The Association of Physical (in)Activity with Mental Health. Differences between Elder and Younger Populations: A Systematic Literature Review

Are health behaviors associated with mental health among tertiary education students? A systematic review of cohort studies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between health behaviors with mental health among tertiary education students.

METHODS

Six databases were searched until September 2021 for prospective cohort studies evaluating the association between health behavior(s) (dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behavior, alcohol intake, sleep, smoking or illicit drug use) and mental health. Two independent reviewers screened records for inclusion, extracted data and completed risk of bias assessments.

RESULTS

33 studies were included (14 assessed sleep, 14 alcohol intake, 13 physical activity, 8 smoking, 6 sedentary behavior, 4 diet, 1 illicit drug use). A consistent association between poor sleep, and physical inactivity with increased risk of poor psychological wellbeing, and between poor sleep and increased mental ill-health related outcomes was demonstrated.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest interventions to address poor sleep and physical inactivity among students may positively impact mental health. Further research of other health behaviors, and their association with mental health, is required.

Sociodemographic, lifestyle and psychological factors associated with healthy ageing in a national longitudinal study of middle-aged and older adults in Thailand

The aim of this study was to estimate the longitudinal associations with healthy ageing as well as its association with mortality in a national sample in Thailand. The analytic sample consisted of 2585 participants (≥45 years) in four study assessments in 2015, 2017, 2020, and 2022. The distribution of the healthy ageing components at baseline was 93.7% no major disease, 97.2% no activities of daily living (ADL) disability, 86.3% no depression, 91.8% social engagement and 88.1% high quality of life (QoL); healthy ageing increased from 64.7% in 2015 to 67.1% in 2022. Standardised self-reported measures were used to assess healthy ageing components and covariates. In the adjusted GEE logistic regression analysis, working, high subjective economic status, high physical activity or exercise, and high subjective life expectancy were positively associated, and aged 70 years and older, widowed, past smoking, having underweight, obesity, and low self-rated physical health were negatively associated with healthy ageing. In addition, in adjusted Cox regression, healthy ageing was negatively associated with mortality. Sociodemographic factors, lifestyle indicators, self-rated physical health and subjective life expectancy were associated with healthy ageing. Addressing modifiable factors (e.g. lifestyle factors such as physical activity, smoking or underweight and/or obesity) may contribute to healthy ageing.

Determinants of depressive symptoms among persons 80 years and older: longitudinal national evidence from the health, aging, and retirement study in Thailand, 2015-2022

BACKGROUND

Few studies have longitudinally assessed the determinants of depressive symptoms among persons 80 years and older. The aim of this study was to estimate the determinants of depressive symptoms among persons 80 years and older based on 4-wave national longitudinal data from Thailand.

METHODS

Data from the Health, Aging, and Retirement in Thailand study from 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2022 were utilized. The sample was restricted to community-dwelling persons 80 years and older (analytic sample: n = 2763 observations). For the pooled sample, average age was 85.0 years (range 80-117 years). Established measurements were used to assess depressive symptoms. Linear fixed effects regression was applied to assess the time-variant determinants and outcomes.

RESULTS

Regressions found that higher functional disability and an increase in the number of chronic conditions worsened depressive symptoms. More favourable self-rated physical health, and higher exercise frequency improved depressive symptoms. In addition, among women higher subjective economic status decreased depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

This longitudinal study enhances our understanding of the determinants of depressive symptoms among persons 80 years and older. Strategies to delay or decrease functional disability, chronic conditions, increase physical activity, and improve subjective economic status may help in reducing depressive symptoms.

The impact of chronic diseases on the health-related quality of life of middle-aged and older adults: the role of physical activity and degree of digitization

BACKGROUND

The incidence of chronic diseases is on the rise worldwide, with a high mortality rate in China, posing a serious threat to the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of middle-aged and older adults. This study explores the association between chronic diseases and the HRQoL of middle-aged and older adults, as well as the role of physical activity (PA) and degree of digitization in this relationship.

METHODS

The data used in this study was obtained from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), which included 13,620 middle-aged and older Chinese adults (≥ 45 years). The study utilized correlation analysis, and bootstrapping to investigate the mediating role of PA and the moderating influence of the degree of digitization. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26.0.

RESULTS

The study findings indicate that the severity of chronic disease has a significant negative predictive effect on HRQoL (PCS, physical component summary; MCS, mental component summary) (PCS: β = -2.515, p < 0.01, MCS: β = -0.735, p < 0.01). Further analysis revealed that PA plays a mediating and masking role in the impact of chronic disease on PCS and MCS. Additionally, the degree of digitization moderates the relationship between chronic disease and PA, chronic disease and PCS, and PA and PCS.

CONCLUSION

For middle-aged and older persons, chronic diseases have a detrimental effect on their HRQoL; nevertheless, PA can help. Furthermore, proper internet usage can help older individuals to some extent in mitigating the negative impact of chronic diseases. Therefore, it is encouraged to promote PA among the elderly with chronic diseases to improve their physical health, as well as to guide them in the proper use of the Internet to establish healthy behaviors.

Empirical analysis of health-related behaviors among older Hakka adults: a latent class analysis

Background

Little is known about health-related behaviors of the older Hakka population in China. We aimed to explore the characteristics and correlates of health-related behaviors among older Hakka adults.

Methods

We used data from the China's Health-Related Quality of Life Survey for Older Adults 2018. Latent class analysis (LCA) defined latent classes of health-related behaviors for 1,262 older Hakka adults aged 60 and above. Generalized linear regression and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors influencing the number and the latent classes of health-related behaviors, respectively.

Results

The LCA showed that the latent classes could be stratified as the risk group (14.82%), healthy group (55.71%), and inactive group (29.48%). Sex, age, years of education, current residence, living arrangement, average annual household income, and currently employed were associated with the number of healthy behaviors. Compared with the participants in the healthy group, widowed/others (OR = 5.85, 95% CI = 3.27, 10.48), had 15,001-30,000 (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.21, 3.47) and 60,001 or higher (OR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.26, 11.36) average annual household income, and currently employed (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.99, 5.81) were highly associated with risk group. Additionally, the participants who are widowed/others (OR = 4.30, 95% CI = 2.70, 6.85) and currently employed (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.27, 2.98) were highly associated with the inactive group.

Conclusion

This study identified factors specifically associated with older Hakka adults' health-related behaviors from an LCA perspective. The findings indicate that policymakers should give more attention to older adults living alone and implement practical interventions to promote health-related behaviors among them.

The Role of Nursing in the Management of Chemotherapy Extravasation: A Systematic Review Regarding Public Health

The scientific literature was reviewed with the aim of analysing the state of the art on the role of nursing in the management of chemotherapy extravasation, recognising the possible risk factors and identifying effective training programmes for nurses. WOS, Scopus, and PubMed databases were used to perform the searches. Papers that met the inclusion criteria and that had been published in the last 9 years were selected. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) instrument was applied to the selected studies. In addition, this research was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (ID: 512480). Out of the 23 initially selected articles, a total of 9 articles were eventually included, since they met the eligibility criteria that were established after a more exhaustive analysis, which included reading their abstracts and full texts. The results show that the management of chemotherapy extravasation is closely related to factors that largely depend on the nursing staff. Among the most relevant findings are factors including the identification of the nursing role in the management of extravasation due to chemotherapy; risk factors; and effective training programmes for nursing. Nurses play a crucial role throughout the entire process of treatment, prevention, and health education in chemotherapy treatment. Training programmes for nurses are fundamental, as they increase their professional competence and improve the safety of the patient. Adequate knowledge of chemotherapy treatment and the risk factors of extravasation are basic elements for the prevention of this type of injury, as well as for the improvement of the quality of life of patients under this kind of intravenous therapy.

Association of sleep duration and risk of mental disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effects of sleep duration on the development of mental illness remain controversial. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the effects of long or short sleep duration on psychological disorders, which could reveal new ways for preventing and treating mental health conditions cheaply.

METHODS

Identifying published papers was accomplished by using the following five English databases on March 16, 2022: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science databases, and Scopus. Cross-sectional and cohort studies were considered if they evaluated the association of sleep duration with all kinds of mental illness in adults. We excluded case reports, editorials, narrative reviews, and studies without detailed information on sleep duration. Summary effect-size estimates were expressed as risk ratios (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals and were evaluated using random-effect models. Mantel-Haenszel's random-effects model was used to estimate the inconsistency index (I2) and Tau2 index (measurement of heterogeneity).

RESULTS

A total of 52 studies were included in this analysis, consisting of 14 cohort studies and 38 cross-sectional studies. These studies involved a combined sample size of 1,407,891 participants who met the inclusion criteria. Cohort (adjusted RR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.26-1.60, P < .001, I2 = 37.6%, Tau2 = 0.014) and cross-sectional studies (adjusted OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.57-1.77, P < .001, I2 = 79.7%, Tau2 = 0.060) concluded that short sleep duration increased mental disorder risks. The same conclusions were acquired in the subgroup analysis, especially for depression (adjusted RR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.24-1.65, P < .001, I2 = 80.4%, Tau2 = 0.082), anxiety (adjusted RR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04-1.63, P = .002, I2 = 0.0%, Tau2 = 0.000), and PTSD (adjusted RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.04-1.76, P = .022, I2 = 24.1%, Tau2 = 0.013) in cohort studies. The results of subgroup analysis indicated that long sleep duration was not a risk factor for depression (adjusted RR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.98-1.34, P = .088, I2 = 63.4%, Tau2 = 0.045) and anxiety (adjusted RR = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.93-2.03, P = .114, I2 = 0.0%, Tau2 = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Short sleep duration, not long sleep duration, is an independent predictor of developing mental disorders, particularly anxiety and depression.

The effects of carbohydrate-restricted diet on psychological outcomes: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

CONTEXT

Carbohydrate-restricted diets are widely used as an effective treatment tool for many chronic diseases. The impact of these diets on physical health is well known, but their impact on psychological health is less well described in the scientific literature. This is an important aspect to focus on, especially if the diets are to be sustainable in the long term.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to systematically review the scientific literature describing the effect of carbohydrate-restricted diets and ketogenic diets on psychological outcomes, as observed in randomized controlled trials. Additionally, the potential synergistic effect of carbohydrate-restricted diets and exercise or social factors on these outcomes was researched.

DATA SOURCES

Five databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE Complete) were searched without restriction of publication date.

DATA EXTRACTION

The first data extraction was made in October 2020 and the second in May 2022. Abstract screening was performed by 3 independent reviewers. The quality of studies was assessed using the Jadad scale.

DATA ANALYSIS

Sixteen randomized controlled studies were included in the analysis. Five studies focused on clinical populations, 9 on obese/overweight populations, and 2 on healthy populations; all studies examined adult people. Four psychological outcomes were identified (quality of life, mental health, mood, and fatigue), and they were examined in connection with a very low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet.

CONCLUSION

Daily low-carbohydrate intake may not negatively affect psychological well-being, and low-carbohydrate diets and ketogenic diets are no worse than other diets in this respect. An intervention of 12 weeks or longer can bring benefits in psychological well-being. The synergistic effect of diet and exercise or social factors was not reviewed due to lack of evidence.

Construction and validation of a nomogram for predicting fear of falling related activity restrictions in community-dwelling older adults

Fear of falling related activity restrictions are widespread among older adults, leading to several adverse effects. Given these consequences, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive assessment tool that integrates various risk factors to predict the likelihood of older adults experiencing such activity restrictions. This cross-sectional study investigated fear of falling related activity restrictions and its influencing factors, simultaneously constructed and validated a nomogram among older adults residing in the communities in China. The model includes variables like age, gender, self-rated health, past year injurious falls, gait stability, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. It showed an AUC of 0.892. Internal validation had an AUC of 0.893, and external validation had an AUC of 0.939. Calibration curve showed good fit, and decision curve showed high clinical benefits. It's an intuitive tool for medical professionals to identify older adults at high risk of activity restrictions due to fear of falling.

Impact of mindfulness-based and health self-management interventions on mindfulness, self-compassion, and physical activity in older adults with subjective cognitive decline: A secondary analysis of the SCD-Well randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Older adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD) have a higher risk of dementia. Reducing this risk through behavioral interventions, which can increase emotional well-being (mindfulness and compassion) and physical activity, is crucial in SCD.

METHODS

SCD-Well is a multicenter, observer-blind, randomized, controlled, superiority trial. Three hundred forty-seven participants (mean [standard deviation] age: 72.7 [6.9] years; 64.6% women) were recruited from memory clinics in four European sites to assess the impact of an 8-week caring mindfulness-based approach for seniors (CMBAS) and a health self-management program (HSMP) on mindfulness, self-compassion, and physical activity.

RESULTS

CMBAS showed a significant within-group increase in self-compassion from baseline to post-intervention and both a within- and between-group increase to follow-up visit (24 weeks). HSMP showed a significant within- and between-group increase in physical activity from baseline to post-intervention and to follow-up visit.

DISCUSSION

Non-pharmacological interventions can differentially promote modifiable factors linked to healthy aging in older adults with SCD.

Short-term ozone exposure and serum neural damage biomarkers in healthy elderly adults: Evidence from a panel study

BACKGROUND

Although converging lines of research have pointed to the adverse neural effects of air pollution, evidence linking ozone (O3) and neural damage remains limited.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the subclinical neural effects of short-term ozone (O3) exposure in elderly adults.

METHODS

A panel of healthy elderly individuals was recruited, and five repeated measurements were conducted from December 2018 to April 2019 in Xinxiang, China. Serum neural damage biomarkers, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurofilament light chain (NfL), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5), and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) were measured at each follow-up session. Personal O3 exposure levels were calculated based on outdoor monitoring and sampling times. A linear mixed-effects model was adopted to quantify the acute effect of O3 on serum neural damage biomarkers. Stratification analysis based on sex, education level, physical activity, and glutathione S-transferases (GST) gene polymorphism analysis was performed to explore their potential modifying effects.

RESULTS

A total of 34 healthy volunteers aged 63.7 ± 5.7 y were enlisted and completed the study. The concentration of the daily maximum 8-h average O3 (O3-8h) ranged from 19.5 to 160.5 μg/m3 during the study period. Regression analysis showed that short-term O3 exposure was associated positively with serum concentrations of neural damage biomarkers. A 10 μg/m3 increase in O3-8h exposure was associated with an increment of 74 % (95 % CI:1 %-146 %) and 197 % (95 % CI:39 %-356 %) in BDNF (lag 2 d) and NfL (lag 1 d), respectively. The stratification results suggest that males, people with lower education levels, lower physical activity, and GST theta 1 (GSTT1)-sufficient genotype might be marginally more vulnerable.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides new evidence for the neural damage risk posed by O3 exposure, even at relatively low concentrations, which, therefore, requires that stringent air quality standards be developed and implemented.

The Effectiveness of Health-Oriented Interventions and Health Promotion for Unemployed People-A Meta-Analysis

Background: Unemployment is known to have negative effects on mental and physical health. Yet, the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the health of unemployed people is unclear. Methods: We conducted a random-effects meta-analysis of extant intervention studies with at least two measurement points and a control group. A literature search in PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO in December 2021 identified 34 eligible primary studies with 36 independent samples. Results: For mental health, the average meta-analytic effect sizes for the comparison of the intervention group and the control group were significant and of small size after the intervention, d = 0.22; 95% CI [0.08, 0.36], as well as at follow-up, d = 0.11; 95% CI [0.07, 0.16]. Effects on self-assessed physical health status were small and marginally significant (p = 0.10) after the intervention: d = 0.09; 95% CI [-0.02, 0.20], and insignificant at follow-up. However, when job search training was not part of the intervention program (i.e., all available resources were used solely for health promotion), the average effect size for physical health was significant after the intervention, d = 0.17; 95% CI [0.07, 0.27]. Furthermore, the effects of physical activity promotion were significant and of small-to-medium size after the intervention, leading to increased levels of activity, d = 0.30; 95% CI [0.13, 0.47]. Conclusions: Population-based health promotion programs are recommended because even measures with small effect sizes can actually improve the health of a large group of unemployed people.

Physical activity levels in adults with chronic low back pain: A national survey in the general Spanish population

OBJECTIVE

To identify and compare physical activity levels in the Spanish population with chronic low back pain and their associated factors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional national study.

SUBJECTS

A total of 3,220 adults with chronic low back pain from the 2017 Spanish National Health Survey.

METHODS

Three groups were defined according to physical activity level (low, moderate, and high) assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and an ordinal regression model were performed.

RESULTS

Thirty percent of the subjects were classed as doing a low level of physical activity, 53% moderate, and 17% high. Females predominated in the low and moderate groups, and the subjects in the high group were younger. Subjects in the low group reported more use of pain-relief, more severe-extreme pain, more functional limitations, and worse quality of life and mental health. Factors more likely to be associated with higher levels of physical activity were: being male, normal body mass index or overweight, better health status, less pain, less physical and cognitive limitations, and more social support.

CONCLUSION

Different aspects of the biopsychosocial framework were associated with the different levels of physical activity in subjects with chronic low back pain. These findings should be taken into consideration in order to establish suitable public health strategies.

Mental distress links with physical activities, sedentary lifestyle, social support, and sleep problems: A Syrian population cross-sectional study

Background

Mental diseases are very widespread and difficult to treat, affecting around 12% of the global population in 2019. Since social interaction is crucial to human existence and loneliness has been proven to be a significant predictor of depressive symptoms, it stands to reason that social connection problems would also contribute to depression. Physical inactivity seems to weaken and aggravate insulin tolerance alterations, glucose homeostasis, and plasma triglyceride levels, thereby influencing one's mood and happiness. This suggests that physical inactivity may be a significant risk factor for mental illness. This research contributes to our understanding of the mental health situation in Syria by exploring associations between a set of measurable characteristics that may be adjusted.

Methods

An online quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2022 in Syria, using a structured questionnaire that assesses data on behaviors of health, health in general, wellbeing, and adult population quality of life.

Results

Among 1,224 respondents (371 men and 853 women), women have shown higher levels of mental distress, sleep issues, low engagement in structured activities, and a difficult work environment than men. Women experiencing mental anguish have reported being more sedentary, participating in less scheduled activities, and receiving less social support.

Conclusions

There are observable connections between high sedentary time and women experiencing mental distress. The mental health of Syrian women in distress was associated with a lack of participation in both organized activities and physical exercise in their free time. Furthermore, sleep issues and financial troubles were seen in persons with mental diseases of both males and females.

Increased physical activity, higher educational attainment, and the use of mobility aid are associated with self-esteem in people with physical disabilities

Background

High self-esteem can help people with disabilities overcome barriers and improve their mental health and well-being. This study sought to examine self-esteem levels among Saudis with physical disabilities based on socio-economic factors. It also aimed to determine the minimum weekly duration of physical activity performed by participants and examine its effects, along with those of other socio-economic factors, on participants' self-esteem.

Methods

A participant sample (N = 582) consisting of Saudi individuals aged 33.78 ± 9.81 years with physical disabilities (males, n = 289; females, n = 293) was recruited to participate in this study. Levels of self-esteem were measured using the Arabic version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

Results

Compared to women, men demonstrated significantly higher levels of overall self-esteem, positive feelings, and negative feelings (p < 0.01). The respondents' average levels of overall self-esteem (p < 0.001), positive feelings (p < 0.01), and negative feelings (p < 0.001) also varied by type of physical disability. Wheelchair-using participants had the highest values for self-esteem and positive feelings; cane-using participants or those who did not use mobility aids had the lowest values. Weighted least squares regression showed that weekly physical activity was the factor that most affected self-esteem (β = 0.002), followed by education level (β = 0.115), then type of mobility device used (β = -0.07).

Conclusion

Increased weekly physical activity, higher education levels, and the use of mobility aids were the factors likely to improve the self-esteem of Saudis with physical disabilities.

Health behavior interventions for university students measuring mental health outcomes: A scoping review

Introduction

Many university students have poor mental health, and co-occurring health risk behaviors. Targeting health behavior change in this population may improve mental health outcomes. This scoping review describes the extent and range of randomized controlled trials (RCT) evaluating interventions targeting health risk behaviors and measuring a mental health outcome, among university students.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched for RCTs published until the 18^th May 2021. Eligible RCTs included university students, evaluated interventions that promoted health behavior change (i.e., dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behavior, alcohol and drug use, smoking, and sleep), and measured a mental health-related outcome.

Results

Fifty-nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria that were published from 2000 to 2021, and over half (n = 33) were conducted in the United States. Interventions evaluated within the RCTs (n = 92) predominantly targeted changes to dietary intake (n = 41 interventions), physical activity (n = 39), or alcohol intake (n = 35). Most interventions targeted one (n = 51) or two (n = 27) health behaviors only. Included RCTs considered mental ill health outcomes (n = 24), psychological wellbeing outcomes (n = 20), or both (n = 15).

Discussion

This scoping review identified a moderate volume of experimental research investigating the impact of health behavior interventions on university students' mental health. There is scope for further research examining health behavior interventions targeting university students, particularly interventions taking a multi-behavioral approach.

Assessing Quality of Life with Community Dwelling Elderly Adults: A Mass Survey in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

With the growing life expectancy for older adults, this study aims to examine the correlation among sociodemographic characteristics and the combined effect of QoL-related domains including physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environmental factors with the overall QoL level of older adults in Taiwan.

METHODS

The WHOQOL-BREF Taiwanese Version questionnaire was adopted and conducted using a randomized telephone interview system from community household elders. In total, 1078 participants aged 65 years and older were recruited. A multiple regression model was used to examine the statistical significance between the overall QoL score as the dependent variable and the sociodemographic characteristics, and 26 items of QoL-related questionnaires as the independent variables.

RESULTS

Categories including female, aged 85 years and above, higher education level, and better financial situation had significantly higher overall QoL level. Except the physical health domain and six items, the correlations among all other domains and their including items of questionnaires with overall QoL level were significant.

CONCLUSION

The Taiwanese WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire can be used to examine the overall QoL level of elders in Taiwan. Nevertheless, the robust systems of universal health care and long-term care in Taiwan may have led to the no significance of the six items.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Successful Ageing among People 50 Years and Older in a National Community Sample in Thailand

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of successful ageing (SA) among people 50 years and older in Thailand. We analyzed national cross-sectional data (5092 men and women 50 years or older) from the Health, Aging and Retirement in Thailand (HART) study in 2015. The SA measures included (1) life satisfaction, (2) social engagement, (3) no major illness, (4) no probable depression, and (5) absence of functional disability. The sample included 5092 participants (median age 67 years, interquartile range 60 to 78 years). The prevalence of SA was 60.0% in adults 50 years and older, ranging from 43.8% in Krabi province to 80.2% in Pathum Thani province, 58.1% (≥60 years), and 56.3% (≥65 years), and the prevalence of the components of SA was 92.3% without major illness, 96.1% without functional disability, 87.5% without probable depression, 91.3% social engagement, and 82.3% high life satisfaction. In multivariable Poisson regression analysis, Buddhist religion (adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR): 1.50, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.25 to 1.79), high subjective economic status (aPR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.49), and physical activity (≥150 min/week) (aPR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.24) were positively associated and increasing age (aPR: 0.993, 95% CI: 0.989 to 0.997) was negatively associated with SA. Almost two in three older adults in Thailand were successfully ageing. Factors associated with SA included being Buddhist, younger age, higher subjective economic status, and higher engagement in physical activity. These identified factors should be incorporated into health promotion intervention programs in Thailand.

Cross-sectional associations between mental health indicators and social vulnerability, with physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep in urban African young women

BACKGROUND

Relationships between mental health and multiple health behaviours have not been explored in young South African women experiencing social constraints. The aim of this study was to identify associations between mental health indicators and risk factors with physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep, amongst young women living in Soweto, a predominantly low-income, urban South African setting.

METHODS

For this cross-sectional study, baseline measurements for participants (n = 1719, 18.0-25.9 years old) recruited for the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative were used including: physical activity, sedentary behaviour (sitting, screen and television time), sleep (duration and quality), depression and anxiety indicators, emotional health, adverse childhood experiences, alcohol-use risk; social vulnerability, self-efficacy, and social support.

RESULTS

Multiple regression analyses showed that depression (β = 0.161, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = 0.126, p = 0.001), adverse childhood experiences (β = 0.076, p = 0.014), and alcohol-use risk (β = 0.089, p = 0.002) were associated with poor quality sleep. Alcohol-use risk was associated with more screen time (β = 0.105, p < 0.001) and television time (β = 0.075, p < 0.016). Social vulnerability was associated with lower sitting time (β = - 0.187, p < 0001) and screen time (β = - 0.014, p < 0.001). Higher self-efficacy was associated with more moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (β = 0.07, p = 0.036), better-quality sleep (β = - 0.069, p = 0.020) and less television time (β = - 0.079, p = 0.012). Having no family support was associated with more sitting time (β = 0.075, p = 0.022). Binomial logistic regression analyses supported these findings regarding sleep quality, with anxiety and depression risk doubling the risk of poor-quality sleep (OR = 2.425, p < 0.001, OR = 2.036, p = 0.003 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings contribute to our understanding of how mental health indicators and risk factors can be barriers to health behaviours of young women in Soweto, and that self-efficacy and social support can be protective for certain of these behaviours for these women. Our results highlight the uniqueness of this setting regarding associations between mental health and behaviours associated with non-communicable diseases risk.

Recommending Physical Activity to Your Aging Patients? What Clinicians Need to Know to Increase Adherence From the Older Adult Perspective

A wealth of scientific evidence supports that being physically active may prevent or delay the onset of cognitive impairment and dementia. However, a critical barrier is that while most clinicians recommend physical activity (PA) and older adults recognize its health benefits, most older adults fail to regularly practice PA. Thus, it is necessary to explore and disseminate knowledge on how to help clinicians truly partner with people and help them to change their behavior and become more active. Clinical and scientific efforts are underway to establish dose-specific PA recommendations for cognitive brain health. However, an important knowledge gap is how to develop effective strategies to increase PA adherence in aging. To better understand the perspective of older adults, we undertook a mixed-method study on sixty-five sedentary older adults at risk for cognitive decline. Participants answered a questionnaire battery related to PA engagement, and a subcohort participated in a remote focus group. Our findings revealed four main themes: First, age and aging are determinants in PA practice. Second, maintaining both an active mind and autonomy are priorities, but planned PA is not usually related as part of being “active.” Third, motivational challenges in PA engagement were noted. And fourth, they emphasized a call for tailored recommendations. Therefore, we present a multidimensional model of PA adherence to maximize brain health in older adults and suggest a tool kit and key questions to effectively screen sedentary aging adults and translate current guidelines into the needs of the individual by using behavior change strategies.

A Comprehensive Overview of the Complex Role of Oxidative Stress in Aging, The Contributing Environmental Stressors and Emerging Antioxidant Therapeutic Interventions

Introduction

Aging is a normal, inevitable, irreversible, and progressive process which is driven by internal and external factors. Oxidative stress, that is the imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant molecules favoring the first, plays a key role in the pathophysiology of aging and comprises one of the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related diseases. However, the oxidative stress theory of aging has not been successfully proven in all animal models studying lifespan, meaning that altering oxidative stress/antioxidant defense systems did not always lead to a prolonged lifespan, as expected. On the other hand, animal models of age-related pathological phenotypes showed a well-correlated relationship with the levels of prooxidant molecules. Therefore, it seems that oxidative stress plays a more complicated role than the one once believed and this role might be affected by the environment of each organism. Environmental factors such as UV radiation, air pollution, and an unbalanced diet, have also been implicated in the pathophysiology of aging and seem to initiate this process more rapidly and even at younger ages.

Aim

The purpose of this review is to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in the physiology of aging and the effect of certain environmental factors in initiating and sustaining this process. Understanding the pathophysiology of aging will contribute to the development of strategies to postpone this phenomenon. In addition, recent studies investigating ways to alter the antioxidant defense mechanisms in order to prevent aging will be presented.

Conclusions

Careful exposure to harmful environmental factors and the use of antioxidant supplements could potentially affect the biological processes driving aging and slow down the development of age-related diseases. Maybe a prolonged lifespan could not be achieved by this strategy alone, but a longer healthspan could also be a favorable target.

The Interlink among Age, Functional Fitness, and Perception of Health and Quality of Life: A Mediation Analysis

In aging societies, physical activity may benefit functional fitness influencing the health of older people. The aim of this study was to explore the interrelation between age and perception of health and quality of life, and the mediating effects of functional fitness in older individuals. One hundred and sixty-six late middle-aged (55–64 years, young-old (65–74 years), and old (75–84 years) adults, divided into senior athletes (n = 44), physically active (n = 59), and sedentary individuals (n = 63) were evaluated for functional fitness (flexibility, strength, interlimb coordination, endurance) and physical (Physical Component Summary-PCS) and mental (Mental Component Summary-MCS) health and quality of life perception. Multiple mediation analyses were applied to assess the relationship between age and PCS and MCS indices and the role of functional fitness-related mediators. For MCS only, the mediation analysis showed a positive total and direct effect of age and a negative total indirect effect through mediators. No effects emerged for PCS. Despite a decline in their functional fitness, older individuals were able to maintain a mental health perception, also demonstrating how beneficial effects of physically active lifestyle on functional fitness can positively impact the cognitive-emotional dimension of mental health with advancing age.

Association between physical activity, sedentary time, participation in organized activities, social support, sleep problems and mental distress among adults in Southern Norway: a cross-sectional study among 28,047 adults from the general population

Abstract

Background

Identification of modifiable factors associated with poor mental health is crucial to develop targeted and effective intervention strategies for prevention of mental distress and illness in the general population. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the association between low level of leisure-time physical activity, high sedentary time, low participation in organized activities, low social support, sleep problems, and mental distress in a large sample of Norwegian adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was completed by 28,047 adults (≥18 years old) in southern Norway by filling out an online self-report questionnaire. Multivariable binary logistic regression models, stratified according to gender and adjusted for age and perceived financial situation, were used to examine possible associations between unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, participation in organized activities, social support, and mental distress.

Results

Our results showed an increased odds of having mental distress among men reporting low leisure-time physical activity (OR: 1.18; 95%CI: 1.03–1.37), high sedentary time (1.32; 1.16–1.51), low involvement in organized activities (1.43; 1.25–1.64), low social support (2.55; 2.18–2.99), and sleep problems (7.29; 6.35–8.37) compared to the rest of the male population. For women, the results showed increased odds of mental distress among those reporting high sedentary time (1.25; 1.11–1.39), low involvement in organized activities (1.60; 1.42–1.80), low social support (2.71; 2.39–3.06), and sleep problems (5.78; 5.15–6.50) compared to the rest of the female population. For both men and women, results also indicated that mental distress was increased among younger adults and among those reporting financial difficulties compared to the rest of the population.

Conclusion

Our results showed an association between unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, low participation in organized activities, low social support and mental distress, and that the strength of the association varied substantially. These findings provide increased knowledge about the relationship between modifiable lifestyle factors and mental health which should have implications for future public health efforts.

Physical activity, health and well-being among a nationally representative population-based sample of middle-aged and older adults in India, 2017-2018

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the association between physical activity (PA) and health and well-being in middle-aged and older community-dwelling adults in India.

METHODS

The cross-sectional sample consisted of 72,262 individuals (≥45 years) from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 in 2017-2018. Logistic regression, adjusted for relevant confounders, was used to predict associations between PA levels and 23 health indicators.

RESULTS

In all 23.8% of participants were inactive, 12.9% had low, 7.6% moderate, and 55.7% high PA. In the final adjusted logistic regression analyses, higher PA levels were associated with better mental health (less insomnia symptoms, less depressive symptoms, less loneliness, and better cognitive functioning), and better well-being (self-rated health status, life satisfaction, happiness, functional ability, and hand grip strength). Moreover, moderate and/or high PA were negatively associated with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, chronic lung disease, vision impairment, cataract, chronic renal failure, and Alzheimer's disease/dementia. While in unadjusted analysis, moderate and/or high PA were protective against major depressive disorder and bone or joint diseases, this became non-significant in the adjusted model. PA was not significantly associated with abdominal obesity and cancer.

CONCLUSION

Overall, higher PA levels were positively associated with 10 of 11 mental health and well-being indicators as well as being protective against 9 of 12 chronic conditions.

Correlations between implant success rate and personality types in the older people: A preliminary case control study

Background/ purpose

Older patients inevitably have a higher need for implant treatment, it is unknown how mental changes or psychological aspects affect the outcome of implant treatment. This study evaluated the success rate of implants and the influence of personality traits in the older people. The goal was to provide evidence for predictable implant treatment while taking into account the unique psychological changes of elders.

Materials and methods

Participants were patients who were able to independently visit our hospital between March 2004 and May 2021. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 65 years or older at the time of implant placement with regular follow-up for at least 1 year. The implant success rate was calculated by counting peri-implantitis and implant loss as failures. Multivariate analysis was used to examine the effect of patient personality characteristics on the success rate.

Results

Fifty-six implants were included in 23 patients (12 men, 11 women), with a mean age of 68.5 years (65–76) and mean maintenance duration of 9 years and 2 months. The cumulative survival rate was 87% at the patient level (94.6% at the implant level). Statistically significant differences were found for adaptive traits (odds ratio [OR] = 0.04) and non-adaptive traits (OR = 6.38); however, no significant differences were found for the other independent variables.

Conclusion

The overall implant success rate was 69.6% at the patient level (82.1% at the implant level). The personality traits in older people had a significant effect on the implant failure rate.

Successful ageing among a national community-dwelling sample of older adults in India in 2017-2018

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of successful ageing in older community-dwelling adults in India. The cross-sectional sample included 21,343 individuals (≥ 65 years) from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 in 2017-2018. Successful ageing was assessed utilizing a multidimensional concept, including five components: (1) absence of major illness, (2) free of disability, (3) no major depressive disorder, (4) social engagement and (5) life satisfaction. Overall, 27.2% had successful ageing, including 83.3% had no major diseases, 51.0% free from disability, 91.8% had no major depressive disorder, 73.6% were socially engaged and 74.6% had high life satisfaction. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, male sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR 1.40, 95% Confidence Interval-CI 1.21-1.26), married (AOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.22-1.79), having formal education (AOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.23-1.74), high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.29-2.01), urban residence (AOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.19-1.70), Sikhs (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.38-2.24), high physical activity (AOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.38-1.97), and daily Yoga practice (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.11-1.61) increased the odds of successful ageing, while increasing age (AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.79), poor childhood health (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI 0.29-0.75), and underweight (AOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61-0.81) decreased the odds of successful ageing. Almost one in three older adults in India were successfully ageing. Factors associated with successful ageing included, male sex, married, having formal education, high subjective socioeconomic status, urban residence, Sikhs, physical activity, Yoga practice, younger age, good childhood health, and not having underweight.