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Eick SM, Geiger SD, Alshawabkeh A, Aung M, Barrett ES, Bush N, Carroll KN, Cordero JF, Goin DE, Ferguson KK, Kahn LG, Liang D, Meeker JD, Milne GL, Nguyen RHN, Padula AM, Sathyanarayana S, Taibl KR, Schantz SL, Woodruff TJ, Morello-Frosch R. Urinary oxidative stress biomarkers are associated with preterm birth: an Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes program study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:576.e1-576.e22. [PMID: 36400174 PMCID: PMC10149536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.11.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Elevated levels of oxidative stress have been associated with an increased risk of delivering before term. However, most studies testing this hypothesis have been conducted in racially and demographically homogenous study populations, which do not reflect the diversity within the United States. OBJECTIVE We leveraged 4 cohorts participating in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program to conduct the largest study to date examining biomarkers of oxidative stress and preterm birth (N=1916). Furthermore, we hypothesized that elevated oxidative stress would be associated with higher odds of preterm birth, particularly preterm birth of spontaneous origin. STUDY DESIGN This study was a pooled analysis and meta-analysis of 4 birth cohorts spanning multiple geographic regions in the mainland United States and Puerto Rico (208 preterm births and 1708 full-term births). Of note, 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α, 2,3-dinor-5,6-dihydro-8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (F2-IsoP-M; the major 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α metabolite), and prostaglandin-F2α were measured in urine samples obtained during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the associations between averaged biomarker concentrations for each participant and all preterm births, spontaneous preterm births, nonspontaneous preterm births (births of medically indicated or unknown origin), and categories of preterm birth (early, moderate, and late). Individual oxidative stress biomarkers were examined in separate models. RESULTS Approximately 11% of our analytical sample was born before term. Relative to full-term births, an interquartile range increase in averaged concentrations of F2-IsoP-M was associated with higher odds of all preterm births (odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.51), with a stronger association observed for spontaneous preterm birth (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.90). An interquartile range increase in averaged concentrations of 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α was similarly associated with higher odds of all preterm births (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.50). The results from our meta-analysis were similar to those from the pooled combined cohort analysis. CONCLUSION Here, oxidative stress, as measured by 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α, F2-IsoP-M, and prostaglandin-F2α in urine, was associated with increased odds of preterm birth, particularly preterm birth of spontaneous origin and delivery before 34 completed weeks of gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Eick
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Sarah D Geiger
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL; Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
| | | | - Max Aung
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Nicole Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kecia N Carroll
- Departments of Pediatrics and Environmental Medicine and Public Health, The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - José F Cordero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Dana E Goin
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, NC
| | - Linda G Kahn
- Departments of Pediatrics and Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Donghai Liang
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Ginger L Milne
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Ruby H N Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Amy M Padula
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA
| | - Kaitlin R Taibl
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL
| | - Tracey J Woodruff
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA; Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
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Wang YR, Luo YN, Fan YL, Fan YY, Zheng XY. Impact of socioeconomic position on the utilization of rehabilitation services among the Chinese older adults disabled by injury. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1034482. [PMID: 37026120 PMCID: PMC10071036 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1034482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim This study aimed to explore the utilization of rehabilitation services and associated socioeconomic position (SEP) factors among Chinese older adults disabled by injury. Methods Data from the second China National Sample Survey on Disability (CSSD) were used in this study. Chi-square test was used to analyze the significant differences between groups, and binary logistic regression model was used to calculate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for socioeconomic factors associated with utilization of rehabilitation services among Chinese older adults disabled by injury. Results Among the older adults disabled by injury in the CSSD, the gap between demand and utilization of medical treatment, assistive devices and rehabilitation training were around 38, 75, and 64%, respectively. This study revealed two relationship patterns ("high-low-high" and "low-high-low") among SEP, prevalence of injury-caused disability and odds of utilization of rehabilitation services among the Chinese older adults disabled by injury, that is, the older adult with higher SEP have a lower prevalence of injury-caused disability, but a higher odds of utilization of rehabilitation services; conversely, the older adults with lower SEP have a relatively higher prevalence but a lower odds of utilization of rehabilitation services. Conclusion There is a large gap between the high demand and low utilization of rehabilitation services among the Chinese older adults disabled by injury, especially for those living in the central or western regions or rural areas, without insurance or disability certificate, having the annual household per capita income lower than the national average or lower educational level. Strategies to improve the disability manage system, to strengthen the chain of "information discovery-information transmission-rehabilitation services supply-continuous health monitoring and management" for the older adults disabled by injury are warranted. In view of the poor and illiterate groups among the disabled older adults, to enhance medical aids and popularize the scientific information to compensate for the lack of affordability and awareness of rehabilitation services utilization is essential. In addition, it is necessary to further expand the coverage and improve the payment system of medical insurance for rehabilitation services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ran Wang
- APEC Health Science Academy (HeSAY), PKU, Beijing, China
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Nan Luo
- Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Lin Fan
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Yi Fan
- APEC Health Science Academy (HeSAY), PKU, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Zheng
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Ying Zheng
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Adinkrah E, Najand B, Rahmani A, Maharlouei N, Ekwegh T, Cobb S, Zare H. Social Determinants of Mental, Physical, and Oral Health of Middle-Aged and Older African Americans in South Los Angeles. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16765. [PMID: 36554645 PMCID: PMC9779480 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of research suggests that financial difficulties could weaken the protective effects of socioeconomic status (SES) indicators, including education and income, on the health status of marginalized communities, such as African Americans. AIM We investigated the separate and joint effects of education, income, and financial difficulties on mental, physical, and oral self-rated health (SRH) outcomes in African American middle-aged and older adults. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 150 middle-aged and older African Americans residing in South Los Angeles. Data on demographic factors (age and gender), socioeconomic characteristics (education, income, and financial difficulties), and self-rated health (mental, physical, and oral health) were collected. Three linear regression models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Higher education and income were associated with a lower level of financial strain in a bivariate analysis. However, according to multivariable models, only financial difficulties were associated with poor mental, physical, and oral health. As similar patterns emerged for all three health outcomes, the risk associated with financial difficulties seems robust. CONCLUSIONS According to our multivariable models, financial strain is a more salient social determinant of health within African American communities than education and income in economically constrained urban environments such as South Los Angeles. While education and income lose some protective effects, financial strain continues to deteriorate the health of African American communities across domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Adinkrah
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Babak Najand
- Marginalization-Related Diminished Returns (MDRs) Center, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Arash Rahmani
- Marginalization-Related Diminished Returns (MDRs) Center, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Najmeh Maharlouei
- Marginalization-Related Diminished Returns (MDRs) Center, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Tavonia Ekwegh
- Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Sharon Cobb
- Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Hossein Zare
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- School of Business, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), Adelphi, Garden City, NY 20783, USA
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Adkins-Jackson PB, Incollingo Rodriguez AC. Methodological approaches for studying structural racism and its biopsychosocial impact on health. Nurs Outlook 2022; 70:725-732. [PMID: 36154771 PMCID: PMC11298157 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural racism is a powerful determinant of health that drives health disparities, morbidity, and mortality across racialized and minoritized groups. PURPOSE This article discusses approaches for measuring structural racism and its resultant network of negative biopsychosocial consequences for health and well-being. METHODS We draw on prevailing theoretical models and approaches to characterize both the nature of structural racism and integrated methods for assessing its consequences across mental and physical health. DISCUSSION This article will serve to guide researchers in health-related disciplines to accurately assess the biopsychosocial consequences of structural racism in key populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris B Adkins-Jackson
- Departments of Epidemiology and Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY.
| | - Angela C Incollingo Rodriguez
- Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Department of Social Science and Policy Studies, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA.
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Falvey JR, Hajduk AM, Keys CR, Chaudhry SI. Association of Financial Strain With Mortality Among Older US Adults Recovering From an Acute Myocardial Infarction. JAMA Intern Med 2022; 182:445-448. [PMID: 35188537 PMCID: PMC8861896 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2021.8569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
This cohort study explores the association of severe financial strain with elevated mortality risk following an acute myocardial infarction among US adults older than 75 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Falvey
- Departments of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science and Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
| | - Alexandra M Hajduk
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Sarwat I Chaudhry
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Liu M, Xue QL, Samuel L, Gitlin LN, Guralnik J, Leff B, Szanton SL. Improvements of Disability Outcomes in CAPABLE Older Adults Differ by Financial Strain Status. J Appl Gerontol 2022; 41:471-477. [PMID: 33267710 PMCID: PMC8169719 DOI: 10.1177/0733464820975551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Community Aging in Place-Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE) program reduces disability in low-income older adults. In this study, we used CAPABLE baseline and 5-month data to examine whether its effects in reducing activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) difficulties differed by participants' financial strain status. At baseline, participants with financial strain were more likely to report higher scores on depression (p < .001), have low energy (p < .001), and usually feel tired (p = .004) compared with participants without financial strain, but did not differ in ADL/IADL scores. Participants with financial strain benefited from the program in reducing ADL (relative risk [RR]: 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43, 0.86) and IADL disabilities (RR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54, 0.87), compared with those with financial strain receiving attention control. Individuals with financial strain benefited more from a home-based intervention on measures of disability than those without financial strain. Interventions that improve disability may be beneficial for financially strained older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhui Liu
- Central South University Xiangya School of Nursing, Changsha, China
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Qian-Li Xue
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Laura Samuel
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Laura N. Gitlin
- Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jack Guralnik
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bruce Leff
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah L. Szanton
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
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Associations Between Financial Strain and Emotional Well-Being With Physiological Responses to Acute Mental Stress. Psychosom Med 2021; 82:830-837. [PMID: 33003071 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000000867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate associations between financial strain and emotional well-being, health, and physiological responses to acute mental stress. METHODS Participants were 542 healthy men and women aged 53 to 76 years from the Whitehall II study divided into those who reported no (n = 316), some (n = 135), or moderate/severe (n = 91) financial strain. Emotional well-being and self-reported health were assessed at baseline and 3 years later. Laboratory mental stress testing involved assessment of blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and lipid reactivity and recovery, and plasma interleukin 6 responses to challenging behavioral tasks. Analyses adjusted for objective financial status, age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and marital status. RESULTS Financial strain was positively associated with more depressive symptoms; lower positive affect; greater loneliness; lower optimism, self-esteem, and sense of control; and poorer self-reported physical health, mental health, and sleep (all, p < .001). Longitudinally, financial strain predicted poorer outcomes 3 years later, but associations were attenuated after baseline levels were taken into account. Financial strain was associated with reduced systolic and diastolic BP reactivity to acute stress (mean systolic BP increase = 32.34 [15.2], 28.95 [13.1], and 27.26 [15.2] mm Hg in the none, some, and moderate/severe financial strain groups), but not with heart rate, interleukin 6, or lipid responses. CONCLUSIONS Financial strain was correlated with a range of emotional and health-related outcomes independently of objective financial status. The diminished BP reactions to acute mental stress suggest that financial strain may contribute to dynamic chronic allostatic load.
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Midlife improvements in financial situation are associated with a reduced dementia risk later in life: the CAIDE 30-year study. Int Psychogeriatr 2020; 32:1317-1324. [PMID: 31762430 DOI: 10.1017/s104161021900173x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Perceived financial strain is associated with various health conditions, but it is unknown whether it is associated with an increased risk for dementia. The goal is to examine the associations between midlife perceptions of financial situation and dementia risk later in life. METHODS Participants were derived from the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia population-based cohort study (n = 2000) (between 1972 and 1987, baseline mean age 50 years) in Finland. Participants returned for two re-examinations in late life (in 1998 and 2005-2008, mean age 71 and 78 years). In this study, 1442 subjects that participated in at least one re-examination (mean total follow-up 25 years) were included in analyses. Financial strain was measured using two questions in midlife on perceptions of financial situation and perceptions of changes in financial situation. For each question, participants were categorized into three groups reporting improvement, worsening, or stability, with the latter set as the reference group. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounding factors. RESULTS The group reporting better financial situation had a reduced risk for dementia (fully adjusted model: odds ratio (OR): 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.33-0.86). In contrast, the group reporting worse financial situation did not have an increased risk for dementia (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.53-2.02). Analyses on perceptions of current financial situation showed that the groups reporting satisfaction or dissatisfaction with financial situation did not differ in risk for dementia. CONCLUSION This study is the first to show that midlife improvements in financial situation are associated with a reduced dementia risk later in life. Potential pathways related to stress reduction, improved lifestyle, and potential biological mechanisms are discussed.
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Assari S, Cobb S, Saqib M, Bazargan M. Economic Strain Deteriorates While Education Fails to Protect Black Older Adults Against Depressive Symptoms, Pain, Self-rated Health, Chronic Disease, and Sick Days. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:49-62. [PMID: 32724902 DOI: 10.29245/2578-2959/2020/2.1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background A large body of empirical evidence on Minorities' Diminished Returns (MDRs) suggests that educational attainment shows smaller health effects for Blacks compared to Whites. At the same time, economic strain may operate as a risk factor for a wide range of undesired mental and physical health outcomes in Black communities. Aim The current study investigated the combined effects of education and economic strain on the following five health outcomes in Black older adults in underserved areas of South Los Angeles: depressive symptoms, number of chronic diseases, pain intensity, self-rated health, and sick days. Methods This cross-sectional study included 619 Black older adults residing in South Los Angeles. Data on demographic factors (age and gender), socioeconomic characteristics, economic strain, health insurance, living arrangement, marital status, health behaviors, depressive symptoms, pain intensity, number of chronic diseases, sick days, and self-rated health were collected. Five linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Results Although high education was associated with less economic strain, it was the economic strain, not educational attainment, which was universally associated with depressive symptoms, pain intensity, self-rated health, chronic diseases, and sick days, independent of covariates. Similar patterns emerged for all health outcomes suggesting that the risk associated with economic strain and lack of health gain due to educational attainment are both robust and independent of type of health outcome. Conclusion In economically constrained urban environments, economic strain is a more salient social determinant of health of Black older adults than educational attainment. While education loses some of its protective effects, economic strain deteriorates health of Black population across domains. There is a need for bold economic and social policies that increase access of Black communities to cash at times of emergency. There is also a need to improve the education quality in the Black communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shervin Assari
- Departments of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science
| | - Sharon Cobb
- School of Nursing, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mohammed Saqib
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Departments of Family Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science.,Departments of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Samuel L, Szanton SL, Fedarko NS, Simonsick EM. Leveraging naturally occurring variation in financial stress to examine associations with inflammatory burden among older adults. J Epidemiol Community Health 2020; 74:892-897. [PMID: 32665370 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2020-213807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Financial strain is associated with earlier disability and mortality, but causal links are underexplored, partly because it is unethical to randomise people to financial stress. This study leverages naturally occurring random variation in days since monthly Social Security payment arrival among older adults to test associations with inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS Biomarker data, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and C reactive protein (CRP), was collected from 2155 non-working healthy adults aged 70-79 years, participating in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study. Days since payment arrival was independent of all demographic, socioeconomic or health characteristics measured in this study. Restricted cubic spline models estimated associations separately for each week of the month, stratified by financial strain status (interaction term p value for TNF-α model <0.05). RESULTS Among financially strained older adults, more days since payment arrival was associated with higher TNF-α levels during the first week of the month (coefficient=0.102). Associations with IL-6 and CRP differed depending on the degree of financial strain (interaction term p values <0.05). Those with low, but not high, strain had lower levels of IL-6 (coefficient=-0.152) and CRP (coefficient=-0.179) during the first week. CONCLUSIONS Days since monthly payments were associated with inflammatory cytokines among older adults who have difficulty making ends meet financially and associations depended on financial strain severity, suggesting that results are attributable to monthly variation in financial stress. Future research should examine whether more frequent Social Security disbursement would modify financial strain and inflammatory biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Samuel
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah L Szanton
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Neal S Fedarko
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Ghezzi P. Environmental risk factors and their footprints in vivo - A proposal for the classification of oxidative stress biomarkers. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101442. [PMID: 32035921 PMCID: PMC7327955 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental agents, including socioeconomic condition, and host factors can act as causal agents and risk factors in disease. We use biomarkers and sociomarkers to study causal factors, such as overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which could play a role in disease through oxidative stress. It is therefore important to define the exact meaning of the biomarker we measure. In this review we attempt a classification of biomarkers related to oxidative stress based on their biological meaning. We define as type zero biomarkers the direct measurement of ROS in vivo in patients. Type 1 biomarkers are the most frequently used indicators of oxidative stress, represented by oxidized lipids, proteins or nucleic acids and their bases. Type 2 biomarkers are indicators of the activation of biochemical pathways that can lead to the formation of ROS. Type 3 biomarkers are host factors such as small-molecular weight antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes, while type 4 biomarkers measure genetic factors and mutations that could modify the susceptibility of an individual to oxidative stress. We also discuss whether biomarkers are actionable or not, that is if the specific blockade of these molecules can ameliorate disease or if they are just surrogate markers. The proposed classification of biomarkers of oxidative stress based on their meaning and ambiguities, within the theoretical framework of the oxidative stress theory of disease may help identify those diseases, and individuals, where oxidative stress has a causal role, to allow targeted therapy and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ghezzi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN19RY, United Kingdom.
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Rivard MK, Cash RE, Chrzan K, Panchal AR. The Impact of Working Overtime or Multiple Jobs in Emergency Medical Services. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2019; 24:657-664. [PMID: 31750761 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2019.1695301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: EMS professionals frequently work more than a standard 40-hour work week. For some EMS professionals, working overtime or multiple jobs may be necessary to make ends meet. Our objective was to evaluate the association between job satisfaction, intention to leave EMS, and financial dependence on overtime or working multiple jobs.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of nationally-certified EMS professionals who completed an online questionnaire after submitting their recertification application (22,626/101,363, response rate = 22%) between October 2017 - May 2018. Items included dependence on additional work, satisfaction with job, and intentions of leaving the profession. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to describe the association between dependence on additional work, and job satisfaction and intention to leave EMS within 1 year and 5 years, controlling for age, sex, minority status, agency type, employment status, and urbanicity.Results: A total of 18,285 respondents were included in the analysis. The majority of EMS professionals (75%) worked over 40 hours per week. Most respondents (71%) were dependent on overtime or multiple jobs to make ends meet. Those who were dependent on extra work had higher odds of being dissatisfied with their job (aOR 1.92, 95% CI:1.64-2.44, and higher odds of intentions to leave EMS within 1 year and 5 years respectively (aOR 1.32, 95%CI:1.14-1.54; aOR 1.16, 95%CI:1.07-1.25).Conclusion: Many EMS professionals depend on additional work to make a living. Financial dependence was associated with increased odds of workforce-reducing factors, including job satisfaction and intention of leaving. This can lead to poor individual outcomes such as stress and burnout, as well as to turnover within the workforce, thus reducing the number of individuals available to provide high quality emergency care.
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Substance Use among Economically Disadvantaged African American Older Adults; Objective and Subjective Socioeconomic Status. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16101826. [PMID: 31126049 PMCID: PMC6572418 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose. This study investigated the effects of objective and subjective socioeconomic status (SES) indicators on two health behaviors, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking, among African American older adults. Methods. This community-based study recruited 619 economically disadvantaged African American older adults (age ≥ 65 years) residing in South Los Angeles. Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect data. Data on demographic factors (age and gender), subjective SES (financial difficulties), objective SES (educational attainment), living arrangement, marital status, healthcare access (insurance), and health (number of chronic medical conditions, self-rated health, sick days, depression, and chronic pain) and health behaviors (cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking) were collected from participants. Logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Results. High financial difficulties were associated with higher odds of smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol, independent of covariates. Educational attainment did not correlate with our outcomes. Similar patterns emerged for cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking. Conclusion. Subjective SES indicators such as financial difficulties may be more relevant than objective SES indicators such as educational attainment to health risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking among African American older adults in economically constrain urban environments. Smoking and drinking may serve as coping mechanisms with financial difficulty, especially among African American older adults. In line with the minorities' diminished returns (MDR) theory, and probably due to discrimination against racial minorities, educational attainment has a smaller protective effect among economically disadvantaged African American individuals against health risk behaviors.
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Bazargan M, Smith JL, Robinson P, Uyanne J, Abdulrahoof R, Chuku C, Assari S. Chronic Respiratory Disease and Health-Related Quality of Life of African American Older Adults in an Economically Disadvantaged Area of Los Angeles. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E1756. [PMID: 31108963 PMCID: PMC6571607 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background. Most of the attention of policy makers, program planners, clinicians, and researchers in the area of physical health disparities among African American older adults has been traditionally focused on cardiometabolic disease and cancer. Among a long list of chronic medical conditions, chronic respiratory conditions (CRCs), such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, have received less attention. Purpose. This study investigated whether CRCs contribute to physical and mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of African American older adults who live in economically disadvantaged urban areas, and whether these effects are due to demographic factors, socioeconomic status (SES), health behaviors, and comorbid medical and mental conditions. Methods. This community-based study recruited 617 African American older adults (age ≥ 65 years) from Service Planning Areas (SPA) 6, an economically disadvantaged area in South Los Angeles. Structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data on demographic factors (age and gender), SES (educational attainment and financial difficulty), living arrangements, marital status, health behaviors (cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking), health (CRC, number of comorbid medical conditions, depressive symptoms, and pain intensity), and physical and mental HRQoL (Physical and Mental Component Summary Scores; PCS and MCS; SF-12). Linear regressions were used to analyze the data. Results. The presence of CRCs was associated with lower PCS and MCS in bivariate analysis. The association between CRCs and PCS remained significant above and beyond all confounders. However, the association between CRCs and MCS disappeared after controlling for confounders. Conclusion. For African American older adults living in economically disadvantaged urban areas, CRCs contribute to poor physical HRQoL. Evaluation and treatment of CRCs in African American older adults may be a strategy for reduction of disparities in HRQoL in this population. As smoking is the major modifiable risk factor for CRCs, there is a need to increase accessibility of smoking cessation programs in economically disadvantaged urban areas. More research is needed on the types, management, and prognosis of CRCs such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema in African American older adults who reside in low-income and resource limited urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Bazargan
- Departments of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
- Departments of Public Health, College of Health and Science, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
- Departments of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - James L Smith
- Departments of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Paul Robinson
- Departments of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
- Departments of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - John Uyanne
- Division of Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Ruqayyah Abdulrahoof
- Departments of Public Health, College of Health and Science, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Chika Chuku
- Departments of Public Health, College of Health and Science, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
| | - Shervin Assari
- Departments of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
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Niedzwiedz CL, Katikireddi SV, Reeves A, McKee M, Stuckler D. Economic insecurity during the Great Recession and metabolic, inflammatory and liver function biomarkers: analysis of the UK Household Longitudinal Study. J Epidemiol Community Health 2017; 71:1005-1013. [PMID: 28855264 PMCID: PMC5754862 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2017-209105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Economic insecurity correlates with adverse health outcomes, but the biological pathways involved are not well understood. We examine how changes in economic insecurity relate to metabolic, inflammatory and liver function biomarkers. Methods Blood analyte data were taken from 6520 individuals (aged 25–59 years) participating in Understanding Society. Economic insecurity was measured using an indicator of subjective financial strain and by asking participants whether they had missed any bill, council tax, rent or mortgage payments in the past year. We investigated longitudinal changes in economic insecurity (remained secure, increase in economic insecurity, decrease in economic insecurity, remained insecure) and the accumulation of economic insecurity. Linear regression models were calculated for nine (logged) biomarker outcomes related to metabolic, inflammatory, liver and kidney function (as falsification tests), adjusting for potential confounders. Results Compared with those who remained economically stable, people who experienced consistent economic insecurity (using both measures) had worsened levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, C reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and glycated haemoglobin. Increased economic insecurity was associated with adverse levels of HDL-cholesterol (0.955, 95% CI 0.929 to 0.982), triglycerides (1.077, 95% CI 1.018 to 1.139) and CRP (1.114, 95% CI 1.012 to 1.227), using the measure of financial strain. Results for the other measure were generally consistent, apart from the higher levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase observed among those experiencing persistent insecurity (1.200, 95% CI 1.110 to 1.297). Conclusion Economic insecurity is associated with adverse metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers (particularly HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and CRP), heightening risk for a range of health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aaron Reeves
- International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Martin McKee
- Department of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Policy Analysis and Public Management, University of Bocconi, Milan, Italy
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Mitchell AM, Christian LM. Financial strain and birth weight: the mediating role of psychological distress. Arch Womens Ment Health 2017; 20:201-208. [PMID: 27957597 PMCID: PMC5239729 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-016-0696-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The effects of financial strain during pregnancy have received limited attention. In addition, data examining the pathways by which SES indicators contribute to birth weight are lacking. The objective of the current study was to examine the potential pathway of psychological distress in the relationship between financial strain and birth weight. Participants consisted of 138 pregnant women who completed measures assessing financial strain, depressive symptoms, pregnancy-specific distress, perceived stress, and general anxiety during pregnancy (mean gestational age = 18.5, SD = 7.2). Birth outcome data were obtained via medical record review. Simple and parallel mediation models were conducted using PROCESS. Simple mediation models showed that depressive symptoms (95% CI -24.65, -0.90) and pregnancy-specific distress (95% CI -37.31, -5.91), but not perceived stress (95% CI -31.17, 4.69) or anxiety (95% CI -25.84, 5.57), served as mediators in the relationship between financial strain and birth weight. When depressive symptoms and pregnancy-specific distress were included in the same mediation model, only pregnancy-specific distress remained significant. Financial strain was positively associated with all facets of psychological distress and negatively associated with birth weight during pregnancy. The current study demonstrated the mechanistic role of pregnancy-specific distress in the link between financial strain and birth weight in a racially diverse sample. Interventions targeting pregnancy-specific distress may mitigate the effects of financial strain on birth weight. Studies examining whether pregnancy-specific distress accounts for the relationship between other types of stressor exposures and birth weight would be informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH,Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Lisa M. Christian
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH,Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH,Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
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