Aging and well-being in Goa, India: a qualitative study

Household air pollution and urinary incontinence symptoms among older adults in LASI: a large-scale population-based study

BACKGROUND

The effects of household air pollution on urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms have not been studied. This study seeks to investigate the correlation between household air pollution and UI/SUI symptoms among middle-aged and elderly adults in India.

METHODS

We employed data derived from individuals aged 45 years and older who participated in the inaugural wave (2017-2018) of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). The assessment of household air pollution exposure and the occurrence of UI/SUI symptoms relied on self-reported data. The analytical approach adopted was cross-sectional in nature and encompassed a cohort of 64,398 participants. To explore relationships, we utilized multivariate logistic regression analysis, incorporating subgroup analysis and interaction tests.

RESULTS

1,671 (2.59%) participants reported UI symptoms and 4,862 (7.55%) participants reported SUI symptoms. Also, the prevalence of UI/SUI symptoms is much higher among middle-aged and elderly adults who use solid polluting fuels (UI: 51.23% vs. 48.77%; SUI: 54.50% vs. 45.50%). The results revealed a noteworthy correlation between household air pollution and the probability of experiencing UI/SUI symptoms, persisting even after adjusting for all conceivable confounding variables (UI: OR = 1.552, 95% CI: 1.377-1.749, p < 0.00001; SUI: OR: 1.459, 95% CI: 1.357-1.568, p < 0.00001). Moreover, significant interaction effects were discerned for age, education level, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, and physical activity (p for interaction < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study indicate that the utilization of solid fuels in the home increases the likelihood of developing urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence. As a result, we argue that there is an immediate need to reform the composition of cooking fuel and raise public awareness about the adverse effects of air pollution in the home.

Trends and age-period-cohort effect on the incidence of falls from 1990 to 2019 in BRICS

Background

The increasing burden of falls in BRICS countries warrants a comprehensive investigation to understand the dynamics and trends. This study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019 to assess fall incidence rates in Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) to provide valuable insights for the development of targeted prevention and management strategies.

Methods

Data from the GBD 2019 were employed to estimate fall incidence rates. The study utilized age-period-cohort (APC) model analysis, implemented using R 4.3.0 software and the R package apc, to examine fall incidence trends from 1990 to 2019.

Results

In 2019, the BRICS nations collectively reported 32.32 million fall cases. The overall fall incidence rate increased from 2681.7 per 100,000 people in 1990-2896.3 per 100,000 people in 2019. China and India exhibited escalating trends, with China experiencing the highest growth rate at 21%, followed by India at 5.8%. South Africa displayed a comparatively lower overall incidence rate increase. Notably, the 90-94 age group in China exhibited the most significant deterioration, with men and women experiencing annual increases of 4.23% and 1.77%, respectively. Age effects indicated a higher susceptibility to falls among preschool children and the elderly. Period effects revealed no improvement in the fall state for India (2005-2019) and China (2015-2019). Cohort effects adversely impacted the incidence rate for individuals born earlier in South Africa.

Conclusion

The present study highlights a consistent upward trend in fall incidence rates across BRICS countries from 1990 to 2019. With an aging population, the burden of fall-related diseases is on the rise in these nations. Our results underscore the necessity of formulating evidence-based disease prevention and management approaches tailored to the distinctive demographic attributes of each nation. Addressing these trends is crucial for mitigating the growing impact of falls on public health in BRICS countries.

Challenges and opportunities in strengthening primary mental healthcare for older people in India: a qualitative stakeholder analysis

BACKGROUND

Primary mental healthcare (PMHC) allows for complex mental health issues in old age to be addressed. India has sought to improve PMHC through legislation, strategies and programmes. This study analyses the challenges and opportunities involved in strengthening PMHC for older persons in India from the perspectives of key stakeholders.

METHODS

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 stakeholders selected from the PMHC system in India and analysed using thematic analysis. First, the analysis was organizationally structured in accordance with the six WHO mental health system domains: (1) policy and legislative framework, (2) mental health services, (3) mental health in primary care, (4) human resources, (5) public information and links to other sectors, and (6) monitoring and research. Second, for each building block, challenges and opportunities were derived using inductive coding.

RESULTS

This study highlights the numerous challenges that may be encountered when attempting to strengthen age-inclusive PMHC. Among these challenges are poor public governance, a lack of awareness and knowledge among policy-makers and other stakeholders, and existing policies that make unrealistic promises to weak primary healthcare (PHC) structures with an excessive focus on medicalizing mental health problems. Thus, the mental health system often fails to reach vulnerable older people through PHC. Established approaches to comprehensive, family- and community-oriented PHC support attempts to strengthen intersectoral approaches to PMHC that emphasize mental health promotion in old age. Targeting the PHC workforce through age-inclusive mental health education is considered particularly necessary. Experts further argue that adequate monitoring structures and public spending for mental health must be improved.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we aim to elaborate on the mental healthcare developments that may serve to achieve equity in access to mental healthcare in India. Coordinated and collaborative efforts by public and private stakeholders involved in the care of older persons, both with and without lived mental health experiences, as well as their families and communities, are necessary to bring the vision of those policies for PMHC to fruition. The findings presented in this study can also inform future research, policies and practice in other low- and middle-income countries.

Primary mental healthcare for older people in India: between stigmatization and community orientation

BACKGROUND

Questions of equitable access to primary mental healthcare (PMHC) for older persons in India have been examined mostly in terms of the coverage of services, although perceptions of mental health and old age and social norms at the community level should be considered in the shaping of PMHC approaches. The present qualitative study, therefore, examined how social perceptions and norms of mental health in old age are and should be considered in the design and implementation of primary healthcare approaches in India.

METHODS

A secondary thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (n = 14) of PMHC in India was conducted.

RESULTS

Four key themes emerged from the analysis, in which social perceptions and norms were discussed: (1) family participation and low threshold access to mental healthcare, (2) the position of community health workers as an important pillar of old age and mental health-sensitive community-based care, (3) the role of social cohesion and traditional values in fostering a positive and supportive community environment for old age mental health, and (4) the empowerment of communities, families and older persons through mental health education.

CONCLUSIONS

PMHC, with its focus on mental health promotion, could be an important anchor for combatting negative attitudes about mental health and old age. The findings presented in this study can inform age-sensitive policies and programmes for mental health in India and could inform future research on the subject.

Association between sleep quality and benign prostate hyperplasia among middle-aged and older men in India

BACKGROUND

The association between sleep quality and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) has rarely been studied. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep quality and BPH among middle-aged and older men in India.

METHODS

This study used data from men over 45 years old in Wave 1 (2017-2018) of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). Benign prostate hyperplasia was self-reported, and sleep symptoms were assessed using five questions modified from the Jenkins Sleep Scale. A total of 30,909 male participants were finally included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and interaction tests were performed.

RESULTS

Total 453 (1.49%) men reported benign prostatic hyperplasia and have higher sleep quality score (9.25 ± 3.89 vs. 8.13 ± 3.46). The results revealed that the sleep quality score and risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia were significantly correlated after adjusting for all confounding factors (OR:1.057, 95% CI: 1.031-1.084, p < 0.001]. After dividing people into four groups based on the quartile of sleep quality scores, compared with the first quartile group, the third quartile group was 1.32 times, and the fourth quartile group was 1.615 times more likely to develop benign prostate hyperplasia. A significant interaction effect of alcohol consumption was observed. (p for interaction < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Worse sleep quality was significantly associated with a higher incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia among middle-aged and older Indian men. A further prospective study is needed to clarify this association and explore potential mechanisms.

Effectiveness and implementation of psychological interventions for depression in people with non-communicable diseases in South Asia: Systematic review and meta-analysis

We evaluate the effectiveness of psychological interventions for depression in people with NCDs in South Asia and explore the individual, organizational, and policy-level barriers and facilitators for the implementation and scaling up of these interventions. Eight databases (and local web pages) were searched in May 2022. We conducted random effects models to evaluate the pooled effect of psychological interventions on depression in people with NCDs. We extracted the individual, organizational, and policy level barriers and facilitators. We found five randomized control trials, nine qualitative studies, and 35 policy documents that fitted the inclusion criteria. The pooled standardized mean difference in depression comparing psychological interventions with usual care was -2.31 (95% CI, -4.16 to -0.45; p = .015, I2 = 96.0%). We found barriers and facilitators to intervention delivery, mental health appears in the policy agenda in Bangladesh and Pakistan. However, there is a lack of policies relating to training in mental health for NCD health providers and a lack of integration of mental health care with NCD care. All of the psychological interventions reported to be effective in treating depression in this population. There are important delivery and policy barriers to the implementation and scaling up of psychological interventions for people with NCDs.

Impact of Depression on Patients With Hemophilia: A Retrospective Case-Control Research

BACKGROUND

Hemophilia is an inherited recessive hemorrhagic disorder of the X-linked type, suffered by the male sex. Adults with hemophilia are coping with numerous diagnostics, associated comorbidities, pain, and difficult gait by arthropathy in ankles and feet. Physical pains contribute to depression in patients with hemophilia.

PURPOSE

The study aimed to assess the impact of depression in adult patient with hemophilia and to compare it with healthy matched-paired controls. Methods: The sample consisted of 100 participants (median age 42.50 ± 30). Patients with hemophilia were recruited from Spanish Hemophiliac Associations (n = 50) and healthy subjects (n = 50) from a Clinic Podiatry Practices (University of Malaga, Spain).

RESULTS

Results and categories of the Spanish-translated version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were gathered. A clear statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was presented in the variation of the BDI scores between both groups. Patients with hemophilia presented worse results with a BDI = 7.50 ± 11.25 points compared to healthy subjects with BDI = 2.50 ± 5 points. In the BDI categories, statistically significant differences (p = 0.004) were found in greater BDI categories in the Hemophilia group compared with healthy subjects. Moderate and severe depression categories were only shown in patients with hemophilia.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater depression scores and range status were observed in patients with hemophilia compared to non-patients with hemophilia. Patients with hemophilia are at increased risk of depressiveness.

Effect of a Lay Counselor Intervention on Prevention of Major Depression in Older Adults Living in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Preventing depression in older adults living in low- and middle-income countries is important because of the scarcity of treatment resources and the risk of disability, suicide, and dementia.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether an intervention for depression prevention provided by lay counselors is effective in older adults from low- and middle-income countries.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This parallel-group randomized clinical trial with masked outcome assessment was performed in 181 older adults (≥60 years) with subsyndromal depressive symptoms at rural and urban primary care clinics in Goa, India. The first participant entered the trial on March 31, 2015, and the last exited on June 2, 2017. Data analysis used the intention-to-treat approach.

INTERVENTIONS

Lay counselors provided problem-solving therapy, brief behavioral treatment for insomnia, education in self-care of common medical disorders such as diabetes, and assistance in accessing medical and social programs.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was incidence of major depressive episodes. The study also assessed symptom change during 12 months (12-item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-12]; score range of 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating greater symptoms of depression and anxiety), functional status (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0; score range of 12 to 60, with higher scores indicating greater disability), cognition (Hindi Mini-Mental State Examination; score range of 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive functioning), blood pressure, and body mass index to provide further clinical context.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 181 participants (mean [SD] age, 69.6 [7.2] years; 114 [63.0%] female): 91 to the intervention arm (depression in later life [DIL] intervention) and 90 to care as usual (CAU). Incident episodes of major depression were lower in the DIL intervention than in the CAU group (4.40% vs 14.44%; log-rank P = .04; number needed to treat, 9.95; 95% CI, 5.12-182.43). The 12-month Kaplan-Meier estimates of percentage of depression-free participants were 95.1% (95% CI, 90.5%-99.9%) in the DIL group vs 87.4% (95% CI, 80.4%-95.1%) in the CAU group. The incidence of depressive symptoms (GHQ-12) was also less (12-month mean difference, -1.18; 95% CI, -2.03 to -0.31; group × time interaction P < .001). There were no changes in measures of disability or cognition. The DIL intervention was associated with a significantly greater lowering of systolic blood pressure (12-month mean difference, -6.98; 95% CI, -11.96 to -2.01; group × time interaction P < .001) and change in body mass index (12-month mean difference, 0.23; 95% CI, -0.97 to 1.43; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The DIL intervention is effective for preventing episodes of major depression in older persons with subsyndromal symptoms. If replicated, the DIL intervention may be effective in older adults living in low- and middle-income countries.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02145429.

Intervention development for the indicated prevention of depression in later life: the "DIL" protocol in Goa, India

Because depression is a major source of the global burden of illness- related disability, developing effective strategies for reducing its incidence is an important public health priority, especially in low-income countries, where resources for treating depression are scarce. We describe in this report an intervention development project, funded by the US National Institute of Mental Health, to address "indicated" prevention of depression in older adults attending rural and urban primary care clinics in Goa, India. Specifically, participants in the "DIL" ("Depression in Later Life") trial were older adults living with mild, subsyndromal symptoms of depression and anxiety and thus at substantial risk for transitioning to fully syndromal major depression and anxiety disorders. Building upon the MANAS treatment trial ("Promoting Mental Health") led by Patel et al in the same locale, we present here lessons learned in the development and implementation of a protocol utilizing lay health counsellors (LHCs) who deliver a multi-component depression prevention intervention organized conceptually around Problem Solving Therapy for Primary Care (PST), with additional components addressing brief behavioural treatment of sleep disturbances such as insomnia, meeting basic social casework needs, and education in self- management of prevalent comorbid chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. To our knowledge, DIL is the first randomized clinical trial addressing the prevention of depressive disorders ever conducted in a low- or middle-income country.