Frailty state transitions among non-frail and vulnerable older adults: Does mobility performance really matter?

We assessed the predictors of becoming frail between non-frail and vulnerable community-dwelling older adults in a retrospective cohort study with adults (n=346) aged 60 years or older recruited from primary healthcare centers. Edmonton Frailty Scale assessed frailty status, and Kaplan-Meier estimated the frailty-free probability and compared it between groups. Cox regression models explored predictors of becoming frail. At baseline, there were 32.3% individuals classified as Frail according to the EFS, whereas 32.4% were vulnerable and 35.3% non-frail. We observed 82 incident cases of frailty, 65.8% among those classified as vulnerable and 37.8% in the non-frail group (p < 0.05). Female sex, years of education, and an overall score of < 45 on the Berg Balance Scale were the only independent predictors of becoming frail. Although frailty is not only correlated with mobility, static and dynamic balancing abilities appear to have the same impact as a vulnerable state to becoming frail.

[Factors influencing adherence to standard precautions among nursing professionals in psychiatric hospitals]. / Fatores que influenciam a adesão às precauções-padrão entreprofissionais de enfermagem em hospital psiquiátrico.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate and correlate individual, work-related and organizational factors that influence adherence to standard precautions among nursing professionals of psychiatric hospitals in São Paulo. METHOD: An exploratory cross-sectional study conducted with 35 nursing professionals, using the assessment tool for adherence to standard precautions through the Likert scale, ranging from 1 to 5. RESULTS: Knowledge of the precautions received a high score (4.69); adherence received (3.86) and obstacles (3.78), while intermediaries and the scales of organizational factors received low scores (2.61). There was a strong correlation between the magnitude adherence scale and the personal protective equipment availability (r = 0.643; p = 0.000). The training scale for prevention of HIV exposure (p = 0.007) was statistically different between the nurses and nursing assistants. CONCLUSION: The organizational factors negatively contributed to adherence to standard precautions, indicating that psychiatric institutions lack safe working conditions, ongoing training and management actions to control infections.

Translation and cultural adaptation of the Positive Aspects of Caregiving Scale for caregivers of people living with dementia in Brazilian context: a methodological study.

BACKGROUND: The Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) scale is used to assess psychosocial benefits provided to caregivers by the task of caring. The PAC scale consists of nine items, assessed using a five-point Likert scale, with higher values indicating greater positive perceptions and gains from the caregiving experience. OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the PAC scale for informal Brazilian caregivers of people with dementia. DESIGN AND SETTING: A methodological study was conducted at the Federal University of São Carlos. METHODS: The following stages were carried out: Translation; Synthesis of the translations; Back-translation; Evaluation by an experts' committee; and Pre-test. RESULTS: Two independent professionals translated the PAC scale. The consensus version was obtained by merging both translations, which were back-translated into English by a third translator. The expert committee comprised three specialists in the area and project researchers. All scale items presented a Content Validity Index of 1 (CVI = 1.0), and thus remained in the pre-final version of the instrument. The instrument was pre-tested with seven caregivers of people with dementia, the majority of whom were women (57.1%), with a degree of kinship corresponding to sons/daughters (57.1%) and an average age of 55.2 (± 4.1) years. The caregivers considered it clear and understandable and made no suggestions for changes. CONCLUSION: The PAC scale was translated and culturally adapted for use by informal caregivers of people with dementia in Brazil. However, a psychometric analysis of the instrument is necessary to provide normative data for this population group.

Association between participation restriction due to hearing loss and self-perception of health, social support, and quality of life in elderly people: a cross-sectional study. / Associação entre restrição à participação decorrente de perda auditiva e autopercepção de saúde, suporte social e qualidade de vida da pessoa idosa: estudo transversal.

PURPOSE: To verify the association between participation restriction due to hearing loss and self-perception of health, social support, and quality of life in elderly people. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study with a quantitative data approach. A database with information collected in a medium-sized Brazilian municipality was used. The study was conducted with 235 elderly people registered in five Family Health Strategy Units. Sociodemographic and health information and the results of the following questionnaires were used: Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - Screening Version (HHIE-S), Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey, Subjective Health Assessment, and Short-Form 6-Dimension (SF-6D) Health and Quality of Life Index. Groups with and without participation restriction were compared according to sociodemographic, health, social support, and quality of life variables. A multivariate binary logistic regression method was employed to evaluate the associations between the independent variables and participation restriction. RESULTS: The group with participation restriction is composed of older individuals with lower quality of life and poorer self-perception of health. Poorer self-perception of health was the only predictor of participation restriction related to hearing loss. CONCLUSION: Participation restriction is associated with poorer self-perception of health. The study highlights the importance of assessing individuals' self-perception regarding biopsychosocial issues, in addition to considering the environmental context to understand the social and emotional impacts caused by hearing loss.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre a restrição à participação decorrente de perda auditiva e a autopercepção da saúde, do suporte social e da qualidade de vida em pessoas idosas. MÉTODO: Estudo com delineamento transversal, observacional, descritivo e com abordagem quantitativa dos dados. Foi utilizado um banco de dados com informações coletadas em um município brasileiro de médio porte, sendo incluídas no estudo 235 pessoas cadastradas em cinco unidades de Estratégia de Saúde da Família. Utilizou-se informações sociodemográficas, de saúde e os resultados dos questionários: avaliação à restrição à participação (Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly Screening Version - HHIE-S), Suporte Social (Escala de Apoio Social do MOS), Avaliação Subjetiva de Saúde e a Qualidade de Vida (Short-Form 6 dimensions- SF-6D). Comparou-se os grupos com restrição e sem restrição à participação segundo as variáveis sociodemográficas, de saúde, suporte social e qualidade de vida. Um método de regressão logística binária multivariado foi utilizado para avaliar as associações entre as variáveis independentes e a restrição à participação. RESULTADOS: O grupo com restrição à participação é mais velho, possui menor qualidade de vida e pior autopercepção de saúde. Esta se mostrou ser o único preditor da restrição à participação relacionada à perda auditiva. CONCLUSÃO: A restrição à participação está associada a uma pior autopercepção de saúde. O estudo revela a importância de avaliar a autopercepção dos indivíduos quanto às questões biopsicossociais, além de considerar o contexto ambiental para a compreensão dos impactos sociais e emocionais da perda auditiva.

Adaptation, testing, and use of the "iSupport for Dementia" program in different countries: a systematic review.

The World Health Organization developed the "iSupport for Dementia" program for family caregivers of people with dementia. Objective: To explore studies on adaptation, randomized clinical trial protocols, and preliminary results of iSupport by unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia in different countries. Methods: Systematic review. Results: Ten cultural adaptation studies, eight randomized clinical trial protocols, and two preliminary results were included. Adaptation studies showed adjustments in terminology, design, and additional resources. Clinical trial protocols included burden as the primary outcome, and baseline, three months of intervention, and follow-up after six months. Studies with preliminary results found positive effects on the mental health and well-being of caregivers after using the program. Conclusion: iSupport is an online program of the World Health Organization in response to dementia in implementation in different countries.

A Organização Mundial da Saúde desenvolveu o programa "iSupport for Dementia" para cuidadores familiares de pessoas com demência. Objetivo: Explorar estudos sobre adaptação, protocolos de ensaio clínico randomizado e resultados preliminares do "iSupport" por cuidadores não remunerados de pessoas que vivem com demência em diferentes países. Métodos: Revisão sistemática. Resultados: Foram incluídos dez estudos de adaptação cultural, oito protocolos de Ensaio Clínico Randomizado e dois resultados preliminares. Os estudos de adaptação apresentaram os ajustes nas terminologias, design e recursos adicionais. Os protocolos de ensaio clínico incluíram a sobrecarga como desfecho primário, e com linha de base, três meses de intervenção e acompanhamento após seis meses. Os estudos com resultados preliminares encontraram efeitos positivos na saúde mental e bem-estar dos cuidadores após o uso do programa. Conclusão: O iSupport é um programa online da Organização Mundial da Saúde em resposta à demência na implantação em diferentes países.

Translation, adaptation, and reliability of a Social Frailty Scale for the Brazilian context: a methodological study.

BACKGROUND: Frailty comprises three dimensions: physical, psychological, and social. It is established that social frailty is correlated with several variables, such as quality of life, depression, and loneliness. These findings reinforce the need to investigate and define predictors of social frailty. OBJECTIVE: To translate, culturally adapt, and assess the reliability of the HALFT scale for Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Methodological study conducted at Universidade Federal de São Carlos. METHODS: This study aimed to translate and culturally adapt the HALFT scale from English to Brazilian Portuguese, for which the steps of translation, synthesis of translations, back translation, evaluation by an expert committee, pre-test, and test-retest were followed. RESULTS: Two independent translators translated the HALFT. The consensual version was established by merging the translations, which were back translated into English by a third translator. The expert committee comprised seven health professionals working in frailty and/or social fields of study. Only one item on the scale had a content validity index of less than one (0.85). The instrument was pre-tested with 35 older adults who considered it clear and understandable, with no suggestion of changes. The reliability analysis (reproducibility) of the adapted version of the HALFT with test-retest of the scale with 23 participants showed a Kappa index of 0.62, showing good agreement. CONCLUSION: The HALFT scale is translated and adapted for Brazil, and shows good reliability. However, it is necessary to conduct psychometric analysis of the instrument to provide normative data for this population.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of Sarcopenia and Quality of Life (SarQoL) in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is defined as a slow, progressive, and apparently inevitable process of involuntary loss of muscle mass, strength, and quality, which occurs with advancing age. It is widely accepted that sarcopenia can directly affect quality of life. OBJECTIVE: Translate, adapt and validate the "Sarcopenia and Quality of Life" instrument (SarQoL) to the Brazilian context. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation study carried out at the Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: The population consisted of 221 older adult participants. The steps recommended by the guidelines from the authors of the original instrument were followed sequentially: initial translation, synthesis of translations, backward translation, evaluation by a panel of judges, pre-test, and analysis of psychometric properties. The translation and adaptation process was conducted as recommended. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-one participants took part in the step analysis of the psychometric properties of SarQoL, in which 55 presented sarcopenia. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the total SarQoL questionnaire was 0.976, indicating excellent internal consistency. Excellent agreements between the test and retest with an Interclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) of 0.983 (95% confidence interval: 0.901-0.996) were observed in the SarQoL domains. The domains of Short-Form 36 and EuroQoL 5-dimension showed significant correlation, from moderate to strong magnitude, with SarQoL total score, indicating convergent validity. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of SarQoL presented evidence of reliability and validity.

Social support perceived by elderly people in social vulnerability according to family functionality: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the social support as perceived by elderly persons in a context of social vulnerability according to family functionality. METHOD: A cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach, carried out in São Carlos-SP, with 123 elderly people living in a context of high social vulnerability. The sample was divided into two groups: good family functionality and moderate/severe family dysfunction. Data was collected on sociodemographic characteristics, family functionality (Family APGAR) and social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale). The Mann-Whitney, Chi-square and Fisher's exact statistical tests were used. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between social support and family functionality (p < 0.05). The group with good family functionality obtained higher median social support scores: affective 100.00; material 95.00; information 90.00; emotional 90.00; positive social interaction 85.00; when compared to the group with moderate/severe family dysfunction: affective 86.67; material 87.50; information 70.00; emotional 65.00; positive social interaction 65.00. CONCLUSION: Elderly persons living in dysfunctional families have less perceived social support when compared to those living in families with good family functionality.

Efficacy of iSupport-Brasil for unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia: protocol for a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

Unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia tend to suffer mental health problems as a result of the negative effects associated with the care tasks. Thus, psychosocial interventions for this population group are necessary. iSupport is an online support program for caregivers that was created by the World Health Organization. Objective: To describe the design of a randomized clinical trial to measure the efficacy of the iSupport-Brasil version on caregivers' mental health and well-being. Methods: The participants will be randomized into Intervention Group (IG) (n=195) and Control Group (CG) (n=195). For three months, the IG will access the iSupport-Brasil platform, the CG will enter the electronic page of the Brazilian Alzheimer's Association, and both groups will be emailed the preliminary version of the "Guia de cuidados para a pessoa idosa" e-book (a guide to providing care to the elderly) from the Ministry of Health. The data will be collected at three moments: baseline, and three and six months after the beginning of the intervention. Results: It is expected that it will be possible to provide diverse validity evidence about iSupport-Brasil as an online and free intervention alternative, as a preventive means and as a way to promote mental health among caregivers of people living with dementia. Conclusion: Through the evaluation protocol of this randomized clinical trial on the effects of the iSupport-Brasil program, it may become a reference for countries that plan to adapt and improve the iSupport program using digital health solutions.

Cuidadores informais de pessoas que vivem com demência tendem a sofrer problemas de saúde mental como resultado dos efeitos negativos associados às tarefas de cuidado. Assim, intervenções psicossociais para essa população são necessárias. O iSupport é um programa de apoio online para cuidadores criado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Objetivo: Descrever o desenho de um ensaio clínico randomizado para medir a eficácia da versão iSupport-Brasil na saúde mental e no bem-estar de cuidadores. Métodos: Os participantes serão randomizados em Grupo Intervenção (GI) (n=195) e Grupo Controle (GC) (n=195). Durante três meses, o GI acessará a plataforma iSupport-Brasil, o CG entrará na página eletrônica da Associação Brasileira de Alzheimer e ambos os grupos receberão por e-mail a versão preliminar do e-book Guia de cuidados para a pessoa idosa, do Ministério da Saúde. Os dados serão coletados em três momentos: linha de base, três e seis meses após o início da intervenção. Resultados: Espera-se que seja possível fornecer diversas evidências sobre os efeitos do iSupport-Brasil como alternativa de intervenção online e gratuita, de forma a promover a saúde mental entre os cuidadores de pessoas que vivem com demência. Conclusão: O protocolo de avaliação deste ensaio clínico randomizado sobre os efeitos do programa iSupport-Brasil pode se tornar uma referência para os países que planejam adaptar e melhorar esta intervenção, usando soluções digitais de saúde.

[The evaluation of the level of hope of elderly chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis]. / Avaliação do nível de esperança de vida de idosos renais crônicos em hemodiálise.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the level of hope of elderly chronic kidney disease patients undergoing hemodialysis, using the Herth Hope Scale (HHS). This cross-sectional descriptive study was performed at a Renal Replacement Therapy Unit located in upstate São Paulo. The sample consisted of 50 elderly patients currently undergoing hemodialysis treatment. After obtaining the participants' consent to participate, individual interviews were performed with the elderly individuals, utilizing a characterization instrument and the Herth Hope Scale. All of the ethical premises were complied with (protocol 512/2009). Regarding the results, most participants were male (60%) and their mean age was 70.20 (±6.1) years. The mean score on the Herth Hope Scale was 36.20 (±2.90). In conclusion, compared with the Brazilian study regarding the validation of the Herth Hope Scale, the subjects' level of hope was lower, thus indicating a need to intervene regarding this feeling.

Association between frailty and depression among hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is consensually understood to be a clinical syndrome in which minimal stressors can lead to negative outcomes such as hospitalization, early institutionalization, falls, functional loss and death. Frailty is more prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and those on dialysis are the frailest. Depression contributes towards putting patients with CKD into the frailty cycle. OBJECTIVE: To assess frailty and its relationship with depression among patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Observational and quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in a renal therapy unit, located in the interior of the state of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: This investigation took place in 2019, among 80 patients. The following instruments were applied: a sociodemographic, economic and health condition characterization and the Subjective Frailty Assessment (SFA) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). RESULTS: Among the patients, there was higher prevalence of females, individuals with a steady partner and retirees, and their mean age was 59.63 (± 15.14) years. There was high prevalence of physical frailty (73.8%) and depression (93.7%). Depression was associated with frailty, such that patients with depression were 9.8 times more likely to be frail than were patients without depression (odds ratio, OR = 9.80; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.93-49.79). CONCLUSION: Based on the proposed objective and the results achieved, it can be concluded that depression was associated with the presence of frailty among patients with CKD on hemodialysis.

The association between language and recognition of facial emotional expressions in elderly individuals. / Associação entre linguagem e o reconhecimento de expressões faciais de emoções em idosos.

PURPOSE: To check the association between a good performance of language and the recognition of facial emotional expressions in elderly individuals. METHODS: Transversal study performed with 118 elderly individuals from the primary care services of health of a city in the state of São Paulo. Sociodemographic data were collected, regarding the performance of language through the domain of Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination - Revised and Recognition of Facial Emotional Expressions. The sample was divided in thirds according to the performance of language: T1 = the best, T2 = average, and T3 = the worst. The groups T1xT3 were compared regarding the performance of recognition of facial expressions of anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise, and for the intensities of 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. The association of independent variables over the performance of language was analyzed through logistic regression. The multivariate model was built from the results of the univariate analyses and has included the continuous variables by emotion and by intensity. Age and schooling associated to the performance of language in the univariate model were included in the multivariate model in order to adjust association analyses. RESULTS: The sample was mainly female (84.7%), with an average age of 70.5 years old, and 3.5 schooling years. The variables associated to the best performance of language in comparative analysis of T1 and T3 were: surprise (OR = 1.485, IC 95% 1.194 - 1.846), and disgust (OR = 1.143, IC 95% 1.005 - 1.300). CONCLUSION: The recognition of facial emotional expressions of surprise and disgust were shown as important factors associated to the good performance of language.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a associação entre o bom desempenho de linguagem e o reconhecimento de expressões faciais de emoções em idosos. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado com 118 idosos dos serviços de atenção primária à saúde de um município paulista. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, de desempenho da linguagem pelo domínio do Exame Cognitivo de Addenbrooke - Revisado e de Reconhecimento de Expressões Faciais de Emoções. A amostra foi dividida em tercis de acordo com o desempenho na linguagem: T1 = melhor, T2 = mediano e T3 = pior. Os grupos T1xT3 foram comparados em relação ao desempenho no reconhecimento de expressões faciais de raiva, nojo, medo, alegria, tristeza e surpresa e para as intensidades 40%, 60%, 80% e 100%. A associação das variáveis independentes sobre o desempenho de linguagem foi analisada por meio de regressão logística. O modelo multivariado foi construído a partir dos resultados das análises univariadas e incluiu as variáveis contínuas por emoção e por intensidade. Idade e escolaridade, associadas ao desempenho de linguagem no modelo univariado, foram incluídas no modelo multivariado para ajustar as análises de associação. RESULTADOS: A amostra era predominantemente feminina (84,7%), com idade média de 70,5 anos e 3,5 anos de escolaridade. As variáveis ​​associadas ao melhor desempenho de linguagem na análise comparativa de T1 e T3 foram: surpresa (OR= 1,485, IC 95% 1,194 ­ 1,846) e nojo (OR= 1,143, IC 95% 1,005 ­ 1,300). CONCLUSÃO: O reconhecimento de expressões faciais das emoções surpresa e nojo mostraram-se importantes fatores associados ao bom desempenho da linguagem.

Loneliness Level and Its Associated Factors in Patients With Hemodialysis.

The purpose of this study was to examine the level of loneliness and its relationship with socioeconomic and health conditions, social support, family functionality, and depressive symptoms in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This cross-sectional study involved analysis of a secondary data, collected in 2019 among 80 patients with CKD on hemodialysis. Participants completed the following instruments: socio-demographic, economic, and health condition characterization, UCLA Loneliness Scale, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and the Family APGAR. On average, the sample was mostly female (55%), white (65%), and the mean age was 59.63 years. In the perception of loneliness, the highest index was (55%), moderately high. Social support scored the worst in the Positive Social Interaction domain. The prevalance of severe depression was approximately 29%. Family functioning was positive, with a good score (69%). There was a weak negative correlation between loneliness and all domains of Social Support, besides Family Functioning.

Hearing handicap and frailty in community-dwelling older adults living. / Handicap auditivo e fragilidade em idosos da comunidade.

PURPOSE: To verify the relationship between hearing handicap and frailty in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 238 older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) in 2018. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - Screening version - HHIE-S was applied to assess the hearing handicap. To assess frailty, the Frailty Phenotype proposed for Fried and co-workers was adopted, objectively evaluating 5 criteria: unintentional weight loss, reported fatigue, reduced grip strength, reduced walking speed and low physical activity. It was investigated whether the hearing handicap were related with frailty using Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman test. RESULTS: Worse perception of the hearing handicap was found in pre-frail and frail individuals, compared to non-frail individuals. In addition, hearing handicap showed a positive and statistically significant correlation with frailty. CONCLUSION: Hearing handicap is related to frailty in community-dwelling older adults.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a relação entre o handicap auditivo e fragilidade em idosos residentes da comunidade. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal realizado com 238 idosos (idade ≥ 60 anos), no ano de 2018. O questionário Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly - Screening version - HHIE-S, foi aplicado para quantificar o handicap auditivo. A fragilidade foi avaliada segundo o Fenótipo de Fragilidade proposto por Fried e colaboradores, utilizando os 5 critérios: perda de peso não intencional, fadiga relatada, redução da força de preensão, redução da velocidade de caminhada e baixa atividade física. A relação entre o handicap auditivo e a fragilidade foi realizada por meio dos Testes Kruskal-Wallis e Spermann. RESULTADOS: Maior percepção do handicap auditivo foi verificado nos indivíduos pré-frágeis e frágeis, comparados aos não frágeis. O handicap auditivo apresentou correlação positiva e estatisticamente significante com maiores níveis de fragilidade. CONCLUSÃO: O handicap auditivo está relacionado a fragilidade em idosos da comunidade.

Relationship between frailty, social support and family functionality of hemodialysis patients: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The population with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is more predisposed to early development of frailty. Although the concept of frailty is well established from a physical point of view, it is not an exclusively physical syndrome. It can be characterized as an interaction of physical, psychological and social factors. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the relationship between frailty, social support and family functionality among CKD patients undergoing hemodialysis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Correlational, cross-sectional and quantitative study conducted at a service in the interior of the state of São Paulo. METHODS: This study included 80 patients with CKD who were on hemodialysis. The participants were interviewed individually, with application of the following instruments: sociodemographic and economic characterization, Tilburg Frailty Indicator, Medical Outcomes Study and Family APGAR. Females and white ethnicity predominated among the participants, and their mean age was 59.63 ± 15.14 years. RESULTS: There was high prevalence of frailty (93.8%). Although there was a difference in scores for the dimensions of social support between the frail group and the non-frail group, only family functionality reached a statistically relevant difference. There was a significant correlation between physical frailty, social support and family functionality. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of frailty is related to the social support and family functionality of patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis.

Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, quality of life, inflammation and depression in older adults: Are they related?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine whether there is an association between inflammation and depression taking into account the effect of several confounders, but specially plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adults (n = 346) aged 60 years or older recruited from primary healthcare centres. Depression was assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), while plasma 25(OH)D and inflammatory cytokines were measured following routine biochemical laboratory protocols. RESULTS: Subjects were divided into two subgroups according to their depression status, and matched in their baseline conditions using random forest-based propensity scores. Both groups were rather similar in regard to most variables, apart from quality of life (p < 0.001) and plasma levels of IL-6 (p = 0.03). The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 36.3% (95% Confidence Interval [95% CI], 30.2%-42.5%), without a significant difference between depression groups (p = 0.2). A significant association was observed between GDS score and plasma IL-6 levels only among those with SF-6D score between 0.26 and 0.50 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The association between inflammation and depression is more likely to be due to a moderation influence of quality of life rather than plasma 25(OH)D levels. However, further studies are needed to ascertain the effect of a poor quality of life leading to chronic inflammation and poor health upon longer periods of follow-up.

The brief psychotherapeutic intervention "relaxation, mental images and spirituality": a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The brief psychotherapeutic intervention "relaxation, mental images and spirituality" (relaxamento, imagens mentais e espiritualidade, RIME) is a form of complementary and alternative health-related therapy. It is a pioneer in the matter of relating the elements of spirituality to relaxation and to visualization of mental images. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the history, use and benefits of RIME that have been reported in the scientific literature, within different health/disease contexts. The questions that guided this study were: In what contexts has the brief RIME psychotherapeutic intervention been used? What were its benefits? DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review, conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, in a public university. METHODS: The BVSPsi, CINAHL, MEDLINE, SciELO, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases were searched in September and October 2018. RESULTS: The findings showed that RIME promoted resignification of the symbolic pain of the death of patients without the possibility of cure; improved quality of life within the process of dying; contributed to the quality of life of breast cancer patients with cure possibilities; contributed to the emotional wellbeing of ostomized patients; brought quality-of-life benefits for patients with head-and-neck cancer; promoted empowerment for women with breast cancer and strengthened their libido; and promoted resignification of the spiritual pain of bereaved youths, offering a satisfactory return from mourning preparation. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that RIME has a construct history based on rigorous scientific methodology, covering quality of life and spiritual, emotional and subjective wellbeing. RIME has not been used internationally and new studies within this field, with different cases, should be encouraged. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO ID 164211.

Frailty and associated risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. / Fragilidade e fatores de risco associados em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise.

The objective of this article is to determine the relationship between frailty and socio-demographic/clinical characteristics in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 107 participants. Descriptive, correlation and logistic regression analyses were performed, with the level of significance set to 5% (p < 0.05). The prevalence of frailty was 47.66%. Frailty was negatively correlated with cognition (r = -0.30; p = 0.002), functioning on instrumental activities of daily living (r = -0.41; p = 0.000) and hematocrit level (r = -0.19; p = 0.04). The proportion of frailty increased with the age of the participants (OR = 1.03; 95%CI: 1.004-1.069; p = 0.02). Individuals with chronic kidney disease on dialysis had high percentages of frailty, which was associated with an older age and correlated with cognition, functioning on instrumental activities of daily living and a lower hemotocrit level.

O objetivo deste artigo é verificar a relação entre fragilidade e os aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise. Estudo transversal, conduzido com 107 participantes. Realizou-se análise descritiva, correlação e regressão logística. Os resultados foram considerados significativos com p-valor ≤ 0,05. A prevalência de fragilidade correspondeu a 47,66%, correlacionou-se negativamente com a cognição (r = -0,30; p-valor = 0,002), funcionalidade para atividades instrumentais de vida diária (r = -0,41; p-valor = 0,000) e com o nível de hematócrito (r = -0,19; p-valor = 0,04). Constatou- se a maior proporção de fragilidade em participantes com maior idade (OR = 1,03; IC95% 1,004-1,069; p = 0,02). Os participantes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise apresentaram elevados percentuais de fragilidade, associada a maior idade e correlacionada a cognição, funcionalidade para atividades básicas de vida diária e menor nível de hematócrito.

Frailty, depression, and quality of life: a study with elderly caregivers.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the relationship between frailty, depressive symptoms, and quality of life of elderly caregivers of other elderly living in high social vulnerability. METHODS: a descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study conducted with 40 elderly caregivers. A questionnaire to characterize elderly caregivers, the Fried frailty phenotype, the Geriatric Depression Scale (to screen depressive symptoms) and the Short-Form 6 Dimension (to assess quality of life) were used. For data analysis, Student's t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's χ2 and Fisher's exact test were used. RESULTS: most were pre-frail (52.5%) and had no evidence of depressive symptoms (57.5%). They presented, on average, a score of 0.76 (±0.1) in relation to quality of life. Statistical significance was observed between the average scores of quality of life with depressive symptoms (p=0.012) and frailty level (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: frail elderly caregivers with depressive symptoms had a worse perception of quality of life.

Social and health-related predictors of family function in older spousal caregivers: a cross-sectional study.

Given the benefits of adequate family function for the health and well-being of older adults, it is important to understand what factors predict adequate family function in older people who care for their spouses. OBJECTIVE: Analyse predictors of family function in older spousal caregivers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used to investigate a non-probabilistic sample of 298 older spousal caregivers. Home-based face-to-face interviews were used to evaluate sociodemographic variables and care context, family function (Family APGAR), cognitive function, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Data were analysed using multiple logistic regression with stepwise forward method for variable section. RESULTS: Older caregivers having some degree of cognitive impairment (OR=-0.160, 95%CI 0.444-0.579), depressive symptoms (OR=-0.848, 95%CI 0.726-0.992) or high levels of stress (OR=-0.955, 95%CI 0.914-0.999) had overall lower levels of family function. Having more children was linked to approximately 1.3 times higher family function (95%CI 1.080-1.057). CONCLUSION: Stress, depression, cognitive decline, and number of children are predictors of family function and should be considered in social and health care strategies within the family caregiving context.

Dados os benefícios da função familiar adequada para a saúde e o bem-estar de pessoas idosas, é importante compreender quais fatores predizem o funcionamento familiar adequado em pessoas idosas que cuidam de seus cônjuges. OBJETIVO: Analisar preditores de funcionamento familiar em idosos cuidadores de cônjuges idosos. MÉTODOS: Um estudo transversal foi usado para investigar uma amostra não probabilística de 298 cuidadores cônjuges idosos. Foram realizadas entrevistas domiciliares para avaliar variáveis sociodemográficas e situação de cuidado, funcionamento familiar (APGAR familiar), função cognitiva, percepção de estresse e sintomas depressivos. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio de regressão logística múltipla com método stepwise forward para seleção das variáveis. RESULTADOS: Idosos cuidadores com algum grau de comprometimento cognitivo (OR=-0,160, IC95% 0,444­0,579), sintomas depressivos (OR=-0,848, IC95% 0,726­0,992) ou altos níveis de estresse (OR=-0,955, IC95% 0,914-0,999) tiveram menores níveis de funcionamento familiar. Ter mais filhos esteve relacionado a maiores níveis de funcionamento familiar em aproximadamente 1,3 vez (IC95% 1,080­1,057). CONCLUSÃO: A presença de estresse, depressão, declínio cognitivo e número de filhos são preditores do funcionamento familiar e devem ser considerados como parte de estratégias sociais e de saúde no contexto de cuidado familiar.