scholarly journals Determinants of Chronic Biological Stress, Measured as Hair Cortisol Concentration, in a General Population of Adolescents: From Individual and Household Characteristics to Neighborhood Urbanicity

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veerle J. Verheyen ◽  
Sylvie Remy ◽  
Eva Govarts ◽  
Ann Colles ◽  
Gudrun Koppen ◽  
...  

Chronic biological stress may adversely affect adolescents' physical and mental health, but insight in the personal and environmental factors that determine chronic stress is limited. We measured 3-month cumulative hair cortisol concentration (HCC) in 419 adolescents, participating in the Flemish Environment and Health Study. Adolescents' health and lifestyle characteristics, household and neighborhood socio-economic status as well as neighborhood urbanicity were assessed as potential determinants of HCC, using multiple linear regression models. We additionally explored heterogeneity of our results by sex. HCC were significantly higher in boys from densely populated neighborhoods, the association was not significant in girls. Accordingly, boys living outside cities had significantly lower HCC than boys, living in cities. HCC was significantly lower in adolescents with an optimal vitality, a measure of a positive mental health status. In adolescent girls, menarcheal status (pre-/postmenarche) was a significant determinant of HCC. Our findings are the first to suggest that residential urbanicity may have an impact on chronic biological stress in a general population of adolescent boys.

2013 ◽  
Vol 74 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mythily Subramaniam ◽  
Louisa Picco ◽  
Vincent He ◽  
Janhavi Ajit Vaingankar ◽  
Edimansyah Abdin ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Daimer ◽  
Lorenz Mihatsch ◽  
Lisa Ronan ◽  
Graham K. Murray ◽  
Franziska Knolle

Studies reported a strong impact on mental health during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in March–June, 2020. In this study, we assessed the impact of the pandemic on mental health in general and on schizotypal traits in two independent general population samples of the United Kingdom (May sample N: 239, October sample N: 126; participation at both timepoints: 21) and in two independent general population samples of Germany (May sample N: 543, October sample N: 401; participation at both timepoints: 100) using online surveys. Whereas general psychological symptoms (global symptom index, GSI) and percentage of responders above clinical cut-off for further psychological investigation were higher in the May sample compared to the October sample, schizotypy scores (Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire) were higher in the October sample. We investigated potential associations, using general linear regression models (GLM). For schizotypy scores, we found that loneliness, use of drugs, and financial burden were more strongly corrected with schizotypy in the October compared to the May sample. We identified similar associations for GSI, as for schizotypy scores, in the May and October samples. We furthermore found that living in the United Kingdom was related to higher schizotypal scores or GSI. However, individual estimates of the GLM are highly comparable between the two countries. In conclusion, this study shows that while the general psychological impact is lower in the October than the May sample, potentially showing a normative response to an exceptional situation; schizotypy scores are higher at the second timepoint, which may be due to a stronger impact of estimates of loneliness, drug use, and financial burden. The ongoing, exceptional circumstances within this pandemic might increase the risk for developing psychosis in some individuals. The development of general psychological symptoms and schizotypy scores over time requires further attention and investigation.


Author(s):  
Linda K. Tindimwebwa ◽  
Anthony I. Ajayi ◽  
Oladele V. Adeniyi

Background: Given the physical and mental health consequences of tobacco use amongst individuals with mental illness, it was imperative to assess the burden of tobacco use in this population.Aim: This study examined the patterns and factors associated with tobacco use in individuals attending the outpatient unit.Setting: Cecilia Makiwane Hospital Mental Health Department in Eastern Cape province, South Africa.Methods: Lifetime (ever use) use and current use of any tobacco products were examined in a cross-sectional study of 390 individuals between March and June 2020. A logistic regression was fitted to determine the correlates of lifetime and current use of any tobacco products.Results: The rates of ever use and current use of tobacco products were 59.4% and 44.6%, respectively. Of the participants interviewed, lifetime tobacco use was more prevalent amongst individuals with schizophrenia (67.9%) and cannabis-induced disorders (97.3%) and lower in those with major depressive disorders (36.1%) and bipolar and related disorders (43.5%). Men were six times more likely to have ever used or currently use tobacco products in comparison to women. Also, those who had a salaried job or owned a business were over three times more likely to have ever used or currently use tobacco products compared with those receiving government social grants.Conclusions: The prevalence of tobacco use in this study was significantly higher than the general population in the Eastern Cape. Therefore, smoking prevention and cessation interventions targeted at the general population should target this often neglected sub-population in the region.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-60
Author(s):  
Mikhael San Putra Wijanarko ◽  
Cathelin Stella ◽  
Gian Oktavianto

Background: In the general population, it is estimated that 91% of adult males perceive their penile size to be smaller than average. Concern about penile size can affect one’s self-esteem, which then affects its sexual function, satisfaction, as well as physical and mental health. Therefore, accurate penile measurements are needed for clinical and academic purposes. Reviews: Measurement of penile size can be performed in an erect, stretched, even flaccid condition. However, from various researches, there is no standardization of such a measurement method. Various researches have carried out average penile measurement but many factors can affect these results such as race, genital conditions, systemic diseases, surgical procedures, and aging.  Summary: There is no internationally agreed way of measuring an adult male's penis and many other factors can make the results of penile measurements vary. Proper measurement and finding out the right average of penile size in adult male with regard to other affecting factors, will be indispensable for both clinical and academic purposes.


2012 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Voltmer ◽  
Mark Zander ◽  
Joachim E Fischer ◽  
Brigitte M Kudielka ◽  
Bernhard Richter ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study examined the physical and mental health of orchestra musicians of different types of orchestras compared to a reference sample of the general population and of two other professions. Methods: Professional musicians (n = 429) from nine opera and/or concert orchestras were surveyed with the Short Form-12 general health questionnaire (SF-12). Data were compared with a reference sample (n = 2805) with a sample of physicians (n = 549) and aircraft manufacturers (n = 822). Results: Compared to the reference sample and the two other professional groups, the musicians had a higher physical health score: 53.07 (SD 5.89) vs 49.03 (SD 9.35) reference, 51.26 (SD 7.53) physicians, and 49.31 (SD 7.99) aircraft manufacturers. The musicians’ mental health score was lower compared to the reference sample but did not differ from the other professional groups: 48.33 (SD 9.52) for musicians vs 52.24 (SD 8.10) reference, 48.26 (SD 10.06) physicians, and 48.54 (SD 9.59) aircraft manufacturers. Physical health but not mental health decreased with age in all groups. In physical and mental health, women scored lower than men. There was no significant difference in physical and mental health scores between musicians of concert and opera orchestras. Age and gender accounted for 3.6% of the variance of the physical health score, but none of the demographic characteristics or orchestral roles and functions was predictive for mental health scores. Conclusions: Musicians report better physical but poorer mental health than the general population, but they did not differ in mental health scores from physicians or aircraft manufacturers.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. e0210822
Author(s):  
Oddgeir Friborg ◽  
Nina Emaus ◽  
Jan H. Rosenvinge ◽  
Unni Bilden ◽  
Jan Abel Olsen ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina J. Diaz ◽  
Michael Niño

It is well known that Hispanic immigrants exhibit better physical and mental health than their U.S.-born counterparts. Scholars theorize that stronger orientations toward the family, also known as familism, could contribute to this immigrant advantage. Yet, little work directly tests whether familial attitudes may be responsible for the favorable health of foreign-born Hispanics. We investigate this possibility using biomarkers, anthropometrics, and mental health assessments from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (N = 4,078). Results demonstrate that the relationship between familial attitudes and health vary depending on the outcome assessed. While Hispanics with strong attitudes toward familial support have fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety, those who report high referent familism display worse mental health outcomes. We find little evidence that familism is linked to physical health or that immigrant generation moderates the relationship of interest. Our results challenge assumptions that familism is responsible for the comparably better health of foreign-born Hispanics.


2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Hughes

Objectives The aim of the present study was to examine the health and well being of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people, the health issues that concern them, the services they use and challenges accessing services. Methods This study comprised a survey of the health and well being of 312 LGBTI people aged 50 years and over in New South Wales. The survey included the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) measure of health-related quality of life, the Kessler 10 (K10) measure of psychological distress, and the three-item Loneliness Scale. Results Higher levels of psychological distress, lower mental health and greater loneliness were found among this sample than is typically found in the general population. Mental health was lower among carers and those not in a relationship, while psychological distress was greater among those living alone and those experiencing higher rates of loneliness. The most commonly accessed health service was a general practitioner (GP), with most respondents reporting that they were open about their sexuality to their GP and that they had a regular GP. Some reported difficulties accessing health services because of their gender or sexual diversity. Conclusions Although many older LGBTI people are well, both physically and mentally, they do appear to face increased risk of certain health issues compared with the general population. What is known about the topic? Overseas research indicates that older LGBTI people may be at greater risk of certain physical and mental health conditions than the general population. What does this paper add? This paper provides Australian data, using well-validated instruments, on the health and well being of older LGBTI people. It provides evidence of the health issues that older LGBTI people are most concerned about and the barriers they face in accessing services. What are the implications for practitioners? It is important for health practitioners to be aware that older LGBTI people appear to be at increased risk of certain physical and mental health issues, such as loneliness and psychological distress. Providing opportunities for clients to identify their gender or sexual diversity may assist in monitoring risk factors and enable referral to promote healthy aging.


Author(s):  
Amir Alam ◽  
Muhammad Ibrar ◽  
Parveen Khan

All human beings are susceptible to numerous problems in life however the elderly population is much more vulnerable to such issues. The number of elderly population is increasing particularly in the developing countries. In 2050, it is estimated that the world will have more aged people than the children less than 15 years (Muhammad, 2013). Although elderly have better contributed in the development during their productive time, however, their contribution has not been acknowledged. They are not properly cared by their family members rather they are abused mentally and physically. They have weak economic status due to their weak physical and mental health. They are not allowed to be involved in decision making. These deprivations and deplorable condition have led them to be dependent on others. In Pakistan till now, no social policy has been devised which could have been influential in the solution of the elderly problem. This literature based study highlights the problems of the senior citizens of Pakistan.


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