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Li W, Chen L, Hsu M, Mo D, Xia L, Min K, Jiang F, Liu T, Liu Y, Liu H, Tang YL. The association between workload, alcohol use, and alcohol misuse among psychiatrists in China. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1171316. [PMID: 37426098 PMCID: PMC10325676 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1171316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Survey alcohol use and workload among Chinese psychiatrists and explore their associations. Methods We conducted an online questionnaire among psychiatrists working in large psychiatric institutions across the country. We collected data including demographic factors, alcohol use, and workload. Alcohol use was assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C), and workload-related questions included working hours, night shifts, and caseloads. Results In total, 3,549 psychiatrists completed the survey. Nearly half (47.6%) reported alcohol use, and the percentage of alcohol use in males (74.1%) was significantly higher than in females. 8.1% exceeded the AUDIT-C cutoff scores for probable alcohol misuse (19.6%in males and 2.6%in females). AUDIT-C scores were significantly correlated with working hours per week (p = 0.017) and the number of outpatient visits per week (p = 0.006). Regressional analysis showed that alcohol use was significantly associated with the following factors: longer working hours (Working more than 44 h/week, OR = 1.315), having an administrative position (OR = 1.352), being male (OR = 6.856), being single (OR = 1.601), being divorced or widowed (OR = 1.888), smoking (OR = 2.219), working in the West (OR = 1.511) or the Northeast (OR = 2.440). Regressional analysis showed that alcohol misuse was significantly associated with the following factors: fewer night shifts (Three to four night shifts/month, OR = 1.460; No more than 2 night shifts/month, OR = 1.864), being male (OR = 4.007), working in the Northeast (OR = 1.683), smoking (OR = 2.219), frequent insomnia (OR = 1.678). Conclusion Nearly half of the psychiatrists in China reported alcohol use and 8.1% had probable AUD. Alcohol consumption is significantly associated with several workload-related factors, such as long working hours, heavy caseload, and administrative duties. Alcohol misuse was inversely associated with the number of night shifts per month. While the direction of causality is unclear, our findings may help identify vulnerable professional groups and develop more targeted interventions to improve healthcare professionals' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Michael Hsu
- Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Daming Mo
- Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Kaiyuan Min
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Healthy Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tingfang Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanli Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huanzhong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-lang Tang
- Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
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Tao R, Hsu M, Min K, Mo D, Geng F, Xia L, Liu T, Liu Y, Jiang F, Liu H, Tang YL. Alcohol misuse, health-related behaviors, and burnout among clinical therapists in China during the early Covid-19 pandemic: A Nationwide survey. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1084259. [PMID: 37089496 PMCID: PMC10118037 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1084259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the extent of alcohol use and misuse among clinical therapists working in psychiatric hospitals in China during the early COVID-19 Pandemic, and to identify associated factors. Methods An anonymous nationwide survey was conducted in 41 tertiary psychiatric hospitals. We collected demographic data as well as alcohol use using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C) and burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey. Results In total, 396 clinical therapists completed the survey, representing 89.0% of all potential participants we targeted. The mean age of participants was 33.8 years old, and more than three-quarters (77.5%) were female. Nearly two-fifths (39.1%) self-reported as current alcohol users. The overall prevalence of alcohol misuse was 6.6%. Nearly one-fifth (19.9%) reported symptoms of burnout with high emotional exhaustion in 46 (11.6%), and high depersonalization in 61 (15.4%). Multiple logistic regression showed alcohol use was associated with male gender (OR = 4.392; 95% CI =2.443-7.894), single marital status (OR = 1.652; 95% CI =0.970-2.814), smoking habit (OR = 3.847; 95%CI =1.160-12.758) and regular exercise (OR = 2.719; 95%CI =1.490-4.963). Alcohol misuse was associated with male gender (OR = 3.367; 95% CI =1.174-9.655), a lower education level (OR = 3.788; 95%CI =1.009-14.224), smoking habit (OR = 4.626; 95%CI =1.277-16.754) and high burnout (depersonalization, OR = 4.848; 95%CI =1.433-16.406). Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical therapists' alcohol consumption did not increase significantly. Male gender, cigarette smoking, and burnout are associated with an increased risk of alcohol misuse among clinical therapists. Targeted intervention is needed when developing strategies to reduce alcohol misuse and improve clinical therapists' wellness and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tao
- Department of Substance-Related Disorders, Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Substance-Related Disorders, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Michael Hsu
- Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kaiyuan Min
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Daming Mo
- Department of Substance-Related Disorders, Affiliated Psychological Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Substance-Related Disorders, Hefei Fourth People’s Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Feng Geng
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tingfang Liu
- Research Department, School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanli Liu
- Research Department, School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Research Department, School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Research Department, Institute of Healthy Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huanzhong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-lang Tang
- Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Mental Health Service Line, Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
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Zhang D, Chung VCH, Chan DCC, Xu Z, Zhou W, Tam KW, Lee RCM, Sit RWS, Mercer SW, Wong SYS. Determinants of post-COVID-19 symptoms among adults aged 55 or above with chronic conditions in primary care: data from a prospective cohort in Hong Kong. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1138147. [PMID: 37213637 PMCID: PMC10196359 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1138147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary care patients, especially those with an older age, are one of the most vulnerable populations for post-COVID-19 symptoms. Identifying predictors of post-COVID symptoms can help identify high-risk individuals for preventive care. Methods Out of 977 primary care patients aged 55 years or above with comorbid physical and psychosocial conditions in a prospective cohort in Hong Kong, 207 patients infected in the previous 5-24 weeks were included. The three most common post-COVID-19 symptoms (breathlessness, fatigue, cognitive difficulty), which lasted beyond the 4-week acute infection period, were assessed using items from the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (C19-YRS), together with other self-reported symptoms. Multivariable analyses were conducted to identify predictors of post-acute and long COVID-19 symptoms (5-24 weeks after infection). Results The 207 participants had a mean age of 70.8 ± 5.7 years, 76.3% were female, and 78.7% had ≥2 chronic conditions. In total, 81.2% reported at least one post-COVID symptom (mean: 1.9 ± 1.3); 60.9, 56.5 and 30.0% reported fatigue, cognitive difficulty, and breathlessness respectively; 46.1% reported at least one other new symptom (such as other respiratory-related symptoms (14.0%), insomnia or poor sleep quality (14.0%), and ear/nose/throat symptoms (e.g., sore throat) (10.1%), etc.). Depression predicted post-COVID-19 fatigue. The female sex predicted cognitive difficulty. Receiving fewer vaccine doses (2 doses vs. 3 doses) was associated with breathlessness. Anxiety predicted a higher overall symptom severity level of the three common symptoms. Conclusion Depression, the female sex, and fewer vaccine doses predicted post-COVID symptoms. Promoting vaccination and providing intervention to those at high-risk for post-COVID symptoms are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexing Zhang
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vincent Chi-Ho Chung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Dicken Cheong-Chun Chan
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zijun Xu
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Weiju Zhou
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - King Wa Tam
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rym Chung-Man Lee
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Regina Wing-Shan Sit
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Samuel Yeung-Shan Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Samuel Yeung-Shan Wong,
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Chen Y, Wang P, He Y, Jiang F, Liu H, Liu Y, Liu T, Tang YL, Zhu J. Gender differences in the association between lifestyle behaviors and mental health among psychiatrists in China. J Affect Disord 2022; 318:196-203. [PMID: 36041580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mental health symptoms are common among health professionals and the influence of lifestyle behaviors on psychiatrists' mental health is insufficiently understood. Based on a nationwide sample, we aimed to survey the lifestyle behaviors and mental health status among psychiatrists, and to identify the co-occurrence and gender differences in lifestyle behaviors. METHODS Data were collected through an anonymous questionnaire among psychiatrists in China. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale - 21 (DASS-21) was used to evaluate mental health symptoms. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to explore the co-occurrence of lifestyle behaviors. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the effects of demographic and lifestyle factors. RESULTS 4520 psychiatrists were included in the analysis with 11.5 % of them reporting smoking, 10 % reporting alcohol misuse, 35.2 % reporting physical inactivity, and 23.1 % reporting insomnia. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms were 29.2 %, 34.5 %, and 12.2 %, respectively. Significant gender differences were found in smoking (P < 0.001), alcohol misuse (P < 0.001), and physical inactivity (P < 0.001), but not in insomnia. Based on these four high-risk health behaviors above, three lifestyle behavior clusters with huge gender differences were identified through the LCA. Accordingly, the unhealthy lifestyle classes, though defined differently for males and females, were significantly associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. CONCLUSIONS The co-occurrence and significant gender differences in multiple lifestyle behaviors exist in this group, highlighting the need for gender-specific comprehensive interventions against mental health symptoms and the urgency of promoting their well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhua Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Peicheng Wang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China; School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanrong He
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Institute of Healthy Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Huanzhong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Anhui Psychiatric Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanli Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tingfang Liu
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Lang Tang
- Mental Health Service Line, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, USA; Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, USA.
| | - Jiming Zhu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
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Peng P, Yang WF, Liu Y, Chen S, Wang Y, Yang Q, Wang X, Li M, Wang Y, Hao Y, He L, Wang Q, Zhang J, Ma Y, He H, Zhou Y, Long J, Qi C, Tang YY, Liao Y, Tang J, Wu Q, Liu T. High prevalence and risk factors of dropout intention among Chinese medical postgraduates. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2022; 27:2058866. [PMID: 35356865 PMCID: PMC8979499 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2022.2058866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A high attrition rate in medical students has exacerbated the physician shortage in China. However, few studies have explored the risk factors of dropout intention in medical postgraduates. This study compared the prevalence of dropout intention and mental distress between medical and non-medical postgraduates in China and investigated risk factors for dropout intention. This study also explored the impact of medical postgraduates' perception of the Chinese healthcare environment on their mental status and dropout intention. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted using online questionnaires from October 2020 to April 2021. Convenience sampling was used to recruit postgraduates in different majors. Outcomes included dropout intention and potential risk factors, including mental distress, quality of life, and fatigue. Medical postgraduates were additionally assessed for healthcare environment satisfaction, burnout, career choice regret, and experiences of workplace violence. A logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the association between dissatisfaction, mental distress, and turnover intention. RESULTS A total of 740 medical and 670 non-medical postgraduates participated in the survey. The rates of depression symptoms (33.8% vs. 39.0%, p < 0.001), anxiety symptoms (22.2% vs. 32.4%, p < 0.001), and somatic symptoms (34.7% vs. 42.4%, p = 0.004) were lower in medical postgraduates, while more medical postgraduates (58.4% vs. 48.4%, p < 0.001) reported dropout intention. Dissatisfaction with the healthcare environment (odds ratio [OR]: 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17-2.34, p = 0.005), career choice regret (OR: 6.23; 95% CI: 4.42-8.78, p < 0.001), and high perceived stress (OR: 2.74; 95%CI: 1.90-3.94, p < 0.001) remained independently associated with turnover intention. CONCLUSIONS Mental distress is common among postgraduates, calling for timely interventions. Medical postgraduates reported higher turnover intention. Healthcare environment perception also affected the mental health and dropout intentions of medical students. A decent future income, reduced workload, shorter duration medical training, and better doctor-patient relationships are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Peng
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Winson Fuzun Yang
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Tx, USA
| | - Yueheng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Shubao Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Qian Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Manyun Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Yuzhu Hao
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Li He
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjin Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Junhong Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Yuejiao Ma
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
| | - Haoyu He
- Department of Psycholoy, College of Education, Hunan First Normol University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanan Zhou
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People’s Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang Long
- Institute of Mental Health Management (SJTU/CHDI), Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Qi
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College Hangzhou, . Zhejiang, P.RChina
| | - Yi-Yuan Tang
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Yanhui Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. RChina
| | - Jinsong Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, P. RChina
| | - Qiuxia Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
- CONTACT Qiuxia Wu, Department of Psychiatry and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011China
| | - Tieqiao Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Hunan, Changsha, China
- Tieqiao Liu, Department of Psychiatry and National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011China
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Sex Differences in the Relationship between Excessive Alcohol Consumption and Metabolic Abnormalities: A Community-Based Study in Taiwan. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142957. [PMID: 35889913 PMCID: PMC9317740 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption, as part of an unhealthy lifestyle, can contribute to metabolic abnormalities. This study investigated the sex differences in the relationship between excessive drinking and the risk of metabolic abnormalities. This community-based study included 3387 participants (age range: 30–103 years, mean age ± SD: 57 ± 13.5 years, 38.2% males) from the northeastern region of Taiwan. All participants completed a demographic survey and were subjected to blood tests. The risks of excessive drinking were evaluated using the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). The results showed that males were at higher risks of obesity, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia, but at a lower risk of abdominal obesity than females. Males with hazardous drinking were at greater risks of hypertension, hyperglycemia, low serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hypertriglyceridemia compared to those with no drinking. Females with hazardous drinking were at a greater risk of hypertension than those with no drinking. There was no interaction effect of sex and excessive drinking on the risks of metabolic abnormalities after controlling for demographics and lifestyle-related habits. Future studies are warranted to explore the sex-specific risk factors for metabolic abnormalities and to elucidate the mechanism underlying this association between alcohol consumption and metabolic abnormalities.
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7
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Mo D, Min K, Gluck R, Jiang F, Tao R, Geng F, Xia L, Liu T, Liu Y, Liu H, Tang YL. Alcohol Use and Misuse Among Chinese Psychiatrists During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:933814. [PMID: 35815044 PMCID: PMC9258332 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.933814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Survey alcohol use and misuse among Chinese psychiatrists during the Coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS We conducted a large-scale, nationwide online survey of psychiatrists regarding their alcohol use during the pandemic. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C) was used to assess alcohol use and misuse. RESULTS Of 3,815 psychiatrists who completed the survey, alcohol use and misus were 47.5% and 8.2%, respectively, and both were significantly higher in males. The majority (59%) reported no change in alcohol use during the pandemic, one-third (34.5%) reported a decrease, and 6.5% reported an increase. Alcohol misuse was associated with middle-age (OR = 1.418), male sex (OR = 5.089), Northeast China (OR = 1.507), cigarette-smoking (OR = 2.335), insomnia (OR = 1.660), and regular exercise (OR = 1.488). A master's degree (OR = 0.714) and confidence in clinical work (OR = 0.610) were associated with less alcohol misuse. Those who reported a decrease in alcohol use during the pandemic were more likely to be male (OR = 2.011), located in Northeast China (OR = 1.994), and feel confident in their clinical work (OR = 1.624). Increased alcohol use was significantly associated with insomnia (OR = 3.139). CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol use and misuse among Chinese psychiatrists declined. While males were more likely to misuse alcohol, they were also more likely to have reduced their intake. Age, location, and lifestyle factors also predicted alcohol use and misuse. Further examination of specific factors that reduced alcohol use and misuse may help guide public health efforts to sustain the lower rates beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daming Mo
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Psychiatry, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Kaiyuan Min
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rachel Gluck
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Feng Jiang
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Healthy Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Tao
- Department of Psychiatry, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Feng Geng
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tingfang Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanli Liu
- School of Health Policy and Management, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huanzhong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chao Hu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yi-Lang Tang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
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Chung RYN, Marmot M, Mak JKL, Gordon D, Chan D, Chung GKK, Wong H, Wong SYS. Deprivation is associated with anxiety and stress. A population-based longitudinal household survey among Chinese adults in Hong Kong. J Epidemiol Community Health 2020; 75:jech-2020-214728. [PMID: 33099506 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2020-214728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental illness is a major disease burden in the world and disproportionately affects the socially disadvantaged, but studies on the longitudinal association of poverty with anxiety and stress are rare, especially in Asia. Using data from Hong Kong, we aimed to (1) assess the cross-sectional association of poverty with anxiety and stress at baseline, and (2) to examine whether baseline poverty and change in poverty status over time are associated with a subsequent change in anxiety and stress. METHODS Data were obtained from two waves of a territory-wide longitudinal survey in Hong Kong, with sample sizes of n=1970 and n=1224 for baseline and follow-up, respectively. Poverty was measured with a Deprivation Index and income-poverty. Anxiety and stress symptoms were assessed using Chinese Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items. We conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses on the association of poverty with anxiety and stress. OUTCOMES Deprivation, but not income-poverty, was significantly associated with both outcomes at baseline. Increased deprivation over time was associated with greater score and increased risk of anxiety and stress. Persistent deprivation over time was associated with greater anxiety and stress, and increased risk of incident anxiety. INTERPRETATION Deprivation could have significant independent effects on anxiety and stress, even after adjusting for the effects of income-poverty. Greater attention should be paid to deprivation in policymaking to tackle the inequalities of mental health problems, especially since stress and anxiety are precursors to more severe forms of mental illness and other comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Yat-Nork Chung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Michael Marmot
- CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, UCL, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Ka-Long Mak
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Gordon
- University of Bristol School for Policy Studies, Bristol, UK
| | - Dicken Chan
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gary Ka-Ki Chung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hung Wong
- CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Samuel Y S Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- CUHK Institute of Health Equity, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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9
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Tao R, Jiang F, Min K, Liu T, Liu Y, Xia L, Wang J, Liu H, Tang YL. Alcohol Use Among Mental Health Professionals in China: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey. Alcohol Alcohol 2020; 56:351-359. [PMID: 32696947 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agaa065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To survey the use of alcohol, and its correlates by mental health professions in China, a nation where there is rapid increase in alcohol consumption and problems. METHODS As a part of a large-scale, nation-wide online survey of healthcare professionals, we collected demographic variables and other health-related variables anonymously. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test-Concise (AUDIT-C) was used to collect data on alcohol use. RESULTS 13,980 mental health professionals completed the survey (4382 doctors, 9339 nurses and 259 clinical psychologists), representing 64% of the total targeted. Respondents were predominantly female (75.1%). Alcohol consumption was reported by 41.8% of participants (by 53.9% of doctors, 36.2% of nurses and 40.5% of clinical psychologists). Based on the cut-off scores of the AUDIT-C (≥3 for women and ≥4 for men), 7.5% were classified as probable alcohol misusers in the past year, and the rates were 10.2% in doctors, 6.3% in nurses and 5.8% in clinical psychologists. Multiple logistic regression showed that male sex (OR = 3.772; CI = 3.206-4.439), being a doctor (OR = 1.259; CI = 1.052-1.506), being divorced or widowed (OR = 1.979; CI = 1.467-2.666), having an associate degree or less (OR = 1.809; CI = 1.040-3.147), working in Northeast China (OR = 1.538; CI = 1.281-1.848) and the habit of smoking (OR = 3.345; CI = 2.280-3.967) were significantly associated with alcohol misuse. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use and misuse were relatively common among mental health professionals in China, and male sex, being a doctor, with lower education, working in Northeast China and cigarette smoking were significant associations. Awareness and interventions are recommended to promote healthier use of alcohol in this professional group, especially among risk subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tao
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 Chaohu Road, Chaohu District, Hefei, 238000, China.,Department of Substance-Related Disorders, Hefei Fourth People's Hospital, 316 Huangshan Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- School of Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dongdansantiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Kaiyuan Min
- School of Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dongdansantiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Tingfang Liu
- Institute for Hospital Management of Tsinghua University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Yuanli Liu
- School of Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 5 Dongdansantiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 Chaohu Road, Chaohu District, Hefei, 238000, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 Chaohu Road, Chaohu District, Hefei, 238000, China
| | - Huanzhong Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 64 Chaohu Road, Chaohu District, Hefei, 238000, China
| | - Yi-Lang Tang
- Mental Health Service Line, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA.,Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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10
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Chung GKK, Chung RYN, Chan DCC, Lai FTT, Wong H, Lau MKW, Wong SYS, Yeoh EK. The independent role of deprivation in abdominal obesity beyond income poverty. A population-based household survey in Chinese adults. J Public Health (Oxf) 2020; 41:476-486. [PMID: 30215743 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdy161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual-level deprivation takes into account the non-monetary aspects of poverty that neither income poverty nor socio-economic factors could fully capture; however, it has rarely been considered in existing studies on social inequality in obesity. Therefore, we examined the associations of deprivation, beyond income poverty, with both general and abdominal obesity. METHODS A territory-wide two-stage stratified random sample of 2282 community-dwelling Hong Kong adults was surveyed via face-to-face household interviews between 2014 and 2015. Deprivation was assessed by a Deprivation Index specific to the Hong Kong population. General obesity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2, while abdominal obesity was defined as waist circumference (WC) ≥ 90 cm/80 cm for male/female. Multivariable binary logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS Deprivation was independently associated with abdominal obesity (odds ratios (OR) = 1.68; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.27-2.22); however, no significant association was found with general obesity (OR=1.03; CI: 0.77-1.38). After additional adjustment for BMI, deprivation remained strongly associated with abdominal obesity (OR=2.00; CI: 1.41-2.83); and after further adjustment for WC, deprivation had a marginal inverse association with general obesity (OR=0.72; CI: 0.51-1.01). CONCLUSIONS Deprivation is an important risk factor of abdominal obesity and plays a critical role in capturing the preferential abdominal fat deposition beyond income poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Ka-Ki Chung
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Roger Yat-Nork Chung
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Dicken Cheong-Chun Chan
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Francisco Tsz-Tsun Lai
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hung Wong
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Maggie Ka-Wai Lau
- Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong
| | - Samuel Yeung-Shan Wong
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Eng-Kiong Yeoh
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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11
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Patterns of Cancer-Related Risk Behaviors Among Construction Workers in Hong Kong: A Latent Class Analysis Approach. Saf Health Work 2020; 11:26-32. [PMID: 32206371 PMCID: PMC7078528 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hong Kong's construction industry currently faces a manpower crisis. Blue-collar workers are a disadvantaged group and suffer higher levels of chronic diseases, for example, cancer, than the wider population. Cancer risk factors are likely to cluster together. We documented prevalence of cancer-associated lifestyle risk behaviors and their correlates among Hong Kong construction workers. Methods Data were collected from workers at 37 railway-related construction worksites throughout Hong Kong during May 2014. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unbalanced nutrition intake, and physical inactivity were included in the analysis. Latent class analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify the patterns of risk behaviors related to cancer, as well as their impact factors among construction workers in Hong Kong. Results Overall, 1,443 workers participated. Latent class analysis identified four different behavioral classes in the sample. Fully adjusted multiple logistic regression identified age, gender, years of Hong Kong residency, ethnicity, educational level, and living status differentiated behavioral classes. Conclusion High levels of lifestyle-related cancer-risk behaviors were found in most of the Hong Kong construction workers studied. The present study contributes to understanding how cancer-related lifestyle risk behaviors cluster among construction workers and relative impact factors of risk behaviors. It is essential to tailor health behavior interventions focused on multiple risk behaviors among different groups for further enlarging the effects on cancer prevention.
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12
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Chung VC, Wong CH, Wu IX, Ching JY, Cheung WK, Yip BH, Chan KL, Cheong PK, Wu JC. Electroacupuncture plus on-demand gastrocaine for refractory functional dyspepsia: Pragmatic randomized trial. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:2077-2085. [PMID: 31117149 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Treatment options for functional dyspepsia (FD) refractory to pharmacological treatments are limited but the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) is uncertain. We assessed the effectiveness of EA combined with on-demand gastrocaine. METHODS We conducted a single-center, assessor-blind, randomized parallel-group 2-arm trial on Helicobacter pylori negative FD patients of the postprandial distress syndrome subtype refractory to proton pump inhibitor, prokinetics, or H2 antagonists. Enrolled participants were block randomized in a 1:1 ratio, with concealed random sequence. The treatment and control groups both received on-demand gastrocaine for 12 weeks, but only those in treatment group were offered 20 sessions of EA over 10 weeks. The primary endpoint was the between-group difference in proportion of patients achieving adequate relief of symptoms at week 12. RESULTS Of 132 participants randomly assigned to EA plus on-demand gastrocaine (n = 66) or on-demand gastrocaine alone (n = 66), 125 (94.7%) completed all follow-up at 12 weeks. The EA group had a compliance rate 97.7%. They had a significantly higher likelihood in achieving adequate symptom relief at 12 weeks, with a clinically relevant number needed to treat (NNT) value of 2.36 (95% CI: 1.74, 3.64). Among secondary outcomes, statistically and clinically significant improvements were observed among global symptom (NNT = 3.85 [95% CI: 2.63, 7.69]); postprandial fullness and early satiation (NNT = 5.00 [95% CI: 2.86, 25.00]); as well as epigastric pain, epigastric burning, and postprandial nausea (NNT = 4.17 [95% CI: 2.56, 11.11]). Adverse events were minimal and nonsignificant. CONCLUSION For refractory FD, EA provides significant, clinically relevant symptom relief when added to on-demand gastrocaine (ChiCTR-IPC-15007109).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Ch Chung
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Charlene Hl Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Xy Wu
- Xiang-Ya School of Public Health, Central South University, Chang-Sha, Hu-Nan, China
| | - Jessica Yl Ching
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - William Kw Cheung
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Benjamin Hk Yip
- Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kam Leung Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Pui Kuan Cheong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Justin Cy Wu
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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13
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Chung RYN, Chung GKK, Gordon D, Mak JKL, Zhang LF, Chan D, Lai FTT, Wong H, Wong SYS. Housing affordability effects on physical and mental health: household survey in a population with the world's greatest housing affordability stress. J Epidemiol Community Health 2019; 74:164-172. [PMID: 31690588 PMCID: PMC6993018 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2019-212286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined the association of housing affordability with physical and mental health in Hong Kong, where there is a lack of related research despite having the worst housing affordability problem in the world, considering potential mediating effect of deprivation. METHODS A stratified random sample of 1978 Hong Kong adults were surveyed. Housing affordability was defined using the residual-income (after housing costs) approach. Health-related quality of life was assessed by the Short-Form Health Survey version 2 (SF-12v2), from which the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) measures were derived. Multivariable linear regressions were performed to assess associations of housing affordability with PCS and MCS scores, adjusting for sociodemographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Mediation analyses were also conducted to assess the mediating role of deprivation on the effect of housing affordability on PCS or MCS. RESULTS Dose-response relationships were observed between housing affordability and mean PCS score (β (95% CI) compared with the highest affordable fourth quartile: -2.53 (-4.05 to -1.01), -2.23 (-3.54 to -0.92), -0.64 (-1.80 to 0.51) for the first, second and third quartiles, respectively) and mean MCS score (β (95% CI): -3.87 (-5.30 to -2.45), -2.35 (-3.59 to -1.11), -1.28 (-2.40 to -0.17) for the first, second and third quartiles, respectively). Deprivation mediated 34.3% of the impact of housing unaffordability on PCS and 15.8% of that on MCS. CONCLUSIONS Housing affordability affects physical and mental health, partially through deprivation, suggesting that housing policies targeting deprived individuals may help reduce health inequality in addition to targeting the housing affordability problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Yat-Nork Chung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Gary Ka-Ki Chung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - David Gordon
- School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Ka-Long Mak
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Ling-Fei Zhang
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Dicken Chan
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Francisco Tsz Tsun Lai
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Hung Wong
- Department of Social Work, Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Samuel Yeung-Shan Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, New Territories, Hong Kong
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14
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Wong SYS, Chung RYN, Chan D, Chung GKK, Li J, Mak D, Lau M, Tang V, Gordon D, Wong H. What are the financial barriers to medical care among the poor, the sick and the disabled in the Special Administrative Region of China? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205794. [PMID: 30427845 PMCID: PMC6235271 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Hong Kong is one of the richest cities in the world and has some of the best health outcomes such as long life expectancy, little is known about the people who are unable to access healthcare due to lack of financial means. Cross-sectional data from a sample of 2,233 participants aged 18 or above was collected from the first wave of the "Trends and Implications of Poverty and Social Disadvantages in Hong Kong" survey. Socio-demographic factors, lifestyle factors, and physical and mental health conditions associated with people who were unable to seek medical services due to lack of financial means in the past year were examined using forward stepwise logistic regression analyses. Of the 2,233 participants surveyed, 8.4% did not seek medical care due to lack of financial means during the past year. They were more likely to be income-poor. With respect to physical and mental health, despite having less likelihood to have multimorbidity, they tended to have higher levels of both anxiety and stress, poorer physical and mental health-related quality of life, and suffer from more severe disability and pain symptoms affecting their daily activities, when compared to the rest of the Hong Kong population. People who were denied of medical care due to financial barriers are generally sicker than people in the general Hong Kong population, implying that those with greater healthcare needs may have financial difficulties in receiving timely and appropriate medical care. Our findings suggest that inequity in healthcare utilization remains a critical issue in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Yeung-shan Wong
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Roger Yat-nork Chung
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dicken Chan
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gary Ka-ki Chung
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jerry Li
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dominic Mak
- Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Maggie Lau
- Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - Vera Tang
- Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
| | - David Gordon
- School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hung Wong
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China
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15
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Chung RYN, Chung GKK, Gordon D, Wong SYS, Chan D, Lau MKW, Tang VMY, Wong H. Deprivation is associated with worse physical and mental health beyond income poverty: a population-based household survey among Chinese adults. Qual Life Res 2018; 27:2127-2135. [PMID: 29761348 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-018-1863-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In studying health inequality, poverty as measured by income is frequently used; however, this omits the aspects of non-monetary resources and social barriers to achieving improved living standard. Therefore, our study aimed to examine the associations of individual-level deprivation of material and social necessities with general physical and mental health beyond that of income poverty. METHODS A territory-wide two-stage stratified random sample of 2282 community-dwelling Hong Kong adults was surveyed between 2014 and 2015. Income poverty and a Deprivation Index were used as the main independent variables. General health was assessed using the validated 12-item Short-Form Health Survey version 2, from which physical component summary and mental component summary were derived. RESULTS Our results in multivariable ordinal logistic regressions consistently showed that, after adjusting for income poverty, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, being deprived was significantly associated with worse physical (OR 1.66; CI 1.25-2.20) and mental health (OR 1.83; CI 1.43-2.35). Being income poor was also significantly associated with worse mental health (OR 1.63; CI 1.28-2.09) but only marginally with physical health (OR 1.34; CI 1.00-1.80) after adjustments. CONCLUSIONS Income does not capture all aspects of poverty that are associated with adverse health outcomes. Deprivation of non-monetary resources has an independent effect on general health above and beyond the effect of income poverty. Policies should move beyond endowment and take into account the multidimensionality of poverty, in order to address the problem of health inequality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Yat-Nork Chung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Gary Ka-Ki Chung
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David Gordon
- School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Samuel Yeung-Shan Wong
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dicken Chan
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Maggie Ka-Wai Lau
- Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vera Mun-Yu Tang
- Asia-Pacific Institute of Ageing Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hung Wong
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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16
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Liu D, Gu J, Xu H, Hao C, Jiao M, Zhang X, Zhao Y, Andrew B, Hao Y. Club drugs and alcohol abuse predicted dropout and poor adherence among methadone maintenance treatment patients in Guangzhou, China. AIDS Care 2017; 29:458-463. [PMID: 27903083 PMCID: PMC7243263 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2016.1259452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Club drugs and alcohol abuse are prevalent among methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients. However, little is known about the association between these abuse and treatment outcomes among MMT patients. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of club drugs and alcohol abuse among MMT patients and to investigate the associations between these abuse and treatment outcomes - dropout and poor adherence. In this one-year cohort study conducting in Guangzhou, China, data including background characteristics, club drugs use in the last six months, alcohol use history and treatment-related information was collected. Cox regression analyses and log-binomial regression analyses were applied to identify the associations between these abuse and dropout and poor adherence, respectively. Thirty-seven participants (9.2%) admitted to the use of at least one type of club drugs in the last six months and 88 (21.9%) were identified as alcohol abusers. Of all participants, 21.0% had dropped out of treatment and 27.7% exhibited poor adherence during the study period. Adjusting for significant background variables, use of at least one type of club drugs [hazards ratio (HR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-3.56] and use of methamphetamine in the last six months (HR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.15-4.43) significantly predicted dropout. Frequency of having six or more drinks on one drinking occasion when drinking [relative risk (RR) = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.16-2.95] significantly predicted poor adherence. Our findings indicated that club drugs and alcohol abuse predicted dropout and poor adherence among MMT patients. Early identification and intervention for the abuse should be taken into consideration when developing interventions tailored to improve treatment outcomes among MMT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Liu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Gu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-sen Global Health Instistute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifang Xu
- Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-sen Global Health Instistute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingxu Jiao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuteng Zhao
- Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Guangzhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Babbitt Andrew
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuantao Hao
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Sun Yat-sen Global Health Instistute, Institute of State Governance, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Gilson KM, Bryant C, Judd F. Understanding older problem drinkers: The role of drinking to cope. Addict Behav 2017; 64:101-106. [PMID: 27597130 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Despite a common perception that older adults drink less than younger adults, drinking frequency increases with age. The aim of this study was to examine the types of coping motives associated with problem drinkers in addition to the types of specific drinking problems most commonly endorsed by older drinkers. The study also sought to investigate the role of individual drinking to cope motives in problem drinking. METHOD Participants were 288 community dwelling older adults aged who consumed alcohol, and were drawn from a larger study of health and aging in rural areas of Australia. Participants completed a postal questionnaire comprising the Drinking Problems Index, Drinking Motives Questionnaire, The AUDIT-C, and the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. RESULTS Overall, 22.2% of the sample were problem drinkers, with a higher prevalence for men (30.4%) than women (15.6%). Problem drinkers were significantly more likely to consume alcohol according to several indices of risky drinking. The most common drinking problems experienced were becoming intoxicated, spending too much money on drinking, feeling confused after drinking, and skipping meals. Drinking to cope motives to relax, to manage physical symptoms and to feel more self-confident increased the odds of problem drinking. CONCLUSIONS Problem drinking is highly prevalent in older adults. Given the potential adverse consequences of problem drinking on the health of older adults it is imperative that health professionals pay attention to drinking behaviours as part of routine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim-Michelle Gilson
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne, School of Population and Global Health, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Christina Bryant
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Women's Mental Health, Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Fiona Judd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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