Australian Journal of General Practice

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study examined the uptake of influenza vaccine (Vaxigrip Tetra, Sanofi-Aventis) among local patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and their intention to receive future flu vaccines. We also explored associations between factors pertinent to the Health Belief Model (HBM) and vaccination behaviour. Based on these findings, targeted strategies to improve flu vaccine uptake are proposed. METHOD: In all, 499 patients with diabetes were recruited from a government general outpatient clinic (GOPC) in Hong Kong between 1 and 14 March 2021...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: General practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians are very important in the management of sore throat in terms of providing correct diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs and paediatricians towards Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) tonsillopharyngitis. METHOD: Three vignettes/case studies, in which the causative agents were GABHS, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and non-EBV viral infection, were presented as part of a questionnaire sent to paediatricians and GPs to elicit information regarding their diagnosis and treatment of tonsillopharyngitis...

BACKGROUND: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) refers to a group of compressive disorders that occur in the thoracic outlet and can affect the brachial plexus, subclavian artery and vein. Neurogenic TOS (nTOS) is the most common form of TOS, accounting for approximately 97% of cases. nTOS and its resulting compressive brachial plexopathy can lead to potentially disabling symptoms and reduced quality of life. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the current literature on nTOS and summarises the pathophysiology, diagnostic pathways and the management options for nTOS...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sensorimotor disorder causing significant distress and is commonly seen in the primary care setting. OBJECTIVE: This article outlines the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of RLS, with a focus on the primary care setting. DISCUSSION: RLS is a clinical diagnosis, although mimics exist. Brain iron deficiency, dopaminergic dysfunction and genetics underpin the poorly understood pathophysiology of this common condition...

BACKGROUND: Insomnia and obstructive sleep apnoea are the two most common sleep disorders and frequently co-exist. Patients with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea experience worse daytime function, mental health and physical health than patients with either disorder alone. General practitioners may face unique challenges in the assessment and management of this prevalent and debilitating condition. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to provide an overview of the prevalence, consequences, assessment and management of patients with comorbid insomnia and sleep apnoea in Australian general practice...

BACKGROUND: The cardiovascular outcomes of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are well understood. The effects of OSA on the urological system are emerging and they have the potential to impact quality of life and patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to strengthen the connection between OSA and urological complaints, summarise their response to CPAP treatment and discuss their clinical utility in OSA. DISCUSSION: Common urological complaints associated with OSA are nocturnal polyuria, overactive bladder symptoms and erectile dysfunction...

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The reasons for the underutilisation of spirometry are unclear. We undertook a systematic review assessing barriers to correct spirometry in Australian general practice. METHOD: PRISMA guidelines were followed. Six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar) were searched using terms 'primary health care', 'family physicians', 'family practice', 'general practice', 'primary care', 'Australia' and 'spirometry'. RESULTS: The 11 included studies reported multiple barriers to the use of spirometry in Australian general practice...

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

No abstract text is available yet for this article.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is a debilitating neurological condition that affects millions of patients and families worldwide and remains a significant public health concern. Understanding the underlying neurobiology and pathophysiology of dementia is an important step towards finding effective treatment options. OBJECTIVE: This article provides an overview of the pathophysiological processes of the most common types of dementia in older adults and highlights some of the developments in the research of biomarkers...

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No abstract text is available yet for this article.

BACKGROUND: Austroads has recently introduced a new set of guidelines for driving assessment in Australia. It is therefore timely to review the clinical approach to driving assessments, which is often seen as one of the most difficult areas of general practice. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the difficulties of driving assessment, including what measures there are to guide general practitioners (GPs), and proposes a practical approach to this issue for general practice...

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BACKGROUND: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) requires the presence of hepatitis B virus for replication and infection, and is associated with accelerated progression to cirrhosis and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Approximately 4% of Australians living with hepatitis B are infected with HDV, although it is likely that HDV remains underdiagnosed. OBJECTIVE: This paper highlights the importance of screening for HDV in patients living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and provides an overview of diagnosis and treatment approaches for general practitioners (GPs), with the hope of reducing preventable liver-related morbidity and mortality in people living with CHB and HDV coinfection...