Health and Care Related Risk Factors for Suicide Among Nursing Home Residents: A Data Linkage Study

This study aimed to examine associations between health status and care needs of nursing home residents and risk of death from suicide compared to other causes through a retrospective data linkage cohort study examining nursing home resident deaths in Australia between 2000 and 2013. Data linkage was performed between aged care assessment tools—Resident Classification System and Aged Care Funding Instrument—and the National Coronial Information System. A competing risks survival analysis was performed to determine the association between care assessment variables (activities of daily living (ADL), behavior, and complex health care) and the risk of death from suicide and any other cause. Of the 146 nursing home residents who died from suicide, 130 (89%) were matched to their assessment data, with comparable information available for 95 residents (65%). Residents who required high levels of care with ADL, physical health care, and cognitive and behavioral issues had a higher risk of dying from all other causes, yet lower risk of dying from suicide. The study findings demonstrate the feasibility and value of linking these two data sets; highlight a need for improved data collection processes; and support a person‐centered care approach for prevention of suicide among nursing home residents.     

Postural Stability in Children with High Sacral Level Spina Bifida: Deviations from a Control Group

Abstract

Objective: To assess static and dynamic postural stability changes in children with high sacral level spina bifida.

Methods: Thirty-five children with high sacral level spina bifida and 35 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Their lower extremity muscle strengths and static and dynamic postural stability parameters were measured with the use of a dynamometer and the NeuroCom Balance Master^® device, respectively. Functional gait and balance were evaluated using the five times sit-to-stand test (5STS) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Spinal, hip, and ankle deformities of the patient group were measured by radiologic evaluation.

Results: In comparison with controls, patients were found to have lower ankle dorsiflexion and plantar-flexion strength, increased 5STS duration, and decreased 6MWT distance while both static and dynamic postural stability parameters were significantly different. Bilateral ankle muscle strengths were found to be negatively correlated with postural stability parameters. The presence of hydrocephalus or meningomyelocele in the patient group was found to have negative effects on static postural stability.

Conclusion: Static and dynamic postural stability is affected even in children with high sacral level spina bifida who are expected to have best condition in this patient population. The ankle muscle strength is the main factor influencing these changes.     

Preserving Human–Nature’s Interaction for Sustainability: Quran and Sunnah Perspective

Science and Engineering Ethics - Environmental sustainability is one of the contemporary discourses that has abundant values embedded in the Quran and Sunnah teachings. Islam gives great emphasis...