Sarcopenia en pacientes de hospital de día geriátrico / Sarcopenia in a geriatric day hospital

Introducción: La sarcopenia es una enfermedad muscular progresiva y generalizada asociada con un aumento de los resultados adversos para la salud (caídas, fracturas, discapacidad y mortalidad). Multiplica por 4 el riesgo de muerte por cualquier causa y tiene un gran impacto en otros resultados de salud y pérdida de calidad de vida. Objetivo: El objetivo principal de esta investigación es establecer la prevalencia y las variables relacionadas con la sarcopenia en pacientes de un hospital de día geriátrico. Metodología: Muestra de 55 pacientes: 40 mujeres (73%) y 15 hombres (27%), con una edad media de 73,25 años (desviación estándar de 13,4). Resultados: El 87% de los pacientes sobreviven al año de seguimiento. El coeficiente de correlación (positivo) (p < 0,01) para SARC-F y SPPB, SARC-F e índice de Barthel, y dinamómetro e índice de Barthel. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (negativo) (p < 0,05) para edad y medicación, índice de fragilidad e índice de Barthel, índice de fragilidad y GDS, e índice de Barthel y SPPB. Conclusiones: se puede concluir que el principal factor de riesgo para sarcopenia es la edad. Cuanto mayor es la edad, mayor es el riesgo de sarcopenia. En los mayores de 80 años se obtiene una alta prevalencia en comparación con otros estudios. La sarcopenia y la fragilidad se consideran fuertes predictores de morbilidad, discapacidad y mortalidad en las personas mayores (AU)

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized muscledisease associated with an increase in adverse health outcomes (falls, fractures, disability and mortality). It is a disease that multiplies by 4 the risk of death from any cause and has a great impact on other health outcomes and loss of quality of life. Objective: The main objective of this research is to establish the prevalence and variables related to sarcopenia in patients from the geriatric day hospital. Methodology: Sample of 55 patients: 40 women (73%) and 15 men (27%), with a mean age of 73.25 years (standard deviation of 13.4). Results: The 87% of patients survive at one-year follow-up. The Pearson correlation coefficient (positive) (p < 0.01) for SARC-F and SPPB, SARC-F and Barthel index, and dynamometer and Barthel index. The Pearson correlation coefficient (negative) (p < 0.05) for age and medication, frailty index and Barthel index, frailty index (IFVIG) and GDS, and Barthel index and SPPB. Conclusions: it can be concluded that the main factor for sarcopenia is age. The older the age is, the greater the risk for sarcopenia. In those over 80 years of age, we obtain a high prevalence compared to other studies. Sarcopenia and frailty are considered strong predictors of morbidity, disability, and mortality in older people (AU)

The use of physical restraints in long-term care in Spain: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Physical restraint is a procedure used frequently in long-term care. It is a controversial practice because its use is associated with numerous complications and also affects freedom and individual autonomy. The objective of this study was to examine the use of physical restraint of long-term care residents with the ability to move voluntarily. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational and correlational multi-center study. Nine centers agreed to participate. Of the 1,200 people present at the time of data collection, those without voluntary movement or in the facility for less than a month were excluded. Thus, the final sample was 920 residents. Data on the use of restraints was collected by direct observation. Information about the age, gender, length of stay, falls, mobility, cognition and functional status of residents was gathered by reviewing clinical records and interviewing nursing staff. A descriptive analysis of the data obtained was conducted. The generalized linear model was used, considering only the principal effects of each variable and using the logit link function. The model has been adjusted for clusters and for other possibly confounding factors. For all analyses, a confidence interval (CI) of 95% was estimated. RESULTS: The prevalence of residents with at least one physical restraint was 84.9% (95% CI: 81.7-88.1), with variability between centers of 70.3 to 96.6% (p-value Kruskal Wallis test <0.001). Full-enclosure side rails were most often used (84.5; 95% CI: 81.1-87.9), but other types of restraints were also used frequently. Multivariate analysis showed that the degree of functional impairment increased the probability of the use of restraint. A significant association was also found between restraint use and the impaired cognitive status of residents. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence was higher than in studies from other countries. The results emphasize the need to improve the training of nursing staff in the care of residents with impairments in functional and cognitive status. The use of alternative devices and nurse consultants need to be evaluated, and the introduction of specific laws considered.

Actitudes, conocimientos y práctica de los profesionales de enfermería en el uso de restricciones físicas con personas mayores / Use of physical restraints on the elderly: Attitudes, knowledge and practice among nursing staff

Objetivos. Explorar las actitudes, los conocimientos y la práctica relacionada con el uso de restricciones físicas en profesionales de enfermería que trabajan con ancianos, así como la relación entre estas variables. Material y métodos. Estudio transversal de tipo descriptivo y correlacional realizado en 8 residencias geriátricas, basado en 3 cuestionarios que examinaban las citadas variables. Resultados. Se incluyeron 378 encuestas (94 enfermeras y 284 auxiliares). Los profesionales tenían una actitud ligeramente en contra de las restricciones, si bien estaban dispuestos a usarlas para evitar caídas. Con relación a los conocimientos, obtuvieron un 66% de aciertos; solo un 32% creía que existen alternativas a la contención y el 69,1% ignoraba que pudiese causar la muerte de pacientes. Además, un 69,8% afirmó que su formación era escasa. La práctica podría considerarse aceptable, si bien un 61,9% opinaba que no sería necesario solicitar a la familia el consentimiento informado y solo el 47,1% de las enfermeras registraría siempre en la historia su uso. Existen diferencias en cuanto a actitudes, conocimientos y práctica entre los 2 grupos profesionales. Se observa que cuanto peores son los conocimientos y más favorable es la actitud hacia este procedimiento, peor es la práctica profesional vinculada a su aplicación. Conclusiones. La actitud del personal ante la restricción física es ambigua, y en sus conocimientos y práctica se han detectado creencias erróneas. Dada la influencia de los conocimientos sobre el resto de las variables es necesario mejorar la formación de los profesionales (AU)

Objectives: To investigate the attitudes, knowledge and practice on the use of physical restraints by nursing staff working with the elderly, as well as the relationship existing between these variables. Material and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and correlational study was conducted among professionals from eight nursing homes. Three questionnaires asking about the mentioned variables were used. Results: A total of 378 questionnaires were finally included (94 nurses and 284 auxiliary nurses). The professionals’ attitude was generally against the use of restraints, although they were in favour of using them to avoid falls. With regard to knowledge, they obtained 66% of the correct answers; only 32% believed that there were alternatives to restraints, and 69.1% were unaware that these procedures could cause the death of patients. A total of 69.8% said that their training regarding restraint was limited. The practice could be considered acceptable, although the 61.9% thought it was not necessary to get informed consent from the family, and only 47.1% of the nurses always recorded its use in the patient’s history. Differences between attitudes, knowledge and practice were found among the two groups. A relationship between the variables was confirmed; less knowledge and more favourable attitude towards physical restraints correlate with a worst practice. Conclusions: The attitude of the staff to physical restraints is ambiguous, and erroneous concepts have been detected in their knowledge and practice. Given the influence of knowledge on the rest of the variables, the training of the professionals needs to be improved (AU)

[Use of physical restraints on the elderly: attitudes, knowledge and practice among nursing staff]. / Actitudes, conocimientos y práctica de los profesionales de enfermería en el uso de restricciones físicas con personas mayores.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the attitudes, knowledge and practice on the use of physical restraints by nursing staff working with the elderly, as well as the relationship existing between these variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive and correlational study was conducted among professionals from eight nursing homes. Three questionnaires asking about the mentioned variables were used. RESULTS: A total of 378 questionnaires were finally included (94 nurses and 284 auxiliary nurses). The professionals' attitude was generally against the use of restraints, although they were in favour of using them to avoid falls. With regard to knowledge, they obtained 66% of the correct answers; only 32% believed that there were alternatives to restraints, and 69.1% were unaware that these procedures could cause the death of patients. A total of 69.8% said that their training regarding restraint was limited. The practice could be considered acceptable, although the 61.9% thought it was not necessary to get informed consent from the family, and only 47.1% of the nurses always recorded its use in the patient's history. Differences between attitudes, knowledge and practice were found among the two groups. A relationship between the variables was confirmed; less knowledge and more favourable attitude towards physical restraints correlate with a worst practice. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of the staff to physical restraints is ambiguous, and erroneous concepts have been detected in their knowledge and practice. Given the influence of knowledge on the rest of the variables, the training of the professionals needs to be improved.

Determinants of specific food consumption in the Canary Islands (Spain).

The consumption of specific functional foods (FF) and some determinants of FF item selection were assessed using a questionnaire administered to 1112 individuals in the Canary Islands (Spain). Food items considered were Milk products: easily digestible milk (or milk low in lactose), milk enriched with vitamins and/or minerals, skimmed milk with soluble fiber, milk with royal jelly, milk with modified fatty acids (omega 3), milk products low in fat, pro-biotic foods (yoghurt and fermented milk) and yoghurt with phytosterols; Cereals: fortified breakfast cereals, wholemeal cereals and energy bars; Drinks: juices and enriched drinks, stimulating drinks and isotonic drinks; DHA-enriched, low cholesterol eggs; Meat products: low salt sausages and cooked low fat ham; Fats: enriched margarine, margarine rich in phytosterols and sunflower oil rich in oleic acid; Condiments: iodated salt. These food items were organized into 7 FF groups (milk products, cereals, fortified drinks, DHA eggs, meat product, fats, condiments). The results indicated that the highest prevalence was fortified drinks (63.6%; 95% CI: 60.7-66.5). Overall FF consumption prevalence was 80.1% (95% CI: 77-83): single FF item consumption being rare. There were significant inter-group relationships, and some group intakes (milk products, cereals and drinks) were related to age but with no overall relationship between consumption and age. The education level was significantly related to the consumption of cereals, drinks, meat products and condiments (χ2 test p = 0.04). Some specific FF item consumption segregated with environment (rural or urban) but with no overall significant relationship between the FF group and environment or gender.

Factores relacionados con el consumo de alimentos funcionales en la provincia de Las Palmas / Factors related to functional food consumption in the province of Las Palmas

Fundamento: Cuando se analiza la actitud de los consumidores ante los alimentos funcionales se debe tener en cuenta cómo se insertan éstos en la alimentación y en las percepciones de los individuos. El principal objetivo de este trabajo es analizar las creencias y actitudes, ante los alimentos funcionales, desarrolladas por los consumidores, en la provincia de Las Palmas. Métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio, descriptivo, transversal y aleatorizado. Se han utilizado fuentes de información primarias, mediante encuestas personales, en el que se recogen datos sociodemográficos, hábitos alimentarios generales y consumo y frecuencia de alimentos funcionales. Resultados: La mayoría de las personas entrevistadas muestran una actitud positiva hacia los alimentos funcionales, con una opinión óptima sobre el beneficio de los mismos, concluyendo que la mayor preocupación por parte de la población, respecto a la alimentación y la mayor disponibilidad de alimentos funcionales, plantea la necesidad de revisar los enfoques educacionales en materia alimentaria (AU)

Background: The analysis of consumer attitudes to functional foods requires to consider how they are inserted in individuals perceptions and food choice behaviour. The main objective of this study is to analyze the beliefs and attitudes to functional foods, developed by consumers in the province of Las Palmas. Methods: Using a descriptive, crossectional and randomized study design, data were collected from primary sources by means of personal interviews.Data collected included sociodemographic issues, general dietary habits and consumption and frequency of functional foods. Results: Most respondents had a positive attitude toward functional foods, including an optimal opinion of their benefit. Conclusions: The greater concern of the population about food and the ?way of eating? as well as an increased availability of functional foods, requires an adequate educational approach regarding food (AU)

Índice de Charlson versus índice de Barthel como predictor de mortalidad e institucionalización en una unidad geriátrica de agudos y media estancia / Barthel and Charlson indexes for the prognosis of mortality and institutionalization in hospitalized geriatric patients

Introducción Comparar la validez del índice de Barthel (IB), el índice de comorbilidad de Charlson (ICC) y, una variante de este último, el índice de comorbilidad de Charlson corregido por la edad (ICCE) en el pronóstico de mortalidad e institucionalización en pacientes geriátricos hospitalizados.Material y métodos Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de todos los pacientes ingresados durante el año 2006 en una unidad de agudos y media estancia de un servicio de geriatría (n=343). Como variables independientes se recogieron el IB al ingreso (registrado en la historia clínica de los pacientes) y el ICC e ICCE recogidos a posteriori con la información disponible. La variable resultado fue la ocurrencia de muerte o la institucionalización al alta del paciente, recogiéndose valores de sensibilidad y especificidad para cada uno de los puntos de corte seleccionados de las escalas evaluadas, y elaborando una curva ROC para cada una de ellas, calculando el área bajo la curva (ABC) con su intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%. Resultados La muestra tenía una edad media de 82,3 años, con el 58,6% de mujeres. El ABC correspondiente al IB fue de 0,736 (IC del 95%=0,68–0,79), para el ICC fue de 0,61 (IC del 95%=0,55–0,67) y para el ICCE fue de 0,625 (IC del 95%=0,56–0,69), encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre el ABC del IB frente al ABC de los otros dos índices (p<0,01).Conclusiones Como predictores de mortalidad e institucionalización, la validez del IB fue superior a la de los ICC (original y corregido por la edad). Por este motivo, el IB puede tener una mayor utilidad para el uso más adecuado de los recursos sanitarios disponibles(AU)

Introduction To compare the validity of the Barthel (BI) and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) as well as the age-adjusted CCI for the prognosis of mortality and institutionalization in hospitalized geriatric patients.Material and methods A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate patients admitted to an acute care geriatric ward and mid-term care facility in 2006 (n=343). The independent variables were the admission BI (registered in the clinical history in all patients) and the CCI and the age-adjusted CCI, which were registered “a posteriori” using the available information. The outcome variable was mortality or institutionalization when the patient was discharged. The sensitivity and specificity values for each of the cut-off points selected from the scales analyzed were recorded and ROC curves were constructed for each of these points; the area under the curve (AUC) with a confidence interval (CI) of up to 95% was calculated.Results The mean age was 82.3 years (58.6% women). The AUC was 0.736 (95% CI=0.68–0.79) for the BI, 0.61 (95% CI=0.55–0.67) for the CCI and 0.625 (95% CI=0.56–0.69) for the age-adjusted CCI. Statistically significant differences were found among the AUC of the BI compared with that of the other two indexes (p<0.01).Conclusions As predictors of mortality and institutionalization, the BI was superior to the CCI and the age-adjusted CCI. The BI could therefore be more useful than the other two indexes when considering an adequate use of healthcare services (AU)

[Barthel and Charlson indexes for the prognosis of mortality and institutionalization in hospitalized geriatric patients]. / Indice de Charlson versus índice de Barthel como predictor de mortalidad e institucionalización en una unidad geriátrica de agudos y media estancia.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the validity of the Barthel (BI) and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) as well as the age-adjusted CCI for the prognosis of mortality and institutionalization in hospitalized geriatric patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate patients admitted to an acute care geriatric ward and mid-term care facility in 2006 (n=343). The independent variables were the admission BI (registered in the clinical history in all patients) and the CCI and the age-adjusted CCI, which were registered "a posteriori" using the available information. The outcome variable was mortality or institutionalization when the patient was discharged. The sensitivity and specificity values for each of the cut-off points selected from the scales analyzed were recorded and ROC curves were constructed for each of these points; the area under the curve (AUC) with a confidence interval (CI) of up to 95% was calculated. RESULTS: The mean age was 82.3 years (58.6% women). The AUC was 0.736 (95% CI=0.68-0.79) for the BI, 0.61 (95% CI=0.55-0.67) for the CCI and 0.625 (95% CI=0.56-0.69) for the age-adjusted CCI. Statistically significant differences were found among the AUC of the BI compared with that of the other two indexes (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: As predictors of mortality and institutionalization, the BI was superior to the CCI and the age-adjusted CCI. The BI could therefore be more useful than the other two indexes when considering an adequate use of healthcare services.

[Descriptive study of the attitudes of family caregivers to the use of physical restraints: preliminary results]. / Estudio descriptivo sobre la actitud de la familia ante el uso de restricciones físicas en mayores: resultados preliminares.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the attitudes of families caring for elderly dependents to the use of physical restraints and to identify the factors that could influence these attitudes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out in a consecutive sample of the population, using a questionnaire investigating the various aspects that influence attitudes to restraints. Responses were obtained from 50 family caregivers, of which seven were discarded due to lack of knowledge about restraints (N=43). The characteristics of the sample, frequencies, the main trends and dispersion measures were analyzed. RESULTS: Most of the family caregivers considered the use of restrains to be appropriate and 90.7% were willing to use them with a relative; 41.9% believed that their use was unavoidable and were unaware of alternatives, while 23.3% were unaware that physical restraints can cause physical and psychological problems. None of the family caregivers believed that this method of restraint was a form of abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Relatives had a positive attitude to physical restraints and considered their use appropriate. This finding could be related to their limited knowledge of alternatives and of the complications that can be caused by restraints. Training programmes on alternatives to these devices should be instigated.

Estudio descriptivo sobre la actitud de la familia ante el uso de restricciones físicas en mayores: resultados preliminares / Descriptive study of the attitudes of family caregivers to the use of physical restraints: preliminary results

Objetivo: valorar la actitud que, ante el uso de las restricciones físicas, adoptan los familiares cuidadores de personas mayores dependientes en el domicilio y considerar cuáles serían los factores que podrían relacionarse con ésta.Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal, realizado mediante muestreo consecutivo a través de un cuestionario que indagaba sobre los diversos componentes que conforman las actitudes. Respondió a la encuesta un total de 50 familiares, de los cuales se descartaron 7 porque no conocían el procedimiento (n = 43). Se describen las características de la muestra, las frecuencias y las medidas de tendencia central y dispersión.Resultados: la mayoría de los familiares consideró este recurso como adecuado y un 90,7% estaba dispuesto a utilizarlo en un familiar suyo. Un 41,9% opinó que no pueden evitarse las restricciones y desconocían otras alternativas que pudieran usarse. Un 23,3% no era consciente de que la restricción puede ocasionaralgún problema físico o psicológico. Ninguno estimó de forma concluyente que este procedimiento fuese una forma de maltrato.Conclusiones: las familias mantenían una actitud positiva ante la restricción y consideraban apropiado su uso. Ello podría relacionarse con el limitado conocimiento de las alternativas que se pueden emplear y de las complicaciones que originan. Se sugiereponer en marcha programas de formación que se centren eneducar sobre las opciones terapéuticas alternativas a la restricción

Objective: to evaluate the attitudes of families caring for elderly dependents to the use of physical restraints and to identify the factors that could influence these attitudes.Material and methods: a descriptive, cross sectional study was carried out in a consecutive sample of the population, using a questionnaire investigating the various aspects that influence attitudes to restraints. Responses were obtained from 50 family caregivers, of which seven were discarded due to lack of knowledgeabout restraints (N=43). The characteristics of the sample, frequencies, the main trends and dispersion measures were analyzed.Results: most of the family caregivers considered the use of restrains to be appropriate and 90.7% were willing to use them with a relative; 41.9% believed that their use was unavoidable and were unaware of alternatives, while 23.3% were unaware thatphysical restraints can cause physical and psychological problems. None of the family caregivers believed that this method of restraint was a form of abuse.Conclusions: relatives had a positive attitude to physical restraints and considered their use appropriate. This finding could be related to their limited knowledge of alternatives and of thecomplications that can be caused by restraints. Training programmes on alternatives to these devices should be instigated

Determinantes de la satisfacción laboral en centros geriátricos / Determinants of job satisfaction in long-term care facilities

Introducción: este trabajo evalúa el grado de satisfacción laboral de enfermeros/as y auxiliares de enfermería dedicados a la atención de personas mayores en instituciones públicas de Canarias. Asimismo, explora el impacto de variables demográficas y laborales en aquélla. Material y método: estudio descriptivo-correlacional. La muestra estuvo constituida por 227 trabajadores que contestaron al cuestionario Font-Roja de satisfacción laboral, y a otro de variables demográficas y laborales. Para cuantificar el grado de asociación utilizamos la odds ratio, y un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Los factores de confusión se ajustaron mediante regresión logística. Resultados: las enfermeras tienen mayor satisfacción que las auxiliares, y esta diferencia radica en las dimensiones monotonía laboral y satisfacción con el puesto. De forma general, ambos grupos presentan las puntuaciones más bajas en entorno físico y tensión relacionada con el trabajo. Por contra, las dimensiones contenido del trabajo y tensión relacionada con el puesto obtienen los mejores valores. El análisis multivariante pone de manifiesto que la forma de ser asignada al puesto de trabajo, el turno y la situación laboral son las variables que mejor explican la satisfacción laboral. Conclusiones: se proponen mejoras en recursos materiales y humanos, y la modificación de algunos aspectos organizacionales

Introduction: the present study analyzed levels of job satisfaction among nurses and auxiliary nurses working with the elderly in public institutions in the Canary Islands. The effect of demographic and work-related variables on job satisfaction was also evaluated. Material and method: a descriptive correlational survey design was used in a sample of 227 participants who completed Font-Roja's job satisfaction questionnaire and another questionnaire on demographic and work-related variables. The association among variables was assessed using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Adjustment for confounders was performed by logistic regression. Results: nurses showed a higher level of satisfaction than auxiliary nurses due to differences in the dimensions of work monotony and satisfaction with position. Overall, both groups scored lowest on physical environment and work-related strain. The best scores were for job content and position-related strain. Multivariate analysis revealed that the variables that best explained job satisfaction were the procedures used to assign work, shifts and job situation. Conclusions: improvements in human and material resources and modification of certain organisational aspects are proposed

Resultados de salud en geriatría. Una aproximación con base en las intervenciones de un hospital de día / No disponible

Objetivos: Investigar resultados de salud, para medir las consecuencias de la práctica asistencial en un aspecto clave: la repercusión de las intervenciones en la situación funcional de los pacientes admitidos en hospital de día de geriatría (HDG). Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de la situación funcional, mediante el Índice de Barthel (IB), al ingreso y al alta, características, procedencia, factores de riesgo, motivo de ingreso, tratamiento y destino al alta; de todos los pacientes admitidos en un HDG durante el año 2004. Análisis mediante la T de student para muestras relacionadas del IB. Estimación del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para relacionar situación funcional y edad. Resultados: N= 127. Edad: 77.61±12.49 años. Estancia media en HDG: 38.4 días. 41% procedían de la Unidad Geriátrica de Agudos. El 75.5% presentaban cardiopatía como patología previa. La inmovilidad era el factor de riesgo en el 72% de los casos y fue el motivo principal de inclusión en HDG en el 42%. El 94% recibieron fisioterapia. La media de IB al ingreso fue de 57,126 y al alta de 62,086, además de existir una fuerte correlación positiva (R=+0.93) entre los dos índices, su diferencia - utilizandoel test de la t de student - siempre resultó significativa, indicando mejoría. No se encontró una correlación fuerte entre IB al ingreso y edad (R=+0.147). El 70% volvió a su domicilio tras el alta, un 4.6% precisó institucionalización. Conclusiones: Mejoría de la situación funcional y baja institucionalización tras intervención en HDG (AU)

Objectives: To investigate health results, in order to measure the consequences of welfare practice in a crucial aspect: repercussion of interventions on the functional situation of the patients admitted in ageriatric day hospital (HDG). Patients and methods: Retrospective observacional study of functional situation, using Barthel index functional level scale (BI), at admission and discharge, patient’s characteristics, origin, risk factors, reason for admission, treatment and destiny at discharge; of all the patients admitted in a HDG during year 2004. Analysis with T of student, for related samples was used, as well as Binary lineal regression calculation to relate functional situation and age. Results: N = 127. Age: 77.61±12, 49 years. Average hospital stay in HDG: 38, 4 days. 41% came fromthe Acute Geriatric Unit. The 75, 5% presented/displayed heart disease as previous pathology. Immobility was a risk factor in 72% of the cases and the main reason for inclusion in HDG in 42%. 94% received physiotherapy. Average of IB at admission was of 57.126 and at discharge of 62.086, being this significant difference (R=+0.93). Strong correlation between IB at entrance and age (R=+0.147) was not befound. 70% returned to their home after the discharge, 4,6% needed institutionalization. Conclusions: Improvement of functional situation and low institutionalization after intervention in HDG (AU)

[An extended version of the Font-Roja job satisfaction questionnaire]. / Una propuesta destinada a complementar el cuestionario Font-Roja de satisfacción laboral.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have shown the need to include the physical work environment among the dimensions included in job satisfaction evaluation. However, this dimension was not included in the Font-Roja questionnaire. The present study introduces two items exploring this dimension and adheres to the hypothesis that physical work environment has a significant impact on job satisfaction evaluation. METHOD: A total of 227 geriatric workers participated in this study. The participants completed the Font-Roja job satisfaction questionnaire with 2 additional items exploring the physical work environment. Factor analysis and principal components analysis with rotation varimax were used to determine the diverse components of job satisfaction. To determine the coherence of the scales and the consistency of the added items, Cronbach's a was used. These methods were applied to both questionnaires, the classical 24-item questionnaire and the extended 26-item questionnaire. RESULTS: The classical Font-Roja questionnaire was composed of 8 factors, explaining 60.02% of the variance. The extended questionnaire was structured into 9 factors, explaining 61.81% of the variance. The new factor was composed of both added items. The internal consistency of the Font-Roja classical scale was alpha = 0.773 and that of the extended scale was alpha = 0.791. DISCUSSION: The extended scale is superior to the classical scale. The results obtained seem to support the hypothesis that, for analysis of job satisfaction, the instruments used should contain items on the physical work environment.

Una propuesta destinada a complementar el cuestionario Font-Roja de satisfacción laboral / An extended version of the Font-Roja job satisfaction questionnaire

Introducción: Diversos estudios ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de incluir las condiciones físicas del entorno de trabajo en la evaluación de la satisfacción laboral. Sin embargo, esto no ocurre con el cuestionario Font-Roja. En este trabajo se introducen 2 ítems que exploran esta dimensión y se mantiene como hipótesis el impacto significativo sobre la evaluación de la satisfacción en el trabajo. Método: Participaron 227 trabajadores que atienden a ancianos. Respondieron al cuestionario Font-Roja de satisfacción laboral, al que se añadieron 2 ítems que exploran el entorno físico de trabajo. Se realizaron análisis factoriales para determinar los diversos componentes de la satisfacción laboral. Para el estudio de la coherencia de escalas y de los ítems añadidos utilizamos el estadístico de Cronbach. Estos métodos se aplican a los 2 cuestionarios, el clásico de 24 ítems y el ampliado de 26. Resultados: El Font-Roja clásico aparece conformado por 8 factores, que explican el 60,02% de la varianza, mientras que el ampliado se estructura en 9 factores, con una varianza explicada del 61,81%. El nuevo factor aparece constituido por los 2 ítems añadidos. La consistencia interna del cuestionario clásico es de = 0,773, y el del ampliado es de = 0,791. Discusión: La escala ampliada es superior a la clásica. Los resultados obtenidos abundan en la tesis de que, para el análisis de la satisfacción laboral, los instrumentos deben contener entre sus ítems los que consideran las condiciones físicas del entorno de trabajo

Introduction: Several studies have shown the need to include the physical work environment among the dimensions included in job satisfaction evaluation. However, this dimension was not included in the Font-Roja questionnaire. The present study introduces two items exploring this dimension and adheres to the hypothesis that physical work environment has a significant impact on job satisfaction evaluation. Method: A total of 227 geriatric workers participated in this study. The participants completed the Font-Roja job satisfaction questionnaire with 2 additional items exploring the physical work environment. Factor analysis and principal components analysis with rotation varimax were used to determine the diverse components of job satisfaction. To determine the coherence of the scales and the consistency of the added items, Cronbach’s was used. These methods were applied to both questionnaires, the classical 24-item questionnaire and the extended 26-item questionnaire. Results: The classical Font-Roja questionnaire was composed of 8 factors, explaining 60.02% of the variance. The extended questionnaire was structured into 9 factors, explaining 61.81% of the variance. The new factor was composed of both added items. The internal consistency of the Font-Roja classical scale was = 0.773 and that of the extended scale was = 0.791. Discussion: The extended scale is superior to the classical scale. The results obtained seem to support the hypothesis that, for analysis of job satisfaction, the instruments used should contain items on the physical work environment