Psychological Support Research Articles

Depression and Psychological Distress in Patients with Lower Extremity Lymphedema: A Mixed-Method Study.

Background: Lower extremity lymphedema is a chronic and incurable condition. Treatment options for lymphedema have continued to advance and prognosis has improved; however, the condition still poses a substantial negative impact on patients' mental health. Therefore, the key questions raised in this study are "How many patients with lower limb lymph have depression symptoms?" and "Are there any differences in the symptoms and distress factors of patients with lower extremity lymphedema, and how do they experience distress?" Methods and Results: A total of 112 lower extremity lymphedema patients from June 2021 to December 2023 were enrolled in the study. Quantitative and qualitative data of patients were collected and analyzed. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and we interviewed participants with moderate/severe depressive symptoms with score ≥10. A total of 83 participants completed this study. Overall, 39.76% of the participants had a PHQ-9 score ≥5, indicating that they had mild depressive symptoms; 13.25% of the participants had a PHQ-9 score ≥10, indicating that they had moderate or severe depressive symptoms. Compared with participants who had received treatment before the study, participants who did not receive any treatment before the study had a higher risk of depression (χ2 = 6.705, p = 0.031). There was no significant difference in the degree of depression in patients with different stages of lymphedema (χ2 = 8.430, p = 0.077). From the qualitative interview data, we extracted five common themes: "loss of self," "isolation from surroundings," "discomfort caused by symptoms and complications," "concern about the progression or deterioration of the original malignant tumor," and "fear that surgical treatment may be ineffective." Conclusions: This study found that patients with lower extremity lymphedema are prone to psychological symptoms of depression. To clarify the reason that affect psychological distress is important information to improve the psychological health support for patients with lower extremity lymphedema.

Human Emotions Associated with Climate Change at the Salache Campus of the Technical University of Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Objective: This study investigates human emotions associated with climate change among the university community at the Salache Campus of the Technical University of Cotopaxi, Ecuador, aiming to understand perceptions and responses to climate challenges in an academic environment, complying with SDG 3 on Health and well-being and SDG 11 related to Sustainable cities and communities. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in environmental psychology and climate change impact theories, focusing on key concepts such as eco-anxiety and solastalgia, while examining psychological responses to environmental changes across different demographic groups. Method: The study employs systematic observation and assessment of psychological responses to environmental changes, focusing on the university community's reactions to extreme weather events and climate-related transformations in their environment. Results and Discussion: Results revealed significant emotional impacts of climate change on the university community, particularly in relation to Ecuador's documented 40% glacier loss. These findings show manifestations such as anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disturbances in response to environmental changes. Research Implications: The findings provide insights for improving climate change education and psychological support systems in academic institutions, with implications for educational policy and mental health services. Originality/Value: This study uniquely examines psychological impacts of climate change in an Ecuadorian academic context, offering new perspectives on how university communities process environmental challenges, while informing institutional responses to climate-related psychological stress.

Exploring patient perspectives of barriers and facilitators to participating in hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation in patients diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer treated with curative intent.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is increasingly offered to patients who have undergone lung resection for non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) as it can improve exercise tolerance and quality of life. However, designing and implementing such a complex multidisciplinary programme has its challenges. This study aims to explore perspectives of patients offered PR services post-lung resection for NSCLC to gain an understanding of the potential barriers and facilitators behind implementing and designing PR programmes. The PR programmes were offered in an outpatient rehabilitation gym at University Hospital Limerick, Ireland. Patients attending routine follow-up appointments post-lung cancer resection during the period of the study were identified and based on inclusion criteria were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews (focus groups). Interviews with patients who participated in the PR programme (n = 8) and those who declined (n = 4) were transcribed and major themes identified using normalisation process theory (NPT analysis) before interpretation of the themes in context. Across 4 focus groups that were conducted, the important barriers identified were the presence of comorbidities, location, perceived lack of benefit, and a fear of causing harm. Relevant facilitators included the prospect of acquiring new knowledge, optional access to psychological support, peer interaction/social support, individualised, tailored programmes, and a holistic approach to recovery as well as goal setting and accomplishment. Patient participation in PR has been shown to be influenced by both external and intrapersonal variables. The barriers and facilitators experienced by the patients in this study contribute to the existing knowledge of the patient experience of pulmonary rehabilitation and can help to inform clinical practice and future research.

Recent life events and adverse childhood experiences in predicting antenatal depression and anxiety: cross-sectional study.

Antenatal depression and anxiety are associated with preterm labour, low birth weight, and postpartum depression, and can impact the emotional and mental development of the child. Both adverse childhood experiences and recent stressful events are linked to negative health outcomes. However, certain events may be more impactful than others. This study aims to investigate the most important types of adverse childhood events and recent stressors that may help in identifying pregnant women in most need of psychological support. This observational study examines data from the FamilieTrivsel trial, in which women between 6 and 10 weeks gestation were recruited by general practitioners. All participants were asked to complete questionnaires. Mental health was assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS). Potential contributory risk factors were identified using the Recent Life Events Questionnaire and the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire. The relative importance of the various types of events was analysed in a dominance analysis, and the direction of their association was determined by a multivariable linear regression analysis. Of specific recent life events, serious problems with a friend, divorce, racial harassment, unemployment, financial difficulties, and moving house had the strongest associations with poor mental health, along with childhood experience of mental illness in the household. Growing up with an experience of physical neglect and parental divorce were, paradoxically, associated with lower HADS scores. Recent stressful life events have a stronger association with postnatal mental health than adverse childhood events, implying that it might be useful for clinicians providing routine antenatal care to gather information on recent stressors.

Experiences of receiving formal psychological support following lower limb amputation: a qualitative study

Purpose This study sought to explore the experiences of receiving formal psychological support following non-vascular-related lower limb amputation. Materials and Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five individuals (3 males, 2 females, aged 38–56) with lower limb loss. Two had unilateral above knee amputations, one a unilateral below knee amputation, one a unilateral through-knee amputation, and one had bilateral above knee amputations. Four had trauma-related amputations, one had an amputation due to cancer. All had received formal psychological support related to their amputation. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for the analysis of the data. Results Four themes were developed: (1) The need for psychological intervention—denial and acceptance; (2) “Safe space”—being valued, heard, and validated; (3) The importance of focus, transparency, and specialist knowledge; and (4) The most helpful techniques and approaches. Findings highlighted aspects of psychological support that were helpful and unhelpful. Conclusions The findings provide insights into how psychological support for people with lower limb amputation can be delivered or improved. These include: the importance of psychological support throughout rehabilitation; the benefit of transparency and collaborative goal setting in sessions; and participants’ preference that those providing formal psychological support have limb loss specific knowledge.

Beyond the Physical: Weight Stigma and the Bariatric Patient Journey

Background: Obesity represents a global epidemic associated with significant health risks, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Management strategies have evolved from focusing solely on weight reduction to emphasizing overall health improvements and mitigating associated risks. Methods: This narrative review analyzed the existing peer-reviewed literature across databases such as PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar to examine the outcomes of bariatric surgery and its interplay with weight stigma. The review incorporated data from clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, focusing on bariatric surgery and its psychological impact, as well as approaches to mitigate stigma in bariatric care. Results: Bariatric surgery has emerged as the most effective intervention for sustained weight loss and the resolution of obesity-related comorbidities. However, individuals undergoing surgery frequently encounter weight stigma, both pre- and postoperatively, which manifests through discriminatory healthcare interactions, societal biases, and internalized self-criticism. These factors contribute to anxiety, depression, diminished healthcare engagement, and weight regain, ultimately affecting the long-term surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Addressing weight stigma in bariatric care is critical to optimizing outcomes. Interventions such as preoperative counseling, postoperative psychological support, and multidisciplinary care can mitigate the psychological and societal burdens of stigma. This review explores the intricate relationships between obesity, bariatric surgery outcomes, weight stigma, and the health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Obesity and Different Effect Between Exercise and Diet for Weight Loss

The worldwide increase in obesity has become a significant public health issue, linked to a range of chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer. This study investigates the effectiveness of combined dietary and exercise interventions in promoting weight loss, drawing on a systematic literature review and case analysis of recent peer-reviewed research. By examining various dietary approachesincluding low-carbohydrate, Mediterranean, and calorie-restricted dietsalongside different exercise modalities such as aerobic training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), this research aims to identify the optimal strategies for weight management. Findings indicate that individuals participating in combined interventions experience significantly greater weight loss and improvements in metabolic health compared to those following diet or exercise regimens alone. Moreover, the study emphasizes the importance of personalized interventions that consider individual preferences and psychological factors, suggesting that integrating social support mechanisms and technological tools can enhance adherence and long-term success. The results emphasize the need for comprehensive weight management strategies that address the interplay of dietary and exercise components, psychological support, and social influences to effectively combat obesity and promote overall health.

The Effect of Life Activity Levels of Palliative Care Patients on the Caregivers' Perception of Caregivers Burden.

Objective(s): Studies show the effects of dependent patients' caregivers on the caregiving burden. Knowing the effects of maintenance of movement, especially in life activities, on the factors affecting the caregiving burden is important for the quality of care, ensuring that the caregiver's capacity is preserved. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study research was carried out to determine the effect of life activity levels of palliative care patients on the care burden of caregivers. The number of individuals to be sampled was calculated according to the sample formula with a known population. The sample of the consisted of 108 patients and their caregivers in a district state hospital between June and December 2022. Data were collected using the Barthel Index of Patient Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Caregiver Burden Scale. Descriptive statistical methods, quantitative data analyses, and correlation analyses were used in the analysis of the data. Results: The average age for patient was 78.13 ± 10.25 and for caregivers was 54.64 ± 13.22 years. Barthel ADL Index score of the patients was 35.05, and 38% of the patients were completely dependent. Caregiver Burden Scale scores was 50.80, and 76.8% of the caregivers had moderate caregiver burden. Patients with increasing age, with diabetes mellitus and dementia diagnosis, not using glasses, or having urinary catheters and gastrostomy tubes had lower activity levels. The caregiver burden of caregivers was higher in those who spent 3 to 4 h for daily patient care, who had sleep problems, who thought that their health deteriorated compared to those who did not. It was determined that as the patients' ability to perform their daily activities decreased, the caregiver burden increased (r = -0.417; P < .01). Conclusions: It might be recommended that nurses can implement the nursing interventions completely and severely dependent patients' caregivers psychological and social support.

Exploring gender-based disparities in emotional distress among university level athletes

Introduction: The mental health of university level athletes is a growing concern, with female athletes facing unique emotional challenges that remain underexplored. Objective: This study aims to examine gender-based disparities in depression, anxiety, and stress among university-level volleyball, basketball, and handball players to understand sport-specific and gender-specific emotional dynamics. Methodology: A cross-sectional comparative design was used, involving 60 university athletes (30 males, 30 females) aged 18-25 from LNIPE, Gwalior. Emotional symptoms were assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-42). Independent t-tests and one-way ANOVA were employed to analyze gender and sport differences, with significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Results revealed distinct gender-based patterns: male volleyball players reported significantly higher levels of stress (mean score 24.80) and depression (mean score 17.60) compared to their female counterparts, while female basketball players exhibited greater depression (mean score 17.10) than males. Among handball players, females experienced significantly higher stress levels (mean score 19.70) compared to males. Discussion: The findings suggest gender-specific emotional responses to competitive sports, possibly influenced by societal expectations, coping strategies, and sport-specific stressors. Volleyball's individual performance components may increase stress for male athletes, while basketball's physical demands might elevate depression levels among females. Handball's continuous play and physical contact likely contribute to elevated stress in female players. Conclusions: Developing psychological support systems for university athletes can mitigate emotional challenges and optimize performance. Future research should explore longitudinal changes in emotional symptoms and their relationship with competitive dynamics.

Parents’ views and experiences of raising babies born with cleft lip and palate: a qualitative study

BackgroundParents of children born with cleft lip/palate encounter numerous challenges. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding for authorities to better support these parents by exploring the views and experiences of Iranian parents raising babies with cleft lip/palate through qualitative research.MethodsThis qualitative study collected data through face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Using purposive sampling, parents of children with cleft lip/palate who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Children’s Medical Center in Tehran, Iran, were selected. Thematic content analysis was employed to interpret the data and identify themes and subthemes.ResultsFrom 20 interviews, six themes were identified. The diagnosis theme was associated with timing. Key concerns within the psychosocial experiences theme included initial reactions, pressure from society, the child’s future in the community, hiding from family, feeling guilty about the anomaly, and couples’ relationships. The challenges in childcare theme included feeding difficulties, financial challenges, and cleft treatments. The information acquisition theme included primary awareness and the importance of knowing how to care for the child. The coping theme included gaining awareness, accepting the problem as God’s will and destiny, minimizing the significance of the child’s cleft, and support. Parents had concerns about informing the child of his/her condition.ConclusionsParents of infants with cleft lip/palate feel unsupported by medical staff in feeding practices and seek improved training for staff. They propose a program to empower staff and advocate for psychological support for parents. Access to specialized baby bottles and financial support is crucial, along with establishing a parent-led community for sharing experiences.

Left to their own devices: the significance of mental health apps on the construction of therapy and care

Abstract Mental health (MH) mobile apps offer convenient, low/no-cost automated psychological support. Little is known about what this technology does to the very definition of MH care. Looking through a post-phenomenological lens (Idhe, 1991), we examine how the app's materiality mediates the construction of psychological care. Through interviews with MH app users, analysis revealed that users experienced a detached and abstract kind of care, which ignored their real-life circumstances and particulars, and was not sensitive to the complex, context-dependent nature of their problems. Instead, the apps amplified a mechanistic and individualistic idea of psychological wellbeing. Meanwhile, the apps concealed the importance of interpersonal understanding, healing spaces, and sharing as meaningful parts of care. Some found this to be an impersonal and inappropriate way to deal with emotional problems, while others lamented their own inability to conform to the app’s ideals.

Reproductive cancer cryopreservation services: Patient information, clinical advice, and support.

Fertility preservation services must offer information to patients, prior to their visit, so that they have time to read and digest the information, and also have the opportunity to write down any questions they wish to ask at the oncofertility consultation appointment. Appointments must be offered immediately, based on a specifically designed referral form. Each fertility service providing oncology cryopreservation should have a robust map of the patient's journey to include referral, counseling session, medical consultation, informed consent, treatment plan, and follow-up. Consent for fertility preservation should only be obtained after thorough assessment and discussion with the patient. It must contain basic aspects such as duration of storage, right to dispose or choose alternatives, wishes about stored material if death occurs, and need for patient contact on an annual basis. Appropriate legal advice should be sought in the process of establishing oncology cryopreservation services, most importantly related to patient consent. Ethical and legal aspects of fertility cryopreservation must be considered in the provision of care for cancer patients. Cancer patients attending for cryopreservation have significant concerns in relation to the success of the process, time frame to return for cancer treatment, and safety. Two major nonmedical aspects, coping ability and mortality, are best addressed by counselors and highlight the need to offer this type of psychological support to all cancer patients attending for fertility preservation. The role of genetic counseling is to discuss any potential risks of transmission of the disease to the resulting offspring and offer genetic testing when appropriate. A service based on availability of comprehensive information coupled with in-house implications counseling will have a positive impact and improve the overall care of patients attending for fertility cryopreservation and this should be standard care.

Research on the Influencing Factors and Problems of Teacher Professional Motivation from the Perspective of Teacher Professional Beliefs

With the reform of education, the role of teachers has gradually shifted from simply imparting knowledge to guiding students, putting higher expectations and pressure on teachers. In this context, this article analyzes the correlation between teachers' professional beliefs and professional motivations from the perspective of professional beliefs. This article argues that in the context of high-pressure environments and rapid technological development, the reasons for insufficient professional motivation among teachers include excessive work pressure, lack of social and school support, and inadequate salary and promotion mechanisms. Teacher professional beliefs have a positive effect on professional motivation. When enhancing professional beliefs, teacher professional beliefs have a significant improvement effect on professional motivation, which helps teachers maintain positivity and enthusiasm when facing challenges and difficulties. Based on this, this article proposes specific methods to enhance teachers' beliefs and motivation, such as providing psychological support to help teachers relieve stress, offering more professional development opportunities to boost teachers' professional confidence, establishing a fair reward and recognition mechanism, and improving the teaching and office environment through a series of incentive measures to help enhance teachers' professional beliefs, thereby achieving the goal of improving teaching motivation and quality.

Taiwanese fathers’ experiences following the death of a child to cancer

This study descried the experiences of fathers who had lost a child to cancer. The participants were eight fathers whose children died following cancer treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and content analysis identified six major themes: (1) accompanying their child on the final journey home, (2) stabilizing family life, (3) coping with unbearable grief, 4) maintaining the memory and continuing the bond, (5) reflecting on the regrets and contradictions of the treatment process, (6) finding new meaning, and cherishing the present. The findings illustrated that these fathers, despite facing the death of their children, still prioritized family stability and used restoration-oriented strategies for their own emotions. However, these fathers also need outlets to express their feelings, making continuous psychological support from healthcare professionals essential throughout the grieving process.

Cardiovascular Science and Physical Therapy: Improving Heart Health Through Tailored Rehabilitation Programs

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, necessitating innovative strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Physical therapy has emerged as a cornerstone in cardiovascular rehabilitation, offering tailored programs that enhance heart health and overall quality of life. This paper explores the intersection of cardiovascular science and physical therapy, emphasizing the role of individualized rehabilitation programs in improving cardiac function, reducing risk factors, and promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. Key elements such as aerobic and resistance training, patient education, and psychological support are highlighted. Furthermore, advancements in technology, including wearable devices and telemedicine, are discussed as tools to enhance adherence and outcomes. The integration of evidence-based practices in physical therapy offers a pathway to reducing the burden of CVDs and optimizing patient-centered care.

A Proposed mHealth Intervention to Address Patient Barriers to Colposcopy Attendance: Qualitative Interview Study of Clinic Staff and Patient Perspectives.

Cervical cancer disparities persist among minoritized women due to infrequent screening and poor follow-up. Structural and psychosocial barriers to following up with colposcopy are problematic for minoritized women. Evidence-based interventions using patient navigation and tailored telephone counseling, including the Tailored Communication for Cervical Cancer Risk (TC3), have modestly improved colposcopy attendance. However, the efficacious TC3 intervention is human resource-intense and could have greater reach if adapted for mobile health, which increases convenience and access to health information. This study aimed to describe feedback from clinic staff members involved in colposcopy processes and patients referred for colposcopy regarding adaptions to the TC3 phone-based intervention to text messaging, which addresses barriers among those referred for colposcopy after abnormal screening results. Semistructured depth qualitative interviews were conducted over Zoom [Zoom Communications, Inc] or telephone with a purposive sample of 22 clinic staff members (including clinicians and support staff members) and 34 patients referred for colposcopy from 3 academic obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) clinics that serve predominantly low-income, minoritized patients in different urban locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Participants were asked about colposcopy attendance barriers and perspectives on a proposed text message intervention to provide tailored education and support in the time between abnormal cervical screening and colposcopy. The analytic team discussed interviews, wrote summaries, and consensus-coded transcripts, analyzing output for emergent findings and crystallizing themes. Clinic staff members and patients had mixed feelings about a text-only intervention. They overwhelmingly perceived a need to provide patients with appointment reminders and information about abnormal cervical screening results and colposcopy purpose and procedure. Both groups also thought messages emphasizing that human papillomavirus is common and cervical cancer can be prevented with follow-up could enhance attendance. However, some had concerns about the privacy of text messages and text fatigue. Both groups thought that talking to clinic staff members was needed in certain instances; they proposed connecting patients experiencing complex psychosocial or structural barriers to staff members for additional information, psychological support, and help with scheduling around work and finding childcare and transportation solutions. They also identified inadequate scheduling and reminder systems as barriers. From this feedback, we revised our text message content and intervention design, adding a health coaching component to support patients with complex barriers and concerns. Clinic staff members and patient perspectives are critical for designing appropriate and relevant interventions. These groups conveyed that text message-only interventions may be useful for patients with lesser barriers who may benefit from reminders, basic educational information, and scheduling support. However, multimodal interventions may be necessary for patients with complex barriers to colposcopy attendance, which we intend to evaluate in a subsequent trial.

The Effect of an Individualized Informational Intervention on the Quality of Life, Adherence and Psychosocial Economic Status of Patients with COPD: A Research Protocol

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a diverse negative impact on patients, affecting them both physically and mentally. Psychosocial factors such as anxiety, depression, social isolation, and financial stress have been found to be positively associated with more exacerbations, hospital readmissions, poor adherence to medication, and lower quality of life among patients with COPD. However, healthcare professionals, who have a crucial role in diagnosing and managing COPD, often overlook these psychosocial factors of the disease, despite growing evidence suggesting their crucial role in improving disease outcomes. Consequently, this study will evaluate the effectiveness of a personalized individualized informational intervention on the quality of life, adherence, and psychosocial economic status of patients with COPD in healthcare settings of Greece. Methods: A prospective, mixed-methods design will be used, incorporating both quantitative data through questionnaires, including the Short Form (SF-12), Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ), Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Financial Ability Scale (FAS), alongside qualitative data with questions exploring themes such as general health perception, treatment adherence, mental status, socioeconomic status, and disease management. Participants will consist of patients receiving care at primary healthcare facilities and respiratory hospital departments in Crete, Greece. The intervention will involve providing structured information on social, financial, and psychological support services, along with psychosocial counseling over a six-month period. The impact of the intervention will be measured using validated tools to assess health status, quality of life, treatment adherence, mental health, and socioeconomic status before and after the intervention. Conversely, qualitative interviews will be conducted to gain deeper insights into the impact of the intervention. Finally, when the analyses of both data types are finalized, they will be triangulated to achieve convergence. This procedure entails the creation of a figure or illustration that demonstrates the convergence or divergence of both data types. Conclusions: The findings of this study are expected to highlight the importance of integrating an individualized informational intervention into the management of COPD. Thus, this study could guide healthcare professionals and policymakers in improving COPD care and patient outcomes.

Interdisciplinary Study on the Peculiarities of Preserving the Mental Health of Minors and Youth in Conditions of Martial Law

According to estimates by experts from the World Health Organization, approximately 10 million citizens in Ukraine may be at risk of mental disorders that are directly associated with post- and long-COVID conditions, as well as the ongoing effects of martial law. These challenges have led to significant changes in the nation’s psycho-neurological and psycho-emotional health. Under ICD-11, recognized risk factors span infections, depression, substance addictions, polydrug use, smoking, and excessive consumption of alcohol or psychoactive substances. In wartime, such mental health disorders can reduce educational attainment, limit athletic performance, and undermine work capacity and professional qualifications. Recognizing the urgent need to address these issues, an interdisciplinary study has been conducted to identify the root causes and the conditions that give rise to mental health challenges among minors and youth. Drawing on forensic medical practice, it emphasizes the necessity of protecting the psychological well-being of the younger population during martial law. In addition, the study clarifies its relevance by examining factors that adversely affect minors and youth, including the stressful impacts of ongoing conflict and restricted access to support systems. It also explores psychological support methods that are both environmentally safe and sanctioned for use in Ukraine. Findings show that when psychologists with specialized training are involved, minors’ and youth mental health is safeguarded. By using evidence-based approaches, they boost resilience and foster healthier outcomes under challenging conditions. Such efforts not only preserve individual well-being but also support the broader goal of sustaining a capable population in times of crisis.

Characteristics, care and support needs of older Victorians requiring a government-funded Home Care Package: An observational study.

To describe sociodemographic characteristics and comprehensive day-to-day care and support needs of older Victorians requiring government-funded home-based aged-care, and to explore associations between vulnerability factors and complexity indicators in this population. A population-based observational study was conducted using de-identified, routinely collected aged-care assessment data for Victorians approved for a Home Care Package (HCP) between January 2019 and June 2022. The study population (n = 94,975 individuals), approved for one of four HCP levels (Levels 1 (5%), 2 (38%), 3 (34%) or 4 (24%)), was aged 82 years on average (SD 7.6), commonly born outside Australia (48%), with people of higher socio-economic status more likely to be approved for a high-level HCP. Advanced care and support needs such as for showering (53%) and dressing (43%) were common, with higher overall needs when cognitive and behavioural concerns such as short-term memory loss (75%) or agitation (21%) were present. 79% reported at least one vulnerability factor such as being socially isolated, culturally and linguistically diverse, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and 49% reported at least one complexity indicator. The three most prevalent complexity indicators were significant cognitive changes (29%), self-neglect (17%) and emotional/mental health issues (11%), which were generally positively associated with vulnerability factors. This population-based study provides evidence of the diverse sociodemographics, and often advanced day-to-day mobility, functional, physical, cognitive, behavioural, psychological and psychosocial care and support needs of people requiring home-based aged-care. It also highlights the multifaceted complexities within this population. Results could inform home care service-delivery models and workforce skill-mix requirements to efficiently and safely meet these needs.

Integrating Psychological Support and Topical Therapy for the Effective Management of Stress-Induced Alopecia Areata: A Case Report

Integrating Psychological Support and Topical Therapy for the Effective Management of Stress-Induced Alopecia Areata: A Case Report