bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronary artery disease patients experience of patient education, follow up and self care support in rural areas of Iceland
Authors: Johannsdottir T , Svavarsdottir MH , Ingadottir B 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Icelandic regional development institute, The Icelandic Nurse´s Association, RHA-University of Akureyri, HSA, The Health Directorate of East-Iceland.

OnBehalf
KRANS
People living in rural Iceland have higher rate of cardiovascular risk factors, healthcare utilization and death and worse self-reported health than people in urban areas.
The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the experience of people with coronary heart disease, living in rural Iceland, of patient education, surveillance, and self-care support. The participants (N = 14, age 52-79 years, 8 male, 6 female) were interviewed 6-12 months after hospital discharge following a cardiac event (in 2018-2019). Systematic text-condensation was used for analysis. The findings were categorized into three main themes: 1) Education and support describes inadequate patient education and support from health professionals after discharge from hospital and how the internet was the main information source supplemented with spouse’s and family support. 2) Local health care services describe the lack of and importance of access to health professionals, stable services and underutilization of primary health care in the local area. 3) Self-care behavior describes the lack of professional support with lifestyle changes and how the participants manage self-care in their local area as well as their attitude towards the disease. In conclusion, the results indicate that access to continuous health services and person-centered support focusing on prevention strategies is widely impaired in rural areas in Iceland.
The types of comorbidities are associated with self-care of heart failure, but not the number of comorbidities
Authors: Lee KS , Moser DK , Dracup K 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): RO1HL083176 Improving Self-Care Behavior and Outcomes in Rural Patients with Heart Failure
Background/Introduction: Patients with heart failure (HF) experience cardiac and non-cardiac related comorbid conditions. Such comorbidities create challenges to successful engagement in self-care of HF because patients are asked to simultaneously perform a variety of recommended self-care activities for HF and their comorbid conditions. It is possible that patients with a greater number of comorbid conditions experience more difficulty performing activities of HF self-care compared to those with a smaller number of comorbid conditions. However, it is also possible that types of comorbid conditions are more important factors influencing self-care of HF.

Purpose
To explore whether self-care of HF is associated with the number of comorbid conditions or types of comorbid conditions.

Methods
A total of 589 patients with HF (66 years, 41% female, 65% NYHA III/IV) were included in this study. The number of comorbid conditions was measured using the list of the conditions in the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Types of comorbidities were defined as follows: concordant conditions, sharing overall pathophysiologic risk profiles with HF, and discordant conditions, not being directly related to HF. Patients were categorized into 4 groups: HF patients without comorbidities; those with concordant conditions; those with discordant conditions; and those with both concordant and discordant conditions. Self-care was measured with the European HF self-care behavior scale. A multivariate linear regression was performed to explore the relationship of HF self-care with the number and types of comorbid conditions after adjusting for relevant covariates.

Results
The number of comorbid conditions was not associated with self-care of HF. However, the types of comorbid conditions were related to self-care of HF after controlling for covariates. Compared to HF patients without comorbidities, patients with both concordant and discordant conditions were more likely to have poorer self-care (β=0.155, 95% CI 0.29-4.09). However, levels of self-care in patients having either concordant or discordant conditions were not different from levels in patients having no comorbid conditions. Conclusion: Patients’ adherence to HF self-care was associated with the types of comorbidities, but not the simple count of comorbidities. Patients who had both concordant and discordant conditions were more likely to perform poor self-care of HF compared to those who had either concordant or discordant conditions or no comorbid conditions. It appears that HF patients with both concordant and discordant conditions experience difficulty integrating HF self-care in relation to a variety of conditions.
Cultural adaptation of the Polish version of the PAH-SYMPACT questionnaire (PL)
Authors: Sarzynska K , Polanski J , Kopec G , Mroczek E , Jankowska-Polanska B 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare chronic disease that significantly affects patients" ability to perform daily activities, decreasing physical and mental well-being and social functioning. Symptoms of the disease increase as it progresses, leading to disability and death. In addition, the quality of life of patients deteriorates as the disease progresses and may reflect the effectiveness of the therapy used. Most questionnaires used in PAH clinical trials are generic quality-of-life (QoL) measures that may do not adequately reflect the clinical status and symptoms, changes in health status, or prognosis of patients with PAH.

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the Polish version of the PAH-SYMPACT questionnaire to reflect the severity of symptoms and their effects on daily functioning.

Material and methods
The study included 55 patients with PAH treated, as part of a pulmonary hypertension treatment program in Poland. Patients were asked to complete the PAH-SYMPACT questionnaire. After about 2 weeks, a follow-up was carried out. Validation of this questionnaire met the guidelines for translation and validation of questionnaires, which are set out in the document on the process of translation and adaptation of World Health Organization tools. Reliability was tested using a measure of internal consistency (Cronbach"s α) and test-retest reliability. Correctness was confirmed using known group validity.

Results
Moderate internal consistency (Cronbach"s) was found for all questionnaire domains (cardiopulmonary symptoms α=0.706; cardiovascular symptoms α=0.806, physical effects α=0.904, psychological effects α=0.817) and test-retest reliability was satisfactory. The PAH-SYMPACT questionnaire (PL) met all validation criteria and can be used to assess quality of life in patients with PAH.

Conclusion
Psychometric evaluation of the Polish version of the PAH-SYMPACT (PL) indicates that it is a reliable and valid measure tool to detect quality of life patients with PAH.
Participation of the nurse in the prevention of patients with CVD through health education and monitoring of health related quality of life
Authors: Todorova MT 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Introduction. Cardiovascular Disease is the most common cause of mortality worldwide and causes major social and economic problems to society. Despite significant progress in prevention, satisfactory results are still being reported. The education of nurses in Bulgaria includes preparation for promotional, preventive, and health-educational activities, which can be performed in a medical team and independently. Nurses resources could be used effectively to prevent Ischemic Heart Disease.
Purpose. The aim of the study is to establish the quality of life in patients with IHD and to promote nursing interventions, including health counseling to address certain behavioral risk factors and monitoring.
Methods. The study was conducted in two stages. A case-control study was performed in 146 patients with chronic ischemic heart disease and the same number of controls. The two groups are equal in gender. For the purposes of the research, a standardized questionnaire for the study of health-related quality of life was used (EQ-5D-3L, an adapted Bulgarian version). The experimental part included 52 patients with IHD, who are monitored in Primary medical care. Health education was provided by a nurse to reduce behavioral risk factors and monitor indicators. The study covers adults who have given informed consent to participate, in compliance with the ethical principles outlined in the Helsinki Declaration.
Results. The results of the quality of life test EQ-5D-3L show more problems in the group of patients in the field of mobility (41.1%) (U = 5.58; p &lt;0.05). There was a significant difference in the relative proportions of patients and controls with problems in the field of self-care, usual routine and pain/discomfort (U = 3.13; p &lt;0.05), which is reflected in a lower self-assessment of quality of life. There is a statistically significant difference in the mean values between patients and controls (t = 13.5, p = 0.001). Short health sessions were conducted with 52 patients to correct behavioral risk factors: guidelines for physical activity, diet, creating an appropriate daily routine, patient diary for blood pressure control, weight reduction, smoking cessation and others.
Conclusions. The nurse can contribute to improving the prevention of CVD by educating patients in a healthy lifestyle, self-management and reducing behavioral risk factors. The delegation of preventive activities within the competence of the nurse can improve the health services and quality of life of patients with coronary heart disease.
Health related quality of life of Icelandic patients six months after coronary heart disease incidence
Authors: Svavarsdottir M , Ingadottir B 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Regional Development Institute, Landspitali, Akureyri Hospital; University of Akureyri, Icelandic Nursing Association, KEA, Akureyri Heart Association

OnBehalf
KRANS-Study research group

Background
Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are likely to have impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) due to functional and emotional effects of the disease. Research suggests that HRQoL is an indicator of CHD patient’s health and it has been associated with self-care and risk factor management.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to assess HRQoL of Icelandic patients with CHD, six months after coronary heart disease incidence and to identify associated factors.

Methods
Cross-sectional study design was used. Participants were admitted to two main hospitals in Iceland. Data was collected with questionnaires and from patient records in the years 2018 to 2019. HRQoL was assessed with The HeartQoL questionnaire, which comprises 14-items with 10-item physical and 4-item emotional subscales which are scored from 0 (poor) to 3 (better) HRQoL and a global score. Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results
Data from 366 patients with CHD will be presented. Preliminary data analysis shows that patients, (mean age 64 years (SD 8.8), 81% male), had mean global HRQoL score of 2.3 (SD = 0.6). The physical score measured 2.2 (SD = 0.7) and the emotional score 2.4 (SD = 0.7). The mean global HRQoL score were lower in women (t(364) =3.7, p &lt; 0.001) and so were the physical score (t(364) =3.8, p &lt; 0.001). However, the emotional score did not differ between the genders (t(363) =1.9, p = 0.061). Low income patients had lower HRQoL (p &lt; 0.001). While physical HRQoL decreased with age (β= -0.12, p = 0.006), emotional HRQoL increased (β=0.14, p = 0.001). Better HRQoL was associated with more physical activity on global (β=0.28, p &lt; 0.001), emotional (β=0.16, p = 0.001) and physical (β=0.36, p &lt; 0.001) scales. Association between HRQoL and other risk factor profiles will be presented.
Conclusion Our findings suggest that among patients with CHD physical activity is associated with better HRQoL. This emphasizes the importance of cardiac rehabilitation and physical activity after discharge from hospital. Special attention should be given to follow up of women and low-income groups.
Sexual satisfaction and subjective well-being after heart transplantation
Authors: Matic I , Grubisic M , Matic N , Ljubas A , Miljas A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Heart transplantation is still the most dominant method used to achieve successful results in treating end-stage heart failure patients. Besides using new medicines, technologies and monitoring of patients" physical condition, overall care should also include monitoring patients’ well–being, which is not often done. The purpose of this study was to undertake a sexual satisfaction and subjective well-being after heart transplantation.

Methods
The study was conducted on a random sample of 30 patients who had heart transplantation. The data were collected prospectively during a visit to the clinic. Sexual satisfaction was measured by short form of the New Scale of Sexual Satisfaction. The questionnaire consists of twelve items in which patients evaluate their satisfaction with sexual domains. Subjective well-being was measured by the Personal Wellbeing Index. The questionnaire consists of seven items in which patients evaluate their satisfaction with some domains of life. All reported values have been converted onto a standard 0-100 range. The values were given as mean (M) and standard deviation (SD). The differences were tested by the t-test. The result of the questionnaire was determined by correlation analysis and multiple regression.
Results
The mean age of participants was 59.5 ± 7.3, most of them were male (80%) and married (76%). The mean score on the sexual satisfaction scale was 30.7 ± 9.9. Compared to the results of the general population 46,9 ± 8,5 result are significantly unfavorable (p&lt;.001). The overall subjective well-being was 75.0 ± 13.2 within the normative range. Compared to women, men were significantly more satisfied with sex life, 33.40 ±8.33 vs 20.20 ±9.41 (p=.005), significantly higher well-being 77.3 ± 13.8; vs 65.7 ± 2.4 (p=.002). Patients who were married had significantly greater satisfaction with sex lives 33,1 ± 9,1 than singles 23,1 ± 9,2 (p=.029), whereas this difference was not observed with respect to well-being 75,4 ± 12,4 vs 73,5 ± 16,67 (p=.764). Positive and significant correlations were found between sexual satisfaction and subjective well-being (.60; p=.002) as well as negative, between sexual satisfaction and female gender (-.54; p=.005). Results of multiple regression of the model that included the predictors: subjective well-being, gender and marital status has shown predictive success of the model explains about 56% of sexual satisfaction variance. Sexual satisfaction was a significant predictor in explaining 33% of variance in subjective well-being.
Conclusion(s)
Subjective well-being is satisfactory after successful heart transplantation, but sexual satisfaction is poorly. It takes a certain time for some patients to adapt to new life situations but gender and marital status play an important role. Further studies which will include more patients, especially women and young, should be made to evaluate variables associated with sexual satisfaction of patients after heart transplantation.
Use of a force measuring walker to optimize recovery after median sternotomy
Authors: Lapier A , Cleary K 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
BACKGROUND
Patients often need to use their arms to assist with functional activities, but after open-heart surgery, pushing with the arms is often limited to &lt;10 lb (4.5 kg), to minimize force across the healing sternum. Restricting arm use often limits patient functional independence which can contribute to longer hospital stays and greater need for care after hospitalization. Therefore, appropriate arm use is important for return to function. Currently, no method exists to measure patient upper extremity weight bearing (UEWB) forces objectively in clinical settings. The ultimate goal was to develop a walker that provides UEWB force feedback to patients recovering from median sternotomy. This research project included three interrelated parts that sequentially built on each other.
PART 1
First, I conducted a secondary data analysis comparing UEWB force and Pectoralis Major Muscle EMG during functional mobility in younger vs. older subjects (n = 65). Results showed that the mean arm force was &gt;10 lb before feedback training during all functional mobility tasks for both groups. There were significant differences in UEWB force and EMG between groups (young vs. old) and trials (pre- vs. post-feedback training). There was significantly greater improvement (change) in the UEWB force in the older than younger subjects. We also found a significantly greater reduction in EMG activity in the older subjects than younger subjects for all tasks except during stand-to-sit. Results suggested that patients, particularly older ones, may not accurately estimate UEWB force &lt;10 lb, and feedback training is effective for improving accuracy. This established proof-of-concept, the need for a Clinical Force Measuring (CFM) walker, and the efficacy of its use with feedback training.
PART 2
Next, I completed a qualitative study to obtain critiques of a CFM walker prototype from rehabilitation professionals through structured interviews that were recorded and transcribed. I coded key statements and phrases that allowed "themes" to emerge (Table 1), which guided device revisions.
PART 3
Lastly, I fabricated and tested a second CFM Walker prototype (Figure 1) based on key design elements including: 1) integrated vertical force measuring capability, 2) ergonomic handles, 3) simple visual and auditory feedback with upper limit alarms, 4) streamline, stable, and manoeuvrable frame, 5) lightweight construction, 6) minimal drag, 7) adjustable height, 8) ability to disinfect, and 9) affordable cost.
CONCLUSIONS
The CFM Walker could help patients recover safer and faster from open heart surgery, especially elderly adults.
Operationalization of heart failure patients engagement with mHealth
Authors: Madujibeya I , Aroh A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Introduction
The computing and communication features of mobile devices have been leveraged in mobile Health (mHealth) interventions to provide comprehensive and tailored support that may have positive outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF. However, the effects of the interventions have shown mixed evidence. Considering that patients’ engagement is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of the interventions, understanding how patients engage with the interventions, and the effects of patients’ engagement on HF outcomes may explain the mixed findings.

Objective
This study aimed to synthesize current evidence on measures of HF patients’ engagement with mHealth interventions, and the effects of the interventions on HF outcomes.

Method
In accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework for scoping review, a comprehensive search of the literature was conducted in 7 databases for relevant studies published in the English language from 2009 to Feb. 2021. The descriptive characteristics of the studies were reported. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes that described patients’ engagement in the qualitative studies included in the review.

Results
The review synthesized 29 studies that operationalized engagement with mHealth interventions in 3665 patients with HF, ranging from a sample of 7 to 1571, with a median of 80 patients. Patients’ engagement with mHealth interventions was measured quantitively based on system usage data (82.7%, 24/29), qualitatively by semi-structured interviews and focus groups (10.3%, 3/29), and by mixed methods or combination of qualitative and system usage data (17.2%, 5/29). System usage data were evaluated using 7 metrics: (1) number of physiological parameters measured (88.5%, 3/26); (2) duration of use or time spent (3.8%, 6/26); (3) features accessed/screen viewed (11.5%, 3/26); (4) number of HF educational videos viewed (7.7%, 2/26); (5) number of SMS response (3.8%, 1/26); (6) number of HF questionnaire completed (3.8%, 1/26; (7)numbers of logins (5%, 1/19). There is a lack of consistency in how system usage metrics were reported across the studies; 73.7 % of the studies reported only the descriptive statistics of the System usage data. Intervention usage was the most identified subtheme in the qualitative measure. The effect of patients’ engagement with mHealth interventions on HF-related outcomes was inconclusive.

Conclusion
The operational definitions of patients’ engagement with mHealth interventions are underreported and lack consistency. The application of inferential analytical methods to the engagement data is extremely limited, which indicates a gap in mHealth research in patients with HF. More research focusing on developing optimal and standardized measures of patients’ engagement that may be applied across different study designs is warranted