1
|
Rulu P, Bertone-Johnson ER, Kamilar J, Dhall M, Sievert LL. Chronic stress, social support, and symptoms at midlife. Is there a buffering effect? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2024; 184:e24936. [PMID: 38623810 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24936] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was designed to examine associations among measures of stress, social support, and symptoms at midlife. Specifically, the study examined whether support buffered against the negative effects of stress on severity of symptoms grouped via factor analyses into emotional instability, vaso-somatic symptoms, mood disturbances, and aches and pains. METHODS We used cross-sectional data from n = 119 women aged 40-55 in Nagaland, India. Midlife symptoms were measured with the help of questionnaires, and factor analysis was used to identify latent factors. Stress and social support were measured by Perceived Stress Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, respectively. Chronic stress was measured by fingernail cortisol. RESULTS After adjusting for menopausal status, tobacco use, body mass index, and socioeconomic status, cortisol level was positively associated with emotional instability (p < 0.01), vaso-somatic symptom score (p < 0.05), and total symptoms at midlife (p < 0.05). Familial support was negatively associated with emotional instability (p < 0.05) and total symptoms at midlife (p < 0.05). However, no significant associations were observed with spousal or friend support. Although no significant interactions between stress, social support, and symptoms at midlife were observed, spousal support when stratified as high and low support using the means, perceived stress and vaso-somatic symptoms indicated an interaction. CONCLUSION Cortisol level and support from family were independently associated with symptoms at midlife. The study highlights the importance of family ties and support for navigating the stressors of everyday life among women in Nagaland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peteneinuo Rulu
- Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jason Kamilar
- Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Meenal Dhall
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Lynnette Leidy Sievert
- Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rulu P, Bertone-Johnson ER, Kamilar J, Dhall M, Sievert LL. Midlife symptoms and household stress are associated with fingernail cortisol. Menopause 2024; 31:116-122. [PMID: 38166237 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigates menopausal symptoms, household stressors, and ethnopolitical problems in relation to stress markers, including chronic stress measured by fingernail cortisol, perceived stress measured by the Perceived Stress Scale, and acute stress measured by blood pressure. METHODS Data from 151 women aged 40 to 55 years were collected from four regions in Nagaland, India, using opportunity sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. Symptoms were grouped into emotional instability, vasosomatic symptoms, mood disturbances, and aches and pains using principal component analysis in a previous study, and stress markers included fingernail cortisol, perceived stress, and blood pressure. Community-level, household-level, and midlife symptoms were included to ascertain stressors from different sources. RESULTS Our results revealed a significant positive association between a composite measure of emotional instability and stress assessed by fingernail cortisol ( β = 0.46, P < 0.001). In addition, there was a positive association between mood disturbances and fingernail cortisol ( β = 0.24, P < 0.05). This relationship persisted after controlling for body mass index, socioeconomic status, and menopausal status. In addition, household problems were positively associated with fingernail cortisol ( β = 0.25, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the potential health impacts of the psychosocial stress response associated with domestic stressors such as financial strain and concerns about children and health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peteneinuo Rulu
- From the Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
| | | | - Jason Kamilar
- From the Department of Anthropology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
| | - Meenal Dhall
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stites SD, Cao H, James R, Harkins K, Coykendall C, Flatt JD. A systematic review of measures of gender and biological sex: Exploring candidates for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) research. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2023; 15:e12359. [PMID: 36845632 PMCID: PMC9943901 DOI: 10.1002/dad2.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Background Gender and biological sex are social and structural determinants of health and umbrella concepts encompassing many distinct attributes. This systematic review summarizes measures of gender and biological sex published in the biomedical literature. The goal was to identify measures that may be useful to researchers studying Alzheimer's disease and Alzheimer's disease related dementias (AD/ADRD). Methods A search of PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO (ProQuest platform) databases from 2000 to 2021 identified 1454 articles, which were then screened by five independent reviewers. Measures of gender and biological sex are summarized according to theoretical commitments and psychometric properties. Results Twenty-nine measures were identified that assessed gender-related constructs, and 4 were identified that assessed biological factors. Self-report instruments characterized aspects of gender, such as gender stereotypes, norms, and ideologies. One measure was developed with a focus on older adults (65+ years). Discussion We offer recommendations to guide measurement of gender in AD/ADRD research, including how the use of specific existing measures may help advance AD/ADRD research. The lack of gender measures for older adults limits AD/ADRD research. New measures may be needed to address lifespan and generational differences in gender factors. Highlights A review of articles identifies 29 measures of gender in biomedical research.Gender is captured using multidimensional, self-reported concepts.One measure was developed with a focus on older adults (65+).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shana D. Stites
- Department of PsychiatryPerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hannah Cao
- School of Social Policy and PracticeUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Richard James
- University of Pennsylvania LibrariesPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Kristin Harkins
- Division of Geriatric MedicineDepartment of MedicinePerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Cameron Coykendall
- Division of Geriatric MedicineDepartment of MedicinePerelman School of MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jason D. Flatt
- Department of Social and Behavioral HealthSchool of Public HealthUniversity of NevadaLas VegasNevadaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Debray A, Bherer L, Gagnon C, Bosquet L, Hay E, Bartlett AA, Gagnon D, Enea C. A Cross-Sectional Comparison of Arterial Stiffness and Cognitive Performances in Physically Active Late Pre- and Early Post-Menopausal Females. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070901. [PMID: 35884708 PMCID: PMC9312988 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Menopause accelerates increases in arterial stiffness and decreases cognitive performances. The objective of this study was to compare cognitive performances in physically active pre- and post-menopausal females and their relationship with arterial stiffness. We performed a cross-sectional comparison of blood pressure, carotid−femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and cognitive performances between physically active late pre- and early post-menopausal females. Systolic (post-menopause—pre-menopause: +6 mmHg [95% CI −1; +13], p = 0.27; ŋ2 = 0.04) and diastolic (+6 mmHg [95% CI +2; +11], p = 0.06; ŋ2 = 0.12) blood pressures, and cf-PWV (+0.29 m/s [95% CI −1.03; 1.62], p = 0.48; ŋ2 = 0.02) did not differ between groups. Post-menopausal females performed as well as pre-menopausal females on tests evaluating executive functions, episodic memory and processing speed. Group differences were observed on the computerized working memory task. Post-menopausal females had lower accuracy (p = 0.02; ŋ2 = 0.25) but similar reaction time (p = 0.70; ŋ2 < 0.01). Moreover, this performance was inversely associated with the severity of menopausal symptoms (r = −0.38; p = 0.05). These results suggest that arterial stiffness and performance on tests assessing episodic memory and processing speed and executive functions assessing inhibition and switching abilities did not differ between physically active pre- and post-menopausal females. However, post-menopausal females had lower performance on a challenging condition of a working memory task, and this difference in working memory between groups cannot be explained by increased arterial stiffness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Debray
- Montreal Heart Institute, 5055 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montreal, QC H1T 1N6, Canada; (A.D.); (L.B.); (C.G.); (A.-A.B.); (D.G.)
- School of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Université de Montréal, 2100, boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Laboratory MOVE (UR20296), Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Batiment C6, 8 allée Jean Monnet, TSA 31113, CEDEX 9, 86073 Poitiers, France; (L.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Louis Bherer
- Montreal Heart Institute, 5055 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montreal, QC H1T 1N6, Canada; (A.D.); (L.B.); (C.G.); (A.-A.B.); (D.G.)
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, 4565 Chemin Queen Mary, Montreal, QC H3W 1W5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Christine Gagnon
- Montreal Heart Institute, 5055 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montreal, QC H1T 1N6, Canada; (A.D.); (L.B.); (C.G.); (A.-A.B.); (D.G.)
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, 4565 Chemin Queen Mary, Montreal, QC H3W 1W5, Canada
| | - Laurent Bosquet
- Laboratory MOVE (UR20296), Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Batiment C6, 8 allée Jean Monnet, TSA 31113, CEDEX 9, 86073 Poitiers, France; (L.B.); (E.H.)
- Centre de Recherche de l’Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, 4565 Chemin Queen Mary, Montreal, QC H3W 1W5, Canada
| | - Eva Hay
- Laboratory MOVE (UR20296), Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Batiment C6, 8 allée Jean Monnet, TSA 31113, CEDEX 9, 86073 Poitiers, France; (L.B.); (E.H.)
| | - Audrey-Ann Bartlett
- Montreal Heart Institute, 5055 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montreal, QC H1T 1N6, Canada; (A.D.); (L.B.); (C.G.); (A.-A.B.); (D.G.)
- School of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Université de Montréal, 2100, boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Daniel Gagnon
- Montreal Heart Institute, 5055 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montreal, QC H1T 1N6, Canada; (A.D.); (L.B.); (C.G.); (A.-A.B.); (D.G.)
- School of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Université de Montréal, 2100, boulevard Édouard-Montpetit, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Carina Enea
- Laboratory MOVE (UR20296), Faculté des Sciences du Sport, Université de Poitiers, Batiment C6, 8 allée Jean Monnet, TSA 31113, CEDEX 9, 86073 Poitiers, France; (L.B.); (E.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-(0)5-49-45-30-00
| |
Collapse
|