Associations between Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Urban Greece

Physical activity is an important factor in achieving healthy aging, offering older persons multiple benefits in terms of maintaining and improving their health and wellbeing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity on the quality of life of older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to May 2022, using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). A total of 124 people aged 65 and over participated in the survey. The average age of the participants was 71.6 years, and 62.1% were women. Participants showed a moderate quality of life with regard to the physical health dimension (mean score 52.4) and a higher quality of life with regard to the mental health dimension (mean score 63.1) compared to the expected values of the population. Low levels of physical activity were recorded among older adults, reaching a rate of 83.9%. A moderate or high level of physical activity has been found to contribute to a better physical functioning (p = 0.03), vitality (p = 0.02) and general health (p = 0.01). Finally, comorbidity had a negative impact on physical activity (p = 0.03) and quality of life regarding mental and physical health in older adults. The study showed very low levels of physical activity in older Greek adults. The management of this problem, which was intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, should be a high priority in public health programs focusing on healthy aging, as physical activity affects and promotes many of the basic aspects of quality of life.

Body Image, Social Physique Anxiety Levels and Self-Esteem among Adults Participating in Physical Activity Programs

(1) Background: individuals may benefit from being involved in physical and athletic activities in order to improve their body appearance and promote their physical and mental health. This study aimed to investigate body image, body mass index (BMI) characteristics, social physique anxiety, self-esteem and possible correlations between the above factors. (2) Methods: 245 adults engaged in training programs in gyms, as well as in track and field, football and basketball athletic activities completed (a) a sociodemographic questionnaire which recorded their BMI values and utilized the (b) Body-Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, (c) the Social Physique Anxiety Scale and (d) the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. (3) Results: Females and individuals with higher BMI reported statistically significant lower body-esteem and greater social physique anxiety levels compared to males and individuals with lower BMI, respectively (p < 0.05). A total of 25.3% of our participants were labeled as "overweight", while 20.4% had been overweight in the past. Significant differences were reported between body-esteem and social physique anxiety levels (p < 0.001); age (p = 0.001); BMI value (p < 0.001) and never having a problem with body weight (p = 0.008). Additionally, individuals with lower body-esteem and greater social physique anxiety levels presented lower global self-esteem (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: individuals' engagement in physical activity promotes physical as well as mental well-being, contributing to an improved quality of life, which may be the most important issue for health care professionals.

Exploring Loneliness, Fear and Depression among Older Adults during the COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greek Provincial Towns

BACKGROUND

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, life changed abruptly for older adults in Greece. Social isolation, lockdowns, the fear of serious illness and death, all contributed to an increased risk of developing depression.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the presence and severity of depression in older adults in Greek provincial towns during the pandemic and to explore any possible relationships with loneliness and fear.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 200 participants aged >65, completed a socio-demographic form, the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Geriatric Depression-15 Scale (GDS-15) and the COVID-19 Fear Scale (FCV-19S). Data were collected from April to May 2022.

RESULTS

The average age of participants was 76.6 years and 35.5% of the participants presented depressive symptoms (mean prevalenceof depression 5 ± 3.7). A moderate to low level of loneliness (mean value 39 ± 11.3) and a moderate level of COVID-19 fear (mean value 18.9 ± 6.5) were also experienced. Higher levels of loneliness were found among participants with lower perceived health status and among those participants registered in Primary Health and Social Care (PHSC) services. Loneliness was positively correlated with depression (r = 0.7, p < 0.001), and increased loneliness and depression were associated with an increase in fear of COVID-19 (r = 0.2, p = 0.01 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

During the pandemic, older adults experienced loneliness, fear of COVID-19 and depression which were positively associated with each other. It is imperative to develop PHSC policies that are aimed at addressing the mental health problems of the older population, which have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, through developing their resilience, offering psychological support and promoting social connections.

Job Satisfaction of Nurses Versus Other Mental Health Professionals Working in Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services

INTRODUCTION

The objectives of Psychiatric Reform were, on the one hand, psychiatric hospitals' shutting down and, on the other hand, the creation of Psychosocial Rehabilitation facilities, in order to provide appropriate care to individuals suffering from mental health problems in community. Therefore, mental health professionals' job satisfaction constitutes one of the fundamental factors leading either to success or failure of each reforming effort.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to investigate the level of professional satisfaction of nurses working in Psychosocial Rehabilitation facilities compared to other mental health professionals.

METHODOLOGY

Three hundred and sixty-seven mental health professionals, working in the field of psychosocial rehabilitation completed (a) a sociodemographic questionnaire, and (b) Spectοr's Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS).

RESULTS

Moderate levels of total professional satisfaction were observed. Low satisfaction rates were recorded in "Pay," "Promotion," and "Fringe Benefits" subscale. High satisfaction rates were recorded in "Supervision," "Cooperation between colleagues," and "Nature of work," while moderate satisfaction rates were reported in "Contingent rewards," "Operating procedures," and "Communication" within facilities. It is noteworthy that nurses were statistically significant less satisfied with the "Contingent rewards" (p = 0.028), the "Nature of work" (p = 0.001), and the "Communication" (p = 0.019), while they were statistically significant more satisfied with "Supervision" (p = 0.007) compared to the other specialties of mental health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

The results can be used by those with administrative and scientific responsibilities in the field of mental health in order to recognize professionals' difficulties and solve their problems in psychosocial rehabilitation facilities. These interventions could improve their levels of job satisfaction, in order to achieve optimal therapeutic results for mentally ill and improve the quality of the services provided.

BURNOUT AND DEPRESSION OF GREEK HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN REFUGEES' RECEPTION CENTERS AND ACCOMMODATION PROGRAMS

OBJECTIVE

Aim: The investigation of health professionals' burnout and depression, working in refugees' reception centers and their possible intercorrelation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: A descriptive correlation study was carried out in health professionals, who worked in refugees' reception centers and accommodation programs throughout Greece. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire through online Google Forms. The questionnaire contained demographics, the Copenhagen Burnout Questionnaire (CBI-Gr) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The SPSS 22.00 was used for the statistical analysis and the significance level was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

Results: The sample consisted of 125 healthcare professionals working in refugees' reception centers and accommodation programs, the majority of tchem were women (62.4%), aged between 30-39 years (39.2%) nurses (24.8%) and with a master's degree (28%). A strong linear positive correlation was found between depression and burnout (r=0.542, p=0.000). A statistically significant correlation was also recorded between burnout and female gender (p=0.001), the age group of 30-39 (p=0.042) and nursing profession (p=0.003).

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: A strong linear relationship between burnout and depression was revealed, a finding indicating that it is imperative to implement interventions to strengthen the resilience of health professionals working in refugees' reception centers.

Quality of life, distress, anxiety and depression of ambulatory cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

Objective and aim

Cancer and its treatment have substantial physical and psychological consequences that severely affect the patients' quality of life (QoL) and emotional status. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between distress, anxiety, depression, and QoL of ambulatory cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods

A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 150 cancer patients who were receiving chemotherapy in the outpatient unit of a central anticancer hospital in Athens. The data were collected through convenience sampling between November 2017 and January 2018, using a demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, the Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem List (PL), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer QoL assessment Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30).

Results

Variability characterized the sample's demographic and clinical characteristics. The majority of patients were women (64%), married (66%), high school graduates (43%), had breast cancer (35%), with a mean age of 60.07 ± 11.42. 83% reported anxiety, 75% reported fear, 51% nervousness and sadness, 34% depression and 84.7% fatigue. The DT was positively correlated with HADS (p<0.001) and with almost all EORTC QLQ-C30 functional subscales and symptoms (p<0.001). The HADS-Anxiety was significantly correlated with overall QoL and with almost all the EORTC QLQ-C30 functional scales and symptoms (p<0.001). HADS-Depression was significantly correlated with overall QoL and all the EORTC QLQ-C30 functional scales and symptoms (p<0.001). Women tended to have higher level of distress (p=0.003). There was a statistically significant relationship between educational level, the cognitive functioning scale (p=0.017) and financial difficulties (p=0.026).

Conclusions

Ambulatory cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are at risk of facing distress in all aspects of daily living, along with anxiety and depression, which decreases their QoL. Oncology nurses as members of multidisciplinary teams should assess the affected aspects of patients' QoL and appropriate interventions should be implemented at community level.

Care and Safety of Schoolchildren with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Parental Perceptions of the School Nurse Role

Schoolchildren with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) need supervision in the management of their disorder by the school nurse, securing proper care and safety in the school environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the parents’ perceptions regarding the care and safety of their children with T1DM at school. In this cross-sectional study, 356 parents of children with T1DM attending primary and secondary school (convenience sample) completed the “Parents’ Opinions about School-based Care for Children with Diabetes” and the “Safety of children with T1DM at school”. The majority (58.8%) noted that their children received some care from a school nurse, less than half (44.6%) declared feeling very safe concerning diabetes care, and 42.5% reported high levels of diabetes management satisfaction. Younger age of the child (p < 0.001), school nurses’ advanced diabetic care skills (p < 0.001), existence of school nurse’s office (p < 0.05) and higher educational level of the father were positively correlated with higher parental feelings of safety and satisfaction. The presence of a school nurse was associated with higher academic performance (p < 0.001), significantly fewer absences due to the disorder (p < 0.001) and better diabetes management (p < 0.043). The daily presence of a school nurse in school decreases absenteeism, greatly improves school performance and enhances diabetic management of schoolchildren with T1DM.

Perceptions, Attitudes and Intentions of Greek Parents Toward their Underaged Children Vaccination Against Covid 19

Background:

Vaccination of children along with public health protection measures can limit transmission of SARS-COV-2.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to identify the attitudes and perceptions of Greek parents that affect their intention to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.

Methods:

The sample of the study consisted of 230 parents of underaged children who were administered a demographic characteristics questionnaire and the “Parental Acceptability of Free COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Under the Age of 18 Years” scale.

Results:

The majority of participants were females (70.4%), aged 41-50 years old (43.3%), married (86.5%), with university degree (63.5%). The prevalence of parental acceptability of free covid-19 vaccination was moderate (36.6 %) and a small percentage (23.9%) had already vaccinated their children. According to the univariate logistic regression analysis, female gender (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.05, 95% CI 1.43-6.47, p=0.004), highest educational level ([AOR] 2.66, 95% CI 1.21-5.84, p=0.015), history of seasonal influenza vaccination ([AOR] 2.08, 95% CI 1.09-3.98, p=0.026) and self-reported vaccination ([AOR] 17.38, 95% CI 2.29-131.86, p=0.006) were significantly associated with parental acceptability of vaccination. Increasing positive attitude perceptions was associated with an increased likelihood of parental acceptability of COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusion:

The moderate parental acceptability of underaged children vaccination against COVID 19 and its association with perceptions and attitudes of parents found in the present study, indicate that it is important to raise awareness of parents about the vaccination of their children and public health policies need to focus on strengthening positive attitudes, increasing social consensus and facilitating the desired behavior.

Professional Quality of Life in Greek Health Professionals Working with Refugees and Migrants

Background:

Expatriation and relocation into a new cultural context constitute a psychological journey marked by exposure to potentially traumatic events, the abandonment of the homeland and the effort of seeking safety and a new beginning at all levels.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the Professional Quality of Life in Greek health professionals working with refugees and migrants.

Methods:

The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL V) and a demographic and work-related characteristics questionnaire were distributed to 90 health professionals working with migrants and refugees.

Results:

25.6% of participants reported high CF risk while 75.7% expressed high to moderate potential for CS. Awareness of the factors associated with CF may help health professionals to prevent or offset the development of this condition.

Conclusion:

A compassionate organizational culture, clinical supervision and on-going education may protect health professionals working with migrants and refugees from absorbing or internalizing unmanageable emotions which may lead to compassion fatigue and also help them to gain a deeper understanding of their communication and interactions during the emotionally laden moments of trauma care.

Professional satisfaction of nurses in psychosocial rehabilitation services

Introduction

The increase of job satisfaction in mental health nurses, working in community mental facilities, helps them to become more efficient and understand the needs of individuals suffering from mental health problems.

Objectives

To investigate sociodemographic and job characteristics, as well as the level of professional satisfaction of nurses working in psychosocial rehabilitation facilities of the psychiatric hospital of Athens, named Dafni.

Methods

220 nurses, working in the field of psychosocial rehabilitation completed (a) a sociodemographic questionnaire, (b) Spectοr’s Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS).

Results

Nursing staff consists of mental health nurses (44.1%) and nursing assistants (55.9%) in the present study. 90% of the participants were female; while the 65% were married, the 19.5% had a university-level education and the 25% had administrative responsibilities. The 44.1% of our sample worked in hostels, 41.8% in nursing homes and 6.8% in Community Mental Health Centers. More specifically, moderate levels of total professional satisfaction were observed. Concerning the dimensions of satisfaction, low satisfaction rates were recorded in “salary”, “promotion” and in “privileges and benefits”. High satisfaction rates were recorded in “supervision by their superiors”, “cooperation between colleagues” and “the nature of their work”, while moderate satisfaction rates were reported in “communication” within facilities, as far as the explanation of tasks and objectives is concerned.

Conclusions

The results can be exploited by those with administrative and scientific responsibilities in the field of mental health in order to recognize nurses’ difficulties and solve their problems in psychosocial rehabilitation facilities.

The increase in illegal private duty nurses in public Greek hospitals

AIM

To consider key aspects of the increasing substitution of legal private duty nurses by an illegal immigrant health-care workforce.

BACKGROUND

Inadequate nursing care infrastructure and an oversupply of illegal immigrants, coupled with the current economic climate, favours the growth of an unofficial economy in hospital care.

EVALUATION

Information gathered from literature, governmental and ministerial records, the media and the press are evaluated.

KEY ISSUES

Increasing numbers of unauthorized immigrant health-care workers, facilitated by agencies, carry out undocumented private employment in hospitals for a considerably lower cost than their legal counterparts. Legal workers view their employment as being threatened and nurses have expressed concerns about quality of care and safety of patients, while at the same time health-care officials are unable to control this situation.

CONCLUSIONS

It is anticipated that unless an appropriate care infrastructure is developed, this situation will persist and even escalate. The effects on patient care and the economy of the country, in general, need to be evaluated.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT

Managers ought to establish ways of improving the regulation and monitoring of illegal private duty nurses, in order to optimize the health, safety and wellbeing of patients.