ABSTRACT
Background: Restrictive measures implemented by governments around the world to control the coronavirus have an impact on communication, especially the communication of the elderly. Objective: The aim for the article is to determine the attitudes of the elderly towards the ways of communication during the COVID 19 pandemic, and to present the challenges faced by the elderly when using digital ways of communication. The goal is also to point out the importance of providing adequate social support to the elderly. Methods: The sample consisted of 71 respondents from Bosnia and Herzegovina, aged over 60 years, divided into two groups. The questionnaire was used to gather information from respondents on their demographic characteristics as well as to examine participants' attitudes and confidence regarding the manner and risk of communication associated with COVID-19. Results and Discussion: The results of this research showed that the elderly are actively using digital technologies, but that they are largely dissatisfied with their skills in using digital technologies. Most of the information during the COVID 19 pandemic is given to elderly people via television and telephone (video) conversations with family members and friends. 57.7% of the elderly stated that they greatly lacked direct communication, and it turned out that people living in elderly homes were in a slightly more favorable position. As many as 4/5 of the respondents reported feelings of anxiety, fear, loneliness, and depression. Conclusion: The older part of the population (those over 60 years old), especially in developing countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, is facing the challenge of "digitization of communication". In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the elderly are "calling" for special support and the provision of training and access to technological resources in order to reduce negative psychological consequences and go one step further in creating an "elder-friendly" society.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of daily transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) versus weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on the quality of life of patients with idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The diagnosis of OAB was made on the basis of clinical symptoms, and urodynamic tests were performed to check whether uncontrolled contractions of the derusor during bladder filling were responsible for the OAB symptoms. The tests used to assess symptoms and quality of life were Overactive Bladder Questionnaires (OAB-q) SF. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each. The first group was treated with TTNS every day for 3 months and the second group with PTNS once a week, also for 3 months. RESULTS: Stimulation with both TTNS and PTNS led to the reduction of all clinical symptoms of OAB and improved quality of life, with statistical significance (P<0.05) and with no side effects. When comparing these two groups, the improvement was statistically more significant in the group treated with PTNS. When the quality of life scores and symptoms were compared to the type of treatment, it was found that the improved quality of life parameters and the reduced OAB symptoms were more statistically significant in the treatment with PTNS than TTNS therapy (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest good efficacy of both TTNS and PTNS in the treatment of OAB. Better effects are achieved with weekly PTNS, as it leads to a statistically significant reduction in symptoms as well as an improvement in quality of life, without side effects.
