Relação entre apoio social e sono de pessoas idosas cuidadoras em vulnerabilidade social / Relationship between social support and sleep of elderly caregivers in social vulnerability / Relación entre apoyo social y sueño de adultos mayores cuidadores con vulnerabilidad social

Objetivo: analisar a relação entre apoio social e qualidade do sono de pessoas idosas que cuidam de outros idosos em ambiente de vulnerabilidade social. Método: estudo transversal realizado com 65 cuidadores entrevistados por meio de instrumento de caracterização, Índice de Katz, Escala de Lawton e Brody, Índice de Qualidade do Sono de Pittsburgh e Escala de Apoio Social do Medical Outcomes Study, com dados analisados com testes de comparação e de correlação. Resultados: a maioria eram mulheres, cônjuges do idoso cuidado e possuíam sono de má qualidade. Observou-se correlação fraca e inversa entre má qualidade do sono e a dimensão interação social positiva (Rho=-0,27; p=0,028). Identificou-se relação significativa entre: apoio material e disfunção diurna (p=0,034); apoio afetivo e eficiência do sono (p=0,026); interação social positiva e qualidade subjetiva do sono (p=0,001) e disfunção diurna (p=0,008). Conclusão: Quanto maior a interação social positiva, melhor é a qualidade do sono.

Objective: to analyze the relationship between social support and sleep quality of elderly individuals who care for other elderly individuals in a socially vulnerable environment. Method: a cross-sectional study conducted with 65 caregivers interviewed using a characterization instrument, Katz Index, Lawton and Brody Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale, with data analyzed using comparison and correlation tests. Results: the majority were women, spouses of the elderly being cared for, and had poor sleep quality. A weak and inverse correlation was observed between poor sleep quality and the positive social interaction dimension (Rho=-0.27; p=0.028). Significant relationships were identified between: material support and daytime dysfunction (p=0.034); emotional support and sleep efficiency (p=0.026); positive social interaction and subjective sleep quality (p=0.001), as well as daytime dysfunction (p=0.008). Conclusion: The higher the positive social interaction, the better the sleep quality.

Objetivo: analizar la relación entre el apoyo social y la calidad del sueño de personas mayores que cuidan de otras personas mayores en entornos socialmente vulnerables. Método: estudio transversal realizado con 65 cuidadores entrevistados mediante un instrumento de caracterización, Índice de Katz, Escala de Lawton y Brody, Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh y Escala de Apoyo Social del Medical Outcomes Study, los datos fueron analizados mediante pruebas de comparación y correlación. Resultados: la mayoría eran mujeres, cónyuges del adulto mayor que recibe el cuidado y tenían mala calidad del sueño. Se observó una correlación débil e inversa entre la mala calidad del sueño y la dimensión de interacción social positiva (Rho=-0,27; p=0,028). Se identificó que había relación significativa entre: apoyo material y disfunción diurna (p=0,034); apoyo afectivo y eficiencia del sueño (p=0,026); interacción social positiva y calidad subjetiva del sueño (p=0,001) y disfunción diurna (p=0,008). Conclusión: Cuanto mayor sea la interacción social positiva, mejor será la calidad del sueño.

Construction and application of a home exercise rehabilitation management program for elderly stroke patients based on the Functional Independence Measure score.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a home exercise rehabilitation management program for elderly stroke patients based on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score and assess its effectiveness through practical application. METHODS: A prospective asynchronous controlled trial was conducted involving 290 elderly stroke patients, with 145 assigned to the control group and 145 to the intervention group. The control group received standard home rehabilitation instructions, while the intervention group followed a home exercise rehabilitation program guided by FIM scores. The program was developed through research group discussions, evidence-based literature review, and expert input. The efficacy of the program was evaluated by comparing self-care ability and exercise function between the two patient groups. RESULTS: After 4 and 8 weeks of intervention, the motor assessment scale (MAS), Barthel Index scores and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group, and the modified Rankin scale (mRS) was lower than this of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The home exercise rehabilitation management program for elderly stroke patients based on FIM scores was developed in a scientifically sound manner. This program holds significant theoretical implications for enhancing the home exercise regimen of elderly stroke patients and facilitating the rehabilitation of their limb functions.

Association of 24-Hour movement behavior and cognitive function in older Taiwanese adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates how 24-hour movement behaviors (physical activity, sedentary time, sleep) relate to cognitive performance in older adults. METHODS: 213 adults (aged 65+) wore accelerometers to track activity. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Isotemporal substitution analysis examined how replacing one behavior with another affected cognition. RESULTS: Increased light physical activity was linked to better cognitive function, whereas longer sleep had a negative impact. Replacing 30 min of sedentary behavior or sleep with light physical activity improved orientation, attention, language, and short-term memory. Substituting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity did not have the same cognitive benefit. CONCLUSION: Encouraging older adults to replace sedentary time or excess sleep with light physical activity could support cognitive health and potentially help prevent dementia. These findings have implications for public health strategies promoting cognitive well-being in aging populations.

Efficacy and tolerability of capmatinib in a very elderly patient with metastatic NSCLC harboring a MET exon 14 mutation.

We report the case of an 87-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer harboring MET exon 14 skipping mutation (MET ex14) and PD-L1 expression of 60%. A first-line treatment with atezolizumab was started with primary resistance. Then, a second-line treatment with capmatinib, a selective type Ib MET tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was started, achieving a partial response. The patient is still alive and on treatment with capmatinib 300 mg twice daily after 20 months, with a good tolerability and no evidence of disease progression.In summary, our patient experienced a long-lasting response (>18 months) with capmatinib as second-line treatment. Further analyses evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of MET tyrosine kinase inhibitors are warranted, especially in the elderly, a non-small-cell lung cancer population whose tumors could more frequently harbor MET ex14 mutation.

[Box: see text].

Advancing elderly diabetes care: exploring the usability and acceptance of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability, usability, compliance, and satisfaction of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) among elderly diabetic patients. DESIGN: Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study involved 30 participants, averaging 74.79 years in age. Participants wore two CGM devices, and their experiences, along with survey data, were comprehensively analyzed to gauge the effectiveness of CGM in managing diabetes. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that -CGM- is highly usable and acceptable among elderly diabetic patients. Participants effectively utilized CGM to monitor and predict blood glucose trends, positively influencing their glucose control and lifestyle. The average adherence rate was found to be 81 %, indicating a substantial level of effective self-management and treatment decision-making. CONCLUSION: The study recommends developing CGM educational programs tailored for the elderly, educating healthcare professionals, expanding insurance coverage for CGM, and promoting real-time CGM technology to improve usability and acceptance among the elderly.

Assessment of drug therapy satisfaction amongst the elderly: A patient reported outcomes measures approach.

BACKGROUND: Understanding elderly experiences enhance healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction. Recognizing caregivers' role and implementing supportive measures enhance care. OBJECTIVES: Quantify drug satisfaction using patient-reported outcomes measures approach. Assess caregiver burden using short version of Burden Scale for Family Caregivers. METHODS: Six-month cross-sectional study in Department of Geriatrics. Elderly (≥60), minimum one comorbidity, admitted for >48 h, and consenting to participate were enrolled. Patient satisfaction assessed using Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines Questionnaire (SATMED-Q). SPSS version 27 used to calculate odds ratio. RESULTS: 282 participants enrolled. SATMED-Q score 47.41 ± 10.34, indicating overall satisfaction. Treatment satisfaction range 47.07 % to 100 %. Age [OR 0.964, 95 % CI 0.932-0.996 (p = 0.029)] and education [OR 1.500, 95 % CI 1.129-1.992 (p = 0.005)] influenced satisfaction. 268 [95.03 %] had caregivers, 14 [4.96 %] did not. Caregiver burden score 9.25 ± 9.11. CONCLUSION: Insights obtained from assessing satisfaction and caregiver burden enables physicians to improve welfare of elderly and caregivers.

Is playing ma-jong, chess and cards associated with a lower incidence of shoulder pain in Chinese elderly adults? The cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from CHARLS.

BACKGROUND: The association between playing Ma-jong, chess and cards (PMCC) and shoulder pain among elderly adults in China remains unclear. The present study aimed to examine the association based on a nationally representative large-scale survey. METHODS: The study used two waves of data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2015 and 2018. All subjects met the inclusion criteria were classified based on the results of the CHARLS wave questionnaire. Logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the cross-sectional and longitudinal association between PMCC and shoulder pain. Odds ratios (OR) were reported to indicate the strength of the association. RESULTS: In total, 8125 participants aged over 60 years (48.3 % male; mean age 67.9 ± 6.4 years) were enrolled in a cross-sectional association study in 2015, and further 6861 elderly adults were followed up in 2018. The overall prevalence of shoulder pain in the cross-sectional population was 15.6 %. In the non-PMCC and PMCC groups, the incidence of shoulder pain was 16.6 % and 10.7 %, respectively (P < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model, the results showed a significant association between PMCC and shoulder pain (OR: 0.798, 95 % CI: 0.662-0.963, P = 0.018). In the longitudinal analysis from 2015 to 2018, the incidence of new-occurrence shoulder pain in non-PMCC and PMCC groups was 22.1 %, and 18.5 %, respectively (P = 0.004). In the fully adjusted model, compared with the non-PMCC group, the risk of the occurrence of shoulder pain for individuals with PMCC was lower (OR: 0.832, 95 % CI: 0.709-0.975, P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: PMCC is associated with lower incidence of shoulder pain, which provides evidence for PMCC as a potential protective factor in the occurrence of shoulder pain.

Tai Chi Movement Recognition and Precise Intervention for the Elderly Based on Inertial Measurement Units and Temporal Convolutional Neural Networks.

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to recognize tai chi movements using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and temporal convolutional neural networks (TCNs) and to provide precise interventions for elderly people. (2) Methods: This study consisted of two parts: firstly, 70 skilled tai chi practitioners were used for movement recognition; secondly, 60 elderly males were used for an intervention study. IMU data were collected from skilled tai chi practitioners performing Bafa Wubu, and TCN models were constructed and trained to classify these movements. Elderly participants were divided into a precision intervention group and a standard intervention group, with the former receiving weekly real-time IMU feedback. Outcomes measured included balance, grip strength, quality of life, and depression. (3) Results: The TCN model demonstrated high accuracy in identifying tai chi movements, with percentages ranging from 82.6% to 94.4%. After eight weeks of intervention, both groups showed significant improvements in grip strength, quality of life, and depression. However, only the precision intervention group showed a significant increase in balance and higher post-intervention scores compared to the standard intervention group. (4) Conclusions: This study successfully employed IMU and TCN to identify Tai Chi movements and provide targeted feedback to older participants. Real-time IMU feedback can enhance health outcome indicators in elderly males.

Hematological Malignancies in Older Patients: Focus on the Potential Role of a Geriatric Assessment Management.

Geriatric assessment management is a multidimensional tool used to evaluate prognosis for clinical outcomes and targets for interventions in older adults with cancer receiving chemotherapy. In this review, we evaluated the possible application of geriatric assessment management (GAM) in hematological malignancies. In older patients with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, GAM might be helpful in both predicting planned hospital admissions and improving quality of life. In chronic myeloid leukemia, the Charlson Comorbidity Index demonstrates how comorbidities could affect treatment compliance and overall outcomes. In multiple myeloma, the application of different scores such as the International Myeloma Working Group Frailty Index and the Revised Myeloma Comorbidity Index can identify frail patients who need suitable interventions in treatment plan (reducing drug dose or changing treatment). Therefore, including GAM in the management plan of older patients with hematological malignancies may direct and optimize cancer care.

Validation of the Chinese version of the 'caring ability of family caregivers of patients with cancer scale (CAFCPCS)' in family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer: A study protocol.

AIM: This study aims to translate the English version of the 'caring ability of family caregivers of patients with cancer scale (CAFCPCS)' into Chinese and validate its psychometric properties in the family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer. DESIGN: A methodological study. METHODS: Based on the Brislin translation model, the original scale will be translated and back-translated, the Delphi expert consultation method will be adopted for cross-cultural adaptation, and the pilot will be carried out in 20-30 family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer. Then, a dual-centre prospective study will be conducted by recruiting 371-542 family caregivers of elderly patients with cancer to validate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of CAFCPCS. RESULTS: The scale's content validity will be evaluated using the Delphi expert inquiry method, and the face validity will be evaluated using a pre-experiment. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) will be used to assess structural validity, while internal consistency reliability and split-half reliability will be used to assess reliability. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Public involvement is of great significance for this study. Participants will be used in a pre-test to give feedback on whether the contents of the clinical pilot version of CAFCPCS after expert consultation can reflect real problems and whether the sentences can be well understood. Based on their opinions, the research group will further refine the scale.

Tissue desaturation is not a major determinant of aging-related impairment in skeletal muscle reactive hyperemia: A retrospective analysis.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with vascular occlusion test (NIRS-VOT) is a reactive hyperemia technique for in vivo evaluation of skeletal muscle microvascular reactivity. Previous studies using NIRS-VOT have been shown to be able to detect impairments in microvascular function in high-risk cardiovascular disease (CVD) populations such as older individuals. It has been demonstrated that older individuals have slower reactive hyperemia compared to young individuals. Importantly, older individuals also show less desaturation during ischemia compared to young. Based on these findings, it has been suggested that the slower reactive hyperemia observed in older individuals is explained by the lower desaturation during blood flow occlusion (reduced ischemic stimulus). This retrospective analysis compared reactive hyperemia in 36 young and 47 older tissue desaturation-matched individuals that underwent 5-min blood flow occlusion. Overall, we showed that older individuals have impaired reactive hyperemia compared to young when matching for the degree of desaturation and blood flow occlusion time. These findings provide evidence that lower tissue desaturation during ischemia is not a major determinant of impaired reactive hyperemia in older individuals.

Posterolateral Locked Plate and Percutaneous Medial Screw Fixation for Distal Humerus Fractures in Elderly.

Background: A high incidence of ulnar nerve-related complications has been reported in open reduction and internal fixation for distal humerus fractures (DHFs). To minimise ulnar nerve damage, we used a percutaneous medial screw combined with a posterolateral plate in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative complications and functional outcomes of this method. Methods: Data from patients aged over 65 who underwent this surgical procedure for DHFs at a single Level I trauma centre from 2013 to 2021 were extracted. Postoperative complications, reoperations, mean range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) scores and Hand20 scores were retrospectively evaluated. All patients in this study received postoperative rehabilitation by hand therapists at our hospital. Results: We identified 28 patients treated with this method. The mean follow-up period was 8.6 ± 3.7 months. The median intraoperative time was 125 minutes (interquartile range: 105-157 minutes). None of the patients developed ulnar nerve neuropathy, but one patient (3.7%) experienced radial nerve dysfunction. Two patients (7.4%) had nonunion. Implant failure occurred in three patients (11.1%) due to migration of the medial screw. One patient (3.7%) amongst them underwent reoperation. The mean flexion to extension arc was 97 ± 18°, 116 ± 19°, and 116 ± 19° at 1-, 3- and 6-month follow-ups, respectively. According to the MEPI, 20 patients achieved excellent results, seven patients achieved good results and one patient achieved a fair result at the last follow-up. The median Hand20 score was 4.3 (interquartile range: 2.1-14.0) at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: The posterolateral plate and medial screw method showed good functional outcomes and few nerve-related complications. This modified method might be a better option for DHFs in elderly patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

RELEVANCE OF THE "APOIO" PROTOCOL IN THE PRE-OPERATIVE EVALUATION OF ELDERLY PEOPLE / RELEVÂNCIA DO PROTOCOLO "APOIO" NA AVALIAÇÃO CIRÚRGICA PRÉ-OPERATÓRIA DE IDOSOS

Introduction: Chronological age should not be considered a contraindication or impediment to performing any medical procedure, as long as there is a technical indication for it. This is because chronological and biological ages are not always equivalent. The aging process is heterogeneous and individual, varying according to genetic, environmental and socioeconomic factors. Objective: To review published care on multidimensional surgical care for the elderly and the role that the APOIO protocol can have in decision-making. Method: Integrative review carried out by collecting information published on virtual platforms in Portuguese and English. Initially, a search was carried out for descriptors related to the topic and identified through DeCS using the following terms: "preoperative evaluation, elderly, fractures, perioperative complications, and surgery" and articles that used the APOIO protocol with AND or OR search, considering the title and/or abstract. Afterwards, considering only those that were most related to the topic, the full texts were read. Result: 21 articles were included. Conclusion: APOIO is a multidimensional assessment that communicates geriatrics with anesthesiology and surgical specialties, integrating clinicians and surgeons in decision-making regarding surgical treatment for the elderly. It offers a conclusion with a written text that summarizes which systems are vulnerable, recommending perioperative care and precautions to be adopted to minimize the risks of the procedure.

Introdução : A idade cronológica não deve ser encarada como contraindicação ou impedimento para realização de qualquer procedimento médico, desde que haja indicação técnica para tal. Isso porque nem sempre as idades cronológica e biológica são equivalentes. O processo de envelhecimento é heterogêneo e individual, variando de acordo com fatores genéticos, ambientais e socioeconômicos . Objetivo : Revisar os cuidados publicados sobre o atendimento cirúrgico multidimensional do idoso e o papel que o protocolo APOIO pode ter na tomada de decisão. Método : Revisão integrativa feita coletando informações publicadas em plataformas virtuais em português e inglês. Inicialmente foi realizada busca por descritores relacionados ao tema e identificadores por meio do DeCS utilizando-se os seguintes termos: " avaliação pré-operatória, idosos, fraturas, complicações perioperatórias, e cirurgia " e artigos que utilizaram o protocolo APOIO com busca AND ou OR , considerando o título e/ou resumo. Após, considerando-se somente os que tinham maior relação ao tema, foi realizada a leitura na íntegra dos textos. Resultado : Foram incluídos 24 artigos. Conclusão : APOIO é uma avaliação multidimensional que comunica a geriatria com anestesiologia e especialidades cirúrgicas, integrando clínicas e cirurgias na tomada de decisão quanto ao tratamento cirúrgico ao idoso. Ela oferece conclusão com texto escrito que resume quais os sistemas vulneráveis ​​recomendando cuidados perioperatórios e eventualmente sendo adotados para minorar os riscos do procedimento.

MULTIDIMENSIONAL PREOPERATIVE EVALUATION AND ITS ROLE IN PREVENTING PERIOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS WITH FRACTURES / AVALIAÇÃO PRÉ-OPERATÓRIA MULTIDIMENSIONAL E SEU PAPEL NA PREVENÇÃO DE COMPLICAÇÕES PERIOPERATÓRIAS EM IDOSOS COM FRATURAS

Introduction: Elderly patients have higher rates of morbidity and mortality during hospitalizations, diagnostic and surgical procedures. In order to improve the quality of care for the elderly, the APOIO (Preoperative Assessment of Elderly and Care Guidance) protocol was created, a tool to measure the risks of surgical complications. Objective: To evaluate the impact of APOIO on several outcomes, in order to validate it as a useful vehicle in the prevention of perioperative complications in elderly patients with fractures. Method: Retrospective cross-sectional study through review of 218 medical records of elderly patients hospitalized for fractures, and with surgical indication, having collected data on sex, age, reason for hospitalization, type of fracture, indication or not of surgical treatment, evaluation or not by APOIO, indication or not of ICU in the postoperative period, length of ICU stay, total length of hospitalization, immediate outcome and outcome within 30 days after the operation. Result: It was found that the application of APOIO was associated with a 70% reduction in the chances of death during hospitalization (p=0.040), length of stay in the ICU (p<0.001) and total length of hospital stay (p = 0.010). There was also a trend towards a reduction in the death rate within 30 days of the postoperative period (p = 0.117). Conclusion: The application of the APOIO tool reduces the length of hospitalization, optimizes indication and length of stay in the ICU and, also, reduces the risk of death in elderly people undergoing surgical treatment for fractures.

Introdução: Pacientes idosos apresentam maior morbidade e mortalidade em internamentos hospitalares, procedimentos diagnósticos e cirúrgicos. Buscando melhorar a qualidade assistencial aos idosos foi criado o protocolo APOIO (Avaliação Pré-Operatória de Idosos e Orientação de cuidados), ferramenta para mensurar os riscos de complicações cirúrgicas. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do APOIO sobre vários desfechos, a fim de validá-lo como veículo útil na prevenção de complicações perioperatórias em idosos com fraturas. Método: Pesquisa retrospectiva transversal por meio de revisão de 218 prontuários de pacientes idosos internados por fraturas, e com indicação cirúrgica, tendo sido coletados dados sobre sexo, idade, motivo do internamento, tipo de fratura, indicação ou não de tratamento cirúrgico, avaliação ou não pela APOIO, indicação ou não de UTI no pós-operatório, duração do internamento em UTI, duração total do internamento, desfecho imediato e desfecho em 30 dias após a operação. Resultado: Foi constatado que a aplicação do APOIO foi associada à redução de 70% nas chances de óbito durante o internamento (p = 0,040), ao tempo de permanência em UTI (p <0,001) e ao tempo total de internamento hospitalar (p =  0,010). Observou-se ainda tendência à redução na taxa de óbitos em 30 dias do pós-operatório (p = 0,117). Conclusão: A aplicação da ferramenta APOIO reduz tempo de internamento, otimiza indicação e tempo de permanência em UTI e ainda diminui o risco de óbito de idosos submetidos a tratamentos cirúrgicos de fraturas.

[The possibility of fulfilling the needs of senior individuals through the activation of waterfront areas using mobile architectural-urban elements]. / Mozliwosc realizacji potrzeb osób w wieku senioralnym poprzez aktywizacje terenów nadwodnych z wykorzystaniem mobilnych elementów architektoniczno-urbanistycznych.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is to attempt to answer the question of how to enhance the fulfillment of needs for senior citizens residing in riverside cities. To achieve this, an attempt was made to develop the principles of a cohesive system that enables the activation of waterfront areas located in urbanized regions, often affected by a deficit of green spaces. The concept presented in this article is based on a consistent focus on architectural and urban design solutions that provide opportunities for functional enrichment of underutilized riverside areas for recreational purposes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on literature studies, field research, and design analysis, this article demonstrates the possibility of taking a structural approach to implementing changes in the utilization of green spaces located by the water in contemporary cities. Using the results of the analysis, an original system called the mobile architectural-urban elements (mobilne elementy architektoniczno-urbanistyczne - MEAU) was developed to activate the untapped potential of waterfront areas to meet the specific needs of senior citizens. RESULTS: The research objective outlined in the introduction led to the development of a solution based on the utilization of floating architecture for the establishment of services and amenities that enable comfortable and diverse leisure activities for the elderly. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the described approach aligns with the multidimensional vision of improving the well-being of users, as defined by the European Commission in the New European Bauhaus (NEB) program. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis conducted in this article allows for preliminary confirmation of the hypothesis that the specific needs of senior citizens can be fulfilled through the activation of waterfront areas using MEAU located on the water. Such actions not only activate existing resources but also align with the guidelines of the NEB idea, providing a coherent and applicable model with significant implementation potential for most waterfront cities. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(3).

The elderly, COVID-19, and violence: A qualitative content analysis.

Introduction: Violence against the elderly is one of the types of domestic violence that is one of the major social health problems in modern societies and whose incidence has increased sharply in the last two decades, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study aims at explaining the concept of violence against the elderly during lockdown and the epidemic of COVID-19. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with a conventional content analysis approach in Izeh (a city in Khuzestan Province) in 2021. The data were collected through conducting unstructured interviews as well as taking field notes with as many as 13 elderly family members. After obtaining informed consent, the collected data were written word for word, and the content analysis method was applied to name the data, create analytical codes, and determine subgroups and categories. The data were analyzed using MAXQDA-10. Results: The results of this study indicated that the elderly who have been subjected to violence have many ambiguities in the process of identifying and dealing with the violence inflicted on them; the fear of being rejected by family members and their escalated violence make the violence remain hidden. Conclusion: Given their failure to seek help and the lack of support provided by the related organizations, the elderly did not report violence inflicted on them, which in turn led to the spread of violence against them. Thus, it is recommended that nurses and health policymakers provide the required planning to address the problems of violence against the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic era.

Quality of life among community-dwelling elderly in rural and urban areas of Himalayan region, Northeast India: An analysis of factors affecting well-being.

Background: There is a dearth of literature on the quality of life (QOL) experienced by the elderly population in the hilly terrains of the Himalayan region. The objective of this study was to highlight the QOL among community-dwelling elderly residing in rural and urban areas of the Himalayan region, Northeast India. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 450 participants (324 in rural and 126 in urban areas) aged 60 years and above. The QOL score was assessed with the help of the World Health Organisation Quality of Life-Brief Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Mann-Whitney U test was performed to find out the difference in QOL between rural and urban areas. Binary logistic regression was conducted to find the association of QOL with demographic variables. Results: The total mean QOL scores of elderlies in rural areas (39.4 ± 11.3) were significantly lower compared to urban areas (51.1 ± 11.5). QOL scores in all four domains were found to be low among elderly living in rural areas as compared to urban areas. Among the four domains, environmental QOL was found to be the lowest in both rural (29.5 ± 16.0) and urban areas (46.5 ± 17.2). Determinants of QOL differ in urban and rural areas. Conclusion: QOL was found to be significantly lower among the elderly residing in rural areas as compared to urban areas. Targeted interventions and policies are necessary to address environmental challenges to improve the overall QOL of the elderly.

Burden of frailty and its correlates among the elderly: a cross-sectional study in a rural community of West Bengal.

Context: With the ageing of Indian society, providing a healthy life among older people is a public health precedence. Therefore, beforehand discovery and possible forestalment of frailty may help promote healthy ageing and dwindle the social, mental and financial burden of their families and caregivers. Aims: The study aimed to assess the proportion of frailty and its associated factors among the elderly aged 65 years and above in a rural community of West Bengal. Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 270 elderlies selected from 15 villages out of a total 64 villages of Singur under the Hooghly District of West Bengal from January 2019 to February 2020. Materials and Methods: Cluster sampling technique was used. Data was collected using a pre-designed, pre-tested structured schedule including Fried frailty phenotype (FFP), geriatric depression scale short form (GDS 15) and mini nutritional assessment (MNA) tool. Statistical Analysis Used: Associated factors of frailty were assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression using SPSS version 16 software and MS Excel 2019. Results: The proportion of frailty was observed to be 23.7% and that of prefrailty 40.7%. Frailty was significantly associated with increasing age [AOR(CI) 1.2(1.1-1.3)], decreasing years of schooling [AOR(CI) 1.3(1.1-1.5)], loss of spouse [AOR(CI) 4.2(1.2-15.2)], financial dependency [AOR(CI) 19.3(2.7-139.0)], staying at home [AOR(CI) 16.3(2.7-98.2)], presence of anaemia [AOR(CI) 3.6(1.3-9.5)], at risk of malnutrition [AOR(CI) 6.5(1.9-22.3)], increasing number of falls in the last 1 year [AOR(CI) 4.3(1.2-15.6)], presence of 3 or more chronic diseases [AOR(CI) 154.7(12.1-1981.9)] and depression [AOR(CI) 8.3(2.5-27.0)]. Conclusion: The burden of frailty among the study population is relatively high. It's an intimidating situation that needs bettered screening provisions for early discovery with special stress on nutritive upliftment. Screening for depression should also be done regularly.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression among elderly people in nursing homes from 2012 to 2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine a pooled prevalence of depression and its influencing factors among nursing home residents. METHOD: PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for studies investigating the prevalence and risk factors of late-life depression among nursing home residents between January 2012 and November 2022. Two reviewers independently completed the literature screening, data extraction and quality assessment. A random-effects model was utilized to pool the prevalence of depression and summarize the influencing factors. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included 48 studies involving 28,501 participants. The pooled prevalence of depressive mood and major depressive disorder was 53% and 27%, respectively. The rate of depressive mood is higher in lower-middle-income countries (60.0%), compared with high- (53.0%) and upper-middle-income countries (44.0%). The rate of depressive mood (35.0%) is higher among females than male (19.0%). Depression was influenced by factors, including male (OR = 0.28), insufficient income (OR = 3.53), comorbidities (OR = 2.66), pain (OR = 2.67; r = 0.31), functional disability (r = 0.33), loneliness (r = 0.43), number of chronic health problems (r = 0.18), social support (r = -0.28), activities of daily living (r = -0.43), subjective health (r = -0.28), autonomy (r = -0.41), environment (r = -0.50) and physical (r = -0.57) and psychological health (r = -0.65). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of depressive mood is high among nursing home residents, especially in lower-middle-income countries. It is influenced by factors including gender, income, social support, daily activities, environment, physical and psychological health and autonomy. Understanding those factors can provide evidence-based recommendations for improved awareness, prevention and better management of late-life depression.

The Impact of Training in Multimodal Communication Skills on Psychotropic Medication Use in Dementia Care.

Aim This study aimed to assess the trends in psychotropic drug prescriptions among elderly residents with dementia following the continuous implementation of multimodal comprehensive care communication skills training for staff in a long-term care facility. Methods This retrospective single-center cross-sectional study utilized the database of an urban public hospital that included a long-term care facility. The data were collected from 2016 to 2020. All 130 staff members at the hospital (52 nurses, 48 professional caregivers, seven rehabilitation staff members, three physicians, and three pharmacists) initiated multimodal comprehensive care communication skills basic training from October 2014 to December 2015, which was followed by continuous monthly training until the end of 2020. Antipsychotic prescription rates for residents aged over 65 years with dementia were measured throughout the study period. Results A total of 506 eligible residents were identified, the median age was 86.0 years (IQR: 81.0-90.0), and 283 (55.9%) residents were females. The prescription rates for psychotropic drugs among residents with dementia decreased significantly (43.5% in 2016, 27.0% in 2020; p=0.01). Notably, the percentage of patients prescribed anxiolytics decreased significantly (from 4.7% to 0.0%), while the percentage of patients receiving antipsychotic drugs, hypnotics, antidepressants, or antiepileptic drugs remained unchanged over time. The prescription rates for antidementia drugs significantly decreased from 15.3% to 4.0%. Conclusion The prescription rates of psychotropic drugs were significantly reduced following multimodal comprehensive care communication skills training for staff at a long-term care facility. The improvement in communication skills among staff at long-term care facilities has a tangible impact on reducing drug use among elderly residents with dementia.