Factors that contribute to remaining in the community among older adults.

OBJECTIVES: Using national data on Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers (CGs), we investigated CG and care recipient (CR) factors associated with the likelihood of remaining in the community. METHODS: We obtained data on 722 CG and CR dyads who lived in the community in 2011 from the National Study of Caregiving and the National Health Aging and Trend Study. We then used pooled data from 2011 to 2015 to track the CRs' likelihood of remaining in the community. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) analyses were used to assess the association between CG and CR factors and likelihood of community residence over five years. RESULTS: The GEE analyses showed that the strongest CR factors predicting continued community residence include lower CR age, higher CR ADL capabilities, not having dementia, and having a heightened sense of community. CG factors predicting continued community residence included reporting no physical difficulties from caregiving, and higher positive aspects of caregiving. CONCLUSION: In addition to widely found predictors of remaining in the community (e.g., CR age and dementia), psychosocial variables (CG positive aspects of caregiving, CR sense of community engagement) were also significant independent predictors. Interventions that emphasize not only traditional risk factors for placement, but also psychosocial factors such as promoting CG positive aspects of caregiving and strengthening CRs' linkages with their neighbors or community members deserves greater attention.

Positive Aspects of Caregiving and Caregiver Burden: A Study of Caregivers of Patients With Dementia.

BACKGROUND: Now positive aspect of caregiving (PAC) is well-defined as caregiver gains, satisfaction, meaningful life, and enhanced family relationship. The adjusted association of PAC and caregiver burden is not well acknowledged. This study investigated the association of caregiver burden and PAC adjusting for potential confounders. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that recruited 132 caregivers. A linear regression model with PAC was used to estimate the adjusted associations. RESULTS: The caregiver burden was negatively associated with PAC (mean difference in PAC per a 1-unit increase in caregiver burden = -0.12, 95% confidence interval: -0.18 to -0.056; P < .001). This association remained after adjustment for caregivers' age and marital status as well as patients' dependency level. CONCLUSION: The negative significant association of caregiver burden with PAC reinforces the need for interventional and/or educational programs aiming at decreasing the overall imposed burden. This can play an important role in improving caregivers' general health and quality of life.

Indicadores de autoconceito em adolescentes: autorrelato sobre aspectos positivos e preocupações / Self-concept indicators on adolescents: self-report of concerns and positive aspects / Indicadores de autoconcepto en adolescentes: auto-informe de aspectos positivos y preocupaciones

Com o objetivo de analisar indicadores de autoconceito entre adolescentes, 343 alunos de escolas públicas e particulares da cidade de São Paulo, com idade entre 11 e 18 anos, responderam a questões sobre preocupações relacionadas ao ambiente escolar, preocupações gerais e seus aspectos mais positivos. Foi observado que, no geral, eles se mostram hábeis para indicar aspectos positivos de seus comportamentos, com características específicas das respostas variando em função de gênero, idade e tipo de escola. As preocupações dos jovens estão bastante relacionadas ao ambiente escolar, principalmente ao desempenho acadêmico. Preocupações com o futuro são apresentadas principalmente pelos adolescentes mais velhos. Os resultados favorecem a afirmação de que o contexto no qual o jovem está inserido é decisivo para a construção de um autoconceito positivo, o que leva à reflexão sobre a necessidade de ambientes domésticos e escolares ricos e estimulantes para um desenvolvimento saudável.

Aiming to analyze self-concept indicators among adolescents, 343 students from public and private schools in the city of São Paulo, aged 11 and 18, answered questions about concerns related to the school, general concerns and their most positive aspect. Overall, it was observed that they are skillful to indicate positive aspects of their behavior, with specific responses varying according to gender, age and type of school. Youths concerns are mostly related to the school environment, primarily academic performance. Concerns about the future are presented mainly by older adolescents. The results favor the claim that the context in which the adolescents are inserted is critical to build a positive self-concept, which leads to reflection about the need for household and school environments rich and stimulating, in order to an healthy development.

Con el objetivo de analizar indicadores del autoconcepto en adolescentes, 343 estudiantes de escuelas públicas y privadas de la ciudad de São Paulo, entre 11 y 18 años de edad, respondieron a preguntas acerca de preocupaciones relacionadas con el ámbito escolar, las preocupaciones generales y sus aspectos más positivos. Se observó que, en general, se muestran hábiles para indicar los aspectos positivos de su conducta, con respuestas específicas que varían de acuerdo al género, edad y tipo de escuela. Las preocupaciones de los jóvenes están estrechamente relacionadas con el ámbito escolar, sobre todo con el rendimiento académico. Preocupaciones con el futuro se presentan principalmente por los adolescentes mayores. Los resultados apoyan la afirmación de que el contexto en el que los jóvenes se insertan es fundamental para la construcción de un concepto positivo de sí, lo que lleva a la reflexión sobre la necesidad de hogares y ambientes escolares ricos y estimulantes para el desarrollo saludable.

Concerns of cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy and positive aspects of treatment

<b>Purpose</b>: This study was to identify the concerns of cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy and perceived positive aspects of their treatment. <b>Methods</b>: We conducted self-administered questionnaire based on Cancer-chemotherapy Concerns Rating Scale (CCRS) among 62 cancer patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy, and who have agreed to participate in the study. <b>Results</b>: The CCRS score was significantly higher among those unemployed or on leave of absence, compared to those with job, and. also significantly higher among those with such adverse effects as fatigue, anorexia and hair loss. More than 90% of the participants answered that they have become more concerned about their health than they were prior to developing their disease, and have felt preciousness of their friends and families. <b>Conclusion</b>: Our results suggested to the necessity in attending to the adverse effects of the treatment, and utilizing social resources in order to address the various concerns of the cancer patients.