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Farrugia F, Refalo D, Bonello D, Cuschieri S. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mediterranean diet adherence: A narrative systematic review. Nutr Health 2024; 30:215-233. [PMID: 37439029 PMCID: PMC10345400 DOI: 10.1177/02601060231187511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic upended many aspects of daily life. For some individuals, this was an opportunity to re-evaluate their life and make better choices, while others were overwhelmed with stressors, leading to a deterioration in mental and physical health. AIM The aim of this narrative systematic review is to explore the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mediterranean diet adherence. METHODS A systematic literature search was carried out on PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science electronic databases utilising the search terms 'Mediterranean diet' AND 'COVID-19'. This yielded 73 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The data suggests that a substantial proportion of individuals adhered less to the Mediterranean diet during the COVID-19 lockdown period. However, individuals receiving some form of lifestyle intervention had better adherence to the Mediterranean diet than their unassisted counterparts. CONCLUSION This emphasises the importance of professional support during times of crisis to avoid deterioration of a population's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Farrugia
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Daniel Refalo
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - David Bonello
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| | - Sarah Cuschieri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
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Bertuccio P, Vigezzi GP, Amerio A, Cavalieri D'oro L, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Signorelli C, Zucchi A, Gallus S, Odone A. Health and social home services among community-dwelling older people during COVID-19: Results from the cross-sectional LOST in Lombardia project. Scand J Public Health 2024; 52:262-270. [PMID: 37688313 DOI: 10.1177/14034948231184516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have focused on changes in health and social services access due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to describe changes in the use of selected health and social home services due to the pandemic and to investigate potential associated factors, including socio-demographic characteristics, number of chronic diseases and mental health indicators, among older Italian individuals. METHODS We analysed data from the LOST in Lombardia cross-sectional study conducted in November 2020 on a large representative sample of 4400 individuals aged ⩾65 years. To identify potential factors associated with the increased use of three selected health and social home services, we estimated odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS Compared to the year before, 5.0% of older adults increased help from domestic workers (vs. 6.9% reducing) during the pandemic, 4.4% increased help from non-familiar caregivers (vs. 1.3% decreasing) and 4.7% increased medical home visits (vs. 1.0% decreasing). An increase in the use of these services was more frequent among participants with co-morbidities (p for trend <0.001), especially with diabetes (for caregivers: OR=12.2, 95% CI 6.0-24.8), and worse mental health (for caregivers and for those with a GAD-2 score ⩾3 vs. <3: OR=10.6, 95% CI 5.8-19.4). Conversely, people living in more crowded households less frequently increased health and social services use during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Our results should inform targeted interventions for the identified vulnerable groups to close the gap in health and social inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
- Collegio Ca' della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Italy
| | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Centre in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Italy
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Vigezzi GP, Bertuccio P, Amerio A, Bottini G, Gandola M, Cavalieri d'Oro L, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Signorelli C, Zucchi A, Gallus S, Odone A. Grandparenting during pandemic times: pros and cons for mental health. J Public Health (Oxf) 2023; 45:816-821. [PMID: 37632408 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdad154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures posed an unprecedented challenge to the crucial role of grandparenting in family-oriented cultures, such as Italy. Reduced contact with grandchildren during this period potentially threatened grandparents' mental health and well-being. METHODS We analysed data from the LOckdown and lifeSTyles in Lombardia cross-sectional study conducted in November 2020. The study included a representative sample of 4400 older adults from Lombardy, Italy, of which 1289 provided childcare to their grandchildren. RESULTS A decrease in self-reported grandparenting was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms among grandparents (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.01-2.24). Conversely, an increase in grandparenting was linked to poorer sleep quality (OR 11.67, 95% CI 5.88-23.17) and reduced sleep quantity (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.45-4.41). CONCLUSIONS Despite the barriers posed by the pandemic, grandparenting played a beneficial role in maintaining the mental health and well-being of older adults. However, it is crucial to recognise specific vulnerabilities, such as gender, feelings of hopelessness and overcrowding, which can have detrimental effects during and beyond emergency situations. Careful attention to these factors is essential for developing targeted support systems and interventions aimed at safeguarding the mental health of older adults and enhancing their resilience in crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Collegio Ca' della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- PhD Programme in Psychology, Neuroscience and Data Science, Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriella Bottini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi, Milan Centre for Neuroscience, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Gandola
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Cognitive Neuropsychology Centre, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy
- NeuroMi, Milan Centre for Neuroscience, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, 24121 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Parker J, Kaur S, Medalla JM, Imbert-Sanchez A, Bautista J. Dietary trends among young adults during the COVID-19 lockdown: socioeconomic and gender disparities. BMC Nutr 2023; 9:107. [PMID: 37749620 PMCID: PMC10519054 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-023-00759-0] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthy eating is vital to well-being and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was especially important for boosting immunity and protecting against viral infections. Yet, by many accounts, keeping a nutritious diet was a casualty of the pandemic rather than a means to fight it. Young adults experienced disproportionate pandemic-related disruptions during a formative stage of development while little is still known about dietary outcomes. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional design to examine dietary disparities targeting young adults (ages 18-28) during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Participants (N = 254) responded to a 15-20-min online survey with questions related to food composition and sources of food, perceptions of healthy eating, weight change, physical activity, and food insecurity. Comparisons were made by household income and gender. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to investigate factors that predicted perceptions of healthy eating behaviors while controlling for other sociodemographic factors. RESULTS A clear overall trend toward unhealthy behaviors was found while positive changes were also identified. Consumption of junk food significantly increased (+ 3%), 40% gained weight, a third were less active, and 5-8% were food insecure on a regular basis. Meanwhile, eating food from restaurants declined and, for some, home-based cooking increased. Lower income participants were overly represented in unhealthy changes and higher income participants were disproportionately represented in healthy changes. Males reported more changes in dietary composition while females reported more fluctuation in weight. Reduced activity, weight gain, and food insecurity predicted unhealthy eating behaviors. Living with friend(s)/roommate(s) predicted healthier eating, but only among lower income participants. CONCLUSIONS It is recommended that pandemic minded public health interventions account for negative dietary trends with particular attention to low-income young adults. Solutions should be geared toward reshaping fiscal, social and physical environments, rather than relying solely on behavioral interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Parker
- Pennsylvania State University, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, Pa, 18034, USA.
| | - Simranpreet Kaur
- Bachelor of Science Student in Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, Pa, 18034, USA
| | - John Marlo Medalla
- Bachelor of Science Student in Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, Pa, 18034, USA
| | - Anairobi Imbert-Sanchez
- Bachelor of Science Student in Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, Pa, 18034, USA
| | - Jeanette Bautista
- Bachelor of Science Student in Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, 2809 Saucon Valley Road, Center Valley, Pa, 18034, USA
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Micek A, Bolesławska I, Jagielski P, Konopka K, Waśkiewicz A, Witkowska AM, Przysławski J, Godos J. Association of dietary intake of polyphenols, lignans, and phytosterols with immune-stimulating microbiota and COVID-19 risk in a group of Polish men and women. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1241016. [PMID: 37599696 PMCID: PMC10436747 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1241016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Devastating consequences of COVID-19 disease enhanced the role of promoting prevention-focused practices. Among targeted efforts, diet is regarded as one of the potential factors which can affect immune function and optimal nutrition is postulated as the method of augmentation of people's viral resistance. As epidemiological evidence is scarce, the present study aimed to explore the association between dietary intake of total polyphenols, lignans and plant sterols and the abundance of immunomodulatory gut microbiota such as Enterococcus spp. and Escherichia coli and the risk of developing COVID-19 disease. Methods Demographic data, dietary habits, physical activity as well as the composition of body and gut microbiota were analyzed in a sample of 95 young healthy individuals. Dietary polyphenol, lignan and plant sterol intakes have been retrieved based on the amount of food consumed by the participants, the phytochemical content was assessed in laboratory analysis and using available databases. Results For all investigated polyphenols and phytosterols, except campesterol, every unit increase in the tertile of intake category was associated with a decrease in the odds of contracting COVID-19. The risk reduction ranged from several dozen percent to 70 %, depending on the individual plant-based chemical, and after controlling for basic covariates it was statistically significant for secoisolariciresinol (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.11-0.61), total phytosterols (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22-0.95) and for stigmasterols (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14-0.72). We found an inverse association between increased β-sitosterol intake and phytosterols in total and the occurrence of Escherichia coli in stool samples outside reference values, with 72% (OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.08-0.86) and 66% (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.10-1.08) reduced odds of abnormal level of bacteria for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of phytochemical consumption. Additionally, there was a trend of more frequent presence of Enterococcus spp. at relevant level in people with a higher intake of lariciresinol. Conclusion The beneficial effects of polyphenols and phytosterols should be emphasized and these plant-based compounds should be regarded in the context of their utility as antiviral agents preventing influenza-type infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Micek
- Statistical Laboratory, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Izabela Bolesławska
- Department of Bromatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Paweł Jagielski
- Department of Nutrition and Drug Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamil Konopka
- Department of Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Waśkiewicz
- Department of Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, National Institute of Cardiology, Warszawa, Poland
| | - Anna Maria Witkowska
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Juliusz Przysławski
- Department of Bromatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Justyna Godos
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Bertuccio P, Vigezzi GP, Mosconi G, Gallus S, Odone A. Transition to retirement impact on smoking habit: results from a longitudinal analysis within the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) project. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:1117-1126. [PMID: 37067672 PMCID: PMC10149464 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02397-9] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an ageing society, retirement impacts on behavioural risk factors and health outcomes should be carefully assessed. Scant evidence exists from longitudinal studies on the short- and long-term consequences of the transition to retirement on smoking habit. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal study based on the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) data from 27 European countries plus Israel collected in 2004-2020. To estimate relative risks (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for smoking status and intensity at seven time periods before and after retirement, we fitted adjusted generalised estimating equation (GEE) models for repeated measures. RESULTS We selected a cohort of 8998 individuals employed at baseline and retired at follow-up (median follow-up time: 9 years; maximum: 16 years). As compared to the year of retirement, the RR of smoking was 1.59 (95% CI 1.44-1.76) at 10 years or more before retirement, 1.35 (95% CI 1.25-1.46) from 5 to 9 years before retirement, and 1.18 (95% CI 1.10-1.27) from 1 to 4 years before retirement. Smoking steadily decreased after retirement, being 0.94 (95% CI 0.87-1.01) from 1 to 4 years after retirement, 0.76 (95% CI 0.69-0.84) from 5 to 9 years, and 0.58 (95% CI 0.46-0.74) 10 years or more after retirement. In smokers, the estimated number of cigarettes smoked/day decreased from about 27 cigarettes/day at 10 years or more before retirement to 9 cigarettes/day at 10 years or more after retirement (p trend < 0.001). CONCLUSION Longitudinal data suggest that lifestyles might favourably change with retirement. Further studies are needed to direct healthy ageing promotion policies better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Ca' della Paglia College, Fondazione Ghislieri, Piazza Collegio Ghislieri 5, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giansanto Mosconi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Via Forlanini 2, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
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Montero-Sandiego E, Ferrer-Cascales R, Ruiz-Robledillo N, Costa-López B, Alcocer-Bruno C, Albaladejo-Blázquez N. Assessment Strategies to Evaluate the Mediterranean Lifestyle: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194179. [PMID: 36235832 PMCID: PMC9571868 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mediterranean Lifestyle (MLS) has been related to better health and quality of life. However, there is no consensus on how to assess this lifestyle. The main objective of this work was to systematically review the methodology used in different studies on the evaluation of the MLS. The specific objectives were (1) to analyze the MLS components evaluated in previous studies, (2) to explore the assessment instruments available for the analysis of the MLS, and (3) to identify the psychometric properties of these instruments. The search was carried out using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases with the purpose of identifying those published articles in which the MLS was assessed. The review included 26 studies linked to the assessment of the MLS. Of these studies, only four exclusively used a tool to analyze MLS components globally. These studies included two questionnaires and three different indexes. None of them, however, evaluated all of the recognized MLS components, and food preparation was the least frequently evaluated component. Given the clear importance of analyzing MLS adherence and the lack of consensus in previous research, an evaluation tool needs to be created to comprehensively assess all of the MLS dimensions by means of appropriate psychometric properties.
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Vigezzi GP, Bertuccio P, Bossi CB, Amerio A, d'Oro LC, Derosa G, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Zucchi A, Lugo A, Gallus S, Odone A. COVID-19 pandemic impact on people with diabetes: results from a large representative sample of Italian older adults. Prim Care Diabetes 2022; 16:650-657. [PMID: 35778238 PMCID: PMC9212916 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcd.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Restrictions imposed to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission should be weighed against consequences on vulnerable groups' health. Lifestyles and disease management of older people with diabetes might have been differentially impacted compared to non-chronic individuals. METHODS A cross-sectional study (LOST in Lombardia) was conducted on a representative full sample of 4 400 older adults (17th-30th November 2020), collecting data on lifestyles, mental health and access to care before and during the pandemic. RESULTS We compared 947 (51.9%) people with diabetes and 879 (48.1%) healthy subjects reporting no chronic conditions. People with diabetes reported more frequently increased physical activity (odds ratio, OR 2.65, 95% confidence internals, CI 1.69-4.13), drinks/week reduction (OR 6.27, 95%CI 3.59-10.95), increased consumption of fruit (OR 2.06, 95%CI 1.62-2.63), vegetables (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.10-1.82), fish (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.74-3.64) and olive oil (OR 3.54, 95%CI 2.30-5.46). People with diabetes increased telephone contacts with general practitioners (OR 3.70, 95%CI 2.83-4.83), hospitalisations (OR 9.01, 95%CI 3.96-20.51), visits and surgeries cancellations (OR 3.37, 95%CI 2.58-4.42) and treatment interruptions (OR 1.95, 95%CI 1.33-2.86). CONCLUSIONS Pandemic adverse effects occurred but are heterogenous in a population with chronic diseases, who seized the opportunity to improve health behaviours, despite health system difficulties guaranteeing routine care, within and beyond COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Collegio Ca' della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Camilla Bonfadini Bossi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Derosa
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Centre of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University of Pavia and IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy; Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lugo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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Vigezzi GP, Bertuccio P, Amerio A, Bosetti C, Gori D, Cavalieri d’Oro L, Iacoviello L, Stuckler D, Zucchi A, Gallus S, Odone A, Investigators LILP. Older Adults' Access to Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results from the LOckdown and LifeSTyles (LOST) in Lombardia Project. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811271. [PMID: 36141544 PMCID: PMC9565221 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionally affected older people in terms of clinical outcomes and care provision. We aimed to investigate older adults' changes in access to care during the pandemic and their determinants. We used data from a cross-sectional study (LOST in Lombardia) conducted in autumn 2020 on a representative sample of 4400 older adults from the most populated region in Italy. Lifestyles, mental health, and access to healthcare services before and during the pandemic were collected. To identify factors associated with care delays, reduction in emergency department (ED) access, and hospitalisations, we estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using multivariable log-binomial regression models. During the pandemic, compared to the year before, 21.5% of the study population increased telephone contacts with the general practitioner (GP) and 9.6% increased self-pay visits, while 22.4% decreased GP visits, 12.3% decreased outpatient visits, 9.1% decreased diagnostic exams, 7.5% decreased ED access, and 6% decreased hospitalisations. The prevalence of care delays due to patient's decision (overall 23.8%) was higher among men (PR 1.16, 95% CI 1.05-1.29), subjects aged 75 years or more (PR 1.12, 95% CI 1.00-1.25), and those with a higher economic status (p for trend < 0.001). Participants with comorbidities more frequently cancelled visits and reduced ED access or hospitalisations, while individuals with worsened mental health status reported a higher prevalence of care delays and ED access reductions. Access to care decreased in selected sub-groups of older adults during the pandemic with likely negative impacts on mortality and morbidity in the short and long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Pietro Vigezzi
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Collegio Ca’ della Paglia, Fondazione Ghislieri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16124 Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bosetti
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Licia Iacoviello
- Research Center in Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (EPIMED), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - David Stuckler
- Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zucchi
- Epidemiology Unit, Bergamo Health Protection Agency, 24121 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Silvano Gallus
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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