Mental health promotion for elderly populations in World Health Organization South-East Asia Region: Needs and resource gaps

 Nisha Mani Pandey 1, Rakesh Kumar Tripathi 2, Sujita Kumar Kar 3, K L Vidya 2, Nitika Singh 3

Affiliations 

• PMID: 35111583
 
• PMCID: PMC8783159
 
• DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i1.117

Abstract

The accelerated population growth of the elderly (individuals aged 60 years or more) across the globe has many indications, including changes in demography, health, the psycho-social milieu, and economic security. This transition has given rise to varied challenges; significant changes have been observed in regard to developing strategies for health care systems across the globe. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also engaging in initiatives and mediating processes. Furthermore, advocacy is being conducted regarding a shift toward the salutogenic model from the pathogenic model. The concept behind this move was to shift from disablement to enablement and from illness to wellness, with the notion of mental health promotion (MHP) being promoted. This article attempts to discuss the MHP of elderly individuals, with special reference to the need to disseminate knowledge and awareness in the community by utilizing the resources of the health sector available in the WHO South-East Asia Region countries. We have tried to present the current knowledge gap by exploring the existing infrastructure, human resources, and financial resources. There is much to do to promote the mental health of the elderly, but inadequate facilities are available. Based on available resources, a roadmap for MHP in elderly individuals is discussed.

Keywords: Elderly; Mental health promotion; Mental healthcare needs; Resource gaps; World health organization.

©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Cognitive impairment among Hindi mental state examination positive community-dwelling rural older adults

 Pandey, Nisha Mani; Tripathi, Rakesh Kumar; Tripathi, Shailendra Mohan; Singh, Bhupendra; Tiwari, Sarvada C.

Author Information

Journal of Geriatric Mental Health 7(1):p 45-50, Jan–Jun 2020. | DOI: 10.4103/jgmh.jgmh_40_19

Abstract

Background: 

Cognitive impairment is emerging as one of the greatest mental health challenges in older adults. Its proper screening is required primarily. This article aimed to determine the usefulness of cognitive screening and assessment tools for ascertaining cognitive impairments among community-dwelling rural older adults.

Methods: 

Lucknow rural elderly project was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research, carried out in randomly selected rural areas of Lucknow district. The present article is based on the archived data of the same project. We have analyzed 1243 patients' data, who participated in the referred study. Data related to sociodemographic details, Hindi Mental State Examination (HMSE), were extracted. There were 81 patients who screened as HMSE positives (scored ≤23). These patients were then assessed using the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of the Elderly-Revised to reach to a diagnostic category as per the International Classification of Diseases-10^th Revision DCR criteria. Further, a triad of Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS), Functional Assessment Staging (FAST), and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) administered on the cognitively impaired patients. The data were analyzed by employing SPSS version 15.

Results: 

Among HMSE positives, 81.5% (66) had a diagnosable cognitive impairment and 18.5% (15) non-cases. FAST, BCRS, and GDS had concordant findings and were found to be effective instruments for the assessment of severity of cognitive decline.

Conclusion: 

HMSE is a useful cognitive screening tool for rural older adults. A triad of BCRS, and GDS is found to be useful in determining the severity of cognitive impairment.

Link for full paper  https://journals.lww.com/jgmh/fulltext/2020/07010/cognitive_impairment_among_hindi_mental_state.8.aspx

Problems and strain of caregivers of urban older adults An exploration

 Journal of Geriatric Mental Health 

Journal of Geriatric Mental Health 7(1):p 38-44, Jan–Jun 2020. | DOI: 10.4103/jgmh.jgmh_38_19

Abstract

Background: Due to the ever-changing psychosocial priorities and changes in family paradigms, care of older adults (aged 60 years and above) is often being experienced difficult. However, studies have hardly been done in this direction to elicit caregivers' experiences. The present article explores the problems and strain faced by the caregivers of urban older adults and discusses the basic differences faced during care of the healthy (elderly with no discernable illness) and unhealthy (elderly with single or multiple morbidity[ies]) older adults.

Methods: 

The data were extracted from an extramural ad hoc research project sponsored by the Indian Council of Medical Research. It was a cross-sectional study, in which 1163 caregivers, aged 18 years or more, were interviewed. They were asked to share experiences for caring their elderly. It was revealed that around 57% (n = 661) of caregivers were taking care of unhealthy (elderly with psychiatric disorders, physical diseases, organic disorders, or two or more morbidities) older adults, whereas 43% (n = 502) of caregivers were taking care of healthy older adults. The Problem Checklist and Strain Scale was administered and the obtained data were analyzed applying percentages, mean, standard deviation, and χ² test.

Results: 

The mean age of caregivers was 43.64 ± 13.8 years for males and 44.57 ± 12.42 for females; females outnumbered males (59.4%) as primary caregivers. Irrespective of health conditions, majority of the caregivers reported that they experienced problems (73.86%) and strain (70.59%) due to their caregiving responsibilities. The pertinent issues have been analyzed and discussed.

Conclusion: 

Majority of the caregivers of older adults experience problems and strain, which is an alarming situation. This may further negatively affect the well-being and quality of life of the elderly. Therefore, there is a need to thoroughly study the caregivers' aspects and introduce remedial strategies so that the elderly and caregivers both can lead a better life.

https://journals.lww.com/jgmh/fulltext/2020/07010/problems_and_strain_of_caregivers_of_urban_older.7.aspx

Google Scholar profile गूगल स्कॉलर प्रोफाइल

 https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=sr04RHkAAAAJ&hl=en