Management of HIV in the older adults: Clinical and public health challenge.

As a result of significant advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), the number of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) who are alive well into their senior years has increased significantly in recent years. While increased life expectancy is a highly desired outcome for PLWH, it brings with it a number of challenges that are only now starting to be understood and fully appreciated. These challenges include higher rates of co-morbidities, polypharmacy, drug side effects, and cognitive deficits, as well as numerous psychosocial issues such as stigma, loneliness, and depression. Older PLWH also face challenges related to housing, health insurance, and long-term care. This review will discuss many of the challenges faced by older PLWH and present clinical and public health responses with suggested interventions that may improve outcomes for this population.

A simulated pedagogical intervention to educate nurse practitioner students about human trafficking.

ABSTRACT: Human trafficking (HT) affects an estimated 40.3 million people globally with 24.9 million people affected in forced labor and 4.8 million in forced sexual exploitation. An estimated 18,000 people are trafficked yearly into the United States. Reports suggest that between 63% and 87% of trafficked persons were seen by health care professionals and were unrecognized while in captivity. The authors designed and implemented an innovative pedagogical intervention for nurse practitioner (NP) students using a 10-min simulation-based education encounter with a standardized patient depicting a potential sex or labor HT clinical presentation. Results demonstrated that simulation-based education is a feasible way to provide HT education to NP students. It is imperative that future NPs receive education/training about HT to recognize potential victims and promote access to appropriate resources.

The Price of Gambling: Examining Gambling Disorders.

Gambling disorders are a serious public health problem. This manuscript will provide a comprehensive overview on this topic. Gambling disorder involves repeated patterns of gambling behaviors, that result in significant distress or impairment in a person's interpersonal relationships, employment, educational/career opportunities, and finances over a period of 12 months. Gambling is defined as an activity that involves risking something of value with the hopes of acquiring something of greater value. Comparable to substance use disorders, individuals with a gambling disorder may be unsuccessful in exercising control over their problematic behavior, engage in the behavior despite negative consequences, and have preoccupations/cravings to gamble. Gambling disorder has higher comorbidity rates of mental disorders including depression, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders. Gamblers rarely seek treatment. Treatments must be tailored to the individual which may include psychological interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, gamblers anonymous, and psychopharmacological agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood stabilizers, and opioid antagonists to treat clinical symptoms.

Sistema de información y gestión de resultados para laboratorios - GestLab

Introducción: Los procesos establecidos para el procesamiento, análisis y resultado final de las muestras de PCR, así como el control de los suministros médicos, aún se realizan de forma manual, trayendo consigo la introducción del error humano y un elevado tiempo en la entrega de los resultados. Objetivo: Presentar un sistema que automatiza los procesos de análisis, procesamiento y resultado final de las muestras de PCR, además del control de los suministros médicos en los laboratorios y centros de toma de muestras. Métodos: Con la utilización de las tecnologías para el desarrollo de programas y las herramientas de código abierto, se obtuvo un sistema automatizado para analizar y procesar las muestras de PCR. Resultados: Se implementó un sistema que automatiza el procesamiento, análisis y resultado final de las muestras de PCR, control de los suministros médicos en los laboratorios y centros de toma de muestras. Conclusiones: El sistema automatizado elimina los procesos manuales de análisis, procesamiento y resultado final de las muestras de PCR, control de los suministros médicos en los laboratorios, centros de toma de muestras y logra mayor rapidez en la respuesta a los pacientes.

Introduction: The processes established for the processing, analysis and final result of the PCR samples, as well as the control of the medical supplies to perform these, are still carried out manually, bringing with it the introduction of human error; and a high time in the delivery of the results. Objective: To present a system that automates the processes of analysis, processing and final result of PCR samples, in addition to the control of medical supplies in laboratories and sampling centers. Methods: With the use of technologies for the development of programs and open-source tools, an automated system was obtained to analyze and process the PCR samples. Results: A system was implemented that automates the processing, analysis and final result of PCR samples, control of medical supplies in laboratories and sampling centers. Conclusions: The automated system eliminates the manual processes of analysis, processing and final result of PCR samples, control of medical supplies in laboratories, sample collection centers and achieves faster response to patients.

Electroconvulsive Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Dispelling the Stigma.

The current article is a comprehensive overview of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), especially with suicidality and psychosis. Common misconceptions and stigma associated with ECT are discussed. Major depressive disorder, one of the most prevalent lifetime mental disorders, is often associated with significant impairments that impacts one's ability to function. Antidepressants may be efficacious in treating depression; however, approximately one third of individuals do not respond to psychotropic medications. Therefore, other treatment options, such as ECT, must be considered for those who do not respond to medications, have psychosis, or are suicidal. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(6), 11-17.].

The Impaired Nurse.

ABSTRACT: Substance use disorders (SUDs) do not discriminate. Anyone can be affected regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or profession. Nurses with SUDs present serious risks to both their patients and the nursing profession. Frontline nurses' responsibility to provide patients with safe, high-quality care may be too great a challenge for those with SUDs, resulting in adverse consequences. Early recognition and treatment of nurses with SUDs promotes patient safety and retention in the profession. For this reason, all nurses and other health care professionals should be able to recognize behaviors associated with SUDs and should be familiar with the available treatment modalities.

Prelicensure Baccalaureate Nursing Students' Attitudes, Beliefs, and Willingness to Care for Transgender Clients.

BACKGROUND: Transgender clients report experiencing discrimination and differential treatment by health care providers in clinical settings. This pilot study assessed prelicensure nursing students' attitudes, beliefs, and willingness to provide care for transgender individuals. METHOD: Participants enrolled in an adult health nursing course were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire, the Transgender Attitudes and Beliefs Survey, and a Willingness to Provide Clinical Care questionnaire. RESULTS: Almost all of the participants reported positive attitudes toward transgender clients. Almost all of the participants reported a willingness to provide nursing skills; one participant was unwilling to perform genital or anal-related care. CONCLUSION: The majority of the prelicensure nursing students in this pilot study indicated they were willing to provide nursing care for transgender clients. More research is needed to assess prelicensure nursing students' learning needs regarding the provision of nursing care for transgender individuals. [J Nurs Educ. 2022;61(6):322-325.].

Exploring the utility of nursing student-led health fairs: Educating the college population.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to examine public health nursing (PHN) students' experiences delivering peer-to-peer health education to college students during a health fair. DESIGN: A qualitative, descriptive research design was used. SAMPLE: Senior-level nursing students (n = 13) completing the clinical portion of a PHN course. MEASUREMENTS: A semi-structured focus group guide consisting of 10 questions and follow-up probes was used to elicit PHN student experiences. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic analysis technique. RESULTS: Five main themes were identified: (1) benefits of health fairs in general, (2) benefits of nursing-student-led health fairs, (3) negatives of nursing-student-let health fairs, (4) importance of interaction, and (5) suggestions for maximizing the potential of nursing student-led health fairs. CONCLUSIONS: Although challenges exist, PHN students experienced several benefits from the provision of peer-to-peer health education. College campuses represent a unique clinical site that allows nursing students to utilize their insider status to better assess, understand, and provide tailored health education to the college community. This clinical site has shown to provide positive experiences for nursing students and is critical in developing essential nursing skills and building confidence for future clinical rotations.

Interventions for Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men: Critical appraisal.

OBJECTIVE: Some interventions have been developed and tested to reduce high risk sexual behaviors among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (MSM). The purpose of this paper is to critically appraise published interventions designed to reduce high risk sexual behaviors among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM. DESIGN/SAMPLE/MEASUREMENT: A critical appraisal of published interventions designed to reduce high risk sexual behaviors among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM was conducted. Using guidelines established by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Rating Scale published research articles were categorized and evaluated using these guidelines. RESULTS: The critical appraisal identified nine intervention studies that met all inclusion criteria. The critical appraisal of these interventions highlighted strengths and weaknesses of these interventions which should be considered when developing future interventions to decrease high risk sexual practices among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM. CONCLUSION: While several interventions have been created to specifically address HIV infection among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM, these interventions were varied. Suggestions for future intervention development to decrease high risk sexual behaviors among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM based on the findings of the critical appraisal of the literature are included.

Psychiatric Emergencies: Emergency Department Management of Altered Mental Status.

In the United States, encounters related to mental and substance use disorders are common in emergency departments (EDs). Altered mental status (AMS) is a frequent presentation seen in EDs across the country. Individuals may present to the ED with altered thought processes, which may be attributed to intoxication from substances and/or psychoses, conditions that require immediate care and management. Health care providers must always ascertain the etiology of AMS, which may be challenging owing to the various causes of this impairment. The current article provides an overview of the most common disorders associated with AMS, which include underlying medical conditions, substance use, and mental disorders. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(9), 16-25.].

Recognition and Treatment of Psychiatric Emergencies for Health Care Providers in the Emergency Department: Panic Attack, Panic Disorder, and Adverse Drug Reactions.

Mental health disorders are common in the United States and may cause significant disturbances in all aspects of a person's life. Individuals with mental health disorders often present to emergency departments for health care. Recognizing and managing common psychiatric emergencies may be challenging for non-mental health providers. The Diagnostic Statistical Manual-5 diagnostic criteria will be discussed and reviewed for panic attack and panic disorder. Both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment strategies will also be addressed. Adverse drug reactions associated with antipsychotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are another common psychiatric emergency that will be examined, offering potential management strategies. The objective of this clinical manuscript is to educate emergency health care providers about specific psychiatric emergencies, including panic attack, panic disorder, and adverse drug reactions associated with mental health treatment medications.

A Comparison of Psychosocial Factors, Substance Use Behaviors, and Sexual Behaviors by Self-Reported HIV Status Among Middle-Aged Hispanic Men Who Have Sex With Men.

INTRODUCTION: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a significant health issue among Hispanic men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite existing research, no studies have compared psychosocial factors by self-reported HIV antibody status. METHOD: Participants (n = 150) completed measures of social support, loneliness, depressive symptoms, substance use, and sexual behaviors. RESULTS: Participants with a self-reported HIV-antibody positive status reported lower levels of social support and higher levels of illicit substance use. Hispanic MSM with an unknown HIV antibody status reported more sexual partners. CONCLUSION: More research is needed to address psychosocial factors (social support, loneliness, depressive symptoms), substance use, and sexual behaviors among Hispanic MSM.

Predictors of End of Life Discussions Among Minority Older Women Living With HIV Infection.

BACKGROUND: Among the 39,782 newly HIV diagnosed individuals in the U.S., 17% were aged 50+. Although premature aging, morbidity, and mortality are issues for older people living with HIV that threaten their quality of life, less attention has been focused on end of life (EOL) discussions. OBJECTIVES: To examine predictors of EOL discussions with significant others, family members, and friends. METHODS: Cross-sectional design was used for this study guided by the The Socio Ecological Model (SEM). Sample: 119 Black and 19 Hispanic women aged 50+ living with HIV. RESULTS: Predictors of EOL discussions were education, living with a partner, religiosity, and pain, which were at the individual-intrapersonal level of the SEM. DISCUSSION: Findings from this study have important implications for health policy makers and clinicians because they cast a bright light on the substantial continued effort that is needed to improve EOL discussions. .

The Relationship of Hispanic Cultural Factors and Sexual Behaviors of Hispanic Men who have Sex with Men.

Background/Significance: Hispanics are the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S., and account for 21% of new cases of HIV infection. Previous researchers have examined the relationship of Hispanic cultural factors and the sexual behaviors of Hispanic men who have sex with men (HMSM). However, the exact influence of Hispanic culture factors on the sexual behaviors of these men is currently unclear. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of selected Hispanic cultural factors and the sexual behaviors of a sample of HMSM. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 125 Hispanic men in Miami-Dade County, FL. Participants completed standardized measures of Hispanic cultural factors, sexual behaviors, and a demographic questionnaire. Results: Statistically significant positive correlations were noted between age and total cultural constructs, familism, personalism, and machismo. Statistically significant negative correlations were noted between education and total cultural constructs, and education and fatalism. No statistically significant correlation coefficients were noted between total cultural constructs and total sexual behaviors. However, statistically significant positive correlations were noted between condom use and personalism, and assertiveness and personalism. A statistically significant negative correlation was noted between familism and anal sex. Implications: Nurses and other clinicians providing care for HMSM need awareness of certain Hispanic cultural factors (personalism and familism) that may be related to sexual behaviors among HMSM. More research is needed to understand how personalism and familism may be used as protective factors to decrease sexual risk of HMSM.

Social Support, Loneliness, Depressive Symptoms, and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors of Middle-Aged Hispanic Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Middle-aged and older Hispanic men who have sex with men (HMSM) are at risk of health disparities related to HIV infection risk. This study explored the effects of social support, loneliness, depressive symptoms, and sexual risk behaviors on middle-aged and older HMSM, which may result in HIV infection. A sample of 150 South Floridian HMSM, ages 40-65 years, completed instruments that measured social support, loneliness, depressive symptoms, and sexual behaviors. Participants who engaged in sex with a person living with HIV or unknown HIV status or those who had unprotected receptive anal sex reported decreased social support and higher levels of loneliness and depressive symptoms. Results of this study highlight the importance of addressing the intersection of mental health and sexual risk behaviors of middle-aged and older HMSM when developing behavioral interventions aimed at reducing sexual risk behaviors.

Contemplating Co-Occurring Cultures: A Grounded Theory Study of Sexual Decision Making Among Hispanic Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Introduction HIV infection continues to be a serious health concern globally. Of the 1.2 million people with HIV infection in the United States, men who have sex with men (MSM) account for 57% of cases. Hispanic/Latino individuals accounted for 24% of new HIV diagnoses, with male-to-male sexual contact responsible for the majority of cases. A factor in HIV prevention is the sexual decision-making process. The purpose of this study was to describe the process by which sexual decision making occurs among Hispanic MSM. Method Utilizing a grounded theory approach, 19 in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted from participants ages 25 to 65 years living in South Florida. After consent, participants completed an in-depth interview. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed to identify categories and subcategories. Findings A theory grounded in the data called Contemplating Co-Occurring Cultures (Hispanic, gay, and health cultures) emerged that described the central phenomenon. These co-occurring cultures were the foundation of sexual decision making among participants. Conclusion Clinicians providing care to this population should be aware of the complexity of the sexual decision-making process. Awareness of these factors may provide the opportunity for HIV risk reduction strategies developed specifically for Hispanic MSM.

An assessment of CPR skills using simulation: Are first responders prepared to save lives?

The American Heart Association's (AHA) recommendation for biyearly recertification and annual mandatory CPR training may be suboptimal for first responders (nurses and technicians) working in outpatient clinics (American Heart Association, 2013). To determine the efficacy of the AHA guidelines, 40 simulated sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) encounters were conducted followed by debriefing and a subsequent SCA to determine a basic level of CPR proficiency. First responders' CPR skills were evaluated using a 19-item assessment form to quantify the event. A comparison of scores using two different viewing modalities was performed to provide an assessment of the training program. Of the 40 sessions, group mean performance scores for the first encounter were just above the organization's minimum required score of 24. Performance scores increased slightly (27-28) after the second encounter. Proficiency of skills was poor and frequent basic life support training may be indicated to help first responders provide high-quality CPR.

The influence of high fidelity simulation on first responders retention of CPR knowledge.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of high-fidelity simulation on the retention of basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge among a group of healthcare providers (HCPs). METHODS: A twenty-five question exam was completed by nurses and nurse technicians over a two-year period before and after mandatory CPR training with high-fidelity simulation. RESULTS: Most HCPs scored near 50% or below the passing score (80%) with a mean range of scores between 28% and 84%. HCPs missed questions on the exam that requested specific details related to technique or human physiology during CPR. CONCLUSION: The current teaching method for basic life support may be enhanced by using high-fidelity simulation, but this modality alone is not enough to support HCPs retention of CPR knowledge. Additional studies are needed to identify strategies that will help HCPs remember specific and detailed information in the CPR algorithm.

The Perceived Effects of Condoms on Sexual Experience: A Comparison of Older Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Men.

Heterosexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is increasing in older adult populations around the world. This study compares Hispanic and non-Hispanic men ages 50 years and older currently using prescribed erectile dysfunction medications in relation to their perception of the effect of condoms on sexual experience. A sample of 86 men (40 Hispanic and 46 non-Hispanic men) ages 50-79 years completed the 10-item Effect on Sexual Experience (ESE) subscale. Although there was no difference between the 2 groups on the subscale mean score, t(84) = 1.449, p = .151, analysis of the subscale items found 1 item that was significantly different (p = .005) between the 2 groups, although this difference could have been related to different perceptions of the word disgusting. Hispanic men were also less concerned than non-Hispanic men about condom-related loss of erection. This study adds to the literature on HIV and STD prevention for older Hispanic/Latinos.