bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CHANGES IN SOCIAL CONTACTS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS DURING THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Kim BoRin , Li Ke , Jeong Chung Hyeon 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Social interactions are critical for health and well-being among older adults. The pandemic has significantly reduced face-to-face social contacts while promoting remote interactions. This study explored the patterns of changes in in-person and remote social contacts during the first year of the pandemic, and their impacts on psychological well-being among older adults. Also, we examined if remote social contacts could substitute for in-person contacts in terms of psychological well-being. Data came from older respondents (age65+) in the 2021 Health and Retirement Study Perspectives on the Pandemic, focusing on the first-year pandemic experiences (N=4,539). Latent class analysis identified distinct patterns of changes in in-person and remote contacts with diverse social relationships. OLS regressions examined the associations between changes in social contacts and psychological well-being. Four profiles were derived for changes in in-person and remote contacts, respectively. While “Decreased All-Types Contacts” was the largest among in-person contact profiles (36.8%), most of our sample was categorized into “Stable Contacts” among remote contact profiles (64.0%). Decreasing in-person contacts were negatively associated with well-being regardless of the types of relationships. Interestingly, older adults experiencing increased remote contact with friends and/or diverse groups were likely to have worse psychological well-being. Interaction analysis showed that remote social contacts served as an alternative to in-person contacts only for the relationship with friends. Our findings highlight the challenges that older adults faced in maintaining social connections through non-traditional channels during the pandemic and underscore the need for targeted support for older adults in the dynamic changes of social landscapes.
INTIMATE PARTNER HOMICIDE SUICIDE IPHS EVENTS AND MEDIA COVERAGE: PANDEMIC COMPARED TO PREPANDEMIC YEARS
Authors: Salari Sonia , Videla Emma , Sillito Carrie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Intimate partner homicide-suicide IPHS, involves the murder of a current or former partner, followed by the offender’s suicide. We content analyzed our news surveillance data over the modern pre-pandemic years (2018, 2019) and pandemic years (2020-2022). In 2020, U.S. domestic violence went up 8% and the FBI reported a ‘murder surge.’ Lockdown reduced COVID contagion, but also isolated people in their homes, some with abusers. FBI NICs data on background checks show a pandemic run on firearm acquisitions in U.S. households. We collected articles, TV news, police reports, and obituaries for n=725 IPHS events, representing over 1600 deaths. Age categories are young (18-44, n=256), middle (45 to 59, n=176) and elder adult cases, age 60+ (n=293). Evidence suggests gender-based violence in the form of femicide, as the vast majority (95%) were male perpetrated. Our research questions: 1) Did 2020 have more IPHS? and 2) What qualitative changes in IPHS media coverage happened during the pandemic? Our results found a dip in IPHS for the year 2020, but increasing violence in 2021 and 2022 (peak)—particularly for the young. We suggest a “crisis effect” for IPHS in 2020 and then a surge. Pandemic gun sales were greater among the young. Media coverage of IPHS varied by age. Elder adults had significantly fewer cases with names announced in news media, especially during the pandemic. This represents ageism, because the young and middle-aged had almost none who went unannounced. Domestic violence victims of all ages deserve recognition.
OLDER ADULTS’ BEHAVIOR IN SEEKING SERVICE INFORMATION DURING THE EARLY COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Zhou Leyi , Ren Cheng , Lou Christine Wei-Mien , Chow Julian Chun-Chung 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines the expanding digital divide affecting older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It focuses on exploring the factors that influence how older adults access information during COVID-19, emphasizing the challenges faced by those from disadvantaged backgrounds due to limited technology experience. Utilizing survey data conducted in May 2020 from the San Francisco Human Services Agency, which includes responses from 3,255 older adults in households receiving public benefits, this research employs logistic regression analysis to examine how demographic factors—such as race/ethnicity, education level, and primary language—impact the ways in which older adults access information during the pandemic. The analysis encompasses a range of information sources, including both digital and traditional media, to uncover disparities in access. The results unveil stark disparities: Black older adults exhibited significantly lower odds of accessing information via online news and email compared to their White counterparts, indicating a pronounced digital exclusion. Conversely, Chinese older adults demonstrated a higher propensity for social media engagement, suggesting cultural and community-based differences in information dissemination preferences. Education emerged as a critical determinant, with older adults possessing less formal education showing diminished access to digital information sources. These nuanced findings highlight the critical need for targeted interventions aimed at bridging the digital divide. By tailoring educational and training initiatives to the unique needs of diverse older adult populations, the study underscores the importance of ensuring equitable access to essential information, thereby empowering all older adults to navigate public health crises more effectively.
UNMASKING THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON COGNITION AND 24-HOUR BEHAVIORS: INSIGHTS FROM THE CLSA
Authors: Falck Ryan , Liu-Ambrose Teresa , O’Connell Megan , Smith Eric , Griffith Lauren , Cossett Benoit , Hogan David , Wolfson Christina 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
An unintended side-effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been changes in lifestyle factors which impact middle-aged and older adult cognition – including changes in 24-hour behaviours (i.e., physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep). In a longitudinal analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) tracking cohort, we explored age- and sex-differences in the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cognition and 24-hour behaviours, and whether pandemic-related changes in 24-hour behaviours and cognition are associated. We included cognitively healthy participants at baseline (2012-2105), follow-up 1 (FU1; 2015-2018), and follow-up 2 (FU2; 2018-2021), with complete neuropsychological testing data (N=11,355). Cognition and 24-hour behaviours were indexed at each timepoint. Participants were categorized into pre-pandemic (N=6,174) and post-pandemic (N=5,181) cohorts based on whether FU2 assessments occurred before or after COVID-19 pandemic onset (March 11th, 2020). We examined time x cohort changes in cognition and 24-hour behaviours from FU1 to FU2, and if changes in 24-hour behaviours from FU1 to FU2 were associated with changes in cognition. All models were allowed to vary by age and sex. Our results indicated that post-pandemic cohort males and females aged 65+ years had significantly worse cognition and poorer 24-hour behaviours from FU1 to FU2 than their peers in the pre-pandemic cohort (p’s&lt; 0.05). However, changes in 24-hour behaviours from FU1 to FU2 were unassociated with changes in cognition, irrespective of age or sex. Our results highlight that the pandemic negatively impacted 24-hour behaviours and cognition in older adults – although these effects may be unassociated with each other.
UTILIZATION OF THE LONG COVID DIAGNOSIS CODE IN US NURSING HOME RESIDENTS
Authors: Abul Yasin , Harris Daniel , Chachlani Preeti , Hayes Kaley , Mor Vincent , Gravenstein Stefan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The National Center for Health Statistics implemented the ICD-10 code U09.9 for “Long COVID” or “post COVID-19 condition” on October 1st, 2021. Overall utilization, trends, and variation in the use of the U09.9 ICD code in long term care (LTC) residents remains understudied. We therefore conducted a serial cross sectional study using the COVVAXAGE database, by linking CVS Health and Walgreens’ customers data to the 100% Medicare enrollment files. Monthly, from October 2021 through April 2023, we identified individuals living in LTC and enrolled continuously in Medicare FFS for 12 months. We used Medicare Part A and B claims to identify long COVID (U09.9). We estimated the monthly occurrence of a long COVID code among all LTC residents and stratified by a recent (8 weeks) and latent (52 weeks) diagnosis of COVID-19, and by region. We identified over 200,000 LTC residents each month (mean age = 82.8; 69% women; 79.4% White; 11.9% Black). The overall long COVID coding rate was lowest in April, 2023 (1 per 10,000 residents) and highest in February, 2022 (14 per 10,000 residents). Residents with recent COVID-19 diagnosis had the highest long COVID coding rate (e.g., 58 per 10,000 residents) in January 2023. Temporal trends in long COVID coding rates varied widely by geography and were cyclical, following epidemic trends in LTC residents. Long COVID U09.9 ICD code documentation rates were generally low and varied in LTC residents. Remarkable variation in coding rates by region, urbanicity, and frailty status occurred, and needs further study.
A US–CHINA COMPARISON ON THE DETERMINANTS OF RESIDENTIAL RELOCATION AND ASSOCIATED MORTALITY RISK
Authors: Kong Dexia , Lu Peiyi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Many middle-aged and older adults relocate to pursue a better living environment. However, existing studies have inconclusive evidence on the determinants of relocation and its health implications, as well as lack a cross-national perspective. This study sought to compare the US and China in examining the determinants of residential relocation and its associated mortality risk. Longitudinal data from the US Health and Retirement Study in 2010-2018 and from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011-2018 were used (NUS=20,292, NChina=11,694). Community-dwelling respondents (aged 50+) reported whether they had relocated and were followed up until 2018. Log-binomial regression model investigated the significant predictors of relocation. Cox survival analysis examined the relationship between relocation and all-cause mortality, adjusting for baseline covariates and accounting for selection bias. About 19% American and 17% Chinese respondents relocated between communities over the study period. The common positive predictors of relocation in both countries were younger age, higher education, urban residence, and renting (relative risk&gt;1, P&lt; 0.05). Relocation was associated with lower mortality risk in both countries (US: HR=0.63, 95%CI=0.57, 0.70; China: HR=0.40, 95%CI=0.32, 0.50), and this association was significantly stronger in China compared to the US. (Prelocation×country=0.0009). The determinants of relocation in the US and China showed similarities, aligning with the person-environment framework. Residential relocation was linked to increased survival advantages in both countries, probably because old adults who relocated can make informed and voluntary decisions to relocate and adjust effectively following the move. Pre- and post-relocation interventions are suggested to facilitate the process of moving.
CHOICES AND EXPECTATIONS OF END-OF-LIFE HEALTH CARE PROXY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN TAIWAN AND THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Chen Duan-Rung , Tseng Winston 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Objective
This research compares healthcare proxy preferences and expectations in Taiwan and the United States, highlighting cultural impacts on end-of-life care planning.

Methods
From August 2022 to October 2023, the study used Survey Cake for online responses, employing snowball sampling. It compared 345 Taiwanese and 339 Californian respondents, matched by gender and age.

Results
Despite similar demographics, distinct preferences emerged. A majority (75.5%) were under 30. In the US, 89.7% had higher education versus 75.2% in Taiwan. More Americans were married (19.2%). Preferences for healthcare proxies varied: Taiwanese favored parents, while Americans chose spouses or partners. A higher percentage of Taiwanese (61.8%) were willing and believed that their family members acting as proxies could meet their expectations, significantly higher than American respondents (48.2%). More American respondents (47.2%) expressed unwillingness to have family members make end-of-life decisions for them, contrasting sharply with Taiwanese respondents (24.2%). Regarding specific end-of-life medical decisions made by family members, Taiwanese respondents significantly favored letting healthcare proxies handle all medical decisions, including discontinuing life support, authorizing or refusing necessary pain medication or surgery among six decisions. Americans (92.7%) were more amenable to legal actions for personal wishes, markedly more than Taiwanese (66.2%).

Conclusion
The study reveals significant cultural divergences between the US and Taiwan in choosing end-of-life decision-makers, reflecting deeper values and trust in the family. It underscores the importance of acknowledging cultural diversity in healthcare preferences and decisions, advocating for broader research perspectives.
EXPLORING THE OUTCOME OF DEMENTIA EDUCATION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN TAIWAN
Authors: Wang Jouchieh , Kuo Tsuann 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Training students to become familiar with dementia is crucial at medical universities as they will most likely to serve people with dementia in the future. This study employed a dementia literacy test and a semi-structured interview to university students to investigate whether a multi-purpose dementia program enhanced students’ sensitivity and attitudes toward dementia-related issues. A total of 415 students participated in pre-arranged dementia lectures, courses, extracurricular activities and service learning. Nine university students were invited to participate in in-depth interviews. The results showed that students had more positive attitudes and knowledge towards dementia. Students were exposed to knowledge-based learning by multi-disciplinary lectures, hands-on skill training and various types of alternative therapies such as arts, music or horticulture. Students felt that they gained empathy, communication skills, and dispelled stereotypes about dementia. After attending various activities within half a year, students not only became familiar with dementia issues but also reflected on what the medical profession can do for people with dementia. Students started to join contests to design dementia activities and to test different programs using design thinking on dementia patients and their caregivers. It was obvious that when students were exposed to various types of dementia activities on campus, the dynamics to learn among peers and to care for dementia family became a culture f on campus. In conclusion, this paper will showcase the multi-purpose training model on dementia which is to be implemented as Taiwan prepares to set its national dementia policy for the next 8 years.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF BPSD ON CAREGIVER HEALTH OUTCOMES FROM THE PARADIGM OF SOCIAL INTERACTION
Authors: Yang Ziying , Yu Doris Sau Fung , Li Polly Wai Chi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) in persons with dementia (PwD) is a crucial determinant of caregiver health outcomes. With increasing evidence on factors associating with BPSD, it is imperative to develop a theoretical model to elucidate the mechanisms behind this association. This study aimed to develop and test an integrative model based on an integrative stress and coping, stress-vulnerability, and the social interactional paradigm to explain the impact of BPSD on caregiver health outcomes. A total of 200 family caregivers of PwD were recruited from three tertiary hospitals in China. Validated questionnaires were used to measure the BPSD, caregivers’ expressed emotion (EE), their attribution about patients’ BPSD and neurotic personality. Dyadic relationship strain was measured. The caregivers’ health outcomes were captured by their health-related quality of life (HRQL) and depression. By using path analysis (AMOS 26.0), our findings indicated that BPSD independently predicted a higher level of depression and poorer mental HRQL of family caregivers. The explanatory pathways highlighted the roles of caregivers’ EE and relationship strain in mediating the impact of patients’ BPSD on caregiver depression (β=0.049, p&lt;0.001) and mental HRQL (β=-0.037, p&lt;0.001). Caregivers of higher neuroticism was even more susceptible to depression (β=0.033, p&lt;0.001) and poorer mental HRQL (β=-0.025, p&lt;0.001) and their maladaptive attribution, poorer emotional regulation and relationship quality aggravate the negative response to BPSD. These findings inform interventions would provide highly specific insights to increase the caregivers’ adaption to the BPSD in a dementia caregiving context.
AFTER THE STORM: ASSOCIATIONS AMONG HOPE AND POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH IN YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Bordes Piper , Belalcazar Kimberly , Cherry Katie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hurricane Ida devastated south Louisiana on August 29, 2021 having psychosocial consequences for those directly and indirectly impacted by this environmental event. The present research is part of a larger study on positive factors that enhance long-term disaster recovery. In this study, we factorially crossed age (younger, older) and disaster exposure (indirect, direct) in order to examine their influence on post-traumatic growth with greater precision than previous work in a disaster context. Participants were sampled from three parishes (counties) where Ida damage was more severe and two parishes which were farther inland with less damage. All were tested in person or virtually via Zoom platform in a single session where they responded to several individual difference measures, a structured storm questionnaire and survey measures of state hope and post traumatic growth. Results indicated that state hope scores were comparable across the age and exposure groups. Older adults had greater post-traumatic growth than did their younger counterparts, although the two exposure groups did not differ. Correlation analyses revealed that hurricane stressors were negatively associated with hope and positively associated with fear during heavy storms and worry about damage to home since Hurricane Ida. These findings support the hypothesis that older age may be a protective factor for well-being after exposure to a devastating hurricane. Implications of these data for understanding the beneficial role of positive psychological factors in long-term hurricane recovery are discussed.
LIFE PROBLEMS, DAILY ACTIVITIES, AND ALERTNESS IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Gao Sibo , Zhou Zexi , Fingerman Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults facing life problems often report worse psychological and physical well-being compared to their counterparts without such issues. Daily activities may play an important role in these links. This study examined the association between life problems, daily activities, and alertness (i.e., being energetic and feeling less tired) in late life. We used the data from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study. Participants aged 65+ (Mage=74.15, N=258) indicated whether they had experienced life problems (e.g., health, financial, legal) in the past year. Every 3 hours for 5–6 days, participants completed ecological momentary assessments where they reported engagement in various daily activities (e.g., eating, driving, doing chores) and level of alertness. They also wore Actical accelerometers to record their physical activities across the study period. Multilevel models revealed that participants with more life problems reported a similar amount of physical activities (i.e., sedentary time, energy expenditure), but lower levels of alertness (i.e., feeling less energetic and more tired) throughout the day, compared to those with fewer problems. Participants with more life problems reported feeling more energetic in assessments when they engaged in more leisure activities (e.g., reading, watching TV) compared to assessments when they engaged in less. In contrast, for participants with fewer life problems, leisure activities were not associated with the feeling of being energetic. Findings suggest that older adults with more life problems may be more vulnerable in everyday alertness, and emphasize the need to consider the salubrious effect of leisure activities amid problems in late life.
ADVANCING HOSPICE CARE: A SCOPING REVIEW OF DECISION-SUPPORT TOOLS IN END-OF-LIFE
Authors: Beltran Susanny , Harvey Shanelle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Hospice, known for improving end-of-life (EOL) care outcomes and reducing hospitalizations and medical expenses, faces challenges with eligibility and referral processes. This often leads to late referrals and short lengths of stays which undermine patients’ ability to fully benefit from the service. In the era of electronic medical records, decision-support tools (DST) offer a promising solution for enhancing decision-making in healthcare. This scoping review, guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, maps the use of DSTs in EOL care, and reports their application (i.e., diagnoses, interventions, facilitators and barriers, and efficacy). Our search in EBSCOhost databases like MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and CINAHL, from June to September 2022 (updated July 6, 2023), used terms related to EOL care and DSTs. From 624 identified studies, 76 were considered, and 30 met the inclusion criteria upon full review. DSTs for EOL care have evolved into two primary categories: Prognostic Tools (PT), focusing on conditions like heart failure, dementia, and COPD, using clinical indicators; and Clinical Decision Support tools (CDS), aiding assessment, and referral in palliative care with techniques like structured interviews and natural language processing. The 30 studies revealed broad application across various illnesses. Barriers commonly reported included limited generalizability of the research, and late referrals. Facilitators include collaborative initiatives, user-friendly interfaces, integration into clinical workflows, and training for healthcare providers. This diverse array of tools and their varied applications highlight the complexities and potential in EOL care, emphasizing the need for improving their integration to enhance care outcomes.