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Rinaldo N, Gualdi‐Russo E, Khyatti M, Lakhoua C, Toselli S. Psychosocial health and quality of life among North African women. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1827-1837. [PMID: 34519114 PMCID: PMC9544681 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Studies on relationships between psychosocial factors and health among North African (NA) women are scarce. This research investigated the self-perceived psychosocial well-being of NA women by a structured questionnaire and anthropometric survey examining the possible explanatory variables of their mental health in comparison to a sample of NA migrants. The association of endogenous stress, psychological well-being, discomfort, and quality of life with migrant/non-migrant status, demographic characteristics, and adiposity indices was examined. Moreover, the internal consistency of the questionnaire was tested using Cronbach's alpha. A sample of 228 women living in Tunis and Casablanca participated in a survey in Tunisia and Morocco. According to multiple regression models, migrant/non-migrant status was the best explanatory variable of well-being and quality of life, marital status, educational level and the number of children were explanatory variables of discomfort and endogenous stress. Among anthropometric variables, central adiposity was a significant explanatory variable of well-being. The comparison with women who migrated mainly from Morocco and Tunisia to Italy (NA migrants) exhibited higher weight status and central adiposity in NA migrants. The perceived stress and discomfort were the same in the two groups; the migrants, despite reporting lower psychological well-being, presented a higher quality of life than residents. Our findings emphasise the potential to promote monitoring of the psychosocial health of NA women, planning effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascia Rinaldo
- Department of Neuroscience and RehabilitationUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | | | | | | | - Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor SciencesUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
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Martos-Méndez MJ, Gómez-Jacinto L, Hombrados-Mendieta I, Melguizo-Garín A, Ruiz-Rodríguez I. Psychosocial and Sociodemographic Determinants Related to Chronic Diseases in Immigrants Residing in Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3900. [PMID: 35409583 PMCID: PMC8997881 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to analyze the effect of the psychosocial determinants of satisfaction with social support, resilience and satisfaction with life, and the sociodemographic determinants of age, gender and length of residence on chronic diseases in immigrants living in Spain. The sample was composed of 1131 immigrants from Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Asia. 47.1% were men and 52.9% were women. Most relevant results point to age as the sociodemographic variable with the highest predictive effect in the six chronic diseases analyzed. Gender, in this case female, predicts arthrosis, chronic back pain and migraine, whereas length of residence was only significant in the case of chronic allergies. Regarding psychosocial variables, resilience is a good predictor of hypertension, chronic allergies and arthrosis. However, satisfaction with social support appears to be the best predictor for chronic back pain in the regression equation, satisfaction with life being a significant variable in migraine, arthrosis, allergies and high cholesterol. Results are notably relevant for the design of preventive health programs in immigrants, as well as in ensuring their appropriate access to the health system so that their chronic diseases can be diagnosed. Given the relevance and incidence of the chronic diseases analyzed in immigrants, preventive strategies should be improved to tackle chronic diseases that can have a serious impact on immigrants' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Martos-Méndez
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (I.H.-M.); (A.M.-G.); (I.R.-R.)
| | - Luis Gómez-Jacinto
- Faculty of Social and Labor Studies, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain;
| | | | - Anabel Melguizo-Garín
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (I.H.-M.); (A.M.-G.); (I.R.-R.)
| | - Iván Ruiz-Rodríguez
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; (I.H.-M.); (A.M.-G.); (I.R.-R.)
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Toselli S, Campa F, Spiga F, Grigoletto A, Simonelli I, Gualdi-Russo E. The association between body composition and quality of life among elderly Italians. Endocrine 2020; 68:279-286. [PMID: 31893349 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-019-02174-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the body composition and quality of life in elderly Italian people and to value the association between these variables. METHODS Height, weight, humerus breadth, circumferences, skinfolds, and hand grip strength were measured in 256 older adults (age: M: 81.1 ± 7.3, F: 84.9 ± 8.1 years). Body mass index, waist-hip ratio, waist-height ratio, upper-arm areas, and body composition parameters were calculated. Quality of life (QoL) was measured by WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Differences between sexes were valued. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to assess the influence of nutritional status and of socio-demographic characteristics on QoL. RESULTS The participants were in average overweight. Even if the percentage of overweight/obese subjects was high in both sexes, males presented a more centripetal fat distribution. These characteristics, joined to data regarding lower values of arm-muscle area and hand grip strength, put males at greater risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Regarding quality of life assessments, psychological domain showed the worst scores, and, marital status resulted the main explanatory variable for this domain. CONCLUSIONS Social care facilities for the elderly people require planning strategies based on health promotion criteria in order to accentuate active ageing interventions to ameliorate the quality of life of residents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Foscolo 7, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Campa
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Foscolo 7, 40123, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Federico Spiga
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Foscolo 7, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessia Grigoletto
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Foscolo 7, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Simonelli
- Department of Sociology and Business Law, University of Bologna, Strada Maggiore 45, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Zaccagni L, Rinaldo N, Bramanti B, Mongillo J, Gualdi-Russo E. Body image perception and body composition: assessment of perception inconsistency by a new index. J Transl Med 2020; 18:20. [PMID: 31937320 PMCID: PMC6961355 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-02201-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A correct perception of the body image, as defined by comparison with actual anthropometric analyses, is crucial to ensure the best possible nutritional status of each individual. Bioimpedance analysis (BIA) represents a leading technique to assess body composition parameters and, in particular, the fat mass. This study examined the self-perception of body image at various levels of adiposity proposing a new index. Methods We investigated 487 young Italian adults (mean age of males: 21.9 ± 2.4 years; mean age of females: 21.0 ± 2.2 years). Each subject could choose, on the Contour Drawing Rating Scale, the silhouette that he/she considered most resembling his/her perceived body image as well as his/her ideal body image. On each subject, we performed anthropometric measurements and determined the values of Fat mass and %Fat with BIA. A new index, FAIFAT (Feel fat status minus Actual fat status Inconsistency), was developed to evaluate possible fat status perception inconsistencies by BIA. Results Based on ideal and feel body image comparison, women showed higher dissatisfaction than men and preferred slimmer silhouettes. FAIFAT values indicated that the fat status perception was correct in the majority of the examined individuals and only three subjects showed a serious misperception. Conclusions Our findings suggest that FAIFAT is an appropriate index for assessing the perceived fat status from the body image when compared with data obtained by BIA. In a population, the use of this index will allow the correct identification of groups at risk for eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Zaccagni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.,Biomedical Sport Studies Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Natascia Rinaldo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Barbara Bramanti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy. .,University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Jessica Mongillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Surgical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.,Biomedical Sport Studies Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Toselli S, Rinaldo N, Gualdi-Russo E. Length of residence and obesity risk among North African immigrant women in Italy. ECONOMICS AND HUMAN BIOLOGY 2019; 34:74-79. [PMID: 30928330 DOI: 10.1016/j.ehb.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is one of the major risks for chronic health conditions. Immigrants from low- and middle-income to high-income countries show a tendency to weight gain, with the country of origin, lifestyle habits, socioeconomic status and length of residence as the main factors involved. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the association between fat distribution and obesity with length of residence and other socio-demographic variables in a sample of North African women migrated to Italy. Socio-demographic variables were collected by structured face-to-face interview. For the assessment of weight status and body composition, various anthropometric traits were directly measured by an expert anthropometrist. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA adjusted for age to test the differences between length of residence (divided into three groups) and logistic regression models adjusted for covariates to test the association between overweight and/or obesity and length of residence. Significant differences between the three groups were observed in waist circumference (p = 0.004), waist-to-hip ratio (p = 0.001), and upper arm muscularity (p = 0.025), with higher values in those with longer duration of residence. In the crude logistic regression model length of residence resulted positively associated with obesity with the odds of being obese increased by 2.4 times in long term immigrants [OR 2.364 (0.766; 7.296)]. After adjusting for covariate the association remained significant [OR 3.584 (0.779; 16.480)], and being poorly educated [OR 5.737 (0.641; 51.363)], unemployed [OR 6.892 (0.940; 50.528)] and not practicing regular physical activity [OR 17.736 (1.569; 200.418)] increased the odds ratio of being obese. In conclusion, length of residence, socioeconomic status, and physical activity were significantly correlated with obesity, with a longer duration of residence being positively associated with central fat adiposity and upper arm muscle area in North African migrant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Toselli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Natascia Rinaldo
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Gualdi-Russo
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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Zlotnick C, Birenbaum-Carmeli D, Goldblatt H, Dishon Y, Taychaw O, Shadmi E. Health indicators and social gradient in adolescent immigrants' health risk and healthcare experiences. Eur J Pediatr 2018; 177:221-228. [PMID: 29204853 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-017-3052-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Few studies have assessed healthcare experiences in apparently healthy adolescents, or whether healthcare attitudes are linked to the two leading adolescent health indicators, smoking and obesity. Even fewer have examined these relationships in adolescent immigrant groups or made comparisons to adolescent non-immigrants. Using a cross-sectional study, healthcare experiences were compared among three groups of adolescents (n = 589) including Russian immigrants (n = 154), Ethiopian immigrants (n = 54), and non-immigrants (n = 381). Bootstrap estimates indicated positive healthcare experiences were less common among Russian adolescent immigrants (OR = 0.38, CI = 0.17, 0.86) compared to non-immigrants, unless the Russian adolescent immigrants reported above average socioeconomic status, in which case they were more likely than non-immigrant adolescents to report positive healthcare experiences (OR = 3.22, CI = 1.05, 9.85). Positive healthcare experiences were less likely among adolescents who were smokers (OR = 0.50, CI = 0.27, 0.91), and more likely for adolescents with a normal or low BMI (OR = 3.16, CI = 1.56, 6.40) and for those relying on parents for health information (OR = 1.97, CI = 1.05, 3.70). CONCLUSION Findings suggest a social gradient in which positive healthcare experiences were more common among adolescence with higher socioeconomic status for some immigrants (Russian adolescents) but not for others. The two leading health indicators were related to healthcare experiences, but as adolescent smokers were less likely to have positive healthcare experiences, proactive efforts are needed to engage this group. What is Known: • Health indicators (such as obesity) and healthcare attitudes are linked to healthcare service use among adolescents sampled from outpatient and inpatient populations. What is New: • A social gradient involving socioeconomic status and being an adolescent immigrant was found regarding risky health indicators (i.e., smoking, use of internet as the primary source of health information). • Problematic health indicators, such as smoking, is linked to less positive healthcare attitudes in apparently healthy adolescents (both immigrants and non-immigrants).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Zlotnick
- Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Abba Khushi Avenue, 3498838, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Daphna Birenbaum-Carmeli
- Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Abba Khushi Avenue, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Hadass Goldblatt
- Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Abba Khushi Avenue, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Dishon
- Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Abba Khushi Avenue, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Omer Taychaw
- Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Abba Khushi Avenue, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
| | - Efrat Shadmi
- Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Welfare Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Abba Khushi Avenue, 3498838, Haifa, Israel
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Loose F, Tiboulet M, Maisonneuve C, Taillandier-Schmitt A, Dambrun M. Blood pressure and psychological distress among North Africans in France: The role of perceived personal/group discrimination and gender. Am J Hum Biol 2017; 29. [PMID: 28618107 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between perceived ethnic discrimination and (physical and mental) health indicators among North African women and men living in France. METHODS This study included 82 North Africans, aged 18-64 years. Perceived discrimination was measured at both group level (PGD) and personal level (PPD). The physical health indicator was blood pressure. The mental health indicator was self-reported psychological distress. RESULTS Multiple regression analyses showed that higher levels of PGD predicted higher blood pressure. PPD was not related to blood pressure. PPD was positively related to psychological distress among women, but not among men. CONCLUSION PPD and PGD are associated with physical and mental health indicators in different ways among North African women and men in France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Loose
- University of Montpellier, MRM, Montpellier, 34296, France
| | - Marie Tiboulet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, LAPSCO UMR 6024, Clermont-Ferrand, 63037, France
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