bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TOWARD SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INTERVENTION IN NURSING HOMES: EXTERNAL FACILITATION
Authors: George Regina , Miranda Jacob , Snow A Lynn , Hilgeman Michelle , McCullough Megan , Hartmann Christine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Nursing home interventions are challenging to implement and sustain. Implementation scientists have identified facilitation as a strategy that impacts the success of an intervention. Facilitation is a complex and dynamic process that requires facilitators to develop expertise in a wide range of activities necessary to effectively support the implementation. There is limited understanding of how these activities are executed in a dynamic facilitation process. This understanding gap impacts training of facilitators and consequently, efficient delivery and sustainment of interventions. A qualitative analysis of the real-time interactions between implementation facilitators and recipient sites would contribute to our understanding of the practice of facilitation in nursing homes. In this study an expert external facilitator’s interactions with nursing home teams were recorded and the activities of the external facilitator (EF) were analyzed. Data comes from a pilot three-site pragmatic clinical trial of a complex quality improvement and sleep intervention for residents living with dementia in nursing homes. The intervention is based in relational coordination, person-centered care, and adult learning principles. EF largely took place in leadership team 30-minute coaching sessions via videoconference. Reflexive thematic analysis of 24 EF session transcripts is ongoing: preliminary code clusters include metacognition (connecting actions and impact), strategic compliments (praise that encourages specific action) and problem solving (connecting causes and developing individualized solutions). Transcripts provide real-world examples of EF activities. This project provides insight into the practice of facilitation and may inform training of implementation facilitators, thus increasing incorporation and sustainment of interventions in nursing homes.
LATE-LIFE OUTCOMES OF FEELINGS OF BELONGING THROUGHOUT THE LIFE COURSE
Authors: Briggs Emily , Smith Jacqui 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Belonging is a fundamental human need that encourages fortitude throughout the life course. In the literature, belonging has been studied primarily from two perspectives: place attachment (Chawla, 1992, Scannell, 2021) and belonging within a social group (Allen, 2020). Less research, however, has been conducted about how belonging is experienced by the individual – self-perceptions of belonging. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study Life History Mail Survey (N=3,091, M Age =70.48 [50-98]) we investigated retrospective self-reports of belonging from three life stages, childhood, adolescence and midlife, as predictors of belonging and activity engagement in late life. First, we conducted linear regressions controlling for sociodemographic variables (gender, age, race, marital status). This revealed that self-reported feelings of belonging in childhood (β=.11, p&lt;.001), adolescence (β=.13, p&lt;.001), and midlife (β=.23, p&lt;.001) were significantly predictive of heightened feelings of belonging in late life (Adj R2=.043,.051,.068). Second, we assessed self-reported belonging in childhood, adolescence, midlife and late life as predictors of late life engagement. These analysis revealed that belonging in childhood (β=.06, p&lt;.001), midlife (β=.15, p&lt;.001), and late life (β=.13, p&lt;.001) were significantly predictive of heightened activity engagement in late life (Adj R2=.026,.037,.040). Overall this study demonstrates the importance of assessing how individuals think about their belonging retrospectively throughout their lifespan as a predictor of subsequent late-life belonging and activity engagement– both protective factors as a person ages.
ACT FOR OLDER VETERANS: TELEHEALTH-BASED ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT GROUP THERAPY FOR OLDER VETERANS
Authors: Kelley Johnna , Dragan Deanna , Luci Katherine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic intervention with promise for use with older adults due to its relevance to a variety of mental health conditions, overall well-being, and adjustment to life changes. This pilot study (n = 10) sought to demonstrate that a novel group therapy intervention for older adults, delivered via telehealth, is efficacious and acceptable to Veterans aged 60 years of age or older. Retention rates (10/10) and attendance (M = 12.7/16 sessions) of study completers suggest feasibility and acceptability of the group. Six participants demonstrated high engagement (attended ³ 12 sessions) and four demonstrated average engagement (attended 5-11 sessions). Participants completed a structured, post-intervention interview; feedback was analyzed for themes and generally supported acceptability of the intervention. Additional themes referred to participants’ experience of the virtual format, connections made with other group members, and areas for improvement. Finally, paired sample t-tests were conducted to analyze pre-post measures of anxiety, depression, loneliness, well-being, and engagement in meaningful activities. Outcome data suggests no statistically significant changes on these measures; however, the decrease in scores on a measure of depression reflects a small to moderate effect size (t(9) = 1.467, p =.18, d =.46). Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to determine the impact of treatment engagement on these outcome measures. Overall, preliminary outcome data combined with qualitative feedback from participants, retention rates, and attendance rates, suggest that ACT delivered in a virtual group format is acceptable, feasible, and likely beneficial to older Veterans.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION AMONG PEOPLE WITH AND WITHOUT DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Zhong Chuwen , Mezuk Briana , Dang Linh 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Functional limitations are prevalent among older adults with depression, and prior research suggests that social isolation can be an underlying mechanism. This study examines whether the structure of linkages between functional limitations and social isolation differs by the presence of cardinal depressive symptoms (dysphoria/anhedonia) using network analysis. Data came from the 2014/2016 Health and Retirement Study (n=7,270). Cardinal depressive symptoms were assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Isolation (n=14 nodes) and functioning (n=16 nodes) were measured using multiple indicators (e.g., having a partner, balance test, feeling isolated, having difficulty dressing). We compared the centrality, network density, network structure, global strength, and correlation of edges between the networks of respondents who did vs. did not have cardinal symptoms of depression. Respondents who had depressive symptoms (n=628, 8.64%) were younger and more likely to be female. Compared to those without depressive symptoms, the network of those with depressive symptoms had a lower density of edges (ratio = 0.14 vs 0.20) and had different central nodes (lack of common peers vs difficulty taking medications, respectively). However, the network comparison tests showed that the two networks were similar in terms of correlation of edges (Pearson r = 0.81,p&lt; 0.01), network structure (Network Invariance Test statistic = 1.82, p = 0.48), and strength (Global Strength Invariance Test statistics = 35.28, p = 0.79). Findings suggest that the network linkages between functional limitations and social isolation do not substantially differ as a function of cardinal depressive symptoms.
CHRONIC DISEASE, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL IDEATION IN OLDER ADULTHOOD: THE ROLE OF INTERPERSONAL FACTORS
Authors: Dent Kallisse , Dang Linh , Kalesnikava Viktoryia , Mezuk Briana , Richmond-Rakerd Leah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Suicide risk increases in older adulthood, and new chronic-disease diagnoses can be a precipitating factor. Motivated by the interpersonal theory of suicide, we tested interpersonal constructs --thwarted-belongingness, perceived-burdensomeness, and hopelessness -- as mediators of associations of chronic-disease with depression and passive suicidal ideation (PSI). Data were from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally-representative, longitudinal cohort of older adults. We identified incident chronic-disease diagnoses and changes in interpersonal factors over a four-year period (2010-2014 or 2012-2016). Depression and PSI were assessed two years later (2016 or 2018) using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview- Short Form. We measured thwarted-belongingness by social contact, positive and negative social support, loneliness, and community engagement; perceived-burdensomeness by activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs, financial strain, number of helpers, and employment status; and hopelessness using a four-item scale. Statistical analyses accounted for complex survey design and adjusted for demographics, baseline health characteristics, and the outcome at baseline. Older adults with a newly diagnosed chronic-disease, relative to those without a new diagnosis, were at elevated risk for depression (odds ratio (OR)=1.34 [1.03-1.75]) and PSI (OR=1.63 [1.26-2.11]). They also experienced greater increases in thwarted-belongingness (β=0.11 [0.01-0.20]), perceived-burdensomeness (β=0.12 [0.06-0.15]), and hopelessness (β=0.07 [0.01-0.13]) following diagnosis. Accounting for these changes in interpersonal factors modestly attenuated associations of new chronic-disease diagnoses with depression and PSI. New chronic-disease diagnoses antedate depression and PSI, even within a population with pre-existing chronic-disease burden. Targeting interpersonal factors, including thwarted-belongingness, perceived-burdensomeness, and hopelessness, following incident chronic-disease diagnoses may modestly reduce depression and PSI risk.
INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN VHA COMMUNITY LIVING CENTERS
Authors: Page Kyle , Ryu HyeRim , MacDonald Elizabeth , Szymanski Benjamin , Curyto Kimberly , Karel Michele 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Community Living Centers (CLC), or nursing home care settings, care for Veterans with high rates of mental illness and behavioral concerns. VHA requires the integration of psychologists on CLC teams and access to psychiatric services. An anonymous national survey of CLC mental health professionals aimed to characterize the status of CLC mental health practice, including intervention services. One hundred seven of 221 (48.4%) psychologists and psychiatric providers responded to the survey. Half or more of respondents reported these psychological interventions to be most helpful in the CLC: supportive therapy (76%), behavior therapy (75%), behavior management (66%), reminiscence/narrative therapy (65%), relaxation training (59%), cognitive behavioral therapy (54%), problem-solving therapy (52%), and motivational interviewing (50%). Respondents also identified barriers to utilizing Evidence Based Psychotherapies (EBPs) in the CLC, including Veteran cognitive impairment (57%), illness (48%), and preference for another form of intervention (32%). About a third (32%) reported offering group interventions. Respondents reported frequent collaboration with CLC team members in mental health interventions, most commonly by asking about their observations (76%), co-signing others on progress notes (71%), having them monitor signs and symptoms (68%), and many other strategies for team-based care. One third reported having regular, interdisciplinary behavior rounds and 67% reported that their teams used a team-based behavioral intervention (“STAR-VA”) for managing dementia-related behaviors. Findings suggest a wide range of mental health intervention practice patterns in the CLC, the importance of team engagement, and opportunities for additional clinical and training resources.
INTEGRATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES IN VHA COMMUNITY LIVING CENTERS
Authors: Page Kyle , Ryu HyeRim , MacDonald Elizabeth , Szymanski Benjamin , Curyto Kimberly , Karel Michele 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Psychologists embedded in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Community Living Centers (CLC), or nursing home care settings, serve a crucial role in providing neurocognitive, clinical capacity, suicide risk and other evaluation services for residents with medical, psychiatric, and cognitive comorbidities. An anonymous national survey of CLC mental health professionals aimed to characterize the status of CLC mental health practice, including psychological assessment services. Eighty-two percent of respondents were psychologists (n=88). The majority (92%) do not complete portions of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment. Reported practice varied regarding use of brief cognitive tests, with 57% using these tests when a resident they are following exhibits dementia warning signs. Focused or expanded cognitive testing batteries were conducted by the majority (75%), with 26% of respondents conducting them at least monthly. Eighty-seven percent of respondents reported that their cognitive evaluations had some to great impact on informing treatment plans. The large majority (94%) reported conducting medical decision-making evaluations at least sometimes, and at least half reported evaluating other decision-making or functional capacities. At the same time, a significant minority of psychologists reported that additional training regarding neurocognitive (27%) and capacity (46%) evaluations would be helpful. The majority (85%) indicated that, if the suicide risk screening upon admission to the CLC was positive, the psychologist typically completed a comprehensive suicide risk evaluation. Findings highlight the extent and importance of psychological assessment services to inform person-centered treatment planning for Veterans with complex care needs, pointing to areas of resource development to support these evaluation practices.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLUNTEERING AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN JAPAN
Authors: Fujita Koji , Yokoyama Yuri , Nishi Mariko , Matsunaga Hiroko , Fujiwara Yoshinori 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the frequency of volunteer activities among older adults and their subjective well-being. We mailed a questionnaire survey to 354 people aged 60 and over who belonged to volunteer organizations registered with a social welfare council within Saitama Prefecture. We received 235 responses for a response rate of 66.4%. Out of 215 participants, we excluded non-consenting and invalid responses, and subsequently analyzed the responses of 204 participants. We categorized these participants into three groups by frequency of volunteer activities: high activity, low activity, and non-activity. We performed a Kruskal-Wallis test with a multiple comparison test on the WHO–Five well-being index (range: 0-25 points). The high activity group accounted for 45.6% (n = 93), the low activity group for 35.8% (n = 73), and the non-activity group for 18.6% (n = 38). A significant difference was observed among the three groups in the WHO–5 (p=.013); the non-active group had the lowest mean score, while the high-activity group had the highest mean score. According to the multiple comparison test, this difference between the high and low activity groups was significant (p=.013). More frequent participation in volunteering among older adults is associated with higher subjective well-being. Volunteering may help maintain the physical and mental health of older adults and can reduce social isolation and loneliness. Therefore, participating in volunteer activities may help older adults to maintain and improve their mental health and subjective well-being.
THE ROLE OF GENDER IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VIOLENCE EXPOSURE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN MIDDLE AGE
Authors: Iktilat Khalil , Isacson Michal , Tzemah-Shahar Roy , Agmon Maayan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Middle age is a critical period in the lifecycle, with unique dynamics in men and women respectively. It represents a sensitive window for health prevention that can improve the aging process. To date, it remains unclear how environmental factors, like exposure to violence, influence psychological distress in this age group. In other age groups, women were observed to develop heighter distress than men following violence exposure. Here we aim to examine this gender-specific association between levels of exposure to violence and psychological distress in a population of middle-aged Muslims in Israel, who have been exposed to increasing violence in the past decade. A cohort of 363 middle-aged adults (223 women) from three Muslim villages in northern Israel was recruited. Psychological distress was assessed by the Kessler 6 Psychological Distress questionnaire, and violence exposure was assessed by the Screen for Adolescent Violence Exposure (SAVE) questionnaire. We controlled for age, sex, education level, and socioeconomic status using multivariate linear regression models with post-hoc models for each gender separately. Middle-aged males reported significantly greater exposure to violence whereas women reported significantly heightened psychological distress levels. A positive link between exposure to violence and psychological distress (β=0.145, p=0.017) was found using a multivariate model, and sex was a significant covariate (β=0.132, p=0.045). Post-hoc modelling revealed that this relationship was only significant among women (β=0.160 p=0.041). Our findings demonstrate that middle-aged women are at risk for violence-associated psychological distress. This research provides evidence for gender-based prevention and intervention programs.
THE SALUTOGENIC EFFICACY OF THE VOICE-ACTIVATED INTELLIGENT PERSONAL ASSISTANT INTERVENTION: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Lau Terence , Leung Angela 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Existing Parkinson’s disease (PD) interventions are primarily focused on physical rehabilitation and pathogenic-based. The lack of positive, health-orientated psychosocial interventions prompted the research team to develop a salutogenic VIPA user protocol and examine its preliminary efficacy through an 8-week pilot RCT. This case report selected the participants with the largest sense of coherence-13 item scale (SOC-13) improvement to explore their user experience through the salutogenic perspective. A 32-minute face-to-face, post-intervention semi-structured interview adopting the interpretive descriptive approach was conducted on 31st Jan, 2024. The interviewee was a 63-year-old male, level 3 Hoehn and Yahr Scale with 2 years of PD history, documenting a 100% compliance rate and a 16-point improvement in SOC-13 across all comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness subdomains. The transcripts were coded deductively through thematic analysis referencing the salutogenesis and psychosocial well-being framework. Written consent was signed before the research, and the participant agreed to be audiotaped during the interview. The encyclopedia-like features within VIPA facilitated participants’ comprehensibility by retrieving desired online information. On manageability and psychological well-being, the participant metaphorically described the VIPA intervention as an electric wheelchair for physically disabled people to that of people with Parkinson’s Disease (PWP). Thus, the intervention could benefit the autonomy and environmental mastery domain within psychological well-being alongside the manageability domain. For meaningfulness, the participant further elaborated the VIPA intervention could minimize the difference between PWP and other citizens. The salutogenic-based VIPA intervention can contribute a salutogenic force, lessening the effect of constantly deteriorating PD progression experienced by PWP.
“OUR ELDERS LOVE WHEN WE MAKE THE BUFFALO DINNERS AND SOUP”: TRADITIONAL FOODS AND TITLE VI NUTRITION PROGRAMS
Authors: Wilson Traci 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Title VI Native American Aging Programs (Title VI programs), funded by Title VI of the Older Americans Act, support the health, wellness and social engagement needs of Native elders by providing nutrition, supportive services and caregiver supports to American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian people. There are over 290 Title VI grantees, representing a diverse group of more than 400 tribal nations. Title VI programs provide culturally-relevant services to address the health-related social needs of elders, such as meals, transportation, in-home services, social engagement opportunities, and family caregiver supports, helping to ensure that elders can continue to live in their homes and communities as long as possible. A large portion of Title VI funding is allocated to nutrition programs, including congregate and home-delivered meals. Every three years, USAging, with funding from the Administration for Community Living, surveys Title VI directors about their program funding, staffing, services, and unmet needs. The most recent survey, conducted in late 2023 with an 80% response rate, included a new module on if and how Title VI nutrition programs incorporate traditional foods. This poster will describe the prevalence and types of traditional foods in OAA Title VI nutrition programs, involvement of elders in providing recipes and passing on knowledge, and the challenges and successes Title VI programs have when sourcing and incorporating traditional foods into their nutrition programs.
CONCEPTUALIZING BLACK FEMINIST-WOMANIST GERONTOLOGY
Authors: Wallace Brandy , Ford Cassandra , Baker Tamara 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
There is a long history documenting Black women being particularly vulnerable to negative implicit and/or explicit behaviors, which marginalizes their social positioning and puts them at an increased risk of feeling powerlessness, and physically and emotionally stressed. This has created a chasm, particularly between this group and the healthcare industry - resulting in poorer health outcomes across generations of Black women. Recent scholarship has questioned the lack of culturally responsive, theory-guided research addressing the connections between aging, Black womanhood, and what is needed to advance health equity. Models that utilize traditional theories of aging often do not account for cultural context that undergirds the aging experience specifically among Black women. To understand the ways in which Black women thrive, we must consider various approaches that define their well-being. Dichotomizing aging into concrete categories as healthy/unhealthy may unintentionally isolate this group where aging successfully presents as a contradiction, thus perpetuating further marginalization. It is important that scholarship and intervention projects reflect cultural humility in dissemination. Applying Black-Feminist-Womanist methods in gerontology provides a curation of thought that creates a foundation by which Black women survive, live, and age, despite the ‘gold standard’ of aging being dominated by white ethnocentric context that pathologizes older Black women’s lived experiences. In this presentation, we summarize the principles and methodological approaches of Black Feminist and Womanist perspectives and use them to conceptualize “Black Feminist-Womanist Gerontology,” a culturally relevant model for older Black women. Factors of the model and recommendations of its use will be discussed.