Elderly Ones Research Articles

The Need for a Model of Accompanying Family Members for Elderly with Covid-19 During Isolation at Sembiring Delitua Public Hospital North Sumatera, Indonesia to Avoid Anxiety

Background: Older adults are a population more prone to anxiety when placed in isolation in hospitals because of COVID-19 exposure. This worry may jeopardize the mental well-being of senior Covid-19 patients. Aim: To preserve mental health in older individuals with Covid-19, anxiety treatment is essential. Providing support to family members during hospital isolation can help older patients overcome their fear. Methods: The investigators employed various methodologies to conduct the investigation. We developed a retrospective model because we couldn't conduct testing. The study examined isolated elderly patients who received assistance versus those who did not. Each group in the quantitative study included 11 elderly individuals, with the case group comprising 10 nurses and 11 companions. Results: The study revealed that older individuals who received support from their children during isolation experienced less anxiety compared to those who did not receive such assistance, the difference is significant. Conclusion: Older adults with Covid-19 who get support from their kids while undergoing inpatient confinement can conquer fear. To ensure effective recovery for their elderly loved ones, family members must visit, communicate with, and aid them during hospital isolation.

FUNCTIONAL CHANGES IN THE HEPATOBILIARY SYSTEM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CORONARY SYNDROME DURING ANTIFUNGAL THERAPY

Modern medicine is faced with the global challenge of multimorbidity. It is a combination of various visceral diseases, which affect the development and manifestation of the underlying disease. In elderly patients, pathologies are often combined with cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease is usually treated with several drugs or their combinations, such as antianginal, antithrombotic, lipid-lowering, and cardiac metabolic drugs. However, these drugs are metabolized in the liver and may have a direct effect on it. Besides, combined treatment of two pathologies has a pronounced negative effect on the liver. The purpose of the study was to examine functional changes in the liver while treating patients with onychomycosis and coronary artery disease. Materials and Methods. The study involved 68 people who consulted a dermatologist due to toenail changes. All patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with stable coronary artery disease (20 middle-aged and 14 elderly ones) and patients without coronary artery disease (24 middle-aged and 10 elderly ones). in both groups underwent systemic antifungal therapy (terbinafine, 250 mg once a day). Patients with stable coronary artery disease underwent the following therapy: antiplatelet agent (acetylsalicylic acid), HMG-CoA inhibitor (atorvastatin, 40 mg), beta-blocker (82 % of patients, bisoprolol) and ACE inhibitor (enalapril or lisinopril). The effectiveness of therapy was assessed according to the dynamics of clinical manifestations and the results of mycological nail tests. Control microscopic tests of the material from the nails were carried out three times after clinical recovery with a 3-month interval. Conclusion. When treated with antifungal drugs, patients demonstrated elevated liver enzymes. This is because the hepatobiliary system, which is already under high stress during the coronary artery disease treatment, also processes antifungal drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account liver state when prescribing antifungal drugs. It is important to develop an algorithm for onychomycosis diagnosis and treatment in patients with coronary artery disease in order to prevent polypharmacy and impaired liver function.

Антропометрические индексы и биоимпедансометрические показатели как онтогенетические индикаторы риска формирования ожирения

The body mass index does not distinguish body fat mass from fat-free mass and does not capture changes in these parameters. The aim of this study was to establish an association between anthropometric indexes and bioimpedance indicators with age-specific obesity on the example of male population in the Magadan oblast. To achieve it, we examined 586 males who lived in the Magadan oblast by using conventional methods for assessment of physical development. The ROC analysis was performed and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was measured. The analysis of the obtained research data established a significant decrease in FFMI values with age (from young males to elderly ones) together with growing FMI, FMI/FFMI ratio, total body fat and the waist-to-hip ratio. To determine an optimal BMI value as an indicator eligible to diagnose obesity, a ROC-curve was built to describe a relationship between BMI and FMI/FFMI value < 0.4 cu. It showed that when BMI ranged between 22 kg/m2 and 25.0 kg/m2 in young males, bioimpedance values corresponded to the physiological norm; in the early maturity group, the optimal BMI cut-off point for diagnosing obesity was 26.5 kg/m2; the optimal BMI range in the 2nd maturity group was 24.0–27.5 kg/m2. It is noteworthy that the ROC-analysis turned out to have no predictive significance among elderly men; this indicates that BMI is hardly eligible for being used as an indicator of obesity risk in this period of ontogenesis. Classical BMI ranges cannot be considered a clear indicator to diagnose obesity among males in the Magadan oblast whereas indicators obtained by bioimpedance analysis (FMI/FFMI ratios) can be used as relevant indicators when assessing risks of obesity and sarcopenia in the analyzed population.

Anthropometric indices and bioimpedance body composition as ontogenetic indicators to describe risk of obesity

The body mass index does not distinguish body fat mass from fat-free mass and does not capture changes in these parameters. The aim of this study was to establish an association between anthropometric indexes and bioimpedance indicators with age-specific obesity on the example of male population in the Magadan oblast. To achieve it, we examined 586 males who lived in the Magadan oblast by using conventional methods for assessment of physical development. The ROC analysis was performed and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was measured. The analysis of the obtained research data established a significant decrease in FFMI values with age (from young males to elderly ones) together with growing FMI, FMI/FFMI ratio, total body fat and the waist-to-hip ratio. To determine an optimal BMI value as an indicator eligible to diagnose obesity, a ROC-curve was built to describe a relationship between BMI and FMI/FFMI value < 0.4 cu. It showed that when BMI ranged between 22 kg/m2 and 25.0 kg/m2 in young males, bioimpedance values corresponded to the physiological norm; in the early maturity group, the optimal BMI cut-off point for diagnosing obesity was 26.5 kg/m2; the optimal BMI range in the 2nd maturity group was 24.0–27.5 kg/m2. It is noteworthy that the ROC-analysis turned out to have no predictive significance among elderly men; this indicates that BMI is hardly eligible for being used as an indicator of obesity risk in this period of ontogenesis. Classical BMI ranges cannot be considered a clear indicator to diagnose obesity among males in the Magadan oblast whereas indicators obtained by bioimpedance analysis (FMI/FFMI ratios) can be used as relevant indicators when assessing risks of obesity and sarcopenia in the analyzed population.

Understanding the Support Needs and Challenges Faced by Family Caregivers in the Care of Their Older Adults at Home. A Qualitative Study.

As the global population ages, the demand for family caregivers is expected to increase, underscoring the necessity to comprehend their support needs and challenges they face. However, caregiving often comes with various challenges and support needs that require attention. This study was aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the support needs and challenges faced by family caregivers who provide care to their elderly loved ones at home. The study was conducted in Mekelle City, Ethiopia from December 2022 to October 2023 using a phenomenology study design and purposive sampling technique. A total of twenty-two in-depth interviews were conducted using an open-ended guide. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, entered into ATLAS.ti8 software, translated, and analyzed using a thematic analysis. The study found that family caregivers face communication, financial, medication management, and transportation challenges in caring for elderly relatives at home. It also highlighted several key support needs of family caregivers in the care of elderly relatives at home. These includes financial assistance, training, access to information, and support from healthcare professionals. Qualitative research, by its nature, is subjective as it relies on the perceptions and interpretations of the participants. Moreover, in qualitative studies, researchers typically work with a limited number of participants, in qualitative studies, researchers typically work with a limited number of participants, resulting in conclusions that may not reflect the experiences of all family caregivers. This qualitative study underscored the multitude of challenges faced by family caregivers in their role as primary caregivers for elderly relatives. The research also highlighted the pressing need for support systems that would address the physical, emotional, financial, and informational needs of these caregivers.

Optimism As A Resource And Form Of Manifesting Positive Affectiveness In The Elderly And Young Adults Pre-Pandemic Vs Pandemic – Comparative Study

The present study represents a meta-analysis carried out using the term optimism as a form of manifestation of positive affectivity from a double perspective, namely: reporting to two periods, pre-pandemic and pandemic and to two age categories, young adults and old people. Two types of psychological intervention factors were analyzed in the mentioned categories, in the pre-pandemic period, namely, a period of financial stability vs pre-pandemic financial instability, respectively, the spectrum of the pandemic generating anxiety, illness and death as markers of emotional balance. The meta-analysis indirectly quantified the interest in scientific research regarding optimism as a psychological resource, through the number of published articles related to this psychological variable. Material and method: The study is a comparative and cross-sectional meta-analysis of articles published in the PubMed database during 2008-2011, 2016-2019 and 2020-2023. Data processing was carried out using the Microsoft Excel application. Results: The comparative analysis between young people and the elderly ones regarding the studies published in the period 2008-2011 with the psychological variable "optimism" in their study shows a 15.65 times higher number of studies in terms of articles about seniors. Also, the comparative analysis of the number of studies published in the period 2008-2023 for the two age categories is clearly in favor of the elderly, the ratio being 1 to 12.8. It is possible that this fact is due to the greater addressability of the health systems of the elderly. The comparative analysis led to the conclusion that optimism as a form of manifestation of positive affectivity was studied more frequently in the third age patients being considered an important resource for them due to its attenuation with advancing age and by diminishing personal resources as a consequence of cognitive impairment and emotional lability. In young people, optimism is a psychological component present in a greater proportion and constitutes the premises of ecological emotional and cognitive manifestations. Conclusions: The meta-analysis revealed differences regarding research interest related to optimism as a manifestation of positive affectivity in relation to the periods studied and to the mentioned age categories. In relation to optimism per se, it represents an important resource at any age and it is dependent on a series of factors that are related to the period of life but also to the situational context, without discussing the personality type of the individual and a series of co-factors (transgenerational, educational, cultural, geographical, etc.).
 

Combating ageism in medical education with narrative medicine

ABSTRACT Ageism is common in medical trainees and difficult to overcome. The My Life, My Story program has been shown to be an effective tool for increasing empathy. We explored its use as an instrument for combating ageism by implementing it in a Geriatrics clerkship for fourth year medical students. During our evaluation, 151 students interviewed patients about their lives using a semi-structured question guide. Students completed the UCLA Geriatrics Attitudes Scale and the Expectations Regarding Aging Survey pre-and post-clerkship. We also facilitated 9 student debriefs and 5 faculty interviews. After completing My Life, My Story, students were more likely to disagree with “I would rather see younger patients than elderly ones” and “it’s normal to be depressed when you are old”. In qualitative analysis of the debriefs, we identified a key summative theme: “impact of the intervention on care teams”. Within that, we describe three subthemes: an awareness of richness of the lives led by older people, their current value to society, and the social determinants of health they have faced. After participating in My Life, My Story, students’ attitudes toward aging changed. A narrative medicine program using life stories can be a practical tool for addressing ageist stereotypes.

Effect of Interventions on Informal Caregivers of Older Adults: A Scientific Mini Review

The growing number of older adults with long-term health issues has led to more family members becoming informal caregivers. These caregivers play a crucial role in providing care to their elderly loved ones. However, this caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding, affecting the caregivers’ own well-being. This scientific mini-review examines various ways, known as “interventions,” that can help ease the challenges faced by informal caregivers and improve their quality of life. These interventions can include things like training programs, support groups, or using technology to assist caregivers. To get the most up-to-date information, we looked at the recent systematic reviews and studies published in the last 5 years. We searched for this information in three widely recognized electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus with full text. These interventions show promise in making life easier for informal caregivers and improving their quality of life. This mini review intends to offer insights into how these interventions can be beneficial, serving as a resource for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers working to enhance the well-being of both caregivers and the elderly individuals they care for.

Knowledge and Perception of caregivers on therapeutic gardens in Elderly care homes in Lagos Nigeria

AbstractGardening can be an activity that promotes overall health and quality of life, physical strength, fitness, flexibility, cognitive ability, and socialization [1]. Horticulture therapy employs plants and gardening activities in therapeutic and rehabilitation activities and could be utilized to improve the quality of life of the worldwide aging population [2].In Nigeria families mainly provide support for their elderly ones [3], however, some families are gradually accepting the concept of care‐homes. Such care‐homes are in scarce supply and the available ones are operated by the private sector amidst limited resources. An appraisal of the availability of gardens in care‐homes showed that garden and gardening activities are mostly utilized in high‐income countries (HIC). However, the potential benefits of gardening activity are less well understood by related stakeholders in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) [4]. There is a dearth in the literature on the health impact of gardening in LMICs, thus the unavailability and lack of awareness of STH gardens in LMICs [4].This study is an aspect of a social therapeutic horticulture project in two identified care homes in Lagos Nigeria. The study accesses the knowledge of caregivers and the management of STH gardens and the perceived need for such gardens in their respective homes. Utilizing online surveys and interviews for data collection.Currently, the study is ongoing, and ethical approval is being sourced. We aim to conclude the study before the scheduled 2023 AAIC conference.

Two Years of Active Pharmacovigilance Surveillance and Therapeutic Reconciliation in Frail Populations: The MEAP 3.0 Study

Awareness related to the risk/benefit profile of therapies used in paediatric and elderly patients is limited. We carried out a study, called the MEAP 3.0 study, to collect and analyse evidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and drug–drug interactions (DDIs) that occurred in frail populations under polypharmacy in a real-world setting. Data were retrieved from reports of ADRs and pharmacological counselling from patients treated in hospitals and territorial health services. We collected 2977 ADRs reports and identified ‘anti-infectives for systemic use’ and ‘cardiovascular system’ as the most frequently implicated pharmacological classes in under-18 and over-65 patients, respectively. We detected 2179 DDIs, of which 10.7% were related to at least one ADR: 22 were classified as ‘contraindicated’ (7 in the paediatric group and 15 in the elderly one), and 61 as ‘major’ (6 in the paediatric patients and 55 in the geriatric ones), while 151 DDIs were classified as ‘moderate’ (10 referred to paediatric population, and 109 to elderly patient) and as ‘minor’ (1 in paediatric patients, and 31 in the elderly ones). The MEAP 3.0 project demonstrates that pharmacovigilance surveillance and therapeutic reconciliation are valid strategies to avoid potential DDIs and the occurrence of ADRs, allowing for personalised medicine.

Spółdzielnia Mieszkaniowa „Za Falochronem” w Gdyni w latach 1967–1989. Okoliczności powstania, zakres opieki, oddziaływanie społeczne

The “Za Falochronem” Housing Co-Operative’s Building Complex in Gdynia (1967–1989). Situation in which it was created, scope of care, social impact The article familiarises its readers with the circumstances in which the housing co-operative aimed for with rheumatic diseases was established, the course of the investment’s completion in Gdynia – a housing building with medicinal and rehabilitation functions – as well as the years-long functioning of the complex which was so important to the Tricity (Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot). In mid-1960s Doctor Jadwiga Titz-Kosko, one of the pioneers of Polish rheumatology, began gathering a group of the people involved in helping implement the idea of small flats for people with special needs – lonely and often elderly ones with diseases. In the face of difficult housing and economic situation in Poland of that time, the people had limited opportunities to get a place, medical help or care and, at the same time, remain independent and as self-sufficient as possible. The co-operative was established in 1967 and in 6 years it constructed a facility with small (15m2) flats with bathrooms, large shared parts including kitchen and dining room, practical facilitations as well as round-the-clock medical care and help in everyday activities. The offer was complemented with a wing with a rehabilitation department, a small hospital for bedridden patients and a supported employment enterprise which allowed the inhabitants to learn a new type of work and earn extra money. The third building was a swimming pool with a necessary support area. The facility and the mode of its functioning required co-operation of welfare services, healthcare system and various levels of administration. It was the first solution of this type in Poland and, according to what was said at that time, in Europe. The innovative character of the idea is also a result of a different attitude to people with diseases and the elderly who are now treated as subjects, with respect to their right to spend their autumn years as they like. Contrary to original plans and a large interest in the idea in Poland and abroad (especially in Central Europe and Scandinavia), the economic situation in the 1970s and 1980s shortage of funds and ill-adjusted regulations did not allow to turn the Co-operative and the housing building it had designed into a model project. What is more, before 1989, construction of similar facilities began in the Tricity and they were also copied upcountry. Significantly, the “Za Falochronem” building also had impact on the perspective on the elderly and people with diseases or their needs. It was visible not just in Gdynia and the Tricity but also in the rest of Poland as it became a part of a nationwide debate on cooperatives and old age.

Awareness of Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Vaccination Rate Among Adults Attending the Out-Patient Clinic of General Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a potentially life-threatening infection affecting the liver from acute disease to chronic infection state and sometimes even leading to death. This study was done to determine the level of awareness of the hepatitis B virus as a disease, the availability of its vaccine, as well as the vaccination rate among the study population. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, and it was done at the General Hospi-tal Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study population was adults aged 18 years and above attend-ing outpatient clinics. The sample size for this study was 377, with a male to female ratio of 128:249. The study instrument was a structured and semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences IBM (SPSS) 21. Results: The overall level of awareness of HBV infection was very low (19.4%), only 38% of the participants knew HBV infection as a disease, while very few of them knew the causative agent (4.9%), and only 15.4% of the participants knew the transmission routes of the HBV. However, about half of the participants were aware of the existence of the HBV vaccine (50.8%). Only very few participants had ever received the vaccine as an adult, with a vaccination rate of 4.6%. There were statistically significant associations between HBV vaccination status, knowledge of the dis-ease, knowledge of HBV causative agent (P <0.001), and knowledge of HBV transmission routes (P <0.001). These factors positively impact vaccination uptake in this study. It was also observed that more young people were more likely to have received the HBV vaccine when compared to the elderly ones (P <0.001). Similarly, secondary education students were more likely to receive the HBV vaccine (P = 0.039). Conclusion: The awareness of HBV infection and the knowledge of the disease were very low, same with vaccination uptake. Young people and those with formal education would likely obtain the HBV vaccination.

Благопожелание чаю в современной калмыцкой лирике: фольклорный аспект

Introduction. The article examines the genre of tea well-wishes in contemporary Kalmyk lyric poetry through the prism of folklore tradition. The fact that the theme has been somewhat understudied from the latter perspective makes the work relevant enough. Goals. The article aims to investigate the folklore aspect in Kalmyk poets’ narratives addressing Kalmyk tea. Materials and methods. The paper analyzes related Kalmyk- and Russian-language poems by contemporary Kalmyk poets representing different generations. The study shall examine a number of folklore genres, such as tea well-wishes, proverbs, sayings, and three-part (ternary) poems. The main methods employed are historical-literary, historical-functional, comparative analysis ones, and that of descriptive poetics. Results. In modern Kalmyk lyric poetry, the mentioned genre is represented by a number of poems dealing with ethnic foods. These are texts in Kalmyk and Russian created by poets of different generations — elderly and young ones. In terms of genre, literary tea well-wishes — like the latter’s folklore analogues — largely tend to synthesize different patterns: these often resemble yöräls (well-wishes) and magtals (praises), sometimes — tea well-wishes proper (Kalm. цәәд тәвх йөрәл) and farewell well-wishes (Kalm. хаалhин йөрәл). Conclusions. Tea well-wishes authored by Kalmyk poets describe offerings to ancestors, deities, as well as treats to guests, which reveals the primacy and undeniable significance of tea in rituals, rites, and hospitality. In the folklore tradition, representative texts addressing Kalmyk tea have been created mainly by elderly and middle-aged poets fluent in mother tongue, familiar with oral folklore, customs, rituals, and beliefs of ancestors.

Благопожелание чаю в современной калмыцкой лирике: фольклорный аспект

Introduction. The article examines the genre of tea well-wishes in contemporary Kalmyk lyric poetry through the prism of folklore tradition. The fact that the theme has been somewhat understudied from the latter perspective makes the work relevant enough. Goals. The article aims to investigate the folklore aspect in Kalmyk poets’ narratives addressing Kalmyk tea. Materials and methods. The paper analyzes related Kalmyk- and Russian-language poems by contemporary Kalmyk poets representing different generations. The study shall examine a number of folklore genres, such as tea well-wishes, proverbs, sayings, and three-part (ternary) poems. The main methods employed are historical-literary, historical-functional, comparative analysis ones, and that of descriptive poetics. Results. In modern Kalmyk lyric poetry, the mentioned genre is represented by a number of poems dealing with ethnic foods. These are texts in Kalmyk and Russian created by poets of different generations — elderly and young ones. In terms of genre, literary tea well-wishes — like the latter’s folklore analogues — largely tend to synthesize different patterns: these often resemble yöräls (well-wishes) and magtals (praises), sometimes — tea well-wishes proper (Kalm. цәәд тәвх йөрәл) and farewell well-wishes (Kalm. хаалhин йөрәл). Conclusions. Tea well-wishes authored by Kalmyk poets describe offerings to ancestors, deities, as well as treats to guests, which reveals the primacy and undeniable significance of tea in rituals, rites, and hospitality. In the folklore tradition, representative texts addressing Kalmyk tea have been created mainly by elderly and middle-aged poets fluent in mother tongue, familiar with oral folklore, customs, rituals, and beliefs of ancestors.

Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion might preserve cognitive functions of elderly patients undergoing spinal surgeries under general anesthesia

Abstract Background Elderly patients are more vulnerable to anesthesia-related cognitive dysfunction. Spinal surgery consumes long theater time that may affect patients’ outcome especially the elderly ones. Anesthetic manipulations were supposed to modulate cognitive outcomes of patients. Aims Evaluation of the effect of intraoperative (IO) dexmedetomidine (DEX) infusion during spinal surgery on the incidence and severity of postoperative cognitive disorders (POCD). Patients and methods 152 patients were divided into Group P received a placebo infusion and Group D DEX infusion (0.5 µg/kg/h) with induction of anesthesia until wound closure. Cognitive function (CF) was assessed using Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) pre- and postoperatively. The median value of CF deficit in 4-week PO was calculated, and its correlation to the type of IO infusions and patients’ data were evaluated. The effect of DEX infusion on the incidence and severity of POCD is the study outcome. Results DEX infusion significantly decreased the incidence and severity of POCD with a significantly lower deficit in the MMSE score of patients of group D. The MMES deficit was positively correlated to age, body mass index (BMI), presence of systemic diseases, and infusion type. The use of DEX, young age, and low BMI are significant predictors for normal CF. Conclusion DEX infusion for elderly patients undergoing major surgeries of long operative time and predicted blood loss significantly reduced the incidence and severity of POCD. The used dose of DEX was appropriate for preserving CF without hemodynamic effects.

A Study on Hair Style and Headdress in the Joseon Dynasty Genre Paintings: Focusing on the Genre Paintings of Danwon Kim Hong-do, Geungjae Kim Deug-shin, and Hyewon Shin Yoon-bok

This study sought to provide basic data for developing the new korean hairstyle images by studying the hairstyles and headdress of Joseon dynasty in the late 18th and 19th centuries, focusing on the genre paintings of the three major Joseon genre painters, Danwon Kim Hong-do, Geungjae Kim Deug-shin, and Hyewon Shin Yoon-bok. The subjects of the study consisted of 25 pieces of the paintings of Kim Hong-do's "Danwon Genre Painting Book", 8 pieces of the paintings of Kim Deug-shin’s "Geungjae Genre Painting Book", and 30 pieces of the paintings of Shin Yoon-bok's "Hyewon Genre Painting Book". The following results were obtained: First, in terms of the sex ratio, the proportion of males was much higher than that of women’s, the age ratio, the proportion of middle-aged was much higher than elderly ones. By painter, Danwon interested in young children and boys, Geungjae in man adults, and Hyewon in female adult prostitute namely keesaeng. Second, looking at the hair style and headdress of men, there were far more types of headdress of men than women. The most common hair styles & headdress of men were Got, Sangtoo. Chidren before marred done Baird, bushy hair, and tied hair. In addition, Gun, Faereng-ee, Gumkijeon-lip, Bang-gun, Go-kal, Song-nak, Yu-gun, Bock-gun, Sat-got, Samo, Jeon-lip, Tang-gun, Cho-lip, Kalte-gee were appeared. Third, looking at the womens, the most common hair styles & headdress of women were Tre-meory and Eunjeun-meory. Children before married done Keemeet-meory. And Gun, Jeon-mo, Jang-ot, Tsuge chima, Garima, Ju-lip, Jeon-lip, Sat-got, Naul were appeared.

Host Communities and Elderly Refugees in Post-Apartheid South Africa: A Discourse of Conflict and Peaceful Co-Existence

Against current debates that the relationships between the host communities and the displaced elderly community are conflictual and friendly, the paper argues that the host community may either be hostile or warm to the displaced elderly refugees. Against this backdrop, this study examines the relationship between host communities and elderly refugees in post-Apartheid South Africa. A qualitative research design was used to collect data from the participants in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, selected towns and cities. Even though the study focuses on one Province of South Africa, this finding challenges the often-over-generalised perception of South Africa as ‘xenophobic’. It unpacks the hidden resilient social systems and relationships that bind local populations and refugees, especially the elderly ones. In the search for national, regional, and global answers on the best way to manage the refugee crisis, this study provides insights into community-level structures and dynamics that would benefit policymaking at the national and international levels.

Characteristics of clinical-pharmacological recommendations in psychiatry in Germany.

Psychiatric patients in general, and elderly psychiatric patients in particular, are at risk of adverse drug reactions due to comorbidities and inappropriate polypharmacy. Interdisciplinary and clinical-pharmacologist-led medication reviews may contribute to medication safety in the field of psychiatry. In this study, we reported the frequency and characteristics of clinical-pharmacological recommendations in psychiatry, with a particular focus on geriatric psychiatry. A clinical pharmacologist, in collaboration with the attending psychiatrists and a consulting neurologist, conducted interdisciplinary medication reviews in a general psychiatric ward with a geropsychiatric focus at a university hospital over a 25-week period. All clinical and pharmacological recommendations were recorded and evaluated. A total of 316 recommendations were made during 374 medication reviews. Indications/contraindications of drugs were the most frequently discussed topics (59/316; 18.7 %), followed by dose reductions (37/316; 11.7 %), and temporary or permanent discontinuation of medications (36/316; 11.4 %). The most frequent recommendations for dose reduction involvedbenzodiazepines (9/37; 24.3 %). An unclear or absent indication was the most common reason for recommending temporary or permanent discontinuation of the medication (6/36; 16.7 %). Interdisciplinary clinical pharmacologist-led medication reviews represented a valuable contribution to medication management in psychiatric patients, particularly the elderly ones.

Prevalence of dyslipidaemia among diabetic patients at the Namibia Institute of Pathology, Windhoek

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is considered as one of the deadly disorders of current times. Diabetes is associated with abnormalities in blood lipids and lipoprotein levels commonly referred to as dyslipidaemia. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in diabetic patients in Windhoek, Namibia. The inherent danger and attendant paucity of information concerning the condition in the community motivated the study. MethodsThis was a retrospective study using state diabetic patient records at the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) for the period between January 2016 and December 2018. Only patients with available records of Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid profiles and aged above 18 years were considered. A total of 4,332 (1800 diabetic and 2532 non-diabetic control) cases were eventually reviewed and data was reported under 8 different age groups namely; 18–25, 26–30, 31–35, 36–40, 41–55, 56–60, 61–65 and above 65 years. 58.7% of participants were female while male participants constitute 41.3%. ResultsThe study revealed a prevalence of dyslipidaemia among diabetic patients with the older patients and females patients being more prone to the anomaly. Additionally, there is a strong correlation between abnormalities in lipid profile components and blood levels of glycosylated hemoglobin of diabetic patients in Windhoek. The age, gender and diabetes status of participants were statistically significant predictors for dyslipidaemia (P-values ˂ 0.05) and the odds for dyslipidaemia in diabetic patients is 1.51 times higher than the odds in non-diabetic control participant. ConclusionsIt was concluded from the findings of this study that diabetic patients in Windhoek, especially the female and elderly ones have a high risk of developing dyslipidaemia. Improved awareness of this finding among health providers may be instrumental in improving the management of diabetes mellitus.

LANGUAGE ELEMENTS AFFECTING MANIPULATION IN ADVERTISING: LINGUISTIC, SEMANTIC, AND EMPHATIC ELEMENTS

Advertising is a tool, without which it would be difficult for our society to develop from the economic point of view. By means of advertisements one can sell his/her products, services and also buy or get whatever he wants. Thus, the role of advertisement is very great in the lives of everybody, beginning from children to elderly ones. Nowadays, advertisements have the biggest power to manipulate customers. The manipulation in different types advertising has become a tool that advertisers use to attract people. It would be just to say that manipulation has moved away the mission of marketing that of meeting the needs of customers and widens the asymmetries of power between the company and the consumer. Some of manipulative advertisements are too difficult to prove because they do have controversial content and nature. In the current article, the main language elements that affect the manipulation process of advertisements are analyzed. To be more exact, three language elements – linguistic, semantic and emphatic elements that manipulate consumers are investigated deeply here. Some unhelpful features of them are also described here, to help future advertisers to avoid ineffective advertisement text or slogans.