Internet Access and Hypertension Management Among the Elderly Population: A Nationally Representative Cross-Sectional Survey in China

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a rapidly growing epidemic in China. Yet, it remains inadequately controlled, especially in rural areas. The internet has shown potential for better health management in different settings; however, few studies have investigated its role in hypertension management in China. OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the association between internet access and hypertension awareness, treatment, and control among elderly Chinese adults and to investigate whether the association between internet access and hypertension management differed between those living in urban and rural areas. METHODS We obtained data from the nationally representative survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011. Hypertension was defined as (1) average systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg or average diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg or (2) currently taking antihypertensive medications. The outcome assessed included hypertension awareness, treatment, and control. The key independent variable was defined as whether one had internet access at home. We performed multivariate logistic regressions for each of the 3 outcomes. RESULTS Among 5135 hypertensive respondents (age 62.4 [SD 9.9] years; 2351/5135, 45.78% men), 12.89% (662/5135) had internet access at home. Compared with those who had no internet access, internet access was positively associated with hypertension awareness (odds ratio [OR] 1.36, 95% CI 1.07-1.73) and treatment (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.09-1.75), but not with control (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.90-1.58). Internet access reduced urban-rural disparity in hypertension awareness by 9.6% (P=.02), treatment by 8.3% (P=.05), but not in control. In addition, the moderating effect of internet access on urban-rural disparities in hypertension management was larger among females. The decreased urban-rural disparities were primarily driven by that internet access improved the management level in rural areas. CONCLUSIONS Despite the low rate of internet access among the elderly population, the internet shows its potential as a platform for achieving better hypertension management in China. Strategies for reducing the disparities in hypertension management and overall disease burden of hypertension among the elderly population might consider the internet as a platform.

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Oncologists’ perspectives on medical marijuana for the elderly.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2019.37.31_suppl.78 ◽

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.

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Dentists’ Opinions in Providing Oral Healthcare to Elderly People: A Questionnaire-Based Online Cross-Sectional Survey

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18063257 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 3257

Author(s):

Daria Madunic ◽

Lidia Gavic ◽

Ivan Kovacic ◽

Neven Vidovic ◽

Jasen Vladislavic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elderly Population ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Geriatric Dentistry ◽

Knowledge And Skills ◽

The Difference

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the factors in dentists’ opinions related to oral health and the treatment management of the elderly. An online questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the dentist population (n = 463). Respondents were divided depending on whether they attended the geriatric dentistry course during their education, and 15 questions on the Likert scale demonstrated the difference in their attitudes. The majority of respondents (61.9%) agree that dental studies should pay more attention to acquiring sufficient knowledge and skills in the treatment of the elderly, and 56.2% would like to attend a course on that subject. Compared to those who participated in the geriatric dentistry course, those who did not consider providing oral healthcare to older people find it more difficult because of its complexity and practical obstacles (37.3% vs. 54%, p ≤ 0.001). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that there are differences in opinion about the provision of oral healthcare to the elderly between dentists who have and who have not attended a geriatric dentist course during their education. During the dentist’s education, geriatric dentistry courses should have a significant role in providing knowledge for working with the elderly population.

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Democratic Digital Inequalities: Threat and Opportunity in Online Citizenship From Motivation and Ability

American Behavioral Scientist ◽

10.1177/0002764218764253 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 62 (8) ◽

pp. 1079-1096 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Michael A. Beam ◽

Jay D. Hmielowski ◽

Myiah J. Hutchens

Keyword(s):

Survey Data ◽

Internet Access ◽

Online News ◽

General Election ◽

Political Interest ◽

The Political ◽

Citizen Engagement ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nationally Representative

Internet access provides a number of ways to read, share, and discuss politics. However, the political benefits from technology are most likely afforded to those with greater Internet skill, political interest, and education. This study used nationally representative cross-sectional survey data collected during the 2016 U.S. general election to investigate two online news behaviors. Guided by research on digital inequalities, the opportunities–motivation–ability framework, and communication gaps, we found that Internet skill and political interest, but not education, are related to greater online news reading and sharing. We also found conditional relationships between Internet skill and online news behaviors that were moderated by political interest and education. Skill-based digital inequalities in online news behaviors are exacerbated for those with greater political interest, but the gap is reduced for those with less education. We discuss the threat and opportunity that a digital skill communication gap poses for online citizen engagement.

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Differentiating objective and subjective dimensions of social isolation and apprasing their relations with physical and mental health in italian older adults

BMC Geriatrics ◽

10.1186/s12877-020-01864-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maddalena Fiordelli ◽

Gabriele Sak ◽

Benedetta Guggiari ◽

Peter J. Schulz ◽

Serena Petrocchi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Health ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Elderly Population ◽

The Elderly ◽

Demographic Variables ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Face To Face

Abstract Background International research shows that social isolation is harmful for health, especially for the elderly. Its objective and subjective dimensions are important to distinguish as each stands in a different relation with health. The first aim of the present study is the validation of three scales measuring objective and subjective isolation in an Italian elderly population. The second aim is to analyze subjective and objective social isolation and to appraise their association with health among seniors. Methods This cross-sectional survey collected data from 306 over 65 s participants. Questionnaires were administered face-to-face by one author and encompassed: social disconnectedness scale; perceived isolation scale; abbreviated Lubben Social Network Scale; measures of general and mental health, and depression. Results The three scales measuring social isolation demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and validity. Objective and subjective social isolation were not directly associated with physical health, whereas subjective isolation is strongly linked to worse mental health and depression. Higher level of subjective isolation was associated with lower level of physical health through the mediation of mental health. Subjective isolation served as a mediator in the relation between objective isolation and health. Moderation analysis demonstrated that low values of objective isolation predicted high values of mental health but only when subjective isolation was low. None of these relations were moderated by socio-demographic variables. Conclusion Subjective and objective isolation are clearly two separate dimensions and the scales validated in this paper showed to be potentially culturally invariant. Researchers should work to find instruments able to depict the complexity of the construct of social isolation.

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Association between Dietary Patterns and Low HDL-C among Community-Dwelling Elders in North China

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13103308 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 3308

Author(s):

Pengkun Song ◽

Qingqing Man ◽

Yuqian Li ◽

Shanshan Jia ◽

Dongmei Yu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dietary Patterns ◽

Dietary Pattern ◽

Elderly Population ◽

North China ◽

The Elderly ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Low Hdl

We aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns and low HDL-C among the elderly population living in North China. The data were from a national cross-sectional survey conducted in 2015. General information in terms of living habits, health status, and food intake using 24 h dietary recall for three consecutive days was procured, and the weight of edible oil and condiments recorded. Anthropometric index, blood pressure, and fasting serum lipids were measured using standard methods. Dietary patterns were derived from food categories by exploratory factor analysis, and multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios of low HDL-C across quartiles of dietary patterns. Among 3387 elderly participants, 21.9% had low HDL-C levels. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, participants with highest score versus lowest score in the balanced dietary pattern had a decreased risk of low HDL-C (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.88, p for trend = 0.013) in the group with a BMI of 27.1 kg/m2 and above. Compared to the lowest quartile, there was a statistically significant negative association between the highest scores of the Western dietary pattern and low HDL-C (OR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.17–0.82, p for trend = 0.018) in the group with a BMI of 21.6–24.8 kg/m2. However, greater adherence to a thrifty dietary pattern (highest quartiles vs. lowest quartiles) was associated with increased risk of low HDL-C (OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.05–10.40, p for trend = 0.044), especially in the subgroup with a BMI of 21.6 kg/m2 and below. The study revealed that it is urgent to develop district-specific dietary improvement plans for dyslipidemia based on the nutritional status of the elderly population in North China.

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Prevalence of disabilities and non-communicable diseases in an elderly population in the Telangana state, India: a population-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041755 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e041755

Author(s):

Srinivas Marmamula ◽

Satya Brahmanandam Modepalli ◽

Thirupathi Reddy Kumbham ◽

Rajesh Challa ◽

Jill E Keeffe

Keyword(s):

Elderly Population ◽

Self Care ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Self Report ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Non Communicable Diseases

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of disabilities (vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive, self-care and communication) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the elderly population in two districts in Telangana, India.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study using a cluster random sampling method to select the study clusters.SettingElderly population in Khammam and Warangal districts were recruited. Detailed interviews were conducted by trained community health workers. Personal and demographic information such as age, gender, level of education and a self-report of NCDs was collected. The Washington Disability Questionnaire was administered to assess the presence of disabilities.Participants1821 participants aged ≥60 years, 54.5% were women, and 73.3% had no education.Primary outcome measurePrevalence of disabilities and NCDs.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of at least disability was 20.3% (95% CI 16.3 to 24.9). The prevalence of self- reported disabilities were: seeing (5.9%; 95% CI 4.4 to 7.8), mobility (12.8%; 95% CI 9.7 to 16.8), hearing (3.6%; 95% CI 2.7 to 4.8), cognition (4.8%; 95% CI 3.5 to 6.7), self-care (3.3%; 95% CI 2.3 to 4.7) and communication (1.8%; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.6). Overall, the prevalence of at least one NCD was 34.2% (95% CI 30.9 to 37.7). Hypertension was the most common systemic condition (25.4%; 95% CI 22.4 to 28.7), followed by diabetes (9.0%; 95% CI 7.3 to 11.0), and body pains (muscle-skeletal) (9.9%; 95% CI 8.1 to 12.2).ConclusionEvery fifth elderly person in the districts of Khammam and Warangal in Telangana had at least one self-reported disability. Besides, a third of the elderly had at least one NCD. There is a definite need to develop comprehensive public health strategies to address disabilities and NCDs in Telangana.

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Mortality due to primary brain tumours in China and detection rate in people with suspected symptoms: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey

World Journal of Surgical Oncology ◽

10.1186/s12957-021-02179-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Bin Jiang ◽

Hongmei Liu ◽

Dongling Sun ◽

Haixin Sun ◽

Xiaojuan Ru ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Brain Tumour ◽

Brain Tumours ◽

Detection Rate ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Detection Rates ◽

Primary Brain Tumours ◽

Symptom Screening ◽

Nationally Representative

Abstract Background and purpose Epidemiological data on primary brain tumours (PBTs) are lacking due to the difficulty in case ascertainment among the population. Thus, we aimed to estimate mortality due to PBTs in China nationwide and the detection rate in people with suspected symptoms. Methods A multistage, complex sampling survey regarding mortality due to PBTs in Chinese individuals was carried out by reviewing all causes of death within a year. The detection rates in people with suspected symptoms were estimated based on PBT symptom screening and neurologist reviews and compared between groups by logistic regression analysis. Results Weighted mortality due to PBT was 1.6 (0.8–3.3) per 100,000 population in Chinese individuals, 1.8 (0.7–4.6) per 100,000 population in men, and 1.5 (0.5–4.5) per 100,000 population in women. Among 14,990 people with suspected symptoms, the PBT detection rate was 306.9 (95% CI 224.7–409.3) per 100,000 population in the total population, 233.0 (95% CI 135.7–373.1) per 100,000 population in men, and 376.9 (95% CI 252.4–546.3) per 100,000 population in women. People with an unsteady gait (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.09–5.51; P=0.029), visual anomalies (3.84; 1.88–7.85; P<0.001), and headache (2.06; 1.10–3.86; P=0.023) were more likely to have a brain tumour than those without corresponding symptoms, while people with dizziness/vertigo were less likely to have a brain tumour than those without corresponding symptoms (0.45; 0.23–0.87; P=0.017). Conclusions Mortality due to PBT in China was low, with a nationwide estimate of 21,215 (10,427–43,165) deaths attributable to PBTs annually. However, the detection rate of PBTs can be greatly improved based on symptom screening in the population.

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Preferences Toward COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing Features: Results From a National Cross-Sectional Survey

American Journal of Health Promotion ◽

10.1177/08901171211034093 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 089011712110340

Author(s):

Bhagyashree Katare ◽

Shuoli Zhao ◽

Joel Cuffey ◽

Maria I. Marshall ◽

Corinne Valdivia

Keyword(s):

Logit Model ◽

Nasal Swab ◽

Latent Class ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

Mixed Logit ◽

Monetary Incentive ◽

Monetary Incentives ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nationally Representative

Purpose: Describe preferences toward COVID-19 testing features (method, location, hypothetical monetary incentive) and simulate the effect of monetary incentives on willingness to test. Design: Online cross-sectional survey administered in July 2020. Subjects: 1,505 nationally representative U.S. respondents. Measures: Choice of preferred COVID-19 testing options in discrete choice experiment. Options differed by method (nasal-swab, saliva), location (hospital/clinic, drive-through, at-home), and monetary incentive ($0, $10, $20). Analysis: Latent class conditional logit model to classify preferences, mixed logit model to simulate incentive effectiveness. Results: Preferences were categorized into 4 groups: 34% (n = 517) considered testing comfort (saliva versus nasal swab) most important, 27% (n = 408) were willing to trade comfort for monetary incentives, 19% (n = 287) would only test at convenient locations, 20% (n = 293) avoided testing altogether. Relative to no monetary incentives, incentives of $100 increased the percent of testing avoiders (16%) and convenience seekers (70%) that were willing to test. Conclusion: Preferences toward different COVID-19 testing features vary, highlighting the need to match testing features with individuals to monitor the spread of COVID-19.

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Prevalence and risk factors of anaemia among men: A study based on Empowered Action Group states, India

Nutrition and Health ◽

10.1177/0260106020982348 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 026010602098234

Author(s):

Pradeep Kumar ◽

Himani Sharma ◽

Kamalesh Kumar Patel

Keyword(s):

Family Health ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Action Group ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

The Government ◽

Eag States

Background: Despite various programmes initiated by the Government of India, the nutritional indicators are not encouraging, as several problems like undernutrition, malnutrition and anaemia – still persist in the country, especially in the Empowered Action Group (EAG) states. Aim: Because of the dearth of studies regarding anaemia among men in India, the present study aimed to determine its prevalence in this population in the EAG states and to analyse its geographical and socio-demographic determinants. Methods: The study utilized nationally representative, cross-sectional survey data from round 4 of the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2015–16. Bivariate analysis along with binary logistic regression were performed to assess the predictors of anaemia among men in the EAG states. Results: Around a quarter of the men in the EAG states suffered from anaemia. A similar high-prevalence pattern was observed across the EAG states. Wherein, Bihar and Jharkhand had the highest prevalence of anaemia while Uttarakhand showed the lowest. Age, place of residence, marital status and caste were positively associated with the likelihood of anaemia among men in the EAG states. Conclusions: Focusing on the EAG states, this study considered the severity of anaemia as a public health problem among men. Strategies to reduce the burden of anaemia among this population are needed. The government should formulate programmes targeting anaemia specifically, and improving the nutritional status among men in general in the EAG states.

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