Objectives:Intensive health services'utilization is common in older individuals affected by chronic diseases.This study assessed whether a structured family nurse-led educational intervention would be effective in...Objectives:Intensive health services'utilization is common in older individuals affected by chronic diseases.This study assessed whether a structured family nurse-led educational intervention would be effective in reducing health services'use(readmissions and/or emergency service access)among older people affected by chronic conditions.Methods:This is a non-randomized before-after pilot study.A sample of 78 patients was recruited from two general practices in Italy and 70 among them were followed for 8 months.Standard home care was provided during the first four months'period(months 1-4),followed by the educational intervention until the end of the study(months 5-8).The intervention,based on the teach-back method,consisted of by-weekly 60-min home sessions targeting aspects of the disease and its treatment,potential complications,medication adherence,and health behaviours.Rates of health services'use were collected immediately before(T0),and after the interventions(T1).Differences in utilization rates were examined by the McNemar's test.Potential factors associated with the risk of health services'use were explored with a Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The sample(n=78)was predominantly female(n=50,64.1%),and had a mean age of 76.2(SD=4.8)years.Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent disease(n=27,34.6%).McNemar's test indicated a significant reduction in health services'use at T1(McNemar χ^(2)==28.03,P<0.001).Cox regressions indicated that time and patient education,as well as their interaction,were the only variables positively associated with the probability of health services'use.Conclusion:A teach-back intervention led by a family nurse practitioner has the potential to reduce health services'use in older patients with chronic diseases.展开更多
This study investagated the data of the prevalence of intestinal parasites of human from September 2007 to July 2008 using faecal samples which were picked from refuse dump sites. A total of 2,050 stool samples picked...This study investagated the data of the prevalence of intestinal parasites of human from September 2007 to July 2008 using faecal samples which were picked from refuse dump sites. A total of 2,050 stool samples picked and examined from five selected popular refuse dump sites in Ado-Ekiti. And Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Balantidium coli were mostly identified. The analysis of the infection shows that E. histolytica has a percentage prevalence of 65.5%, followed by G. lamblia with 42.5% and B. coli having 1.9%. Multiple infections of these parasites were also prevalent. There was a positive correlation （r=0.995, P〈0.05） between percentage prevalence of infection and home surroundings, waste, sewage disposal facilities and habits. Also, there was a significant difference （t=1 1.06, P〈0.05） in the prevalence of infections between location A and B. Probable ways of eliminating/controlling the disease are also highlighted.展开更多
New development lender in Asia assists with regional infrastructure connectivityThe Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank（AIIB）announced on April 6 that it had admitted 13 new members,bringing its total approved memb...New development lender in Asia assists with regional infrastructure connectivityThe Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank（AIIB）announced on April 6 that it had admitted 13 new members,bringing its total approved membership to 70.The new AIIB members come from Asia,Africa,Europeand the Americas.展开更多
文摘Objectives:Intensive health services'utilization is common in older individuals affected by chronic diseases.This study assessed whether a structured family nurse-led educational intervention would be effective in reducing health services'use(readmissions and/or emergency service access)among older people affected by chronic conditions.Methods:This is a non-randomized before-after pilot study.A sample of 78 patients was recruited from two general practices in Italy and 70 among them were followed for 8 months.Standard home care was provided during the first four months'period(months 1-4),followed by the educational intervention until the end of the study(months 5-8).The intervention,based on the teach-back method,consisted of by-weekly 60-min home sessions targeting aspects of the disease and its treatment,potential complications,medication adherence,and health behaviours.Rates of health services'use were collected immediately before(T0),and after the interventions(T1).Differences in utilization rates were examined by the McNemar's test.Potential factors associated with the risk of health services'use were explored with a Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The sample(n=78)was predominantly female(n=50,64.1%),and had a mean age of 76.2(SD=4.8)years.Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent disease(n=27,34.6%).McNemar's test indicated a significant reduction in health services'use at T1(McNemar χ^(2)==28.03,P<0.001).Cox regressions indicated that time and patient education,as well as their interaction,were the only variables positively associated with the probability of health services'use.Conclusion:A teach-back intervention led by a family nurse practitioner has the potential to reduce health services'use in older patients with chronic diseases.
文摘This study investagated the data of the prevalence of intestinal parasites of human from September 2007 to July 2008 using faecal samples which were picked from refuse dump sites. A total of 2,050 stool samples picked and examined from five selected popular refuse dump sites in Ado-Ekiti. And Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Balantidium coli were mostly identified. The analysis of the infection shows that E. histolytica has a percentage prevalence of 65.5%, followed by G. lamblia with 42.5% and B. coli having 1.9%. Multiple infections of these parasites were also prevalent. There was a positive correlation （r=0.995, P〈0.05） between percentage prevalence of infection and home surroundings, waste, sewage disposal facilities and habits. Also, there was a significant difference （t=1 1.06, P〈0.05） in the prevalence of infections between location A and B. Probable ways of eliminating/controlling the disease are also highlighted.
文摘New development lender in Asia assists with regional infrastructure connectivityThe Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank（AIIB）announced on April 6 that it had admitted 13 new members,bringing its total approved membership to 70.The new AIIB members come from Asia,Africa,Europeand the Americas.
