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Biomedical subjects

R A Lyons

Publications and source records attributed to R A Lyons.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Passive smoking and hearing loss in infants.

A cohort of infants scheduled to attend the 10 month developmental assessment were studied to determine whether hearing deficits are more common in those exposed to cigarette smoke. Hearing was assessed by the standard distraction test and those with persistent abnormalities were referred to a medical audiologist. Overall 77% of infants were exposed to cigarette smoke and 40% failed the initial hearing tests. Exposure to cigarette smoke was associated with a 4.9 times increase in the prevalence of hearing deficits and 75% of the cases of hearing loss were statistically attributable to exposure to cigarette smoke. The results of this study lend further weight to the hypothesis that exposure to cigarette smoke is a cause of hearing deficits in children.

Hearing Disorders↗
PubMed1992

General practice estimates of the prevalence of common chronic conditions.

This study measured the prevalence of chronic medical conditions in 4,549 middle aged persons attending three large general practices in Dublin over the course of a calender year. The prevalence of the following conditions were measured: coronary heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, asthma, chronic bronchitis, rheumatic disorders, dyspepsia, depression, anxiety disorders, psychoses, and cancer. In order to obtain a valid denominator for the study a second community based study was carried out in the same areas to determine what proportion of persons visit their general practitioner over the course of a year. Overall 40.5% of males and 44% of females suffered from a least one of the twelve conditions, with rheumatic disorders having the highest prevalence (14.5%) and psychotic disorders the lowest (0.75%).

Adult↗
PubMed1992

An explanation for the difference in general practitioner consultation rates between GMS and non-GMS patients.

This study compares annual consultation rates between 3,111 General Medical Services and private patients, and their family doctors in three large general practices in Dublin. Visiting rates were substantially different between practices and between GMS and private patients. However, GMS patients were older and had 50% more chronic illnesses. When the effects of age and illness were controlled in a multiple regression model, GMS status accounted for less than 5% of the variation in visiting rates. GMS patients consult their practitioners in proportion to their medical need.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Community health service utilisation and needs in an elderly population.

This study was carried out to determine community health service utilisation and needs of an elderly population living in a geographically defined area of Dublin. A random sample of 208 persons was taken from the 11,852 elderly persons living in the area. Activities of daily living and cognitive function were assessed in the person's own home. Whilst the community health services provided were less than comprehensive, they were targeted to those most in need; the very elderly, those living alone, and persons with a mental or physical disability. Objectively assessed need for further services far outweighed the demand for such services. Studies such as this are essential if the elderly are to receive their fair share of services in a demand based health service.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

A large outbreak of salmonellosis and its economic cost.

In the summer of 1989, a large outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred in persons attending a barbeque. An investigation was carried out to determine the cause, institute control measures, and to estimate the costs involved in the outbreak. Epidemiological investigation revealed that chicken served at the barbeque was the pecant food, which was confirmed by microbiological investigation. Prompt institution of control measures resulted in early containment of secondary spread. Nevertheless, the total cost of the outbreak amounted to 77,995 pounds. The economic impact of this outbreak was therefore considerable.

Diarrhea↗