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Ki M, Lapierre S, Gim B, Hwang M, Kang M, Dargis L, Jung M, Koh EJ, Mishara B. A systematic review of psychosocial protective factors against suicide and suicidality among older adults. Int Psychogeriatr 2024; 36:346-370. [PMID: 38305360 DOI: 10.1017/s104161022300443x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on suicide rarely focuses on protective factors. The goal of this systematic review was to assess the evidence of the associations between protective factors and reduced suicidality among older adults. METHOD First, a scoping review was conducted to identify pertinent terms that refer to various protective factors against suicidality. A systematic review, following the PRISMA guidelines, was then conducted on a selection of 15 protective factors (e.g., perceived control, well-being and quality of life, life satisfaction, purpose-in-life, resilience, coping, religiosity, hope, self-regulation, sense of belonging, mattering, positive relationship, social support, social connectedness, and social participation), with separate searches performed on each factor in five databases. Empirical studies were eligible if participants were adults aged 60 years and over, and if the studies reported predictive statistical analysis. RESULTS A total of 70 studies were retained for the review. Suicidal ideation was the main outcome measure (91%). Significant associations were consistently observed between all protective factors and reduced suicidal ideations or behaviors, particularly for purpose-in-life, resilience, and positive relationships, indicating that these are solid components for suicide prevention. Using scales, instead of a single item, to measure protective factors (e.g. life satisfaction) was more efficient to capture the associations. On the other hand, results were similar whether studies used subjective (e.g., sense of belonging) or objective (e.g., social connectedness) measures. CONCLUSION Protective factors were inversely associated with suicidal ideation. Improving protective factors is essential for the development of late-life suicide prevention and interventions, instead of merely focusing on risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung Ki
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Four Research and Education Center, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sylvie Lapierre
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Boeun Gim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minji Hwang
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
- Brain Korea 21 Four Research and Education Center, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Minku Kang
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Luc Dargis
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Myoungjee Jung
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Emily Jiali Koh
- Department of Public Health, Korea University Graduate School, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Brian Mishara
- Centre for Research and Intervention on Suicide, Ethical Issues and End of Life Practices, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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Walker AR, Srasuebkul P, Trollor JN, Wand APF, Draper B, Cvejic RC, Moxey A, Reppermund S. Risk factors for dementia and self-harm: A linkage study. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5138-5150. [PMID: 37126409 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People living with dementia experience poor mental health and high rates of self-harm. We investigated risk factors for self-harm in people aged > 40 years living with dementia and risk factors for dementia after self-harm. METHODS Using linked hospital data from New South Wales, Australia, we defined a dementia cohort (n = 154,811) and a self-harm cohort (n = 28,972). Using survival analyses, we investigated predictors of self-harm for the dementia cohort, and predictors of dementia for the self-harm cohort. RESULTS We found self-harm or dementia diagnoses occurred most often within 24 months of a dementia diagnosis or initial self-harm presentation, respectively. Men living with dementia, and people with complex psychiatric profiles, had the greatest risk of self-harm. Men who had self-harmed had the greatest risk of dementia diagnoses. DISCUSSION Men and people with complex psychiatric profiles and dementia may particularly benefit from post-diagnosis mental and behavioral support to reduce risk of self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian R Walker
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Preeyaporn Srasuebkul
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julian N Trollor
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anne P F Wand
- Speciality of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Eastern Suburbs Older Persons Mental Health Service, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael C Cvejic
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annette Moxey
- Dementia Australia, Griffith, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Simone Reppermund
- The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Lim E, Nielsen N, Lapane L, Barooah A, Xu S, Qu S, McPhillips E, Dube CE, Lapane K. Health effects of social connectedness in older adults living in congregate long-term care settings: A systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence. Int J Older People Nurs 2023; 18:e12577. [PMID: 37803996 PMCID: PMC10843483 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The overall impact of social connectedness on health outcomes in older adults living in nursing homes and assisted living settings is unknown. Given the unclear health impact of social connectedness for older adults in congregate long-term care settings worldwide, a comprehensive systematic review is required to evaluate the overall relationship between social connectedness and health outcomes for them. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article was to synthesize the literature regarding the health impact of social connectedness among older adults living in nursing homes or assisted living settings. METHODS Using PRISMA guidelines, we identified eligible studies from Scopus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane databases (1990-2021). Bias and quality reporting assessment was performed using standardized criteria for cohort, cross sectional and qualitative studies. At each stage, ≥ 2 researchers conducted independent evaluations. RESULTS Of the 7350 articles identified, 25 cohort (follow-up range: 1 month-11 years; with two also contributing to cross sectional), 86 cross sectional, eight qualitative and two mixed methods were eligible. Despite different instruments used, many residents living in nursing homes and assisted living settings had reduced social engagement. Quantitative evidence supports a link between higher social engagement and health outcomes most studied (e.g. depression, quality of life). Few studies evaluated important health outcomes (e.g. cognitive and functional decline). Most cohort studies showed that lack of social connectedness accelerated time to death. CONCLUSIONS Social connectedness may be an important modifiable risk factor for adverse health outcomes for older adults living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Most studies were cross sectional and focused on quality of life and mental health outcomes. Longitudinal studies suggest that higher social engagement delays time to death. Evidence regarding other health outcomes important to older adults was scant and requires further longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Lim
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wheatley Hall, 100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Natalia Nielsen
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Lucienne Lapane
- Boston University, School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Adrita Barooah
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wheatley Hall, 100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Shu Xu
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wheatley Hall, 100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Shan Qu
- Department of Gerontology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Wheatley Hall, 100 William T. Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02125, USA
| | - Emily McPhillips
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Catherine E. Dube
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Kate Lapane
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
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Mahinpey N, Pollock NJ, Liu L, Contreras G, Thompson W. Self-harm and rurality in Canada: an analysis of hospitalization data from 2015 to 2019. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1161-1170. [PMID: 37029322 PMCID: PMC10081931 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02463-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The incidence of self-harm is an important indicator in suicide surveillance and a target outcome for suicide prevention. Self-harm rates vary by geographic location and rurality appears to be a risk factor. The objectives of this study were to estimate rates of self-harm hospitalization in Canada over a 5-year period by sex and age group, and examine relationships between self-harm and rurality. METHODS Hospitalizations related to self-harm were identified in a national dataset (the Discharge Abstract Database) for all patients aged 10 years or older who were discharged from hospital between 2015 and 2019. Self-harm hospitalization rates were calculated and stratified by year, sex, age group, and level of rurality, as measured using the Index of Remoteness. A Poisson regression was fit to estimate rate ratios for the levels of rurality. RESULTS Rates of self-harm hospitalization were higher for females than males across all levels of rurality and increased with each level for both sexes, except for among young males. The widest rural-to-urban disparities were observed for the 10-19 and 20-34-year old age groups. Females aged 10-19 in very remote areas had the highest self-harm hospitalization rate. CONCLUSION The rate of self-harm hospitalization in Canada varied by sex, age group, and level of rurality. Clinical and community-based interventions for self-harm, such as safety planning and increased access to mental health services, should be tailored to the differential risks across geographic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newsha Mahinpey
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Nathaniel J Pollock
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- School of Arctic and Subarctic Studies, Labrador Campus, Memorial University, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL, Canada.
| | - Li Liu
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gisèle Contreras
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Thompson
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Predictive factors of nonfatal self-harm among community-dwelling older adults assessed for support services. Int Psychogeriatr 2022; 34:813-826. [PMID: 33336632 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220003853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults receiving support services are a population at risk for self-harm due to physical illness and functional impairment, which are known risk factors. This study aims to investigate the relative importance of predictive factors of nonfatal self-harm among older adults assessed for support services in New Zealand. METHODS interRAI-Home Care (HC) national data of older adults (aged ≥ 60) were linked to mortality and hospital discharge data between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2016. We calculated the crude incidence of self-harm per 100,000 person-years, and gender and age-adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). The Fine and Gray competing risk regression model was fitted to estimate the hazard ratio (HR; 95% CIs) of self-harm associated with various demographic, psychosocial, clinical factors, and summary scales. RESULTS A total of 93,501 older adults were included. At the end of the follow-up period, 251 (0.27%) people had at least one episode of nonfatal self-harm and 36,333 (38.86%) people died. The overall incidence of nonfatal self-harm was 160.39 (95% CI, 141.36-181.06) per 100,000 person-years and SIR was 5.12 (95% CI, 4.51-5.78), with the highest incidence in the first year of follow-up. Depression diagnosis (HR, 3.02, 2.26-4.03), at-risk alcohol use (2.38, 1.30-4.35), and bipolar disorder (2.18, 1.25-3.80) were the most significant risk factors. Protective effects were found with cancer (0.57, 0.36-0.89) and severe level of functional impairment measured by Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Hierarchy Scale (0.56, 0.35-0.89). CONCLUSION Psychiatric factors are the most significant predictors for nonfatal self-harm among older adults receiving support services. Our results can be used to inform healthcare professionals for timely identification of people at high risk of self-harm and the development of more efficient and targeted prevention strategies, with specific attention to individuals with depression or depressive symptoms, particularly in the first year of follow-up.
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Joshaghani N, Villa N, Badla O, Goit R, Saddik SE, Dawood SN, Rabih AM, Mohammed A, Raman A, Uprety M, Calero MJ, Villanueva MRB, Khan S. How Residing in a Long-Term Care Facility Affects Suicidal Risk in Patients With Dementia: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e27858. [PMID: 36110450 PMCID: PMC9462450 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.27858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to review the current literature regarding the association between suicide risk in patients aged 65 years or over with dementia residing in long-term care facilities (LTCs). We also evaluate the most common methods of suicide and protective versus risk factors of nursing home (NH) life on suicide behavior in patients with dementia. Following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we performed a systematic review of the relevant free full-text articles found in PubMed, Pub Psych, Cochrane library, and Science Direct up until April 4, 2022. Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and keywords (nursing home, long-term care facility, suicide, self-injurious behavior, dementia), were used to search for full-text randomized clinical trials (RCTs), cross-sectional, case-control, cohort studies, systematic reviews, and studies published in the English language in the last 12 years, focused on human subjects 65 years and older were selected based on predefined eligibility criteria. The search yielded 57,909 articles, of which 12 studies met our inclusion criteria. The articles were subjected to quality appraisal by two reviewers. We used the Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS) for quality assessment with a mean score of six for 12 observational studies used in this paper. Of the included reports, six were cross-sectional, five were cohort, and one was case-control. Four articles carefully examine the relationship between dementia and suicide, and all confirm the hypothesis that staying in LTCs reduces the risk of suicide in patients with dementia. However, the rest of the articles generally determine a higher risk of suicide in demented patients and describe male gender, non-Hispanic white race, younger age, newly diagnosed with dementia within one-year, mild dementia, comorbidities, depression, previous history of suicidal behavior, low social support and unstable family relationship as the risk factors of suicide in this population. In comparison, extended stay in NHs and other kinds of LTCs, severe dementia with impaired insight, older age, comorbid schizophrenia, physical disability with limitation and more difficulty preparing and executing a suicide plan, positive and robust social relationships, access to professional caregivers and high frequency of visits from relatives marked as the protective factors. Existing research on suicide risk in long-term care facility residents with dementia is limited. However, due to the increase in dementia rates that require people to reside in NHs and on the other hand, considering the multiple risk factors of suicide in the elderly living in such places, the need for a screening system for identifying people at suicide risk and performing preventive therapeutic and behavioral interventions is well felt.
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Hovaldt HB, Crowe K, Dammeyer J. A cross-sectional study of prevalence and correlates of self-harm and suicidal ideation in older adults with dual sensory loss. Disabil Health J 2021; 15:101204. [PMID: 34507917 DOI: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss of vision and hearing (dual sensory loss: DSL) presents risk factors for self-harm and/or suicidal ideation, although this has rarely been examined for older adults. OBJECTIVES This study estimated the prevalence of thoughts about self-harm and suicide ideation in a national sample of adults with DSL in Denmark. METHODS All 513 people aged 50 years or older who were registered with the national provider of service for people with DSL in Denmark were eligible to participate. Surveys were returned by 290 participants. Participants were mostly female (70%) and aged 50-100 years (M = 81). Surveys contained questions related to thoughts of self-harm and suicide as well as physical, mental, and social wellbeing. RESULTS In total, 17% of participants reported thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide in the past two weeks. Not participating in social activities, poorer self-rated health, and presence of more depressive symptoms were associated with self-harm and suicidal ideation. Factors that were associated with self-harm and suicidal ideation were lower levels of emotional support, non-participation in social activities, and symptoms of depression. CONCLUSIONS These finding highlight the importance of ongoing mental health screening and support for older adults with DSL, especially in ensuring accessible mental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna B Hovaldt
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Kathryn Crowe
- School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Iceland; School of Teacher Education, Charles Sturt University, Australia.
| | - Jesper Dammeyer
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Wang L, Liu J, Yang Y, Zou H. Prevalence and risk factors for non-suicidal self-injury among patients with depression or bipolar disorder in China. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:389. [PMID: 34348675 PMCID: PMC8335871 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03392-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Non-suicidal self-injury is a serious health problem among patients with depression or bipolar disorder. However, few studies within the Chinese context have investigated the prevalence of NSSI and its risk factors in above populations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury and its risk factors in patients with depression or bipolar disorder in China. METHODS The final sample comprised of 394 inpatients(Mage = 29.71; SDage = 11.95) with depression or bipolar disorder from two psychiatric hospitals in Beijing, China. A General Demographic Data Form, the Non-suicidal Self-injury Questionnaire(NSSI-Q), Impulsivity Item and the Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire(ACE-IQ) were completed by all patients. RESULTS Of the 394 patients examined, 245(62.2%) of this sample reported NSSI in past year. Of the 245 patients with NSSI, 135(55.1%) were diagnosed with depression and 110(44.9%) were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The most common methods of NSSI for female was "pinching"(23.1%) and "scratching"(22.8%), while for male it was "hiting hard objects"(12.7%). By multivariate regression analysis, young age, unemployment, a higher monthly family income, single, impulsivity, long duration of illness and ACEs were risk factors for NSSI in patients with depression and bipolar disorder(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study points to the fact that there was an unfortunate message about the prevalence of NSSI among patients with depression or bipolar disorder in China. It is necessary not only to raise the awareness of NSSI in families and society, but also to formulate targeted assessment and intervention. Moreover, future research should not only focus on individuals being hospitalized, but should be representative of individuals treated at home or in the community because there are no national statistics on NSSI among such patients in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XSchool of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, No.69 Mei Shan Road, Shu Shan District, Hefei, 230031 Anhui Province China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Nursing, Beijing An Ding Hospital, 5 Ankang Lane, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100088 China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Nursing, Beijing An Ding Hospital, 5 Ankang Lane, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100088 China
| | - Haiou Zou
- School of Nursing, Peking Union Medical College, Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, China.
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Suicide among Older Adults with Dementia: Effects of Korea's Long-Term Care Insurance System. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126582. [PMID: 34207323 PMCID: PMC8296317 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
South Korea recently expanded its coverage rate of long-term care insurance (LTCI) by adding a “dementia special grade” in 2014 to improve care service accessibility and extend health life for older adults with dementia. In this study, we propose a multifaceted policy to reduce the suicide risk among older adults with dementia by evaluating the effectiveness of using the long-term care services (LTCS). A sample of 62,282 older adults was selected from the “Older Adults Cohort DB” of the National Health Insurance Service. We conducted Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression to represent the yearly survival curve from 2002 to 2015 according to the individual characteristics. Difference-in-difference estimation was conducted to identify the effect of LTCS on suicide rates by using LTCS before and after 2014. The suicide risk of older adults using LTCS was about 0.256-times lower than those who did not use it (OR = 0.296, 95% CI = 0.183–0.478), whereas it increased after the expansion of the dementia grading (OR = 2.131, 95% CI = 1.061–4.280). To prevent the risk of suicide among older adults with dementia, not only did the mortality rate vary depending on the sex, activities of daily living (ADL), and type of caregiver at the individual level but appropriate national intervention and management, such as improving the accessibility of LTCS, are also needed.
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Chai Y, Luo H, Yip PSF, Perlman CM, Hirdes JP. Factors Associated With Hospital Presentation of Self-Harm Among Older Canadians in Long-Term Care: A 12-Year Cohort Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2021; 22:2160-2168.e18. [PMID: 33454310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2020.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the incidence of, and factors associated with, hospital presentation for self-harm among older Canadians in long-term care (LTC). DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The LTC data were collected using Resident Assessment Instrument-Minimum Data Set (RAI-MDS) and Resident Assessment Instrument-Home Care (RAI-HC), and linked to the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) with hospital records of self-harm diagnosis. Adults aged 60+ at first assessment between April 1, 2003, and March 31, 2015, were included. METHODS Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of self-harm for potentially relevant factors, including demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics, were calculated using Fine & Gray competing risk models. RESULTS Records were collated of 465,870 people in long-term care facilities (LTCF), and 773,855 people receiving home care (HC). Self-harm incidence per 100,000 person-years was 20.76 [95% confidence interval (CI) 20.31-25.40] for LTCF and 46.64 (44.24-49.12) for HC. In LTCF, the strongest risks were younger age (60-74 years vs 90+: HR, 6.00; 95% CI, 3.24-11.12), psychiatric disorders (bipolar disorder: 3.46; 2.32-5.16; schizophrenia: 2.31; 1.47-3.62; depression: 2.29; 1.80-2.92), daily severe pain (2.01; 1.30-3.11), and daily tobacco consumption (1.78; 1.29-2.45). For those receiving HC, the strongest risk factors were younger age (60-74 years vs 90+: 2.54; 1.97-3.28), psychiatric disorders (2.20; 1.93-2.50), daily tobacco consumption (2.08; 1.81-2.39), and frequent falls (1.98; 1.46-2.68). All model interactions between setting and factors were significant. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS There was lower incidence of hospital presentation for self-harm for LTCF residents than HC recipients. We found sizable risks of self-harm associated with several modifiable risk factors, some of which can be directly addressed by better treatment and care (psychiatric disorders and pain), whereas others require through more complex interventions that target underlying factors and causes (tobacco and falls). The findings highlight a need for setting- and risk-specific prevention strategies to address self-harm in the older populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chai
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Computer Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Paul S F Yip
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; The Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Christopher M Perlman
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - John P Hirdes
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
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Neufeld E, Freeman S, Spirgiene L, Horwath U. A Cross-Sectoral Comparison of Prevalence and Predictors of Symptoms of Depression Over Time Among Older Adults in Ontario, Canada. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2021; 34:11-20. [PMID: 32133916 DOI: 10.1177/0891988720901790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Late-life depression, a common mental health issue, poses a significant burden of illness globally. We investigated factors associated with symptoms of depression among older adults across 3 health sectors in Ontario, Canada. METHOD Electronic health assessment data on older adults aged 60 years+ in home care (HC; N = 359 217), long-term care (LTC; N = 125 496), and palliative care (PC; N = 29 934) were examined. Change in symptoms of depression, measured using the interRAI Depression Rating Scale (DRS), over time was examined, including predictors of the development of depression. RESULTS At baseline, symptoms of depression were observed in 19.1% (HC), 24.2% (LTC), and 11.9% (PC). This increased to 20.6% (HC), 33.8% (LTC), and 13.2% (PC) at follow-up. For most older adults, DRS scores remained the same across sectors over time. Three independent variables emerged consistently across sectors as the main risk and protective factors for symptoms of depression. CONCLUSION Although variations in the risk and protective factors for late-life depression were demonstrated across each sector, some commonalities emerged including unmanaged pain, symptoms of depression at baseline, social connectedness, and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shannon Freeman
- School of Nursing, 6727University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Lina Spirgiene
- Department of Nursing and Care, Medical Academy, 230647Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Hirdes JP, van Everdingen C, Ferris J, Franco-Martin M, Fries BE, Heikkilä J, Hirdes A, Hoffman R, James ML, Martin L, Perlman CM, Rabinowitz T, Stewart SL, Van Audenhove C. The interRAI Suite of Mental Health Assessment Instruments: An Integrated System for the Continuum of Care. Front Psychiatry 2020; 10:926. [PMID: 32076412 PMCID: PMC6978285 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The lives of persons living with mental illness are affected by psychological, biological, social, economic, and environmental factors over the life course. It is therefore unlikely that simple preventive strategies, clinical treatments, therapeutic interventions, or policy options will succeed as singular solutions for the challenges of mental illness. Persons living with mental illness receive services and supports in multiple settings across the health care continuum that are often fragmented, uncoordinated, and inadequately responsive. Appropriate assessment is an important tool that health systems must deploy to respond to the strengths, preferences, and needs of persons with mental illness. However, standard approaches are often focused on measurement of psychiatric symptoms without taking a broader perspective to address issues like growth, development, and aging; physical health and disability; social relationships; economic resources; housing; substance use; involvement with criminal justice; stigma; and recovery. Using conglomerations of instruments to cover more domains is impractical, inconsistent, and incomplete while posing considerable assessment burden. interRAI mental health instruments were developed by a network of over 100 researchers, clinicians, and policy experts from over 35 nations. This includes assessment systems for adults in inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, emergency departments, mobile crisis teams, and long-term care settings, as well as a screening system for police officers. A similar set of instruments is available for child/youth mental health. The instruments form an integrated mental health information system because they share a common assessment language, conceptual basis, clinical emphasis, data collection approach, data elements, and care planning protocols. The key applications of these instruments include care planning, outcome measurement, quality improvement, and resource allocation. The composition of these instruments and psychometric properties are reviewed, and examples related to homeless are used to illustrate the various applications of these assessment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Hirdes
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Coline van Everdingen
- Psychiatry and Neuropsychology Department, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jason Ferris
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Brant E. Fries
- Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Jyrki Heikkilä
- Division of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Alice Hirdes
- Graduate Program in Health Promotion, Human Development and Society, Lutheran University of Brazil, Canoas, Brazil
| | - Ron Hoffman
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Mary L. James
- Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lynn Martin
- Department of Health Sciences for Lynn Martin, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher M. Perlman
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Terry Rabinowitz
- Departments of Psychiatry and Family Medicine Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Shannon L. Stewart
- Faculty of Education, Althouse College, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Chantal Van Audenhove
- LUCAS Center for Care Research and Consultancy & Academic Center for General Practice in the Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
RÉSUMÉLes prévisions liées au vieillissement de la population canadienne impliquent que la demande en soins à domicile augmentera significativement. À ce jour, peu d’études ont été menées au Canada sur les soins à domicile pour les personnes âgées, notamment sur les caractéristiques des bénéficiaires de soins à domicile, les lacunes dans les services, ou les interventions permettant de répondre aux besoins des clients en matière de soins à domicile. Une revue systématique de sept bases de données électroniques a été réalisée pour les années 2000-2016 afin d’examiner les connaissances actuelles dans le domaine des soins à domicile pour les personnes âgées au Canada. Cette synthèse était centrée sur quatre principaux thèmes retrouvés dans la littérature : les prédicteurs au niveau de la personne âgée, les besoins de soins non comblés, les interventions, les enjeux et les défis dans les soins à domicile. Cette revue a mis en évidence plusieurs lacunes dans les connaissances liées aux soins à domicile pour les personnes âgées au Canada, considérant que plus de la moitié des études étaient centrées sur le contexte ontarien. Bien que des stratégies prometteuses aient été mises en évidence, davantage de recherche et d’évaluation des interventions et des résultats sont requises pour appuyer efficacement le système de soins à domicile au Canada, à court et à long terme.
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Wand APF, Peisah C, Draper B, Brodaty H. Understanding self-harm in older people: a systematic review of qualitative studies. Aging Ment Health 2018; 22:289-298. [PMID: 28326821 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2017.1304522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rates of suicide in older adults are generally higher than other age groups. Although risk factors for suicide attempts, and self-harm more generally, in this population are well-characterised, many of these vulnerabilities are common to older people and individual motivations are less well understood. Qualitative research may reveal more about the underlying thought processes, meaning and experiences of older people who self-harm. METHODS A systematic review of qualitative studies examining the reasons why older people have self-harmed was undertaken by searching databases and screening the reference lists of articles. The quality of studies was critically appraised. A content analysis was performed to identify themes. RESULTS The search yielded eight studies of variable quality which met the inclusion criteria; three pertained to indirect self-harm (refusal to eat or take medications and self-neglect) and five related to suicidal behaviour. Themes emerging from the analysis of studies of people who had self-neglected included control, impaired decision-making and coping skills and threats to self-identity and continuity. In those who had suicidal behaviour, themes related to loss of and regaining control; alienation, disconnectedness and invisibility; meaningless and raison d'etre; and accumulated suffering and a 'painful life'. CONCLUSIONS There is scant literature evaluating self-harm in older people using qualitative methods. Nonetheless, this review suggests that active and passive self-harm should be considered as distinct entities as the underlying motivations and intents differ. Understanding individual perceptions and experiences which lead to self-harm may guide clinicians in delivering more sensitive, holistic interventions and counter ageism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Pamela Frances Wand
- a Department of Aged Care Psychiatry , Prince of Wales Hospital , Sydney , Australia.,b Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Carmelle Peisah
- b Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia.,c Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,d Capacity Australia , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- a Department of Aged Care Psychiatry , Prince of Wales Hospital , Sydney , Australia.,b Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- e Dementia Collaborative Research Centre and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing , University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
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Ulbricht CM, Rothschild AJ, Hunnicutt JN, Lapane KL. Depression and cognitive impairment among newly admitted nursing home residents in the USA. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2017; 32:1172-1181. [PMID: 28544134 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to describe the prevalence of depression and cognitive impairment among newly admitted nursing home residents in the USA and to describe the treatment of depression by level of cognitive impairment. METHODS We identified 1,088,619 newly admitted older residents between 2011 and 2013 with an active diagnosis of depression documented on the Minimum Data Set 3.0. The prevalence of receiving psychiatric treatment was estimated by cognitive impairment status and depression symptoms. Binary logistic regression using generalized estimating equations provided adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between level of cognitive impairment and receipt of psychiatric treatment, adjusted for clustering of residents within nursing homes and resident characteristics. RESULTS Twenty-six percent of newly admitted residents had depression; 47% of these residents also had cognitive impairment. Of those who had staff assessments of depression, anhedonia, impaired concentration, psychomotor disturbances, and irritability were more commonly experienced by residents with cognitive impairment than residents without cognitive impairment. Forty-eight percent of all residents with depression did not receive any psychiatric treatment. Approximately one-fifth of residents received a combination of treatment. Residents with severe cognitive impairment were less likely than those with intact cognition to receive psychiatric treatment (adjusted odds ratio = 0.95; 95% confidence interval: 0.93-0.98). CONCLUSIONS Many newly admitted residents with an active diagnosis of depression are untreated, potentially missing an important window to improve symptoms. The extent of comorbid cognitive impairment and depression and lack of treatment suggest opportunities for improved quality of care in this increasingly important healthcare setting. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Ulbricht
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Anthony J Rothschild
- Center for Psychopharmacologic Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- UMassMemorial Health Care, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jacob N Hunnicutt
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Clinical and Population Health Research Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kate L Lapane
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Clinical and Population Health Research Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, USA
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Soler-Gonzalez J, San-Martín M, Delgado-Bolton R, Vivanco L. Human Connections and Their Roles in the Occupational Well-being of Healthcare Professionals: A Study on Loneliness and Empathy. Front Psychol 2017; 8:1475. [PMID: 28900410 PMCID: PMC5581877 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human connections are key to the promotion of health and prevention of illness; moreover, illness can cause deterioration of human connections. Healthcare professional–patient relationships are key to ensuring the preservation of adequate human connections. It is important for healthcare professionals to develop their ability to foster satisfactory human connections because: (i) they represent social support for patients; and (ii) they prevent work-related stress. In this study we assessed the relationship between absence (loneliness) and presence (empathy) of human connections with the occupational well-being of healthcare professionals. The Scale of Collateral Effects, which measures somatization, exhaustion, and work alienation; the Jefferson Scale of Empathy; and the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, were mailed to 628 healthcare professionals working in Spanish public healthcare institutions. The following explanatory variables were used to evaluate work well-being: (a) empathy, as a professional competence; (b) loneliness, age, and family burden, as psychological indicators; and (c) professional experience, work dedication, and salary, as work indicators. Comparison, correlation, and regression analyses were performed to measure the relationships among these variables and occupational well-being. Of 628 surveys mailed, 433 (69% response rate) were returned fully completed. Adequate reliability was confirmed for all instruments. The entire sample was divided into four groups, based on the combined variable, “occupation by sex.” Comparative analyses demonstrated differences among “occupation by sex” groups in collateral effects (p = 0.03) and empathy (p = 0.04), but not loneliness (p = 0.84). Inverse associations between empathy and collateral effects were confirmed for somatization (r = -0.16; p < 0.001), exhaustion (r = -0.14; p = 0.003), and work alienation (r = -0.16; p < 0.001). Furthermore, loneliness was positively associated with collateral effects (r = 0.22; p < 0.001). Neither family burden, nor work dedication to clinics or management activities were associated with the three collateral effects measured. These findings support an important role for empathy in the prevention of work stress in healthcare professionals. They also confirm that loneliness, as a multidimensional and domain specific experience, is detrimental to occupational well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Soler-Gonzalez
- Faculty of Medicine (GESEC Group), University of LleidaLleida, Spain.,Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRB), IDIAP Jordi Gol, Institut Català de la Salut (ICS)Lleida, Spain
| | - Montserrat San-Martín
- Faculty of Social Sciences of Melilla, University of GranadaMelilla, Spain.,Scientific Computing Group (GRUCACI), University of La RiojaLogroño, Spain.,Platform of Bioethics and Medical Education, Center for Biomedical Research of La RiojaLogroño, Spain
| | - Roberto Delgado-Bolton
- Platform of Bioethics and Medical Education, Center for Biomedical Research of La RiojaLogroño, Spain.,Education Committee Board, University Hospital San PedroLogroño, Spain.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research of La RiojaLogroño, Spain
| | - Luis Vivanco
- Platform of Bioethics and Medical Education, Center for Biomedical Research of La RiojaLogroño, Spain.,National Centre of Documentation on BioethicsLogroño, Spain
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Mitchell R, Draper B, Harvey L, Brodaty H, Close J. The survival and characteristics of older people with and without dementia who are hospitalised following intentional self-harm. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2017; 32:892-900. [PMID: 27357377 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Characteristics of older people with and without dementia who are hospitalised following self-harm remains largely unexplored. This research compares the characteristics of older people with and without dementia who self-harm, compares associations of mental health-related diagnoses with those hospitalised for a self-harm and a non-self-harm injury and examines mortality by injury intent. METHOD A population-based study of individuals aged 50+ years with and without dementia admitted to hospital for a self-harm injury (and those with other injuries) using linked hospital admission and mortality records during 2003-2012 in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Health outcomes, including hospital length of stay (LOS), 28-day readmission and 30-day and 12-month mortality were examined by dementia status. RESULTS There were 427 hospitalisations of individuals with dementia and 11,684 hospitalisations of individuals without dementia following self-harm. The hospitalisation rate for self-harm for individuals with dementia aged 60+ years was double the rate for individuals without dementia (72.2 and 37.5 per 100,000). For both older people with and without dementia, those who self-harmed were more likely to have co-existent mental health and alcohol use disorders than individuals who had a non-self-harm injury. Individuals with dementia had higher 12-month mortality rates, 28-day readmission and longer LOS than individuals without dementia. CONCLUSION Dementia is associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation for self-harm in older people and worse outcomes. The high rate of coexistent mental health conditions suggests that interventions which reduce behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia might reduce self-harm in people with dementia. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mitchell
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Australia.,Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- Dementia Collaborative Research Centre-Assessment and Better Care, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lara Harvey
- Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Dementia Collaborative Research Centre-Assessment and Better Care, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jacqueline Close
- Falls, Balance and Injury Research Centre, Neuroscience Research Australia, University of New South Wales, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Australia
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Empathy, loneliness, burnout, and life satisfaction in Chilean nurses of palliative care and homecare services. ENFERMERIA CLINICA 2017; 27:379-386. [PMID: 28587755 DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2017.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Empathy has been described as an essential competence of healthcare professionals who are working in palliative care and homecare services. In these services, usually accompanied by a high risk of physical and emotional burnout, empathy can play an important role in the improvement of occupational wellbeing. The aim of this study was to confirm the role of empathy in the prevention of loneliness and burn out, and in the promotion of life satisfaction. METHODS In 2016, an observational study was carried out in Chile with professional nurses who were working in palliative care and homecare services. Empathy with the patients, loneliness, life satisfaction, and burnout were measured using psychometric scales. Correlation analyses were applied to confirm relationships among the elements measured. RESULTS In a sample of 64 participants, positive correlations were confirmed between empathy and life satisfaction (P = 0.40; p = 0.003), and between empathy and professional experience (P = 0.29; p = 0.04). On the other hand, inverse correlations were confirmed between empathy and burnout (P = -0.38; p = 0. 01), and between empathy and loneliness (P = -0.41; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm the important role that empathy plays in the prevention of loneliness and burnout, and in the promotion of life satisfaction. Evidence found suggests that empathetic abilities can be improved by the professional experience.
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Mitchell R, Draper B, Harvey L, Brodaty H, Close J. The association of physical illness and self-harm resulting in hospitalisation among older people in a population-based study. Aging Ment Health 2017; 21:279-288. [PMID: 26471731 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1099610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With population ageing, self-harm injuries among older people are increasing. Further examination of the association of physical illness and self-harm among older people is warranted. This research aims to identify the association of physical illness with hospitalisations following self-harm compared to non-self-harm injury among older people. METHOD A population-based cohort study of individuals aged 50+ years admitted to hospital either for a self-harm or a non-self-harm injury using linked hospital admission and mortality records during 2003-2012 in New South Wales, Australia was conducted. Logistic regression and survival plots were used to examine the association of 21 physical illnesses and mortality at 12 months by injury intent, respectively. Age-adjusted health outcomes, including length of stay, readmission and mortality were examined by injury intent. RESULTS There were 12,111 hospitalisations as a result of self-harm and 474,158 hospitalisations as a result of non-self-harm injury. Self-harm compared to non-self-harm hospitalised injury was associated with higher odds of mental health conditions (i.e. depression, schizophrenia, bipolar and anxiety disorders), neurological disorders (excluding dementia), other disorders of the nervous system, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory disease, liver disease, tinnitus and pain. Tinnitus, pain, malignancies and diabetes all had a higher likelihood of occurrence for self-harm compared to non-self-harm hospitalisations even after adjusting for mental health conditions, number of comorbidities and alcohol and drug dependency. CONCLUSION Older people who are experiencing chronic health conditions, particularly tinnitus, malignancies, diabetes and chronic pain may be at risk of self-harm. Targeted screening may assist in identifying older people at risk of self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mitchell
- a Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University , North Ryde , Australia.,b Falls and Injury Prevention Group, Neuroscience Research Australia , University of New South Wales , Randwick , Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- c Dementia Collaborative Research Centre - Assessment and Better Care , University of New South Wales , Randwick , Australia.,d Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing , School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Lara Harvey
- b Falls and Injury Prevention Group, Neuroscience Research Australia , University of New South Wales , Randwick , Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- c Dementia Collaborative Research Centre - Assessment and Better Care , University of New South Wales , Randwick , Australia.,d Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing , School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales , Sydney , Australia
| | - Jacqueline Close
- b Falls and Injury Prevention Group, Neuroscience Research Australia , University of New South Wales , Randwick , Australia.,e Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales , Randwick , Australia
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Heisel MJ, Neufeld E, Flett GL. Reasons for living, meaning in life, and suicide ideation: investigating the roles of key positive psychological factors in reducing suicide risk in community-residing older adults. Aging Ment Health 2016; 20:195-207. [PMID: 26305088 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2015.1078279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the roles of reasons for living (RFL) and meaning in life (MIL) in potentially promoting mental health and well-being and protecting against suicide ideation among community-residing older adults and to investigate the psychometric properties of the Reasons for Living Scale-Older Adult version (RFL-OA). METHOD Of 173 older adults initially recruited into a longitudinal study on late-life suicide ideation, 109 completed the RFL-OA and measures of cognitive and physical functioning and positive and negative psychological factors at a two-year follow-up assessment. We tested a model in which RFL and MIL protect against suicide ideation, controlling for demographic and clinical factors. We also assessed the psychometric properties of the RFL-OA in community-residing older adults, investigating its internal consistency and its convergent (MIL, perceived social support, and life satisfaction), divergent (loneliness, depressive symptom severity, and suicide ideation), and discriminant validity (cognitive and physical functioning). RESULTS RFL-OA scores explained significant variance in suicide ideation, controlling for age, sex, depressive symptom severity, and loneliness. MIL explained significant unique variance in suicide ideation, controlling for these factors and RFL, and MIL significantly mediated the association between RFL and suicide ideation. Psychometric analyses indicated strong internal consistency (α = .94), convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity for the RFL-OA relative to positive and negative psychological factors and cognitive and physical functioning. CONCLUSION These findings add to a growing body of literature suggesting merit in investigating positive psychological factors together with negative factors when assessing suicide risk and planning psychological services for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marnin J Heisel
- a Departments of Psychiatry and of Epidemiology & Biostatistics , Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario , London , Canada.,b Lawson Health Research Institute , London , Canada.,c Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide , University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester , NY , USA
| | - Eva Neufeld
- d Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research , Laurentian University , Sudbury , Canada
| | - Gordon L Flett
- e Department of Psychology , York University , Toronto , Canada
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Nonsuicidal self-injury and suicide attempts among ED patients older than 50 years: comparison of risk factors and ED visit outcomes. Am J Emerg Med 2016; 34:1016-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2016.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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