bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gender-specific predictors of poor sleep quality and insomnia among caregivers of persons living with dementia
Authors: Brewster Glenna , McPhillips Miranda , Yeager Kate , Epps Fayron , Johnson Kalisha Bonds , Hepburn Kenneth , Bliwise Donald 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Caregiving for a person living with dementia (PLwD) may influence sleep patterns. Gaps exists about whether caregiver and PLwD factors impact sleep differentially based on caregivers’ gender. The aim of this secondary data analysis was to identify predictors of sleep quality and insomnia in a sample of caregivers, stratified by gender, participating in a randomized controlled trial of a psychoeducational intervention. Outcome measures were sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index, ISI). Participants (n=261) also completed measures about caregivers’ perceived stress, burden, depression, and self-care, and PLwD’s behaviors (i.e., apathy, sleep disorders). Linear regression modeling was used to identify the overall predictors of poor sleep quality (PSQI &gt; 5; 52% of the sample) and insomnia (ISI &gt; 7; 41% of the sample). Caregivers were primarily female (70.5%), White (73.6%), mean age of 64.6 (±11.2) years, and typically caring for a spouse (65.9%). For male caregivers, predictors of poor sleep quality were assisting the PLwD with instrumental activities of daily living and PLwD neuropsychiatric symptoms (F=4.45, p&lt;.001); while caregiver self-care and PLwD neuropsychiatric symptoms predicted insomnia (F=4.49, p&lt;.001). For female caregivers, the predictors of poor sleep quality were caregiver depressive symptoms and burden, and frequency of PLwD behavioral problems (F=4.46, p&lt;.001); however, only perceived stress predicted insomnia (F=4.32, p&lt;.001). Various factors related to caregiving appear to be more important than others in predicting sleep outcomes of male/female caregivers. Health care professionals should acknowledge gender differences when designing and implementing programs and interventions to improve sleep.
Recognizing and Responding to Elder Mistreatment: Developing and Testing an Online Training for EMS Practitioners
Authors: Haggerty Kristin Lees , Miller Melanie , M. Wardlaw Dana , Campetti Randi , Myint-U Athi , Cannell Brad 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Elder mistreatment is an urgent and under recognized public health concern with devastating consequences for older adults, families, and health systems. Risk for elder mistreatment has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, further highlighting the urgency to address it. Prehospital emergency medical service (EMS) practitioners have unique opportunities to recognize signs of elder mistreatment but often lack the training and tools required to facilitate consistent identification and intervention. To address this gap, Education Development Center collaborated with a team of expert advisors and EMS practitioners to develop and pilot test Recognizing and Responding to Elder Mistreatment: An Online Training for EMS Practitioners with funding from the RRF Foundation for Aging. This training aims to prepare EMS practitioners to recognize potential mistreatment and report suspected elder mistreatment in line with state laws and their professional code of ethics. In this presentation, we will describe the iterative development process, present results from a pilot test conducted with EMS practitioners in Massachusetts and share strategies and progress for disseminating the training nationally. The pilot study utilized a pre-post design to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices at baseline, immediately after and two months following participation in the training. Results indicate statistically significant improvements in knowledge related to elder mistreatment identification and response from pre- to post-training and maintenance of these improvements two months later. Participants reported feeling more prepared to address elder mistreatment in their work as EMS practitioners and applying their new knowledge and skills during the two months following the training.
Social Workers in Primary Care Increase Access to Palliative Care
Authors: Cornell Portia , Halladay Christopher , Gozalo Pedro , Montano Anna-Rae , Celardo Caitlin , Rudolph James 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Clinical trials show that palliative care improves patient experiences and reduces costs, and use of palliative care and hospice care have been increasing over the past three decades. In the Veterans Administration health care system (VA), Veterans may receive palliative care concurrently with other treatments. However, many barriers exist to the use of palliative care, such as patients’ misperceptions. Social workers in primary care teams may increase use of this valuable service by establishing trust between patient and care team, educating patients and caregivers, and coordinating services. Leveraging a national social-work-staffing program as a natural experiment, we evaluated the effect of hiring one or more social workers to the primary-care team on use of palliative or hospice care among Veterans with a recent hospital stay. Our data included 91,675 episodes of care between 2016 and 2018. 1.45 percent of episodes were followed by use of palliative care or hospice within 30 days. The addition of one or more social workers through the staffing program was associated with an increase of 0.53 percentage points (p&lt;0.001) in the probability of any palliative or hospice care, i.e., a more than 30% increase relative to the mean. Policy makers and health system leaders who seek to improve patient experience and reduce costs through increased access to palliative and hospice care could consider social work staffing as a policy tool to achieve those aims.
Effects of a 6-week integrated dementia prevention intervention in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Tak Sunghee , Kim Ji-yeon , Ko Hana , Jung SuJung , Lee Jaegyeong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study examined the week of a 6-session integrated dementia p program on dementia knowledge, attitude toward dementia, fear of dementia, and dementia prevention behaviors among community dwelling elders. Using a nonequivalent control group, pre-posttest design, study participants were recruited from a senior center in Seoul, Korea. A total of 40 participants completed the study while half of them were in the experimental group and another half were in the control group. They completed survey questionnaires before and after the program. The findings showed that the program was effective only to decrease the fear of dementia of the older adults. Knowledge, attitude toward dementia, and healthy behaviors may be difficult to change in a short period of time. However, the integrated dementia prevention program may be effective to decrease negative emotions, particularly, fear toward dementia among older adults. The fear of dementia needs to be further assessed individually in order to identify particular causes and triggers and provide tailored interventions.
Understanding the Abnormal Today for Life Tomorrow: A Study of the Generations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: D'Ambrosio Lisa , D'Ambrosio Lisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The spread of COVID-19 in the United States in early 2020 abruptly transformed American life, with widespread closures of public spaces and businesses, limitations on social activities, and the need for individuals to physically distance from each other. Some changes wrought by the virus may persist post-pandemic - such as Americans' adoption of new technologies or disease prevention behaviors. Since the onset of COVID-related safer-at-home orders, the MIT AgeLab has sought to understand how the pandemic affects people’s attitudes and behaviors. This symposium will present findings drawn from three waves of national, online surveys conducted in 2020: March (N=1202), May-June (N=1,387), and November-December 2020 (N=1444). The surveys explored participants’ COVID-19-related attitudes and behaviors across a range of domains. Each presentation in this symposium will highlight a different focus of cross-generational research conducted over time, with a particular focus on experiences of adults ages 55 and over. The first will focus on participants’ overall health, wellbeing, and perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccine. The second will present experiences of family caregivers of older adults and children. The third will center on the impact of the pandemic on the generations’ retirement and longevity planning experiences. The fourth and final presentation will focus on participants’ attitudes and experiences using and adopting technology. This symposium will deepen attendees’ understandings of multigenerational attitudes and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a particular focus on the experiences of adults ages 55 and over.
Dementia Care Coaching: A Pilot to Evaluate Acceptability and Feasibility in Care Communities
Authors: Prophater Lorna , Kim Boeun , Belza Basia , Cameron Sarah , Fazio Sam 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The Alzheimer’s Association (AA) Dementia Care Practice Recommendations (DCPR) outline ten recommendations to achieve quality care with a person-centered focus. The AA has developed tools to assist care communities (CC) to evaluate their status within the recommendations by working with a trained coach to maximize adoption and implementation of these recommendations. The purpose of this pilot was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of pairing trained DCPR coaches with CC teams to implement the DCPR tools. Seven CCs were recruited and four received the DCPR overview and self-assessment. Of the four CC, one withdrew and did not receive the intervention. The remaining three were located in a suburban area, nonprofit, and with memory care units. Data was collected from November 2019 through March 2020. Nine CC staff participated with a mean age 35.8 years and had worked for 11.8 years. Baseline mean scores on the Organizational Readiness to Implementing Change (ORIC) scale were 4.6 for the commitment domain and 4.4 for the efficacy domain. Mean scores on the Nursing Home Employee Satisfaction Survey were high. Sixty-nine percent of CC participants were satisfied with their jobs (greater than 4). Findings from mid-project interviews with the coaches revealed difficulty with scheduling appointments, significant efforts needed to get the “right” people at the table and need for the DCPR tools to be more user-friendly. No post-intervention results were collected due to closing of the CCs to visitors due to COVID. The DCPR tools shows promise and are being evaluated in additional CCs.
Parenting Stress and Mental Health in Midlife Adults: Evaluating the Role of Gender
Authors: Choi Jean , Munoz Elizabeth , Corley Robin , Wadsworth Sally , Reynolds Chandra 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Parenthood is a major source of stress in midlife that can have adverse consequences for long-term mental health trajectories. Yet, little research asks how parenting stress impacts mental health for both mothers and fathers in midlife. The current study examined (a) whether parenting stress was associated with parental depressive and anxiety symptoms and (b) whether these associations vary by gender. We utilized data from the ongoing Colorado Adoption/Twin Study of Lifespan behavioral development and cognitive aging (CATSLife); participants were aged 28 to 49 who reported having child(ren) (N = 520). Participants completed surveys that encompassed measures of demographics, relationships, health, and well-being. Overall, multilevel models accounting for non-independence among siblings and with relevant covariates (e.g., number of children, marital status) showed that higher levels of parenting stress were associated with greater depressive (b = .47 (.12), p&lt;.001) and anxiety (b = .27 (.09), p&lt;.05) symptoms. An evaluation of the individual parenting stress items indicated that feeling less happy and more overwhelmed in the parental role were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Parents who reported feeling less close to their children were also significantly more likely to report greater levels of depressive symptoms. These effects were consistent across mothers and fathers. Our study provides further insight into the negative associations between parenting stress and mental health among both mothers and fathers, and warrants further investigation into resources that may buffer these negative effects prior to late life.
The Long-Term Impact of Childhood Disability on Mental Health in Mid- to Late-Adulthood
Authors: West Jessica 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
For decades, life course and stress process scholars have documented that negative, stressful experiences in childhood have consequences for health across the life course. One aspect of the childhood adversity that deserves more research attention is childhood disability. Children with disabilities experience higher levels of psychological distress compared to their peers and having a disability can negatively impact traditional markers of the transition to adulthood (e.g., education, employment, family status). At present, there is limited evidence regarding the impact of childhood disability on mental health over multiple years of adulthood. This study applies random effects models to nationally representative data from five waves (2008-2016) of the Health and Retirement Study (n=15,380; n=590 with a childhood disability), to examine how experiencing disability before the age of 16 shapes depressive symptoms over multiple years of adulthood. Given known gender differences in mental health, the models are stratified by gender to examine how the association between childhood disability and adult mental health varies by gender. Preliminary results suggest that experiencing a childhood disability is associated with different patterns of depressive symptoms in adulthood. Men who experienced childhood disability report more depressive symptoms in adulthood, net of sociodemographic, adult health, and childhood disadvantage covariates. Women who experienced childhood disability report more depressive symptoms in adulthood, net of all covariates except for childhood depression. Next steps are to conduct age-based growth curve models using Stata’s mixed function to estimate whether childhood disability influences baseline and growth of depressive symptoms in adulthood.
Technology acceptance and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older people
Authors: Kang Suk-Young , Kim Jeungkun , Winthal Jeffrey , Lenz Rosemarie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Depression is a major public health issue among older adults, with an estimated prevalence between 5% and 10%. The aim of this study is to explore the possible benefits technology acceptance has in reducing depression among older people. Mail-survey data were collected from community-dwelling adults over the age of 65. This method was chosen over face-to-face surveys due to Covid-19. There were 192 total participants. The GDS-5 was used to measure the level of depressive symptoms. Among the participants, 25 participants (13%) scored higher than 2, indicating the presence of depression. Using a hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the equation explained 42.4 % of the variance (adjusted R square =.382) in levels of depression (F (3,176) = 9.973, p &lt;.000). Variance inflation factor (VIF) values were smaller than 10, indicating that multicollinearity among the correlates was not an issue. The correlates of the level of depression were: level of education, overall physical health, level of loneliness, perceived ease of technology use, attitude toward technology use, and intent to purchase new technology for older people. Results indicate that a positive attitude toward technology use might be inversely associated with depression levels. This shows how quality of life related to mental health may be improved by a change in attitude in favor of technology use. Participants were interested in learning to use new technology, and would like more opportunities to do so. Policy changes that increase lifelong learning options would help to make this happen.
Predictors of COVID-19 Related Stress Among Custodial Grandmothers
Authors: Jeanblanc Alexandra , Dolbin-MacNab Megan , Musil Carol , Smith Gregory 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This paper examined predictors of COVID-19 stressors among 316 custodial grandmothers raising school-aged grandchildren using regression. Grandmothers, who were participants in two nationwide behavioral RCTs, completed an online questionnaire in Spring 2020. Predictors included grandmother demographics, depressive symptoms, perceived caregiving stress and reward, stress management strategies, and grandchild factors. Outcomes included grandmothers’ stress related to using bad coping habits (r2=.24), grandchildren’s remote learning(r2=.39), household conflict (r2=.29), COVID-19 fear and uncertainty (r2=.28), and finances(r2=.24). Regression results indicated that grandmothers’ pre-existing depressive symptoms predicted all outcomes except remote learning stress. Higher caregiving stress was associated with all outcomes, except concerns about using bad coping habits. Grandmothers with less perceived access to care reported greater concern about bad coping habits and remote learning stress, while minority grandmothers reported more financial stress and COVID-19 fear and uncertainty. Findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the stress experienced by already burdened custodial grandmothers.
Evaluating The Economic Impact Of Marriage Versus Cohabitation In Same-Sex Couples Age 50+
Authors: Massihzadegan Setarreh , Mutchler Jan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Utilizing the first set of 5-year American Community Survey data available since the United States’ legalization of same-sex marriage in mid-2015, this poster investigates the economic security of older adults (age 50+) in same-sex marriages compared to those in same-sex partnerships who are cohabiting but not married. Viewed through the lens of cumulative disadvantage theory, we consider differences in the economic circumstances of same-sex couples by gender and by geographic location. Findings point to gender differences in economic well-being, but relatively few differences based on marital status. For example, rates of low income are somewhat higher among female couples than among their male counterparts, but marital status differences are not substantial. These findings suggest that the benefits of being married that have long been recognized among older adults may not extend equally to same-sex couples. Findings are discussed with respect to the emerging salience of marriage within the LGBTQ older community, future research opportunities, and important policy implications.
Cultivating a Patient-Centered Environment (CAPE): Renovations in Long-Term Chronic Care
Authors: Howard Elizabeth , Retalic Tammy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Achieving institutional goal of full, person-centered care was encumbered by an outdated structural “hospital model” at one long-term care facility that undertook building renovations, transforming long hallways into “neighborhood” of compact households. Quality of Life Survey and Long-term Care Minimum Data Set generated data at baseline and 1-year follow-up, comparing renovated(RU) and non-renovated unit(NRU) residents (n=36) to evaluate achievement of person-centered care. RU residents indicating they could “eat when I want” increased 75% to 81% at follow-up and decreased 17% for NRU residents. Sixty-seven percent of RU residents reported bathing “when they want” in contrast to 40% of NRU residents. Most RU residents agreed, “staff act on my suggestions.”More RU residents (68% vs 53%) agreed: “I spend time with other like-minded residents” and more RU residents (86% vs 43%) reported opportunity to explore new skills, interests. RU residents more often reported (50% vs 37%) “people ask for my help or advice.” Similar differences were observed with “it is easy to make friends here,” 67% RU residents responding affirmatively. RU residents reporting “feeling down” improved, moving from 46% to 50% disagreeing with this item with while increased number of NRU residents (18% to 22%) reported “feeling down” at follow-up.Improvement with independent performance of bed mobility, transfer, walking, and dressing among RU residents was observed while NRU residents had decreased percentages of independence. Evaluation of resident outcomes demonstrated improvement with personal choice, activities, personal relationships, functional independence and mood. Physical unit renovations appear to enhance implementation of person-centered care model.
Failure to Thrive: Nursing Home Staff Experiences in Caring for Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chang Yu-Ping , Raciti Audrieanna , de Rosa Cristina , Doerzbacher Margaret , ZHou Yanjun , Chen Chia-Hui , Lyons Amy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Nursing home residents and staff have accounted for roughly 40% of Coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. The burden of caring for vulnerable residents coupled with isolation policies has taken a significant emotional toll among direct health care staff in long term care facilities. This study explores nursing home staff’s experiences in caring for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative descriptive approach with a semi-structured guide was used to conduct individual interviews. We recruited nursing home staff employed during the COVID-19 pandemic in long term care facilities located in New York State. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s Reflexive Thematic analysis. Twelve nursing home staff were interviewed. Participants consistently refer to failure-to-thrive as an extremely concerning problem because many residents demonstrate decreased appetite and poor nutrition, inactivity, and depressive symptoms due to social isolation. They also often feel frustrated and overwhelmed due to uncertainty and shortages of staff. Five main themes were identified, including doing their best to manage residents’ failure-to-thrive, working as a team, keeping family members informed and connected, struggling to balance competing personal and professional demands, and needing support to reduce stress and build strength. Our study findings indicate that nursing home staff experienced a high level of stress and identified failure-to-thrive caused by isolation and loneliness as a common phenomenon among nursing home residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are urgently needed to reduce isolation and loneness in nursing home residents and to provide support for staff.