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PURPOSE To estimate the prevalence of frailty among childhood cancer survivors and to determine the direct and indirect effects of treatment exposures, lifestyle factors, and severe, disabling, and life-threatening chronic condition on frailty. METHODS Childhood cancer survivors (≥ 5 years since diagnosis), treated between 1970 and 1999 when < 21 years old (n = 10,899; mean age, 37.6 ± 9.4 years; 48% male, 86% white) and siblings were included (n = 2,097; mean age, 42.9 ± 9.4 years). Frailty was defined as ≥ 3 of the following: low lean mass, exhaustion, low energy expenditure, walking limitations, and weakness. Generalized linear models were used to evaluate direct and indirect associations between frailty and treatment exposures, sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and chronic condition. RESULTS The overall prevalence of frailty among survivors was 3 times higher compared with siblings (6.4%; 95% CI, 4.1% to 8.7%; v 2.2%; 95% CI, 1.2% to 3.2%). Survivors of CNS tumors (9.5%; 95% CI, 5.2% to 13.8%) and bone tumors (8.1%; 95% CI, 5.1% to 11.1%) had the highest prevalence of frailty. Survivors exposed to cranial radiation, pelvic radiation ≥ 34 Gy, abdominal radiation > 40 Gy, cisplatin ≥ 600 mg/m2, amputation, or lung surgery had increased risk for frailty. These associations were partially but not completely attenuated when sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, and chronic conditions were added to multivariable models. Cranial radiation (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.20 to 1.76), pelvic radiation ≥ 34 Gy (PR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.01 to 2.11), and lung surgery (PR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.28 to 2.38) remained significant after sociodemographic, lifestyle, and chronic conditions were accounted for. CONCLUSION Childhood cancer survivors reported a higher prevalence of frailty compared with siblings. Radiation and lung surgery exposures were associated with increased risk for frailty. Interventions to prevent, delay onset, or remediate chronic disease and/or promote healthy lifestyle are needed to decrease the prevalence of frailty and preserve function in this at-risk population.

Background: The World Health Organization recommends at least 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Longitudinal studies facilitate estimation of EBF duration, but often suffer from loss to follow-up and missing information. The study estimates the prevalence of EBF, duration and predictors of EBF duration while adjusting for missing data using multiple imputation (MI). Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted on all women giving birth between September 2009-February 2010 in selected hospitals (N=2119). Data on EBF and socio-demographic and other characteristics were collected at birth, and at 2, 6, 12 and 24 months. Information on EBF status and duration was missing for 29%. To deal with missing data, we generated multiple datasets using logistic regression-based MI to impute missing EBF practice, and an accelerated failure time (AFT) model to impute missing duration of EBF. The latter model also identified factors associated with EBF duration. Results: The observed 64% of women practicing EBF (95%CI; 62%-66%) was adjusted, after imputation, to 62% (95%CI; 60%-65%). After imputation, the estimated median time of EBF among women practicing EBF was 4.9 months. Predictors of EBF duration were stated intention to breastfeed, religious observance, and giving formula milk while in hospital. Conclusion: Adjusting estimates of EBF practice and duration using MI is feasible and potentially important. Using an AFT model for EBF duration enables the execution of MI in such studies and allows direct interpretation of the impact of various factors on EBF duration.

To systematically review the evidence regarding rehabilitation interventions targeting optimal physical or cognitive function in adults with a history of cancer and describe the breadth of evidence as well as strengths and limitations across a range of functional domains.PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Plus, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. The time scope was January 2008 to April 2019.Prospective, controlled trials including single- and multiarm cohorts investigating rehabilitative interventions for cancer survivors at any point in the continuum of care were included, if studies included a primary functional outcome measure. Secondary data analyses and pilot/feasibility studies were excluded. Full-text review identified 362 studies for inclusion.Extraction was performed by coauthor teams and quality and bias assessed using the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Classification of Evidence Scheme (class I-IV).Studies for which the functional primary endpoint achieved significance were categorized into 9 functional areas foundational to cancer rehabilitation: (1) quality of life (109 studies), (2) activities of daily living (61 studies), (3) fatigue (59 studies), (4) functional mobility (55 studies), (5) exercise behavior (37 studies), (6) cognition (20 studies), (7) communication (10 studies), (8) sexual function (6 studies), and (9) return to work (5 studies). Most studies were categorized as class III in quality/bias. Averaging results found within each of the functional domains, 71% of studies reported statistically significant results after cancer rehabilitation intervention(s) for at least 1 functional outcome.These findings provide evidence supporting the efficacy of rehabilitative interventions for individuals with a cancer history. The findings should be balanced with the understanding that many studies had moderate risk of bias and/or limitations in study quality by AAN criteria. These results may provide a foundation for future work to establish clinical practice guidelines for rehabilitative interventions across cancer disease types.

Despite near universal health insurance coverage in China, populations with low incomes may still face barriers in access and utilization of affordable health care. We aimed to identify the likelihood of forgone medical care due to cost by surveying individuals from the community to assess: (1) The percent with forgone medical care due to cost, and (2) Factors associated with forgone medical care due to cost. Surveys conducted (2016–2017) in Mandarin included demographic and medical care utilization-related items. Theoretically-informed, fully-adjusted analyses were employed. Approximately 94% of respondents had health insurance, which is somewhat similar to national estimates. Overall, 24% of respondents resided in rural areas, with 18% having less than a high school education, and 49% being male. More than 36% reported forgone medical care due to cost in the past 12 months. In fully-adjusted analyses, having lower education, generally not being satisfied with the commute to the hospital, and being a resident of a province with a lower density of physicians were associated with forgone medical care. Cost-related disparities in the access and utilization of needed medical care persist, even with near universal health insurance, which may be due to one’s satisfaction with travel time to healthcare and other community assets.

Background: Childhood cancer survivors are at elevated risk for motor and/or sensory neuropathy. The study aims to evaluate the concordance between self-report peripheral neuropathy compared with clinically ascertained peripheral neuropathy, and to identify factors associated with misclassification of peripheral neuropathy among survivors. Methods: The concordance between self-report and clinically ascertained peripheral neuropathy was evaluated among 2,933 5+ years old childhood cancer survivors (mean age 33.3, SD = 8.9). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of self-report peripheral motor neuropathy (PMN) and peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN) were calculated with reference to clinically assessed peripheral neuropathy. Results: Female survivors were more likely than male survivors to have clinically ascertained PMN (8.4% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.004). For females, having either PSN or PMN the most sensitive, specific, and accurate self-reported symptom was endorsing ≥2 symptoms on the self-report questionnaire (43.2%, 90.3%, and 85.2%, respectively), with kappa of 0.304. For males, having either PSN or PMN the most sensitive, specific, and accurate self-reported symptom was endorsing ≥2 symptoms on the self-report questionnaire (38.8%, 90.5%, and 86.3%, respectively) with kappa of 0.242. Age at diagnosis, emotional distress, and reporting pain in legs in the past 4 weeks were associated with an increased risk for false-positive reporting of peripheral neuropathy. Race (White), age at assessment, and emotional distress were associated with increased risk for false-negative reporting of peripheral neuropathy. Conclusions: Agreement between self-report and clinically ascertained peripheral neuropathy was poor in survivors. Choosing self-report versus clinical ascertained peripheral neuropathy should be carefully considered. Impact: The current study identifies the need for a self-report questionnaire that accurately assesses symptoms of peripheral neuropathy among cancer survivors.

Exercise intolerance is associated with increased risk for morbidity and mortality in childhood cancer survivors. However, an association between exercise intolerance and psychosocial outcomes has not been fully explored.To examine the associations between exercise intolerance and emotional distress, attainment of social roles, and health-related quality of life in childhood cancer survivors.A cross-sectional study including 1041 adult survivors of childhood cancer and 286 community controls in the St Jude Lifetime Cohort was conducted at St Jude Children's Research Hospital. The study was performed from April 1, 2012, to March 15, 2020.Exercise intolerance was defined as relative peak oxygen uptake less than 85% of age- and sex-estimated levels from maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing.Emotional distress was measured with the 18-item Brief Symptom Inventory-18, which includes overall Global Severity Index and depression, anxiety, and somatization subscales. Participants with T scores greater than or equal to 63 were classified as having elevated levels of distress. Social attainment was evaluated using patient-reported educational, employment, and marital status. Health-related quality of life was examined with the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36. Participants with T scores less than or equal to 40 were classified as reporting poor health-related quality of life.Of the 1041 participants, 528 were women (50.7%). The prevalence of exercise intolerance among survivors (mean [SD] age, 35.5 [9.2] years) was higher than that among controls (age, 34.5 [10.0] years) (survivors: 634 [60.9%] vs controls: 75 [26.2%], P .001). After adjusting for age at diagnosis and cardiopulmonary exercise testing, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, physical activity, and exercise intolerance were associated with an increased risk for anxiety (prevalence rate ratio [PRR], 1.95; 95% CI, 1.20-3.16), somatization (PRR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.23-2.80), and unemployment (PRR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.23-2.52); an inverse association was noted with having a college degree (PRR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.50-0.88). Exercise intolerance was associated with an increased the risk for scoring less than or equal to 40 on the physical component summary of the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (PRR, 3.69; 95% CI, 2.34-5.84). These associations persisted when either cancer treatment exposures or chronic health conditions were added to the model.The findings of this study suggest that exercise intolerance is independently associated with emotional distress, attainment of social roles, and health-related quality of life of long-term survivors of childhood cancer. The results also suggest that improving physiologic capacity may benefit general health and wellness, as well as emotional health, ability to participate in social roles, and health-related quality of life.

Background A key component of the quality of health care is patient satisfaction, particularly in regard to Primary Care Physician (PCP), which represents the first contact with health care services. Patient satisfaction is associated with ethnic, regional and socio-demographic differences, due to differences in service quality, patient-doctor communication, and the patient’s perceptions. The aim of this study was to evaluate patients’ satisfaction related to primary care physicians’ (PCP) performance and to explore potential differences by ethnicity in a multicultural population. Methods A national cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted, among a random sample of the Israeli population aged ≥25 years. Satisfaction level from performance of PCP was assessed using a validated questionnaire (30 items; 6 different domains). Results The final sample included (n = 827 Jews; n = 605 Arabs, mean age 54.7(±14.9). In the adjusted logistic regression models, Arabs reported lower general satisfaction related to PCPs’ performance as compared to Jews (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 0.63; (95% CI: 0.40–0.98). Arabs reported lower satisfaction related to PCPs’ performance across the following domains: communication skills (AOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22–0.82); interpersonal manners (AOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.24–0.58); and time spent with the patients (AOR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43–0.85). Conclusions Jews and Arabs were very satisfied with PCPs’ performance. However, there are ethnic differences in the extent of satisfaction level related to the performance of PCP. Satisfaction from PCPs’ performance may be achieved by improving the communication skills of the PCP, encouraging interpersonal interaction between the PCP and the patient, and devoting more time to the patient during the visits.

Objective Although overall childhood cancer survival has improved, survivors may still have an elevated risk for second primary neoplasm (SPN) and excess mortality. The aim of the current study was to estimate the risks for SPN and mortality in childhood cancer survivors in Israel as compared to the general population. Methods All children aged 0–19 diagnosed with primary neoplasm between 1980–2007 who survived at least 5 years following diagnosis were included in the study. Follow-up continued until December 31st, 2013, or diagnosis of SPN, or death due to any cause (the earliest of these events). Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to assess predictors of SPN and mortality. Results The cohort consisted of 6637 childhood cancer survivors. A total of 244 all-site SPN cases were observed. Compared to the general population, the risks for SPN and for mortality were significantly increased (SIR = 5.48; 95%CI: 4.82–6.22 and SMR = 13.99; 95%CI = 12.54–15.56, respectively). Factors predicting SPN were sex (female), older age at first diagnosis, and initial cancer diagnosis (lymphomas). Factors predicting mortality were older age at first diagnosis, initial cancer diagnosis (myeloproliferative diseases) and earlier years, according to calendar period of initial diagnosis. Conclusions Although 5-year childhood cancer survival is high, survivors are at elevated risk for SPN and mortality, and the risks are associated with baseline characteristics of the patients. The increased risks should be considered when planning treatment, follow-up and surveillance of the survivors.

Background In Israel, the whole population is covered by comprehensive universal health insurance. Despite that, most of the population purchases supplementary health insurance (SHI). It has been shown that individuals purchase more health insurance and preventive medicine when they are uncertain of their state of health, while a majority may not fully understand basic concepts in their health insurance coverage. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of fear of catastrophic health expenditures and unrealistic expectations in purchasing SHI, which does not cover expenses for life-threatening illnesses. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among random samples of 814 Jews and 800 Arabs in Israel. A structured questionnaire was administered by telephone using random digit dialling. Log-linear regression was used to identify factors associated with reasons for purchasing SHI and expectations from SHI. Results The most common reason for purchasing SHI was fear of catastrophic health-related expenditures (41%). The most important service expected from SHI was ‘cancer medications’ (mean 4.68 [standard deviation 0.87]). Differences in the reasons for purchasing SHI and in expectations from SHI were found according to population group, age, gender and education. Conclusions Consumers’ misconceptions and fear of catastrophic health expenditures are major factors leading to the purchase of SHI, despite universal health coverage. Improved and accessible information should help consumers make informed decisions as to whether or not to purchase SHI.

Introduction Chronic diseases constitute a major public health challenge. The prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (MCC) has increased. The objective of our study was to describe the prevalence, correlates, and time trends of MCC in the Israeli population and among the nation's 2 main population groups (Jewish and Arab). Methods To describe the prevalence of correlates of MCC, we used data from the 2014-2015 Israeli National Health Interview Survey-III (INHIS-III). MCC was defined as having 2 or more of the following 10 self-reported physician-diagnosed chronic conditions: asthma, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, dyslipidemia, heart attack, hypertension, migraine, osteoporosis, or thyroid disease. For trend analysis, we used data from INHIS-I (2003-2004) and INHIS-II (2007-2010). Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. Estimates were weighted to the 2014 Israeli population. P for trend was calculated by using the Cochran-Armitage test for proportions. Results In 2014-2015, the prevalence of MCC was 27.3% (95% confidence interval, 25.7%-28.8%). In multivariate analysis, MCC was associated with older age, female sex, a monthly household income of USD$3,000 or less, current and past smoking, and overweight or obesity. After adjusting for age, sex, income, smoking status, and body mass index, differences in MCC between Jewish and Arab populations disappeared. Dyslipidemia and hypertension were the most prevalent dyad among both men and women. Dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes were the most prevalent triad among both men and women. The age-adjusted prevalence of MCC increased by 6.7% between 2003-2004 and 2014-2015. Conclusion With the increase in the prevalence of MCC, a comprehensive approach is needed to reduce the burden of chronic conditions. Of special concern are the groups most prone to MCC.

10026 Background: Childhood cancer survivors are at increased risk for frailty, which is a loss of physiological capacity that is typically observed among older adults. Aims: Estimate the prevalence of frailty among survivors, and examine direct and indirect effects of treatment, lifestyle, and chronic disease factors on frailty. Methods: CCSS participants who were > 5-year survivors of childhood cancer, diagnosed between 1970-1999 at

The effectiveness of breast cancer screening programs in reducing mortality is well established in the scientific literature. The National Breast Cancer Screening Program in Israel provides biennial mammograms for women of average risk aged 50-74 and annual mammograms for women aged 40-49 at higher risk. Compliance is high, but differential. This study explores different factors associated with breast cancer screening attendance among women aged 40-74 years.Two main outcomes were studied: ever been screened and been screened in the 2 years preceding the study, using the cross-sectional Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Survey conducted in 2010-2012 among 2575 Israeli women aged 21+ years. The independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, perceived health status, lifestyle habits, and healthcare fund membership. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were conducted.Of the 943 participants aged 50-74, 87% had ever been screened and 74.8% had attended screening for breast cancer in the last 2 years. In multivariable models, Jewish compared to Arab women (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-4.32), and unmarried compared to married women (APR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2-7.2), were more likely to have ever been screened. The only factor associated with breast cancer screening in the 2 years preceding the study was healthcare fund membership. In women aged 40-49 years, ethnicity was the only contributing factor associated with breast cancer screening, with higher screening rates in the 2 years preceding the study in Jewish versus Arab women (APR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.52-9.3).Breast cancer screening attendance in Israel is high. However, significant differences are observed by membership of healthcare fund and by ethnicity, calling for better targeted outreach programs at this level.

Studies indicate uncertainty surrounding vaccination safety and efficacy for pregnant women, causing a central problem for health authorities. In this study, approximately 26% of participants do not recommend the tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis and influenza vaccines to their patients, although being aware of the health ministry recommendations. We found significant statistical discrepancies between the knowledge about the recommendations and their actual implementation, revealing the concerns of health care workers regarding vaccine safety.

Background Receiving physician advice (PA) can increase patient's willingness to quit smoking and influence the 'stages of change' in quitting. However, less is known about this association among minority groups for whom cessation is more challenging. Objective We examined whether receiving advice on smoking cessation from a family physician is associated with the 'stages of change' in quitting smoking-i.e. pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation or action-among Arab minority men in Israel with high smoking prevalence. Methods In 2011-12, a stratified random sample of 964 Arab men current and past smokers, aged 18-64, were interviewed face-to-face. We used ordered logistic regression models to examine the association between PA and stages of quitting smoking, adjusted for socioeconomic status, health status, sociodemographics, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) and smoking-related variables. Results About 40% of Arab men reported ever receiving PA to quit smoking. Participants with chronic disease(s) and higher nicotine dependence were more likely to receive PA. PA was significantly associated with the stages of change, but not with actual quitting. In multivariable analysis, receiving PA was associated with a greater likelihood of being at the contemplation or preparation stages of cessation, compared to pre-contemplation; odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 1.95 (95% CI = 1.34-2.85) and 1.14 (95% CI = 1.09-2.076), respectively. Conclusions Receiving PA among minority men is associated with advanced motivational stages of change in quitting smoking, but not with actual smoking cessation. Culturally, sensitive interventions and involvement of other health care providers may be considered for more comprehensive smoking cessation, in addition to PA.

The Israeli Health Promoting School Network (HPSN) is actively committed to enhancing a healthy lifestyle for the entire school population. This study aimed to explore the contribution of school participation in the HPSN and students' individual characteristics to healthy eating and physical activity habits among Israeli school children aged 10-12 years. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 4166 students in grades 4-6 from 28 schools. The schools were selected from a sample of HPSN affiliated and non-HPSN schools. The contribution of individual characteristics (grade, gender and subjective self-reported health education activities at school) and school characteristics (school type, population group, deprivation score) to healthy eating and physical activity habits was analyzed using multi-level hierarchical models. Multi-level analysis indicated that student's individual characteristic was significantly associated with healthy eating and physical activity habits. The subjective self-reported health education received at school was statistically significant factor associated with students' health behaviors. The school's affiliation with the HPSN was not associated with higher healthy eating and physical activity scores after adjusting for individual factors. These findings suggest that Israeli HPSN schools do not contribute to children's health behaviors more than other schools. Therefore, health promoting activities in HPSN schools need to be improved to justify their recognition as members of the HPS network and to fulfill their mission.

Partnership for Health (PfH) is an evidence-based, clinician-delivered HIV prevention program conducted in the United States for HIV-positive patients. This intervention strives to reduce risky sexual behaviors through provider-patient discussions on safer sex and HIV status disclosure. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods design was used to evaluate the dissemination and implementation of PfH, including training evaluations, an online trainee survey, and interviews with national trainers for PfH. Descriptive statistics were calculated with the categorical data, whereas thematic analysis was completed with the qualitative data. Between 2007 and 2013, PfH was disseminated to 776 individuals from 104 different organizations in 21 states/territories. The smallest proportion of trainees was physicians (6.9%). More than three-fourths of survey respondents (78.6%) reported using PfH, but less than one-third (31.8%) used the intervention with every patient. The PfH training supports the implementation of the intervention; however, challenges were experienced in clinician engagement. Tailored strategies to recruit and train clinicians providing care to HIV-positive patients are required.

Background Despite advanced smoking prevention and cessation policies in many countries, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among indigenous and some ethnic minorities continues to be high. This study examined the stages of change (SOC) of the readiness to quit smoking among Arab men in Israel shortly after new regulations of free-of-charge smoking cessation workshops and subsidized medications were introduced through primary health care clinics. Methods We conducted a countrywide study in Israel between 2012–2013. Participants, 735 current smokers; 18–64 years old; were recruited from a stratified random sample and interviewed face-to-face using a structured questionnaire in Arabic. We used ordered regression to examine the contribution of socio-economic position (SEP), health status, psychosocial attributes, smoking-related factors, and physician advice to the SOC of the readiness to quit smoking (pre-contemplation, contemplation and preparation). Results Of the current smokers, 61.8 % were at the pre-contemplation stage, 23.8 % were at the contemplation stage, and only 14.4 % were at the preparation stage. In the multinomial analysis, factors significantly (P

HIV prevalence and socio-demographic data were analyzed to assess the alignment of CDC-funded HIV testing activity in 2012 with its high-impact prevention approach. CDC-funded HIV-testing was conducted in counties with high HIV prevalence and in places potentially more affected by HIV as measured by urbanicity, percent black, percent poverty, and percent uninsured. The percent Hispanic/Latino was associated with a lower probability of HIV testing activity. Higher percentages of black and Hispanic/Latino in the population was positively associated with new HIV diagnoses. Analyzing county-level data confirmed the appropriateness of CDC-funded HIV testing activities under a high-impact prevention approach but also suggested areas for possible improvement.

Objectives To assess the association between state per capita allocations of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funding for HIV testing and the percentage of persons tested for HIV. Setting and participants We examined data from 2 sources: 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and 2010-2011 State HIV Budget Allocations Reports. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were used to estimate the percentage of persons aged 18 to 64 years who had reported testing for HIV in the last 2 years in the United States by state. State HIV Budget Allocations Reports were used to calculate the state mean annual per capita allocations for CDC-funded HIV testing reported by state and local health departments in the United States. Design The association between the state fixed-effect per capita allocations for CDC-funded HIV testing and self-reported HIV testing in the last 2 years among persons aged 18 to 64 years was assessed with a hierarchical logistic regression model adjusting for individual-level characteristics. Main outcome The percentage of persons tested for HIV in the last 2 years. Results In 2011, 18.7% (95% confidence interval = 18.4-19.0) of persons reported being tested for HIV in last 2 years (state range, 9.7%-28.2%). During 2010-2011, the state mean annual per capita allocation for CDC-funded HIV testing was $0.34 (state range, $0.04-$1.04). A $0.30 increase in per capita allocation for CDC-funded HIV testing was associated with an increase of 2.4 percentage points (14.0% vs 16.4%) in the percentage of persons tested for HIV per state. Conclusions Providing HIV testing resources to health departments was associated with an increased percentage of state residents tested for HIV.

The unexpected developments surrounding the Ebola virus in the United States provide yet another warning that we need to establish communication preparedness. This study examines what the Israeli public knew about Ebola after the initial stages of the outbreak in a country to which Ebola has not spread and assesses the association between knowledge versus worries and concerns about contracting Ebola.Online survey using Google Docs (Google, Mountain View, CA) of Israeli health care professionals and the general public (N = 327).The Israeli public has knowledge about Ebola (mean ± SD, 4.18 ± 0.83), despite the fact that the disease has not spread to Israel. No statistically significant difference was found between health care workers versus non-health care workers in the knowledge score. Additionally, no statistically significant association was found between knowledge and worry levels. The survey indicated that Israelis expect information about Ebola from the health ministry, including topics of uncertainty. More than half of the participants thought the information provided by the health ministry on Ebola and Ebola prevention was insufficient (50.5% and 56.4%, respectively), and almost half (45.2% and 41.1%, respectively) were unsure if the information was sufficient.The greatest challenges that the organizations face is not only to convey knowledge, but also to find ways to convey comprehensive information that reflects uncertainty and empowers the public to make fact-based decisions about health.

Knowledge and understanding of what health insurance covers is an important public health issue. In Israel, whereas national health insurance covers all residents, optional supplemental health insurance (SHI) can be purchased from the healthcare providers, for additional, special services. The purpose of this study was to identify disparities between Jews and Arabs in their knowledge and understanding of SHI. National, cross-sectional, telephone survey using a structured questionnaire, among random samples of 814 Jews and 800 Arabs. Knowledge and understanding of health insurance was assessed by a score based on correct answers to 8 questions. Log-linear regression was used to estimate association between health insurance knowledge and population group, after controlling for potential confounding independent variables. Ninety one percent of Jews and 62% of Arabs reported owning SHI. Among both groups, knowledge levels were low on a 0–8 scale. However, the average score for Jews was statistically higher (Mean = 3.50, S.D = 1.69) as compared with Arabs (Mean = 2.78, S.D = 1.70) (p