BACKGROUND

E-learning has emerged as a crucial technique that educators embrace and apply. Two effective e-learning materials are video-based learning (VBL) and e-book-based remote learning (EBRL). While several studies have proven their effectiveness, none have compared these e-learning materials, especially regarding caregivers’ knowledge of delirium, dementia, and depression (3Ds). Based on the extant literature, many caregivers are untrained and often lack the knowledge and skills to lessen the burden on delirious, demented, and depressed older adults. Hence, there is a growing need to explore how e-learning materials will address caregivers’ lack of knowledge about the 3Ds of geriatric psychiatry.

This study ascertained the effects of e-learning materials on caregivers’ knowledge about the 3Ds of geriatric psychiatry and determined significant differences within and between groups.

A three-arm, quasi-experimental study, which included 63 informal caregivers in Baguio City who met the inclusion criteria and were chosen through purposive sampling, was conducted. Data were gathered using the Delirium-related knowledge tool, the Bangladesh version of the Depression Literacy Questionnaire, and the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Tool version 2. Data collection was done face-to-face and was conducted from March to April 2023. Data were treated with descriptive and inferential statistics using means, paired t-test, one-way omnibus ANOVA, and the post hoc Scheffé’s test. Ethics approval was provided by the Saint Louis University Research Ethics Committee (SLU-REC-UG 2023-004).

All the pretest mean scores of respondents in the VBL, EBRL, and control groups increased in the posttest. Additionally, the paired t-test revealed that the VBL and EBRL materials significantly affected the caregivers’ knowledge about the 3Ds of geriatric psychiatry, evidenced by a t-statistic of -5.80 (p=0.00001) and -4.48 (p= 0.00023), respectively. Lastly, one-way ANOVA revealed that there was a statistically significant difference in mean scores between at least two groups (F(2,60) = [7.060], p=0.002). Post hoc analysis using Scheffé’s test for multiple comparisons found that the mean values significantly differed between the VBL and the waitlist control group (Scheffé=10.589), and between the EBRL and the waitlist control group (Scheffé=10.589). There was no statistically significant difference between the VBL and the EBRL groups (Scheffé=0).

This study suggests that informal caregivers in Baguio City are moderately knowledgeable about the 3Ds of geriatric psychiatry. Moreover, both VBL and EBRL materials showed effectiveness in improving caregivers’ knowledge about the 3Ds of geriatric psychiatry, highlighting the substantial equivalence of both materials. Lastly, caregivers’ knowledge about the 3Ds of geriatric psychiatry increases as they engage in e-learning materials. Thus, it is acknowledged that VBL and EBRL materials are valuable, cost-effective, and practical interventions in improving caregivers’ knowledge about the 3Ds of geriatric psychiatry.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate psychometric properties of the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire (MCTQ) in a sample of Korean older adults. METHODS: One-hundred ninety two participants aged 65 and over completed interview-based questionnaires about chronotype, insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Additionally, a small subset of subjects completed a 7-day sleep diary and actigraphy measurements. RESULTS: Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) scores were significantly negatively correlated with Midpoint of sleep on free days corrected for sleep debt accumulated through weekdays (MSFsc) (r=-0.45, p < 0.01) assessed by the MCTQ. MSFsc using the MCTQ was significantly positively correlated with MSFsc assessed by both the sleep diary (r=0.74, p < 0.05) and actigraphy (r=0.76, p < 0.05). Additionally, MSFsc assessed by the MCTQ was significantly positively correlated with insomnia (r=0.26, p < 0.01), depression (r=0.25, p < 0.01), and anxiety (r=0.18, p < 0.05). Finally, based on MEQ scores, we derived a cut-off score for the MCTQ that distinguishes morning type and other types (intermediate/evening types) in older adults. CONCLUSION: The results of these studies supported the validity of the MCTQ in Korean older adults. Additionally, while sleep rhythms in elder adults may be more advanced, eveningness tendency may be still important and indicative of sleep and psychological disturbance.
Actigraphy ; Adult* ; Anxiety ; Circadian Rhythm ; Depression ; Geriatric Assessment ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Humans ; Psychometrics ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Sleep Wake Disorders

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between suicidal ideation and its associated clinical factors among community-dwelling elderly in Korea. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the data obtained from the face to face interviews of 1,500 (mean age : 74.41±6.44, male : 41.0%) elderly people aged 65 or above living in the community. The questionnaire used in this study was composed of detailed questions about the clinical characteristics including sociodemographic, life style, physical status, and psychiatric factors. In order to assess the suicidal ideation, the subjects were asked questions about the suicidal idea in the past year. RESULTS: A total of 156 (10.4%) elderly reported the suicidal ideation over the last year. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlation with dissatisfaction with life [odds ratio (OR) 4.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55-12.60], depression (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.62-5.07), cognitive decline (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.38-4.10), poor perception of health (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.04-5.24), and insomnia (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.31-3.84). CONCLUSION: These results showed the several clinical factors associated with suicidal ideation among community-dwelling elderly living in Korea. The present study suggested the necessity for the various aspects of approach.
Aged* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Humans ; Korea ; Life Style ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Prevalence* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Suicidal Ideation*

OBJECTIVES: This study was to understand the characteristics of depressive symptoms among the community-dwelling elderly. METHODS: Through a community mental health mass screening program in senior society, 197 elderly were evaluated for depressive symptoms with Korean version of Short form Geriatric Depression Scale (SGDS-K). The subjects were grouped into normal or caution groups with a cut-off score of 6. The response rate and odds ratio were calculated and compared within each question. RESULTS: Although they had low total score, many subjects in normal group have the symptoms of the question 2, 13, 5, 10, 7, 4 (in order). Question 12, 6, 8, 4, 14, 3 (in order) showed higher odds ratio in caution group than normal group. Questions belonged to a factor 'general depressive mood' scored much higher odds ratio than the other. CONCLUSION: Even the elderly with low score in SGDS-K might complain of symptoms such as decreased level of energy, activities, interests, and memory. However the subjects with high score tend to report feeling more worthless, afraid, helpless, bored, hopeless, and empty. It can be helpful to know the distribution of depressive symptoms for providing careful mental health service to the elderly dwelling in the communities.
Aged* ; Community Mental Health Centers ; Depression* ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Memory ; Mental Health ; Mental Health Services ; Odds Ratio ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the proportion of dementia studies and the trends of the use of neuropsychological tests in dementia studies for the past 10 years. METHODS: The subjects of this study were 715 original articles published in Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association and 72 original articles published in Journal of Korean Geriatric Psychiatry between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2009. Among those, there were 78 articles of dementia study and 36 articles using the neuropsychological test used for the analysis. According to the published year, all articles were divided into two stages (between 2000-2004, between 2005-2009). The data were collected for what neuropsychological tests were used. RESULTS: The proportion of dementia studies increased from 8.2% to 12.4% and the proportion of dementia studies using the neuropsychological test decreased from 60.5% to 37.5%, when comparing the two stages. The use rate of screening tests, intelligence tests, and domain-specific cognitive tests decreased from 91.3% to 84.6%, 13.0% to 0%, 91.3% to 76.9% respectively, whereas the use rate of comprehensive assessment of dementia increased from 21.7% to 38.5%. CONCLUSION: These results show an increasing trend in dementia studies and decreasing rate of neuropsychological test use in Korea. However, the use rate of comprehensive assessment of dementia increased.
Dementia ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Intelligence Tests ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Neuropsychological Tests

Psychiatric disturbances in the elderly are complicated. Dementia and depression are serious causes of global impairment in the elderly. Aging is characterized by a progressive functional impairment of multiple organs, a reduction of homeostatic mechanisms, and a changed sensitivity or capacity of neurotransmitter receptors. Understanding the influence of age-dependent changes in the composition and function of the body on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs is important before prescribing drugs to elderly patients. However, there is little clinical pharmacological information available to guide pharmacotherapy for late-life psychiatric disorders. Treatment of dementia is based on the cognitive decline and behavioral symptoms that accompany dementia. Currently prescribed antidepressants have similar efficacies but the side effect profiles vary. Comprehension of the normal aging process and understanding the characteristics of each of the psychotropics are essential in geriatric psychopharmacology. Up to the present, most studies are confirmations or reproductions of previous results on efficacy or safety. Future directions for psychopharmacological research should include discovering newer drugs, treatment of resistance or nonresponders, and combination or adjunctive therapies. This review focused on the geriatric pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic changes and clinical information regarding currently prescribed psychotropic medications.
Aged ; Aging ; Antidepressive Agents ; Behavioral Symptoms ; Comprehension ; Dementia ; Depression ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Humans ; Psychopharmacology ; Receptors, Neurotransmitter

Korea is rapidly aging society and psychiatric disorders of the elderly increasing Korea is rapidly becoming an aging society and psychiatric disorders of the elderly are increasing significantly in importance. Interviewing the elderly requires special skills because of their physical weakness and cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentrating. There are various diagnostic tools for them, for more accurate diagnosis. Representative scales include the Mini-Mental Status Examination for dementia, the Geriatric Depression Scale for depression, and the Confusional Assessment Method for delirium. Differential diagnosis of psychiatric disorders from cerebral and physical disorders is important.
Aged ; Aging ; Delirium ; Dementia ; Depression ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Humans ; Korea ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic validity of the three published short Geriatric Depression Scales and to identify a valid and reliable alternative to the Korean version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-K) and short form Geriatric Depression Scales (SGDS-K). METHODS:All subjects were registered elderly psychiatric patients who first visited the Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic of Seoul National University Hospital in Seoul between April 1996 and May 1999. The GDS-K, SGDS-K, Hoyl GDS-5, D'Ath GDS-4, van Marwijk GDS-4 were administered. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis performed to investigate the diagnostic validity of the Hoyl GDS-5, D'Ath GDS-4, and van Marwijk GDS-4. RESULTS:The best trade-off between sensitivity and specificity was achieved with a Hoyl GDS-5 score of 3 (sensitivity:0.7258, specificity:0.7717), a D'Ath GDS-4 score of 3 (sensitivity:0.5968, specificity:0.7391), and a van Marwijk GDS-4 score of 3 (sensitivity:0.6613, specificity:0.7391). The area under the ROC curves of each diagnostic tool were calculated into the Hoyl GDS-5 of 0.8198, the D'Ath GDS-4 of 0.7525, and the van Marwijk GDS-4 of 0.7528. CONCLUSION:The Hoyl GDS-5 may be utilized in screening for major depression among the elderly psychiatric patients in Korea.
Aged ; Depression ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Humans ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVES: The in-training examination (Performance Examination, PE) for psychiatric residents in Korea was launched 5 years ago by the Korean Neuropsychiatric Association (KNPA). This article analyzes 5-year accumulated data on the PE, and tries to make some suggestions for further development of the PE. METHODS: The 5-year data, previously utilized for the generation of formal annual reports were reanalyzed, with an emphasis on longitudinal trends. RESULTS: The analyses indicated the following; 1) Higher-year residents earned definitely higher scores than their lower-year colleagues on the PE. This trend was especially prominent in the area of psychopharmacology-biological psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and the emergency-organic psychiatry. There was no year-related performance difference in the area of psychoses. 2) In the area of anxiety-somatization disorder, psychophysiological disorder, and geriatric psychiatry, the residents in the university-affiliated hospitals outperformed those in the specialized psychiatric hospitals. 3) Through analyzing multiple-times examinees, it was found that their first-and second-time performances were moderately correlated, and that their ranks tended to improve, demonstrating a continuously improving performance according to the training year. CONCLUSION: These result suggested that the KNPA PE is a feasible measure for the estimation of an individual resident's performance as well as the adequacy of the environment provided by the training institutes.
Academies and Institutes ; Adolescent ; Adolescent Psychiatry ; Child ; Child Psychiatry ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Hospitals, Psychiatric ; Humans ; Korea ; Psychophysiologic Disorders ; Psychotic Disorders

The rapid increase of the elderly and dementia patients has motivated psychiatrists and government officials in Korea to participate in dementia research, programs and projects more actively since the nineties. Korean association for geriatric psychiatry and Korean association for dementia were founded in 1994 and the ministry of health and welfare pronounced the 10 year project for dementia in 1995 and the dementia service program at the public health center was established by law in 1997. Several leading groups of psychiatrists have started the dementia registry and service programs with the public health centers based on local communities and their endeavor made the foundation for nationwide projects for early detection of dementia. The pilot project of registry and service for dementia has been performed with the participation of 16 hospitals and 21 public health centers in 2006. And in 2007 nationwide project for early detection of dementia has started with 60 hospitals and 85 public health centers throughout the country. This project might contribute to delay the development and progression of dementia and help to promote the quality of life in dementia patients and their families in Korea.
Aged ; Dementia* ; Geriatric Psychiatry ; Humans ; Jurisprudence ; Korea ; Occupational Groups ; Pilot Projects ; Psychiatry ; Public Health ; Quality of Life