Publications

Abstract

OBJECTIVESDry mouth is a common condition among older adults that negatively influences oral health, general health, and quality of life. The role of psychosocial factors in oral health conditions and diseases remains largely unknown. We conducted a study to examine the relationship between perceived stress and dry mouth among US older Chinese adults and further investigated the potential moderating role of social support and social strain from different sources in the relationship.DESIGNCross‐sectional analysis.SETTINGBaseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago, a community‐engaged, population‐based longitudinal study of health and well‐being among community‐dwelling US older Chinese adults.PARTICIPANTSIndividuals 60 years or older (N = 3157).MEASUREMENTSPerceived stress was measured by the 10‐item Chinese Perceived Stress Scale to evaluate the degree to which life situations were perceived as stressful during the preceding month on a 5‐point scale, ranging from 0 (“never”) to 4 (“very often”). Dry mouth was a binary self‐reported outcome variable (1 = “dry mouth”). Social support was measured by the Health and Retirement Study's social support and strain scale from sources including spouse, other family members, and friends with a 3‐point response set, ranging from 0 (“hardly ever”) to 2 (“often”). Sociodemographics and disease processes were assessed as covariates. We conducted stepwise logistic regressions with interaction terms.RESULTSHaving higher levels of perceived stress was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of reporting dry mouth (odds ratio = 1.03; 95% confidence interval = 1.02‐1.04). The effect of perceived stress on dry mouth may vary by levels of family and friend support.CONCLUSIONPerceived stress may influence dry mouth either directly or indirectly. To prevent or reduce dry mouth, in addition to disease processes, interventions need to consider psychosocial factors in dry mouth, especially perceived stress and social support, in this growing population. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S551–S556, 2019.

Abstract

Background: Engagement in the HIV care continuum combined with office-based opioid treatment remains a cornerstone in addressing the intertwined epidemics of opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV/AIDS. Factors influencing patient engagement with OUD and HIV care are complex and require further study. Methods: In this qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted among 23 adult patients who use drugs (PWUD) in an inpatient detoxification program in New York City. The semi-structured interview guide elicited participant experiences with various phases of the HIV care continuum, including factors influencing access to HIV care, interactions with HIV and primary care providers, preferences around integrated care approaches for OUD and HIV, and barriers experienced beyond clinical settings which affected access to HIV care (e.g., insurance issues, transportation, cost, retrieving prescriptions from their pharmacy). Data collection and thematic analysis took place concurrently using an iterative process-based established qualitative research method. Results: Respondents elicited high acceptability for integrated or co-located care for HIV and OUD in primary care. Factors influencing engagement in HIV care included (1) access to rapid point-of-care HIV testing and counseling services, (2) insurance coverage and costs related to HIV testing and receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART), (3) primary care providers offering HIV care and buprenorphine, (4) illicit ART sales to pharmacies, (5) disruption in supplies of ART following admissions to inpatient detoxification or residential treatment programs, (6) in-person and telephone contact with peer support networks and clinic staff, (7) stigma, and (8) access to administrative support in primary care to facilitate reengagement with care following relapse, behavioral health services, transportation vouchers, and relocation from subsidized housing exposing patients to actively using peers. Conclusion: These findings suggest expanding clinical and administrative support in primary care for PWUDs with patient navigators, case managers, mobile health interventions, and peer support networks to promote linkage and retention in care.

Abstract

Objective: Enhancing physician resilience has the promise of addressing the problem of burnout, which threatens both doctors and patients and increases in residents with each year of training. Programmes aimed at enhancing physician resilience are heterogeneous and use varied targets to measure efficacy, because there is a lack of clarity regarding this concept. A more robust understanding of how resilience is manifested could enhance efforts to create and measure it in physicians in training. Methods: A qualitative study used grounded theory methodology to analyse semi-structured interviews with a purposive, intensity sample of obstetrics and gynaecology residents in an urban academic health centre. Longitudinal engagement through two sets of interviews 3-6 months apart allowed for variations in season and context. Thematic saturation was achieved after enrollment of 18 residents representing all 4 years of postgraduate training. A three-phase coding process used constant comparison, reflective memos and member checking to support the credibility of the analysis. Results: A conceptual model for resilience as a socio-ecological phenomenon emerged. Resilience was linked to professional identity and purpose served to root the individual and provide a base of support through adversity. Connections to others inside and outside medicine were essential to support developing resilience, as was finding meaning in experiences. The surrounding personal and professional environments had strong influences on the ability of individuals to develop personal resilience. Conclusions: Physician resilience in this context emerged as a developmental phenomenon, influenced by individual response to adversity as well as surrounding culture. This suggests that both programmes teaching individual skills as well as systematic and cultural interventions could improve a physician's capacity to thrive.

Abstract

Introduction: Emergency departments (ED) care for society's most vulnerable older adults who present with exacerbations of chronic disease at the end of life, yet the clinical paradigm focuses on treatment of acute pathologies. Palliative care interventions in the ED capture high-risk patients at a time of crisis and can dramatically improve patient-centred outcomes. This study aims to implement and evaluate Primary Palliative Care for Emergency Medicine (PRIM-ER) on ED disposition, healthcare utilisation and survival in older adults with serious illness. Methods and analysis: This is the protocol for a pragmatic, cluster-randomised stepped wedge trial to test the effectiveness of PRIM-ER in 35 EDs across the USA. The intervention includes four core components: (1) evidence-based, multidisciplinary primary palliative care education; (2) simulation-based workshops; (3) clinical decision support; and (4) audit and feedback. The study is divided into two phases: a pilot phase, to ensure feasibility in two sites, and an implementation and evaluation phase, where we implement the intervention and test the effectiveness in 33 EDs over 2 years. Using Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) data, we will assess the primary outcomes in approximately 300 000 patients: ED disposition to an acute care setting, healthcare utilisation in the 6 months following the ED visit and survival following the index ED visit. Analysis will also determine the site, provider and patient-level characteristics that are associated with variation in impact of PRIM-ER. Ethics and dissemination: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained at New York University School of Medicine to evaluate the CMS data. Oversight will also be provided by the National Institutes of Health, an Independent Monitoring Committee and a Clinical Informatics Advisory Board. Trial results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Abstract

Health systems around the world are faced with the challenge of improving the efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of service delivery. Pasmore defines organisational technology as consisting of the tools, techniques, devices, artefacts, methods, configurations, procedures and knowledge used to acquire inputs, transform inputs to outputs and provide services to clients. Socio-technical theory provides a framework to examine the adaptation of new technology into the organisational routines for the delivery of clinical care. A recent review conducted by the NHS Research and Development Health Technology Assessment Programme (HTAP) highlights the flaws in the existing research and development model of clinical care technologies. The principle of emergent competition provides the foundation for a new model of process innovation for clinical care technology. The durable technology sector in health care, through a combination of intellectual property rights and regulatory requirements for proof of effectiveness has produced an extraordinary flow of new effective technologies.

Abstract

Objective: The majority of groceries purchased by US households are industrially processed, yet it is unclear how processing level influences diet quality. We sought to determine if processing level is associated with diet quality of grocery purchases. Design: We analysed grocery purchasing data from the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey 2012-2013. Household grocery purchases were categorized by the NOVA framework as minimally processed, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods or ultra-processed foods. The energy share of each processing level (percentage of energy; %E) and Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) component and total scores were calculated for each household's purchases. The association between %E from processed foods and ultra-processed foods, respectively, and HEI-2015 total score was determined by multivariable linear regression. Foods purchased by households with the highest v. lowest ultra-processed food purchases and HEI-2015 total score <40 v. ≥60 were compared using linear regression. Setting: USA. Participants: Nationally representative sample of 3961 households. Results: Processed foods and ultra-processed foods provided 9·2 (se 0·3) % and 55·8 (se 0·6) % of purchased energy, respectively. Mean HEI-2015 score was 54·7 (se 0·4). Substituting 10 %E from minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients for ultra-processed foods decreased total HEI-2015 score by 1·8 points (β = -1·8; 95 % CI -2·0, -1·5). Processed food purchases were not associated with diet quality. Among households with high ultra-processed food purchases, those with HEI-2015 score <40 purchased less minimally processed plant-foods than households with HEI-2015 score ≥60. Conclusions: Increasing purchases of minimally processed foods, decreasing purchases of ultra-processed foods and selecting healthier foods at each processing level may improve diet quality.

Abstract

Chronic diseases have become serious threats to public health in China; the risk is particularly high for internal migrants. Chronic disease education is a key to the prevention and control of chronic diseases for such population. The national population-based Migrants Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey (MPSMA) was used to examine the current status and delivery methods of chronic disease education among internal migrants, from both provincial level and individual’s level. The study population included 402 587 internal migrants. Multilevel logistic regression was used to investigate factors that were related to chronic diseases education. In total, only 33.9% of the participants received chronic disease education. In the final model, parameter estimates on key variables from both individual and provincial level were significant (P < .001). Participants from provinces with higher level of health care resources and lower density of internal migrants were more likely to receive chronic disease education. The percentage and methods of receiving education varied across different age groups. This study suggests that future chronic disease education in China need to be more focused on areas with high density of internal migrants and younger internal migrants with low level of education and income. Attention should be paid to use tailored education methods to different populations.

Abstract

End-of-life care in the intensive care unit is fraught with complicated psychological responses by patients, families, and staff. Empathic and mindful communication, inclusion of all integral staff in decision-making meetings, and multidimensional support of patients and families can ease the transition away from aggressive life-prolonging to comfort-oriented end of life care. Primary palliative care communication strategies can help clarify goals of care and facilitate transitions. Early integration of specialist palliative care is recommended.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the 22-item Barriers to Healthy Eating (BHE) scale in four independent weight loss studies conducted over 13 years.METHODS: Principal axis factoring with promax rotation was performed to reveal the underlying factor structure. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach α, and convergent validity was assessed by correlating the baseline BHE with the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle questionnaire total and subscale scores. Predictive validity was examined by the association of BHE change with weight loss over 6 months.RESULTS: The four studies had similar gender (82.9%-89.9% female) and race (70.5%-81.4% white) distributions. Factor analyses suggested removal of two items and a three-factor structure: self-control and motivation (10 items), daily mechanics (7 items), and social support (3 items). The Cronbach α for the 20-item BHE ranged from 0.849 to 0.881 across the four studies. The BHE and Weight Efficacy Lifestyle questionnaire total and subscale scores were all negatively correlated with each other, showing good convergent validity (r = 0.120-0.544, P < 0.05). BHE change was associated with weight loss from 0 to 6 months (r = 0.282-0.450, P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The BHE scale showed very good psychometric properties over time, supporting its use in measuring barriers to one's ability to adopt or maintain a healthy eating plan.

Abstract

Purpose of Review: This review discusses recent evidence on the association of dietary carbohydrates (quantity, quality, and timing of intake) with hypertension (HTN) risk and out-of-clinic blood pressure (BP) measures. Recent Findings: Studies on carbohydrate quantity are inconclusive, but low carbohydrate diets may be associated with lower BP. Plant-based carbohydrate-containing foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lower HTN risk and 24-h BP. Excessive sugar intakes from sugar-sweetened beverages are associated with higher BP levels and HTN risk, with evidence of a dose-response relationship. Preliminary data suggest that timing of carbohydrate intake may influence HTN risk and 24-h BP. Summary: The role of carbohydrate nutrition in HTN’s etiology warrants further investigation. Additional studies are needed to investigate the influence of dietary carbohydrates on HTN risk and the circadian pattern of BP, evaluate potential sex and racial/ethnic differences in these associations, and elucidate underlying mechanisms.

Abstract

Information regarding nutritional risk among users of American adult day health centers (ADHCs), 60% of whom are racial minorities, is scant. This study examined nutritional risk and associated factors in a diverse sample ADHC users aged 50+ using secondary cross-sectional analysis of data collected between 2013 and 2017. Risk was assessed using the DETERMINE checklist, and results were stratified by race. The majority of the sample (N = 188) was at moderate (45.2%) or high (38.5%) nutritional risk, with statistically significant racial differences. Blacks were at greater risk than any other group: 65% had high nutritional risk; 76.5% ate <5 servings of fruits, vegetables, or milk daily; 21% ate <2 meals daily, 48.5% reported involuntary weight loss/gain, and 41.2% had tooth loss/mouth pain. Older adults in ADHCs are at elevated risk of malnutrition, disproportionately so amongst blacks. Both routine nutrition screening and population-specific approaches are needed to attenuate risk.

Abstract

This study examines racial/ethnic disparities of dental service utilization for foreign-born and U.S.-born dentate residents aged 50 years and older. Generalized linear mixed-effects models (GLMM) were used to perform longitudinal analyses of five-wave data of dental service utilization from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). We used stratified analyses for the foreign-born and U.S.-born and assessed the nonlinear trend in rates of dental service utilization for different racial/ethnic groups. Findings indicate that Whites had higher rates of service utilization than Blacks and Hispanics regardless of birthplace. For all groups, the rates of service utilization decreased around age 80, and the rates of decline for Whites were slower than others. The U.S.-born showed the trend of higher rates of service utilization than the foreign-born for all racial/ethnic groups. These findings suggest the importance of developing culturally competent programs to meet the dental needs of the increasingly diverse populations in the United States.

Abstract

Background: Much of the discourse surrounding children's advocacy in the United States relies on a rights-based approach. We argue that this approach has limitations that impede progress in advancing children's well-being. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explain alternatives to a rights-based approach in advocating for children, such as developmental, economic, capabilities, and mutualism frameworks. Methods: Our analysis is based on the independent work of two separate university-based groups studying children's rights; the authors were each members of one of the groups and subsequently integrated their findings for this article. Discussion: US policies for children, especially in the domains of health and education, depict an unevenness that results in many children failing to receive certain critical services and benefits. Relying on a rights-based approach to correct these disparities and inequities is contentious and has yet to sufficiently change state and federal policies or improve children's health outcomes. Other approaches are needed to advance children's well-being. Conclusion: Nurses individually and collectively need to be mindful of the pitfalls of a rights-based approach and use other frameworks in advocating for children and youth.

Abstract

Many older adults transfer from the hospital to a post-acute care (PAC) facility and back to the hospital in the final phase of life. This phenomenon, which we have dubbed “Rehabbing to death,” is emblematic of how our healthcare system does not meet the needs of older adults and their families. Policy has driven practice in this area including seemingly benign habits such as calling PAC facilities “rehab.” We advocate for practice changes: (1) calling PAC “after-hospital transitional care,” rather than “rehab”; (2) adopting a serious illness communication model when discussing new care needs at the end of a hospitalization; and (3) policies that incentivize comprehensive care planning for older adults across all settings and provide broad support and training for caregivers. In realigning health and social policies to meet the needs of older adults and their caregivers, fewer patients will be rehabbed to death, and more will receive care consistent with their preferences and priorities. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:2398–2401, 2019.

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the association between rural and urban residential mobility and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults in China. Method: We used data from the World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health that included adults age 50+ from China (N = 12,410). We used multivariate linear regressions to examine how residential mobility and age at migration were associated with cognitive function. Results: Urban and urban-to-urban residents had the highest level of cognitive function, whereas rural and rural-to-rural residents had the poorest cognitive function. Persons who migrated to/within rural areas before age 20 had poorer cognitive function than those who migrated during later adulthood. Socioeconomic factors played a major role in accounting for the disparities in cognition; however, the association remained significant after inclusion of all covariates. Discussion: Residential mobility and age at migration have significant implications for cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults in China.

Abstract

Cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Korea. However, there has been no previous nursing literature review on the phenomenon of resilience among cancer patients in Korea. The purpose of this study was to identify information about theories, instruments, correlates, and outcomes of resilience in the cancer experiences of Korean adults. This was a scoping review that searched Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, DBpia, and the Korean Studies Information Service System between 2000 and 2016 in order to identify English and Korean research reports. The review yielded 17 quantitative studies, including 2 resilience theories and 6 resilience-specific instruments. The factors self-efficacy, hope, social supports, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression were associated with resilience, regardless of the type of cancer. Quality of life and coping were commonly investigated outcome variables for resilience. This review suggests that a nursing theory reflecting Korean culture and qualitative research concerning the phenomenon of resilience should be conducted as research priorities as the foundation for developing culturally appropriate tools for resilience. This will lead to enhanced quality of life among Korean cancer patients, which is the core of palliative nursing care.

Abstract

This study examined the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms and the extent to which the association is contingent upon risk and resiliency, including immigration status, functional limitations, financial strains, and intergenerational support, among older Mexican Americans. The sample included 344 parent-child pairs reported by 83 respondents. Clustered regression analysis showed that widowhood elevated risks for depressive symptoms. We found that having some functional limitations, having more children and living in the same city with children exacerbated the adverse effects of widowhood on depressive symptoms. We also found that living in the same city with children increased the detrimental effects of widowhood on the depressive symptoms in men, whereas we did not find this pattern in women. The findings highlight the heterogeneity within the widowed Mexican American older adults. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.