Filipino Elderly Research Articles

Bilateral Severe Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome in an Elderly Filipino Female: A Case Report

Bilateral Severe Tolosa-Hunt Syndrome in an Elderly Filipino Female: A Case Report

Validation and Reliability of the Tagalog Version of Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form among Elderly Filipino Admitted in a Tertiary Hospital

Validation and Reliability of the Tagalog Version of Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form among Elderly Filipino Admitted in a Tertiary Hospital

Integrity vs Despair: A Phenomenological Study on Filipino Widowed Elderly Lived Experiences

This phenomenological study elucidated the lived experiences of seven Filipino widowed elderly in Bulacan through in-depth interviews. Interpretative phenomenological analysis of transcribed interviews yielded multifaceted insights. Findings revealed three domains that were deemed vital in the study: (1) relationship of the widowed elders with their family; (2) aging experience of widowed elders in relation to widowhood; and (3) perception of widowed elders on dying in relation to widowhood. The participants cherished spousal bonds that provided meaning amidst occasional conflicts. Spousal loss impacted physical health, mental well-being, emotions, and social connections. Participants displayed resilience anchored in familial support, faith, and inner contentment, yet regrets and vulnerabilities persisted during bereavement. Reflections on mortality revealed acceptance of death, valuing familial harmony, and aspiring for loved ones’ well-being. This study offers qualitative insights into nuances, challenges, and sources of strength shaping elderly Filipino bereavement experiences. It contributes to scholarly understanding of marginalized elderly Filipinos’ needs, informing supportive interventions, community engagement, and social welfare policies. Recommendations include strengthening support systems and implementing community elderly programs. Further, research on male elderly and mixed-method approaches would be beneficial. The knowledge produced can guide evidence-based services addressing multifaceted demands in grieving spousal loss amidst aging.

Hip Geometry and Proximal Femoral Fractures among Elderly Filipino Women: A Single Centre Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction:Few controlled studies explore proximal femoral geometry and association with femoral neck (FN) or intertrochanteric (IT) fractures, especially among the elderly Filipino population. Previous reports, however, still reveal multiple inconsistencies. The objective of the study is to establish a possible association between radiographic hip geometry and proximal femoral fractures based on measurements taken from elderly Filipino women.Materials and methods:This is a cross-sectional study of 182 Filipino women ≥ 60 years old at a single institution last 2019-2020. Patients were divided into groups with femoral neck fractures (n=84), intertrochanteric fractures (n=64), and those without diagnosed hip fractures (n=34). Standard pelvic radiographs with control of hip internal rotation was done and the following radiographic parameters were compared: hip axis length (HAL), femoral neck length (FNL), neck shaft angle (NSA), horizontal offset (HO), femoral head diameter (FHD), and femoral neck diameter (FND).Results:Data suggests that an increased FND increased the risk for acquiring both femoral neck (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 1.06 - 1.62; p=.011) and intertrochanteric fractures (OR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.07-2.16; p=0.018). For intertrochanteric fractures alone, a wider NSA (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.58, p=0.033) and larger HO (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02 - 1.64, p=0.036) also increased the risk for this fracture type while a longer HAL was protective (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.73 - 0.98, p=0.30). Other radiographic parameters and ratios revealed no association.Conclusion:Results show that there are certain hip geometric parameters that play a role in the risk and incidence of developing femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures. These measurements may aid in identification of patients at risk. This study may act as a guide for future implant design and increase accuracy of hip reconstruction among elderly Filipino women.

Translation and adaptation of the ABE BPSD score (ABS) for behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia in elderly Filipinos

AbstractBackgroundDementia is not a disease in is itself but a collection of related to cognitive decline. Aside from cognitive decline, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), which multifactorial in origin and is often brought about by maladaptation to the environment and struggles with the activities of daily living. Several tool have been made to screen BPSD, one of which is the Abe BPSD Score.MethodTwo bilingual persons independently translated the scale to the Filipino language. The translated version underwent evaluation by a team of experts composed of 5 neurologists, 5 experts in dementia and 5 psychiatrists. The items were further refined and revised, accordingly, by these specialists. The revised questionnaire was used for the face validity with 30 cognitively intact adults. The final Filipino version of the questionnaire was back translated by another independent native speaker of the Filipino language. The final Filipino version and the version translated to English were compared.ResultAll items had a CVR or >0.49 for the evaluation of content validity ratio (see table 1) and clarity of > 79% (see table 3) so that all items were retained and deemed appropriate. Regarding relevance, item 1 needed to be revised. There was a significant change of the ranking of the symptoms as compared to the English version of the Abe’s BPSD Score, thus the order of the symptoms were revised.ConclusionThe Filipino version of the Abe score for BPSD, ABS‐P, is a simple and easily understandable scoring system for assessing the presence and extent of BPSD. The translated and adapted Filipino version is practical for use in daily clinical practice since it has short administration time. A validation study can subsequently be carried out with the ABS‐P.

Nutritional Status among Filipino Elderly: Prevalence and Correlates

Objective: The dual burden of undernutrition and overnutrition has received attention around the world, especially in the Philippines, where malnutrition is an issue that the country is continuously facing. Malnutrition have been prevalent and alarming concerns among the Filipino elderly through the years. Several studies support the claim that the prevalence of malnutrition is associated with factors, such as socioeconomic status, biochemical, clinical, dietary intake, and food security. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the nutritional status of the Filipino elderly.
 Materials and Methods: The study utilized the 2013 National Nutrition Survey. Data of the 1,807 sampled Filipino elderly who had no physical defects were considered. The Rao-Scott test and a multiple correspondence analysis were conducted to assess the association of the nutritional status of the Filipino elderly with the socio-demographics, health/clinical conditions, and nutrient intake factors.
 Results: Majority (54.97%) of the Filipino elderly had a normal nutritional status. However, both the prevalence of underweight and overweight are still alarming with a 20.19% and 24.83% rate, respectively. The socio-demographic characteristics found that are associated with the nutritional status of the Filipino elderly include age, sex, occupation, and education. Health conditions and behavioral risk factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol beverages were also found to have significant association with the elderly’s nutritional status. Lastly, a significant association between the nutritional status and the intake of nutrients such as iron, Vitamin A, niacin, and thiamine was observed.
 Conclusion: With both underweight and overweight/obesity still rampant among the Filipino elderly, their lifestyle and food intake should be given much attention. Further studies about the nutritional status of the Filipino elderly should be conducted to have a sufficient basis on how society can help the elderly maintain and improve their nutritional conditions.

Effects of Brain Games on Global Cognition among Older Filipinos

Objective. This study ascertained the effects of brain games on global cognition among older Filipinos. Methods. A quasi-experimental design was used. The participants were 60 elderly Filipinos, aged 60 to 93 years, residing in Baguio City, and were not engaging in any physical or nutritional interventions to improve cognitive function. None have subclinical cognitive impairments as screened using the Mini-Cognitive Examination. The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-III (ACE-III) tool which correlated significantly with standard neuropsychological tests, and provided a high internal reliability score of 0.88, was used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Results. Pretest mean scores of both active control and experimental groups increased in the posttest. Additionally, both coloring and brain games had extremely significant effects on global cognition (p=0.0001). Lastly, the unrelated t-test revealed extremely significant difference between the effects of brain games and coloring on global cognition (p=0.0001).Conclusions. Based on the results, brain games showed evidence of effectiveness in improving global cognition, and that compared to coloring, it is more effective in improving global cognition among older Filipinos. Variables like motivation and expectancy effects influence the improvement in global cognition among older Filipinos. Lastly, cognitive training using brain games show promise as a non-pharmacologic intervention to address cognitive decline.

The Phenomenon of Aging: The Adaptation of Filipino Elderly

ABSTRACT The main aim of this qualitative study was to delve and understand the lived experiences of Filipino elderly. This descriptive qualitative study was underpinned with the ‘Adaptation Theory’ in a phenomenological approach. Semi-structure interviews, observations, field notes, and qualitative documents were purposively collected from 12 Filipino elderly. Inclusion criteria were used in selecting the participants to show homogeneity. Data were analyzed and interpreted using Colaizzi method. In addition, the quality of reporting was authenticated by COREQ standards for qualitative studies. For the results, the lived experiences generated four emergent themes: the world of agism, the trauma of elderly abuse, the rise above the challenges, and the future of elderly entailed the active participation and involvement of people in building what can be done for the elderly to provide dignified life they deserve and to maximize their potentials as a person despite of the minimal time they have. The study concluded that understanding the experiences of the Filipino elderly will be an efficient way to assess the needs of this sector to live with respect and dignity. Lastly, this qualitative study would like to reiterate to people the essence of social responsibility in loving and taking care of the elderly sector.

Quantification of medial temporal lobe atrophy score in patients with vascular dementia

Vascular dementia (VD) is the second most common cause of dementia in older people. It is a chronic progressive disease of the brain bringing about cognitive impairment. The loss of brain parenchyma is caused by cerebrovascular diseases. Dementia rates are growing at alarming proportion in several regions of the world and is related to population aging. This study aimed to determine the influence of medial temporal lobe atrophy on the Mini-Mental State Examination-Philippines (MMSE-P) and Clock Drawing Test (CDT) scores in patients diagnosed with VD. This study utilized a cross-sectional design. We included elderly Filipinos > 60 years old diagnosed with VD from 2013 – 2018. Subjects were derived from in- and out-patient referrals in a tertiary hospital in Metro Manila. Schelten’s visual scale was utilized to evaluate medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA). The mean age of subjects in the study was 73.54 years old (mean SD + 8.63), mostly females and completed tertiary education. Linear regression analysis was used to measure the influence of medial temporal lobe atrophy in MMSE-P and CDT scores. Results showed inverse relation for MTA on both MMSE-P and CDT scores. Hence, for every 1-unit increase in MTA, there is a 0.58-unit decrease in CDT and 0.66-unit decrease in MMSE-P scores. MTA significantly decreased MMSE-P and CDT scores in patients with VD. So, as the medial temporal lobe atrophy score is higher, a corresponding decrease in both the MMSE-P and CDT scores.

What shapes the self-esteem of elderly Filipinos working beyond the retirement age? A structural equation model (SEM)

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have indicated that major transitions in life such as retirement or exit from working life may contribute to the normative decline in self-esteem. A growing trend on elderly’s labor force beyond retirement invites the conduct of more empirical studies on the dynamics of self-esteem among the elderly group. Anchored on the Self-Determination Theory, this study is an attempt to test a model that examines the impact of social support, health promotion, activities of daily living and anxiety on the self-esteem of a select group of Filipino elderly working beyond the retirement age. Two-hundred eighteen (218) working elderly from the capital of the Philippines participated in this exploratory study. Data gathered from a multi-aspect questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS version 19 and AMOS version 19. Results of structural equation model (SEM) indicated that social support; activities of daily living and health promotion have direct effects on self-esteem, thus supporting the hypotheses. A direct relationship exists between elderly activities of daily living and their social support and anxiety. Notably, an inverse relationship exists between elderly anxiety and factors such as health promotion and self-esteem. The emerged model in this study could serve as valuable tool for nurses in enhancing nursing care aimed at promoting the psychological-well-being and occupational health among the elderly.

Happiness Among Selected Filipino Elderly: A Consensual Qualitative Research

Happiness Among Selected Filipino Elderly: A Consensual Qualitative Research

“I feel like I’m drawing strength from it”: Lived Experiences of Filipino Elderly Participating in Craft-Making

In this phenomenological study, we offer an insightful understanding of the lived experiences of seven (7) Filipino elderly participating in craft-making. We purposively selected the key informants from a municipality in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. The transcribed data gathered through a semi-structured in-depth interview was analyzed using Colaizzi’s approach. Six themes describing the lived experiences emerged: “Fostering friendship,” “Flourishing health,” “Furthering service,” “Facing aging with acceptance,” “Finding felicity and self-fulfillment,” “Feelings of belongingness and security.” Just like the sun, the elderly’s participation in craft-making serves as a nourishment for them. This exploration speaks to understanding the potential of craft-making as a leisure activity for elderly.

Factors Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment among Elderly Filipinos with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

ObjectivesThis study aims to identify factors associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among elderly Filipinos with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodologyThis is an analytic cross-sectional study involving 133 elderly (≥60 years old) with Type 2 diabetes mellitus consecutively sampled from the General Medicine and Diabetes Clinics of the Philippine General Hospital. Eligible subjects were interviewed to gather demographic and clinical data. Body mass index, waist-hip ratio and mean blood pressure were computed. HBA1c, lipid profile, creatinine and urine proteinuria were tested or recorded if done recently. Dilated fundus examination via indirect ophthalmoscopy and 10-gram monofilament test were performed to detect retinopathy and neuropathy. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Philippines tool was administered to detect patients with probable MCI using a cutoff score of ≤21. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the associated factors.ResultsUsing MoCA-P tool, MCI has a rate of 45% among elderly Filipino diabetics. Having more than 12 years of education is significantly associated with lower odds of MCI. (OR 0.38 CI 0.18, 0.80, p value 0.010).ConclusionThe rate of MCI among Filipino elderly diabetics is high. Higher education is associated with lower odds of having MCI. Case-control or prospective cohort studies involving larger sample and non-diabetic population are recommended.

Factors Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment among Elderly Filipinos with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Factors Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment among Elderly Filipinos with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Negotiating health and chronic illness in Filipino-Australians: a qualitative study with implications for health promotion

ABSTRACTObjective: In spite of the healthy immigrant effect, the prevalence of lifestyle-related chronic diseases among migrants is reported to approximate that of the host country with longer duration of stay. For example, higher rates of chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and hypertension have been observed among Filipino migrants and these have been linked to acculturation. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Filipino-Australian migrants in managing their chronic health conditions in a Western host country.Design: This paper reports on qualitative findings of a mixed methods study that used an explanatory sequential design. Nine focus group discussions were undertaken with 58 Filipino-Australian migrants with chronic disease. Thematic analysis was undertaken using a five-stage general purpose thematic framework ensuring that themes closely identified key participants’ experiences.Results: Findings revealed that health benefits provided by the health system in Australia were considered advantageous. However, a lack of social and instrumental support compounded isolation and disempowerment, limiting self-management strategies for chronic illnesses. Cultural beliefs and practices influenced their knowledge, attitude to and management of chronic disease, which health service providers overlooked because of perceived acculturation and English language skills. Overall this study has clearly identified recognition of cultural beliefs, language needs and support as three core needs of Filipino-Australian migrants with the elderly the most vulnerable.Conclusion: This paper highlights that self-management of chronic disease among elderly Filipino immigrants may be adversely affected by host language difficulties, a lack of social support and cultural issues, impacting on access to services, health-seeking behaviours and participation in health promotion initiatives. Language, culture-specific health interventions and resources and enhancing social support are likely important strategies in promoting chronic disease self-management among the elderly. These interventions have the potential to empower and encourage individuals to take control and better manage their chronic disease.

An elderly Filipino woman with follicular papules of the face and chest

An elderly woman developed pruritic follicularpapules over a period of 5 years. A biopsy revealedfocal intraepidermal eosinophilic pustules, leading tothe diagnosis of Ofuji disease or eosinophilic pustularfolliculitis. A discussion of this condition is presented.

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON THE COGNITIVE EFFECTS OF BALLROOM DANCING AMONG FILIPINO ELDERLY WITH MCI

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON THE COGNITIVE EFFECTS OF BALLROOM DANCING AMONG FILIPINO ELDERLY WITH MCI

“There’s Hardly Anything Left”: Poverty and the Economic Insecurity of Elderly Filipinos in Toronto

As the Canadian population becomes more racially diverse, so does its elderly population. This article focuses on elderly Filipinos, whose country of origin has become the largest source of immigrants to Canada since 2006. It draws from a university-community partnership and a mixed method research of surveying 250 and interviewing 20 elderly Filipinos in Toronto to document their economic condition. With seven out of ten living in poverty, our research reveals that economic insecurity is a fact of life for most elderly Filipinos in Canada. We elaborate on their impoverished living situation by delineating three major themes from our literature review (understanding poverty, factors contributing to poverty, and outcomes of poverty) and by foregrounding particular experiences of elderly Filipinos that illustrate and extend these themes. Taking intersectionality as our analytical paradigm, we consider the poverty of elderly Filipinos as shedding light on the interlocking ways in which later life circumstances are intricately shaped and impacted by class, race, gender, and immigration. Their economic insecurity is also intimately connected to the deskilling and deprofessionalization of Filipinos in Canada, a major structural condition that has produced and reinforced the ongoing marginalization of this racialized minority community. Resume: Comme la population canadienne affiche de plus en plus une diversite raciale, il en va ainsi de ses aines. Cet article met l’accent sur les personnes âgees de race philippine, dont le pays d’origine represente la plus grande source d’immigrants au Canada depuis 2006. Afin de documenter leur condition economique, l’etude adopte une recherche partenariale universite-communaute ainsi qu’une approche mixte de sondages sur 250 aines philippins habitant a Toronto, et d’interviews sur 20 d’entre eux. Avec sept candidats sur dix vivant sous le seuil de la pauvrete, notre recherche revele que l’insecurite economique est une realite quotidienne pour la plupart des aines philippins au Canada. Nous nous penchons sur leur situation precaire en delimitant trois themes majeurs propre a notre analyse documentaire (la comprehension de la pauvrete, les facteurs qui contribuent a la pauvrete, et les effets de la pauvrete) et en mettant de l’avant les particulieres experiences des aines philippins qui illustrent les themes en question. En utilisant la notion d’intersectionnalite comme point de vue analytique, nous considerons que la pauvrete des aines philippins met la lumiere sur les facons dont les circonstances de la vie a un âge avance sont intrinsequement moulees et influencees par la classe sociale, la race, le sexe et l’immigration. En outre, leur insecurite economique est intimement liee a la dequalification et a la deprofessionnalisation des Philippins au Canada, des composantes majeures qui ont entraine, puis renforce la marginalisation continue de cette communaute minoritaire racialisee.

From a Distance: A Grounded Theory Study of Separation Anxiety Among Filipino Incarcerated Elderly

Despite numerous studies that examined the impact of separation and separation anxiety on the emotions and behavior of young individuals, little is known about separation anxiety in the elderly population. This grounded theory study purports to describe the process of separation anxiety among incarcerated Filipino elderly men. Individual interviews and participant observations were conducted with 25 incarcerated elderly Filipino men who are first-time prisoners and sentenced to lifetime imprisonment. Following Strauss and Corbin's (1998) coding protocol, a four-part process emerged to describe the studied layer of human experience. The Tectonic Model of Separation Anxiety among incarcerated Filipino elderly men comprises four phases: Winkling, Wilting, Weeding, and Weaving. Findings of this study invite nurses and other clinicians to identify developmentally appropriate strategies and interventions for this vulnerable and neglected sector of society.

A Structural Equation Model of the Factors Affecting Morale of a Select Group of Filipino Elderly in a Community Setting

While morale among the elderly has been widely and extensively studied, results are varied and at times conflicting. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the factors affecting elderly morale of a select group of Filipinos in a community setting. A 64-item questionnaire was utilized to survey 323 Filipinos aged 60 and above residing in the National Capital Region of the Philippines in May 2013. Respondents completed a robotfoto, a checklist of chronic illnesses, and measures of the social support, functional ability, geriatric depression, and morale. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. Two competing models emerged in the study. Model 1 followed causal relationships indicated in the hypothesized model while model 2 considered modification indices that surfaced more acceptable fit indices (X2/df = 1.414, GFI [goodness of fit index] = 0.988, CFI [comparative fit index] = 0.987, RMSEA [root mean square error of approximation] = 0.036). Chronic illness, social support, and depression were found to be major predictors of morale. Number of chronic illnesses and depression were also found to have a negative relationship with functional ability, and chronic illness and social support were negatively correlated. Findings can assist health professionals such as nurses to identify the factors that shape elderly morale vis-a-vis the use of effective strategies that promote the well-being of elderly people. The emerging model can serve as reference to assess the effectiveness of quality of care rendered as manifested by morale.