فهرست مطالب
Avicenna Journal of Aging and Healthcare
Volume:2 Issue: 1, Autumn-Winter 2024
- تاریخ انتشار: 1403/09/27
- تعداد عناوین: 8
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Pages 1-7Introduction
Cognitive impairment (CI) is one of the serious changes that happens with aging. CI and depression are the most common disabilities and causes of decreased life satisfaction in the elderly. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between life satisfaction and CI in the elderly.
MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 270 elderly people aged≥65 years covered by community health centers in Qaimshahr, Mazandaran province. The sampling method was a two-stage cluster classification. Three validated questionnaires, including demographic information, CI, and the life satisfaction scales, were used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, one-way ANOVA test, t test, and linear regression.
ResultsThe mean (standard deviation) of the age of the female and male was 74.93 (7.44) and 77.87 (8.42) years, respectively. About 60% of participants were female, 70% lived in the city, 71.90% were illiterate, and 64.10% were married. In general, 58.1% (n=157), 29.6% (n=80), and 12.2% (n=33) of the elderly had no/mild, moderate, and severe CI, respectively. In addition, there was a statistically significant association between age, gender, education level, marital status, place of residence, and life satisfaction and CI (P<0.05).
ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that high levels of CI are associated with low levels of life satisfaction in the elderly. Therefore, identifying risk factors related to CI in this population group and providing solutions such as increasing the level of social and family support for these people can increase their level of life satisfaction.
Keywords: Life Satisfaction, Cognitive Impairment, Elderly -
Pages 8-13Introduction
Despite significant advances in medicine, cancer remains one of the most important diseases of the present century. One of the most common and debilitating cancer-related problems experienced by patients at any stage of the disease is fatigue, which may be due to a disease or related treatment that is called cancer-related fatigue. The present study aimed at determining the relationship between demographic and clinical factors and cancer-related fatigue in patients referring to oncology clinics.
MethodsA total of 160 cancer patients entered the present descriptive-correlational study. The participants were selected based on convenience sampling. Data collection tools included demographic information and a multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 22.
ResultsThe results of the independent t test demonstrated a significant difference in the mean total score of fatigue in patients with and without a family history of cancer (P=0.016, t=2.429). However, no significant difference was observed between the mean total score of fatigue in patients with and without a history of drug use (P=0.314, t=-1.010). The results of a one-way analysis of variance revealed that there was no significant difference between marital status and general level of fatigue (P=0.122, F=1.961).
ConclusionBased on the findings, the type of treatment and family history of cancer were linked to cancer-related fatigue. This suggests that, in addition to offering physical care and nursing interventions, considering the demographic and clinical aspects of cancer patients can be crucial in effectively addressing fatigue in these individuals.
Keywords: Cancer, Demographic, Clinical, Fatigue -
Pages 14-22Introduction
The integrated and comprehensive elderly care program of the Ministry of Health in the city of Asadabad has been designed to maintain and improve the health of the elderly population. The evaluation of this program using the context, input, process, and product (CIPP) model is essential to determining areas where the program may need modifications or improvements.
MethodsThe current descriptive-analytical research focused on evaluating the current elderly care program based on the CIPP evaluation model. The target population includes all employees of healthcare centers in Asadabad county. Data collection tools consisted of a two-part questionnaire, including demographic information and a researcher-developed questionnaire for evaluating the current elderly care program based on the four dimensions of the CIPP evaluation model. Participants meeting the study’s inclusion criteria were selected through a census sampling method. After completing the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using SPSS 24 for further examination and analysis.
ResultsThe means±standard deviations (SD) of the age of the participants was 34.84±7.31 years, and 140 people (84.3%) were women. The mean±of work experience was 10.75±7.07 years. Based on the results of the field evaluation, the highest average score was related to the item “the need of the target group for the program”, while the lowest average score belonged to “identifying the potential of other influential organizations in the implementation of the program”. In the evaluation of the input field, the highest average score was associated with the item “asking questions of the target group during the implementation of the program to ensure learning”, whereas the lowest average score was attributed to “budget and credit necessary for the program”. In evaluating the scope of the process, the highest average score was related to the “evaluation of the program by the officials and executive personnel”, while the lowest average score belonged to the item “updating the program according to the needs assessment and problems encountered”. Based on output area evaluation, the highest and lowest average scores were associated with items “satisfaction with interest in work and commitment and work conscience” and “responsiveness of the program to the needs of the elderly”, respectively. In the overall evaluation of the program, the highest average score belonged to “necessity of the program” and the lowest average score was related to “quality of program presentation”.
ConclusionBased on the current study results, the evaluation of the integrated and comprehensive elderly care program of the Ministry of Health using the CIPP model focuses on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the program, taking into account the opinions of healthcare center staff in Asadabad province. Therefore, policymakers and officials can use these findings to improve the implementation of this program further.
Keywords: Integrated Care Program, Elderly, CIPP Model, Evaluation -
Pages 23-28Introduction
The aging population poses a significant social and healthcare challenge globally. The empty nest syndrome, where parents experience feelings of depression and loneliness when children leave home, is becoming increasingly prevalent. This study aimed to investigate the empty nests, depressive symptoms, and feelings of loneliness in the elderly population in Gorgan, Iran.
MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020, involving 234 elderly participants aged 60 and older, associated with comprehensive health centers. The participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. The data were collected through demographic questionnaires, the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults, comprising romantic, family, and social loneliness subscales. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and analytical methods in SPSS version 22. The Spearman’s correlation was used to determine the relationship between the mean scores of depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness. Group comparisons were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test (P<0.05).
ResultsThe study revealed that many elders experienced the empty nest phase (65.89%), with an average age of 63.02±7.97. About 53.2% reported mild to moderate depression levels and 57% feelings of loneliness. The family domain had the highest loneliness rate (76.0%), while the social domain had the lowest rate (50.0%). Individuals with empty nests had significantly higher loneliness scores (79.52±6.40) compared to those without empty nests (49.22±7.36) (P=0.008). No significant difference was observed in depression scores between the two groups (P=0.630). The results of the Spearman correlation test demonstrated a positive and significant relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms in older adults (r=0.598, P<0.001).
ConclusionImplementing strategies such as conducting sessions with psychologists at healthcare facilities can help diminish feelings of loneliness and depression among this vulnerable group, ultimately improving their overall well-being.
Keywords: Aging, Depressive Symptoms, Empty Nest, Feelings Of Loneliness -
Pages 29-41Introduction
Approximately three-quarters of menopausal women experience vasomotor symptoms, with hot flashes being one of their main complaints. Due to the side effects of hormonal treatments such as estrogen in controlling this condition, many women prefer to use herbal medicines. Therefore, this study was conducted to review clinical trials investigating the effects of herbal drug on hot flashes in menopausal women.
MethodsThis systematic review used the main search terms, including “hot flashes”, “herbal medicine”, and “menopause” along with their synonyms from medical subject headings (MeSH) and EMTREE. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering studies from 2014 to 2024.
ResultsThirty-one clinical trial studies, with a total sample size of 2660 menopausal women, were examined. The results indicated that herbal medicine such as Humulus lupulus L. (Hop), Rheum ribes root (Rhubarb), a combination of Agnus Castus, magnolia, and soy isoflavones, Hypericum perforatum, chlorogenic acids (CGAs), fennel, Silybum marianum, lavender, Saliva officinalis, Vitex agnus-castus, Black cohosh, Evening primrose, a combination of fennel-valerian, herbal tea, kudzu flower, licorice, Nigella sativa and Vitex combinations, Schisandra chinensis, grape seed proanthocyanidin, soy isoflavones, Fenugreek Husk, and Capsicum frutescens L. (Solanaceae) were effective in reducing the intensity, frequency, or duration of hot flashes through different mechanisms.
ConclusionOverall, herbal medicines seem to have a positive impact on menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and may be used as an alternative to hormonal treatments without having adverse effects on breast and uterine tissues. However, future research should consider both the effects and side effects of these herbal medicines.
Keywords: Hot Flashes, Herbal Medicine, Menopause -
Pages 42-48
Elderliness is a special physical, mental, and psychological situation, which affects the quality of life (QoL) of the elderly. Those who are hospitalized or staying in nursing homes need ample interaction with nurses, who can have an effect on the QoL of the elderly. Hence, the current review study was conducted to assess the impact of nursing care on the QoL of the elderly. In this review study, articles published in domestic and foreign journals that were available in PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, Scopus, and IranMedex information banks were investigated by utilizing the title search method. The search was performed without any limit in publishing time (up to 2023) using keywords such as elderly, older adult, QoL, and nursing. It was revealed that nurses can improve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness in the elderly through their attention and care. It has been stated that by improving mental and psychological state, nurses can improve therapeutic compliance in the elderly. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that through their care, nurses not only prevent their collapse or other physical problems but also improve the physical performance of the elderly by encouraging them to exercise. The result of reviewing the articles demonstrated that nurses are able to improve the mental and psychological state as well as the motor performance of the elderly and enhance their QoL through conscious performance, care, and kindness.
Keywords: Nursing, Elderly, Quality Of Life