Association of Comorbid Burden and Patient Outcomes of Residents With Dementia in Jordanian Nursing Homes.

Medical and psychiatric comorbidity in individuals with dementia is often associated with serious adverse health outcomes. Using a convenience sample of 76 residents with dementia in Jordanian nursing homes, the current study aimed to examine the relationship among comorbid burden, ability to verbally self-report symptoms, severity of dementia, and patient outcomes of pain and agitation. Comorbid burden and ability to verbally self-report symptoms were found to be significant predictors of patient outcomes of pain and agitation. However, the ability to verbally self-report symptoms did not explain the relationship between comorbid burden and patient outcomes. Nurses must understand the impact of comorbid burden and the ability to verbally self-report symptoms regarding pain and agitation in individuals with dementia. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 44(7), 50-58.]. Copyright 2018, SLACK Incorporated.