Trajectories of Physical Function Decline and Psychological Functioning: The Quebec Longitudinal Study on Nutrition and Successful Aging (NuAge)

BackgroundChildren in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) who remain in school have better health and employment outcomes. South Africa, like many LMICs, has a secondary school completion rate under 50%, leaving room for improvement if we can identify factors that affect educational attainment. This is the first longitudinal study to examine the effects of childhood mental health and cognitions on educational outcomes in LMIC.MethodsUsing the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Cognitive Triad Inventory for Children (CTI-C), we assessed the psychological functioning and cognition of children aged 10–12 in rural South Africa. We linked that data with measures of educational progress collected 5 years later and examined associations between educational progress and (1) behavioural and emotional problems and (2) cognitive interpretations, adjusting for possible confounders.ResultsEducational data were available for 443 individuals. 92% (n=408) of individuals had advanced three or fewer grades in 7 years. Having more positive cognitions (CTIC-C) was positively associated with progressing at least three grade levels (adjusted OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.79). There was no evidence for an association between emotional and behavioural problems (SDQ) and educational progress (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.11).ConclusionIf children in LMICs can develop more positive perspectives, they may be able to stay in school longer. Cognitions can be modified, and future studies should test interventions that work to improve cognition in childhood, guided, for example, by principles of cognitive–behavioural therapy.

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Musculoskeletal pain and new-onset poor physical function in elderly survivors of a natural disaster: a longitudinal study after the great East Japan earthquake

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-019-1283-z ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Yutaka Yabe ◽

Yoshihiro Hagiwara ◽

Takuya Sekiguchi ◽

Yumi Sugawara ◽

Masahiro Tsuchiya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Longitudinal Study ◽

Natural Disasters ◽

Physical Function ◽

Musculoskeletal Pain ◽

Functional Disability ◽

Functional Decline ◽

Great East Japan Earthquake ◽

Low Back ◽

Shoulder And Neck Pain ◽

New Onset

Abstract Background Functional disability is a significant problem after natural disasters. Musculoskeletal pain is reported to increase after disasters, which can cause functional disability among survivors. However, the effects of musculoskeletal pain on functional decline after natural disasters are unclear. The present study aimed to examine the association between musculoskeletal pain and new-onset poor physical function among elderly survivors after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted on survivors aged ≥65 years at three and 4 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake. A total of 747 persons were included in this study. Physical function was assessed using the Kihon Checklist. New-onset poor physical function was defined as low physical function not present at 3 years but present at 4 years after the disaster. Knee, hand or foot, low back, shoulder, and neck pain was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire and was defined as musculoskeletal pain. Musculoskeletal pain at 3 years after the disaster was categorized according to the number of pain regions (0, 1, ≥ 2). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for new-onset poor physical function due to musculoskeletal pain. Results The incidence of new-onset poor physical function was 14.9%. New-onset poor physical function was significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain. Compared with “0” musculoskeletal pain region, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) were 1.39 (0.75–2.58) and 2.69 (1.52–4.77) in “1” and “≥ 2” musculoskeletal pain regions, respectively (p for trend = 0.003). Conclusions Musculoskeletal pain is associated with new-onset poor physical function among elderly survivors after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Monitoring musculoskeletal pain is important to prevent physical function decline after natural disasters.

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Anthropometric indices predict physical function and mobility in older Australians: the Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2002336 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. 655-662 ◽

Cited By ~ 80

Author(s):

Elaine Bannerman ◽

Michelle D Miller ◽

Lynne A Daniels ◽

Lynne Cobiac ◽

Lynne C Giles ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Body Weight ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Waist Circumference ◽

Physical Function ◽

South Australia ◽

Self Report ◽

Mobility Limitations ◽

Australian Longitudinal Study ◽

Increased Risk

AbstractObjective:To evaluate, in terms of function and mobility, the predictive value of commonly adopted anthropometric ‘definitions’ used in the nutritional assessment of older adults, in a cohort of older Australians.Design:Prospective cohort study – Australian Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ALSA).Setting:Adelaide, South Australia (1992–1994).Subjects:Data were analysed from 1272 non-institutionalised (685 males, 587 females) older adults ≥70 years old in South Australia. Seven ‘definitions’ commonly used in the anthropometric assessment of both under- and overnutrition (including four using body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference and percentage weight change) were evaluated at baseline, for their ability to predict functional and mobility limitation assessed (by self-report questionnaire) at two years follow-up. All questionnaires were administered and anthropometry performed by trained investigators. The associations between the definitions and decline in mobility and physical function were evaluated over two years using multiple logistic regression.Results:A BMI >85th percentile or >30 kgm−2 or a waist circumference of >102 cm in males and >88 cm in females increased risk of functional and mobility limitations. Over two years, a loss of 10% body weight significantly increased the risk of functional and mobility limitations.Conclusion:Maintaining weight within older adults, irrespective of initial body weight, may be important in preventing functional and mobility limitations. Excessive weight is associated with an increased risk of limitation in function and mobility, both key components of health-related quality of life.

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