Association of socioeconomic and lifestyle factors with chronic non-communicable diseases and multimorbidity among the elderly in rural southwest China

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Li ◽  
Le Cai ◽  
Wen-long Cui ◽  
Xu-ming Wang ◽  
Hui-fang Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Fasting Blood Glucose ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background This study estimates the prevalence of five chronic non-communicable disease (NCDs) (hypertension, diabetes, CHD, COPD and stroke) and its multimorbidity, and examines the relationship between SES and lifestyle factors and multimorbidity among older adults in rural southwest China. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 4833 consenting adults aged ≥60 years was conducted in 2017. Data on the demographics, smoking, drinking, height, weight, blood pressure and fasting blood glucose were collected. Results Among the participants, the overall prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, COPD and CHD was 50.6, 10.2, 6.4, 5.4 and 5.5%, respectively, and of multimorbidity was 16.1%. Females had a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and multimorbidity of chronic NCDs, but a lower prevalence of COPD than males (P < 0.05). Older adults with good household assets and access to medical services were less likely to experience multimorbidity, whereas obese and centrally obese participants, current smokers, current drinkers and those with a family history of chronic NCDs had a greater probability of multimorbidity. Conclusions The findings suggest that effective strategies for prevention and control of chronic NCDs and its multimorbidity are urgently needed, especially for low-income, elderly, ethnic minority adults with poor access to medical services.

Oncologists’ perspectives on medical marijuana for the elderly.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 78-78
Author(s):  
Desiree Rachel Azizoddin ◽  
Andrea Catherine Enzinger ◽  
Alexi A. Wright ◽  
Miryam Yusufov ◽  
Fangxin Hong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Medical Marijuana ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Elderly Cancer Patients ◽  
Treatment Side Effects ◽  
Nationally Representative

78 Background: Cancer patients are increasingly using medical marijuana (MM) to manage symptoms and treatment side effects. Although cancer disproportionately affects the elderly, little is known about oncologists’ attitudes toward MM in this population. We surveyed US oncologists’ beliefs about the benefits of MM for older adults, and examined their associations with oncologists’ perceptions of MM efficacy and safety. Methods: 232 out of 400 randomly selected U.S. oncologists (63% response rate) completed a cross-sectional survey about their beliefs and recommendations regarding MM for cancer patients. Using Chi-square tests, we examined associations between oncologists’ demographics, their perceptions of geriatric MM use, as well as beliefs about comparative effectiveness of MM for cancer related symptoms, and comparative risks of MM to prescription opioids. Results: Among 232 oncologists included in this cohort, 109 (47.0%) reported that MM had at least some benefit for elderly cancer patients, 66 (28.4%) responded it was rarely or never beneficial, and 57 (24.6%) reported not knowing. There were no significant associations between oncologists’ beliefs about MM’s benefit for older adults and their sociodemographic characteristics. Those who believed MM was beneficial for the elderly were significantly more likely to report that MM was at least as effective as standard treatments for the following indications: coping (58.3% vs. 26.6%), appetite (83.3% vs 58.5%), depression (46.3% vs 25.0%), and nausea (66.7% vs 33.9%), respectively ( p < 0.001). In contrast, oncologists’ beliefs about MM for the elderly were not significantly associated with perceptions of the comparative risks of MM ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: In this nationally-representative sample of US oncologists, about half thought MM was beneficial for older adults with cancer. Oncologists’ support of MM for older adults was associated with perceptions of MM’s efficacy but was not associated with perceptions of MM’s risks. More research is needed regarding the safety and efficacy of MM to guide oncologists’ recommendations about its use in older adults.

scholarly journals Prevalence and causes of visual impairment among older persons living in low-income old age homes in Durban, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khathutshelo P. Mashige ◽  
Serela S. Ramklass
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Anterior Segment ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Posterior Segment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Old Age Homes

Background: Visual impairment (VI) increases with age and has been reported to be more prevalent among older adults living in old age homes than in the general population.Aim: To determine the prevalence and causes of VI among older adults living in low-income old age homes in Durban, South Africa.Setting: This study was conducted at low-income old age homes in Durban.Methods: This cross-sectional study of 118 residents aged 60 years and older, collected socio-demographic data, presenting visual acuities (VAs) for each eye, and binocularly. Anterior segment eye examinations were conducted with a penlight torch and a portable slit-lamp, while posterior segment evaluation was conducted with direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Objective and subjective refractions were performed, and the best-corrected distance and near VAs were measured in each eye. VI was defined as presenting VA 6/18 and included moderate VI ( 6/18−6/60), severe VI ( 6/60 –3/60) and blindness ( 6/120).Results: The mean age of the participants was 73.3 years and included 80.5% females and 19.5% males. The prevalence of VI and blindness was 63.6%. Optical correction significantly reduced the prevalence of VI and blindness by 19.5% (p 0.05). The main causes of non-refractive VI and blindness were cataract (54.5%), posterior segment disorders (25.5%) and corneal opacities (20%).Conclusion: The prevalence of VI and blindness is high among residents in low-income old age homes living in Durban. Refractive correction and surgical cataract intervention can significantly reduce the burden of VI and blindness among the elderly residents.

scholarly journals Challenges of Emergency Medical Services utilization by the older adults in Tabriz, Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rouzbeh Rajaei Ghafouri ◽  
Mohammad Hasan Sahebihagh ◽  
Asghar Mohammadpoorasl ◽  
Zahra Parsian ◽  
Mahmood Yousefi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical

Abstract Background As the number of older adults is increasing, the health care services such as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be promoted. One of the preconditions for the use of health services is awareness of these services and their terms of use. This study is conducted to evaluate the awareness of the older adults in Tabriz about EMS and the terms of services. Methods This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of over 60 years old noninstitutionalized population in Tabriz (Iran). It included 1062 participants (514 males and 548 females) who were selected using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method. Service awareness is considered as being informed about the existence of the EMS. Knowledge about EMS is defined as knowing the EMS phone number and knowledge about its free and 24-hour service. After completing the informed consent, data collection was conducted in the households of the participants. Data analysis was conducted using logistic regression. Results The findings showed that 47% of the older adults were not familiar with the EMS system. Awareness of EMS in males (63.4%) was higher than females (44.2%) and also it was higher among those born in cities (61.2%) than rural areas (46.1%). Holding primary, secondary, and higher education compared with illiteracy had higher chance of awareness of EMS by more than 2, 4, and 12 times respectively (OR = 2.53, OR = 4.69, and OR = 12.09). Conclusion Due to high rate of illiteracy and low public awareness, older adults do not have appropriate knowledge about the facilities, conditions, and terms of using EMS and may not be able to demand some of their essential services; therefore, notifying and increasing awareness about the available services to older adults are necessary.

The mechanisms underlying the negative effect of depression on life satisfaction among the elderly: the roles of ostracism and economic income

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lei Shao ◽  
Guoliang Yu ◽  
Denghao Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Economic Income ◽  
Rural Older Adults

ABSTRACT Objectives: Depression is prevalent among older persons, which seriously threatens their life satisfaction. This study aimed to explore the internal mechanisms by which depression influences life satisfaction among the elderly, as well as the mediating and moderating effects of ostracism and economic income, respectively, in a sample of rural older adults across China. Design: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted as part of the project “Thousands of People and Hundreds of Villages (2019).” Setting: Participants were rural older adults from 31 provincial-level administrative units across China. Participants: The sample composed of 1,754 participants aged 60 years and over. Measurements: Depression was assessed with the depression subscale of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, life satisfaction with the Satisfaction with Life Scale, ostracism with the Ostracism Experience Scale (OES), and economic income and other control variables with related demographic scales. Moderation and mediation analyses were performed using the regression-based approach as conducted by Hayes (2013). Results: Depression negatively predicted life satisfaction among the elderly. Ostracism played a partially mediating role between depression and life satisfaction. Economic income moderated the effect of depression and ostracism on life satisfaction: High economic income weakened the negative effect of depression on life satisfaction and enhanced the negative effect of ostracism on life satisfaction. Conclusion: Improving depressed elderly people’s interpersonal relationships and financial support could improve their life satisfaction.

Barriers and Facilitators for the Romanian Older Adults in Enjoying Physical Activity Health-Related Benefits

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12511
Author(s):  
Constanta Urzeala ◽  
Veronica Popescu ◽  
Daniel Courteix ◽  
Georgeta Mitrache ◽  
Mihaela Roco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Physically Active

Older adults are considered a vulnerable category within the population, which is exposed to an accelerated risk of functional degeneration. The purpose of this study was to explore different facilitating factors and possible existing barriers to being physically active in older age in urban areas of Romania. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 172 participants who were asked to assess their health, on a scale from 1 to 3, and to fill out two questionnaires: 1. Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly; 2. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. Participants were also asked to specify to what extent they performed different leisure activities during the last week. SPSS was used for data analysis. The chi-squared test, t-test, ANOVA, and MANOVA emphasised the differences between participants, at p < 0.05. Regarding health condition, 27.3% of participants responded that their health was good, 53.5%—satisfactory, and 19.2%—not so good. The results showed significant differences between older adults participating in Elderly Clubs and non-participants, only in terms of PASE leisure. There were significant multivariate effects of the variables Gender and Stable life partner regarding PASE leisure. Weak negative correlations were identified between leisure physical activities and emotional state. Among the proposed leisure activities, watching TV and listening to music represented the most frequent preferences of the participants. The older adults participating in this study preferred to become involved with different physical activities, in conjunction with their habits, health, age, sex, stable life partner, and Elderly Club participation.

scholarly journals Validity of Arm-Span to estimate height in older adults: a secondary analysis of a Colombian cohort, SABE Bogotá study

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Germán Borda Borda ◽  
Carlos Cano-Gutierrez ◽  
María Juliana Lozano ◽  
Samir Aruachan ◽  
Nicolás Castellanos-Perilla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Limits Of Agreement ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Height Measurement ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Arm Span ◽  
Final Sample

Abstract Background Body composition and height changes with aging which brings challenges in order to obtain accurate measures in this population, height measurement is of great importance both in nutritional and clinical assessment in the elderly, and it has been widely used for obtaining values such as body mass index, the aim of this study was to assess the validity of arm span to estimate height in Colombian older adults. Methods This is a secondary analysis of the SABE-Bogota study (2012); which is a cross-sectional survey conducted in older adults over the age of 60; with a final sample n=1,436. Spearman`s Rho correlation coefficient was used to assess concurrent validity, while limits of agreement were set through Bland-Altman plots. Criterion validity was performed comparing face-to-face measured height with arm-span estimated height with linear regressions (R2 and SEE). Results There was a significant correlation between measured height and arm span estimated height of 0.856 (CI 95% 0.842-0.870; p<0.0001). Limits of agreement ranged between -7.65 and 11.14cm. R2values ranged between 0.3 and 0.8, SEE was lower in males between 60 and 79 years of age. Conclusions Alternatives to estimate height in older adults are necessary. Our results suggest that the arm span is a valid measure for the estimation of measured height in Colombian older adults.

scholarly journals Prevalence and factors related to psychological distress among ethnic minority adults in a semi-modern village in rural vietnam: an evolutionary mismatch framework

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex C Speciale
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Lifestyle Factors ◽  
Evolutionary Medicine ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Evolutionary Mismatch ◽  
Distress Symptoms

ABSTRACT Background and objectives Psychological distress is one of the greatest health threats facing humanity and has been hypothesized to represent an evolutionary mismatch. This hypothesis can be tested in semi-traditional societies that are undergoing transitions to modern lifestyles. This study used an evolutionary medicine framework to examine the predictors of psychological distress symptomology in a semi-modern ethnic minority village in rural Vietnam that is transitioning into a developing economy. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Chieng Sai Village among White Thai ethnic minority adults aged 18-75. The DASS-21 scale was used to measure the prevalence of psychological distress symptoms, and a closed format questionnaire was used to collect data on independent variables. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to determine associated factors of psychological distress symptomology. Results The prevalence of psychological distress symptoms was 22% (depression = 16.9%, stress = 16.3%). Common features of modernity, such as low levels of exercise, boredom, and low income, showed a positive association with psychological distress, while lifestyle features that were more similar to those expected in the evolutionary past and that fulfilled evolutionary adaptations, such as getting enough sleep, physical exertion, and earning sufficient income (access to resources), showed a negative association with psychological distress. Conclusions and Implications This study suggests that modern lifestyles might have generated evolutionary mismatches that are negatively impacting mental health in Chieng Sai Village. Future research should focus on determining the causal relationship between psychological distress and evolutionary mismatches. Evolutionary medicine approaches to understanding and treating psychological distress are potential forces of disease reduction to be considered in public health and educational policy. Lay Summary Approximately 22% of White Thai ethnic minority adults in the village of Cheing Sai reported psychological distress symptoms. I found that lifestyle factors unique to modern society had positive associations with psychological distress symptomology, while lifestyle factors that mimic aspects of human evolutionary past, such as exercise, had negative associations with psychological distress symptoms.

scholarly journals Challenges of Emergency Medical Services utilization by the older adults in Tabriz, Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akbar Azizi-Zeinalhajlou ◽  
Rouzbeh Rajaei Ghafouri ◽  
Mohammad Hasan Sahebihagh ◽  
Asghar Mohammadpoorasl ◽  
Zahra Parsian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Emergency Medical Services ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Medical Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Medical

Abstract Background: As the number of older adults is increasing, the health care services such as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be promoted. One of the preconditions for the use of health services is awareness of these services and their terms of use. This study is conducted to evaluate the awareness of the older adults in Tabriz about EMS and the terms of services. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of over 60 years old noninstitutionalized population in Tabriz (Iran). It included 1062 participants (514 males and 548 females) who were selected using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling method. Service awareness is considered as being informed about the existence of the EMS. Knowledge about EMS is defined as knowing the EMS phone number and knowledge about its free and 24-hour service. After completing the informed consent, data collection was conducted in the households of the participants. Data analysis was conducted using logistic regression. Results: The findings showed that 47% of the older adults were not familiar with the EMS system. Awareness of EMS in males (63.4%) was higher than females (44.2%) and also it was higher among those born in cities (61.2%) than rural areas (46.1%). Holding primary, secondary, and higher education compared with illiteracy had higher chance of awareness of EMS by more than 2, 4, and 12 times respectively (OR= 2.53, OR= 4.69, and OR= 12.09). Conclusion: Due to high rate of illiteracy and low public awareness, older adults do not have appropriate knowledge about the facilities, conditions, and terms of using EMS and may not be able to demand some of their essential services; therefore, notifying and increasing awareness about the available services to older adults are necessary.

Health Concerns of Older Adults: Observations from a Survey and Public Education Programme in Bhubaneswar, India

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Shreyan Kar ◽  
Tushar Kanti Das ◽  
Prasanta Kumar Mohapatra ◽  
Brajaballav Kar ◽  
Anupama Senapati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Mood State ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Considerable Proportion ◽  
Cardiovascular Risks ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Concerns

Background: While it is apparent that old age is associated with multiple health concerns, the extent of its multiplicity and burden is often not clear. It was intended to find out self-reported health concerns for one month and cardiovascular risk factors in middle and older adults. Methods: In the cross-sectional survey, attendees of a Healthy Ageing Conference were approached with a semi-structured questionnaire about their health concerns and cardiovascular risks. Risk of a cardiovascular event in 10 years based on QRISK3 was calculated. Results: A considerable proportion of older adults had a range of physical symptoms, depressive mood state and memory problems. Mean number of health problems reported were 4.8±3.3 (male 4.4±3.1 and female 5.0±4.3). Cardiovascular risk was high, mean QRISK3 score for males were 22.2% (±14.4), and for females 10.3% (±6.6) (p<0.05). On average, the heart age was increased by 7.9±6.2 years (8.6±6.6 years for males and 5.0±3.3 for females). The relative risk of participants was 2.1 for males and 1.5 for females for heart attack or stroke within the ten years, compared to healthy persons. The symptoms and risk factors were elicited easily, and the process probably facilitated improving the awareness about the health concerns holistically. The survey also identified issues related to the engagement of older adults in the existing health care systems. Conclusions: The results suggested that questionnaire-based health screening in a community can identify a range of health concerns and identify multi-morbidity in general and cardiovascular risks in particular. This process may help to focus on the appropriate public health awareness and intervention programmes required in the community.

scholarly journals The effects of disease-related knowledge on illness perception and psychological status of patients with COVID-19 in Hunan, China

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Man Ye ◽  
Shi-hao Chen ◽  
Xu-ting Li ◽  
Jin Huang ◽  
Ran-ran Mei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Illness Perception ◽  
Self Care ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Psychological Status ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Future Health ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To assess the current status of disease-related knowledge and to analyze the relationship among the general condition, illness perception, and psychological status of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 118 patients using convenience sampling. The general questionnaire, disease-related knowledge questionnaire of COVID-19, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R), and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were used to measure the current status of participants. RESULTS: The overall average score of the disease-related knowledge of patients with COVID-19 was (79.19 ± 14.25), the self-care situation was positively correlated with knowledge of prevention and control (r=0.265, P=0.004) and total score of disease-related knowledge (r= 0.206, P= 0.025); the degree of anxiety was negatively correlated with the knowledge of diagnosis and treatment (r= -0.182, P= 0.049). The score of disease-related knowledge was negatively correlated with negative cognition (volatility, consequences, emotional statements) and negative emotions (tension, fatigue, depression) (P<0.05); positively correlated with positive cognition (disease coherence) and positive emotion (self-esteem) (P<0.05). CONCLUSION It was recommended that we should pay more attention to the elderly and low-income groups, and increase the knowledge about diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 and self-care in the future health education for patients.

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