Browsing by Author "Farhang, Maryam"

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    Impact of social isolation and coping strategies in older adults with mild cognitive impairment during the covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative study
    (2022) Farhang, Maryam; Miranda-Castillo, Claudia; Isabel Behrens, Maria; Castillo, Eduardo; Mosquera Amar, Sandra; Rojas, Graciela
    The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a psychological burden on elderly and particularly individuals with cognitive impairment and dementia. Few studies have investigated the quarantine experiences of older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives The objective of this study was to explore the experiences and feelings of older adults with MCI during the COVID-19 outbreak in Chile and to know what strategies they used to overcome social isolation. Method A qualitative design was used. Ten participants with a diagnosis of MCI took part in this study. All interviews were recorded and coded using thematic analysis. Results The thematic analysis identified three themes related to the quarantine experience of older adults with MCI diagnosis: (1) Effects of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic (2) Believes, feelings and behaviors about the SARS-CoV-2 virus (3) Coping with social isolation/response to difficulties during the pandemic. It was found that older adults with MCI have been mainly psychologically and socially affected by social distancing and isolation, particularly individuals who were alone during COVID-19 outbreak. The only physical dimension negatively affected was the level of activity. Social isolation led to a significant number of negative emotions such as anger, fear of contracting the virus or possibility of contagion for their families, worries and sadness as well as emotional loneliness. It is noteworthy that the majority of participants have used several coping strategies during this challenging time. Conclusion Since social isolation and a sedentary life have been associated with poorer cognition and functionality in people with MCI, a rational plan to both prevent the progression of cognitive decline and to increase social contact, is essential. Special attention must be drawn to maintaining people physically active at home and keeping their daily routine (within the possibilities) and also to ensure social connectedness through technology. Implementation of these measures could potentially reduce negative emotions during the pandemic.
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    Technology-Assisted Collaborative Care Program for People with Diabetes and/or High Blood Pressure Attending Primary Health Care: A Feasibility Study
    (2021) Martinez, Pablo; Guajardo, Viviana; Gomez, Victor E.; Brandt, Sebastian; Szabo, Wilsa; Soto-Brandt, Gonzalo; Farhang, Maryam; Baeza, Paulina; Campos, Solange; Herrera, Pablo; Rojas, Graciela
    The comorbidity of depression with physical chronic diseases is usually not considered in clinical guidelines. This study evaluated the feasibility of a technology-assisted collaborative care (TCC) program for depression in people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure (DM/HBP) attending a primary health care (PHC) facility in Santiago, Chile. Twenty people diagnosed with DM/HBP having a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score & GE; 15 points were recruited. The TCC program consisted of a face-to-face, computer-assisted psychosocial intervention (CPI, five biweekly sessions), telephone monitoring (TM), and a mobile phone application for behavioral activation (CONEMO). Assessments of depressive symptoms and other health-related outcomes were made. Thirteen patients completed the CAPI, 12 received TM, and none tried CONEMO. The TCC program was potentially efficacious in treating depression, with two-thirds of participants achieving response to depression treatment 12 weeks after baseline. Decreases were observed in depressive symptoms and healthcare visits and increases in mental health-related quality of life and adherence to treatment. Patients perceived the CPI as acceptable. The TCC program was partially feasible and potentially efficacious for managing depression in people with DM/HBP. These data are valuable inputs for a future randomized clinical trial.