Katz' ADL index assessed functional performance of Turkish, Moroccan, and Dutch elderly

Deep Brain Stimulation for Orthostatic Tremor: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Primary orthostatic tremor (OT) can affect patients' life. Treatment of OT with deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (Vim) is described in a limited number of patients. The Vim and posterior subthalamic area (PSA) can be targeted in a single trajectory, allowing both stimulation of the Vim and/or dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRT). In essential tremor this is currently often used with positive effects.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of Vim/DRT-DBS in OT-patients, based on standing time and Quality of Life (QoL), also on the long-term. Furthermore, to relate stimulation of the Vim and DRT, medial lemniscus (ML) and pyramidal tract (PT) to beneficial clinical and side-effects.

METHODS

Nine severely affected OT-patients received bilateral Vim/DRT-DBS. Primary outcome measure was standing time; secondary measures included self-reported measures, neurophysiological measures, structural analyses, surgical complications, stimulation-induced side-effects, and QoL up to 56 months. Stimulation of volume of tissue activated (VTA) were related to outcome measures.

RESULTS

Average maximum standing time increased from 41.0 s ± 51.0 s to 109.3 s ± 65.0 s after 18 months, with improvements measured in seven of nine patients. VTA (n = 7) overlapped with the DRT in six patients and with the ML and/or PT in six patients. All patients experienced side-effects and QoL worsened during the first year after surgery, which improved again during long-term follow-up, although remaining below age-related normal values. Most patients reported a positive effect of DBS.

CONCLUSION

Vim/DRT-DBS improved standing time in patients with severe OT. Observed side-effects are possibly related to stimulation of the ML and PT.

Katz index of activities of daily living in assessing functional status of older people: Reliability and validity of Sinhala version

Purpose

This study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Sinhala version of Katz index of activities of daily living (ADL) in assessing the functional status of older people aged >65 years.

Materials and methods

The Katz index was translated to Sinhala, cross-culturally adapted and administered in two stages. In stage 01, 200 patients aged ≥65 years, selected randomly from out-patient medical clinics, were asked to fill the Sinhala version of Katz index along with the Sinhala version of the 10-item Barthel index (BI). The Katz index was re-administered after two weeks among a subgroup of 45 patients selected randomly. In stage 02, Katz index was administered among randomly selected 200 community dwelling older people, aged ≥65 years. In addition, performance-based physical functions [gait speed (GS) and short physical performance battery (SPPB)] were also measured.

Results

The analysis of stage 01 data showed internal consistency measured with Cronbach's alpha of 0.82 and test-retest reliability evaluated with intra-class correlation (ICC) (95% CI) of 0.94 (0.89-0.96) (p < 0.001). Exploratory Factor Analysis with the Principal Component Analysis revealed the presence of two factors with Eigen value exceeding 01, explaining 75.9% of cumulative variance. Further, the Sinhala version of Katz index total score showed a strong correlation with the BI total score (r = 0.91, p < 0.001) indicating strong concurrent validity. The stage 02 data revealed that older people with poor perception of general health status had lower mean (SD) Katz index score (3.58 ± 1.82) compared to those with good perception of health (5.56 ± 0.79) (p < 0.001). Similarly older people with prevalent diseases had comparatively lower scores of Katz index, compared to those without, indicating the known group validity (p < 0.05). Further, moderate correlations between the Katz index and performance based physical functions were observed showing the agreement (with GS - r; -0.26, p < 0.001, with SPPB - r; 0.31, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We conclude that the Sinhala version of Katz index has satisfactory psychometric properties and it is a reliable and valid tool to assess the functional status of Sinhala conversant older people in Sri Lanka.

Depression among Turkish and Moroccan immigrant populations in Northwestern Europe: a systematic review of prevalence and correlates

BACKGROUND

This systematic review aimed to synthesize the prevalence and correlates of depressive disorders and symptoms of Turkish and Moroccan immigrant populations in Northwestern Europe, formulating evidence-informed recommendations for clinical practice.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search in PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane databases for records up to March 2021. Peer-reviewed studies on adult populations that included instruments assessing prevalence and/or correlates of depression in Turkish and Moroccan immigrant populations met inclusion criteria and were assessed in terms of methodological quality. The review followed the relevant sections of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting (PRISMA) guideline.

RESULTS

We identified 51 relevant studies of observational design. Prevalence of depression was consistently higher among people who had an immigrant background, compared to those who did not. This difference seemed to be more pronounced for Turkish immigrants (especially older adults, women, and outpatients with psychosomatic complaints). Ethnicity and ethnic discrimination were identified as salient, positive, independent correlates of depressive psychopathology. Acculturation strategy (high maintenance) was related to higher depressive psychopathology in Turkish groups, while religiousness appeared protective in Moroccan groups. Current research gaps concern psychological correlates, second- and third-generation populations, and sexual and gender minorities.

CONCLUSION

Compared to native-born populations, Turkish immigrants consistently showed the highest prevalence of depressive disorder, while Moroccan immigrants showed similar to rather moderately elevated rates. Ethnic discrimination and acculturation were more often related to depressive symptomatology than socio-demographic correlates. Ethnicity seems to be a salient, independent correlate of depression among Turkish and Moroccan immigrant populations in Northwestern Europe.

Intertrochanteric Femoral Fractures: A Comparison of Clinical and Radiographic Results with the Proximal Femoral Intramedullary Nail (PROFIN), the Anti-Rotation Proximal Femoral Nail (A-PFN), and the InterTAN Nail

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the radiological and functional outcomes of closed reduction and internal fixation for intertrochanteric femoral fractures (IFF) using three different proximal femoral nails (PFN). Materials and Methods: In total, 309 individuals (143 males and 166 females) who underwent surgery for IFF using a PFN between January 2018 and January 2021 were included in the study. Our surgical team conducted osteosynthesis using the A-PFN® (TST, Istanbul, Turkey) nail, the PROFIN® (TST, Istanbul, Turkey), and the Trigen InterTAN (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN, USA) nail. The PFNs were compared based on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), length of stay (LOS) in intensive care, whether to be admitted to intensive care, mortality in the first year, amount of transfusion, preoperative time to surgery, hospitalisation time, duration of surgery and fluoroscopy, fracture type and reduction quality, complication ratio, and clinical and radiological outcomes. The patients’ function was measured with the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Results: Pain in the hip and thigh is the most common complication, followed by the V-effect. The Z-effect was seen in 5.7% of PROFIN patients. A-PFN was shown to have longer surgical and fluoroscopy durations, lower HHS values, and much lower Katz ADL Index values compared to the other two PFNs. The V-effect occurrence was significantly higher in the A-PFN group (36.7%) than in the InterTAN group. The V-effect was seen in 33.1% of 31A2-type fractures but in none of the 31A3-type fractures. Conclusions: InterTAN nails are the best choice for IFFs because they have high clinical scores after surgery, there is no chance of Z-effect, and the rate of V-effect is low.

Association of Pretreatment Physical and Geriatric Parameters with Treatment Tolerance and Survival in Elderly Patients with Stage I-II Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: An Evaluation of Usual Care Data

In this study, the association of pretreatment physical and geriatric parameters with treatment tolerance and survival in elderly patients with stage I−II NSCLC was evaluated. Retrospective data for patients aged ≥70 years, diagnosed between 2016 and 2020 with stage I−II NSCLC, and who underwent surgery or stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) in a large Dutch teaching hospital were retrieved from medical records. Associations of pretreatment physical and geriatric parameters with treatment tolerance and survival were analyzed. Of 160 patients, 49 of 104 (47%) patients who underwent surgery and 21 of 56 (38%) patients who received SABR did not tolerate treatment. In univariable analysis, World Health Organization (WHO) performance status ≥ 2, short nutritional assessment questionnaire score > 1, short physical performance battery score ≤ 9, and geriatric-8 score ≤ 14 were significantly associated with postoperative complications. Forced expiratory volume of one second < 80% of predicted was significantly associated with intolerance of SABR. In multivariable analysis, WHO performance status ≥ 2 and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide < 80% were significantly associated with decreased overall survival. This is the first study that investigated the association between pretreatment physical and geriatric parameters and treatment outcomes in patients with stage I−II NSCLC. Evaluation of physical and geriatric parameters before treatment initiation seems highly recommended to select patients who might benefit from preventive interventions before and/or during treatment.

Early Rehabilitation Exercise after Stroke Improves Neurological Recovery through Enhancing Angiogenesis in Patients and Cerebral Ischemia Rat Model

Among cerebrovascular diseases, ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability. Thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator is the first choice for clinical treatment, but its use is limited due to the high requirements of patient characteristics. Therefore, the choice of neurological rehabilitation strategies after stroke is an important prevention and treatment strategy to promote the recovery of neurological function in patients. This study shows that rehabilitation exercise 24 h after stroke can significantly improve the neurological function (6.47 ± 1.589 vs. 3.21 ± 1.069 and 0.76 ± 0.852), exercise ability (15.68 ± 5.95 vs. 162.32 ± 9.286 and 91.18 ± 7.377), daily living ability (23.37 ± 5.196 vs. 66.95 ± 4.707 and 6.55 ± 2.873), and quality of life (114.39 ± 7.772 vs. 168.61 ± 6.323 and 215.95 ± 10.977) of patients after 1 month and 3 months, and its ability to promote rehabilitation is better than that of rehabilitation exercise administered to patients 72 h after stroke (p < 0.001). Animal experiments show that treadmill exercise 24 h after middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion can inhibit neuronal apoptosis, reduce the volume of cerebral infarction on the third (15.04 ± 1.07% vs. 30.67 ± 3.06%) and fifth (8.33 ± 1.53% vs. 30.67 ± 3.06%) days, and promote the recovery of neurological function on the third (7.22 ± 1.478 vs. 8.28 ± 1.018) and fifth (4.44 ± 0.784 vs. 6.00 ± 0.767) days. Mechanistic studies have shown that treadmill exercise increases the density of microvessels, regulates angiogenesis, and promotes the recovery of nerve function by upregulating the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and laminin. This study shows that rehabilitation exercise 24 h after stroke is conducive to promoting the recovery of patients’ neurological function, and provides a scientific reference for the clinical rehabilitation of stroke patients.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Physical Resilience Instrument for Older Adults (PRIFOR)

Background

Physical resilience is known to minimize the adverse outcomes of health stressors for older people. However, validated instruments that assess physical resilience in older adults are rare. Therefore, we aimed to validate the Physical Resilience Instrument for Older Adults (PRIFOR) to fill the literature gap.

Methods

Content analysis with content validity was first carried out to generate relevant items assessing physical resilience for older adults, and 19 items were developed. Psychometric evaluation of the 19 items was then tested on 200 older adults (mean [SD] age = 76.4 [6.6] years; 51.0% women) for item properties, factor structure, item fit, internal consistency, criterion-related validity, and known-group validity.

Results

All 19 items had satisfactory item properties, as they were normally distributed (skewness = -1.03 to 0.38; kurtosis = -1.05 to 0.32). However, two items were removed due to substantial ceiling effects. The retained 17 items were embedded in three factors as suggested by the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results. All items except one had satisfactory item fit statistics in Rasch model; thus, the unidimensionality was supported for the three factors on 16 items. The retained 16 items showed promising properties in known-group validity, criterion-related validity, and internal consistency (α = 0.94).

Conclusions

The 16-item PRIFOR exhibits good psychometric properties. Using this instrument to measure physical resilience would be beneficial to identify factors that could protect older people from negative health consequence. With the use of the PRIFOR, intervention effects could also be evaluated. It is helpful to strengthen resilience and thereby facilitate successful aging.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-02918-7.

Effects of Early Physical Therapist-supervised Walking on Clinical Outcomes after Liver Resection: Propensity Score Matching Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to demonstrate the significance of early postoperative physical therapy interventions on clinical outcomes by determining the influence of the distance walked under the supervision of a physical therapist in the early postoperative period after liver cancer.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent surgery for liver cancer between April 2018 and March 2020 were eligible for enrollment in the study. The total walking distance during physical therapy till the third postoperative day was examined. The clinical outcomes comprised duration of postoperative hospital stay, time to independent walking, and occurrence of postoperative complications. For data analysis, the patients were divided into two groups: those who walked more than the median total distance (the long-distance group) and those who walked less than the median distance (the short-distance group). We used propensity score matching to match the background characteristics between the groups.

RESULTS

Of the 65 patients who were eligible, 14 patients were included in the two groups each, after matching. The long-distance walking group had a significantly shorter hospital stay (9.0 days vs. 11.0 days, p=0.008) and a shorter time to independent walking (3.5 days vs. 7.5 days, p=0.019) than the short-distance walking group. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications between the two groups (7.1% vs. 42.8%, p=0.08).

CONCLUSION

In the early postoperative period after liver cancer surgery, increasing the walking distance under the supervision of a physical therapist is important for improving clinical outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study.

Ethnic differences in functional limitations: a comparison of older migrants and native Dutch older population

Background

Although the older migrants population in Europe is expected to grow substantially in the coming years, there is little information about their health status and particularly functional limitations. This study examined the association of ethnicity and mobility, hearing and visual limitations in comparison to the general population in the Netherlands, and whether relevant characteristics explained the potential differences between older migrants and non-migrants.

Methods

Secondary data analysis of 12 652 subjects 55 years and older who participated in the health survey in the four largest Dutch cities. To establish limitations in vision, hearing and mobility, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) questionnaire was used. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between limitations and ethnic background, subsequently adjusting for demographic and socio-economic characteristics and relevant health- and lifestyle-related factors.

Results

Older migrants had higher prevalences of functional limitations. The age- and- gender adjusted ORs were 2 to 8-fold compared with older non-migrants. After adjusting for socioeconomic status and health-and lifestyle indicators, Moroccan, Turkish and Surinamese migrants still had increased ORs for visual limitations [ORs (95% CI), respectively: 2.48 (1.49–4.14), 3.08 (1.75–5.41) and 1.97 (1.33–2.91)] compared with the Dutch. For mobility limitations, only the Turkish migrants had an OR twice as high (2.19; 1.08–4.44) as the non-migrants. No significant differences were found between Antillean/Aruban migrants and non-migrants.

Conclusions

Important ethnic inequalities exist in various functional limitations, particularly in vision. These results underline the importance of tailored preventive interventions in older migrants to detect and prevent these limitations at an early stage.

An epidemiological study on quality of life among elderly in an urban area of Thirumazhisai, Tamilnadu

Introduction:

One of the most important indicators of health and well being of the elderly is the quality of life they live in. Owing to the rise in elderly population due to the demographic transition, there is growing need to address the health concerns of this population.

Aims:

The study was undertaken to find out the Quality of Life among the elderly and the associated factors.

Methodology:

This is a descriptive cross sectional study done in urban area of Thiruvallur district Tamil Nadu. To arrive at the required sample of 199, elderly people above 60 years were selected by probability proportionate to size sampling. Semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection regarding sociodemographic details and related factors. Katz scale was used to assess activities of daily living and Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using WHO quality of life BREF (WHOQOL BREF) questionnaire.

Results:

Moderate score in QOL was obtained in all the 4 domains with highest in Psychological and environmental domains. Nearly 99% of had full activity in Katz scale. All the three QOL domains were found to have statistical significant association with age and education. Gender and marital status were found to be associated with psychological domain, and employment/pensioner status with physical domain.

Conclusion:

Measures like Health education have to be targeted for the elderly in ways to improve their physical and psychological wellbeing which can imporove the quality of life they live in. Primary care and family physicians have to be made aware and empowered to identify the various domains of QOL in elderly and to identify in which domain the person needs to take care the most.

Employment status of people with multiple sclerosis in relation to 10-year changes in functioning and perceived impact of the disease

BACKGROUND

Although it is well known that people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) retire from work early, little is known about how long-term changes in functioning and perceived impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) interact with sustainability of employment.

OBJECTIVE

To explore changes in functioning and in perceived impact of MS over 10 years, in relation to employment status of PwMS.

METHODS

In order to measure functioning, data on activities (walking ability, fine hand use, personal activities in daily living); participation in activities of everyday life (domestic, outdoor and leisure activities); body functions (cognitive function, fatigue, depressive symptoms); and perceived impact of MS were collected in 116 PwMS at baseline and at a 10-year follow-up. Ten-year changes were explored with the participants divided into four subgroups based on employment status at the follow-up: 1) full-time work at the 10-year follow-up; 2) part-time work at the 10-year follow-up; 3) declined from working at baseline to not working at the 10-year follow-up; and 4) not working at baseline nor at the 10-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Patterns of change in functioning for PwMS who worked showed a more apparent deterioration over 10 years among those working part-time with regard to walking ability, fatigue and depressive symptoms. Members of the subgroups who declined from working at baseline to not working at the 10-year follow-up or who were working neither at baseline nor at the follow-up deteriorated the most in functioning. The subgroup whose employment status declined from baseline to follow-up showed a significant decrease in cognitive function and an increase in perceived physical impact of the disease. All subgroups experienced a deterioration in walking ability over the 10-year span, and in all subgroups a majority had limited fine hand use over the span of the study period.

CONCLUSION

The deterioration in functioning was most apparent in those PwMS whose employment status declined from working at baseline to not working at the 10-year follow-up. Close monitoring of work situation and frequency of activities and participation in everyday activities, as well as recurrent training of functioning, are suggested for maintaining a high level of functioning and work status, or for supporting transition to an appropriate number of working hours.

Chronic Diseases and Associated Factors among Older Adults in Loja, Ecuador

(1) Background: This study aimed to explore the symptoms, functional status, and depression in patients with chronic diseases in Loja, Ecuador. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with patients over 60 years old having at least one chronic disease and cared for in healthcare centers of the Health Ministry of Ecuador or living in associated geriatric centers. (3) Results: The sample comprised 283 patients with a mean age of 76.56 (SD 7.76) years. The most prevalent chronic diseases were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, followed by arterial hypertension and diabetes. Patients with a joint disease had the worst scores for the majority of the symptoms assessed with the Edmonton Scale. Cancer, dementia, and arterial hypertension contributed the most to the dependence levels assessed with the Barthel Index. Dementia contributed the most to the poor performance status evaluated with the Karnofsky Performance Status. Cancer and diabetes contributed the most to depression. Patients with a higher number of chronic diseases reported worse functional status. (4) Conclusions: Targeted interventions to address symptoms, functional status, and depression in patients with chronic diseases are needed.

Assessing whether ad hoc clinician-generated patient questionnaires provide psychometrically valid information

Background

The provision of psychometrically valid patient reported outcomes (PROs) improves patient outcomes and reflects their quality of life. Consequently, ad hoc clinician-generated questionnaires of the past are being replaced by more rigorous instruments. This change, while beneficial, risks the loss/orphaning of decades-long information on difficult to capture/chronically ill populations. The goal of this study was to assess to the quality of data retrieved from these legacy questionnaires.

Methods

Participants included 8563 patients who generated a total of 12,626 hospital admissions over the 2004–2014 study period. Items used to screen for issues related to function, mood, symptoms, and social support among patients with chronic disease were identified in our medical center’s patient information questionnaire. Cluster and exploratory factor analyses (EFA) followed by multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) analyses were used to select items that defined factors. Scores were derived with summation and MIRT approaches; inter-factor relationships and relationships of factor scores to assigned diagnostic codes were assessed. Rasch analyses assessed the constructs’ measurement properties.

Results

Literature review and clinician interviews yielded four hypothesized constructs: psychological distress/wellbeing, symptom burden, social support, and physical function. Rasch analyses showed that, while all had good measurement properties, only one, function, separated individuals well. In exploratory factor analyses (EFA), 11 factors representing depression, respiratory symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, family support, mobility, activities of daily living, alcohol consumption, weight loss, fatigue, neurological disorders, and fear at home were identified. Based on the agreement between EFA and cluster analyses as well as Cronbach’s alpha, six domains were retained for analyses. Correlations were strong between activities of daily living and mobility (.84), and moderate between pain and mobility (.37) and psychological distress (.59) Known-group validity was supported from the relationships between factor scores and the relevant diagnostic code assignments (.12 to .20).

Conclusions and discussion

Items from ad hoc clinician-generated patient information questionnaires can be aggregated into valid factors that assess supportive care domains among chronically ill patients. However, the binary response options offered by many screening items limit their information content and consequently, as highlighted by Rasch analyses, their ability to meaningfully discriminate trait levels in these populations.

Heart Rehabilitation in patients awaiting Open heart surgery targeting to prevent Complications and to improve Quality of life (Heart-ROCQ): study protocol for a prospective, randomised, open, blinded endpoint (PROBE) trial

INTRODUCTION

The rising prevalence of modifiable risk factors (eg, obesity, hypertension and physical inactivity) is causing an increase in possible avoidable complications in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This study aims to assess whether a combined preoperative and postoperative multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme (Heart-ROCQ programme) can improve functional status and reduce surgical complications, readmissions and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) as compared with standard care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Patients (n=350) are randomised to the Heart-ROCQ programme or standard care. The Heart-ROCQ programme consists of a preoperative optimisation phase while waiting for surgery (three times per week, minimum of 3 weeks), a postoperative inpatient phase (3 weeks) and an outpatient CR phase (two times per week, 4 weeks). Patients receive multidisciplinary treatment (eg, physical therapy, dietary advice, psychological sessions and smoking cessation). Standard care consists of 6 weeks of postsurgery outpatient CR with education and physical therapy (two times per week). The primary outcome is a composite weighted score of functional status, surgical complications, readmissions and MACE, and is evaluated by a blinded endpoint committee. The secondary outcomes are length of stay, physical and psychological functioning, lifestyle risk factors, and work participation. Finally, an economic evaluation is performed. Data are collected at six time points: at baseline (start of the waiting period), the day before surgery, at discharge from the hospital, and at 3, 7 and 12 months postsurgery.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study will be conducted according to the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki (V.8, October 2013). The protocol has been approved by the Medical Ethical Review Board of the UMCG (no 2016/464). Results of this study will be submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal and can be presented at national and international conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02984449.

Activities of daily living in older community-dwelling persons: a systematic review of psychometric properties of instruments

BACKGROUND

Activities of daily living (ADL) are often used as predictors of health and function in older persons. This systematic review is part of a series initiated by the European Network for Action on Ageing and Physical Activity (EUNAAPA).

AIM

To assess psychometric properties of ADL instruments for use in older populations.

METHODS

Electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, AMED, Psycinfo, CINAHL) were searched, using MeSH terms and relevant keywords. Studies, published in English, were included if they evaluated one or more psychometric properties of ADL instruments in community-dwelling older persons aged 60 years and older. Combination scales with IADL were excluded. This systematic review adhered to a pre-specified protocol regarding reliability, validity, and responsiveness.

RESULTS

In total, 140 articles describing more than 50 different ADL instruments were included. Ten instruments which were applied in minimally three different articles of good quality (clear descriptions and adequate design according to the protocol), were evaluated for reliability, validity and responsiveness; each received a summary score. The four instruments with the highest scores were the Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF), 5-items Katz list (although content and wording are often inconsistent across studies), Functional Independence and Difficulty Scale (FIDS) and the Barthel Index.

DISCUSSION

Critical reflection is essential to avoid unnecessary modifications and use of instruments that have not been documented to be valid or reliable.

CONCLUSION

Based on this systematic review, we recommend the SMAF, 5-item Katz, FIDS and Barthel index as ADL measures for research and care practice in older populations.

Activity limitations and participation restrictions in people with multiple sclerosis: a detailed 10-year perspective

AIM

To conduct a detailed investigation into changes in activity limitations and participation restrictions over 10 years in people with mild, moderate and severe multiple sclerosis.

METHODS

This study was a 10-year longitudinal study of 264 people with multiple sclerosis living in Stockholm County, Sweden. Ten-year changes in personal and instrumental activities in daily living were assessed using the Katz Activities in Daily Living Index Extended and participation in social/lifestyle activities using the Frenchay Activities Index.

RESULTS

While people with moderate multiple sclerosis, compared to baseline, demonstrated significantly higher proportions of dependency in most activities of personal and instrumental activities in daily living at the 10-year follow-up, the mild group primarily increased their dependency in instrumental activities and the severe group in personal activities. Significantly higher proportions of the moderate group showed restricted participation in domestic and outdoor activities whereas the mild group only showed restrictions in a few domains of participation. A majority of people with severe multiple sclerosis showed restricted participation in all social/lifestyle activities at baseline and the 10-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Prominent long-term increases in activity limitations and participation restrictions occurred across the spectrum of disease severity but was most pronounced in those more moderately affected. Implications for rehabilitation This study provides guidance with regard to specific activities that are prone to deteriorate across 10 years and thereby reflect important targets and outcomes for interventions. Increases in activity limitations and participation restrictions were most pronounced in those moderately affected by multiple sclerosis. Those mildly affected by multiple sclerosis primarily increased their dependency in instrumental activities of daily living while those severely affected increased their dependency in personal activities of daily living.

Use of CES-D among 56–66 year old people of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin: Measurement invariance and mean differences between the groups

When assessing depressive symptoms across ethnic populations it is important to ensure that items from a questionnaire are valued and interpreted similarly across groups. We aimed to examine measurement (in)variance of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) among people of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin in the Netherlands and to compare the level of depressive symptoms across these three groups. Data were used from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, including 269 people from Turkish, 209 from Moroccan and 618 from Dutch origin (aged 55–65 years). A multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) was performed to test measurement invariance of the four-factor CES-D across the three cohorts. To compare scores across ethnic groups, we performed ANCOVA. The four subscales of the CES-D (depressed affect, positive affect, somatic symptoms, and interpersonal problems) appeared measurement invariant in people of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin. Turkish and Moroccan participants reported more depressive symptoms on all four domains. The four subscales of the CES-D measure the same constructs in people of Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish origin. Higher levels of depressive symptoms in the migrants groups are therefore not due to measurement invariance, but point to increased mental health problems in these groups.

Lower Cognitive Function in Older Patients with Lower Muscle Strength and Muscle Mass

BACKGROUND

Low muscle strength and muscle mass are associated with adverse outcomes in older hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to assess the association between cognitive functioning and muscle strength and muscle mass in hospitalized older patients.

METHODS

This prospective inception cohort included 378 patients aged 70 years or older. At admission patients were assessed for cognitive functioning by use of the Six-Item Cognitive Impairment Test (6-CIT). Muscle strength and muscle mass were assessed using handheld dynamometry and segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis, within 48 h after admission and on day 7, or earlier on the day of discharge.

RESULTS

The data of 371 patients (mean age ± standard deviation 80.1 ± 6.4 years, 49.3% female) were available for analyses. The median (interquartile range) 6-CIT score was 4 (0-8) points. At admission, lower cognitive functioning was associated with lower muscle strength, lower skeletal muscle mass (SMM), lower appendicular lean mass, and lower SMM index. Cognitive functioning was not associated with change in muscle strength and muscle mass during hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

This study further strengthens evidence for an association between lower cognitive functioning and lower muscle strength and muscle mass, but without a further decline during hospitalization.

Activities of Daily Living and Determinant Factors among Older Adult Subjects with Lower Body Fracture after Discharge from Hospital: A Prospective Study

Fracture is a type of musculoskeletal injury that contributes to an inability to perform daily activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate activities of daily living (ADL) of older adult patients with lower body fracture and to determine factors influencing ADL. Patient's ADL was assessed at pre-fracture, ward admission and post-discharge phases using the Katz ADL questionnaire. There were 129 subjects at pre-fracture and ward phases and 89 subjects at discharge phase. There were four independent variables; age, gender, type of fracture and ability to walk before fracture. Logistic regression models showed that 'age' and 'ability to walk before fracture' were the determinant factors of dependent for 'bathing', 'dressing' and 'toileting'. The 'ability to walk before fracture' was the determinant factor of dependent for 'transferring'. 'Age' and 'gender' were the determinant factors of dependent for 'continence', while 'age' was the determinant factor of dependent for 'feeding'. The ADL score changes were significant across the phases with a reduction in ADL score in the ward admission phase and partial increment during the post-discharge phase. There were improvements in the health outcomes of subjects aged more than 50 years old after 3 months of being discharged from the hospital. In conclusion, age, being female, having a hip fracture and using a walking aid before fracture were the determinants identified in this study.

Influence of peripheral arterial disease on daily living activities in elderly women

Aging has been associated with decreases in physical and cognitive functions. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) has been associated with further impairments in these functions, especially in women. However, no detailed information is available indicating whether PAD leads to further impairment in these functions in elderly women. Thus, the aims of this study were 1) to compare the capacity to perform daily living activities between elderly women with and without PAD and 2) to identify the factors related with the performance in daily activities. Twenty-seven elderly women with PAD and 22 elderly non-PAD women were surveyed in a geriatric hospital. Women aged ≥65 years and with no signal of dementia were included. PAD was identified by the ankle-brachial index ≤0.90, whereas elderly non-PAD women presented ankle-brachial index >1.0. Patients were interviewed to obtain information regarding basic (Katz questionnaire) and instrumental daily living activities (Lawton-Brody scale) and performed the mini-mental state examination, handgrip strength test, and timed up and go tests. PAD and non-PAD women had similar age, clinical characteristics, handgrip strength test, and cognitive function (P > 0.05). The capacity to perform basic and instrumental daily living activities was similar between PAD and non-PAD women (P > 0.05). In PAD and non-PAD, the instrumental daily living activities were significantly correlated with cognitive function (r = 0.44, P < 0.05 and r = 0.74 and P < 0.05, respectively). PAD elderly women present similar capacity to perform basic and instrumental daily activities than non-PAD women. In addition, in both groups, the capacity to perform instrumental daily activities was related with cognitive function.

High risk of malnutrition is associated with low muscle mass in older hospitalized patients - a prospective cohort study

Background

Malnutrition, low muscle strength and muscle mass are highly prevalent in older hospitalized patients and associated with adverse outcomes. Malnutrition may be a risk factor for developing low muscle mass. We aimed to investigate the association between the risk of malnutrition and 1) muscle strength and muscle mass at admission and 2) the change of muscle strength and muscle mass during hospitalization in older patients.

Methods

The EMPOWER study included 378 patients aged seventy years or older who were acutely or electively admitted to four different wards of an academic teaching hospital in Amsterdam. Patients were grouped into low risk of malnutrition and high risk of malnutrition based on the Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ) score and were assessed for hand grip strength and muscle mass using hand held dynamometry respectively bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) within 48 h after admission and at day seven, or earlier at the day of discharge. Muscle mass was expressed as skeletal muscle mass, appendicular lean mass, fat free mass and the skeletal muscle index.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 79.7 years (SD 6.39), 48.9% were female. At admission, being at high risk of malnutrition was significantly associated with lower muscle mass (Odds Ratio, 95% CI, 0.90, 0.85–0.96), but not with muscle strength. Muscle strength and muscle mass did not change significantly during hospitalization in both groups.

Conclusion

In older hospitalized patients, a high risk of malnutrition is associated with lower muscle mass at admission, but not with muscle strength nor with change of either muscle strength or muscle mass during hospitalization.

Clinical assessment of activities of daily living in acute stroke: Validation of the Persian version of Katz Index

Background: Katz Index is a well-known index for assessing basic activities of daily living. The aim was to determine validity and reliability of the Katz Index in Iranian patients with acute stroke. Methods: Eighty-seven patients (56 male, 31 female) with acute stroke (1-30 days post-stroke) participated in this psychometric properties study. Interval time for retest was 14 days. All participants were Iranian with Persian as native language, had no other major diseases (e.g. cancer, Alzheimer) and no psychiatric disorder. Cognitive mental score of all participants was above 18 (according to Mini-Mental State Examination). If they had another stroke during the following-up period, they were excluded from the study. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimum Detectable Change (MDC) were calculated to investigate the reliability of the KI. Criterion validity of the KI was assessed by Spearman's Correlation Coefficient (ρ). Moreover, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) were performed to investigate the construct validity of the KI. Results: Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of Persian Katz Index were reasonable (ICC2,1=0.93, ICC2,1=0.83; respectively). Internal consistency of this index was high (cronbach's alpha=0.79). The high to excellent correlation was found between Katz Index and the motion (ρ=0.88), self-care (ρ=0.98), and total scores (ρ=0.92) of Barthel Index. Factor analysis of the Persian Katz Index indicated two factors including motion (bathing, toileting, and transferring) and self-care (dressing, bowel & bladder control, and feeding). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that Persian version of Katz Index in patients with acute stroke can be considered as an acceptable clinical instrument in practice and research.

Associations of self-neglect with quality of life in older people in rural China: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Elder self-neglect (ESN) has become a public health issue globally. Limited studies have focused on ESN, as well as the relationship between ESN and quality of life (QoL) in developing countries. The study's objective is to explore the association between ESN and QoL among rural elderly in China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,182 elder adults aged 60 years or older, using a cluster-sampling technique in one township in Dangtu, a county in Anhui province. All participants completed face-to-face interview in their household. QoL was assessed using a brief form of the World Health Organization's quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), and ESN was assessed using the Scale of the Elderly Self-neglect (SESN). Hierarchical linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between the ESN scores and QoL scores after adjusting for sociodemographic, social support, and physical and psychological variables.

RESULTS

The scores of overall ESN and five domains were significantly correlated with the scores of four QoL domains (p < 0.001). After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, social support, and physical and psychological health characteristics, elders who reported higher overall self-neglect scores had significantly lower scores in the four QoL domains (p < 0.001). Education, economic level, physical health, ADL, depression, and cognitive function are consistent predictors across all QoL domains.

CONCLUSIONS

ESN is an independent risk factor for poor QoL in elderly people in rural China. Understanding the role of ESN and its influence on QoL is important for the management of and intervention in ESN.

Resilience in the Disabling Effect of Gait Speed Among Older Turkish and Moroccan Immigrants and Native Dutch

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the factors that inhibit the disabling effect of impairments among citizens who have migrated from Turkey and Morocco and native Dutch according to a resilience perspective.

METHOD

Using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam with 928 native Dutch, 255 Turks, and 199 Moroccans aged 55 to 65, linear regression analysis assessed whether country of origin, mastery, income, and contact frequency modified the relationship between gait speed and activity limitations.

RESULTS

Turks, but not Moroccans, demonstrated stronger associations between gait speed and activity limitations than the Dutch. Mastery modified the association among the Dutch and the Turks. Income modified the association only among the Dutch. Effect modification by contact frequency was not observed.

DISCUSSION

Moroccans and Dutch appeared to be more resilient against impairments than Turks. As none of the resilience factors buffered in all three populations, we conclude that resilience mechanisms are not universal across populations.

Validity of the Katz Index to assess activities of daily living by informants in neuropathological studies

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the evidences of construct validity of the Katz Index for the retrospective assessment of activities of daily living (ADL) by informants, to assist neuropathological studies in the elderly.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study analyzed the functional ability of ADL measure by the Katz Index, of 650 cases randomly selected from the Brazilian Brain Bank of the Ageing Brain Study Group (BBBABSG) database. Sample was divided in two subsamples for the analysis (N=325, each) and then stratified according to cognitive decline assessed by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Factor analyses with calculations of internal consistency and invariance were performed.

RESULTS

Factor analysis evidenced a unidimensional instrument with optimal internal consistency, in all subgroups. Goodness of fit indices were obtained after two treatments of covariance, indicating adequacy of the scale for assessing ADL by informants. The scale is invariant to cognitive decline meaning that it can be used for subjects with or without cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

Katz Index is valid for the retrospective assessment of basic ADL by informants, with optimal reliability.

Translation and Validation of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale Among Older Migrants Living in the Netherlands

OBJECTIVES

We validate a translated version of the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS) for use among older migrants from Turkish and Moroccan descent and validate the original Dutch version of the same scale for Surinamese migrants in the Netherlands.

METHOD

The data were derived from a population-based cross-sectional study among community-dwelling individuals aged 55 and older. In addition to translating the DJGLS for these ethnic groups, several statistical analyses were performed to assess the scale's reliability and validity.

RESULTS

The DJGLS proved to be internally consistent and to have adequate convergent validity among all ethnic groups. Latent structure analysis confirmed the two latent factors (emotional and social subscales) in all groups, but also showed that fit was not optimal in most groups. Known groups validity was observed using functional limitations and subjective health as grouping variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide sufficient support for use of the translated version of the 11-item DJGLS among Turkish and Moroccan older migrants and use of the Dutch version for Surinamese older migrants as a reliable and valid measure of loneliness. Fit of latent structural models varied between good and poor. Further research is needed to investigate ethnic differences in levels and determinants of loneliness.

Activities of daily living and outcomes in heart failure

BACKGROUND

Chronic disease can contribute to functional disability, which can degrade quality of life. However, the prevalence of functional disability and its association with outcomes among patients with heart failure requires further study.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Southeastern Minnesota residents with heart failure were enrolled from September 2003 through January 2012 into a cohort study with follow-up through December 2012. Difficulty with 9 activities of daily living (ADLs) was assessed by a questionnaire. Patients were divided into 3 categories of ADL difficulty (no/minimal, moderate, severe). The associations of ADL difficulty with mortality and hospitalization were assessed using Cox and Andersen-Gill models. Among 1128 patients (mean age, 74.7 years; 49.2% female), a majority (59.4%) reported difficulty with one or more ADLs at enrollment, with 272 (24.1%) and 146 (12.9%) experiencing moderate and severe difficulty, respectively. After a mean (SD) follow-up of 3.2 (2.4) years, 614 patients (54.4%) had died. Mortality increased with increasing ADL difficulty; the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for death was 1.49 (1.22-1.82) and 2.26 (1.79-2.86) for those with moderate and severe difficulty, respectively, compared to those with no/minimal difficulty (Ptrend<0.001). Patients with moderate and severe difficulty were at an increased risk for all-cause and noncardiovascular hospitalization. In a second assessment, 17.7% of survivors reported more difficulty with ADLs and patients with persistently severe or worsening difficulty were at an increased risk for death (hazard ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.71-2.58; P<0.001) and hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-1.74; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Functional disability is common in patients with heart failure, can progress over time, and is associated with adverse prognosis.

[Towards culturally sensitive care for elderly immigrants! Design and development of a community based intervention programme in the Netherlands]

BACKGROUND

In Western countries, health and social welfare facilities are not easily accessible for elderly immigrants and their needs are sub optimally addressed. A transition is needed towards culturally sensitive services to make cure and care accessible for elderly immigrants. We developed an intervention programme in which ethnic community health workers (CHWs) act as liaisons between immigrant elderly and local health care and social welfare services.

METHODS

In a quasi experimental design, the effectiveness of introduction of CHWs, will be evaluated in three (semi) urban residential areas in the Netherlands within three different migrant groups and compared with a control group. The primary outcome is use of health care and social welfare facilities by the elderly. Secondary outcomes are quality of life and functional impairments. Implementation of the intervention programme will be examined with focus groups and data registration of CHW activities. In this paper design and methodological issues are discussed.

DISCUSSION

This study can contribute to the improvement of care for elderly immigrants by developing culturally sensitive care whereby the elderly immigrants themselves actively participate. To enable a successful transition, proper identification and recruitment of CHWs is required. Once proven effective, the CHW function can be further integrated into the existing local health care and welfare system.

The hierarchy of the activities of daily living in the Katz index in residents of skilled nursing facilities

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Nursing facility patients are a population that has not been well studied with regard to functional status and independence previously. As such, the manner in which activities of daily living (ADL) relate to one another is not well understood in this population. An understanding of ADL difficulty ordering has helped to devise systems of functional independence grading in other populations, which have value in understanding patients' global levels of independence and providing expectations regarding changes in function. This study seeks to examine the hierarchy of ADL in the nursing facility population.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the 2004 National Nursing Home Survey, a cross-sectional data set of 13 507 skilled nursing facility subjects with functional independence items. The ADL difficulty hierarchy was determined using Rasch analysis. Item fit values for the Rasch model using Mean-Square infit statistics were also determined. The robustness of the hierarchy was tested for each ADL. Two grading systems were devised from the results of the item difficulty ordering. One was based on the most difficult item that he or she could perform, and the other assigned a grade based on the least difficult item that a subject could not perform.

RESULTS

A total of 13 113 patients were included in this analysis, the majority of whom were female and white. They had an average age of 81 years. An ordered hierarchy of ADL was found with eating being the easiest and bathing the most difficult. All items in the Katz index fit the Rasch model adequately well. The majority of patients able to perform any particular ADL were also able to perform all easier ADL. Cohen's κ for the 2 grading systems was 0.73.

DISCUSSION

This study is the first to show the expected hierarchy of difficulty of the 6 activities of daily proposed in the Katz index in the nursing facility population. The hierarchy found in this population matches the original hierarchy found in older adults in the community and acute care settings. It is also similar to hierarchy found in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Patients would be expected to lose or gain function based on the order of difficulty, but this remains to be confirmed.

CONCLUSION

Among the 6 activities of daily living tested here, their order from easiest to most difficult is eating, maintaining continence, transferring, toileting, dressing, and bathing. In addition, the index formed by these 6 items has construct validity in the nursing facility population.

Culturally sensitive care for elderly immigrants through ethnic community health workers: design and development of a community based intervention programme in the Netherlands

Background

In Western countries, health and social welfare facilities are not easily accessible for elderly immigrants and their needs are suboptimally addressed. A transition is needed towards culturally sensitive services to overcome barriers to make cure and care accessible for elderly immigrants. We developed an intervention programme in which ethnic community health workers act as liaisons between immigrant elderly and local health care and social welfare services. In this study we evaluate the effectiveness and the implementation of this intervention programme.

Methods/design

In a quasi experimental design, the effectiveness of introduction of community health workers, health needs assessment, and follow-up intervention programme will be evaluated in three (semi) urban residential areas in the Netherlands and compared with a control group. Community health workers are selected from local ethnic communities and trained for the intervention. Data on health perception, quality of life, and care consumption are collected at baseline and after the intervention programme. Elderly’s informal care givers are included to examine caregiver burden. The primary outcome is use of health care and social welfare facilities by the elderly. Secondary outcomes are quality of life and functional impairments. The target number of participants is 194 immigrant elderly: 97 for the intervention group and 97 for the control group. Implementation of the intervention programme will be examined with focus groups and data registration of community health worker activities.

Discussion

This study can contribute to the improvement of care for elderly immigrants by developing culturally sensitive care whereby they actively participate. To enable a successful transition, proper identification and recruitment of community health workers is required. Taking this into account, the study aims to provide evidence for an approach to improve the care and access to care for elderly immigrants. Once proven effective, the community health worker function can be further integrated into the existing local health care and welfare system.

Trial registration

Trial registration number: ISRCTN89447795

Quality of Life (QOL) and Its Associated Factors Using WHOQOL-BREF Among Elderly in Urban Puducherry, India

BACKGROUND

Quality of Life (QOL) among elderly is a neglected issue especially in developing countries including India.

AIM

To assess the QOL and its associated factors among elderly population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 elderly subjects in urban Puducherry, India. Data on QOL was assessed by World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) by Katz ADL scale. Socio-demographic factors and chronic morbid conditions were recorded by using structured questionnaire.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Independent sample test and multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Majority (64%, 192) were in the (60-69) years' age-group. Overall mean Standard Deviation (SD) score of QOL was 49.74 (10.21). QOL was significantly low among those with no schooling, nuclear family, not receiving pension, not with partner, having musculoskeletal disorder, low vision and impaired ADL groups in univariate analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that older age (p=0.014), no schooling (p=0.004), without spouse (p=<0.001), nuclear family (p=0.039), musculoskeletal disorder (p=<0.001), low vision (p=0.049) and hearing impairment (0.001) were associated with low QOL score.

CONCLUSION

QOL score among elderly is average, while social relationship domain of QOL score was found to be low. Health education with regard to activity and environmental changes and increase in social relationship may help in improving the QOL among the elderly population.

Implementation of processes of care to support transcatheter aortic valve replacement programs

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly accepted as a feasible and safe therapeutic alternative to open heart surgery in select patients. Procedural success and technological advances combined with favorable clinical outcomes and demonstrated prolonged survival are establishing TAVR as the standard of care in symptomatic patients who are at higher risk or not candidates for conventional surgery. The growing number of referrals and complexities of care of TAVR candidates warrants a program that ensures appropriate patient assessment and triage, establishes appropriate processes, and promotes continuity of care. To address these needs and prepare for the anticipated growth of transcatheter heart valve (THV) therapeutic options, the TAVR program at St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada, implemented an electronic centralized and clinically managed referral and triage program, and a THV Nurse Coordinator position to support the program and patients, conduct a global functioning assessment, and provide clinical triage coordination, waitlist management, patient and family education and communication with clinicians. Interdisciplinary rounds assist in the selection of candidates, while a clinical data management system facilitates standardized documentation and quality assurance from referral to follow-up. The unique needs of TAVR patients and programs require the implementation of unique processes of care and tailored assessment.

The disabling effect of diseases: a study on trends in diseases, activity limitations, and their interrelationships

OBJECTIVES

Data from the Netherlands indicate a recent increase in prevalence of chronic diseases and a stable prevalence of disability, suggesting that diseases have become less disabling. We studied the association between chronic diseases and activity limitations in the Netherlands from 1990 to 2008.

METHODS

Five surveys among noninstitutionalized persons aged 55 to 84 years (n = 54,847) obtained self-reported data on chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, lung disease, joint disease, back problems, and cancer) and activity limitations (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] long-term disability questionnaire or 36-item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]).

RESULTS

Prevalence rates of chronic diseases increased over time, whereas prevalence rates of activity limitations were stable (OECD) or slightly decreased (SF-36). Associations between chronic diseases and activity limitations were also stable (OECD) or slightly decreased (SF-36). Surveys varied widely with regard to disease and limitation prevalence rates and the associations between them.

CONCLUSIONS

The hypothesis that diseases became less disabling from 1990 to 2008 was only supported by results based on activity limitation data as assessed with the SF-36. Further research on how diseases and disability are associated over time is needed.

LINKING TEMPORAL FIRST ORDER LOGIC AND HIDDEN MARKOV MODELS WITH ABSTRACT EVENTS

In previous work, we introduced a novel concept of a generalised event, an abstract event, which we define as a change of state of abstract predicates that represent knowledge about the surrounding world. Abstract predicates are defined by formulae in temporal first-order logic (Abstract Event Specification Language (AESL)) whose leaf predicates represent low-level sensor-derived knowledge. Abstract events are detected by Rete Networks structured as a deductive knowledge-base. Current Abstract Event detectors cannot express sufficiently well certain high-level situations, such activity derived from user trajectories.

In this work we introduce a novel type of abstract event detector, a hidden Markov Model detector (hMM-detector). hMM-detectors are implemented as pattern recognition engines that use several stochastic models, hidden Markov Models (hMMs), in order to classify observed activities to the most likely activity class. We link hMM-detectors with AESL by specifying a new AESL operator for defining hMM-based Abstract Events, thus increasing AESL's expressive power.

We describe the experimental evaluation of the above work that was carried out at the University of Cambridge. hMM-Detectors were trained and tested with real data from the Active BAT location system. We evaluate the expressiveness of the enhanced AESL by discussing three case studies in healthcare that relate to continuous monitoring of elderly or injured patients. We demonstrate that AESL can be used in order to improve the dependability of continuous monitoring of patients and the provision of high-quality healthcare.

Models and measurement in disability: an international review

This article reviews the theoretical basis and methods for disability measurement. Different methods arise from different theoretical perspectives. Recent efforts to develop a general international disability measure consistent with the social model of disability aim to produce an internationally comparable measure of disability with which to assess the equalisation of opportunities. Such a measure cannot consistently identify disabled people in need of health and social services. Correctly identifying those in need of these services particularly concerns developing countries where government revenues and disability services are severely limited. This review highlights the need for multiple disability measures to meet different purposes of measurement. The Washington Group general measure on disability and Katz's Activities of Daily Living Index are recommended as valid measures of varying functioning level consistent with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.

Validity and specificity of the Persian version of the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire

INTRODUCTION

The Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) is a well-known questionnaire for evaluating the quality of life in asthmatic patients. It has been translated to Persian and its validity and specificity should be evaluated for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. In this study, we attempted to improve the questionnaire's adaptability to Persian culture and also evaluate its validity, specificity, and applicability among asthmatics at our tertiary referral center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Previously translated and psychometrically evaluated SGRQ for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients was made more adaptive to Persian. Upon acceptability of the questionnaire by a small group of patients, 301 asthmatics referred for spirometry and completed the form. Consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's α coefficient and validity was assessed by comparison of scores with other measures of asthma exacerbation. These measures included FEV1, patient's clinical presentation, visual analog scale (used to assess difficulty breathing), Katz activity index and section scores of the General Health Questionnaire, anxiety, depression, and social impact.

RESULTS

The study group included 165 female and 139 male asthmatics with a mean age of 44.4 ± 1.0 years. Measurement of consistency for the SGRQ revealed Cronbach's α to be 0.699 for symptoms, 0.805 for activity, 0.879 for impact, and 0.916 for the total questionnaire. By omitting question 8, time of wheezing during the day increased Cronbach's coefficient of the symptoms section to 0.719. Omitting "uselessness of respiratory drugs" from the impact section increased Cronbach's α to 0.881. However, scoring of the section then varied from the original questionnaire. A statistically significant correlation was found between the SGRQ sections and total score (using Katz index and General Health Questionnaire, p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed good validity and reliability for the Persian version of SGRQ for a population of asthmatics referred to our tertiary pulmonary clinic.

Acculturation and psychological distress among non-Western Muslim migrants--a population-based survey

BACKGROUND

Political and social developments point at increasing marginalization of Muslim migrants, but little is known about its consequences for the mental health of this particular group.

AIM

To explore the relationship between acculturation and psychological distress among first-generation Muslim migrants from Turkey and Morocco in the Netherlands.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study. Respondents were interviewed in their preferred language. Acculturation was measured with the Lowlands Acculturation Scale (LAS) and psychological distress with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Data were complete for 321 subjects and analyzed with multivariate linear regression.

RESULTS

Less skills for living in Dutch society was associated with distress (p = 0.032). Feelings of loss were related to distress among Moroccans (p = 0.037). There was an interaction between traditionalism and ethnic background (p = 0.037); traditionalism was related to less distress among Moroccans (p = 0.020), but not among Turkish. Finally, there was an interaction by gender among Turks (p = 0.029); conservative norms and values seemed to be related to distress among men (p = 0.062), not women.

CONCLUSION

Successful contact and participation in Dutch society, and maintenance of heritage culture and identity were moderately associated with less psychological distress. Improving mastery of the dominant language in host societies, and allowing migrants to preserve their traditions, might be effective measures in improving the mental well-being of migrants.

Trends in activity limitations: the Dutch older population between 1990 and 2007

BACKGROUND

It is not clear whether recent increases in life expectancy are accompanied by a concurrent postponement of activity limitations. The objective of this study was to give best estimates of the trend in the prevalence of activity limitations among the non-institutionalized population aged 55-84 years over the period 1990-2007 in The Netherlands.

METHODS

We examined self-reports on 12 measures of moderate or severe activity limitations in stair climbing, walking and getting dressed as assessed by OECD long-term disability questionnaire or Short Form-36 (SF-36) items, using original data from five population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys (n = 54,847 respondents). To account for heterogeneity between surveys, we used meta-analyses to study time trends.

RESULTS

Time trends of 10 out of the 12 activity limitation variables studied were stable. The prevalence of at least moderate activity limitations in stair climbing [odds ratio (OR) = 1.03)] and getting dressed (OR = 1.04) based on OECD items increased over the study period. Age- and gender-stratified time trend analyses showed consistent patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

No declines were observed in the prevalence of activity limitations in the Dutch older population over the period 1990-2007. The increase in life expectancy in this period is accompanied by a stable prevalence of most activity limitations.

Risk groups for overweight and obesity among Turkish and Moroccan migrants in The Netherlands

OBJECTIVES

The association between sociodemographic factors and acculturation with overweight/obesity in Turks and Moroccans was studied to identify target groups for prevention.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was undertaken among a sample of 1384 Turks and Moroccans aged 35-74 years in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

METHODS

Data were collected by structured face-to-face interviews. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from self-reported height and weight data. Sociodemographic variables collected were sex, age, educational level, marital status, parity and income level. Acculturation was measured by cultural orientation and length of residence in The Netherlands. Data of 1095 Turks and Moroccans were analysed using logistic regression, with overweight/obesity (BMI 25.0) as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight/obesity was high (57-89%). Age, marital status, parity, income level, cultural orientation and length of residence were not associated or only weakly associated with overweight/obesity. Educational level and overweight/obesity were strongly associated in Turkish women (odds ratio 4.56; 95% confidence intervals 1.54-13.51).

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of overweight/obesity in Turkish and Moroccan migrants varies little across sociodemographic groups and is not associated with acculturation. Poorly educated Turkish women are at particularly high risk.