Background

Poor appetite is a common problem among older people; it is known to contribute to weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and increased mortality, which can affect their community participation and psychological status. In this study, we aimed to identify the relationship between community participation, nutritional appetite, and psychological distress among comorbid older people. This cross-sectional study included 300 elderly people, of whom 100 participated in geriatric clubs and 200 did not. Older people assessment sheet, the Australian Community Participation Questionnaire, the Council on Nutrition Appetite Questionnaire, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were used.

Results

Majority of geriatric club members had high community participation, while half of the older people who were not members of the club had moderate community participation levels. Approximately 41.0% of the participants at geriatric clubs had no risk at this time for a nutritional decline, while less than three-quarters of those who are not geriatric club members need frequent appetite reassessment. A correlation was observed between community participation with appetite and psychological distress in those who attended geriatric clubs. Those who are not geriatric club members had correlation between appetite with community participation and psychological distress (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Good appetite and psychological status are positively impacted by engaging in social activities among older people. Findings suggest that community programs, such as Meal on Wheels programs, and shared group activities can improve appetite and social interaction among older people.

Background: Proximal humeral fractures are among the most common fractures. Functional recovery of shoulder is often slow and many people have ongoing disability during activities of daily life. Aim: To evaluate effect of rehabilitation exercises on shoulder function after proximal humeral fracture Surgery. Research design: Quasi-experimental research design. Setting: Trauma unit and orthopedic outpatient clinic at Assiut University Hospital. Sample: A convenient sample of one hundred patients with aged from (18-75) years old and from both sexes with proximal humeral fracture, divided into two equal groups (50 patients for each). Tools: I " Patient's health needs assessment sheet ", II " Shoulder function index ", Tool III " Numerical Rating Pain Scale" Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the study and the control group regarding total mean score of the shoulder function index & pain level during follow up periods after application of rehabilitation exercises post proximal humeral fracture Surgery (p-value 0.0179* &0.003 respectively). Conclusion: Application of exercises has positive effect on improving shoulder function and reducing pain after proximal humeral fracture surgery. Recommendations: rehabilitation exercises are recommended to be an integral part of the pre-operative nursing teaching for patients undergoing proximal humeral fracture surgery and a booklet should be available at Trauma Unit and Orthopedic outpatient clinic as a reference.