scholarly journals Irrational use of alendronate sodium by the elderly

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (42) ◽  
pp. 2310
Author(s):  
Camila Pereira Alvim ◽  
Roberta Carvalho Figueiredo ◽  
Camila Tavares Sousa ◽  
Ricardo Augusto dos Santos Silva ◽  
Samira Moreira Ferreira ◽  
...  

Introduction: The effectiveness and safety of alendronate sodium are dependent on patient adherence to very specific guidelines regarding use. This study aims to estimate the rational use of alendronate sodium in the elderly. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with a structured questionnaire containing form of use and occurrence of adverse events related to alendronate sodium. The patients were recruited in their own homes. Rational use was considered as being the participants who: a) took the tablet in the morning; b) were fasting; c) waited at least 30 minutes before eating; d) ingested with a full glass of water; e) ingested the whole tablet; f) and remained in the orthostatic position for at least 30 minutes after use. Additionally, the odds ratio (OR) was used to analyze the association between the irrational use of alendronate sodium and the independent variables. Results and Discussion: Of the 248 participants in the study, most of the participants administered the medication in the morning (95.2%), with fasting (89.1%), waited at least 30 minutes to eat the first meal of the day (87.9%), and were in the orthostatic position until the time of the first meal (78.6%), but less than half ingested the tablet with a full glass of water (43.6%). Rational use of the medication was observed in only 30.7% of the participants. Regarding possible adverse events, 13.3% of the participants reported some event. Among the most prevalent were dry cough (6.5%), stomach pain (5.2%) and some throat discomfort (4.8%). The irrational use of this medication is associated with age and education level. Conclusion: The prevalence of irrational use of alendronate sodium in the elderly is high, and this use is associated with patients’ sociodemographic factors.

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 298-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Vandepitte ◽  
Koen Putman ◽  
Nele Van Den Noortgate ◽  
Sofie Verhaeghe ◽  
Eric Mormont ◽  
...  

Background/Aims: Dementia is one of the main reasons for institutionalization among the elderly. Few studies have explored factors associated with the caregivers’ (CG) desire to institutionalize (DTI) a person with dementia (PWD). The objective of this study is to identify modifiable and non-modifiable psychosocial and sociodemographic factors associated with a caregiver’s DTI. Methods: Cross-sectional data of 355 informal CG of community-dwelling PWD were analyzed. Several characteristics were identified in CG and PWD to be included in a multivariable regression model based on the purposeful selection method. Results: Positively modifiable associated factors were: higher CG burden, being affected by behavioral problems, and respite care use. Positively associated non-modifiable factors were: CG older age, being professionally active, and CG higher educational level. Cohabitation and change of professional situation were negatively associated. Conclusion: Although no causality can be assumed, several practical recommendations can be suggested. First of all, these results reconfirm the importance of multicomponent strategies, especially support aimed at decreasing burden and in learning coping strategies. Also, CG might benefit from information about support options, such as respite care services. Finally, special attention should be given to older and working CG. In the latter, flexible and adaptive working conditions might alleviate burden and therefore reduce the DTI of the PWD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Breno de Sousa Santana ◽  
Bárbara Soares Rodrigues ◽  
Marina Morato Stival ◽  
Cris Renata Grou Volpe

Abstract Objective: to analyze blood pressure control in elderly hypertensives accompanied by a Basic Health Unit of the Federal District, determining the sociodemographic profile and the associated risk factors. Method: this is a cross-sectional study with 133 elderly hypertensive patients. Variables related to sociodemographic factors, life habits, clinical factors and adherence to drug therapy were evaluated through the application of semistructured instruments and validated scales. Results with p <0.05 were considered significant. Results: the elderly presented controlled blood pressure (56.4%) predominantly. The majority of the participants were female and women also had a higher rate of uncontrolled blood pressure (86.2%). Older age was associated with higher blood pressure values (p = 0.031). Alcoholism (p = 0.020) and mean body mass index of 33.0 (p <0.000) were factors associated with hypertension adherence to therapy had more controlled values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion and implications for the practice: it was verified that there is a strong association between the risk factors discussed and the lack of control of the blood pressure of elderly hypertensive, especially with regard to advanced age, alcoholism, obesity and overweight, and it is necessary to reorient the planning and strategies of promotion of health and prevention of diseases directed at the elderly hypertensive in the scope of primary health care.


Author(s):  
M. Abdul Wassey ◽  
Ashish Giri ◽  
Aakash Raikwar ◽  
Vishal Dogra

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are chronic conditions that, on one hand demand early detection, screening, and treatment and on the other, require longitudinal follow-up for their successful management. Piramal Swasthya’s Arogyaseva program uses two contrasting methods (MMU and static clinic) to deliver diabetes and hypertension-related care. The MMU provides doorstep delivery of care, while the static clinic is located by the highway, is equipped with a telemedicine center, and has slightly higher diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities. The study aims to find the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, and determine the association between the sociodemographic factors and the type of facility utilized for these conditions.Methods: This cross-sectional study is a secondary data analysis of the aggregated data of patients who availed health services at the Mobile Medical Unit and the static clinic. The data was analyzed to find out the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension, and Binary logistic regression was used to determine socio-demographic predictors of the type of health facility used for diabetes and hypertension-related care.Results: Overall hypertension and diabetes prevalence was 24% and 7%, respectively. Women (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.122–1.510), illiterate (aOR 2.61; 95% CI 2.021-3.392), hypertensives (aOR 3.28; 95% CI 2.807-3.846) and the elderly (aOR 1.43; 95% CI 1.204-1.721) were significantly more likely to utilize MMU based outreach facility compared to their respective baseline counterparts.Conclusions: The mobile medical unit can play a significant role in delivering hypertension and diabetes-related care, especially to women and the elderly.


Author(s):  
Manuel José Lopes ◽  
Lara Guedes de Pinho ◽  
César Fonseca ◽  
Margarida Goes ◽  
Henrique Oliveira ◽  
...  

The functioning and cognition of older adults can be influenced by different care contexts. We aimed to compare the functioning profiles and cognition of institutionalized and noninstitutionalized older adults and to evaluate the effect of sociodemographic factors on the functioning and cognition. This is a cross-sectional study that included 593 older adults. The data were collected using the Elderly Nursing Core Set and Mini Mental State Examination. Women, older adults who did not attend school and those live in Residential Homes are more likely to have a higher degree of cognitive impairment than men, those who attended school and those frequent Day Centre. The chances of an older adult with moderate or severe cognitive impairment increases with age. Older women, older adults who did not attend school, and older adults who live in Residential Homes had a higher degree of functional problem than men, those who attended school and those who frequent a Day Centre, independently to age. It is necessary to promote the health literacy of older adults throughout life. The implementation of social and health responses should allow older adults to remain in their homes, given the influence of functioning and cognition on self-care and quality of life.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sai Zhen - Sim ◽  
Hui Li Koh ◽  
Sabrina Poay Sian Lee ◽  
Doris Yee Ling Young ◽  
Eng Sing Lee

Abstract Background Multimorbidity is of increasing prevalence and importance. It has been associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HrQoL) especially in the elderly population. Despite substantial multimorbidity at midlife, defined as those between 40-64 years old, there is a paucity of research investigating the impact of multimorbidity in this population. This study aimed to investigate the association between multimorbidity and HrQoL in the middle-aged primary care population in Singapore. Methods A cross-sectional study involving 40-64 year old participants was conducted at a primary care centre in Singapore. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data regarding the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics, chronic conditions, and HrQoL, as measured by the EuroQol 5 dimensions 3-levels questionnaire (EQ5D-3L). The associations between multimorbidity and the components of the EQ5D were assessed using multivariable regression analyses. Results The study included 297 participants, aged 40-64 years, of which 124 (42.7%) had multimorbidity. Participants with multimorbidity had lower mean EQ5D Utilities Index (UI) and mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores (UI = 0.804 ±0.251, VAS = 64.9 ±16.8) compared to those without multimorbidity (UI = 0.871 ±0.198, VAS = 68.5 ±16.0). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, those with multimorbidity had significantly lower EQ5D UI, (β-coefficient = -0.064 (C.I -0.125, -0.003), p = 0.04), but not significantly lower EQ5D VAS, (β-coefficient = -0.045 (C.I 0.102, 0.012), p = 0.12). Additionally, participants with multimorbidity had higher odds (OR = 2.41, p = 0.01) of reporting problems due to pain/discomfort. Conclusion Multimorbidity was not significantly associated with the overall health state, as measured by the EQ5D VAS, in middle-aged primary care patients. However, it was associated with the EQ5D UI which is a composite measure of five specific domains of HrQoL. Specifically, there was a significant association between multimorbidity and the pain domain. Further studies are required to understand the relationship between multimorbidity and pain to enable physicians to better manage pain and HrQoL in this population.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tae Yoon Kim ◽  
Sook-Hyun Lee ◽  
Eun-Jung Kim ◽  
Jae-Hong Kim ◽  
Sun Yong Chung ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Retired status has strong associations with mental health factors and involves gender disparities. However, while retirement is known to affect the mental health of the elderly, large-scale studies examining the impact on mental health by gender are scarce.Methods This cross-sectional study examined the data of 1,664 participants aged over 65 years old who completed the economic status and mental health sections of the 6-7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2013–2017). We adjusted for covariates (health behavior, sociodemographic factors) in regression analysis for complex sampling design to calculate regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals of the link between retired status and mental health. We also assessed which covariates of chronic disease, health behavior, and sociodemographic factors weakened the correlation between retired status and mental health.Results Retired status in Korean populations has persisted to negatively impact the incidence of depressive symptoms and thoughts of suicide, even after adjusting for confounding variables. Regarding mental health, women were affected by retired status to a greater extent than men. Among covariates, health behaviors and sociodemographic factors were most affected by retired status. Women were more affected by household income, and men were more affected by drinking behaviors.Conclusions These results imply that chronic diseases and psychological factors should be managed delicately among the retired elderly, and that there may be gender differences in retirement adaptation.


2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
pp. 509-511
Author(s):  
Pranay Gandhi ◽  
◽  
Sunita Sharma ◽  
Prateek Gandhi

2019 ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
Vuong Diem Khanh Doan ◽  
Ngoc Minh Chau Ho ◽  
Thi Van Ngo ◽  
Thi Bao Nga Phan ◽  
Thi Hong Phan Nguyen

Background: Vietnam is entering the stage of aging population; as a result, the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly is really a matter of concern. There is a great deal of research on the quality of life of the elderly while Vietnam witnesses a lack of research on this topic, especially on how physical and social activities have impact on QOL of the elderly. Objectives: (1) To describe the situation of participation in physical, social activities and QOL of the elderly residing in Truong An Ward, Hue city. (2) To examine the association between physical, social activities and QOL among participants. Methodology: This study used cross-sectional study design. A total sample of 420 people aged 60 and above in Truong An Ward, Hue city were interviewd. The SF36 was used to measure the QOL of participants. Results: Percentage of the elderly taking part in physical activity were 66%. 49% reported having the habit of taking part in social activities. The majority of the elderly get their QOL level in three health fields, namely physical, mental and general health at above average. (56.0, 60.7 and 60.8 respectively). There were significant associations between physical activities, social activities and QOL among participants. Conclusion: The percentage of the elderly taking part in physical and social activities were still low. Besides, QOL of the elderly at the research location was not really high. It’s important to encourage the elderly taking part in physical and social activities to improve their quality of life. Key words: Physical activities, social activities, QOL, the elderly


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Aliyu ◽  
Babatunde Adelekan ◽  
Nifarta Andrew ◽  
Eunice Ekong ◽  
Stephen Dapiap ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Expanded access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to improved HIV/AIDS treatment outcomes in Nigeria, however, increasing rates of loss to follow-up among those on ART is threatening optimal standard achievement. Therefore, this retrospective cross-sectional study is aimed at identifying correlates and predictors of loss to follow-up in patients commencing ART in a large HIV program in Nigeria. Methods Records of all patients from 432 US CDC Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supported facilities across 10 States and FCT who started ART from 2004 to 2017 were used for this study. Bivariate and multivariate analysis of the demographic and clinical parameters of all patients was conducted using STATA version 14 to determine correlates and predictors of loss to follow-up. Results Within the review period, 245,257 patients were ever enrolled on anti-retroviral therapy. 150,191 (61.2%) remained on treatment, 10,960 (4.5%) were transferred out to other facilities, 6926 (2.8%) died, 2139 (0.9%) self-terminated treatment and 75,041 (30.6%) had a loss to follow-up event captured. Males (OR: 1.16), Non-pregnant female (OR: 4.55), Patients on ≥ 3-monthly ARV refills (OR: 1.32), Patients with un-suppressed viral loads on ART (OR: 4.52), patients on adult 2nd line regimen (OR: 1.23) or pediatric on 1st line regimen (OR: 1.70) were significantly more likely to be lost to follow-up. Conclusion Despite increasing access to anti-retroviral therapy, loss to follow-up is still a challenge in the HIV program in Nigeria. Differentiated care approaches that will focus on males, non-pregnant females and paediatrics is encouraged. Reducing months of Anti-retroviral drug refill to less than 3 months is advocated for increased patient adherence.


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