scholarly journals Health Justice as the Catalyst for Improving Health in Underserved Settings

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 564-564
Author(s):  
Lisa Wiese ◽  
Ishan Williams
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Survey Results ◽  
Rural Sites ◽  
Health Justice ◽  
Multiple Health

Abstract Older adults face an increased incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) due to higher prevalence of risk factors such as lack of awareness of ADRD and reduced access to care. Furthermore, African American and Hispanic communities, which often reside in rural areas, face 1.5-2 times the risk of ADRD. The purpose of this research was to address this disparity. We conducted three studies investigating stakeholder perceptions about screening and ADRD knowledge from six diverse rural sites. Survey results revealed that regardless of rurality and education, most rural (71%) older adults believed heart disease and poor diet increased ADRD risk and were willing to be screened. Yet only 15% had been tested for memory loss by their provider. Rurality was the only significant predictor of willingness to participate in screening. It is important to maintain a focus on pursuing health justice among rural older adults facing multiple health disparities.

scholarly journals Comparison of The Risk Factors For Falls Among Older Adults Between Urban and Rural Areas of Shantou City, China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaodong Chen ◽  
Zeting Lin ◽  
Ran Gao ◽  
Yijian Yang ◽  
Liping Li
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Balance Function ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Abstract Background: To investigate the prevalence of falls and risk factors among older adults in urban and rural areas and to facilitate the design of fall prevention interventions.Methods: We used cluster random sampling to investigate the sociodemographic information, living habits, medical history, and falls among 649 older adult participants. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine fall risk factors in urban and rural areas.Results: The fall rate and rate of injury from falls among older adults in urban areas were 27.3% and 18.6%, respectively, which were higher than those in rural areas (17.0% and 12.2%; P<0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that the risk factors for falls among urban older adults included a high school or below education level (OR=3.737, 95% CI: 1.503~9.291); diabetes medicine use (OR=4.518, 95% CI: 1.228~16.626); incontinence (OR=8.792, 95% CI: 1.894~40.824); lack of fall prevention education (OR = 11.907, 95% CI: 1.321～107.354); and reduced balance function (OR = 3.901, 95% CI: 1.894~7.815). The risk factors among rural older adults included a previous nonfarming occupation (OR=2.496, 95% CI: 1.416~4.398); incontinence (OR =11.396, 95% CI: 1.901~68.327); poor living environment (OR=3.457, 95% CI: 1.488~8.033); and reduced balance function (OR =4.260, 95% CI: 2.361~7.688).Discussion: The rate of falls among older adults in urban areas is higher than that in rural areas of Shantou City. Fall prevention in urban areas should target older adults with low education and modify the diabetes medication use. Interventions should focus on improving the home environment of older adults in rural areas.

Gender differences in cardiovascular risk assessment in elderly adults in Ecuador: evidence from a national survey

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
pp. 736-742
Author(s):  
Ivan Sisa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Risk Model ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cvd Risk ◽  
Serum Triglycerides ◽  
Traditional Risk Factors

The present study aimed to predict the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) over a 5-year period and how it might vary by sex in an ethnically diverse population of older adults. We used a novel CVD risk model built and validated in older adults named the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation in Older Persons (SCORE OP). A population-based study analyzed a total of 1307 older adults. Analyses were done by various risk categories and sex. Of the study population, 54% were female with a mean age of 75±7.1 years. According to the SCORE OP model, individuals were classified as having low (9.8%), moderate (48.1%), and high or very high risk (42.1%) of CVD-related mortality. Individuals at higher risk of CVD were more likely to be male compared with females, 53.9% vs 31.8%, respectively (p<0.01). Males were more likely to be younger, living in rural areas, had higher levels of schooling, and with the exception of smoking status and serum triglycerides, had lower values of traditional risk factors than females. In addition, males were less likely to require blood pressure-lowering therapy and statin drugs than females. This gender inequality could be driven by sociocultural determinants and a risk factor paradox in which lower levels of the cardiovascular risk factors are associated with an increase rather than a reduction in mortality. These data can be used to tailor primary prevention strategies such as lifestyle counseling and therapeutic measures in order to improve male elderly health, especially in low-resource settings.

scholarly journals VA Video Connect for Clinical Care in Older Adults in a Rural State During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalpana P Padala ◽  
Kerrie B Wilson ◽  
C Heath Gauss ◽  
Jessica D Stovall ◽  
Prasad R Padala
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for telehealth at home. Although the Department of Veterans Affairs is a leading provider of telehealth, disparities may exist in reaching older veterans living in rural areas. VA Video Connect (VVC) is a video conferencing app that enables veterans to connect with their health care provider via a secure and private session. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the capability and willingness of older veterans to participate in a VVC visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on older veterans (N=118) at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Participants were interviewed over the phone and responses to the following items were recorded: availability of internet, email, and an electronic device with a camera; veterans’ willingness to complete an appointment via a VVC visit; and availability of assistance from a caregiver for those who were unable to participate in a VVC visit alone. RESULTS Participants’ mean age was 72.6 (SD 8.3) years, 92% (n=108) were male, 69% (n=81) were Caucasian, 30% (n=35) were African Americans, and 36% (n=42) lived in a rural location. The majority reported having access to the internet (n=93, 77%) and email service (n=83, 70%), but only 56% (n=67) had a camera-equipped device. Overall, 53% (n=63) were willing and capable of participating in a VVC visit. The availability of internet access was significantly lower in rural compared to nonrural participants (<i>P</i>=.045) and in those with or less than a high school education compared to those who pursued higher education (<i>P</i>=.02). Willingness to participate in the VVC visit was significantly lower in rural compared to nonrural participants (<i>P</i>=.03). Of the participants who reported they were able and willing to partake in a VVC visit (n=54), 65% (n=35) opted for VVC and 35% (n=19) preferred a phone visit. In total, 77% (n=27) of the scheduled VVC visits were successful. CONCLUSIONS Despite advances in technology, and willingness on the part of health care systems, there are some lingering issues with capability and willingness to participate in video telehealth visits, particularly among older adults residing in rural areas.

scholarly journals FALL RISK BEHAVIORS AND INTRINSIC RISK FACTORS FOR FALLS IN INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS RURAL OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S471-S472
Author(s):  
Andre G Bouweraerts ◽  
Justus Ortega
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Risk Behaviors ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Fall Risk ◽  
Future Studies ◽  
Fall Risk Factors ◽  
Fall Rates ◽  
Risk Factors For Falls

Abstract Within California, older adults living in rural counties have reported higher rates of falls than urban dwelling older adults. Although many Indigenous people live in rural areas, it is unclear whether the rate of falls among Indigenous older adults is similar to that of non-indigenous older adults living in rural areas. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine fall risk behaviors and intrinsic risk factors for falls in rural dwelling Indigenous (N = 89), and non-Indigenous (N = 68) older adults 60-95 years of age living in California. Results showed that both Indigenous and non-Indigenous older adults share similarly high fall rates, but there are a much greater number of Indigenous older adults falling multiple times a year. Moreover, fall risk behaviors and intrinsic fall risk factors were significantly different between Indigenous and non-Indigenous rural-dwelling older adults. Future studies should investigate falls and fall risk factors in different tribes/locations of Indigenous older adults to better understand whether these risk factors differ among tribes. Moreover, it would be beneficial for future studies to assess the effectiveness of fall prevention exercises on fall risk in these communities. Information gained from this study helps to inform clinicians and researchers alike about the prevalence of falls and factors contributing to falls among Indigenous older adults living in rural communities; and helps to influence decisions in the future of programs for reducing fall risk in this often neglected population.

scholarly journals Coronary heart disease: outlook for Africa

1997 ◽  
Vol 90 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
A R P Walker ◽  
P Sareli
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Serum Cholesterol Level ◽  
Rural Populations ◽  
Advanced Stage ◽  
White Population ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviour ◽  
Increases In Risk

In Africa, coronary heart disease (CHD) is near absent in rural areas, and very uncommon in urban centres, where many Africans are in an advanced stage of transition. Among town dwellers intakes of food, especially fat, have risen and intakes of fibre-containing foods have fallen. Mean serum cholesterol level is almost double that of rural populations living traditionally. Obesity in females has risen enormously. Prevalence of hypertension exceeds that in the white population. The same applies to the practice of smoking in males, but not in females. The level of physical activity has fallen generally. With these increases in risk factors we can expect urban Africans to attain the high mortality rate for CHD now experienced by Afro-Americans. Prevention by urging reversion to previous lifestyle behaviour is a non-starter. However, as long as Africa remains impoverished, a major rise in CHD is unlikely.

scholarly journals Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease as Risk Factors for Mortality in Older Adults

2010 ◽  
Vol 123 (6) ◽  
pp. 556.e1-556.e9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercedes R. Carnethon ◽  
Mary L. Biggs ◽  
Joshua Barzilay ◽  
Lewis H. Kuller ◽  
Dariush Mozaffarian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Coronary Heart Disease ◽  
Heart Disease

scholarly journals VA Video Connect for Clinical Care in Older Adults in a Rural State During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study

10.2196/21561 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. e21561
Author(s):  
Kalpana P Padala ◽  
Kerrie B Wilson ◽  
C Heath Gauss ◽  
Jessica D Stovall ◽  
Prasad R Padala
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Electronic Device ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Willingness To Participate ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for telehealth at home. Although the Department of Veterans Affairs is a leading provider of telehealth, disparities may exist in reaching older veterans living in rural areas. VA Video Connect (VVC) is a video conferencing app that enables veterans to connect with their health care provider via a secure and private session. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the capability and willingness of older veterans to participate in a VVC visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on older veterans (N=118) at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Participants were interviewed over the phone and responses to the following items were recorded: availability of internet, email, and an electronic device with a camera; veterans’ willingness to complete an appointment via a VVC visit; and availability of assistance from a caregiver for those who were unable to participate in a VVC visit alone. Results Participants’ mean age was 72.6 (SD 8.3) years, 92% (n=108) were male, 69% (n=81) were Caucasian, 30% (n=35) were African Americans, and 36% (n=42) lived in a rural location. The majority reported having access to the internet (n=93, 77%) and email service (n=83, 70%), but only 56% (n=67) had a camera-equipped device. Overall, 53% (n=63) were willing and capable of participating in a VVC visit. The availability of internet access was significantly lower in rural compared to nonrural participants (P=.045) and in those with or less than a high school education compared to those who pursued higher education (P=.02). Willingness to participate in the VVC visit was significantly lower in rural compared to nonrural participants (P=.03). Of the participants who reported they were able and willing to partake in a VVC visit (n=54), 65% (n=35) opted for VVC and 35% (n=19) preferred a phone visit. In total, 77% (n=27) of the scheduled VVC visits were successful. Conclusions Despite advances in technology, and willingness on the part of health care systems, there are some lingering issues with capability and willingness to participate in video telehealth visits, particularly among older adults residing in rural areas.

Household Firearm Ownership and Storage, Suicide Risk Factors, and Memory Loss Among Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 171 (10) ◽  
pp. 776
Author(s):  
Erin R. Morgan ◽  
Anthony Gomez ◽  
Frederick P. Rivara ◽  
Ali Rowhani-Rahbar
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Memory Loss ◽  
Suicide Risk Factors ◽  
And Storage
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