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- Halaweh, Hadeel, 1969
(author)
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Active Ageing a Path towards Ageing Well. Physical Functioning, Physical Activity, Falls Self-Efficacy and Social Participation in Community-Dwelling Elderly
- 2016
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The overall aim of this thesis was to study factors of importance for active ageing with a focus on physical functioning, physical activity, falls self-efficacy, health-related quality of life and social participation in community-dwelling elderly above 60 years old. Methods: Study I (n=108) evaluated the psychometric properties of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (Arabic version) (FES-I (Ar)) using validity and reliability testing. Study II (n=176) addressed the association between physical functioning and falls self-efficacy. Data were collected using five different tests of physical functioning and the FES-I (Ar). Study III (n=176) assessed the association between physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the Physical activity socio-cultural adapted questionnaire (PA-SCAQ) and the EuroQol-5Dimensions-5Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Between group comparisons were based on the PA-SCAQ by dividing the participants into three Physical activity (PA) groups: low (n=74), moderate (n=85), and high (n=17). In study IV (n=17), a narrative approach was applied as a qualitative research design to explore the participants’ experiences with social roles and role reversals. Data were collected by in-depth interviews and participant observation, and analyzed using a narrative interpretative method. Results: FES-I (Ar) was found to be a comprehensible, valid, and reliable measure of the concern about falling among community-dwelling elderly. Study II showed that values of physical functioning were significantly higher in non-fallers (p <0.05). Higher physical functioning values were associated with lower incidence of falling and lower level of fear of falling. Study III revealed strong associations between higher levels of physical activity and all dimensions of health-related quality of life. Findings from study IV yielded into three central themes: health and social roles, social connectedness, and adapting to the role reversals. Conclusions and Impact: Physical functioning, physical activity, falls self-efficacy and social participation contribute to active ageing and subsequently to the process of ageing well among community-dwelling elderly. In clinical practice and in future research, the FES-I (Ar) could be used to effectively assess concern about falling in Arabic-speaking elderly persons. Maintaining and improving physical functioning influences falls self-efficacy and risk of falling. Adopting a physically active lifestyle may result in a better HRQoL in elderly persons. In this thesis, understanding the mechanism of social roles gave a better insight about the impact of social participation on the state of well-being in elderly persons. This knowledge can be used to develop health interventions that may contribute to facilitate the process of ageing well.
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| 2. |
- Halaweh, Hadeel, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Association between physical activity and physical functioning in community-dwelling older adults
- 2017
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In: European Journal of Physiotherapy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2167-9169 .- 2167-9177. ; 19, s. 40-47
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. Aim: To evaluate the association between level of physical activity (PA) and physical functioning among community-dwelling older adults. Methods: A total of 176 older adults were assessed with a PA socio-cultural adapted questionnaire (PA-SCAQ), the participants were categorized into three PA groups (low, moderate and high). Physical functioning was examined by using: Hand Grip Strength (HGS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Statistical analyses were performed to determine differences between the groups according to age, gender and PA level. Spearman’s correlation was used to examine the association between the PA level and physical functioning values. Major findings: Older adults who participated in moderate-intensity aerobic PA for ≥150 min/week have recorded higher values of physical functioning than older adults who were classified as low physically active (p < 0.001). PA levels were positively correlated with HGS and SPPB and negatively correlated with TUG (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There were strong associations between higher levels of PA and levels of physical functioning (p < 0.001). Moderate to high level of PA may contribute to maintain physical functioning among community-dwelling older adults.
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| 4. |
- Halaweh, Hadeel, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Validity and Reliability of the Arabic Version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I)
- 2016
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In: Medical principles and practice. - : S. Karger AG. - 1011-7571 .- 1423-0151. ; 25:1, s. 1-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of an Arabic language version (Ar) of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) with respect to its use with Arabic-speaking elderly subjects. Subjects and Methods: For cross-cultural adaptation, the translation of the original English version of the scale was conducted based on the protocol of the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFaNE). The FES-I (Ar) was administered via face-to-face interviews to 108 community-dwelling elderly Palestinians (61 women and 47 men, aged 60-84 years). Statistical analyses were used to determine group differences with respect to age, gender and fall history. To assess validity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the total scores of FES-I (Ar) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, gait speed and balance. Test-retest reliability between the two test occasions was assessed in accordance with Svensson's method. Results: The FES-I (Ar) total scores were positively correlated with TUG (rs = 0.641, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with gait speed (rs = -0.670, p < 0.001) and balance (rs = -0.592, p < 0.001). All items of the FES-I (Ar) indicated a high percentage agreement (from 88 to 93%), and the relative position ranged from 0.01 to 0.06. Conclusion: In this study, the FES-I (Ar) was shown to be a comprehensible, valid and reliable measure of the concern about falling among community-dwelling elderly subjects. In clinical practice and future research, the FES-I (Ar) instrument could be used to effectively assess concern about falling in Arabic-speaking elderly persons.
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| 5. |
- Halaweh, Hadeel, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Experiences of Habitual Physical Activity in Maintaining Roles and Functioning among Older Adults: A Qualitative Study
- 2016
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In: Rehabilitation Research and Practice. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2090-2867 .- 2090-2875.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Physically active older adults have reduced risk of functional restrictions and role limitations. Several aspects may interrelate and influence habitual physical activity (PA). However, older adults' own perspectives towards their PA need to be addressed. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of habitual physical activity in maintaining roles and functioning among older adult Palestinians >= 60 years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews based on a narrative approach. Seventeen participants were recruited (aged 64-84 years). Data were analyzed using a narrative interpretative method. Findings. Three central narratives were identified, "keepmoving, stay healthy," "social connectedness, amotive to stay active," and "adapting strategies to age-related changes." Conclusion. Habitual physical activity was perceived as an important factor to maintain functioning and to preserve active roles in older adults. Walking was the most prominent pattern of physical activity and it was viewed as a vital tool to maintain functioning among the older adults. Social connectedness was considered as a contributing factor to the status of staying active. To adapt the process of age-related changes in a context to stay active, the participants have used different adapting strategies, including protective strategy, awareness of own capabilities, and modifying or adopting new roles.
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| 6. |
- Halaweh, Hadeel, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Perspectives of older adults on aging well: A focus group study
- 2018
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In: Journal of Aging Research. - : Hindawi Limited. - 2090-2204 .- 2090-2212. ; 2018
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. With increasing number of older adults worldwide, promoting health and well-being becomes a priority for aging well. Well-being and physical and mental health are closely related, and this relation may become more vital at older ages as it may contribute to aging well. The state of well-being is a multifaceted phenomenon that refers to an individual's subjective feelings, and exploring perspectives of older adults on aging well is developing to be an important area of research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore perceptions on aging well among older adult Palestinians ≥60 years. Methods. A qualitative research design in the context of focus group discussions was used; seven focus groups were conducted including fifty-six participants (aged 63-81 years). Data were analyzed using a qualitative interpretative thematic approach described by Braun and Clarke. Results. Three major themes were identified, "sense of well-being," "having good physical health," and "preserving good mental health." The participants perceived that aging well is influenced by positive feelings such as being joyous, staying independent, having a life purpose, self-possessed contentment, and financially secured, in addition to be socially engaged and enjoying good physical and mental health. Conclusion. This study contributes to get a better insight concerning older adults' perspectives on aging well. Enhancing physically active lifestyle, participation in social and leisure activities, healthy eating habits, having a purpose in life, and being intellectually engaged are all contributing factors to aging well. Vital factors are to be considered in developing strategic health and rehabilitative plans for promoting aging well among older adults. © 2018 Hadeel Halaweh et al.
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| 7. |
- Halaweh, Hadeel, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Physical Activity and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Community Dwelling Elderly.
- 2015
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In: Journal of clinical medicine research. - : Elmer Press, Inc.. - 1918-3003 .- 1918-3011. ; 7:11, s. 845-52
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Physical activity (PA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are important factors for optimal health in the elderly. Studying the association between PA and HRQoL is becoming more essential as the number of elderly people increases worldwide. This study assesses the association between PA and HRQoL among community dwelling elderly above 60 years old.The study included 115 women and 61 men (mean age: 68.15 ± 6.74 years) recruited from the community and from public centers for the elderly. Data were collected using a background characteristics questionnaire (BCQ), a physical activity socio-cultural adapted questionnaire (PA-SCAQ), and the EuroQuol-5Dimensions-5Levels (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Between groups, comparisons were based on the PA-SCAQ by dividing the participants into three PA groups: low (n = 74), moderate (n = 85), and high (n = 17). Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed on the ordinal variables of the three PA groups to determine differences between the groups according to categorical variables such as gender, body mass index (BMI), and the prevalence of comorbid conditions. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed on the ordinal variables of the EuroQuol-5Dimensions (EQ-5D), and the independent sample t-test was performed on the EQ visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS). Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to examine the correlation between the EQ-5D and level of PA.Values in all dimensions of HRQoL were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the moderate and high PA groups compared with the low PA group. Significant correlations were recorded between the five dimensions of HRQoL and the level of PA (P < 0.001). The low PA group showed higher prevalence of hypertension (64%, P < 0.001) and diabetes (50%, P < 0.001).There were strong associations between higher levels of PA and all dimensions of HRQoL. Therefore, adopting a PA lifestyle may contribute to better HRQoL among community dwelling elderly above 60 years old.
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| 8. |
- Halaweh, Hadeel, 1969, et al.
(author)
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Physical functioning and fall-related efficacy among community-dwelling elderly people
- 2016
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In: European Journal of Physiotherapy. - : Informa UK Limited. - 2167-9169 .- 2167-9177. ; 18:1, s. 11-17
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between physical functioning and fall-related efficacy among community-dwelling elderly people.Method: Participants (n = 176) were 60 years old and older. Data were collected using physical functioning tests: hand grip strength, Timed Up and Go (TUG), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) and History of Falling Checklist (HoFC). Statistical analyses were used to determine group differences with respect to age, gender and fall history, as well as the correlation between the total scores of the FES-I and hand grip strength, TUG and SPPB.Results. Values of physical functioning measures were significantly higher in non-fallers than in fallers (p < 0.05). The FES-I total scores were positively correlated with TUG (rs = 0.615) and negatively correlated with hand grip strength (rs =-0.522) and SPPB scores (rs =-0.727). There were significant differences in the FES-I scores according to TUG and SPPB cut-off values (p < 0.001).Conclusion: Higher physical functioning values were associated with a lower incidence of falling and a lower level of fear of falling. Maintaining and improving physical functioning should be considered as an important factor that may influence fall-related efficacy and risk of falling among elderly people. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.
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