El impacto de la Covid-19 en la población mayor dependiente en España con especial referencia al sector residencial / The impact of COVID-19 on the elderly dependent population in Spain with special reference to the residential care sector

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objeto analizar la crisis de la atención residencial en España en el contexto de la Covid-19 y su impacto en una elevada mortalidad y el abandono de la población usuaria. Se analizan sus causas inmediatas, mediatas y estructurales. De manera específica se analiza la precariedad en el empleo en las residencias a lo largo de la pasada década como una de las principales causas explicativas de la crisis estructural de las residencias. El enfoque teórico de análisis es el modelo de atención integral y centrada en la persona (AICP) basado en la autonomía de las personas y en la centralidad de sus derechos. La metodología combina el análisis cuantitativo en lo referente al empleo junto con una metodología cualitativa basada en el análisis de documentos y debates. El artículo concluye proponiendo una reforma integral de los cuidados de larga duración que incluya tanto un cambio en la atención residencial bajo la forma de pequeñas unidades de convivencia, como un reforzamiento de la atención en el domicilio y la comunidad en cuanto preferencia creciente la población mayor. La combinación óptima de la atención residencial y domiciliaria es la propuesta básica de este trabajo.

Abstract The objective of this study is to analyze the residential care crisis in Spain in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on high mortality and abandonment of the user population. The direct, indirect and structural causes are analyzed. Specifically, precarious employment in residences over the past decade was analyzed as one of the main explanatory causes of the structural crisis of nursing homes. The theoretical focus of analysis is the comprehensive and person-centered care (CPCC) model based on the autonomy of people and the centrality of their rights. The methodology combines a quantitative analysis of employment and a qualitative analysis of documents and debates. The study concludes by proposing a comprehensive reform of long-term care that includes both a change in residential care in the form of small cohabitation units and reinforcement of care in the home and the community as a growing preference for the elderly population. An optimal combination of residential and home care is the basic proposal of this work.

Sintomas depressivos e fatores associados em idosos residentes em instituição de longa permanência / Depressive symptoms and associated factors in elderly long-term care residents

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é verificar a prevalência e fatores associados a sintomas depressivos em idosos institucionalizados. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico com delineamento transversal, composto por 42 idosos de uma Instituição de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI). A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de abril a dezembro de 2014 por meio de um questionário com informações sobre aspectos demográficos e socioeconômicos, a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica em versão reduzida (EDG-15) e o Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM). Dos idosos estudados, 54,8% apresentaram sintomas depressivos, predominando o sexo feminino com 64,7%. Houve associação significativa entre sintomas depressivos e as variáveis: aposentado (p = 0,043); incontinência urinária (p = 0,028); autopercepção de saúde (p-valor = 0,042) e qualidade do sono (p-valor = 0,000). O estudo verificou alta prevalência de sintomas depressivos em idosos institucionalizados, associado às variáveis presença de incontinência urinária, autopercepção de saúde (negativa), qualidade de sono (ruim) e aposentadoria (sim). Através do estudo e diante das necessidades enfrentadas por essa população, faz-se necessário a busca por medidas que atuem diretamente nas variáveis modificáveis, prevenindo e tratando-as.

Abstract Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms in institutionalized elderly. Methods: This is an epidemiological cross-sectional study with 42 elderly in a Long-Term Care Institution for the Elderly (LTCIE). Data was collected from April to December 2014 through a questionnaire with information on demographic and socioeconomic aspects, the Geriatric Depression Scale short version (GDS-15) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: Of the elderly studied, 54.8% had depressive symptoms and were predominantly females (64.7%). There was a significant association between depressive symptoms and variables retired (p = 0.043); urinary incontinence (p = 0.028); self-perceived health (p-value = 0.042) and sleep quality (p-value = 0.000). Conclusion: The study found a high prevalence of depressive symptoms in institutionalized elderly, associated with the presence of urinary incontinence, (negative) self-perceived health, (poor) quality of sleep and retirement (yes). Following the study and in the face of the needs of this population, it is necessary to seek measures that act directly on the modifiable variables, preventing and treating them.

Potential and clinical relevant drug-drug interactions among elderly from nursing homes: a multicentre study in Murcia, Spain / Interações medicamentosas potenciais e clinicamente relevantes em instituições de longa permanência para idosos: um estudo multicêntrico em Murcia, Espanha

Abstract This study purposes to determine the prevalence of potential and clinical relevant Drug-Drug-Interactions (pDDIs) in institutionalized older adults and to identify the pertinent factors associated. We conduct an observational, multicenter and cross-sectional study during the last quarter of 2010. We selected a sample of 275 subjects (aged ≥ 65 years) from 10 nursing homes of Murcia (Spain) by a two-stage complex sampling. pDDIs were identified using the College of Pharmacists Database. We only considered pDDIs of clinical relevance, and thereafter the relevant factors were identified through uni-level and multi-level regression analyses. A total of 210 pDDIs were identified, 120 of which were considered clinically relevant (57.1%), affecting a total of 70 elderly (25.8%). Eight pharmacological groups made up 70.2% of the clinically relevant pDDIs. More clinically relevant DDIs were found in people suffering several pathologies (OR = 2.3; 95%CI = 1.4-4.5), and also in people who take ten or more drugs daily (OR = 9.6; 95%CI = 4.8-19.1), and people who take anti-inflammatory drugs (OR = 3.9; 95%CI = 1.4-10.4). This study reveals that clinically relevant pDDIs are very common in institutionalized elderly people, and that caregivers should aim at improving their practice in order to reduce the prevalence of this phenomenon.

Resumo Este estudo pretende identificar a prevalência de interações medicamentosas potenciais (IMP) em idosos institucionalizados e seus fatores associados. Realizamos um estudo observacional, multicêntrico e transversal, durante o último trimestre de 2010. Selecionamos uma amostra de 275 sujeitos (≥ 65 anos) de 10 instituições para idosos de Murcia (Espanha) mediante amostragem aleatória complexa em duas etapas. As IMP foram identificadas usando a base de dados do College of Pharmacists. Estimamos a prevalência de IMP de relevância clínica e analisamos os fatores associados com análise de regressão uni e multinível. Identificamos 210 IMP, das quais 120 foram consideradas clinicamente relevantes (57,1%) e afetaram 70 idosos (25,8%). Oito grupos farmacológicos constituíram 70,2% das IMP clinicamente relevantes. A prevalência de IMP esteve associada à multimorbidade (OR = 2,3; IC 95% = 1,4-4,5) e tomar dez ou mais medicamentos diariamente (OR = 9,6; IC95% = 4,8-19,1) e uso de medicamentos anti-inflamatórios (OR = 3,9; IC 95% = 1,4-10,4). Este estudo revela que as IMP clinicamente relevantes são muito comuns em idosos institucionalizados e que os serviços devem melhorar seus processos para reduzir a prevalência deste fenômeno.

Quedas recorrentes e fatores de risco em idosos institucionalizados / Recurrent falls and risk factors among institutionalized older people

Resumo Queda recorrente representa alto risco de morbidade e mortalidade em idosos, principalmente institucionalizados, dado ao seu quadro de fragilidade e declínio funcional evidentes. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a incidência e os fatores de risco relacionados a quedas recorrentes em idosos institucionalizados. Estudo longitudinal tipo coorte no período de um ano. Foram avaliados indivíduos com 60 anos ou mais residentes em 10 Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos, que deambulassem e possuíssem capacidade cognitiva preservada. Foi questionada a ocorrência de quedas nos últimos doze meses, considerando recorrentes a ocorrência de dois ou mais episódios neste período. Foram ainda coletadas variáveis referentes à instituição, condições sócio demográficas e de saúde do idoso através de questionários. Do total de 364 idosos, 130 foram incluídos. A incidência de quedas recorrentes foi de 26.9% (IC 95% = 22.4 - 31.5). A partir do Qui-quadrado e Regressão Logística, considerando o nível de significância de 5%, foi encontrada fadiga como fator de risco (p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) e uso de betabloqueadores como fator de proteção (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). Conclui-se que queda recorrente é comum nas Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos e a fadiga representa fator de risco.

Abstract Recurrent falls constitute a high risk for morbidity and mortality among older people, especially institutionalized individuals, due to greater frailty and functional decline in this group. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with recurrent falls among institutionalized older persons. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted over a one-year period with a study sample consisting of individuals aged 60 years and over living in 10 Nursing homes (NH) who were able to walk and had preserved cognitive ability. The older persons and carers were asked about the occurrence of falls over the last twelve months. The older persons were considered recurrent fallers if they had had two or more falls during this period. Institutional, sociodemographic and health data was also collected using questionnaires and the residents' medical records. One hundred and thirty individuals were included in the sample out of a total of 364 older people living in the NH. The incidence of recurrent falls was 26.9% (CI95% = 22.4 - 31.5). The results of the chi-square test and logistic regression adopting a significance level of 0.05 showed that fatigue was a risk factor for recurrent falls(p = 0.001; RR = 2.9) and that the use of beta blockers was a protective factor (p = 0.010; RR = 0.1). It was concluded that recurrent falls are common in NH and that fatigue constitutes an important risk factor.

Estudo comparativo da qualidade de vida de idosos asilados e frequentadores do centro dia / Comparative study of quality of life of elderly nursing home residents and those attneding a day Center

Resumo Objetivou-se comparar a QV de idosos asilados e frequentadores do Centro Dia do Asilo Vila Vicentina, no município de Bauru/SP. A amostra contou com 48 sujeitos, sendo 21 homens, 5 do Centro Dia e 16 asilados, e 27 mulheres, 16 do Centro Dia e 11 asiladas, que responderaim aos questionários: caracterização sociodemográfica, WHOQOL-Old e WHOQOL-Bref. As respostas, submetidas à estatística descritiva e inferencial, permitiram comparar os escores de QV dos asilados aos dos frequentadores do Centro Dia, por meio do Teste de Mann Whitney. Os resultados apontaram melhores escores de QV para os idosos do Centro Dia, destacando-se as mulheres. As institucionalizadas tiveram os piores valores de QV, sobressaindo-se os domínios Físico e Psicológico. Os domínios com escores mais baixos foram: Meio Ambiente (42,6 ± 10,7 para as asiladas e 44,4 ± 9,7 para os homens do Centro Dia) e Intimidade (13,1 ± 17,3 para as asiladas e 9,4 ± 22,7 para os asilados). Os mais altos foram: Relações Sociais (74,0 ± 13,6 para as mulheres do Centro Dia e 68,3 ± 10,9 para os homens do Centro Dia) e Morte/Morrer (83,6 ± 22,0 para as mulheres do Centro Dia e 80,0 ± 32,6 para os homens do Centro Dia).

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the QOL of the elderly living in nursing homes and those who attend the Day Center (Centro Dia) at the the Asilo Vila Vicentina in the city of Bauru/SP. The sample consisted of 48 subjects, 21 men, 5 from the Day Center and 16 nursing home residents, and 27 women, 16 from the Day Center and 11 nursing homes residents, who answered the following questionnaires: socio-demographic characteristics, WHOQOL-Old, and WHOQOL-Bref. The responses were submitted to descriptive and inferential statistics to compare the QOL scores of the nursing home residents with the elderly who attend the Day Center using the Mann Whitney test. The results showed better QOL scores for the elderly who attend the Day Center, in which women stood out. Among the institutionalized elderly, women presented the worst QOL values, particularly in the Physical and Psychological domains. The domains with the lowest scores were Environment (42.6 ± 10.7 for women in nursing homes and 44.4 ± 9.7 for men at the Day Center) and Intimacy (13.1 ± 17.3 for women in nursing homes and 9.4 ± 22.7 for men in nursing homes). The domains with the highest scores were Social Affairs (74.0 ± 13.6 for women at the Day Center and 68.3 ± 10.9 for men at the Day Center) and Death/Dying (83.6 ± 22.0 for women at the Day Center and 80.0 ± 32.6 for men at the Day Center).

Desigualdade no perfil dos idosos institucionalizados na cidade de Natal, Brasil / Inequality in the characteristics of the institutionalized elderly in the city of Natal, Brazil

Resumo Objetivou-se verificar as desigualdades no perfil dos idosos residentes em Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPIs) com e sem fins lucrativos. Foram visitadas 12 ILPIs na cidade do Natal-RN, sendo 6 sem fins lucrativos com 260 idosos avaliados e 6 com fins lucrativos e 127 idosos. A caracterização das desigualdades no perfil dos idosos se deu a partir de dados socioeconômicos e motivo da institucionalização. Os dados foram submetidos aos testes Qui-quadrado ou t de Student com nível de significância de 5%. Como resultado, aqueles idosos analfabetos, solteiros, negros e pardos, não aposentados, sem plano de saúde, sem filhos, que não recebem visitas e que compram algo fora da instituição com o próprio dinheiro, estavam associados às ILPIs sem fins lucrativos. Ao analisar os motivos que levaram o idoso a ser institucionalizado, os conflitos familiares, o abandono e o fato de não possuir lugar para morar estiveram associados às ILPIs sem fins lucrativos. Apenas a condição “estar doente” prevaleceu como motivo principal de institucionalização em ILPIs com fins lucrativos. As condições mais desfavoráveis foram dos idosos residentes em ILPIs sem fins lucrativos, o que demonstram o reflexo da desigualdade social durante a vida desses idosos.

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the differences in the profile of elderly residents in non-profit and for-profit Long-Term Residential Institutions for the Elderly (ILPI). We visited 12 ILPIs in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte. Six of them were non-profits housing 260 elderly, and six were for-profit institutions, housing 127 elderly. The unequal characteristics of the elderly in these facilities are based on socioeconomic data and the reason for institutionalization. The data was submitted to Chi-squared or Student’s t, with a significance level of 5%. Illiterate, single, black or brown, individuals with no retirement/pension or healthcare plan, no children and no visitors who purchase something outside the institution with their own money are associated with non-profit ILPIs. When analyzing the reasons for institutionalization, family conflict, abandonment and being homeless were associated with the elderly institutionalized in non-profit ILPIs. The main reason for the elderly institutionalized in for-profit ILPIs was “being ill”. The conditions of the elderly in non-profit ILPIs were poorer, reflecting the social inequality these subjects experienced throughout their lifetime.

Differences in the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and hip fractures in nursing home residents and independently living elderly

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and fracture history in nursing home residents and community-dwelling elderly subjects and to explore the association of vitamin D levels with various characteristics. Materials and methods Sixty-six nursing home residents and 139 community-dwelling elderly subjects participated. Marital status, medical history, medication including vitamin D supplements, smoking, past fractures were assessed. Weight and height were measured and body mass index calculated. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), PTH, Ca, phosphate, creatinine and eGFR were determined. Results In the nursing home residents 25-OHD was lower (17.8 nmol/l, [9.4-28.6] vs. 36.7 nmol/l, [26.9-50], p < 0.001), PTH was higher (5.6 pmol/l, [3.9-8.9] vs. 4.7 pmol/l [3.6-5.8], P = 0.003) and 25-OHD deficiency was more prevalent (65.2% [53.7-76.7] vs. 22.3% [15.4-29.2], p < 0.001) as was elevated PTH (23% [12.8-33] vs. 5.8% [2-10], p = 0.001). 25-OHD correlated negatively with PTH (institutionalized r = -0.28, p = 0.025 and community-dwelling r = -0.36, p < 0.001). Hip fractures were reported by 8% of the residents and 2% of the independent elderly. The only predictor for hip fracture was elevated PTH (OR = 7.6 (1.5-36.9), p = 0.013). Conclusion The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism was high in the institutionalized subjects. Hip fracture risk was associated with elevated PTH and not directly with vitamin D levels or the residency status.

Avaliação e acompanhamento nutricional em idosos de uma instituição de longa permanência / Assessment, evaluation and nutrition monitoring in older people living in a rest home

Idosos institucionalizados apresentam um risco aumentado de alteração do estado nutricional. Sendo assim, são necessários indicadores sensíveis para identificação da alteração do estado nutricional. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar indicadores para análise do estado nutricional de idosos institucionalizados, em um período de três meses, por meio de exames bioquímicos e antropométricos. Foram selecionados 81 voluntários, com 78 ± 10 anos, sendo 53% do sexo feminino. Os dados antropométricos evidenciaram que as variáveisíndice de massa corporal, peso, massa gorda e ângulo de fase dos idosos institucionalizados diminuíram em três meses com diferença significativa no período. Dentre todos os exames bioquímicos e antropométricos, as variáveis índice de massa corporal, peso, massa gorda, ângulo de fase e lipidograma foram os indicadores da avaliação nutricional que identificaram alterações precoces e riscos nutricionais dos idosos institucionalizados no período de três meses. Vale ressaltar que indicadores nutricionais avaliados precocemente podem evitar os riscos nutricionais de idosos institucionalizados.

Institutionalized elderly have an increased risk of changes in nutritional status, therefore sensitive parameters are necessary for the identification of changes in nutritional status. The aim of this study was to evaluate parameters for analysis of the nutritional status of institutionalized elderly in a period of three months by means of biochemical and anthropometric measurements. Eighty one volunteers were selected, with 78 ± 10 years old and 53% female. Anthropometric data showed that the variables body mass index, weight, fat mass, and phase angle of the institutionalized elderly in three months decreased with significant difference between the assessments. Among all the biochemical and anthropometric measurements, body mass index, weight, fat mass, phase angle and blood fat were the indicators of nutritional assessment that identified early changes and nutritional risks of institutionalized elderly in three months. It is noteworthy that the early evaluation of nutritional indicators can prevent nutritional risk among elderly in living in rest homes.

Grau de dependência de idosos residentes em instituições de longa permanência / Grado de dependencia de los ancianos residentes en Instituciones de Larga Permanencia en Montes Claros, MG / Degree of dependence of elderly residents in geriatric long-term care facilities in Montes Claros, MG

Este estudo objetivou identificar o grau de dependência dos idosos institucionalizados no município de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo, realizado nas três Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos, de caráter filantrópico, no município de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Participaram todo o universo de idosos residentes nos locais do estudo, totalizando 125 sujeitos, cujos dados foram coletados por meio do Índice de Katz. Os dados foram apresentados por análise descritiva e bivariada. A independência foi observada em 41,6% (n=52), a dependência parcial em 15,2% (n=19) e a dependência total em 43,2% (n=54), sendo que os idosos apresentam melhor capacidade de execução das atividades de alimentação (86,4%; n=108) e transferência (67,2%; n=84). Assim, o presente estudo sugere a necessidade de acompanhamento contínuo na prevenção da incapacidade funcional desse grupo populacional.

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar el grado de dependencia de los ancianos institucionalizados en el municipio de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Se trata de un estudio transversal y descriptivo, realizado en tres Instituciones de Larga Permanencia para Ancianos de dicho municipio. Participaron de este estudio 125 ancianos, cuyos datos fueron recolectados por medio del Índice de Katz. Los datos fueron presentados por el análisis descriptivo y bivariado. La independencia fue observada en el 41,6% (n=52), la dependencia parcial en el 15,2% (n=19) y la dependencia total en el 43,2% (n=54). Los ancianos tienen más capacidad para realizar las actividades de la alimentación (86,4%, n=108) y transferencia (67,2%, n=84). Por lo tanto, este estudio sugiere la necesidad de un acompañamiento continuo en la prevención de la incapacidad funcional de ese grupo poblacional.

This study aimed to identify the degree of dependence of institutionalized older adults in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. It consists of a cross-sectional descriptive study, developed in three non-profit geriatric long-term care facilities in this municipality. The sample was comprised of 125 older adults and data were collected with the use of the Katz Index. Data were presented by descriptive and bivariate analysis. Independence was observed in 41.6% (n=52), partial dependence in 15.2% (n=19) and total dependence in 43.2% (n=54). The elderly have better ability to perform feeding (86.4%, n=108) and transferring (67.2%, n=84) activities. Thus, this study suggests the need for continuous monitoring to prevent functional disability in this population group.

Óbitos em instituição asilar / Deaths in nursing homes

OBJETIVO: Definir as causas de morte em população internada em instituição de longa permanência para idosos (ILPI) MÉTODOS: ILPI de 508 leitos com prontuários padronizados, reuniões periódicas sobre atestados de óbitos e com 12 médicos responsáveis pela supervisão e/ou emissão deles. Considerou-se o padrão deste procedimento suficientemente uniforme para análise dos prontuários e atestados de óbitos emitidos durante o ano de 2006, visando definir dados gerais (sexo e idade), causa da morte e causa(s) básica(s). Análise estatística comparou casuísticas entre os dois sexos e faixas etárias (< 75 anos e > 75 anos de idade). RESULTADOS: Ocorreram 118 óbitos durante o ano de 2006 (idade média: 74,5 ± 15,2 anos) - 64 mulheres (idade média: 78,4 ± 14,4 anos) e 54 homens (idade média: 69,8 ± 15,0 anos) -, sendo as causas de morte: sepse( 41 óbitos), choque séptico (25), broncopneumonia (16), morte súbita (11), falência de múltiplos órgãos (9), outras causas (16 óbitos). As principais causas básicas foram infecciosas (63 óbitos) - broncopneumonia (34), sepse (12), infecção urinária (7), úlceras de pressão infectadas (7), osteomielite (2) e colangite (1); seguidas da síndrome da imobilidade (42 óbitos). Observou-se significância estatística para a proporção de idosas > 75 anos e não houve para sazonalidade, causa de morte ou básica considerando-se infecciosas e não infecciosas versus homens e mulheres, maiores ou menores de 75 anos de idade. CONCLUSÃO: Óbitos em ILPI decorrem basicamente da somatória de imobilidade e infecções que evoluem para quadros sépticos.

OBJECTIVE: To define the causes of death in a nursing home population. METHODS: The study selected a 508-bed nursing home with standard medical records, regular meetings concerning death certificates and 12 medical doctors in charge of supervising or issuing death certificates. The procedure standard (2006 death certificates) was considered consistent enough to undergo the analysis. The collected data were gender, age, cause(s) of death and underlying disease(s). The statistical analysis compared data between the two genders and two age ranges (< 75 years and > 75 years). RESULTS: There were 118 deaths in 2006 (mean age: 74.5 ± 15.2 years) - 64 women (mean age: 78.4 ± 14.4 years old) and 54 men (mean age: 69.8 ± 15.0 years old). Causes of death were sepsis (41 deaths), septic shock (25), bronchopneumonia (16), sudden death (11), multiple-organ failure (9) and other causes (16 deaths). The main underlying diseases were infections (63 deaths) - bronchopneumonia (34), sepsis (12), urinary tract infection (7) infected pressure ulcers (7), osteomyelitis (2) and bile duct infection (1); immobility syndrome (42 deaths). The proportion of women older than 75 years showed statistical significance concerning the number of deaths. The sample did not show statistical significance regarding seasonality, causes of death or underlying disease(s) when comparing infectious and noninfectious causes of death vs. men and women, aged older or younger than 75 years. CONCLUSION: Deaths in nursing homes were basically caused by a combination of immobility and infections that developed into sepsis.

Prevalencia de la incontinencia fecal en centros de salud y casas de reposo / Prevalence of fecal incontinence in health centers and nursing home residents

Background: Fecal and urinary incontinence (FI and UI) are psychologically and socially debilitating and embarrassing conditions. Aim: To determine the prevalence of FI and associated factors in patients assessed in health centers (HC) and nursing home (NH) residents. Material and Methods: Prospective, multicentric survey carried out in 3 HC and 16 NH of Santiago. Patients and residents of NH were interrogated about FI between March and July 2004. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 618 patients attending health centers aged 18 to 87 years (75 percent females) and 128 nursing home residents aged 40 to 103 years (80 percent females). The prevalence of liquid or solid FI in HC and NH was 2.7 and 45 percent, respectively. Among the latter, the incontinence for liquids and solids was 19 percent and 42 percent, respectively. The prevalence of UI was 30.1 and 62.7 percent in HC patients and NH residents, respectively. Among patients attending HC, multivariable analysis showed a relation between older age and urinary incontinence with liquid or solid FI Among NH residents, multivariate analysis showed a relation between urinary incontinence and motor disabilities with liquid or solid FI Conclusions: The prevalence of liquid or solid FI among patients assessed in health center is 2.7 percent. This figure increases in older people, those with UI and in NH residents.

Factors influencing psychotropic prescription by non-psychiatrist physicians in a nursing home for the elderly in Brazil

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Although psychotropics are one of the classes of medications most prescribed in nursing homes for the elderly, studies examining prescribing patterns are limited in both number and scope. The present study was undertaken to investigate factors associated with general psychotropic use in a nursing home in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective observational study at the Nursing Home for the Elderly, Institute of Biosciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista. METHODS: Information on prescriptions was retrieved from the medical records of 108 elderly residents in a nursing home. Sixty-five of these patients, with mean age 74.5 years (± standard deviation 9.4 years), who were taking medications on a regular basis, comprised the sample. The effects of demographic and clinical variables on the psychotropic prescription pattern were examined. RESULTS: Females were more likely to receive psychotropics (p = 0.038). Individuals on medicines for cardiovascular diseases received psychotropics less frequently (p = 0.001). The number of prescribed psychotropics correlated negatively with both age (p = 0.009) and number of non-psychotropic drugs (p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Although preliminary, the present results indicated that cardiovascular disease was the clinical variable that most influenced psychotropic prescription. Physicians' overconcern regarding drug interactions might at least partially explain this result. Further investigations involving larger sample sizes from different regions are warranted to confirm these findings.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Embora os psicotrópicos sejam uma das classes de medicações mais prescritas em abrigos para idosos, os estudos avaliando o seu padrão de prescrição são limitados em número e escopo. Este estudo visou investigar os fatores associados ao uso de psicofármacos em um abrigo para idosos no Brasil. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo retrospectivo observacional realizado no Abrigo da Velhice de Rio Claro, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista. MÉTODOS: Dados sobre prescrições foram extraídos dos prontuários médicos dos 108 idosos moradores do abrigo. Sessenta e cinco sujeitos (idade média ± desvio padrão = 74,5 ± 9,4 anos), em uso regular de medicação, constituíram a amostra. Foram examinados os efeitos das variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas sobre o padrão de prescrição de psicofármacos. RESULTADOS: As mulheres recebiam mais psicofármacos (p = 0.038); indivíduos em uso de medicações para doenças cardiovasculares recebiam menos psicofármacos (p = 0.001). Houve correlação negativa entre número de psicofármacos prescritos e, ambos, idade (p = 0.009) e número de medicações clínicas (p = 0.009). CONCLUSÃO: Embora preliminares, os resultados indicam as doenças cardiovasculares como a variável clínica que mais influenciou a prescrição de psicofármacos. Uma excessiva precaução por parte dos clínicos pode explicar parcialmente este resultado. Novas investigações, com amostras maiores e de diferentes regiões são desejáveis para confirmação destes dados.

Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in nursing home residents in Bolu, Turkey / Portación Nasal de Staphylococcus Aureus Resistentes a la Meticilina y Susceptible a la Meticilina en los Residentes del Hogar de Ancianos en Bolu, Turquía

BACKGROUND: This study aimed (a) to provide information on methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus colonization ratio in residents of nursing homes; (b) to determine the effect of hand-washing education given to nursing home residents and employees on nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (NCSA) and (c) to obtain probable risk factors for MRSA colonization of residents in two nursing homes. METHODS: Seventy-nine volunteers (24 females and 55 males) from Bolu nursing homes were included in the study. Nasal samples were taken with sterile swabs from the anterior nares. Staphylococcus aureus strains were identified using classical methods and genotyping of methicillin resistant strains was done using Arbitrary Primed PCR (AP-PCR). Antibiotic susceptibilities were determined by disk diffusion methods according to NCCLS standards. After first nasal samples were taken, all employees and residents of nursing homes were educated about the methods of hand hygiene over two days. RESULTS: With hand-washing education, the decrease of NCSA rate (initially 43; after education, 21) was significant (p 0.05). MRSA carriage was significantly correlated with presence of skin lesions, prior hospitalization within the last six months, and antibiotics usage within the last six months. AP PCR results suggested that residents' carriage of MRSA was the result of the same source. CONCLUSION: MSSA and MRSA colonization rates were found to be 38and 5in nursing homes, respectively. These ratios can decrease with simple precautions like hand-washing after a short education period.

ANTECEDENTES: Este estudio tiene como propósito: (a) ofrecer información sobre la tasa de colonización Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a la meticilina (SARM) y el de Staphylococcus aureus susceptibles a la meticilina (SASM) de residentes en hogares de ancianos; (b) determinar el efecto de la educación del lavado de manos brindada a los residentes y empleados, sobre la portación nasal de Staphylococcus aureus (PNSA); y (c) obtener los factores de riesgo probables por la colonización de SARM en los residentes de dos hogares de ancianos. MÉTODOS: Setenta y nueve voluntarios (24 hembras y 55 varones) de los hogares de ancianos Bolu fueron incluidos en el estudio. Se tomaron muestras nasales con hisopos estériles, de 1/3 orificios nasales anteriores. Se identificaron cepas de Staphylococcus aureus usando métodos clásicos; y la genotipificación de las cepas resistentes a la meticilina se realizó por medio de la técnica de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con iniciadores arbitrarios (AP-PCR). Las susceptibilidades antibióticas se determinaron mediante métodos de difusión por disco de acuerdo con los estándares del NCCLS. Después que se tomaron las primeras muestras nasales, todos los empleados y los residentes de los hogares de ancianos recibieron instrucción sobre métodos de higiene de las manos durante dos días. RESULTADOS: Con la educación del lavado de manos, la disminución de la tasa de PNSA (inicialmente 43%; después del entrenamiento 21%) fue significativa (p < 0.05), mientras que la disminución de la tasa de portación de SARM (inicialmente 5%; después del entrenamiento 1%) no fue significativa (p > 0.05).