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Sutan R, Alavi K, Sallahuddin SN, Abdul Manaf MR, Jaafar MH, Shahar S, Abdul Maulud KN, Embong Z, Keliwon KB, Markom R. Factors associated with community volunteering among adults over the age of 50 in Malaysia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302220. [PMID: 38753828 PMCID: PMC11098473 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community volunteering is defined as voluntary participation in activities and services to benefit the local community. It has potential benefits to promote social, physical, and mental well-being, and it enhances productive, healthy, and active aging. The tendency to volunteer varies across individuals and communities. There is limited knowledge of contributing factors influencing volunteering among Malaysian adults over the age of 50. AIMS The present study aims to assess the association of demographic, cultural, and social factors with volunteering among Malaysian adults over the age of 50. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 involving 3,034 Malaysians aged 50 years and above across Malaysia, selected using a multi-stratified random sampling technique based on National Census 2020 data. A validated survey questionnaire to determine the demographic factor (age, sex, education level, employment status, health status, physical disability, and location of residence), cultural factor (ethnicity and religion), and social factor (social support, marital status, living arrangement, mode of transportation) that influence voluntary participation was distributed and collected. The association between these factors and volunteer participation was analysed using logistic regression models to identify significant predictors of voluntary participation among Malaysian adults over the age of 50. RESULTS A regression model indicates that living in rural areas (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.63-2.53), having higher education level (Tertiary level: OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.86-4.13), being employed (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.10-1.56), differences in ethnicity background (Chinese: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.39-0.86) and ease of transportation (Driving private transport: OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.19-1.32; Public transport: OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.00-1.154) were significantly associated with volunteering with R2 Nagelkerke of 0.147. CONCLUSION Recognising various factors towards community volunteering should be addressed by policymakers and volunteer organisations to increase volunteer participation from potential adults over the age of 50 in promoting healthy and active ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosnah Sutan
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khadijah Alavi
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-being, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Norain Sallahuddin
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Rizal Abdul Manaf
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Hasni Jaafar
- Department of Public Health Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Suzana Shahar
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khairul Nizam Abdul Maulud
- Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zaini Embong
- Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kamarul Baraini Keliwon
- Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ruzian Markom
- Centre of International Law and Siyar (CILAS), Faculty of Law, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
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Swales B, Ryde GC, Whittaker AC. A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study of Machine-Based Resistance Training With Prefrail Older Adults in Residential Care: The Keeping Active in Residential Elderly Trial II. J Aging Phys Act 2024; 32:244-263. [PMID: 38262397 DOI: 10.1123/japa.2022-0170] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Physical activity is an effective, proactive intervention to reduce or reverse frailty and functional decline. However, uncertainty exists about the feasibility and impact of resistance training on multidimensional health in prefrail older adults in residential care. This mixed methods feasibility study assessed practicability with limited efficacy testing on health and functional outcomes. Eleven prefrail older adults participated in a 6-week progressive resistance training protocol three times per week. The intervention and measures were found to be appropriate and acceptable by those who completed the trial, with participants self-reporting improved well-being, mood, and function. Analysis identified several barriers to recruitment, including prior commitments, seasonal impact, and session timing, and offered potential solutions with further recommendations for program refinement prior to a definitive randomized controlled trial. These findings add to our understanding of prefrail older adults' preferences regarding participation in physical activity research and the perceived benefits of resistance training. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03141879.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgitte Swales
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Gemma C Ryde
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anna C Whittaker
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
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Burton E, Hill KD, Codde J, Jacques A, Ng YL, Hill AM. Encouraging Adults Aged 65 and over to Participate in Resistance Training by Linking Them with a Peer: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3248. [PMID: 36833942 PMCID: PMC9963296 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Resistance training (RT) is beneficial for older adults, particularly to support living independently in their home. However, fewer than 25% of older adults in Australia participate in the recommended, twice-weekly sessions. Reasons older adults do not participate in RT include not having anyone to go with or not knowing what to do. Our study linked older adults with a peer (i.e., older person already participating in RT) to help them overcome these barriers. The aim of our study was to determine whether peer support was suitable for older adults participating in RT for the first time in the home or gymnasium setting. Each group (home vs. gymnasium) received a 6 week, twice-weekly program. Twenty-one participants completed the 6 week intervention: 14 in the home group and seven in the gymnasium group. The home group completed significantly more sessions per week (2.7 vs. 1.8) than the gymnasium group. Although both groups significantly improved on many physical assessments, no between-group differences were found. However, it is suitable to link a peer for support with novice older people participating in a RT program for the first time in the home or gymnasium. It is recommended that future studies explore whether peer support improves sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elissa Burton
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Keith D. Hill
- Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre, Monash University, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
- National Centre for Healthy Ageing, Monash University and Peninsula Health, Frankston, VIC 3199, Australia
| | - Jim Codde
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA 6160, Australia
| | - Angela Jacques
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA 6160, Australia
| | - Yoke Leng Ng
- Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- Health and Social Sciences Cluster, Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore 138683, Singapore
| | - Anne-Marie Hill
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6000, Australia
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Plunk AD, Hannon K, Carver A, Cooper D, Grant D, Greene S, Morgan E, Gehlert S. Developing a peer-led intervention to promote COVID-19 testing in low-income housing settings. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1096246. [PMID: 37213622 PMCID: PMC10196028 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1096246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Housing Collaborative project at Eastern Virginia Medical School has developed a method of adapting public health guidance from public housing communities, which face tremendous health challenges in cardiometabolic health, cancer, and other major health conditions. In this paper, we describe how academic and community partners in the Housing Collaborative came together to do this work with a focus on COVID-19 testing in the context of the emerging pandemic. Methods The academic team used virtual community engagement methods to interact with the Housing Collaborative Community Advisory Board (HCCAB) and a separate cohort of research participants (N = 102) recruited into a study of distrust in COVID-19 guidance. We conducted a series of 44 focus group interviews with participants on related topics. Results from these interviews were discussed with the HCCAB. We used the collaborative intervention planning framework to inform adaptation of public health guidance on COVID-19 testing delivered in low-income housing settings by including all relevant perspectives. Results Participants reported several important barriers to COVID-19 testing related to distrust in the tests and those administering them. Distrust in housing authorities and how they might misuse positive test results seemed to further undermine decision making about COVID-19 testing. Pain associated with testing was also a concern. To address these concerns, a peer-led testing intervention was proposed by the Housing Collaborative. A second round of focus group interviews was then conducted, in which participants reported their approval of the proposed intervention. Conclusion Although the COVID-19 pandemic was not our initial focus, we were able to identify a number of barriers to COVID-19 testing in low-income housing settings that can be addressed with adapted public health guidance. We struck a balance between community input and scientific rigor and obtained high quality, honest feedback to inform evidence-based recommendations to guide decisions about health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Plunk
- Department of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Andrew D. Plunk,
| | - Kapri Hannon
- Department of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Alexandra Carver
- Department of Pediatrics, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Diane Cooper
- Housing Collaborative Community Advisory Board, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Debra Grant
- Housing Collaborative Community Advisory Board, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Sudie Greene
- Housing Collaborative Community Advisory Board, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Emma Morgan
- Housing Collaborative Community Advisory Board, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Sarah Gehlert
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Reid N, Young A, Shafiee Hanjani L, Hubbard RE, Gordon EH. Sex-specific interventions to prevent and manage frailty. Maturitas 2022; 164:23-30. [PMID: 35780633 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is growing interest in interventions that delay, slow, and even reverse frailty. In this narrative review, we explore the evidence on exercise, nutrition, medication optimisation and social support interventions for frailty and consider how these relate to underlying frailty pathophysiology. We also consider pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning sex differences in frailty before evaluating the limited evidence for sex-specific frailty interventions that is currently available. Through this review of the literature, we generate a list of potential sex-specific interventions for frailty. While individual-level recommendations are certainly important, future work should turn the focus towards population-level interventions that take into account sex differences in frailty, including changes to healthcare and socioeconomic systems, as well as changes to the built environment to promote healthy behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Reid
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Adrienne Young
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia; Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Health, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Ruth E Hubbard
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Queensland, Australia
| | - Emily H Gordon
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Queensland, Australia
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Teh R, Barnett D, Edlin R, Kerse N, Waters DL, Hale L, Tay E, Leilua E, Pillai A. Effectiveness of a complex intervention of group-based nutrition and physical activity to prevent frailty in pre-frail older adults (SUPER): a randomised controlled trial. THE LANCET. HEALTHY LONGEVITY 2022; 3:e519-e530. [PMID: 36102762 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-7568(22)00124-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of frailty with age is becoming a public health priority in countries with ageing populations. Pre-frailty presents a window of opportunity to prevent the development of frailty in community-dwelling older adults. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a complex intervention that combined a nutrition-based intervention and a physical activity intervention, along with the effectiveness of each intervention individually, to reduce physical frailty in pre-frail older adults over 2 years. METHODS In this single-blind, 2 x 2 factorial, randomised, controlled trial, we recruited pre-frail community-dwelling older adults in Aotearoa New Zealand via mail through general medical practices. To be eligible, participants had to be pre-frail according to self-reported FRAIL scores of 1 or 2, aged 75 years or older (or 60 years or older for Māori and Pacific Peoples), not terminally ill or with advanced dementia as judged by a general practitioner, able to stand, medically safe to participate in low-intensity exercise, and able to use kitchen utensils safely. Participants were randomly allocated to receive an 8-week Senior Chef programme (SC group), a 10-week Steady As You Go programme (SAYGO group), a 10-week combined SC and SAYGO intervention (combined group), or a 10-week social programme (control group), using computer-generated block randomisation administered through an electronic data capture system by local study coordinators. Assessors were masked to group allocation for all assessments. SC is a group-based nutrition education and cooking class programme (3 h weekly), SAYGO is a group-based strength and balance exercise programme (1 h weekly), and the social control programme was a seated, group socialising activity (once a week). Masked assessors ascertained Fried frailty scores at baseline, end of intervention, and at 6, 12, and 24 months after the programme. The primary outcome was change in Fried frailty score at 2 years. Intention-to-treat analyses were completed for all randomised participants, and all participants who had a high (≥75%) adherence were analysed per protocol. This study is registered at ANZCTR, ACTRN12614000827639. FINDINGS Between May 12, 2016 and April 9, 2018, we assessed 2678 older adults for eligibility, of whom 468 (17%) consented and completed baseline assessment, with a mean age of 80·3 years (SD 5·1) and a mean Fried score of 1·9 (1·2); 59% were women. We randomly allocated these participants into the four groups: 117 in the SC group, 118 in the SAYGO group, 118 in the combined group, and 115 in the control group; 318 participants attended the 24-month follow-up: 89 in the SC group, 78 in the SAYGO group, 73 in the combined group, and 78 in the control group. At the 24-month follow-up, there were no differences in mean Fried scores between the intervention groups and the control group. No adverse events were reported. INTERPRETATION The study did not find that the combined SC and SAYGO programme was effective in reducing frailty in pre-frail older adults. Although some short-term benefits were observed in each individual programme, there was no clear evidence of long-term impact. Further research is needed to evaluate combinations of group-based programmes for community-dwelling older adults to optimise their physical function. FUNDING Health Research Council New Zealand and Ageing Well Challenge (Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Teh
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Daniel Barnett
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Edlin
- Department of Health Systems, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ngaire Kerse
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Debra L Waters
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Otago, New Zealand; School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Leigh Hale
- School of Physiotherapy, University of Otago, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Esther Tay
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Evelingi Leilua
- Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Avinesh Pillai
- Department of Statistics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Neuhaus M, Young T, Ferris LJ, Grimmel CLM, Reid N. A Narrative Review of Peer-Led Positive Psychology Interventions: Current Evidence, Potential, and Future Directions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138065. [PMID: 35805719 PMCID: PMC9265263 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Positive psychology interventions are an effective means for cultivating flourishing, addressing low levels of wellbeing, and preventing languishing. Peer-led interventions can be a particularly advantageous delivery method of positive psychology interventions, as participants tend to respond more favourably to people that they can identify with personally. Such interventions have been applied in a variety of settings and populations, but the literature on peer-led positive psychology interventions has not yet been summarised. This paper provides a narrative overview of peer-led positive psychology interventions. We reviewed relevant peer-led interventions, assessed the available evidence on their effectiveness, and highlighted promising opportunities for peer-led positive psychology interventions. We found that the majority of the studies were observational in design but showed a high level of acceptability for participants across the reviewed domains. In particular, schools, workplaces, the aged care sector, and community settings are noted as promising target domains for these interventions. However, more studies—particularly high-quality research—will be needed to comprehensively test the effectiveness of peer-led positive psychology interventions. We discuss opportunities for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Neuhaus
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia;
- Correspondence:
| | - Tarli Young
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Laura J. Ferris
- School of Business, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | | | - Natasha Reid
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia;
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