A research on anxiety and depression of the elderly in the community

Introduction: Aging is a normal process in the course of human life. It is not a disease, but a condition with many particularities. It is characterized by a decline in organic function and degeneration of the human body cells resulting in physical, biological, intellectual, mental and social downfall. Aim: The aim of the research study was to measure anxiety and depression levels of the elderly in community structures. Methods: The study was conducted in Primary Health Care Structures of Lamia Municipality of the region of Central Greece as well as in Structures of Athikies Municipality of the region of Peloponnese. For data collection, an anonymous self-compiling questionnaire was used. Results: The 81.6% (n=102) of the participants had a >3 anxiety score, which states the presence of anxiety symptoms, while 18.4% (n=23) had a ≤3 anxiety score, which states the absence of anxiety symptoms. The depression for the 84.8% (n=106) of the sample was calculated as >3 in the depression score, which states the presence of depression symptoms, while 15.2% (n=19) of the participants had a ≤3 depression score, which states the absence of depression symptoms. Conclusions: One can easily understand, from this study, that the elderly display high anxiety and depression levels. The female gender and living away from close family are positively related to the development of anxiety or depression in the elderly

Assessment of the needs of individuals enrolled in a support program for the elderly

Introduction: The aging of our population is the scourge of modern times. Health care systems worldwide are faced with an increased demand for health services from elderly persons, and this underlines the need for new types of care such as home care. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to present a Support Program for senior citizens as it is implemented to date by the social services of the health insurance fund of a large Organization in the Athens area. The goals of our study were: to explore socio-economic needs, health problems of the elderly, support provided on an individual and on a family basis as well as health counseling. Sample and method: Collection of data began in early June 2004 at the Service Archives, these consisting of 109 files. The total number of beneficiaries/pensioners belonging to the insurance scheme of the specific bank in question is equal to 3,104 in the region of Attica, averaging 72.1-1.16 years of age. We observed 109 persons who have been included in the "Senior Citizens' Support Program". The period of data collection lasted two months. Results and discussion: Data analysis showed that the largest segment of the population under observation was 80-89 years of age, i.e. a great deal higher than the average age of pensioners in Greece As to their health, the elderly persons we observed are primarily faced with orthopedic problems, at 62%, restricting their mobility and thus their access to their insurance provider for the provision of services. As a whole, beneficiaries displayed many diverse needs. What the elderly persons we observed needed most was household help, at a percentage of 62%. It is imperative that communities introduce support programs for the elderly. These should be individualized and provide basic assistance to senior citizens in carrying out their daily activities

Serum CA 125 combined with transvaginal ultrasonography for ovarian cancer screening

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the combination of serum CA125 and Transvaginal Ultra Sonography (TVUS) score, as a screening procedure for ovarian cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Patients and Methods: A retrospective case-control pilot study was conducted. The files of 120 women with ovarian neoplasia detected by TVUS and increased CA125 level, within the framework of a prevention program, were reviewed. The relationship between the above tests and epithelial malignancy was investigated using the SPSS-12 program for Windows. Results: The combination of CA125 value exceeding 30U/ml and a TVUS score ≥35 had a sensitivity of 81.7% and specificity of 100% in predicting ovarian cancer. Mathematical analysis of the logistic model of our variables revealed a mathematical model that can calculate the likelihood of ovarian cancer detection, by using a combination of CA125≥30U/ml and TVUS score≥35. Conclusion: By combining TVUS and CA125, an accurate prediction for the presence of ovarian cancer may be achieved. Further investigation in a larger population is warranted