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Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes
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Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Chronic Care".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 22 September 2026 | Viewed by 11497

Editors

Dr. Konstantinos Giakoumidakis

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
2. Laboratory of Evidence-Based Healthcare, Education and Clinical Protocols, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: chronic diseases management; hypertension; heart failure; coronary heart disease; cardiac surgery; mechanical circulatory support; nursing rehabilitation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Athina E. Patelarou

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
2. Laboratory of Evidence-Based Healthcare, Education and Clinical Protocols, Department of Nursing, School of Health Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: evidence-based practice; precision health; genomic nursing; clinical decision making; public health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, posing major challenges for patients, healthcare professionals, and health systems. The growing emphasis on evidence-based and personalized healthcare highlights the urgent need to optimize strategies that improve clinical outcomes, enhance quality of life, and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery. Rehabilitation, patient empowerment, and innovative interventions are central to addressing these challenges effectively.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, “Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes”, which aims to bring together original research and comprehensive reviews focusing on innovative practices, multidisciplinary approaches, and emerging trends in chronic disease care. This Special Issue aligns with the scope of Healthcare by promoting evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and outcome-driven research across diverse healthcare settings.

In this Special Issue, we welcome submissions of original research articles, systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and meta-analyses. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Chronic disease prevention, treatment, and management;
  • Rehabilitation strategies and patient outcomes;
  • Evidence-based and personalized healthcare approaches;
  • Patient safety, self-care, and adherence;
  • Digital health technologies and innovative care models;
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration and integrated care pathways.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr. Konstantinos Giakoumidakis
Dr. Athina E. Patelarou
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • adherence and self-care
  • chronic disease management
  • digital health interventions
  • evidence-based healthcare
  • health outcomes
  • multidisciplinary care
  • nursing care
  • patient safety
  • personalized healthcare
  • rehabilitation

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 520 KB  
Article
Sociodemographic Factors and Determinants of Mental Health in the African American Population A Cross-Sectional Study
by Yesenia Acosta-Vinueza and Rodrigo Alvear-Reascos
Healthcare 2026, 14(6), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14060700 - 10 Mar 2026
Viewed by 873
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Mental disorders are a growing public health concern in Latin America, particularly among marginalized populations. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated risk factors of mental disorders in Afro-descendant communities of the Río Chota Basin, a historically excluded population facing [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Mental disorders are a growing public health concern in Latin America, particularly among marginalized populations. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated risk factors of mental disorders in Afro-descendant communities of the Río Chota Basin, a historically excluded population facing persistent social and economic inequalities. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in several rural communities using random sampling. A total of 557 participants were assessed for sociodemographic factors and mental health status using the following validated instruments: the Global Mental Health Assessment Tool–Primary Care (GMHAT/PC), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and the WHO STEPS questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests to determine associations between psychosocial, behavioral, and socioeconomic variables and the presence of mental disorders. Results: The overall prevalence of mental disorders was extremely high (60.7%), exceeding national and regional estimates. The most prevalent conditions were major depressive disorder (15.6–17.9%), anxiety disorders (10.2–12.3%), and psychosis with depressive symptoms (8.3–11.5%), with higher rates among women. Low fruit and vegetable intake and income below the minimum wage were significantly associated with greater prevalence. Severe stress and experiences of abuse or maltreatment showed the strongest associations with mental disorders (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Afro-descendant communities in the Río Chota Basin experience a disproportionately high burden of mental illness influenced by intertwined socioeconomic, psychosocial, and behavioral determinants. Culturally sensitive interventions that promote resilience, community support, and reduction in structural inequalities are urgently needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes)
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14 pages, 884 KB  
Article
Multidomain Predictors of Four-Year Risk for Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Community-Dwelling Korean Older Adults
by Jinhee Shin, Hyebeen Sim, Kennedy Diema Konlan and Chang Gi Park
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020184 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 548
Abstract
Background: Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are major public health concerns in rapidly aging societies. However, evidence from non-Western populations with self- or proxy-reported physician-diagnosed cognitive outcomes remains limited. Methods: This study investigated the four-year (2018–2022) incidence of self- or proxy-reported dementia [...] Read more.
Background: Dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are major public health concerns in rapidly aging societies. However, evidence from non-Western populations with self- or proxy-reported physician-diagnosed cognitive outcomes remains limited. Methods: This study investigated the four-year (2018–2022) incidence of self- or proxy-reported dementia and MCI, and their multidomain risk markers in a nationally representative sample of 3432 Korean adults aged ≥ 65 years from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Weighted descriptive analyses and multinomial logistic regression accounting for the complex survey design (sampling weights, strata, and clusters) were used to identify demographic, functional, mental health, and social factors associated with the incidence of cognitive impairment. Adjusted predicted probabilities were estimated for age, depressive symptoms, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Results: Over the four-year follow-up period, among 3432 initially cognitively normal community-dwelling older adults, 34 participants developed MCI and 70 developed dementia. Older age, increased IADL impairment, depressive symptoms, and multimorbidity were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of incident cognitive impairment, while living with family was associated with a lower likelihood. Frequent social interaction showed a protective association against dementia. Predicted probabilities demonstrated overall increasing trends across age, depressive symptoms, and IADL, reflecting general risk patterns. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of multidomain assessments for early detection and community-based prevention strategies. By identifying key clinical and social markers, this study provides culturally relevant evidence to support dementia risk management in rapidly aging populations, highlighting the protective roles of family co-residence and frequent social interaction among Korean older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes)
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14 pages, 2097 KB  
Article
Sexual Dysfunction in Individuals with Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease in Ethiopia: Gender Differences and Correlation with Anti-Parkinson’s Medication, Stigma, and Distress
by Arefayne Alenko, Morankar Sudhakar, Legese Chelkeba and Ines Keygnaert
Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020153 - 7 Jan 2026
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1140
Abstract
Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) affects up to two-thirds of individuals with early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet it remains underexplored in developing countries where stigma, depression, and treatment side effects may worsen its burden. This study investigated the magnitude and correlation of SD [...] Read more.
Background: Sexual dysfunction (SD) affects up to two-thirds of individuals with early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet it remains underexplored in developing countries where stigma, depression, and treatment side effects may worsen its burden. This study investigated the magnitude and correlation of SD in early-onset PD. Methods: A cross-sectional study included 74 individuals with PD onset at ≤55 years of age. SD was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Sexual Functioning Scale, alongside interviews on sexual experiences after initiating PD medication. Prevalence was estimated descriptively, and Spearman’s correlation identified correlates of SD. Results: Half of participants reported SD, including lack of sexual interest (52.7%), difficulty relaxing or enjoying sex (52.7%), and impaired arousal (50%). Among men, 48% experienced erectile problems, while 44% of women reported difficulty achieving orgasm. After starting anti-Parkinson’s medication, 16% noted markedly reduced sexual desire, whereas nearly 10% reported increased desire. In men, SD correlated with levodopa dose (r = 0.411, p < 0.01). In women, SD correlated with stigma (r = 0.389, p < 0.05), depression (r = 0.529, p < 0.01), and anxiety (r = 0.629, p < 0.01). Conclusions: One in two individuals with early-onset PD experiences SD, independent of gender. Findings highlight the need for routine sexual health assessment and careful monitoring of treatment side effects. Interventions targeting stigma, depression, and anxiety are critical to improve sexual well-being in this population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes)
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15 pages, 468 KB  
Article
Targeted Physical Function Exercises for Frailty and Falls Management in Pre-Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Ioannis Savvakis, Athina Patelarou, Enkeleint A. Mechili, Eirini Stratidaki, Evridiki Patelarou and Konstantinos Giakoumidakis
Healthcare 2025, 13(19), 2486; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13192486 - 30 Sep 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2352
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Exercise is essential for older adults to maintain or improve their physical condition. This study aimed to investigate whether improvements in physical performance, functional mobility, and balance through targeted physical function exercises could positively influence Concerns about Falling (CaF) and frailty in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Exercise is essential for older adults to maintain or improve their physical condition. This study aimed to investigate whether improvements in physical performance, functional mobility, and balance through targeted physical function exercises could positively influence Concerns about Falling (CaF) and frailty in pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Methods: We conducted an 18-month randomized controlled trial involving 112 pre-frail community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years or older. 55 individuals in the control group (CG) and 57 in the intervention group (IG) were assessed. The IG participated in a home-based physical function exercise program. Primary outcomes included Physical Performance (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB), Functional Mobility (Timed Up and Go, TUG), Balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS), CaF (Falls Efficacy Scale–International, FES-I), and Frailty status (SHARE-FI). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Results: The IG showed significant improvements in BBS (p < 0.01, partial eta2 0.17), SPPB (p < 0.01, partial eta2 0.13), TUG (p < 0.01, partial eta2 0.14) and FES-I (p < 0.01, partial eta2 0.07) compared to the CG and their baseline after 6, 12 and 18 months of intervention. By 18 months, frailty status improved in the IG, with 12.3% classified as non-frail compared to 2.0% in the CG, while 14.5% of the CG transitioned to frailty versus none in the IG. Discussion: The intervention appears to support improvements in physical function and may contribute to reductions in CaF and beneficial changes in frailty status among pre-frail community-dwelling older adults. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes)
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Review

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40 pages, 1565 KB  
Review
Exercise Training for Cerebrovascular and Cognitive Health in Adults at Risk of Cognitive Decline: A Scoping Review of Healthcare Translation and Evidence Gaps
by Kunrong Zhang, Yi-Chen Cheng and Chun-Hsien Su
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1774; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121774 - 19 Jun 2026
Viewed by 185
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dementia and cognitive decline place increasing demands on healthcare systems, rehabilitation services, long-term care, and community-based prevention. Structured exercise training is a promising strategy for adults at risk of cognitive decline, but it remains unclear how intervention studies integrate cerebrovascular and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dementia and cognitive decline place increasing demands on healthcare systems, rehabilitation services, long-term care, and community-based prevention. Structured exercise training is a promising strategy for adults at risk of cognitive decline, but it remains unclear how intervention studies integrate cerebrovascular and cognitive outcomes in ways that can inform clinical translation, rehabilitation planning, and exercise prescription. Methods: This scoping review followed PRISMA-ScR guidance. PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus were searched for peer-reviewed English-language studies published from 2010 to 2026, supplemented by reference list checking and citation chasing. Eligible studies were human intervention studies involving structured exercise training and at least one cerebrovascular, vascular, brain-related, or cognitive outcome. Studies were mapped by exercise modality, population risk profile, grouped outcome domain, and outcome-integration category. Results: Fifty-four studies were included. A central finding was the vascular cognitive integration gap: only 7 studies assessed both cerebrovascular and cognitive outcomes within the same intervention design, whereas 38 studies reported cognitive outcomes only and 9 reported cerebrovascular or vascular outcomes only. Aerobic training formed the most developed evidence cluster for direct cerebrovascular outcomes, whereas other modalities were more often represented in cognition-focused studies but less frequently included direct cerebrovascular measures. Conclusions: Current evidence is limited by a major vascular cognitive integration gap. Because most exercise intervention studies separate cerebrovascular and cognitive outcomes, the field cannot yet determine whether exercise-induced cerebrovascular adaptations correspond to cognitive improvements in the same participants. Future trials should combine cerebrovascular assessment, domain-specific cognitive testing, dose reporting, adherence monitoring, safety reporting, feasibility evaluation, and mechanistic biomarkers to support more precise exercise prescription for dementia risk mitigation and cognitive health promotion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes)
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21 pages, 1243 KB  
Review
Research Progress on the Prevention and Treatment of Exercise-Induced Fatigue by Acupuncture
by Xiaolong Sang, Li Yi, Xu Cai, Yanli You, Xin Wang and Wei Gu
Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1734; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121734 - 16 Jun 2026
Viewed by 293
Abstract
Exercise-induced fatigue is a common phenomenon after intense exercise or labor, which significantly affects an individual’s exercise performance and physical and mental health. Its timely recovery is crucial for enhancing exercise capacity and preventing injuries. Acupuncture, as a “simple, convenient, inexpensive, and effective” [...] Read more.
Exercise-induced fatigue is a common phenomenon after intense exercise or labor, which significantly affects an individual’s exercise performance and physical and mental health. Its timely recovery is crucial for enhancing exercise capacity and preventing injuries. Acupuncture, as a “simple, convenient, inexpensive, and effective” non-pharmaceutical therapy in traditional Chinese medicine, has shown potential unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of exercise-induced fatigue. This narrative review summarizes the recent research progress, with core mechanisms including the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation, regulation of energy metabolism, and improvement of central nervous system function, which are mainly verified by preclinical animal studies and partially supported by small-sample clinical trials. The application effects are reflected in the fact that pre-acupuncture before fatigue can enhance anti-fatigue reserves, and post-fatigue treatment can alleviate symptoms and promote recovery, with human evidence limited to small-scale clinical observations. In conclusion, acupuncture has potential therapeutic effects on the prevention and treatment of exercise-induced fatigue, providing a theoretical and practical reference for clinical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes)
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Other

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21 pages, 1979 KB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Resistance Training on Motor and Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review
by Maria Fernanda Serna-Orozco, Stefania Pitto-Bedoya, Jhoan Sebastián Salazar-Goyes, Sebastián Figueroa-Zúñiga, Luisa María Martínez-Muñoz and Jennifer Jaramillo-Losada
Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3079; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233079 - 26 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4994
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of resistance training on cognitive and motor function in older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy was applied across MEDLINE (OVID), SCOPUS, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This systematic review aimed to determine the effects of resistance training on cognitive and motor function in older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: The review followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy was applied across MEDLINE (OVID), SCOPUS, Web of Science, LILACS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The included studies were experimental, quasi-experimental, cohort, case–control, and cross-sectional designs. Exclusion criteria included studies in animals, pediatric populations, individuals with other types of dementia, Down syndrome, or other neurodegenerative diseases. Conclusions: Resistance training appears to exert beneficial effects on both motor and cognitive functions in older adults with AD. However, the development of standardized, individualized exercise protocols is essential to optimize therapeutic outcomes Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Chronic Disease Management, Rehabilitation, and Health Outcomes)
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