scholarly journals Prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in Medicare-enrolled, autistic older adults

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 755-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany N Hand ◽  
Amber M Angell ◽  
Lauren Harris ◽  
Laura Arnstein Carpenter

While there is emerging evidence on the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions among autistic adults, less is known about this population’s needs during older adulthood (aged 65+). We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study of 2016–2017 Medicare data to compare the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in a national sample of autistic older adults (N = 4685) to a matched population comparison (N = 46,850) cohort. Autistic older adults had significantly greater odds of nearly all physical health conditions including epilepsy (odds ratio = 18.9; 95% confidence interval = 17.2–20.7), Parkinson’s disease (odds ratio = 6.1; 95% confidence interval = 5.3–7.0), and gastrointestinal conditions (odds ratio = 5.2; 95% confidence interval = 4.9–5.5). Most mental health conditions were more common among autistic older adults, including schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (odds ratio = 25.3; 95% confidence interval = 22.4–28.7), attention deficit disorders (odds ratio = 24.4; 95% confidence interval = 16.2–31.0), personality disorders (odds ratio = 24.1; 95% confidence interval = 17.8–32.5), and suicidality or self-inflicted injury (odds ratio = 11.1; 95% confidence interval = 8.9–13.8). Health conditions commonly associated with advanced age in the general population (e.g. osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis) were also significantly more common among autistic older adults. By highlighting the significant physical and mental health needs for which autistic older adults require care, our findings can inform healthcare systems, healthcare providers, and public health initiatives seeking to promote well-being in this growing population.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rochelle Ann Burgess ◽  
Mairi Jeffery ◽  
Sabina Odero ◽  
Kelly Rose-Clarke ◽  
Delanjathan Devakumar

Child Marriage (before the age of 18) affects over 12 million young women globally, annually. Despite acknowledgement of the negative impacts of the practice on reproductive health, mental health consequences are largely overlooked. Given the ability for poor mental health to intensify other health and social challenges, understanding the mental health consequences linked to child marriage is vital. Our study is the first to examine how mental health is approached in current literature on child marriage. Our conceptual framework was informed by a rapid assessment of key issues in the field. Systematic searches of papers published between 2000-2020 were completed on four electronic databases with no language restrictions. Our protocol was registered on Prospero (CRD42019139685). Articles were assessed using PRISMA guidelines, and their quality assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Of the 4,457 records identified, 21 papers meeting inclusion criteria were analysed using narrative synthesis. The final sample included 5 qualitative, 1 mixed-methods and 15 quantitative studies (14 cross-sectional and 1 longitudinal study) reporting on data from 12 countries, largely in the global south. Intimate partner violence, poverty, challenges in childbirth and isolation were identified as social factors linked to emotional distress by those married as children. Depression was the most reported mental disorder. Anxiety, phobias, psychological distress, substance misuse, negative well-being and anti-social personality disorder were reported less frequently. Findings highlight that while significant emotional distress and specific mental health conditions are linked to child marriage, gaps in our understanding remain. Future studies are needed to; clarify directionality in these relationships; understand the mental health needs of young men, LGBTQI communities and those in humanitarian settings. Given the well documented cyclical relationship between social determinants and mental health conditions, we outline a series of community-oriented interventions which blend psychological, social and structural support to promote mental health and wellbeing in the contexts of child marriage.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e031848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Cartwright ◽  
Heather Mason ◽  
Alan Porter ◽  
Karen Pilkington

ObjectivesDespite the popularity of yoga and evidence of its positive effects on physical and mental health, little is known about yoga practice in the UK. This study investigated the characteristics of people who practise yoga, reasons for initiating and maintaining practice, and perceived impact of yoga on health and well-being.Design, setting and participantsA cross-sectional online anonymous survey distributed through UK-based yoga organisations, studios and events, through email invites and flyers. 2434 yoga practitioners completed the survey, including 903 yoga teachers: 87% were women, 91% white and 71% degree educated; mean age was 48.7 years.Main outcome measuresPerceived impact of yoga on health conditions, health outcomes and injuries. Relationships between yoga practice and measures of health, lifestyle, stress and well-being.ResultsIn comparison with national population norms, participants reported significantly higher well-being but also higher anxiety; lower perceived stress, body mass index and incidence of obesity, and higher rates of positive health behaviours. 47% reported changing their motivations to practise yoga, with general wellness and fitness key to initial uptake, and stress management and spirituality important to current practice. 16% of participants reported starting yoga to manage a physical or mental health condition. Respondents reported the value of yoga for a wide range of health conditions, most notably for musculoskeletal and mental health conditions. 20.7% reported at least one yoga-related injury over their lifetime. Controlling for demographic factors, frequency of yoga practice accounted for small but significant variance in health-related regression models (p<0.001).ConclusionThe findings of this first detailed UK survey were consistent with surveys in other Western countries. Yoga was perceived to have a positive impact on physical and mental health conditions and was linked to positive health behaviours. Further investigation of yoga’s role in self-care could inform health-related challenges faced by many countries.


2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. e0000131
Author(s):  
Rochelle A. Burgess ◽  
Mairi Jeffery ◽  
Sabina Adhiambo Odero ◽  
Kelly Rose-Clarke ◽  
Delanjathan Devakumar

Child Marriage (before the age of 18) affects over 12 million young women globally, annually. Despite acknowledgement of the negative impacts of the practice on reproductive health, mental health consequences are largely overlooked. Given the ability for poor mental health to intensify other health and social challenges, understanding the mental health consequences linked to child marriage is vital. Our study is the first to examine how mental health is approached in current literature on child marriage. Our conceptual framework was informed by a rapid assessment of key issues in the field. Systematic searches of papers published between 2000–2020 were completed on four electronic databases with no language restrictions. Our protocol was registered on Prospero (CRD42019139685). Articles were assessed using PRISMA guidelines, and their quality assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Of the 4,457 records identified, 21 papers meeting inclusion criteria were analysed using narrative synthesis. The final sample included 5 qualitative, 1 mixed-methods and 15 quantitative studies (14 cross-sectional and 1 longitudinal study) reporting on data from 12 countries, largely in the global south. Intimate partner violence, poverty, challenges in childbirth and isolation were identified as social factors linked to emotional distress by those married as children. Depression was the most reported mental disorder. Anxiety, phobias, psychological distress, substance misuse, negative well-being and anti-social personality disorder were reported less frequently. Findings highlight that while significant emotional distress and specific mental health conditions are linked to child marriage, gaps in our understanding remain. Future studies are needed to; clarify directionality in these relationships; understand the mental health needs of young men, LGBTQI communities and those in humanitarian settings. Given the well documented cyclical relationship between social determinants and mental health conditions, we outline a series of community-oriented interventions which blend psychological, social and structural support to promote mental health and wellbeing in the contexts of child marriage.


2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
David Martin-Baena ◽  
Isabel Montero-Pinar ◽  
Maria Isabel Fuertes-Lanzuela

<p>Purpose: This pilot study aims to identify factors associated to roofless own health self-perception.<br />Design: Cross-sectional study with a sample of homeless people (n=68) who come for help to one of the homeless service centers founded by a non-profit organization. Socio-demographic characteristics, years living on streets, unhealthy habits, chronic morbidity, basic needs and self-reported physical and mental health were described. To identify factors related to mental and physical health from roofless own perspective, a binary logistic analysis was held. <br />Findings: The majority of participants were under 40 years, male and Spanish, alcohol or drug consumers, 80% have lived in the street for one to five years with high levels of pain and poor mental health conditions. Living on the street over a year, exposure to violence, lack of hygiene and female gender, affect negatively the own perception of physical and mental health conditions.<br />Conclusions: Our results show the different and complex homeless health needs. Given the duration of homelessness affected their health condition, recent roofless homeless should be identified as soon as possible.<br />Clinical relevance and further research: Those providing care for homeless people must promote a more coordinated care, maximizing flexibility and fostering relationships to better response to the multiple and different needs of this one vulnerable population. Further study is needed to allow identify the different experiences of homeless women and men.</p>


2021 ◽  
pp. 073346482110497
Author(s):  
Dennis Asante ◽  
Craig S. McLachlan ◽  
Vivian Isaac

Rural older adults (≥60), compared to their urban counterparts, are identified as higher users of general practitioner (GP) services. However, whether this pattern of health seeking is influenced more so by physical or mental conditions is unclear. We explore the independent effect of chronic physical and mental health conditions on GP use in Australia. Datasets on population health was available from the South Australia’s Department of health in 2013–2017 ( n = 20,522). We examined prevalence of common physical and mental conditions and GP use by the Modified Monash Model of remoteness. Physical and mental health burden was similar across South Australia. General practitioner visits with suicidal ideation for rural and remote locations were 4.7 (95% CI, 1.6–13.6) and 4.8 (95% CI, 1.9–11.7), respectively, compared to urban Adelaide 1.5 (95% CI, 1.0–2.3). While there is equal burden of mental health across South Australia, access to mental health resources for nonurban Australians remains a significant challenge.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 625-625
Author(s):  
Jane Pearson

Abstract This individual symposium abstract will focus on the epidemiology of suicide in older adults, with particular focus on risk factors, changing demographics, and population shifts with the baby-boomers aging. Epidemiologically, older men aged 75 and older have a suicide rate of 39.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2017, compared to the general population of 14.0 deaths per 100,000. Risk factors for suicide in older adults include functional disability, multiple chronic physical conditions, and social isolation. In addition, older adults often face stressors such as relationship issues, life crises (loss of spouse), and social factors (employment and financial challenges, housing stress, and legal issues). Limited mobility, physical and mental health conditions, and lack of social support can affect healthcare access and utilization. Many older adults do not routinely seek behavioral health treatment, with reported under-detection of mental health conditions such as depression, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51
Author(s):  
Katerina Kavalidou ◽  
Konstantinos Kotsis ◽  
Dimitra Laimou ◽  
Dionysia Panagidou ◽  
Olga Megalakaki

Background: Individuals with physical or mental health conditions represent a vulnerable population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, limited information is available concerning posttraumatic growth and common mental health symptoms of this vulnerable health group during COVID-19. Methods: An online cross-sectional study (STRONG study; psychological changes and effects after COVID-19 quarantine in Greece) was conducted from 28 September 2020 (no lockdown restrictions) to 2 November 2020, just before the second lockdown in Greece. Main outcomes were depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as posttraumatic growth. Results: A total of 860 adults participated in the study. A high proportion of participants did not report any pre-existing health condition (61%), while 334 individuals reported one or more physical or mental health conditions. Overall, 20.2% of the participants reported significant depressive symptoms, and 27.9% reported moderate to high posttraumatic growth. The presence of physical and mental health conditions, either as single diagnosis or as a multimorbidity, was significantly associated with the development of depressive symptomatology (either physical or mental health conditions: OR = 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07–1.17, p < 0.001; both physical and mental health conditions: OR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.14–1.33, p < 0.001). Posttraumatic growth did not differ between those with or without any pre-existing health issue. Conclusions: Although having a physical or/and a mental health condition predicted the development of depressive symptomatology in a post-lockdown period, the presence of pre-existing conditions was not associated with posttraumatic growth development. Clinicians should be aware of depressive symptoms among their multimorbid patients, even after exiting lockdown.


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