Basic Everyday Activities Research Articles

Informal care after hip fracture: prospective cohort.

Hip fracture is very common and it has life-shattering consequences for older persons. After discharge the older persons need help with even basic everyday activities from formal and informal caregivers. In Scandinavia formal care are well-developed however the presence of informal caregivers likely reflect on the amount of formal care and wears on the informal caregivers. This study explore how often and how much informal care (IC) older persons receive after hip fracture. We contacted 244 community-dwelling older persons every two weeks the first twelve weeks after discharge after hip fracture and asked them if they received care from family and/or friends and how much. We used non-parametric statistics and level of significance was 95%. The proportion of older persons receiving IC was 90% and the median amount of IC was 32 hours (IQR 14-66). The number of older persons who received IC was highest the first four weeks after discharge and so was the amount of hours of IC. The older persons that were high-dependence on IC received a median of 66 (IQR 46-107) hours compared to the low-dependent of 11 hours (IQR 2-20). IC is very frequent, especially the first two to four weeks after discharge. The median IC was 32 hours from discharge to the 12-week follow-up. However, this figure tended to rise for persons with, among other, reduced functionality and those residing with a partner. With respect to local differences, the findings in this study are likely applicable to other Scandinavian countries. We strongly suggest that the variation in older person need for informal caregiver be given consideration in the prioritisation of resources. This prospective cohort study of informal care, was part of a cluster-randomised stepped-wedge clinical controlled trial. Written consent was obtained required by regional ethics committee S-20200070. Data was collected in accordance with the Danish Data Protection Agency (20-21854).

Politicisation of the Domestic: Populist Narratives About Covid-19 Among Influencers

The article analyses the proliferation of narratives about Covid-19 as an orchestrated political event among female lifestyle influencers on Czech Instagram. As the Covid-19 pandemic turned even the most basic everyday activities into politically loaded questions, the boundaries between lifestyle, domestic, and political content posted by influencers became increasingly blurred. The article explores this process of “politicisation of the domestic” with a focus on (a) the gendered character of influencer communities on Instagram, (b) the process of authority building within the newly politicised and gendered spaces, and (c) the post-socialist socio-political context of the Czech Republic that frames current political events by symbolic references to a totalitarian past. Empirically, the article builds on data collected using digital ethnography and ethnographic content analysis of selected Czech female lifestyle influencers’ Instagram profiles.

Symptomatology of Fibromyalgia Syndrome in Men: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by generalized chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance, as well as cognitive, somatic, and other symptoms. Most people affected by FMS are women, and studies analyzing this condition in men are scarce. In this study, we discuss the physical and psychological symptoms of FMS in men, analyze the possible side effects of pharmacological therapies, and explore the impact of the illness comparing these results between the different classification groups according to sociodemographic variables (marital status, level of education, employment situation and number of people living at home). We used a sequential exploratory mixed method (MM). Qualitative information was obtained from two focus groups (n = 10). Structured questionnaires were administered to 23 men affected by FMS. The mean age of the participants was 51.7 years (SD = 9.64). The most common drugs used were antidepressants and anxiolytics (86.9%), followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (82.6%) and opioids (60.9%). Current level of pain was high (8.2; SD = 1.1), while perceived health and satisfaction with pharmacological treatments were low (4.6; SD = 2.6 and 3.5; SD = 3.2, respectively). The impact of FMS measured using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) was very high at 88.7 (SD = 8.2). Six categories related with symptoms and side effects of the medication were observed in the qualitative data: (1) main physical symptoms, (2) mood disorders, (3) insomnia and non-restorative sleep, (4) cognitive disturbance, (5) hypersensitivity, and (6) symptoms secondary to opioids. Pain and fatigue were the symptoms most often mentioned by the participants (70% and 80%, respectively). Other important symptoms were anxiety, depression, and memory and sleep disorders. The consumption of opioids causes further unwanted symptoms such as drowsiness and dependence, which makes it difficult for patients to perform basic everyday activities. We believe it is vitally important to continue investigating this symptomatology in order to improve diagnosis and treatment for these patients.

Dependencia percibida y síntomas depresivos en cuidadores primarios informales de personas con enfermedades no transmisibles

Existen diversas problemáticas que afectan la salud y el desempeño de un cuidador. El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar la relación entre síntomas de depresión de los cuidadores primarios informales y la dependencia que perciben en la persona cuidada. El diseño del estudio fue no experimental, transversal y correlacional. La muestra fue no probabilística, intencional, de 259 cuidadores informales. Se utilizó el Cuestionario sobre la salud del paciente, Escala de Depresión (PHQ-8) y la Escala de Barthel, empleada para medir la capacidad de la persona para realizar 10 actividades básicas de la vida diaria. La edad promedio de los cuidadores de este estudio fue de 49.6 años, con predominio del sexo femenino, con 82.6 %; en el parentesco del cuidador, en su mayoría fueron hijas (38.2 %). El porcentaje de dependencia percibida por los cuidadores se ubicó en la categoría de dependencia moderada, con el 32.4 %. Los resultados muestran una correlación pequeña pero significativa (r = - 0.159, P = 0.010) entre dependencia y síntomas de depresión. El grupo de cuidadores de personas con dependencia severa presentó mayor sintomatología depresiva que sus pares cuidadores de personas con dependencia moderada (P = 0.014). Los cuida dores primarios informales reportaron mayor sintomatología depresiva cuando percibieron más dependencia en sus familiares con enfermedades crónicas.

Влияние повседневности на частоту самоубийств

<p>В статье представлен авторский подход к изучению влияния повседневности на частоту самоубийств. Повседневность рассматривается в качестве фактора самоубийства, комплексно отражающего социально-экономические условия. Анализируется соотношение основных видов повседневной деятельности (труда, быта и досуга) с позиций концепций суицидального поведения.</p><p>Показано, что для повседневной жизни работающих по найму свойственен типический конфликт работы и остальной (личной, семейной и общественной) жизни, или рабочего и внерабочего времени. Этот конфликт — решающий фактор суицидальных проявлений. Увеличение продолжительности рабочего времени, с одной стороны, структурирует жизнь, предупреждая скуку и тревогу, с другой — препятствует удовлетворению обыденных потребностей. В свою очередь, продолжительность видов деятельности во внерабочее время отражает тесноту связи с другими людьми (фактор снижения риска самоубийства), а также социальную изоляцию и одиночество (факторы повышения риска самоубийства). Анализируется схема функциональной организации целенаправленного поведения в повседневной жизни: «работа — остальная жизнь».</p><p>Выдвигается основная гипотеза исследования: использование времени в сферах труда, быта и досуга работающими по найму оказывает значимое влияние на частоту самоубийств при данных общих социально-экономических условиях. Также формулируются гипотезы-следствия, которые позволяют развить исследование.</p>

The change in groin pain perception after transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with glue fixation: a prospective trial of a single surgeon\u2019s experience

BackgroundAlthough inguinal hernia is one of the most common conditions requiring surgical treatment, no reliable information is available on the quality of life of patients with inguinal hernias before surgery. Additionally, patients with intense inguinal pain prior to surgery are more susceptible to postoperative chronic pain. In such cases, less invasive laparoscopic techniques can be used, allowing atraumatic mesh fixation to reduce postoperative pain. The aim of the study was to determine, whether these treatments for patients with preoperative pain would minimize upsetting experiences after surgery.Materials and methodsData were gathered prospectively from the National Hernia Repair Register for 146 patients who underwent TAPP repairs in the general surgery department (2013–2016). The demographic data were recorded, the pain intensity was determined and patients described the occurrence of pain during ten everyday activities.ResultsThe average surgery time was 56.4 min. The follow-up was 23.4 months. The pain before surgery was 4.28 and 12 months after surgery 0.38 (p < 0.001). Pain intensity before surgery was scored as 4.1, 4.3, and 4.9 among patients who had a hernia < 12 months, > 1 year, and > 5 years, respectively (p = 0.028). Twelve months after surgery, the pain was 0.26, 0.34, and 0.40 (p = 0.037), respectively. Patients < 40 years experienced pain before the surgery more often. The intensity of pre-/postoperative pain was significantly higher < 40 years (4.9/0.63) than > 60 years (3.8/0.29).ConclusionsTAPP inguinal hernia repair with glue fixation significantly decreased the frequency and intensity of the pain compared to that experienced preoperatively. After TAPP repair, the influence of pain on basic everyday activities is substantially lower. Patients under 40 years of age experience frequent and intense pre- and postoperative pain. A longer hernia duration prior to surgery causes increased pre- and postoperative pain.

The opportunities of kinesitherapy to keep elderly people independent

The opportunities of kinesitherapy to keep elderly people independent Recent social and demographic studies show considerable changes in the age structure of the population of our country. The percentage of the grown-up and elderly people is significantly increasing. Most important from health point of view is the high morbidity and pathology domination mostly of degenerative type, which necessitates diversity of health services and social care with the aim to improve quality of life. As the age goes on, chronic motive changes pile up and people need more and more support to keep adequate their motive activity. Aim: To study and analyze the opportunities of the active kinesitherapy and the rehabilitation therapist role in helping elderly people stay independent. Conclusion : it is essential for elderly people to maintain their abilities for doing the basic everyday activities like feeding, hygiene, getting dressed, moving, shopping. The kinesitherapy can contribute for bigger self-dependence and independence of the elderly.

Assessment of Impact of Early Stroke Rehabilitation on Hip Joint Mobility of the Affected Leg in Patients after Cerebrovascular Accidents

One of the main priorities of stroke rehabilitation is regaining patients’ independence in basic everyday activities. This paper is aimed at assessing impact of early stroke rehabilitation on hip joint mobility of the affected leg in patients after cerebrovascular accidents. The study included 30 subjects (13 men and 17 women) aged on average ±66.1, with hemiparesis, who were treated at the stroke unit and participated in a 4-week rehabilitation program. Measurements of passive and active motion ranges were conducted with a goniometer in both limbs: healthy and affected ones by stroke. There were statistically significant differences in motion ranges between healthy and affected limbs. Examination I revealed that affected limbs amounted to only 40% of physiological range, while in Examination II, the result reached 73%. The most significant motion limitations were noted in terms of bending, adduction and internal rotation, while the least significant in terms of external rotation and abduction. Exercises used during early stroke rehabilitation of hemiparesis patients considerably increased active motion ranges and maintained passive motion ranges in the hip joint of the affected limb. Patients with right-sided hemiparesis experienced much better improvement in hip joint motion of the affected limb. The 4-week period was insufficient to mobilize patients and help them regain full active mobility in the hip joint of the affected limb. These patients required further physiotherapy, until they fully regained functionality.

Communal Toilet as a Collective Spatial System in High Density Urban Kampung

Living in a high density urban kampung with limited space and resources has created a challenge on how to meet the demand of services for basic everyday activities within the available space. Various collective spatial systems in urban kampung represent some important strategies of the communities in dealing with their limited situation. This paper addresses the existence of communal toilet system in urban kampung, as a collective spatial system developed by the community. The study identifies various spatial strategies incorporated within the communal toilet system, as well as social structures embedded within the spatial practice. The understanding of spatial and social system in the communal toilet system might provide some insights for the development of spatial strategies that are appropriate for urban kampung communities.

Preferences of Patients, Their Family Caregivers and Vascular Surgeons in the Choice of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Treatment Options: The PREFER Study

Objective Factors influencing the choice between endovascular (endovascular aneurysm repair, EVAR) and open repair (OPEN) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are of increasing interest. We quantified their importance among the different subjects involved in the treatment. Methods Pre- and postoperative patients (pts), their relatives and vascular surgeons completed questionnaires evaluating six treatment characteristics: anaesthesia; recovery time to basic everyday activities; risk of re-intervention at 5 years (RR); complexity of follow-up; risk of major complications; and additional cost of intervention (AC). Through a discrete choice experiment, hypothetical scenarios of treatment were obtained and the relative importance (RI) of each characteristic was determined through a conditional logistic regression model. Results A total of 160 pts, 102 relatives and 30 surgeons from nine centres completed the questionnaires. Major complications and re-intervention risk were the most important characteristics (RI = 56.0% and 27.2%, respectively) for all the respondent categories. Pts and their relatives considered very important also a possible out-of-pocket AC. Recovery time and type of anaesthesia were among the least important characteristics, including hospital additional cost for surgeons. The different categories of respondents showed different opinions towards different treatment characteristics depending also on possible previous treatment. Conclusion Preferences for AAA treatment characteristics differ between groups of involved subjects. Understanding individuals’ preferences could help in optimising treatment benefits.

Report of ten years’ activity in an Alzheimer’s disease assessment unit

After ten years' treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors (AcheI) in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we report here the activity of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Unit of IRCCS C. Mondino, Pavia, Italy. From September 2000 to December 2007, 794 out-patients (of 2236 referred to our Assessment Unit for cognitive disturbances) with AD of mild to moderate degree were treated with cholinesterase inhibitors (M/F: 273/521, mean age 73.6+/- 8.4 yrs, range 52-85 yrs). Outcome measures were scores on Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), ADL, IADL and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Mean treatment duration was 36.9+/-16.1 months. After three months' treatment, MMSE scores remained stable (responders) in 60% of cases and improved (increase of 3 or more points - good responders) in 15%, with good preservation of autonomy. After 15 months, the percentage of "good responders" decreased to 7%, while after 15, 27 and 39 months the percentage of responders progressively decreased to 40%, 30% and 8%, respectively; greater impairment in instrumental with respect to basic everyday activities was noted. No variables capable of predicting the response to treatment were detected. The onset of behavioral disturbances caused significant (p<0.02) worsening of both cognition and function and, in 12% of cases, suspension of treatment. Our results therefore confirm the efficacy of AcheI in AD of mild to moderate degree even in a nonselected population; efficacy also seems to persist in long-term treatment. This report, although brief and mainly descriptive, can make a contribution to better knowledge of the usefulness of these drugs in AD of mild to moderate extent in everyday clinical practice.