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Sebastiani C, Wong JYX, Litt A, Loewen J, Reece K, Conlin N, Dunand T, Montero Odasso M, D'Amore C, Saunders S, Beauchamp M. Mapping sex and gender differences in falls among older adults: A scoping review. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:903-915. [PMID: 38147460 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing recognition of the importance of sex and gender differences within falls literature, but the characterization of such literature is uncertain. The aim of this scoping review was to (1) map the nature and extent of falls literature examining sex or gender differences among older adults, and (2) identify gaps and opportunities for further research and practice. METHODS We used a scoping review methodology. Eligible studies included participants with a mean age of ≥ 60 years and study aims specifying falls and either sex or gender concepts. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Ageline, and Psychinfo databases were searched from inception to March 2, 2022. Records were screened and charted by six independent reviewers. Descriptive and narrative reports were generated. RESULTS A total of 15,266 records were screened and 74 studies were included. Most studies reported on sex and gender differences in fall risk factors (n = 52, 70%), incidence/prevalence (n = 26, 35%), fall consequences (n = 22, 30%), and fall characteristics (n = 15, 20%). The majority of studies (n = 70, 95%) found significant sex or gender differences in relation to falls, with 39 (53%) identifying significant sex differences and 31 (42%) identifying significant gender differences. However, only three (4%) studies defined sex or gender concepts and only nine (12%) studies used sex or gender terms appropriately. Fifty-six (76%) studies had more female participants than males. Four (5%) were intervention studies. Studies did not report falls in line with guidelines nor use common fall definitions. CONCLUSION Sex and gender differences are commonly reported in falls literature. It is critical for future research to use sex and gender terms appropriately and include similar sample sizes across all genders and sexes. In addition, there is a need to examine more gender-diverse populations and to develop interventions to prevent falls that address sex and gender differences among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crista Sebastiani
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jamie Yee Xin Wong
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amandeep Litt
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Loewen
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karly Reece
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Conlin
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tessa Dunand
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manuel Montero Odasso
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cassandra D'Amore
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Saunders
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marla Beauchamp
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Sex Differences in Falls: The Mediating Role of Gait Stability Ratio and Body Balance in Vulnerable Older Adults. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020450. [PMID: 36675379 PMCID: PMC9864613 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study, conducted on a large sample of older adults at elevated fall risk (1), aimed to verify statistical differences in gait stability ratio (GSR) and body balance (BB) according to sex, (2) to examine and compare GSR and BB performance between older adult fallers and non-fallers, (3) to determine an association between GSR and BB according to the history of falls, and (4) to explore whether GSR and BB mediate the association between sex and falls. We included 619 individuals (69.8 ± 5.6 years) living in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. The frequency of falls was obtained by self-report. BB was determined by the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale, while GSR was established by dividing cadence by gait speed and data collected during the 50-foot walk test. Males indicated a lower prevalence of falls in the last 12 months (23.6%), while females had a higher score (48.7%), as well as a lower balance performance (p < 0.001) and higher GSR scores (p < 0.001). Lower BB control (p < 0.001), as well as higher GSR, were more expressive for fallers (p < 0.001). We found a large, negative and significant correlation between GSR and BB for historical falls (r = −0.560; p < 0.001), and between male and female cohorts (r = −0.507; p < 0.001). The total effect of sex on falls mediated by GSR and BB was 16.4%. Consequently, GSR and BB mediated this association by approximately 74.0% and 22.5%, respectively.
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Nascimento MDM, Gouveia ÉR, Gouveia BR, Marques A, Campos P, García-Mayor J, Przednowek K, Ihle A. The Mediating Role of Physical Activity and Physical Function in the Association between Body Mass Index and Health-Related Quality of Life: A Population-Based Study with Older Adults. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192113718. [PMID: 36360598 PMCID: PMC9656348 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed (1) to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), physical activity (PA), and physical function (PF) with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and (2) to examine in-depth whether PA and PF mediate the relationship between BMI and HRQoL in older adults. We investigated 802 individuals (mean age 69.8 ± 5.6 years), residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. Harmol and PA were assessed using the SF-36 and Baecke questionnaires, respectively, and PF by the Senior Fitness Test. The prevalence of overweight was 71.3%, 26.5% for normal weight, and 2.1% for underweight. We verified a small correlation between age and sex with BMI, PA, PF, and medium borderline with HRQoL. After adjusting for covariates (i.e., sex, age, comorbidities), the multivariate regression analysis indicated a 93.1% chance of improvement in HRQoL for low BMI, while PA and PF revealed a chance of increasing HRQoL by 91.8% and 60.0%, respectively. According to the serial mediation pathway, PA and PF partially mediated the association between BMI and HRQoL by 32.3% and 81.5%, respectively. The total variance of the model was 90%. It was concluded that BMI can negatively affect HRQoL. On the other hand, PA and PF are able to increase HRQoL levels during the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo de Maio Nascimento
- Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina 56304-917, PE, Brazil
| | - Élvio Rúbio Gouveia
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of Madeira, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- LARSYS—Laboratory for Robotics and Engineering System, Interactive Technologies Institute, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Bruna R. Gouveia
- LARSYS—Laboratory for Robotics and Engineering System, Interactive Technologies Institute, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Regional Directorate of Health, Secretary of Health of the Autonomous Region of Madeira, 9004-515 Funchal, Portugal
- Saint Joseph of Cluny Higher School of Nursing, 9050-535 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Adilson Marques
- CIPER, Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Human Performance, Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 1499-002 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal
- Environmental Health Institute (ISAMB), University of Lisbon, 1649-020 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Campos
- Department of Informatics Engineering and Interactive Media Design, University of Madeira, 9000-072 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Jesús García-Mayor
- Public Health and Epidemiology Research Group, San Javier Campus, University of Murcia, 30720 San Javier, Spain
| | - Krzysztof Przednowek
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Medical College, University of Rzeszów, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Andreas Ihle
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES—Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Davila H, Ng W, Akosionu O, Thao MS, Skarphol T, Virnig BA, Thorpe RJ, Shippee TP. Why Men Fare Worse: A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Gender Differences in Nursing Home Resident Quality of Life. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 62:1347-1358. [PMID: 35024847 PMCID: PMC9579463 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnac003] [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: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Despite research documenting gender differences in numerous outcomes in later life, we know little about gender differences in quality of life (QoL) for nursing home (NH) residents. This study examines the relationship between gender and residents' QoL, including possible reasons for differences observed. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used a mixed-methods design including surveys with a random sample of Minnesota NH residents using a multidimensional measure of QoL (n = 9,852), resident clinical data, facility-level characteristics (n = 364), interviews with residents (n = 64), and participant observations. We used linear mixed models and thematic analysis of resident interviews and observations to examine possible gender-related differences in residents' QoL. RESULTS After controlling for individual and facility characteristics, men reported lower overall QoL than women, including significantly lower ratings in several QoL domains. In interviews, men noted being less satisfied with activities than women, having fewer friends, and being less able to rely on family for support. Some women described the NH as a place of respite, but men more often described being dissatisfied with life in the NH and undesirable for long-term living. Our observations were consistent with interview findings but provide additional nuances, such as that some men organized their own social groups. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings suggest that men and women experience QoL differently in NHs, with men reporting lower QoL in several domains. Tailoring more activities for men and finding ways to strengthen relationships for men in NHs could help reduce the gender differences in QoL we observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Davila
- VA Iowa City Healthcare System, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Weiwen Ng
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Odichinma Akosionu
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mai See Thao
- Anthropology, Global Religions, and Cultures, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tricia Skarphol
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Beth A Virnig
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Roland J Thorpe
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tetyana P Shippee
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Patton S, Vincenzo J, Lefler L. Gender Differences in Older Adults' Perceptions of Falls and Fall Prevention. Health Promot Pract 2022; 23:785-792. [PMID: 33969733 DOI: 10.1177/15248399211009783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore gender differences in older adults' perceptions about preventing falls. BACKGROUND Falls are a major problem for older adults and health care systems and a challenge to the aging population. Consideration of older adults' perceptions of fall prevention is needed to increase their engagement in evidence-based prevention strategies. METHOD A qualitative analysis of secondary data was performed. RESULTS Three major themes emerged: We've Seen It, Women Are Caregivers, and Men Are Analyzing Risks and Modifying Behaviors. The men and women in this study shared information about falls and fall prevention in alignment with traditional role expectations. The women learned about falling through their roles as caregivers and prevented falls by controlling extrinsic risk factors indoors such as holding onto handrails on stairs or making home modifications. The men demonstrated an analytical approach to reducing risk such as employing improved safety measures during outdoors activities as a responsibility to maintain independence. IMPLICATIONS The different perceptions of men and women influence what they do to engage in fall prevention. Health care professionals need to consider gender differences and take an individualized approach that includes allowing older adults to share their experiences, acknowledging their successful fall prevention behaviors, and validating and addressing their concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leanne Lefler
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Andreis LM, Mariano M, Silva LWL, Bianco CD, Rosa Neto F. The Impact of Parkinson's Disease on General and Specific Motor Aptitudes: A Study of Older Brazilian Adults. Percept Mot Skills 2022; 129:253-268. [PMID: 35112941 DOI: 10.1177/00315125211065312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated motor aptitude in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease (PD) to further specify known motor-related changes of PD. We divided 671 older adults (23.5% male; Mage = 69.6, SD = 6.6 years) into a Parkinson's Disease Group (PDG) and a non-Parkinson's Disease Group (NPG) and assessed their general motor aptitude (GMA) and their specific motor aptitudes (in Coordinative, Proprioceptive, and Perceptive domains) using the Motor Scale for Older Adults. We used the chi-squared tests and logistic regression to identify and affirm an associations between PD and motor aptitude, we found that most adults without PD showed normal motor aptitude (GMA: 80.7%; Proprioceptive: 82.3%; Perceptive: 81.4%) except for the Coordinative skills, for which 56.4% of these participants had motor impairment. Most partipants with PD showed motor impairments (GMA: 94.7%; Coordinative: 97.4%; Proprioceptive: 97.4%), except in the Perceptive domain, for which 68.4% of participants with PD showed normal aptitude. There were significant associations between PD and GMA (OR = 127.6), Coordinative motor skills (OR = 48.0), and Proprioceptive skills (OR = 204.4), even after the model was adjusted for gender and age. Our use of the Motor Scale for Older Adults in contrasting groups of older Brazilian adults provides further specificity to the motor aptitude characteristics of older adults with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia M Andreis
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, 74382Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Marilia Mariano
- Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, 28105Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lorenna W L Silva
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, 74382Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Claudia D Bianco
- Department of Biochemistry, 28117Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Francisco Rosa Neto
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, 74382Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Resnick B, Boltz M, Galik E, Fix S, Holmes S, Zhu S, Barr E. Testing the Impact of FFC-AL-EIT on Psychosocial and Behavioral Outcomes in Assisted Living. J Am Geriatr Soc 2021; 69:459-466. [PMID: 33095469 PMCID: PMC8116977 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study tested the impact of Function Focused Care for Assisted Living Using the Evidence Integration Triangle (FFC-AL-EIT) on: (1) care interactions between residents and direct care staff; and (2) behavior and psychological symptoms associated with dementia among residents. DESIGN This was a randomized controlled trial. SETTING A total of 59 assisted living facilities in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts participated. PARTICIPANTS The sample included 550 mostly White (98%), female (69%) residents with a mean age of 89.30 (standard deviation = 7.63) years. INTERVENTION The four-step FFC-AL-EIT intervention was implemented by a function focused care nurse facilitator working with a facility champion over 12 months. The steps included: (1) environment and policy assessments; (2) education; (3) establishing resident function focused care service plans; and (4) mentoring and motivating. MEASURES Resident descriptive data (e.g., age, sex, education, and comorbidities), depression, agitation, resistiveness to care, and the quality of care interactions were obtained at baseline and 4 and 12 months. Treatment fidelity data included environment and policy assessments, performance of function focused care by staff, and service plan assessments. RESULTS There was a significant positive treatment effect related to depression, agitation, resistiveness to care, and quality of care interactions with either less decline or some improvement in these behaviors and symptoms in the treatment versus control group. CONCLUSION The study provides some statistical support, which may not necessarily be clinically significant evidence, for psychosocial outcomes of residents and care interactions between staff and residents in assisted living settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Resnick
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard St, Baltimore MD 21218
| | - Marie Boltz
- Pennsylvania State University College of Nursing, 306 Nursing Sciences Building, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Elizabeth Galik
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard St, Baltimore MD 21218
| | - Steven Fix
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard St, Baltimore MD 21218
| | - Sarah Holmes
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard St, Baltimore MD 21218
| | - Shijun Zhu
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard St, Baltimore MD 21218
| | - Erik Barr
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, 655 West Lombard St, Baltimore MD 21218
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Kim J, Lee M, Dan H. Gender Differences in Factors Affecting Life Satisfaction of the Elderly with Multimorbidity in Korea. NURSING REPORTS 2021; 11:54-63. [PMID: 34968312 PMCID: PMC8608087 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep11010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To enhance the life satisfaction of the elderly with multimorbidity, it is necessary to investigate the relevant factors and to examine the differences in factors according to gender. The aim of this study was to identify factors affecting life satisfaction of the elderly with multimorbidity in the community by gender in Korea. We analyzed data from 2140 participants with multimorbidity who were aged 65 or older and participated in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) in 2016. A multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the factors affecting life satisfaction among male and female older participants with multimorbidity. The most common pattern of multimorbidity of women was hypertension and arthritis/rheumatism, while that of men was hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Some factors, such as depression, exercise, and number of chronic diseases, affected both male and female participants, but others related to life satisfaction varied by gender. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of multiple chronic diseases, and policy support should be provided in consideration of gender differences to improve the life satisfaction of the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeonghyun Kim
- College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea;
| | - Minkyung Lee
- Infectious Disease Department, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Hyunju Dan
- College of Nursing, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea;
- Correspondence:
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