1
|
Verra SE, Poelman MP, Mudd AL, de Wit J, Kamphuis CBM. Trapped in vicious cycles: unraveling the health experiences and needs of adults living with socioeconomic insecurity. Arch Public Health 2024; 82:51. [PMID: 38627821 PMCID: PMC11020895 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01281-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explores the role of health in daily life and needs of Dutch adults (aged 25-49) experiencing one or more forms of socioeconomic insecurity stemming from their financial, housing, or employment situations. METHODS 28 in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted in the Netherlands between October 2022 and February 2023. The interview guide included questions on participants' socioeconomic situation, the role of health in their daily lives, their health-related and broader needs. Data was interpreted using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. An advisory board consisting of adults with lived experiences of socioeconomic insecurity were consulted at multiple stages of the study (recruitment, interview guide, interpretation of results). RESULTS Housing insecurity was widely experienced by participants. When asked about their financial situation, most participants expressed having no issues getting by, but later on, described vigorous efforts to minimize expenses. Participants' narratives revealed four key themes in relation to the role of health in daily life and associated needs. Firstly, socioeconomic insecurity led to diminished control over life, which led to the disruption of routines. Secondly, experiencing socioeconomic insecurity compelled participants to prioritize stress reduction and mental health improvement through calming yet potentially damaging coping mechanisms. Thirdly, those who experienced little opportunity for improvement in their already long-lasting socioeconomic insecurity shared a sense of stagnation in life, which co-occurred with stagnation in unhealthy routines and diminished well-being. Fourthly, participants expressed the need for someone to speak with. This support may help participants regain control over their lives, identify opportunities for more socioeconomic security, and focus on increased health and well-being. CONCLUSIONS This study sheds light on the challenges individuals face in dealing with socioeconomic insecurity, how it may affect their health, and their needs. Gaining perspective for improved socioeconomic security and having accessible professional support tailored to self-identified needs could have health-promoting effects for individuals living with socioeconomic insecurity. It is recommended to integrate professional support and assistance regarding social security into health policies and interventions. In future research, measures of financial strain should be adjusted to include the effort needed to get by.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanne E Verra
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584CH, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Maartje P Poelman
- Chair group Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea L Mudd
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584CH, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - John de Wit
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584CH, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Carlijn B M Kamphuis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584CH, 3584 CH, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mudd AL, Bal M, Verra SE, Poelman MP, de Wit J, Kamphuis CBM. The current state of complex systems research on socioeconomic inequalities in health and health behavior-a systematic scoping review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2024; 21:13. [PMID: 38317165 PMCID: PMC10845451 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-024-01562-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in applying a complex systems approach to understanding socioeconomic inequalities in health is growing, but an overview of existing research on this topic is lacking. In this systematic scoping review, we summarize the current state of the literature, identify shared drivers of multiple health and health behavior outcomes, and highlight areas ripe for future research. METHODS SCOPUS, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched in April 2023 for peer-reviewed, English-language studies in high-income OECD countries containing a conceptual systems model or simulation model of socioeconomic inequalities in health or health behavior in the adult general population. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts. Data on study aim, type of model, all model elements, and all relationships were extracted. Model elements were categorized based on the Commission on Social Determinants of Health framework, and relationships between grouped elements were visualized in a summary conceptual systems map. RESULTS A total of 42 publications were included; 18 only contained a simulation model, 20 only contained a conceptual model, and 4 contained both types of models. General health outcomes (e.g., health status, well-being) were modeled more often than specific outcomes like obesity. Dietary behavior and physical activity were by far the most commonly modeled health behaviors. Intermediary determinants of health (e.g., material circumstances, social cohesion) were included in nearly all models, whereas structural determinants (e.g., policies, societal values) were included in about a third of models. Using the summary conceptual systems map, we identified 15 shared drivers of socioeconomic inequalities in multiple health and health behavior outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The interconnectedness of socioeconomic position, multiple health and health behavior outcomes, and determinants of socioeconomic inequalities in health is clear from this review. Factors central to the complex system as it is currently understood in the literature (e.g., financial strain) may be both efficient and effective policy levers, and factors less well represented in the literature (e.g., sleep, structural determinants) may warrant more research. Our systematic, comprehensive synthesis of the literature may serve as a basis for, among other things, a complex systems framework for socioeconomic inequalities in health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Mudd
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science- Public Health, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Michèlle Bal
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science- Public Health, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne E Verra
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science- Public Health, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maartje P Poelman
- Chair Group Consumption and Healthy Lifestyles, Wageningen University & Research, Hollandseweg 1, 6706 KN, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - John de Wit
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science- Public Health, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn B M Kamphuis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science- Public Health, Utrecht University, PO Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
le Roux SM, Abrams EJ, Zerbe A, Phillips TK, Myer L. Children of a syndemic: co-occurring and mutually reinforcing adverse child health exposures in a prospective cohort of HIV-affected mother-infant dyads in Cape Town, South Africa. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26 Suppl 4:e26152. [PMID: 37909170 PMCID: PMC10618899 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Several HIV-related syndemics have been described among adults. We investigated syndemic vulnerability to hazardous drinking (HD), intimate partner violence (IPV) and household food insecurity (HFIS) in breastfed children born without HIV in urban South Africa. We compared those who were perinatally HIV exposed (CHEU) to those who were not (CHU), under conditions of universal maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) and breastfeeding. METHODS A prospective cohort of pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV), and without HIV, were enrolled and followed with their infants for 12 months postpartum (2013-2017). All WLHIV initiated antenatal efavirenz-based ART. Measurements of growth (∼3 monthly), infectious cause hospitalisation, ambulatory childhood illness (2-week recall) and neurodevelopment (BSID-III, measured at ∼12 months' age) were compared across bio-social strata using generalised linear regression models, with interaction terms; maternal data included interview-based measures for HD (AUDIT-C), IPV (WHO VAW) and HFIS. RESULTS Among 872 breastfeeding mother-infant pairs (n = 461 CHEU, n = 411 CHU), WLHIV (vs. HIV negative) reported more unemployment (279/461, 60% vs. 217/411, 53%; p = 0.02), incomplete secondary education (347/461, 75% vs. 227/411, 55%; p < 0.0001), HD (25%, 117/459 vs. 7%, 30/411; p < 0.0001) and IPV (22%, 101/457 vs. 8%, 32/411; p < 0.0001) at enrolment; and HFIS at 12 months (45%, 172/386 vs. 30%, 105/352; p > 0.0001). There were positive interactions between maternal HIV and other characteristics. Compared to food secure CHU, the mean difference (95% CI) in weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) was 0.06 (-0.14; 0.25) for food insecure CHU; -0.26 (-0.42; -0.10) for food secure CHEU; and -0.43 (-0.61; -0.25), for food insecure CHEU. Results were similar for underweight (WAZ < -2), infectious-cause hospitalisation, cognitive and motor delay. HIV-IPV interactions were evident for ambulatory diarrhoea and motor delay. There were HIV-HD interactions for odds of underweight, stunting, cognitive and motor delay. Compared to HD-unexposed CHU, the odds ratios (95% CI) of underweight were 2.31 (1.11; 4.82) for HD-exposed CHU; 3.57 (0.84; 15.13) for HD-unexposed CHEU and 6.01 (2.22; 16.22) for HD-exposed CHEU. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that maternal HIV-related syndemics may partly drive excess CHEU health risks, highlighting an urgent need for holistic maternal and family care and support alongside ART to optimise the health of CHEU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanzi M le Roux
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elaine J Abrams
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Allison Zerbe
- Mailman School of Public Health, ICAP at Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tamsin K Phillips
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Landon Myer
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ramírez-Flores MF, Cadena-Trejo C, Motte-García E, Juárez-Cruz ID, Fernandez-García MV, Gastelum-Strozzi A, Alpizar-Rodriguez D, Hernandez-Garduño A, Peláez-Ballestas I. A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review on Syndemics in Rheumatology. J Clin Rheumatol 2023; 29:113-117. [PMID: 36326708 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess the use of framework and corresponding methodology to document syndemics and its impact in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). METHODS Using a mixed-methods systematic review, studies using the syndemic framework approach for RMDs were identified and published from January 2003 to January 2021. The Joanna Briggs Institute, Cochrane Collaboration, and PRISMA guidelines were followed to search, retrieve, revise, and analyze. RESULTS A total of 658 potential articles were identified, but only 10 were initially eligible. After a full-text review, 4 were included. Following a full-text review, 2 quantitative, 1 qualitative, and 1 mixed-methods study were included. In the first, network analysis found that RMDs were associated with comorbidities, unhealthy habits, low educational level, living in rural areas, socioeconomic conditions, and health inequality in indigenous communities. In the second, SSEM and cluster analysis demonstrated an association between low back pain and factors, such as comorbidities and indigenous status, among others, in urban/rural communities. The qualitative study examined 3 fishing family generations and reported less syndemic vulnerability. The mixed-methods study focused on osteoarthritis with multimorbidities in African American population, where lack of education added to worsening outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Even though the insights syndemic studies have given to other areas, its use in rheumatology is scarce. The complexity of the clinical and social determinants related to RMDs makes it necessary to conduct further studies from a syndemic perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María F Ramírez-Flores
- From the Plan de Estudios Combinados en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
| | | | - Emilio Motte-García
- From the Plan de Estudios Combinados en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
| | - Isaac D Juárez-Cruz
- From the Plan de Estudios Combinados en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
| | | | - Alfonso Gastelum-Strozzi
- Alfonso Gastelum-Strozzi, Instituto de Ciencias Aplicadas y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rod MH, Rod NH, Russo F, Klinker CD, Reis R, Stronks K. Promoting the health of vulnerable populations: Three steps towards a systems-based re-orientation of public health intervention research. Health Place 2023; 80:102984. [PMID: 36773380 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.102984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper proposes a novel framework for the development of interventions in vulnerable populations. The framework combines a complex systems lens with syndemic theory. Whereas funding bodies, research organizations and reporting guidelines tend to encourage intervention research that (i) focuses on singular and predefined health outcomes, (ii) searches for generalizable cause-effect relationships, and (iii) aims to identify universally effective interventions, the paper suggests that a different direction is needed for addressing health inequities: We need to (i) start with exploratory analysis of population-level data, and (ii) invest in contextualized in-depth knowledge of the complex dynamics that produce health inequities in specific populations and settings, while we (iii) work with stakeholders at multiple levels to create change within systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morten Hulvej Rod
- Health Promotion Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark; National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Naja Hulvej Rod
- Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Federica Russo
- Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Philosophy & ILLC, Amsterdam University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Demant Klinker
- Health Promotion Research, Copenhagen University Hospital - Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Ria Reis
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Karien Stronks
- Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Locatie AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Perry MA, Gowland RL. Compounding vulnerabilities: Syndemics and the social determinants of disease in the past. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PALEOPATHOLOGY 2022; 39:35-49. [PMID: 36215930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpp.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This article explores the theory and utility of a syndemic approach for the study of disease in the past. Syndemic principles are examined alongside other theoretical developments within bioarchaeology. Two case studies are provided to illustrate the efficacy of this approach: Tuberculosis and vitamin D deficiency in 18th and 19th century England, and malaria and helminth infections in Early Medieval England. MATERIALS Public health studies of present syndemics, in addition to published bioarchaeological, clinical and social information relating to the chosen case studies. METHODS The data from these two historical examples are revisited within a syndemic framework to draw deeper conclusions about disease clustering and heterogeneity in the past. RESULTS A syndemic framework can be applied to past contexts using clinical studies of diseases in a modern context and relevant paleopathological, archaeological, and historical data. CONCLUSIONS This approach provides a means for providing a deeper, contextualised understanding ancient diseases, and integrates well with extant theoretical tools in bioarchaeology SIGNIFICANCE: Syndemics provides scholars a deep-time perspective on diseases that still impact modern populations. LIMITATIONS Many of the variables essential for a truly syndemic approach cannot be obtained from current archaeological, bioarchaeological, or historical methods. SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH More detailed and in-depth analysis of specific disease clusters within the past and the present, which draws on a comprehensive analysis of the social determinants of health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan A Perry
- Department of Anthropology MS 568, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Rebecca L Gowland
- Department of Archaeology, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Broom A, Peterie M, Kenny K, Broom J, Kelly-Hanku A, Lafferty L, Treloar C, Applegate T. Vulnerability and antimicrobial resistance. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2022.2123733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Broom
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle Peterie
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katherine Kenny
- Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies, School of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jennifer Broom
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, Australia
- Greater Brisbane Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Angela Kelly-Hanku
- The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Papua New Guinea Institute for Medical Research, Goroka, Papua New Guinea
| | - Lise Lafferty
- The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tanya Applegate
- The Kirby Institute, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Crone MR, Slagboom MN, Overmars A, Starken L, van de Sande MCE, Wesdorp N, Reis R. The Evaluation of a Family-Engagement Approach to Increase Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition, and Well-Being in Children and Their Parents. Front Public Health 2021; 9:747725. [PMID: 34957012 PMCID: PMC8695802 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.747725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention programs often are directed at either parents or children separately, thereby ignoring the intergenerational aspect of health and well-being. Engaging the family is likely to improve both the uptake and long-term impact of health behavior change. We integrated an intergenerational approach into a frequently used shared assessment tool for children's care needs. The current study's aim was 2-fold: to monitor this family-engagement tool's effects on both children and their parents' health behaviors and well-being, and to examine the different dynamics of health behavioral change within a family. Method: We followed 12 children ages 10-14 years and their parents for 12 weeks using an explanatory mixed-methods design comprising interviews, questionnaires, and an n-of-1 study. During home visits at the beginning and end of the study, we interviewed children and their parents about their expectations and experiences, and measured their height and weight. Furthermore, we collected secondary data, such as notes from phone and email conversations with parents, as well as evaluation forms from professionals. In the n-of-1 study, families were prompted three times a week to describe their day and report on their vegetable intake, minutes of exercise, health behavior goals, and psychosomatic well-being. The interviews, notes, and evaluation forms were analyzed using qualitative content analyses. For the n-of-1 study, we performed multi-level time-series analyses across all families to assess changes in outcomes after consulting the family-engagement tool. Using regression analyses with autocorrelation correction, we examined changes within individual families. Results: Five child-mother dyads and three child-mother-father triads provided sufficient pre- and post-data. The mean minutes of children's physical activity significantly increased, and mothers felt more energetic, but other outcomes did not change. In consultations related to overweight, the family-engagement tool often was used without setting specific or family goals. Conclusions: The family-engagement approach elicited positive effects on some families' health and well-being. For multifaceted health problems, such as obesity, family-engagement approaches should focus on setting specific goals and strategies in different life domains, and for different family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde R Crone
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - M Nienke Slagboom
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Anneloes Overmars
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Lisa Starken
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marion C E van de Sande
- Faculty of Social Work and Education, The Hague University of Applied Science, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Noortje Wesdorp
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ria Reis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,School of Child and Adolescent Health, The Children92s Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Mendenhall
- Edmund A Walsh School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., USA.
| | - Timothy Newfield
- Department of History, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Slagboom MN, Reis R, Tsai AC, Büchner FL, van Dijk DJA, Crone MR. Psychological distress, cardiometabolic diseases and musculoskeletal pain: A cross-sectional, population-based study of syndemic ill health in a Dutch fishing village. J Glob Health 2021; 11:04029. [PMID: 33959260 PMCID: PMC8068410 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.11.04029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Disease clustering is a growing public health concern and is increasingly linked to adverse socioeconomic conditions. Few population-based studies have focussed on interaction between non-communicable diseases. In this cross-sectional study, we examine clustering of, and synergistic interactions between, frequently occurring non-communicable diseases in Katwijk, a former fishing village in the Netherlands. Additionally, our study identifies contextual variables associated with these clusters of non-communicable diseases. Methods In a survey among adults (>19 years) living in the former fishing village Katwijk, Netherlands, were asked about non-communicable diseases, psychological distress, self-rated health scores and contextual factors, eg, socio-demographic, psychosocial and health behavior characteristics. Interaction was measured on the additive and the multiplicative scale. We used generalized ordered logistic regression analysis to examine associations with contextual variables. Results Three disease clusters were found to be most prevalent among the study participants (n = 1408). Each cluster involved a combination of frequently occurring conditions in this population: psychological distress (n = 261, 19%), cardiometabolic diseases (n = 449, 32%) and musculoskeletal pain (n = 462, 33%). These three diseases interact synergistically on the additive scale to increase the odds of reporting a low self-rated health. None of the disease clusters showed a statistically significant positive interaction on a multiplicative scale. Multiple contextual factors were associated with these disease clusters, including gender, loneliness, experiencing financial stress, and a BMI≥30. Conclusion Our findings imply that psychological distress, cardiometabolic diseases and musculoskeletal pain synergistically interact, leading to a much lower self-rated health than expected. Several contextual factors are related to this interaction emphasizing the importance of a multicomponent, ecological approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Nienke Slagboom
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ria Reis
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Anthropology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,The Children's Institute, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alexander C Tsai
- Center for Global Health and Mongan Institute, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Frederike L Büchner
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Mathilde R Crone
- Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Marten MG. The Countersyndemic Potential of Medical Pluralism among People Living with HIV in Tanzania. Glob Public Health 2021; 17:957-970. [PMID: 33571067 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2021.1882529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
HIV and emotional distress often co-occur and interact in syndemic clusters with social, political, and economic factors that amplify the 'syndemic suffering' of individuals. In this paper, I describe how HIV+ women seeking antiretroviral therapy (ART) at a hospital in northern Tanzania engaged with plural methods of healing to ease suffering and address the multiple dimensions of illness. I explain the case of a famous faith healer at the time of research from 2011-12, 'Babu wa Loliondo,' from whom a third of the women interviewed - 25 of 75 - sought care in addition to their ART. These women experienced significantly fewer symptoms of emotional distress compared with those women who did not, suggesting that either those who sought his care were already healthier, or one strategy for coping - engagement with medical pluralism - played a role in buffering against syndemic HIV and emotional distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith G Marten
- Department of Anthropology, University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|