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Liu Y, Liu K, Zhang X, Guo Q. Does digital infrastructure improve public Health? A quasi-natural experiment based on China's Broadband policy. Soc Sci Med 2024; 344:116624. [PMID: 38290184 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
This study proposed a scheme for improving people's health from the perspective of digital infrastructure construction. We used the China Family Panel Studies conducted between 2010 and 2020 and the digital infrastructure construction marked by the Broadband China policy between 2014 and 2016 as a quasi-natural experiment. We adopted the multi-time difference-in-differences method to identify the causal relationship between digital infrastructure and people's health. We found that digital infrastructure construction significantly improved people's health, and the effect was more prominent among young and middle-aged residents and those with less than a university education. Moreover, digital infrastructure construction improved the utilization of medical services, helped residents develop healthy lifestyles, and increased people's health investments. Additionally, digital infrastructure reduced health inequality among people and promoted health equity. The findings could guide future policies to improve people's health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Liu
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, 39 South College Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Keshan Liu
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, 39 South College Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - XiangLin Zhang
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, 39 South College Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Qiuyue Guo
- School of Government, Central University of Finance and Economics, 39 South College Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China.
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Nakada T, Kozawa T, Seino S, Murota S, Eto M, Shimasawa J, Shimizu Y, Tsurugano S, Katsukawa F, Sakamoto K, Washizaki H, Ishigaki Y, Sakamoto M, Takadama K, Yanai K, Matsuo O, Kameue C, Suzuki H, Kurotani K, Ohkawara K. A Community-Based Intervention to Enhance Subjective Well-Being in Older Adults: Study Design and Baseline Participant Profiles. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:322. [PMID: 38338206 PMCID: PMC10855773 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12030322] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Promoting subjective well-being is a crucial challenge in aging societies. In 2022, we launched a community-based intervention trial (the Chofu-Digital-Choju Movement). This initiative centered on fostering in-person and online social connections to enhance the subjective well-being of older adults. This paper describes the study design and baseline survey. This quasi-experimental study involved community-dwelling older adults aged 65-84 years in Chofu City, Tokyo, Japan. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 3742 residents (1681 men and 2061 women), and a baseline survey was conducted in January 2022. We assessed subjective well-being (primary outcome); psychosocial, physical, and dietary factors; and the use of information and communication technology variables (secondary outcomes) among the participants. After the intervention involving online classes, community hubs, and community events, a 2-year follow-up survey will be conducted to evaluate the effects of the intervention, comparing the intervention group (participants) with the control group (non-participants). We received 2503 questionnaires (66.9% response rate); of these, the analysis included 2343 questionnaires (62.6% valid response rate; mean age, 74.4 (standard deviation, 5.4) years; 43.7% male). The mean subjective well-being score was 7.2 (standard deviation, 1.9). This study will contribute to the development of a prototype subjective well-being strategy for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsubasa Nakada
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Takako Kozawa
- Faculty of Human Health, Komazawa Women’s University, Tokyo 206-8511, Japan
| | - Satoshi Seino
- Research Team for Social Participation and Healthy Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Shinichi Murota
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
| | - Miki Eto
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Osaka University of Economics, Osaka 533-8533, Japan
| | - Junko Shimasawa
- School of Nursing, The Jikei University, Tokyo 182-8570, Japan
| | - Yumiko Shimizu
- School of Nursing, The Jikei University, Tokyo 182-8570, Japan
| | - Shinobu Tsurugano
- Center for Health Sciences and Counseling, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Fuminori Katsukawa
- Sports Medicine Research Center, Keio University, Yokohama 223-8521, Japan
| | - Kazunori Sakamoto
- Green Computing Systems Research Organization, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan
| | - Hironori Washizaki
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Fundamental Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo 169-8050, Japan
| | - Yo Ishigaki
- Research Center for Realizing Sustainable Societies, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Maki Sakamoto
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Keiki Takadama
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Keiji Yanai
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Osamu Matsuo
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Chiyoko Kameue
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Hitomi Suzuki
- Office for Research Strategy, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
| | - Kayo Kurotani
- Faculty of Food and Health Sciences, Showa Women’s University, Tokyo 154-8533, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ohkawara
- Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo 182-8585, Japan
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Edwards MT. Patient-reported outcomes of ayurveda consultation in relation to clinical practice data. Explore (NY) 2023; 19:721-729. [PMID: 36822960 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.02.006] [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] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical practice characteristics and patient-reported outcomes for Ayurveda have not been adequately studied. METHODS From January 2 thru February 28, 2022, all clients first seen during the 9-year period ending December 31, 2021, were solicited to respond to a web-based 34-item questionnaire containing 5 items targeting their general experience, 7 focusing on specific results, and 22 examining the implementation and impact of common Ayurvedic recommendations. These data were combined with practice data to develop linear regression models for the main outcome variables to assess improvement and the drivers of change. RESULTS 170 responses were received from 252 eligible clients: an overall response rate of 67%. Test-retest data for 57 respondents gave a reliability coefficient of 0.83 [0.69-0.91]. The outcomes of consultation were independent of the mode of interaction (in-person vs. telehealth) and whether pulse diagnosis information was available. 85% were at least Satisfied with their overall consultation experience. The mean difference in health from before consultation to the survey was 1.2 [1.0-1.4] on a 7-point scale. 61% reported Much to Exceptional benefit. On average, 63% rated themselves as at least Somewhat Better in terms of physical well-being, emotional well-being, sleep, digestion, bowel function, fitness and energy. These findings were buttressed by clinically significant changes on 4 clinical assessment questionnaires among 60 clients. Engaging in follow-up and adopting recommendations were associated with better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Consultation with a practitioner of Ayurveda may provide substantial probability of durable holistic health benefit and improvement in chronic conditions with minimal risk of harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc T Edwards
- School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; Physiology and Health, Maharishi International University, Fairfield, IA, United States.
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Zhu C, Lian Z, Huang Y, Zhong Q, Wang J. Association between subjective well-being and all-cause mortality among older adults in China. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:624. [PMID: 37626305 PMCID: PMC10463678 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05079-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies in high-income countries have suggested a positive association between subjective well-being (SWB) and mortality, studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries, such as China, are scarce. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between SWB and all-cause mortality among the older Chinese population. METHODS Data were from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a population-based longitudinal cohort study in 22 of 31 provinces in mainland China. A total of 13,282 individuals aged 65 ≥ years who were recruited in 2002 and followed-up until 2018 were included. SWB was assessed with an eight-item tool covering life satisfaction, positive affect (including optimism, happiness, personal control and conscientiousness) and negative affect (including anxiety, loneliness and uselessness). Cox proportional hazards regression methods were carried out to estimate the association between SWB and total mortality, adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders. Subgroup analyses and interaction analyses were further conducted. RESULTS During the 16.5 years of follow-up, 8459 deaths were identified. Greater SWB was independently associated with a reduced risk of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81-0.89) after adjustment for age, sex, marital status, education level, place of residence, smoking status, drinking, exercise, diet, BMI, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases and cancer. Of the eight individual SWB symptoms, only 2 items, feelings of uselessness (adjusted HR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.89-0.99) and happiness (adjusted HR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86-0.95), were significantly associated with total mortality. Associations remained significant across all subgroups regardless of different characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Higher SWB overall and 2 certain symptoms (feelings of uselessness and happiness) were independently associated with all-cause mortality risk among older Chinese adults. The association was consistent across different groups, suggesting that promoting a healthier SWB may be beneficial to all older individuals irrespective of their characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsu Zhu
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No. 420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Lian
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No. 420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, China.
| | - Yongying Huang
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No. 420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, China
| | - Qiaofeng Zhong
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No. 420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, China
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No. 420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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Kühn M, Dudel C, Werding M. Maternal health, well-being, and employment transitions: A longitudinal comparison of partnered and single mothers in Germany. SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH 2023; 114:102906. [PMID: 37597922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2023.102906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Balancing parenthood and employment can be challenging and distressing, particularly for single mothers. At the same time, transitioning to employment can improve the financial situations of single mothers and provide them with access to social networks, which can have beneficial effects on their health and well-being. Currently, however, it is not well understood whether the overall impact of employment on single mothers is positive or negative, and to what extent it differs from the impact of employment on partnered mothers. Building on the literature on work-family conflict, we investigate the differential effects of employment transitions on the health and well-being of single mothers and partnered mothers. Using longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (1992-2016), we apply panel regression techniques that address the potential endogeneity of maternal employment, as well as the dynamic nature of the relationship between employment transitions and maternal health and well-being. We find that employment has a positive impact on single mothers, and that single mothers benefit from employment significantly more than partnered mothers. Surprisingly, income does not appear to be an important driver of these results. Overall, our findings suggest that employment plays a key role in the well-being of single mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mine Kühn
- Tilburg University, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Sociology, PO Box 90153, 5000, LE Tilburg, Netherlands; Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Konrad-Zuse-Str. 1, 18055, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Christian Dudel
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Konrad-Zuse-Str. 1, 18055, Rostock, Germany; Federal Institute for Population Research, Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 4, 65185, Wiesbaden, Germany; Max Planck - University of Helsinki Center for Social Inequalities in Population Health, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Martin Werding
- Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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Pathak S, Wang H, Seals K, Adusumilli NC, Holston D. Self-assessed health status and obesity vulnerability in rural Louisiana: A cross-sectional analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287181. [PMID: 37327219 PMCID: PMC10275442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rural communities are resource-constrained and at higher risk of obesity and obesity-related conditions. Thus, studying self-assessed health status and underlying vulnerabilities is critical to provide insights to the program planners for effective and efficient planning of obesity prevention programs. This study aims to investigate the correlates of self-assessed health status and subsequently determine the obesity vulnerability level of residents in rural communities. Randomly sampled data were obtained from in-person community surveys in three rural Louisiana counties-East Carroll, Saint Helena, and Tensas-in June 2021. The association of social-demographic factors, grocery store choice, and exercise frequency with self-assessed health was investigated using the ordered logit model. An obesity vulnerability index was constructed using the weights obtained from the principal component analysis. The results show that gender, race, education, possession of children, exercise frequency, and grocery store choice significantly influence self-assessed health status. Around 20% of respondents fall into the most-vulnerable segment and 65% of respondents are vulnerable to obesity. The obesity vulnerability index ranged from -4.036 to 4.565, indicating a wide heterogeneity in the vulnerability level of rural residents. The findings show that the self-assessed health status of rural residents is not promising along with a high level of vulnerability to obesity. The findings from this study could serve as a reference in the policy discussion regarding an effective and efficient suite of interventions in rural communities to address obesity and promote well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Pathak
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Louisiana State University (LSU) and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Louisiana State University (LSU) and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Katherine Seals
- School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Naveen C. Adusumilli
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Louisiana State University (LSU) and LSU Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Denise Holston
- School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America
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7
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Ren W, Tarimo CS, Liang Z. Current state, equality level and trends of self-rated health among old adults with intact physical condition. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1056. [PMID: 37264357 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15970-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-rated health among old adults (SHOA) indicates individuals' subjective assessments and evaluations of their overall health based on objective physical circumstances. The purpose of this study was to analyze the current state and influencing factors of the subjective perception-based self-rated health (SH) by qualifying selected older adults with similar objective physical conditions, as well as to explore the equality and changing trends of SHOA based on influencing factors. METHODS This study designed a cross-sectional study, conducted in three provinces in east, central and west China, and included 1,153 older adults (> = 60 years) with intact physical condition (IPC). The current state of SHOA and its influencing factors were analyzed using mean comparisons and Logistic regression (LR) models. The equality level and trend of SHOA's effect on health literacy, health habits, and access to health care were determined using the Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, and Vector Autoregression (VAR) model. RESULTS The mean SHOA with IPC was 74.37 ± 13.22. Findings from LR modeling indicated that SHOA with IPC was mainly influenced by age and communication methods (P < 0.05). It was also observed that the total Gini coefficient of the allocation of SHOA with IPC based on communication methods was equal to 0.0188, and the VAR results showed that the total effect of change in SHOA on health literacy among older adults was negative and its duration of the effect exceeded 50. CONCLUSIONS The SHOA with IPC was shown to be better and was primarily influenced by age and communication methods. The observed effect of SHOA on health literacy was negative and lasting. To improve SHOA with IPC even further, policymakers could consider promoting the use of modern and convenient communication methods (such as smartphones) through training and purchasing subsidies, as well as focusing on increasing sustained attention and promoting health literacy and behavior among older adults with improved SH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weicun Ren
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Wuhan University Health Governance Research Centre, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Clifford Silver Tarimo
- College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, Dares Salaam Institute of Technology, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Zhang Liang
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
- Wuhan University Health Governance Research Centre, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Wangliu Y. Does intergenerational support affect older People's social participation? An Empirical study of an older Chinese population. SSM Popul Health 2023; 22:101368. [PMID: 36873267 PMCID: PMC9974446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101368] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
As a means of social support, intergenerational support plays an essential role in encouraging older people to participate in society. Data on 3142 older adults were collected from the China Survey of Elderly Health Influencing Factors (CLHLS), and logistic regression models were used to determine the effects of several types of intergenerational support on social participation and whether self-rated health and life satisfaction mediated the associations between intergenerational support and social participation. Among all the three types of intergenerational support, the results showed that financial support and emotional support were positively associated with the social participation of the older Chinese in our sample. We observed rural-urban differences in the effects of financial support and emotional support on social participation, which were significant in the urban groups. Gender differences also exist in these relationships. The effects of emotional support on social participation were significant in both groups and the impact of financial support was obvious only in the female group. Regarding the mediating effect, financial support was found to improve the participants' self-rated health, which enhanced their social participation. Emotional support increased the participants' life satisfaction, which led to higher levels of social participation. Based on the findings of this study, policymakers should advocate to strengthen financial and emotional support from adult children in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Wangliu
- Department of Social Work, T.C. Cheng Building, United College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
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Phillips DM, Finkel D, Petkus AJ, Muñoz E, Pahlen S, Johnson W, Reynolds CA, Pedersen N. Longitudinal analyses indicate bidirectional associations between loneliness and health. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:1217-1225. [PMID: 35699236 PMCID: PMC11039305 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2087210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate temporal dynamics between loneliness and both objective and subjective health (i.e. functional impairment and self-rated health) in mid- to late-adulthood. METHOD We applied bivariate dual-change-score models to longitudinal data from 3 Swedish twin studies (N = 1,939) to explore dynamic associations between loneliness and health across 3 age ranges (50-69, 70-81, and 82+ years) to investigate whether associations between loneliness and health change with age due to increasing incidence of chronic health conditions and bereavement. RESULTS Results showed bidirectional associations between loneliness and both objective and subjective health, with adverse impacts of loneliness observed on subsequent subjective and objective health beginning at age 70. Associations between health and subsequent loneliness were observed after age 82 and varied for subjective and objective health, with subjective health associated with less loneliness and objective health associated with greater loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate dynamic associations between loneliness and health with age in mid- to late-adulthood, with earlier impacts of loneliness on health and later impacts of health on loneliness that vary for objective and subjective measures of health. These findings suggest impacts of health on loneliness may arise later in life when worsening health or mobility interfere with social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianna M Phillips
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Deborah Finkel
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN, USA
- Institute for Gerontology, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Andrew J Petkus
- Department of Neurology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Muñoz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Shandell Pahlen
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, The University of Edinburgh
| | | | - Nancy Pedersen
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Kang W. Personality predicts self-rated health: considering age differences. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1143077. [PMID: 37205071 PMCID: PMC10185748 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1143077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Self-rated health (SRH) refers to the subjective evaluation of one's own health. Big Five personality traits including Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Openness, Conscientiousness, and Extraversion have been consistently found as significant predictors of SRH. In addition, SRH declines with age, and personality traits change with age. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that age might moderate the associations between personality traits and SRH. The current study analyzed data from 33,256 participants with a mean age of 45.78 years old and 55.92% females. The current study found that age significantly moderates the associations between Agreeableness, Openness, and Conscientiousness and SRH after controlling for demographic covariates. The current study implies that personality traits relate to SRH differently at different ages. Thus, studies regarding the associations between personality traits and SRH must take the interactions between age and personality traits into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixi Kang
- Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Patrão AL, da Conceição Almeida M, Henriques A, M Alvim Matos S, Barros H, Harter Griep R, Aquino EML. Body image distortion among Brazilian and Portuguese women with children: A comparative study between the ELSA-Brasil and Generation XXI cohorts. Prev Med 2022; 164:107316. [PMID: 36273617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Solid evidence indicates that body image distortion is associated with various physical and mental health problems in women (e.g. Lee and Lee, 2016; Mölbert et al., 2017; Raj and Ploriya, 2020; Sagar, 2005; Shin et al., 2015). Furthermore, body image has been shown to vary according to life context and stage, particularly after a woman has had children. This scenario justifies the comparison between different countries and cultures. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated factors of body image distortion/accuracy in Brazilian and Portuguese women with children. The study assessed women selected from two epidemiological cohorts: ELSA-Brasil in Brazil (n = 1468) and Generation XXI in Portugal (n = 3380). The data analyzed were based on multidimensional questionnaires from which sociodemographic and family characteristics as well as data associated with lifestyle and health were obtained. The results show that most women in both cohorts had an accurate perception of their own body size. In cases of distorted self-perception, the likelihood of the Brazilian women perceiving themselves as being heavier was greater if they had had cancer, whereas the Portuguese women were less likely to perceive themselves as heavier when they had less schooling. Perceiving themselves as thinner than they actually are, was associated with poorer self-perception of their own state of health in the Brazilian women and with poorer schooling in both the Brazilian and Portuguese women. The present findings contribute towards improving understanding of the influence of body image distortion on the health and wellbeing of Brazilian and Portuguese women, possibly leading to the implementation of health-promoting policies in both countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luísa Patrão
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto (CPUP), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, R. Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Collective Health Institute, Federal University of Bahia, R. Basílio da Gama, s/n, Canela, 40110-040 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Maria da Conceição Almeida
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rua Waldemar Falcão, 121, Candeal, 40296-710 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Ana Henriques
- EPIUnit, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Rua das Taipas, 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Sheila M Alvim Matos
- Collective Health Institute, Federal University of Bahia, R. Basílio da Gama, s/n, Canela, 40110-040 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
| | - Henrique Barros
- EPIUnit, Institute of Public Health, University of Porto, Rua das Taipas, 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal; Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), Porto, Portugal; Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rosane Harter Griep
- Laboratory of Education in the Environment and Health, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Av. Brasil, 4365, Manguinhos, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Estela M L Aquino
- Collective Health Institute, Federal University of Bahia, R. Basílio da Gama, s/n, Canela, 40110-040 Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
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Age Moderates the Link between Epilepsy and Self-Rated Health (SRH). J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206175. [PMID: 36294496 PMCID: PMC9604771 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206175] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most severe neurological diseases that affect people around the globe. Self-rated health (SRH) refers to one’s subjective evaluation of their own health and is associated with various outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. Thus, understanding the association between epilepsy and SRH is of great importance. Moreover, SRH generally decreases with age. The aim of the current study is to test whether age moderates the link between epilepsy and SRH. The current study used a hierarchical regression and three multiple regressions to analyze the associations between epilepsy and SRH in 529 epilepsy patients and 46,978 healthy controls from the United Kingdom. The current study found that age significantly moderates the association between epilepsy and SRH. Specifically, epilepsy status was negatively related to SRH in young people (b = −0.69, p < 0.001, 95% C.I. [−0.84, −0.54]), more strongly in middle-aged adults (b = −0.81, p < 0.001, 95% C.I. [−0.95, −0.66]), and most strongly in older adults (b = −0.89, p < 0.001, 95% C.I. [−1.09, −0.69]). The current study may imply that older adults need more attention in terms of their SRH, which is closely associated with outcomes. Clinicians and health professionals should come up with ways that improve SRH in people with epilepsy, especially for older adults with epilepsy.
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13
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Castillo-Riquelme M, Yamada G, Diez Roux AV, Alfaro T, Flores-Alvarado S, Barrientos T, Teixeira Vaz C, Trotta A, Sarmiento OL, Lazo M. Aging and self-reported health in 114 Latin American cities: gender and socio-economic inequalities. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1499. [PMID: 35932016 PMCID: PMC9356475 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13752-2] [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: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding how urban environments influence people’s health, especially as individuals age, can help identify ways to improve health in the rapidly urbanizing and rapidly aging populations. Objectives To investigate the association between age and self-reported health (SRH) in adults living in Latin-American cities and whether gender and city-level socioeconomic characteristics modify this association. Methods Cross-sectional analyses of 71,541 adults aged 25–97 years, from 114 cities in 6 countries (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, El Salvador, and Guatemala), as part of the Salud Urbana en America Latina (SALURBAL) Project. We used individual-level age, gender, education, and self-reported health (SRH) data from harmonized health surveys. As proxies for socioeconomic environment we used a city-level socioeconomic index (SEI) calculated from census data, and gross domestic product (GDP) per-capita. Multilevel Poisson models with a robust variance were used to estimate relative risks (RR), with individuals nested in cities and binary SRH (poor SHR vs. good SRH) as the outcome. We examined effect modification by gender and city-level socioeconomic indicators. Results Overall, 31.4% of the sample reported poor SRH. After adjusting for individual-level education, men had a lower risk of poor SRH (RR = 0.76; CI 0.73–0.78) compared to women, and gender modified the association between age and poor SRH (p-value of interaction < 0.001). In gender stratified models, the association between older age and poor SRH was more pronounced in men than in women, and in those aged 25–65 than among those 65+ (RR/10 years = 1.38 vs. 1.10 for men, and RR/10 years = 1.29 vs. 1.02 for women). Living in cities with higher SEI or higher GDP per-capita was associated with a lower risk of poor SRH. GDP per-capita modified the association between age (25–65) and SRH in men and women, with SEI the interaction was less clear. Conclusions Across cities in Latin America, aging impact on health is significant among middle-aged adults, and among men. In both genders, cities with lower SEI or lower GDP per-capita were associated with poor SRH. More research is needed to better understand gender inequalities and how city socioeconomic environments, represented by different indicators, modify exposures and vulnerabilities associated with aging. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13752-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Castillo-Riquelme
- Doctoral Program in Public Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Avenida Independencia, 939, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Goro Yamada
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ana V Diez Roux
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tania Alfaro
- Doctoral Program in Public Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Avenida Independencia, 939, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sandra Flores-Alvarado
- Doctoral Program in Public Health, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Avenida Independencia, 939, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Camila Teixeira Vaz
- Campus Centro-Oeste Dona Lindu, Federal University of São João del-Rei, Divinópolis, Brazil
| | - Andrés Trotta
- Institute of Collective Health, National University of Lanus, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Mariana Lazo
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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14
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Grazuleviciene R, Andrusaityte S, Rapalavicius A, Dėdelė A. Environmentally related gender health risks: findings from citizen science cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1426. [PMID: 35883175 PMCID: PMC9325661 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13824-3] [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: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Public engagement in the research of environmental epidemiological problems is becoming an important measure to empower citizens to identify the local environmental and health problems and to explain different environmental exposures affect estimates for males and females. This HORIZON2020 CitieS-Health Kaunas Pilot study examines the relationship between urban built and social environment, health behaviors, and health in men and women. Methods This cross-sectional study included 1086 18–74-year-old participants residing in 11 districts of Kaunas city, Lithuania. Using GIS, we measured traffic flow, noise, NO2, PM2.5, PM10, and greenness NDVI for the participants’ home addresses, determined participants’ perceptions of environmental quality, linked this information with personal sociodemographic data, and used multivariate logistic regression to assess the associations with health issues (physician-diagnosed chronic disease and self-rated general health) in men and women. Results Men and women similar rated the quality of the neighborhood environment, except for air pollution and satisfaction with the public transport in the district. The traffic-related health associations were stronger for women than for men. The prevalence of poor health increased with the increasing age of men and women, yet no significant differences between gender health risks were found in the total sample. Perceived air pollution, irregular visits to green space, and chronic diseases were consistently associated with poor health risks in men and women, yet part-time jobs and low income had a higher impact on women’s poor health. Conclusions Quality of the built neighborhood, air pollution, irregular visits to the green space, and chronic disease had a joint effect on the magnitude of the prevalence of poor health in men and women. Our results suggest that decreasing air pollution and improving the urban built neighborhood supporting citizens’ physical activity in green spaces, might reduce health risks for all. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13824-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Grazuleviciene
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Sandra Andrusaityte
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Aurimas Rapalavicius
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania.,Department of Family Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 48005, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Audrius Dėdelė
- Department of Environmental Science, Vytautas Magnus University, 44248, Kaunas, Lithuania
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15
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Cardiovascular Risk Perception and Knowledge among Italian Women: Lessons from IGENDA Protocol. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11061695. [PMID: 35330019 PMCID: PMC8951381 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11061695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A multicenter, cross-sectional observational study (Italian GENder Differences in Awareness of Cardiovascular risk, IGENDA study) was carried out to evaluate the perception and knowledge of cardiovascular risk among Italian women. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by 4454 women (44.3 ± 14.1 years). The 70% of respondents correctly identified cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the leading cause of death. More than half of respondents quoted cancer as the greatest current and future health problem of women of same age. Sixty percent of interviewed women considered CVD as an almost exclusively male condition. Although respondents showed a good knowledge of the major cardiovascular risk factors, the presence of cardiovascular risk factors was not associated with higher odds of identifying CVD as the biggest cause of death. Less than 10% of respondents perceived themselves as being at high CVD risk, and the increased CVD risk perception was associated with ageing, higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors and disease, and a poorer self-rated health status. The findings of this study highlight the low perception of cardiovascular risk in Italian women and suggest an urgent need to enhance knowledge and perception of CVD risk in women as a real health problem and not just as a as a life-threatening threat.
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16
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Thonglor R, Nakamura K, Seino K. The association between living arrangements and subjective health and well-being among older adults in Thailand: a special focus on skip-generation households. J Rural Med 2022; 17:205-213. [PMID: 36397800 PMCID: PMC9613374 DOI: 10.2185/jrm.2022-023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Older adults in skip-generation households (SGHs) play a valuable role in maintaining the cohesion of extended families in the absence of the middle generation.
Little is known about the health and well-being of older adults in SGHs or how it varies depending on their age. This study aimed to examine 1) the association between living in SGHs and
subjective health and well-being and 2) the association between subjective health and well-being of older adults in SGHs across age groups. Methods: Drawing data from the 2017 national survey of older people, older adults aged ≥60 years without disability in activities of daily living (n=38,088) were included for
multiple regression analyses. Living arrangements were classified into SGHs and non-SGHs. Subjective health was evaluated based on self-rated health, whereas subjective well-being was
evaluated using a happiness score. Ordinal logistic regression and linear regression models, stratified by age groups (young-old, 60–69; middle-old, 70–79; and old-old, ≥80), compared
subjective health and well-being of older adults in SGHs and non-SHGs, while controlling for potential covariates. Results: Among older Thai adults, 10.1% lived in SGHs, and 11.1%, 9.5%, and 6.3% were among the young-old, middle-old, and old-old, respectively. Across age groups, older
adults living in SGHs reported better health status but worse well-being than those living in non-SGHs. Older adults from the old-old group living in SGHs seemed to report the best health
status, whereas those in the young-old and old-old groups tended to report the worst well-being. The direction of the association between living arrangements and subjective health and
well-being did not differ by age group. Conclusion: Better health status but worse well-being were observed in SGHs. Social sectors should pay attention to the well-being of these older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romnalin Thonglor
- Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Keiko Nakamura
- Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Kaoruko Seino
- Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
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17
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Verwijs MH, van de Rest O, van der Putten GJ, de Groot LCPGM, Boesveldt S. The Effect of Food Odor Exposure on Appetite and Nutritional Intake of Older Adults with Dementia. J Nutr Health Aging 2022; 26:112-118. [PMID: 35166301 DOI: 10.1007/s12603-021-1719-y] [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: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dementia can lead to decreased appetite and nutritional intake. Food odor exposure has been shown to increase appetite and nutritional intake in young healthy adults. This study investigates the effect of food odor exposure on appetite, nutritional intake and body weight of Dutch nursing home residents with dementia. DESIGN This was a one-armed, non-randomized, non-blinded intervention study consisting of a four-week control period followed by a twelve-week intervention period. SETTING Four nursing homes in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Forty-five nursing home residents with dementia. INTERVENTION During the intervention period, odors were dispersed prior to the main meals. MEASUREMENTS General and specific appetite for sweet and savory foods was measured weekly. Nutritional intake was measured once during the control period and three times during the intervention period through a 3-day food record. Body weight was assessed at the start and end of the control period and at the start, end and halfway the intervention period. Data were analyzed with linear mixed models. RESULTS Small changes in general and specific appetite were observed after odor exposure. Overall energy intake did not change during the first four intervention weeks, but increased during the second and third (+118kcal/d, p=0.003 and +122kcal/d, p=0.004). Protein intake and body weight did not significantly change during the study. CONCLUSION In this study, no clinically relevant changes in appetite, nutritional intake and body weight were observed after food odor exposure. Future studies should assess the effect of natural food odors and/or meal-tailored odors on nutritional intake of older adults with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Verwijs
- Sanne Boesveldt, Wageningen University and Research, Human Nutrition and Health, Stippeneng 4, 6708WE Wageningen, the Netherlands;
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18
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HOMEFOOD randomised trial – Six-month nutrition therapy improves quality of life, self-rated health, cognitive function, and depression in older adults after hospital discharge. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 48:74-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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19
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Storm RK, Jakobsen TG. Does international elite sporting success or hosting major events affect self-rated health? An examination of potential positive externalities related to international sporting tournaments. MANAGING SPORT AND LEISURE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23750472.2021.2004914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus K. Storm
- Danish Institute for Sports Studies, Århus, Denmark
- NTNU Business School, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tor Georg Jakobsen
- NTNU Business School, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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20
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Guan A, Kim-Mozeleski JE, Vyas P, Stewart SL, Gildengorin G, Burke NJ, Ma K, Pham AT, Tan J, Lu Q, McPhee SJ, Tsoh JY. Neighborhood Ethnic Composition and Self-rated Health Among Chinese and Vietnamese American Immigrants. J Immigr Minor Health 2021; 23:574-582. [PMID: 32617753 PMCID: PMC8208464 DOI: 10.1007/s10903-020-01041-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Immigrants tend to live in areas with higher co-ethnic density, and the effect of neighborhood ethnic composition could be particularly salient for health. This study explored associations between neighborhood ethnic composition and self-rated health among Asian immigrants. We analyzed data collected at baseline from 670 Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants enrolled in a lifestyle intervention trial. Residential addresses were geocoded and combined with neighborhood socio-demographic profiles based on census data. We used generalized estimating equations to examine neighborhood ethnic composition and self-rated health. Independent of individual-level factors, living in neighborhoods more densely populated by whites was associated with poor/fair self-rated health. Neighborhood household income and density of participants' own ethnic group were not associated with poor/fair self-rated health. More research is warranted to disentangle reasons why Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants living in white-concentrated neighborhoods reported poorer self-rated health, including investigating effects of discrimination, relative deprivation, and availability of social resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Guan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jin E Kim-Mozeleski
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Priyanka Vyas
- Center for Tobacco Research and Education, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susan L Stewart
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ginny Gildengorin
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nancy J Burke
- Department of Public Health, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA.,Asian American Research Center on Health, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kris Ma
- Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amber T Pham
- Department of Psychology, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Judy Tan
- Division of Prevention Science, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Qian Lu
- Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen J McPhee
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Janice Y Tsoh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, 401 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA. .,Asian American Research Center on Health, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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21
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Associations Between Hearing Health and Well-Being in Unilateral Hearing Impairment. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 42:520-530. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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22
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Yuan Q, Tan GTH, Wang P, Devi F, Goveas R, Magadi H, Ng LL, Chong SA, Subramaniam M. Combining a variable-centered and a person-centered analytical approach to caregiving burden - a holistic approach. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:286. [PMID: 33931027 PMCID: PMC8086073 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Informal caregivers of persons with dementia often experience elevated levels of caregiving burden. However, existing studies tend to use a variable-centered approach to explore it. This study aims to understand the caregiving burden of informal caregivers of persons with dementia in Singapore through a combination of variable-centered and person-centered analytical approaches, and explore the correlates of identified factors and latent classes of caregiving burden. Methods Zarit Burden Interview was used to gauge the caregiving burden of 282 primary informal caregivers of persons with dementia recruited through convenience sampling in Singapore. Factor analysis and latent class analysis were conducted to identify the latent factors and the latent classes of Zarit Burden Interview, followed by multiple linear regression and multinomial logistic regression to explore their significant correlates. Results The analyses suggested a 17-item 3-factor structure for Zarit burden interview and three mutually exclusive caregiving burden classes. Regression analyses found that caregiving related variables especially care recipients’ memory and behaviour problems were correlated with both the factors and latent classes of caregiving burden. Conclusions The combination of these two approaches suggests that caregivers experiencing higher burden on one domain are likely to experience higher burden on the other two domains. This further supports the point that more attention should be given to caregivers who experience an overall high burden. Future research could explore the generalizability of our findings among caregivers elsewhere and explore the type of support needed by caregivers, especially those experiencing high burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Yuan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Gregory Tee Hng Tan
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Peizhi Wang
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fiona Devi
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Richard Goveas
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Harish Magadi
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ling Ng
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siow Ann Chong
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mythily Subramaniam
- Research Division, Institute of Mental Health, Buangkok Green Medical Park, 10 Buangkok View, 539747, Singapore, Singapore
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TÔrres LHDN, Fagundes MLB, Silva DDD, Neri AL, Hilgert JB, Hugo FN, Sousa MDLRD. Self-rated general and oral health and associated factors in independently-living older individuals. Braz Oral Res 2020; 34:e079. [PMID: 32696912 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2020.vol34.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify the association between sociodemographic, general health, and oral health data with self-rated general health (SRGH) and self-rated oral health (SROH) in independent-living older Brazilians. This cross-sectional study was part of a larger study with older individuals living independently in the city of Campinas, Brazil - the "Rede FIBRA" Study (the Frailty in Brazilian Elderly Study). A random sample of 688 older individuals responded the SRGH and 673, the SROH. SRHG and SROH were both assessed using a single item. The questionnaire included sociodemographic, general, and oral health data. The mean age was 72.28 ± 5.4 years. The adjusted analysis revealed that the probability of rating general health as bad was higher for illiterate participants (PR: 1.77, 95%CI: 1.13-2.77) or with low educational level (PR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.17-2.65), those with depressive symptoms (PR: 1.45, 95%CI:1.21-1.74), participants that self-reported food limitation due to problems with denture or lack of it (PR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.05-1.56), and those with xerostomia (PR 1.40, 95%CI: 1.17-1.67). The probability of rating general health as bad was lower for participants that presented 0-2 chronic diseases (PR: 0.64, 95%CI: 0.53-0.78) and were pre-frail (PR: 0.76, 95%CI: 0.61-0.96). With regard to SROH, the probability of rating oral health as bad was higher for participants with natural teeth (PR:1.61, 95%CI: 1.24-2.08), that reported xerostomia (PR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.13-1.84), and food limitation due to problems with denture or lack of it (PR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.07-1,91), and lower for participants that reported having enough money to cover daily expenses (PR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.61-0.99). Oral health data and income seem to be related to self-perceptions of general and oral health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Débora Dias da Silva
- Departament of Community and Dental Health, Dental School, Universidade Paulista, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Anita Liberalesso Neri
- Departament of Genrontology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Balbinot Hilgert
- Departament of Preventive and Social Dentistry, Dental School, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernando Neves Hugo
- Departament of Preventive and Social Dentistry, Dental School, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa
- Department of Health Sciences and Pediatric Dentistry, Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil
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Lysberg F, Innstrand ST, Cvancarova Småstuen M, Lysberg C, Høie MM, Espnes GA. Age groups changes in self-rated health: A prospective longitudinal study over a 20-year period using Health Survey of North Trøndelag data. Scand J Public Health 2020; 49:845-850. [DOI: 10.1177/1403494820904626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in self-rated health (SRH) between different age groups and sexes over a 20-year period. Methods: Data were retrieved from the large longitudinal Health Survey of North Trøndelag, Norway, which includes data collected from more than 190,000 participants aged 20–70+ years between the years 1984 and 2008. Data were analysed using logistic regression and adjusted for sex. Results: From 1984 to 2008, the odds of scoring higher on SRH decreased by 46% in the youngest age group (20–29 years) and increased by approximately 35% in the middle-aged and older age groups (40–70+ years). When considering sex differences, women in most age groups scored lower than the men on their SRH. Conclusions: Our finding suggest a trending shift in SRH, with a reduction in the youngest age group (20–29 years) and an increase in the middle-aged and older age groups (40–70+ years). Despite the sex differences being small, our data indicate that in most age groups, women tend to score lower than men on their SRH. Future studies should focus on these trends to understand better the mechanisms underlying these changes in SRH and to follow future trends to see if the trend is reinforced or diminished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frode Lysberg
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
- NTNU Centre for Health Promotion Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
- Department of Psychosocial Health, Faculty of Health and Sport, University of Agder, Norway
| | - Siw Tone Innstrand
- NTNU Centre for Health Promotion Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | | | | | - Magnhild Mjåvatn Høie
- Department of Psychosocial Health, Faculty of Health and Sport, University of Agder, Norway
| | - Geir Arild Espnes
- NTNU Centre for Health Promotion Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
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Correlates of Poor Self-Assessed Health Status among Socially Disadvantaged Populations in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041372. [PMID: 32093311 PMCID: PMC7068486 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Self-assessment of health is recommended as valuable source of information about subjective health status. The present study was performed to evaluate the correlates of self-rated health status among beneficiaries of social care in Poland. This assessment could be crucial for the implementation of targeted preventive measures among this valuable population. The study population consisted of 1710 beneficiaries of social care from the Piotrkowski District. The relationship between self-rated health status and its correlates (sociodemographic, lifestyle factors, and health conditions) was examined using logistic regression, with a poor health rating as the outcome. Overall, 11% of respondents declared poor self-assessed health status. Men more often rated health status as poor (15%) as compared to women (8.5%) (p < 0.001). The odds of a poor assessment of health increased with age, being unemployed or disabled/retired (OR = 2.34 95%CI (1.34–4.19) or OR = 9.07 95%CI (3.68–22.37), respectively), and additionally with poor life satisfaction (OR = 5.14 95% CI (1.94–13.64)). Regarding lifestyle characteristics, only binge drinking was associated with poor health status assessment (OR = 12.62 95%CI (3.71–42.87)). In addition, having any illness or health problems decreased health status (OR = 4.26 95%CI (1.36–13.31)). Socially-disadvantaged populations, especially men who poorly rated their health status, still constituted a large percentage of the population, which is an important public health problem. Increasing knowledge about the correlates of health status will allow greater prevention strategies to be developed for the population.
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Simonsson B, Molarius A. Self-rated health and associated factors among the oldest-old: results from a cross-sectional study in Sweden. Arch Public Health 2020; 78:6. [PMID: 32025299 PMCID: PMC6996178 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-020-0389-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Very few population-based studies have investigated self-rated health and related factors in the increasing age group 85 years or older. The aim of this study was to examine self-rated health and its association with living conditions, lifestyle factors, physical and mental health problems and functional ability among the oldest-old in the general population in Sweden. METHODS The study is cross-sectional and based on 1360 persons, 85 years of age or older, who answered a survey questionnaire sent to a random population sample in 2012 (participation rate 47%). Multivariate logistic regression was used as the statistical method. RESULTS The prevalence of good self-rated health was 39% in men and 30% in women. Physical inactivity, impaired physical mobility, pain, anxiety/depression and longstanding illness were independently associated with poorer than good self-rated health, while factors such as gender, age, educational level, cash margin, living alone, social support, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, accidents and impaired vision/hearing were not. CONCLUSIONS While a considerable part of the oldest-old assess their health as good, not being physically active and having common health problems such as pain and depression as well as impaired physical mobility are associated with poorer than good self-rated health. This should be considered when planning how to improve and maintain health in the growing population of persons 85 years and older.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Simonsson
- Competence Centre for Health, Region Västmanland, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Anu Molarius
- Centre for Clinical Research, Region Värmland, Karlstad, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
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Fang S, Wang XQ, Yang BX, Liu XJ, Morris DL, Yu SH. Survey of Chinese persons managing depressive symptoms: Help-seeking behaviours and their influencing factors. Compr Psychiatry 2019; 95:152127. [PMID: 31669791 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.152127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore help-seeking behaviours of Chinese persons managing depressive symptoms and factors that influence these behaviours. METHODS A survey of residents living in communities in Wuhan, China was conducted using stratified random sampling. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), the Actual Help-Seeking Questionnaire (AHSQ) and a socio-demographic questionnaire were completed by participants. Descriptive statistics were analyzed. A multiple linear regression model was used to explore factors associated with help-seeking behaviours. RESULTS Of the 1785 respondents, 672 (37.6%) reported that they experienced depressive symptoms during the past year, and of these respondents, 517 (76.9%) indicated that they sought assistance. Among help-seeking sources utilized by participants, informal help was sought most frequently (72.9%), followed by hotline/Internet assistance (14.3%), mental health professionals (MHPs) (7.9%) and general physicians (GPs) (3.7%). The results of multilinear regression analysis showed that participants who were adults (aged 25-64 years), attended junior and high school (7-12 years education), and lived in urban areas were more likely to seek additional assistance for their depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION Mental health promotion and education efforts are needed to improve the public's mental health literacy and to promote appropriate utilization of informal sources of assistance in managing depressive symptoms such as a hotline or the Internet. Further interventions need to be considered to reinforce use of social supports and mental health professionals, especially in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Fang
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, China
| | | | | | - Xiu Jun Liu
- Affiliated Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong, University of Science & Technology, China
| | - Diana L Morris
- Florence Cellar Associate Professor of Gerontological Nursing, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, University Center on Aging & Health, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | - Si Hong Yu
- School of Health Sciences, Wuhan University, China
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Vogelsang EM. Feeling Better at This Age? Investigating Three Explanations for Self-Rated Health Improvements Among the Oldest-Old. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2019; 58:825-834. [PMID: 28958058 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Although the majority of individuals in their 80s or 90s do not experience improving health, a significant portion of this age group either (a) subjectively assess their health as improving; or (b) demonstrate self-rated health improvements when comparing consecutive surveys. While there is a body of research that examines self-rated health declines in older ages, much less work has studied possible determinants of self-rated health improvements. This is important, since there is increasing evidence that oldest-old adults have unique health evaluative processes that are not yet well-understood. Research Design and Methods Using 21,155 observations from eight waves of the Asset and Health Dynamics survey (the oldest-old portion of the Health and Retirement Study), I use hierarchical linear models to test three explanations as to why the oldest-old may report or demonstrate self-rated health improvements: (a) normalized pre-existing chronic conditions, (b) positive lifestyle changes, and (c) recovery from recent prior health shocks. Results Health improvements calculated by comparing consecutive surveys were related to a recovery from four particular serious health diagnoses (cancer, stroke, heart disease, and lung disease). Conversely, explicitly reported health improvements were associated with normalizing pre-existing conditions. Lastly, starting a regular exercise routine was related to both types of health improvements; while the cessation of negative health behaviors (i.e., drinking and smoking) was not related to either type. Discussion and Implications These results suggest that while subjective health "improvements" among the oldest-old may be a sign of successful aging, they should be interpreted critically and cautiously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric M Vogelsang
- Department of Sociology, California State University-San Bernardino
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Self-Rated Health and Its Determinants in Female Population in Iran: A Community-Based Study. HEALTH SCOPE 2018. [DOI: 10.5812/jhealthscope.68258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Jasuja GK, Travison TG, Murabito JM, Davda MN, Rose AJ, Basaria S, Coviello A, Vasan RS, D'Agostino R, Bhasin S. Circulating Estrogen Levels and Self-Reported Health and Mobility Limitation in Community-Dwelling Men of the Framingham Heart Study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2017; 72:1137-1142. [PMID: 28329787 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glw197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Self-rated health is a commonly used global indicator of health status. Few studies have examined the association of self-rated health and mobility with estrone and estradiol in men. Accordingly, we determined the cross-sectional, incident, and mediating relations between circulating estrone and estradiol levels with self-rated health, mobility limitation, and physical performance in community-dwelling men. Methods The cross-sectional sample included 1,148 men, who attended Framingham Offspring Study Examinations 7 and 8. Estrone and estradiol levels were measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry at Examination 7. Self-reported mobility limitation and self-rated health were assessed at Examinations 7 and 8. Additionally, short physical performance battery, usual walking speed, and grip strength were assessed at Examination 7. Results In incident analysis, estradiol levels at Examination 7 were associated with increased odds of fair or poor self-rated health at Examination 8, after adjusting for age, body mass index, comorbidities, and testosterone levels; in an individual with 50% greater estradiol than other, the odds of reporting "fair or poor" self-rated health increased by 1.78 (95% confidence interval: 1.25-2.55; p = .001). Neither estrone nor estradiol levels were associated with any physical performance measure at baseline. Conclusions Higher circulating levels of estradiol are associated with increased risk of incident fair/poor self-rated health in community-dwelling men. The mechanisms by which circulating levels of estradiol are related to self-rated health in men need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guneet Kaur Jasuja
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford VA Medical Center, Massachusetts.,Boston University School of Public Health, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas G Travison
- Hebrew SeniorLife, Institute for Aging Research, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Joanne M Murabito
- The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Massachusetts.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
| | - Maithili N Davda
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Research Program in Men's Health, Aging and Metabolism, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Adam J Rose
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
| | - Shehzad Basaria
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Research Program in Men's Health, Aging and Metabolism, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrea Coviello
- Section of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
| | - Ramachandran S Vasan
- Boston University School of Public Health, Massachusetts.,The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Massachusetts.,Section of Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts
| | - Ralph D'Agostino
- The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Framingham Heart Study, Massachusetts.,Department of Mathematics, Boston University, Massachusetts
| | - Shalender Bhasin
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Research Program in Men's Health, Aging and Metabolism, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Charonis A, Kyriopoulos II, Spanakis M, Zavras D, Athanasakis K, Pavi E, Kyriopoulos J. Subjective social status, social network and health disparities: empirical evidence from Greece. Int J Equity Health 2017; 16:40. [PMID: 28241834 PMCID: PMC5327516 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-017-0533-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies suggest that socioeconomic status affects (SES) affects self-rated health (SRH), both in Greece and internationally. However, prior research mainly uses objective measures of SES, instead of subjective evaluations of individuals’ social status. Based on this, this paper aims to examine (a) the impact of the economic dowturn on SRH in Greece and (b) the relationship between subjective social status (SSS), social network and SRH. Methods The descriptive analysis is based on four cross-sectional surveys conducted by the National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece (2002, 2006, 2011, 2015), while the data for the empirical investigation were derived from the 2015 survey (Health + Welfare Survey GR). The empirical strategy is based on an ordinal logistic regression model, aiming to examine how several variables affect SRH. Size of social network and SSS are among the independent variables employed for the empirical analysis Results According to our findings, average SRH has deteriorated, and the percentage of the population that reports very good/good SRH has also decreased. Moreover, our empirical analysis suggests that age, existence of a chronic disease, size of social network and SSS affect SRH in Greece. Conclusion Our findings are consistent with the existing literature and confirm a social gradient in health. According to our analysis, health disparities can be largely attributed to socioeconomic inequalities. The adverse economic climate has impact on socioeconomic differences which in turn affect health disparities. Based on these, policy initiatives are necessasy in order to mitigate the negative impact on health and the disparities caused by economic dowturn and the occuring socioeconomic inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilias-Ioannis Kyriopoulos
- London School of Economics and Political Science, Houghton Street, London, WC2A 2AE, UK. .,Department of Health Economics, National School of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, 11521, Greece.
| | - Manos Spanakis
- Department of Health Economics, National School of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, 11521, Greece
| | - Dimitris Zavras
- Department of Health Economics, National School of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, 11521, Greece
| | - Kostas Athanasakis
- Department of Health Economics, National School of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, 11521, Greece
| | - Elpida Pavi
- Department of Health Economics, National School of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, 11521, Greece
| | - John Kyriopoulos
- Department of Health Economics, National School of Public Health, 196 Alexandras Avenue, Athens, 11521, Greece
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Franz CE, Finkel D, Panizzon MS, Spoon K, Christensen K, Gatz M, Kremen WS, Krueger R, Neiderhiser J, Reynolds C, Pedersen NL. Facets of Subjective Health From Early Adulthood to Old Age. J Aging Health 2016; 29:149-171. [PMID: 26832851 DOI: 10.1177/0898264315625488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Subjective health is a complex indicator predicting longevity independent of objective health. Few studies examine genetic and environmental mechanisms underlying different facets of subjective health across the life course. METHOD Three subjective health measures were examined in 12,900 twins ( Mage = 63.38, range = 25-102) from nine studies in the Interplay of Genes and Environment across Multiple Studies Consortium: self-rated health (SRH), health compared with others (COMP), and health interfering with activities (ACT). RESULTS Analyses indicated age and sex differences in mean scores depending on the measure. SRH and ACT showed significant linear and non-linear moderation by age for individual differences in both genetic and environmental variance. Significant sex differences in components of variance were found for SRH and ACT, but not COMP. DISCUSSION Subjective health appears to be dependent on frame of reference and reflect different aspects of health. Results suggest different genetic and environmental mechanisms underlie each facet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol E Franz
- 1 University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | | | | | - Kelly Spoon
- 1 University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | | | - Margaret Gatz
- 4 University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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Kraja F, Kraja B, Cakerri L, Burazeri G. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND LIFESTYLE CORRELATES OF SELF-PERCEIVED HEALTH STATUS IN A POPULATION-BASED SAMPLE OF ALBANIAN ADULT MEN AND WOMEN. Mater Sociomed 2016; 28:173-7. [PMID: 27482156 PMCID: PMC4949026 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2016.28.173-177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Self-perceived health is considered a suitable health indicator, based on a single item asking individuals to rate their health. It has been recommended as a reliable factor to assess the population health. Several socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants of self-perceived health status have been documented in different population. The aim of our study was to assess the socio-demographic and lifestyle correlates of self-perceived health status in a population-based sample of Albanian adult men and women. METHODS Data from 12,554 individuals aged ≥35 years collected by the Albania Living Standard Measurement Survey (LSMS) 2012, which is a national population-based cross-sectional study, were analyzed. The study participants rated their health in five categories: very good, good, average, poor and very poor, which in the analyses were dichotomized into "not poor" and "poor health". Other variables included demographic characteristics, economic level, employment status, smoking and alcohol intake. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of self-perceived health with demographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS Upon multivariate adjustment for all covariates in a backward stepwise elimination procedure, strong and significant "predictors" of poor self-perceived health status were older age (OR=3.0, 95%CI=2.4-3.7), unemployment (OR=5.6, 95%CI=4.0-7.8), male gender (OR=1.2, 95%CI=1.0-1.5), low education (OR=2.0, OR=1.3-3.0), current smoking (OR=1.7, 95%CI=1.2-2.4) and alcohol abstinence (OR=1.4, 95%CI=1.1-1.7). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the low socioeconomic groups in Albania have a significantly lower self-perceived health status. Furthermore, smoking was a significant "determinant" of poor self-perceived health in this study population, which is compatible with previous reports from other countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatjona Kraja
- University Clinic of Oncology, University Hospital Center Mother Teresa, Tirana Albania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana Albania
| | - Bledar Kraja
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana Albania
- University Clinic of Gastrohepatology, University Hospital Center Mother Teresa, Tirana Albania
| | - Luljeta Cakerri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana Albania
| | - Genc Burazeri
- Department of International Health, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Question order sensitivity of subjective well-being measures: focus on life satisfaction, self-rated health, and subjective life expectancy in survey instruments. Qual Life Res 2016; 25:2497-2510. [PMID: 27138962 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-016-1304-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examines the effect of question context created by order in questionnaires on three subjective well-being measures: life satisfaction, self-rated health, and subjective life expectancy. METHODS We conducted two Web survey experiments. The first experiment (n = 648) altered the order of life satisfaction and self-rated health: (1) life satisfaction asked immediately after self-rated health; (2) self-rated health immediately after life satisfaction; and (3) two items placed apart. We examined their correlation coefficient by experimental condition and further examined its interaction with objective health. The second experiment (n = 479) asked life expectancy before and after parental mortality questions. Responses to life expectancy were compared by order using ANOVA, and we examined interaction with parental mortality status using ANCOVA. Additionally, response time and probes were examined. RESULTS Correlation coefficients between self-rated health and life satisfaction differed significantly by order: 0.313 (life satisfaction first), 0.508 (apart), and 0.643 (self-rated health first). Differences were larger among respondents with chronic conditions. Response times were the shortest when self-rated health was asked first. When life expectancy asked after parental mortality questions, respondents reported considering parents more for answering life expectancy; and respondents with deceased parents reported significantly lower expectancy, but not those whose parents were alive. CONCLUSION Question context effects exist. Findings suggest placing life satisfaction and self-rated health apart to avoid artificial attenuation or inflation in their association. Asking about parental mortality prior to life expectancy appears advantageous as this leads respondents to consider parental longevity more, an important factor for true longevity.
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Mund M, Neyer FJ. The Winding Paths of the Lonesome Cowboy: Evidence for Mutual Influences Between Personality, Subjective Health, and Loneliness. J Pers 2015; 84:646-57. [PMID: 26112403 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prior research demonstrated influences of personality traits and their development on later status of subjective health and loneliness. In the present study, we intended to extend these findings by examining mutual influences between health-related characteristics and personality traits and their development over time. German adults were assessed at two time points across 15 years (NT1 = 654, NT2 = 271; Mage at Time 1 = 24.39, SD = 3.69). Data were analyzed with multivariate structural equation models and a multivariate latent change model. Neuroticism was found to predict later levels and the development of subjective health and loneliness. While subjective health likewise predicted later levels of Neuroticism, loneliness was found to be predictive of later levels as well as the development of Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Conscientiousness. Correlated changes indicated that developing a socially more desirable personality is associated with slower declines in subjective health and slower increases in loneliness. The findings indicate that characteristics related to an individual's health are reciprocally associated with personality traits. Thus, the study adds to the understanding of the development of personality and health-related characteristics.
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Oksuzyan A, Shkolnikova M, Vaupel JW, Christensen K, Shkolnikov VM. Sex Differences in Biological Markers of Health in the Study of Stress, Aging and Health in Russia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0131691. [PMID: 26121035 PMCID: PMC4484801 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0131691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The apparent contradiction that women live longer but have worse health than men, the so called male-female health-survival paradox, is very pronounced in Russia. The present study investigates whether men in Moscow are healthier than women at the level of biomarkers, and whether the associations between biomarkers and subjective health have sex-specific patterns. MATERIALS Previously collected data in the study of Stress, Aging, and Health in Russia (SAHR, n = 1800) were used to examine sex differences in biomarkers and their associations with physical functioning and self-rated health. RESULTS The present study found mixed directions and magnitudes for sex differences in biomarkers. Women were significantly disadvantaged with regard to obesity and waist circumference, whereas men had a tendency toward higher prevalence of electrocardiographic abnormalities. No sex differences were indicated in the prevalence of immunological biomarkers, and mixed patterns were found for lipid profiles. Many biomarkers were associated with physical functioning and general health. Obesity and waist circumference were related to lower physical functioning among females only, while major Q-wave abnormalities with high probabilities of myocardial infarction and atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter were associated with physical functioning and self-rated health among males only. CONCLUSION No clear patterns of sex differences in prevalence of high-risk levels of biomarkers suggest that the male-female health-survival paradox is weaker at the level of health biomarkers. We found some evidence that certain biomarkers reflecting pathophysiological changes in the organism that do not possess acute health risks, but over many years may lead to physical disability, are associated with physical functioning and self-rated health in women, whereas others reflecting more serious life-threatening pathophysiological changes are associated with physical functioning and self-rated health in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Oksuzyan
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | - Maria Shkolnikova
- Scientific and Clinical Institute of Pediatry at the Pirogov Moscow Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - James W. Vaupel
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- Max-Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Biodemography, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Max-Planck Odense Center on the Biodemography of Aging, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Vladimir M. Shkolnikov
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
- New Economic School, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Badley EM, Canizares M, Perruccio AV, Hogg-Johnson S, Gignac MAM. Benefits gained, benefits lost: comparing baby boomers to other generations in a longitudinal cohort study of self-rated health. Milbank Q 2015; 93:40-72. [PMID: 25752350 PMCID: PMC4364431 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED POLICY POINTS: Despite beliefs that baby boomers are healthier than previous generations, we found no evidence that the health of baby boomers is substantially different from that of the previous or succeeding cohorts. The effects of increased education, higher income, and lower smoking rates on improving self-rated health were nearly counterbalanced by the adverse effect of increasing body mass index (BMI). Assumptions that baby boomers will require less health care as they age because of better education, more prosperity, and less propensity to smoke may not be realized because of increases in obesity. CONTEXT Baby boomers are commonly believed to be healthier than the previous generation. Using self-rated health (SRH) as an indicator of health status, this study examines the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on the trajectory of health across 4 generations: World War II (born between 1935 and 1944), older baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1954), younger baby boomers (born between 1955 and 1964), and Generation X (born between 1965 and 1974). METHODS We analyzed Canada's longitudinal National Population Health Survey 1994-2010 (n = 8,570 at baseline), using multilevel growth models to estimate the age trajectory of SRH by cohort, accounting for period and incorporating the influence of changes in education, household income, smoking status, and body mass index (BMI) on SRH over time. FINDINGS SRH worsened with increasing age in all cohorts. Cohort differences in SRH were modest (p = 0.034), but there was a significant period effect (p = 0.002). We found marked cohort effects for increasing education, income, and BMI, and decreasing smoking from the youngest to the oldest cohorts, which were much reduced (education and smoking) or removed (income and BMI) once period was taken into account. At the population level, multivariable analysis showed the benefits of increasing education and income and declines in smoking on the trajectory of improving SRH were almost counterbalanced by the effects of increasing BMI (obesity). CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence to support the expectation that baby boomers will age more or less healthily than previous cohorts did. We also found that increasing BMI has likely undermined improvements in health that might have otherwise occurred, with possible implications for the need for health care. Period effects had a more profound effect than birth cohort effects. This suggests that interventions to improve health, such as reducing obesity, can be targeted to the entire, or a major portion of the, population and need not single out particular birth cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Badley
- Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto
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Vestergaard S, Thinggaard M, Jeune B, Vaupel JW, McGue M, Christensen K. Physical and mental decline and yet rather happy? A study of Danes aged 45 and older. Aging Ment Health 2014; 19:400-8. [PMID: 25117759 PMCID: PMC4356733 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2014.944089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about whether the feeling of happiness follows the age-related decline in physical and mental functioning. The objective of this study was to analyze differences with age in physical and mental functions and in the feeling of happiness among Danes aged 45 years and older. METHOD Three Danish population-based surveys including 11,307 participants aged 45+ years, of whom 2411 were in the age group of 90+, were conducted in the period 1995-2001. The participation rate in the three surveys was between 63% and 82% and the same design and the same instrument were used. Self-reported mobility, a cognitive composite score, and a depression symptomatology score including a question about happiness were assessed. T-score metric was used to compare across domains and age groups. RESULTS Overall, successively older age groups performed worse than the youngest age group (45-49 years), and the estimated linear decline was greater after age 70 than before age 70. For example, when comparing the oldest age group (90+ years) with the youngest, the T-score differences were found to be the largest for the mobility score (men: 40.2, women: 41.4), followed by the cognitive function (men: 22.0, women: 24.9), and the total depression symptomatology score (men: 15.5, women: 17.4). Conversely, the T-score difference in happiness was small (men: 5.6, women: 6.0). CONCLUSION Despite markedly poorer physical and mental functions with increasing age, in this Danish sample age did not seem to affect happiness to a similarly notable extent, although, in this study, cohort and age effects cannot be disentangled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Vestergaard
- Danish Aging Research Center, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mikael Thinggaard
- Danish Aging Research Center, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Bernard Jeune
- Danish Aging Research Center, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - James W. Vaupel
- Max Planck Odense Center on the Biography of Aging, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Matt McGue
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kaare Christensen
- Danish Aging Research Center, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Max Planck Odense Center on the Biography of Aging, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Idland G, Småstuen MC, Engedal K, Bergland A. Functioning and Self-Rated Health in the Oldest Old Community-Dwelling Women: A Four-Year Longitudinal Study. PHYSICAL & OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY IN GERIATRICS 2014. [DOI: 10.3109/02703181.2014.895794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Toci E, Burazeri G, Jerliu N, Sørensen K, Ramadani N, Hysa B, Brand H. Health literacy, self-perceived health and self-reported chronic morbidity among older people in Kosovo. Health Promot Int 2014; 30:667-74. [DOI: 10.1093/heapro/dau009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Association of neighbourhood and individual social capital, neighbourhood economic deprivation and self-rated health in South Africa--a multi-level analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71085. [PMID: 23976923 PMCID: PMC3743525 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social capital is said to influence health, mostly in research undertaken in high income countries' settings. Because social capital may differ from one setting to another, it is suggested that its measurement be context specific. We examine the association of individual and neighbourhood level social capital, and neighbourhood deprivation to self-rated health using a multi-level analysis. Methods Data are taken from the 2008 South Africa National Income Dynamic Survey. Health was self-reported on a scale from 1 (excellent) to 5 (poor). Two measures of social capital were used: individual, measured by two variables denoting trust and civic participation; and neighbourhood social capital, denoting support, association, behaviour and safety in a community. Results Compared to males, females were less likely to report good health (Odds Ratio 0.82: Confidence Interval 0.73, 0.91). There were variations in association of individual social capital and self-rated health among the provinces. In Western Cape (1.37: 0.98, 1.91) and North West (1.39: 1.13, 1.71), trust was positively associated with reporting good health, while the reverse was true in Limpopo (0.56: 0.38, 0.84) and Free State (0.70: 0.48, 1.02). In Western Cape (0.60: 0.44, 0.82) and Mpumalanga (0.72: 0.55, 0.94), neighbourhood social capital was negatively associated with reporting good health. In North West (1.59: 1.27, 1.99) and Gauteng (1.90: 1.21, 2.97), increased neighbourhood social capital was positively associated with reporting good health. Conclusion Our study demonstrated the importance of considering contextual factors when analysing the relationship between social capital and health. Analysis by province showed variations in the way in which social capital affected health in different contexts. Further studies should be undertaken to understand the mechanisms through which social capital impacts on health in South Africa.
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Jerliu N, Toçi E, Burazeri G, Ramadani N, Brand H. Prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of chronic morbidity among elderly people in Kosovo: a population-based survey. BMC Geriatr 2013; 13:22. [PMID: 23452830 PMCID: PMC3599090 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2318-13-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our aim was to assess the prevalence and demographic and socioeconomic correlates of chronic morbidity in the elderly population of transitional Kosovo. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kosovo in 2011 including a representative sample of 1890 individuals aged ≥ 65 years (949 men, mean age 73 ± 6 years; 941 women, mean age 74 ± 7 years; response rate: 83%). A structured questionnaire inquired about the presence and the number of self-reported chronic diseases among elderly people, and their access to medical care. Demographic and socioeconomic data were also collected. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the association of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics with chronic conditions. RESULTS In this nationwide population-based sample in Kosovo, 42% of elderly people were unable to access medical care, of whom 88% due to unaffordable costs. About 83% of the elderly people reported at least one chronic condition (63% cardiovascular diseases), and 45% had at least two chronic diseases. In multivariable-adjusted models, factors associated with the presence of chronic conditions and/or multimorbidity were female sex, older age, self-perceived poverty and the inability to access medical care. CONCLUSION This study provides important evidence on the magnitude and distribution of chronic conditions among the elderly population of Kosovo. Our findings suggest that, in this sample of elderly people from Kosovo, the oldest-old (especially women) and the poor endure the vast majority of chronic conditions. These findings point to the urgent need to establish a social health insurance scheme including the marginalized segments of elderly people in this transitional country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naim Jerliu
- Department of International Health, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Rogers DL, Skidmore ST, Montgomery GT, Reidhead MA, Reidhead VA. Spiritual integration predicts self-reported mental and physical health. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2012; 51:1188-1201. [PMID: 21108007 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-010-9425-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Data from 167 participants were used to establish the psychometric properties of the Reidhead spiritual integration scale, 31-item version (SI-31). Structural equation modeling was used to empirically evaluate influences on perceived health functioning, while accounting for possible confounds. The analyses showed that SI-31 predicted perceived mental and physical health while controlling for life satisfaction, religious variables, mood patterns, depression symptoms, and demographics. The importance of SI as a predictor of health-related outcomes is supported, as is the usefulness of the SI-31 in predicting these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrin L Rogers
- Department of Psychology and Anthropology, University of Texas-Pan American, Edinburg, TX 78539-2999, USA.
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Andersson M, Lundin A. Socioeconomic inequalities in global and relative self-rated health in Laos: a cross-sectional study of 24,162 men and women. Asia Pac J Public Health 2012. [PMID: 23188877 DOI: 10.1177/1010539512466566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines inequalities in health in Laos. Because perception of health might affect ratings, we used both a global and a relative self-rated health (SRH) question. METHODS The study was based on the fourth Lao Expenditure and Consumption Survey, 2007-2008. The study population consisted of 24 162 individuals 20 years or older. Two single-question measures of SRH were used: a global with no reference point and a relative with age group reference. RESULTS Significant associations were found with age, sex, illiteracy, ethnicity, remote location, health measures, nutrition, and household poverty. Worse health was reported using SRH questions with reference points by the young rather than the old. CONCLUSION In Laos, poor SRH is associated with illiteracy, inaccessibility, Mon-Khmer ethnicity, age, being a woman, and being poor. More factors were found to be associated with global rather than relative SRH.
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Verropoulou G. Determinants of change in self-rated health among older adults in Europe: a longitudinal perspective based on SHARE data. Eur J Ageing 2012; 9:305-318. [PMID: 28804430 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-012-0238-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aims at detecting factors which may predict a decline or an improvement in self-rated health (SRH) of older adults (persons aged 50 or higher) among socio-demographic characteristics, physical and mental health indicators and risky health behaviours. In the analysis, multinomial logistic regression models are applied to data from waves 1 and 2 of the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (carried out about 3 years apart); persons who report a decline or an improvement in SRH at wave 2 are compared to those who report no change while controlling for SRH at baseline and country of residence. The analysis was carried out for the whole sample and two subgroups, persons aged 50-64 and 65 or higher. The results indicate that female sex and higher educational attainment have a strong protective effect against decline in SRH. Worse health at baseline is an important predictor of subsequent decline but changes occurring between the waves have a more pronounced effect, implying that SRH is influenced more by recent developments. The findings also indicate that improvement in SRH is a more complex concept than decline and is strongly affected by factors other than health. Among behavioural risk factors, low levels of physical activity and a decrease in the levels of activity between the waves are significantly related to decline while frequent drinking seems associated with improvement. Differentiations by age are modest and probably suggest that advancing age is related to a milder view of one's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Verropoulou
- Department of Statistics & Insurance Science, University of Piraeus, 80, Karaoli & Dimitriou Str, 185 34 Piraeus, Athens, Greece
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Löckenhoff CE, Terracciano A, Ferrucci L, Costa PT. Five-factor personality traits and age trajectories of self-rated health: the role of question framing. J Pers 2012; 80:375-401. [PMID: 21299558 PMCID: PMC3248623 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6494.2011.00724.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We examined the influence of personality traits on mean levels and age trends in 4 single-item measures of self-rated health: general rating, comparison to age peers, comparison to past health, and expectations for future health. Community-dwelling participants (N = 1,683) completed 7,474 self-rated health assessments over a period of up to 19 years. In hierarchical linear modeling analyses, age-associated declines differed across the 4 health items. Across age groups, high Neuroticism and low Conscientiousness, low Extraversion, and low Openness were associated with worse health ratings, with notable differences across the 4 health items. Furthermore, high Neuroticism predicted steeper declines in health ratings involving temporal comparisons. We consider theoretical implications regarding the mechanisms behind associations among personality traits and self-rated health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna E Löckenhoff
- Department of Human Development, Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Darviri C, Fouka G, Gnardellis C, Artemiadis AK, Tigani X, Alexopoulos EC. Determinants of self-rated health in a representative sample of a rural population: a cross-sectional study in Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2012; 9:943-54. [PMID: 22690175 PMCID: PMC3367289 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph9030943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Self-rated health (SRH) is a health measure related to future health, mortality, healthcare services utilization and quality of life. Various sociodemographic, health and lifestyle determinants of SRH have been identified in different populations. The aim of this study is to extend SRH literature in the Greek population. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in rural communities between 2001 and 2003. Interviews eliciting basic demographic, health-related and lifestyle information (smoking, physical activity, diet, quality of sleep and religiosity) were conducted. The sample consisted of 1,519 participants, representative of the rural population of Tripoli. Multinomial regression analysis was conducted to identify putative SRH determinants. Among the 1,519 participants, 489 (32.2%), 790 (52%) and 237 (15.6%) rated their health as "very good", "good" and "poor" respectively. Female gender, older age, lower level of education and impaired health were all associated with worse SRH, accounting for 16.6% of SRH variance. Regular exercise, healthier diet, better sleep quality and better adherence to religious habits were related with better health ratings, after adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related factors. BMI and smoking did not reach significance while exercise and physical activity exhibited significant correlations but not consistently across SRH categories. Our results support previous findings indicating that people following a more proactive lifestyle pattern tend to rate their health better. The role of stress-related neuroendocrinologic mechanisms on SRH and health in general is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Darviri
- Postgraduate Course Stress Management and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Soranou Ephessiou Street, 4, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.D.); (A.K.A.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Georgia Fouka
- Technological Education Institute of Athens, Ag Spyridonos Street, Egaleo, 12210 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Artemios K. Artemiadis
- Postgraduate Course Stress Management and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Soranou Ephessiou Street, 4, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.D.); (A.K.A.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Xanthi Tigani
- Postgraduate Course Stress Management and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Soranou Ephessiou Street, 4, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.D.); (A.K.A.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Evangelos C. Alexopoulos
- Postgraduate Course Stress Management and Health Promotion, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Soranou Ephessiou Street, 4, 11527 Athens, Greece; (C.D.); (A.K.A.); (E.C.A.)
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Tigani X, Artemiadis AK, Alexopoulos EC, Chrousos GP, Darviri C. Self-rated health in centenarians: a nation-wide cross-sectional Greek study. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2012; 54:e342-8. [PMID: 22360829 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2012.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Self-rated health (SRH) is an inclusive measure of public health that is correlated with quality of life and subsequent mortality. Extensive literature has identified multiple determinants of SRH in different populations. However, such studies on centenarians are scarce and parsimonious. Our objective is to identify SRH determinants in centenarians. This is a nationwide cross-sectional study on 400 Greek centenarians that was carried out between 2007 and 2010. SRH was evaluated by a simple question with a 5-point scale. Three categories of SRH were formed (very good/good/poor), which served as the dependent variable in multinomial regression models. Various sociodemographic, disease-related, lifestyle and psychosocial variables were assessed as candidate determinants of SRH. According to our results, SRH ratings among centenarians were better than that expected according to previous studies showing worse SRH ratings with increasing age in Greece. The 22.4% of the variance in SRH among centenarians was predicted by gender, habitat region and status, financial problems, disease presence and autonomy. Among lifestyle and psychosocial variables, obesity, good relationships with children, lack of feelings of loneliness, high optimism, adaptability and an internal health locus of control profile were independently associated with good SRH. These results indicate that SRH in individuals of extreme longevity were related to specific personal psychosocial factors that contribute to healthy aging and thus support the biopsychosocial model of health promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xanthi Tigani
- First Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Aghia Sofia, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Thivon & Papadiamantopoulou Str., GR-115-27 Athens, Greece.
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Halford C, Welin C, Bogefeldt J, Wallman T, Rosengren A, Bardel A, Johansson S, Eriksson H, Svärdsudd K. A population-based study of nearly 15 000 observations among Swedish women and men during 1973-2003. BMJ Open 2012; 2:bmjopen-2012-001353. [PMID: 23117561 PMCID: PMC3547313 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Global self-rated health (SRH) has become extensively used as an outcome measure in population health surveillance. The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of age and secular trend (year of investigation) on SRH. DESIGN Prospective cohort study, using population-based data from eight ongoing cohort studies, with sampling performed between 1973 and 2003. SETTING Sweden. PARTICIPANTS 11 880 women and men, aged 25-99 years, providing 14 470 observations. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Global SRH. RESULTS In multiple ordinal logistic regression analyses, adjusted for the effects of covariates, there were independent effects of age (p<0.0001) and of year of investigation (p<0.0001) on SRH. In women the association was linear, showing lower levels of SRH with increased age, and more recent year of investigation. In men the association was curvilinear, and thus more complex. The final model explained 76.2% of the SRH variance in women and 74.5% of the variance in men. CONCLUSIONS SRH was strongly and inversely associated with age in both sexes, after adjustment for other outcome-affecting variables. There was a strongly significant effect of year of investigation indicating a change in SRH, in women towards lower levels over calendar time, in men with fluctuations across time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Halford
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine Section, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Catharina Welin
- Department of Heart and Lung Diseases, Sahlgren Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Bogefeldt
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine Section, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Thorne Wallman
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine Section, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- R&D Centre/Centre for Clinical Research, Section of Primary Care, Sörmland County Council, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Annika Rosengren
- Department of Heart and Lung Diseases, Sahlgren Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Annika Bardel
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine Section, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- R&D Centre/Centre for Clinical Research, Section of Primary Care, Sörmland County Council, Eskilstuna, Sweden
| | - Saga Johansson
- Department of Heart and Lung Diseases, Sahlgren Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Epidemiology, AstraZeneca R&D, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henry Eriksson
- Department of Heart and Lung Diseases, Sahlgren Academy, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kurt Svärdsudd
- Department of Public Health and Caring Sciences, Family Medicine and Preventive Medicine Section, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Wu Y, Zhang D, Pang Z, Oksuzyan A, Jiang W, Wang S, Li S, Kruse T, Christensen K, Tan Q. Gender-specific patterns in age-related decline in general health among Danish and Chinese: a cross-national comparative study. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2011; 12:431-9. [PMID: 22212497 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0594.2011.00784.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM Studies carried out in Western populations have shown age-related changes in multiple health domains together with gender-specific patterns. By focusing on five health domains, self-rated health, hand grip strength, sit-to-stand test, cognitive performance and depression, we examined the age trajectories in general health in a cross-sectional Chinese sample representing the world's largest ethnic population and compare with Danish data that represent Western populations in developed countries. METHODS Multiple regression models were fitted to compare patterns across genders and populations together with gender- and population-specific patterns in age-related decline. RESULTS Better self-rated health for males than for females was observed in both countries, and Danes reported better health than the Chinese for both genders. For hand grip strength, significant gender differences were shown across countries and significant population differences observed in Danish and Chinese males. There was no population difference in sit-to-stand time across genders. Female Danes outperformed males in cognitive performance. No significant gender differences in depression were observed in both populations. CONCLUSION Our cross population analysis identified significant gender and population differences suggesting endogenous biological, physical and social environmental determinants in age-related decline in general health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yili Wu
- Department of Public Health, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, China
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