Influence of chronic medical conditions on older patients' willingness to deprescribe medications: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Aging correlates with a heightened prevalence of chronic diseases, resulting in multimorbidity affecting 60% of those aged 65 or older. Multimorbidity often leads to polypharmacy, elevating the risk of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use and adverse health outcomes. To address these issues, deprescribing has emerged as a patient-centered approach that considers patients' beliefs and attitudes toward medication and reduces inappropriate polypharmacy in older adults. Our study aims to investigate whether certain chronic medical conditions are associated with older patients' willingness to deprescribe medications. METHODS: A cross-sectional study enrolled 192 community-dwelling individuals aged 65 or older taking at least one regular medication. Data included demographics, clinical characteristics, and responses to the Portuguese revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics characterized participants, while multiple binary logistic regression identified associations between chronic medical conditions and willingness to deprescribe. RESULTS: Among the participants (median age: 72 years, 65.6% female), 91.6% had multimorbidity. The analysis revealed that willingness to deprescribe significantly increased with the presence of gastric disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.123; 95% CI 1.221, 13.915) and age (aOR = 1.121; 95% CI 1.009, 1.246). Conversely, prostatic pathology (aOR = 0.266; 95% CI 0.077, 0.916), higher scores in the rPATD appropriateness factor (aOR = 0.384; 95% CI 0.190, 0.773), and rPATD concerns about stopping factor (aOR = 0.450; 95% CI 0.229, 0.883) diminished patients' willingness to deprescribe. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the intricate relationship between older patients' attitudes toward deprescribing and chronic medical conditions. We found that gastric disease was associated with an increased willingness to deprescribe medications, while prostate disease was associated with the opposite effect. Future research should explore how patients with specific diseases or groups of diseases perceive deprescribing of medications general and for specific medications, aiding in the development of targeted interventions.

Unmet Psychosocial Needs of Health Care Professionals in Europe During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Approach.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected everyday life and working conditions for most Europeans, particularly health care professionals (HCPs). Over the past 3 years, various policies have been implemented in various European countries. Studies have reported on the worsening of mental health, work-related stress, and helpful coping strategies. However, having a closer look is still necessary to gain more information on the psychosocial stressors and unmet needs of HCPs as well as nonmedical staff. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to obtain quantitative information on job-related stressors of physicians and nurses and the coping strategies of HCPs and nonmedical staff at 2 periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. By further analyzing qualitative comments, we wanted to gain more information on the psychosocial stressors and unmet needs of HCPs as well as nonmedical staff on different levels of experience. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 2 time points during the COVID-19 pandemic in several European countries. The first study period (T1) lasted between April 1 and June 20, 2020, and the second study period (T2) lasted between November 25, 2021, and February 28, 2022. On a quantitative level, we used a questionnaire on stressors for physicians and nurses and a questionnaire on coping strategies for HCPs and nonmedical staff. Quantitative data were descriptively analyzed for mean values and differences in stressors and coping strategies. Qualitative data of free-text boxes of HCPs and nonmedical staff were analyzed via thematic analysis to explore the experiences of the individuals. RESULTS: T1 comprised 609 participants, and T2 comprised 1398 participants. Overall, 296 participants made 438 qualitative comments. The uncertainty about when the pandemic would be controlled (T1: mean 2.28, SD 0.85; T2: mean 2.08, SD 0.90) and the fear of infecting the family (T1: mean 2.26, SD 0.98; T2: mean 2.02, SD 1.02) were the most severe stressors identified by physicians and nurses in both periods. Overall, the use of protective measures (T1: mean 2.66, SD 0.60; T2: mean 2.66, SD 0.60) and acquiring information about COVID-19 (T1: mean 2.29, SD 0.82; T2: mean 1.99, SD 0.89) were identified as the most common coping strategies for the entire study population. Using thematic analysis, we identified 8 themes of personal experiences on the micro, meso, and macro levels. Measures, working conditions, feelings and emotions, and social climate were frequently mentioned topics of the participants. In T1, feelings of isolation and uncertainty were prominent. In T2, feelings of exhaustion were expressed and vaccination was frequently discussed. Moreover, unmet psychosocial needs were identified. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for improvement in pandemic preparedness. Targeted vocational education measures and setting up of web-based mental health support could be useful to bridge gaps in psychosocial support needs in future crises.

Cognition, function, and prevalent dementia in centenarians and near-centenarians: An individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis of 18 studies.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data on prevalence of dementia in centenarians and near-centenarians (C/NC), its determinants, and whether the risk of dementia continues to rise beyond 100. METHODS: Participant-level data were obtained from 18 community-based studies (N = 4427) in 11 countries that included individuals ≥95 years. A harmonization protocol was applied to cognitive and functional impairments, and a meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean age was 98.3 years (SD = 2.67); 79% were women. After adjusting for age, sex, and education, dementia prevalence was 53.2% in women and 45.5% in men, with risk continuing to increase with age. Education (OR 0.95;0.92-0.98) was protective, as was hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 0.51;0.35-0.74) in five studies. Dementia was not associated with diabetes, vision and hearing impairments, smoking, and body mass index (BMI). DISCUSSION: Among the exceptional old, dementia prevalence remains higher in the older participants. Education was protective against dementia, but other factors for dementia-free survival in C/NC remain to be understood.

Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire to Portuguese: Older adults version.

BACKGROUND: Deprescribing is a patient-centered approach to managing inappropriate polypharmacy that faces several barriers, including patients' attitudes and beliefs about medications that need to be considered. For this purpose, the revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire is a helpful instrument, but until now, there is no Portuguese version. OBJECTIVES: To translate and validate the rPATD questionnaire (older adults version) to Portuguese. METHODS: The rPATD questionnaire was translated and cross-culturally adapted using forward-backward translation and pre-testing. A cross-sectional study with 192 older adults aged ≥65 years taking at least 1 regular medication was conducted for validity assessment. Participants were recruited by convenience sampling in 3 Portuguese outpatient rehabilitation medicine clinics. Psychometric properties were evaluated through face and content validity; construct validity, by assessing structural validity through exploratory factor analysis, hypotheses testing, including concurrent validity and cross cultural validity; reliability with internal consistency; and item-total correlation. Floor and ceiling effects were examined. RESULTS: The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a 4-factor structure that explains 51.08% of the total variance, as in the original rPATD. These 4 factors are related to the level of involvement in medication management, beliefs in the appropriateness of medication, perceived burden of medication, and concerns about stopping medications. Factor loadings ranged from 0.226 to 0.800; 2 items scored <0.3, and no cross-loading was found. The exclusion of the 2 items loading <0.3 in the EFA showed no significant improvement in factor loading or internal consistency, so the item structure was maintained. In hypothesis testing, 78% of the correlations were correctly predicted. The 4 factors internal consistency was generally acceptable, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.638 to 0.830. The item-total correlation ranged between 0.223 and 0.7. CONCLUSION: The Portuguese rPATD questionnaire for older adults presents globally good or acceptable psychometric properties.

The clinical utility of the Distress Thermometer in non-oncological contexts: A scoping review.

AIMS: To assess the clinical utility of the Distress Thermometer (DT) in non-cancer populations. METHODS: The search was performed between the 6th and the 18th of April 2020, on the following databases: Web of Science (all databases included), Scopus and Science Direct. One last update was performed on 5 June 2020. The findings were reported using the PRISMA-ScR. RESULTS: Fifty-three studies were included. Overall results indicated that this tool has been used in several contexts and populations (clinical and non-clinical). The DT is highly accessible, suitable and relevant for health professionals and/or researchers who aim to use it as a distress screening tool, particularly in patients with chronic physical conditions. Assumptions about its practicality and acceptability in non-oncology care should be made with caution since few studies have explored the psychometric qualities of this instrument, the completers' perceptions about completing the DT and the perceptions of health professionals who administer the tool. CONCLUSIONS: This lack of information undermines conclusions about the overall clinical utility of the DT as a screening tool for distress in individuals who do not have cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Future research should aim to fill this gap and investigate the psychometric qualities of the DT through validation studies and, thus, increase the rigour of its application and clinical utility in non-oncological contexts.

Gravidez tardia no último filho e o seu impacto em trajetórias desenvolvimentais / Late pregnancy in the last child and its impact on developmental trajectories / Embarazo tardío en el último hijo y su impacto en las trayectorias de desarrollo

Este estudo analisa a experiência da maternidade tardia (35+ anos) e as suas implicações na fase avançada de vida, nomeadamente nas trajetórias pessoais e familiares. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo com 15 díades compostas por mães tardias, atualmente idosas, e seus últimos filhos. Os resultados remetem para os riscos de saúde, distress emocional e julgamentos sociais da gestação tardia. Ao nível familiar destaca-se a presença de desafios da sobreposição de etapas distintas do ciclo de vida (cuidar de filhos pequenos e adolescentes vs. gestão da meia-idade) e, hoje, da (in)capacidade de cuidar dos netos. Os filhos evidenciam preocupações com a prestação de cuidados dos pais, tarefa que por ocorrer precocemente nas suas trajetórias desenvolvimentais, se pauta por dificuldades acrescidas.

This study focuses on the experience of late motherhood (35+ years) and its implications in the phase of advanced age, particularly in personal and family trajectories. It is a qualitative study of 15 dyads composed by older women who were late mothers and their last children. Results highlight the presence of several health risks, emotional distress and social judgments of late pregnancy. About family dynamics, challenges were mentioned by the overlapping of distinct stages of the life cycle (caring for small and teenage children vs. demands of middle age), and, currently, by the (in)capacity to take care of grandchildren. Children experienced several concerns related to their parent's caregiving, a demanding task that is perceived as happening too early in their developmental trajectories.

Este estudio analiza la experiencia de la maternidad tardía (más de 35 años) y sus implicaciones en la etapa avanzada de la vida, es decir, en las trayectorias personales y familiares. Este es un estudio cualitativo con 15 díadas compuestas por madres tardías, actualmente ancianas, y sus últimos hijos. Los resultados se refieren a los riesgos para la salud, la angustia emocional y los juicios sociales del embarazo tardío. A nivel familiar, destacamos la presencia de desafíos de la superposición de diferentes etapas del ciclo de vida (cuidado de niños pequeños y adolescentes frente a la gestión de la mediana edad) y, hoy, de la (in)capacidad de cuidar a los nietos. Los niños muestran inquietudes acerca de la provisión de cuidado parental, una tarea que, debido a que ocurre temprano en sus trayectorias de desarrollo, está marcada por mayores dificultades.

Regional differences in morbidity profiles and health care use in the oldest old: Findings from two Centenarian Studies in Portugal.

BACKGROUND: The worldwide increase of human life expectancy and the rapid aging of the population will contribute to an increasing prevalence of chronic illness. Even so, individuals who reach very advanced ages often postpone or escape age-related diseases that are common causes of death. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to examine health-related characteristics of two distinct samples of Portuguese centenarians (one predominantly rural - PR vs. one predominantly urban - PU), and explore potential dissimilarities in their morbidity profiles and use of health care services. METHODS: A total of 241 centenarians were considered. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, and use of health care services were assessed by semi-structured interviews with the centenarians and their proxies (family or formal caregiver). RESULTS: A higher average of 4.80 self-reported illnesses (sd = 2.01) were found in the PU sample (vs. 2.96; sd = 1.77 in the PR sample); in overall the PR sample presented a better health condition with lower levels of physical and mental impairments, and a greater number of centenarians who did not succumb to the three most common lethal diseases (heart disease, non-skin cancer and stroke) in the elderly population (85.4% vs. 60% in the PU sample). CONCLUSIONS: Portuguese centenarians experienced a substantial number of illnesses, but an overall better health status was found in centenarians from the PR area. By providing distinctive health-related profiles, our findings suggest the importance of contextual factors in shaping how very advanced ages may be achieved.

Hospitalizações por lesões autoprovocadas intencionalmente na Bahia, Brasil / Hospitalizations intentionally self-advocated injuries in Bahia, Brazil / Hospitalizaciones por lesiones intencionadamente autoinfligidas en Bahia, Brasil

Caracterizar as internações hospitalares decorrentes de lesões autoprovocadas intencionalmente no estado da Bahia, Brasil, no período de 2008 a 2016. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo, tendo como unidade de análise as notificações de internações hospitalares por lesões autoprovocadas intencionalmente no Sistema Único de Saúde. Identificaram-se 4.140 internações, sendo 66,5% do sexo masculino e 33,5% do sexo feminino; o maior tempo de permanência foi em idosos, com média de 3,47 dias. Houve predominância de autointoxicações voluntárias por álcool (média de 211,33 internações; DP = 53,33), seguidas das autointoxicações por pesticida/produtos químicos (média de 83,44 internações; DP = 7,35). A taxa de mortalidade foi de 4,05 para ambos os sexos, 4,2 para homens e 3,2 para mulheres. As hospitalizações por lesões autoprovocadas intencionalmente na Bahia nessa série histórica ocorreram em sua maioria em homens, sendo o álcool o mecanismo de lesão predominante; a permanência hospitalar foi maior em idosos, e a taxa de mortalidade geral por suicídio foi considerada baixa para a população estudada.

This observational/descriptive study characterized hospital admissions resulting from intentionally self-inflicted injuries in the state of Bahia, Brazil, from 2008 to 2016, whose unit of analysis was notifications of hospital admissions for intentional self-inflicted injuries in the Unified Health System. A total of 4,140 hospitalizations were identified: 66.5% were men, and 33.5% female; the highest length of stay was for older adults, with a mean of 3.47 days. Voluntary autointoxication by alcohol was predominant (mean of 211.33 admissions, SD = 53.33), followed by autointoxication by pesticides and chemical products (mean of 83.44 admissions, SD = 7.35). The death rate was low, consisting of 4.05 for both sexes, 4.2 for men and 3.2 for women. In this historical series the hospitalizations for intentional self-harm in Bahia occurred mostly among men, alcohol being the predominant mechanism of injury; the hospital stay was higher for the elderly and the overall lethality rate due to suicide was considered low for the studied population.

Caracterizar los ingresos hospitalarios resultantes de lesiones autoinfligidas intencionadamente en el estado de Bahía-Brasil de 2008 a 2016. Este es un estudio observacional, descriptivo, que analizó las notificaciones de ingresos hospitalarios por lesiones autoinfligidas intencionales en el Sistema Único de Salud. Se identificaron 4140 hospitalizaciones, de las cuales el 66,5% eran hombres; y el 33,5%, mujeres; La estancia más larga fue de ancianos, con un promedio de 3,47 días. Hubo un predominio de autointoxicaciones voluntarias por alcohol (promedio de 211,33 hospitalizaciones; DE = 53,33), seguido de autointoxicaciones por pesticidas/químicos (promedio de 83,44 hospitalizaciones; DE = 7,35). La tasa de letalidad fue de 4,05 para ambos sexos, 4,2 para hombres y 3,2 para mujeres. Las hospitalizaciones por autolesión intencional en Bahía en esta serie histórica ocurrieron principalmente en hombres, siendo el alcohol el mecanismo de lesión predominante; la estancia hospitalaria fue más prolongada en los ancianos y la tasa general de mortalidad por suicidio se consideró baja para la población estudiada.

Psychiatric disorders as main discharge diagnosis by the Portuguese oldest old from 2000 to 2014: exploring national acute inpatient admissions.

ABSTRACTBackground:Mental health problems have been reported as one of the principal causes of incapacity and morbidity. According to the World Health Organization approximately 15% of adults aged 60+ and over suffer from a mental disorder. In the oldest old population, a higher deterioration in the mental state is expected, which is ought to increase the risk of incidence of mental problems and use of healthcare services. The aim of this study is to examine inpatient episodes with a mental disorder coded as primary discharge diagnosis between 2000 and 2014 by patients aged 80+ in Portugal mainland. METHOD: Exploratory descriptive analyses of data regarding the number of episodes and coded diagnosis on admission were performed. RESULTS: From a total of 1,837,613 inpatient episodes, 16,430 (0.9%) correspond to episodes having a psychiatric disorder as a primary discharge diagnosis. Delirium, dementia and amnestic and other cognitive disorders (60.1%), alcohol-related disorders (17.7%) and mood disorders (8.6%) were the most common diagnosis. An analysis by age group revealed that among octogenarians and nonagenarians delirium, dementia, and amnestic and other cognitive disorders were the most common diagnosis; in the centenarian group; however, these were outweighed by alcohol-related disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study document the importance of neurocognitive disorders as a primary reason for hospitalization in the oldest old, but also highlights the need of paying attention to other mental disorders among this age group. Further studies should examine the prevalence of medical comorbidities in patients with mental disorders.

Grupos de Ajuda Mútua para Cuidadores Informais de pessoas com demência: no sentido de um helping ethos comunitário / Support Groups for Informal Caregivers of people with dementia: towards a communitarian helping ethos

Resumo No âmbito das intervenções comunitárias que são promovidas conjuntamente por entidades da área da saúde e do social, as intervenções grupais desenvolvidas para cuidadores informais de pessoas com demência têm se instituído como um importante tópico de investigação e objeto de reflexão profissional. O presente estudo tem como objetivo expor o funcionamento de um conjunto de Grupos de Ajuda Mútua (GAM) enquanto respostas de continuidade no apoio a cuidadores informais de pessoas com demência que participam em Programas Psicoeducativos. Partindo de um Projeto de Intervenção Comunitária realizado na zona Norte de Portugal (Projeto Cuidar de Quem Cuida), o estudo descreve cinco GAMs ocorridos em municípios diferentes e implementados/dinamizados por agentes de desenvolvimento local. São apresentados os seus objetivos e principais características de funcionamento enquanto resposta de continuidade. Os resultados revelam a sua importância para os cuidadores, nomeadamente para a dinamização/ manutenção de redes de apoio social informal no âmbito das escassas respostas especificamente destinadas para esta população, bem como para o papel fundamental dos seus agentes dinamizadores (técnicos de saúde e/ou da ação social). Conclui-se pela relevância dos GAMs enquanto iniciativa comunitária de entreajuda e de suporte ativo e continuado para cuidadores informais de idosos com demência.

Abstract Within community interventions that involve entities from both the health and the social sectors, group interventions for informal caregivers of individuals with dementia have received increased attention and are both a contemporary research topic and a subject of professional reflection. This study reports a set of distinct Support Groups for Informal Caregivers that were implemented after the caregivers' participation in a psychoeducational program. Based upon a community intervention project implemented in North Portugal (Caring for the Caregiver Project), the study describes five support groups established in five different municipalities and assumed by local agents from the health and/or social sectors. It focuses on each group's main objectives and functioning characteristics as a continuity response that was organized at a broad community level. Main findings stress the importance of these support groups on maintaining the caregivers' informal social network and mutual support system within a context of reduced services explicitly targeted for this population, and to the need of having a professional who assumes the role of organizing the sessions. Authors conclude on the relevance of support groups as a continuous and lively community intervention targeted at helping family carers of people with dementia.

Versão Portuguesa da Escala Breve de Redes Sociais de Lubben (LSNS-6) / Portuguese version of the abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6)

A avaliação das redes sociais na investigação e prática gerontológica requer o uso de instrumentos válidos e eficazes que sejam simples, concisos e de fácil aplicação na população idosa. A Escala de Redes Sociais de Lubben (LSNS) é um dos instrumentos mais utilizados para avaliar a integração social e o risco de isolamento social em idosos residentes na comunidade. Este artigo debruça-se sobre a tradução e validação da versão abreviada da escala (LSNS-6) para o Português Europeu e expõe as suas principais características psicométricas.

The assessment of social networks in gerontological and research practice requires valid, concise and reliable short scales that can be easily used with older adults. The Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS) is one of the most widely used instruments to assess social integration and to screen for social isolation among community-dwelling populations. This study presents the translation and validation process of the SNLS abbreviated version (LSNS-6) to European Portuguese. Main psychometric properties are discussed.

Centenários: que redes sociais? / Centenarians: what about their social relationships?

As relações sociais têm sido apontadas como um inigualável recurso de adaptação, principalmente na fase mais avançada da vida, em que os constrangimentos e perdas são crescentes. A revisão dos principais estudos que focam a dimensão social do envelhecimento no grupo dos muito idosos, com ênfase especial nos centenários, permite apresentar as especificidades que as relações sociais assumem nesta fase da vida, bem como reconhecer o seu valor adaptativo, enquanto estratégia de compensação de perdas e aumento do bem-estar.

Social relationships have been identified as a crucial coping resource in later life due to the increasing number of losses and constraints that characterize that period. The present review shows the characteristics of social relations in advanced age, with a special focus on centenarians, and confirms both their adaptative value and their contribution in enhancing well-being.

Satisfaction in dementia and stroke caregivers: a comparative study / Percepción de la satisfacción de cuidadores de personas con demencia y de cuidadores de personas con AVC / Estudo comparativo: percepção da satisfação de cuidadores de pessoas com demência e cuidadores de pessoas com AVC

Informal caregiving to the elderly is associated with the presence of both difficulties and positive rewards, but the latter have been considered less systematically in gerontological literature. In this cross-sectional study, we compared satisfaction of caregivers of demented (n=70) and stroke patients (n=44) by means of the Carer's Assessment of Satisfaction Index (CASI) and also compared their depression levels. Findings revealed the presence of satisfaction deriving from intrapersonal dynamics (elderly as main beneficiary) and from interpersonal dynamics (caregiver as main beneficiary) in dementia situations, and the presence of satisfaction deriving from intrapersonal dynamics (caregiver as main beneficiary) in stroke situations. Both subgroups of caregivers revealed similar yet significant levels of depression. The need for a better understanding of satisfaction experiences in dementia and stroke caregivers is highlighted.

La prestación informal de cuidados a las personas ancianas está vinculada a la presencia de dificultades y de satisfacciones. Generalmente la literatura gerontológica enfoca los aspectos de la dificultad, sin embargo no le ha dado la misma atención al análisis de la experiencia de la satisfacción. El propósito de este estudio transversal fue comparar la experiencia de satisfacción y de sintomatología depresiva de cuidadores de ancianos con demencia (n=70) y de cuidadores de ancianos con antecedentes de, por lo menos, un AVC (n=44), a través del Índice de Evaluación de la Satisfacción del Cuidador (CASI). Los resultados indican la presencia de sintomatología depresiva en ambos grupos; satisfacción intrapersonal (centrada en el anciano) y interpersonal (centrada en el cuidador) para los cuidadores de ancianos con demencia y, satisfacción intrapersonal (centrada en el cuidador) para los cuidadores de personas con antecedentes de AVC. Se destaca la necesidad de comprender mejor las experiencias de satisfacción en los cuidadores de ancianos con demencia y AVC.

A prestação informal de cuidados a pessoas idosas é vinculada à presença de dificuldades e de satisfação. Enquanto a literatura gerontológica enfoca os aspectos da dificuldade também tem negligenciado a análise da experiência de satisfação. O propósito deste estudo transversal foi comparar a experiência de satisfação e de sintomatologia depressiva de cuidadores de idosos demenciados (n=70) e de cuidadores de idosos com antecedentes de pelo menos um AVC (=44), através do Índice de Avaliação da Satisfação do Cuidador (CASI). Os resultados indicam a presença de sintomatologia depressiva para ambos os grupos, satisfação intrapessoal (centrada no idoso) e interpessoal (centrada no cuidador) para os cuidadores de demenciados e satisfação intrapessoal (centrada no cuidador) para os cuidadores de pessoas com antecedentes de AVC. Destaca-se a necessidade de compreender melhor as experiências de satisfação em cuidadores de idosos com demência e AVC.