Characteristics of Hospitalized Adults 55 and Older With Clostridioides difficile Infection.

Clostridioides difficile infection in older adults can result in severe infection, difficulty in treating, and complicated disease process, yet few studies have examined the characteristics of hospitalized older adults and recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. A retrospective cohort study was conducted to explore the characteristics of hospitalized adults 55 years and older with initial Clostridioides difficile infection and recurrences by extracting routinely documented data in the electronic health record. A sample of 1,199 admissions on 871 patients was included, with a recurrence rate of 23.9% ( n = 208). During the first admission, there were 79 deaths (9.1%). Clostridioides difficile infection recurrence was more prevalent in patients between 55 and 64 years old, and if discharged to a skilled nursing facility or with home health services. Chronic diseases significantly more prevalent in recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection included hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. On initial admission, no laboratory abnormalities were significantly associated with recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. This study indicates the need for utilizing routinely captured electronic health record data during acute hospitalizations to aid in targeting care to reduce morbidity, mortality, and recurrence.

Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Factors Influencing Physical Activity in Arab Americans.

BACKGROUND: Many Arab Americans do not meet the physical activity (PA) guidelines despite evidence to support health benefits. AIMS: We aimed to investigate the relationships between PA and sample characteristics, intrapersonal factors, and interpersonal factors and examine to what extent these factors influence PA in Arab Americans. A cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational design using a self-administered questionnaire with 140 Arab Americans was used. Spearman ρ correlation was used to assess the associations between PA and sample characteristics, intrapersonal factors, and interpersonal factors. Three simultaneous gamma regression models were used to assess to what extent these factors jointly influenced PA. RESULTS: Most participants (58.6%) reported a high level of PA. Significant positive associations were found between PA and health status, religiosity, and PA self-efficacy (rs = 0.21, P = .019; rs = 0.19, P = .029; and rs = 0.28, P = .003, respectively). Multiple regression models revealed that being employed (model 1: Exp[b] = 1.87, P = .030; Model 3: Exp[b] = 1.77, P = .043) and having chronic conditions (model 1: Exp[b] = 1.88, P = .031; model 2: Exp[b] = 1.96, P = .034; model 3: Exp[b] = 1.91, P = .047) were associated with greater PA, when accounting for other sample characteristics, intrapersonal factors, and interpersonal factors. CONCLUSION: Presence of chronic health conditions and employment status should be considered when promoting PA in Arab Americans. Future research is needed to explore the relationship between religiosity, PA self-efficacy, and PA in this population.

Frailty and Its Correlates in Cognitively Intact Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Frailty syndrome is characterized by a decline in physiological and psychological reserve and may be associated with poor health outcomes. OBJECTIVES: The current study explored frailty and its correlates among cognitively intact community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A secondary analysis of data collected from 109 community-dwelling older adults who are cognitively intact was conducted for the purpose of this study. The Arabic versions of the culturally adapted Tilburg Frailty Indicator, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Short Form-36 Quality of Life (QOL) survey. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the relationships between frailty and depression. RESULTS: The results indicated a high prevalence of frailty (78%) and depression (38%) among cognitively intact community-dwelling older adults. Frailty was found to be associated with increased age, being single or illiterate, living alone, having a high number of comorbid conditions, having high rate of depression, and having poor QOL. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of frailty is associated with high depression scores, a high number of comorbid conditions, and poor QOL among cognitively intact community-dwelling older adults.

Cardiovascular disease risk in Hispanic American women.

Hispanic American women have an increased risk for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study examined CVD risk in a sample of immigrant Hispanic women using Framingham point scores and the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) Risk Estimator for 10-year CVD risk and prevalence of metabolic syndrome. A cross-sectional study using baseline data from a diabetes self-management intervention study in a sample of 118 Hispanic American women was conducted. Data were c ollected with interviewer-administered surveys, and HbA1C and lipid profiles were obtained through capillary finger stick blood at clinics and churches in rural counties in central North Carolina. A majority (58%) of the women had type 2 diabetes and 61% had metabolic syndrome. Using the Framingham point scores for 10-year CVD risk, 2.5% were determined to have intermediate risk, compared to 7.6% at intermediate risk and 2.5% at high risk using the ASCVD 10-year risk estimator. High rates of CVD risk factors were found among this sample of Hispanic women. Early recognition of risk, mitigation of modifiable risk factors, and effective self-care programs are needed for Hispanic women. Hispanic American women may benefit from community-based CVD educational programs that have been culturally and linguistically tailored.

The Impact of Physiological Factors on 30-day Unplanned Rehospitalization in Adults with Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) patients have high rates of 30-day unplanned rehospitalization. This study assessed the impact of physiological factors on 30-day HF unplanned rehospitalization. METHODS: The cross-sectional study used secondary data from electronic medical records of 270 patients. RESULTS: Findings revealed several factor types were related to 30-day HF unplanned rehospitalization such as chronic kidney disease (p = 0.001), the use of CPAP machine (p = 0.028), and B-type natriuretic peptide (p = 0.050). CONCLUSION: Many physiological factors were associated with 30-day HF unplanned rehospitalization. Identifying these factors will help health care providers to plan a variety of interventions that reduce 30-day HF unplanned rehospitalization.

Are Emergency Departments in the United States Following Recommendations by the Emergency Severity Index to Promote Quality Triage and Reliability?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe (1) the extent to which emergency departments in the United States are promoting the quality of triage and the reliability of triage systems according to recommendations in the Emergency Severity Index (ESI) Handbook and (2) if relationships existed between triage structure (policies) and process (procedures) in emergency departments that promote accuracy of triage decisions. METHODS: Donabedian's Structure, Process, Outcome model guided this descriptive, correlational study. Nurses were recruited from all geographic regions in the United States, and the ED TRiAGE Structure and Process Survey was developed to collect data. Χ2 tests of independence, Fisher's exact tests, and Kendall's τ were used to assess relationships of structure and process. RESULTS: The majority of emergency departments did not meet at least the minimum recommendations of the ESI triage system. Significant positive relationships were found when an emergency department had structure (policy) to guide process (procedures). Differences were reported in the type, amount, and focus of the policies and procedures. DISCUSSION: Donabedian's model emphasizes that good structure and process are antecedents of good outcomes. This study serves as a foundation on which to examine the consistency of emergency departments meeting the ESI guidelines that promote triage accuracy and maintaining the reliability of evidence-based triage acuity systems.

Sleep, Nutrition, Disordered Eating, Problematic Tobacco and Alcohol Use, and Exercise in College Students With and Without Diabetes.

The purpose of the current study was to examine the health behaviors of college students with diabetes and compare behaviors to college students without diabetes. This descriptive study used the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II and included 1,216 students between ages 18 and 24. Health behaviors related to sleep, nutrition, disordered eating, problematic tobacco and alcohol use, and exercise were examined. Students with diabetes (n = 528) reported a higher frequency of meeting exercise recommendations and less healthy behaviors related to nutrition and problematic tobacco and alcohol use. Both groups of students reported inadequate sleep. Students with diabetes reported more academic problems due to sleep difficulties, disordered eating, and problematic alcohol use. Health behaviors in both groups showed similar needs for improvement. Nurses are in a position to guide new, prospective, and continuing college students with diabetes in practicing behaviors associated with positive health outcomes. Opportunities for interventions are numerous. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(12), 23-32.].

Women's Mental Health After Retirement.

The aim of the current study was to examine mental health outcomes in retired women and determine whether relationships existed among mental health outcomes, sociodemographic characteristics, and type of retirement (i.e., voluntary or forced). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 80 women ages 55 and older residing in five southeastern states. Women had retired at least part-time from working outside of the home. Sociodemographic variables, diagnosis of depression, diagnosis of cognitive impairment, and health-related quality of life were assessed. Women with forced retirement had worse mental health compared to those who retired voluntarily. Minority women had higher rates of forced retirement compared with White women. Poorer mental health outcomes for women with forced retirement suggest the need for careful consideration of this transition as a socially determined health factor for retired women, especially minority women. Clinicians need to assess women for mental health indicators during the transition to retirement and provide educational and therapeutic resources to promote mental health during the transition from working life to retirement. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 56(7), 37-45.].

US Healthcare Experiences of Hispanic Patients with Diabetes and Family Members: A Qualitative Analysis.

Hispanics in the United States experience significant health disparities. Using focus groups conducted in Spanish, we explored the perspectives of 172 Hispanic adults regarding their healthcare experiences. Many participants were women (64.5%) and primarily from Mexico (80%). Four major qualitative themes emerged: (a) provide us with information, (b) want attentive and respectful relationships, (c) want better care, and (d) perceived discrimination. Suboptimal patient-provider interactions were described. Research is needed to explore interventions that address these issues. Incorporating person-centered care principles and practices such as clear and understandable communication, culturally competent care, and customer service skills may benefit provider interactions with Hispanics.

Improving Physical Activity in Hispanics with Diabetes and their Families.

OBJECTIVE: This study examined changes in physical activity among Hispanics with diabetes and their families who received an 8-week diabetes self-management intervention. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental design was used to conduct a secondary analysis of physical activity data from two intervention studies that used the same protocols and measures. SAMPLE: A total of 65 patients and 66 family members participated in the studies. MEASURES: Physical activity was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and pedometers. Self-report of physical activity was collected pre- and postintervention, and pedometer data for the 8 weeks of the intervention period. INTERVENTION: The interventions consisted of 8 weeks of educational sessions. RESULTS: IPAQ walking Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET)-minutes per week significantly increased for patients (p < .001) and family members (p < .001) from pre- to postintervention as did moderate activity MET-minutes/week for family members (p = .004). Based on pedometer steps, the percentage of sedentary patients declined from 38% to 17% over the intervention record; differences in pedometer steps over time were not significant for patients (p = .803) or family members (p = .144). CONCLUSIONS: Pedometers are a cost effective and user-friendly method of measuring physical activity. Pedometers can also serve as a motivator to help increase physical activity among Hispanics with diabetes and their family members.

Diabetes risks and health literacy in southern African American and Latino women.

Minority women experience health disparities, especially related to diabetes. The purpose of this article is to examine diabetes risk in minority women. A survey design was used to recruit 52 African Americans (AA) and 48 Latina women. Participants described their health, health behaviors, and health literacy. Blood pressure and body mass index were measured. AA women had more diabetes risks than Latinas, and older women had more risks than younger women. All of the women had low health literacy. Women with higher numbers of diabetes risks had lower health literacy. Findings can be used to develop diabetes prevention and education programs.

Self-Care of Diabetes and Diabetes Distress in Non-Hispanic Black Adults With Type 2 Diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to describe the level of self-care of diabetes and diabetes distress and examine their relationship in non-Hispanic Black adults living with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 275 non-Hispanic Black adults with type 2 diabetes in North Carolina over 10 weeks, July 2022 to September 2022. An online survey collected sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, self-care measures of diabetes, and diabetes distress. The theory of self-care of chronic illness guided the study. Median regression examined the relationship between self-care of diabetes and diabetes distress. RESULTS: Of the 275 participants, over half reported a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes at younger ages than expected, with a mean age of 40. The self-reported mean A1C of 9% exceeded the recommended goal of <7%, with an average of 2 diabetes-related comorbidities. The self-care of diabetes scale scores were low, and total diabetes distress scores were high. Significant positive associations were found between total diabetes distress and self-care monitoring and self-care management. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, non-Hispanic Black adults had low levels of self-care of diabetes and high levels of diabetes distress. The findings indicate a relationship between self-care of diabetes and diabetes distress; as diabetes distress increases, so do the attempted activities of self-care of diabetes. Health care professionals in diabetes care are uniquely positioned to address further the behavioral aspects of diabetes management, particularly diabetes distress, to support non-Hispanic Black adults living with type 2 diabetes.

Recruitment and retention of African American and Hispanic girls and women in research.

Recruiting women and girls into research studies, especially minority women, continues to be a major challenge that impacts health policy and delivery systems. This article discusses various strategies to recruit and retain African American and Hispanic girls and women in studies. Strategies for successful recruitment focus on trust, familiarity and visibility, racial and ethnic similarities, environmental context, and convenience. Retention strategies include issues of transportation, language, literacy, cultural appropriateness, safety, flexibility, incentives, communication, and veracity. All strategies assist in meeting the challenge of engaging minority women in research to decrease health disparities.

Predictors of Advance Care Planning Engagement Among Muslim Americans.

Advance care planning (ACP) enables people to discuss their physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs before nearing death. Most literature examining the determinants of ACP engagement is limited and does not include minority faith communities in the United States, including Muslim communities. The purpose of this cross-sectional correlational study was to examine ACP engagement determinants among Muslims in the United States. Using the Social Ecological Model, we conceptualized the determinants of ACP engagement into intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community factors. The study self-administered questionnaires were distributed using convenience and snowball techniques. Multiple linear regression was used to predict ACP engagement. The total sample was 148 Muslim adults. The age range was 18 to 79 years. Among all tested factors, being Asian American, knowing a deceased person who had received aggressive or minimal medical treatments near death, being born in the United States, having knowledge and awareness about ACP, and being accepting of the American culture were the determinants of ACP engagement. Engagement in ACP is a multifactorial behavior. Several intrapersonal and interpersonal factors, but none of the community factors, were associated with ACP engagement among Muslim adults. Future ACP interventions targeted toward Muslim Americans should be planned with an understanding of the multifactorial nature of ACP engagement.

First-Time Mothers' Invisible Presence Using Social Networking Sites.

PURPOSE: To describe first-time mothers' experiences with online social networking sites in the early postpartum period, explore how mothers use them to gain support, and to evaluate how their use can aid or hinder maternal role transition. STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study, using convenience and snowball sampling, first-time mothers in the early postpartum period were recruited through social media. Semistructured interviews were conducted virtually where mothers were asked to describe their experiences with online social networking. Thematic analysis methods were used to develop themes from participant interviews. RESULTS: Twelve first-time mothers ranging from 4 to 12 weeks postpartum participated in the study. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: 1) Habits of first-time mom using social networking sites, 2) New purpose online, 3) Taking it to the moms, and 4) Impact on motherhood. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Maternal child nurses have opportunities to further customize support for first-time mothers online. Awareness of habits, trends, implications of early mothering during COVID-19, and the role social networking sites can play in supporting mothers in the early postpartum period offers new ways for nurses to support and empower the motherhood collective.

Client perceptions of cultural competence of community-based nurses.

Cultural competence is best understood by assessing provider and client perspectives. In this descriptive quantitative study, clients assessed dimensions of nurses' cultural competence including communication, decision-making, and interpersonal style. Nurses in 7 county health departments in North Carolina assessed their own cultural competence. Sixty-nine clients completed the Interpersonal Processes of Care and 71 nurses completed the Cultural Competence Assessment. Clients perceived their nursing care to contain key components of cultural competence. Nurses rated themselves as moderate to high cultural competence. Consistencies were noted between the clients' and nurse perceptions of cultural competence. These findings contribute to the enhancement of cultural competence among community nurses.

Herbal/Plant Remedies and Supplements Used by Hispanics/Latinxs for Diabetes: Source of Functional Foods?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the use of herbal/plant remedies and supplements for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among Hispanics/Latinxs in North Carolina and identify demographic and diabetes-related factors associated with use of these therapies. METHODS: Baseline data from a family-based diabetes intervention tailored for Hispanics/Latinxs were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and logistic regression. A convenience sample of 186 adults with T2DM and adult family members with and without T2DM was recruited from community-based settings and data obtained from face-to-face interviews conducted in Spanish. RESULTS: Most participants were female (73%) with an average age of 45 years old. Among this predominantly immigrant sample (96%), 78% of participants reported being from Mexico. Sixty percent had T2DM, and average A1C was 8.7% for persons with T2DM. Nearly a third reported using 51 different remedies for diabetes management. Most ingested them concurrently with prescribed medications; however, 11.3% reported altering the dose of medications when using herbal/plant remedies or supplements. Most common items were prickly pear cactus, pineapple, celery, aloe vera, parsley, and spinach. Using herbs/plants was positively correlated with age, A1C, and years with T2DM. The odds of using herbs/plants increased 28% for every 1% increase in A1C (adjusted odds ratio = 1.28, P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Asking about herbal/plant remedy and supplement use is important. Although there is limited efficacy and safety studies for some items, multiple reported remedies are functional foods with biologically active ingredients to promote health. Patient education is needed on safe and unsafe items and use with prescribed medications.

Physical activity, obesity, nutritional health and quality of life in low-income Hispanic adults with diabetes.

The study examined relationships among age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, nutritional health, quality of life, and health-related quality of life in Hispanic adults with diabetes (N = 59) using the PRECEDE-PROCEED planning model as a framework. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews at clinics and communities. A regression model with predisposing factors (age, BMI), and behavior (nutritional health and physical activity) significantly predicted quality of life (R(2) = 0.21, F = 3.63, p < .05) explaining 21% of variance. Physical activity and nutrition were the strongest predictors. Culturally competent intervention strategies must include factors that improve and enhance quality of life.

Advance Care Planning Engagement Among Muslim Community-Dwelling Adults Living in the United States.

Advance care planning (ACP) is a cornerstone of self-determination for the type of care provided at the end of life. Despite many national efforts to improve American adults' engagement in ACP, statistics indicate low engagement. Low engagement, especially among racial and ethnic minority populations, immigrants, people with lower socioeconomic status, young adults, rural residents, or non-English speakers, is common. Advance care planning engagement among Muslims living in the United States has been minimally studied. The purpose of this study was to explore Muslims' engagement in ACP. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Participants were recruited from Islamic organizations through convenience and snowball sampling. Engagement in ACP was measured by the Advance Care Planning Engagement Survey. A sample of 148 Muslims (18-79 years of age) participated in the study. The average engagement scores ranged from 1.97 to 2.09, with about two-thirds in the precontemplation stage. Significant differences in engagement scores were found according to health condition and end of life experiences. Results suggest a need for further collaborative efforts by health care providers, policymakers, and researchers to mitigate the disparities in ACP engagement in the American Muslim community.

Reliability and Validity of the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy in Diabetes in Measuring Diabetes Knowledge Among Hispanics With Type 2 Diabetes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Spoken Knowledge in Low Literacy in Diabetes (SKILLD) scale in measuring diabetes knowledge among Hispanics with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: A total of 111 Hispanic participants with T2DM were recruited from clinics and churches in the Southeastern US. The Spanish version of the SKILLD was used. Internal consistency reliability and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were examined for the Spanish SKILLD. Spearman rank correlations of SKILLD scores with the Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities (SDSCA) scores were inspected for evidence of convergent validity along with A1C level and duration of diabetes. RESULTS: The average SKILLD score was 35.1% (SD = 23.4%). The correct response for each SKILLD item ranged from 4.5% to 56.8%. The estimated reliability via internal consistency was adequate (Kuder-Richardson 20 = 0.706). EFA of the SKILLD items modestly indicated 1 factor could be retained. Spearman rank correlations of SKILLD scores with diabetes self-care activities were significant and positive for foot self-care. Higher SKILLD scores were significantly correlated with duration of diabetes, using insulin, having a high education level, ever attending a diabetes class, or having a parent with diabetes. CONCLUSION: The Spanish SKILLD showed acceptable reliability and adequate validity in this sample of Hispanics with T2DM. SKILLD scores indicated low diabetes knowledge in this sample. Patient-centered diabetes education tailored to low literacy needs of Hispanics is needed.