scholarly journals A Longitudinal Analysis of Mental and General Health Status of Informal Carers in Australia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Itismita Mohanty ◽  
Theo Niyonsenga
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
General Health ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Social Drinking ◽  
Informal Carers

Abstract Background The study investigates the self-assessed mental and general health status of informal carers in Australia. It evaluates the influence of carer’s health behaviours, namely: physical activity, smoking and drinking status; along with their social connectedness and workforce engagement on their health status. Methods The study uses a retrospective longitudinal design using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey, waves 5-15 (2005-2015). It includes individuals aged 15 years and older from Australian households surveyed over a period of 11 years. The sample consists of 23,251 individuals. The outcome measures include: Mental health, general health and physical functioning, domains of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire, a widely used multi-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life. Using fixed effects regression, the analysis takes care of the issue of individuals self-selecting themselves as carers due to some predisposing factors such as age, poor health, socioeconomic status and sedentary behaviour. Results Informal carers suffer from poor mental (Beta = -0.587, p=0.003) and general health (Beta = -0.670, p=0.001) outcomes compared to non-carers in Australia. Increasing age has a modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health outcomes. The older carers are coping better with their caregiving status than the younger ones. Moreover, physical activities have a positive influence on both mental and general health for non-cares, with more activities generating better health outcomes. Also, physical activities have a modifying impact on carers’ mental health compared to non-carers. Furthermore, the study finds that moderate levels of social drinking have beneficial modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health. Conclusion Findings suggest that some targeted support programs for young carers and, in general, carer focused community physical activities programs, could help to improve the poor health profiles of carers. Moreover, improved informal carer’s health would help to reduce the institutional demand for carers and could bridge the gap in carers’ demand and supply. Finally, the study identified a link between moderate levels of social drinking and carer health that needs to be further explored with more targeted future research.

scholarly journals A longitudinal analysis of mental and general health status of informal carers in Australia

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Itismita Mohanty ◽  
Theo Niyonsenga
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
General Health ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Social Drinking ◽  
Drinking Status ◽  
Informal Carers

Abstract Background The study investigated the self-assessed mental and general health status of informal carers in Australia. It evaluated the influence of carer’s health behaviours, namely physical activity, smoking and drinking status, along with their social connectedness and workforce engagement on their health status. Methods The study used a retrospective longitudinal design using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey, waves 5–15 (2005–2015). It included individuals aged 15 years and older from Australian households surveyed over a period of 11 years. The sample consisted of 23,251 individuals. The outcome measures included: mental health, general health and physical functioning domains of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire, a widely used multi-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life. Using fixed effects regression and following individuals over time, the analysis took care of the issue of individuals self-selecting themselves as carers due to some predisposing factors such as age, poor health, socioeconomic status and sedentary behaviour. Results There were statistically significant carer-noncarer status differences in mental (Beta = − 0.587, p = 0.003) and general health (Beta = − 0.670, p = 0.001) outcomes. Aging had a modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health outcomes. Older carers coped better with their caregiving responsibilities than younger ones. Moreover, while physical activities had a positive influence on both mental and general health for non-carers, with more activities generating better health outcomes, it only had a modifying impact on carers’ mental health. Furthermore, the study found that moderate levels of social drinking had beneficial modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health. Conclusion This study added value to the literature on informal carers’ mental and general health in Australia by identifying some of the protective and risk factors. The study found the modifying effects of carers’ age, health behaviours such as physical activity, smoking and drinking status on their health. Finally, the study identified an apparent beneficial link between moderate levels of social drinking and carer health that needs to be further explored with more targeted future research.

scholarly journals A Longitudinal Analysis of Mental and General Health Status of Informal Carers in Australia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Itismita Mohanty ◽  
Theo Niyonsenga
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
General Health ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Social Drinking ◽  
Drinking Status ◽  
Informal Carers

Abstract Background: The study investigated the self-assessed mental and general health status of informal carers in Australia. It evaluated the influence of carer’s health behaviours, namely: physical activity, smoking and drinking status; along with their social connectedness and workforce engagement on their health status. Methods: The study used a retrospective longitudinal design using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey, waves 5-15 (2005-2015). It included individuals aged 15 years and older from Australian households surveyed over a period of 11 years. The sample consisted of 23,251 individuals. The outcome measures included: Mental health, general health and physical functioning, domains of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire , a widely used multi-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life. Using fixed effects regression and following individuals over time, the analysis took care of the issue of individuals self-selecting themselves as carers due to some predisposing factors such as age, poor health, socioeconomic status and sedentary behaviour. Results: There were statistically significant carer-noncarer status differences in mental (Beta = -0.587, p=0.003) and general health (Beta = -0.670, p=0.001) outcomes. Aging had a modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health outcomes. Older carers coped better with their caregiving responsibilities than younger ones. Moreover, while physical activities had a positive influence on both mental and general health for non-carers, with more activities generating better health outcomes, it only had a modifying impact on carers’ mental health. Furthermore, the study found that moderate levels of social drinking had beneficial modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health. Conclusion: This study added value to the literature on informal carers’ mental and general health in Australia by identifying some of the protective and risk factors. The study found the modifying effects of carers’ age, health behaviours such as physical activity, smoking and drinking status on their health. Finally, the study identified an apparent beneficial link between moderate levels of social drinking and carer health that needs to be further explored with more targeted future research.

scholarly journals A Longitudinal Analysis of Mental and General Health Status of Informal Carers in Australia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Itismita Mohanty ◽  
Theo Niyonsenga
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
General Health ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Social Drinking ◽  
Drinking Status ◽  
Informal Carers

Abstract Background: The study investigated the self-assessed mental and general health status of informal carers in Australia. It evaluated the influence of carer’s health behaviours, namely: physical activity, smoking and drinking status; along with their social connectedness and workforce engagement on their health status. Methods: The study used a retrospective longitudinal design using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey, waves 5-15 (2005-2015). It included individuals aged 15 years and older from Australian households surveyed over a period of 11 years. The sample consisted of 23,251 individuals. The outcome measures included: Mental health, general health and physical functioning, domains of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire, a widely used multi-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life. Using fixed effects regression and following individuals over time, the analysis took care of the issue of individuals self-selecting themselves as carers due to some predisposing factors such as age, poor health, socioeconomic status and sedentary behaviour. Results: There were statistically significant carer-noncarer status differences in mental (Beta = -0.587, p=0.003) and general health (Beta = -0.670, p=0.001) outcomes. Aging had a modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health outcomes. Older carers coped better with their caregiving responsibilities than younger ones. Moreover, while physical activities had a positive influence on both mental and general health for non-carers, with more activities generating better health outcomes, it only had a modifying impact on carers’ mental health. Furthermore, the study found that moderate levels of social drinking had beneficial modifying impact on carers’ mental and general health. Conclusion: This study added value to the literature on informal carers’ mental and general health in Australia by identifying some of the protective and risk factors. The study found the modifying effects of carers’ age, health behaviours such as physical activity, smoking and drinking status on their health. Finally, the study identified an apparent beneficial link between moderate levels of social drinking and carer health that needs to be further explored with more targeted future research.

Aircraft Noise Levels, Annoyance and General Health of Residents of Communities contiguous to a Major Airport in Lagos State

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 47-59
Author(s):  
Iheanyichukwu M. Elechi
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
General Health ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Aircraft Noise ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Lagos State ◽  
Distant Location ◽  
Self Reported Health Status

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the aircraft noise exposure, annoyance reactions and health status of the residents living within the vicinity of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMA) in Lagos state, Nigeria. Aircraft noise monitoring was conducted in five locations within the vicinity (0-5Km) of MMA, and a sixth distant location (14km away). Levels of aircraft noise for all five locations within the vicinity of the airport exceeded the EPA Victoria threshold of 75 dB LAmax for the residential area (outdoor). A survey on annoyance induced by aircraft noise exposure and general health status was conducted on 450 local residents in the study locations using the International Commission on Biological Effect of Noise question and a single question that has been applied in Dutch national health care surveys since 1983 on self-reported general health status respectively. Percentage of residents within the vicinity of MMA that were highly annoyed (%HA) exceeded 15% guideline limit stipulated by Federal Interagency Committee on Urban Noise while 14.5% reported poor health status. There was a significant association between the annoyance reactions and aircraft noise levels in the study locations while the association between self-reported health status and aircraft noise levels was not significant. Taken together, the residents within the vicinity of the airport are exposed to aircraft noise levels above permissible limit which may be associated with high annoyance reaction but may not be associated with poor health rating. Evidence-based aircraft noise related policies by government are advocated.

scholarly journals A Multilevel Mixed Effects Analysis of Informal Carers Health in Australia: The role of Community Participation, Social Support and Trust at Small Area level.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Itismita Mohanty ◽  
Theo Niyonsenga ◽  
Tom Cochrane ◽  
Debra Rickwood
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
General Health ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Mixed Effects ◽  
Level Variation ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Informal Carers

Abstract Background: Informal carers suffer from worse health outcomes than non-carers due to their caregiving role. Yet, in a society carers health is as important as that of their care recipients. This study investigated the self-assessed mental and general health outcomes of informal carers in Australia. It evaluated the influence of carers’ personal social capital- a logically linked sequence of their social behaviour such as community participation, social support and trust in others- on their health outcomes. The study estimated the magnitude of small local area (SA1) level variation along with individual level variation in carers’ health outcomes.Methods: The study used a multilevel mixed effects cross-sectional design using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia survey, wave 14. It included Australians aged 15 years and older that were surveyed in the year 2014. The sample consisted of 12,767 individuals and 5004 SA1s. The outcome measures included- mental health, general health and physical functioning, domains of the Short Form 36 Questionnaire, a widely used multi-dimensional measure of health-related quality of life.Results: Informal carers suffered from poor mental (Beta = -0.587, p=0.003) and general health (Beta = -0.670, p=0.001) outcomes compared to non-carers in Australia. These health outcomes exhibited significant variation across small areas (SA1s) in Australia, with 12-13% variation in general and mental health. However, within small local areas, differences at the individual level, accounted for most of the variation in outcomes. Moreover, levels of community participation, personal social connection and trust, as perceived by individuals in the communities, had a positive influence on both mental and general health of carers and non-carers, and were more beneficial for carers compared to non-carers. Conclusion: It seems that the positive influence of social capital for carers helps them in coping with the negative impact of their caregiving duty on health outcomes. Findings suggested that some targeted community support programs for carers to build on their personal social cohesion and trust in their community could help in improving their poor health profiles. Moreover, improved informal carers’ health may help the health system in better managing their resources.

Effects of Panax Ginseng on Quality of Life

2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Ellis ◽  
Prabashni Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Status ◽  
Social Functioning ◽  
Panax Ginseng ◽  
General Health ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Health Status Questionnaire

OBJECTIVE: To assess the time-dependent effects of Panax ginseng on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) by use of a general health status questionnaire. METHODS: Subjects were randomized in a double-blind manner to P. ginseng 200 mg/d (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) for 8 weeks. The Short Form-36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2), a validated general health status questionnaire, was used to assess HRQOL at baseline and at 4 and 8 weeks. HRQOL between the groups was compared by use of repeated-measures analysis of covariance. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in baseline demographics and SF-36v2 scores between the groups. After 4 weeks of therapy, higher scores in social functioning ( P. ginseng 54.9 ± 4.6 vs. placebo 49.2 ± 6.5; p = 0.014), mental health ( P. ginseng 52.2 ± 7.7 vs. placebo 47.2 ± 7.3; p = 0.075), and the mental component summary ( P. ginseng 51.3 ± 7.4 vs. placebo 44.3 ± 8.3; p = 0.019) scales were observed in patients randomized to P. ginseng; these differences did not persist to the 8-week time point. The incidence of adverse effects was 33% in the P. ginseng group compared with 17% in the placebo group (p = 0.40). Subjects given P. ginseng (58%) were more likely to state that they received active therapy than subjects given placebo (17%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: P. ginseng improves aspects of mental health and social functioning after 4 weeks of therapy, although these differences attenuate with continued use.

Sleep-disordered breathing and self-reported general health status in Thai patients

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 861-868 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prakobkiat Hirunwiwatkul ◽  
Patnarin Mahattanasakul
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
Daytime Sleepiness ◽  
General Health ◽  
Sleep Disordered Breathing ◽  
Short Form ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Disordered Breathing

Abstract Background: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has been a rapidly increasing health problem in Thai. Its effect on quality of life of Thai patients has not been adequately addressed. Objective: Determine the relationship between SDB and self-reported general health status in Thai patients. Materials and methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was used. Two hundred and sixtyeight patients (195 men and 73 women, age: 16-82 years) are recruited from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between January 2006 and December 2007. A health profile was obtained by self-administered questionnaire. SDB severity was assessed using an attended single-night comprehensive polysomnography. Results: SDB was not directly associated with the general health status. Presence of excessive daytime sleepiness, which was the major symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, was associated with a decrease in all domains of Short Form 36. Age, sex, and body mass index were also related to a lower physical function. Hypertension and excessive daytime sleepiness were associated with the severity of SDB. Conclusion: SDB is indirectly related to a lower general health status, and this relationship is of clinical significance.

scholarly journals Age at identification, prevalence and general health of children with autism: observational study of a whole country population

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e025904 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewelina Rydzewska ◽  
Laura Anne Hughes-McCormack ◽  
Christopher Gillberg ◽  
Angela Henderson ◽  
Cecilia MacIntyre ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Young People ◽  
General Health ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
General Health Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age And Gender ◽  
Autistic People ◽  
And Gender

ObjectivesReported childhood prevalence of autism varies considerably between studies and over time, and general health status has been little investigated. We aimed to investigate contemporary prevalence of reported autism by age, and general health status of children/young people with and without autism.DesignSecondary analysis of Scotland’s Census, 2011 data. Cross-sectional study.SettingGeneral population of Scotland.ParticipantsAll children (n=916 331) and young people (n=632 488) in Scotland.Main outcome measuresNumber (%) of children/young people reported to have autism and their general health status; prevalence of autism; prevalence of poor health (fair, bad and very bad health); odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of autism predicting poor health, adjusted for age and gender and OR for age and gender in predicting poor health within the population with reported autism.ResultsAutism was reported for 17 348/916 331 (1.9%) children aged 0–15, and 7715/632 488 (1.2%) young people aged 16–24. The rate increased to age 11 in boys and age 10 in girls, reflecting age at diagnosis. Prevalence was 2.8% at age 10 (4.4% for boys; 1.1% for girls), and 2.9% at age 11 (4.5% for boys; 1.1% for girls). 22.0% of children and 25.5% of young people with autism reported poor health, compared with 2.0% and 4.4% without autism. Autism had OR=11.3 (11.0 to 11.7) in predicting poor health. Autistic females had poorer health than autistic males, OR=1.6 (1.5 to 1.8).ConclusionAccurate information on the proportion of autistic children and their health status is essential plan appropriate prevention and intervention measures and provide resources for those who may put demand on services designed for autistic people.

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