OBJECTIVE: To explore health management trajectories in rural older adults with chronic diseases, examining behavioral evolution and identifying transition triggers across disease stages. METHOD: Face-to-face, semi-struc...OBJECTIVE: To explore health management trajectories in rural older adults with chronic diseases, examining behavioral evolution and identifying transition triggers across disease stages. METHOD: Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews with 39 Chinese rural older adults were analyzed thematically. RESULT: Findings reveal three behavioral stages: (1) Early self-management, where patients rationalize symptoms and attempt independent control; (2) Medical assistance-seeking, involving multi-facility consultations for diagnosis/treatment optimization; (3) Active treatment cessation, prioritizing symptom alleviation and functional preservation. Transitions between stages are driven by symptom control efficacy. CONCLUSION: Results demonstrate that health behaviors that differ from biomedical recommendations may reflect patients' own contextual logic and lived priorities. The study highlights the need to differentiate older adults' pragmatic health reasoning from biomedical perspectives in chronic care interventions.
As populations age worldwide, nursing education must prepare professionals who can promote older adults' functional ability, intrinsic capacity and well-being. The World Health Organization's framework on healthy ageing...As populations age worldwide, nursing education must prepare professionals who can promote older adults' functional ability, intrinsic capacity and well-being. The World Health Organization's framework on healthy ageing offers a set of evidence-based indicators that remain under-integrated into nursing curricula. This conceptual paper aims to present a framework for competency-based nursing education that aligns World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy Ageing indicators with standardized nursing languages (NANDA International [NANDA-I] diagnoses, Nursing Interventions Classification [NIC], and Nursing Outcomes Classification [NOC]). The model proposes four educational domains-(1) intrinsic capacity assessment and maintenance, (2) functional ability enhancement, (3) psychosocial resilience and behavioural risk reduction, and (4) inter-professional and community engagement-each mapped to nursing diagnoses, interventions and outcomes. Teaching and learning strategies include simulation, service-learning, reflective portfolios, and outcome mapping, supported by a table of correspondences and a pyramid model of prevention. The framework is transferable across undergraduate and continuing professional development settings, and designed to strengthen the professional identity of gerontological nurses as agents of healthy ageing. Implications for curriculum developers, nurse educators and policy makers are discussed, including the need for empirical validation and institutional support.
Grounded in the conceptual framework of arts-based rehabilitation, this study systematically evaluated the effectiveness of arts-based interventions (ABIs) in alleviating motor and non-motor symptoms among individuals wi...Grounded in the conceptual framework of arts-based rehabilitation, this study systematically evaluated the effectiveness of arts-based interventions (ABIs) in alleviating motor and non-motor symptoms among individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through October 2025. Thirty-four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Meta-analysis suggested that ABIs significantly improved motor symptoms, as indicated by reductions in UPDRS III scores (SMD = -0.58, 95% CI [-0.81, -0.35]) and improvements in functional mobility assessed by the TUG test (SMD = -0.22, 95% CI [-0.37, -0.07]). Additional benefits were observed in balance (Mini-BESTest, SMD = 0.41, 95% CI [0.10, 0.72]), walking endurance (6MWT, SMD = 0.41, 95% CI [0.11, 0.72]), and gait speed (SMD = 0.34, 95% CI [0.03, 0.65]). Non-motor outcomes also improved, including quality of life (PDQ-39, SMD = -0.29, 95% CI [-0.48, -0.10]) and fall self-efficacy (FES, SMD = -0.41, 95% CI [-0.67, -0.15]). Prediction intervals showed heterogeneous future effect ranges across outcomes. Subgroup analyses indicated that dance-and yoga-based interventions appeared to be associated with relatively consistent effects, whereas no statistically significant changes were observed in depressive symptoms (BDI) or cadence. These findings suggest that ABIs may offer a potentially safe and cost-effective complementary approach for reducing overall symptom burden in PD. Future large-scale, rigorously designed RCTs are warranted to further clarify long-term effects and underlying mechanisms.
BACKGROUND: Frailty, which is expected to increase in prevalence and incidence among older adults, is a significant public health concern. This qualitative study was conducted to explore the perspectives and experiences...BACKGROUND: Frailty, which is expected to increase in prevalence and incidence among older adults, is a significant public health concern. This qualitative study was conducted to explore the perspectives and experiences of nursing home residents regarding frailty. METHOD: The study was conducted using a phenomenological qualitative research design. Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 18 older adults aged 65 and over living in a nursing home in Türkiye between July and August 2025. The interview form was prepared in line with the relevant literature, the interviews were transcribed, and the data obtained were systematically analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the qualitative data: (i) interpretations of frailty and aging, (ii) experiences of frailty: restriction, fear, and disconnection and (iii) coping and psychological adaptation to frailty. The findings revealed that participants were generally unfamiliar with the concept of frailty; however, they described physical weakness, dependency, and limited mobility as its primary indicators. A decline in social relationships, along with feelings of loneliness and being forgotten, was found to exacerbate frailty, whereas inner resources such as family bonds, love of life, and mental resilience emerged as protective factors. CONCLUSION: Due to its multidimensional nature, frailty requires a holistic assessment of nursing home residents encompassing both physical and psychosocial aspects. It is critically important for nurses working in nursing homes to identify frailty at an early stage, monitor it regularly, and implement preventive interventions to maintain the health and well-being of older individuals.
BACKGROUND: Peripheral Intravenous Cannulas (PIVCs) are extensively used for infusion therapy. Although current evidence suggests that adult patients may have PIVCs removed based on clinical indications, the indication i...BACKGROUND: Peripheral Intravenous Cannulas (PIVCs) are extensively used for infusion therapy. Although current evidence suggests that adult patients may have PIVCs removed based on clinical indications, the indication in elderly patients remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences and odds ratio (OR) for all-cause PIVCs failure (a composite outcome of phlebitis, occlusion, and infiltration), suspected infection, and catheter dwell time between the Clinically Indicated group (CIG) and the Routine Replacement group (RRG) in elderly patients. DESIGN: This study was a secondary analysis of data from a randomized, unblinded, controlled pilot study evaluating PIVCs replacement based on clinical indication or every 96 hours. SETTING: Multi-center trial conducted in 12 hospitals from 6 provinces. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with age≥60 years were selected from the dataset of the multi-center randomized controlled study. And the final sample size reached 1805 cases which were utilized in the following analysis. METHODS: Patients in the CIG had their PIVCs removed either at the completion of therapy or upon the occurrence of complications (phlebitis, infiltration, occlusion, dislodgement, accidental removal, or suspected infection). For the RRG, an additional removal criterion was applied: routine replacement every 96 hours. The primary outcome was all-cause PIVCs failure. Secondary outcomes included phlebitis, occlusion, infiltration, and suspected infection. RESULTS: This study enrolled 1805 patients (CIG: n = 910; RRG: n = 895). The baseline andtreatment characteristics were well-balanced between the two groups. Compared with the RRG, the CIG demonstrated a significantly longer PIVCs dwell time (p < 0.01). Analysis of the overall data revealed significant differences between the groups in the incidence of all-cause PIVCs failure (OR 2.273, p < 0.01), phlebitis (OR 1.882, p < 0.01), occlusion (OR 1.935, p < 0.01), and infiltration (OR 1.653, p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of suspected infection (p > 0.05). When focusing on outcomes within the first 96 hours, only the incidence of all-cause PIVCs failure and occlusion were significantly higher in the CIG compared to the RRG (p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis identified the following as independent risk factors for PIVCs failure: admission to a surgical department, insertion in the left limb, ≥2 puncture attempts, poor vein quality, and the infusion of potassium-containing solutions or nutritional fluids. Conversely, the infusion of vasoactive drugs was identified as a protective factor (HR 0.558). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves suggested similar cumulative survival probabilities between the two groups (p = 0.345). CONCLUSION: In elderly patients, clinically indicated PIVCs removal was associated with significantly prolonged catheter dwell time but an increased risk of all-cause PIVCs failure. Vigilant monitoring for occlusion is particularly recommended during the first 96 hours of catheter retention in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered with https://www.chictr.org.cn/ (ChiCTR1900022006).
PURPOSE: This study explores how walking difficulty and activity relate to depression in older adults using data from the MOBILIZE Boston Study. METHODS: We analyzed data from 765 community-dwelling older adults from the...PURPOSE: This study explores how walking difficulty and activity relate to depression in older adults using data from the MOBILIZE Boston Study. METHODS: We analyzed data from 765 community-dwelling older adults from the study's baseline assessment. Depression was measured using the 20-item Hopkins Revision of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Walking difficulty and activity were self-reported based on the ability to walk, climb steps, and weekly walking distance. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between difficulty walking, walking activity, and depression. FINDINGS: The prevalence of depression was significantly twofold greater among older adults who encountered difficulties walking a quarter-mile (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.25-4.29, p = .007) or ascending stairs (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.08-3.80, p = .028) than among those without difficulty. In contrast, the probability of depression was reduced by 72% when individuals walked a minimum of five miles per week compared with those who walked less than a block (OR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.11-0.76, p = .012). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Walking is an accessible activity essential for lowering the risk of depression in older adults. The research underscores the necessity of age-friendly environments and the training of healthcare providers such as community nurses and gerontologists in holistic care to foster active lifestyles and improve overall well-being.
Informal caregivers provide most long-term care and often experience substantial burden; respite care offers temporary relief but remains underused. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted to synthesize caregiver...Informal caregivers provide most long-term care and often experience substantial burden; respite care offers temporary relief but remains underused. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted to synthesize caregivers' experiences and needs regarding respite care. A comprehensive search of ten databases (Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed) was conducted in accordance with the EQUATOR guidelines and the PRISMA 2020 statement. Data were synthesized thematically using a data-based convergent synthesis design, and the quality of the included studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Thirty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Three themes were identified: barriers to the respite journey (limited resources, lack of flexibility and accessibility, insufficient knowledge and understanding, and negative attitudes towards care), dawn on the journey (perceived benefits for caregivers, care recipients, and family functioning), and needs beyond the individual level (service quality optimization, professional training, and supportive policies and regulations). Improving respite uptake and sustainment requires flexible access pathways, trustworthy person-centred services, and system-level investment in workforce and policy supports. These insights can inform clinical practice, education, and future research.
PURPOSE: Nursing home residents' family involvement changed during COVID-19. We sought to understand whether there was an association between resident family involvement and activities of daily living (ADL) levels. This...PURPOSE: Nursing home residents' family involvement changed during COVID-19. We sought to understand whether there was an association between resident family involvement and activities of daily living (ADL) levels. This cross-sectional secondary analysis used electronic health record (EHR) data to compare quarterly resident ADL outcomes from the year before COVID-19 and the first year during COVID-19 among residents who had evidence of family involvement prior to COVID-19. Both ADLs and family involvement serve as key indicators of overall resident well-being. METHODS: Using retrospective secondary cross-sectional analysis of EHR data, we aimed to understand whether resident ADL levels changed, what types of family involvement were present, and whether ADLs were associated with levels of family involvement. RESULTS: Our data showed significant ADL differences in mean transfer score and a negative correlation between instrumental support and eating. There was a significant increase in family decision-making support during COVID-19, while intrafamily conflict and emotional support decreased. IMPLICATIONS: These findings have policy and practice implications related to understanding family-wide nursing home experiences. An increased focus on family involvement factors may improve the outcomes for nursing home residents and their families.
BACKGROUND: This study analyzes Hospital at Home (HaH) service utilization among community-dwelling elderly patients and explores its influencing factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed face-to-face questio...BACKGROUND: This study analyzes Hospital at Home (HaH) service utilization among community-dwelling elderly patients and explores its influencing factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study employed face-to-face questionnaires with elderly patients enrolled in the Hospital at Home service at four community health centers in Minhang District, Shanghai. Service utilization items from the checklist served as observed indicators for latent class analysis. Variables covered predisposing, enabling, and need factors based on Andersen's behavioral model. Descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression were used to examine differences across latent classes, with a significance level of P = 0.05. RESULTS: 511 elderly patients receiving Hospital‑at‑Home (HaH) services were included. Among them, 58.3% were female, 44.6% were aged over 80 years, and 82.4% had multiple chronic comorbidities. Latent class analysis delineated three distinct service utilization profiles: a high‑intensity, multidimensional integrated care pattern (C1, 17.0%), a medication‑focused and health‑guided pattern (C2, 31.9%), and a basic follow‑up and supportive care pattern (C3, 51.1%). Significant differences existed across predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Multinomial logistic regression showed class membership was associated with staff attitude, medication count, pain, dysphagia, illness perception, elderly capability assessment, and IADL, indicating tailored matching between patients and service patterns. CONCLUSION: Latent class analysis identified three HaH service utilization patterns, overcoming limitations of homogeneous services and providing evidence for precise service design targeting different patient groups.
AIM: In this study, we aimed to clarify the predictive ability of the 1-item, 3-item, and 20-item versions of the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) for the onset of depressive symptoms in o...AIM: In this study, we aimed to clarify the predictive ability of the 1-item, 3-item, and 20-item versions of the University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA-LS) for the onset of depressive symptoms in older adults. METHODS: We included 3081 participants. The 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale was used for screening depressive symptoms. Loneliness was assessed using the UCLA-LS (version 3). Demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related variables were incorporated as covariates in the analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated to evaluate the predictive ability of each individual item, the 3-item UCLA-LS, and the 20-item UCLA-LS for the onset of depressive symptoms. We compared the predictive ability of each model for the onset of depressive symptoms using the AUC and compared participants' characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, 595 (19.3%) participants developed depressive symptoms during follow-up. The models incorporating the 15 single items, 3-item UCLA-LS, or 20-item UCLA-LS and background factors had better AUC values than the model comprising only the background factors. The model comprising the 20-item UCLA-LS and background factors had the highest AUC (0.771). CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness was an important predictor of the onset of depressive symptoms in older adults. The 20-item UCLA-LS demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy for depressive symptom onset. Assessing older adults for loneliness is essential, regardless of the number of questionnaire items.
BACKGROUND: Instruments for assessing the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of patients receiving Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) that can be complete by caregivers are scarce in the literature. OBJECTIVE: This study a...BACKGROUND: Instruments for assessing the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of patients receiving Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) that can be complete by caregivers are scarce in the literature. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a specific instrument for assessing the HRQoL of HEN users, to be completed by caregivers. METHODS: This was a methodological study that utilized both qualitative and quantitative methods. Following the definition of the instrument, its content validity was assessed using the Delphi method, with a content validity index ≥ 0.78. Semantic analysis was conducted with a subsample of formal and informal caregivers. The study employed the item response theory and classical test theory. Item fit, differential item functioning (DIF), ordering of polytomous categories, and information power function associated with internal consistency reliability were calculated. RESULTS: For the pilot study, 66 interviews were conducted with formal and informal caregivers. Three items with zero variance and one item with DIF were excluded. Good overall internal consistency was achieved (Cronbach's alpha=0.84). Two items had an Outfit index >1.5. The information function of each item and the corrected item-total correlation ranged from 0.99-3.99 and -0.04-0.60, respectively, indicating low adequacy of some items. Despite this, these items did not affect the internal consistency, so they were retained. The final version consisted of 51 items across 10 domains. CONCLUSION: The development of the Home Enteral Nutrition Quality of Life (HENQoL) care instrument was completed, and its content was considered valid, reliable, and suitable for future validation studies.
AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of nurse-led preoperative education in reducing kinesiophobia and improving mobilization indicators among older adult patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. M...AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of nurse-led preoperative education in reducing kinesiophobia and improving mobilization indicators among older adult patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted with a total of 120 participants. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group, which received standard hospital-based health education, or the experimental group, which received nurse-led preoperative education. Baseline data were collected at the first clinical encounter. Following the intervention, kinesiophobia levels and secondary outcomes measures were assessed at four subsequent time points: (1) on the morning of surgery, (2) 24 h after surgery, (3) 24 h after mobilization, and (4) at the time of discharge. Data collection was performed using structured questionnaires, validated scales, and smart bracelet. All statistical analyses were conducted using R software. RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly lower kinesiophobia 24 h after mobilization than the control group (3.8 ± 0.2 vs. 4.0 ± 0.3, p < 0.001). Anxiety scores on the morning of surgery were also lower in the experimental group than in the control group (44.0 ± 4.9 vs. 50.4 ± 6.6, p < 0.001). Following surgery, patients in experimental group initiated mobilization earlier and recorded a higher number of steps compared to the control group (p = 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the groups in postoperative pain intensity and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Nurse-led preoperative education was found to be effective in reducing kinesiophobia and preoperative anxiety while promoting earlier mobilization and greater physical activity among older adult patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT05950217.
AIM: The increasing proportion of older adults requiring intensive care highlights the need for valid and reliable instruments that assess nurses' perspectives on caring for this vulnerable population. This study aimed t...AIM: The increasing proportion of older adults requiring intensive care highlights the need for valid and reliable instruments that assess nurses' perspectives on caring for this vulnerable population. This study aimed to adapt both the full and shortened versions of the Perspectives on Caring for Older Patients scale into Turkish and to examine their psychometric properties among nurses working in critical care settings. METHODS: This was a methodological study. Data were collected from 308 intensive care nurses between June and August 2025. Psychometric analyses included assessments of language validity, content validity, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency reliability, criterion validity, and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis yielded acceptable model fit values for both form of the scale. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were calculated as 0.931 for the full form and 0.845 for the short form. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate, positive, and significant relationship between both forms and Kogan's Attitude Toward Older People Scale. Test-retest results showed no significant difference between measurements taken two weeks apart in a subsample of 50 participants, indicating temporal stability of the scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish PCOP scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing nurses' perspectives on caring for older adults in critical care. Using this scale in clinical and educational settings can inform interventions that strengthen geriatric nursing care, while simultaneously offering evidence for policymakers to identify training needs and develop strategies aimed at improving the quality of care for older patients in critical care environments.
INTRODUCTION: China's rapidly aging population presents significant challenges for aged-care services, highlighting the need for innovative and scalable training solutions for aged-care nurses. Train-the-trainer (TTT) mo...INTRODUCTION: China's rapidly aging population presents significant challenges for aged-care services, highlighting the need for innovative and scalable training solutions for aged-care nurses. Train-the-trainer (TTT) model offers a sustainable approach to efficiently develop qualified trainers who can disseminate essential aged-care knowledge and skills, yet its effectiveness in this context remains underexplored. AIM: This mixed-methods pilot study explored the impact of a three-day aged-care Train-the-trainer (TTT) workshop on 110 nurses in China, evaluating its effectiveness and feasibility. METHODS: A mixed-methods pilot study was conducted with 110 aged-care nurses who participated in a three-day TTT workshop. Participants completed post-training questionnaires assessing their satisfaction with the workshop and their perceptions of aged care. Qualitative data were collected through post-training interviews to explore participants' experiences and perspectives. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Quantitative results indicated high levels of satisfaction with the TTT workshop (median score 52.5). Participants reported improved knowledge of aged care practices, communication skills, and confidence in their teaching abilities. Qualitative analysis identified three key themes: positive evaluation of the workshop (e.g., content and its practical relevance), challenges in aged care work (e.g., staffing shortages), and recommendations for enhancing training programs. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the TTT approach is a feasible and potentially effective method for building capacity among aged-care nurses in China, fostering knowledge sharing and skill development. This pilot study underscores the potential of the TTT model to improve aged care education and supports its broader implementation in similar settings. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of the training program on clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge, particularly among hospitalized older adults, where it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study examined the agreement of four commonly used n...Malnutrition remains a major public health challenge, particularly among hospitalized older adults, where it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study examined the agreement of four commonly used nutrition screening tools-Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF), Nutritional Risk Screening-2002 (NRS-2002), Graz Malnutrition Screening (GMS), and Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST)-with Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM)-defined malnutrition in hospitalized older adults. In this cross-sectional study, 842 participants aged ≥65 years admitted to Bandırma Training and Research Hospital between June and October 2024 were assessed. Anthropometric and nutritional data were collected using standardized procedures, and sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, and agreement measures were calculated in relation to GLIM classification. The prevalence of GLIM-defined malnutrition was 24.5%. MNA-SF showed strong overall agreement with GLIM-defined malnutrition and high observed specificity (91.2%), whereas GMS showed high observed sensitivity (94.2%) in this sample. MST and NRS-2002 also demonstrated agreement with GLIM classification, with Cohen's kappa indicating moderate and fair agreement, respectively. Compared with non-malnourished participants, malnourished participants had longer hospital stays, lower body mass index, and smaller mid-upper arm and calf circumferences. Among the evaluated tools, MNA-SF showed close alignment with GLIM-defined malnutrition in hospitalized older adults. These findings should be interpreted as agreement with GLIM-based classification rather than evidence of definitive diagnostic superiority. Tailored screening approaches may support earlier recognition of nutritional problems in this vulnerable population. Further research is needed to identify the most appropriate screening strategies for older adults across different clinical settings.
This study aimed to explore the engagement experiences of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and peer volunteers participating in an 8-week, peer-supported exercise program. Community-dwelling individuals w...This study aimed to explore the engagement experiences of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and peer volunteers participating in an 8-week, peer-supported exercise program. Community-dwelling individuals with MCI and peer volunteers were recruited from community centers in Hong Kong. From a prior randomized controlled trial, 28 MCI participants and 16 peer volunteers were purposively sampled to capture diverse perspectives. Interviews were conducted approximately one month after program completion. MCI participants discussed motivations, challenges, perceived benefits, and the role of peer volunteers; volunteers shared their experiences, challenges, and suggestions. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Reflective thematic analysis was applied to identify key themes. Four themes were generated: (1) Awareness and motivation-participants recognized cognitive challenges and feared decline, motivating engagement; (2) Enjoyment and group dynamics-social interaction and peer support fostered motivation and adherence; (3) Perceived benefits and desire for continuity-physical and social improvements encouraged ongoing participation; (4) Barriers and suggestions-technological difficulties, family commitments, and social distancing affected engagement, with recommendations for tailored activities and additional support. Volunteers reported personal health benefits, a sense of purpose, and a desire for expanded roles and training. The findings suggest that a peer-supported exercise program may support engagement among individuals with MCI through social support, motivation, and perceived benefits. Programs may benefit from education on cognitive health, face-to-face interaction, tailored support, and volunteer training.
BACKGROUND: Dementia affects not only patients but also co-residing family members. Sleep disturbance may be an important yet underexplored pathway linking dementia co-residence to poorer mental health. AIMS: This study...BACKGROUND: Dementia affects not only patients but also co-residing family members. Sleep disturbance may be an important yet underexplored pathway linking dementia co-residence to poorer mental health. AIMS: This study examined the association between co-residence with a family member with dementia and depressive symptoms among Korean adults, with a focus on the mediating and moderating role of sleep quality. METHODS: This cross-sectional secondary analysis used nationally representative data from the 2024 Korea Community Health Survey. After excluding missing data, 3066 adults co-residing with a person with dementia were matched to 7388 controls using 1:3 nearest-neighbor propensity score matching. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Multivariable regression and moderated mediation analyses with 10,000 bootstrap resamples were performed. RESULTS: Adults co-residing with a family member with dementia reported higher depressive symptoms than those who did not (3.95 ± 4.69 vs. 3.14 ± 3.88, p < .001). Poorer sleep quality was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms (β = 0.45, p < .001). Sleep quality mediated the association between dementia co-residence and depressive symptoms (indirect effect = 0.23, 95% CI [0.13, 0.33]) and also moderated this association. CONCLUSIONS: Co-residence with a person with dementia was associated with higher depressive symptoms. Sleep quality functioned as both a mediator and a moderator, supporting the need for family-based mental health interventions that include sleep assessment and management.
OBJECTIVES: Frailty negatively impacts quality of life and increases pressure on healthcare systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a nurse-led Frailty Prevention Care Management Program (FPCMP-Old Age), bas...OBJECTIVES: Frailty negatively impacts quality of life and increases pressure on healthcare systems. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a nurse-led Frailty Prevention Care Management Program (FPCMP-Old Age), based on the Chronic Care Model (CCM), on frailty and functional health in community-dwelling older adults. The program integrated participants performed total resistance exercise (TRX) exercises, nutrition support, and self-management strategies within a community nursing framework. METHODS: A quasi-experimental, single-blind design with a non-equivalent control group was used. Seventy participants aged 60 years or older were initially recruited, with 30 in each group completing the study due to attrition. The intervention group participated in a 3-month program that included suspension training, nutritional support, and self-management education delivered by trained nurses. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (NCT05883423). RESULTS: The intervention group showed significant improvements in upper limb strength (biceps curl) and cardiopulmonary endurance (2-minute step test), along with a downward trend in overall frailty scores. No statistically significant changes were observed in lower-limb strength, balance, or flexibility. CONCLUSION: The nurse-led FPCMP-Old Age improved upper limb strength and cardiopulmonary endurance in older adults. Although overall frailty scores did not change significantly, the program shows promise as a feasible community strategy for functional health and frailty prevention. Future studies should confirm these results, assess long-term effects, and enhance balance and lower limb training.
INTRODUCTION: The WHO has proposed interprofessional collaboration (IPC) as a promising health care reform to adapt to future healthcare challenges. Among these challenges are a shortage of healthcare professionals, pati...INTRODUCTION: The WHO has proposed interprofessional collaboration (IPC) as a promising health care reform to adapt to future healthcare challenges. Among these challenges are a shortage of healthcare professionals, patients becoming more complex due to multimorbidity, and increased use of emergency department services, which could become a bottleneck. Studies investigating the effect of IPC on patient outcomes show mixed results. One promising collaborative practice is the Intensive Collaboration Ward (ICW): which has previously shown promising patient-related outcomes during hospital stay such as shorter length of hospital stay and fewer medical consultations. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study, studies the effects after hospital stay, and included patients from two previous studies on the ICW and acquired new follow-up data on one ICW group and two control groups. The primary outcome was the number of emergency department visits within six months of discharge. The secondary outcome was the number of outpatient clinic visits within six months of discharge. Outcomes were analysed using a negative binomial regression. RESULTS: A total of 490 patients were included, 200 in the ICW group, 51 in control group A and 239 in control group B. Patients in the ICW group had significantly less emergency department (0.16 (95%-CI 0.10-0.25) vs 0.41 (95%-CI 0.27-0.63)) and outpatient clinic visits (0.82 (95%-CI 0.62-1.07) vs 1.67 (95%-CI 1.27-2.20) compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study provides further evidence of the potential positive impact of IPC on future healthcare challenges, namely reducing the emergency department use and outpatient clinic visits.