scholarly journals The Relationship between Self-Rated Economic Status and Falls among the Elderly in Shandong Province, China

Author(s):  
Zhuang Hong ◽  
Lingzhong Xu ◽  
Jinling Zhou ◽  
Long Sun ◽  
Jiajia Li ◽  
...  

(1) Background: Older people are more vulnerable and likely to have falls and the consequences of these falls place a heavy burden on individuals, families and society. Many factors directly or indirectly affect the prevalence of falls. The aims of this study were to understand the prevalence and risk factors of falls among the elderly in Shandong, China; the relationship between economic level and falls was also preliminary explored. (2) Methods: Using a multi-stage stratified sampling method, 7070 elderly people aged 60 and over were selected in Shandong Province, China. General characteristics and a self-rated economic status were collected through face to face interviews. Chi-square tests, rank sum tests and two logistic regression models were performed as the main statistical methods. (3) Results: 8.59% of participants reported that they had experienced at least one fall in the past half year. There was a significant difference in experienced falls regarding gender, residence, marital status, educational level, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, coronary disease, and self-reported hearing. The worse the self-rated economic status, the higher the risk of falling, (poor and worried about livelihood, OR = 3.60, 95%; CI = 1.76–7.35). (4) Conclusions: Women, hypertension, diabetes and self-reported hearing loss were identified as the risk factors of falls in the elderly. The difference of economic level affects the falls of the elderly in rural and urban areas. More fall prevention measures should be provided for the elderly in poverty.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. e18101724202
Author(s):  
Saulo Vasconcelos Rocha ◽  
Sabrina Correia de Oliveira ◽  
Hector Luiz Rodrigues Munaro ◽  
Camila Fabiana Rossi Squarcini ◽  
Bruna Maria Palotino Ferreira ◽  
...  

Negative health behaviors incorporated into lifestyle are considered the main risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adults and the elderly. However, the relationship between the aggregation of these factors and the sociodemographic conditions of the elderly needs to be better elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyze the simultaneity of the five risk factors for NCDs in the elderly with low economic status living in a rural city in Brazil, and their association with sociodemographic variables. Cross-sectional study was conducted with elderly people from Family Health Units of the city of Ibicui-Bahia, Brazil, where 310 elderly were enrolled. Rates of physical inactivity in leisure (PIL), alcohol consumption, sedentary behavior, overweight/obesity and tobacco consumption were collected through a questionnaire in an individual interview. The average age among participants was 71.62 (± 8.16) years. The group presenting the five behaviors had high scores in both sexes (men O/E = 242.5; women O/E = 161.7). Among men and women, the highest scores found through clustering of simultaneous NCD risk factors were for the consumption of alcohol with smoking, and physical inactivity with smoking. When analyzing the association between groups and sociodemographic characteristics, men were more physically inactive than women (OR = 0.96, CI = 0.92-0.98) and concomitantly had unhealthy habits (smoking). In conclusion, the elderly are exposed to health risk factors for concurrent CNCDs and the accumulation of these risk factors was not associated with sociodemographic variables, it is suggested that further studies be carried out with the prevalent variables as well as to analyze why the elderly population presents these levels.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Ziaul Islam ◽  
Tasnim Disu ◽  
Shatmin Farjana ◽  
Mohammad Rahman

Abstract Background: Malnutrition and depression are highly prevalent in the elderly and can lead to disparaging outcomes. Analytical studies on malnutrition concerning geriatric depression (GD) are very scarce in Bangladesh, although the size of the elderly population is increasing fast in the country. The current study aimed to assess the association between malnutrition and depression and associated risk factors in the rural elderly.Methods: A case-control study was conducted in 600 elderly residents (aged ≥60 years) of three rural communities of Bangladesh from January to October 2019. Three hundred depressed elderly people were enrolled as cases and 300 non-depressed elderly individuals were included as community controls by matching the age and living area of the cases. We used a semi-structured questionnaire based on the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 and the Bangla version of Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short Form to collect data through face-to-face interviews. Measures included baseline and personal characteristics, malnutrition, GD, and associated risk factors. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify variables associated with the risk of GD.Results: The study found no significant difference in gender (male Vs. female) between cases (44.0% Vs. 56.0%) and controls (46.0% Vs. 54.0%). The study revealed that malnutrition was significantly (p<0.01) higher in cases (56.0%) than in controls (18.0%). The malnourished elderly had around three times AOR=3.155; 95% CI: 1.53-6.49, p=0.002) more (risk of having depression than the controls. The unemployed elderly (AOR=4.964; 95% CI: 2.361-10.440; p=0.0001) and the elderly of the lower and middle class (AOR=3.654; 95% CI: 2.266-7.767; p=0.001) were more likely to experience depression. The elderly having a poor diet were more likely to experience depression (AOR=3.384; 95% CI: 1.764-6.703; p=0.0001). The single elderly (AOR=2.368; 95% CI: 1.762-6.524; p=0.001) and the elderly tobacco users (AOR=2.332; 95% CI: 1.663-5.623; p=0.003) were more likely to experience depression.Conclusions: A significant association between malnutrition and depression is evident in the rural elderly individuals of Bangladesh. It will be a prolific initiative if policymakers merge malnutrition and the risk factors associated with geriatric depression in the provision of universal health care for better health and well-being of the rural elderly populations.


2012 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arleana Do Bom Parto Ferreira Almeida ◽  
Daphine Ariadne Jesus de Paula ◽  
Valéria Dutra ◽  
Edson Moleta Colodel ◽  
Luciano Nakazato ◽  
...  

Leishmaniases are neglected zoonoses that are increasing in Brazil. The dog is considered the main reservoir of the visceral form in urban areas of Brazil and also important in maintaining the cycle of transmission of the cutaneous form in endemic areas. We used PCR-RFLP to identify the species of Leishmania involved in canine infection in Cuiaba City, Mato Grosso. Samples of bone marrow and lymph were collected from 181 dogs, of which 7.2% tested positive with indirect immunofluorescence and 24.9% using PCR-RFLP; a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05), had been possible to characterize the species Leishmania (L.) chagasi. This will aid in developing prevention measures and in the control of disease in Cuiaba and the surrounding area.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 4438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junga Lee ◽  
Hyung-Sook Lee ◽  
Daeyoung Jeong ◽  
C. Scott Shafer ◽  
Jinhyung Chon

Greenways provide multiple benefits for trail users’ individual experiences based on users’ background environment and their perceptions of characteristics such as the trail width, vegetation, water, and facilities. Although greenway trail characteristics are important factors that affect users’ preferences, only a few studies have examined individuals’ experiences of greenways based on their perceptions and preferences. The purpose of this study is to examine how greenway trails can be designed to improve users’ experiences in relation to their perceptions and preferences by considering trail characteristics. We examine the relationship between greenway trail characteristics and likability using t-tests as well as correlation and multiple regression analyses. In the current study, virtual tour surveys of greenway users were conducted, with two urban greenway trails as the study sites: Town Lake Trail in Austin, Texas, and Buffalo Bayou Trail in Houston, Texas. Perceptions of all eight greenway trail characteristics, except for background buildings, were significantly different between the trails, and a significant difference in likability was found for five characteristics (the presence of water, trail facilities, trail width, adjacent automobile traffic, and built structures on the trail). In addition, the results of the correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed that the presence of water, amount of vegetation, automobile traffic, and built structures were correlated with likability. These findings suggest that designing appropriate types of greenway trails can help increase users’ likeability ratings of urban greenways. This study contributes to the enhancement of trail environments by providing strategies for practitioners to effectively design and manage greenways.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 256-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayodele Sasegbon ◽  
Laura O’Shea ◽  
Shaheen Hamdy

IntroductionElderly people are recognised to be at increased risk of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD), the causes of which are multifactorial. Our aim was to identify if sepsis is associated with OPD in the elderly during hospitalisation in the absence of known other risk factors for OPD.MethodsA hospital electronic database was searched for elderly patients (≥65 years) referred for assessment for suspected dysphagia between March 2013 and 2014. Exclusion criteria were age <65 years, pre-existing OPD or acute OPD secondary to acute intracranial event, space-occupying lesion or trauma. Data were collected on factors including age, sex, comorbidities, existing OPD, sepsis, microbiology, recovery of OPD and medication. Sepsis was defined as evidence of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome with a clinical suspicion of infection.ResultsA total of 301 of 1761 screened patients referred for dysphagia assessment met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of sepsis and subsequent OPD was 16% (51/301). The mean age was 83 years (median 81 years). The most common comorbidity was dementia (31%). The majority (84%) failed to recover swallowing during their hospital stay, 12% had complications of aspiration and 35% died. The most common source of sepsis was from the chest (55%). Other factors contributing to the risk for dysphagia included delirium (22%) and neuroactive medication (41%). However, 10% of patients had sepsis and subsequent OPD without other identified risk factors.ConclusionThe prevalence of sepsis and subsequent dysphagia is significant and should be taken into account in any elderly person in hospital with new-onset OPD without other predisposing risk factors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Mei ◽  
Qing Zhong ◽  
Gong Chen ◽  
Yuanxia Huang ◽  
Junlin Li

Abstract Background In recent years, research on health literacy has become increasingly focused on the health care system and public health. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate health literacy and analyse the risk factors that affect health literacy in Wuhan, China. Methods Multistage stratified random sampling was used to select 5304 urban and rural residents aged 15 to 69 years from 204 monitoring points in 15 districts of Wuhan. Using the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) (2018 edition), a face-to-face survey was conducted from November to December 2018. Risk factors that may affect health literacy were assessed using the Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression models. Results The knowledge rate of health literacy was relatively low (19.3%). The knowledge rate of health-related behaviour and lifestyle (BAL, 17.3%) was the lowest of the three aspects of health literacy, and the knowledge rate of chronic diseases (CD, 19.0%) was the lowest of the six dimensions of health literacy. Respondents who lived in urban areas, had higher education levels, worked as medical staff, had a higher household income and did not suffer from chronic diseases were likely to have higher health literacy. Conclusions The health literacy levels of citizens in Wuhan are insufficient and need to improve.


2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S190-S191
Author(s):  
G. Sobreira ◽  
M.A. Aleixo ◽  
C. Moreia ◽  
J. Oliveira

IntroductionDepression and mild cognitive impairment are common among the elderly. Half the patients with late-life depression also present some degree of cognitive decline, making the distinction between these conditions difficult.ObjectivesTo conduct a database review in order to understand the relationship between these entities, and treatment approaches.AimsTo create and implement clinical guidelines at our institution, to evaluate and treat elderly patients presenting with depression and mild cognitive impairment.MethodsA PubMed database search using as keywords “late life depression”, “depression”; “cognitive impairment”; “mild cognitive impairment” and “dementia” between the year 2008 and 2015.ResultsLate-life depression and cognitive impairment are frequent among the elderly (10–20%). Depression is also common in the early stages of dementia decreasing as the cognitive decline progresses. The causal relationship between these entities is not well understood and some authors advocate a multifactorial model (genetic risk factors; neuroendocrine changes; vascular risk factors) and the cognitive impairment of said changes is dependent on the individual's cognitive reserve. Regarding treatment of depression in patients with cognitive impairment, most authors advocate a stepped approach with watchful waiting and then, if symptoms persist, the introduction of pharmacotherapy and psychosocial intervention.ConclusionsThe relationship between cognitive impairment and depression is still not clear and probably multifactorial. The diagnosis of depressive symptoms in patients with severe cognitive impairment can be difficult and most forms of pharmacological treatment in this population are not beneficial, making it important to carefully evaluate the benefits of introducing new medication.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (11) ◽  
pp. 3448-3448
Author(s):  
Neil A Zakai ◽  
Benjamin French ◽  
Alice Arnold ◽  
Anne Newman ◽  
Linda F. Fried ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: Anemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the elderly, though the risk factors for and the consequences of hemoglobin (HGB) decline are poorly characterized. Methods: We studied 5201 men and women ≥65 participating in the Cardiovascular Health Study. The cohort was followed biannually and had baseline and repeat hemograms 3 years later. HGB decline was defined as >1g/dL HGB drop, or incident anemia at 3 years by WHO criteria. Results: 4006 participants survived to 3 years and had two HGB measures. The median HGB change was −0.2g/dL (IQR-0.8, 0.1). 961 (24%) participants had a >1g/dL HGB drop and 335 (8%) developed incident anemia. The left side of the table presents adjusted logistic regression models of baseline risk factors for HGB decline. Those with baseline cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and kidney disease were more likely to develop >1g/dL HGB drop while only baseline kidney disease was associated with incident anemia. The table also shows the adjusted risk of HGB decline with concurrent development of co-morbid conditions. A >1g/dL drop in HGB was more likely in those who concurrently developed incident CVD, hypertension or inflammation. Incident anemia was more likely in participants with concurrent development of kidney disease or inflammation. Both incident anemia and a HGB drop >1g/dL were associated with subsequent 9-year mortality adjusting for age, race, gender, year 3 HGB, hypertension, CVD, diabetes, and renal disease; HRs (95% CI) 1.4 (1.2, 1.6) and 1.2 (1.1, 1.4) respectively. Discussion: Among studied factors, baseline CVD, diabetes and kidney disease were risk factors for >1g/dL HGB drop while only baseline kidney disease was a risk factor for incident anemia. Incident CVD and hypertension were associated concurrently with >1g/dL HGB drop while kidney disease was associated with concurrent incident anemia. Inflammation development was the strongest risk factor accompanying HGB decline. HGB decline, especially a 1g/dL drop, was associated with subsequent mortality irrespective of HGB concentration. These data suggest that small HGB changes not captured by the WHO anemia criteria are associated with poor health outcomes and that inflammation is a major correlate of HGB decline in the elderly. Table: Risk Factors for HGB Decline in Age-, Race-, Gender, and Baseline HGB-Adjusted Logistic Regression Models Baseline Risk Factors for HGB Decline Risk of HGB Decline with Concurrent Conditions HGB Drop >1g/dL Incident Anemia HGB Drop >1g/dL Incident Anemia CVD 1.2 (1.1, 1.4) 1.0 (0.8, 1.3) 1.3 (1.1, 1.6) 1.0 (0.7, 1.3) Hypertension 1.1 (0.99, 1.3) 1.1 (0.8, 1.2) 1.4 (1.1, 1.7) 1.1 (0.8, 1.5) Diabetes 1.3 (1.1, 1.5) 1.1 (0.8, 1.4) 0.9 (0.6, 1.4) 0.8 (0.4, 1.7) Kidney Disease (GFR <60ml/min/1.73m2) 1.2 (1.0, 1.3) 1.3 (1.1, 1.7) 1.1 (0.8, 1.4) 1.5 (1.0, 2.1) Inflammation CRP ≥10mg/dL or WBC≥15×109/mm3 1.0 (0.8, 1.3) 1.3 (0.99 1.8) 2.3 (1.8, 2.8) 2.3 (1.8, 3.0)


1971 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S. Teitelbaum ◽  
Nathan Mantel

Using a large special study population and refined indicators of socio-economic status, the relationship of the live birth sex ratio to socio economic variables is examined. The analyses provide control for the possible confounding effects of race and birth order.The sex ratio is shown to be significantly and positively associated with socio-economic variables. The relationship is not linear, however, but instead is characterized by an apparent ‘diminishing returns’ curve. The major increase in sex ratio is detected as socio-economic status increases from low to moderate. No significant change occurs between moderate and higher socio-economic levels.Even after controlling for the significant socio-economic effect, the analyses detect a significant difference between the sex ratios of Whites on the one hand and Negroes and Puerto Ricans on the other.No significant association between birth order and the sex ratio can be detected in the study population.


2000 ◽  
Vol 176 (5) ◽  
pp. 464-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Paterniti ◽  
Marie-Hélène Verdier-Taillefer ◽  
Catherine Geneste ◽  
Jean-Claude Bisserbe ◽  
Annick Alpérovitch

BackgroundThe relationship between depression and low blood pressure is unclear.AimsTo examine the temporal relation between low blood pressure and depression in a two-year follow-up.MethodThe study group consisted of 1389 subjects aged 59–71 years; 1272 (92%) were examined after two years. Subjects completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression (CES–D) and the Spielberger inventory scales to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, smoking and drinking habits, medical history, drug use and blood pressure measures.ResultsAmong 1112 subjects who were considered as non-depressed at baseline, logistic regression models showed that low diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and decrease of blood pressure were predictors of high depressive symptomatology at follow-up. Baseline high CES–D scores did not predict low blood pressure two years after.ConclusionsIn our study, low blood pressure was a risk factor for, but not a consequence of, high depressive symptomatology.


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