Video Calls Research Articles

The Influence of Religious Beliefs on Health Decision-Making: Perspectives from Diverse Faith Communities

This study aims to explore the influence of religious beliefs on health decision-making among diverse faith communities. The research seeks to understand how religious doctrines, practices, and community dynamics shape health behaviors, medical interventions, mental health approaches, and end-of-life decisions. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights from participants. A purposive sample of 30 individuals representing various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and other minor faiths, was selected. Interviews were conducted in person or via video calls, recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was performed using NVivo software, following a thematic approach to identify and categorize key themes and subthemes. Theoretical saturation was achieved when no new information emerged from the interviews. The study identified several key themes: the influence of religious beliefs on health, the role of religious communities, and the interplay between religion and medicine. Participants reported that their religious beliefs significantly influenced dietary practices, medical interventions, mental health approaches, and end-of-life decisions. Religious communities provided crucial emotional and financial support, while religious leaders played a significant role in guiding health decisions. The compatibility and conflicts between religious beliefs and medical advice were evident, with participants employing various strategies to negotiate these differences within medical contexts. Religious beliefs profoundly shape health decision-making across diverse faith communities. Healthcare providers must recognize and respect these beliefs to provide culturally competent and holistic care. Training programs that enhance cultural and religious competence, collaborative approaches involving religious leaders, and institutional policies that accommodate religious practices can improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes. Future research should explore these dynamics with larger, more diverse samples and mixed-methods approaches.

MILITARY SURVEILLANCE BOT

This research describes a cutting-edge method for border and distant surveillance using multipurpose robots that are based on the most recent 3G technology used in defense and military applications. This autonomous vehicle has the capacity to conduct surveillance in border regions in place of soldiers. Using the internet as a communication tool, the robotic vehicle may be operated both manually and autonomously. This multimodal robot is employed in distant and combat zones to detect fire, explosives, hazardous gasses, and people. Traditional wireless security robots are rendered obsolete by their constrained human control and frequency range. The use of 3G technology, which has an infinite range, allows one to overcome these restrictions. By using solar panels, this system further improves the usage of renewable energy sources. Infrared and ultrasonic sensors are used to operate autonomously. The DTMF decoder controls the manual operation, and mobile phones are employed as video cameras by initiating 3G video calls and modifying the robot's course based on surrounding real-time information. The experimental findings of the solar panel's tilt angle selection and power consumption in both automated and manual modes are also shown in this study. Under certain conditions, this robotic vehicle may be used for both surveillance and reconnaissance.

Programa de exercícios multicomponentes domiciliar (VIVIFRAIL®) para longevos durante a pandemia da covid-19

Abstract Objective To investigate the acceptability and adequacy of a multicomponent exercise program via videoconferencing for the oldest-old in Porto Alegre, a city in southern Brazil. Method This is a quasi-experimental study. Fourteen participants were enrolled in the multicomponent exercise program Vivifrail® for 12 weeks, 5 days a week, with weekly video calls for assessment of acceptability and adequacy. The acceptability and adequacy questionnaire was based on 6 barriers that older adults face when engaging in physical exercise. Responses were measured using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 to 4 points, with a maximum score of 24 points (maximum acceptability). Results Fourteen participants (89.07±6.30 years) concluded the protocol, with an acceptability rate of 70%. Internal consistency was moderate, with a Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of 0.7. Participants showed an overall increase in acceptability and adequacy (from 17.8±3.51 points in the first week to 22.0±2.94 in the 12th week). Four participants (28.6%) required some modification to the exercise protocol. Conclusion The Vivifrail® protocol, together with weekly follow-up via videoconferencing, was well accepted and adequate. It could be an important tool for promoting quality of life, especially in the oldest-old with difficulty leaving home. The acceptability questionnaire was able to detect exercise barriers and suggest possible modifications to the training program and could be presented as a suggestion for the evaluation of intervention protocols in the oldest-old population. Therefore, the Vivifrail® protocol, with weekly follow-up via videoconferencing, could be a new field of intervention for health professionals.

Moving together-benefits of a 12-week online dance training intervention on static and dynamic postural stability and gait speed in older women: an exploratory pre-post study.

Physical inactivity negatively affects gait performance and postural stability in older adults resulting in a higher risk of fall accidents. Previous research has shown that in-person dance training improves various aspects of balance and lower-extremity function, however, little is known about the potential benefits of dance training delivered online on variables used for fall risk stratification in older adults. We aimed to explore the benefits of a 12-week online dance training intervention on static and dynamic postural stability and gait speed in older women. Forty-five older adults (44 women) were included in this exploratory pre-post study. The 12-week dance intervention consisted of two weekly 60-min classes in contemporary (improvisation) and salsa dance delivered online through Zoom video calls. Static and dynamic postural stability was assessed using the center of pressure (CoP) area and velocity (force platform), and the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), respectively. 10-m gait speed was measured using photo gates. Before and after comparisons were performed using paired sample t-tests. Thirty-two older women completed the study. There were no significant changes for static postural stability assessed by CoP area or velocity (P ≥ 0.218, Cohen d ≤ 0.234). The Mini-BESTest total score was significantly improved at post-intervention (23.88 ± 3.01) compared to baseline (22.56 ± 1.41, P = 0.007, d = 0.52). 10-m gait speed was significantly faster at post-intervention (1.68 ± 0.25 m/s) compared to baseline (1.57 ± 0.22 m/s, P < 0.001, d = 0.737). Although some caution is needed due to the uncontrolled study design, the results indicate that online dance training has a small effect on static postural stability but may be beneficial for gait speed and in particular dynamic postural control among older women. While the absolute increase in gait speed suggests limited clinical relevance, the change in Mini-BESTest score may reflect a clinically meaningful enhancement of dynamic postural control.

Pilot testing the Engaging Generations (eGen) Program to address social well-being among lower-income older adults.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to address digital inclusion and social well-being for older adults was particularly apparent for those from disadvantaged communities. This pilot program provided access to technology and intergenerational mentorship to older adult participants interested in receiving and learning how to utilize an iPad. Pre/post-changes were examined for social well-being in the areas of quality of life, social isolation, and loneliness. This study conducted pre- and post-surveys with older participants (n = 145) from five disadvantaged communities in the United States utilizing standardized measures. One-on-one interviews were conducted post-program (n = 98) to examine participants' perceptions of the program and evaluate its impact on social measures. The study sample included older adults (Mean age = 72.3) who were mostly lower income (82.3%) and self-reported as Black (13.6%), Hispanic (21.7%), and White (56.5%). Significant differences were identified in participant pre/post-survey scores for social isolation, loneliness, and a global measure of quality of life. Qualitative analyses suggest improvements in various aspects of social well-being. Themes showed that participants believed the program contributed to (1) enhanced mood and mental health, (2) improved quality of life, (3) sense of purpose and feelings of being less alone, (4) ability to use video calling to connect with others; and (5) ability to more freely use email, texting, and messaging to communicate with others. This research demonstrates that this pilot program seemed to contribute to reduced social isolation and loneliness for participants, and participants stated more positive social well-being following program participation. However, future research with larger samples is needed to expand upon these findings. Future studies will examine the pathways between technology improvements and social well-being and examine group differences.

The Implementation of the K-Medoid Clustering for Grouping Hearing Loss Function on Excessive Smartphone Use

During the current pandemic, smartphones have become a means of learning for all students in Indonesia, including high school students. Students use smartphones to send assignments, learn via video calls, and conduct online exams. The prolonged use of smartphones, from the beginning of learning hours in the morning to study hours in the evening, has a terrible impact on the ear health of high school students in Padang. Excessive smartphone use caused a decrease in the student's hearing function. Therefore, this study aims to group the audiometry results of high school students in Padang who have a hearing loss function. The audiogram result is only performed as the result of a frequency test of the subject's hearing in both the left and right ear. Conventionally, an otolaryngologist concluded the final decision of hearing loss ability. This research proposed an automatic classification of audiometry results using machine learning methods. The K-Medoids clustering was selected to classify the audiometry data in this research. Of 210 audiometry data, 91 data is confirmed by an otolaryngologist as valid data. By using the K-Medoids clustering, 93 data is classified into Normal hearing, Mild Hearing loss, and Moderate Hearing loss. The proposed model successfully grouped the audiometry data into three categories. The confusion matrix is applied to measure the model performance, which has 28,3% accuracy, 64,3% precision, and 21,4% recall.

The Implementation of the K-Medoid Clustering for Grouping Hearing Loss Function on Excessive Smartphone Use

During the current pandemic, smartphones have become a means of learning for all students in Indonesia, including high school students. Students use smartphones to send assignments, learn via video calls, and conduct online exams. The prolonged use of smartphones, from the beginning of learning hours in the morning to study hours in the evening, has a terrible impact on the ear health of high school students in Padang. Excessive smartphone use caused a decrease in the student's hearing function. Therefore, this study aims to group the audiometry results of high school students in Padang who have a hearing loss function. The audiogram result is only performed as the result of a frequency test of the subject's hearing in both the left and right ear. Conventionally, an otolaryngologist concluded the final decision of hearing loss ability. This research proposed an automatic classification of audiometry results using machine learning methods. The K-Medoids clustering was selected to classify the audiometry data in this research. Of 210 audiometry data, 91 data is confirmed by an otolaryngologist as valid data. By using the K-Medoids clustering, 93 data is classified into Normal hearing, Mild Hearing loss, and Moderate Hearing loss. The proposed model successfully grouped the audiometry data into three categories. The confusion matrix is applied to measure the model performance, which has 28,3% accuracy, 64,3% precision, and 21,4% recall.

The Implementation of the K-Medoid Clustering for Grouping Hearing Loss Function on Excessive Smartphone Use

During the current pandemic, smartphones have become a means of learning for all students in Indonesia, including high school students. Students use smartphones to send assignments, learn via video calls, and conduct online exams. The prolonged use of smartphones, from the beginning of learning hours in the morning to study hours in the evening, has a terrible impact on the ear health of high school students in Padang. Excessive smartphone use caused a decrease in the student's hearing function. Therefore, this study aims to group the audiometry results of high school students in Padang who have a hearing loss function. The audiogram result is only performed as the result of a frequency test of the subject's hearing in both the left and right ear. Conventionally, an otolaryngologist concluded the final decision of hearing loss ability. This research proposed an automatic classification of audiometry results using machine learning methods. The K-Medoids clustering was selected to classify the audiometry data in this research. Of 210 audiometry data, 91 data is confirmed by an otolaryngologist as valid data. By using the K-Medoids clustering, 93 data is classified into Normal hearing, Mild Hearing loss, and Moderate Hearing loss. The proposed model successfully grouped the audiometry data into three categories. The confusion matrix is applied to measure the model performance, which has 28,3% accuracy, 64,3% precision, and 21,4% recall.

Personal communication as a phenomenon in Algerian society: an ethnographic study on a sample of families in the state of M'Sila

This study was conducted in the province of M’Sila, Algeria, to understand the patterns of personal communication the patterns refer to the exchange of information, ideas, opinions, or emotions between two or more individuals in a direct and personal manner, typically through verbal or nonverbal means such as face-to-face conversations, phone calls, video chats, or written messages. It can occur between friends, family members, within families and its importance in strengthening family relationships. The researchers used Ethnographic methodology as a technique to reach the participants observation and interview tools to analyze the patterns of personal communication within families. The study showed that personal communication within families is continuous and characterized by affection, love, and respect, and there are differences in personal communication patterns between older and younger generations. The study also indicated that personal communication plays an important role in building family relationships, enhancing communication, and empathy among family members. The results of this study can be used to design training and educational programs to promote personal communication within families and enhance family relationships, thus promoting family health and stability. How to reference using ASWNet style: Takiedddine Y &amp; Taqiyeddine B. (2023). Personal communication as a phenomenon in Algerian society: an ethnographic study on a sample of families in the state of M'Sila. African Journal of Social Work, 13(6), 294-302. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.3 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Adapting to the Dark: A Novel Adaptive Low Light Illumination Correction Algorithm for Video Sequences in Wireless Communications

The lower image quality and higher noise levels of low light images can have a substantial effect on wireless communication. Images typically have less brightness, less clarity, and more picture noise in low light situations. The precision and dependability of picture-based communication may be impacted by this decline in image quality. Low light levels can be detrimental to video chats since it becomes difficult for the camera to get clear pictures of the user's face. This may lead to decreased video quality, trouble with facial recognition, and a generally worse user experience when communicating over video. Low light illumination correction algorithms are frequently made to work quickly and effectively in order to enable real-time video-based wireless communication. Correcting uneven illumination or low light in images is crucial for various fields; as such images pose challenges for human recognition, computer vision algorithms, and multimedia algorithms. An adaptive illumination correction algorithm based on a simple log transformation approach enhanced by a hyperbolic beta transformation and a logarithmic image processing is presented in this research. It has an adaptive optimization function that adjusts itself based on the image’s illumination and reflectance. Low computation and minimal parameter optimization are the hallmarks of this method. A variety of illuminated images and video sequences from various datasets are used to evaluate the suggested adaptive illumination approach. This adaptive illumination approach's experimental findings are impressive compared to those produced using prior techniques. The results reveal that the proposed system can adapt to various image-based communication and surveillance video sequences taken under various illumination conditions.

Access to Palliative Care in Low- and Middle-Income Countries during Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Era: A Kenyan Experience

The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic emphasized the role of palliative care as an essential service to patients and families affected by life-threatening illnesses. Challenges encountered included: patients were not able to access services due to lockdown or restricted movement, limited or no home-based care and visits, opioid analgesic supplies were depleted, high frequency of uncontrolled symptoms and psychosocial distress, limited patient-caregiver-clinician communication, reduced family interactions due to fear of infecting the already sick family members, few training opportunities for health care workers (HCW) and HCW distress and burn-out. To address these challenges, the following strategies were employed; utilization of digital technologies to match resources, innovation in provision of PC including adapting etiquette for patient care using digital technology, advocating policy changes, education, use of technology such as video calls among family members support for HCW.

Patient and family experiences of lysosomal storage diseases in Canada: A qualitative interview study.

Canadian patients and families affected by rare genetic lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) suffer from numerous challenges related to disease management, including issues navigating healthcare and social support services, access to orphan drugs, and intensive treatment regimens. These challenges significantly impact people's quality of life, yet they remain obscure and have not been the subject of comprehensive analysis. Thus, we conducted qualitative interviews with Canadian patients and caregivers living with LSDs to advance current understanding of their experiences with rare-disease (RD) management and health systems navigation to support patient-focused RD policies and programs and improve the health outcomes of the 2.8 million Canadians affected by RDs. This study employed a qualitative descriptive research design with inductive thematic analysis. The study data were collected using semi-structured interviews. Thirty Canadian participants were interviewed in person or remotely via video chat to allow for an interactive discussion and the acquisition of rich data related to the insights and perceptions of people with LSDs. Between April and November 2019, 30 participants (16 patients and 14 caregivers) with experiences with nine types of LSDs and living in seven Canadian provinces were interviewed. Five themes were identified using comprehensive thematic analysis. These themes were the complexity of the diagnosis process; navigation of healthcare systems; psychological, social, and financial implications of LSDs; access to social support services; and access to orphan drugs. Our findings reveal that patients' access to appropriate healthcare and social services is subject to significant delays and lacks care coordination. The process of accessing orphan drugs in Canada is extremely complex and convoluted. The study results also illuminate experiences of RD stigma when navigating healthcare and social support systems. Our study offers new insights into the complex nature and extensive needs of Canadians with LSDs that are currently unmet. The management of these complex diseases requires holistic patient care and support beyond having access to orphan drugs. Our findings highlight the importance of bridging existing gaps between health and social care for RD patients. Policymakers should utilize these results when developing the forthcoming national RD strategy.

Hybrid Home Care Pilot Project

1.The ‘Hybrid Home Care’ pilot project offers remote monitoring through video calls to eighty home care clients. The aim is to create an achievable and feasible ecosystem that integrates remote monitoring and home care services. The latter includes all types of non-medical support at home (e.g. cooking, personal hygiene) that help clients to live independently at home for as long as possible. The project is organised by three home care organizations (Familiehulp, Zorgband Leie &amp; Schelde and i-mens) and Remote Carecenter Z-plus. It was funded by the Flemish Department of Welfare and the three participating organizations.&#x0D; 2.Eighty home-care clients have received a tablet or television with an internet connection. Each client is contacted at least once a week through video call by one our caregiver. In addition to these weekly scheduled calls, the client can contact us 24/7 for a video conversation with a Z-plus operator. The device also allows clients to keep in touch with their family. However, participating clients often lacked digital skills. Therefore, we opted for a 'warm installation'. Our partner Zorg &amp; Meer visited each client at home to install and demonstrate the hardware and software. Additional support is available.&#x0D; 3.Our partner Artevelde University of Applied Sciences is researching the added value of Hybrid Home Care. Interim results are very encouraging and strengthen our believe that this hybrid form of care can be of tremendous value in many different ways.&#x0D; The newly acquired digital skills open many doors for them and amongst other things reduces loneliness by providing them with a new way to be connected to relatives. Relatives worry less about their loved one. Participating clients say they feel heard and generally feel better supported.&#x0D; The fact that our caregivers can see the client (as opposed to a telephone call) allows them to better assess the client's situation. This ensures that any needs will be picked up on sooner and any necessary preventive care measures can be implemented in time. &#x0D; Not only the clients benefit from hybrid care. Our (video)team is very enthusiastic about the project as it allows them to combine their job as home-based care provider with less physically demanding desk work. They indicate that they enjoy really listening to the client, rather than engaging in superficial conversation while doing other tasks in the client’s home. Hybrid Home Care also allows caregivers to work from home. &#x0D; 4.Hybrid Home Care proves to be an opportunity to improve the quality of life for our clients, their loved ones and our employees. Our clients feel more connected to their caregivers and their family. Our employees can combine physically demanding work with working from home, improving their work-life balance. &#x0D; 5. Hybrid Care requires a reconsideration of how public care fundings are allocated. For that reason we are in consultation with the government throughout the project. While this pilot project has promising first results, we have yet to learn how clients will evaluate this remote care when it is no longer free.&#x0D;

The Social Service of Health Insurance Funds? A VALUABLE partner in integrated care! There for everyone, with a focus on personal care and support!

There for everyone, with a focus on personal care and support! Who are the Social Service of the Health Insurance Companies? To be able to make use of the Belgian Social Security, every citizen must be affiliated with one of the recognized health insurance funds. This membership makes one eligible for e.g. reimbursement of medical care, benefits due to disability or pregnancy… However, the operation of a Belgian health insurance funds goes beyond these basic services. Every organization has a social service, tasked with the support of people’s request for help concerning matters of health,well-being, care such as the organization of home care, child benefits, complex social administration procedures, … Being subsidized by the Flemisch governement, these services are accessible and free for each citizen or member.Strengths of The Social Service of the Health Insurance Funds! A proactive approach&#x0D; The Social Service of each health insurance fund is committed to prevent underprotection (non-take up) and support the most vulnerable people of society. Each year they choose at least 3 target groups they approach proactively. An example of such a group is people who are hospitalized frequently and/or for a longer period of time. In these cases, the services take the initiative to contact the client and offer them some information about their services. Without obligation, the client can decide whether he/she wants to make use of the services.&#x0D; A guide, a coach, an advocate …&#x0D; The role of The Social Service changes based on what the client wants or needs. On one occasion our social workers can function as a guide in the elaborate and complex field of the available benefits and care on different governmental levels. On another, they can be a coach who empowers the client in achieving or pursuing a life goal. Based on their experiences with clients/members, the social departments have a signaling function to policymakers like the Flemish or Belgian governments.&#x0D; Multi-channel accessibility&#x0D; In order to keep up with an ever-becoming complex world and realize accessible care/support, The Social Services make use of an array of (digital) tools to (stay) connect(ed) with their client. House visits, (E-)mail, (Video) calls, swinging by the local office… there are multiple possibilities to ask/answer questions, exchange information, … The client can choose the medium he or she’s most comfortable with.&#x0D; &#x0D; A partner in health care and wellbeing&#x0D; Throughout the years The Social Services of the Health Insurance Funds have developed a great expertise in helping people with complex, multiple and/or chronic disabilities, health issues, social issues. Our social workers and occupational therapists work together, as a multidisciplinary team, to ensure a qualitive coaching and follow-up of their clients (and their needs). In order to keep providing this quality of care in the future, it has become clear that collaboration with others is necessary. That’s why the Social Services of the Health Insurance Funds have formed strong partnerships with other parties in the primary care such as (the social departments of) local governments or publicly funded wellbeing organizations.

Impact of an integrated clinical experience on Doctor of Physical Therapy students: a qualitative study

Purpose: Integrated Clinical Education (ICE) complements didactic material within educational programs, providing an in- person, hands-on experience in coordination with traditional instruction. Different models of ICE are described in the literature, which consists primarily of descriptions and program assessments of these experiences. The purpose of this study was to enhance the literature by applying rigorous methodology to gain a rich understanding of the student’s perspective of the process and impact of ICE on Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students working with older adults, a population not yet rigorously studied. Methods: A convenience sample of 19 DPT students participated in this study. A descriptive phenomenological approach obtained the perspectives of DPT students engaged in this ICE. Researchers conducted six focus groups using a video chat format following the ICE. Results: Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis of focus group transcriptions: transformation, circular learning, role of relationships, rollercoaster of emotions, and perceived perks for older adults through the students’ perspective. Conclusion: Findings are consistent with the literature and support ICE as a complement to didactic learning, especially for those skills that are challenging to teach in the classroom. This study added to the literature by identifying relationship building and circular learning as essential components of ICE. Students also identified and resolved implicit biases previously held about older adults. Further research is warranted to deepen an understanding of these findings, with a mixed-method approach to gather quantitative data to link the ICE process with outcomes.

Motivational interviewing for weight management among college students during COVID-19: An exploratory randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCollege students encounter challenges in managing their weight. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated the problem. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a motivational interviewing (MI) intervention compared to online education (control) on body composition and self-determination theory constructs among college students with overweight. MethodsThis was a randomized clinical trial of 40 college students comparing an MI versus a control group. The MI group received monthly interviews: three face-to-face interviews before the pandemic, and three video chat interviews after the outbreak of COVID-19 spanning a total of six months. The control group received six, monthly education modules. Body composition was measured by the iDexa and self-determination theory (SDT) variables were assessed with surveys. ResultsMixed ANOVAs from pre-post revealed significant changes in fat mass (p = .03, η2 = 0.22), lean mass (p < .05, η2 = 0.18), body fat percentage (p < .01, η2 = 0.37), autonomy (p < .01, η2 = 0.38), relatedness (p < .01, η2 = 0.41), amotivation (p = .01, η2 = 0.29), external regulation (p = .02, η2 = 0.23), identified regulation (p = .02, η2 = 0.25), integrated regulation (p < .00, η2 = 0.49), and intrinsic regulation (p = .01, η2 = 0.27). ConclusionsIn this exploratory analysis, MI demonstrated a positive trend in body composition maintenance when compared to online education among overweight college students during a national pandemic. Future studies utilizing MI would enhance the literature by further investigating the relationship between MI and SDT and measuring body composition.Clinicaltrials.gov. identifier: NCT04130386.

Psychological impact of medical evacuation for ICU saturation in Covid-19-related ARDS patients

PurposePsychological impact of Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) in Covid-19 patients is undetermined. The objectives were to evaluate: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in MEDEVAC patients hospitalized in ICU for Covid-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) compared to control group; anxiety, depression rates and outcomes in patients and PTSD in relatives. Material and methodsThis is a retrospective multicentric 1/1 paired cohort performed in 10 ICUs in the West of France. Evaluation was performed 18 months after discharge. Patients and closest relatives performed IES-R (Impact and Event Scale-Revised) and/or HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) scales. ResultsTwenty-six patients were included in each group. Patients were 64 ± 11 years old, with 83% male. We report 12 vs 20% of PTSD in control vs MEDEVAC groups (p = 0.7). Anxiety disorder affected 43.5 vs 28.0% (p = 0.26) and depression 12.5 vs 14.3% (p > 0.99) in control vs MEDEVAC groups. PTSD affects 33.3 vs 42.1% of closest relatives (p = 0.55). Ways of communication were adapted: video calls were more frequent in MEDEVAC patients (8.7 vs 60.9%, p < 0.01) whereas physical visits concerned more control group (45.8 vs 13.0%, p = 0.01). ConclusionsPTSD rate were similar between groups. Adaptive ways of communication, restricted visits and global uncertainties could explain the absence of differences.

IN-PERSON AND TECHNOLOGY-BASED SOCIAL INTERACTION IN OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC 2022

Abstract Social support is an important factor in the health and well-being of older adults. Early COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted in-person social interactions but presumably increased technology-based social connection. This work examines social interactions during Spring of 2022 in older Arkansans with widely available vaccines and waning lockdowns to investigate current in-person and online social interactions. During Spring 2022, 603 older Arkansans (65+) (86.5% White, non-Hispanic, 65.9% women) completed the 20 question self-report automated survey (text or phone). Results indicated 27.6% continued to curtail in-person interactions significantly; however, 63% engaged in in-person social interactions outside their home more than once a week. Video chatting pre-pandemic was prevalent (40% video chatting multiple times a week); still, 20.6% never did. 22.8% reported increased video chatting during the pandemic, but surprisingly, 37.3% reported a decline. 70% felt socially connected during online interactions. Only 78% reported being satisfied with their social connection compared to 93% pre-pandemic. These findings suggest that while many have re-established in-person social interactions, around one-quarter of participants continue to curtail in-person interaction and report social connection dissatisfaction. Social technology alternatives were increased by about one quarter of participants and were reported to lead to feelings of social connection when used, and yet a decline in this usage was reported across 40% of these participants during the pandemic. These data support access to technology-based social interactions through expansion and improvement of older adult friendly virtual platforms and internet access which could help improve quality and quantity of social connection and reduce social isolation.

ARE YOU A REAL PARTICIPANT? EXPERIENCES WITH FRAUDULENT PARTICIPATION ACROSS TWO FUNDED STUDIES

Abstract While offering financial incentives for participation in research studies is common, less discussed is the potential impact of fraudulent participation for financial gain. Survey and data management software provide safeguards for fraud detection but enabling detection does not automatically weed out fraudulent responses. Few resources provide guidelines for identifying or managing fraudulent participation. Thoughtful processes are important, while also being mindful of normal research behaviors which might get flagged as suspicious, for example due to low literacy skills. This presentation discusses experiences across two studies with adults living with serious illness and/or their family members and two different types of fraudulent participation: online surveys and studies requiring personal interaction. Study one is a pilot instrument validation study collecting online survey data. Recruitment occurred locally through listservs and a research participation database from a large university hospital. Study two is a mixed-methods longitudinal design where survey and interview data are collected via phone or video calls. Participants for this study were recruited nationwide using multiple strategies, including social media. Both offer time-saving insights for dealing with fraudulent participation in research. For example, study one provides tips for planning how to manage spam/bots prior to data collection, including setting up filters to automatically weed out identified spam, creating automatic messaging included in the survey in the event it needs to be paused, and identifying potential problematic patterns in data that bypasses fraud detection. Study 2 emphasizes the importance of creating strong verification procedures for study eligibility when relying on participant reporting.

THE VOICE OF OLDER ADULTS ON DIGITAL INCLUSION FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract With the rapid ageing population and the experience of Covid-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need to create a digitally inclusive healthy society. Singapore, as a smart nation, has been at the forefront of promoting digital inclusion to all age groups, including older adults. According to the Statista (2022), 88.5% of the population in Singapore are using internet and 56% of those over 60 are smartphone users. The use of digital technology for health promotion holds enormous potential to empower individuals and communities, particularly in the context of healthy and active ageing. The older adults in this study are adept at using the basic function of the smart phone rather than a computer. Some have even attended the national program, “Seniors Go Digital,” to learn about basic communication tools, file messaging, video calling, accessing government digital services, using e-payment tools, etc. They have also shared the barriers they face in using the internet, such as declines in vision, cognitive ability, and hearing, as well as the opportunities they have found, such as arrange telemedicine and access to the e-health systems. Besides, they found that the peer support and social networks are very important to support their digital learning journey. Though fear of encountering cheats and scams is common, they can be overcome by building confidence through peer support and self-efficacy. During the presentation, the authors will identify the contextual influences of digital inclusion and its impacts on healthy ageing in Singapore.