Digital Commons Network^™

Validating The Psychosocial Functioning During Covid-19 Questionnaire Among A Sample Of Informal Caregivers, Trisha Arnold, Zachary J. Kunicki, Brooke G. Rogers, Kayla K. Haubrick, Lynne Klasko-Foster, Alyssa L. Norris, Megan M. Drohan, Mary L. Greaney, Steven Cohen

Public Health Faculty Publications

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact on global economies and societies. Although social distancing policies are needed to contain the spread and impact of COVID-19, they also impose a psychological and economic burden on people who are already experiencing increased distress such as caregivers. Yet, few measures have been developed and validated to measure the psychosocial impact of COVID-19. Utilizing item response theory (IRT), the purpose of this study was to develop and psychometrically validate a measure of psychosocial functioning—the Psychosocial Functioning during COVID-19 (PFC-19) Questionnaire—to assess changes in social interaction, mental health, health behavior, and global functioning …

Rural-Urban Differences In Caregiver Burden Due To The Covid-19 Pandemic Among A National Sample Of Informal Caregivers, Steven Cohen, Zachary J. Kunicki, Caitlin C. Nash, Megan M. Drohan, Mary L. Greaney

Public Health Faculty Publications

The objective of this exploratory study was to explore potential associations between changes to caregiver burden (CB) due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rural-urban status using a nationally representative sample of 761 informal caregivers. Tertiles of two measures of rural-urban status were used: Rural-Urban Commuting Areas (RUCAs) and population density. Bivariate and multivariable binary and ordinal logistic regression were used to asses study objectives. Using RUCAs, rural informal caregivers were more than twice as likely as urban informal caregivers to report a substantial increase in CB due to COVID-19 (OR 2.27, 95% CI [1.28–4.02]). Similar results were observed for population …

Balance In Life As A Prerequisite For Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Sense Of Health And Well-Being After Retirement: An Interview-Based Study, Catharina Gillsjö, Maria Nyström, Lina Palmér, Gunilla Carlsson, Ann-Charlotte Dalheim-Englund, Irene Eriksson

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

Purpose: This study aimed to describe community-dwelling older adults’ perceptions of health and well-being in life after retirement.

Methods: This study is part of a larger project using a mixed-methods design to address lifestyles’ influence on community-dwelling older adults’ health. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 older adults in age 70 to 95 years. Data were analysed according to a phenomenographic approach.

Results: The results encompass four categories describing variations in community-dwelling older adults’ perceptions of health and well-being after retirement: feeling well despite illness and disease, interacting with and being useful for oneself and others, independently embracing opportunities …

Preferences Of Seniors Living In Selected Baltic Sea Region Countries Towards The Use Of Indoor Public Space Furniture, Beata Fabisiak, Anna Jankowska, Robert Klos, Catharina Gillsjö, Igor Kuprienko, Lyudmila Vidasova, Anja Poberznik, Vineta Kreigere

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

Demographic changes can be observed all over the world. The number of seniors located in the societies of well-developed countries continues to rise. Both enterprises and governments need to be prepared for such changes. Consequently, public spaces need to evolve to reduce problems related to ageism and be friendly to all. Much attention is currently being paid to finding solutions for redesigning public spaces and adjusting them to the needs and requirements of senior citizens. To identify the preferences of seniors in relation to the characteristics of furniture in indoor public spaces, a survey study with 1539 respondents aged 60+ …

Predictors Of Potentially Suboptimal Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infections In Long-Term Care Facilities, Haley J. Appaneal, R. Caffrey, Vrishali V. Lopes, Vincent Mor, David M. Dosa, Kerry L. Laplante, Theresa I. Shireman

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: Suboptimal antibiotic treatment of urinary tract infection (UTI) is high in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and likely varies between facilities. Large-scale evaluations have not been conducted.

Aim: To identify facility-level predictors of potentially suboptimal treatment of UTI in Veterans Affairs (VA) LTCFs and to quantify variation across facilities.

Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 21,938 residents in 120 VA LTCFs (2013–2018) known as Community Living Centers (CLCs). Potentially suboptimal treatment was assessed from drug choice, dose frequency, and/or treatment duration. To identify facility characteristics predictive of suboptimal UTI treatment, LTCFs with higher and lower rates of suboptimal …

Program Development Using Intervention Mapping In Primary Healthcare Settings To Address Elder Abuse: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study, Sonia Oveisi, Lynda A. Stein, Forozan Olfati, Shima Jahed

Psychology Faculty Publications

Background: Abuse of elderly women is of great concern and yet relatively little is known about interventions.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and test a culturally informed treatment, based on Intervention Mapping (IM), for primary healthcare settings. The intervention targets family members of elderly women and seeks to reduce elder abuse.

Methods: N = 80 family members of elderly women were randomized to intervention or control. Elderly women completed assessment prior to randomization. Elder abuse was measured by self-reported frequency of neglect, physical, psychological, and financial abuse in the last 2 months across 16 items. Intervention …

Poor Clinical Outcomes Associated With Suboptimal Antibiotic Treatment Among Older Long-Term Care Facility Residents With Urinary Tract Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Haley J. Appaneal, I. Shireman, Vrishali V. Lopes, Vincent Mor, David M. Dosa, Kerry L. Laplante, Aisling R. Caffrey

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Background: Antibiotic use is associated with several antibiotic-related harms in vulnerable, older long-term care (LTC) residents. Suboptimal antibiotic use may also be associated with harms but has not yet been investigated. The aim of this work was to compare rates of poor clinical outcomes among LTC residents with UTI receiving suboptimal versus optimal antibiotic treatment.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among residents with an incident urinary tract infection (UTI) treated in Veterans Affairs LTC units (2013–2018). Potentially suboptimal antibiotic treatment was defined as use of a suboptimal initial antibiotic drug choice, dose frequency, and/or excessive treatment duration. The …

Feeling Good: Happiness And Health In Dutch Older Adults, Joshua Ray Tanzer

Open Access Dissertations

Statement of the problem: Positive psychology research has sought to identify cost efficient and intuitive ways to increase subjective happiness, with broad implications to personal health and overall quality of life (Lee Duckworth, Steen, & Seligman, 2005; Rashid, 2009; Seligman, 2008; Seligman, Ernst, Gillham, Reivich, & Linkins, 2009; Seligman, Rashid, & Parks, 2006). A complication in this research has been conflicting findings in the longitudinal stability of happiness (Easterlin, 2006). This analysis examines age related changes in happiness and physiological immune responsiveness to clarify the implications of positive health interventions.

Methods: Pretest-posttest structural equation modeling is employed to examine longitudinal …

Engaging Older Adult Learners Through Intergenerational Learning Opportunities, Skye N. Leedahl, Phillip G. Clark, Beth Leconte

Human Development and Family Science Faculty Publications

The University of Rhode Island became a part of the AFU network in 2018, and much of our rationale for joining the network was based on our strengths and growing interest in intergenerational programs and learning. The URI Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) currently has over 1,300 members, and a large aspect of their strategic plan and current efforts are focused on increasing intergenerational learning opportunities due to interest and successes in these areas. Some of the successful strategies that have been used include an intergenerational classroom of OLLI member and university students designed within a traditional college class, a …

Reducing Ageism: Changes In Students' Attitudes After Participation In An Intergenerational Reverse Mentoring Program, Skye N. Leedahl, Sereny Brasher, Dana L. Lobuono, Bethany M. Wood, Erica L. Estus

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

Ageism is a societal concern that greatly affects the social, emotional, physical, and mental health of older adults. One way to decrease ageist attitudes and improve the treatment of older adults is to address and improve age stereotypes among young adults. Using data from students participating in an intergenerational digital-learning program, the present study investigated change in students' stereotypes of older adults and aging. We examined change from pre- and post-scores in student attitudes toward older adults and the type of adjectives used to describe older adults. We also analyzed responses to open-ended questions about changes in perception of older …

Frailty In Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease And Risk Of Exacerbations And Hospitalizations, Nathan Yee, Emily R. Locke, Kenneth C. Pike, Zijing Chen, Jungeun Lee, Joe C. Huang, Huong Q. Nguyen, Vincent S. Fan

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: Frailty is a complex clinical syndrome associated with vulnerability to adverse health outcomes. While frailty is thought to be common in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the relationship between frailty and COPD-related outcomes such as risk of acute exacerbations of COPD (AE-COPD) and hospitalizations is unclear.
Purpose: To examine the association between physical frailty and risk of acute exacerbations, hospitalizations, and mortality in patients with COPD.
Methods: A longitudinal analysis of data from a cohort of 280 participants was performed. Baseline frailty measures included exhaustion, weakness, low activity, slowness, and undernutrition. Outcome measures included AE-COPD, hospitalizations, and mortality over …

Curricular Report #2019-20-9 From The Graduate Council To The Faculty Senate: Curricular Changes, University Of Rhode Island Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Bills

No abstract provided.

Curricular Report #2019-20-8 From The Graduate Council To The Faculty Senate: Curricular Changes, University Of Rhode Island Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Bills

No abstract provided.

Impact Of A Nutritional Supplement During Gestation And Early Childhood On Child Salivary Cortisol, Hair Cortisol, And Telomere Length At 4–6 Years Of Age: A Follow-Up Of A Randomized Controlled Trial, Brietta M. Oaks, Seth Adu-Afarwuah, Sika Kumordzie, Mark L. Laudenslager, Dana L. Smith, Jue Lin, Rebecca R. Young, Charles D. Arnold, Helena Bentil, Harriet Okronipa, Maku Ocansey, Kathryn G. Dewey

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Dysregulation of the stress response can occur early in life and may be affected by nutrition. Our objective was to evaluate the long-term effect of nutritional supplementation during gestation and early childhood on child cortisol and buccal telomere length (a marker of cellular aging) at 4–6 years of age. We conducted a follow-up study of children born to women who participated in a nutritional supplementation trial in Ghana. In one group, a lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) was provided to women during gestation and the first 6 months postpartum and to their infants from age 6 to 18 months. The control …

“It Is Like Living In A Diminishing World”: Older Persons’ Experiences Of Living With Long-Term Health Problems – Prior To The Strength Intervention, Cecilia Åberg, Catharina Gillsjö, Jenny Hallgren, Mia Berglund

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

Introduction: Ageing is often associated with multiple long-term health problems influencing older persons’ well-being in daily living. It is not unusual that the point of interest in research is often on the management of the actual health problem instead of being holistic and person-centred.

Purpose: To describe the phenomenon of living with long-term health problems that influence daily living, from the older persons’ perspective.

Methods: Qualitative individual interviews were conducted with 34 older persons living with long-term health problems. The data were analysed using a Reflected Lifeworld Research (RLR) approach, grounded in phenomenology. Results: Life with long-term …

Health- And Social Care In The Last Year Of Life Among Older Adults In Sweden, Jenny Hallgren, Linda Johansson, Christina Lannering, Marie Ernsth Bravell, Catharina Gillsjö

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background: In the last years of life, burden of disease and disability and need of health- and social care often increase. Social, functional and psychological factors may be important in regard to social- and health care utilization. This study aims to describe use of health- and social care during the last year of life among persons living in ordinary housing or in assisted living facilities.

Methods: A retrospective study examining health- and social care utilization during their last year of life, using a subsample from the Swedish twin registries individually linked to several Swedish national quality registries (NQR). Persons that …

Effects Of The Intervention “Reflective Strength-Giving Dialogues” For Older Adults Living With Long-Term Pain: A Pilot Study, Lena Hedén, Mia Berglund, Catharina Gillsjö

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

Background. Long-term musculoskeletal pain is a major, often undertreated, disabling health problem among an increasing number of older adults. Reflective STRENGTH-giving dialogues (STRENGTH) may be a tool to support older adults living with long-term pain. The main aim of this pilot study was to investigate the immediate and longitudinal effect of the intervention STRENGTH on levels of pain, wellbeing, occurrence of depression symptoms, and sense of coherence (SOC) among community-dwelling older adults suffering from musculoskeletal pain compared to a control group. Methods. The study was semiexperimental with an intervention group and a control group. The effect of a …

Frequency And Predictors Of Suboptimal Prescribing Among A Cohort Of Older Male Residents With Urinary Tract Infection, Haley J. Appaneal, [email protected] Caffrey, Vrishali V. Lopes, David M. Dosa, Theresa I. Shireman, Kerry L. Laplante

Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Research Faculty Publications

BACKGROUND

Unnecessary antibiotic treatment of suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). However, less is known about the extent of suboptimal treatment, in terms of antibiotic choice, dose, and duration, after the decision to use antibiotics has been made. METHODS

We described the frequency of potentially suboptimal treatment among residents with an incident UTI (first during the study with none in the year prior) in Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Community Living Centers (CLCs, 2013-2018). Time trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression. Residents with UTIs receiving potentially suboptimal treatment were compared to those receiving optimal treatment to …

Reducing Ageism: Changes In Students’ Attitudes After Participation In An Intergenerational Reverse Mentoring Program, Skye N. Leedahl, Melanie S. Brasher, Dara L. Lobuono, Bethany M. Wood, Erica Estus

Human Development and Family Science Faculty Publications

Ageism is a societal concern that greatly affects the social, emotional, physical, and mental health of older adults. One way to decrease ageist attitudes and improve the treatment of older adults is to address and improve age stereotypes among young adults. Using data from students participating in an intergenerational digital-learning program, the present study investigated change in students’ stereotypes of older adults and aging. We examined change from pre- and post-scores in student attitudes toward older adults and the type of adjectives used to describe older adults. We also analyzed responses to open-ended questions about changes in perception of older …

Tailoring Digital Health To Improve The Nutrition And Health Of People With Parkinson’S Disease, Dara Lyn Lobuono

Open Access Dissertations

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an incurable, neurodegenerative movement disorder, impacting nearly one million Americans. By 2030 the number of people with PD (PwPD) is expected to double and with this growing population, informal caregiver responsibility will also increase. Nutritional status worsens as PD progresses, which impacts cognition, body composition, ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL), and increases caregiver burden. Nutritional screening and intervention for PwPD can improve health outcomes, but are often excluded from PD treatment plans.

Given the negative impact of PD on mobility and increased caregiver burden, digital technology could improve …

Teaching Technology To Older Adults: Modalities Used By Student Mentors And Reasons For Continued Program Participation, Dara L. Lobuono, Skye N. Leedahl, Elycia Maiocco

Human Development and Family Science Faculty Publications

The current study examined teaching modalities used by college students participating in an intergenerational, service-learning program that helps older adults learn technology and described reasons for older adults' continued participation in this program. Qualitative data analysis was completed using student-maintained observation logs from approximately 200 older participants. Several different teaching modalities used by student mentors were identified, including observing and listening, writing down information or creating visual aids, explaining the significance and simplifying materials, using repetition/review, and using hands-on learning. Multiple reasons for older adults' continued participation were identified, including continued progress on one topic or device; multiple topics for …

The Impacts Of Hearing Loss On Social-Emotional Health, Lili Lan Lebrun Visgilio

Open Access Master's Theses

According to the World Health Organization, over 900 million people are expected to have disabling hearing loss by 2050. Most studies about hearing loss published thus far have focused on the impacts hearing loss has on adults above the age of 60. However, this study examines the relationship between hearing loss and social-emotional health in adults between the ages of 21 and 50. Literature describing the impact of hearing loss on the social-emotional health of young and middle aged adults is sparse. This study uses data from the 2011 wave of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) obtained via the …

“So, Tell Me What Kind Of A Thing It Really Is”—Finnish Older Adults Making Sense Of Home Technology, Pilvikki Lantela

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This article brings forth the experiential knowledge and views of sixteen Finnish older adults, (mean of age 84,9), who tried out home technology in their daily life, with the objective of discussing media literacy education in relation to this specific age group and context. The data were analyzed from the perspective of sensemaking as theorized by Karl Weick, which works as a heuristic enabling investigation of older adults’ experiences in relation to home technology. The results show that the sensemaking of the participants is based on the identity of the non-user, retrospective reasoning and social context. For many, the technological …

Media Literacy Education For All Ages, Päivi Rasi, Hanna Vuojärvi, Heli Ruokamo

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This special issue of the Journal of Media Literacy Education explores the role of media literacy across the lifespan. Media literacy education interventions must be designed to meet the needs of individuals of different ages by understanding the life roles and goals that they have across the lifespan. Different pedagogical strategies are required to effectively address the media literacy competencies of young children, teens, adults, parents, and older adults. In old age, media literacy education may support cognitive functioning and social relationships and help people critically assess health-related information and services. Adopting a life course perspective enables the examination of …

Maternal And Child Factors Associated With Child Body Fatness In A Ghanaian Cohort, Sika M. Kumordzie, Harriet Okronipa, Mary Arimond, Seth Adu-Afarwuah, Maku E. Ocansey, Rebecca R. Young, Helena J. Bentil, Solace M. Tamakloe, Brietta M. Oaks, Kathryn G. Dewey

Nutrition Faculty Publications

Objective:

We aimed to identify factors (child diet, physical activity; maternal BMI) associated with body composition of Ghanaian pre-school children. Design:

Longitudinal analysis of the International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (iLiNS)-DYAD-Ghana randomized trial, which enrolled 1320 pregnant women at ≤20 weeks’ gestation and followed them and their infants until 6 and 18 months postpartum, respectively. At follow-up, child age 4–6 years, we collected data on body composition (by ²H dilution), physical activity and diet, extracted dietary patterns using factor analysis, and examined the association of children’s percentage body fat with maternal and child factors by regression analysis. Setting …

Older Parents’ Coresidence With Adult Daughters In Contemporary China: The Role Of Individual And Community Characteristics, Melanie Sereny Brasher

Sociology and Anthropology Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Curriculum And Standards Committee Report #2018-19-12: Curricular Changes, University Of Rhode Island Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Bills

No abstract provided.

Curriculum And Standards Committee Report #2018-19-7 (Courses), University Of Rhode Island Faculty Senate

Faculty Senate Bills

No abstract provided.

Life Without Professional Work-Perceptions About One’S Self, Interpersonal Relations And Social Life After Retirement, Ann-Charlotte Dalheim-Englund, Gunilla Carlsson, Maria Nystrom, Catharina Gillsjö, Irene Eriksson, Lina Palmer

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

The aim of this study is to understand how healthy, older adults in Sweden perceive their life situation after retirement. The study is based on a lifeworld approach, and a phenomenographic method was used. Eighteen participants were interviewed, and data were analysed according to the phenomenographic principle of qualitatively different categories. Two categories were developed. The first category, “perceptions that draw attention inward, towards one’s self”, was further described in three subcategories: Sense of decreased status in society, the desire to keep aging at a distance, and contemplation of one’s own existence. The second category, “perceptions that draw attention outward, …

The Meaning Of Growing Old: A Lifeworld Hermeneutic Study On Existential Matters During The Third Age Of Life, Lina Palmér, Maria Nyström, Gunilla Carlsson, Catharina Gillsjö, Irene Eriksson, Ann-Charlotte Dalheim-Englund

College of Nursing Faculty Publications

This study investigates existential matters in the third age of life, which encompasses the years after retirement and ends when extensive support needs emerge in the fourth age. As the theoretical starting point in a lifeworld hermeneutic approach, 18 healthy older adults were interviewed about what it means for them to grow old. The interviews were interpreted according to Gadamer’s principles of openness and Ricoeur’s proposal to provide suggestions on how meaning can be explained. The findings are presented in three interpreted themes: Feeling free, Becoming vulnerable, and Existing in closeness to death. The themes are further interpreted, and a …