scholarly journals GREEN: Cool & Care—Research and Development of Greening Measures in Nursing Homes in Austria. Technical and Social Interconnections

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 11469
Author(s):  
Katharina Halbmayer ◽  
Jutta Hollands ◽  
Sara Alasu ◽  
Azra Korjenic ◽  
Barbara Pichler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Vulnerable Group ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Building Conditions ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Successful Solution ◽  
Building Physics

According to demographic data, the percentage of elderly people within the population is growing, representing a vulnerable group to the effects of increasing heat, but little attention has been paid to developed adaptation measures. In addition, many older people leave their familiar homes and live in nursing homes. The person-centred care pursues creating spaces of high living quality for these people in nursing homes, to which plants and greenery can contribute. Greening is also considered an effective climate change adaptation measure. To create healthy conditions for this vulnerable group of elderly, both technical and social factors must be considered, and accordingly, a successful solution can only be achieved in an interdisciplinary way. The research and development of the project “Green: Cool & Care” dealt with this outset from a building physics, social, and nursing science perspective, and concepts to integrate greening measures in nursing homes were developed jointly by researchers, planners, staff, volunteers, and residents. For this purpose, measurement campaigns of air quality parameters, individual interviews and focus groups, as well as co-creative workshops were conducted aiming to include the objective building conditions as well as the subjective needs in developing and, in a further step, implementing greening measures.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Antibiotic Therapy Among Nursing Home Residents: Perspectives of Caregivers and Residents in a Mixed Exploratory Study

Antibiotics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathieu Ahouah ◽  
Corinne Lartigue ◽  
Monique Rothan-Tondeur
Keyword(s):  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
End Users ◽  
Antibiotic Prescribing ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Source Of Information

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health threat worldwide. Some authors have suggested that end-users of nursing homes have an influence on antibiotic prescribing. The objective of this study is to describe the views of end-users and professionals on residents’ behavior towards antibiotic therapy in terms of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes towards this drug class and its prescribing process. This is a concurrent mixed methodology study using questionnaires and semi-directive individual interviews with nursing homes residents, nurses, and doctors practicing in these facilities. The questionnaires analyzed were collected from 35 residents (24.3%) and 109 nurses (75.7%). The qualitative interview involved 26 of total participants that agreed to be interviewed. We noticed misconceptions being held by the residents regarding the antibiotic resistance phenomenon. Additionally, nurses were not considered as a source of information about antibiotics. Nurses and residents had conflicting opinions about residents requesting antibiotics, and the findings depict a stereotypical view of the nurse profession as a reflection of a cognitive representation. The authors conclude that, despite many campaigns, further efforts are needed to tackle antimicrobial resistance. Initiatives could include raising awareness about antimicrobial resistance, clarifying the role of nurses, and communicating well with residents about their needs in nursing homes.

Choosing to live in a nursing home: a culturally and linguistically diverse perspective

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 239
Author(s):  
Cecilia A. Yeboah
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Older People ◽  
Cultural History ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Culturally And Linguistically Diverse ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Cultural Origins ◽  
Diverse Perspective

As part of the findings of a study on culturally and linguistically diverse older people relocating to a nursing home, this paper contributes to our understanding of how older people draw on their cultural history to explain their decisions to relocate. Family reciprocity was identified by most participants as central to their decisions, regardless of their specific cultural origins. Using the grounded theory methodology, data were collected through progressive, semi-structured, repeated, in-person, individual interviews with 20 residents of four nursing homes in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older people, regardless of specific cultural origin, make relocation decisions based on the importance and meaning of reciprocity within families. Understanding their decisions as reflecting a culturally valued reciprocity offered a sense of cultural continuity to the relocation and was comforting to the older adults involved in the study. This study also suggests that culturally and linguistically diverse older people are much more active participants in the decision to relocate to a nursing home than is commonly recognised. The four nursing homes in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and the 20 participants studied constitute only a small proportion of all culturally and linguistically diverse older nursing home residents in Australia. Therefore, the findings may not be pertinent to other culturally and linguistically diverse elderly. Nonetheless, this study makes an important contribution to future discussions regarding cultural diversity in the nursing home relocation of culturally and linguistically diverse older Australians. The study findings provide some insight into the conditions and contexts that impact nursing home relocation.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among HIV Infected Pregnant Women Attending Care and Treatment at National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Ya’aba ◽  
S. B. Mohammed ◽  
K. T. Olatunji ◽  
A. Abubakar ◽  
M. Usoroh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Pharmaceutical Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Enrollment Data ◽  
Pharmaceutical Research And Development

Introduction: Viral Hepatitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are most common top ranking leading causes of infectious diseases and deaths worldwide. If these infections, remain unidentified and untreated among HIV infected pregnant women, children born to these pregnant women are at high risk of these viral hepatitis infections. Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the sero-prevalence of HBV and HCV among HIV infected pregnant women in Abuja, Nigeria. Methodology: A cross sectional study among 330 HIV infected pregnant women commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) at National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, Nigeria were studied. The women were screened for the presence of HBV and HCV antibodies. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data prior to recruitment/enrollment. Data were analyzed using statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) (version 20.0). Results: Out of the 330 HIV infected pregnant women, 90 (27.3%) were HBV positive, while 5 (1.5%) were HCV positive (p = 0.42). The highest prevalence was observed among the age group of 20 – 29. However, none of the patients tested positive for both HBV and HCV. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that infection with viral hepatitis is common and of public health concern. Therefore, concerted efforts should be put in place to mitigate the epidemics.

scholarly journals Farmer knowledge and perceptions of agrochemicals use on honeybee community and honey production in Benin

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anicet Gbèblonoudo Dassou ◽  
Corinne Anagonou ◽  
Senan Vohouhe ◽  
Aristide Adjai Edikou ◽  
Silvère Tovignan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Demographic Data ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Pesticide Use ◽  
Farmer Knowledge ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Honey Production ◽  
Chemical Pesticide ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Chemical Pesticides ◽  
Detoxification Mechanisms

Abstract Background Apiculture faces many constraints including the use of agrochemicals. Chronic exposure to chemical pesticide use results in the loss of honeybee colonies and alters detoxification mechanisms and immune responses, driving them more susceptible to parasites. This study aims at investigating the impact of agrochemical use on honeybee community and honey production in northern Benin. Methods For this purpose, 100 beekeepers were surveyed using a survey questionnaire. Information on treated crops, the distance of beehives from these crops, the effect of insecticides and herbicides, adaptation patterns and honey production were collected through individual interviews. Socio-demographic data and farmer’s knowledge on agrochemical uses and their impacts on honeybee communities were determined. Information were also collected on alternative methods to agrochemicals, beehive types and honey taste. Results Apicultural investigations have shown that chemical pesticides were applied in fields of crops and that beehives were mostly located near treated fields. The most used chemical pesticides were Kalach (glyphosate), Callifor G (glyphosate, fluometuron, prometyn), Atrazila 80 wp (atrazin), Herbextra (glyphosate) and Cotonix (deltamethrin and chlorpyriphos). The majority of beekeepers (79%) recognize the effect of pesticides and use alternatives to pesticides to reduce the risk. In general, 49% of beekeepers found the decrease in the big breed of bees and 40% that of the small breed. The honey production was higher when the beehives were installed far from the treated fields. Conclusion and implications: This study allowed to knowing the direct and indirect effects of the agrochemical use on beekeeping. Alternative pest management methods to the pesticide use practiced by farmers would lead to sustainable improvements of honey production in Benin.

scholarly journals Discrepancies between Expected and Actual Implementation: The Process Evaluation of PERS Integration in Nursing Homes

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4245
Author(s):  
Fangyuan Chang ◽  
Andrea Eriksson ◽  
Britt Östlund
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Technology Implementation ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Domestication Theory ◽  
Competence System

Recent studies prove that when implementing new technology technology-driven and one-size-fits-all approaches are problematic. This study focuses on the process of implementing personal emergency response system (PERS) at nursing homes. The aim is to understand why the implementation of PERS has not met initial expectations. Multiple methods were used in two Swedish nursing homes, including document analysis, questionnaires (n = 42), participant observation (67 h), and individual interviews (n = 12). A logic model was used to ascertain the discrepancies that emerged between expected and actual implementation, and the domestication theory was used to discuss the underlying meanings of the discrepancies. The discrepancies primarily focused on staff competence, system readiness, work routines, and implementation duration. Corresponding reasons were largely relevant to management issues regarding training, the procurement systems, individual and collective responsibilities as well as invisible work. The uptake of technology in daily practice is far more nuanced than a technology implementation plan might imply. We point out the importance of preparing for implementation, adjusting to new practices, and leaving space and time for facilitating implementation. The findings will be of use to implementers, service providers, and organizational managers to evaluate various measures in the implementation process, enabling them to perform technology implementation faster and more efficiently.

scholarly journals Postdischarge Decolonization of Patients Harboring MRSA USA300 Strains: Secondary Analysis of the CLEAR Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s75-s76
Author(s):  
Gabrielle M. Gussin ◽  
Lauren Heim ◽  
Thomas Tjoa ◽  
Loren Miller ◽  
Daniel L. Gillen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Invasive Disease ◽  
Event Analysis ◽  
Education Group ◽  
Usa300 Strain ◽  
Mrsa Infection ◽  
Strain Type

Background: The Changing Lives by Eradicating Antibiotic Resistance (CLEAR) Trial was a trial of 2,121 recently discharged methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers randomized to MRSA education plus a 5-day decolonization regimen repeated twice monthly for the 6 months following discharge versus MRSA education alone. Decolonization resulted in a 30% reduction in MRSA infection and a 17% reduction in all-cause infection (Huang SS et al, NEJM, 2019) in the year following discharge. We pursued an evaluation of USA300 carriers to determine whether the decolonization benefit differed for this strain type. Methods: A secondary analysis of the CLEAR randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed, limiting the cohort to participants known to harbor USA300 at or within 30 days of enrollment and who attended all follow-up visits in the year following discharge. Within this subset, we conducted a time-to-event analysis using unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional-hazard models. Variables in adjusted analyses included demographic data, insurance type, presence of coexisting conditions or medical devices at enrollment, hospitalization or residence in a nursing home in the year before enrollment, receipt of anti-MRSA antibiotics, protocol adherence, and randomization strata. Results: USA300 was identified in 420 of the 783 participants who attended all visits and had strains genetically tested. MRSA infections occurred in 27 of 207 education group participants (0.149 per person year) and in 19 of 213 decolonization group participants (0.099 per-person year). Point estimates from the unadjusted hazard ratios of infection reduction were similar (0.59; 95% CI, 0.32–1.09) to the full trial population (0.61; 95% CI, 0.44–0.85), suggesting nondifferential benefit for the USA300 strain type. Adjusted models were highly similar. Conclusions: The reduction in MRSA infection associated with postdischarge decolonization in the subgroup of participants who harbored the USA300 strain-type was consistent with overall trial findings. Although the original trial was not powered for the evaluation of a USA300 subset, this RCT provides a valuable design for assessing the magnitude of strain-specific responsiveness to decolonization during a time when national rates of MRSA invasive disease have plateaued and USA300 is responsible for an increasing proportion of infections. These data suggest that postdischarge decolonization should be similarly effective in carriers of either USA300 or healthcare-associated MRSA strains.Funding: NoneDisclosure: Gabrielle M. Gussin, Stryker (Sage Products): Conducting studies in which antiseptic product is provided to participating hospitals and nursing homes. Clorox: Conducting studies in which antiseptic product is provided to participating hospitals and nursing homes. Medline: Conducting studies in which antiseptic product is provided to participating hospitals and nursing homes. Xttrium: Conducting studies in which antiseptic product is provided to participating hospitals and nursing homes. Mohamad Sater, Salary-Day Zero Diagnostics.

scholarly journals Challenges when caring for end-of-life patients with advanced dementia and pain: A qualitative study in Swedish nursing homes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tove Godskesen ◽  
Emma Lundin
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Pain Management ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Health Care Staff ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Advanced Dementia ◽  
Good Communication ◽  
Individual Interviews

Abstract Background Of Swedish people with advanced dementia, the majority dies in nursing homes. Pain is a common symptom in patients at the end-of-life, and patients with advanced dementia often experience suboptimal and inadequate pain management. Compared to cancer patients, they receive fewer palliative care interventions. Although being largely responsible for the care of these patients, few studies address the experiences of registered nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to describe nurses' experiences of caring for end-of-life patients with advanced dementia and pain. Methods This study had a descriptive and explorative design. Individual interviews with thirteen nurses from twelve nursing homes in Sweden were qualitative and semi-structured. The content was analysed through inductive content analysis. Results Nurses described communicative, relational and organisational challenges. A major issue was difficulties to communicate with the patient, resulting in uncertain pain assessments. Other difficulties were to separate pain from anxiety, to balance benefits and risks in morphine administration, and to create good relationships with health care personnel and relatives. Relatives could greatly influence the assessment and management of pain, both as interpreters of pain behaviour and by questioning the care given. Facilitators of good pain management were good communication and relations with health care staff and relatives, having extensive professional experience, and knowing the patient.Conclusions This study highlights the need for nursing homes to employ specialist-trained nurses, who have the appropriate knowledge and skills to deal with the challenges in caring for end-of-life patients with dementia and pain. Additionally, there should be resources and strategies available for providing information to patients’ family members and for involving them in the decisional process, as they are often unfamiliar with the multitude of considerations involved in decisions such as whether to administrative morphine or not.

Physical activity and sedentary time in relation to semen quality in healthy men screened as potential sperm donors

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (12) ◽  
pp. 2330-2339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bin Sun ◽  
Carmen Messerlian ◽  
Zhong-Han Sun ◽  
Peng Duan ◽  
Heng-Gui Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sedentary Time ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Healthy Men ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Sperm Donors

Abstract STUDY QUESTION Is physical activity or sedentary time associated with semen quality parameters? SUMMARY ANSWER Among healthy men screened as potential sperm donors, higher self-reported physical activity was associated with increased progressive and total sperm motility. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite the claimed beneficial effect of moderate physical activity on semen quality, results from epidemiological studies have been inconclusive. Previous studies were mostly conducted among endurance athletes or male partners of couples who sought infertility treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Healthy men screened as potential sperm donors were recruited at the Hubei Province Human Sperm Bank of China. Between April 2017 and July 2018; 746 men completed the long-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and provided repeated semen samples (n = 5252) during an approximately 6-month period. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Total metabolic equivalents (METs), moderate-to-vigorous METs and sedentary time were abstracted from the IPAQ. Sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility and total motility in repeated specimens were determined by trained clinical technicians. Mixed-effect models were applied to investigate the relationships between physical activity and sedentary time and repeated measures of semen quality parameters. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE After adjusting for multiple confounders, total METs and moderate-to-vigorous METs were both positively associated with progressive and total sperm motility. Compared with men in the lowest quartiles, those in the highest quartiles of total and moderate-to-vigorous METs had increased progressive motility of 16.1% (95% CI: 6.4, 26.8%) and 17.3% (95% CI: 7.5, 27.9%), respectively, and had increased total motility of 15.2% (95% CI: 6.2, 24.9%) and 16.4% (95% CI: 7.4, 26.1%), respectively. Sedentary time was not associated with semen quality parameters. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The IPAQ was reported only once from study participants; measurement errors were inevitable and may have biased our results. Furthermore, although we have adjusted for various potential confounders, the possibility of unmeasured confounding cannot be fully ruled out. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings suggest that maintaining regular exercise may improve semen quality parameters among healthy, non-infertile men. Specifically, we found that higher self-reported total and moderate-to-vigorous METs were associated with improved sperm motility, which reinforces the existing evidence that physical activity may improve male reproductive health. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) Y.-X.W was supported by the Initiative Postdocs Supporting Program (No. BX201700087). A.P. was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC0907504). C.-L.X. was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2016YFC1000206). The authors report no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A

scholarly journals Perceptions and needs regarding technologies in nursing homes: An exploratory study

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 1714-1727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Bourbonnais ◽  
Jacqueline Rousseau ◽  
Marie-Hélène Lalonde ◽  
Jean Meunier ◽  
Nolwenn Lapierre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Family Caregivers ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation ◽  
Mobile Applications ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Diffusion Of Innovation Theory ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Care Managers

Two of the most salient problems in nursing homes are the responsive behaviours and falls of older people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Intelligent videomonitoring and mobile applications are potential technologies that may help prevent and manage these problems. However, evidence for the needs for technologies in nursing homes is scarce. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and needs of care managers, and of formal and family caregivers in nursing homes regarding these potential technologies. With an exploratory qualitative design based on Rogers’ diffusion of innovation theory, individual interviews and a content analysis were conducted. Results show that the potential users of these technologies consider them relevant in nursing homes. The characteristics that would make these technologies useful in nursing homes are described. These results could be used to develop useful technologies to improve the quality of clinical practice in nursing homes.

scholarly journals Predictors Associated with Health-Related Heat Risk Perception of Urban Citizens in Germany

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 874 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Beckmann ◽  
Michael Hiete
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
High Temperatures ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Heat Risk ◽  
The Impact

The rising probability of extremely high temperatures and an increasing number of consecutive hot days caused by climate change—combined with the impact of these high temperatures on human health—is widely discussed in the literature. There are calls for the development of heatwave adaptation measures by governmental and scientific institutions. In this research, the predictors of health-related heat risk perception of urban citizens in Augsburg, Germany, were investigated. An online survey was conducted with 468 citizens, asking about their heat risk perception, knowledge about heat risks, and demographic data and health information. Statistical methods (Spearman correlation, unpaired t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression) were used to determine which factors were significant and relevant. The results show that the knowledge of heat risks, heat risk sensitivity and an external locus of control are the most important factors for heat risk perception. The health implication score and chronic disease show significant effects in descriptive statistics. Furthermore, younger people showed the highest heat risk perception of all age groups. Surprisingly, income, education, living alone and gender did not play a role in heat risk perception. The findings imply a need for better and intensified heat risk communication in urban areas—especially among elderly people—and thus are important for creating acceptance towards heat wave risks, which is a prerequisite of willingness to adapt.

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