Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (DEPM)

Back to Division of Gerontology.

Active Grant Support in the Division of Gerontology

Listed by Last Name of Principal Investigator:

Title: Pressure Ulcers in Elderly Emergency Department Patients
Principal Investigator: Mona Baumgarten, PhD
Agency: NIA
Funding Period: 09/30/97 - 08/31/02
Total Direct Costs: $1,534,368

The purpose of the proposed study is to estimate the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers in elderly medical patients admitted through the Emergency Department (ED), and to assess the impact of length of stay in the ED and of procedures experienced during the ED stay on pressure ulcer risk.

Title: Locus of Care and Pressure Ulcers after Hip Fracture
Principal Investigator: Mona Baumgarten, PhD
Agency: NIAMS
Funding Period: 09/30/01 - 08/31/05
Total Direct Costs: $3,262,048

The aims of this project are: 1) to estimate the incidence of nosocomial pressure ulcers among elderly patients who have undergone surgical repair for hip fracture; 2) to compare health care settings with respect to the incidence of nosocomial pressure ulcers and use of pressure ulcer prevention measures; 3) to assess the relations between the incidence of nosocomial pressure ulcers and certain characteristics of the elderly postfracture period; and 4) to develop a predictive model relating patient characteristics of the postfracture period to individual patients’ risk of nosocomial pressure ulcers.

Title: Diabetes and Depression in Elderly Mexican-Americans
Principal Investigator: Sandra Black, Ph.D.
Agency: NIDDK
Funding Period: 09/22/96 - 08/31/02
Total Direct Costs: $425,000

The proposed research is a study of the relationship between diabetes, functional disability, and depression in the elderly. This study is significant in that it will: 1) conduct an extensive examination of the epidemiology of diabetes and its functional and emotional consequences in older Mexican-Americans; 2) compare different profiles of comorbidity of diabetes and other chronic conditions in terms of their association with functional disability, pain, and depression; 3) examine differences in the utilization of health care services associated with depression in this group; and 4) make use of a longitudinal design to identify probable causal paths between diabetes and depressive status, while controlling for the possible moderating effects of personal factors such as sociodemographic characteristics, health-related factors, and cultural factors.

Title: Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center
Principal Investigator: Andy Goldberg, MD
Co-Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIA
Funding Period: 07/01/01 - 06/30/06
Total Direct Costs: $844,292

The mission of the Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) is to conduct mechanistic and outcome-based research in exercise rehabilitation and provide research training in gerontology and geriatrics that will improve lifestyle and functionality for millions of older disabled Americans. The research focus is on older patients who are chronically disabled by hemiparetic stroke, a major complication of ateriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which affects greater than 750,000 Americans annually.

Title: Quality Dementia Care in Assisted Living and Nursing Homes (Subcontract)
Principal Investigator: Ann Gruber-Baldini, PhD
Agency: Alzheimer’s Association via UNC-CH
Funding Period: 03/01/01 - 08/31/02
Total Direct Costs: $33,432

This subcontract provides consultation and expertise to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Zimmerman) which seeks to: 1) elucidate which treatment and care components related to a better quality of life for residents with dementia, and 2) refine care practices to improve services for those patients.

Title: Determinants of Recovery from Hip Fracture (Bone/Muscle)
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIA
Funding Period: 07/01/92 - 06/30/02
Total Direct Costs: $1,507,105

The primary aim of the proposed study is to describe the changes in bone mass density during the year following hip fracture, and to identify potentially modifiable determinants of this change. The potentially modifiable factors of major interest include: time of weight bearing relative to the fracture, timing and intensity of post-fracture and the association between functional recovery in lower extremities and post-fracture changes in bone mass density and muscle mass and strength.

Title: Epidemiology of Dementia in Aged Nursing Home Admissions
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIA
Funding Period: 08/15/91 - 03/31/04
Total Direct Costs: $1,208,139

This project is designed to: 1) examine the mortality, morbidity and medical care use of new admissions staying in nursing homes beyond one year; 2) compare these outcomes in demented and non-demented residents beyond one year; and 3) determine whether the long-term outcomes for residents with dementia differ from outcome that occur early in their stay. Secondary aims include the characterization of "indeterminate cases" whose dementia status could not be determined, the effect of indeterminate status on study outcomes, and the effect of psychosocial and behavioral factors at admission on study outcomes.

Title: Trochanteric Padding to Prevent Hip Fractures
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIA via HMC
Funding Period: 12/01/01 - 11/30/06
Total Direct Costs: $1,749,506

The purpose of this study is to conduct a randomized, controlled trial of an energy absorbing and distributing, trochanteric padding system to reduce the incidence of hip fractures in 546 NH residents followed for an average of three years. Using intent to treat analysis, we will compare hip fracture incidence in padded and unpadded hips. The secondary aim will be to identify patient and facility factors contributing to non-adherence with the use of hip protectors. This will be the largest clinical trial of this biomechanically tested, energy absorbing and distributing hip protector ever conducted in the United States.

Title: Recovery After Hip Fracture: The LEGS Score
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: Bristol Myers Squibb
Funding Period: 11/01/01 - 07/31/02
Total Direct Costs: $48,426

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the LEGS score as a measure for recovery from hip fracture. The Lower Extremity Gain Scale (LEGS) combines several performance measures of function involving lower extremities. Developed by the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Maryland Baltimore, The LEGS rates individuals on the performance of tasks that are known to be important and often impaired in hip fracture patients.

Title: Research Training in the Epidemiology of Aging
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIA
Funding Period: 05/01/98 - 04/30/08
Total Direct Costs: $1,028,450

The objective of this program is to train pre- and post-doctoral students to conduct independent and original research in the epidemiology of aging, with an emphasis on the prevention of late-life disability and functional decline. The program will emphasize five broad substantive areas including: musculoskeletal epidemiology, neuroepidemiology, minority aging and health disparities, women’s health, and long-term care.

Title: Institutional National Research Service Award (Primary Care)
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIA
Funding Period: 07/01/98 - 06/30/03
Total Direct Costs: $1,672,183

This training grant aims to improve and increase family medicine research through three integral parts: 1) maintaining a model research program; 2) research training through epidemiological studies in family medicine; and 3) enhancing the curriculum of research education.

Title: Medical and Functional Outcomes of Residential Care (Subcontract)
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIA via UNC-CH
Funding Period: 09/01/98 - 08/31/02
Total Direct Costs: $564,911

This subcontract will continue to determine adverse medical event outcomes and changes in health and functional status of elderly persons (1,320) in approximately 276 residential care facilities in four states, as well as describe and compare their structure and process of care.

Title: Rehabilitation and Functional Recovery Following Hip Fracture (Subcontract)
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIH via JHU
Funding Period: 07/01/99-03/31/04
Total Direct Costs: $40,804

This project will seek to improve understanding of the effectiveness of rehabilitation on functional recovery among older hip fracture patients and the costs incurred during recovery.

Title: Determinants of Recovery from Hip Fracture (Bone Metabolism)
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIA
Funding Period: 07/01/01 - 12/31/04
Total Direct Costs: $1,554,346

The purpose of this ancillary research project is to: 1) describe changes in bone metabolism during the year after hip fracture for those who receive a home-based exercise intervention and compare these changes with those observed in hip fracture patients not receiving intervention; 2) evaluate the association between markers of bone metabolism and BMD; 3) evaluate the relationship between changes in body composition post-fracture with and wither exercise and levels of leptin; and 4) to measure three genetic markers of osteoporosis.

Title: Older Adult Health Partnership
Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator: Charlene Quinn, PhD
Agency: The Horizon Foundation
Funding Period: 07/01/01 - 06/30/02
Total Direct Costs: $91,000

This service agreement provides general consultation and advisement to the Horizon Foundation by identifying and understanding emerging "best practices" by continually improving the health and wellness needs of older Howard County residents.

Title: Testing the Exercise Plus Program Following Hip Fracture
Principal Investigator: Barbara Resnick, PhD
Co-Principal Investigator: Jay Magaziner, PhD
Agency: NIA
Funding Period: 09/30/99 - 06/30/03 Total Direct Costs: $1,452,347

The purpose of this research project is to test the effectiveness of a self-efficacy-based intervention, the Exercise Plus Program, on increasing behavior in older adults post-hip fracture. Five acute care facilities participating in the Baltimore Hip Studies will be used to recruit participants. A total of 240 older adults will be included in the study. This study will contribute to the understanding of what interventions improve exercise behavior in the older adult post-hip fracture, and add to the current base of knowledge regarding the benefits of exercise in frail older persons.

Title: Testing the Feasibility and Effectiveness of Two Clinical Guidelines in Long-Term Care
Principal Investigator: Barbara Resnick, PhD
Agency: AMDA
Funding Period: 11/01/01 - 10/31/02
Total Direct Costs: 50,000

The objectives of this service agreement are to explore the feasibility of implementing two specific Clinical Practice Guidelines (pain Management and Falls and Fall Risk) developed by the American Medical Directors Association and to test the impact that implementation has on specific clinical process and outcomes data.

Title: Reliability and Validity Testing of a Medication Management Instrument for Older Adults
Principal Investigator: Denise Orwig, PhD
Agency: AARP Andrus Foundation
Funding Period: 03/01/00 - 02/28/02
Total Direct Costs: $90,910

Health care practitioners agree that the health risks associated with poor adherence to medication regimens are a prevalent problem among the elderly. This study will test the reliability and validity of a comprehensive instrument developed to identify medication management deficiencies in older adults (in assisted living or living independently) in the home setting by nonmedical professionals. A field manual will also be developed to describe how to administer the instrument.

Title: Informal Caregiver Involvement and Quality of Care in the Nursing Home
Principal Investigator: Cynthia Port, PhD
Agency: The Alzheimer’s Association
Funding Period: 03/01/00 - 01/31/03
Total Direct Costs: $204,546

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between the level of informal caregiver involvement and quality of care (COQ), the relationship between the type of caregiver involvement and COQ, and the impact of a wide range of factors on informal caregiver involvement.

Title: Coventry Carelink (Service Agreement)
Principal Investigator: Charlene Quinn, PhD
Agency: Coventry Carelink
Funding Period: 12/01/02 - 03/31/03
Total Direct Costs: $39,000

Coventry Carelink is committed to the study of methods by which it can improve the delivery of needed long-term care services to its Members, and to the study of interventions associated with all aspects of wellness which can address, to the extent practicable, conditions which contribute to long-term disabilities associated with aging. The purpose of this service agreement is to advise Coventry Carelink on the design of a basic research wellness program.

Title: Improving Nursing Home Quality through Education Programs
Principal Investigator: Charlene Quinn, PhD
Agency: GGEAR
Funding Period: 07/01/00-06/30/02
Total Direct Costs: $40,000

The principal objectives of this project are to design a statewide survey to determine the scope of quality of care and workforce issues identified by nursing home staff. Our aim is to: 1) compare regional differences in nursing home staff perspectives of quality and workforce concerns including staff retention; 2) identify nursing home characteristics (including NH population statistics, quality indicator reports, deficiency summaries) related to differences in quality and workforce concerns; 3) identify staff view on the most important clinical conditions which need to be addressed in quality improvement programs including activities which contribute to positive outcomes; and 4) identify intervention strategies for improving quality, including education materials and modes of delivery and workforce problems.