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da Silva LSL, Abdalla PP, Marcos-Pardo PJ, Romo-Perez V, Garcia-Soidan JL, Mota J, Machado DRL. Sarcopenic obesity does not impair lower limb strength and physical performance in sufficiently active older adults: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3061. [PMID: 38321169 PMCID: PMC10847493 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53538-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the associations of sarcopenic obesity (SO) with muscle strength and physical performance in sufficiently active older adults. Data from 72 older sarcopenic obese adults classified as sufficiently active were analyzed. Participants were categorized into four groups based on sex and SO status. Muscle strength/physical performance tests were compared using independent sample t-tests. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were performed to examine the associations between SO and muscle strength and physical performance, adjusting for confounding variables. Only handgrip strength showed differences between SO groups, regardless of sex (p < 0.05). SO negatively explained the variability of handgrip strength (p < 0.05). An increase in handgrip strength values was associated with a decrease in the chances of older adults being classified as SO (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that even with SO, sufficiently active older adults did not present a significant reduction in muscle strength in the lower limbs and physical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Santos Lopes da Silva
- School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue No 3900, University Campus - Monte Alegre, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14030-680, Brazil.
- Study and Research Group in Anthropometry, Training, and Sport (GEPEATE), University of São Paulo, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
| | - Pedro Pugliesi Abdalla
- Study and Research Group in Anthropometry, Training, and Sport (GEPEATE), University of São Paulo, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Pablo Jorge Marcos-Pardo
- Department of Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain
- CERNEP Research Center, SPORT Research Group (CTS-1024), University of Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain
- Active Aging, Exercise and Health/HEALTHY-AGE Network, Consejo Superior de Deportes (CSD), Ministry of Culture and Sport of Spain, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Romo-Perez
- Faculty of Education and Sport Sciences, University of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Mota
- The Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure (CIAFEL), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Dalmo Roberto Lopes Machado
- School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue No 3900, University Campus - Monte Alegre, Ribeirao Preto, SP, 14030-680, Brazil
- Study and Research Group in Anthropometry, Training, and Sport (GEPEATE), University of São Paulo, School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- The Research Centre in Physical Activity, Health, and Leisure (CIAFEL), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- ESEC - Universidade do Algarve, Campus da Penha, Faro, Portugal
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Kokorelias KM, Grosse A, Kazberouk A, Sinha SK. Exacerbated inequalities: A scoping review of the experiences of older persons during conflict situations. J Am Geriatr Soc 2023; 71:3287-3296. [PMID: 37337641 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We conducted the first known comprehensive literature review to (1) identify, categorize, and summarize the existing knowledge about the experiences of older persons and their caregivers during conflict situations; (2) identify the support needs of older persons and their caregivers, and; (3) identify gaps in the literature and understanding that may inform future research. METHODS A scoping review methodology of academic peer-reviewed and gray English language literature was employed using six academic literature databases and one gray literature database. We further performed comprehensive searches of relevant search engines and organization websites and bibliographic hand searches to identify additional academic and gray literature. Two authors screened for eligibility of identified studies and documents. One reviewer extracted data regarding authors, article type, geographic origin, key participant characteristics, aims, study design and data collection method, results, conclusions and limitations. Data were analyzed thematically. RESULTS 83 documents met this review's inclusion criteria, including 21 academic documents and 62 from the gray literature. Thematic analysis revealed that conflict situations exacerbate existing inequalities experienced by older persons. Within this overarching theme were three interconnected sub-themes: (1) Older adults are particularly vulnerable during conflict situations; (2) Older persons are inadequately supported in conflict situations; (3) In the face of great challenges, many older adults still manage to endure through conflict situations. We identified 15 recommendations from the reviewed documents to better support older adults in conflict situations. CONCLUSIONS Existing inequalities, such as ageism and ableism, targeted discrimination, and poor health outcomes, become exacerbated during conflict situations, resulting in older persons being less able to flee and meet their daily needs with sufficient access to necessities and healthcare. Little is known of the experiences and needs of family caregivers during conflict situations. We identified several opportunities to improve the experience and support of older persons in conflict situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Kokorelias
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Occupational Sciences and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- National Institute on Ageing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Grosse
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- National Institute on Ageing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander Kazberouk
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Samir K Sinha
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Sinai Health System and University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- National Institute on Ageing, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Kostovski E, Miloshevska Jakimovska V, Lidal IB, Biering-Sørensen F. Cross-sectional and prospective data-collection in North Macedonia-methodological considerations. Spinal Cord Ser Cases 2019; 5:58. [PMID: 31632716 PMCID: PMC6786405 DOI: 10.1038/s41394-019-0204-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Study design Cross-sectional and prospective cohort-study. Objectives To describe methodological issues, experienced challenges related to data collection in North Macedonia and to discuss possible improvements of epidemiological data collection in future studies. Setting Clinic for Traumatology, Orthopedics, Anesthesia, Reanimation, Intensive Care Unit and Emergency Center, Mother Teresa Skopje University Hospital, Skopje and community settings, North Macedonia. Method A description of methodological challenges experienced in collecting data from 78 persons with acute and chronic traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) examined and interviewed in 2015-2017 using a semiquantitative questionnaire and standard assessments tools. Results This study identified three major challenges with data collection in this setting: (1) research logistics and procedures, such as recruitment, infrastructure, and compensation, (2) ethical issues and the initial lack of mutual trust and understanding between researchers and participants, and (3) scientific quality and interpretation, including representativeness. Conclusions Methodological issues influenced by settings, are important to consider when interpreting study results. Healthcare systems vary between (and sometimes in) countries, language and culture may introduce barriers to understanding, and epidemiological research also rely on infrastructure and surroundings. For this study, making time for and listening to the participants without being intruding was of special importance in building trust and a good relationship with the participants during recruiting participants and collecting data. We here provide suggestions regarding how to facilitate future epidemiological data collections in North Macedonia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fin Biering-Sørensen
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Clinic for Spinal Cord Injuries, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Bytyci A, Ymerhalili G, Dorner TE, Stein KV, Maxhera O. Pilot study of an integrated care model using the geriatric assessment tool. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2019; 131:273-277. [PMID: 31115651 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-019-1512-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older people with type 2 diabetes mellitus often suffer from adverse medical and social conditions which are often unrecognized in routine care. Integrated care aims to address all these aspects and centers on the needs of the patient and not the disease. The Accessible Quality Healthcare project in Kosovo, is piloting an integrated care model for patients 65 years and over with type 2 diabetes mellitus, which also introduces comprehensive geriatric assessment and care planning. METHODS In this study two groups (1) a central working group and (2) a multisectoral implementation group of health and social care professionals were established to develop a geriatric assessment form and an individual care plan form for this project. RESULTS The groups decided to address the following problems in the geriatric assessment: activities of daily living, urinary incontinence, gait, balance, falls, depression, cognitive function, and frailty. The assessment is carried out by a nurse and a social worker in the living environment of the patient, and the individual care plan is drawn up jointly by a doctor, a nurse, and a social worker and includes (1) problems of the patient, (2) specific goals for each problem and (3) activities to reach the goals. CONCLUSION This intervention is one of the first in the health system in Kosovo to implement integrated care in a very vulnerable population. Physical training will be an important tool to tackle many problems detected through the geriatric assessment and which are also associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Bytyci
- Accessible Quality Healthcare (AQH), Tirana str. Prime Residence, C 4/3 Entrance D, Floor 6, Flat No. 16, 10000, Pristina, Kosovo.
| | - Genc Ymerhalili
- Accessible Quality Healthcare (AQH), Tirana str. Prime Residence, C 4/3 Entrance D, Floor 6, Flat No. 16, 10000, Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Thomas Ernst Dorner
- Centre for Public Health, Department for Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical University Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15/I, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Osman Maxhera
- Main Family Medical Center (MFMC), Rr. Bedri Pejani, 12000, Fushe Kosova, Kosovo
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Jerliu N, Burazeri G, Toçi E, Philp I, Czabanowska K, Ramadani N, Brand H. Application of EASY-Care Standard 2010 instrument in a population-based survey in transitional Kosovo. Eur J Public Health 2019; 29:367-371. [PMID: 30169678 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/cky172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the health needs and priorities of older people in Kosovo, the newest state in Europe striving for a functional democracy after the breakdown of former Yugoslavia and the following war in the region. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo in 2011 including a nationwide representative sample of 1890 individuals aged ≥65 years (949 men, mean age: 73 ± 6 years; 941 women, mean age: 74 ± 7 years; overall response rate: 84%). All individuals were administered the full version of EASY-Care Standard 2010 instrument, inquiring about the need for support in activities of daily living ('independence'), the 'risk of breakdown in care' (leading to emergency admission to hospital) and the 'risk of falls'. RESULTS The degree of 'independence' was lower, whereas the 'risk of breakdown in care' and the 'risk of falls' were significantly higher in: older women; the oldest individuals (≥85 years); rural residents; participants living alone; those perceiving themselves as poor; participants who could not access medical care; those who perceived their general health status as poor; and older people who reported at least one chronic condition. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the very few reports from Southeast European region informing about the health needs and priorities of older people in a large and representative population-based sample of older men and women. The poor health status of older people, especially evident in the socio-demographic disadvantaged categories, should raise the awareness of policymakers and decision-makers for appropriate health and social care of elderly in Kosovo and in other European countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Jerliu
- National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Genc Burazeri
- Department of International Health, School CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Ervin Toçi
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Ian Philp
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Katarzyna Czabanowska
- Department of International Health, School CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Naser Ramadani
- National Institute of Public Health of Kosovo, Prishtina, Kosovo.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Helmut Brand
- Department of International Health, School CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Tahiri Z, Kellici S, Mone I, Shabani D, Qazimi M, Burazeri G. Prevalence and correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Kosovo. Int J Clin Pharm 2017; 39:669-673. [PMID: 28523461 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-017-0486-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In post-war Kosovo, the magnitude of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines is unknown to date. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of continuation of intake of benzodiazepines beyond prescription (referred to as "inappropriate use") in the adult population of Gjilan region in Kosovo. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gjilan region in 2015 including a representative sample of 780 individuals attending different pharmacies and reporting use of benzodiazepines (385 men and 395 women; age range 18-87 years; response rate: 90%). A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants inquiring about the use of benzodiazepines and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS Overall, the prevalence of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was 58%. In multivariable-adjusted models, inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was significantly associated with older age (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7), middle education (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7), daily use (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-2.0) and addiction awareness (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8). Furthermore, there was evidence of a borderline relationship with rural residence (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.7). CONCLUSION Our study provides novel evidence about the prevalence and selected correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Gjilan region of Kosovo. Health professionals and policymakers in Kosovo should be aware of the magnitude and determinants of drug misuse in this transitional society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejdush Tahiri
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr "Dibres", No. 371, Tirana, Albania.
- Principal Family Medicine Center, St. Avdulla Tahiri, 60000, Gjilan, Kosovo.
| | - Suela Kellici
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr "Dibres", No. 371, Tirana, Albania
| | - Iris Mone
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr "Dibres", No. 371, Tirana, Albania
| | - Driton Shabani
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr "Dibres", No. 371, Tirana, Albania
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristine, Rr. "Bulevardi i Deshmoreve", 10000, Pristine, Kosovo
| | - Musa Qazimi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr "Dibres", No. 371, Tirana, Albania
- Principal Family Medicine Center, St. Avdulla Tahiri, 60000, Gjilan, Kosovo
| | - Genc Burazeri
- Department of International Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, 6229 GT, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Hung GCL, Kwok CL, Yip PSF, Gunnell D, Chen YY. Predicting suicide in older adults - a community-based cohort study in Taipei City, Taiwan. J Affect Disord 2015; 172:165-70. [PMID: 25451412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 09/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults worldwide are at a greater risk of suicide than other age groups. There is a scarcity of prospective studies exploring risk factors for suicide in older people and their discriminative ability to identify future suicide. METHODS We examined a prospective cohort of senior Taipei City residents between 2005 and 2009 (N=101,764). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine significant risk factors and to construct a predictive score. The accuracy of the derived score in the prediction was tested by Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis. RESULTS Male sex (Hazard Ratio [HR]=3.41, p<0.001), lower education (HR=3.31, p<0.001) and lower income (HR=2.52, p=0.01) were associated with an increased risk of suicide, as well as depressed mood (HR=1.44, p=0.02; per unit increase in a 4-point scale) and insomnia (HR=1.30, p=0.03; per unit increase in a 4-point scale). The derived prediction score yielded a sensitivity of 0.63 a specificity of 0.73 and an area under curve of 0.73. Removing depressed mood from the prediction model did not significantly alter suicide predictability (P=0.11). LIMITATIONS The dataset examined did not contain information regarding to important risk factors such as substance misuse and prescribed medications and the measures of mental health were relatively limited. CONCLUSION Prediction of suicide based on factors recorded in a routine health screen of elderly people was unsatisfactory; the strongest predictors were factors that cannot be easily altered. Further understanding of how the socioeconomic condition of seniors contributes to suicide may provide valuable insights for intervention targeting this growing population-at-risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi-Leung Kwok
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Center for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Paul S F Yip
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Center for Suicide Research and Prevention, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - David Gunnell
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Ying-Yeh Chen
- Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Public Health and Department of Public Health, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
AIMS to describe contribution of geriatric medicine to the development of integrated care for older people and to suggest future directions for the further development of integrated care for older people. METHODS literature review and case studies. RESULTS geriatricians have made a significant contribution to the development of integrated care for older people. The feasibility of this approach has been shown in demonstration projects. Although there is only limited evidence from randomised controlled trials, integrated care seems likely to be beneficial. There is an opportunity to develop new approaches to integrated care for older people in prevention and provision of community alternatives to hospital care. CONCLUSION the principles and practice of geriatric medicine have been shown to underpin the successful development of integrated care for older people and should continue to do so as new challenges emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Philp
- Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Alderson House, Hull Royal Infirmary, Anlaby Road, Hull, Kingston upon Hull HU3 2JZ, UK
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Socio-economic correlates of functional health literacy among patients of primary health care in Kosovo. Public Health 2014; 128:842-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Exploring Factors Affecting Emergency Medical Services Staffs' Decision about Transporting Medical Patients to Medical Facilities. Emerg Med Int 2014; 2014:215329. [PMID: 24891953 PMCID: PMC4033513 DOI: 10.1155/2014/215329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transfer of patients in medical emergency situations is one of the most important missions of emergency medical service (EMS) staffs. So this study was performed to explore affecting factors in EMS staffs' decision during transporting of patients in medical situations to medical facilities. The participants in this qualitative study consisted of 18 EMS staffs working in prehospital care facilities in Tehran, Iran. Data were gathered through semistructured interviews. The data were analyzed using a content analysis approach. The data analysis revealed the following theme: "degree of perceived risk in EMS staffs and their patients." This theme consisted of two main categories: (1) patient's condition' and (2) the context of the EMS mission'. The patent's condition category emerged from "physical health statuses," "socioeconomic statuses," and "cultural background" subcategories. The context of the EMS mission also emerged from two subcategories of "characteristics of the mission" and EMS staffs characteristics'. EMS system managers can consider adequate technical, informational, financial, educational, and emotional supports to facilitate the decision making of their staffs. Also, development of an effective and user-friendly checklist and scoring system was recommended for quick and easy recognition of patients' needs for transportation in a prehospital situation.
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Toci E, Burazeri G, Jerliu N, Sørensen K, Ramadani N, Hysa B, Brand H. Health literacy, self-perceived health and self-reported chronic morbidity among older people in Kosovo. Health Promot Int 2014; 30:667-74. [DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dau009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Kurhasani X, Hafizi H, Toci E, Burazeri G. Tuberculosis Incidence and Case Notification Rates in Kosovo and the Balkans in 2012: Cross-country Comparison. Mater Sociomed 2014; 26:55-8. [PMID: 24757405 PMCID: PMC3990397 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2014.26.55-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a considerable burden especially for millions of young adults and disadvantaged people worldwide. The TB incidence and notification rates are good indicators of TB situation in a country. Our aim was to compare TB incidence and notification rates in Kosovo and in seven other Balkan countries. Methods: Retrospective epidemiologic analysis of published data on TB incidence and notification rates in eight Balkan countries in 2012. Notification rates were expressed per 100,000 inhabitants and were calculated based on the number of TB cases reported divided by the population of each country under analysis. Results: The TB incidence in Kosovo (47/100,000) was considerably higher compared to its four neighboring countries: Albania (16/100,000), Macedonia, Montenegro (18/100,000) and Serbia (23/100,000). The TB notification rates in Kosovo and other countries closely mimicked the incidence rates in these countries. Conclusion: The exceptionally high TB incidence rate in Kosovo could be due to many factors including low health and medical-seeking behaviors of the local population, poverty and low education levels. Effective interventions should be adapted to the local context in order to increase the chances of success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Genc Burazeri
- University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania ; Department of International Health, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Jerliu N, Burazeri G, Toçi E, Kempen GIJM, Jongen W, Ramadani N, Brand H. Social networks, social participation and self-perceived health among older people in transitional Kosovo. Eur J Public Health 2013; 24:333-7. [PMID: 23867564 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckt064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A number of studies proved that social networks and social participation have beneficial health effects in western countries. However, the evidence from southeast European region is scant. We aimed to assess the extent of social networks and social participation and their relationship with self-perceived health status among older people in post-war Kosovo. METHODS A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo in 2011 including a representative sample of 1890 individuals aged ≥65 years (949 men, mean age 73 ± 6 years; 941 women, mean age 74 ± 7 years; response rate: 83%). Social networks were assessed by means of number of friends and family members that participants had contacts with, whereas social participation by involvement in social groupings/organizations. Information on self-perceived health status and demographic and socioeconomic characteristics was also collected. RESULTS Overall, 93% of study participants reported that they had at least weekly contacts with more than one family member, and 97% reported daily contacts with their respective friends. Conversely, only 14% of participants reported engagement with social groupings. Generally, individuals who had contacts with friends and/or engaged with social organizations reported a better health status. CONCLUSION Our findings point to strong family ties in this patriarchal society. Conversely, levels of social participation were considerably lower in Kosovo compared with the western European countries. The low participation levels in social groupings and their putative deleterious health effects should raise the awareness of policymakers to improve the conditions and increase the degree of social participation among older people in transitional Kosovo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Jerliu
- 1 Department of International Health, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Jerliu N, Toçi E, Burazeri G, Ramadani N, Brand H. Prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of chronic morbidity among elderly people in Kosovo: a population-based survey. BMC Geriatr 2013; 13:22. [PMID: 23452830 PMCID: PMC3599090 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-13-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our aim was to assess the prevalence and demographic and socioeconomic correlates of chronic morbidity in the elderly population of transitional Kosovo. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo in 2011 including a representative sample of 1890 individuals aged ≥ 65 years (949 men, mean age 73 ± 6 years; 941 women, mean age 74 ± 7 years; response rate: 83%). A structured questionnaire inquired about the presence and the number of self-reported chronic diseases among elderly people, and their access to medical care. Demographic and socioeconomic data were also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics with chronic conditions. RESULTS In this nationwide population-based sample in Kosovo, 42% of elderly people were unable to access medical care, of whom 88% due to unaffordable costs. About 83% of the elderly people reported at least one chronic condition (63% cardiovascular diseases), and 45% had at least two chronic diseases. In multivariable-adjusted models, factors associated with the presence of chronic conditions and/or multimorbidity were female sex, older age, self-perceived poverty and the inability to access medical care. CONCLUSION This study provides important evidence on the magnitude and distribution of chronic conditions among the elderly population of Kosovo. Our findings suggest that, in this sample of elderly people from Kosovo, the oldest-old (especially women) and the poor endure the vast majority of chronic conditions. These findings point to the urgent need to establish a social health insurance scheme including the marginalized segments of elderly people in this transitional country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Jerliu
- Department of International Health, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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