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Suulamo U, Remes H, Tarkiainen L, Murphy M, Martikainen P. Excess winter mortality in Finland, 1971-2019: a register-based study on long-term trends and effect modification by sociodemographic characteristics and pre-existing health conditions. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079471. [PMID: 38309756 PMCID: PMC10840061 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079471] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Excess winter mortality is a well-established phenomenon across the developed world. However, whether individual-level factors increase vulnerability to the effects of winter remains inadequately examined. Our aim was to assess long-term trends in excess winter mortality in Finland and estimate the modifying effect of sociodemographic and health characteristics on the risk of winter death. DESIGN Nationwide register study. SETTING Finland. PARTICIPANTS Population aged 60 years and over, resident in Finland, 1971-2019. OUTCOME MEASURES Age-adjusted winter and non-winter death rates, and winter-to-non-winter rate ratios and relative risks (multiplicative interaction effects between winter and modifying characteristics). RESULTS We found a decreasing trend in the relative winter excess mortality over five decades and a drop in the series around 2000. During 2000-2019, winter mortality rates for men and women were 11% and 14% higher than expected based on non-winter rates. The relative risk of winter death increased with age but did not vary by income. Compared with those living with at least one other person, individuals in institutions had a higher relative risk (1.07, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.08). Most pre-existing health conditions did not predict winter death, but persons with dementia emerged at greater relative risk (1.06, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.07). CONCLUSIONS Although winter mortality seems to affect frail people more strongly-those of advanced age, living in institutions and with dementia-there is an increased risk even beyond the more vulnerable groups. Protection of high-risk groups should be complemented with population-level preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla Suulamo
- Helsinki Institute for Demography and Population Health, University of Helsinki Faculty of Social Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
- Max Planck - University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health, Helsinki, Finland
- International Max Planck Research School for Population, Health and Data Science, Rostock, Germany
| | - Hanna Remes
- Helsinki Institute for Demography and Population Health, University of Helsinki Faculty of Social Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
- Max Planck - University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lasse Tarkiainen
- Helsinki Institute for Demography and Population Health, University of Helsinki Faculty of Social Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
- Max Planck - University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Murphy
- The London School of Economics and Political Science Department of Social Policy, London, UK
| | - Pekka Martikainen
- Helsinki Institute for Demography and Population Health, University of Helsinki Faculty of Social Sciences, Helsinki, Finland
- Max Planck - University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health, Helsinki, Finland
- Max-Planck-Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
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Mitterfellner R, D'Cunha NM, Isbel S. Occupation-Based Interventions to Improve Occupational Performance Among Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care: A Systematic Review. Am J Occup Ther 2024; 78:7801205140. [PMID: 38231082 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2024.050441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Evidence for the positive effects of occupation-based interventions on occupational performance is increasing; however, little is known about the impacts of occupation-based interventions on older adults living in long-term care. OBJECTIVE To consolidate the evidence on the effectiveness of occupation-based interventions for improving occupational performance among older adults living in long-term care. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, Web of Science Core Collection, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from journal-database inception to February 2023. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA COLLECTION This systematic review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Included articles were peer-reviewed studies published in English that evaluated occupation-based interventions for older adults living in long-term care and used validated tools to measure occupational performance. FINDINGS Seventeen articles, with 2,974 participants, were identified. The reviewed studies included 6 Level 1b randomized controlled trials, 5 Level 2b studies of various study designs, and 5 Level 3b studies with quasi-experimental designs. Across studies, heterogeneous measures were used to assess occupational performance. All studies implemented client-centered, occupation-based interventions designed and/or delivered by occupational therapists. Interventions were tailored to residents' goals, interests, or abilities to improve occupational performance and participation, and inconsistent effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Moderate evidence supports the use of occupation-based interventions tailored to individual residents and incorporation of physical activities for improving the occupational performance of older adults living in long-term care. Currently, evidence for care partner involvement and multilevel occupation-based interventions is limited. Plain-Language Summary: This study adds to the evidence base indicating that occupation-based interventions have the potential to promote the occupational performance of older adults living in long-term care. High-quality randomized controlled trials with longer term follow-up and assessment of clinically meaningful outcomes are critical for developing the evidence base in this practice setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Mitterfellner
- Rachael Mitterfellner, MOT, BMedSc, is Occupational Therapist, Canberra Health Services, and Professional Associate, Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. At the time of this research, Mitterfellner was Postgraduate Research Student, School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nathan M D'Cunha
- Nathan M. D'Cunha, PhD(Health), BHumNutr(Hons), is Assistant Professor, Human Nutrition, School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, and Theme Lead (Dementia and Cognition), Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Stephen Isbel
- Stephen Isbel, HScD, MOT, MHA, BAppSc(OT), GCTE, is Professor, Occupational Therapy, School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, and Theme Lead (Innovative Care Models), Centre for Ageing Research and Translation, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, Australian Capital Territory, Australia;
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Andrade AQ, Widagdo I, Lim R, Kelly TL, Parfitt G, Pratt N, Bilton RL, Roughead EE. Correlation of frailty assessment metrics in one-year follow-up of aged care residents: a sub-study of a randomised controlled trial. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:2081-2087. [PMID: 37452224 PMCID: PMC10520153 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02491-y] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Frailty is increasingly recognised as a dynamic syndrome, with multiple causes, dimensions and consequences. There is little understanding of how those frailty assessment metrics interact over time. The aim of this study was to describe the longitudinal correlation between five frailty metrics, namely multimorbidity, muscular strength, mood alterations, cognitive capacity, and functional capacity in a cohort study of aged care (nursing home) residents. METHODS 248 aged care residents with Frailty Index at baseline of < 0.4 and no dementia were followed for 12 months. A multimorbidity score and an activity of daily living limitation score were created using individual items of the Frailty Index. Muscular strength was measured by grip strength. Cognitive capacity was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test. Mood alterations were measured using the anxiety/depression screening question from EQ-5D. We analysed the inter-individual correlation at baseline, association between baseline and future change, and within-individual correlation at baseline, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS Population analysis shows that metrics were not associated at baseline. All of the studied metrics at baseline were associated with change in 12 months, with the exception of anxiety/depression scores. Pairwise within-individual correlation was strong between MoCA and grip strength (0.13, p = 0.02) and activity of daily living (- 0.48, p < 0.001), and between activities of daily living and multimorbidity index (0.28, p < 0.001). No within-individual correlation was found between anxiety depression score and other metrics. CONCLUSION The results suggest an interdependence between comorbidities, physical capacity, cognition and activities of daily living in aged care residents. Comprehensive measurement of frailty-related metrics may provide improved understanding of frailty progression at later life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Q Andrade
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5001, Australia.
| | - I Widagdo
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5001, Australia
| | - R Lim
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5001, Australia
| | - T-L Kelly
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5001, Australia
| | - G Parfitt
- UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - N Pratt
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5001, Australia
| | - R L Bilton
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - E E Roughead
- UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5001, Australia
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Morrison-Koechl J, Liu SH, Banerjee A, Heckman G, Keller H. Nutrition and Non-Nutrition-Related Challenges Predict Time to Death in Long-Term Care Residents: A Retrospective Chart Review. J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16:2823-2837. [PMID: 37750163 PMCID: PMC10518155 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s417344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Signals of end-of-life decline observed in daily habits, such as mealtime participation, are important for moving towards comfort-focused goals of care in the final months of life of long-term care (LTC) residents. It is unclear how eating issues observed in real-time in LTC homes are used as indicators of suspected end of life. The study quantifies nutrition and key non-nutrition related signals (eg, general decline, unstable vitals) documented to describe end-of-life decline and the subsequent time to death. Patients and Methods A retrospective chart review identified the first documented conversation where end-of-life decline was considered by members of the care team (eg, nurses, physicians, dietitian, family member) for 76 randomly selected decedents from 9 LTC homes in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Time (days) to death was calculated. A directed content analysis of the free-text description of the suspected end-of-life decline was used to categorize signals. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis tested the risk of mortality associated with each categorized signal. Results Time to death of residents (mean age = 88 ± 7 years; 60% female) from the first documentation of potential end-of-life decline ranged from 0 days to over 2 years prior to death (median = 27.5 days). Seven nutrition-related and 18 non-nutrition related signals were identified. Swallowing difficulty (HR = 2.99; 95% CI = 1.41, 6.33), cognitive decline (HR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.20, 0.77), delirium (HR = 13.23; 95% CI = 1.57, 111.69), and cancer (HR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.07, 0.48) were associated with time to death. Conclusion This study provides insight into the signals used by care providers in LTC to suspect that residents are declining towards the end of life and identifies four signals that were associated with time to death. When identified by care providers as indicators of end-of-life decline, swallowing difficulty and delirium predicted a shorter time to death, while cancer and cognitive decline predicted a longer time to death. Recognition of nutrition and non-nutrition related signals may be leveraged to systematically introduce timely comfort care conversations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Morrison-Koechl
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheng Han Liu
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Albert Banerjee
- Department of Gerontology, St. Thomas University, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - George Heckman
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Keller
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Ludlow K, Todd O, Reid N, Yaman H. Frailty in primary care: challenges, innovations, and future directions. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2023; 24:129. [PMID: 37353770 PMCID: PMC10288734 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-023-02083-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Frailty is one of the biggest challenges to healthy ageing, and yet our understanding and management of frailty is in its infancy. In this editorial we outline challenges, innovations and future directions in frailty research in primary care, and invite contributions to BMC Primary Care's "Frailty in Primary Care" Collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiana Ludlow
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Oliver Todd
- Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research, University of Leeds, Bradford Teaching Hospitals, Bradford, UK
| | - Natasha Reid
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Cruz-Moreira K, Alvarez-Cordova L, González-Palacios Torres C, Chedraui P, Jouvin J, Jiménez-Moleón JJ, Barrios-Rodríguez R. Prevalence of frailty and its association with oral hypofunction in older adults: a gender perspective. BMC Oral Health 2023; 23:140. [PMID: 36899360 PMCID: PMC10007728 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-023-02824-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated an association between oral hypofunction and frailty in community-dwelling older adults. However, this issue has not been evaluated in institutionalized older patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence of physical frailty in this particularly vulnerable group and evaluate its association with oral hypofunction, analyzing possible differences by gender. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in private and public care homes in Guayaquil (Ecuador) from January 2018 until December 2019. Participants were classified as robust, pre-frail, and frail according to the Fried's frailty phenotype. Oral hypofunction was defined as the presence of at least three positive items in the following list: poor oral hygiene, oral dryness, reduced occlusal force, decreased masticatory function, and deterioration of swallowing function. The relationships between frailty and oral hypofunction were analyzed using logistic regression models for the whole sample and stratified by gender. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 15.0 software (Stata Corp. LP, College Station, TX, USA). RESULTS Among the 589 participants analyzed (65% women), the median age was 72 years (interquartile range: 66-82). Pre-frailty and frailty were presented in 66.7% and 28.9% of them respectively. Weakness was the most frequent item (84.6%). There was a significant relationship between frailty and oral hypofunction in women. In the overall sample, the frequency of frailty was 2.06 times higher (95% CI 1.30-3.29) in patients with oral hypofunction, and this association was maintained in women (ORa: 2.18; 95% CI 1.21-3.94). Reduced occlusal force and decreased swallowing function were items significantly associated with the presence of frailty (ORa: 1.95; 95% CI 1.18-3.22 and ORa: 2.11; 95% CI 1.39-3.19, respectively). CONCLUSION The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty was high among institutionalized older people and was associated with the presence of hypofunction, especially in women. Decreased swallowing function was the most strongly item associated with frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Cruz-Moreira
- Specialist in Oral Medicine, Dentistry degree, Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador.,Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud Integral, Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Ludwig Alvarez-Cordova
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud Integral, Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador.,Master in Clinical Nutrition, Nutrition and Dietetics degree, Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | | | - Peter Chedraui
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Salud Integral, Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador.,Medical degree, PhD, Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - José Jouvin
- Master in Health Services Management. Medical degree, Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - José Juan Jiménez-Moleón
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rocío Barrios-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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