scholarly journals Health risk assessment of rural older population

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Minshu Ge ◽  
Dan Zhu ◽  
Hallie Lee

BACKGROUND: With the accelerated development of aging, the health problems of rural elderly are becoming increasingly severe. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to understand the mental health issues of the rural older population. METHODS: The risk factor analysis and the disease risk assessment are utilized to analyze the impacts of depression on older adults. First, the prevalence of depression in China’s rural older population is counted and analyzed. Next, both single and multi-factor analyses are employed to analyze the degree of depression among rural older adults quantitatively, and the existing risk factors are determined. The multiple risk factors and multi-source logistic regression algorithm establish the risk assessment model of depression in the rural older population. Finally, the risk factors of depression in older adults are calculated by analyzing and processing the above statistical data. A risk assessment model of depression is built, whose sensitivity and specificity are tested. RESULTS: Single-factor analysis and multi-factor analysis reveal 20 vital influencing factors of depression in older adults, such as cognitive ability, emotional state, and memory. The sensitivity and specificity of the risk assessment model based on multi-factor logistic regression are 87.3%80.2%, respectively, capable of effectively assessing and screening the potential population of depression among older adults. CONCLUSIONS: This model provides a scientific basis for screening out and preventing older adults’ mental health issues with depression and improving older adults’ quality of life.

Author(s):  
Erwin Stolz ◽  
Hannes Mayerl ◽  
Wolfgang Freidl

Abstract Background To halt the spread of COVID-19, Austria implemented a 7-week ’lockdown’ in March/April 2020. We assess whether the ensuing reduction in social contacts led to increased loneliness among older adults (60+). Methods Three analyses were conducted: (1) A comparison between pre-pandemic (SHARE: 2013-2017) and pandemic (May 2020) levels of loneliness (UCLA-3 scale), (2) an assessment of the cross-sectional correlation between being affected by COVID-19 restriction measures and loneliness (May 2020), and (3) a longitudinal analysis of weekly changes (March-June 2020) in loneliness (Corona panel). Results We found (1) increased loneliness in 2020 compared with previous years, (2) a moderate positive association between the number of restriction measures older adults were affected from and their loneliness, and (3) that loneliness was higher during ’lockdown’ compared to the subsequent re-opening phase, particularly among those who live alone. Conclusion We provide evidence that COVID-19 restriction measures in Austria have indeed resulted in increased levels of loneliness among older adults. However, these effects seem to be short-lived, and thus no strong negative consequences for older adults’ mental health are expected. Nonetheless, the effects on loneliness, and subsequent mental health issues, might be both more long-lasting and severe if future restriction measures are enacted repeatedly and/or over longer time periods.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 1517-1528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Reynolds ◽  
Maria Medved ◽  
Corey S. Mackenzie ◽  
Laura Megan Funk ◽  
Lesley Koven

Older adults who experience challenges related to mental health are unlikely to seek professional help. The voices of older adults who have navigated through mental health issues and systems of care to arrive at psychological treatment are less well understood. We conducted individual interviews with 15 adults aged 61 to 86 who sought psychological treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using narrative methods. We identified several main storylines that describe the meaning-making and treatment-seeking journeys of older adults: resistance to being labeled with mental health problems (telling stories of resistance, defining mental health issues in mysterious and uncontrollable terms, and experiencing internal role conflict); muddling through the help-seeking process (manifestations of chaos and system-level barriers); and emotional reactions to psychological treatment (hope, fear, and mistrust). Findings add to the literature base in the area of narrative gerontology, and highlight the complex experiences that older adults face when seeking psychological treatment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13092-e13092
Author(s):  
Michiyo Yamada ◽  
Takashi Ishikawa ◽  
Sadatoshi Sugae ◽  
Kazutaka Narui ◽  
Eiji Arita ◽  
...  

e13092 Background: No comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment model for Japanese women exists. Consequently, we have collected Japanese women’s data to investigate key BC risk factors with an objective of deriving a Japanese-women specific BC risk assessment model. Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study (paper-based with postal survey) at 15 institutions during 2014-2015. A survey was distributed to Japanese females aged 20-80 who had BC check-up. All pertinent data of a total of 34 factors including demographic and reproductive factors, social history and eating habits was collected. Cases and controls were divided into three groups respectively, premenopausal (PRE; 20 ≤ age < 45), perimenopausal (PERI; 45 ≤ age ≤ 55) and postmenopausal group (POST; 55 < age ≤ 80). Cases and control variables were compared by t-test, chi-square test and Wilcoxon rank sum test. Preliminary BC risk was calculated by logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 3975 female Japanese datasets were collected, of which 2494 were complete (all variables present) with 1401 controls and 1093 cases were used. There were 222 cases and 332 controls for PRE, 404 cases and 537 controls for PERI, and 467 and 532 controls for POST. The univariate analysis demonstrated that BMI was significantly higher in cases than in controls in all groups (P < 0.01) as was “number of deliveries” in PRE and POST (P < 0.001) and Brinkman index in PRE and PERI (p = 0.017). Multivariate analysis revealed that BC risk was positively associated with BMI (OR 1.080, 95% CI 1.017–1.148, p = 0.012) in PRE, BMI (OR 1.121, 95% CI 1.072–1.174, p < 0.01) and brinkman index (OR 1.000005, 95% CI 1.000002–1.000008, p < 0.01) in PERI, age (OR 1.054, 95% CI 1.028–1.081, p < 0.010), BMI (OR 1.153, 95% CI 1.076-1.171, p < 0.01) and family history (OR 1.497, 95% CI 1.103–2.033, p = 0.001) in POST, while negatively associated with regular exercise (OR 0.672, 95% CI 0.517–0.873, p = 0.003) in POST. Conclusions: BMI in all groups, in addition, the Brinkman index in PERI and age and family history in POST are BC risk factors. Exercise is a protective risk factor in POST. However, the preliminary results are incomplete and further analysis will be conducted before a full risk assessment model is proposed for Japanese women.


Facilities ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 624-646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel W.M. Chan ◽  
Joseph H.L. Chan ◽  
Tony Ma

Purpose – This paper aims to develop a fuzzy risk assessment model for construction projects procured with target cost contracts and guaranteed maximum price contracts (TCC/GMP) using the fuzzy synthetic evaluation method, based on an empirical questionnaire survey with relevant industrial practitioners in South Australia. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 34 major risk factors inherent with TCC/GMP contracts were identified through an extensive literature review and a series of structured interviews. A questionnaire survey was then launched to solicit the opinions of industrial practitioners on risk assessment of such risk factors. Findings – The most important 14 key risk factors after the computation of normalised values were selected for undertaking fuzzy evaluation analysis. Five key risk groups (KRGs) were then generated in descending order of importance as: physical risks, lack of experience of contracting parties throughout TCC/GMP procurement process, design risks, contractual risks and delayed payment on contracts. These survey findings also revealed that physical risks may be the major hurdle to the success of TCC/GMP projects in South Australia. Practical implications – Although the fuzzy risk assessment model was developed for those new-build construction projects procured by TCC/GMP contracts in this paper, the same research methodology may be applied to other contracts within the wide spectrum of facilities management or building maintenance services under the target cost-based model. Therefore, the contribution from this paper could be extended to the discipline of facilities management as well. Originality/value – An overall risk index associated with TCC/GMP construction projects and the risk indices of individual KRGs can be generated from the model for reference. An objective and a holistic assessment can be achieved. The model has provided a solid platform to measure, evaluate and reduce the risk levels of TCC/GMP projects based on objective evidence instead of subjective judgements. The research methodology could be replicated in other countries or regions to produce similar models for international comparisons, and the assessment of risk levels for different types of TCC/GMP projects (including new-build or maintenance) worldwide.


Author(s):  
Jean Baptiste Ramampisendrahova ◽  
Andriamanantsialonina Andrianony ◽  
Aina Andrianina Vatosoa Rakotonarivo ◽  
Mamisoa Bodohasina Rasamoelina ◽  
Eric Andriantsoa ◽  
...  

The purpose of this research is to ascertain the prevalence of postoperative venous thromboembolism in the Department of Surgery at Anosiala University Hospital and to identify risk factors for developing postoperative venous thromboembolism using the Caprini Risk Assessment Model. From December 2017 to October 2019, this was a 22-month prospective cohort research conducted at Anosiala University Hospital. It included all adult patients over the age of 18 who were operated on in an emergency or on a planned basis by the Department of Surgery. This research included 662 participants. Within 30 days after surgery, the risk of venous thromboembolism was 0.3 percent. According to the overall Caprini score, 25.2 percent of patients were classified as having a low risk of venous thromboembolism, 25.2 percent as having a moderate risk, 29.5 percent as having a high risk, and 20.1 percent as having the greatest risk. Patients in the highest risk category (scoring 5) had a substantially increased chance of having venous thromboembolism after surgery (p = 0.0007). Only major open surgery was related with a statistically significant increase in postoperative venous thromboembolism (p = 0.028). Age 75 years, elective arthroplasty, and hip, pelvic, or leg fractures were not linked with postoperative venous thromboembolism statistically significantly (p> 0.05). Our findings indicate that the Caprini risk assessment model might be used successfully to avoid postoperative venous thromboembolism in surgical patients in Madagascar, since patients in the highest risk category had a considerably increased chance of developing postoperative venous thromboembolism.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Pancani ◽  
Marco Marinucci ◽  
Nicolas Aureli ◽  
Paolo Riva

Most countries have been struggling with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic imposing social isolation on their citizens. However, this measure carried risks for people's mental health. This study evaluated the psychological repercussions of objective isolation in 1,006 Italians during the first, especially strict, lockdown in spring 2020. Although varying for the regional spread-rate of the contagion, results showed that the longer the isolation and the less adequate the physical space where people were isolated, the worse the mental health (e.g., depression). Offline social contacts buffered the association between social isolation and mental health. However, when offline contacts were limited, online contacts seemed crucial in protecting mental health. The findings inform about the potential downsides of the massive social isolation imposed by COVID-19 spread, highlighting possible risk factors and resources to account for implementing such isolation measures. Specifically, besides some known factors such as physical space availability, the local contagion rate is critical in moderating the link between social isolation and mental health issues, supporting national policies implementing regional tiers of restriction severity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 95-95
Author(s):  
Taylor Jansen ◽  
Richard Chunga ◽  
Chae Man Lee ◽  
Shuangshuang Wang ◽  
Haowei Wang ◽  
...  

Abstract Mental health issues in older adults are prevalent, yet often undetected or untreated and can contribute to poor physical health, increased disability, and higher mortality rates. The current study describes state and local community rates of mental health indicators of older adults 65+ in MA, NH, and RI. Data sources used to calculate rates were: the American Community Survey (2009-2013 RI, 2012-2016 MA and NH), the Medicare Current Beneficiary Summary File (2012-2013 RI, 2015 MA and NH), and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2012-2014 RI, 2013-2015 MA, and 2014-2016 NH). Small area estimation techniques were used to calculate age-sex adjusted community rates for more than 150 health indicators. This research examines disparities in rates for 3 mental health indicators depression, self-reported poor mental health, and self-reported poor/fair health status. Depression rates: MA 31.5% (19.91-48.82%), RI 30% (19.7-38.5%), and NH 28.8% (18.26-40.56%). Self-reported poor mental health: RI 7.5% (4.8-12.5%), MA 7.0% (2.10-16.59%), and NH 6.9% (3.42-10.13%). Self-reported fair/poor health: RI 20.4% (8.6-38.8%), MA 18.0%, (7.2-34.38%), and NH 16.5% (13.31-21.60%). Results showed variability in rates across states. MA had the highest rates of depression, the greatest differences in rates, and access to the most mental health providers. RI had the highest community rates for poor physical and mental health, and the highest percentage of residents age 85+. Understanding the distribution of community rates makes disparities evident, and may help practitioners and policymakers to allocate resources to areas of highest need. Research funded by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.


Author(s):  
Hee Yun Lee ◽  
William Hasenbein ◽  
Priscilla Gibson

As the older adult population continues to grow at a rapid rate, with an estimated 2.1 billion older adults in 2050, social welfare researchers are determined to fill the shortage of gerontological social workers and structural lag to best serve the baby boomers who are expected to need different services than previous generations. Mental illness impacts over 20% of older adults in the world and the United States. The major mental health issues in older adults include depression, anxiety, loneliness, and social isolation. Depression is considered one of the most common mental health issues among this population; however, the prevalence could be underestimated due to older adults linking relevant symptoms to other causes, such as old age, instead of as possible depression. Like depression, anxiety symptoms are often mistaken as results of aging. It is also difficult for providers to diagnose anxiety in this population due to anxiety frequently being coupled with other illnesses and the psychological stress that comes with old age. Because the presence of loneliness or social isolation can manifest depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults, it is also difficult to separate these two issues. With the anticipated increase of the older adult population within the next few years, measurement tools have been created to assess depression and anxiety specifically for older adults. In addition to adapting assessment tools, interventions tailored to older adults are essential to ensure treatment coherence, even though medications are the go-to treatment option.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salman Muhammad Soomar

UNSTRUCTURED Health is the state of overall well-being which includes physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Good health is a resource for living everyday life. It is central for functioning properly, handling stress, living a longer and more active life. Physical well-being includes a healthful lifestyle to decrease the risk of disease. Mental health is equally important as physical health, it is integral and important component of health, it provides strength and enhance a person’s ability to complete regular tasks . Differences in socioeconomic and other living conditions can lead to health inequities which can impact on a person’s health especially mental health though this is not the case in every situation, however the risk to an individual’s mental health determine how the person is going to suffer with mental health issues as these risk factors are not only bounded to poor socio-economic class . Violence, rapid social change, stressful work conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, physically ill health, sexual abuse, and persistent socio-economic pressures are recognized as risk factors for poor mental health. Moreover, there are some personality factors and genetic factors that also make people vulnerable to mental health disorders . Mental health issues alone add a lot in the global burden of disease however it is associated with other diseases and conditions as well. Mental health disorders in different forms and intensities a large number of people in their lifetime which not only impact on their health but it causes economic burden on the person and family as well . Despite a greater population is affected from mental health illness, the estimates produced through research regarding are still underestimated the reasons may be overlapping between psychiatric and neurological disorder and keeping suicide behaviors associated with self-harm a separate category other than mental illness . The major reason of underestimation can be less no reporting for these illness due to stigma associated with it. Stigma is the negative attitude towards the illness which creates discrimination and is the main obstacle in seeking help and care .


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