BACKGROUND: Very little is known about the prevalence and correlates of anxiety among nursing home patients. The current knowledge is predominantly based on information from population-based studies among elderly. METHODS: Prevalence of anxiety was measured with the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) in a sample of 333 nursing home patients of somatic wards of 14 nursing homes in the Netherlands. Participants were over 55 years, had a MMSE-score >14 and were able to communicate sufficiently. Information about demographic, health-related, psychosocial and care-related characteristics was collected in interviews with participants and from attending physicians and nursing home staff. RESULTS: The prevalence of anxiety disorders was 5.7%, of subthreshold anxiety disorders 4.2% and of anxiety symptoms 29.7%. Only health-related characteristics (MMSE-score >23, depression, stroke) were significantly associated with anxiety disorders and subthreshold anxiety disorders. Demographic (>6 years education), health-related (depression, impaired vision, pain) and psychosocial characteristics (a recent negative life event) were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. No care-related characteristics were associated with anxiety. LIMITATIONS: The study population is a selective one (>55 years, MMSE >15, able to communicate sufficiently). The data were collected cross-sectionally. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms occur frequently among nursing home patients and are mainly associated with health-related characteristics. Physicians should focus special attention on patients with depression or stroke.
BACKGROUND: Very little is known about the prevalence and correlates of anxiety among nursing home patients. The current knowledge is predominantly based on information from population-based studies among elderly. METHODS: Prevalence of anxiety was measured with the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) in a sample of 333 nursing home patients of somatic wards of 14 nursing homes in the Netherlands. Participants were over 55 years, had a MMSE-score >14 and were able to communicate sufficiently. Information about demographic, health-related, psychosocial and care-related characteristics was collected in interviews with participants and from attending physicians and nursing home staff. RESULTS: The prevalence of anxiety disorders was 5.7%, of subthreshold anxiety disorders 4.2% and of anxiety symptoms 29.7%. Only health-related characteristics (MMSE-score >23, depression, stroke) were significantly associated with anxiety disorders and subthreshold anxiety disorders. Demographic (>6 years education), health-related (depression, impaired vision, pain) and psychosocial characteristics (a recent negative life event) were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. No care-related characteristics were associated with anxiety. LIMITATIONS: The study population is a selective one (>55 years, MMSE >15, able to communicate sufficiently). The data were collected cross-sectionally. CONCLUSIONS:Anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms occur frequently among nursing home patients and are mainly associated with health-related characteristics. Physicians should focus special attention on patients with depression or stroke.
Authors: Amber L Paukert; Jeremy W Pettit; Mark E Kunik; Nancy Wilson; Diane M Novy; Howard M Rhoades; Anthony J Greisinger; Oscar A Wehmanen; Melinda A Stanley Journal: J Clin Psychol Med Settings Date: 2010-12
Authors: Ashley N Stillman; David J Moser; Jess Fiedorowicz; Heather M Robinson; William G Haynes Journal: Psychosom Med Date: 2013-06-20 Impact factor: 4.312