scholarly journals Associations and recovery dynamics of the nasopharyngeal microbiota during influenza-like illness in the aging population

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sudarshan A. Shetty ◽  
Josine van Beek ◽  
Elske Bijvank ◽  
James Groot ◽  
Sjoerd Kuiling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Acute Phase ◽  
Individual Variability ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Phylogenetic Structure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Influenza Like Illness ◽  
Core Microbiota

AbstractBackgroundOlder adults are more susceptible to respiratory pathogens, several of which have been associated with an altered respiratory microbiota. Influenza-like illness (ILI), a disease caused by respiratory pathogens including but not exclusively by influenza virus, is a major health concern in this population. However, there is little information on changes in the nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiota of older adults associated with respiratory infections identified by/ reported as ILI, as well as its dynamics during recovery. Here, we compared the NP microbiota in older adults who presented with ILI (n= 240) to the NP microbiota in older adults not reporting an ILI event (n= 157) during the 2014-2015 influenza season. To investigate the dynamics of the microbiota from the acute phase to the recovery phase of the infection, participants reporting an ILI event were sampled at onset of infection (<72 hours), at 14 days and at 7-9 weeks after infection (recovery sample).ResultsCross-sectional analysis of the microbiota at the different time-points showed no differences in alpha diversity between the groups. A small but significant effect of the ILI was observed on the microbiota community and structure when compared to controls and recovery samples. Furthermore, the NP microbiota exhibited inter-individual differences in dynamics from onset of ILI to recovery. Corynebacterium, one of the keystone species in the upper respiratory tract, was negatively associated with ILI and its abundance increased after recovery. Potential pathobionts such as Haemophilus, Porphyromonas and Gemella had higher abundances during acute-ILI. Stability and changes in the NP microbial community showed individual dynamics. Key core genera, Corynebacterium, Moraxella and Dolosigranulum exhibited higher inter-individual variability in acute-ILI, but showed comparable variability to controls after recovery. Participants in the ILI group with higher core microbiota abundances at the acute phase showed higher microbiota stability after recovery.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that acute-ILI is associated with small but significant alterations in the phylogenetic structure of the NP microbiota in older adults. The observed variation in the core microbiota suggests potential imbalances in the ecosystem, which could play a role in the recovery of the NP microbiota after an ILI event.

scholarly journals Association of Cognitive Impairment With Migrant Status Among Older Adults in India: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shobhit Srivast ◽  
Ruchi Singh ◽  
Prem Shankar Mishra ◽  
Alok Aditya
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Bivariate Analysis ◽  
Migrant Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Comprehensive Primary Health Care ◽  
Health Vulnerability

Abstract Introduction Among various health implications for older adult, cognitive impairment and related dementias are significant public health concern in many low and middle income countries, including India and lack due attention in policy arena. Socio-economic and health vulnerability are associated with cognitive impairment among older adults. Therefore the present study explores the prevalence and determinants of cognitive impairment among older adults in India with special reference to migrant status of older adults. MethodsData for this study was utilized from recent release of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave 1 2017-19. The LASI is a nationally representative survey over 72000 older adults age 45 and above across all states and union territories of India. The present study is conducted on the eligible respondent’s age 60 years and above. The total sample size for the present study is 31,464 older adults aged 60 years and above (Male-15,068; Female-16,366). Descriptive and logistic regression analysis carried to fulfil the objective of the study. ResultsOverall, the prevalence of cognitive impairment among male older adults was 6.4% and female older adults 19.8%. Non-migrant status (6.8%) was more likely to face cognitive impairment than migrant status (5.7%) among older adults. The high prevalence of cognitive impairment were found with increasing socio-economic, demographic and multi-morbidities among older adults. Older adults (male 6.7% vs. female 20.2%) with no social participation were more likely to be face cognitive impairment. The result of logistic regression of our study is supported the bivariate analysis. Older adults with migrant status were more likely to be suffered from the cognitive impairment with unadjusted [UOR; 1.57, CI: 1.45-1.70] & after adjusting with covariates [AOR; 1.14, CI: 1.03-1.26] as compared to non-migrant status. Among the individual factors, odds of impairment was very high for the oldest-older adults age group [AOR: 2.95, CI: 2.59-3.36] as compared to young-older adults and further, female older adults were more likelihood to be cognitive impairment [AOR: 1.99, CI: 1.77-2.24] than their counterparts. Similar findings were also found with socio-economic and health vulnerability among older adults.Conclusion The study demonstrates that female older adults need more care and support from community and government as they face higher cognitive impairment. Further, the results significantly varied across different socio-economically, demographically, regionally in cognitive impairment and those who were suffering with co-morbidities. Comprehensive primary health care with community health approach may improve the health status of older adults in later period of life.

scholarly journals Health concern affects egg consumption among older adults in Tamale Metropolis, Northern Ghana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Humphrey Garti ◽  
Anthony Wemakor ◽  
Emmanuella Akwalpua ◽  
Nawaf Saeed
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Nutritional Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Egg Consumption ◽  
Tamale Metropolis ◽  
Good For

ABSTRACTBackgroundEggs are nutrient dense and rich source of quality protein and their consumption could significantly reduce incidence of chronic and infectious diseases especially in the elderly. This study determined egg consumption and factors that influence consumption among the elderly in Tamale metropolis.MethodsAnalytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 older adults 60 years and above. Data on egg consumption, nutritional knowledge and awareness of health implications of egg intake were collected using structured questionnaire. Relationships between egg consumption, nutritional knowledge and awareness of health effects of egg consumption were determined in bivariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsRespondents without awareness that egg intake increases risk of diseases were 10 times more likely to eat eggs compared to those who had awareness [Adjusted Odds Ratio 10.24; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 4.20 – 25.00; p= 0.001]. Respondents with awareness that egg consumption was bad for health were less likely to consume eggs compared to those who thought egg intake was good for health [AOR 0.02; 95 % CI, 0.01 – 0.05, p < 0.001].ConclusionEgg consumption was low among the study population and was affected by health concerns: awareness that egg consumption was not good for health and exposes them to the risk of certain diseases

scholarly journals DETERMINANTS OF FOOD INSECURITY AMONG CONGREGATE MEAL PARTICIPANTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY USING PARTICIPANT INFORMATION MATCHED TO GEOGRAPHIC AND SERVICE PROVIDER DATA

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
J. Mabli ◽  
M. Shenk
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Program Outcomes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Services

Background: As people age, they are more likely to face financial, medical, and mobility related challenges that can put them at risk of food insecurity. This is a serious public health concern that has been associated with many adverse health outcomes.Objectives: This study examined factors associated with food insecurity among older adults who receive congregate meals from the Administration on Aging’s Nutrition Services Program. Combining participant, geographic, and provider data allowed for a more detailed assessment of older adult food insecurity than is typically possible using other national surveys. Design: A cross-sectional study. We conducted a cross-sectional data analysis using national survey data from the Administration on Aging’s Nutrition Services Program Outcomes Survey, conducted from 2015 to 2016. The data were linked to provider data from the meal site where participants ate. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate the associations between food insecurity and demographic, household, geographic, and provider-level characteristics and circumstances. Setting: Interviews with congregate meal participants were conducted in person at congregate meal sites or another preferred place. Participants: A total of 520 older adults were included as study participants. All older adults were participating in the Nutrition Services Program and receiving congregate meals at the time of the survey interview. All participants were at least 67 years old. Measurements: This study used a 6-item food security measure as the dependent variable. Older adults who answered at least 3 of the 6 questions affirmatively were considered food insecure. Food security was assessed over a 30-day recall period. Results: 18% of congregate meal participants lived in food insecure households. Among congregate meal participants, having low income, difficulty reaching family and friends, past military service, and mobility challenges, and attending a site that provided nutrition counseling were associated with increased food insecurity (most odds ratios ranged from 1.1 to 2.6). Older age, geographic access to food, certain chronic health conditions, and provider-offered nutrition screening and social activities reduced the odds of experiencing food insecurity (most odds ratios ranged from 0.2 to 0.4). Conclusions: Although the Nutrition Services Program helps to alleviate food insecurity, a nontrivial percentage of participants remain food insecure. Nutrition programs can help address clients’ food access limitations by broadening nutrition screenings at meal sites to include more comprehensive assessments based on non-traditional risk factors for food insecurity.

scholarly journals Hearing Loss Health Literacy Discrepancy Between Younger and Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 214-214
Author(s):  
Erika Squires ◽  
Hua Ou
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hearing Health

Abstract Increasing the accessibility and affordability of hearing healthcare is a public health concern. Because low health literacy is a significant barrier to the use of existing effective healthcare services, it is critical to assess and understand health literacy deficits specific to hearing loss before implementing interventions. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify differences in hearing loss health literacy among older and young adults, which is warranted because older adults are at-risk for lower levels of health literacy compared to their younger counterparts. Adults across the lifespan (n = 170) completed the Hearing Loss Health Literacy Assessment Tool, which includes self-rated ability to access/obtain, understand, and appraise hearing health information, as well as apply information to manage life with hearing loss. Results from an independent samples t-test indicated that older adults (M = 6.3, SD = 1.45, n = 54) self-reported significantly higher overall hearing health literacy than younger adults (M = 5.37, SD = 1.27, n = 116), t(168) = 4.22, p &lt; 0.0001. Participants rated their ability to access/obtain information significantly lower than the other subscales. Age-differences in self-rated hearing health literacy exist. Findings from this study receive support from evidence indicating that the readability and suitability of the majority of patient education materials on hearing loss are not appropriate for the average U.S. adult. This investigation provides further evidence that the availability and accessibility of patient education materials on hearing loss is an important barrier that contributes to the limited use of hearing health care.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Race as a Predictor of Fear of Falling in Black Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 235-235
Author(s):  
Selena Washington ◽  
Susan Stark ◽  
Makenna Synder ◽  
Yi-Ling Hu ◽  
Brittany Minor
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Fear Of Falling ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mobility Performance ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Abstract Fear of falling (FOF) is a common issue and health concern reported by adults 65 years of age and older.There is mixed evidence about potential disparity in fall incident rates due to race and FOF, and it is unclear if and under what circumstance falls rates and risks differ by racial ethnicity. The purpose of this study is to determine if race predicts fear of falling in older adults at greater risk for falls; and to examine the relationship between activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility performance measures with FOF. A cross-sectional observational study was used to examine predictors of FOF among community dwelling-older adults using data from two longitudinal randomized clinical trials (RCT). Participants (N=259) had a mean age of 75.7 ±7.4, 78.8% female, 80.64% Black, and 77.03% White or Other, with ≥ 1 fall in the last 12 months. Subjects completed a demographic profile; the Tinetti and Short Falls Efficacy Scale to assess FOF; and activities of daily living (ADL) and mobility performance scales to assess function. The chi square analysis revealed Black older adults were two times more likely to report FOF (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.14, 4.15; p=.05) in comparison to White older adults. The regression analysis demonstrated that race is a significant factor to predict FOF (OR = .67, 95% CI = 1.21, 3.24; p=.05); and the descriptive analysis revealed significantly worse ADL and mobility function scores within the high FOF group.

Perceived Voice Disorders in Older Adults and Impact on Social Interactions

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Connie K. Porcaro ◽  
Clare Singer ◽  
Boris Djokic ◽  
Ali A. Danesh ◽  
Ruth Tappen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Voice Disorders ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Vocal Performance ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cross Sectional

Purpose Many aging individuals, even those who are healthy, report voice changes that can impact their ability to communicate as they once did. While this is commonly reported, most do not seek evaluation or management for this issue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and differences in voice disorders in older adults, along with the effect of fatigue on their social interactions. Method This is a cross-sectional investigation of a community-dwelling sample of individuals aged 60 years or older. Participants completed the Questionnaire on Vocal Performance, the Social Engagement Index subset “Engagement in Social or Leisure Activities,” and the Fatigue Severity Scale. Results Results indicated 32.5% of the 332 participants reported symptoms of voice problems with no difference found between male and female respondents. A slight increase in report of voice problems was noted with each year of age. Participants who self-reported voice problems indicated less interaction in social activities involving communication than those who did not. Finally, as severity of self-reported voice problems increased, an increase was reported by the same individuals for signs of fatigue. Conclusions Voice problems and resulting decreased social interaction are commonly experienced by older individuals. Voice symptoms in older adults have been found to benefit from evidence-based treatment strategies. It is critical to provide education to encourage older individuals to seek appropriate evaluation and management for voice issues through a speech-language pathologist or medical professional.

Adolescent Suicidality as Seen in Rural Northeastern Uganda

Crisis ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Kinyanda ◽  
Ruth Kizza ◽  
Jonathan Levin ◽  
Sheila Ndyanabangi ◽  
Catherine Abbo
Keyword(s):  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Psychiatric Nurses ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
Sub Saharan

Background: Suicidal behavior in adolescence is a public health concern and has serious consequences for adolescents and their families. There is, however, a paucity of data on this subject from sub-Saharan Africa, hence the need for this study. Aims: A cross-sectional multistage survey to investigate adolescent suicidality among other things was undertaken in rural northeastern Uganda. Methods: A structured protocol administered by trained psychiatric nurses collected information on sociodemographics, mental disorders (DSM-IV criteria), and psychological and psychosocial risk factors for children aged 3–19 years (N = 1492). For the purposes of this paper, an analysis of a subsample of adolescents (aged 10–19 years; n = 897) was undertaken. Results: Lifetime suicidality in this study was 6.1% (95% CI, 4.6%–7.9%). Conclusions: Factors significantly associated with suicidality included mental disorder, the ecological factor district of residence, factors suggestive of low socioeconomic status, and disadvantaged childhood experiences.

Contributory Factors for Obesity in Elderly: Review of the Literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Raihan Ismail ◽  
Noor Aman Hamid
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Dietary Factors ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contributory Factors ◽  
The Past ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Program Intervention ◽  
Future Education

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity has been rising, adding to morbidity and mortality. As the proportion of elderly aged 60 years and above grows, so too the prevalence of obesity among this population. Obesity in the elderly is a rapidly growing public health concern as it contributes to significant changes in the health of older people. Objective: This review aims to assess the contributory factors for obesity in the elderly over the past decade. Methods: A literature search was conducted. The search was restricted to articles written in the English language published from 2008 to 2018. Qualitative studies were excluded. Results: A total of 19 full articles were retrieved, of which 18 cross-sectional and one cohort were included. The contributory factors were divided into three components: (a) socio demographic characteristics, (b) medical history and dietary factors and (c) environmental factors. Conclusions: This review informs an emerging knowledge regarding contributory factors for obesity and has implications for future education and program intervention in fighting obesity in the elderly.

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