scholarly journals Air quality and health education to increase knowledge and encourage health protective behaviour among older adults in Hamilton, Canada

2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 87-94
Author(s):  
Sally Radisic ◽  
Bruce Newbold
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Intention To Use ◽  
Education Session ◽  
Risk Population ◽  
Protective Behaviour ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test

Air pollution exposure is detrimental to population health and particularly to older adults (≥65 years of age) who are considered part of the “at-risk” population. The Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) provides air quality and health information such that the public can implement health protective behaviour and decrease exposure to outdoor air pollution. The AQHI education session for older adults aims to increase knowledge, encourage use of the AQHI, and gain a better understanding of how at-risk populations self-identify. An AQHI education session was delivered face-to-face to older adults living independently in Hamilton, Canada. A pre- and post-test questionnaire with both quantitative and qualitative questions was administered to measure knowledge and intention to use AQHI. A total of 62 participants attended the education session and completed the pre- and post-test questionnaire. Results of a paired t test indicated a statistically significant difference in pre- and post-test knowledge (p <0.05). After the education session, 82% of participants indicated their intention to use AQHI. The benefit of using AQHI included health protection while the most relevant barrier was the inability to self-identify as belonging to the elderly at-risk population. An AQHI education session was effective in increasing AQHI knowledge and encouraging use of the AQHI. Consideration must be given to replacing the current terminology “elderly” with the use of chronological age (≥65 years) to describe the at-risk population and foster greater ability to self-identify and use AQHI. Extra attention must be given to engage older adults living in lower socioeconomic areas to address health disparities.

Air pollution, mortality, at-risk population, new entry and life expectancy of the frail elderly in three U.S. cities

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian J. Murray ◽  
Frederick W. Lipfert
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Pollution Effects ◽  
Risk Population ◽  
Air Pollution Effects ◽  
New Entrants

AbstractWe present the findings of a new time-series model that estimates short-term health effects of particulate matter and ozone, as applied to three U.S. cities. The model is based on observed fluctuations of daily death counts and estimates the corresponding daily subpopulations at-risk of imminent death; it also shows that virtually all elderly deaths are preceded by a brief period of extreme frailty. We augment previous research by allowing new entrants to this at-risk population to be influenced by the environment, rather than be random. The mean frail subpopulations in the three cities, each containing between 3000 and 5000 daily observations on mortality, pollution, and temperature, are estimated to be about 0.1% of those aged 65 or more, and their life expectancies in this frail status are about one week. We find losses in life expectancy due to air pollution and temperature to be at most one day. Air pollution effects on new entrants into the frail population tend to exceed those on mortality. Our results provide context to the many time-series studies that have found significant short-term relationships between air quality and survival, and they suggest that benefits of air quality improvement should be based on increased life expectancy rather than estimated numbers of excess deaths.

scholarly journals Subtle Changes or Dramatic Perceptions of Air Pollution in Sydney during COVID-19

Environments ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Peter Brimblecombe ◽  
Yonghang Lai
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
New South ◽  
Human Mobility ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Physical Reality ◽  
Social Perceptions ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Significant Difference

The COVID-19 pandemic made it critical to limit the spread of the disease by enforcing human isolation, restricting travel and reducing social activities. Dramatic improvements to air quality, especially NO2, have often characterised places under COVID-19 restrictions. Air pollution measurements in Sydney in April 2019 and during the lockdown period in April 2020 show reduced daily averaged NO2 concentrations: 8.52 ± 1.92 and 7.85 ± 2.92 ppb, though not significantly so (p1~0.15) and PM2.5 8.91 ± 4.94 and 7.95 ± 2.64 µg m−3, again a non-significant difference (p1~0.18). Satellite imagery suggests changes that parallel those at ground level, but the column densities averaged over space and time, in false-colour, are more dramatic. Changed human mobility could be traced in increasing times spent at home, assessed from Google Mobility Reports and mirrored in decreased traffic flow on a major road, suggesting compliance with the restrictions. Electricity demand for the State of New South Wales was low under lockdown in early April 2020, but it recovered rapidly. Analysis of the uses of search terms: bushfires, air quality, haze and air pollution using Google Trends showed strong links between bushfires and pollution-related terms. The smoke from bushfires in late 2019 may well have added to the general impression of improved air quality during lockdown, despite only modest changes in the ground level measurements. This gives hints that successful regulation of air quality requires maintaining a delicate balance between our social perceptions and the physical reality.

Educational intervention to improve palliative care knowledge among informal caregivers of cognitively impaired older adults

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Hyunjin Noh ◽  
Lewis H. Lee ◽  
Chorong Won
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Cognitively Impaired ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Seriously Ill

Abstract Objective Lack of palliative care knowledge among caregivers may pose an access barrier for cognitively impaired older adults, who may benefit from the specialized care. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving palliative care knowledge among informal caregivers of cognitively impaired older adults. Method Using a one-group, pre- and post-test intervention design, this study implemented an individual, face-to-face educational intervention with an informational brochure for 43 informal caregivers of chronically or seriously ill older adults (50+) with cognitive impairment, recruited from communities in West Alabama. Their level of knowledge about palliative care was assessed by the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS). The pre- and post-test scores were compared by the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, and the racial subgroup (Whites vs. Blacks) comparison was made by the Mann–Whitney U test. Results There was a statistically significant difference between the pre- and post-test scores (z = 5.38, p < 0.001), indicating a statistically significant effect of the educational intervention in improving palliative care knowledge among participants. There was a significant difference (U = 143, p < 0.05) between Whites and Blacks in the pre-test, which, however, disappeared in the post-test (U = 173.50, p > 0.05), suggesting that the amount of increased PaCKS scores were significantly greater for Blacks (Mdn = 9.50) than for Whites (Mdn = 4.00, U = 130.50, p < 0.05). Significance of results This study demonstrated that a one-time educational intervention can improve the level of palliative care knowledge among informal caregivers of chronically or seriously ill older adults with cognitive impairment, particularly among Black caregivers. Therefore, further educational efforts can be made to promote palliative care knowledge and reduce racial disparities in palliative care knowledge and its use.

scholarly journals Association between Nutritional Status Determined By Mini Nutritional Assessment and Serum Marker Levels in Older Adults at Eldercare Facilities

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel G Hilerio Lopez
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Mini Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Serum Marker ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Malnutrition in the older adult is an ongoing situation in Mexico and is most apparent in individuals that reside in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement homes. For that reason, it is necessary to evaluate the nutritional status of these adults by means of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and levels of three serum indicators that are commonly ordered when making malnutrition diagnosis. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 older adults residing in eldercare facilities. Nutritional status was evaluated by means of the MNA and three serum indicators (albumin, ferritin, and hemoglobin). Descriptive statistics were used to analyze sociodemographic characteristics, and a Student’s t test, based on gender and reference values, was used to compare mean values of the three serum indicators.  A Chi-square test was used to compare proportions in individuals, based on gender, who had normal nutritional status or were malnourished, and who were at-risk of malnutrition.  A One-way ANOVA with Scheffé post hoc test was used to identify the association between serum indicators and nutritional status of older adults. Of the 100 older adults studied, 53% were men and 47% were women. The mean age was 85±0.7 years. According to the MNA, 20% had normal nutritional status, 55% were at-risk of malnutrition, and 25% were malnourished. The mean indicator values were: albumin 4.7±0.04 g/dL, ferritin 74.2±8.7 ng/mL, and hemoglobin 13.0±0.1 g/dL. No significant association was found between serum indicators and each MNA classification; however, when the same indicators were compared between the sexes, hemoglobin showed a significant difference (P=0.037). Women had lower values but those values did not extend beyond the established physiological range for this population. There was a 55% prevalence of risk of malnutrition in the nutritional status of older adults living in Mexican eldercare facilities in a Mexican province and it was even more frequent in women. 

Determining Knowledge and Behaviour Change: After Nutrition Screening Among Older Adults

2010 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 128-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine M. Southgate ◽  
Heather H. Keller ◽  
Holly D. Reimer
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Nutrition Screening ◽  
Nutrition Risk ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

Two education interventions involving personalized messages after nutrition screening in older adults were compared to determine changes in nutrition knowledge and risk behaviour. Of 150 older adults randomly selected from a local seniors’ centre, 61 completed baseline screening and a demographic and nutrition knowledge questionnaire and were randomized to one of two groups. Group A received personalized letters plus an educational booklet, and Group B received personalized letters only. All materials were sent through the mail. Forty-four participants completed post-test questionnaires to determine change in knowledge and risk behaviour. Both groups had reduced nutrition risk scores and increased knowledge scores at post-test. After the intervention, a significant difference was observed in knowledge change by treatment group. Group A participants experienced greater gains in knowledge, with a mean gain of 5.43 points, than did those in Group B, who had a mean gain of 1.36 points (p=0.018). Screening and education with print materials have the potential to change risk behaviour and nutrition knowledge in older adults. A specially designed booklet on older adults’ nutrition risk factors plus a personalized letter provide an effective education strategy for older adults after screening.

scholarly journals Mapping Carbon Monoxide Pollution of Residential Areas in a Polish City

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 2885
Author(s):  
Janusz Kwiecień ◽  
Kinga Szopińska
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Carbon Monoxide ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Total Carbon ◽  
Detailed Calculation ◽  
Individual Housing ◽  
The City ◽  
Housing Estates

Road traffic is among the main sources of atmospheric pollution in cities. Maps of pollutants are based on geostatistical models using a digital model of the city along with traffic parameters allowing for ongoing analyses and prediction of the condition of the environment. The aim of the work was to determine the size of areas at risk of carbon monoxide pollution derived from road traffic along with determining the number of inhabitants exposed to excessive CO levels using geostatistical modeling on the example of the city of Bydgoszcz, a city in the northern part of Poland. The COPERT STREET LEVEL program was used to calculate CO emissions. Next, based on geostatistical modelling, a prediction map of CO pollution (kg/year) was generated, along with determining the level of CO concentration (mg/m3/year). The studies accounted for the variability of road sources as well as the spatial structure of the terrain. The results are presented for the city as well as divided into individual housing estates. The level of total carbon monoxide concentration for the city was 5.18 mg/m3/year, indicating good air quality. Detailed calculation analyses showed that the level of air pollution with CO varies in the individual housing estates, ranging from 0.08 to 35.70 mg/m3/year. Out of the 51 studied residential estates, the limit value was exceeded in 10, with 45% of the population at risk of poor air quality. The obtained results indicate that only detailed monitoring of the level of pollution can provide us with reliable information on air quality. The results also show in what way geostatistical tools can be used to map the spatial variability of air pollution in a city. The obtained spatial details can be used to improve estimated concentration based on interpolation between direct observation and prediction models.

scholarly journals New Bullous Eruptions in a COVID-19 Positive Patient in an Intensive Care Unit

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-282
Author(s):  
Angela Kim ◽  
Muneeb Khan ◽  
Ann Lin ◽  
Hongbei Wang ◽  
Louis Siegel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Bullous Pemphigoid ◽  
Positive Patient ◽  
Risk Population ◽  
Autoimmune Bullous Diseases ◽  
Bullous Diseases ◽  
New Onset

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune blistering disorder that typically occurs in older adults. The etiopathogenesis of BP is unclear, although viral triggers have been reported. We present a case of new onset pauci-cellular BP in a patient admitted to Intensive Care Unit from an acute COVID-19 infection. Our case proposes to add the new coronavirus to the list of potential viral triggers of BP. Moreover, clinicians should be aware that the same at-risk population for autoimmune bullous diseases may also be at-risk for COVID-19 infection that is responsible for the current pandemic.

scholarly journals Preliminary Examinations of Concussion in Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 768-768
Author(s):  
J Combs ◽  
A Puskar ◽  
N Blaney ◽  
M Collins ◽  
A Kontos
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Risk Population ◽  
P Values ◽  
Severity Scores

Abstract Purpose This study sought to investigate whether concussion in older adults improves through evaluating their performance on the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) and Vestibular/Ocular-Motor Screen (VOMS) across visits and to describe and better characterize concussion in this at-risk population. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of medical records for 69 older adult patients (40 females, 29 males) that presented to a concussion specialty clinic. Participants averaged 64.71 (SD=4.1) years in age and presented within 6-998 days of injury (SD=170.9). Demographics and clinical data were recorded at intake through last appointment. Descriptive analysis, including frequencies, means, and standard deviations were performed as well as paired T-test to compare mean scores for first and last visit. Statistical significance was determined by two-sided p-values <.05. Results Twenty out of 69 participants (29%) reported a previous concussion. Concussion symptom severity scores at participants’ first clinic visit averaged 56.19 (SD=26.56) compare with 39.51 (SD=25.53) at their final clinic visit. When comparing ImPACT data, all scores improved comparatively from Visit 1 to Last Visit (P values =0.000-0.014); all VOMS total scores improved as well (P =0.00-0.047). The most frequent primary profile among participants was Vestibular (31.9%). Conclusion Older adults diagnosed with concussion showed improvement on ImPACT scores and their symptom severity scores decreased. The most frequent primary concussion profile at initial visit was Vestibular. Further research with this at-risk population is needed.

The effects of liffe skills training on mediating factors of drag use among adolescents (student) at risk

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 61-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Khademi Ashkzari ◽  
T. Ahmadi Gatab
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Drug Abuse ◽  
Secondary Students ◽  
Life Skills ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test

IntroductionAdolescence and its importance in the growth and spread of risky behavior theorists and researchers Mvrdtvjh Humanities is located. Among the risky behaviors of substance abuse behaviors in adolescence and early adulthood is still one of the most common problems are communities.AimsThe purpose of the present research was to study the effects of life skills training on reducing individual risk factors of drug abuse among secondary school students.MethodsIn the first phase 636 secondary students at risk were selected by cluster random sampling and answered to risk factors and protective questionnaires. The data were analyzed by correlation coefficients and multi variable regression. The results indicated the following predictive factors: attitude, self- management, social empowerment, family and school ties.ResultsIn the second phase based on the results of the first phase by pre- and post- test methods 80 secondary students were selected and divided to case and control groups at random. After performing pre-test for both groups, the case group attended 10 training section. After wards post- test was performed for both. The data analyzing using covariance (comparing post- tests regardless of the pre-test effect) indicated effectiveness af skills training on individual abuse factors. These factors showed significant difference comparing to control group after intervention.ConclusionsThus it can be concluded that training life skills in the high risk group can have positive effect on individual abuse variables and reduce the possibility of drug abuse in future among them.

scholarly journals COVID-19, and Vitamin D, and Air Pollution Global Epidemics Impact on Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 22-31
Author(s):  
Ray Marks
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Vitamin D ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Health Approach ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
Number Of Publications

Background Most current Corona virus or COVID-19 pandemic deaths have been found to occur among populations older than 65 years of age, who often suffer from the presence of an array of chronic diseases that may be related to a co-occurring vitamin D deficiency. Another factor affecting older adults’ immune response mechanisms is air quality. In turn, air quality can impact the absorption of vitamin D from sunlight sources, a factor which could explain why older people, who are often vitamin D deficient, may be more likely than younger adults or healthy adults to be at risk for COVID-19 and poor outcomes. Aim This work was designed to examine the recent literature on COVID-19, vitamin D and air pollution and what it might imply for public health workers, policy makers, and others. Methods Available data accessed largely from the PUBMED data base for the year 2020 using the key words COVID-19, air pollution, and vitamin D deficiency were sought and selected items were carefully examined and documented in narrative and tabular formats. Results Many publications on COVID-19 prevail, but far fewer focus specifically on vitamin D deficiency and its possible role in explaining COVID-19 global health risk among older adults. A similar, albeit small number of publications, discuss the global pandemics of air pollution and its possible COVID-19 association, as well as its impact on vitamin D production. However, while most related articles support a possible independent as well as a dual role for both factors in COVID-19 the realm of this highly infectious widespread disease, very few actual studies have been conducted to date on any of these topical issues Conclusion More research to examine if vitamin D-based nutrients or supplements may provide some degree of community wide protection against COVID-19 in the older vitamin D populations, especially among those living in highly polluted areas may prove highly valuable. Controlling air pollution emissions globally and locally may also prove to be a highly impactful public health approach to reducing overall COVID-19 risk, and extent, and warrants study.

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