it is underutilized, in part because of the known difficulties related to initiating and adhering to exercise programs. Although there are ample data documenting the latter, patient preferences for...

Background: The choice between surgical and non-surgical treatment options is a fundamental decision for men with local-stage prostate cancer because of differences in risks of genitourinary adverse effects among available treatments. Objectives: We assessed whether pre-existing genitourinary...

Background: Hand-held electronic devices may provide a simple reproducible means by which quality of life (QOL) may be documented in patients with cancer. However, the QOL scales that are routinely used were originally validated when used with paper and pencil data collection. Patient-reported...

Background: In Crossing the Quality Chasm, the Institute of Medicine recommended that patient-centered care should not waste patients' time and should recognize the involvement of family and friends. Studies have documented the time spent by physicians on outpatient visits, but not that spent by...

Background: Waiting for care is common in many countries as a result of supply-side rationing. The effects that waiting has on patients and their environment have not received much attention thus far. We discuss the literature and present the results of a study on patient experiences with...

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects approximately 10-15% of the general population and has deleterious effects on sleep and subsequent daytime performance. The disorder may also give rise to long-term complications such as psychological distress and diminished quality of life. The...