scholarly journals Comparison of intrinsic capacity factors in older individuals before and during COVID-19 in the context of healthy ageing in Baltic Countries

2022 ◽  
Vol 131 ◽  
pp. 01004
Author(s):  
Madara Mikelsone ◽  
Ieva Reine ◽  
Diana Baltmane ◽  
Andrejs Ivanovs ◽  
Signe Tomsone

The COVID-19 in the context of healthy ageing is associated with decline in body functional abilities and serious illness in older individuals. Regular assessment of ageing processes, including intrinsic capacity factors, provides an opportunity for better understanding of the individual’s functional abilities and vulnerabilities. Based on the data (2017–2020) from two waves (7 and 8) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), an evaluation and comparison of the intrinsic capacity factors of older individuals (50+ years) before and during COVID-19 was conducted, including data from 4422 individuals in Baltic countries (from Latvia – 648, Lithuania – 1079 and Estonia – 2695). Excellent or very good health status before the outbreak reported 35.3% respondents in Latvia, 54.9% in Lithuania and 45.3% in Estonia (p < 0.001). On worsened health status since the outbreak reported 7% respondents in Latvia, 13.8% in Lithuania and 5.9% in Estonia (p < 0.001). Feeling of nervousness, depression and loneliness during COVID-19 outbreak increased among all respondents, regardless of nationality and severity of symptoms before outbreak (p < 0.001). The results indicate that during COVID-19 outbreak respondents were experiencing deterioration in cognitive and psychological health. To maintain the level of individual’s functional abilities during situations like COVID-19 outbreak preventive actions are needed by promoting physical activities and social networks, especially for older individuals.

Author(s):  
Madara Miķelsone ◽  
Diāna Baltmane ◽  
Ieva Reine ◽  
Sigita Sniķere ◽  
Andrejs Ivanovs ◽  
...  

According to the WHO, healthy ageing is characterized by such interrelated determinants as intrinsic capacity, functional ability and environment. An individual's intrinsic capacity is a powerful predictor of the future ageing process and includes 5 areas - cognitive, psychological, sensory, locomotion and vitality. Exploration of these areas can provide necessary information for therapeutic and preventive actions that can be tailored to an individual's needs, priorities and values to support participation and quality of life. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare healthy ageing determinants of older individuals in the Baltic States. The research was based on the sample of older individuals (50 years and older) from wave 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) during the period from November 2019 to March 2020. The obtained results indicate a low level/poor results in such determinants as locomotion, sensory, vitality and functional ability (more than 50% of the respondents among the Baltic countries has poor health, various long-term illnesses, limitations in daily activities, suffer from moderate or severe pain, requires help to meet daily needs, etc.), has various behavioral risks, however has higher assessment of cognitive and psychological determinants.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Monge-Martín ◽  
Fernando Caballero-Martínez ◽  
Maria João Forjaz ◽  
Manuel J. Castillo ◽  
Carmen Rodríguez-Blázquez

Abstract Background: The ageing of today's society intensifies the need for the correct and healthy ageing of the elderly, in order to ensure their overall well-being. Practical strategies are needed to acquire healthy habits at this stage of life. The aim of this study is to analyse the life habits of subjects close to retirement age and the factors that could influence these habits (gender, physical and mental health). Methods: A national (Spain) observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study, in which people close to retirement age are surveyed. The online survey included matters regarding socio-demographic, family, work, leisure, social participation and health indicators. Results: The study comprised of 1,700 participants (581 working; 714 retired), average age = 63 years (DT 5.7); 52% women. Most reported having a satisfactory social life (90%), living in pairs (74%), not smoking (80%), following a Mediterranean diet (73%) and taking medicines daily (70%). Disability (WHODAS-12) was higher in men (8.2 vs 6.5, p<0.001) although women showed more health problems and depression (mild-severe) (27% vs 17%, p<0.001), with a healthier diet and lower physical/work activity. The multivariate model showed a significant association of health status (EQ-VAS) with disability level, number of chronic diseases, sleep habits, exercise, diet, and alcohol consumption. When the level of depression was introduced, age and being a woman were also found to be related. In the subgroup of those retired or working (n=1295), retirees reported a better health status, associated with less disability, fewer chronic illnesses, lower depression, good eating and sleeping habits, and exercise. Conclusions: The results show that retirement does not necessarily mean worse health, but rather an opportunity in life to reinforce favourable health activities and correct those lifestyle factors that deteriorate it. This, together with the differences observed according to gender in the perception of clinical and psychological health, will allow for the design of strategies that promote healthy ageing.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 0-0

This study examined the influence of occupational stress on the psychological health of the employees of university libraries in Osun State, Nigeria. A random sample of 32 participants from selected university libraries in Osun State, Nigeria. The result of the hypothesis revealed a weak positive correlation between occupational stressors and psychological health status (N = 32, r = 0.427, p = 0.015). The test also shows a weak positive correlation between the level of occupational stress and psychological health status (N = 32, r = 0.493, p = 0.004). The study concluded that employees who do not experience work-related stress would enjoy good health. The study also recommended that the management of university libraries should ensure that they provide mentorship, funds, Internet facilities, and encouragement to their employees to ensure a stress-free work environment so that library employees would continue to enjoy good health.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Sebo ◽  
Thierry Favrod-Coune ◽  
Liv Mahler ◽  
Amir Moussa ◽  
Christine Cohidon ◽  
...  

AbstractThere is limited data on the general health of primary care physicians (PCPs). We aimed to assess the physical and psychological health of Swiss PCPs. We selected a random sample of 1000 PCPs in Western Switzerland. They were asked about their self-rated health status, all medical conditions experienced in the past five years, and the number of days they were hospitalized and off work in 2019. They were also asked whether they had their own general practitioner (GP) and seen a psychiatrist/psychologist in the past 12 months. A total of 503 PCPs were included in the study (women = 51%, GPs = 67%, pediatricians = 19%, gynecologists = 14%). Ninety-four percent considered themselves in good or very good health. In the past five years, PCPs suffered mostly from depression/anxiety (21%), burnout (21%), dyslipidemia (19%) and hypertension (17%). Male and older PCPs had more often cardiovascular disorders, younger PCPs and GPs had more often psychiatric disorders. They were 9% to have been hospitalized (15% for PCPs over 60) and 20% to have been off work (32% for PCPs under 45). Only 47% had their own GP (37% for GPs). They were 16% (mostly female and younger PCPs) to have consulted a psychiatrist/psychologist. In conclusion, although PCPs considered themselves to be in good health, a substantial proportion suffered from a medical condition, mainly psychiatric (depression or burnout) and/or cardiovascular disorders, or were recently hospitalized or off work. Only half had a GP for themselves. These results may be useful for implementing specific health strategies targeting PCPs.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Kumar Joshi ◽  
Suvash Shrestha ◽  
Resha Shrestha ◽  
Subhadra Vaidya

BackgroundAddressing child labor involves ensuring good health of existing child laborers in addition to reducing their number.ObjectiveTo determine different physical and psychological health problems among child laborers in Nepal.Methods and materialThis study compares the status of health between Nepalese child laborers and school going children of similar age. Nineteen different kinds of labors were selected and the child laborers in those work sectors were included in the study. Two medical doctors examined the children individually, and a psychologist assessed the level of stress indicators among the child laborers. Thus, clinical and psychological assessment were done, and compared with the same among school going children.ResultsA total of 313 child laborers and 200 school children were included in the study. Most of the laborers (82, 26.2%) were engaged in overland transportation and vehicle repair works. Child workers had significantly poor health status than the school going children, in term of pallor, absence of BCG vaccination, lack of de-worming, dermatitis, discharge from eyes, and ear – nose – throat problems. Two hundred eighty eight (92.1%) of the child workers had at least one psychological stress symptom.ConclusionsThe health status of child laborers is not satisfactory. Thus, measures to ensure quality health should receive priority while addressing child labor.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i1.5918 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol. 2 No. 1 (2012) 31-38


Circulation ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 127 (suppl_12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Connie Ingram ◽  
Maria Canossa-Terris ◽  
Mary Comerford ◽  
Paul Kurlansky

Introduction The growing global prevalence of obesity is recognized as an important risk for cardiovascular disease. Understanding self perception of weight as it pertains to health is critical to the success of weight reduction programs. The impact of ethnicity on this association has not been examined. Methods The sample included 927 Hispanic (H) and 72 Non-Hispanics white (NHW) adults who received free cardiovascular screening from Florida Heart Research Institute. Overweight and obesity were measured by Body Mass Index. Self-perceived health status was characterized as excellent, very good, good, fair or poor health. Logistic regression was used to determine independent risk factors for perceived fair-poor health, as well as for excellent, very good health. Odds ratios and 95% Confidence Intervals were calculated. Results Both H and NHW overweight/obese subjects tended to view their health as good, very good or excellent: H (overweight 81.1%/obese 73%) and NHW (89.3%/66.7%). Logistic regression revealed the following independent correlates of self-perceived very good or excellent health: NHW (OR 3.618, CI 2.126, 6.157, p<0.001) and exercise (OR 1.640;CI 1.186, 2.268; p=0.003). Hypertension (OR 0.392; CI 0.246, 0.625; p<0.001), overweight (OR 0.551, CI0.386, 0.785, p=0.001) and obesity (OR 0.431, CI 0.288, 0.644; p<0.001) were all negatively associated with very good/excellent status. Conclusions Although it is not surprising that participation in regular exercise is associated with a better self-perception of health status, or that hypertension and obesity is correlated with a worse self-assessed health status, there are two striking findings that emerge from this data: 1. The vast majority of both H and NHW subjects do not perceive either overweight or obesity to be a major health problem. 2. Hispanics have a significantly worse self-perception of health status even after controlling for associated factors.This information provides a critical foundation for overcoming fundamental barriers to effective patient education_a critical first step in addressing the current epidemic of obesity in ethnically diverse populations.


Author(s):  
Lia D’Addario ◽  
Tony Kuo ◽  
Brenda Robles

Lay Summary A major problem in the United States is the overconsumption of high sodium foods. These foods often put people at higher risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Recent public health efforts have tackled this problem by making it easier to select/purchase healthier, lower sodium foods in different settings. Hospital employees are one such group that has been the focus of these interventions. Presently, little is known about what explains sodium-related dietary behaviors among hospital employees. To address this gap, we used data from a survey of hospital staff who were exposed to sodium reduction interventions in the workplace to examine how their knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported health status affected their sodium consumption. A key finding was being in “good health” and having the belief that salt intake matters for health predicted decreased sodium consumption among the survey participants. These and other study findings provide context and insights into ways in which further sodium reduction could be achieved among at-risk hospital employees.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 1869
Author(s):  
Nanditha G. ◽  
Chandrakala R. Iyer ◽  
Chandrashekar M. A. ◽  
Poojitha Kancherla ◽  
Raghuveer Golluri ◽  
...  

Background: Healthy children build a wealthy nation. Good health of children is of paramount importance to the nation’s growth. Health and nutritional status of school children is highly variable from one region to another due to different environmental, socioeconomic and cultural factors. Hence health status of school children from each area should be assessed periodically so that relevant health programmes can be applied to prevent common morbidities such as malnutrition, infections and infestations. Methods: A cross sectional study of 500 rural school children from 5 to 15 years was conducted to assess the nutritional status by anthropometry and health status by clinical examination.Results: Out of the 500 school children 46.8% girls, 71.4% were 5 to 10 years old, 70.2% studying in 1st to 5th class.  33.4% were stunted. 25.6% and 27% were underweight according to weight and Body mass index criteria respectively. Common health problems among school children in this study were anemia (31%), dental caries (27.2%), upper respiratory infections (13.4%), skin infections and scabies (12.6%), head lice infestation (6.8%), refractive errors (6%) and ear discharge (5.2%).Conclusions: Though the pattern of nutritional and health problems were same in different studies, the severity of them varied from region to region. Hence periodic screening of school children to identify them and to apply relevant health programmes goes a long way in reducing such morbidities.


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