Evaluating the Relationship Between Olfactory Function and Loneliness in Community-Dwelling Individuals: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 194589242095836
Author(s):  
Vincent M. Desiato ◽  
Zachary M. Soler ◽  
Shaun A. Nguyen ◽  
Craig Salvador ◽  
Jonathan B. Hill ◽  
...  

Background Olfactory dysfunction (OD) has been reported to impact social interactions. However, the relationship between OD and loneliness has received little attention. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between OD and loneliness, controlling for patient factors. Methods Subjects without otolaryngic complaints were enrolled and olfactory function was assessed using: Sniffin’ Sticks test to measure threshold, discrimination and identification (TDI), Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders Negative Statements (QOD-NS) and 9 – item Olfactory-Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Loneliness was assessed using the De Jong Gierveld (DJG) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scales. Bivariate analysis was performed followed by regression analysis, controlling for confounders. Results In total, 221 subjects were included with a mean age of 50.5 years (range 20 to 93), 133 (60.2%) females and 161 (72.9%) white. Mean TDI score was 29.3 (7.0) and 49.5% of the cohort was dysosmic. Using DJG, 36.4% of the cohort were classified as lonely, whereas 35.0% were lonely using UCLA. Olfactory measures were significantly associated with DJG, including TDI (β = −0.03, p = 0.050), olfactory discrimination (β = −0.111, p = 0.005), QOD-NS (β = 0.058, p < 0.001) and olfactory-VAS (β = 0.032, p < 0.001). UCLA scores were significantly associated with QOD-NS (PR 1.061 [CI 1.018–1.107], p = 0.005) and olfactory-VAS scores (PR 1.027, [CI 1.007–1.049], p = 0.009). After controlling for confounders, the association between DJG and olfactory discrimination, as well as DJG and olfactory-VAS remained significant. Conclusions In this community-based sample of older adults, both OD and loneliness were common. Those subjects with worse olfactory function were more likely to report loneliness. Further research is necessary to establish causality, as well as explore the role of depression.

Author(s):  
Yoshihiro Kugimiya ◽  
Masanori Iwasaki ◽  
Yuki Ohara ◽  
Keiko Motokawa ◽  
Ayako Edahiro ◽  
...  

Oral hypofunction, resulting from a combined decrease in multiple oral functions, may affect systemic-condition deterioration; however, few studies have examined the association between oral hypofunction and general health among older adults. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between oral hypofunction and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. We included 878 adults (268 men and 610 women, mean age 76.5 ± 8.3 years). Tongue coating index, oral moisture, occlusal force, oral diadochokinesis (/pa/,/ta/,/ka/), tongue pressure, mas-ticatory function, and swallowing function were evaluated as indicators of oral hypofunction. Grip strength, gait speed, and skeletal muscle mass index were measured as diagnostic sarcopenia parameters. The association between oral hypofunction and sarcopenia was examined via logistic regression using sarcopenia as the dependent variable. Oral hypofunction prevalence was 50.5% overall, 40.3% in men, and 54.9% in women. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 18.6% overall, 9.7% in men, and 22.5% in women. A logistic regression showed oral hypofunction, age, body mass index, higher-level functional capacity, and serum albumin level were significantly associated with sarcopenia. Sarcopenia occurred at an increased frequency in patients diagnosed with oral hypofunction (odds ratio: 1.59, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–2.47); accordingly, oral hypofunction appears to be significantly associated with sarcopenia.


Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Kensuke Tashiro ◽  
Sakiko Soutome ◽  
Madoka Funahara ◽  
Yumiko Kawashita ◽  
Masayasu Kitamura ◽  
...  

Introduction: Reduced tongue pressure is one of the causes of dysphagia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dental findings and tongue pressure, and whether prosthetic treatment prevents reduced tongue pressure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were 745 community-dwelling adults and elderly persons in the Goto Islands in Nagasaki, who underwent a health checkup for residents in 2015 and 2016. Data were collected on gender; age; grip strength; hemoglobin; Creatinine (Cr); glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c); history of stroke; smoking, drinking, exercise, and walking habits; number of teeth; wearing of removable dentures; functional units of natural teeth (n-FTUs), fixed prostheses (nif-FTUs), and removable dentures (t-FTUs); and tongue pressure. The associations between each variable and tongue pressure were examined using multiple regression analysis. Next, those with 3 or fewer n-FTUs were selected, and differences in tongue pressure were compared between those with 3 or fewer nif-FTUs and those with 4 or more nif-FTUs, using a propensity score matching method. Results: Male gender, weak grip strength, low HbA1c, no drinking, and a low number of teeth were independent factors significantly associated with lower tongue pressure. Among participants with 3 or fewer n-FTUs, the 43 with 4 or more nif-FTUs showed significantly higher tongue pressure than the 43 with 3 or fewer nif-FTUs after propensity score matching, although the number of t-FTUs was not associated with tongue pressure. Discussion/Conclusion: Tooth loss was significantly associated with lower tongue pressure. It was suggested that fixed prosthesis treatment might prevent the reduction of tongue pressure, but removable dentures did not have such an effect.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-217
Author(s):  
Wiktor Razmus ◽  
Beata Zarzycka

Past research links a decrease in religiosity with the development of marketing and, in particular, with the growing role of brands in consumers’ lives. Building on James's (1920) theory of the self, we propose that focusing on brands as a strategy for self-expression (brand engagement in self-concept; BESC) does not exclude religious commitment and may even be related with higher levels of religious commitment. We also suggest that this relationship is moderated by grandiose narcissism. The hypotheses were tested on a sample of 306 individuals in a cross-sectional study. The findings provide evidence that BESC is positively related to religious commitment and the higher an individual’s narcissism is, the stronger the positive relationship between BESC and religious commitment. These findings suggest that using brands as a strategy for self-expression is not a substitute for religious commitment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Vivienne Tjung ◽  
Husnia Auliyatul Umma ◽  
Jarot Subandono

<p class="16"><strong><em>Introduction</em></strong><strong><em>:</em></strong><strong><em> </em></strong><em>Exclusive breast milk is breastfeeding for six months to babies, without providing other foods and drinks. Breastfeeding for up to 6 months is recommended by various health organizations, including the Ministry of Health. In Indonesia, exclusive breastfeeding is still low, even though the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous. Various studies that have been conducted have shown </em><em>different</em><em> results regarding the relationship between the number and sequence of children with breastfeeding practices. This stud</em><em>y </em><em>aimed</em><em> </em><em>to determine the relationship between the number of children and the order of the children with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in Surakarta</em><em></em></p><p class="16"><strong><em>Methods</em></strong><strong><em>:</em></strong><strong><em> </em></strong><em>This study </em><em>was</em><em> an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional study design. The research sample was determined by random sampling of mothers registered at the Penumping Health Center. The research sample consisted of 50 people who have children aged 1-5 years. Assessment of completeness of breastfeeding was measured using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using bivariate analysis techniques using chi-square and multivariate logistic regression</em><em>.</em><em></em></p><p class="16"><strong><em>Result</em></strong><strong><em>s and discussions: </em></strong><em>From</em><em> 47</em><em> </em><em>subjects studied with the bivariate analysis technique using the chi square between the number of children and the order of children with exclusive breastfeeding practice, the results were less significant, p = 0.724 and p = 0.401</em><em>.</em><em></em></p><p class="16"><strong><em>Conclusion</em></strong><strong><em>: </em></strong><em>There </em><em>was</em><em> no significant relationship between the number of children and the order of children with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in Surakarta.</em><em></em></p><p class="18"><strong><em>Keywords</em></strong><strong><em>: </em></strong><strong><em>E</em></strong><strong><em>xc</em></strong><strong><em>lusive breastfeeding, number of children, </em></strong><strong><em>order </em></strong><strong><em>of children</em></strong><strong><em>.</em></strong><strong><em></em></strong></p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fifi Khoirul Fitriyah ◽  
Nur Hidayah ◽  
Muslihati Muslihati ◽  
Im Hambali ◽  
Mursyidul Ibad

Although many studies have examined the relationship between spirituality and empathy, very few studies have focused on demographic and spiritual dimensions in influencing empathy for pre-service teachers. This study analyzes the effect of gender, age, and years of formal education on spirituality and empathy and analyzes the influence of the spiritual dimensions on empathy. This research is a cross-sectional study, with 319 Muslim pre-service teachers as respondents. The data collection technique used an online questionnaire adapted from the Spirituality Assessment Scale (SAS) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). The results show that age affects spirituality, while empathy is influenced by age and gender. One unanticipated finding was that years of formal education had no effect on either spirituality or empathy. The most important finding of this study is the higher the level of innerness, the more likely it is to have high empathy. This study's findings are useful as an assessment material and creating counseling designs to increase empathy for pre-service teachers. This is a part of forming the ideal profile of counselors in schools later. Integrating Islamic values ​​is also an essential alternative in counseling for Muslims.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-41
Author(s):  
Inggriane Puspita Dewi ◽  
Dewi Mustikaningsih

Introduction: The supervision model commonly applied in nursing is the 4S model, namely the Structure, Skill, Support and Sustainability (4S) stages. This supervision model can be applied by the head of the room and the head of the shift as a supervisor in overseeing the implementation of Islamic spiritual nursing care in adult inpatient rooms. Purpose: to analyze the relationship between the role of the 4S supervisor model and the implementation of Islamic spiritual nursing care in adult inpatient rooms. Methods: the study used a cross sectional method. The sampling technique with a proportionate stratified random sampling was 62 nurses. Data analysis used univariate, bivariate analysis with Spearman test, and multivariate with logistic regression. Results: showed the role of the 4S supervisor model was good (88.7%), the implementation of Islamic nursing care was good category (52%), there was a relationship between the role of model supervision 4S with the implementation of Islamic spiritual care, with a significance value of <0.0001 and the strongest relationship between the 4S model and the implementation of Islamic spiritual care is the variable skill and sustainability, seen from the significance value for skills of 0.05 (Pvalue ≤0.05), and sustainability of 0.01 (Pvalue ≤0.05). The strength of the relationship is seen based on the OR [EXP {B}] value, respectively, skill (0.194) and sustainability (0.109). Discussion: The probability of nurses implementing Islamic nursing care well is 90% if they provide Islamic spiritual nursing care skills and continuous supervision by the hospital supervisor. 


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen I Liu ◽  
Wen Ling Hsieh ◽  
Shih Kai Lee ◽  
Kuen-Tai Lee

Abstract Background: Functional degradation among community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia can negatively influence their recovery. Given the importance of patient empowerment during recovery, the current study aimed to examine the mediating effects of patient empowerment on the relationship between global function and recovery among such patients.Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia from northern and central Taiwan. Questionnaires with verified reliability and validity were provided and collected on site by trained nurses. The causal steps approach proposed by Baron and Kenny and the Sobel test were utilized to verify the mediation effect.Results: A total of 373 participants completed the survey. After controlling for factors associated with recovery, empowerment was determined to exert “full mediation” over the effects of global function on patient recovery, with the mediation effect reaching 85.9% and the Sobel test indicating significant mediation.Conclusions: Although improving the global function of community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia could likely encourage recovery, the present study suggested that offering empowerment-oriented care services may be more effective than global function improvement on recovery among these patients.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 721-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Ehlke ◽  
Michelle L. Kelley

This cross-sectional study examined whether depressive symptoms strengthened the relationship between different forms of sexual coercion victimization and drinking to cope motivations, which was hypothesized to influence alcohol use. Participants were 214 female undergraduates who completed an online survey. Participants who experienced any lifetime sexual coercion and reported higher depressive symptoms were the most likely to report drinking to cope motivations, which in turn were associated with alcohol use. Depressive symptoms did not strengthen the relationship between specific forms of sexual coercion, drinking to cope, and alcohol use. Increasing emotion regulation strategies among sexual coercion victims may reduce drinking.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pilar Pérez-Ros ◽  
Rafael Vila-Candel ◽  
Lourdes López-Hernández ◽  
Francisco Miguel Martínez-Arnau

Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship that frailty has with nutritional status and functional risk factors in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional study in community-dwelling older people, independent for walking and without impaired cognition. Frailty was assessed by Fried criteria. Nutritional status was analyzed by the Mini Nutritional Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF), biochemical markers (albumin, total proteins, cholesterol, lymphocytes, and hemoglobin); and anthropometric parameters (body mass index [BMI], body fat percentage, handgrip, and perimeters). A comprehensive geriatric assessment analyzed other risk factors: functionality, cognition, falls, comorbidity, polypharmacy, physical activity, and quality of life (QoL). Results: We included 564 elderly people with a mean age of 76.05 (standard deviation 3.97) years; 63.1% (n = 356) were women, and 83.9% (n = 473) were prefrail, and frail. The sample presented high functionality and a nutritional status with a predominance of overweight and obesity. Factors associated with frailty (R2 = 0.43) were age over 75 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76, 6.21; p < 0.001), female gender (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.24, 4.52; p = 0.009), anemia (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.19, 5.02; p = 0.015), falls (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.12, 3.25; p = 0.016) and the fear of falling (OR 4.01: 95% CI 1.76, 9.16; p = 0.001). Performing more than 3 weekly hours of physical activity was found to be a protective factor (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.15, 0.35; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The relationship between frailty and malnutrition in functionally independent community-dwelling older people is unclear. More studies are needed to know what nutritional markers are related to frailty, cognition, and functionality in order to discriminate the risk factors for community-dwelling older people at risk of malnutrition and dependency.


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