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Mat Pozian N, Miller YD, Mays J. Family-friendly work conditions and well-being among Malaysian women. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 20:17455057241233113. [PMID: 38426373 PMCID: PMC10908238 DOI: 10.1177/17455057241233113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although participation in paid work improves women's quality of life and well-being, the health benefits decline for women with young children. Implementing family-friendly work conditions is one strategy for improving working women's well-being, especially those with competing unpaid work responsibilities. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the extent to which accessibility and use of 11 specific family-friendly work conditions were associated with physical health, anxiety and depression in Malaysian women with young children. DESIGN A cross-sectional design using a retrospective self-complete, anonymous, online survey was conducted between March and October 2021. METHODS Women with a child aged 5 years or less (N = 190) completed an online survey measuring their exposure (availability and use) to 11 specific family-friendly work conditions, and their physical health, anxiety, and depression. The sample included women who were currently and recently working and with both formal and informal employment. RESULTS After accounting for potential confounders, women who used paid maternity leave have a lower likelihood of having anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION Future research is needed to extend the findings from this study by over-sampling women who are informally employed and not currently working. Policy creation and development processes, including research and decision-making, should be led by and inclusive of women. For example, research funding could be allocated to 'lived experience' research that privileges the co-design of research with consumers. Based on these findings, the extent to which family-friendly work conditions fulfill their intent to improve the well-being for working women requires further critique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadirah Mat Pozian
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Yvette D Miller
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Jenni Mays
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
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2
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Cheng X, Fang Y, Zeng Y. How long can Chinese women work after retirement based on health level: Evidence from the CHARLS. Front Public Health 2023; 11:987362. [PMID: 36923039 PMCID: PMC10009266 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.987362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To further enhance the understanding of factors impacting female participation in the workforce based on health levels and to measure the excess work capacity of middle-aged and older female groups by residence and educational level. Methods Data of women aged 45-74 were accessed from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011, 2013, 2015, to 2018. The health status of women was comprehensively evaluated by single health variables and frailty index. A Probit model was used to measure the excess working capacity of women by region (rural/urban) and educational level, taking all women aged 45-49, rural women aged 45-49, and rural (illiterate) women in all age groups as the benchmark, respectively. Results The excess capacity of all Chinese women aged 50-64 is 1.9 years, and that of women aged 50-74 is 5.1 years. The excess work capacity of women in urban and rural areas and with different educational levels is heterogeneous. The excess working capacity of urban women aged 50-64 is 6.1-7.8 years, and that of urban women aged 50-74 is 9.8-14.9 years. The excess working capacity of urban women aged 50-64 is about 6 times that of rural women. The excess work capacity of highly educated women was 3 times higher than that of illiterate women. Conclusion The potential work capacity of Chinese women remains to be exploited, especially for urban and highly educated middle-aged and older women with better conditions of health, whose potential is more significant. A rational retirement policy for women and the progressive implementation of an equal retirement age for men and women will contribute to further advancement of gender equality and healthy aging in the workplace in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiya Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment of Fujian Province, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ya Fang
- Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment of Fujian Province, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanbing Zeng
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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3
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Okunogbe A, Nugent R, Spencer G, Powis J, Ralston J, Wilding J. Economic impacts of overweight and obesity: current and future estimates for 161 countries. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:e009773. [PMID: 36130777 PMCID: PMC9494015 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-009773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The scope of the challenge of overweight and obesity (OAO) has not been fully realised globally, in part because much of what is known about the economic impacts of OAO come from high-income countries (HICs) and are not readily comparable due to methodological differences. Our objective is to estimate the current and future national economic impacts of OAO globally. METHODS We estimated economic impacts of OAO for 161 countries using a cost-of-illness approach. Direct and indirect costs of OAO between 2019 and 2060 were estimated from a societal perspective. We assessed the effect of two hypothetical scenarios of OAO prevalence projections. Country-specific data were sourced from published studies and global databases. RESULTS The economic impact of OAO in 2019 is estimated at 2.19% of global gross domestic product (GDP) ranging on average from US$20 per capita in Africa to US$872 per capita in the Americas and from US$6 in low-income countries to US$1110 in HICs.If current trends continue, by 2060, the economic impacts from OAO are projected to rise to 3.29% of GDP globally. The biggest increase will be concentrated in lower resource countries with total economic costs increasing by fourfold between 2019 and 2060 in HICs, whereas they increase 12-25 times in low and middle-income countries. Reducing projected OAO prevalence by 5% annually from current trends or keeping it at 2019 levels will translate into average annual reductions of US$429 billion or US$2201 billion in costs, respectively, between 2020 and 2060 globally. CONCLUSION This study provides novel evidence on the economic impact of OAO across different economic and geographic contexts. Our findings highlight the need for concerted and holistic action to address the global rise in OAO prevalence, to avert the significant risks of inaction and achieve the promise of whole-of-society gains in population well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Nugent
- Center for GlobalNoncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Garrison Spencer
- Center for GlobalNoncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Okunogbe A, Nugent R, Spencer G, Ralston J, Wilding J. Economic impacts of overweight and obesity: current and future estimates for eight countries. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:e006351. [PMID: 34737167 PMCID: PMC8487190 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a growing public health challenge worldwide with significant health and economic impacts. However, much of what is known about the economic impacts of obesity comes from high-income countries and studies are not readily comparable due to methodological differences. Our objective is to demonstrate a method for estimating current and future national economic impacts of obesity and apply it across a sample of heterogeneous contexts globally. METHODS We estimated economic impacts of overweight and obesity for eight countries using a cost-of-illness approach. Direct and indirect costs of obesity from 2019 to 2060 were estimated from a societal perspective as well as the effect of two hypothetical scenarios of obesity prevalence projections. Country-specific data were sourced from published studies and global databases. RESULTS In per capita terms, costs of obesity in 2019 ranged from US$17 in India to US$940 in Australia. These economic costs are comparable to 1.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) on average across the eight countries, ranging from 0.8% of GDP in India to 2.4% in Saudi Arabia. By 2060, with no significant changes to the status quo, the economic impacts from obesity are projected to grow to 3.6% of GDP on average ranging from 2.4% of GDP in Spain to 4.9% of GDP in Thailand. Reducing obesity prevalence by 5% from projected levels or keeping it at 2019 levels will translate into an average annual reduction of 5.2% and 13.2% in economic costs, respectively, between 2020 and 2060 across the eight countries. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that the economic impacts of obesity are substantial across countries, irrespective of economic or geographical context and will increase over time if current trends continue. These findings strongly point to the need for advocacy to increase awareness of the societal impacts of obesity, and for policy actions to address the systemic roots of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Nugent
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Garrison Spencer
- Center for Global Noncommunicable Diseases, RTI International, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Remme M, Vassall A, Fernando G, Bloom DE. Investing in the health of girls and women: a best buy for sustainable development. BMJ 2020; 369:m1175. [PMID: 32487585 PMCID: PMC7265042 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.m1175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Human rights, theory, evidence, and common sense all suggest that greater investment in women’s health could be among the “best buys” for broader economic development and societal wellbeing, say Michelle Remme and colleagues
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Remme
- United Nations University International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Anna Vassall
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gabriela Fernando
- United Nations University International Institute for Global Health, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - David E Bloom
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, USA
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Gong CH, He X. Factors Predicting Voluntary and Involuntary Workforce Transitions at Mature Ages: Evidence from HILDA in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193769. [PMID: 31597239 PMCID: PMC6801955 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The fast population ageing has generated and will continue to generate large social, economic and health challenges in the 21th century in Australia, and many other developed and developing countries. Population ageing is projected to lead to workforce shortages, welfare dependency, fiscal unsustainability, and a higher burden of chronic diseases on health care system. Promoting health and sustainable work capacity among mature age and older workers hence becomes the most important and critical way to address all these challenges. This paper used the pooled data from the longitudinal Household, Incomes and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey 2002–2011 data to investigate common and different factors predicting voluntary or involuntary workforce transitions among workers aged 45 to 64. Long term health conditions and preference to work less hours increased while having a working partner and proportion of paid years decreased both voluntary and involuntary work force transitions. Besides these four common factors, the voluntary and involuntary workforce transitions had very different underlying mechanisms. Our findings suggest that government policies aimed at promoting workforce participation at later life should be directed specifically to life-long health promotion and continuous employment as well as different factors driving voluntary and involuntary workforce transitions, such as life-long training, healthy lifestyles, work flexibility, ageing friendly workplace, and job security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Honge Gong
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Xiaojun He
- College of Finance and Statistics, Hunan University, Changsha 430101, China.
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Pedron S, Emmert-Fees K, Laxy M, Schwettmann L. The impact of diabetes on labour market participation: a systematic review of results and methods. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:25. [PMID: 30616606 PMCID: PMC6323654 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6324-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes mellitus is a major chronic disease, which is connected to direct and indirect costs and productivity losses. However, its effects on labour market participation are not straightforward to identify, nor are they consistently included in cost-of-illness studies. First, this study aims to synthesise existing evidence regarding the impact of diabetes on labour market outcomes that imply a complete absence of work. Second, the analysis takes a particular look at relevant methodological choices and the resulting quality of the studies included. Methods We conducted a systematic literature research (PubMed, Embase, PsychINFO), by applying a standard screening, selection and results extraction process, which considered all types of studies including cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches. Risk-of-bias and quality within the studies were assessed and results were compared. We dedicated special attention to the modelling of potential reverse causality between diabetes and labour market outcomes and the consideration of comorbidities and complications. Results Overall, 30 studies satisfied our inclusion criteria. We identified four main labour participation outcomes: absence of employment, unemployment, early retirement, and disability pension. The studies reviewed show a negative impact of diabetes on the labour market participation outcomes considered. However, only a few studies controlled for endogeneity, differentiated between type 1 and type 2 diabetes or modelled the impact of comorbidities. We report how modelling choices affect the directions and interpretations of the effects. Conclusions The available evidence mainly suggests a negative impact of diabetes on several outcomes indicating labour market participation. The methodological limitations identified can guide future research with respect to both outcomes and methods. This study provides therefore an empirical contribution to the discussion on how to model the economic impact of diabetes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6324-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pedron
- Helmholtz Zentrum München (GmbH), Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany. .,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Karl Emmert-Fees
- Helmholtz Zentrum München (GmbH), Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Laxy
- Helmholtz Zentrum München (GmbH), Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lars Schwettmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum München (GmbH), Institute of Health Economics and Health Care Management, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
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8
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Gong CH, Kendig H. Impacts of voluntary and involuntary workforce transitions at mature ages: Longitudinal evidence from HILDA. Australas J Ageing 2017; 37:11-16. [PMID: 29081068 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the changes in health, well-being and welfare dependency associated with yearly workforce transitions from working to not working among people aged 45-64 years. METHODS Transition analysis of the nationally representative longitudinal data from the Household Incomes and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey 2002-2011. RESULTS People who voluntarily left paid work had reasonable control over their situations, and their satisfaction remained relatively stable even with deteriorating health and increasing welfare dependency. Those who involuntarily left paid work had less control and preparedness, and they experienced significant decreases in their satisfaction with life overall, finances and health; they were also more likely to be psychologically distressed, welfare dependent and had a higher probability to return to paid work. CONCLUSION Voluntary and involuntary workforce transitions have different impacts on health and well-being. Enabling mature aged workers to work longer can yield benefits for both individual well-being and government budgets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Honge Gong
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing (CRAHW), ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Hal Kendig
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing (CRAHW), ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Schinkel-Ivy A, Mosca I, Mansfield A. Factors Contributing to Unexpected Retirement and Unemployment in Adults Over 50 Years Old in Ireland. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2017; 3:2333721417722709. [PMID: 28808669 PMCID: PMC5536377 DOI: 10.1177/2333721417722709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Older adults are increasingly important to maintaining stable workforces. As such, factors contributing to early workforce exit must be identified. This study aimed to identify predictors of unexpected retirement and unemployment at older age, with respect to psychological constructs, resulting adverse behaviors, and health-related factors reflecting functional status. Data were extracted from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) to predict unexpected retirement and unemployment in older adults in Ireland. Increasing age, increasing number of impairments in activities of daily living, and frailty status of “pre-frail/frail” (relative to non-frail) increased the likelihood of unexpected retirement; while greater numbers of physical limitations and “pre-frail/frail” status significantly predicted unemployment at older age. Pre-frail/frail status or reduced physical capability for everyday tasks may adversely affect older individuals’ ability to obtain and/or maintain employment. These findings advance the current understanding of factors associated with unexpected retirement and unemployment at older ages. Findings may aid in identifying strategies to extend working life and to aid at-risk older adults, and may inform components of care on which to focus to minimize loss of function and mobility, and maintain independence, with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Schinkel-Ivy
- Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario, Canada.,Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Irene Mosca
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Dublin, Ireland.,Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Avril Mansfield
- Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Majeed T, Forder PM, Mishra G, Kendig H, Byles JE. Exploring Workforce Participation Patterns and Chronic Diseases Among Middle-Aged Australian Men and Women Over the Life Course. J Aging Health 2017; 29:343-361. [PMID: 26957550 DOI: 10.1177/0898264316635586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study identified associations between chronic diseases (diabetes, asthma, depression, and arthritis) and workforce participation patterns with a gendered perspective. METHOD We used data from 1,261 middle-aged participants of the Australian Life Histories and Health (LHH) Survey, aged 60 to 64 years in 2011. Latent class analysis identified dominant workforce patterns and associations between chronic diseases and these patterns were explored by multinomial regression models. RESULTS Diabetes, asthma, depression, and arthritis were less prevalent in men and women in class "mostly full-time work," compared with other workforce patterns. The odds of "mostly full-time work" were lower for men reporting depression or arthritis, whereas among women, depression was associated with "increasing part-time work" after adjusting early and adult life factors. DISCUSSION The results strengthen the importance of gender focused policies aimed to promote and preserve health of young and middle-aged workers, and creating supportive environment for those with chronic health issues over the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gita Mishra
- 2 The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hal Kendig
- 3 Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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An C, Yu YY, Chou BC, Szu LY, Tsao LI. Empowering self-care ability - a follow-up study of clinical-based perimenopausal women personal health counselling. J Clin Nurs 2016; 25:2979-88. [PMID: 27240317 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of a personal counselling intervention for perimenopausal women in northern Taiwan. BACKGROUND Women face a variety of physical changes during menopause. Counselling intervention could enrich individual health education for menopausal women. DESIGN Quasi-experimental design. METHODS The study used one-on-one personal health counselling with a 'menopausal health passport' for perimenopausal women. The Perceived Perimenopausal Disturbances scale, the Practice of Health Behavior scale and the Perceived Uncertainty scale were used to measure the intervention effects. Results were estimated by a Generalized Estimating Equation procedure at one and a half months, three months and six months post intervention. In addition, data regarding perceived health changes were collected qualitatively through interviews in the experimental group at the sixth month. RESULTS A total of 34 women were included in the experimental group, while 33 were in the control group. Interaction effect results showed that personal health counselling significantly increased the practice of health behaviours at one and a half months and extended to three months post intervention. Additionally, content categories, including 'relief of symptoms', 'establishment of health behaviors', 'interaction with others' and 'consideration from others' were identified in quantitative analysis. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that perimenopausal personal health counselling can effectively improve healthy behaviours. This study can also serve as a future reference for effective perimenopausal counselling. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE It is crucial to set up personal health counselling for perimenopausal women in clinics and develop information technology systems to support menopausal women in the technological era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi An
- Department of Early Childhood Care & Education, Taoyuan Innovation Institute of Technology, Taoyan, Taiwan.,Nursing Department and Graduate School, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yen Yu
- Department of Early Childhood Care & Education, Taoyuan Innovation Institute of Technology, Taoyan, Taiwan
| | - Bee-Chin Chou
- Medical Management Department, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Taoyan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yun Szu
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyan, Taiwan
| | - Lee-Ing Tsao
- Nursing Department and Graduate School, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan. ,
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Onarheim KH, Iversen JH, Bloom DE. Economic Benefits of Investing in Women's Health: A Systematic Review. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150120. [PMID: 27028199 PMCID: PMC4814064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the status of women's health falls short of its potential. In addition to the deleterious ethical and human rights implications of this deficit, the negative economic impact may also be consequential, but these mechanisms are poorly understood. Building on the literature that highlights health as a driver of economic growth and poverty alleviation, we aim to systematically investigate the broader economic benefits of investing in women's health. METHODS Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed health, gender, and economic literature to identify studies that investigate the impact of women's health on micro- and macroeconomic outcomes. We developed an extensive search algorithm and conducted searches using 10 unique databases spanning the timeframe 01/01/1970 to 01/04/2013. Articles were included if they reported on economic impacts stemming from changes in women's health (table of outcome measures included in full review, Table 1). In total, the two lead investigators independently screened 20,832 abstracts and extracted 438 records for full text review. The final review reflects the inclusion of 124 articles. RESULTS The existing literature indicates that healthier women and their children contribute to more productive and better-educated societies. This study documents an extensive literature confirming that women's health is tied to long-term productivity: the development and economic performance of nations depends, in part, upon how each country protects and promotes the health of women. Providing opportunities for deliberate family planning; healthy mothers before, during, and after childbirth, and the health and productivity of subsequent generations can catalyze a cycle of positive societal development. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the untapped potential of initiatives that aim to address women's health. Societies that prioritize women's health will likely have better population health overall, and will remain more productive for generations to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Husøy Onarheim
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Johanne Helene Iversen
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - David E. Bloom
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Majeed T, Forder P, Mishra G, Byles J. Women, Work, and Illness: A Longitudinal Analysis of Workforce Participation Patterns for Women Beyond Middle Age. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2015; 24:455-65. [PMID: 25950800 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2014.5009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Labor policies and economic incentives encourage women to work beyond middle age. However, women exhibit complex patterns of workforce participation over this life stage. This study examined transitions in and out of paid work across the life course of middle-aged women over a 14-year period and investigated associations between work and chronic diseases. METHODS Latent class analysis identified dominant workforce participation patterns among 11,551 middle-aged women from the 1946-1951 birth cohort of Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Multinomial logistic regression examined associations between work patterns and chronic diseases (diabetes, asthma, depression, and arthritis), while adjusting for health risk factors, sociodemographic factors and competing activities. RESULTS Five latent classes were identified: "mostly in paid work" (48%), "early paid work" (9.4%), "increasingly paid work" (8.9%), "gradually not in paid work" (11.4%), and "mostly not in paid work" (22.3%). Results showed that women with chronic diseases (diabetes, asthma, depression, and arthritis) were less likely to be in paid work. These associations remained mostly unchanged after adjustments for other factors. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study provide better understanding of workforce participation patterns in women's late working life. This has important implications for policy design, aimed to engage middle-aged women in paid employment for longer in spite of chronic diseases and their complications. We suggest that there is a need for work place programs that support people with chronic diseases. Policies are also needed to facilitate better prevention and management of chronic health issues over the life course for women, in order to encourage workforce participation over later years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tazeen Majeed
- 1 Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle , New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Peta Forder
- 1 Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle , New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Gita Mishra
- 2 School of Public Health, University of Queensland , Brisbane, Australia
| | - Julie Byles
- 1 Research Centre for Gender, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle , New Lambton Heights, Australia
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Rumball-Smith J, Barthold D, Nandi A, Heymann J. Diabetes associated with early labor-force exit: a comparison of sixteen high-income countries. Health Aff (Millwood) 2015; 33:110-5. [PMID: 24395942 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2013.0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The economic burden of diabetes and the effects of the disease on the labor force are of substantial importance to policy makers. We examined the impact of diabetes on leaving the labor force across sixteen countries, using data about 66,542 participants in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe; the US Health and Retirement Survey; or the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. After matching people with diabetes to those without the disease in terms of age, sex, and years of education, we used Cox proportional hazards analyses to estimate the effect of diabetes on time of leaving the labor force. Across the sixteen countries, people diagnosed with diabetes had a 30 percent increase in the rate of labor-force exit, compared to people without the disease. The costs associated with earlier labor-force exit are likely to be substantial. These findings further support the value of greater public- and private-sector investment in preventing and managing diabetes.
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Pit SW, Hansen V. The relationship between lifestyle, occupational health, and work-related factors with presenteeism amongst general practitioners. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2015; 71:49-56. [PMID: 25692305 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2014.998329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that general practitioners (GPs) are more likely to exhibit sickness presenteeism than other health professional groups or other high-income earners and less likely to take sick leave. This study aims to examine the relationship between lifestyle, occupational health, and work-related factors with presenteeism amongst GPs. A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst GPs in 2011. Logistic regression was used to determine crude and adjusted odds ratios between lifestyle, occupational health, and work-related factors with presenteeism. Whilst adjusting for age and gender, exercising 1 to 3 times a week (odds ratio [OR] = 4.88), not having a good work-life balance (OR = 4.2), work-related sleep problems (OR = 2.55), moderate psychological distress (OR = 3.94), and poor or fair health (OR = 6.22) were associated with presenteeism. Increased burnout and reduced job satisfaction and workability due to the physical demands of the job were also associated with presenteeism. In conclusion, presenteeism amongst GPs can be addressed by implementing interventions in relation to physical activity, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene and improving work-life balance and the physical demands of the job.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Winona Pit
- a University Centre for Rural Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney , Lismore , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Vibeke Hansen
- a University Centre for Rural Health, Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney , Lismore , New South Wales , Australia
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Hergenrather KC, Zeglin RJ, McGuire-Kuletz M, Rhodes SD. Employment as a Social Determinant of Health: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies Exploring the Relationship Between Employment Status and Physical Health. REHABILITATION RESEARCH POLICY AND EDUCATION 2015. [DOI: 10.1891/2168-6653.29.1.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose:To explore employment as a social determinant of health through examining the relationship between employment status and physical health.Method:The authors explored the causal relationship between employment status and physical health through conducting a systematic review of 22 longitudinal studies conducted in Finland, France, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Sweden, United Kingdom, and the United States.Results:Five common trajectories were identified as employment, unemployment, job loss, reemployment, and retired. Unemployment and job loss were associated with poorer physical health. Employment and reemployment were associated with better physical health.Conclusion:To enhance employment outcomes, it is important for service providers to acknowledge the interaction between the client’s physical health and employment status, and assess client physical functioning. Additional research is necessary to further elucidate this interaction.
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Wong YM. Efficacy of Acupuncture for Low-Back Pain. J Altern Complement Med 2013; 19:598. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2012.0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yiu-Ming Wong
- Health Science Unit (PEC), Hong Kong Physically Handicapped & Able Bodied Association, Hong Kong
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18
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Partial and complete retirement due to ill-health among mature age Australians. Public Health 2013; 127:561-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2012.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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