Victoria Vaughan Dickson

Abstract

Background The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among U.S. adults has been rising annually, with a higher incidence rate in Black and Hispanic adults than in Whites. The American Heart Association (AHA) has defined cardiovascular health according to the achievement of seven health behaviors (smoking, body mass index [BMI], physical activity, diet) and health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure, fasting glucose). Optimal cardiovascular health has been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, and awareness of this risk may influence healthy behaviors. Objectives This study aimed to assess cardiovascular health in a sample of Black and Hispanic adults (age: 18-40 years) with T2DM and explore the barriers and facilitators to diabetes self-management and cardiovascular health. Methods This was an explanatory sequential mixed-method design. The study staff recruited adults with T2DM for the quantitative data followed by qualitative interviews with a subsample of participants using maximum variation sampling. The seven indices of cardiovascular health as defined by the AHA's "Life's Simple 7"were assessed: health behaviors (smoking, BMI, physical activity, diet) and health factors (total cholesterol, blood pressure, A1C). Qualitative interviews were conducted to explore their results as well as the effects of the pandemic on diabetes self-management. Qualitative and quantitative data were integrated into the final analysis phase. Results The majority of the sample was female, with 63% identifying as Black and 47% as Hispanic. The factor with the lowest achievement of ideal levels was BMI, followed by a healthy diet. Less than half achieved ideal levels of blood pressure or physical activity. Themes that emerged from the qualitative data included the impact of social support, the effects of the pandemic on their lives, and educating themselves about T2DM. Discussion Achievement of ideal cardiovascular health factors varied, but the achievement of several health factors may be interrelated. Intervening on even one factor while providing social support may improve other areas of cardiovascular health in this population.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the feasibility of a self-directed training protocol to promote actual arm use in everyday life. The secondary aim was to explore the initial efficacy on upper extremity (UE) outcome measures. Design: Feasibility study using multiple methods. Setting: Home and outpatient research lab. Participants: Fifteen adults (6 women, 9 men, mean age=53.08 years) with chronic stroke living in the community. There was wide range of UE functional levels, ranging from dependent stabilizer (limited function) to functional assist (high function). Intervention: Use My Arm-Remote protocol. Phase 1 consisted of clinician training on motivational interviewing (MI). Phase 2 consisted of MI sessions with participants to determine participant generated goals, training activities, and training schedules. Phase 3 consisted of UE task-oriented training (60 minutes/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks). Participants received daily surveys through an app to monitor arm training behavior and weekly virtual check-ins with clinicians to problem-solve challenges and adjust treatment plans. Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measures were feasibility domains after intervention, measured by quantitative study data and qualitative semi-structured interviews. Secondary outcomes included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), Motor Activity Log (MAL), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), and accelerometry-based duration of use metric measured at baseline, discharge, and 4-week follow-up. Results: The UMA-R was feasible in the following domains: recruitment rate, retention rate, intervention acceptance, intervention delivery, adherence frequency, and safety. Adherence to duration of daily practice did not meet our criteria. Improvements in UE outcomes were achieved at discharge and maintained at follow-up as measured by COPM-Performance subscale (F[1.42, 19.83]=17.72, P<.001) and COPM-Satisfaction subscale (F[2, 28]=14.73, P<.001), MAL (F[1.31, 18.30]=12.05, P<.01) and the FMA (F[2, 28]=16.62, P<.001). Conclusion: The UMA-R was feasible and safe to implement for individuals living in the community with chronic stroke. Adherence duration was identified as area of refinement. Participants demonstrated improvements in standardized UE outcomes to support initial efficacy of the UMA-R. Shared decision-making and behavior change frameworks can support the implementation of UE self-directed rehabilitation. Our results warrant the refinement and further testing of the UMA-R.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of short sleep duration is rising and is linked to chronic comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). Sleep extension interventions in adults with MetS comorbidities and short sleep duration are limited and vary widely in terms of approach and duration. Objectives: This pilot study aimed to test the feasibility and acceptability of a personalized 12-week systematic sleep time extension intervention on post-intervention sleep outcomes in middle-aged adults at risk forMetSwith actigraphy-estimated short sleep duration. Methods: A single-arm, 12-week, 12-session systematic sleep time extension intervention was delivered weekly via videoconferencing. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using retention rates and mean sleep diary completions. Sleep was estimated for 14 consecutive days prior to and immediately following the 12-week intervention using wrist actigraphy. Daytime sleepiness was assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Paired sample t-tests modeled changes in study outcomes. Results: Study participants (N = 41) had a mean age of 52 years and were mostly female and White; 86% attended >80% of sessions, and mean sleep diary completion was 6.7 diaries/week. Significant improvements in sleep from pre- to post-intervention included increased total sleep time, earlier sleep onsets, more regular sleep onsets, a higher sleep regularity index, and reduced daytime sleepiness. Extending sleep, as well as improving sleep timing and regularity in middle-aged adults with actigraphy-estimated short sleep duration and at risk for MetS, is feasible and acceptable. Discussion: Behavioral sleep characteristics may be modifiable and present a novel behavioral paradigm for mitigating MetS risk. This pilot study provides a proof of concept for the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a systematic sleep time extension for middle-aged adults at risk for MetS with actigraphy-estimated short sleep duration.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health (SDOH) may influence the clinical management of patients with heart failure. Further research is warranted on the relationship between SDOH and Ventricular Assist Device (VAD) therapy for heart failure.OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this integrative review was to synthesize the state of knowledge on the intersection of SDOH with VAD therapy.METHODS: Guided by Whittemore and Knafl's methodology, this literature search captured three concepts of interest including VAD therapy, SDOH, and their domains of intersection with patient selection, decision-making, treatment outcome, and resource allocation. CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched in March 2023. Articles were included if they were peer-reviewed publications in English, published between 2006 and 2023, conducted in the United States, and examined VAD therapy in the context of adult patients (age ≥ 18 years).RESULTS: 22 quantitative studies meeting the inclusion criteria informed the conceptualization of SDOH using the Healthy People 2030 framework. Four themes captured how the identified SDOH intersected with different processes relating to VAD therapy: patient decision-making, healthcare access and resource allocation, patient selection, and treatment outcomes. Most studies addressed the intersection of SDOH with healthcare access and treatment outcomes.CONCLUSION: This review highlights substantial gaps in understanding how SDOH intersect with patient and patient selection for VAD. More research using mixed methods designs is warranted. On an institutional level, addressing bias and discrimination may have mitigated health disparities with treatment outcomes, but further research is needed for implementing system-wide change. Standardized assessment of SDOH is recommended throughout clinical practice from patient selection to outpatient VAD care.

Abstract

Background: Aortic Stenosis (AS) is a common syndrome in older adults wherein the narrowing of the aortic valve impedes blood flow, resulting in advanced heart failure.1 AS is associated with a high mortality rate (50 % at 6 months if left untreated), substantial symptom burden, and reduced quality of life.1-3 Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) was approved in 2012 as a less invasive alternative to surgical valve repair, offering a treatment for older frail patients. Although objective outcomes have been widely reported,4 the perspectives of older adults undergoing the TAVR process have never been synthesized. Objectives: To contextualize the perspectives and experiences of older adults undergoing TAVR. Methods: An integrative review was conducted using Whittemore and Knafl's five-stage methodology.5 Four electronic databases were searched in April 2023. Articles were included if a qualitative methodology was used to assess the perceptions of older adults (>65 years old) undergoing or recovering from TAVR. Results: Out of 4619 articles screened, 12 articles met the criteria, representing 353 individuals from 10 countries. Relevant themes included the need for an individualized care plan, caregiver and family support, communication and education, persistent psychosocial and physical symptoms, and the unique recovery journey. Conclusion: Older adults with AS undergoing TAVR generally perceive their procedure positively. Improved interdisciplinary and holistic management, open communication, symptom assessment, support, and education is needed.

Abstract

Background: Chinese American immigrants have been underrepresented in health research partly due to challenges in recruitment. Objectives: This study aims to describe recruitment and retention strategies and report adherence in a 7-day observational physical activity study of Chinese American immigrants with prior gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Foreign-born Chinese women aged 18–45 years, with a gestational diabetes index pregnancy of 0.5–5 years, who were not pregnant and had no current diabetes diagnosis were recruited. They wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days and completed an online survey. Multiple recruitment strategies were used: (a) culturally and linguistically tailored flyers, (b) social media platforms (e.g., WeChat [a popular Chinese platform] and Facebook), (c) near-peer recruitment and snowball sampling, and (d) a study website. Retention strategies included flexible scheduling and accommodation, rapid communications, and incentives. Adherence strategies included a paper diary and/or automated daily text reminders with a daily log for device wearing, daily email reminders for the online survey, close monitoring, and timely problem-solving. Results: Participants were recruited from 17 states; 108 were enrolled from August 2020 to August 2021. There were 2,479 visits to the study webpage, 194 screening entries, and 149 inquiries about the study. Their mean age was 34.3 years, and the mean length of U.S. stay was 9.2 years. Despite community outreach, participants were mainly recruited from social media (e.g., WeChat). The majority were recruited via near-peer recruitment and snowball sampling. The retention rate was 96.3%; about 99% had valid actigraphy data, and 81.7% wore the device for 7 days. The majority of devices were successfully returned, and the majority completed the online survey on time. Discussion: We demonstrated the feasibility of recruiting and retaining a geographically diverse sample of Chinese American immigrants with prior gestational diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recruiting Chinese immigrants via social media (e.g., WeChat) is a viable approach. Nonetheless, more inclusive recruitment strategies are needed to ensure broad representation from diverse socioeconomic groups of immigrants.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Engagement with self-monitoring of blood pressure (BP) declines, on average, over time but may vary substantially by individual.OBJECTIVES: We aimed to describe different 1-year patterns (groups) of self-monitoring of BP behaviors, identify predictors of those groups, and examine the association of self-monitoring of BP groups with BP levels over time.METHODS: We analyzed device-recorded BP measurements collected by the Health eHeart Study-an ongoing prospective eCohort study-from participants with a wireless consumer-purchased device that transmitted date- and time-stamped BP data to the study through a full 12 months of observation starting from the first day they used the device. Participants received no instruction on device use. We applied clustering analysis to identify 1-year self-monitoring, of BP patterns.RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 52 years and were male and White. Using clustering algorithms, we found that a model with three groups fit the data well: persistent daily use (9.1% of participants), persistent weekly use (21.2%), and sporadic use only (69.7%). Persistent daily use was more common among older participants who had higher Week 1 self-monitoring of BP frequency and was associated with lower BP levels than the persistent weekly use or sporadic use groups throughout the year.CONCLUSION: We identified three distinct self-monitoring of BP groups, with nearly 10% sustaining a daily use pattern associated with lower BP levels.

Abstract

Work ability, or the perception of one’s ability to work presently and in the future, may impact quality of life (QOL) among young adult (YA) cancer survivors. Through a convergent mixed methods design, we explored work ability, work-related goals, and QOL among YA hematologic cancer survivors within five years of diagnosis. We described associations at the individual- and microsystem (work)- levels; and compared factors across low and high work ability groups. Participants (N = 40) completed a survey and interview via digital platforms. Qualitative analysis revealed self-assessed declines in work ability led to questioning work-related goals and influenced QOL. Integrated analysis led to the development of four profiles, growing our understanding of work’s influence on QOL for YA cancer survivors, and identifying components YAs considered when contemplating work-related goals after a cancer diagnosis. Larger studies are needed to elucidate these profiles and identify modifiable factors to inform targeted interventions to improve QOL.

Abstract

Background: Understanding alcohol use among nurses may inform interventions related to the coping mechanisms nurses use for workplace stress and trauma. Alcohol use can be caused by a variety of factors and has serious implications on a nurse's personal health and professional practice. Understanding psychosocial factors and preventive measures may assist in the development of interventions to improve coping mechanisms and reduce the incidence of alcohol misuse. Purpose: To review the psychosocial factors and preventive measures associated with alcohol use among nurses. Methods: For this integrative review, systematic searches were conducted in CINAHL, PubMed, PsychNet, and ProQuest Central. Included studies were peer-reviewed and addressed alcohol use among nurses in the United States. Articles were appraised using methods-specific tools indicated by the Whittemore and Knafl framework. Data were extracted and themes identified using constant comparison. Results: Of 6,214 nonduplicate articles screened, 78 were selected for full-text review and 13 were included after application of inclusion criteria. Synthesis resulted in four themes: (1) occupational stress and trauma, (2) workplace characteristics, (3) mental health implications, and (4) protective factors. The data show that workplace stress and trauma contribute to alcohol use among nurses. Night shifts, rotating shifts, and shift length are factors related to alcohol use, as are mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and suicide. Protective factors that reduce alcohol use among nurses include faith, resilience, and perceived organizational support. Conclusion: Alcohol use among nurses presents challenges for the nursing profession and regulatory bodies with specific and interrelated phenomena related to the role and identity of nurses. A better understanding of these factors through research will facilitate a healthier nursing workforce that is better prepared to take on the rewards and challenges of a nursing career.

Abstract

Background Emerging adults with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; however, there are both barriers and facilitators to achieving ideal cardiovascular health in this stage of their lives. Objectives The aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the barriers and facilitators of achieving ideal levels of cardiovascular health in a sample of emerging adults with T1DM ages 18-26 years. Methods A sequential mixed-methods design was used to explore achievement of ideal cardiovascular health using the seven factors defined by the American Heart Association (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, healthy diet, total cholesterol, blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1C [substituted for fasting blood glucose]). We assessed the frequency of achieving ideal levels of each cardiovascular health factor. Using Pender's health promotion model as a framework, qualitative interviews explored the barriers and facilitators of achieving ideal levels of each factor of cardiovascular health. Results The sample was mostly female. Their age range was 18-26 years, with a diabetes duration between 1 and 20 years. The three factors that had the lowest achievement were a healthy diet, physical activity at recommended levels, and hemoglobin A1C of <7%. Participants described lack of time as a barrier to eating healthy, being physically active, and maintaining in-range blood glucose levels. Facilitators included the use of technology in helping to achieve in-range blood glucose and social support from family, friends, and healthcare providers in maintaining several healthy habits. Discussion These qualitative data provide insight into how emerging adults attempt to manage their T1DM and cardiovascular health. Healthcare providers have an important role in supporting these patients in establishing ideal cardiovascular health at an early age.