Nurse-led hospital-to-community care, clinical outcomes for people living with HIV and health-related social needs.

AIMS: To evaluate whether patients with HIV enrolled in Linkage to Care (hospital-based only) or Linkage to Care Plus (nurse-led hospital-to-community transitional care) programmes fare better on clinical outcomes; and to investigate how factors such as substance use, mental health or health-related social needs contribute to these outcomes. BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health contribute to poor HIV outcomes such that only 57% of people living with HIV have achieved the goal of viral suppression nationally, and 50% are retained in clinical care. The programmes evaluated here aimed to increase HIV appointment attendance, retention in care, viral suppression and decrease acute care utilization and mitigate social needs via hospital-to-community transitional support. DESIGN: A retrospective observational cohort study. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective patient chart review abstracting data over three time periods between 2017 and 2020 to conduct this longitudinal programme evaluation. RESULTS: Both programmes had meaningful effects on increasing HIV appointment attendance and viral suppression; Linkage to Care Plus experienced the largest gains. Older age was associated with viral suppression, and housing insecurity and mental health conditions were associated with increased emergency department utilization. CONCLUSION: Hospital-only and nurse-led hospital-to-community transitional care programmes can positively influence HIV care outcomes. There is a need for enhanced attention and accountability related to health-related social needs, especially housing, and mental and behavioural health, to end the HIV epidemic. IMPACT: Globally, we are striving to end the HIV epidemic with evidence-informed interventions. The nurse-led hospital-to-community and the hospital-only interventions evaluated here improved HIV outcomes with most gains realized by the nurse-led transitional care model. Integrating lessons from these programmes, with increased attention and accountability for addressing social needs, can improve practice and policies to achieve programmatic and national goals related to HIV and other diseases, and more critically, to meet the goals of the people we serve. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Patients, staff and leadership at the University of Maryland Institute of Human Virology JACQUES Initiative and University of Maryland Medical Center THRIVE clinic contributed to the design and implementation of the programmes and informed the programme evaluation study.

Longitudinal Moderated Mediation Analysis in Parallel Process Latent Growth Curve Modeling in Intervention Studies.

BACKGROUND: Intervention studies are used widely in nursing research to explore the efficacy of intervention programs for changing targeted health outcomes. However, the analyses of such studies have focused predominantly on their main intervention effects; most studies ignore the mechanisms underlying how the intervention programs work partly because of lack of application details of the longitudinal mediation analysis techniques. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to illustrate an application of parallel process latent growth curve modeling (PP-LGCM) to examine longitudinal moderated mediation effects. METHODS: Longitudinal data from an online bone health intervention study were used to demonstrate the step-by-step application of PP-LGCM with Mplus statistical software. RESULTS: With modification indices, we were able to achieve adequate model fit for PP-LGCM in our data. The mediation effects of self-efficacy on the intervention effects on exercise were nonsignificant for the entire sample. However, the conditional indirect effect showed the mediation effects were moderated by age group. DISCUSSION: PP-LGCM provides an efficient way to analyze and explain the underlying mechanisms for the intervention effects in a trial, especially when the intervention program is guided by a theory.

Social Stability Relates Social Conditions to the Syndemic of Sex, Drugs, and Violence.

The distribution of violence, sexually transmitted infections, and substance use disorders is not random, but rather the product of disease, behavior, and social conditions that co-occur in synergistic ways (syndemics). Syndemics often disproportionately affect urban communities. Studies of syndemics, however, rarely apply consistent measures of social conditions. Here, the construct of social stability (SS) (housing, legal, residential, income, employment, and relationship stability) was evaluated as a consistent measure of social conditions related to sex, drug, and violence exposures in a new population in a Mid-Atlantic urban center. Lower SS predicted greater likelihood of any and combinations of risk. The magnitude varied based on specification: odds of sex-drug-violence exposure were greater for low vs. high latent SS class (OR = 6.25; 95%CI = 2.46, 15.96) compared with low vs. high SS category (OR = 2.64; 95%CI = 1.29, 5.39). A latent class characterized by residential instability was associated with greater likelihood of risk-a relationship that would have been missed with SS characterized only as an ordinal category. SS reliably captured social conditions associated with sexual, drug, and violence risks, and both quantity and quality of SS matter.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Group Support Decrease Stress in Adolescents with Cardiac Diagnoses: A Randomized Two-Group Study.

Adolescents with cardiac diagnoses face unique challenges that can cause psychosocial distress. This study compares a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program to a video online support group for adolescents with cardiac diagnoses. MBSR is a structured psycho-educational program which includes yoga, meditation, cognitive restructuring, and group support. A published feasibility study by our group showed significant reduction in anxiety following this intervention. Participants were randomized to MBSR or video online support group, and completed measures of anxiety, depression, illness-related stress, and coping pre- and post-6-session interventions. Qualitative data were obtained from post-intervention interviews. A total of 46 teens participated (mean 14.8 years; 63% female). Participants had congenital heart disease and/or cardiac device (52%), or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (48%). Illness-related stress significantly decreased in both groups. Greater use of coping skills predicted lower levels of depression in both groups post-study completion. Higher baseline anxiety/depression scores predicted improved anxiety/depression scores in both groups. Each group reported the benefits of social support. The MBSR group further expressed benefits of learning specific techniques, strategies, and skills that they applied in real-life situations to relieve distress. Both the MBSR intervention and video support group were effective in reducing distress in this sample. Qualitative data elucidated the added benefits of using MBSR techniques to manage stress and symptoms. The video group format is useful for teens that cannot meet in person but can benefit from group support. Psychosocial interventions with stress management techniques and/or group support can reduce distress in adolescents with cardiac diagnoses.

Inpatient Unit Heart Failure Discharge Volume Predicts All-cause 30-Day Hospital Readmission.

BACKGROUND: All-cause 30-day hospital readmission is a heart failure (HF) quality of care metric. Readmission costs the healthcare system $30.7 million annually. Specific structure, process, or patient factors that predispose patients to readmission are unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine whether the addition of unit-level structural factors (attending medical service, patient-to-nurse ratio, and unit HF volume) predicts readmission beyond patient factors. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 425 patients who resided in Maryland and were discharged home in 2011 with the primary diagnosis of HF from a large, urban academic center was conducted. RESULTS: The patients were predominately (66.6%) black/African American, with mean (SD) age of 62.2 (14.8) years. Men represented 48.2% of the sample; 32% had nonischemic HF, 31.3% had preserved ejection fractions, 25.4% had implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and 15.3% had permanent pacemakers. Average length of stay was 6.0 days. All-cause 30-day hospital readmission rate was 20.2%. Inpatient unit HF discharge volume significantly predicted readmission after controlling for patient factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that discharge from inpatient units with higher HF discharge volume was associated with increased risk of readmission. The findings suggest that in caring for patients with severe HF, inpatient unit HF discharge volume may negatively impact care processes, increasing the odds of hospital readmission. It is unclear what specific care processes are responsible. The discharge period is a vulnerable point in care transition that warrants further investigation.

The Moderated Mediating Effect of Self-Efficacy on Exercise Among Older Adults in an Online Bone Health Intervention Study: A Parallel Process Latent Growth Curve Model.

This secondary data analyses of a longitudinal study assessed whether self-efficacy for exercise (SEE) mediated online intervention effects on exercise among older adults and whether age (50-64 vs. ≥65 years) moderated the mediation. Data were from an online bone health intervention study. Eight hundred sixty-six older adults (≥50 years) were randomized to three arms: Bone Power (n = 301), Bone Power Plus (n = 302), or Control (n = 263). Parallel process latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) was used to jointly model growths in SEE and in exercise and to assess the mediating effect of SEE on the effect of intervention on exercise. SEE was a significant mediator in 50- to 64-year-old adults (0.061, 95 BCI: 0.011, 0.163) but not in the ≥65 age group (-0.004, 95% BCI: -0.047, 0.025). Promotion of SEE is critical to improve exercise among 50- to 64-year-olds.

Weight loss with mindful eating in African American women following treatment for breast cancer: a longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: Women with higher body mass index (BMI) following breast cancer (BC) treatment are at higher risk of BC recurrence and death than women of normal weight. African American (AA) BC patients have the highest risk of BC recurrence and gain more weight after diagnosis than their white counterparts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between a mindful eating intervention and weight loss in AA women following chemotherapy for BC. METHODS: A single-group 24-week longitudinal pilot study with repeated measures was conducted. AA women (N = 22, BMI = 35.13 kg/m(2), range = 27.08-47.21) with stage I-III BC who had finished active cancer treatment received a 12-week mindful eating intervention with individual dietary counseling and group mindfulness sessions, followed by bi-weekly telephone follow-up for 12 weeks. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the effects of the intervention and of baseline mindfulness on the weight change over time. RESULTS: In the overall group (N = 22), MEQ scores increased over time (p = 0.001) while weight decreased over time (-0.887 kg, p = 0.015). Weight loss over time was associated with higher T1 MEQ scores (p = 0.043). Participants in the higher MEQ group (n = 11) at T1 experienced significant weight loss over time (-1.166 kg, p = 0.044), whereas those in the low MEQ (n = 11) did not lose weight. Participants who were diagnosed with stage 1 BC experienced significant weight loss over time (-7.909 kg, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a mindful weight loss program may be effective for weight reduction and maintenance in some AA women who have completed treatment for BC, particularly those diagnosed with stage 1 BC and with initially higher mindful eating behaviors. Mindful weight loss program is proposed as a promising way in which to reduce obesity-related conditions in AA BC survivors.

Pesticide monitoring on soccer fields via shoe wipes and urine samples.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the feasibility of measuring pesticide exposure of children using athletic fields to which pesticides were recently applied. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: This project was a pilot feasibility study designed to measure pre and posttest environmental exposure to Horsepower; a combination herbicide containing (4-Chloro-2-methylphenoxy) acetic acid (MCPA), dicamba and triclopyr. A spot application of Horsepower to a soccer field occurred at 8AM. Six players, ages 5-11 years, provided shoe wipes and urine samples before and after evening soccer practice on the field later the same day. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We sent samples to commercial labs where shoe wipes were analyzed for a panel of herbicides and urine samples were analyzed for dicamba, triclopyr, and creatinine. All analytes were below level of detection. CONCLUSIONS: We established the feasibility of both the recruitment and sampling procedures. Spot application, in the one instance examined, did not result in measurable exposure to pesticides. A larger study involving both spot and broadcast application and including direct observation of pesticide application is needed to ascertain whether pesticide application on athletic fields results in measurable and potentially hazardous exposure of children.

Biopsychosocial predictors of coping strategies of patients postmyocardial infarction.

Data from the Patients and Families Psychological Response to the Home Automated External Defibrillator Trial were used to examine the relationship between biopsychosocial variables and patients' coping strategies postmyocardial infarction. This study is the secondary data analysis of longitudinal observational study. A total of 460 patient-spouse pairs were recruited in January 2003 to October 2005. Hierarchical linear regression analysis examined biological/demographic, psychological and social variables regarding patients' coping scores using the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale. Lower social support and social support satisfaction predicted lower total coping scores. Being younger, male gender and time since the myocardial infarction predicted lower positive coping strategy use. Higher anxiety and lower social support were related to fewer positive coping methods. Lower educational levels were related to increased use of negative coping strategies. Reduced social support predicted lower total coping scores and positive coping strategy use and greater passive coping style use. Social support from a broad network assisted with better coping; those living alone may need additional support. Social support and coping strategies should be taken into consideration for patients who have experienced a cardiac event.

Three-Year Pre-Post Analysis of EBP Integration in a Magnet-Designated Community Hospital.

BACKGROUND: Adoption of evidence-based practices (EBP) by registered nurses (RNs) and nurse leaders continues to be a challenge. Although multiple strategies and substantial resources are being invested to advance nursing practice based on evidence, little is known about the long-term impact of these interventions. AIMS: This study was undertaken to assess nurse leaders' and clinical RNs' beliefs to use EBP, perceptions about organizational readiness for EBP, and frequency of implementing EBP following implementation of multifaceted interventions to achieve and maintain Magnet designation. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study compared data from two previously administered online surveys (2008 and 2012) at a mid-Atlantic Magnet-designated community hospital. RESULTS: Clinical RNs' self-reported attitudes toward EBP were more positive (2008: M = 53.85, standard error of the mean [SEM] = 0.65; 2012: M = 57.07,SEM = 0.58), as well as their perceptions of organizational readiness (2008: M = 50.72, SEM = 1.20; 2012: M = 81.09, SEM = 0.98), between the two survey years. Contrarily, although nurse leader scores were significantly higher for beliefs (2008: M = 61.15, SEM = 1.23; 2012: M = 60.60., SEM = 0.96), readiness (2008: M = 61.28, SEM = 2.16; 2012: M = 85.18, SEM = 1.64), and implementation (2008: M = 21.35, SEM = 1.72; 2012: M = 19.08, SEM = 1.43) little change was observed in the nurse leader scores between the two survey years compared with clinical RNs. DISCUSSION: Results from this study suggest that the multifaceted interventions have had a positive impact on clinical RNs' beliefs and readiness for EBP, but not for nurse leaders. Albeit low, self-reported implementation of EBP by RNs and nurse leaders has been sustained, but has not improved. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: Leaders must see their role as not only facilitators of EBP but also as active participants practicing EBP. Actively engaging leaders in EBP by serving on interprofessional EBP teams and role modeling these behaviors to staff is critical to EBP implementation. Realistic expectations of RNs for EBP implementation and clear and accessible resources may enhance RNs' willingness to implement. Going forward, it may be necessary to differentiate the expectations of RNs in EBP implementation by clarifying expectations in the process of identification and analysis of evidence from use of EBP in clinical practice.

Biopsychosocial Contributors to Metabolic Syndrome: A Secondary Analysis of 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a medical disorder that encompasses obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. OBJECTIVES: A secondary data analysis was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2010 data to evaluate the association of biopsychosocial factors with MetS among U.S. adults. METHODS: Complex samples logistic regression models were used to estimate a parsimonious model, including contributions of biomedical, biosocial, and psychosocial factors to MetS. RESULTS: According to the study's representative sample, more than 47 million Americans had MetS. Using the biopsychosocial model, the effects of biosocial and psychosocial variables, including education, smoking, low exercise, and depression, were independent predictors of MetS after controlling for the contributions of age, gender, and race. DISCUSSION: There is a need for large-scale, longitudinal, and interventional studies to evaluate and alter these potential risk factors, thus reducing MetS.

A pilot study of a mindfulness based stress reduction program in adolescents with implantable cardioverter defibrillators or pacemakers.

Adolescents with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) or pacemakers (PMs) face unique challenges that can cause psychosocial distress. Psychosocial interventions are effective for adults with cardiac devices and could potentially impact adolescents' adjustment to these devices. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a structured psycho-educational program that includes meditation, yoga, and group support and has been studied extensively among adults. This study examined the feasibility of the MBSR program for adolescents with ICDs/PMs, a population previously unexamined in the research literature. The participants completed measures of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and coping (Responses to Stress Questionnaire) at baseline and after the six-session MBSR intervention. Mean age of the cohort (n = 10) was 15 ± 3 years, 6 were male, 6 had a PM, and 4 had an ICD. Feasibility was demonstrated by successful recruitment of 10 participants, 100 % participation and completion. Anxiety decreased significantly following the intervention, with a large effect size, t[9] = 3.67, p < .01, ŋ (2) = .59. Anxiety frequency decreased from baseline to post-intervention (Fisher's exact test p = .024), and 90 % of participants reported decreased anxiety scores post-intervention. Coping skills related negatively to anxiety (r = -.65, p = .04) and depression (r = -.88, p = .001). Post-intervention, the group independently formed their own Facebook group and requested to continue meeting monthly. Although generalizability is limited due to the small sample size, this successful pilot study paves the way for larger studies to examine the efficacy of MBSR interventions in adolescents with high-risk cardiac diagnoses.

The influence of depression and anxiety symptoms on health-related quality of life in patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

BACKGROUND: The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) is an important issue in cardiovascular health management. Determinants of poor HRQoL of AF/AFL patients require further elucidation. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influencing factors related to the HRQoL of AF/AFL patients. METHODS: In 150 consecutively recruited patients in a multicenter, cross-sectional study from April 2010 to February 2011, depression and anxiety were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory II and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, respectively, whereas HRQoL was assessed with the generic Medical Outcomes Survey 36-Item Short-Form Survey version 2 and the Symptom Checklist. Linear regression modeling was performed to determine predictors of HRQoL among variables, including the patients' age, gender, race, marital status, type of AF/AFL, frequency of AF/AFL symptoms, time since diagnosis, and anxiety and depression symptoms. RESULTS: Female patients with AF/AFL reported poorer physical HRQoL than male patients did (P < .001, R² = 0.391). Symptoms of depression and anxiety were found to be associated with poorer HRQoL (P < .001, R² = 0.482). Anxiety was the strongest predictor of the mental component of the Medical Outcomes Survey 36-Item Short-Form Survey version 2 and the Symptom Checklist. Younger patients had worse AF/AFL-related symptoms and severity than older patients did (P < .001, R² = 0.302). Increased frequency of symptomatic episodes was associated with worse AF/AFL-related symptoms and severity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, depression and anxiety symptoms and female gender emerged as clear indicators of poor HRQoL in AF/AFL patients. These risk factors should be used to identify patients who may require additional evaluation and treatment efforts to manage their cardiac conditions or HRQoL. Interventions to improve HRQoL in these individuals require further investigation.

Engaging Chinese American Adults in Advance Care Planning: A Community-Based, Culturally Sensitive Seminar.

Ethnic minority groups are less engaged than Caucasian American adults in advance care planning (ACP). Knowledge deficits, language, and culture are barriers to ACP. Limited research exists on ACP and advance directives in the Chinese American adult population. Using a pre-posttest, repeated measures design, the current study explored the effectiveness of a nurseled, culturally sensitive ACP seminar for Chinese American adults on (a) knowledge, completion, and discussion of advance directives; and (b) the relationship between demographic variables, advance directive completion, and ACP discussions. A convenience sample of 72 urban, community-dwelling Chinese American adults (mean age=61 years) was included. Knowledge, advance directive completion, and ACP discussions increased significantly after attending the nurse-led seminar (p<0.01). Increased age correlated with advance directive completion and ACP discussions; female gender correlated with ACP discussions. Nursing education in a community setting increased advance directive knowledge and ACP engagement in Chinese American adults.

Evaluation of the Children's Environmental Health Network's environmental stewardship checklist responses.

Children are subject to multiple hazards on a daily basis, including in child care facilities. Research has shown that children in the child care setting may be exposed to lead, radon, pesticides, and multiple chemicals that are associated with known or suspected adverse health effects. The authors' study used an existing environmental health endorsement program to describe current practices of child care facilities as related to environmental health and safety. The facilities varied greatly in size and were located mainly in the U.S. with a few from Canada and Australia. A few checklist items had nearly a 100% positive response rate; however, some of the items had more than 10% of the facilities answer "false" or "don't know." Although many areas exist in which these sampled child care facilities are being environmentally responsible, further education is needed, particularly as related to the use of wall-to-wall carpeting, radon testing, aerosols, and air fresheners.

Does health-related quality of life predict hospitalization or mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation?

BACKGROUND: Poor health-related quality of life (QOL) is related to morbidity and mortality in coronary heart disease and ventricular arrhythmias as well as to mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). This study examined the contributions of QOL to the prediction of 1-year hospitalization and mortality in patients with AF, independent of HF. METHODS: This study used the public use dataset from the NHLBI/NIH AFFIRM randomized clinical trial. Patients enrolled in the QOL substudy (N = 693) were randomly assigned to rate or rhythm control. QOL was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Quality of Life Index-Cardiac Version (QLI-CV). Data were analyzed with logistic regression to predict 1-year hospitalization and Cox proportional hazards analysis to predict mortality. RESULTS: In the first year of participation in the study 37% (n = 256) were hospitalized; mortality was 14.3% (n = 93) with mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Patients' mean age was 69.8 ± 8.2 years, were largely male (62%), and white (93%). Patient histories included 70.8% hypertension, 38.2% coronary artery disease (CAD), and 23.7% HF. History of stroke, HF, rhythm control arm, lower SF-36 mental component scores (MCS), and lower SF-36 physical component scores (PCS) predicted hospitalization (P < 0.001). Diabetes, female gender, older age, CAD, hypertension, and lower PCS predicted mortality (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: QOL adds meaningful information beyond traditional biomedical factors to the prediction of mortality and/or hospitalization of patients with AF. Interventions for improving QOL and helping patients adapt to AF treatments may decrease hospitalization and improve survival.

Is health-related quality of life a predictor of hospitalization or mortality among women or men with atrial fibrillation?

BACKGROUND: Little is known about predictors of mortality or hospitalization in women compared with men in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Although there are established gender differences in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), differences have not been established in AF. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine clinical and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) predictors of mortality and 1-year hospitalization in women compared with men with AF. METHODS: Limited-use data from the National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Atrial Fibrillation Follow-up Investigation of Rhythm Management clinical trial provided the sample of 693 patients with AF, 262 women and 431 men. Clinical predictors examined were heart failure (HF), CAD, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes, stroke, and age. Predictors of HRQOL included overall HRQOL (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 physical [PCS] and mental component scores) and cardiovascular HRQOL using Quality of Life Index-Cardiac Version. RESULTS: Mortality did not differ (women, 11.4%; men, 14.5%; χ(2)1 = 0.437, P = .509) according to gender, with mean 3.5-year follow-up. Different variables independently predicted mortality for women and men. For women, diabetes (hazard ratio [HR], 3.415; P = .003), HF (HR, 2.346; P = .027), stroke (HR, 2.41; P = .032), and age (HR, 1.117; P = .002), and for men, CAD (HR, 1.914; P = 02), age (HR, 1.103, P = < .001), worse PCS (HR, 1.089, P = .001), and worse Quality of Life Index-Cardiac Version score (HR, 1.402, P = .025) independently predicted mortality.One-year hospitalization (women, 38.9%; men, 36.4%) did not differ by gender (χ(2)1 = 0.914, P = .339). Different variables independently predicted 1-year hospitalization-for women: diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 2.359; P = .022), worse PCS (OR, 1.070; P = .003), and rhythm control trial arm (OR, 2.111; P = .006); for men: HF (OR, 2.072; P = .007), worse PCS (OR, 1.045; P = .019), living alone (OR, 1.913; P = .036), and rhythm control trial arm (OR, 2.113; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Only clinical status predicted mortality among women; HRQOL and clinical status predicted mortality among men. Both clinical and HRQOL variables predicted hospitalization for women and men. Increased monitoring of HRQOL and interventions designed to target the clinical and HRQOL predictors could impact mortality and hospitalization. Nursing interventions may prove effective for modifying most of the predictors of mortality and hospitalization for women and men with AF.

Poor social support is associated with increases in depression but not anxiety over 2 years in heart failure outpatients.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) is a major health problem in the United States, affecting 5.7 million American adults. Psychosocial distress, in particular depression, contributes to morbidity and mortality in patients with HF. Little is known about the interrelationship among disease severity, social support, and depression. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the contributions of social support and disease severity to longitudinal changes in depression and anxiety of outpatients with HF. METHODS: Patients (N = 108) enrolled in the Psychosocial Factors Outcome Study completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Social Support Questionnaire-6 at study entry and every 6 months for up to 2 years. RESULTS: At baseline, 30% of the patients were depressed and 42% were anxious. Social support amount contributed to changes in depression (P = .044) but not anxiety (P = .856). Depression increased over time for patients who had lower initial social support amount. Depression did not increase for those with higher initial social support amount. Neither New York Heart Association class nor treatment group (placebo or implantable cardioverter defibrillator) interacted with time to predict depression, which indicates that changes in depression were parallel for patients with New York Heart Association class II and class III HF and for those who received implantable cardioverter defibrillators and those who did not. Assessment of patients with HF should include depression and social support. Interventions to enhance social support among patients with HF who have low social support may help alleviate the development of depression. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing psychological distress and increasing social support may improve health outcomes among HF outpatients. It is important for studies of HF to include assessment of depression, anxiety, and social support and evaluate their contributions to health outcomes.

Implementation of a Participant-Centered Weight Management Program for Older Nurses: A Feasibility Study.

American nurses (3.06 million) are at high risk for being overweight, as the majority are post-menopausal women (93.3% female; mean age 47). Studies have indicated that more than half of all nurses are either overweight or obese. This fact is of concern because nurses often lead major health promotion efforts. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of a novel participant-centered weight management program (PCWM) among nurses. The participant-centered (P-C) theoretical framework used originated from the field of usability engineering (i.e., user-centered design). Study methods included a single group pre-test/post-test design (baseline, eight weeks, three months) and an intervention consisting of face-to-face education sessions, technology-augmented exercise programs, and an eHealth portal. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in body weight, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and increased exercise at eight weeks. In our discussion of this study, we note that although the intervention effects decreased at three months, these results are promising, considering that the intervention used was not regimented and relied only on nurses' activation of their planned health behaviors. The major limitation of the study was the small sample size recruited from one large community hospital. Further research is needed to improve the sustainability of the program.

Burnout, compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and secondary traumatic stress in trauma nurses.

The relationship of burnout (BO), compassion fatigue (CF), compassion satisfaction (CS), and secondary traumatic stress (STS) to personal/environmental characteristics, coping mechanisms, and exposure to traumatic events was explored in 128 trauma nurses. Of this sample, 35.9% had scores consistent with BO, 27.3% reported CF, 7% reported STS, and 78.9% had high CS scores. High BO and high CF scores predicted STS. Common characteristics correlating with BO, CF, and STS were negative coworker relationships, use of medicinals, and higher number of hours worked per shift. High CS correlated with greater strength of supports, higher participation in exercise, use of meditation, and positive coworker relationships. Caring for trauma patients may lead to BO, CF, and STS; identifying predictors of these can inform the development of interventions to mitigate or minimize BO, CF, and STS in trauma nurses.