Ecological Momentary Assessment of Social Interactions: Associations With Depression, Anxiety, Pain, and Fatigue in Individuals With Mild Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: To examine real-time relationships between social interactions and poststroke mood and somatic symptoms in participants' daily environments. DESIGN: Prospective observational study using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys 5 times a day for 2 weeks. Multilevel models were used to analyze data for concurrent and lagged associations. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Adults (N=48) with mild stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: EMA measures of self-appraisal of social interactions (confidence, satisfaction, and success), as well as mood (depression and anxiety) and somatic (pain and fatigue) symptoms. RESULTS: In concurrent associations, increased depressed mood was associated with reduced ratings of all aspects of social interactions. Fatigue was associated with reduced ratings of social satisfaction and success. In lagged associations, increased anxious mood preceded increased subsequent social confidence. Higher average social satisfaction, confidence, and success were related to lower momentary fatigue, anxious mood, and depressed mood at the next time point. Regarding clinicodemographic factors, being employed was concurrently related to increased social interactions. An increased number of comorbidities predicted higher somatic, but not mood, symptoms at the next time point. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides preliminary evidence of dynamic relationships between social interactions and somatic and mood symptoms in individuals with mild stroke. Interventions to not only address the sequelae of symptoms, but also to promote participation in social activities in poststroke life should be explored.

A scoping review of fall hazards in the homes of older adults and development of a framework for assessment and intervention.

INTRODUCTION: Comprehensive evaluation and intervention provided by occupational therapists is effective in reducing the presence of fall hazards in the homes of older adults. The purpose of this study was to document known environmental hazards and to update a previous content analysis. A secondary goal reviewed a framework for evaluation and practice. METHODS: A comprehensive scoping review of published academic articles was performed from 1996 to 2019 to answer: What environmental hazards have been associated with falls in the homes of community-dwelling older adults? Data was extracted in a standardised critical appraisal worksheet and content analysis was conducted. A review of a conceptual framework for assessment and intervention was conducted by international experts (n = 6) in face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the scoping study. The studies reported 17 in-home environmental hazards: throw rugs/carpets, clutter, cords/wires, poorly placed light switches, items placed too low, items placed too high, no grab bars, toilet seats too low, uneven floor surfaces, slippery/wet surfaces, snowy/icy surfaces, backless/unsupportive shoes, unsteady stairs, inadequate lighting, inadequate heating/cooling, step stools without railings, and pets. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive list of specific fall hazards in and around the homes of older adults and a guiding framework offers occupational therapists an evidence-based foundation for fall prevention efforts.