Hanna Kachaniuk

The state of nutrition and the self-assessment of symptoms of depression in the group of seniors living in the countryside of Lublin province - preliminary report.

Introduction The incidence of malnutrition increases together with the number of chronic diseases and medications taken daily. There are also other factors causing changes in the nutrition of the elderly, raising the risk of undernourishment. Such factors include difficulties with daily shopping, meal preparation and other everyday activities, hindering access to food with proper quantitative and qualitative properties. The nutritional state of the elderly is influenced not only by somatic disorders, but also by mental disorders such as depression. Aim To define the relationship between the nutritional state of the elderly living in their home environment and the incidence of depression. Material and methods The described sample consisted of 116 (100%) elderly persons living in the Lubelskie Voivodeship, using the services carried out within primary healthcare. The nutritional state of the elderly was assessed with the use of the full version of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) questionnaire. In order to determine the intensity of depression symptoms, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) (the 15-item version by Yesavage) was applied. Results During analysis of the impact of depression on malnutrition risk, a correlation with a high statistical significance level was found. Malnutrition was significantly more often identified in people in whom the GDS scale revealed severe depression (p = 0.00002). The risk of depression has a substantial impact on nutritional state. The nutritional state of the elderly deteriorates together with the increase of the risk of depression. Conclusions In over 48% of respondents, including those living with their families, an intensification of depression symptoms was found.

Selected problems associated with the treatment and care for patients with colostomy – part 1

The study presents a short historical background and practical application of intestinal ostomy as a treatment method of various intestinal disorders and injuries. Ostomy is a purposeful connection of the lumen of the intestine with abdominal integuments by surgery. After the surgical formation of the intestinal fistula, the patient must adjust to the new situation, gain basic knowledge and learn procedures of ostomy care. Thus, professional medical assistance is extremely important. The study aims to discuss basic notions concerning ostomy and ostomy equipment. Providing high-standard care and assistance for patients with ostomy requires both appropriate knowledge and practical skills.

Moderation and Mediation Analysis of the Relationship between Total Protein Concentration and the Risk of Depressive Disorders in Older Adults with Function Dependence in Home Care

Due to its devastating consequences, late-life depression is an important public health problem. The aim of the study was an analysis of variables which may potentially influence the risk of depression (GDS-SF). Furthermore, the aim was to study possible mediating effects of given variables on the relationship between the total protein concentration and the risk of depression in older adults with chronic diseases, and physical function impairment. The research sample included 132 older adults with chronic conditions and physical function impairments, residing in a long-term care in residential environment. In the studied group of sensory organs, diseases proved to be a significant moderator of the relationship between GDS-SF and total serum protein concentration. A stronger relationship was observed in subjects suffering from diseases of sensory organs (b = −6.42, 95% CI= −11.27; −1.58). The Barthel index and 25(OH)D vitamin were the most significant mediators of the examined relationship. Cohort research is suggested to confirm the hypothesis.