scholarly journals Investigating the Association between Outdoor Environment and Outdoor Activities for Seniors Living in Old Residential Communities

Author(s):  
Shiwang Yu ◽  
Na Guo ◽  
Caimiao Zheng ◽  
Yu Song ◽  
Jianli Hao

Many seniors live in old residential communities (ORCs) with low-quality outdoor environment (OE), which hinders the residents’ outdoor daily activities (ODAs). This paper empirically investigates the association of OE on ODAs for seniors living in ORCs. A questionnaire was designed and distributed in six central districts of Nanjing city. A total of 258 questionnaires was finally collected, of which 60.08%, 29.46%, 9.69%, and 0.78% respondents were scattered into four age groups (61–69, 70–79, 80–89, and ≥90), respectively. Based on reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, the results show that: (1) social activities are mainly associated with noise; (2) leisure activities are significantly associated with road accessibility, slip-resistance measures, greenery, and staff; (3) utilitarian-type activities are significantly associated with stairway accessibility, slip-resistance measures, greenery, and seating; (4) there is a significant association between nature-exposure activities and layout, greenery, and poor air quality. The findings could guide Chinese officials when renewing ORCs by addressing the most important outdoor environmental factors associated with ODAs.

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 29-30
Author(s):  
Jun Su ◽  
Katherine Kosa ◽  
Dana DiBenedetti

Introduction Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare disorder (a prevalence of 16 cases per 1 million people), accounting for approximately 15%-25% of all autoimmune hemolytic anemias (Berentsen. Semin Hematol. 2018). Currently, there is no approved drug for the treatment of CAD. Debilitating fatigue that greatly affects quality of life is common among patients with CAD (Roth et al. Blood. 2019). The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) Scale has recently been used to quantify fatigue in patients with CAD (Roth et al. Blood. 2019). However, the appropriateness of FACIT-F in these patients has not been assessed. In-depth individual interviews of adults with CAD were conducted primarily to identify the symptoms and effects of CAD reported as important by patients and to better understand their experiences with CAD. The secondary objective was to obtain patient feedback regarding the relevance and importance of the items on the FACIT-F. Methods Participants were identified and recruited from a proprietary panel of patients with CAD. Of 1,250 panel members, approximately 600 members from the United States (US) were invited to participate in an in-depth interview. Systematic random sampling was used to select every nth panel member from each of 4 US regions to receive an email invitation. A semi-structured interview guide was used to ensure consistent systematic collection of data pertaining to study objectives, while maintaining a conversational tone and encouraging spontaneity of answers. Results Twenty-two members expressed interest in participating; of these, 18 could be reached for screening and 16 were eligible for interview. The sample was 100% White and non-Hispanic, 62.5% female, and had an average age of 67.8 years. Participants resided in the West (37.5%), Midwest and South (both 25%), and Northeast (12.5%). The date of CAD diagnosis averaged 6 years before the interview, and 68.8% of patients had received their diagnosis within the last 1.5 years. Seven (43.8%) patients reported that they were not taking any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medication for CAD, whereas 9 (56.3%) were taking prescribed or OTC folic acid for CAD (of these, 4 also took prescription strength vitamin B12). In this sample, no patient reported current use of other prescription medications for CAD. A few patients spontaneously reported previous treatments for CAD (eg, transfusions and rituximab or other injections). However, previous CAD treatment was not systematically collected for all subjects and is a limitation of the study. Concept-elicitation of symptoms The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue/tiredness/lack of energy (93.8%), reaction to cold environments (93.8%), breathlessness (68.8%), and trouble thinking/concentrating (68.8%). When probed, 43.8% of patients reported sleep disturbances (Figure 1A). Concept-elicitation of effects Most participants (68.8%) reported lifestyle or behavioral changes to help treat CAD symptoms (eg, taking gloves/extra clothing to places that may be cold). Others reported giving up/limiting enjoyable or outdoor activities and making major changes (eg, discontinuing outdoor activities, restricting travel). Other CAD-related effects included impairment in daily activities, overall health/physical activities, and social/leisure activities/relationships (Figure 1B). For the evaluation of the FACIT-F in this CAD population, participants reported that FACIT-F instructions and items were clear and easy to understand, response options were distinct from each other, and they could recall their fatigue over the previous 7 days. They reported that FACIT-F measured one or more concepts personally important to them and important concepts were not missing. This provides support for the content validity of the FACIT-F in patients with CAD. Conclusions Patients with CAD experienced negative effects on daily activities, physical health/activities, social/ leisure activities/relationships, the ability to concentrate/recall, and mood/emotions mostly owing to fatigue/lack of energy and reactions to cold environments. Most patients required modifying their lifestyle/behavior to manage CAD symptoms. FACIT-F measured concepts important to patients with CAD, which supports its content validity and use in this patient population. Disclosures Su: Sanofi: Current Employment. Kosa:Sanofi: Other: RTI Health Solutions was contracted by Sanofi to conduct this work; RTI Health Solutions: Current Employment. DiBenedetti:Sanofi: Other: RTI Health Solutions was contracted by Sanofi to conduct this work; RTI Health Solutions: Current Employment, Other.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 55-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Mohammadi ◽  
Sareh Keshavarz Meshkinfam ◽  
Saeid Foroughi Moghaddam

Background and aims. Nowadays miniscrews are widely used as skeletal anchorage in orthodontics. However, the success rate of miniscrews is less than that of osseointegrated implants. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate factors influencing the success rate of orthodontic miniscrews. Materials and methods. Data of 244 miniscrews in 122 patients (99 females and 23 males, with a mean age of 19 years and 6 months) were collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of age, gender, placement side and insertion torque on the success rates of miniscrews. Results. The overall success rate of miniscrews was 90.6% in the present study (221/244). Logistic regression analysis showed that the success rate of miniscrews was not under the influence of variables such as gender, placement side and miniscrew brand. However, age groups and insertion torques over 10 Ncm decreased miniscrew success rates. In this context, the success rates of miniscrews in patients under 16 years of age was less than those in patients over 16 years of age (P<0.001) and the success rates of miniscrews with insertion torques ≤10 Ncm were higher than those with insertion torques over 10 Ncm (P=0.019). Conclusion. We concluded that patients under 16 years of age and insertion torques over 10 were increased the failure of orthodontic miniscrews.


Author(s):  
Ihab Mahmoud ◽  
Iryna Dykun ◽  
Luisa Kärner ◽  
Stefanie Hendricks ◽  
Matthias Totzeck ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/Objectives Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a common disorder, leading to symptoms similar to obstructive coronary artery disease and bears important prognostic implications. Local inflammation is suggested to promote development of CMD. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a local visceral fat depot surrounding the heart and the coronary arteries, modifying the inflammatory environment of the heart. We compared EAT in patients with and without CMD. Methods We retrospectively included consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography as well as transthoracic echocardiography between March and October 2016. EAT thickness was defined as space between the epicardial wall of the myocardium and the visceral layer of the pericardium and EAT index was calculated as EAT thickness/body surface area. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of EAT index with the presence of CMD. Results Overall, 399 patients (mean age 60.2 ± 14.0 years, 46% male) were included. EAT thickness was significantly higher in patients with CMD compared to patients without CMD (EAT thickness 4.4 ± 1.8 vs. 4.9 ± 2.4 mm, p = 0,048 for patients without and with CMD, respectively). In univariate regression analysis, EAT index was associated with a 30% higher frequency of CMD (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.30 [1.001–1.69], p = 0.049). Effect sizes remained stable upon adjustment for body mass index (BMI, 1.30 [1.003–1.70], p = 0.048), but were attenuated when ancillary adjusting for age and gender (1.17 [0.90–1.54, p = 0.25). The effect was more pronounced in patients >65 years of age and independent of BMI and sex (1.85 [1.14–3.00], p = 0.013). Conclusion EAT thickness is independently associated with CMD and can differentiate between patients with and without CMD especially in older age groups. Our results support the hypothesis that modulation of local inflammation by epicardial fat is involved in the development of CMD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Naphruet Limsakul ◽  
Praveena Chiowchanwisawakit ◽  
Parichart Permpikul ◽  
Yubolrat Thanaketpaisarn

AbstractTo identify characteristics associated with HLA-B27, and to identify factors associated with delayed diagnosis in Thai patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). This cross-sectional study included Thai patients were diagnosed with axSpA by a rheumatologist at Siriraj Hospital. Clinical data were collected. Regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with study outcomes. Of total 177 patients, 127 (72%) were positive HLA-B27. Uveitis [Odds ratio (OR) 4.0], age at onset of the first musculoskeletal symptom of ≤ 28 years [OR 3.5], female [OR 0.4], and psoriasis [OR 0.4] were significantly associated with HLA-B27 in multiple regression analysis. Those with positive HLA-B27 had less spinal flexibility. Elevated C-reactive protein (p = 0.012) was associated with shorter delay in diagnosis, while uveitis (p < 0.001) and younger age at onset of the first symptom (p = 0.002) were associated with longer delay in diagnosis in multiple regression analysis. Younger age at onset of the first musculoskeletal symptom and uveitis were associated with HLA-B27 and delayed diagnosis in axSpA patients. Young people with musculoskeletal symptom and uveitis should be referred to a rheumatologist to rule out or make a timely diagnosis of axSpA.


2021 ◽  
pp. 002203452098296
Author(s):  
H. Fransson ◽  
L. Bjørndal ◽  
F. Frisk ◽  
V.S. Dawson ◽  
K. Landt ◽  
...  

Essentially, root fillings are performed to preserve natural teeth. Over time, however, some root-filled teeth will inevitably be extracted. The aim of this historical prospective cohort study in the adult Swedish population was to identify factors associated with extractions within 5 y of registration of a root filling. The cohort consisted of all those whose root fillings had been reported to the tax-funded Swedish Social Insurance Agency (SSIA) in 2009. Demographic data on the individuals registered with a root filling (sex, age, country of birth, disposable income, educational level, and marital status) were received from Statistics Sweden or the SSIA. Dental care setting, tooth type, and any registration of subsequent restorations within 6 mo were received from the SSIA. Multivariable regression analysis was used, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In total, 216,764 individuals had been registered with at least 1 root filling. Individuals ( n = 824) without complete data were excluded from the analyses. After 5 y, 9.3% of the root-filled teeth had been registered as extracted. Logistic regression analysis found significant associations for all variables except country of birth, disposable income, and educational level. The highest odds ratios for extractions were associated with the type of restoration: teeth with no registration of any restoration and teeth with a direct restoration combined with a post were 3 times more likely to undergo extraction than teeth restored with an indirect restoration combined with a post and core. Overall, high odds ratios for extractions were associated with any type of composite restoration, including composite fillings and crowns combined with or without any post. In summary, after root filling in the Swedish adult population, several individual- and tooth-specific variables were associated with extraction. The reasons for the extractions remain to be studied further.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Wiśniowska-Szurlej ◽  
Agnieszka Ćwirlej-Sozańska ◽  
Justyna Kilian ◽  
Natalia Wołoszyn ◽  
Bernard Sozański ◽  
...  

AbstractHandgrip strength (HGS) is used as a biomarker for the state of health of older people, but the number of research publications containing the normative values of HGS in older adult populations is limited. The aim of the study was to define reference values and factors associated with HGS in older adults living in southeastern Poland. A cross-sectional study including 405 participants aged 65 and older was conducted. Handgrip strength for the dominant hand was assessed by the average of three trials using a JAMAR dynamometer. The sample was categorized into the following age groups: 65–69 years, 70–74 years, 75–79 years, 80–84 years, 85 and over. The average HGS was 19.98 kg (16.91 kg for women and 26.19 kg for men). There was a decrease in handgrip strength across the age range in both sexes. The average handgrip strength of the older people was 17.97 kg (14.47 kg for women and 25.66 kg for men) for those aged 80–85 and 16.68 kg (13.51 kg for women and 21.77 kg for men) in the group over 85 years old. In both sexes, marital status was an independent factor associated with reduced handgrip strength. In conclusion, this study described, for the first time, handgrip strength values for the southeastern Polish population aged ≥ 65 years according to age and gender.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Ostergaard ◽  
M.H Smerup ◽  
K Iversen ◽  
A.D Jensen ◽  
A Dahl ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high mortality. Surgery may improve survival, but the intercept between benefit and harm is hard to balance and may be closely related to age. Purpose To examine the in-hospital and 90-day mortality in patients undergoing surgery for IE and to identify differences between age groups and type of valvular intervention. Methods By crosslinking nationwide Danish registries we identified patients with first-time IE undergoing surgical treatment in the period from 2000 to 2017. The study population was grouped in patients &lt;60 years, 60–75 years, and ≥75 years of age. High-risk subgroups by age and surgical valve intervention (mitral vs aortic vs mitral+aortic) during IE admission were examined. Kaplan Meier estimates was used to identify 90-day mortality by age groups and multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to examine factors associated with 90-day mortality. Results We included 1,767 patients with IE undergoing surgery, 735 patients &lt;60 years (24.1% female), 766 patients 60–75 years (25.8% female), and 266 patients &gt;75 years (36.1% female). The proportion of patients with IE undergoing surgery was 35.3%, 26.9%, and 9.1% for patients &lt;60 years, 60–75 years, and &gt;75 years, respectively. For patients with IE undergoing surgery, the in-hospital mortality was 6.4%, 13.6%, and 20.3% for patients &lt;60 years, 60–75 years, and ≥75 years of age, respectively and mortality at 90 days were 7.5%, 13.9%, and 22.3%, respectively. Factors associated with an increased risk 90-day mortality were: mitral valve surgery and a combination of mitral and aortic valve surgery as compared with isolated aortic valve surgery, patients 60–75 years and &gt;75 years as compared with patients aged &lt;60 years, prosthetic heart valve prior to IE admission, and diabetes, Figure. Patients &gt;75 years undergoing a combination of mitral and aortic valve surgery had an in-hospital mortality of 36.3%. Conclusion In patients undergoing surgery for IE, a stepwise increase in 90-day mortality was seen for age groups, highest among patients &gt;75 years with a 90-day mortality of more than 20%. Patients undergoing mitral and combined mitral and aortic valve surgery as compared to isolated aortic valve surgery were associated with a higher mortality. These findings may be of importance for the management strategy of patients with IE. Mortality risk Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110028
Author(s):  
Thos Harnroongroj ◽  
Theerawoot Tharmviboonsri ◽  
Bavornrit Chuckpaiwong

Background: Conservative treatment is the first-line approach for Müller-Weiss disease (MWD). However, factors associated with the failure of conservative treatment have never been reported. Our objectives were to compare the differences in demographic and radiographic parameters between “successful” and “failure” conservative treatment in patients with MWD and identify descriptive factors associated with failure conservative treatment. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients with MWD divided into 29 “failure” and 39 “successful” conservative treatment groups. Demographic characteristics, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain and walking disability, and radiographic parameters such as calcaneal pitch, lateral Meary, anteroposterior (AP) Meary angle, and talonavicular-naviculocuneiform arthritis were compared. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify descriptive factors of failure conservative treatment. A P value <.05 was considered a statistically significant difference. Results: We found more severe VAS pain and walking disability scores and FAOS for the pain, activities of daily living, and quality of life subscales in the failure group ( P < .05). Regression analysis demonstrated 2 significant descriptive factors associated with failure conservative treatment: abducted AP Meary angle >13.0 degrees and radiographic talonavicular arthritis. No demographic characteristics were found to be associated with failure conservative treatment. Conclusion: Midfoot abduction (AP Meary angle, >13 degrees) and radiographic talonavicular arthritis were factors associated with failure conservative treatment in MWD and should be determined concurrently with the clinical severity. Classification systems for MWD should include these factors. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anwar S. Alhazmi ◽  
Dania E. Al Agili ◽  
Mohammed S. Aldossary ◽  
Shaker M. Hakami ◽  
Bashaer Y. Almalki ◽  
...  

Abstract Background In spite of the fact that fashion braces (FBs) have been in the spotlight in recent years among both orthodontists and the general public in several countries, there is still limited evidence regarding FBs. The aim was to identify health-related behaviors in using FBs by considering the Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods A cross-sectional study with a random sampling technique was conducted in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. The data was obtained from different middle and high schools students, and first-year students at Jazan University. The questionnaire collected data on demographic characteristics and 27 items to examine the constructs of the HBM. Chi Square test was carried out to establish the factors associated with using, the intention to use, and previous knowledge on the use of fashion braces. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the factors associated with the use of fashion braces. Results 406 study participants completed the questionnaire with a response rate of 88.3%. Majority of respondents were males (52.2%) and > 19 years old (44.3%). Only 9.9% students had used the FBs. However, 25.7% of students had the intention to use them. The perceived susceptibility, perceived benefits and cues to action constructs scores were fair with the mean values of 15.38 (SD = 9.4), 28.17 (SD = 10.8) and 6.65 (SD = 2.50), respectively. However, the perceived barrier score was high with the mean values of 22.14 (SD = 7.50), and lower score of self-efficacy with mean of 8.73 (SD = 3.30). Gender, age, monthly income (family), and education level were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the use of fashion braces among the study’s participants. Based on the results of logistic regression analysis family income, perceived susceptibility, and risk severity constructs predict the use of fashion braces in the study's sample. Conclusions The current study suggests that the family income, perceived susceptibility, and risk severity of students significantly influence the use of fashion braces. Hence, it is recommended that researchers should investigate effective educational strategies and programs for improving young people’s knowledge about fashion braces and focus more on low family income students so that their using of fashion brace will be decreased.


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