Table 2

Rates of trigger concerns over the past three months, by area and item (N = 428)

Adherence to Medical Instructions
43%

Difficulty taking medications, like forgetting, being late, prescriptions
21%
Difficulty following medical advice
8%
Any side effects that interfered with activities or made you feel worse
29%
Questions about treatment or lab tests
14%
Any provider expressed concern about adherence or make treatment changes
16%

Medical Problems and Symptoms
66%

Any new symptoms or health problems
28%
Pain or symptom gets noticeably worse
27%
More tired or have less energy
47%
Any medical problem interfered with activities or ability to care for yourself
23%
Any questions about health symptoms
29%
Seek treatment at an emergency room
20%
Provider expressed concerns about your symptoms, pain or energy level
21%

Specialty & Inpatient Hospital Care
56%

Required a medical specialist
23%
Any dental problems
23%
Any problems with vision
29%
Any elective surgery or procedure
8%
In hospital or institution (medical)
9%
Provider suggested a medical specialist
18%

General Wellness and Prevention
50%

Want check-up or screening for blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, etc.
23%
Change habits: diet, smoking, exercise
38%
Have any questions about staying healthy to discuss with provider
29%
Provider said you were overdue for any procedure, screening or other tests
11%

Substance Use
11%

Increased use of alcohol, marijuana, heroin, cocaine or drugs
7%
Your concerns about alcohol, drugs
9%
Provider concerned re: alcohol, drugs
8%

Sexual Health and Risk Behavior
31%

Find better ways to prevent sexual transmission of HIV or other infections
27%
Difficulty practicing safer sex
6%
Difficulty talking about HIV
4%
Want to discuss sexual risk and protection with provider
8%
Provider expressed concern about sexual risk or not protecting yourself
9%

Family Planning and Birth Control
14%

Want better ways to prevent pregnancy
7%
Made changes to birth control choices
2%
Considering changes to birth control
2%
Thinking about having a baby
9%
Want to discuss birth control or family planning with provider
4%
Provider had concerns, changes to birth control or family planning decisions
3%

Psychiatric Symptoms
54%

Bothered by sadness or depression
48%
Felt panicky, anxious or out of control
32%
Confusion or difficulty concentrating interfered with activities or self-care
29%
Thoughts of harming yourself or others
6%
In hospital or institution (psychiatric)
2%
Questions about coping with feelings or changes in thinking or memory
22%
Provider suggested psychological help
20%

Dealing with Life Circumstances
41%

Medicaid coverage, loss of income, benefits, housing, or legal problems
22%
Needs of others (like children, family, partner) interfere with self-care
4%
Increased responsibilities at home
16%
Caring for someone sick or disabled
12%
Questions about how to handle problems with money, housing, family
11%
Provider discussed problems related to living situation and care giving
11%

Rapkin et al. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2008 6:20   doi:10.1186/1477-7525-6-20