Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychological Status and Quality of Life among Participants of the Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) Study

Abuse and other factors related to depression in older Ecuadorian adults

Objective

To identify abuse and other risk factors associated with depression in older Ecuadorian adults using data from the 2012 Ecuador's Survey of Health, Welfare, and Aging (SABE).

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the 2012 SABE survey, which included 5235 adults aged 60 and above. The study evaluated residence, education level, ethnic self-identification, self-perceived health and memory, loneliness, cognitive status, and abuse. Depression was assessed using the Yesavage Depression Scale, short version (YDS-SV). Categorical variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test, differences between groups were calculated with the Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age was 71.39 ± 8.59 years and 55.10% of the sample were women. Abuse was absent in 72.1% (3.773) of the population. The Chi-square test indicated significant associations between depression and poor self-reported health (P = 0.000) and indigenous ethnicity (P = 0.000). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (P < 0.001), abuse (p < 0.001), cognitive status (P = 0.002), and living alone (P = 0.034) significantly contributed to mood as assessed by the YDS-SV. No statistically significant association was found for perceived health status or place of residence (urban or rural).

Conclusions

Risk factors associated with depression in older Ecuadorian adults include advanced age, living alone, cognitive decline, poor self-perception of health and cognition, and abuse.

Psychosocial Determinants of Knee Osteoarthritis Progression: Results from the Promoting Independence in Our Seniors with Arthritis Study

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of physical disability among older adults. While established risk factors for knee OA include age and increased body weight, few studies have examined psychosocial risk factors or progression of knee OA.

METHODS

The Promoting Independence in our Seniors with Arthritis study recruited participants aged 65 years and over from orthopedic outpatients and community engagement events. Participants were invited to annual visits during which knee OA symptoms were assessed with the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), social network using the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale and anxiety and depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Knee OA worsening was defined by a 5% reduction in mean KOOS scores at the last visit compared to the first visit.

RESULTS

Data were available from 148 participants, mean age 66.2±6.5 years and 74.1% female, of whom 28 (18.9%) experienced OA worsening over a median follow-up period of 29 months. Univariate analyses revealed that age, sex, height, grip strength, and social network were associated with OA worsening. Social network remained statistically significantly associated with OA worsening after adjustment for age and sex difference (odds ratio=0.924; 95% confidence interval, 0.857-0.997). The relationship between social network and OA worsening were attenuated by both depression and handgrip strength at baseline.

CONCLUSION

Psychological status and muscle strength may be modifiable risk factors for social network which may in turn prevent knee OA worsening and should be targeted in future intervention studies.

Clostridium tetani Infection in a Geriatric Patient: Do Not Let Your Guard Off!

Tetanus is an infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani toxin. Although easily preventable through vaccination, over 73,000 new infections and 35,000 deaths due to tetanus occurred worldwide in 2019, with higher rates in countries with healthcare barriers. Here, we present a clinical case of C. tetani infection in an 85-year-old patient. Patient robustness and high functional reserve before infection are favorable predictors of survival for an otherwise fatal disease. However, the patient did not experience any severe complications. Therefore, this report is a strong call for tetanus vaccination.