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Björnwall A, Colombo PE, Sydner YM, Neuman N. The impact of eating alone on food intake and everyday eating routines: A cross-sectional study of community-living 70- to 75-year-olds in Sweden. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2214. [PMID: 39143537 PMCID: PMC11323640 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19560-0] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating is fundamental not only to survival and health, but also to how humans organise their social lives. Eating together with others is often seen as the healthy ideal, while eating alone is highlighted as a risk factor for negative health outcomes, especially among older adults. This paper, therefore, investigates the relationship between the frequency and subjective experience of eating alone and food-related outcomes among 70- to 75-year-olds in Sweden. METHODS A survey was distributed to a nationally representative random sample of 1500 community-living in Sweden, aged 70-75 years. Two different constructs of eating alone (objective and subjective) were measured, along with the following food-related outcomes: a food index, intake of food groups, consumption of ready-made meals, number of main meals per day, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS In total, 695 respondents were included in the final sample. A quarter of the respondents were categorised as eating alone, of which a small proportion reported that doing so bothered them. There were no associations between eating alone and food index scores, BMI, or intake frequencies of fruits and berries, or fish and shellfish. However, people eating alone were less likely to report eating three meals per day (OR: 0.53, CI: 0.37-0.76, p = 0.006), less likely to report higher intake frequencies of vegetables and snacks, sugary foods, and sweet drinks (adjusted OR: 0.68, CI: 0.48-0.95, p = 0.023 resp. OR: 0.59, CI: 0.43-0.81, p = 0.001), and more likely to report higher intake frequencies of ready-made meals (adjusted OR: 3.71, CI: 2.02-6.84, p < 0.001) compared to those eating together with others. The subjective experience of eating alone did not have an impact on food-related outcomes. CONCLUSION Eating alone or with others played a role in participants' food intake, and seemed to influence aspects of the organisation of everyday eating routines rather than overall dietary healthiness or weight status. Our findings add to the previous body of research on commensality, eating alone, and health among the older population, providing insights into the development of future health policies and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Björnwall
- Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Uppsala University, Box 560, Uppsala, 751 22, Sweden.
| | - Patricia Eustachio Colombo
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
- Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Ylva Mattsson Sydner
- Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Uppsala University, Box 560, Uppsala, 751 22, Sweden
| | - Nicklas Neuman
- Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Uppsala University, Box 560, Uppsala, 751 22, Sweden
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Kibe LW, Bosah A, Schrode KM, Kuo Y, Shaheen M, Adinkra E, Sanchez H, Bazargan M. Assessing Food Access, Exercise, and Dietary History among Older African American Parishioners During the COVID-19 Pandemic (C-FED Study): Design, Opportunities, Challenges, and Lessons Learned. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:1857-1868. [PMID: 37336866 PMCID: PMC11110797 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01657-8] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Unhealthy diets and inadequate exercise are associated with chronic health conditions and excess mortality. Older African Americans do not meet dietary and exercise guidelines, and this may have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic due to individual and environmental factors, including food insecurity. Studies evaluating these dynamics are essential for developing interventions. This narrative details a study protocol and data collection experiences during the pandemic. METHODS Participants > 55 years African American old completed detailed food frequency, exercise, and food access questionnaires between October 2020 and July 2021. Observations of the study administrators (authors of this manuscript) for the duration of the study are presented. Details on the study design and reflections on the opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned are summarized. Future manuscripts will report data analysis of study findings. RESULTS A total of 123 older African American adults participated in the study, and 118 (70% female) completed all three questionnaires. More than 50% of the participants had at least two primary chronic conditions. About 85% were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Applying community-based participatory approaches, leveraging partnerships, and exercising flexibility approaches were pivotal to successfully implementing the study protocol. CONCLUSIONS Despite challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, detailed data on older African American adults' diet and exercise habits were obtained. Our study design and experiences will benefit future researchers. More importantly, results from our study will inform interventions and policies aimed at minimizing consequences associated with poor diet and exercise habits during the pandemic among this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy W Kibe
- Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120Th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA.
| | - Adaobi Bosah
- Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120Th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
| | - Katrina M Schrode
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
| | - Yufu Kuo
- Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120Th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
| | - Magda Shaheen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
| | - Edward Adinkra
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
| | - Humberto Sanchez
- Office of Research, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
| | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 E. 120Th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90059, USA
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Reddy P, Devarakonda PK, Gotlieb G, Moreno P. A Case Report Highlighting the Significance of COVID-19 Unveiling Megaloblastic Anemia and Worsening Dementia in the Elderly. Cureus 2024; 16:e62836. [PMID: 39036141 PMCID: PMC11260403 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in substantial lifestyle changes with significant implications for nutritional health. Factors such as movement restrictions and disruptions in food supply chains led to the restricted availability of primary sources of essential micronutrients. To highlight this, we present the case of an elderly woman with an underlying subclinical cobalamin deficiency who developed symptomatic megaloblastic anemia, requiring hospital admission under lockdown conditions. This exemplifies how changes in diet during the COVID-19 lockdown have hastened the onset of B12 deficiency symptoms. Adverse outcomes can be avoided by identifying people at high risk of poor nutritional status and implementing policy initiatives that enhance their nutritional condition. This case report showed how important the B12 shortage was during the COVID-19 lockdown, especially for older people. They are more likely to be malnourished during COVID-19 for several reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Reddy
- College of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., USA
| | | | - Gregory Gotlieb
- College of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, USA
| | - Pedro Moreno
- Cardiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City, USA
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Lee JJ, Sultana N, Nishita C. Participant Assessment of an Alternative Flexible Congregate Nutrition Meal Program for Older Adults. J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 43:134-150. [PMID: 38915295 DOI: 10.1080/21551197.2024.2367972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Congregate Nutrition Services have long been a pillar of public health assistance, championing the independence and community engagement of older Americans. The advent of COVID-19, however, restricted access to these services due to the closure of physical locations. In response, Lanakila Meals on Wheels initiated a virtual congregate meal program, Kūpuna U, in collaboration with community partners in Honolulu County. The program combined grab-and-go or home-delivered meals with virtual and in-person classes to improve both nutrition and socialization for older adults. This study aimed to capture participant feedback to assess and enhance the Kūpuna U program, developing it as a flexible and scalable congregate meal solution applicable nationwide. Five focus group discussions were conducted with program participants (n = 34). The majority of participants were female (74%), Asian (73%), and living alone (56%). Participants found the program beneficial, enhancing their nutrition, social engagement, and learning experiences on various topics tailored for older adults. Supportive staff played a crucial role in motivating participants to stay engaged. Participants also identified potential enhancements to the program, including more activities and courses, expanded hours, additional in-person options at various locations, and culturally tailored meals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Jinyoung Lee
- Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Nargis Sultana
- Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Christy Nishita
- Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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Hawash MM, AlHazmi AH, El-Sayed MM, Mushfiq S, El-Ashry AM, Ahmed HA, Abd-Elrahman SI, Kamel WW, Hafez SA. Emotional eating behaviors in later life: Identifying key factors for healthy aging. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 55:152-160. [PMID: 37995607 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathological, physiological, and psychosocial factors could influence the eating behaviors of older adults in Egypt. Nurses and other healthcare professionals should understand this complex interaction to effectively address their nutritional issues. This study aimed to identify the predictors of emotional eating behaviors among older adults. METHODS The study followed a cross-sectional survey. A probability sampling technique was used to select the participants. Data was collected using the Emotional Eating Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scales. RESULTS 98 % of the respondents were identified as moderate or severe emotional eaters. The study found a significant positive correlation between perceived stress and emotional eating behaviors (r = .436; p = .000). Multivariate analysis revealed that perceived stress, age, gender, marital status, and body mass index (BMI) have a significant positive relationship with emotional eating behaviors (p < .001), accounting for 39.3 % of the variation. CONCLUSION Emotional eating is common among older adults and is influenced by factors such as age, gender, marital status, BMI, and perceived stress. Nurses can use these findings to develop nutritional plans to promote healthy eating habits of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Mohammed Hawash
- Dept. of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushayt, King Khalid University, KSA, Saudi Arabia; Assistant Professor of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egyp
| | - Amani Hamad AlHazmi
- Dept. of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushayt, King Khalid University, KSA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Metwally El-Sayed
- Assistant Professor of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Sakeena Mushfiq
- Dept. of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushayt, King Khalid University, KSA, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hala Awad Ahmed
- Dept. of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushayt, King Khalid University, KSA, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Wagida Wafik Kamel
- Dept. of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Khamis Mushayt, King Khalid University, KSA, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Ali Hafez
- Assistant Professor of Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egyp
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Kibe LW, Schrode K, Bazargan M, Shaheen M. Impact of food insecurity and food environment on the diet quality of older African Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1268961. [PMID: 38035278 PMCID: PMC10682682 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1268961] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A high quality diet is vital in promoting wellbeing and ensuring good health, particularly for those living with chronic conditions. Older African Americans, already burdened with a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, also face a higher risk for suboptimal diets. The COVID-19 pandemic had lasting effects on access to healthy food for all Americans, but some demographic groups were disproportionately affected. Older African Americans, who already experienced reduced access to healthy food pre-pandemic, were particularly afflicted, but the full extent of the pandemic's impact on their food insecurity and food environment remains unclear. Methods To address this gap, we conducted a study among 102 older African Americans in South Los Angeles between October 2021 and July 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed surveys on dietary intake, food insecurity, and neighborhood food environment. We measured dietary quality using the healthy eating index (HEI)-2015. The analysis included descriptive, bivariate chi-square, t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple linear and logistic regression. Results While overall dietary quality was suboptimal, most participants met the guidelines for fruit and vegetable consumption. Food insecurity was associated with lower overall diet quality and lower total fruit and whole fruit intake. However, there was no association between food environment and diet quality. Discussion In light of our findings, further intervention is critical to improving diet quality, especially among older African Americans living with chronic conditions in the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy W. Kibe
- Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Katrina Schrode
- Department of Psychiatry, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mohsen Bazargan
- Physician Assistant Program, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Magda Shaheen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Savela RM, Nykänen I, Koponen S, Suominen AL, Schwab U, Välimäki T. Older family caregivers' diet-related disparities: Cross-sectional evidence from Finland. Int J Older People Nurs 2023; 18:e12570. [PMID: 37592405 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12570] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some older family caregivers experience financial vulnerabilities due to their caregiving role, which may affect their ability to afford appropriate food. This study aimed to assess the extent to which there are diet-related disparities among older family caregivers in Eastern Finland. METHODS This study is based on the multidisciplinary LifEstyle, NutriTion and Oral health in caregivers (LENTO) study. In total, 125 family caregivers were included. Data were collected between June and December 2019. Participants were assessed on health, nutritional status and sociodemographic factors. The associations and predictors of diet-related disparities were assessed using the independent samples t-test, ANOVA-test, χ2 -tests and binary logistic regression. RESULTS The mean age of family caregivers was 74 years (SD = 8). Most were female (72%), 20% had malnutrition risk and 30% reported having 'moderately enough money' or less, which was identified as 'subjective poverty'. Family caregivers experiencing subjective poverty were less likely to consume two or more portions of fruit and vegetables daily and were more likely overweight. Study participants' diet-related disparities were further associated with several health inequalities, including comorbidity, depression, diabetes (Type I or II) and osteoporosis. CONCLUSIONS Older family caregivers have diet-related disparities, further associated with health inequalities. Family caregivers' diet-related disparities require increasing attention in healthcare. Addressing family caregivers' food insecurity risk would enhance their health equity. Lack of assessment of diet-related disparities will only deepen health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roosa-Maria Savela
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Irma Nykänen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sohvi Koponen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna Liisa Suominen
- Institute of Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ursula Schwab
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tarja Välimäki
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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Mahony LO, Shea EO, O'Connor EM, Tierney A, Harkin M, Harrington J, Kennelly S, Arendt E, O'Toole PW, Timmons S. 'Good, honest food': older adults' and healthcare professionals' perspectives of dietary influences and food preferences in older age in Ireland. J Hum Nutr Diet 2023; 36:1833-1844. [PMID: 37525412 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13216] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore older adults' and healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perceptions of dietary influences and food preferences in older age. METHODS The research design was phenomenological qualitative description. Semistructured one-to-one interviews and focus groups were held separately with community-dwelling older adults and HCPs involved in care of the older person in Ireland. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS A total of 47 adults aged 55+ years were recruited (50% male; 49% aged 60-69 years; 28% aged above 70 years), and 26 HCPs were involved, comprising dietitians (n = 8); geriatricians (n = 6); clinical therapists (n = 4); and nurses, pharmacists, catering managers and meal delivery service coordinators (n = 2 each). There are strong desires for 'good, honest food' within the diet for an older person; however, gaps in current nutrition priorities, dietary guidance and health promotion were perceived. There were differences in the perspectives held by HCPs and adults aged 55+ years, as some HCPs centred their discussion around nutrition for preventing sarcopenia, frailty or cognitive decline, whereas many adults aged 55+ years desired foods which promote cardiometabolic health and reflect wider personal health and environmental values. Other themes included the impact of health and lifestyle changes accompanying ageing on dietary priorities, the importance of personal and psychosocial values in determining food choice and the impact of the external food environment on accessibility and shopping experiences. CONCLUSIONS Influences on dietary choice for the older person are multifactorial, driven by a range of health, psychological, sociocultural and environmental perspectives. Future nutrition priorities for older adults should encourage health-promoting approaches and not just disease-mitigating efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren O Mahony
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Emma O Shea
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eibhlís M O'Connor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Audrey Tierney
- School of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Implementation Science and Technology Research Cluster, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | | | - Sharon Kennelly
- National Primary Care Strategy and Planning, Health Service Executive, Cork, Ireland
| | - Elke Arendt
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul W O'Toole
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne Timmons
- Centre for Gerontology and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- APC Microbiome Ireland, Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Nicklett EJ, Cheng GJ, Morris ZA. Predictors of food insecurity among older adults before and during COVID-19 in the United States. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1112575. [PMID: 37250079 PMCID: PMC10213641 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1112575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has strained the health and wellbeing of older adult populations through increased morbidity, mortality, and social exclusion. However, the impact of COVID-19 on the health of older adults through food security has received relatively little attention, despite the strong impact of diet quality on the health and longevity of older adults. Objective The objective of this study was to identify sociodemographic and socioeconomic predictors of self-reported food insecurity before and early in the COVID-19 pandemic among community-dwelling older adults in the United States. Methods Using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older adults in the United States, we examined the associations between sociodemographic and socioeconomic predictors of self-reported food insecurity between 2018 (N = 2,413) and June 2020 (N = 2,216) using population-weighted multivariate logistic regression models. Results The prevalence of food insecurity doubled among participants from 2018 (4.83%) to June 2020 (9.54%). In 2018, non-Hispanic Black and rural residents were more likely to report food insecurity, while individuals with higher education and greater wealth were less likely to report food insecurity in adjusted models. In June 2020, those who were relatively younger, not working due to a disability, and renting were more likely to report food insecurity. Those with an increased number of functional limitations, a recent onset of a work-limiting disability, and those who were no longer homeowners experienced an elevated longitudinal risk for food insecurity. Conclusion Future research should examine effective policies and interventions to address the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 on populations at a heightened risk of experiencing food insecurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Joy Nicklett
- Department of Social Work, College for Health, Community and Policy, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Greta Jianjia Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Zachary A. Morris
- School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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Low Dietary Variety Is Associated with Incident Frailty in Older Adults during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study in Japan. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15051145. [PMID: 36904144 PMCID: PMC10005648 DOI: 10.3390/nu15051145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stagnation of social activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic probably reduces motivation to maintain a healthy diet. It is important to report on the dietary changes observed in older adults during a period of restriction on outings and to clarify the relationship between dietary variety and frailty. This one-year follow-up study examined the association between frailty and dietary variety during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Baseline and follow-up surveys were conducted in August 2020 and August 2021, respectively. The follow-up survey was distributed by mail to 1635 community-dwelling older adults aged ≥65 years. Of the 1235 respondents, 1008 respondents who were non-frail at baseline are included in this study. Dietary variety was examined using a dietary variety score developed for older adults. Frailty was assessed using a five-item frailty screening tool. The outcome was frailty incidence. RESULTS In our sample, 108 subjects developed frailty. A linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between dietary variety score and frailty score (β, -0.032; 95% CI, -0.064 to -0.001; p = 0.046). This association was also significant in Model 1, adjusted for sex and age, (β, -0.051; 95% CI, -0.083 to -0.019; p = 0.002) and in a multivariate analysis that added adjustments for living alone, smoking, alcohol use, BMI, and existing conditions to Model 1 (β, -0.045; 95% CI, -0.078 to -0.012; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS A low dietary variety score was associated with an increased frailty score during the COVID-19 pandemic. The restricted daily routine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will probably continue to have a long-term effect in terms of reduced dietary variety. Thus, vulnerable populations, such as older adults, might require dietary support.
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Kutikuppala LVS, Kandi V, Sarangi AK, Mishra S, Mohapatra RK. COVID-19 Era and the Constantly Reemerging Novel SARS-CoV-2 Variants Calls for Special Attention for the Geriatrics: A Real Challenge. Geriatrics (Basel) 2022; 7:geriatrics7060143. [PMID: 36547279 PMCID: PMC9778067 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics7060143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Global public health is significantly challenged due to the continuing COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak brought forth by the severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) [...].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Venkataramana Kandi
- Department of Microbiology, Prathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar 505417, Telangana, India
- Correspondence: (V.K.); (R.K.M.)
| | - Ashish K. Sarangi
- Department of Chemistry, School of Applied Sciences, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Balangir Campus, Parlakhemundi 767001, Odisha, India
| | - Snehasish Mishra
- School of Biotechnology, Campus-11, KIIT Deemed-to-be-University, Bhubaneswar 751024, Odisha, India
| | - Ranjan K. Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar 758002, Odisha, India
- Correspondence: (V.K.); (R.K.M.)
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Bevilacqua G, D’Angelo S, Linaker C, Paul A, Bloom I, Zhang J, Laskou F, Cooper C, Ward KA, Walker-Bone K, Dennison EM. Physical Activity and Diet in a Global Pandemic: An Investigation of the Impact of COVID-19 on Factors Relevant for Musculoskeletal Health at Two Different Stages of the Lifecourse. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:882399. [PMID: 35592788 PMCID: PMC9110642 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.882399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physical activity, nutrition and other lifestyle factors play important roles in maintaining musculoskeletal health. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) originated in late 2019, spread globally to be declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation in March 2020, and led to widespread behaviour change. The aim of this study was to use two existing cohorts, the Hertfordshire Cohort Study (HCS) and Health and Employment After Fifty Study (HEAF), to understand how wave one of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted lifestyle factors associated with musculoskeletal health in the UK. Methods 125 eligible participants, 65 males and 60 females (drawn from the HCS study, median (IQR) age 84.3 (82.4-86.6) years, all Caucasian, and community dwelling) were contacted by telephone and asked to complete a questionnaire administered by a trained researcher. Data collection occurred over the period July 2020 to February 2021. 2469 participants, 1086 men and 1383 women (drawn from the HEAF study, median age 65.7 (62.0-69.3) years, mostly Caucasian and community dwelling) completed an online questionnaire in March 2021. Results In HCS, 47% respondents reported being less physically active than before the pandemic (and only 5% more so), 27% said they consumed less alcohol compared to pre-pandemic times (and only 3% more so), and 18% reported eating less than before, although quality of diet was generally unchanged over this timeframe surveyed. In HEAF, 44% participants said they were less active than before the pandemic, while 17% reported being more active. The majority of participants reported no changes in alcohol consumption and diet; however, 19% said they drank more than before (32% of which was above recommended levels), 16% said their diet was less healthy, and 19% reported eating more than before. Conclusion We have reported the experience of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among participants of two Caucasian community dwelling UK cohorts, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on lifestyle factors associated with musculoskeletal health. Changed physical activity levels were reported in a high proportion of respondents in both studies; an investigation of reversibility of these changes is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Bevilacqua
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania D’Angelo
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Cathy Linaker
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Paul
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ilse Bloom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jean Zhang
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Faidra Laskou
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kate A. Ward
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Walker-Bone
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine M. Dennison
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, United Kingdom
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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Abe T, Nofuji Y, Seino S, Hata T, Narita M, Yokoyama Y, Amano H, Kitamura A, Shinkai S, Fujiwara Y. Behavior changes and functional capacity Physical, social, and dietary behavioral changes during the COVID-19 crisis and their effects on functional capacity in older adults. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2022; 101:104708. [PMID: 35489311 PMCID: PMC9022396 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2022.104708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background This two-year follow-up study aimed to identify factors associated with unhealthy behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and examine their impact on functional capacity in older adults. Methods Altogether, 536 adults aged ≥65 years participated in this study. The frequency of going out, exercise habits, face-to-face and non-face-to-face interactions, social participation, and eating habits were examined as behavioral factors before and after the first declaration of a state of emergency in Japan. Functional capacity was assessed using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence. Results Using latent class analysis considering changes in the six behaviors, the participants were divided into healthy (n = 289) and unhealthy (n = 247) behavior groups. The male sex was associated with 2.36 times higher odds, diabetes with 2.19 times higher odds, depressive mood with 1.83 times higher odds, poor subjective economic status with 2.62 times higher odds, and living alone with 44% lower odds of being unhealthy. The unhealthy behavior group showed significantly decreased functional capacity (B =−1.56 [−1.98, −1.14]) than the healthy behavior group. For each behavior, negative changes in going out (B =−0.99 [−1.60, −0.37]), face-to-face interaction (B =−0.65 [−1.16, −0.13]), and non-face-to-face interactions (B =−0.80 [−1.36, −0.25]) were associated with a decline in functional capacity. Conclusion Our results showed four factors associated with engaging in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and how behavioral changes affect functional capacity decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, which will help to develop public health approaches
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Abe
- Integrated Research Initiative for Living Well with Dementia, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan; Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan; Centre for Urban Transitions, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia.
| | - Yu Nofuji
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Satoshi Seino
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Toshiki Hata
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan; Department of Food and Nutritional Science, Graduate School of Applied Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8502, Japan
| | - Miki Narita
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Yuri Yokoyama
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Hidenori Amano
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kitamura
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan; Health Town Development Science Centre, Yao City Health Centre, 1-1-1 Honmachi, Yao City, Osaka 581-0003, Japan
| | - Shoji Shinkai
- Department of Nutrition, Kagawa Nutrition University, 3-9-21 Chiyoda, Sakado, Saitama 350-0288, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujiwara
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, 35-2 Sakae, Itabashi, Tokyo 173-0015, Japan
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Ghanbari Movahed R, Maleki Fard F, Gholamrezai S, Pakravan-Charvadeh MR. The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Security and Food Diversity of Iranian Rural Households. Front Public Health 2022; 10:862043. [PMID: 35433601 PMCID: PMC9008508 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.862043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
With the onset of the coronavirus crisis, disruption of the domestic food supply chain, loss of revenue, and payments that affect food production have led to severe tensions and food security risks in many developing countries. The rural communities are more at risk of food insecurity due to less access to healthcare and social inequality. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security and food diversity of rural households. The sample included 375 household heads living in the rural areas of Khorramabad county, which was determined using a three-stage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using standard Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) questionnaires. The results showed that the food security situation of rural households has deteriorated, and consumption of some food groups changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the multinomial regression model showed that gender, level of education, monthly income, number of employed members, nutrition knowledge, employment status, livestock ownership, and access to credit were significantly associated with the food security of households during the COVID-19 pandemic. The household head's gender, level of education, monthly income, nutrition knowledge, employment status, livestock ownership, and access to credit were significantly associated with dietary diversity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings, providing emergency food assistance and cash payments to food-insecure households can reduce the risk of food insecurity in rural households. It is suggested that government policies focus on identifying vulnerable households in rural areas, especially female-headed households, low-income households, and households without a wage income.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezvan Ghanbari Movahed
- Department of Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
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Aggeli C, Patelida M, Grammatikopoulou MG, Matzaridou EA, Berdalli M, Theodoridis X, Gkiouras K, Persynaki A, Tsiroukidou K, Dardavessis T, Tzimos C, Goulis DG, Vassilakou T. Moderators of Food Insecurity and Diet Quality in Pairs of Mothers and Their Children. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9040472. [PMID: 35455516 PMCID: PMC9031801 DOI: 10.3390/children9040472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research has suggested that maternal diet and characteristics may influence the diet of offspring during childhood. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the influence of distinct maternal characteristics and the diet quality of mothers on the prevalence of household food insecurity (FI) and the diet quality of children. A total of 179 mother–child pairs were recruited from two primary schools in the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki. The children were aged between 10 and 12 years old. Diet quality was assessed as the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), with the use of the KIDMED for the children and the MedDietScore for the mothers. The household FI and the social and demographic characteristics of the mothers were also recorded, and anthropometric measures of both the mothers and their children were collected. Approximately ¼ (26.3%) of the pairs reported some degree of FI, with a greater prevalence (64.7%) within single-mother families. Moreover, FI affected the level of maternal MD adherence (p = 0.011). On the other hand, FI was decreased in households with a greater maternal educational level (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10–0.63) and conjugal family status (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.87–0.52). Maternal adherence to the MD was inversely related to the respective adherence of their offspring (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.86–0.997), suggesting that during periods of financial constraints, maternal diet quality is compromised at the expense of affording a better diet for the minors in the family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Aggeli
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (X.T.); (K.G.)
| | - Maria Patelida
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.G.); (T.V.)
| | - Ekaterini-Avrakomi Matzaridou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Marina Berdalli
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Xenophon Theodoridis
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (X.T.); (K.G.)
| | - Konstantinos Gkiouras
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece; (C.A.); (X.T.); (K.G.)
| | - Angeliki Persynaki
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece; (M.P.); (E.-A.M.); (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Kyriaki Tsiroukidou
- 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Hippokration General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Theodore Dardavessis
- Laboratory of Hygiene, Social & Preventive Medicine and Medical Statistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Christos Tzimos
- Northern Greece Statistics Directorate, Hellenic Statistical Authority, 218 Delfon Str., GR-54646 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios G. Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Tonia Vassilakou
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens University Campus, GR-11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (M.G.G.); (T.V.)
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