scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Emergency on Life Activities and Delivery of Healthcare Services in the Elderly Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 4089
Author(s):  
Siddarth Agrawal ◽  
Sebastian Makuch ◽  
Mateusz Dróżdż ◽  
Bartłomiej Strzelec ◽  
Małgorzata Sobieszczańska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Isolation ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Delivery Of Healthcare ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Most Significant Change ◽  
The Impact

Due to the prevailing pandemic of the coronavirus disease COVID-19, we are experiencing emotional and social isolation, which negatively affects mental and physical health, particularly among the elderly population. In this study, we performed a cross-sectional analysis based on computer-assisted telephone interviews of 500 Polish adults aged 60 years or older in order to determine the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the older population’s behavior, life activity, and delivery of healthcare services. According to our study, COVID-19 infection entailed a substantial change in older people’s behavior. Over 50%, nearly 80%, and more than 25% of the surveyed participants reduced their social, recreational, and professional activities, respectively. The most significant change in senior’s behavior due to the fear of COVID-19 infection was observed in patients (1) with cardiac and pulmonary problems, (2) being on multi-drug therapy, (3) vaccinated against influenza, and (4) with several mental difficulties including loneliness, social isolation, and depression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 10% of participants canceled planned hospitalization due to the fear of COVID-19 infection. This was observed primarily in patients suffering from chronic heart and lung diseases, vaccinated against influenza, exhibiting the reluctance to carry out more complex daily activities, and with a higher level of anxiety, social loneliness, and malnutrition. Thus, these groups of seniors require more attention; hence, we propose telemedicine as a strategy directed to them that provides clinical healthcare and information regarding measurements, control, and protection against SARS-CoV-2 during the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. We believe this strategy may improve treatment outcomes, reduce comorbidities-related complications and unnecessary hospitalizations.

scholarly journals THE EFFECTS OF COGNITION AND FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE ON CORE STABILITY IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 312
Author(s):  
Agris Liepa ◽  
Undine Gudiņa ◽  
Evita Dubinina ◽  
Viesturs Larins ◽  
Aivars Kaupuzs
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Walking Speed ◽  
Functional Performance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Core Stability ◽  
Transversus Abdominis ◽  
Static Balance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Leg Strength ◽  
The Impact

The researches indicate that core stability may play a substantial role in reducing fall risk in the elders. Nevertheless, cognition and functional performance has been identified with fall risks as well. The impact of functional performance elements and/or cognition on core stability, to complement the intervention programs for seniors in the future, has not been fully studied. This study aimed to assess the effects of leg strength, static balance, walking speed and cognition on the core stability scores. In a cross-sectional design study a sample of 62 participants were eligible for the study.  Elderly aged 60 or older living in Social care centers or autonomous were recruited. Independent variables included static balance, walking speed, leg strength measured by Short Physical Performance Battery, cognition (alertness, divided attention, selective attention, and working memory) evaluated with the Rehacom screening software and age. Dependent variable core stability (the ability to maintain appropriate contraction of muscle transversus abdominis) was assessed performing Prone test with Chattanooga Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback. A hierarchical multiple regression was used for statistical analysis. Static balance and cognition presented greater effects significantly explaining 18% and 13% of the variability of core stability, whereas no significant effects of walking speed and leg strength were found on core stability. Exercise programs where static balance and cognition tasks are implemented to complement core stability performance might be worth investigating and compare with other intervention methods to reduce the risk of falling in the elderly population.

scholarly journals The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on Anxiety in the Elderly population: a cross sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-146
Author(s):  
Abhinav Garg ◽  
Vikas Gaur ◽  
Deepak Salvi ◽  
Aparna Garg
Keyword(s):  
Anxiety Disorder ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
P Value ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Background: The coronavirus pandemic is an epidemiological and psychological crisis. The elderly population is considered to be high risk for potential complications arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and this fact can also potentially lead to anxiety symptoms amongst the elderly. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the anxiety symptoms in elderly living in few major cities of Rajasthan state in India. Methods: The study was conducted from April 2020 to May 2020 using an online questionnaire which measured the levels of anxiety amongst the elderly population (age ≥ 65 years) living in the community via the GAD-7 (General Anxiety Disorder-7) scale. Responses were received from 162 participants. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and logistic regression. The level of statistical significance was kept at p value < 0.05. Results: Around 69.14% of the participants belonged to the age group of 65 -74 years; 61.72% of whom were male. Moreover, up to 82.72% of the participants were suffering from one or more chronic medical illnesses. Based on the GAD-7 scores, 30.25%, 12.35%, and 6.17% of the respondents were suffering from mild, moderate, and severe forms of anxiety, respectively. After applying a ≥ 5 score as a cut off score for the GAD-7 scale, 48.77% of the elderly participants were experiencing anxiety symptoms indicating further assessment. In those respondents with anxiety symptoms, significant association was observed with age (p = 0.00), sex (p = 0.04), and the zone of residence (p = 0.00). On the other hand, no significant association was observed with the presence of chronic medical illness such as Diabetes, Hypertension, COPD, etc. with anxiety symptoms (p = 0.77). Conclusion: This study has revealed a high prevalence of anxiety symptoms among the elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic lock down. We recommend that a pre-planned strategy should be prepared for early identification of vulnerable elderly in the community who are at a greater risk of suffering from anxiety disorder under this stressful period.

scholarly journals Telegeriatrics during the COVID-19 pandemic

QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hoda Wahba ◽  
Tamer Emara ◽  
Ahmed Elbokl
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Geriatric Patients ◽  
Geriatric Medicine ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Insignificant Difference

Abstract Background Ain Shams University Virtual Hospital (AVH) has been offering telemedicine services since 2016. During the COVID-19 pandemic it has become essential to offer healthcare services in a safe way. Telemedicine was the perfect choice worldwide to compensate for the deficiency of physical healthcare services. Limitations especially in the elderly population questioned the feasibility of the telegeriatrics model. Aim To study the feasibility and acceptability of the AVH telemedicine model in geriatric patients. Methodology A cross-sectional study performed from April to October 2020 recruiting patients above 60 years receiving telemedicine services as part of the telemedicine program delivered via AVH. Data was collected via Google forms that were sent to the patients and physicians via Whats app. Results 1471 patients were triaged via the Whats app managed by geriatric consultants and 64 received video consultations. 849 patients responded to the surveys from all age groups of which 21.8% were above 60 years. From the responders 19.7% consulted geriatric medicine while the 2.1% consulted other specialties. Most satisfaction domains were 85% and above positive responses with an insignificant difference between age groups. 90% of physicians felt confident in their medical management using telemedicine. Conclusion: telegeriatrics is feasible as it is well accepted, easily used and preferred over clinic visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and after, by patients. Physicians are confident in their management using it.

scholarly journals The Impact of COVID-19 in Older People in Portugal: Results from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement (SHARE)

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 761
Author(s):  
Filipa Novais ◽  
Catarina Cordeiro ◽  
Pedro Câmara Pestana ◽  
Beatriz Côrte-Real ◽  
Teresa Reynolds Sousa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, and Portugal reported its initial cases. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of COVID-19 on Portuguese individuals aged over 60 years old.Material and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE 8: COVID-19 Survey). We selected a sample of 1080 noninstitutional Portuguese individuals aged ≥ 60 years.Results: The study sample consisted of 605 (56%) women and 475 (44%) men, with a mean age of 70 ± 9.1 years. In total, 80% of the participants experienced higher levels of anxiety, 73% felt more depressed and 30% experienced additional sleep problems comparedto the period before the pandemic. Interestingly, there were no statistically significant differences between the sexes or the two selected age groups (60 - 74 and over 75 years old) regarding the incidence of these changes. Only 23%, of those that were interviewed maintained their walking routines. In addition, only 8% of the participants continued visiting family members as frequently as before. While 8% of the participants were refused some form of medical treatment, 56% claimed that they experienced healthcare delays. However,only 15% of the participants reported that their health status worsened during the pandemic.Discussion: The pandemic has had a significant impact on Portuguese individuals aged ≥ 60 years; which is in agreement with the findings of previous international studies. It changed the participants’ routines and increased their anxiety and depression levels. Despite the deterioration of healthcare services, most participants did not experience worsening of their health status.Conclusion: In conclusion, a COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the elderly population, particularly regarding their mental health.

The Impact of Welfare Facilities on Happiness of the Elderly: Evidence from Seoul, Korea

2019 ◽  
pp. 0739456X1987411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danya Kim ◽  
Jangik Jin
Keyword(s):  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time Specific ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The City ◽  
Positive Effect

Across the world, there are growing concerns about how to care for an increasingly large elderly population. We explore how elderly welfare facilities influence seniors’ subjective well-being, focusing on the city of Seoul, Korea, using the 2005–2015 Seoul Survey data. Through pooled cross-sectional data analysis with time-specific and location-specific fixed-effects, we estimate the effect of the number of local welfare facilities on elderly subjective well-being. Our results show that elderly welfare facilities have a positive effect on elderly subjective well-being after controlling for endogeneity, but these facilities are more important for the more aged elderly and lower income elderly.

scholarly journals Differentiating objective and subjective dimensions of social isolation and apprasing their relations with physical and mental health in italian older adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maddalena Fiordelli ◽  
Gabriele Sak ◽  
Benedetta Guggiari ◽  
Peter J. Schulz ◽  
Serena Petrocchi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face

Abstract Background International research shows that social isolation is harmful for health, especially for the elderly. Its objective and subjective dimensions are important to distinguish as each stands in a different relation with health. The first aim of the present study is the validation of three scales measuring objective and subjective isolation in an Italian elderly population. The second aim is to analyze subjective and objective social isolation and to appraise their association with health among seniors. Methods This cross-sectional survey collected data from 306 over 65 s participants. Questionnaires were administered face-to-face by one author and encompassed: social disconnectedness scale; perceived isolation scale; abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale; measures of general and mental health, and depression. Results The three scales measuring social isolation demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and validity. Objective and subjective social isolation were not directly associated with physical health, whereas subjective isolation is strongly linked to worse mental health and depression. Higher level of subjective isolation was associated with lower level of physical health through the mediation of mental health. Subjective isolation served as a mediator in the relation between objective isolation and health. Moderation analysis demonstrated that low values of objective isolation predicted high values of mental health but only when subjective isolation was low. None of these relations were moderated by socio-demographic variables. Conclusion Subjective and objective isolation are clearly two separate dimensions and the scales validated in this paper showed to be potentially culturally invariant. Researchers should work to find instruments able to depict the complexity of the construct of social isolation.

The Impact of Mobile Phone Technology in Bridging the Gaps in The Health Care Service Delivery in Kenya: A Case of Nairobi County. (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice Ndwiga
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Mobile Phone ◽  
Care Service ◽  
Health Care Service ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
P Value ◽  
Delivery Of Healthcare ◽  
Mobile Phone Technology ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND INTRODUCTION: The Kenyan constitution seeks to guarantee every citizen the right to quality healthcare services. Quite often this delivery is hampered by geographical location, socio-economic statuses among other factors. The country has a high mobile phone penetration rate. Digitalization of the healthcare sector is a vital aspect that contributes to effective delivery of care services. This study set out to assess the impact of mobile technology in closing the gaps within the health care service delivery. The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of mobile phone technology in bridging the gap in healthcare service delivery in Kenya with a focus on Nairobi, Kibera informal settlements. Hypothesis testing using P-value of 0.05 also showed that use of mobile phone technology positively impacted the delivery of healthcare services. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of mobile phone technology in bridging the gap in healthcare service delivery in Kenya with a focus on Nairobi, Kibera informal settlements. Hypothesis testing using P-value of 0.05 also showed that use of mobile phone technology positively impacted the delivery of healthcare services. METHODS The target population were patients visiting Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinic in Kibera informal settlements. A cross-sectional study design was employed. Purposive and simple random sampling method was used to select the study sample of 210 participants and 3 healthcare providers. Data were collected using survey questionnaire that was provider-administered and Data were analyzed using SPSS version. RESULTS The characteristics of the respondents were general (mean age, education level, social economic status) to only patients who visited the clinics for HIV tests and other related services such as going for ARVs. The main findings showed that 66.12% of the respondents (14.29% strongly agreed + 55.24% agreed) that the use of mobile phone technology improved their access to healthcare services. Using chi square, there was a statistical difference due to the positive impact of mobile technology on healthcare delivery (p=0.05). CONCLUSIONS The study findings showed that 66.12% of the respondents agreed that the use of mobile phone technology and SMS improved their access to healthcare services. The results hypothesis also proved that use of mobile phone technology positively impacts the delivery of healthcare services.

scholarly journals Prevalence of disabilities and non-communicable diseases in an elderly population in the Telangana state, India: a population-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. e041755
Author(s):  
Srinivas Marmamula ◽  
Satya Brahmanandam Modepalli ◽  
Thirupathi Reddy Kumbham ◽  
Rajesh Challa ◽  
Jill E Keeffe
Keyword(s):  
Elderly Population ◽  
Self Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Non Communicable Diseases

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of disabilities (vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive, self-care and communication) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the elderly population in two districts in Telangana, India.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study using a cluster random sampling method to select the study clusters.SettingElderly population in Khammam and Warangal districts were recruited. Detailed interviews were conducted by trained community health workers. Personal and demographic information such as age, gender, level of education and a self-report of NCDs was collected. The Washington Disability Questionnaire was administered to assess the presence of disabilities.Participants1821 participants aged ≥60 years, 54.5% were women, and 73.3% had no education.Primary outcome measurePrevalence of disabilities and NCDs.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of at least disability was 20.3% (95% CI 16.3 to 24.9). The prevalence of self- reported disabilities were: seeing (5.9%; 95% CI 4.4 to 7.8), mobility (12.8%; 95% CI 9.7 to 16.8), hearing (3.6%; 95% CI 2.7 to 4.8), cognition (4.8%; 95% CI 3.5 to 6.7), self-care (3.3%; 95% CI 2.3 to 4.7) and communication (1.8%; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.6). Overall, the prevalence of at least one NCD was 34.2% (95% CI 30.9 to 37.7). Hypertension was the most common systemic condition (25.4%; 95% CI 22.4 to 28.7), followed by diabetes (9.0%; 95% CI 7.3 to 11.0), and body pains (muscle-skeletal) (9.9%; 95% CI 8.1 to 12.2).ConclusionEvery fifth elderly person in the districts of Khammam and Warangal in Telangana had at least one self-reported disability. Besides, a third of the elderly had at least one NCD. There is a definite need to develop comprehensive public health strategies to address disabilities and NCDs in Telangana.

Relation between cognitive disorders and type of physical activity: Results of the FréLE cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Dupré ◽  
N Barth ◽  
A El Moutawakkil ◽  
F Béland ◽  
F Roche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Proportional Hazards ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Global Test ◽  
Professional Activities ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Few previous cohorts have studied the different type of physical activities and the degree of cognitive decline. The objective of this work was to analyze the leisure, domestic and professional activities with mild and moderate cognitive disorders in older people living in community. Methods The study used data from the longitudinal and observational study, FrèLE (FRagility: Longitudinal Study of Expressions). The collected data included: socio-demographic variables, lifestyle, and health status (frailty, comorbidities, cognitive status, depression). Cognitive decline was assessed by using: MMSE (Mini-Mental State Examination) and MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). MoCA was used with two cut-offs (26 and 17) so as to define mild and moderate cognitive disorders Physical activity was assessed by the PASE (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly), structured in three sections: leisure, domestic and professional activities. Spline and proportional hazards regression models (Cox) were used to estimate the risk of cognitive disorders. Results At baseline, 1623 participants were included and the prevalence of cognitive disorders was 6.9% (MMSE) and 7.2% (MoCA), mild cognitive disorders was 71.3%. The mean age was 77 years, and 52% of the participants were women. After a 2 years long follow-up, we found 6.9% (MMSE) and 6% (MoCA) cognitive disorders on participants. Analyses showed that domestic activities were associated to cognitive decline (HR = 0.52 [0.28-0.94] for MMSE and HR = 0.48 [0.28-0.80] for MoCA). No association were found with leisure and professional activities, and no spline were significant with mild cognitive disorders. Conclusions Analysis showed a relationship between cognitive disorders and type of physical activity, thanks to the use of specific questionnaire of elderly and two global test of cognition. These findings will contribute to the debate on the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognition. Key messages This work allowed to compare two test of cognition and their link with physical activity. It contributes to the debate on the beneficial effects of physical activity on cognition. The work allowed us to see the effect of the different types of physical activity and the impact of the statistical method on the results.

scholarly journals How is the COVID-19 lockdown impacting the mental health of parents of school-age children in the UK? A cross-sectional online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. e043397
Author(s):  
Austen El-Osta ◽  
Aos Alaa ◽  
Iman Webber ◽  
Eva Riboli Sasco ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
School Age ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveInvestigate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on feelings of loneliness and social isolation in parents of school-age children.DesignCross-sectional online survey of parents of primary and secondary school-age children.SettingCommunity setting.Participants1214 parents of school-age children in the UK.MethodsAn online survey explored the impact of lockdown on the mental health of parents with school-age children, and in particular about feelings of social isolation and loneliness. Associations between the UCLA Three-Item Loneliness Scale (UCLATILS), the Direct Measure of Loneliness (DMOL) and the characteristics of the study participants were assessed using ordinal logistic regression models.Main outcome measuresSelf-reported measures of social isolation and loneliness using UCLATILS and DMOL.ResultsHalf of respondents felt they lacked companionship, 45% had feelings of being left out, 58% felt isolated and 46% felt lonely during the first 100 days of lockdown. The factors that were associated with higher levels of loneliness on UCLATILS were female gender, parenting a child with special needs, lack of a dedicated space for distance learning, disruption of sleep patterns and low levels of physical activity during the lockdown. Factors associated with a higher DMOL were female gender, single parenting, parenting a child with special needs, unemployment, low physical activity, lack of a dedicated study space and disruption of sleep patterns during the lockdown.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown has increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness among parents of school-age children. The sustained adoption of two modifiable health-seeking lifestyle behaviours (increased levels of physical activity and the maintenance of good sleep hygiene practices) wmay help reduce feelings of social isolation and loneliness during lockdown.

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