Relation between functional abilities of osteoarthritic elderly women and their compliance with treatment

Osteoarthritis affects up to 25% of the world elderly population. It is the most prevalent and disabling of the chronic conditions affecting elderly females world wide. The aim of this study was to study the relation between the functional abilities of osteoarthritic elderly women and their compliance with treatment. The study was carried out in the Geriatric out patient clinic of El Mansoura General Hospital. The studied subjects were comprised from all elderly women attending the previous setting during a period of three months and fulfilling the following criteria: age 65 years and more, diagnosed with osteoarthritis for at least one year, and accepted to participate in the study, their number amounted to 100 women. Data-was collected using an Interview schedule for assessing sociodemographic data, patient and family health history, and their compliance with the treatment. Katz and Akpom scale 1976 was used to assess the activities of daily living [ADLs] and the Lawton and Brody scale 1969 to assess the instrumental activities of daily living [IADLs]. The results revealed that the disease affected the functional abilities of the elders and most of the sample were either partially or totally non compliant with the treatment regimen particularly performance of physical activities. An educational program to the elders and their caregivers about all aspects of the disease process and its management, with emphasis on the importance of adherence to treatment regimen particularly physical exercises

Oral health status of residents of elderly homes

Maintenance of oral health is fundamental to prevent any oral and systemic diseases, to achieve the highest level of physical, mental, and social well-being and to attain successful ageing, thereby significantly contributing to the better quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess the oral health status of residents of elderly homes in Alexandria. The subjects comprised 238 residents aged 60 years and above residing in all governmental elderly homes in Alexandria. Data was collected using three tools: Structured interview sheet to collect data about personal characteristics of the elders, Kayser-Jones Brief Oral Health Status Examination to assess the oral health status of the elders, and Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index to assess the elders physical and psychosocial function accompanying oral health problems. The study revealed that the majority of the institutionalized elders had one or more oral health problems particularly tongue lesions, gingival lesions, and denture related lesions that need immediate referral to appropriate specialist. The poor oral health status is mostly the outcome of each of significant factors including age, sex, level of education, financial status, smoking, and follow-up pattern. Moreover, oral health problems have serious physical and psychological impact on the majority of the residents of elderly homes. Therefore, educational programs should be planned and offered on a regular basis for nurses and caregivers to conduct the oral screening at regular intervals for the institutionalized elders