bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mediating role of rumination and personal growth on pandemic depression: a longitudinal study
Authors: Paniagua Teresa , Fernández-Fernández Virginia , Molina Martínez MªÁngeles 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction: The experience of recent months, caused by COVID-19 pandemic including strict home confinement, has required older people to implement coping strategies to combat the harmful effects of depression and associated loneliness. Method: longitudinal study, including functionally and cognitively independent people over 65, three temporal evaluation measures: WAVE1 (6 months pre-COVID-19, N=305; M=73.63; 58.9% women), WAVE2 (during home confinement; N=151; M=73.14; 59.6% women) and WAVE3 (8 months post-WAVE2; N = 85; M=72.62; 64.70% women). Bivariate correlations and a multiple hierarchical regression model are performed to explain the variance of depression in WAVE3 from rumination and growth on general life events (in WAVE1) and rumination and personal growth associated with COVID-19, both in WAVE2 and WAVE3. Results: statistically significant correlations are obtained between all the variables. The regression model explains 65.7% of the variance of depression (all steps significant). Both rumination (B=0.45;p=0.00) and growth (B=-0.40;p=0.00) on general life events (WAVE1) explain 54.5% of the depression in WAVE3. Rumination on COVID (B=.310;p≤0.01) in WAVE2 and the growth over COVID (B=-0.24;p≤0.01) in WAVE3, allow a significant explanation of 6.8 and 4.4% of the proposed model, respectively. Conclusions: it seems clear the impact that emotional regulation strategies have on life events over time. In addition, rumination is an emotional process of maladaptive coping also in the face of the pandemic. However, the growth capacity of the person is a useful tool to combat the damaging effects of negative life events. In the elderly, it seems necessary to influence and bet on positive coping strategies.
Early Documentation of Life-Sustaining Treatment Orders Prior to Diagnosis of COVID-19 in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Henkin David , Harris Brande , Espinoza Sara , Caliz Hazel , Oakman Kimberly , Sanchez-Reilly Sandra , Restrepo Marcos 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a devastating impact on older adult nursing home residents (NHR). NHRs comprise greater than one-third of COVID-19 U.S. deaths, emphasizing the importance of engaging in end-of-life discussions. At South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS), we implemented early documentation of patient’s Life-Sustaining Treatment (LST) or end-of-life goals-of-care preferences prior COVID-19 infection. We now aim to examine the association between early LST documentation (prior to COVID-19 diagnosis) and hospital admissions for COVID-19 by conducting a retrospective cohort study of Veteran NHRs at STVHCS from March 2020-January 2021. Inclusion criteria were NHRs with COVID-19 diagnosis, LST documentation, and clear timing of whether the LST documentation occurred before or after COVID-19 diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood of hospitalization by whether LST was documented before or after COVID-19 diagnosis. 208 NHRs were diagnosed with COVID-19 and 160 (76.9%) had LST documentation. Of these, 148 were included in the analysis: 84 (56.8%) had a completed LST note prior to diagnosis and 64 (43.2%) after diagnosis. The hospitalization rate was 46% for those with LST prior to diagnosis compared to 78% in those with LST after diagnosis (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.12-0.50, P&lt;0.001), showing that early LST documentation was associated with 76% lower likelihood of hospitalization. Early interventions for LST documentation can reduce hospitalization in high-risk populations. These findings may have implications for reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, diminishing healthcare costs, and resolving ethical dilemmas related to potential resource allocation during a pandemic.
Loneliness Among US Adults During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From the COVID-19 Coping Study
Authors: O'Shea Brendan , Finlay Jessica , Kler Jasdeep , Joseph Carly , Kobayashi Lindsay 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We aimed to estimate the prevalence of loneliness and identify the key sociodemographic, employment, living, and health-related risk factors for loneliness among middle-aged and older adults during the early COVID-19 pandemic in the US, when shelter-in-place and social distancing restrictions were in place for much of the country. Data were collected from online questionnaires in the COVID-19 Coping Study, a national study of 6,938 US adults aged 55-110 years, from April 2nd through May 31st, 2020. We estimated the population-weighted prevalence of loneliness (scores of ≥6/9 on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness Scale), overall and according to sociodemographic, employment, living, and health-related factors. We used population-weighted modified Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between these factors and loneliness, adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and education. Overall, 29.5% (95% CI: 27.9%, 31.3%) of US adults aged 55-110 were considered high in loneliness in April and May, 2020. In population-weighted, adjusted models, loneliness was most frequent among those with depression, those who were divorced or separated, those who lived alone, those diagnosed with multiple comorbid conditions, and individuals who were unemployed prior to the pandemic. In conclusion, we identified subpopulations of middle-aged and older US adults that were highly affected by loneliness during a period when COVID-19 shelter-in-place orders were in place across most of the country. These insights may inform the allocation of recourses to mitigate loneliness during times of restricted activity.
The Effect of Testing Turnaround Time on COVID-19 Outbreak Severity Within U.S. Nursing Homes
Authors: Rhodes Annie , Waters Leland , Zanjani Faika , Gendron Tracey , Moore Rick 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 has brought renewed attention to infectious diseases in U.S. nursing homes (NHs). The Testing turnaround time (TAT) of SARS-CoV-2 is vital information, supporting staff ability to make decisions regarding resource allocation. Methods: Using data obtained from the National Healthcare Safety Network’s COVID-19 nursing home data set, we analyzed the TAT of laboratory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on outbreak severity (number of people infected) for residents and staff. A MANOVA was performed on NHs submitting data over 26 weeks (May-November 2020). The independent variable was the average TAT for the two weeks prior (&lt;24 hours, 1-2 days, 3-7 days, or 7+ days). Results: N = 15,363 NHs. The TAT for the combined dependent variables of staff and resident COVID-19 cases. F(10,781,354) = 3161.265, Pillai’s trace = .078, p&lt;.0005, partial η2=.4. The average outbreak severity for staff was 13.93 cases when TAT was &lt; 24 hours, compared to 15.29 cases at 1-2 days. For residents, the difference was less pronounced but still significant. The average outbreak severity for residents was 17.07 cases when TAT was&lt;24 hours, compared to 18.61 cases when the TAT was 1-2 days. Tukey post-hoc tests found significance for all levels of testing for residents and staff at p&lt;.0005. Discussion: Time differences to receive PCR test results from a laboratory are significant in outbreak severity for staff and residents. The most meaningful result positively impacting the ultimate spread and severity of gross cases is when the TAT for PCR results is &lt; 1 day.
The Impact of COVID-19: Perspectives of Recreational Therapists Working with Older Adults
Authors: Kemeny Betsy , DeVries Dawn 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study explored the perspectives of recreational therapists (RT) from Pennsylvania and Michigan and how COVID-19 has impacted older adults and their roles in various settings. COVID-19 safety restrictions limiting social interaction with both peers and families had the potential for negatively impacting the social and emotional well-being of older adults (Van Orden et al., 2020) and the roles of therapists who work with them. Because peer socialization and physical activity programs prevent falls (Cameron et al., 2018) and improve depressive symptoms (Harvey et al., 2015), a better understanding of COVID-19 impact is significant. From a qualitative viewpoint, 14 RTs from various levels of care were interviewed to better understand their perspective on the impacts of COVID on older adults and their own practice. Hour long interviews conducted via zoom focused on organizational changes, role changes, and impact on older adults. After recordings were transcribed, multiple researchers classified, summarized, and tabulated the data. A consensus method determined common themes. From the RT’s perspective, older adults have not only been negatively impacted in the social domain. While many older adults showed resilience, others were impacted physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Moreover, an increased importance on meaningful engagement, recreation, and leisure emerged. Technology became an essential tool in interpersonal connection. Teamwork, personal self-care, and coping were integral to providing effective care. Post pandemic, RTs are concerned about the challenge of reengaging older adults in groups but are certain that technology will continue to be used in a more expansive way in programs.
The Lived Experience of Assisted Living Administrators During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hill Elizabeth , Davis Rebecca , Greer Paige , Strouse Susan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Since March, 2020, administrators in assisted living (AL) residences have been challenged to provide the best care for their populations while undergoing a pandemic. Because nothing like this has happened in the recent past, AL administrators had to make many new decisions. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to reflect on the lived experiences of AL administrators during the COVID pandemic. Using a semi structured interview, individual interviews of four AL administrators from different AL communities were conducted via Zoom. The interviews contained questions related to the participants’ experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim into MAXQDA. Data analysis followed a modified Giorgi approach, by reviewing the recorded interviews, categorizing the data into meaning units, then situated units, generalized units, and then themes. Results indicated that AL administrators have been adapting to constantly changing and conflicting regulations. The pandemic incited fear, depression, moral distress, but also hope for the future. The data shows a multitude of feelings and actions related to the well-being of the staff, residents, and residents’ families. The limitations of this study include a small sample size and the evolving nature of the pandemic in Michigan. Opportunities for future research would be to compare our findings to the experience of other AL’s in the United States. The results show the complexity of AL administrators’ lived experiences during the pandemic and highlight important considerations if an event like the pandemic were to occur again.
“Hunger Would Kill us Instead of the Pandemic:” Elders’ Responses to COVID-19 in Ethiopia
Authors: Kotecho Messay , Takele Anduamlak , Adamek Margaret 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unpredictable challenges globally. Urban elders in Global South nations are among the major population groups vulnerable to COVID-19. A qualitative case study design was used to uncover the challenges and sources of support for poor urban elders during COVID-19 lockdown in Ethiopia. Data were collected from 27 elders age 60 and above in Debre Markos Town via in-depth interviews and document review. Narrative data were analyzed using thematic data analysis. Four prominent themes were identified: 1. Food insecurity (“Hunger would kill us instead of COVID-19”), 2. Hopelessness (“Feeling hopeless and begging to die”), 3. Social isolation (“We prefer social support rather than food donations”) and 4. Gratitude (“Feeling thankful”). The physical distancing program introduced to contain the pandemic isolated many elders and diminished their capacity to access support from others needed to perform their daily activities. An institutional welfare system is needed to ensure older adults in the Global South can live a joyful and dignified life, even through a global pandemic. Moreover, a special emergency fund to meet older adults’ basic needs during a pandemic like COVID-19 should be introduced to minimize the effect of crises on vulnerable groups like destitute older adults in Ethiopia.
We Need to Protect Ourselves: The Mental Burden of Managing Type 2 Diabetes among Black men During the COVID19 Pandemic
Authors: Sherman Ledric , Pattin Anthony , Pattin Carla , Strong Michelle , Vera Sara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As COVID-19 swept across the United States in 2020, it appeared to infect and kill Black Americans at a disproportionately high rate. When examining the literature pertaining to the pandemic, present COVID-19 research focuses on physical health, but research regarding mental health and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking, especially among Black men and minority men in general. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to learn more about the type 2 diabetes (T2D) management related stress among Black men (n=22) during the COVID-19 pandemic. One on one interviews were conducted via Zoom video conferencing to gain an understanding of the experiences of managing T2D in a pandemic environment. Three main themes emerged from the study, which are: (1) my stress levels during this time, (2) diabetes specific stressors, and (3) coping mechanisms. Black men with diabetes may need psychosocial support that holistically addresses general developmental and diabetes-specific stressors and their influences on one another. Recognizing how Black men react to stress is essential for understanding and addressing their disproportionally high prevalence of stress related to management of chronic conditions and avoiding additional complications, morbidity or mortality. It is imperative to examine how stress and coping frameworks relate to men’s health, in general, but specifically in Black men.
From Surviving to Excelling: Adaptation of Gerontology Service Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jensen Donna , Abah Theresa , Sewell Carol , Ranjo Terrence 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted older adults, and the educational service-learning opportunities available to gerontology students. As an applied major, Sacramento State University’s Gerontology Department heavily depends on service-learning. The pandemic affected existing gerontology placements and their ability to host student learning. In addition, at the outset of the pandemic, Sacramento State University immediately terminated in-person service learning. The Gerontology Department prioritized student and community safety while still valuing the need for students to have meaningful and relevant community-based learning experiences. Gerontology faculty worked with community partners to shift these vital learning experiences. This poster presentation focuses on the creative ways the department engaged community partners to continue quality learning opportunities for students while assisting community partners with the unrelenting shifts in operations. Three innovative service-learning and community engagement practices will be addressed, including a) Partnering with the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) to create and provide the statewide Social Bridging Project for older adults throughout California; b) Expanding the relationship with Sacramento State’s Renaissance Society, a lifelong learning and community engagement program for older adults; and c) Partnering with a community-based Cardio-vascular Wellness Program to keep older adults active and engaged while remaining at home. The poster will review the pivot to virtual service learning and share how this shift enhanced student learning and community service. This will include expanding the use of technology and capitalizing on innovative methods to reach out and provide service to older adults, the local community, and the state of California.
COVID-19 Pandemic on smoking behavior changes among African American Smokers Eligible for LDCT Screening
Authors: Tseng Tung-Sung , Kao Yu Hsiang , Li Mirandy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Smoking has been observed to associate with an elevated severity of disease and risk of mortality among people with COVID-19. Additionally, African American smokers have higher rates of mortality from lung cancer than other racial/ethnic groups. Low dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening can detect lung cancer early to decrease lung cancer-specific mortality for current smokers but remains under-utilized among these population. However, we know little about the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on smoking behavior changes among African American smokers who qualify for LDCT screening. This study recruited 60 African American daily smokers seen in primary care clinics, who qualified to receive LDCT screening in a New Orleans, LA hospital. A total of 22 participants (36.7%) completed anonymous cross-sectional survey that collected demographic, disease history, tobacco use, and smoking cessation behaviors during the period of COVID-19 pandemic via phone interview. The majority were older (61.2 [SD=4.7]), female (77.3%), earned annual income less than $20,000 (100.0%), had Medicaid (63.6%), overweight/obesity (72.7%), planned to quit smoking within 6 months (52.4%), and would consider taking LDCT screening after COIVD-19 pandemic (95.2%). Half of smokers reported they have been diagnosed hypertension (47.6%), diabetes (52.4%), and arthritis (57.1%). Regarding health behavior changes, 42.9% smokers reported they smoked more, felt more stress (42.9%) and anxiety (33.4%) after COVID-19 outbreak. Smoking cessation programs may focus on this high-risk minority population in the post COVID-19 pandemic to help them decrease cigarette smoking and enhance their motivation to quit smoking.
Health Behaviors in Times of COVID: Different Sources of Support for Older Adults
Authors: Garza Elizabeth Zambrano , Pauly Theresa , Murphy Rachel , Linden Wolfgang , Ashe Maureen , Gerstorf Denis , Madden Kenneth , Hoppmann Christiane 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Eating a nutritious diet reduces vulnerability to common chronic diseases. Yet, older adults struggle to meet nutritional guidelines; many have found it particularly challenging to access fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables during the pandemic. Thus, it is vital to better understand how older adults may recruit the help of close others to support healthy dietary intake. This COVID-19 study examines the role of support for promoting fruit and vegetable consumption in daily life. Ninety-seven older adults participated with a close other of their choice (62 % spouse; 38% non-spouse Mage partner1 = 72, SD = 5.26, Mage partner2 = 62, SD = 16.38). Both partners completed two daily questionnaires for 10 days. In the morning they reported their intentions for eating fruit and vegetables. In the evening, they noted their consumed fruit and vegetable servings, the extent to which this matched their intentions, and their partners support in doing so. Consistent with previous research, the older participants were, the more they consumed fruits and vegetables. On days when participants received more support from their partner, they were more successful at reaching their dietary goals. Interestingly, initial findings suggest that associations were stronger when support was provided from a non-spouse than if the support came from spouse. Follow-up analyses, with a larger sample, will further examine some of the underlying mechanisms so as to better understand the role of different kinds of support providers during the pandemic and shed light on who may be best suited to provide support.
Health Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions
Authors: Polenick Courtney , Lee Vanessa , Salwi Shreya , Daniel Nikita , Zhou Annie , Meyers Summer , Kaba Diarratou 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic may have adverse health implications, particularly among older adults with chronic conditions who are at increased risk of severe illness. This cross-sectional study examined the early health impacts of the pandemic among adults aged 50 and older with chronic conditions. Participants included 700 adults (M = 64.60 years, SD = 8.85, range = 50 – 94) from Michigan (82.4%) and 33 other U.S. states who reported at least one chronic condition and completed an anonymous online survey between May 14 and July 9, 2020. Of these, 488 also provided open-ended responses. Individuals reported lower illness self-efficacy, less consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fried foods, and lower physical activity, along with greater alcohol use since the pandemic. About half (42.7%) reported worsened sleep. One in five (20.1%) reported at least some difficulty obtaining medications and over half (60.4%) reported at least some difficulty receiving routine care. Almost two-thirds (63.9%) had delayed preventative care and one in five (19.3%) had delayed essential medical treatment. Nearly half (42.6%) avoided contacting care providers about a physical health concern and one in eight (12.9%) avoided reporting mental health concerns. Qualitative data revealed that the pandemic has influenced how participants cared for their physical health through following guidelines related to COVID-19; coping with daily routine changes; greater awareness of self-care; mental health impacts; and health care disruptions. Older adults with chronic conditions report distinct pandemic-related challenges for self-care and health care that should be addressed in interventions to maintain their health and functioning.
Social Support is Associated with Better Health in the Face of COVID-19
Authors: Bernstein Laura , Patrick Julie Hicks 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to influence the health of the nation, both directly and indirectly, though increased stress. As with other stressful crises, social support may buffer against the deleterious effects of the stress surrounding COVID-19 (Cohen & Wills, 1985). We were interested in how self-reported health changed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and whether age or positive social exchanges influenced this potential change. We tested a latent growth curve model of change in SF12 scores over 4 points of measurement during the first year of the pandemic. Data from 237 adults (Mean age 40.7 yrs) were used to test whether SF12 scores changed over the 11 month period and whether age and initial positive social exchanges influenced both the intercept and trajectory of change over time. Results showed that the model fit the data well, X2 (DF = 13, N = 237) = 11.44, p = .57, RMSEA &lt; .06. Of note, older age was associated with both better initial health (b = .036**) and a slower decrease over the year (b = -.005*). Initial positive social exchanges were associated with better initial health (b = .067*) but did not alter the trajectory of change over time. These findings suggest an age-related advantage for health in the face of COVID-19 and that positive social support is associated with better health, at least at the very beginning of the pandemic.