Functionality and loneliness in older people: Model of mediation by positive affect / Funcionalidad y soledad en personas mayores: Modelo de mediación por el afecto positivo

Objetivo: La soledad se asocia a la discapacidad funcional en la población mayor, aunque se sabe poco sobre el papel de la afectividad en esta relación. Nos proponemos explorar el efecto mediador de la afectividad en la relación entre funcionalidad y soledad, controlando el efecto de las variables relevantes. Métodos: Se administró la Escala de Soledad de la Universidad de California-16, la Escala de Funcionalidad Geriátrica, las Escalas de Afecto Positivo y Negativo-14 y la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica-8 a 489 adultos mayores (65–100 años), 428 de residencias geriátricas y 61 de la comunidad. Resultados: Los residentes en una institución, mujeres, viudos, con baja educación, más discapacidad funcional, más afecto negativo, menos afecto positivo y más síntomas depresivos reportaron más soledad. Controlando el efecto de los síntomas depresivos, género, situación residencial, estado civil y educación, solo el afecto positivo medió, parcialmente, la relación entre funcionalidad y soledad. Conclusión: Se sugieren intervenciones para aumentar la concienciación por parte de los adultos mayores en los perfiles personalizados de afecto positivo, aliviando así los sentimientos de soledad en los que sufren limitaciones funcionales (especialmente mujeres, con síntomas depresivos, viudos, residiendo en una institución y con bajo nivel educativo).(AU)

Objective: Research has shown that loneliness is associated with functional disability in the older population. However, little is known about the role of affectivity in this relationship. The present study explored a mediation model in which affectivity was hypothesized to mediate the re-lationship between functionality and loneliness, controlling for the effect of relevant variables.Methods:The University of California Loneliness Scale-16 items, Geriatric Functionality Scale, Positive and Negative AffectSchedule-14, and Geriatric Depression Scale-8 were administered to 489 old adults (65–100 years old), 428 from social care homes (SCH), and 61 from the community.Results:Those from SCH, women, widowed, withlow education, more functional disability, more negative affect, less posi-tive affect, and more depressive symptoms reported more loneliness. Con-trolling for the effect of depressive symptoms, gender, residential status, marital status, and education, only positive affect mediated, partially, the relationship between functionality and loneliness.Conclusion:We suggest implementing interventions that increase older adults' insights in personal-ized patterns of positive affect and, consequently, ease feelings of loneli-ness in older people suffering from functional limitations (especially wom-en, with depressive symptoms, widowed, residing in an institution, and with low educational level).(AU)

Mini-ACE: Validation Study Among Older People in Long-Term Care.

Background: The Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (M-ACE) is a valid and reliable tool that accurately differentiates various types of cognitive impairment from Normal-cognition assessed in multiple settings. However, its validity among older individuals in long-term care (LTC) was not yet established. Therefore, we sought to assess the Portuguese M-ACE's validity, reliability, and accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment no-dementia (CIND) in LTC users. Methods: A comprehensive assessment was performed on 196 LTC Portuguese users aged ≥ 60 years, among whom 71 had Normal-cognition, and 125 had CIND. Results: The M-ACE was found to be reliable (McDonald's ω = .86, Cronbach's α = .85) and consistent over time (r = .72; ICC = .83) and between raters (k = .92). Strong correlations with related measures supported construct validity (both r = .67). The M-ACE accurately distinguished CIND from Normal-cognition with a cut-off of 17 points (AUC = 0.81, Sensitivity = 81.7%, Specificity = 74.4%). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the Portuguese M-ACE is a valid and reliable cognitive assessment tool for LTC users, allowing for accurate differentiation between CIND and Normal-cognition. Thus, the M-ACE's use could contribute to the early detection and intervention of cognitive disorders, especially among older adults in LTC.

Emotion dysregulation in older people: validity and reliability of an 8-item version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale.

OBJECTIVES: The abbreviated 16-item version of the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16) is widely used to assess individuals' perceived challenges in regulating their emotions, a central aspect of psychological symptoms commonly experienced in old age. However, its psychometric properties have yet to be tested in this population. Furthermore, a shorter version of the DERS-16 could further minimize the assessment burden on older individuals. Thus, we aimed to test the DERS-16's psychometric performance and determine if any items were redundant to develop a psychometrically sound shorter version. METHODS: We enrolled 302 Portuguese older adults (Mage = 75.22; SD = 8.99 years) in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analyses indicated a one-factor structure and a four-factor solution with eight items (69.3%-81.9% of the variance observed). The four-factor-8-item solution presented an interpretable structure and demonstrated good reliability values (> 0.70) and construct validity with the Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Eight-Item Geriatric Depression Scale, and Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (r = 0.66, 0.40, 0.52; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The robust psychometric properties of DERS-8 make it a valuable tool for clinical and longitudinal studies, facilitating targeted interventions in older adults and allowing for precise emotion dysregulation screening.

Measuring loneliness: Psychometric properties of the three-item loneliness scale among community-dwelling adults.

Loneliness is a prevalent set of negative feelings associated with unsatisfactory and reduced social interactions, inadequate social support, poor satisfaction with life and health, negative emotions, and economic burden. Thus, its measurement is of foremost importance. Therefore, this study aimed (i) to devise the Portuguese version of the three-Item Loneliness Scale (T-ILS), which is ideal for epidemiological studies, and (ii) to evaluate its psychometric properties. Three hundred forty-five community-dwelling Portuguese adults with a mean age of 54.6 ± 19.5 years, 61.7% women, recruited door-to-door, were assessed with the Portuguese versions of T-ILS, Satisfaction With Life Scale-SWLS, Lubben Social Network Scale 6-items-LSNS-6, a question regarding Happiness/Unhappiness, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. The T-ILS showed good psychometric properties and correlated moderately with SWLS and LSNS-6, and happiness, and weakly with the number of people in the household. The Portuguese version of the T-ILS proved to be a valid and reliable instrument, easy and quick to administer. It proved to be a valuable tool in screening loneliness in Portugal, being potentially useful to the identification of lonelier people in need of intervention.

Does emotional dysregulation mediate the relationship between disability and depressive symptoms in older people? / ¿La desregulación emocional media la relación entre la discapacidad y los síntomas depresivos en las personas mayores?

Background: Emotion dysregulation has been consistently linked to psychopathology, and the relationship between disability and depressive symptomatology in old age is well-known. Objective: To examine the mediational role of emotional dysregulation in the relationship between perceived disability and depressive symptomatology in older adults. Methods: Two hundred eighty-three participants, aged 60–96 years (M±SD=74.22±8.69; 62.9% women; 29.0% with long-term care support [LTC-S] and 71.0% community residents without LTC-S), were assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale-8 (GDS-8), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-2 (WHODAS-2), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16). Results: A mediation model was established, which revealed: (1) a moderate association between WHODAS-2 and GDS-8 (β=0.20; p<.001); (2) DERS-16 partially and weakly mediated the relationship between WHODAS-2 and GDS-8 (β=0.003; p<.01). The model explained 31.9% of the variance of depressive symptoms. An inconsistent mediation model was obtained in the LTC-S group. Conclusions: Globally, our findings indicate that disability has an indirect relationship with depressive symptomatology through emotional dysregulation (except for those in the LTC-S). Accordingly, we present suggestions for the treatment of depressive symptoms and for the inclusion of other emotion regulation variables in the study of the disability-depressive symptom link in future studies with older people in the LTC-S. (AU)

Antecedentes: La desregulación de las emociones se ha relacionado sistemáticamente con la psicopatología, y es bien conocida la relación entre la discapacidad y la sintomatología depresiva en la edad avanzada. Objetivo: Examinar el papel mediador de la desregulación emocional en la relación entre la discapacidad percibida y la sintomatología depresiva en los adultos mayores. Materiales y métodos: Doscientos ochenta y tres participantes, entre 60-96 años de edad (M±DE=74,22±8,69; 62,9% mujeres; 29% con apoyo de cuidados de larga duración [A-CLD] y 71% residentes en la comunidad sin A-CLD), fueron evaluados con la Geriatric Depression Scale-8 (GDS-8), el World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-2 (WHODAS-2) y la Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16). Resultados: Se estableció un modelo de mediación que reveló: (1) una asociación moderada entre el WHODAS-2 y el GDS-8 (β=0,20; p<0,001); (2) el DERS-16 medió parcial y ligeramente la relación entre el WHODAS-2 y el GDS-8 (β=0,003; p<0,01). El modelo explicó el 31,9% de la varianza de los síntomas depresivos. Se ha obtenido un modelo de mediación inconsistente en el grupo A-CLD. Conclusiones: Globalmente, nuestros hallazgos indican que la discapacidad tiene una relación indirecta con la sintomatología depresiva a través de la desregulación emocional. En consecuencia, presentamos sugerencias para el tratamiento de los síntomas depresivos y para la inclusión de otras variables de regulación de las emociones en el estudio del vínculo discapacidad-síntomas depresivos en futuros estudios con personas mayores en el A-CLD. (AU)

Does emotional dysregulation mediate the relationship between disability and depressive symptoms in older people?

BACKGROUND: Emotion dysregulation has been consistently linked to psychopathology, and the relationship between disability and depressive symptomatology in old age is well-known. OBJECTIVE: To examine the mediational role of emotional dysregulation in the relationship between perceived disability and depressive symptomatology in older adults. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-three participants, aged 60-96 years (M±SD=74.22±8.69; 62.9% women; 29.0% with long-term care support [LTC-S] and 71.0% community residents without LTC-S), were assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale-8 (GDS-8), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-2 (WHODAS-2), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16). RESULTS: A mediation model was established, which revealed: (1) a moderate association between WHODAS-2 and GDS-8 (ß=0.20; p<.001); (2) DERS-16 partially and weakly mediated the relationship between WHODAS-2 and GDS-8 (ß=0.003; p<.01). The model explained 31.9% of the variance of depressive symptoms. An inconsistent mediation model was obtained in the LTC-S group. CONCLUSIONS: Globally, our findings indicate that disability has an indirect relationship with depressive symptomatology through emotional dysregulation (except for those in the LTC-S). Accordingly, we present suggestions for the treatment of depressive symptoms and for the inclusion of other emotion regulation variables in the study of the disability-depressive symptom link in future studies with older people in the LTC-S.

Validation of the geriatric sleep questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: Assessing sleep in later life is essential for diagnosing and treating sleep problems and their consequences. We aimed to test a short questionnaire specifically designed to assess the subjective sleep quality in older people, the Geriatric Sleep Questionnaire (GSQ). METHOD: The GSQ was validated in a Portuguese sample of older people (N = 443; 65-100 years; M = 80.02; SD = 6.95). We analyzed reliability, factor validity, convergent validity with other theoretical similar constructs, discriminant validity with a theoretically divergent measure, and predictive power to detect sleep problems (ROC analysis). RESULTS: A six-item version was obtained with good reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.79), and adequate convergent and divergent validity (p < 0.01). ROC analysis revealed a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 66.7% in detecting sleep problems with a cutoff point of 16 (AUC = 0.72). Older people in social care, low education, and living in rural areas reported worse sleep quality. CONCLUSION: The GSQ-6 is a brief instrument with good psychometric characteristics to assess the subjective sleep quality in older people. The GSQ-6 seems to be a valuable tool for future investigations on the relationship of sleep quality with mental health and well-being in older people.

Validity and reliability of a shorter version of the Geriatric Depression Scale in institutionalized older Portuguese adults.

OBJECTIVES: Depressive symptoms are common in older adults in institutional contexts; however, there is a lack of validated measures for these settings. Identifying depressive symptoms can help clinicians to manage them and to prevent or delay their complications. This study aimed to validate the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in an institutionalized sample of older adults. METHOD: 493 institutionalized older people (73% women) aged 60 or over were evaluated through the GDS, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) (depression vs. no depression = 11% vs. 89%), the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI), the Positive Affect (PA) and Negative Affect (NA) Schedule, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Test-retest reliability was assessed with 57 older adults. RESULTS: An 8-item version presented a Cronbach's alpha value of .87 with a single factor explaining its variance. The correlations (p < .01) attested the concurrent validity (GAI: r = .76; PA: r = -.22; AN: r = .62; SWLS: r = -.32). Test-retest reliability (6.51 months) was adequate (r = .52). ROC analysis (AUC = .82; sensitivity = 80%; specificity = 77%) and Youden index revealed a cutoff of 5/6 for the diagnosis of depression. CONCLUSION: Results support the validity and the screening capacity of a short version of GDS in institutional contexts. Short screening instruments for depressive symptoms may facilitate their identification, allowing for timely clinical interventions in institutional settings.

A Complexidade da intervenção social segundo gênero e escolaridade do doente renal crónico / The complexity of social intervention according to gender and education of chronic kidney disease patients

A elevada prevalência da doença renal crónica e a relevância social do seu tratamento exigem um aprofundamento do conhecimento sobre a população doente, tendo em conta a sua complexidade holística. O estudo pretendeu analisar os níveis de complexidade no processo de intervenção social com pessoas com doença renal crónica numa perspetiva de gênero e de escolaridade. A amostra integrou 584 doentes com idades compreendidas entre os 19 e os 93 anos, maioritariamente do sexo masculino, casados e com o 1.º ciclo ensino básico. Os participantes, com diagnóstico de doença renal crónica, foram avaliados através de um protocolo que inclui um questionário sociodemográfico e a Matriz de Complexidade Associada ao Processo de Intervenção Social com Doentes Renais Crónicos (MCAPIS_DRC). Encontrou-se uma associação estatisticamente significativa entre os três níveis de complexidade avaliados e as variáveis sexo (p = 0,002, phi = 0,146) e escolaridade (p > 0,001, phi = 0,277). Verificou-se, igualmente, uma interação entre a escolaridade e o índice de complexidade consoante o sexo (F(5, 572) = 6,647 p = < 0,001, ƞp2 = 0,113). As mulheres apresentaram maiores pontuações no índice e as pessoas com maiores níveis de escolaridade pontuam menos no índice. A evidência permite ter uma abordagem diferenciadora na avaliação e intervenção social, priorizando grupos e situações problema.

The high prevalence of chronic kidney disease and the social relevance of its treatment require a deeper knowledge concerning this sick population, taking into account its overall complexity. The study aimed to analyze the levels of complexity in the social intervention process with people with chronic kidney disease from a gender and educational perspective. The sample included 584 patients aged between 19 and 93 years, mostly male, married and with the 1st cycle of primary education completed. Participants, diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, were assessed using a protocol that includes a sociodemographic questionnaire and The Matrix of Complexity Associated with the Process of Social Intervention with Chronic Kidney Disease Patients (MCAPIS_DRC). A statistically significant association was found between the three levels of complexity assessed and the variables gender (p=0.002, phi=0.146) and education (p>0.001, phi=0.277). There was also an interaction between education and the complexity index according to sex (F (5, 572) =6.647 p=<0.001, ƞp2=0.113). Women had higher scores on the index and people with higher levels of education scored less on the index. The evidence allows for a different approach in the assessment and social intervention if this condition, prioritizing problematic groups and situations.

De "lar" abominado a estimado (ou tolerado): reconfiguração das representações sobre institucionalização / From abominable to estimable (or tolerable) "home": reconfiguring representations related to institutionalization

Resumo Este estudo pretende identificar e analisar as representações que pessoas idosas institucionalizadas têm das estruturas residenciais que habitam. A hipótese formulada é a de que as pessoas idosas, quando institucionalizadas, poderão alterar a sua representação eivada de conteúdos avaliativos negativos de acordo com o cenário encontrado. Na pesquisa optou-se por uma abordagem metodológica qualitativa, e o procedimento metodológico utilizado para coleta do material empírico foi a entrevista semiestruturada. Tomou-se como ponto de partida a teoria das representações sociais, desenvolvida por Serge Moscovici, para testar a ideia de que a experiência vivencial de entrada e estadia numa estrutura residencial para idosos poderá contribuir para uma alteração no sistema periférico das representações sociais do objeto, aliviando a carga negativa do seu núcleo central enquanto representação hegemônica. Foi possível perceber que a transformação das representações acontece por efeito de fatores experienciais e contextuais, na sequência de novas práticas sociais decorrentes do "viver em uma estrutura residencial". Nesse sentido, duas das principais contribuições deste estudo são a identificação e a análise das práticas potenciadoras de transformação da representação negativa da estrutura residencial, estruturadas numa tipologia tripartite: (1) conforto material e físico; (2) fuga à solidão; (3) manutenção da ligação à família.

Abstract This study aims to identify and analyze representations of institutionalized elderly regarding the residential facilities where they live. The hypothesis formulated in this study is that elderly people, when institutionalized, may change their representations, which entail negative evaluative contents, depending on the scenario they encounter. This study used a qualitative approach, with a semi-structured interview specifically designed for empirical data collection. Serge Moscovici's social representation theory was used as the theoretical framework to test the hypothesis that the experience of being admitted to and staying in a residential care facility for the elderly can contribute to changes in the peripheral system of social representations of the object, reducing the negative weight on its central core as a hegemonic representation. The results indicate that transformation of social representations is associated with experiential and contextual factors, occurring mainly as a result of new social practices within institutional daily life. Two of the major contributions of this study consisted in the identification and analysis of a tripartite typology of practices driving transformation of negative representations regarding residential care facilities, namely: (1) physical and material comfort; (2) escape from loneliness; and (3) preservation of family connections.

Rastreio cognitivo em estruturas residenciais para pessoas idosas no Concelho de Miranda do Corvo, Portugal / Cognitive screening for elderly people in long-term care institutions in the Miranda do Corvo municipality, Portugal

Resumo Com o objetivo de efetuar o rastreio do perfil cognitivo dos residentes em Estruturas Para Idosos no Concelho de Miranda do Corvo, avaliaram-se 174 participantes recorrendo ao Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (n=96) e ao diagnóstico de demência reportado nos prontuários dos pacientes (n=78). Verificou-se, através do MMSE, que 41,7% dos inquiridos apresentavam pontuações sugestivas de déficit cognitivo. Adicionando a este resultado o diagnóstico de demência reportado nos prontuários dos pacientes, a percentagem subiu para 67,8% (n=118). A comparação dos nossos resultados com os obtidos a nível nacional revelou que essa percentagem foi significativamente superior (p<0,001). A escolaridade foi um fator preditivo da pontuação do MMSE (p=0,001). Conclui-se que a elevada prevalência de suspeita de déficit cognitivo e de demência revelada no nosso estudo deve remeter para a reflexão sobre a adequação dos cuidados prestados e sobre a ausência/escassez de programas de estimulação cognitiva nas estruturas residenciais para idosos. Nesse sentido, torna-se imperativo implementar avaliação cognitiva regular e instituir programas de intervenção que promovam a conservação e melhoria do funcionamento cognitivo em pessoas idosas institucionalizadas de zonas desfavorecidas.

Abstract This study aimed to screen the cognitive profile elderly people living in long-term care institutions in the municipality of Miranda do Corvo by evaluating 174 participants with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) (n=96) and the clinical dementia diagnosis (n=78). According to the MMSE, 41.7% of respondents had scores suggestive of cognitive impairment. The percentage rose to 67.8% (n=118) by adding the diagnosis of dementia reported in individual medical records to this result. The comparison of our results with those obtained nationwide showed that this proportion was significantly higher (p<0.001). The educational level was a predictive factor for MMSE scores (p=0.001). We can conclude that the high prevalence of suspected cognitive impairment and dementia revealed in our study should lead us to reflect on the quality of care provided and on the lack/scarcity of cognitive stimulation programs in long-term care institutions for seniors. Thus, it is imperative to implement regular cognitive assessment and to apply intervention programs for the preservation and improvement of the cognitive functioning of institutionalized elderly of deprived areas.

Cognitive screening for elderly people in long-term care institutions in the Miranda do Corvo municipality, Portugal. / Rastreio cognitivo em estruturas residenciais para pessoas idosas no Concelho de Miranda do Corvo, Portugal.

This study aimed to screen the cognitive profile elderly people living in long-term care institutions in the municipality of Miranda do Corvo by evaluating 174 participants with the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) (n=96) and the clinical dementia diagnosis (n=78). According to the MMSE, 41.7% of respondents had scores suggestive of cognitive impairment. The percentage rose to 67.8% (n=118) by adding the diagnosis of dementia reported in individual medical records to this result. The comparison of our results with those obtained nationwide showed that this proportion was significantly higher (p<0.001). The educational level was a predictive factor for MMSE scores (p=0.001). We can conclude that the high prevalence of suspected cognitive impairment and dementia revealed in our study should lead us to reflect on the quality of care provided and on the lack/scarcity of cognitive stimulation programs in long-term care institutions for seniors. Thus, it is imperative to implement regular cognitive assessment and to apply intervention programs for the preservation and improvement of the cognitive functioning of institutionalized elderly of deprived areas.

Com o objetivo de efetuar o rastreio do perfil cognitivo dos residentes em Estruturas Para Idosos no Concelho de Miranda do Corvo, avaliaram-se 174 participantes recorrendo ao Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (n=96) e ao diagnóstico de demência reportado nos prontuários dos pacientes (n=78). Verificou-se, através do MMSE, que 41,7% dos inquiridos apresentavam pontuações sugestivas de déficit cognitivo. Adicionando a este resultado o diagnóstico de demência reportado nos prontuários dos pacientes, a percentagem subiu para 67,8% (n=118). A comparação dos nossos resultados com os obtidos a nível nacional revelou que essa percentagem foi significativamente superior (p<0,001). A escolaridade foi um fator preditivo da pontuação do MMSE (p=0,001). Conclui-se que a elevada prevalência de suspeita de déficit cognitivo e de demência revelada no nosso estudo deve remeter para a reflexão sobre a adequação dos cuidados prestados e sobre a ausência/escassez de programas de estimulação cognitiva nas estruturas residenciais para idosos. Nesse sentido, torna-se imperativo implementar avaliação cognitiva regular e instituir programas de intervenção que promovam a conservação e melhoria do funcionamento cognitivo em pessoas idosas institucionalizadas de zonas desfavorecidas.

Medida de atitudes em contextos organizacionais masculinos / Medición de actitudes en contextos organizacionales masculinos / Measurement of attitudes in masculine organizational contexts

Resumo Compreender a persistência de concepções assimétricas assentes em estereotipia de gênero de trabalhadores é fundamental para as organizações que desejem desenvolver planos de gestão para a igualdade. O propósito deste estudo, realizado em Portugal, foi identificar se em contextos organizacionais altamente masculinizados, ou seja, majoritariamente masculinos, a estereotipia de gênero tende a ser mais acentuada. Para sua realização, aplicou-se o questionário "Men's Polarized Gender Thinking (MPGQ)" a uma amostra de 160 trabalhadores de 2 organizações - Águas Limpas e SOS. As participações no mercado de trabalho dos homens com níveis de instrução mais elevados se articulam com atitudes mais igualitaristas, ao passo que são os menos escolarizados que menos reconhecem as desigualdades. A escolarização e a educação dos indivíduos são consideradas fundamentais, pois se destacam como importante vetor de aquisição de um sistema de crenças e de valores sociais mais igualitários. Os resultados. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que as atitudes dos homens em relação à igualdade de gênero não se distribuem aleatoriamente. Esses achados corroboram alertas lançados pelas abordagens da interseccionalidade.

Resumen Para entender la persistencia de concepciones asimétricas basadas en las estereotipias de género de los trabajadores, es fundamental que las organizaciones deseen desarrollar planes de gestión para la igualdad. El propósito de este estudio, realizado en Portugal, fue identificar si en contextos organizacionales altamente masculinizados la estereotipia de género tiende a ser más acentuada. Para su realización se aplicó el cuestionario Men's Polarized Gender Thinking en una muestra de 160 trabajadores de dos organizaciones: Águas Limpas y SOS. La participación en el mercado de trabajo de los hombres con niveles más elevados de instrucción está vinculada con actitudes más igualitarias, mientras que los menos escolarizados son los que menos reconocen las desigualdades. La escolarización y educación de los individuos se consideran fundamentales, ya que se destacan como un vector importante para la adquisición de un sistema de creencias y valores sociales más igualitario sobre el tema de las relaciones de género. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que las actitudes de los hombres hacia la igualdad de género no se distribuyen aleatoriamente. Estos hallazgos corroboran las advertencias emitidas por los enfoques de interseccionalidad.

Abstract Organizations developing equality plans must understand the persistence of workers' asymmetric conceptions based on gender stereotype. This study was conducted in Portugal and aimed to identify whether there are more gender stereotypes in highly masculinized organizational contexts. A questionnaire "Men's Polarized Gender Thinking Questionnaire (MPGQ)" was applied to a sample of 160 workers from two organizations: Águas Limpas and SOS. In the labor market, men with higher levels of education tend to present more equalitarian attitudes, while less educated men are less likely to recognize inequalities. Individuals' schooling and education are crucial, as these aspects stand out as important vectors for the acquisition of a more equalitarian system of beliefs and social values on the theme of gender relations. The results show that the attitudes of men towards gender equality are not distributed randomly. These findings corroborate the warningsmade in research adopting intersectionality approaches.

Age-friendly Coimbra city, Portugal, perception and quality of life in a sample of elderly persons. / Coimbra, Portugal, cidade amiga da(s) idade(s): percepção da cidade e qualidade de vida de uma amostra de pessoas idosas.

The "Age-Friendly Cities" project was developed by the World Health Organization to address two contemporary issues of increasing relevance: urbanization and demographic ageing. The Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities that stemmed from this project is a tool designed for a city's self-assessment, comprising eight dimensions of urban living associated with active ageing. This study aims to adapt the Checklist as a quantitative assessment tool, evaluate the level of Coimbra's "Age-Friendliness" and analyze the relation between the Checklists' eight dimensions and quality of life (QoL). A personal data questionnaire, the adapted Checklist and WHOQOL-Bref were applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 215 elderly Coimbra dwellers aged between 60 and 90 years old. The adapted Checklist evidenced good psychometric properties, although it was perceived by the respondents as difficult to complete. "Community and Health Services" and "Social Participation" obtained the highest satisfaction rates; "Housing" and "Civic Participation and Employment" the lowest; "Community and Health Services" and "Housing" had the strongest correlations with QoL, flagging important areas of improvement.

O projecto "Age-Friendly Cities" foi desenvolvido pela OMS com o objectivo de abordar duas tendências globais contemporâneas: a urbanização e o envelhecimento demográfico. A Lista de Verificação de Características das Cidades Amigas do Idoso que resultou do projecto compreende oito domínios da vivência citadina, relacionados com o envelhecimento activo. O presente estudo visa adaptar essa Lista como instrumento de avaliação quantitativo, estudar o grau em que Coimbra é uma "cidade amiga das pessoas idosas" e analisar a relação dos domínios da Lista com a qualidade de vida (QdV). Recolheu-se uma amostra não probabilística com 215 pessoas idosas (idades entre 60 e 90 anos), residentes em Coimbra, às quais foram administrados um questionário de dados pessoais, a Lista e o WHOQOL-Bref. A lista apresenta boas características psicométricas, embora tenha sido percepcionada pelos inquiridos como de difícil resposta. Os domínios "Serviços Comunitários e de Saúde" e "Participação Social" obtiveram os níveis de satisfação mais elevados; "Habitação" e "Participação Cívica e Emprego" apresentaram os valores mais baixos; "Serviços Comunitários e de Saúde" e "Habitação" foram os domínios da cidade que mais se correlacionaram com a QdV, sinalizando importantes domínios de melhoria.

Coimbra, Portugal, cidade amiga da(s) idade(s): percepção da cidade e qualidade de vida de uma amostra de pessoas idosas / Age-friendly Coimbra city, Portugal, perception and quality of life in a sample of elderly persons

Resumo O projecto "Age-Friendly Cities" foi desenvolvido pela OMS com o objectivo de abordar duas tendências globais contemporâneas: a urbanização e o envelhecimento demográfico. A Lista de Verificação de Características das Cidades Amigas do Idoso que resultou do projecto compreende oito domínios da vivência citadina, relacionados com o envelhecimento activo. O presente estudo visa adaptar essa Lista como instrumento de avaliação quantitativo, estudar o grau em que Coimbra é uma "cidade amiga das pessoas idosas" e analisar a relação dos domínios da Lista com a qualidade de vida (QdV). Recolheu-se uma amostra não probabilística com 215 pessoas idosas (idades entre 60 e 90 anos), residentes em Coimbra, às quais foram administrados um questionário de dados pessoais, a Lista e o WHOQOL-Bref. A lista apresenta boas características psicométricas, embora tenha sido percepcionada pelos inquiridos como de difícil resposta. Os domínios "Serviços Comunitários e de Saúde" e "Participação Social" obtiveram os níveis de satisfação mais elevados; "Habitação" e "Participação Cívica e Emprego" apresentaram os valores mais baixos; "Serviços Comunitários e de Saúde" e "Habitação" foram os domínios da cidade que mais se correlacionaram com a QdV, sinalizando importantes domínios de melhoria.

Abstract The "Age-Friendly Cities" project was developed by the World Health Organization to address two contemporary issues of increasing relevance: urbanization and demographic ageing. The Checklist of Essential Features of Age-Friendly Cities that stemmed from this project is a tool designed for a city's self-assessment, comprising eight dimensions of urban living associated with active ageing. This study aims to adapt the Checklist as a quantitative assessment tool, evaluate the level of Coimbra's "Age-Friendliness" and analyze the relation between the Checklists' eight dimensions and quality of life (QoL). A personal data questionnaire, the adapted Checklist and WHOQOL-Bref were applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 215 elderly Coimbra dwellers aged between 60 and 90 years old. The adapted Checklist evidenced good psychometric properties, although it was perceived by the respondents as difficult to complete. "Community and Health Services" and "Social Participation" obtained the highest satisfaction rates; "Housing" and "Civic Participation and Employment" the lowest; "Community and Health Services" and "Housing" had the strongest correlations with QoL, flagging important areas of improvement.

The Portuguese Version of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale II - Assessment Subscale: Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties.

The current study aimed to test the fit of the Portuguese version of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale II - Assessment subscale (GSWCS-A) and explore its factor structure and psychometric properties in a sample of 534 social workers working in the gerontology field. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that all items presented good factor loadings and that the single-component model fit the data well. The GSWCS-A showed very good internal consistency. Despite the existence of different theoretical perspectives on Social Work, which frame the required competencies for professional practice, the GSWCS-A Portuguese version revealed similitudes with studies conducted in other countries. Nevertheless, the different factor structures (single-component vs. bi-factorial) may indicate that different competencies are being emphasised in terms of professional training. To sum, the GSWCS-A may be a short and useful self-report instrument for addressing social workers' assessment competencies in the gerontology setting.

Portuguese university hospital patient satisfaction and service quality.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate Portuguese hospital inpatient satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted at a major university hospital in Portugal. Using the IAQH-IA mailed questionnaire, data were collected over three months (March to June 2015) from patients and families. From 1,500 former inpatients, 434 participated (29 percent response rate). Using the structural equation modeling, the authors derived satisfaction models and analyzed the relationship between quality, satisfaction and patient attitudes. Inferential statistics (bivariate analysis) were used to deal with global satisfaction determinants. Findings The satisfaction model was confirmed using factor analysis. Results show that developing a system for delivering timely information to both patient and relatives is relevant. Communication is a fundamental aspect for patients, which to date, seems to have been neglected by hospital managers. Education and current perceived health are important global satisfaction determinants. Practical implications Hospital managers can use the authors' findings to measure and improve operational performance. Originality/value Knowledge about patient perception and satisfaction leads to continuing improvement in healthcare quality.

Preliminary validation of the Portuguese Edinburgh Handedness Inventory in an adult sample.

The Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (EHI) is persistently the most used inventory to evaluate handedness, being neuropsychological investigation and clinical practice. Despite this, there is no information on how this instrument functions in a Portuguese population. The objective of this study was therefore to examine the sociodemographic influences on handedness and establish psychometric properties of the EHI in a Portuguese sample. The sample consisted of 342 adults (157 men and 185 women), assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tests. The mean EHI Laterality Quotient was 63.52 (SD = 38.00). A much high percentage of ambiguous-handedness compared to left-handedness was detected. An inconsistency was found between the preference for formal education activities (writing-drawing-using scissors) and the remaining EHI activities. From sociodemographic variables, only age, area, and regions of residence showed significant influence on EHI scores. The reliability and temporal reliability of EHI were adequate. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a one-factor model (χ2/df = 2.141; TLI = 0.972; CFI = 0.979; RMSEA = 0.058). The inconsistency between formal education and nonformal activities could be an indicator of social pressure. The present data give support for the notion that handedness measured by EHI is potentially sensitive to sociodemographic and cultural influences.

Cartografia da oferta pública e privada de serviços dirigidos à população idosa em Portugal / Mapping of the public and private offers of services for the elderly in Portugal

Resumo Este artigo problematiza a adequação das respostas sociais dirigidas às pessoas idosas, como parte integrante das políticas de proteção social na velhice, em expansão, em Portugal desde o processo de democratização e modernização do pós-25 de abril de 1974. São analisadas as respostas sociais dirigidas à população idosa desde 1974. Conclui-se por descoincidências e ausências que implicam redefinição de políticas com efetiva sincronização entre diagnósticos sociais e serviço público.

Abstract In this article it is discussed the adequacy of the social responses aimed at the elderly, as an integrating part of the social protection policies in old age. Such policies have been expanding in Portugal since the post-25th-of-April-of-1974 democratization and modernization process. The social responses aimed at the elderly from 1974 on are analyzed. The conclusion is that there are non-coincidences and absences that imply policy redefinition with effective synchronization between social diagnoses and the public service.