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Katharina Pils

Publications and source records attributed to Katharina Pils.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Which instrument is more suitable to assess health-related quality of life: Nottingham Health Profile or Short-Form-36?

BACKGROUND: Recent publications in rehabilitation research describe a new category of outcome measures, so-called patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This is an umbrella term for different degrees of subjective symptom intensity, treatment satisfaction and, particularly, health-related quality of life (HrQoL). Given the countless new developments in the field of HrQoL, it has become difficult to select the most appropriate or the best instrument for outcome-oriented studies. We evaluated and compared the two most frequently used questionnaires to assess HrQoL, namely the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and the MOS Short-Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) with regard to their applicability in gerontology. METHODS: A sample of active "elderly gymnasts" (mean age, 68 years) was compared with a "young" control group (mean age, 36 years). Both groups were asked to fill out the two questionnaires and enter on a visual analogue scale (VAS) their assessment of the suitability of each instrument for application in a scientific study. RESULTS: While the control group generally favoured the SF-36 and rated this questionnaire significantly better than the NHP, the two survey instruments were given nearly the same rating by the elderly gymnasts. Younger experimental subjects particularly objected to the wording of the items (all of these were found to be negatively oriented) and the dichotomous response format of the NHP (it allows only yes-no answers in contrast to the SF-36 which offers several graded choices) while elderly patients considered this limited range of responses to be an advantage of the NHP. CONCLUSIONS: The decision in favour of or against a survey instrument should always be made individually for each situation, based on the test criteria and the characteristics of the study population. In elderly patients with stronger symptoms, one may well decide in favour of the NHP despite its disadvantages (limited response format, floor effects, less frequent use of the questionnaire).

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PubMed2006

[Different attitudes towards hypertension and urinary tract incontinence in elderly individuals participating in a health promotion project].

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate health associated attitudes of elderly individuals taking part in a community based health promotion programme. It was of interest to focus on mobility, hypertension and urinary incontinence, problems frequently observed in geriatrics. METHODS: Participants in the health promotion programme were asked to answer a standardized questionnaire about their individual risk factors and habits concerning some of the main risk factors in the elderly: social isolation, immobility, hypertension, urinary incontinence. Mobility and risk assessment for falls was assessed in a standardized way using the Chair-rising- and Timed-upand-go tests. RESULTS: The percentage of people with a healthy life style was significantly higher than in a comparable population group. Gait disturbance, mobility limitation and risk of falls were not present. 38.7 % suffered from urinary incontinence. Hypertension was, if present, diagnosed and adequately treated. The participants knew their prescribed drugs and seemed to have an excellent compliance. DISCUSSION: The participants in the health promotion programme showed an exceptionally high level of health awareness. Nevertheless, the incidence for reported urinary incontinence was significantly higher than in known epidemiological studies. The calm, reassuring atmosphere in which the questionnaire was completed and the large amount of time spent with the participants could explain this finding. The difference in dealing with hypertension and urinary incontinence is obvious. Further health promotion and disease prevention programmes for the elderly should be focused on the complex process of ageing and not only on specific single topics.

Accidental Falls↗
PubMed2002

[Vaccine protection in the elderly: are Austrian seniors adequately protected by vaccinations?].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate, if elderly persons are sufficiently protected against infectious diseases by vaccination. PROBANDS AND METHODS: 300 elderly (> 60 years) and 300 young (< 35 years) persons from five Austrian cities were recruited according to the criteria of a field study. Antibody concentrations against tetanus, diphtheria, tickborne encephalitis and influenza were assessed by ELISA or by haemagglutination inhibition test. Disease and vaccination histories were recorded. RESULTS: The results of the study demonstrate that protection against infectious diseases was frequently insufficient in the elderly. This was partly due to the fact that old persons were not vaccinated according to recommended strategies. However, low antibody concentration and a short duration of protective humoral immunity were also observed in many elderly persons in spite of regular vaccination. This was not only the case in frail, but also in healthy elderlies. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrate that vaccination has a relatively weak and short-lasting effect in old age. The results of the study should stimulate discussions about strategies how vaccinations can be made more effective in old age. Improved campaigns, shortened vaccination intervals as well as the design of novel vaccines tailored to fulfill the specific demands of the aging immune system are imaginable.

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