Mediating effect of social support on the association between functional disability and psychological distress in older adults in rural China: does age make a difference?

The Association between Residential Environment and Self-Rated Mental Health among Older Canadians: The Moderating Effects of Education and Gender

This study examined the associations between residential environment and self-rated mental health (SRMH) among Canadians aged 65 or older (n = 16,304) and whether education and gender moderated the associations. Data came from the 2018 Canadian Housing Survey. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to test the associations. Analyses revealed that increased dwelling size was associated with better SRMH among older women with high school education. Older adults with higher satisfaction with their dwelling design were more likely to report better SRMH, except for women with some college education. Feeling safer in the community was uniquely associated with better SRMH for men with high school education and women with a university degree. Results confirmed significant associations between specific home and residential environment features and SRMH for each gender-by-education group. Environmental programs designed to improve SRMH for older adult populations should consider within- and between-group diversity.

Exploring the interplay of living arrangements, social support, and depression among older adults in rural northwest China

BACKGROUND

With the intensification of aging, depression among the older adults has become a significant global health challenge, especially in developing countries where the problem is particularly severe. This study aims to explore the association between living arrangements and depression, with a specific focus on examining the mediating role of social support in rural northwest China.

METHODS

Data were collected from 501 individuals aged 60 and above in rural Shaanxi Province, northwest China. Living arrangements were assessed based on co-residing family members. Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale-30, and social support was evaluated with the Social Support Rating Scale. Ordinary Least Squares Regression, Quantile Regression, Generalized Linear Regression, and Ordered Regression analyzed the association between living arrangements and depression. Hierarchical multiple linear regression examined the mediating role of social support. A heterogeneity analysis by gender and socio-economic status was also conducted.

RESULTS

The depression rates were 51.84% for non-empty nests, 67.92% for individuals living alone, and 46.80% for individuals only living with a spouse. The regression analysis did not reveal a significant difference in depressive between empty nests compared to non-empty nests. However, older adults living alone exhibited a higher susceptibility to depression symptoms (β = 2.594, P < 0.05). The mediating analysis showed that empty nesters living alone experience higher rates of depression due to receiving less social support compared to those living with a spouse or in non-empty nest arrangements, particularly concerning subjective social support (β = 0.481, P < 0.05). Heterogeneity analysis identified specific vulnerable groups among older adults, emphasizing the higher susceptibility to depressive symptoms among those living alone, especially among male older adults or those from non-poor families.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings emphasize a significant prevalence of depression among older adults in rural areas, particularly highlighting the vulnerability of those living alone. This underscores the urgent need for government attention to address the mental health challenges faced by the older adults. Future interventions should focus on improving social support networks to mitigate the impact of living alone on depression symptoms among this population.

Associations of body mass index, waist circumference and the weight-adjusted waist index with daily living ability impairment in older Chinese people: A cross-sectional study of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey

AIM

To investigate the associations of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and the weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) with the impairment of activities of daily living (ADL) in older Chinese people.

METHODS

A total of 13 260 participants aged 65 years and older from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey were included in this cross-sectional study. BMI, WC and the WWI were calculated from measurements of height, weight and WC. Binary logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Non-linear correlations were investigated using restricted cubic spline curves.

RESULTS

In multivariate logistic regression fully adjusted for confounding variables, our analyses revealed significant associations between WC and WWI and ADL impairment, with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 1.01 (1.00, 1.01) and 1.08 (1.03, 1.12), respectively. Meanwhile, participants with a high WWI had a higher risk of ADL impairment compared with those with a low WWI, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 1.12 (1.02, 1.23). Subgroup analyses showed that only the association between WWI and ADL impairment did not differ in any of the different populations. In addition, we found that BMI, WC and WWI were non-linearly associated with ADL impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant associations between WC and WWI and ADL impairment in older Chinese people. The findings show the ability of the WWI to serve as a comprehensive and effective indicator of obesity in older Chinese people and emphasize the importance of assessing WWI in screening and preventing ADL impairment in older people.

Relationship between perceived social support and disability with the mediating role of perceived stress among older adults

BACKGROUND

Social support is essential for individuals to cope with difficult circumstances. Older adults with disabilities face significant challenges in engaging with everyday activities. The current study examines the mediating role of perceived stress in the association between perceived social support and disability among Iranian community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 300 older adults were selected using cluster sampling from January to June 2022. The data were collected using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2), and the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14). The collected data was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) in Mplus.

RESULTS

The mean age of older adults was 68.71 ± 6.13 years, ranging from 60 to 85 years old. The results of this study revealed a significant relationship between perceived social support and disability (β=-0.20, SE = 0.06, p < 0.001) and perceived stress and disability (β = 0.50, SE = 0.05, p < 0.001). The results also confirmed the mediating role of perceived stress in the relationship between perceived social support and disability (β=-0.17, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that increasing social support could reduce disability by decreasing perceived stress. These results have important implications for policymakers and healthcare professionals in promoting healthy aging.

Tele neuropsychological exploratory assessment of indicators of mild cognitive impairment and autonomy level in Mexican population over 60 years old

Due to the cognitive decline associated with aging, it is necessary to determine the variables involved in this process to implement preventive actions to avoid or help slow the progression of cognitive decline to dementia in older adults. This is a priority in the current pandemic situation, due to the consequences of periods of confinement due to COVID-19. To address these challenges, this study was conducted through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), by adapting an in-person assessment protocol into an online Tele neuropsychological consultation. The correlation between autonomy and cognitive performance variables is analyzed in 47 Mexican subjects over 60 years of age. The results of the statistical analyses suggest a moderate correlation between the level of autonomy and cognitive performance (with MOCA and Clock Drawing Test), significant correlation values are outlined in some of the variables reviewed, and interesting data were found in the correlation of cognitive reserve with cognitive decline and the educational level from the participants. Finally, future analysis is proposed of the sensitivity of screening tests (CDT) to find indicators of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in this population that is not detected in classical tests (MOCA). Developing ICT-based screening protocols for the elderly may be a key tool in these coronavirus times or under any given circumstances.

Gender differences in caregiver attitudes and unmet needs for activities of daily living (ADL) assistance among older adults with disabilities

BACKGROUND

With a rapidly ageing population and a decline in the availability of family caregivers, the number of older adults with disabilities who have unmet long-term care needs is gradually increasing worldwide. However, whether there are gender differences in the association between primary caregivers or their attitudes and unmet needs for activities of daily living (ADL) assistance remains largely unknown.

METHODS

This study used the latest 2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), containing the data of 1187 older adults with disabilities aged 65 and older, to identify gender differences in the attitudes of primary caregivers toward the unmet needs for ADL assistance among with disabilities adults in China. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the effects of primary caregivers and their caregiving attitudes on the unmet care experiences of older adults with ADLs. In addition, a gender-stratified analysis was conducted to compare the differences based on older adults' gender.

RESULTS

The results revealed that the lack of positive attitudes from primary caregivers might create a situation of unmet needs for ADL assistance among older adults. When family members carry the main burden of care, older adults with disabilities, especially older women, have a lower level of unmet needs for ADL assistance. Therefore, it is important to consider gender-specific interventions to improve ADL assistance among older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that the presence of a family member as a caregiver has a significant effect on unmet needs for ADL assistance in women, highlighting the importance of developing an emotional bond with the caregiver. Given that the availability of informal caregivers, such as family members, is declining, it is crucial to provide financial assistance and formal services, such as paid home services and community-based care services, and reduce the burden on family caregivers to address the unmet needs for ADL assistance among older adults with disabilities in China.

Use of home and community-based services and loneliness in older people with functional limitations: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Loneliness is one of the major health problems among older adults. Among this population, home and community-based services (HCBS) have become increasingly popular. Despite its health benefits, little is known about the relationship between HCBS use and loneliness in older people with functional limitations. We aim to explore the characteristics of loneliness among older people with functional limitations and examine the association between HCBS use and loneliness in China.

METHODS

We used a cross-sectional data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, which includes a nationally representative sample of Chinese residents aged 65 and older with functional limitations. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between HCBS use and loneliness, and we further used propensity score matching to address potential sample selection bias.

RESULT

In China, 46% of older people with functional limitations felt lonely and only 22% of older people with functional limitations reported using HCBS in 2018. Compared with participants who did not receive HCBS, those who received HCBS were less likely to report loneliness (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.63, 0.99, p = 0.048), and the results remained significant after addressing sample selection bias using propensity score matching.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that loneliness was common among Chinese older people with functional limitations, and the proportion of HCBS use was low. There was robust evidence to support that among older people with functional limitations, HCBS use was associated with decreased loneliness. Further policies should promote the development of broader HCBS use for older people with functional limitations to reduce their loneliness.

The relationship between activities of daily living and psychological distress among Chinese older adults: A serial multiple mediation model

BACKGROUND

Few studies have shed light on the mechanisms underlying the link between activities of daily living (ADL) and psychological distress. This study aimed to explore the multiple mediating roles of loneliness and sleep quality in this relationship among Chinese older adults.

METHODS

A total of 3250 older adults completed the Barthel Index, UCLA 20-item Loneliness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale Questionnaire. Serial multiple mediation analysis was conducted using Hayes' PROCESS macro.

RESULTS

ADL was found to directly impact psychological distress through three significant mediation pathways: (1) loneliness (B=-0.124, 95% CI=-0.140, -0.109), which accounted for 23.98% of the total effect, (2) sleep quality (B=-0.050, 95% CI=-0.063, -0.039), which accounted for 9.67% of the total effect, and (3) loneliness and sleep quality (B=-0.015, 95% CI=-0.020, -0.012), accounting for 2.91% of the total effect. The total mediating effect was 36.56%.

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design we used limited causal interpretations. Future studies could examine longitudinal changes in outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the role of loneliness and sleep quality as serial mediators of the relationship between ADL and psychological distress. Thus, for the early detection and prevention of psychological distress, it is necessary to conduct loneliness and sleep quality interventions for older adults with ADL limitations.

The association between sleep quality and psychological distress among older Chinese adults: a moderated mediation model

BACKGROUND

Previous research has found a link between sleep quality and psychological distress. However, the underlying mechanisms of this connection have still not been well explored. The aim of this study was to examine the roles of activities of daily living (ADL), physical activity, and perceived social support in the link between sleep quality and psychological distress among older adults.

METHODS

Three thousand two hundred fifty valid individuals (aged 60 years or above) participated in face-to-face questionnaire-based surveys. Older individuals were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Barthel Index, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. The PROCESS macro developed by Hayes was used to conduct moderated mediation analysis.

RESULTS

In older adults, sleep quality had a substantial direct influence on psychological distress. ADL mediated the association between sleep quality and psychological distress. Physical activity significantly reduced ADL's mediating influence on the relationship between sleep quality and psychological distress. Furthermore, perceived social support moderated the direct relationship between sleep quality and psychological distress, as well as the second half of the mediating effect of the ADL. Moreover, physical activity and perceived social support were preventive factors that might successfully mitigate the detrimental effects of poor sleep quality on ADL and psychological distress.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings contribute to existing understanding by clarifying the fundamental mechanisms that link sleep quality and psychological distress. These results may provide a valuable reference to the Chinese government for improving mental health in older individuals.

Psychological distress and its influencing factors among psychiatric nurses in China: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric nurses often face abuse, attacks, escape, suicides, and other situations related to the care of patients with mental disorders, which are more likely to induce psychological distress.

AIMS

This study aimed to examine the relationship between coping styles and psychological distress among Chinese psychiatric nurses in Shandong and the significance of sleep quality as a mediating factor.

METHODS

A total of 812 psychiatric nurses in Shandong, China, were investigated using the Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and self-compiled general information questionnaire.

RESULTS

Psychological distress was detected in 571 psychiatric nurses (70.3%). The psychological distress of psychiatric nurses was significantly different with respect to professional title (χ² = 10.627, P < 0.05) and shift work (χ² = 9.120, P < 0.01). Psychological distress positively correlated with negative coping style (r = 0.266, P < 0.01) and sleep quality (PSQIT) (r = 0.532, P < 0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between psychological distress and all dimensions of sleep quality (r = 0.158-0.456, P < 0.05). Professional title, positive coping style, negative coping style, sleep quality (PSQIT), subjective sleep quality, sleep disorder and daytime dysfunction predicted psychological distress in psychiatric nurses (R ² = 0.363, F = 65.343, P < 0.01). The relationship between negative coping style and psychological distress was partially mediated by sleep quality, with the mediating effect accounting for 37.97% of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychiatric nurses have a high rate of psychological distress, which is closely related to coping styles, and sleep quality has a certain regulatory effect.

Associations between Disability in Activities of Daily Living and Social Capital aspects among older adults: a scoping review

Social capital aspects are playing an important role in activities of daily living (ADL) performance, thus on independent living. This paper was aimed to present an overview of the associations and adverse effects between social capital aspects and disability in ADL and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in an older population aged 65 years old and over. Α scoping review was designed following the guidelines of PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) and the review was conducted by 3 authors. A total of 185 primary studies were extracted and, finally, 40 studies did meet the inclusion criteria and critically appraised in two main categories; Category 1(29 studies) 'social capital and disability in ADL' deducing that as greater a social capital as better ADL performance and Category 2 (11 studies) 'Social capital and HRQoL' concluding that people 65 years old and over with lower social capital were presented with a poor HRQoL. Study synthesis highlights the impact of social capital suggesting that nurses caring for older people must focus on their engagement in terms of social diversity and trust in the community.

The relationship between activities of daily living and suicidal ideation among Chinese rural older adults: a multiple mediation model through sleep quality and psychological distress

Few studies clarified the mechanisms underlying the relationship between activities of daily living and suicidal ideation among older adults. This study aimed to explore the multiple mediating roles of sleep quality and psychological distress between this relationship. A total of 3,243 rural older adults were included. Multiple mediation analysis was performed using Mplus 8.3. Activities of daily living was found to directly affect suicidal ideation (β=0.092, 95% CI=0.043−0.140) and through three significantly mediation pathways: (1) the path through sleep quality (β=0.019, 95% CI=0.007−0.031), which accounted for 9.79 % of the total effect; (2) the path through psychological distress (β=0.049, 95% CI=0.036−0.063), which accounted for 25.26 % of the total effect; (3) the path through sleep quality and psychological distress (β=0.034, 95% CI=0.026−0.042), which accounted for 17.53 % of the total effect. The total mediating effect was 52.58%. Attention should be paid to sleep quality and mental health among the Chinese rural older adults with activities of daily living limitation. For early detection and prevention of suicidal ideation, it is necessary to take sleep-based and positive psychological interventions for older adults with activities of daily living limitation.

Predictors of developing a new need for long-term care of older adults aged ≥70 years: Results from a population-based cohort study in Taiwan

AIM

To determine the characteristics associated with developing a new need for long-term care among older Taiwanese adults.

METHODS

We analyzed the 1999 and 2003 datasets of the Taiwan Longitudinal Survey on Aging. A total of 1986 persons who were aged ≥70 years and had no disability in activities of daily living or need for long-term care at the baseline served as the study participants. We first identified the potential variables associated with developing a need for long-term care in demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, functional status, mental health, medical and global domains based on the literature and our earlier studies. We then carried out univariable logistic regression analyses to identify the variables most strongly associated with developing a new need for long-term care within each domain. Variables showing the strongest association were further analyzed in a forward stepwise multivariable logistic regression model to determine the significant predictors.

RESULTS

The multivariable model identified age, sex, doing heavy housework, walking 200 m, carrying out calculation, appetite status, frequency of hospitalizations during the past 12 months, living arrangement and weight loss as significant (P < 0.05) predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study identified nine characteristics that predict the subsequent 4-year new need for long-term care of ≥70-year-old Taiwanese adults. Age, sex and functional status are the most powerful predictors. The results are useful for identifying older individuals at risk of developing a new need for long-term care within the next 4 years, enabling implementation of preventive strategies or timely care planning. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 641-646.

Unmet needs of activities of daily living among a community-based sample of disabled elderly people in Eastern China: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

China has the largest population of partially or completely disabled elderly people in the world. Although the disabled elderly people try to remain independent in their lives, many still need assistance from others. Failure to obtain sufficient assistance creates a situation of unmet need. Unmet needs of activities of daily living (ADL) for disabled elderly people pose significant risks for hospitalization and mortality and cause an increased economic burden on families and society. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors of unmet needs among the disabled elderly in China to guide government toward corrective action.

METHODS

A total of 303 older adults from 15 communities in Nanjing, China were recruited. The Barthel Index (BI) and Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ) were used to screen disabled elderly people from the communities. These disabled elderly participants were then investigated in terms of their unmet ADL needs, using an unmet needs assessment form, which had been adapted from the BI and FAQ. Additionally, the Zarit Burden Interview and Family Caregiver Task Inventory were used to survey the main caregivers. Finally, univariate analysis was first used to filter out candidate impact factors, and then, binary logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for cofounders and determine reliable risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 93.1% of the disabled elderly people in our study reported at least one unmet need. The prevalence of unmet needs for different ADL tasks ranged from 4.6 to 77.2%. The unmet needs with the highest percentages were using vehicles (77.2%), using stairs (73.1%), working on a hobby (72.1%), social interaction (62.6%) and ambulating (60.1%). The factors influencing unmet needs were related to the degree of disability in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (OR = 1.079, p ≤ 0.01), the relationship with caregivers (OR = 1.429, p ≤ 0.05) and the monthly income of caregivers (OR = 0.679, p ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Disabled elderly people living in communities had a high percentage of unmet needs for activities of daily life that required going outside the bedroom and involved spiritual aspects. Unmet needs increased with worsening disability status in IADL, more distanced relationships with caregivers and lower incomes of caregivers. Both government and caregivers should take more action to prevent or reduce unmet needs among the elderly.

The association between social support and cognitive function in Mexican adults aged 50 and older

Social support networks are crucial for the health of older adults; however, personal characteristics and time of life may diminish the protective effect of social support.

OBJECTIVE

to determine if the presence of social support networks were associated with cognitive impairment among Mexican adults aged 50 or older and if this relationship was different based on age.

METHOD

This study analyzed data from the National Representation Survey performed in Mexico, Study on Global Ageing (SAGE) wave 1. Cognitive function was evaluated by a standardized test, social support was evaluated through latent class analysis (LCA). The LCA was run to obtain three subgroups of different Social Support Levels (SSL): low, medium, and high. Logistic regression models, stratified by age, were performed to analyze the association between SSL and cognitive function.

RESULTS

For respondents ages 71-80 y/o, there was an inverse relationship with cognitive impairment for those with medium (OR 0.23, p=0.020) and high (OR 0.07, p=0.000) SSL in comparison with low SSL. While social support helped to improve cognitive function in older adults aged 71-80, this same association was not observed in adults of other ages. Those younger than 70 y/o may not need such a strong support network as a result of being more self-sufficient. After 80, social networks were not enough to help diminish the negative impact of cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

Social support could improve the cognitive function of adults ages 71 and 80; suggesting there could be a window of opportunity to improve cognitive functioning for this group.