Insomnias

Author(s):  
Colin A. Espie ◽  
Delwyn J. Bartlett

Most people's experiences of poor sleep are memorable, because sleeplessness and its daytime consequences are unpleasant. There are those, however, for whom insomnia is the norm. Persistent and severe sleep disturbance affects at least one in 10 adults and one in five older adults, thus representing a considerable public health concern. Sleep disruption is central to a number of medical and psychiatric disorders, and insomnia is usually treated by general practitioners. Therefore differential diagnosis is important, and respiratory physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists need to be involved. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize current understanding of the insomnias, their appraisal, and treatment. Particular emphasis will be placed upon evidence-based practical management.

Author(s):  
Barton W. Palmer ◽  
Gauri N. Savla ◽  
Thomas W. Meeks

Estimates of the point-prevalence of paranoia and other psychotic symptoms among persons age ⋚ 65 years have ranged from approximately 4 per cent to 6 per cent, and may be as high as 10 per cent among those age ⋚ 85 years. Although the majority of these symptoms occur as secondary psychoses in the context of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, the population of people with schizophrenia is ageing along with the general ‘greying’ of the industrialized world, and mental health care for older adults with schizophrenia is expected to be an increasingly important public health concern. This chapter covers clinical features, classification systems, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, epidemiology, aetiology, course and prognosis, treatment, and management.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 624-625
Author(s):  
Luming Li

Abstract Suicide in older adults is a major public health concern. Data of suicide rates of older adults from the Centers for Disease Control suggests that suicide is more frequent in older adults and warrants further examination of treatment and public health prevention approaches. Risk factors for suicide in the elderly include functional disability, multiple chronic physical conditions, and social isolation. Several advances have been made in healthcare policy to address practical, evidence-based approaches to preventing suicide and treating behavioral health conditions such as depression, including collaborative care and the Zero Suicide model. This symposium will focus on reviewing the epidemiology and evidence-based approaches for suicide prevention and mental health treatment for older adults. In this presentation, the presenters describe the current trends in suicide rate in older adults in the United States, indicate risk factors (both modifiable and non-modifiable), and present about the collaborative care and Zero Suicide models. Speakers will emphasize the role of these two models in suicide prevention and population-based behavioral healthcare. The presenters will also highlight examples of policy changes and provide recommendations for regulators and hospital systems to adopt these evidence-based models of care for caring for older adults at risk for suicide.


Author(s):  
Jessica K. Gill

Abstract Elder abuse is a serious public health concern requiring immediate intervention; however, the under-reporting of elder abuse by victims to formal and informal networks remains a major obstacle. This scoping review aims to identify barriers to help seeking that older adults experiencing abuse confront. The goal is to inform public policies and practices in the Canadian context and identify research gaps in the extant literature. Seven scholarly databases were searched from which 12 articles met the inclusion criteria and were extracted for analysis. The findings from this scoping review revealed three levels at which barriers exist: individual focused, abuser/family focused, and community/culture focused barriers. The results suggest that there are several complex obstacles that older adults face when contemplating disclosure of abuse. Future research into help seeking in the Canadian context should more readily incorporate the voices of elder abuse victim-survivors to develop effective assessment strategies and responsive service provisions.


Author(s):  
Shemsia Alkadir ◽  
Tegenu Gelana ◽  
Araya Gebresilassie

Abstract Background In Ethiopia, malaria is a serious public health concern and has great impact on socio-economy. The trend analysis of malaria data from health facilities is useful for understanding its transmission dynamics and implementing evidence-based malaria control strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the trends of malaria infection in Guba district, western Ethiopia. Methods A retrospective study was undertaken at Mankush Health Centre, western Ethiopia. All malaria cases reported from 2014 to 2018 were carefully reviewed from the laboratory record books to determine the trends of malaria morbidity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results In total, 16,964 malaria suspects were diagnosed using microscopy over the last 5 years, of which 8658 (51.04%) were confirmed positive cases. Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infection (both species) accounted for 75.2, 24.5 and 0.28% of the cases, respectively. Males patients were more affected (n = 5028, 58.1%) than female ones (n = 3630, 41.9%). Of the total confirmed cases, 60.4% were age group of subjects (≥ 15 years) followed by 22.6% of 5–14 years and 15.9% of under 5 years. High malaria prevalence was observed in spring (September to November) season, while the least was observed in autumn (March to May) with the prevalence of 45.6 and 11.5%, respectively. Conclusions The study demonstrated that malaria is a public health concern, in which P. falciparum is the predominant species followed by P. vivax. Therefore, the district health bureau and other concerned stakeholders should strength evidence-based malaria control and prevention interventions to interrupt disease transmission and eventual reduction malaria of malaria cases in Guba district.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdu Oumer Abdu ◽  
Imam Dagne Yimamu ◽  
Ahmed Ale Kahsay

Abstract Background A nutritional problem, especially under nutrition is one of the common public health problems in older population causing greater mortality and economic loss in developing countries. However, evidences on the risk factors for increased nutritional risk among older population is not well stated in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status and predictors of malnutrition among older adults (> = 65 years) in Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based analytical survey was conducted among randomly selected 592 older people aged above 65 years of age in Harari region. Subjects were selected using multistage sampling pretested Full Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool was used to classify as malnourished (MNA score < 17), at risk of malnutrition (MNA score of 17 to 23.5) and otherwise normal. Validated geriatric depression scale short form (15 items) was employed to screen for depression. Data were presented using statistical tables, frequency, percentage, and graphs. Ordinary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of malnutrition and plum method was used to generate odds ratio. The level of statistical significance was declared at P-value less than 5%. Chi-square test, crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence was reported. Results A total of 592 respondents (93.4%) were interviewed. About 306 (51.7%) and 93 (15.7%) were found to be at risk of malnutrition and malnourished respectively. The predicted log odds of being malnourished was higher among those from rural residents (AOR = 2.08: 1.25–3.45), not on working (AOR = 1.31: 95% CI: 0.87–1.95) and did not have health insurance (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI; 0.97–2.58). Those with chronic pain (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.15–2.51), previous hospitalization (AOR = 1.59: 95% CI: 1.27–2.38) and not able to cover their personal expense (AOR =1.61: 95% CI: 1.12–2.30) were predictors of malnutrition. The relationship between previous hospitalizations with malnutrition among older adults people is moderated significantly by the presence of chronic pain (β = 0.113, p = 0.015). Conclusions Malnutrition among old age is a public health concern that needs attention. Economical vulnerability, residence, depression, presence of chronic disease, and hospitalization were important risk factors for malnutrition among old age.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina M. Conroy ◽  
Srikripa Krishnan ◽  
Stacy Mittelstaedt ◽  
Sonny S. Patel

Purpose Loneliness has been a known severe public health concern among the elderly population during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to discuss the practicalities of using emerging technologies to address elderly loneliness and its implications and adaptations to the outbreak of corona virus disease–2019. Design/methodology/approach The authors draw on examples from the literature and their own observations from working with older adults, to provide an overview of possible ways technology could help this population in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Findings Technological advancements have offered remarkable opportunities to deliver care and maintain connections despite the need to stay physically separated. These tools can be integrated into crisis communications, public health responses and care programs to address loneliness among the elderly. However, it must be done strategically and informed by the type of loneliness at play, environmental factors, socioeconomics and technological literacy. Practical implications Care-providing organizations and policymakers should consider the risk of loneliness while responding to COVID-19 outbreak, particularly within elderly populations. As a part of a broader plan, technological solutions and low-tech approaches can make a difference in mitigating loneliness. Solutions should be accessible to and usable by older adults. Provision of equipment, training and guidance may be necessary to execute a technology-centric plan; for some communities and individuals, approaches that do not rely on advanced technology may be more effective. Originality/value Technological advancements can be a valuable tool in addressing known public health concerns, such as loneliness among the elderly populations. However, the use of this tool should be governed by the specific situation at hand, taking into consideration individual needs and environmental factors, especially the compounded effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Different technological programs and approaches are appropriate for different types of loneliness. For example, online therapy such as internet-based cognitive behavior therapy may mitigate loneliness caused by fear and online interaction such as videoconferencing may relieve loneliness caused by lack of social engagement.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shemsia Alkadir ◽  
Tegenu Gelana ◽  
Araya Gebresilassie

Abstract Background: In Ethiopia, malaria is a serious public health concern and has great impact on socio-economy. The trend analysis of malaria data from health facilities is useful for understanding its transmission dynamics and implementing evidence-based malaria control strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the trends of malaria infection in Guba district, western Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken at Mankush Health Centre, western Ethiopia. All malaria cases reported from 2014 to 2018 were carefully reviewed from the laboratory record books to determine the trends of malaria morbidity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: In total, 16,964 malaria suspects were diagnosed using microscopy over the last 5 years, of which 8,658 (51.04%) were confirmed positive cases. Plasmodium falciparum , P. vivax , and mixed infection (both species) accounted for 75.2%, 24.5% and 0.28% of the cases, respectively. Males patients were more affected (n=5,028, 58.1%) than female ones (n=3,630, 41.9%). Of the total confirmed cases, 60.4% were age group of subjects (≥ 15 years) followed by 22.6% of 5-14 years and 15.9% of under 5 years. High malaria prevalence was observed in spring (September to November) season, while the least was observed in autumn (March to May) with the prevalence of 45.6% and 11.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that malaria is a public health concern, in which P. falciparum is the predominant species followed by P . vivax . Therefore, the district health bureau and other concerned stakeholders should strength evidence-based malaria control and prevention interventions to interrupt disease transmission and eventual reduction malaria of malaria cases in Guba district. Key words : Ethiopia, Guba, malaria, prevalence, retrospective


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. e59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie BH Yap ◽  
Katherine A Lawrence ◽  
Ronald M Rapee ◽  
Mairead C Cardamone-Breen ◽  
Jacqueline Green ◽  
...  

Depression and anxiety disorders in young people are a global health concern. Various risk and protective factors for these disorders are potentially modifiable by parents, underscoring the important role parents play in reducing the risk and impact of these disorders in their adolescent children. However, cost-effective, evidence-based interventions for parents that can be widely disseminated are lacking. In this paper, we propose a multi-level public health approach involving a Web-based parenting intervention, Partners in Parenting (PIP). We describe the components of the Web-based intervention and how each component was developed. Development of the intervention was guided by principles of the persuasive systems design model to maximize parental engagement and adherence. A consumer-engagement approach was used, including consultation with parents and adolescents about the content and presentation of the intervention. The PIP intervention can be used at varying levels of intensity to tailor to the different needs of parents across the population. Challenges and opportunities for the use of the intervention are discussed. The PIP Web-based intervention was developed to address the dearth of evidence-based resources to support parents in their important role in their adolescents’ mental health. The proposed public health approach utilizes this intervention at varying levels of intensity based on parents’ needs. Evaluation of each separate level of the model is ongoing. Further evaluation of the whole approach is required to assess the utility of the intervention as a public health approach, as well as its broader effects on adolescent functioning and socioeconomic outcomes.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shemsia Alkadir ◽  
Tegenu Gelana ◽  
Araya Gebresilassie

Abstract Background: In Ethiopia, malaria is a serious public health concern and has great impact on socio-economy. The trend analysis of malaria data from health facilities is useful for understanding its transmission dynamics and implementing evidence-based malaria control strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the trends of malaria infection in Guba district, northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken at Mankush Health Centre, northwest Ethiopia. All malaria cases reported from 2014 to 2018 were carefully reviewed from the laboratory record books to determine the trends of malaria morbidity. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Results: In total, 16,964 malaria suspects were diagnosed using microscopy over the last 5 years, of which 8,658 (51.04%) were confirmed positive cases. Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, and mixed infection (both species) accounted for 75.2, 24.5% and 0.28% of the cases, respectively. Males patients were more affected (n=5,028, 58.1%) than female ones (n=3,630, 41.9%). Of the total confirmed cases, 60.4% were adults (≥ 15 years) followed by 22.6% of 5-14 years and 15.9% of under 5 years. High malaria prevalence was observed in spring (September to November) season, while the least was observed in autumn (March to May) with the prevalence of 45.6% and 11.5%, respectively. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that malaria is a public health concern in the study area, wherein P. falciparum is the predominant species followed by P. vivax. Therefore, it is deemed necessary to enhance malaria detection skill of laboratory technicians and implement evidence-based malaria control and prevention activities to considerably reduce the burden of malaria in the study area.


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