Evaluation of physical and mental health conditions related to employees' absenteeism

Background

Employees' health conditions are issues for not only employees themselves but also companies and society to keep medical costs low and productivity high.

Data and methods

In this analysis, 15,574 observations from 2,319 employees at four operational sites of a large corporation were used. The dataset contained physical and mental health conditions obtained from annual mandatory medical checkups, the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ), and work record information. Health and other factors related to long-term absenteeism (over three days in a quarter) were analyzed. Data were collected between February 2021 and January 2022, and we converted into quarterly observations. A logit (logistic regression) model was used in the analysis.

Results

Age and gender were identified as important basic characteristics. The estimates for these variables were positive and negative and significant at the 1% level. Among the variables obtained from the medical checkups, the estimates for diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, anamnesis, heart disease history, smoking, increased weight, and frequency of alcohol consumption were positive and significant at the 1% level, further those for taking antihypertensive medications and kidney disease history were positive and significant at the 5% level. In contrast, the estimates for systolic blood pressure and amount of alcohol consumption were negative and significant at the 1% level. The estimate for taking antihyperglycemic medications and health guidelines were negative and significant at the 5% level. Among the variables obtained from the BJSQ, the estimates for amount of work felt, fatigue and support from family and friends were positive and significant at the 1%, and the estimate for irritation was positive and significant at the 5% level. The estimates for controlling job and physical complaints were negative and significant at the 1% level, and those for usage of employee's ability to work and suitability of the work were negative and significant at the 5% level. As all four operational sites were located in the northeastern region of Japan (cold and snowy in winter), the seasonal effects were significant at the 1% level. The effect of year was also significant and significant differences were observed among the sites at the 1% level.

Conclusion

Some physical and mental health conditions were strongly associated with long-term absenteeism. By improving these conditions, corporations could reduce the number of employee absence days. As absenteeism was costly for corporations due to replacement employees and their training costs to maintain operations, employers must be concerned about rising healthcare (direct and indirect) costs and implement investments to improve employees' health conditions.

Limitations

This study's results were based on only one corporation and the dataset was observatory. The employees were primarily operators working inside the building and most of them are healthy. Therefore, the sample selection biases might exist, and the results cannot be generalized to other types of jobs, working conditions, or companies. As medical checkups and the BJSQ are mandatory for most companies in Japan, the framework of this study can be applied to other companies. Although we used the BJSQ results, better mental measures might exist. Similar analyses for different corporations are necessary.

Chrono-Nutritional Patterns, Medical Comorbidities, and Psychological Status in Patients with Severe Obesity

Chrono-nutrition studies dietary habits and their role in the onset of metabolic diseases. The aim of this study is to describe chrono-nutritional patterns based on the analysis of the eating habits of patients with severe obesity during the 24-h cycle and investigate a possible relationship between these profiles, the comorbidities, and the psychological status. From the overall evaluation of the chrono-nutritional profiles of 173 patients with severe obesity, four predominant eating patterns were obtained with a refined statistical model. A regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between chrono-nutritional patterns, medical comorbidities, and psychological status. Profile 1 was the most frequent (46.2%) and characterised by the regular presence of the three main meals. The distribution of the chrono-nutritional profiles did not vary with BMI. Chrono-nutritional profiles affected predominantly psychological variables, with lower performances among chrono-nutritional profiles 3 (to eat during all the 24-h, with nibbling and snacking also during the night) and 4 (like the fourth but without night-eating). This finding could be useful in the assessment and treatment of patients with obesity, allowing the identification of patients with a higher probability of suffering from a psychopathological condition simply by knowing the patients' dietary profiles.

Factors to be considered as part of a holistic assessment for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A scoping review

We undertook a scoping review to identify the factors outside of current fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnostic criteria to be considered as part of a holistic assessment process. This included physical, social, cultural, mental health and wellbeing factors to inform targeted recommendations and supports to improve outcomes for individuals with FASD. Evidence from this review will be used to inform the revision of the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD. Six electronic databases were searched. Studies were eligible if they included factors outside of the diagnostic criteria that cover dysmorphology, growth restriction, neurodevelopmental impairments. Data charting and content analysis were performed to synthesize the results. One hundred twenty-one studies were included that spanned 12 key areas These included physical health, sleep, adverse postnatal experiences, substance use/other risk-taking behaviors, contact with the criminal justice system, mental health, First Nations cultural considerations, transition to adult roles, involvement with the out-of-home care system, feeding and eating, strengths/interests/external resources and incontinence. Areas to be considered as part of a holistic assessment and diagnostic process spanned individual, family, and system level factors. Results provide guidance for clinicians on the wide range of factors that could influence long-term health, development, and wellbeing for individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD. In practice, this guidance can be used to inform an individualized assessment process to facilitate tailored recommendations and supports to best meet the complex needs of individuals living with FASD and their families.

Impact of the Industrialization of Older Adult Care Services on Older Individuals' Physical and Mental Health: Evidence from China's Quasi-Natural Experiment

Purpose

Given the increasing longevity of the population, the consolidation of familial structures, and the scarcity of economic resources required to sustain an aging society, the Chinese government faces a complex and urgent challenge in effectively addressing the growing needs of older adults and establishing a long-term care services system that is both sustainable and equitable.

Patients and Methods

This study harnesses the comprehensive CLHLS data from 2011 to 2018 and utilizes the "Pilot Industrialization of Old-Age Service in a Market-Oriented Way" policy as a quasi-natural experiment. Employing the Difference-in-Differences (DID) method, our study aims to evaluate the impact of industrializing older adult care services on the physical and mental health outcomes of older adults in China.

Results

The findings strongly indicate that the government's adoption of a market-driven fiscal approach within its policies, aimed at attracting social capital and fostering the industrialization of older adult care services, positively influences the physical and mental well-being of the aged population. Furthermore, through heterogeneity analysis, it becomes evident that the health promotion effect is particularly pronounced among older individuals living without a spouse, lacking family care from children or grandchildren, or residing in financially underdeveloped regions.

Conclusion

In summary, these results underscore the potential efficacy of employing financial policy instruments to facilitate the industrialization of older adult care services, thereby advancing the promotion of a society characterized by healthy aging and ensuring equitable health outcomes for older people.

[Urban stress of a megalopolis resident: stress factors and correctioN]

Residents of a megalopolis are constantly exposed to urban stress - the combined effects of a number of different extreme factors and living conditions of the urban environment. Urban stress of a megalopolis resident has an extreme complex multifactorial effect on his body and psyche. The features of the existing subspecies of urban stress (ecological, psychological, social, informational, professional, related to the pandemic), as well as the main stress factors causing them, are considered. The medical and social features of urban stress are described. The consequences of exposure to urban stress, directly related to human health disorders, include the so-called «urban stress diseases» or «diseases of civilization», primarily psychosomatic diseases. It is determined that urban stress is a multifactorial complex of stress factors affecting the physical and mental health of megalopolis residents. Due to the fact that an increasing number of megalopolis residents are experiencing the negative impact of an aggressive urban environment, it is necessary both to formalize stress factors in order to possibly correct them to improve the quality of life of citizens, and to develop appropriate optimizing medical and social recommendations. Modern organizational and medical and social measures aimed at reducing the negative impact of urban stress on the health of megalopolis residents are considered. It is proposed to minimize the negative impact of extreme urban stress factors on the physical and mental health of megalopolis residents by using therapeutic and preventive strategies to increase their stress resistance. There are a number of different organizations and departments in Moscow that provide psychological and psychotherapeutic support. Also, in order to determine the level of the body's reserves and stress resistance, it is possible to undergo a comprehensive examination both in the nearest polyclinic and in the nearest park within the framework of the Healthy Moscow program.

The Impact of Psychological Contract, Physical and Mental Health on Burnout in Grassroots Civil Servants: Evidence from China

Introduction

The report of the 20th Party Congress proposes to build a high-quality cadre capable of taking on the important task of national rejuvenation. Grassroots civil servants are facing great pressure and challenges, and alleviating burnout has become an important issue in the construction of grassroots civil servants. Empirically analysing the impact of psychological contract on burnout of grassroots civil servants in the Chinese context will help to build a high-quality grassroots civil service team.

Methods

Using a sample of 1824 grassroots civil servants in China, this study empirically examined the effect of the psychological contract on burnout among grassroots civil servants using the OLS methodology, conducted a robustness test by way of substituting variables and research methods, and then discussed the mediating effect of physical and mental health in the psychological contract and burnout among grassroots civil servants.

Results

The study showed that grassroots civil servants' psychological contract had a significant negative impact on burnout; transactional psychological contract was positively related to burnout, and relational and developmental psychological contracts were negatively related to burnout in grassroots civil servants. The results of the heterogeneity analysis showed that the effect of psychological contract on burnout differed by age, gender, exercise frequency, and sleep status. The results of the mediation analysis showed that higher psychological contract scores were related to better physical and mental health, thus inhibiting burnout among grassroots civil servants. This indicates a significant mediation effect of physical and mental health in the relationship between psychological contract and burnout of grassroots civil servants.

Conclusion

The psychological contract of grassroots civil servants has a significant negative effect on burnout, and physical and mental health mediate between the two. These conclusions are of great theoretical and practical significance for alleviating the stress of grassroots civil servants and improving their work performance.

Evaluation of a pregnancy programme to enhance older primiparas' physical and mental health and marital relationships after childbirth: A non-randomized clinical trial

AIM

This study evaluated a pregnancy programme designed by us to stabilize older primiparas' physical and mental health and strengthen their marital relationships.

DESIGN

A non-randomized controlled trial study of two groups; an intervention and control group.

METHODS

Ultimately the scores of 15 participants assigned to an intervention group and 15 assigned to a control group were analysed. Participants responded to sociodemographic questions, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), a postpartum physical fatigue questionnaire, wives' satisfaction with husbands' support questionnaire and Quality Marriage Index (QMI). Data were collected during pregnancy and at one and 3 months after childbirth.

RESULTS

The participating wives' EPDS scales significantly decreased after the postpartum course in the intervention group. Participating in the programme significantly raised husbands' awareness of their wives' physical burdens 1 month after childbirth. The subscale 'housework support/wives' satisfaction with husbands' support', 3 months after childbirth, did not decline. It is suggested that this programme could strengthen marital relationships because the husbands' understanding of their spouses' physical burdens after childbirth led to an improvement in the wives' satisfaction with their spouses' housework support. Participation in the pregnancy programme may strengthen the marital relationship. This study recommends appropriate nursing support for pregnant couples to improve their physical and mental health.

What to remove from the work environment: the sick worker or the cause of his sickness? Workplace bullying, a form of violence that causes sickness

Abstract

Although there are many different definitions of workplace bullying in the scientific literature, it can be defined as a form of psychological and relational violence conducted systematically and continuously by one or more individuals, towards another individual, with the aim of causing him physical and mental harm and exclude him from the workplace. The elements common to all definitions are the work context, the duration for at least six months, the frequency of bullying actions, which must occur at least once a week, the evolution in phases and the power differential between aggressor and victim. The purpose of this article is not only to provide the most important definitions of workplace bullying and to identify the common elements, but also to report the most recent findings concerning gender and personality differences of both victim and aggressor, to report the most investigated professional sectors, to describe the causes and the consequences on both the worker and the organization and to present the legislative framework. Workplace bullying can be considered an emerging public health problem that requires preventive interventions. Secondary and tertiary prevention interventions are important, but the aim is to prevent the phenomenon when it has not yet developed. Primary prevention interventions promote a healthy work environment that reduces the development of work-related violence, including workplace bullying.

[Exploring Significant Predictors of Retention Willingness in Nurses Diagnosed With COVID-19]

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 affected both the physical and mental health of frontline nurses and the stability of the nursing workforce.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to explore the influence of demographic variables, physical and mental health status, perceived work stress, and job satisfaction on intention to continue working as nurses among nursing staff who had been infected by COVID-19.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, an internal online survey was used to collect data from 152 nurses at a hospital in southern Taiwan. The questionnaires in the survey included the Chinese Health Survey Scale, Stress Scale on COVID-19 Patient Care, McCloskey/ Mueller Satisfaction Scale, and Employee Retention Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS/Windows 22.0.

RESULTS

The most significant predictors identified included age, seniority, level of education, job satisfaction, physical and mental wellbeing, and work stress. These predictors collectively explained 32% of the total variance in retention willingness (F [18,128] = 4.78, p < .001). Almost half (46.7%; 71/152) of the participants expressed intent to continue working in nursing. Being a senior staff and having a master's degree or higher were positively associated with retention.

CONCLUSIONS / IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The findings may be referenced by healthcare organizations and managers to help healthcare staff gain strength and resilience against future pandemics. Key recommendations include reducing staff work stress, increasing job satisfaction, and facilitating a more equitable life-work balance.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine massage on physical and mental health of middle-aged and elderly women

This mixed-methods study examined the effects of traditional Chinese medicine massage on the physique, athletic performance, body composition, and perceived physical and mental health of 10 middle-aged and older women by using questionnaires and multiple measurement instruments. Microsoft Office and IBM SPSS 26.0 were used for the verification and calculation of results. Multivariate analysis was employed to analyze the data. Intermittent exercise significantly influenced the body composition, physical fitness, sports performance, and physical and mental health of female college students and improved their self-confidence, sleep quality, eating habits, weight, blood pressure, and sports performance, even when not accompanied with massage. However, although the rate of improvement was stable, intermittent exercise with traditional Chinese medicine massage yielded greater improvements in abdominal muscle strength and flexibility than intermittent exercise without traditional Chinese medicine massage. In terms of physical and mental health, headache, head pressure, back pain, and sense of loss were significantly alleviated (p < 0.01) in the traditional Chinese medicine massage group.

Long-Term Impact of Domestic Violence on Individuals-An Empirical Study Based on Education, Health and Life Satisfaction

This paper takes the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) as a sample to assess the long-term impacts of domestic violence experienced in childhood on individuals. First, from the four dimensions of injury from violence, negligent care, emotional abuse and witness to domestic violence, an indicator system for quantifying domestic violence is constructed. Second, the simultaneous equation of self-evaluation health and life satisfaction is estimated by the seemingly unrelated regression model. Starting with education, health and life satisfaction, the long-term impact of domestic violence experiences on individuals is quantitatively assessed, providing empirical evidence for preventing and curing domestic violence and healing trauma. The empirical research shows the following: (1) An experience of domestic violence significantly reduces educational achievements. Compared with the three dimensions of injury from violence, negligent care and witnessing domestic violence, emotional abuse has the greatest negative impact on educational achievements. (2) Domestic violence significantly reduces the self-assessed health level and life satisfaction and increases the subjective mental health risk. Based on the complexity and concealment of domestic violence, combined with empirical research conclusions, this paper proposes countermeasures to prevent and control domestic violence.

Examining the impact of physical education and physical skills development on preschoolers' physical and mental health

With greater socio-economic development and the popularization of scientific child-rearing methods, education has become of primary importance in contemporary society. This study attempts to promote the physical and mental health of preschoolers and improve their comprehensive learning ability. To understand the impact of sports skills and Physical Education (PE) on preschoolers' physical and mental health, we utilized the Questionnaire Survey (QS) and expert evaluation. First, the development of sports skills and the basic connotation of sports were expounded. Second, the characteristics of preschoolers and the importance of preschool education were discussed. Finally, the physical and mental health of 60 preschoolers was evaluated based on physical skill development and sports. The results revealed that the respondent preschoolers were grouped reasonably, and the research results had high reference values. In the control group, the physical conditions of four preschoolers changed significantly in the best case. By comparison, in the experimental group, preschoolers with significant physical changes had reached nine at best. In addition, as high as nine respondents showed obvious improvement in their mental state in the best case. Therefore, this study demonstrates that physical skill development and PE significantly impact preschoolers' physical and mental health, which has an important impact on preschoolers' learning. This finding provides a reference for preschoolers' sports skills development and contributes to their comprehensive PE teaching.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduate and postgraduate students: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many facets of life. This study focuses on undergraduate and postgraduate students in China to explore how the pandemic has affected health status, daily life, learning situations, graduation-related situations, and their studies or work planning.

METHODS

This study sent online questionnaires to 2,395 participants to investigate the extent to which they were affected by the epidemic in the various aspects mentioned above and to understand what help they tend to get in the face of these effects.

RESULTS

A total of 2,000 valid questionnaires were collected. The physical health of 82.90% of the respondents was affected to varying degrees, with male students, non-medical students, and graduates being more affected than female students, students with medical majors, and non-graduates, respectively. The proportion of students affected by mental health, the total amount of physical exercise, emotional life, and interpersonal communication was 86.35, 88.65, 80.15, and 90.15%, respectively. Compared with medical students and non-graduates, non-medical students and graduates were more affected. In addition, students' learning and graduation conditions have also been affected to a certain extent: 13.07% of students may not be able to graduate on time, and the proportion of postgraduate students' graduations affected was higher than that of undergraduate students.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health status of students, their daily lives, learning situations, and so on to varying degrees. We need to pay attention to the issues, provide practical solutions, and provide a basis for better responses to similar epidemics in the future.

[Older age vitality and retirement (literature review).]

The article provides a review of research literature on the social and psychological peculiarities of working and non-working pensioners with additional new data on their life quality. Six psychographic profiles of pensioners based on their post-retirement activities and motivations for new life path choices were described and examined, enabling identification of the subjects' personality types. These data are essential for psychologists and social workers consulting people approaching retirement age and recent retirees on their retirement lifestyle, ways to organize their working life and effective (creative) pastime, including career development later in life, without sacrificing their physical and mental health. The article looks at the main reasons behind continuing work after retirement thereby supplementing the existing knowledge on post-retirement work motivations. It is important to consider the data obtained when designing public policies on post-retirement work promotion. In its psychological aspect, the process of settling into retirement is similar to the emotional phases associated with the transitional periods of human life. After quitting work, almost all retirees face them in one form or another. Their ability to navigate the process is what will eventually determine how they will spend this stage of their lives. The article analyzes five stages of retirement.

Physical activity as a causal variable for adolescent resilience levels: A cross-lagged analysis

This study extends research on the relationship between physical activity and adolescent resilience by using cross-lagged analysis. Therefore, it used the Adolescent Resilience Rating Scale and the Physical Activity Scale to conduct a one-year longitudinal follow-up survey on 818 adolescents (50.6% boys), aged 12-17. They completed the questionnaires, providing data on physical activity and adolescent resilience. The results indicated there were significant gender differences in physical activity, but there was no significant gender difference in adolescent resilience; there was a significant positive correlation between physical activity and adolescent resilience; physical activity had a significant predictive effect on adolescent resilience. This study supports the assertion that physical activity has an important impact on adolescent resilience. It further analyzes the possible reasons for this result and contemplates the theoretical and practical significance of the findings, which provides evidence for the study of adolescents' physical and mental health and enriches the theory of resilience.

The Effect of Emotional Labor on the Physical and Mental Health of Health Professionals: Emotional Exhaustion Has a Mediating Effect

(1) Background: Workers who perform emotional labor for an extended period are prone to emotional exhaustion; in particular, when the work exceeds the range of one's emotional resources, it will produce job burnout. This study investigated the effects of emotional labor and emotional exhaustion on the physical and mental health of health professionals. (2) Methods: This study was cross-sectional and the sampling criteria were health professionals from August 2020 to July 2021, including rehabilitators, nutritionists, clinical psychologists, radiologists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, medical examiners and audiologists. A questionnaire was used to collect data on participants' emotional labor, emotional exhaustion, physical health and mental health. A total of 120 valid questionnaires were obtained. (3) Results: Significant positive correlations were found between emotional labor and emotional exhaustion, physical and mental health and anxiety. A hierarchical regression analysis found that the effect of emotional labor on physical and mental health increased the predictive power to 59.7% through emotional exhaustion, and emotional exhaustion had a mediating effect on the relationship between emotional labor and physical and mental health. (4) Conclusions: This study provides a reference for managers of medical institutions to care for employees' work stress and physical and mental health, which will help institutions build a friendly and healthy workplace.

What Are the Recipes of an Entrepreneur's Subjective Well-Being? A Fuzzy-Set Approach for China

Entrepreneurs face more pressure and challenges than ordinary workers, which has a serious impact on their physical and mental health. Therefore, the research focus has gradually shifted from objective indicators of entrepreneurial performance to exploration of entrepreneurs' subjective well-being. However, previous studies were often limited to a net effect analysis of a single dimension under symmetric thinking in quantitative research. Therefore, this study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze the configuration path of entrepreneurs' physical and mental health at the individual level, social capital at the collective level, and subjective well-being from the perspective of configuration. The sample was of 279 effective entrepreneurs from the 2017 China General Social Survey (CGSS). Four types of entrepreneurs were found to improve their high well-being profiles: optimistic efficiency-driven, trust efficiency-driven, strong psychology-driven, and weak relationship-driven. Research shows that the interaction between physical and mental health and social capital jointly affects the subjective well-being of entrepreneurs. The research findings reinforce the need for attention to the physical and mental health of entrepreneurs, which are conducive to their active participation in social life. Additionally, establishing weak relationship-oriented interpersonal networks and accumulating social resources to further achieve higher subjective well-being is required.

Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction and Its Association with Sociodemographic, Physical and Mental Well-Being: A Cross-Sectional Study among the Young Adults of Bangladesh

Smartphones have made our lives easier and have become indispensable for everyday life; however, their uncontrolled and excessive use can trigger "smartphone addiction" (SA). SA is a rising public health issue, particularly among young people around the world. There is a dearth of empirical research about SA and its impacts on young adults, particularly in developing countries such as Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study is an attempt to fill this gap. The data were collected from 440 eligible young adults in Bangladesh using an online survey between July 2021 and February 2022. Study results revealed that 61.4% of the young adults were addicted to their smartphone. Logistic regression analysis showed that being male, aged ≤25, unemployed and living with a large family size (≥8) were the significant sociodemographic predictors of SA. Smartphone-addicted participants were more likely to be less physically active, suffer from insomnia, be overweight or obese and use their phones while driving, walking and eating. In addition, the SA group were more likely to have physical and mental well-being problems. This study brings to light significant implications for policy makers and indicates a need for an SA community awareness programme which aims to reduce SA at the societal level.

Effectiveness of Liu-zi-jue exercise on coronavirus disease 2019 in the patients: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Liu-zi-jue exercise on the respiratory symptoms, quality of life, and mental health of patients with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

METHODS

A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted with 104 patients with mild COVID-19. The patients were randomly assigned to the Liu-zi-jue plus conventional therapy group and conventional therapy group. The outcome measures included Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (MBDS) score, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score, Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14), respiratory symptoms, and vital signs. Data were collected on the first and sixth days of hospitalization and on the discharge day.

RESULTS

Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed that the whole scales all showed a downward trend in the two groups (all 0.05). The results of single-group effect suggested that the whole scale score in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group at the sixth day of hospitalization. Compared with the control group, only the MBDS, expectoration, and FS-14 scores showed significantly lower scores at the discharge day ( 0.001, 0.011, 0.002). Comparison within the group showed that all the variables were significantly different at the three time points with a decreasing trend ( 0.05), except for the PHQ-9 and expectoration scores ( 0.331, 0.052). All patients' vital signs remained within a stable normal range throughout the hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that Liu-zi-jue exercise as a complementary and alternative therapy showed beneficial effects on improving the symptoms (shortness of breath, fatigue, and cough), quality of life, and mental health of patients with mild COVID-19.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of physical activity on neurodevelopment disorders, depression, and obesity among children and adolescents

Background

No consensus on whether physical activity (PA) is related to physical and mental health among pediatric population remains has been reached to date. To further explore their association, our study assessed the effect of PA on physical and mental health of children and adolescents through a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies (RCTs).

Methods

Several databases(Web of science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central register of controlled trials, CINAHL) were searched from inception to 1st, December 2020 without language restrictions.

Results

38,236 records were identified primitively and 31 included studies with 1,255 participants eventually met our inclusion criteria, all of which exhibited a relatively low-moderate risk of bias of overall quality. In regard to mental health, the administration of PA, compared with the control group, led to moderate improvements in Autism Spectrum Disorder(ASD)[Standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.50, Confidence interval(CI): -0.87, -0.14)] and depression(SMD = -0.68, CI: -0.98, -0.38) among children and adolescents. Similarly, significant result was observed in obesity (SMD = -0.58, CI: -0.80, -0.36). No significant differences were observed in Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (SMD = -0.29, CI: -0.59, 0.01).

Conclusion

Altogether, PA may have a beneficial effect on children and adolescents with ASD, depression and obesity; nevertheless, there is insufficient evidence to confirm its efficacy in ADHD. More large-scale population based randomized controlled trials are needed to explore more reliable evidence between them.

The Associations between Meeting 24-Hour Movement Guidelines (24-HMG) and Self-Rated Physical and Mental Health in Older Adults-Cross Sectional Evidence from China

BACKGROUND

This study determined the prevalence of older adults (aged 60-80 years) meeting the Canadian 24-HMG alone and in combination, and their association with the self-rated physical health and mental health of older adults.

METHODS

Participants were drawn from 4134 older adults aged 60-80 years (age, 67.37 ± 0.08 years; 46.87% male) from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) 2015 database. Mental health and physical health scores were obtained based on self-rated mental health questionnaires and physical health of older adults. The criteria for meeting the 24-HMG were: physical activity time ≥ 150 min/week, sedentary time ≤ 480 min/day, screen time ≤ 180 min/day, sleep time 7-9 h (60-64 years) and sleep time 7-8 h (65 years and above). Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between meeting the 24-HMG guidelines number and category and older adults' self-rated mental and physical health.

RESULTS

The proportion of older people meeting three of the 24-HMG guidelines was 1.16%, the proportion meeting two guidelines was 38.19% and the proportion meeting one guideline was 49.14%. The number of people meeting 24-HMG was closely related to the self-rated physical health and mental health of older people. The category meeting 24-HMG was closely related to the self-rated physical health and mental health of older people.

CONCLUSIONS

Meeting more guidelines in the 24-HMG was strongly associated with older people's self-rated mental health and physical health. However, only a small proportion of older people met all the recommendations, highlighting the need to promote and support adherence to these movement behaviours.

Effect and mechanism of reading habits on physical and mental health among the elderly: Evidence from China

Responding to an aging society worldwide and ensuring the physical and mental health of the elderly are important problems that need to be addressed. Thus, this study aimed to improve the quality of providing the spiritual and cultural needs of the elderly and study the internal transmission of reading habits and its effect on the physical and mental health of the elderly. Using the data from China's comprehensive social survey in 2018, this study applied the Probit model and ordinary least squares method to comprehensively estimate the influence of reading habits of the elderly on their physical and mental health. Stepwise regression and bootstrap method were combined to explore the influencing mechanism, and an instrumental variable method was used to solve endogeneity problems. Results indicate that the reading habits of the elderly have a significantly positive effect on their own physical and mental health. Social activity is the positive conduction path, whereas social justice perception and learning willingness are the negative conduction path. Among low-income families, agricultural workers, and the elderly whose household registration is in rural areas, the benefits of reading to the body and mind are more significant. After dealing with endogeneity problems and a series of robustness tests, the conclusion of this paper still holds. Finally, reference policy suggestions are proposed for the follow-up active aging policy, such as promoting reading for all, organizing various social activities, formulating active pension policies for the elderly, and allocating more public resources for vulnerable elderly groups.

Intent disclosure in late-life suicide: Age group differences in correlates and associations with suicide means

Age-adjusted suicide rates declined from 2018 to 2020. However, suicide rates among older adults, particularly males 75 and older, have continued to rise, and the evidence base for effective interventions to prevent suicide in late life remains limited. One strategy to prevent older adults' suicidal behavior is to intervene when they reveal suicide intent. Previous research found that a significant proportion of older suicide decedents disclosed their suicide intent close to the fatal incident. In this study, based on the 2017-2019 United States National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data, we examined: (1) correlates of intent disclosure among three age groups (65-74, 75-84, and 85+) of older suicide decedents (N = 17,917; 14,856 men and 3,061 women); and (2) associations of suicide means with intent disclosure and suicide contributing factors. The results show that 19.9% of all suicide decedents aged 65+ (18.7%, 21.0%, and 22.0% in the 65-74, 75-84, and 85+ age groups, respectively) disclosed their suicide intent to their partner, family/friends, and healthcare providers within a month of their death. Multivariable analyses using generalized linear models for a Poisson distribution with a log link showed that physical and mental health, substance misuse, addiction problems, and relationship/other life stressors were associated with a higher likelihood of intent disclosure in the 65-74 and 75-84 age groups. However, only physical health problems were associated with a higher likelihood of intent disclosure among those aged 85 and older. Intent disclosure was not associated with using firearms and poisoning as suicide means but with a lower likelihood of hanging or suffocation. Mental health and substance misuse problems were associated with higher odds of hanging or suffocation and poisoning, and physical health problems and male sex in the 85+ age group were associated with higher odds of firearm use. Suicide prevention strategies for those who have disclosed their suicide intent or are at risk of suicidal behavior should include more patient-centered comfort and palliative care, mental health/substance misuse/addiction treatment, and restriction of access to potential suicide means. More research on older adults who disclose suicide intent and late-life suicide prevention strategies is needed.

Effects of physical and mental health factors and family function on the self-perception of aging in the elderly of Chinese community

BACKGROUND

To examine the effects of physical and mental health factors and family functioning on the self-perception of ageing in elderly people.

METHODS

A random cluster sampling method was used to select elderly people aged over 60 from three communities in Handan City. Subjects were evaluated via face-to-face interviews using the Chinese version of the Ageing Perception Questionnaire, the Family Function Scale, the SF-36 Short-Form Health Survey, and a self-compiled general questionnaire. A single factor and stepwise multiple regression analysis were evaluated using SPSS 17.0 software.

RESULTS

Among the 1815 elderly people surveyed, the total negative dimension score was 91.67 ± 16.58 with an index of 73.34%, which is higher than the positive dimension score (6.01 ± 0.52, 60.10%). Elderly people with varying degrees of family dysfunction accounted for 11.63%, and the score for self-perceived ageing in elderly participants with good family function was 95.74 ± 12.63. The proportions with poor physical and mental health factors were 45.40% and 28.10%, respectively, and the scores for ageing self-perception in elderly participants with good or moderate mental health were 89.11 ± 12.65 and 86.22 ± 12.58, respectively. A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age, presence of a spouse, and family function were positive protective factors for ageing self-perception, while physical health factors were risk factors for the positive dimension of self-perceived ageing. Age and family function were risk factors for the negative dimension of ageing self-perception, while physical and mental health factors were protective factors for the negative dimension of self-perceived ageing.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger elderly and elderly people with good family function have positive self-perceptions of ageing, while elderly participants with poor physical and mental health have a negative perception of ageing.

Suggestions on Relieving Physical Anxiety of Medical Workers and Improving Physical and Mental Health Under the COVID-19 Epidemic-A Case Study of Meizhou City

The study examined the effects of swimming pools on healthcare professionals' willingness to engage in recreational activities, physical anxiety, and physical and mental well-being in the context of COVID-19. The research adopted the mixed research method, used SPSS 26.0 statistical software to test the reliability of the questionnaire, and then collected 840 valid questionnaires; first analyzed the data with basic statistics, t-test, ANOVA, and PPMCC test methods, and then used the interview method to collect expert opinions. A multi-check approach assembled all data and discussions. The study found that the use of personnel dynamic tracking systems or measures, combined with sodium hypochlorite and repeated filtration to stabilize water quality, could maintain the confidence of most medical workers in the swimming pool sports environment for epidemic prevention and avoid violations. The government could formulate safety prevention and control mechanisms in traffic and establish appropriate traffic routes. Next, formulated a prescription for swimming or other physical activity mechanisms for men aged 31-50 and redesigned measures for medical staff over 51 years old to have tense head issues and physical fatigue, promote blood circulation and improve sleep quality. This will promote the purpose of relieving stress and regulating the physical and mental health of medical staff after engaging in swimming.

The moderation of socio-demographics in physical and mental health disparities among Israeli gay and heterosexual middle-aged and older men

OBJECTIVES

Physical and mental health disparities were explored among Israeli middle-aged and older gay and heterosexual men alongside the moderating role of age, relationship status, and place of birth.

METHOD

173 middle-aged and older gay men were individually matched with 173 middle-aged and older heterosexual men at the age range of 50-86 (M = 60.56, SD = 8.42). All participants completed measures of doctor visits, physical health comorbidity, depressive symptoms, and anxiety.

RESULTS

Israeli middle-aged and older gay and heterosexual men did not significantly differ on physical or mental health indicators. However, a more differential analysis revealed that older age and relationship status had a moderating role, such that older gay men reported more physical health comorbidity in comparison to older heterosexual men. Similarly, gay men who were not in a steady relationship reported more frequent visits to the doctor and more anxiety in comparison to heterosexual men who were not in a steady relationship. Additionally, immigration history appeared as a potential resiliency factor, such that gay men who were not born in Israel reported less frequent doctor visits and less anxiety in comparison to heterosexual men who were not born in Israel.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents a pioneering examination of physical and mental health disparities in an Israeli sample of middle-aged and older gay and heterosexual men. These results may call the attention of clinicians and policymakers to both vulnerabilities and strengths of middle-aged and older gay men.

Salutary mechanisms in the relationship between stress and health: The mediating and moderating roles of Sense of Coherence—Revised

While chronic and acute stress are often associated with negative health, the sense of coherence-revised (SOC-R) is proposed to facilitate coping with stress and promote health. However, research is lacking on the specific mechanisms. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate potential mediating and moderating mechanisms of SOC-R in the relationship between stress and health. Using a cross-sectional design, standardized questionnaires assessed SOC-R, acute (perceived) stress, early-life adversity (ELA; indicator for early-life chronic stress), mental and physical health, and satisfaction with life. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted with N = 531 Irish adults (mean age: 59.5 years; 58.4% female). Regarding acute (perceived) stress, results showed that SOC-R and its Manageability subscale significantly mediated the association between perceived stress and mental health, and satisfaction with life. SOC-R and its Manageability subscale also significantly moderated the association between perceived stress and mental health. Regarding ELA, the Manageability subscale significantly mediated the association between ELA and mental health, and satisfaction with life; and the Balance subscale significantly mediated the association between ELA and physical health. SOC-R may provide a useful focus for stress-related research, with future longitudinal studies needed to examine SOC-R as a long-term modulating pathway between stress and health.

National origins, social context, timing of migration and the physical and mental health of Caribbeans living in and outside of Canada

Objectives: Differences in health among migrant groups are related to the length of stay in host countries. We examined the health of people reporting Caribbean ethnic origins within and outside of Canada; and the possible associations between length of stay and poorer physical and mental health outcomes.Method: Analyses were conducted on population data collected in Canada (2000/2001, 2003, 2005), Jamaica (2005) and Guyana (2005). Physician-diagnosed and self-rated health measures were used to assess physical and mental health statuses.Results: Rates of chronic conditions were generally higher among people reporting Caribbean ethnic origins in Canada compared to those living in the Caribbean region. Self-rated fair or poor general health rates, however, were higher among participants in the Caribbean region. Higher rates of any mood disorders were also found among Caribbean region participants in comparison to those in Canada. Logistic regression analyses revealed that new Caribbean immigrants (less than 10 years since immigration) in Canada had better physical health than those who were more established. Those who immigrated more than 20 years ago showed consistently better health conditions than those who had immigrated between 11 and 20 years ago. This healthy immigration effect, however, was not present for all chronic conditions among all Caribbean origin migrant groups. Moreover, mood disorders were highest among new immigrants compared to older immigrants.Conclusions: When and where ethnic Caribbeans migrate to and emigrate from matters in health statuses. These results have implications for policies related to health and well-being in support of ethnic Caribbean origin individuals who relocate to Canada. The paper concludes with suggestions for future studies regarding the health of ethnic origin Caribbeans living within and outside their regions of birth.

Disturbance of the Circadian System in Shift Work and Its Health Impact

The various non-standard schedules required of shift workers force abrupt changes in the timing of sleep and light-dark exposure. These changes result in disturbances of the endogenous circadian system and its misalignment with the environment. Simulated night-shift experiments and field-based studies with shift workers both indicate that the circadian system is resistant to adaptation from a day- to a night-oriented schedule, as determined by a lack of substantial phase shifts over multiple days in centrally controlled rhythms, such as those of melatonin and cortisol. There is evidence that disruption of the circadian system caused by night-shift work results not only in a misalignment between the circadian system and the external light-dark cycle, but also in a state of internal desynchronization between various levels of the circadian system. This is the case between rhythms controlled by the central circadian pacemaker and clock genes expression in tissues such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells, hair follicle cells, and oral mucosa cells. The disruptive effects of atypical work schedules extend beyond the expression profile of canonical circadian clock genes and affects other transcripts of the human genome. In general, after several days of living at night, most rhythmic transcripts in the human genome remain adjusted to a day-oriented schedule, with dampened group amplitudes. In contrast to circadian clock genes and rhythmic transcripts, metabolomics studies revealed that most metabolites shift by several hours when working nights, thus leading to their misalignment with the circadian system. Altogether, these circadian and sleep-wake disturbances emphasize the all-encompassing impact of night-shift work, and can contribute to the increased risk of various medical conditions. Here, we review the latest scientific evidence regarding the effects of atypical work schedules on the circadian system, sleep and alertness of shift-working populations, and discuss their potential clinical impacts.

Effects of Leisure Obstacles, Job Satisfaction, and Physical and Mental Health on Job Intentions of Medical Workers Exposed to COVID-19 Infection Risk and Workplace Stress

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of leisure obstacles, job satisfaction, physical and mental health, and work intentions of medical workers in Taiwan. SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 24.0 statistical software were used to analyze 208 questionnaires by basic statistical tests, t-tests, and structural model analysis. Results: Under the epidemic, medical workers were unable to develop job identity due to low promotion opportunities and low job achievement. The lack of recreational exercise skills, time, and information created leisure obstacles. In addition, they were unable to express their true selves freely at work, which led to health problems such as reduced enthusiasm, mental weakness, and emotional irritability. In particular, female medical workers felt more strongly about the issues of leisure obstacles and the intention to stay in their jobs. The study found that the higher their job satisfaction, the higher their intention to stay in the job, while the more pronounced the leisure obstacles and physical and mental health problems, the more pronounced their intention to leave.

Can the Development of Religious and Cultural Tourism Build a Sustainable and Friendly Life and Leisure Environment for the Elderly and Promote Physical and Mental Health?

From the perspective of satisfaction, physical and mental health, and re-travel, this study explored whether the development of religious and cultural tourism could construct a sustainable and friendly life and leisure environment for the elderly to promote physical and mental health. This research adopted a mixed method, collected 700 questionnaires, used SPSS 22.0 statistical software, and analyzed basic statistics, t-test, and PPMCC test. Then, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews, collected the opinions of six interviewees, and finally analyzed with multiple checks Law discussion. The results found that people of different genders and stakeholders had different opinions about DIY activities on leisure satisfaction, featured itineraries, relaxation areas, signs and instructions, community association and service center services, historical landmarks, and public transportation. They found people’s life satisfaction in physical and mental health was increased, their headaches or pressures on the top of their heads were relieved, backache problems were reduced, and they were no longer anxious and lost tempers. They had a greater willingness to revisit some places and share experiences. This study found significant differences among these topics (p < 0.01). Women, residents, and tourists had different opinions. In addition, although the natural environment landscape and feelings have the greatest influence, the better the physical and mental health was improved, the better the willingness to travel. However, the more perfect the local construction and development, the less favorable to attract people to engage in leisure activities or tourism consumption.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Physical and Mental Health Status in Pregnant Women: A Prospective Cohort Study of the Japan Environment and Children's Study

To discuss appropriate physical activity (PA) levels during pregnancy, this prospective cohort study examined the relationships between PA levels before and during pregnancy and physical and mental health status. Fixed data for 104,102 pregnant women were used from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, of which data for 82,919 women were analyzed after excluding women with multiple birth and pregnancy complications. PA levels were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. The 8-Item Short Form Health Survey was used to measure outcomes. Logistic regression with multiple imputations showed that moderate PA for over 720 min/wk and vigorous PA before pregnancy were associated with poorer mental health in the first trimester (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.087–1.376. Walking in the second and third trimesters was associated with better physical and mental health (AOR: 0.855–0.932). Moderate PA over 1080 min/wk and vigorous PA in the second and third trimesters were associated with poorer mental health (AOR: 1.223–1.873). Increases over 4135.4 MET–min/wk and decreases in PA levels were associated with poorer mental and physical health (AOR: 1.070–1.333). Namely, pregnant women receiving health benefits prefer continuous walking in addition to avoiding vigorous PA and excessive changes in PA levels during pregnancy.

WITHDRAWN: Health risk assessment and health management of urban residents facing epidemic pneumonia

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

Hospitalizations among World Trade Center Health Registry Enrollees Who Were under 18 Years of Age on 9/11, 2001-2016

Much of the literature on hospitalizations post-September 11, 2001 (9/11) focuses on adults but little is known about post-9/11 hospitalizations among children. Data for World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees who were under 18-years old on 9/11 were linked to New York State hospitalization data to identify hospitalizations from enrollment (2003–2004) to December 31, 2016. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with hospitalization. Of the 3151 enrollees under age 18 on 9/11, 243 (7.7%) had at least one 9/11-related physical health hospitalization and 279 (8.9%) had at least one 9/11-related mental health hospitalization. Individuals of non-White race, those living in New York City Housing Authority housing, those exposed to the dust cloud on 9/11, and those with probable 9/11-related PTSD symptoms were more likely to be hospitalized for a 9/11-related physical health condition. Older age and having probable 9/11-related PTSD symptoms at baseline were associated with being hospitalized for a 9/11-related mental health condition. Dust cloud exposure on 9/11 and PTSD symptoms were associated with hospitalizations among those exposed to 9/11 as children. Racial minorities and children living in public housing were at greater risk of hospitalization. Continued monitoring of this population and understanding the interplay of socioeconomic factors and disaster exposure will be important to understanding the long-term effects of 9/11.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Informal Caregiving and Care Receiving Across Europe During the First Phase of the Pandemic

Purpose: We analyzed the effects of COVID-19 as well as its accompanying epidemiological control measures on health-related outcomes (physical and mental health) and unmet care needs of both caregivers and care recipients across Europe and Israel by taking into account country differences. Methods: We applied comparisons of adjusted predictions, controlling for a large set of relevant respondent characteristics, to investigate changes in the physical and mental health of caregivers and care recipients due to COVID-19. Furthermore, multilevel regression models were used to analyze the effect of individual and contextual indicators on the probability of reporting difficulties in receiving care. For the analyses, we used data from 26 countries with 51,983 respondents over 50 years based on the eighth wave of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), which had to be suspended in March 2020, and the SHARE Corona Survey fielded from June to August 2020. Results: During the first phase of the pandemic in spring/summer 2020, the frequency of providing personal care to parents increased in almost all European countries, while care to children, in turn, decreased. Parental caregivers who increased the frequency of providing personal care reported significantly more mental health strains, that is, feeling sad/depressed and anxious/nervous more often since the outbreak of the pandemic. With respect to receiving care, about one out of five care recipients had difficulty in obtaining adequate care from outside the household during the pandemic. The perception of unmet care needs was significantly associated with country differences regarding the duration of the stay-at-home orders. In contrast, the number of confirmed deaths did not have a significant effect on perceiving difficulties related to receiving care. Conclusions: Our findings show the extent of the burden to which caregivers and care recipients were exposed with respect to the unintended consequences of COVID-19-related epidemiological control measures. There is a great need within this population for interventions, which effectively reduce the burden as well as the symptoms of anxiety or depression for caregivers as well as care recipients. This should be recognized by (health) policymakers and social organizations.

Narrative Tensions in Strained Junior Elite Performers' Experiences of Becoming Elite Performers

Contextualized within narrative theory and the field of talent identification and development systems (TIDS), this interview study examined strained junior elite performers' experiences of becoming elite performers while participating in prestigious national TIDS. The study explored how junior elite performers perceive and negotiate their personal narratives of becoming within a cultural master narrative of being. The focus is on how the quality of person-environment interaction, characterized by narrative alignment or tensions, relates to perceptions of identity, agency, and physical and mental health. We purposefully recruited eight participants (Mage = 17.31, SD = 0.9) from a previously published study, who reported experiencing suboptimal psychological functioning compared with their peers to explore narrative tensions in their storylines. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and examined, using narrative analysis. We identified "the performance narrative" as the dominating cultural narrative within the TIDS and three distinct personal narratives of negotiation with unique characteristics: obsessive and externally driven alignment - "striving to stay at the top of the game"; tensions - "just hanging in there"; and disruption from alignment - "when the going gets tough." The results indicated that tensions and lack of alignment between the dominating cultural narrative and the individual narrative seem to increase the risk of experiencing identity challenges, suboptimal functioning, and aspects of ill-being. The study offers critical reflections on the dominating performance narrative within TIDS and additionally suggests an alternative athlete-centered and more holistic approach that combines both personal and performance developments.

Impact of working situation on mental and physical health for informal caregivers of older people with Alzheimer's disease in Italy. Results from the UP-TECH longitudinal study

OBJECTIVES

This longitudinal study explores whether the working situation (no change in working hours despite care, reduction of working hours due to care or not working) moderates mental and physical health of informal caregivers of older people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) in Italy.

METHODS

Data from a sample of 146 caregivers of older people with moderate AD involved in the UP-TECH trial across three waves were analysed. Multivariate analyses were used to study the association between independent variables (caregivers' work situation) and dependent variables (caregivers' psycho-physical health). In a second model, elements relating to the caregiver, the cared-for individual and the caregiving situation were added as controls.

RESULTS

Being forced to reduce working hours due to care tasks or not being employed independently from care was negatively associated with informal caregiver's physical health, compared with working carers not experiencing reduction of working hours. In the extended model, this result was confirmed. In comparison with working carers not forced to reduce working hours, non-working carers experienced higher levels of caregiver burden and depression, however these results were not confirmed in the adjusted model. Other factors also emerged as important including weekly hours of care, the cared-for older individual's ADL/IADL scores and informal support network.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the positive effect of labour force participation on health of informal caregivers of older people with AD, policy makers should promote their employment avoiding their forced reduction of working hours, while also putting measures in place to decrease the intensity of informal care provision.

Tai Chi exercise can ameliorate physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the effects of Tai Chi exercise as a nonpharmacological therapeutic strategy on the physical and mental health in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic literature retrieval has been conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase, CENTRAL, OVID, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure up to June 2020 to identify the relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Two authors assessed independently the risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI were calculated and data were combined using the fixed or random-effect model. The strength of evidence was rated with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

RESULTS

A total of 16 RCTs involving 986 patients with knee osteoarthritis met the established inclusion criteria. The strength of evidence for the main outcomes was low or moderate. The systematic review illustrated the efficacy of Tai Chi exercise in treating and managing knee osteoarthritis. Patients' outcomes practising Tai Chi exercise were improved significantly, including pain (SMD = ‒0.69, 95%CI: ‒0.95 to ‒0.44, P < 0.001), stiffness (SMD = ‒0.59, 95%CI: ‒0.91 to ‒0.27, P < 0.001), physical function (SMD = ‒0.92, 95%CI: -1.16 to ‒0.69, P < 0.001), dynamic balance (SMD = 0.69, 95%CI: 0.38 to 0.99, P < 0.001), physiological and psychological health (SF-36 PCS: SMD = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.28 to 0.68, P < 0.001; SF-36 MCS: SMD = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.06 to 0.45, P = 0.01). No adverse events associated with Tai Chi exercise were reported.

CONCLUSION

Tai Chi exercise was beneficial for ameliorating physical and mental health of patients with knee osteoarthritis and should be available as an alternative non-pharmacological therapy in rehabilitation programmes.

Benefits of Grandparental Caregiving in Chinese Older Adults: Reduced Lonely Dissatisfaction as a Mediator

Objective

The purpose of the present study is twofold: (1) to investigate the differences in terms of physical and mental health between those who provide grandparental care and those who do not and (2) to explore the mechanism that connects grandparental caregiving and health-related outcomes.

Methods

Two studies (a cross-sectional and a short-term longitudinal follow-up) were conducted. The cross-sectional study (Study 1) examined 148 older adults who provided grandparental care and another 150 older adults who did not. A small longitudinal follow-up study (Study 2) was conducted among 102 older adults randomly selected from Study 1, of which 52 were older adults who provided grandparental care, and another 50 older adults were those who did not. Health status (measured by SF-36), lonely dissatisfaction (measured by Lonely Dissatisfaction Subscale of PGC-MS), and cognitive functions (measured by subscales of WAIS) as well as demographics were measured in both studies.

Results

Results of both the cross-sectional and longitudinal studies showed that, compared with older adults who did not provide grandparental care, those providing grandparental care had significantly better physical and mental health as well as reduced lonely dissatisfaction. Further path analysis showed that lonely dissatisfaction mediated the association between providing grandparental care and enhancement in functions such that providing grandparental care could reduce lonely dissatisfaction, which, in turn, could improve their physical and mental health even after controlling for their cognitive functions.

Discussion

These results suggest that providing grandparental care can improve older adults’ physical and mental health through reduced lonely dissatisfaction.

Is It Weird to Enjoy Solitude? Relationship of Solitude Capacity with Personality Traits and Physical and Mental Health in Junior College Students

Background: Teenagers described as enjoying their own company have been claimed to have a weird personality and experience loneliness and negative emotions and have often been labeled with negative attributes. However, previous studies have provided a limited understanding of teenagers’ capacity for solitude. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the correlations between teenagers’ capacity for solitude and both personality traits and physical and mental health. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional research design and collected data from a junior college located in Taiwan using a structured questionnaire, which consisted of demographic questions, a solitude capacity scale, a personality trait scale, and a physical and mental health scale. Results: A total of 562 participants were recruited (age = 17.56 ± 1.58 years). The total score of the solitude capacity scale was significantly correlated with four elements of the personality traits subscale: neuroticism, extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness. The solitude capacity subscale (i.e., the solitude-coping subscale) showed significant correlations with two of the physical and mental health elements, i.e., anxiety and insomnia and severe depression. Conclusions: The results verified the correlations between capacity for solitude and personality traits and did not show a positive association with negative personality traits (i.e., neuroticism). Moreover, the solitude coping capacity correlated positively with anxiety levels and negatively with depression.

Do past and prospective adversities intersect? Distinct effects of cumulative adversity and the hostile-world scenario on functioning at later life

Objectives: Studies have barely juxtaposed the effect of cumulative adversity over one's past life on health in later life with the related effect of one's actual or anticipated adversities. The latter adversities, anchored in the individual's present and future, are referred to by the concept of the hostile-world scenario (HWS). The aim of the current study was to examine the distinct effects of cumulative adversity and the HWS on changes in health over time using various markers of physical and mental health.Method: The study examined a subsample of 1,081 three-wave survivors drawn from SHARE-Israel using a cumulative adversity measure at Wave 1, a HWS measure at Wave 3, and six health markers at the three waves (with four-year intervals).Results: Cumulative adversity was associated with health markers at Wave 1, but it did not predict almost any short or long-term change in the health markers. The HWS showed unique associations with all concurrent health markers as well as with their changes over the last 8 years. In one emerging interaction, the advantage of lower HWS to better cognitive functioning decreased as cumulative trauma increased.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the dialectical experience of potential trauma survivors, combining both vulnerability and resilience in the face of past adversity and prospective challenges. It seems that the HWS has a significantly adaptive role in identifying one's functional status at present as well as functional changes that have occurred over time.

Effects of wheelchair Tai Chi ball exercise on physical and mental health and functional abilities among elderly with physical disability

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 12-week Wheelchair Tai Chi Ball (WTCB) intervention, a combination of mind-body exercise with strength training, on physical and mental health and functional abilities among elderly with disability. Twenty-six elderly persons participated in the study, nine WTCB group participants and ten control group participants completed the study. The WTCB group practised WTCB12 twice/week for one hour each time. The control group did their daily routine without WTCB intervention. The outcomes measures were: Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), SF-36v2 for physical and mental health, heart rate, blood pressure, range of motion and muscle strength of the dominant arm at the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints. The Mixed Model ANOVA was employed to examine the differences between and within the two groups using pre-test and post-test scores. The results demonstrated the WTCB group had significant improvements on PSEQ, general physical health and had positive effects on maintaining muscle strength at the shoulder, elbow and wrist joints as compared to the control group. The WTCB12 exercise had positive effects on self-efficacy for pain management, general physical health, and maintain upper extremity muscle strength and is a feasible exercise for elderly with disability.

Factors associated with the physical and mental health of drug users participating in community-based drug rehabilitation programmes in China

Since the promulgation and implementation of a new anti-drug law in 2008, the Chinese central government has encouraged local governments to carry out community-based drug rehabilitation programmes. This study explores the association between community-based drug rehabilitation programmes and drug users' physical and mental health. This study collected data between October 2018 and February 2019 from a community-based rehabilitation programme in a community in Foshan Municipality in Guangdong Province of China. A total of 162 drug users participating in a community-based drug rehabilitation program were selected to complete a self-administered and anonymous questionnaire. A cover letter interpreting the purpose of the study and a self-administered questionnaire was provided to the drug users. Ethics approval for this study was obtained from the Academic Committee of School of Public Administration, JiNan University, Guangzhou, China. All participants gave verbal informed consent. Four multiple linear regression models were used to explain social services that influence drug users' physical and mental health. The findings show that the number of service items provided by the social service organization was significantly associated with physical and mental health among drug users. Particularly, the employment assistance service influenced the drug user's physical and mental health status significantly.

Social network types, health, and well-being of older Asian Americans

Objectives: The purposes of this study were to: (1) develop an empirical typology of the social networks in diverse groups of older Asian Americans using both structural and subjective criterion variables; and (2) examine the relationship of the social network types to the measures of the health and well-being (self-rating of health, mental distress, and life satisfaction). Method: The participants included 533 older Asian Americans (Chinese, Asian Indian, Korean, Vietnamese, and other Asians) who participated in the 2015 Asian American Quality of Life Survey in Central Texas. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted using seven social network-related variables. The identified typologies were then regressed on the indicators of health and well-being (poor rating of health, probable mental distress, and dissatisfaction with life). Results: The LPA identified the model with four network types as being most optimal. The groups were named "diverse-integrated" (37.5%), "moderately diverse-integrated" (21.2%), "marginally restricted-noncongregant" (22.1%), and "restricted-congregant" (19.1%). The results suggested that compared to the "diverse-integrated" group, the "marginally restricted-noncongregant type" fared worse than "the restricted-congregant group" in that the former had greater odds of both mental distress and dissatisfaction with life while the latter had higher odds only for dissatisfaction with life. Conclusion: Unlike previous network studies, network types were shaped in the continuum of different social ties and subjective evaluation on strength of social ties. Certain ethnic groups were over-represented in specific network types. Such findings suggest the importance of understanding ethnic group variations in network vulnerabilities when considering interventions.

Effects of Social Support on the Stress-Health Relationship: Gender Comparison among Military Personnel

The purpose of this study was to investigate how the role of workplace social support and gender affect the relationship between work stress and the physical and mental health of military personnel in Taiwan. The analysis results reveal that military personnel expressed significantly high perceptions of work-related stress. Social support from supervisors and colleagues is a crucial factor in buffering the effect of work-related stress on perceived health, and increasing the physical and mental health among military personnel. This study shows that male personnel who perceived higher stress and gained more social support from supervisors and colleagues than female personnel were less likely to have physical and mental issues than female personnel. Managerial implications and suggestions could serve as references in managing work-related stress, enhancing social support occurring in the military workplace, and reducing job dissatisfaction, which in turn improves the health and well-being of military personnel in Taiwan.

Sex and gender differences in caregiving burden experienced by family caregivers of persons with dementia: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

While much is known about caregiving burden and its consequences on both caregivers and care recipients, reports on the sex and gender differences that may be present among family caregivers of persons with dementia (PWD) are lacking. Attention to and a synthesis of these sex and gender distinctions have direct implications on the planning and development of health services for this population. The current protocol outlines a strategy for a systematic review of the current evidence to identify and synthesise sex and gender distinctions in caregiving burden experienced by family caregivers of PWD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A comprehensive search strategy for studies that examine the sex and gender differences in caregiving impacts and experiences has been developed in collaboration with an information specialist at a university. All peer-reviewed English language studies on adult family caregivers of PWD, published from January 2007 to September 2017, found through Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and bibliographies of identified articles, will be considered eligible. Study quality will be assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklists.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

As the first systematic review of its kind that focus on sex and gender differences in caregiving burden, findings will be relevant for healthcare practitioners and researchers who can better prescribe and develop interventions and technologies to better address the specific challenges and burden experienced by male and female family caregivers of PWD. Moreover, given that more than half of family caregivers are females; these sex and gender differences will also be pertinent to policy-makers when evaluating and planning of our healthcare systems to better meet the needs of this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018070032.

Associations of a social network typology with physical and mental health risks among older adults in South Korea

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to (1) develop an empirical typology of social networks in older Koreans; and (2) examine its effect on physical and mental health.

METHOD

A sample of 6900 community-dwelling older adults in South Korea was drawn from the 2014 Korean National Elderly Survey. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to derive social network types using eight common social network characteristics (marital status, living arrangement, the number and frequency of contact with close family/relatives, the number and frequency of contact with close friends, frequency of participation in social activities, and frequency of having visitors at home). The identified typologies were then regressed on self-rated health and depressive symptoms to explore the health risks posed by the group membership.

RESULTS

The LPA identified a model with five types of social network as being most optimal (BIC = 153,848.34, entropy = .90). The groups were named diverse/family (enriched networks with more engagement with family), diverse/friend (enriched networks with more engagement with friends), friend-focused (high engagement with friends), distant (structurally disengaged), and restricted (structurally engaged but disengaged in family/friends networks). A series of regression analyses showed that membership in the restricted type was associated with more health and mental health risks than all types of social networks except the distant type.

CONCLUSION

Findings demonstrate the importance of family and friends as a source of social network and call attention to not only structural but also non-structural aspects of social isolation. Findings and implications are discussed in cultural contexts.

Evaluating the Impacts of Health, Social Network and Capital on Craft Efficiency and Productivity: A Case Study of Construction Workers in China

The construction industry has been recognized, for many years, as among those having a high likelihood of accidents, injuries and occupational illnesses. Such risks of construction workers can lead to low productivity and social problems. As a result, construction workers’ well-being should be highly addressed to improve construction workers’ efficiency and productivity. Meanwhile, the social support from a social network and capital (SNC) of construction workers has been considered as an effective approach to promote construction workers’ physical and mental health (P&M health), as well as their work efficiency and productivity. Based on a comprehensive literature review, a conceptual model, which aims to improve construction workers’ efficiency and productivity from the perspective of health and SNC, was proposed. A questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the construction workers’ health, SNC and work efficiency and productivity in Nanjing, China. A structural equation model (SEM) was employed to test the three hypothetical relationships among construction workers’ P&M health, SNC and work efficiency and productivity. The results indicated that the direct impacts from construction workers’ P&M health on work efficiency and productivity were more significant than that from the SNC. In addition, the construction workers’ social capital and the network can indirectly influence the work efficiency and productivity by affecting the construction workers’ P&M health. Therefore, strategies for enhancing construction workers’ efficiency and productivity were proposed. Furthermore, many useable suggestions can be drawn from the research findings from the perspective of a government. The identified indicators and relationships would contribute to the construction work efficiency and productivity assessment and health management from the perspective of the construction workers.

Harm reduction-a systematic review on effects of alcohol reduction on physical and mental symptoms

Based on the knowledge that alcohol misuse causes a multitude of diseases and increased mortality, this systematic review examines whether a reduction of the individual alcohol consumption can contribute to a minimization of health risks within a harm reduction approach. In fact, the reviewed 63 studies indicate that interventions aiming at alcohol reduction (including total abstinence as one possible therapeutic aim) indeed resulted in or were associated with positive effects in harmful, hazardous or alcohol-dependent drinkers. Major benefits were observed for reducing alcohol-associated injuries, recovery of ventricular heart function in alcoholic cardiomyopathy, blood pressure lowering, normalization of biochemical parameter, body weight reduction, histological improvement in pre-cirrhotic alcohol-related liver disease and slowed progression of an already existing alcohol-attributable liver fibrosis. Furthermore, reduced withdrawal symptoms, prevalence of psychiatric episodes and duration of in-patient hospital days, improvement of anxiety and depression symptoms, self-confidence, physical and mental quality of life, fewer alcohol-related adverse consequences as well as lower psychosocial stress levels and better social functioning can result from reduced alcohol intake. The reviewed literature demonstrated remarkable socioeconomic cost benefits in areas such as the medical health-care system or workforce productivity. Individuals with heightened vulnerability further benefit significantly from alcohol reduction (e.g. hypertension, hepatitis C, psychiatric co-morbidities, pregnancy, but also among adolescents and young adults). Concluding, the reviewed studies strongly support and emphasize the importance and benefits of early initial screening for problematic alcohol use followed by brief and other interventions in first contact medical health-care facilities to reduce alcohol intake.

Biological aspects of human migration and mobility

This paper reviews how migration, both geographical and social, impacts on variation in some human biological traits. Migration and mobility are considered in relation to anthropometric traits and indices, psychometric traits, health, disease and nutrition, temperature regulation and metabolism, mental health and gene flow. It is well known that migration is important in disease transmission but, as this paper demonstrates, migration can have both positive and negative impacts on both donor and recipient populations for a wide range of human traits.