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Differences in patient‐reported and clinical characteristics by age group in adults with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background

The global burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is growing, and the age of onset is widening, resulting in increasing numbers of young adults and elderly patients with T2D. Age-specific diabetes care needs have yet to be fully explored.

Aims

This study examined (1) differences in patient-reported and clinical characteristics by age group and (2) the effect of age on two proxy measures assessing psychological health and self-care adherence after adjusting for potential mediators.

Methods

A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were recruited from a university hospital in Korea between 2019 and 2020. Participants were divided into four groups based on years of age (40s and younger group [n = 27]; 50s group [n = 47]; 60s group [n = 54]; and 70s and older group [n = 48]) to compare patient-reported and clinical characteristics. Chi-square tests, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and logistic regression analysis were performed to assess group differences and effect of age on psychological health and self-care adherence.

Results

Of 178 participants, two-thirds were men (n = 114; 64.41%). The mean ages in the 40s and younger, 50s, 60s, and 70s and older groups were 39.4, 54.7, 63.9, and 76.0 years, respectively. There were significant differences in patient-reported and clinical characteristics by age group. The youngest group reported the poorest psychological health and self-care behaviors. Although the oldest group showed the poorest physical functioning, this group also showed the highest self-care adherence and the best psychological health. Regarding clinical characteristics, traditional diabetes-related blood test results showed no significant group differences.

Linking Evidence to Action

Age-specific diabetes care needs were identified in adults with T2D. Interventions to improve psychological health and priming effects of behavioral adherence need to be developed. Furthermore, meticulous investigation to detect potential complications early is essential in adults with T2D.

Factors related to preoperative anxiety in older patients with sensory impairment: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim

To identify the factors related to preoperative anxiety in older adults with sensory impairment.

Design

Descriptive quantitative research design.

Methods

Study participants were 120 older adults admitted to a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea to undergo eye or ear surgery. Data were collected from 11 February to 30 April 2023. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS 28.0. The study was reported following the STROBE checklist.

Results

Preoperative anxiety differed significantly according to gender (p = .002), average monthly household income (p < .001), subjective health status (p = .003), subjective vision loss (p = .004), one-sided or both-sided eye discomfort (p = .002), use of glasses (p = .010), subjective hearing loss (p = .022) and anxiety coping mechanisms (p < .001). The results of a multiple regression analysis on the significant variables identified that gender (β = .178, p = .036) and anxiety coping mechanisms (β = .336, p < .001) had the most significant effect on preoperative anxiety, with an explanatory power of 34.5%.

Conclusion

The development and practical application of tailored nursing interventions catering to specific genders and anxiety coping mechanisms would contribute to reducing preoperative anxiety and providing efficient nursing care for older adults with sensory impairment.

Congruency and its related factors between patients' fall risk perception and nurses' fall risk assessment in acute care hospitals

Abstract

Introduction

Inpatients need to recognize their fall risk accurately and objectively. Nurses need to assess how patients perceive their fall risk and identify the factors that influence patients' fall risk perception.

Purpose

This study aims to explore the congruency between nurses' fall risk assessment and patients' perception of fall risk and identify factors related to the non-congruency of fall risk.

Designs

A descriptive and cross-sectional design was used. The study enrolled 386 patients who were admitted to an acute care hospital. Six nurses assessed the participants' fall risk. Congruency was classified using the Morse Fall Scale for nurses and the Fall Risk Perception Questionnaire for patients.

Findings

The nurses' fall risk assessments and patients' fall risk perceptions were congruent in 57% of the participants. Underestimation of the patient's risk of falling was associated with gender (women), long hospitalization period, department (orthopedics), low fall efficacy, and history of falls before hospitalization. Overestimation of fall risk was associated with age group, gender (men), department, and a high health literacy score. In the multiple logistic regression, the factors related to the underestimation of fall risk were hospitalization period and department, and the factors related to the overestimation of fall risk were health literacy and department.

Conclusions

Nurses should consider the patient's perception of fall risk and incorporate it into fall prevention interventions.

Clinical Relevance

Nurses need to evaluate whether patients perceive the risk of falling consistently. For patients who underestimate or overestimate their fall risk, it may be helpful to consider clinical and fall-related characteristics together when evaluating their perception of fall risk.

Best practices for implementation of Kamishibai cards in the healthcare setting to improve nursing‐sensitive indicator associated outcomes: An integrative review

Abstract

Background

Many adverse events are identified as nursing-sensitive indicators (NSIs) and have evidence-based care bundles known to reduce risk of occurrence. Kamishibai cards are a tool from the manufacturing industry used for practice auditing and improvements. Use of Kamishibai cards is believed to be common in the healthcare setting, but true evidence-based guidelines do not yet exist to guide their implementation.

Aims

The aim of this integrative review was to identify best practices around the implementation of Kamishibai cards in the healthcare setting for improvement in NSI-associated outcomes.

Methods

Eleven nurses at three facilities worked through the evidence using the Johns Hopkins Evidence-Based Practice Model.

Results

Ten articles were included for this review. Broad themes included direct observation with non-punitive and timely feedback, clearly visualized results, use of evidence-based care bundles, pre-implementation education, and both leadership and frontline-staff involvement. All facilities showed improvement in NSI-associated outcomes after the implementation of K-cards.

Linking Action to Action

In health care, K-cards can be implemented and designed with additional focus on the bundles of care they are intended to audit and staff support, but further evidence would better define guidelines around implementation.

Digital Literacy and Associated Factors in Older Adults Living in Urban South Korea: A Qualitative Study

imageThis study aimed to explore digital literacy among community-dwelling older adults in urban South Korea. A semistructured interview guide was developed using the Digital Competence ( 2.0 framework, which emphasizes the competencies for full digital participation in five categories: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, content creation, safety, and problem-solving. The data were analyzed using combined inductive and deductive content analysis. Inductive analysis identified three main categories: perceived ability to use digital technology, responses to digital technology, and contextual factors. In the results of deductive analysis, participants reported varying abilities in using digital technologies for information and data literacy, communication or collaboration, and problem-solving. However, their abilities were limited in handling the safety or security of digital technology and lacked in creating digital content. Responses to digital technology contain subcategories of perception (positive or negative) and behavior (trying or avoidance). Regarding contextual factors, aging-related physical and cognitive changes were identified as barriers to digital literacy. The influence of families or peers was viewed as both a facilitator and a barrier. Our participants recognized the importance of using digital devices to keep up with the trend of digitalization, but their digital literacy was mostly limited to relatively simple levels.

Effect of Virtual Game–Based Integrated Clinical Practice Simulation Program on Undergraduate Nursing Students' Attitude Toward Learning

imageGame-based virtual reality simulation programs can capitalize on the advantages of non–face-to-face education while effectively stimulating the interest of trainees and improving training efficiency. This study aimed to develop a game-based virtual reality simulation program for nervous system assessment and to evaluate the effects of the program on the learning attitudes of nursing students. Using a one-group pretest-posttest design, 41 senior nursing students were enrolled, and their learning attitudes (self-directed learning attitude, academic self-efficacy, flow-learning experience, and learning presence) were evaluated. The effect of the program was statistically significant in self-directed learning attitude (t = −2.27, P = .027) and learning presence (t = −3.07, P = .003), but the difference was not statistically significant in academic self-efficacy (t = −1.97, P = .054) and learning flow (t = −0.74, P = .459). The virtual gaming simulation program can be used to effectively replace field training in situations wherein field training is limited, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social Determinants of Health and Multimorbidity Among Adults 50 Years and Older in the United States

imageBackground Living with two or more chronic conditions simultaneously—known as multimorbidity—has become increasingly prevalent as the aging population continues to grow. However, the factors that influence the development of multimorbidity are still not fully understood. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of multimorbidity among U.S. adults 50 years and older and identify associated factors with multimorbidity. Methods We used data from four cycles from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2018) to examine the associations between social determinants of health and multimorbidity among American adults aged 50 years and older. A set of variables on socioeconomic status and health behaviors was chosen based on the social determinants of health conceptual framework developed by the World Health Organization. In our study, 4,552 participants were included. All analyses were accounted for a complex survey design and the use of survey weights. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associated factors with multimorbidity. Results The average age was 63.1 years, and 52.9% were female. The average number of chronic conditions was 2.27. The prevalence of multimorbidity was 63.8%, with high cholesterol and hypertension being the most prevalent conditions. In the adjusted model, age, gender, household income, citizenship status, health insurance, healthcare access, body mass index, and smoking status were found to be associated with living with multimorbidity. Discussion Our results indicate that continued efforts aimed at promoting smoking cessation and maintaining a healthy weight will be beneficial in preventing the onset of chronic conditions. Additional research is warranted to gain a deeper understanding of the interrelationships between gender, race/ethnicity, household income, citizenship status, health insurance, and healthcare access as social determinants of health in the context of multimorbidity. Further research will help us develop targeted interventions and policies to address disparities and improve health outcomes for individuals with multimorbidity.

YouTube as a source of information for pressure injury: Quality assessment and content analysis

Abstract

We aimed to assess the quality and reliability of pressure injury-related videos uploaded on YouTube, analyse the sources and contents, and examine the correlation between video parameters. We searched YouTube using two keywords, “pressure ulcer” and “pressure sore”, on August 20, 2022. We sorted the videos according to their number of views and included the top 100 videos for each keyword. The quality of videos was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), while their reliability was evaluated by the modified DISCERN (mDISCERN) tool. In addition, we evaluated the videos in which content was included, analysed the correlations and differences between GQS, mDISCERN, and video parameters. We initially found a total of 100 videos for each keyword and finally included and analysed 77 videos. The mean scores for the mDISCERN and GQS were 2.35 ± 0.98 and 3.09 ± 0.99, respectively. Both GQS and mDISCERN showed statistically significant correlations with each other (rho = 0.54, p < 0.0001*) and with the length of the videos, respectively (rho = 0.36, p = 0.001*), (rho = 0.29, p = 0.01*). Of the videos created by physicians, 8 (57.1%) included content related to treatment, while of the videos created by nonphysician health personnel, 22 (57.9%) included content related to prevention. Analysing whether there were differences in video parameters based on the sources, we observed significant differences between sources in GQS (p < 0.0001*), mDISCERN (p < 0.0001*), and video length (p = 0.001*). In the post-hoc analysis, videos uploaded by physicians or nonphysician health personnel showed higher quality and reliability than videos uploaded by other sources. Therefore, the results of this study could be useful for healthcare providers, as well as patients and caregivers, to search for high-quality and reliable YouTube videos related to pressure injury.

Network visualization to interpret which healthcare services are central to people living with HIV

Abstract

Aim

To employ network analysis to identify the central healthcare service needs of people living with HIV (PLWH) for integrated care.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

A list of healthcare services was identified through literature reviews, expert workshops and validity evaluations by PLWH. A total of 243 PLWH participated at five hospitals and self-reported their need for healthcare services on a four-point Likert scale. Centrality of healthcare service needs was analysed using network analysis.

Results

The mean score for 20 healthcare service needs was 3.53 out of 4. The highest scoring need, “Precaution for interaction between antiretroviral therapy and other drugs,” received a rating of 3.73 but had a centrality of only 0.31. The most central node in the network of healthcare service needs, “Information and coping with opportunistic infections,” had a strength centrality of 1.63 and showed significant relationships with “non-HIV-related medical services (e.g., health check-ups)” and “Regular dental services.” The correlation stability coefficient, which quantifies the stability of centrality, was 0.44 with an acceptable value.

Conclusions

The most central need was information on opportunistic infections that had connections with many nodes in network analysis. By interpreting the relationships between needs, healthcare providers can design interventions with an integrative perspective.

Implications for Patient Care

Network visualization provides dynamic relationships between needs that are unknown from the score scale by presenting them graphically and qualitatively.

Impact

Using network analysis to interpret need assessment offers an integrated nursing perspective. Coping with opportunistic infection is central to connecting the chain of healthcare. This study highlights the multifaceted understanding of patients' needs that nurses gain when they conduct network analysis.

Reporting Method

We adhered to the STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Spurious prospective effects between general and domain-specific self-esteem: A reanalysis of a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies

by Kimmo Sorjonen, Bo Melin

A recent meta-analysis, of 38 studies with data from 43 independent samples (total N = 24,668), claimed evidence for positive reciprocal prospective effects, and hence for both top-down and bottom-up processes, between general and domain-specific self-esteem. However, the meta-analytic cross-lagged effects were estimated while adjusting for a prior measurement of the outcome variable and it is known that such adjusted cross-lagged effects may be spurious due to correlations with residuals and regression to the mean. In the present reanalyses, we found all of the prospective effects to be spurious. Consequently, claims about increasing prospective effects and top-down and bottom-up processes between general and domain-specific self-esteem can be questioned. It is important for researchers to be aware of the limitations of cross-lagged panel analyses, and of analyses of correlational data in general, in order not to overinterpret findings.

Social Support, eHealth Literacy, and mHealth Use in Older Adults With Diabetes: Moderated Mediating Effect of the Perceived Importance of App Design

imageMobile healthcare has emerged as a prominent technological solution for self-management of health. However, the development and utilization of tailored mobile healthcare applications for older adults with diabetes mellitus remain limited. This study examined the relationship between social support and mobile healthcare use and further explored how this relationship varies with eHealth literacy and application design among older adults with diabetes mellitus. A descriptive cross-sectional trial was conducted with a structured self-report questionnaire, surveying 252 South Korean older adults with diabetes mellitus via offline and online modes. The mediating effect and moderated mediating effect were analyzed with the PROCESS macro of SPSS. eHealth literacy mediated the relationship between social support and mobile healthcare use. High levels of eHealth literacy and social support may increase mobile healthcare use among older adults with diabetes. Application design aesthetics facilitated mobile healthcare use. Future researchers, healthcare providers, and developers can contribute to the development of tailored mobile healthcare applications for older adults with diabetes mellitus by considering application design aspects such as font size, color, and menu configuration.

Virtual Reality–Based Education Program for Managing Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: Development and Feasibility Test

imageThis study aims to develop a virtual reality–based education program for managing behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia for family carers of persons living with dementia and investigate the feasibility for users. The program was developed through literature review, interviews with family carers, surveys, and expert content validity assessment. User feasibility was evaluated quantitatively through a questionnaire on usefulness, ease of use, and satisfaction, and qualitatively through participant interviews. The program was produced in two parts, Type 1 and Type 2, consisting of three and six episodes, respectively. Participants showed a high level of satisfaction with overall program scores of 4.28 ± 0.66 and 4.34 ± 0.41 for the two evaluations. Participants also expressed that both programs were helpful, Type 1 for achieving changes in attitude associated with more understanding of persons living with dementia and Type 2 for acquiring coping methods through communication training. Use of the virtual reality device was not inconvenient and was identified as helpful due to the high immersion experience. Results of this study confirmed that family carers had no resistance to education using new technologies such as virtual reality devices and that virtual reality–based education could be effective for training family carers.

Best practices for managing malodorous and infected wounds in advanced cervical cancer

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the most effective strategies for managing malodorous and infected wounds in patients who have been diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer. The research was conducted in Liupanshui, China. The study specifically examined demographic profiles, wound characteristics and effectiveness of wound management approaches. The study incorporated the heterogeneous sample of 289 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data collection was conducted via structured questionnaires and medical record evaluations. Descriptive statistics and statistical analyses, such as regression analysis, were utilized to evaluate demographic attributes, wound profiles and effects of different approaches to wound management. The findings unveiled the heterogeneous demographic composition of patients, encompassing differences in socioeconomic standing, educational attainment and age. A wide range of wound characteristics were observed, as 65.7% of lesions during the acute phase with diameter between 2 and 5 centimetres, while 41.5% of lesions had this range. The most prevalent types of infections were those caused by fungi (48.4%), followed by bacterial infections lacking resistance (38.1%). A moderate degree of odour intensity was prevalent, affecting 45.0% of the cases. With maximal odour reduction of 80%, a mean healing time of 25 days and patient satisfaction rating of 4.5 out of 5, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy demonstrated itself to be the most efficacious treatment method. Additional approaches, such as photodynamic therapy and topical antibiotic therapy, demonstrated significant effectiveness, as evidenced by odour reductions of 70% and 75%, respectively, and patient satisfaction ratings of 4.3 and 4.2. Thus, the study determined challenges associated with management of malodorous and infected lesions among patients with advanced cervical cancer. The results underscored the significance of individualized care approaches, drew attention to efficacious wound management techniques and identified critical determinants that impacted patient recuperation. The findings of this study hold potential for advancing palliative care for individuals diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer.

A relationship analysis of the effects of COVID‐19 isolation on pressure sores in a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Management of pressure sores can have various environmental effects; moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic notably affected efforts towards effective management of pressure sores. Some cases of COVID-19 infections require long-term hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Moreover, special protective equipment worn by physicians owing to the pandemic complicate wound management. In this study, we compared the pressure ulcer characteristics between isolated patients with and those without COVID-19 and evaluated the effects of isolation on pressure sores. From November 2022 to February 2023, patients who had pressure sores were included and their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The experimental group included patients with confirmed COVID-19 infections, who received clinical treatment in an isolated unit. Wound characteristics in each group and associated risk factors were analysed. Fifty-four isolated patients with COVID-19 and 58 control patients were included. The Braden Scale score and Korea patient classification system-1 did not vary significantly between the two groups. However, the number of Grade I pressure sores in the COVID-19 isolation group was significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.001), while the number of lesions was significantly higher (p = 0.034). The mortality rate in the COVID-19 isolation group was higher than that in the control group (p = 0.008), and more patients were discharged with unhealed wounds (p = 0.004). A higher treatment effect on pressure sores may be expected if the disease is more actively managed. Moreover, the wound care systems for isolated patients with COVID-19 require further attention.

The impact of cineole treatment timing on common cold duration and symptoms: Non-randomized exploratory clinical trial

by Andreas Michalsen, Kim Goldenstein, Peter Kardos, Ludger Klimek, Jürgen Palm, Dajana Parganlija, Johannes Stöckl

Introduction

Common cold (CC) symptoms arise from an inflammatory response treatable with cineole and generally peak within two days, which complicates research implementation. We therefore explored the benefits of early cineole administration with enrolment of participants prior to CC onset.

Methods

Out of 522 adults enrolled in our phase IV, open-label, non-randomized, exploratory clinical trial (EudraCT No. 2020-000860-51), 329 developed a CC and used 200 mg cineole (Soledum®, CNL-1976) t.i.d. for max. 15 (± 2) days. Primary endpoint was burden of disease based on the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-11).

Results

Comparing three strata based on time to treatment (≤ 12 h, > 12 to ≤ 24 h and > 24 h), earliest treatment resulted in lowest AUC-WURSS (Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.36) and reduced the overall burden of disease by 38% (p Conclusions

Early intervention shows clinical benefits relevant for the effective treatment of CC with cineole.

Virological, serological and clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: development and validation of the HEPA-B simulation model

Por: Mohareb · A. M. · Kim · A. Y. · Boyd · A. · Noubary · F. · Kouame · M. G. · Anglaret · X. · Coffie · P. A. · Eholie · S. P. · Freedberg · K. A. · Hyle · E. P.
Objectives

Detailed simulation models are needed to assess strategies for prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the world’s leading cause of liver disease. We sought to develop and validate a simulation model of chronic HBV that incorporates virological, serological and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We developed a novel Monte Carlo simulation model (the HEPA-B Model) detailing the natural history of chronic HBV. We parameterised the model with epidemiological data from the Western Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa. We simulated the evolution of HBV DNA, ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg) and surface antigen (HBsAg). We projected incidence of HBeAg loss, HBsAg loss, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death over 10-year and lifetime horizons. We stratified outcomes by five HBV DNA categories at the time of HBeAg loss, ranging from HBV DNA106 copies/mL. We tested goodness of fit using intraclass coefficients (ICC).

Results

Model-projected incidence of HBeAg loss was 5.18% per year over lifetime (ICC, 0.969 (95% CI: 0.728 to 0.990)). For people in HBeAg-negative phases of infection, model-projected HBsAg loss ranged from 0.78% to 3.34% per year depending on HBV DNA level (ICC, 0.889 (95% CI: 0.542 to 0.959)). Model-projected incidence of cirrhosis was 0.29–2.09% per year (ICC, 0.965 (95% CI: 0.942 to 0.979)) and HCC incidence was 0.06–1.65% per year (ICC, 0.977 (95% CI: 0.962 to 0.986)). Over a lifetime simulation of HBV disease, mortality rates were higher for people with older age, higher HBV DNA level and liver-related complications, consistent with observational studies.

Conclusions

We simulated HBV DNA-stratified clinical outcomes with the novel HEPA-B Model and validated them to observational data. This model can be used to examine strategies of HBV prevention and management.

Spousal support, parent–nurse partnership and caregiver burden among parents of children with chronic diseases: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Aim

To examine the effects of spousal support and parent–nurse partnership on caregiver burden of parents of children with chronic disease.

Background

With the trend of increasing the global number of children with chronic diseases, the parental caregiver burden has become increasingly prevalent.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

The study participants included 115 parents of children diagnosed with chronic disease at a general hospital in South Korea. The study duration was 4 June 2021–30 April 2022. Self-reported measures included the parent–nurse partnership scale, the Korean version of the Parenting Alliance Inventory and the family caregiver burden scale. T-tests, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficients and hierarchical linear multiple regression were conducted using IBM SPSS version 26.0. This study followed STROBE guideline.

Results

Parental caregiver burden was significantly negatively associated with spousal support and parent–nurse partnership. Factors significantly influencing caregiver burden were parental alcohol consumption; child's inherited metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, disease relating to haematological tumours or kidney disease diagnosis; child's health perceived as poor by parents; child's dependency perceived as high by parents; hospitalization recency; and low spousal support. These factors accounted for 65% of caregiver burden.

Conclusion

Parental caregiver burden was related to spousal support and parent–nurse partnership, but the primary factor affecting caregiver burden was spousal support.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results highlighted the role of healthcare professionals in educating parents of children with chronic diseases to facilitate spousal support and have implications for nursing and community-based interventions to reduce parental caregiver burden. Furthermore, they underlined that policymakers and other stakeholders should pay attention to the parental caregiver burden through government-based, family-centered strategies.

Patient or public contribution

Parents of children with chronic disease were recruited to perform the self-administered survey in the phase of data collection.

Uncertainty in surrogate decision‐making about end‐of‐life care for people with dementia: An integrative review

Abstract

Aim

To describe uncertainty in surrogate decision-making regarding end-of-life care for people with dementia using Mishel's reconceptualized uncertainty in illness theory.

Design

Integrative literature review using Whittemore and Knafl's approach.

Data Sources

PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science were searched using terms such as uncertainty/unpredictability, decision-making/advance care planning/end-of-life care planning, surrogate/family/caregiver/proxy and dementia. The search was initially conducted on 28 September 2021 and updated on 31 July 2023.

Review Methods

Through systematic screening, 20 research articles were included in the analysis. Content related to uncertainty in surrogate decision-making regarding end-of-life care was extracted and analysed, focusing on the reconceptualized uncertainty in illness theory.

Results

First, surrogate uncertainty exists in various areas of surrogate decision-making regarding end-of-life care. Second, antecedents of surrogate uncertainty include numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Third, surrogates exhibited some negative psychological responses to uncertainty but continually processed and structured their uncertainty through certain approaches, leading them to grow as decision-makers. Finally, research-based evidence on surrogates' processing of uncertainty and shifts to new life perspectives remains limited.

Conclusion

Surrogates' uncertainty in decision-making regarding end-of-life care for people with dementia is well characterized using the reconceptualized uncertainty in illness theory. Healthcare providers should help surrogates manage their uncertainty in surrogate decision-making more constructively throughout the dementia trajectory.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care

The findings highlight the importance of assessing how surrogates process uncertainty and gauging how to help them process uncertainty and transition to new life perspectives.

Impact

This review contributes to healthcare professionals' understanding of surrogates' uncertainty in end-of-life care planning for people with dementia, especially what they are uncertain about, what influences their uncertainty and how they process it.

Reporting Method

This study adheres to the PRISMA reporting guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

Impact of exercise training associated with enalapril treatment on blood pressure variability and renal dysfunctions in an experimental model of arterial hypertension and postmenopause

by Michel Pablo dos Santos Ferreira Silva, Maycon Junior Ferreira, Tânia Plens Shecaira, Danielle da Silva Dias, Débora Conte Kimura, Maria Cláudia Irigoyen, Guiomar Nascimento Gomes, Kátia De Angelis

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of the concurrent exercise training (CET) associated with the enalapril maleate on blood pressure variability (BPV) and renal profile in an experimental model of arterial hypertension (AH) and postmenopause.

Methods

Female ovariectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were distributed into 4 groups (n = 8/group): sedentary (SO), sedentary + enalapril (SOE), trained (TO) and trained + enalapril (TOE). Both enalapril (3mg/kg) and CET (3 days/week) were conducted during 8 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) was directly recorded for BPV analyses. Renal function, morphology, inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed.

Results

The SOE, TO e TOE groups presented decreased systolic BP compared with SO. Both trained groups (TO and TOE) presented lower BPV and increased baroreflex sensitivity (TO: 0.76 ± 0.20 and TOE: 1.02 ± 0.40 vs. SO: 0.40 ± 0.07 ms/mmHg) compared with SO group, with additional improvements in TOE group. Creatinine and IL-6 levels were reduced in SOE, TO and TOE compared with SO group, while IL-10 was increased only in TOE group (vs. SO). Enalapril combined with CET promote reduction in lipoperoxidation (TOE: 1.37 ± 0.26 vs. SO: 2.08 ± 0.48 and SOE: 1.84 ± 0.35 μmol/mg protein) and hydrogen peroxide (TOE: 1.89 ± 0.40 vs. SO: 3.70 ± 0.19 and SOE: 2.73 ± 0.70 μM), as well as increase in catalase activity (vs. sedentary groups). The tubulointerstitial injury was lower in interventions groups (SOE, TO and TOE vs. SO), with potentialized benefits in the trained groups.

Conclusions

Enalapril combined with CET attenuated BPV and baroreflex dysfunctions, probably impacting on end-organ damage, as demonstrated by attenuation in the AH-induced renal inflammations, oxidative stress and morphofunctional impairments in postmenopausal rats.

Development and Evaluation of a Mobile Application to Prevent Recurrent Stroke by Enhancing Self-management on Health Outcomes for Stroke Survivors

imageThis study aimed to develop a Mobile Application to Prevent Recurrent Stroke to prevent recurrent stroke by enhancing self-management and to evaluate its effects on stroke survivors' health outcomes. The Mobile Application to Prevent Recurrent Stroke was developed based on social cognitive theory and the model in order of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation process. The Mobile Application to Prevent Recurrent Stroke consisted of health management contents such as information about stroke, its associated risk factors, and required skills to conduct self-management with tailored support and counseling. A quasi-experimental preintervention and postintervention design was used involving a total of 54 stroke survivors. The experimental group (n = 27) was provided the Mobile Application to Prevent Recurrent Stroke for 8 weeks, whereas the control group (n = 27) received an education booklet. The result revealed that medication adherence (P = .002), healthy eating habit (P
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