Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103857
Karim Gallouj MD, PhD , Pascal Antoine PhD , Guillaume Chapelet MD, PhD , Mohamad El Haj PhD
We investigated whether olfactory stimulation can enhance the retrieval of contextual details—“who/where/when”—during autobiographical memory recall in patients with Alzheimer’s-disease (AD). Previous research has shown that odors can trigger vivid autobiographical memories in healthy-adults, but evidence in AD is limited, and most studies have focused on general memory recall rather than specific contextual information. Given that a key feature of autobiographical decline in AD is difficulty retrieving contextual details, it remains unclear whether olfactory cues can selectively improve recall of “who,” “where,” and “when” information. In this cross-sectional study, 33 patients with AD and 35 healthy controls retrieved autobiographical events with and without odor exposure. Analyses revealed that odor exposure increased the number of “who,” “where,” and “when” details in both groups. These findings address a critical gap in the literature, demonstrating that olfactory stimulation can specifically support contextual memory retrieval in AD, offering a non-invasive-tool to mitigate autobiographical memory deficits.
{"title":"A cross-sectional study of olfactory stimulation on retrieval of the Who, Where and When information in Alzheimer’s disease","authors":"Karim Gallouj MD, PhD , Pascal Antoine PhD , Guillaume Chapelet MD, PhD , Mohamad El Haj PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103857","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103857","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We investigated whether olfactory stimulation can enhance the retrieval of contextual details—“who/where/when”—during autobiographical memory recall in patients with Alzheimer’s-disease (AD). Previous research has shown that odors can trigger vivid autobiographical memories in healthy-adults, but evidence in AD is limited, and most studies have focused on general memory recall rather than specific contextual information. Given that a key feature of autobiographical decline in AD is difficulty retrieving contextual details, it remains unclear whether olfactory cues can selectively improve recall of “who,” “where,” and “when” information. In this cross-sectional study, 33 patients with AD and 35 healthy controls retrieved autobiographical events with and without odor exposure. Analyses revealed that odor exposure increased the number of “who,” “where,” and “when” details in both groups. These findings address a critical gap in the literature, demonstrating that olfactory stimulation can specifically support contextual memory retrieval in AD, offering a non-invasive-tool to mitigate autobiographical memory deficits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 103857"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031863","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103849
Ashley Shayya MPH , Yuchi Young DrPH , Yufang Tu MS , Wan-Yu Chiu PhD , Taylor Perre MPH, MSW
Purpose
This study explores adults’ preferences for and recommendations to improve medical-based (Portable Medical Orders [POLST]/Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment [MOLST]) and medical-social-emotional-based (Five Wishes) advance directives, with a focus on age-related differences.
Methods
US community-dwelling adults completed a survey on advance directives. Univariate analyses were used to assess advance directive type preferences, bivariate analyses evaluated age differences, and a thematic analysis identified recommendations for improvement.
Results
Participants, particularly young adults, preferred the Five Wishes form over the POLST/MOLST. Three key themes emerged from participants’ recommendations for improving the advance directives: content, formatting, and no recommendations.
Conclusion
Preferences for medical-social-emotional-based and medical-based advance directives should be considered by medical practitioners, policymakers, and public health professionals when promoting advance directives, especially among young adults.
{"title":"Advance directive preferences of community-dwelling adults: Comparing medical-social-emotional vs. medical-based approaches","authors":"Ashley Shayya MPH , Yuchi Young DrPH , Yufang Tu MS , Wan-Yu Chiu PhD , Taylor Perre MPH, MSW","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103849","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103849","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>This study explores adults’ preferences for and recommendations to improve medical-based (Portable Medical Orders [POLST]/Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment [MOLST]) and medical-social-emotional-based (Five Wishes) advance directives, with a focus on age-related differences.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>US community-dwelling adults completed a survey on advance directives. Univariate analyses were used to assess advance directive type preferences, bivariate analyses evaluated age differences, and a thematic analysis identified recommendations for improvement.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants, particularly young adults, preferred the Five Wishes form over the POLST/MOLST. Three key themes emerged from participants’ recommendations for improving the advance directives: content, formatting, and no recommendations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Preferences for medical-social-emotional-based and medical-based advance directives should be considered by medical practitioners, policymakers, and public health professionals when promoting advance directives, especially among young adults.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 103849"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103871
Isabella Santomauro MSN , Erika Bassi PhD , Roberta Sturaro MSN , Ines Basso PhD , Angela Durante PhD , Erica Busca PhD , Alberto Dal Molin PhD
Introduction
Historical, geographic, and contextual variation in nursing titles and the multitude of labels for different roles have hindered the creation of a clear map outlining nursing roles in home care settings for older people.
Objective
This scoping review aimed to explore the literature on nurses’ roles in home care for older people.
Methods
A literature search was conducted using Embase, CINAHL, and Medline by two independent reviewers.
Results
Out of 1973 references, 14 studies from eight countries were included, primarily from the United Kingdom (n = 6), the United States (n = 2), and Italy (n = 2). Twelve distinct nursing roles were identified, addressing health issues such as cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, and diabetes. The most frequent nursing activities performed were assessment-related (32%).
Conclusion
The findings indicate the presence of diverse nursing roles in home care and highlight the significant heterogeneity in nursing activities performed.
{"title":"Mapping -nurses’ roles in home care for older people: a scoping review","authors":"Isabella Santomauro MSN , Erika Bassi PhD , Roberta Sturaro MSN , Ines Basso PhD , Angela Durante PhD , Erica Busca PhD , Alberto Dal Molin PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103871","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103871","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Historical, geographic, and contextual variation in nursing titles and the multitude of labels for different roles have hindered the creation of a clear map outlining nursing roles in home care settings for older people.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This scoping review aimed to explore the literature on nurses’ roles in home care for older people.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A literature search was conducted using Embase, CINAHL, and Medline by two independent reviewers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Out of 1973 references, 14 studies from eight countries were included, primarily from the United Kingdom (<em>n</em> = 6), the United States (<em>n</em> = 2), and Italy (<em>n</em> = 2). Twelve distinct nursing roles were identified, addressing health issues such as cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, and diabetes. The most frequent nursing activities performed were assessment-related (32%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings indicate the presence of diverse nursing roles in home care and highlight the significant heterogeneity in nursing activities performed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 103871"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031776","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
To examine healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes regarding Advance Care Planning (ACP), advance directives, and related legislation. The study also explored how sociodemographic and professional characteristics influence these perceptions.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in Asturias, Spain, using an online questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model was employed to analyze the impact of sociodemographic and occupational characteristics on the survey outcomes.
Results
A total of 409 responses were collected. Professional category, specific training, age, and work area were found to influence the quality of ACP and attitudes towards it. A significant lack of specific training hindered the development of a proactive attitude toward ACP.
Conclusions
There is a need to promote a cultural shift in the approach to end-of-life care and ACP. Effective interventions should be developed to improve the quality of end-of-life care and fulfill patient wishes.
{"title":"Factors influencing healthcare professionals' attitudes toward advance care planning","authors":"Beatriz Braña-Marcos MSc, PhD(c) , Lucía Fernández-Arce MHP, PhD , Estefanía Vegas-Pardavila MSc, PhD , Cristina Fernández-García BS , María Isabel Orts-Cortés PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103825","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103825","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To examine healthcare professionals' knowledge and attitudes regarding Advance Care Planning (ACP), advance directives, and related legislation. The study also explored how sociodemographic and professional characteristics influence these perceptions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in Asturias, Spain, using an online questionnaire. A multiple linear regression model was employed to analyze the impact of sociodemographic and occupational characteristics on the survey outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 409 responses were collected. Professional category, specific training, age, and work area were found to influence the quality of ACP and attitudes towards it. A significant lack of specific training hindered the development of a proactive attitude toward ACP.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>There is a need to promote a cultural shift in the approach to end-of-life care and ACP. Effective interventions should be developed to improve the quality of end-of-life care and fulfill patient wishes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 103825"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103839
Megan Kazakoff DNP , Heeyoung Lee PhD
Background
Annually 11-20 % of older adults residing in long term care facilities (LTCF) develop a pressure injury (PI), resulting in $3.8 billion in treatment costs. Clinical trials support risk factor-based prevention strategies in hospital settings.
Methods
A pre-post cohort design project was implemented at a suburban LTCF. Recent Braden Scale risk assessments were reviewed, and an evidenced based algorithm was used to determine prevention strategies based on a unique risk profile. After a three-month implementation period, survey data was collected from direct care staff and management to measure buy-in, sustainability, and effect on cost.
Results
Among the 71 participants (mean age 85.07) there was an 80 % reduction in PI incidence. Surveys indicated that nursing staff found the protocol effective without increasing the workload. An intervention fidelity of 92 % was observed.
Conclusions
This protocol, accepted by facility management, benefits facilities by streamlining decision making, allowing nursing staff to make informed decisions and reducing waste.
{"title":"Implementation of a risk factor-based pressure injury prevention protocol in a long-term care facility: a quality improvement project","authors":"Megan Kazakoff DNP , Heeyoung Lee PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103839","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103839","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Annually 11-20 % of older adults residing in long term care facilities (LTCF) develop a pressure injury (PI), resulting in $3.8 billion in treatment costs. Clinical trials support risk factor-based prevention strategies in hospital settings.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A pre-post cohort design project was implemented at a suburban LTCF. Recent Braden Scale risk assessments were reviewed, and an evidenced based algorithm was used to determine prevention strategies based on a unique risk profile. After a three-month implementation period, survey data was collected from direct care staff and management to measure buy-in, sustainability, and effect on cost.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 71 participants (mean age 85.07) there was an 80 % reduction in PI incidence. Surveys indicated that nursing staff found the protocol effective without increasing the workload. An intervention fidelity of 92 % was observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This protocol, accepted by facility management, benefits facilities by streamlining decision making, allowing nursing staff to make informed decisions and reducing waste.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 103839"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103840
Youjeong Kang PhD, MPH, CCRN-K. Heart-Cert, FHFSA , Yong K Choi PhD, MPH , Julie T. Bidwell PhD, RN , Cherie Cofield PhD, MSN, RN , M. Cary Reid MD
Pain is one of the common heart failure (HF)-related symptoms and is often ignored by older adults, who consider it to be a natural process of aging. Little is known about the pain experiences and management of clinicians who are specialized in HF. We conducted semi-structured interviews to obtain qualitative data and sought to describe clinicians’ experiences with pain assessment and pain management among older patients with HF using a descriptive approach with 20 interviews. Participants’ mean age was 45 ± 10.7 years; 90% identified as White. The majority (85%) of participants had more than five years of clinical experience caring for persons with HF. Some participants expressed that pain management is not their routine even though they assess pain as part of the physical exam. Most participants highlighted the lack of specific guidelines or educational materials for managing pain in older adults with HF. Some participants stated that family caregivers could play an important role in HF patient pain assessment and management. Our findings show that non-pharmacologic treatments play a pivotal role in improving care for individuals with HF and pain symptoms.
{"title":"Clinicians’ perspectives of pain in older adults with heart failure","authors":"Youjeong Kang PhD, MPH, CCRN-K. Heart-Cert, FHFSA , Yong K Choi PhD, MPH , Julie T. Bidwell PhD, RN , Cherie Cofield PhD, MSN, RN , M. Cary Reid MD","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103840","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103840","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pain is one of the common heart failure (HF)-related symptoms and is often ignored by older adults, who consider it to be a natural process of aging. Little is known about the pain experiences and management of clinicians who are specialized in HF. We conducted semi-structured interviews to obtain qualitative data and sought to describe clinicians’ experiences with pain assessment and pain management among older patients with HF using a descriptive approach with 20 interviews. Participants’ mean age was 45 ± 10.7 years; 90% identified as White. The majority (85%) of participants had more than five years of clinical experience caring for persons with HF. Some participants expressed that pain management is not their routine even though they assess pain as part of the physical exam. Most participants highlighted the lack of specific guidelines or educational materials for managing pain in older adults with HF. Some participants stated that family caregivers could play an important role in HF patient pain assessment and management. Our findings show that non-pharmacologic treatments play a pivotal role in improving care for individuals with HF and pain symptoms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 103840"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103809
Zeliha Kaya Erten PhD , Ömer Ödek PhD , Mümin Savaş PhD , Hümeyra Aslaner MD , Soner Kiliç MD , Handan Zincir PhD , Ahmet Furkan Ökdem BSc
This study adapted the Care Challenge Scale (CCS) into Turkish and evaluated its validity and reliability for Turkish caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. The CCS was translated and validated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with a sample of 100 caregivers. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.915 overall, and 0.835 and 0.905 for the subscales. Test-retest reliability was r=0.700. The content validity index (CVI) was 0.80. Exploratory factor analysis explained 68.446% of variance across two subscales (lack of social-financial support, effective roleplay challenge). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-dimensional structure (χ²/df = 1.676, RMSEA=0.083). The CCS was found to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing care challenge levels among caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.
{"title":"A validity and reliability study of the care challenge scale (CCS) among turkish caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease","authors":"Zeliha Kaya Erten PhD , Ömer Ödek PhD , Mümin Savaş PhD , Hümeyra Aslaner MD , Soner Kiliç MD , Handan Zincir PhD , Ahmet Furkan Ökdem BSc","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103809","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103809","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study adapted the Care Challenge Scale (CCS) into Turkish and evaluated its validity and reliability for Turkish caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients. The CCS was translated and validated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with a sample of 100 caregivers. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.915 overall, and 0.835 and 0.905 for the subscales. Test-retest reliability was r=0.700. The content validity index (CVI) was 0.80. Exploratory factor analysis explained 68.446% of variance across two subscales (lack of social-financial support, effective roleplay challenge). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-dimensional structure (χ²/df = 1.676, RMSEA=0.083). The CCS was found to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing care challenge levels among caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 103809"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103851
Rachel N. Logue Cook PhD , Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins PhD , Rebecca E. Hasson PhD , Matthew A. Davis PhD , Susan H. Brown PhD
Background
Age-related declines in hand function are common yet often go undiagnosed until they become severe. Perceptions play an important role in seeking care, however this relationship is largely unknown for the upper limbs.
Methods
595 older adults (mean age: : 71.8 ± 5.5y) completed an online survey about perceptions of hand function and barriers to seeking care. Participants also completed the QuickDASH and Michigan Hand Questionnaire, which were correlated with attitudes.
Results
Despite most respondents (85%) agreeing that hand function is important, only 43% expressed concern about losing function. One-third of respondents considered seeking care for a limitation but did not, primarily because they felt their function was not poor enough (33%), despite 64% of these respondents indicating impairments on the QuickDASH.
Conclusions
Our results provide empirical evidence demonstrating the lack of attention paid to hand function, underscoring the importance of discussing and assessing age-related hand impairments before they impact independence.
{"title":"What about the hands? Older adults’ attitudes and perceptions of hand function","authors":"Rachel N. Logue Cook PhD , Dominique Kinnett-Hopkins PhD , Rebecca E. Hasson PhD , Matthew A. Davis PhD , Susan H. Brown PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103851","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103851","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Age-related declines in hand function are common yet often go undiagnosed until they become severe. Perceptions play an important role in seeking care, however this relationship is largely unknown for the upper limbs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>595 older adults (mean age: : 71.8 ± 5.5y) completed an online survey about perceptions of hand function and barriers to seeking care. Participants also completed the QuickDASH and Michigan Hand Questionnaire, which were correlated with attitudes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Despite most respondents (85%) agreeing that hand function is important, only 43% expressed concern about losing function. One-third of respondents considered seeking care for a limitation but did not, primarily because they felt their function was not poor enough (33%), despite 64% of these respondents indicating impairments on the QuickDASH.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our results provide empirical evidence demonstrating the lack of attention paid to hand function, underscoring the importance of discussing and assessing age-related hand impairments before they impact independence.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 103851"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
People are aging worldwide. Chronic diseases are also increasing with aging. For older individuals with chronic illnesses, adaptation to their illness and rational drug use are crucial in managing their chronic illness.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the impact of rational drug use on chronic illness adaptation in elderly patients.
Method
Utilizing a descriptive and relational determination design, this investigation included 210 chronic disease patients over 65 years of age hospitalized of a hospital in southeast Türkiye. The study spanned from June 2023 to May 2024. Data were gathered through the Patient Information Questionnaire, Rational Drug Use Scale (RDUS), and Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale (ACIS). Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data.
Results
The study found that patients' mean scores in behavioral beliefs, control beliefs, attitude, subjective norm, intention, and information subcomponents, along with overall rational drug use levels, were 14.05 ± 2.79, 10.71 ± 1.88, 3.95 ± 1.64, 3.11 ± 0.82, 6.90 ± 1.56, 14.11 ± 1.65, and 52.85 ± 6.12, respectively. For chronic illness adaptation, the mean scores in physical, social, and psychological adaptation subcomponents, along with total adaptation, were 36.54 ± 4.34, 18.70 ± 3.74, 20.94 ± 3.07, and 76.20 ± 9.38, respectively. Rational use of medication has a positive effect on patients' compliance with chronic diseases.
Conclusion
In this study, patients' rational drug use and disease adjustment levels were found to be above average according to the scale score average. Rational drug usage significantly enhances illness adaptation, underscoring the importance of promoting rational drug use in improving health outcomes in elderly patients with chronic conditions.
{"title":"Impact of rational drug use on chronic illness adaptation in elderly patients: A study from southeast Türkiye","authors":"Zeliha Buyukbayram Genc PhD , Seyhan Citlik Saritas PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103797","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103797","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>People are aging worldwide. Chronic diseases are also increasing with aging. For older individuals with chronic illnesses, adaptation to their illness and rational drug use are crucial in managing their chronic illness.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the impact of rational drug use on chronic illness adaptation in elderly patients.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Utilizing a descriptive and relational determination design, this investigation included 210 chronic disease patients over 65 years of age hospitalized of a hospital in southeast Türkiye. The study spanned from June 2023 to May 2024. Data were gathered through the Patient Information Questionnaire, Rational Drug Use Scale (RDUS), and Adaptation to Chronic Illness Scale (ACIS). Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study found that patients' mean scores in behavioral beliefs, control beliefs, attitude, subjective norm, intention, and information subcomponents, along with overall rational drug use levels, were 14.05 ± 2.79, 10.71 ± 1.88, 3.95 ± 1.64, 3.11 ± 0.82, 6.90 ± 1.56, 14.11 ± 1.65, and 52.85 ± 6.12, respectively. For chronic illness adaptation, the mean scores in physical, social, and psychological adaptation subcomponents, along with total adaptation, were 36.54 ± 4.34, 18.70 ± 3.74, 20.94 ± 3.07, and 76.20 ± 9.38, respectively. Rational use of medication has a positive effect on patients' compliance with chronic diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In this study, patients' rational drug use and disease adjustment levels were found to be above average according to the scale score average. Rational drug usage significantly enhances illness adaptation, underscoring the importance of promoting rational drug use in improving health outcomes in elderly patients with chronic conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"68 ","pages":"Article 103797"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146031747","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Informal carers face numerous challenges in caring for home-dwelling persons with dementia. This study aimed to explore the needs and challenges of informal carers in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) and their acceptance of mHealth applications for information and support seeking in dementia care. Following Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis approach, an exploratory qualitative study design was employed. Interviews were performed with a purposive sample of informal carers of persons with dementia using a semi-structured interview guide (N = 16). The analysis yielded four main themes, including “weight of love: dealing with the complexities of providing BPSD care”; “information challenge: revealing information needs and information-seeking barriers”; “building bridges: searching for support systems”; and “information-seeking in the digital age: adopting mHealth applications”. This study provides insight into the challenges and needs of informal carers in providing care for persons with dementia, particularly managing BPSDs, and highlights the necessity of addressing these issues. Developing tailor-made mHealth applications related to BPSDs is recommended.
{"title":"Informal carers’ needs and challenges towards managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and accepting mHealth applications: A qualitative study","authors":"Thilanka Jagoda BScN (Hons), MN, PhD , Samath Dharmaratne MBBS, MSc, MD , Sarath Rathnayake BScN (Hons), MScN, PhD","doi":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103847","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.gerinurse.2026.103847","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Informal carers face numerous challenges in caring for home-dwelling persons with dementia. This study aimed to explore the needs and challenges of informal carers in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs) and their acceptance of mHealth applications for information and support seeking in dementia care. Following Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis approach, an exploratory qualitative study design was employed. Interviews were performed with a purposive sample of informal carers of persons with dementia using a semi-structured interview guide (<em>N</em> = 16). The analysis yielded four main themes, including “weight of love: dealing with the complexities of providing BPSD care”; “information challenge: revealing information needs and information-seeking barriers”; “building bridges: searching for support systems”; and “information-seeking in the digital age: adopting mHealth applications”. This study provides insight into the challenges and needs of informal carers in providing care for persons with dementia, particularly managing BPSDs, and highlights the necessity of addressing these issues. Developing tailor-made mHealth applications related to BPSDs is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":56258,"journal":{"name":"Geriatric Nursing","volume":"69 ","pages":"Article 103847"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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