Psychotropic Use in Elderly with Cognitive Impairment Living in Nursing Homes

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S174-S174
Author(s):  
A.R. Ferreira ◽  
S. Martins ◽  
C. Dias ◽  
M.R. Simões ◽  
L. Fernandes

IntroductionElderly patients in nursing homes (NH) are often prescribed medications for many physical and mental health problems, with polypharmacy. There is a considerable number of studies documenting this extensive prescription of psychotropic medication, despite the raised concerns about their overuse/misuse, due to serious adverse effects, including increased rate of cognitive decline associated with antipsychotics.AimsTo characterize the prescription of psychotropics in elderly sample with cognitive impairment living in NH.MethodsElderly living in three Portuguese NH were included in this cross-sectional study. All residents were eligible, unless they were unwilling or unresponsive. Participants’ medication was obtained from medical records. Guidelines of ATC were used to categorize the drugs. Participants were assessed with MMSE and GDS.ResultsThe sample included 172 elderly, mostly women (90%), with average of 81(sd = 10) years and median lengths of stay of 3 years. Overall, 79.1% used ≥ 1 nervous system-acting drugs. Anxiolytics (54.7%), antidepressants (29.1%) and antipsychotics (23.3%) were the most frequent. The majority (58%) presented cognitive impairment (MMSE). Among those, 46.2% presented depression (GDS) and 79.6% took at least one drug for the CNS and 41.9% ≥ 3. Antipsychotics were received by 26.5%, while 57.1% used anxiolytics, 31.6% antidepressants and 16.3% anti-dementia drugs. No significant relation between GDS and antidepressants was found.ConclusionThis study confirms the high usage of CNS drugs in patients with cognitive impairment in NH. These rates were comparable with previous studies. Antidepressants appear to be under-used, which can be related to the under-recognition of depression. Also, potential harmful psychotropic drugs such as anxiolytics and antipsychotics are overused.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Author(s):  
Sunjoo Jang ◽  
Haeyoung Lee ◽  
Seunghye Choi

Although solo dining motivated by self-determined solitude can be a positive and healthy experience for individuals, solo dining that is not motivated by self-determined solitude can trigger physical and mental health problems. This study examined the associations among solo dining, self-determined solitude, and depression in university students. Accordingly, an online survey was conducted on 372 university students. The results show that students who live alone, those in poor health, and those with more frequent solo dining experiences had higher depression scores than others. Whereas satisfaction with solo dining was high when voluntary solitude was high, female students displayed higher depression scores when they had low self-determined solitude or high non-self-determined solitude, and when they had a higher frequency of eating lunch alone, compared to their male counterparts. University undergraduates who live and dine alone, owing to non-self-determined solitude, are highly vulnerable to mental health problems, including depression. Hence, interventions that foster social connectedness and entail the identification of factors accounting for students’ non-self-determined solitude should be developed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 92-102
Author(s):  
Isha Tajane ◽  
Aamena Golwala ◽  
Devanshi Nangia ◽  
Isha Chavan

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced children to spend increased amounts of time at home resulting in adverse effects on their physical and psychosocial wellbeing. Parents need to be aware about the changes in the mental and physical health of the children. Objectives: To identify the physical and mental health problems the children are facing because of the lockdown and to assess the awareness of such problems amongst the parents. Design: A cross sectional online survey was conducted to assess the impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental health of the children from parents' perspectives. Setting: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India Main Outcome Measure: Parent reported questionnaire. Results and conclusion: There were a significant increase in the number of hours spent on mobile phones, sitting, and sleeping during the lockdown as compared to before the lockdown whereas the number of hours spent on physical activity significantly decreased and also impacted their mental health. By taking part in the survey, the parents of the children became aware of the changes occurring in their child. These findings can guide immediate programmatic and policy efforts to preserve and promote child health during the COVID-19 outbreak and crisis recovery period, and to inform strategies to mitigate potential harm during future pandemics.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S536-S537
Author(s):  
I. Papapetrou ◽  
G. Charalambous ◽  
A. Sissouras ◽  
E. Jelastopulu

Introduction“Health Profile” of Nicosia was conducted in 2013–2014, within the framework of the program “Healthy Cities” in order to collect and analyse information on the state of health and health-related behaviors of the citizens of Nicosia in Cyprus.AimsTo estimate the frequency of self-reported depressive disorders and examine burdening as well as factors influencing it.MethodsBased on the 2011 census, a cross-sectional study was carried out on a representative random stratified sample, which was selected to be interviewed, including 477 men and 525 women, from the city area. Participants answered a questionnaire, which required among other items on self-perceived physical and mental health. Participants were also asked the following questions: “Do you have/had in the past depression or/and anxiety?” and “Have you received a medical diagnosis for this disorder?”ResultsApproximately 70% of the sample reported they had experienced anxiety and depression (37% moderate and 33% severe episodes). Diagnosed depression was reported by 4%. Severe depressive disorders were more frequently reported by women (41%, P < 0.001), older aged citizens (70.2%, P < 0.001) widowed/divorced (45.5%, P < 0.001), persons with lower family income (< 1000 €, 79.7%, P < 0.001) and among people with chronic diseases (45.3%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe self-reported prevalence of anxiety and depression in the citizens of Nicosia is very high – probably reflecting a negative effect of the economic crisis –, and contrariwise diagnosis of the disorder is rarely provided and consequently therapy rarely offered. Specific population groups, such as women, elderly citizens, patients with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to depressive disorders requiring specialized medical attention.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S657-S657
Author(s):  
A.R. Ferreira ◽  
S. Martins ◽  
C. Dias ◽  
M.R. Simões ◽  
L. Fernandes

IntroductionBehavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) are frequent in dementia and their contribution to poor health outcomes is well recognized. Four major frameworks attempt an explanation their aetiology: biological, behavioural, environmental vulnerability and unmet needs models. The latter states that BPSD are symptoms of needs that are not being met due to patients’ decreased ability to communicate/fulfil them. This model also implies that if needs were met, BPSD would improve.AimsTo explore the relation between needs and BPSD, and describe which unmet needs were contributing to BPSD in an elderly sample.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in three Portuguese nursing homes. All residents were considered eligible. However, those unwilling or unable to participate were excluded. For each elderly patient, needs were assessed with camberwell assessment of need for the elderly/cane and BPSD with European Portuguese neuropsychiatric inventory/NPI.ResultsThe final sample included 166 elderly with an average of 80.9(sd = 10.2) years. Significant correlations between NPI and unmet and global needs were found (rs = 0.181,P = 0.020; rs = 0.254,P = 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the unmet needs of daytime activities (P = 0.019), company (P = 0.028) and behaviour (P = 0.001), presented significant correlations with NPI.ConclusionIn this sample, a high number of unmet needs were found. The absence of daytime activities, company and behaviour contributed to the identified BPSD, which is in line with other studies also highlighting the importance of these needs in nursing homes. This not only provides a framework for understanding BPSD, but also points to the identification of unmet needs as pivotal in prevention and treatment of these symptoms.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryann Mason ◽  
Sarah B. Welch ◽  
Suzanne McLone ◽  
Tami Bartell ◽  
Patrick M. Lank ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To examine prevalence, demographic, and incident factors associated with opioid-positivity in Illinois suicide decedents who died by causes other than poisoning. Method Cross-sectional study of Illinois’ suicide decedents occurring between January 2015 and December 2017. Data come from the National Violent Death Reporting System. We used Chi-square tests to compare decedent and incident circumstance characteristics by opioid toxicology screen status. Incident narratives were analyzed to obtain physical and mental health histories and circumstances related to fatal injury events. Results Of 1007 non-poisoning suicide decedents screened for opioids, 16.4% were opioid-positive. White race, age 75 and over, and widowed or unknown marital status were associated with opioid-positivity. Among opioid-positive decedents, 25% had a history of substance use disorder (SUD), 61% depression, and 19% anxiety. The majority (52%) of opioid-positive decedents died by firearm, a higher percentage than opioid-negative decedents. Conclusion The opioid overdose crisis largely has not overlapped with non-poisoning suicide in this study. Overall, our analyses have not identified additional risk factors for suicide among opioid-positive suicide decedents. However, the overlap between opioid-positivity, SUD, and physical and mental health problems found among decedents in our data suggest several suicide prevention opportunities. These include medication assisted treatment for SUD which has been shown to reduce suicide, screening for opioid/benzodiazepine overlap, and limiting access to lethal means during opioid use. Improved death scene investigations for substances and use of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to document prescriptions are needed to further understanding of the role of substances in non-poisoning suicide.


2017 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 217-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Doumit ◽  
Ramzi Nasser

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess nutrient intakes in elderly living in Lebanese nursing homes (NHs). Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study was conducted in 36 long-term care institutions from all over Lebanon. Out of 2,094 residents, 98 (69 women and 29 men) elderly met the inclusion criteria and successfully completed the interview question. Dietary food intake was assessed using the 24-h food recall. The analysis used a Chi-square test and independent samples t-test or Mann–Whitney test, as appropriate. Findings A high percentage of elderly (reaching 100 per cent) had a low intake of energy, protein, linolenic acid, linoleic acid, fibers, vitamins and minerals, and the prevalence of nutrient inadequacy was significantly different between sexes for copper intake (p = 0.02). The results of this study highlight the nutrient inadequacies among the majority of elderly living in long-term care institutions and particularly in women and elderly residing in NHs located away from the capital Beirut. Originality/value This study is quite original; this is the first study performed nationwide in Lebanon covering not only the largest number of NHs in various locations but also elderly under custodial settings and with diverse backgrounds.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Yuan ◽  
Yan-Jie Zhao ◽  
Qing-E Zhang ◽  
Ling Zhang ◽  
Teris Cheung ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is closely associated with physical and mental health problems; however, little is known about the severity of stigma caused by COVID-19 among its survivors. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare differences in stigma experiences of COVID-19 survivors versus healthy controls after the COVID-19 outbreak peak in China. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised 154 COVID-19 survivors and 194 healthy controls recruited through consecutive and convenience sampling methods, respectively. COVID-19 related stigma was measured by the Social Impact Scale (SIS). Stigma differences between the two groups were compared with analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and a generalized linear model (GLM) was used to identify independent correlates of COVID-19-related stigma in this study. Results Compared with healthy controls, COVID-19 survivors reported more overall stigma (F(1,347) = 60.82, p < 0.001), and stigma in domains of social rejection (F(1,347) = 56.54, p < 0.001), financial insecurity (F(1,347) = 19.96, p < 0.001), internalized shame (F(1,347) = 71.40, p < 0.001) and social isolation (F(1,347) = 34.73, p < 0.001). Status as a COVID-19 survivor, having family members infected with COVID-19, being married, economic loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, and depressive symptoms were positively associated with higher overall stigma levels (all p values < 0.05). Conclusion COVID-19-related stigma is commonly experienced among COVID-19 survivors even though the outbreak has been well-contained in China. Routine assessment of stigma experiences should be conducted on COVID-19 survivors and appropriate psychological assistance, public education, and anti-stigma campaigns and policies should be enforced to reduce stigma within this vulnerable subpopulation.


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