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Purpose: To estimate the frequency of use of pressure-redistributing support surfaces (PRSS) among hip fracture patients and to determine whether higher pressure ulcer risk is associated with greater PRSS use. Design and Methods: Patients (n = 658) aged [greater than or equal to] 65 years who had surgery for hip fracture were examined by research nurses at baseline and on alternating days for 21 days. Information on PRSS use and pressure ulcer risk factors was recorded at each assessment visit. Other information was obtained by interview and chart review. Results: A PRSS was observed at 36.4% of the 5,940 study visits. The odds of PRSS use were lower in the rehabilitation setting (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3-0.6), in the nursing home (adjusted OR 0.2, 95% CI O. 1-0.3), and during readmission to the acute setting (adjusted OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-0.9) than in the initial acute setting. There was wide variation in frequency of PRSS use by admission hospital, even after adjusting for pressure ulcer risk factors. The relationships between PRSS use and pressure ulcer risk factors were not strong. Implications: In this study of hip fracture patients, adherence to guidelines for PRSS use was low and was based more on facility-related factors than on patient risk. There is an urgent need for health care providers to improve strategies for the prevention of pressure ulcers in high-risk patients. Key Words: Pressure ulcers, Hip fracture, Support surfaces, Prevention doi: 10.1093/geront/gnp101

Abstract This survey was carried out as part of an on going audit of women's satisfaction with aspects of the breast screening service. Experience of breast screening is complex and [...]

Asian American immigrant women engaged in filial caregiving are at special risk for health problems due to complex contextual factors related to immigration, cultural traditions, and role transition. This study examines the experience of two groups of immigrant Asian American women who are caring for older parents. A total of 41 women (22 Chinese American and 19 Filipino American) were interviewed in a study based on Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory methodology. The women were determined to be loyal to their traditional culture, which included strong filial values, while adapting to a new culture. Through the struggle of meeting role expectations and coping with paradox, the women mobilized personal and family resources to transform vulnerability into strength and well-being. Keywords: Asian American women; caregiving; immigration; filial values; vulnerability

This longitudinal case study focuses on handwriting samples of a female diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder from 12 years of age to 21 years of age. Diaries and journals produced for class assignments and later for this research yielded 293 handwriting samples. 15 characteristics of handwriting were measured and statistically analyzed to follow changes in handwriting across time. At seven years of age while in elementary school the subject was diagnosed with ADHD and placed on Ritalin (methylphenidate). At puberty the drug was discontinued. During two summers she visited grandparents, once alone and once with two sisters with whom she was in conflict. Her handwriting deviated from its pattern of general decrease in size and increase in uniformity during these visits. The changes over time of three handwriting characteristics (slant of 'l,' heights and areas of the lower loop of the 'g,' and area of the left loop of the 'I') also deviated from the general pattern of her handwriting change.

The 53-year-old right-handed woman underwent decompressive laminectomies and foraminotomies at the C3-C7 levels. The course of illness and postoperative recovery were documented by handwriting and MRI views, but not statistical analysis.

Multiple sclerosis is a widespread neurological disorder with a variety of symptoms, some of which are noticeable in handwriting. The handwritings of two groups of 23 subjects each (people with multiple sclerosis and a comparison group), matched for age and gender, were compared, using the Roman-Staempfli Psychogram, a graphological charting system with seven additional categories. Of 50 indicators examined, statistical analysis showed means of 37 to be significantly different, The one-way analyses of variance showed that 26 of the 32 indicators originally expected to be significantly different between the groups were. 14 of the 17 predictions of higher MS scores were significantly confirmed as were 11 of the 15 predictions of lower MS scores. These results suggest that neurological damage is reflected in handwriting and can be measured graphologically for physical or psychological characteristics. Possible reasons for variance from the hypotheses were discussed.

Although the phrase, 'handwriting is brainwriting,' is commonly heard, there is little in the literature to support the statement. This case study of a 28-year-old quadriplegic woman briefly describes the disorder, its treatment, and her reaction to sudden disability. Writing pre- and postparalysis illustrates the similarities in slant, spacing, size, and idiosyncracies found when written by hand or by holding the pen in the mouth.

Data on women who create satisfying lives for themselves are needed to identify the personality characteristics of strong, successful women. The handwritings of two groups (70 successful and 42 not-so-successful) of women were compared, using the Roman-Staempfli Psychogram, a graphological charting system, and nine additional categories. The women were divorced, married, or single; their ages ranged from 19 to 80 yr.; their backgrounds were socioeconomically varied. The one-way analyses of variance shoed that 24 of the 38 indicators originally expected to be significantly different between the groups proved to be so. Also supporting specific hypotheses were 10 of the 14 indicators originally expected to not be significantly different. These results suggest the qualities considerd important for achievement can be inferred from the handwritings of successful women and can be measured graphologically. Possible reasons for variance from the hypotheses were discussed.

The Wellingham-Jones Handwriting Test was administered at admission and discharge to 101 participants in a court-ordered 30-day substance-abuse treatment program to test its effectiveness in monitoring progress; results were mixed.

This book is a compilation of 12 monographs previously published by Sage in 1991 as the series Notes on Nursing Theories. The monographs were designed to provide concise descriptions of [...]

Public Health Significance of Urban Pests **** I approached this book with a mixture of fear and fascination, and it did not disappoint. It details threats to human health from [...]

Reports on a study done on pacifier use in infants and the relationship to early weaning and cry/fuss behavior. Objective to test whether regular pacifier use is related to weaning before three months; Examination of differences in results according to randomized intervention allocation versus observed use or non use of pacifiers; Results; Conclusion that pacifier use is associated with breastfeeding difficulties and reduced motivation to breastfeed.

Reports on a case of an infant with pulmonary hemorrhage whose residential environmental assessment revealed the presence of the toxigenic mold Stachbotrys atra. Environmental factors that could predispose the home to fungal contamination; Air sampling results; Mycotoxins; Tricothecenes; Water damage.