Microcirculatory responses of sacral tissue in healthy individuals and inpatients on different pressure-redistribution mattresses.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the interaction between interface pressure, pressure-induced vasodilation, and reactive hyperaemia with different pressure-redistribution mattresses. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed with a convenience sample of healthy young individuals, and healthy older individuals and inpatients, at a university hospital in Sweden. Blood flow was measured at depths of 1mm, 2mm, and 10mm using laser Doppler flowmetry and photoplethysmography. The blood flow, interface pressure and skin temperature were measured in the sacral tissue before, during, and after load while lying on one standard hospital mattress and three different pressure-redistribution mattresses. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the average sacral pressure, peak sacral pressure, and local probe pressure on the three pressure-redistribution mattresses, the lowest values found were with the visco-elastic foam/air mattress (23.5 ± 2.5mmHg, 49.3 ± 11.1mmHg, 29.2 ± 14.0mmHg, respectively). Blood flow, measured as pressure-induced vasodilation, was most affected in the visco-elastic foam/air group compared to the alternating pressure mattress group at tissue depths of 2mm (39.0% and 20.0%, respectively), and 10mm (56.9 % and 35.1%, respectively). Subjects in all three groups, including healthy 18-65 year olds, were identified with no pressure-induced vasodilation or reactive hyperaemia on any mattress (n=11), which is considered a high-risk blood flow response. CONCLUSION: Interface pressure magnitudes considered not harmful during pressure-exposure on different pressure-redistribution mattresses can affect the microcirculation in different tissue structures. Despite having the lowest pressure values compared with the other mattresses, the visco-elastic foam/air mattress had the highest proportion of subjects with decreased blood flow. Healthy young individuals were identified with the high-risk blood flow response, suggesting an innate vulnerability to pressure exposure. Furthermore, the evaluation of pressure-redistribution support surfaces in terms of mean blood flow during and after tissue exposure is not feasible, but assessment of pressure-induced vasodilation and reactive hyperaemia could be a new way to assess individualised physiological measurements of mechanisms known to be related to pressure ulcer development.

A technique based on laser Doppler flowmetry and photoplethysmography for simultaneously monitoring blood flow at different tissue depths.

The aim of this study was to validate a non-invasive optical probe for simultaneous blood flow measurement at different vascular depths combining three photoplethysmography (PPG) channels and laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF). Wavelengths of the PPG were near-infrared 810 nm with source-to-detector separation of 10 and 25 mm, and green 560 nm with source-to-detector separation of 4 mm. The probe is intended for clinical studies of pressure ulcer aetiology. The probe was placed over the trapezius muscle, and depths from the skin to the trapezius muscle were measured using ultrasound and varied between 3.8 and 23 mm in the 11 subjects included. A provocation procedure inducing a local enhancement of blood flow in the trapezius muscle was used. Blood flows at rest and post-exercise were compared. It can be concluded that this probe is useful as a tool for discriminating between blood flows at different vascular tissue depths. The vascular depths reached for the different channels in this study were at least 23 mm for the near-infrared PPG channel (source-to-detector separation 25 mm), 10-15 mm for the near-infrared PPG channel (separation 10 mm), and shallower than 4 mm for both the green PPG channel (separation 4 mm) and LDF.

Perceptions of family planning among low-income men in Western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Men have rarely been involved in either receiving or providing information on sexuality, reproductive health or birth spacing. They have also been ignored or excluded in one way or the other from participating in many family planning programmes as family planning is viewed as a woman's affair. AIM: To describe the perceptions of family planning among low-income men in Western Kenya. METHODS: A qualitative study using focus group interviews and content analysis was conducted, with 64 men aged 15-54 years participating actively. FINDINGS: Perceptions of family planning were manifold. For example, some perceived it as meaning having the number of children one is able to provide for. Most men knew about traditional and modern methods of birth control, although their knowledge was poor and misconceived. Modern methods were thought to give side effects, discouraging family planning. Low instances of family planning were also because of the fact that culturally, children are considered wealth. A law advocating family size limitation was regarded as necessary for the future. CONCLUSION: Men's perceptions of family planning are manifold. Their knowledge about contraception is poor and sometimes misconceived. Preferences regarding a child's gender are strong, thus attitudes and cultural beliefs that might hinder family planning have to be considered. A policy on male contraception and contraceptive services is seen as necessary.

Self-care ability and sense of coherence in older nutritional at-risk patients.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate self-care ability and sense of coherence in geriatric rehabilitation patients nutritionally screened using the Nutritional Form For the Elderly and to relate the patients' perceived health to self-care ability and sense of coherence. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: A geriatric rehabilitation ward in a hospital in western Sweden. SUBJECTS: A sample of 172 consecutively recruited patients (65+ years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One hundred forty-four patients were included in the study because 16 patients refused to take part and 12 could not complete the entire data collection procedure. METHODS: Interviews, using one instrument for nutritional screening and other instruments measuring self-care ability and sense of coherence and one question about perceived health, were performed. RESULTS: Patients at medium or high risk for undernutrition had lower self-care ability (P<0.001) and weaker sense of coherence (P=0.007) than patients at low risk for undernutrition. Lower self-care ability, being single and admitted from another hospital ward was found to be predictors for being at medium or high risk for undernutrition. Patients who perceived good health had higher self-care ability (P<0.001) and stronger sense of coherence (P<0.001) than patients who perceived ill health. CONCLUSIONS: There is an indication that older patients at low risk for undernutrition have a greater capability to care for themselves than patients at medium or high risk for undernutrition. Perceived ill health in older patients is associated with lower self-care ability and weaker sense of coherence.

Nutritional status in elderly people admitted to community residential homes: comparisons between two cohorts.

The aim was to describe nutritional status and socio-demographic and medical data in people who were newly admitted to community residential homes (cohort 2), and to compare the results with a previous study performed in the same municipality four years earlier (cohort 1). One hundred and twenty-seven people, 65 years of age, or older, newly admitted to residential homes in a municipality in the southern part of Sweden, were consecutively included. Nutritional status was assessed, using a combination of anthropometry and serum protein measurements and by Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). The results showed that 32% of the residents in cohort 2 were assessed as protein-energy malnourished (PEM), compared with 38% in cohort 1. Body mass index, psychological stress or acute disease, and reduced fluid intake were items in MNA which had power to predict PEM. Residents in cohort 2, diagnosed as having severe medical diseases, increased as well as residents with neuropsychological problems. Simultaneously, the number living in residential homes decreased, as compared to cohort 1. These differences indicate that the admission criteria have changed between cohorts 1 and 2.

Measurement of perceived health problems as a means of detecting elderly people at risk of malnutrition.

BACKGROUND: As nutritional preventative measures are more effective in elderly people assessed as non protein-energy malnourished (non-PEM) than such interventions are in those who are malnourished, early detection of those at risk of malnutrition is important. OBJECTIVE: This study tests the hypothesis that health problems measured by the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) can predict residents at risk of malnutrition. DESIGN: Nutritional status was assessed in 261 residents newly admitted to municipal care using a combination of anthropometry and serum protein measurements. From this sample, 20 non-PEM residents, simultaneously assessed as moderately malnourished according to a subjective method, were consecutively included. Using a paired matched design, 20 other non-PEM residents, who were simultaneously subjectively assessed as well nourished, completed the pairs. RESULTS: Univariate logistic regression analyses showed that the dimensions of emotional reactions, energy, pain, physical mobility and sleep had significant power to predict residents at risk of malnutrition. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, energy had the highest explanatory power. CONCLUSION: Non-PEM residents, assessed as moderately malnourished according to the Subjective Global Assessment, perceived significantly greater health problems than non-PEM residents subjectively assessed as well nourished. Measurement of health problems adds important information to that used in early detection of residents at risk of malnutrition.

Expectations of the child health nurse in Sweden: two perspectives.

BACKGROUND: the child health service exists to support and stimulate parents in order to reduce stress and to encourage an advantageous development of the preschool child. AIM: To explore and describe similarities and differences in expectations of the child health nurse, from the perspective of the recently delivered first-time mother, as compared to an expression of what the child health nurse believed mothers of infants expected of them. The data consisted of 15 interviews with child health nurses and 20 interviews with first-time mothers. Thematic content analysis resulted in seven categories of expectations. The child health nurse was expected to be someone to approach, who could assess the child's development and give immunizations and to be a supporter, counsellor, safety provider and a parent group organizer with knowledge. Similarities between the mothers' and the nurses' statements occurred more frequently than differences, which is suggested to depend on the Swedish tradition among new mothers of visiting the child health clinic. The mothers expected participation in parent groups to a higher degree than the nurses thought they did. Child health nurses who fulfil the mothers' expectations appear to require a good relationship with the mother in order to find out what she desires, which the allocation of sufficient time for regular meetings, will facilitate. Moreover, the nurse requires knowledge about children's requirements and the transition to motherhood as well as the father's important role.

Familial hypercholesterolaemia and quality of life in family members.

BACKGROUND: Awareness of genetic disease in the family may influence quality of life. The purpose of this study was to describe quality of life among nonaffected members of families with familial hypercholesterolaemia. All were aware of the risk for coronary heart disease. Their quality of life was compared with a reference group and with the patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia themselves. METHODS: Names of family members (n = 129) were given by the patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia. A randomly selected reference group (n = 1485) and patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (n = 185) were included for comparison. They all completed the questionnaire Quality of Life Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Mastery Scale measuring coping. Family members and patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia also completed a questionnaire on health and lipids. RESULTS: Family members were more satisfied with family life, mean 22.1 +/- 3.5 (SD), and psychological/spiritual life, 22.9 +/- 4.0, than the reference group, 21.4 +/- 4.3 and 21.1 +/- 4.8, respectively; this was particularly expressed among partners, P < 0.05. Of family members, 91% were anxious about the patient with familial hypercholesterolaemia developing coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Family members have as good a quality of life as members of the reference group, but they were anxious about the patient with familial hypercholesterolaemia developing coronary heart disease.

Evaluation of nutritional assessment techniques in elderly people newly admitted to municipal care.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) with regard to validity using a combination of anthropometric and serum-protein measurements as standard criteria to assess protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study with consecutive selection of residents aged >or=65 y. SETTING: A municipality in the south of Sweden. SUBJECTS: During a year, starting in October 1996, 148 females and 113 males, aged >or=65-104 y of age, newly admitted to special types of housing for the elderly, were included in the study. RESULTS: According to SGA, 53% were assessed as malnourished or moderately malnourished on admission. The corresponding figure from MNA was 79% malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. Both tools indicated that anthropometric values and serum proteins were significantly lower in residents classified as being malnourished (P<0.05). Sensitivity in detecting PEM was in SGA 0.93 and in MNA 0.96 and specificity was 0.61 and 0.26, respectively. Using regression analysis, weight index and serum albumin were the best objective nutritional parameters in predicting the SGA- and MNA classifications. Item 'muscle wasting' in SGA and 'self-experienced health status' in MNA showed most predictive power concerning the odds of being assessed as malnourished. CONCLUSIONS: SGA was shown to be the more useful tool in detecting residents with established malnutrition and MNA in detecting residents who need preventive nutritional measures.

Life situation and function in elderly people with and without leg ulcers.

The majority of elderly patients with leg ulcers live at home and receive treatment for their ulcers within the primary health care system. Little is known about the patients' ability or behaviour in the life situation and how well they manage their daily life at home. The Philadelphia Geriatric Center Multilevel Assessment Instrument (PGC MAI) was used to assess and compare the life situation in 70 patients (mean age 79 +/- 6.5 years) with leg ulcers and in 74 elderly persons (mean age 80 +/- 5.7 years) without leg ulcers. The patients with leg ulcers had significantly lower mean values in the domains of physical health, activity of daily living (ADL), cognition, time use and social behaviour, personal adjustment and environmental quality than those without ulcers. Sixty-three percent of the patients reported ulcer-related pain, and all of them were dependent on health care personnel for dressing changes. This may indicate that the life situation among elderly persons with leg ulcers is not so good as compared with that of elderly persons without ulcers and that patients with leg ulcers are more vulnerable than elderly people of the same age.

Quality of life in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of this study was to analyse quality of life in adult patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a genetic disorder with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Secondary aims were to find explanatory factors for quality of life and anxiety. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. SETTING: Outpatients from lipid clinics at two university hospitals in Sweden were included. Patients with heterozygous FH and a randomly selected control group participated by filling out questionnaires. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and eighty patients with heterozygous FH above 18 years of age were asked, and 212 of whom 185 were free of overt CHD, participated. Of a control group of 2980 persons 1485 were included for comparison. METHODS: We used Likert-type questionnaires: the Quality of Life Index (QLI) consisting of four subscales, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), the Mastery Scale measuring coping and a questionnaire on health and lipids constructed for FH patients. RESULTS: Patients with FH were significantly more satisfied with overall quality of life 21.8 +/- 0.3 (SEM) vs. controls 21.1 +/- 0.1 and this was also the case in three of four subscales, all differences P < 0.05. Anxiety about getting CHD was expressed amongst 86% of the patients with FH. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life amongst patients with FH was at least as good as in controls but they were worried about getting CHD.

Can individualised nutritional support improve healing in therapy-resistant leg ulcers?

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether an individually designed programme of nutritional support can improve healing in otherwise therapy-resistant venous leg ulcers. METHOD: Six primary health-care patients, aged between 79 and 93 years, with venous ulcers that had been open for one year or more (range: 1.5-8 years) were recruited into the study. The patients were asked to follow an individualised diet plan which included the use of liquid dietary supplements. Ulcer area, anthropometric and biochemical variables, and energy and nutrient intake were assessed before intervention and then regularly for nine months. RESULTS: At nine months ulcer healing had occurred in two patients, of whom one had had ulcers on both legs. In a third patient the ulceration on one leg had healed and that on the other leg had almost healed. In a fourth patient, the ulcer area reduced by approximately 90%. CONCLUSION: The use of nutritional support might have assisted the wound healing in these patients. Although the relationship between nutritional supplementation and wound healing is not well defined, an appropriate nutritional plan is recommended if undernourishment is suspected and leg ulcers are not healing.

Assessment of nutritional status using biochemical and anthropometric variables in a nutritional intervention study of women with hip fracture.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of this study of women with hip fracture was to describe nutritional status with biochemical markers and anthropometric variables, and to evaluate the effect of nutritional intervention with the intention of increasing protein and energy intake. METHODS: The first consecutive 44 women were included, and used as controls. The next 44 were matched for age, fracture and mental state. Anthropometric variables, IGF-I, hormones and serum albumin were collected 4--6 days (baseline), 1 and 3 months after surgery. Twenty-four women filled out a 7-day food record. RESULTS: At baseline, one fourth had BMI <20 kg/m(2)and subnormal triceps skinfold thickness. Baseline serum albumin, IGF-I and growth hormone levels were low, probably as an acute response to trauma. Women with BMI <20 kg/m(2)had lower IGF-I levels compared to those with higher BMI. At 3 months, one-third of both groups were protein and energy malnourished. The intervention group obtained higher daily energy percentage from fat but none of the groups reached their calculated energy need. CONCLUSIONS: Using biochemical markers in the acute postoperative situation to assess nutritional status is not recommended. The intervention had no impact on anthropometric or biochemical variables.

A follow-up study of ulcer healing, nutrition, and life-situation in elderly patients with leg ulcers.

This study was undertaken in order to follow up ulcer healing, ulcer recurrence, nutritional status and life-situation in elderly patients with leg ulcers. Of 70 patients assessed previously in 1996, 43 (61%) were still alive in 2000 and, of these, 38 (88%) participated in the follow-up. Rate of healing, recurrence and amputation were obtained from medical records and interviews with the patients. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was used to assess their nutritional status and the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Multilevel Assessment Instrument was used for assessment of their life-situation. Nineteen patients (50%), mean age 82+/-4.6 years, had healed ulcers. Two (5%) patients, mean age 86+/-2.8, had required amputation and had no ulceration after surgery. Seventeen patients (45%), mean age 80.3+/-6 years, had open ulcers, six had their original ulcers still unhealed, and 11 had open recurrent ulcers. Decreased mean MNA scores, as well as decreased mean scores in ADL and mobility, were seen over time in patients with open ulcers but not in those who were healed. Patients with healed ulcers had significantly higher mean scores in social interaction than those with open ulcers and significantly increased mean scores in environmental quality over time. The results indicate that nutrition and the life-situation might be related to leg ulcer healing. The nutritional situation and the whole life-situation should be observed and taken into consideration when care is planned. Additional research is needed to increase the understanding of the relationship between nutrition, life-situation and ulcer healing.

Maternal expectations of the child health nurse.

The main aim of this study was to identify what first-time mothers in Sweden expected of Child Health Nurses. A further aim was to investigate what help and support was received by the new mothers and whether they felt that anything was missing. Twenty new mothers were interviewed according to grounded theory and the data were analyzed by the constant comparative method. It was found that first-time mothers expected Child Health Nurses to have faith in a new mother's own strength and to be accessible, approachable and knowledgeable, providing advice and support. New mothers indicated that they had experienced most of these characteristics, especially accessibility and approachability, but some felt that there were deficiencies (e.g. a lack of continued interest in their own bodies and health, as well as a lack of support when they ceased to breast-feed). The Child Health Service was taken for granted by new mothers. First-time mothers indicated that they appreciated the service, particularly those mothers who did not have a good social network. However, some of the new mothers expressed negative feelings regarding the Child Health Service provided.

Individually adjusted meals for older people with protein-energy malnutrition: a single-case study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a 3-month intervention programme consisting of meals based on individual nutritional requirements in residents assessed as protein-energy malnourished on admission to a municipal care Institution. Using a single-case design, 11 malnourished residents were given individual care aimed at fulfilling their personal requirements for energy intake during a period of 12 weeks. The residents were selected from a sample of 261 newly admitted older adults of whom 87 were assessed to be malnourished on admission. Nutritional status, including anthropometric and biochemical variables and functional capacities were assessed before, during, and after the intervention. Energy intake was recorded every day. Body weight, and serum concentration of albumin and transthyretin were measured every other week. During a 3-month period, the mean value of energy intake reached the calculated energy requirement in 10 residents. Eight residents increased in weight, triceps skin-fold thickness, and transthyretin concentration. Nine residents increased in arm muscle circumference, and 10 showed increased serum albumin concentration and functional capacity. We conclude that nursing care based on individual nutritional requirements, resources, and desires improves nutritional status and functional capacity in a group of malnourished residents.

Opinions about district nurses prescribing.

Opinions about district nurses prescribing The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of district nurses (DNs) and general practitioners (GPs) about nurse prescribing in Sweden in order to elucidate similarities and differences, and relate different opinions to background and psychosocial working factors. In a questionnaire about psychosocial working conditions, seven statements about DNs prescribing were included. The questionnaire was sent to 554 DNs and 566 GPs with a participant rate of 83%. On all items as well as on the total score DNs rated more positively compared with GPs. Amongst the DNs a positive opinion was related to a traditional primary care organization, age < 50, good social support at work, and high workload. A positive opinion amongst GPs was associated with working in a traditional primary care organization, being male GP, and a good social support at work. In a multiple regression analysis, occupation and organization were independently associated with the total score. The result shows a strong professional solidarity amongst GPs and seems to be based on concern about the profession rather than patient care.

Nutritional status and functional capacity after femoral neck fractures: a prospective randomized one-year follow-up study.

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different surgical methods on nutritional status and functional capacity during the first postoperative year in patients with displaced femoral neck fractures. A further aim was to evaluate the effect of nutritional support. One hundred patients were randomly assigned to treatment with either primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) or osteosynthesis. Half of the patients in each treatment group received protein- and energy-enriched food in the hospital in addition to individual nutritional advice in order to optimize their intake of protein- and energy-rich food. Nutritional state and functional capacity were examined at baseline, one and three months, and one year after the operation. Pain was examined at three months and one year. The effect of nutritional intervention was equal within both surgical groups. Logistic regression showed that the dependent variable "living at one year" was significantly associated with serum albumin levels at one month. Advanced age, mental impairment and deteriorated nutritional status were predominant in the non-survivors. Overall, the primary THA group performed better compared with the osteosynthesis group concerning weight change over time, locomotion and pain. This study also showed that primary THA could safely be performed in the elderly without an increased postoperative mortality rate.

Nutritional state and functional capacity among elderly Swedish people with acute hip fracture.

The objective of this study was to describe characteristics in a group of elderly men and women with hip fracture, regarding presumed risk factors, such as nutritional state and functional capacity. A total of 142 men and women aged 75 years or more were consecutively included on admittance to the hospital. Anthropometry and body composition were measured 4-6 days after the fracture. Data on functional status, activities of daily living and living arrangements at the time of the fracture were collected. The women and men had a body mass index (BMI) of 22.3 +/- 3.7 kg/m2 and 21.7 +/- 2.1 kg/m2, respectively. Of the whole group, 71% had a BMI < 24 kg/m2 and 25% a BMI < 20.0 kg/m2. Forty-five percent of the patients needed daily home help, and a majority of them were mentally impaired (p < 0.0001). Women with a trochanteric hip fracture were shorter, had lower body weight, lower lean body mass and lower arm muscle circumference (AMC) than the cervical fracture group (p < 0.05). Fewer women with a trochanteric fracture and fewer women with mental impairment took walks outside before the fracture, (p = 0.023 and p = 0.002, respectively). Characteristics found in the group were low BMI, low muscle mass as indicated by low lean body mass and mental impairment. It seems important to evaluate such factors when developing post-operative care plans aimed at avoiding further deterioration. Extra frail sub-groups of patients, such as people who are mentally impaired, women with trochanteric fracture and women with high dependency concerning ADL functions were identified.