Biomedical subjects

Alejandra C Gurtman

Publications and source records attributed to Alejandra C Gurtman.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2004

Clinicians' knowledge, attitudes, and concerns regarding bioterrorism after a brief educational program.

We conducted this study to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and intended behaviors of New York City clinicians regarding bioterrorism-related diseases after a brief educational program. Data on clinicians' knowledge and attitudes toward bioterrorism and related diseases were collected using a self-administered questionnaire following a 3.5-hour educational program. Participants (n = 310, 82% response rate) reported increased confidence in recognizing symptoms of bioterrorism-related diseases (89%), in addressing patients' bioterrorism concerns (83%), and ability to treat bioterrorism victims (75%). Despite a high level of confidence in the efficacy of infection control precautions, participants' knowledge scores regarding safe work practices suggest that additional education is warranted. Educational programs are useful in enhancing the public health response to bioterrorism and its consequences.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Depressive symptoms and AIDS-related mortality among a multisite cohort of HIV-positive women.

OBJECTIVES: We examined associations between depressive symptoms and AIDS-related mortality after controlling for antiretroviral therapy use, mental health treatment, medication adherence, substance abuse, clinical indicators, and demographic factors. METHODS: One thousand seven hundred sixteen HIV-seropositive women completed semiannual visits from 1994 through 2001 to clinics at 6 sites. Multivariate Cox and logistic regression analyses estimated time to AIDS-related death and depressive symptom severity. RESULTS: After we controlled for all other factors, AIDS-related deaths were more likely among women with chronic depressive symptoms, and symptoms were more severe among women in the terminal phase of their illness. Mental health service use was associated with reduced mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment for depression is a critically important component of comprehensive care for HIV-seropositive women, especially those with end-stage disease.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗