Health and Wellness Coaching for 5-Year Projected Cardiovascular Health: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and Objectives: Evidence of effective multifactorial lifestyle interventions for primary stroke prevention is lacking, despite the significant contribution of lifestyle to stroke burden. We aimed to determine the efficacy of health and wellness coaching (HWC) for primary stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in adults at a moderate-to-high CVD risk. Methods: This was a parallel, 2-arm, open-label, single-blinded, phase III randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of HWC for primary stroke prevention in individuals 30 years and older with a 5-year CVD risk ≥10% as measured by 5-year absolute CVD risk (as measured by the PREDICT tool) at 9 months post-randomization. Eligible participants were those with a 5-year CVD risk ≥10%, with no history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, or myocardial infarction. The relative risk reduction (RRR) and odds ratios (OR) were evaluated separately in those at moderate (10%-14%) 5-year CVD risk and those at high risk (≥15%) at baseline. The Life's Simple 7 (LS7) score for lifestyle-related CVD risk, as the indicator of cardiovascular health, was a key secondary outcome. Results: Of a total of 320 participants, 161 were randomized to the HWC group and 159 to the usual care (UC) group. HWC resulted in a statistically significant RRR of -10.9 (95% CI -21.0 to -0.9) in 5-year CVD risk in the higher CVD risk group but no change in the moderate risk group. An improvement in the total LS7 score was seen in the HWC group compared with the UC group (absolute difference = 0.485, 95% CI [0.073 to 0.897], p = 0.02). Improvement in blood pressure scores was statistically significantly greater in the HWC group than in the UC group for those at high risk of CVD (OR 2.28 [95% CI 1.12 to 4.63] and 1.55 [0.80 to 3.01], respectively). No statistically significant differences in mood scores, medication adherence, quality of life, and satisfaction with life scores over time or between groups were seen. Discussion: Health and wellness coaching resulted in a significant RRR in the 5-year CVD risk compared with UC at 9 months post-randomization in patients with a high baseline CVD risk. There was no improvement in CVD risk in the moderate risk group; hence, this study did not meet the primary hypothesis. However, this treatment effect is clinically significant (number needed to treat was 43). The findings suggest that HWC has potential if further refined to improve lifestyle risk factors of stroke.

The influence of psychological flexibility on persistent post concussion symptoms and functional status after mild traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the predictive role of psychological flexibility on long-term mTBI outcomes. METHOD: Adults with mTBI (N = 147) completed a context specific measure of psychological flexibility, (AAQ-ABI), psychological distress, and mTBI outcomes at less than three months post injury (M = 6.02 weeks after injury) and 6 months later (N = 102). Structural equation modelling examined the mediating effects of psychological flexibility on psychological distress and mTBI outcomes at six months. The direct effect of psychological flexibility at less than three months on mTBI outcomes at six months was entered into the model, plus pre-injury and injury risk factors. RESULTS: The theoretically derived model had good overall fit (χ2 = 1.42; p = 0.09; NFI = 0.95; TLI = 0.95; CFI = 0.98 and RMSEA = 0.06). Psychological flexibility at less than 3 months was directly significantly related to psychological distress and post-concussion symptoms at six months. Psychological flexibility at 6 months significantly mediated the relationship between psychological distress and functional disability but not post-concussion symptoms at six months post injury. CONCLUSION: The exploratory findings suggest that a context specific measure of psychological flexibility assessed acutely and in the chronic phase of recovery may predict longer-term mTBI outcomes.Implications for RehabilitationPersistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS) after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can have a significant impact on wellbeing, functional status, and quality of life.In this study, psychological flexibility early in recovery, was associated with higher levels of psychological distress and more severe post-concussion symptoms six months later.Psychological flexibility at six months post-injury also mediated the relationship between psychological distress and functional disability.A context specific measure of psychological flexibility may predict poorer long-term outcomes following mTBI.

A novel approach to investigate depression symptoms in the aging population using generalizability theory.

As depression is common in older people and confers significant risk for dementia, its accurate assessment is essential. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) is a widely used assessment tool for measuring depression in aged populations, and its psychometric properties have been recently improved using Rasch analysis. However, its temporal reliability and ability to distinguish between dynamic and enduring symptoms of depression have not been examined using the appropriate methodology. Generalizability theory (G theory) is a suitable method to distinguish between enduring and dynamic symptoms of depression and to evaluate the reliability of the GDS-15 scores and sources of measurement error. We applied G theory to the longitudinal GDS-15 data of 354 participants from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, collected biennially over 10 years, from individuals aged 70 years and older. The GDS-15 demonstrated strong reliability and generalizability of its test scores in measuring enduring symptoms of depression (Ga = 0.82, Gr = 0.90) across the sample population and occasions, and indicated that depression scores significantly increased over time. In addition, three identified dynamic symptoms of depression, namely helplessness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, did not affect the overall reliability of the GDS-15. Thus, the GDS-15 is a reliable measure for assessing enduring symptoms of depression and can be used to evaluate the efficacy of depression treatments and monitor depression levels over time in older adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Feasibility of administering the WAIS-IV using a home-based telehealth videoconferencing model.

Use of telehealth to deliver neuropsychological services has proven to be a feasible approach, however, there is limited research which has examined the reliability of home-based assessment models using a comprehensive intelligence test. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and feasibility of a home-based videoconferencing administration of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales-4th Edition (WAIS-IV).Thirty healthy participants (aged 18-40 years) completed the WAIS-IV both in-person and via home-based videoconferencing utilizing a randomized counter-balanced methodology to attempt to control for an order effect. Paper record forms for Coding/Symbol Search and Blocks were sent and returned via tamper proof courier packs. Participants completed an online survey of their experiences of TNP following completion of their assessments. Group mean comparisons, intra class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland-Altman measures of bias were calculated.Findings from both modalities were highly concordant across all WAIS-IV subtests and indices, with all ICCs rated as "excellent," (≥0.9). There were no significant mean group differences and no evidence of proportional bias. The majority of participants were very satisfied with the use of videoconferencing as an application for cognitive assessment and high levels of participant compliance were observed.In this non-clinical cohort home-based videoconference administration of the WAIS-IV was feasible, reliable and acceptable. TNP may offer an alternative for those consumers where there are challenges in accessing a face-to-face service delivery model, thereby improving equity, and enabling continuation of service delivery. Future research is needed with a larger and more ethnically diverse clinical population.

The role of psychological flexibility in recovery following mild traumatic brain injury.

Purpose and Objective: Psychological distress is known to contribute to recovery following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and there is a need to understand the mechanisms that contribute to this relationship. The present study examined psychological flexibility, as a hypothesized psychological mechanism, in 169 treatment-seeking adults with mTBI. Research Method/Design: Participants completed self-report measures of postconcussion symptoms, psychological distress (anxiety, stress, and depression) and functional status within four weeks of entry to an mTBI outpatient clinic. A general measure (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire), as well as a context-specific (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Acquired Brain Injury) measure of psychological flexibility were administered. Results: Simple linear regression analysis showed that psychological flexibility made a significant contribution to the prediction of postconcussion symptoms and functional status. A series of multiple mediation analyses also found that psychological flexibility had a significant indirect effect on the relationships between psychological distress and postconcussion symptoms, and functional status. The context-specific, rather than the general measure of psychological flexibility, was consistently shown to contribute to these findings. Conclusions/Implications: These results suggest that psychological flexibility is a psychological mechanism that contributes to recovery outcomes in individuals with mTBI and could therefore be an important treatment target in mTBI interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychological flexibility in mild traumatic brain injury: an evaluation of measures.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of measures of psychological flexibility in a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) sample. METHOD AND PROCEDURES: Adults who sustained a mTBI (n = 112) completed the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - Acquired Brain Injury reactive avoidance subscale (AAQ-ABI (RA). Exploratory factor analysis and Rasch analysis were conducted to evaluate the facture structure, dimensionality, and differential item functioning. Construct validity was determined by correlating the AAQ-ABI (RA) with the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Revised (AAQ-II) and Fear Avoidance after Traumatic Brain Injury (FAB-TBI). MAIN OUTCOME AND RESULTS: The AAQ-ABI (RA) was found to have strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.87). Consistent with previous findings, the AAQ-ABI (RA) had one distinct factor. Fit to the unidimensional Rasch model was adequate (χ2 (18) = 22.5, p = .21) with no evidence of differential item functioning across person factors examined. The AAQ-ABI (RA) also had expected relationships with theoretically relevant constructs. CONCLUSIONS: The AAQ-ABI (RA) appears to be a psychometrically sound measure of psychological flexibility in mTBI.

What Is the Evidence on Natural Recovery Over the Year Following Sports-Related and Non-sports-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review.

Background: Treatment approaches often differ dependent upon whether a person experiences a sports-related or a non-sports-related mild traumatic brain injury. It remains unclear if recovery from these injuries is comparable or unique to context of the injury. Objective: To identify knowledge gaps on self-reported outcomes and trajectories between sports- and non-sports-related mild traumatic brain injuries and how they are assessed in adults. Methods: This scoping review used a systematic search of key electronic databases, including PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Embase, MEDLINE, and CINAHL for articles published in 1937 until March 10, 2021. Articles were included if they were available in English; full text published in a peer-reviewed journal; had a prospective or retrospective study design; reported data on mild TBI cases >16 years of age, and included data from at least two time points on self-reported outcomes within 12 months post-injury. A standardized data extraction spreadsheet was used to determine the participant characteristics, definitions, assessment methods, outcomes, and recovery time frames. Results: Following removal of duplicates, the search strategy elicited 6,974 abstracts. Following abstract review, 174 were retained for full text review. Of the 42 articles that met inclusion criteria, 18 were sports related (15 in the USA and three in Canada) and 24 were general population studies (six in USA, three in Canada, three in Australasia, nine in Europe, two in Taiwan, and one in Morocco). Direct comparison in recovery trajectories between the sport and general population studies was difficult, given notable differences in methodology, definitions, types of outcome measures, and timing of follow-up assessments. Only one article reported on both sports-related and non-sports-related traumatic brain injuries separately at comparable timepoints. This study revealed no differences in recovery time frames or overall symptom burden. Discussion: Whilst there is a clear benefit in researching specific subpopulations in detail, standardized outcome measures and follow-up time frames are needed across contexts to facilitate understanding of similarities and differences between sports- and non-sports-related mild traumatic brain injuries to inform clinical treatment.

Psychological flexibility: A psychological mechanism that contributes to persistent symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury?

Persistent symptoms following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can have profound implications on all aspects of an individual's functioning. Psychological factors have a significant role in contributing to the development of persistent post-concussion symptoms and predicting outcomes. Biopsychosocial explanations have therefore been applied to prognostic models of mTBI. What is not evident in the literature to date is an understanding of the psychological mechanisms that may be important in mediating the various psychological factors in these models. The construct of psychological flexibility holds promise in this regard. Psychological flexibility is the ability to act in alignment with values in the presence of inner discomfort such as pain and distress. It is hypothesised that psychological flexibility has a significant role in the development and maintenance of persistent symptoms following mild traumatic brain injury. The rationale that forms the basis of this hypothesis is as follows: a relationship exists between psychological flexibility and pre-injury psychological risk factors; psychological flexibility is vulnerable to the pathophysiology associated with mTBI; post-injury psychological and neuropsychological factors exacerbate and maintain psychological inflexibility; and psychological flexibility underlies psychological responses to mTBI that contribute to unfavourable outcomes. A discussion of the literature that pertains to each of these points is presented. Based on this hypothesis, we conclude, that there is rationale to empirically explore the role of psychological flexibility in mTBI and its relationship to outcomes. This may also lead to evaluation of specific interventions that target this psychological mechanism in mTBI, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and improve outcomes for this population.

Knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward concussion in adult cyclists.

OBJECTIVE: To determine knowledge, attitudes, and behavior toward concussion in cyclists and to identify predictors of concussion knowledge. METHODS: Cycling organizations sent members a web link to online information about the study and a questionnaire. Anyone aged >16 years, living in New Zealand and engaged in a cycling activity was invited to participate. The 36-item questionnaire included sociodemographics, knowledge about concussion, helmet use, and personal concussion history. Data were collected between 15/05/19 and 30/06/19. A multiple linear regression model identified factors associated with levels of concussion knowledge. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 672 participants aged between 16 and 82 years (x̄ = 48.6 years). Knowledge of concussion was high. However, knowledge that helmets are not able to prevent concussion was low and time to return to sport after injury was variable. Knowledge did not always translate to seeking of medical attention or replacement of helmet behavior. Younger age and having sustained at least one prior concussion were associated with higher levels of concussion knowledge F(df = 3) = 8.81, p < .001. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge and attitudes toward concussion were positive. However, knowledge gaps and discrepancies between attitudes and behavior were identified. Consistent, clear messages are needed around return to sport timeframes.

Incidence of Sports-Related Traumatic Brain Injury of All Severities: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Whilst there are many benefits to participating in sports and recreational activities, there is also a risk of injury including sports-related traumatic brain injury -(SR-TBI). To inform injury prevention initiatives, it is important to explore the burden of SR-TBI at the population level. This review aimed to estimate the incidence of SR-TBI in the general population across injury severities. METHODS: Systematic search of electronic databases using keywords from 1965 until June 2019 facilitated by hand searches of reference lists. Original research reporting on the incidence of SR-TBI, capturing people of all ages in a well-defined population area was included. Studies were excluded if they focused on a specific sport(s) or population group. All studies were required to be published in the English language. Quality of studies was determined as poor, moderate or good based on the standards of reporting of neurological disorders criteria. Data on year(s) of data collection, diagnostic criterion, case ascertainment sources, population denominator and incidence per 100,000 and by age, sex, injury severity and sport were extracted by 2 authors independently using a standard data extraction form. RESULTS: Following review of 11 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, the incidence of SR-TBI within hospital-based studies ranged between 3.5 and 31.5 per 100,000. One community-based study using multiple case ascertainment sources identified a higher incidence of 170 per 100,000. SR-TBI accounted for 1.2-30.3% of all TBIs. One study provided incidence data across a 5-year period suggesting an increasing trend in incidence over time. Males were more at risk than females (66.1-75.6%), and adolescents and young adults had the highest incidence of SR-TBI. CONCLUSION: The primary objective of this review was to provide a summary of descriptive data on SR-TBI epidemiology at the population level. SR-TBI represented up to one-third of all causes of TBI. Trends in incidence by age and sport were challenging to determine due to lack of consistency in reporting as well as the small number of studies overall. Undertaking injury surveillance at all levels of TBI will assist with understanding the nature, mechanism of and surrounding events where injuries occur in sport.

New avenue for the geriatric depression scale: Rasch transformation enhances reliability of assessment.

BACKGROUND: Depression is a common problem in older adults. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) is a widely used psychometric tool for measuring depression in the elderly, but its psychometric properties have not been yet rigorously investigated. The aim was to evaluate psychometric properties of the GDS-15 and improve precision of the instrument by applying Rasch analysis and deriving conversion tables for transformation of raw scores into interval level data. METHODS: The data was extracted from the prospective cohort Sydney Memory and Ageing Study of initially not demented individuals aged 70 years and older. The GDS-15 items scores of 212 participants (47.2% males) were analysed using the dichotomous Rasch model. RESULTS: Initially poor reliability of the GDS-15, Person Separation Index (PSI) = 0.68, was improved by combining locally dependent items into seven super-items. These modifications improved reliability of the GDS-15 (PSI = 0.78) and resulted in the best Rasch model fit (χ2(28)=37.72, p = =0.104), strict unidimensionality and scale invariance across personal factors such as gender, diagnostic and language background. LIMITATIONS: Presence of participants with cognitive impairment may be a potential limitation. CONCLUSIONS: Reliability and psychometric characteristics of the GDS-15 were improved by minor modifications and now satisfy expectations of the unidimensional Rasch model. By using Rasch transformation tables published here psychiatrists, psychologists and researchers can transform GDS raw scores into interval-level data, which improves reliability of the GDS-15 without the need to modify its original response format. These findings increase accuracy of clinical psychometric assessments, leading to more precise diagnosis of depression in the elderly.

Community Knowledge and Awareness of Stroke in New Zealand.

INTRODUCTION: Community knowledge and stroke awareness is crucial for primary prevention of stroke and timely access to stroke treatments including acute reperfusion therapies. We conducted a national telephone survey to quantify the level of community stroke awareness. METHODS: A random sample of 400 adults in New Zealand (NZ), stratified by the 4 main ethnic groups, was surveyed. Eligible participants answered stroke awareness questions using both unprompted (open-ended) and prompted questions (using a list). Proportional odds logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with stroke awareness. RESULTS: Only 1.5% of participants named stroke as a major cause of death. The stroke signs and symptoms most frequently identified from a list were sudden speech difficulty (94%) and sudden 1-sided weakness (92%). Without prompting, 78% of participants correctly identified at least 1 risk factor, 62% identified at least 2, and 35% identified 3 or more. When prompted with the list, scores increased 10-fold compared with unprompted responses. Ethnic disparities were observed, with Pacific peoples having the lowest level of awareness among the 4 ethnic groups. Higher education level, higher income, and personal experience of stroke were predictive of greater awareness (P ≤ .05). CONCLUSIONS: Stroke was not recognized as a major cause of death. Although identification of stroke risk factors was high with prompting, awareness was low without prompting, particularly among those with lower education and income. Nationwide, culturally tailored public awareness campaigns are necessary to improve knowledge of stroke risk factors, recognition of stroke in the community and appropriate actions to take in cases of suspected stroke.

Slowed Information Processing Speed at Four Years Poststroke: Evidence and Predictors from a Population-Based Follow-up Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Slowed Information Processing Speed (IPS) is a commonly reported cognitive deficit following stroke, affecting up to 50% to 70 % of stroke survivors. IPS has a major influence on poststroke cognitive dysfunction, affecting quality of life and increasing dependence on others. Few studies have examined predictors of slow IPS after stroke, and there is a paucity of data in terms of long-term prevalence. This study examined baseline predictors associated with long-term slow IPS in a population-based stroke incidence cohort, 4 years after stroke onset. METHODS: Adults with stroke (n = 133, m = 71.1 ± 13.5 years) completed the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) at 4 years poststroke. Baseline predictors were obtained within 2 weeks of the acute event. Multivariate regression linear and logistic models were used to identify baseline predictors (reported as OR with 95%CI) and prevalence of impaired IPS at 4-years. RESULTS: 51% of people with stroke had low scores on the SDMT as indicated by a score of -1.0 SD to -2.5 SD (ranging from low to very low respectively). There were significant associations between slow IPS at 4-years after controlling for age and education level and the following baseline factors: older age (>75 years) (OR 3.03, 95% CI .9-9.3,P = .05), previous stroke (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.0-7.4,P = .05), high cholesterol (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.3-5.4,p = .01), hypertension (OR 1.82, 95% CI 0.9-3.6,p = .05), and presence of coronary artery disease (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.6-9.6,P = .01), or arrhythmia (OR 4.40, 95% CI 1.5-12.4,P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Even after 4-years poststroke, slowed IPS is highly prevalent, with comorbid vascular risk factors significantly contributing to persistent impaired IPS. Early identification of adults who are at higher risk of deficits in IPS is vital to targeting the timely delivery of cognitive rehabilitation interventions, improving overall outcomes.

Measuring stroke and transient ischemic attack burden in New Zealand: Protocol for the fifth Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study (ARCOS V).

Aim: The goal of this paper is to provide a protocol for conducting a fifth population-based Auckland Regional Community Stroke study (ARCOS V) in New Zealand. Methods and Discussion: In this study, for the first time globally, (1) stroke and TIA burden will be determined using the currently used clinical and tissue-based definition of stroke, in addition to the WHO clinical classifications of stroke used in all previous ARCOS studies, as well as more advanced criteria recently suggested for an "ideal" population-based stroke incidence and outcomes study; and (2) age, sex, and ethnic-specific trends in stroke incidence and outcomes will be determined over the last four decades, including changes in the incidence of acute cerebrovascular events over the last decade. Furthermore, information at four time points over a 40-year period will allow the assessment of effects of recent changes such as implementation of the FAST campaign, ambulance pre-notification, and endovascular treatment. This will enable more accurate projections for health service planning and delivery. Conclusion: The methods of this study will provide a foundation for future similar population-based studies in other countries and populations.

The Contribution of Vascular Risk Factors in Prevalence of Fatigue Four Years Following Stroke: Results from a Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a debilitating symptom after stroke, which may persist for many years. Survivors of stroke commonly have comorbid medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus that may produce fatigue by themselves. The contribution of vascular and other risk factors on long-term poststroke fatigue (PSF) has not been sufficiently investigated at a population-based level. METHODS: Adults (N = 256) with stroke, who consented into the Auckland Regional Stroke Outcomes Study (ARCOS-IV), completed assessments including the Fatigue Severity Scale (FFS) at 4 years poststroke. A mean score greater than 4 was indicative of fatigue. A multiple regression model identified baseline associations (reported as adjusted odds ratio [AOR] with 95% confidence intervals [CI]) with long-term fatigue. RESULTS: Fatigue was present in 141 stroke survivors (55%) 4 years after stroke, with a mean FSS score of 5.2 ± 1.3. Having hypertension (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.05-3.99, P < .05), diabetes mellitus (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.09-4.25, P < .05), and arrhythmia (AOR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.46-6.20, P < .01) at the time of stroke were associated with increased PSF at 4 years. Nonvascular risk factors including female sex (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.06-03.70, P < .05) and depression (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01-1.39, P < .05) were related to PSF. CONCLUSIONS: PSF was prevalent in the majority of survivors, with comorbid vascular factors significantly contributing to persistent fatigue. The implications of these findings are important as potentially modifiable factors can be targeted and treated from acute onset. Additional research examining PSF predictors in other populations and trialing targeted interventions to control predictors of PSF are warranted.

Primary prevention of stroke and cardiovascular disease in the community (PREVENTS): Methodology of a health wellness coaching intervention to reduce stroke and cardiovascular disease risk, a randomized clinical trial.

Rationale Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, yet 80% of strokes can be prevented through modifications of risk factors and lifestyle and by medication. While management strategies for primary stroke prevention in high cardiovascular disease risk individuals are well established, they are underutilized and existing practice of primary stroke prevention are inadequate. Behavioral interventions are emerging as highly promising strategies to improve cardiovascular disease risk factor management. Health Wellness Coaching is an innovative, patient-focused and cost-effective, multidimensional psychological intervention designed to motivate participants to adhere to recommended medication and lifestyle changes and has been shown to improve health and enhance well-being. Aims and/or hypothesis To determine the effectiveness of Health Wellness Coaching for primary stroke prevention in an ethnically diverse sample including Maori, Pacific Island, New Zealand European and Asian participants. Design A parallel, prospective, randomized, open-treatment, single-blinded end-point trial. Participants include 320 adults with absolute five-year cardiovascular disease risk ≥ 10%, calculated using the PREDICT web-based clinical tool. Randomization will be to Health Wellness Coaching or usual care groups. Participants randomized to Health Wellness Coaching will receive 15 coaching sessions over nine months. Study outcomes A substantial relative risk reduction of five-year cardiovascular disease risk at nine months post-randomization, which is defined as 10% relative risk reduction among those at moderate five-year cardiovascular disease risk (10-15%) and 25% among those at high risk (>15%). Discussion This clinical trial will determine whether Health Wellness Coaching is an effective intervention for reducing modifiable risk factors, and hence decrease the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Stroke Incidence by Major Pathological Type and Ischemic Subtypes in the Auckland Regional Community Stroke Studies: Changes Between 2002 and 2011.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Major pathological stroke types (ischemic stroke [IS], primary intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH], and subarachnoid hemorrhage) and IS subtypes, have differing risk factors, management, and prognosis. We report changes in major stroke types and IS subtypes incidence during 10 years using data from the ARCOS (Auckland Regional Community Stroke Study) III performed during 12 months in 2002 to 2003 and the fourth ARCOS study (ARCOS-IV) performed in 2011 to 2012. METHODS: ARCOS-III and ARCOS-IV were population-based registers of all new strokes in the greater Auckland region (population aged >15 years, 1 119 192). Strokes were classified into major pathological types (IS, ICH, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and undetermined type). Crude annual age-, sex-, and ethnic-specific stroke incidence with 95% confidence intervals was calculated. ISs were subclassified using TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) criteria into 5 etiologic groups. Rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for differences in age-standardized rates between the 2 studies. RESULTS: In ARCOS-IV, there were 1329 (81%) ISs, 211 (13%) ICHs, 79 (5%) subarachnoid hemorrhages, and 24 (1%) undetermined type strokes. The proportional distribution of IS subtypes was 29% cardioembolism, 21% small-vessel occlusion, 15% large-artery atherosclerosis, 5% other determined etiology, and 31% undetermined type. Between 2002 and 2011, age-standardized incidence decreased for subarachnoid hemorrhage (rate ratios, 0.73; 95% confidence intervals, 0.54-0.99) and undetermined type (rate ratios, 0.14; 95% confidence intervals, 0.09-0.22). Rates were stable for IS and ICH. Among IS subtypes, large-artery atherosclerosis and small-vessel occlusion rates increased significantly. The frequency of all risk factors increased in IS. Ethnic differences were observed for both stroke subtype rates and their risk factor frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: A lack of change in IS and ICH incidence may reflect a trend toward increased incidence of younger strokes. Increased rates of large-artery atherosclerosis and small-vessel occlusion are associated with increased smoking and high blood pressure. Ethnic differences in the proportional distribution of pathological stroke subtypes suggest differential exposure and susceptibility to risk factors.

Determinants, Prevalence, and Trajectory of Long-Term Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: Results from a 4-Year Follow-Up of the ARCOS-IV Study.

BACKGROUND: The long-term (>12 months) prevalence, predictors, and trajectory of post-stroke cognitive deficits are not well established, especially at a community level. This study investigated the longitudinal course and prevalence of cognitive impairment in an incidence cohort, identifying factors associated with declining cognition. METHODS: Two hundred fifty-seven participants (mean age = 67.93 ± 13.59) of first-ever stroke survivors, completed cognitive assessments within 2 weeks post stroke, and/or 1, 6, 12, and 48-month. Multivariate linear and logistic models were used to identify baseline predictors (reported as OR with 95% CI) and trajectory of cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Cognitive functioning significantly declined by 2.8 points by 4 years post stroke. Eighty-four percent of stroke survivors had cognitive impairment indicative of post-stroke dementia (mean Montreal cognitive assessment = 20 ± 4.7) at 4-year. There were significant as-sociations between progressive cognitive decline and the -following factors: male gender (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.6-5.9, -p = 0.0171), coronary artery disease (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.35-6.49, p = 0.0070), arrhythmia (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.07-4.57, p = 0.0317), not in a relationship (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.4-5.50, p < 0.0001), and not employed (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.9-12.1, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive deficits remain highly prevalent at 4-year post stroke. Early identification of those at higher risk of declining cognition is vital to target rehabilitation interventions at the acute stage and improve overall outcomes.

Hospital beds: a primer for counting and comparing.

There is considerable public, political and professional debate about the need for additional hospital beds in Australia. However, there is no clarity in regard to the definition, meaning and significance of hospital bed counts. Relative to population, there has been a total decline in bed availability in Australia over the past 15 years of 14.6% (22.9% for public hospital beds). This decline is partly offset by reductions in length of stay and changes to models of care; however, the net effect is increased bed occupancy which has in turn resulted in system-wide congestion. Future bed capability needs to be better planned to meet growing demands while at the same time continuing trends for more efficient use. Future planning should be based in part on weighted bed capability matched to need.