Engagement in physical activity, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among older people in five developing countries

Background Suicide causes rising economic costs and public health risks for communities in the worldwide. Physical activity (PA) is considered a potentially feasible approach to reduce risk of suicide with low cost and high accessibility, and therefore attracting increasing attention. However, current literature on the association between PA and suicidal behavior amongst elderly people in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are scarce. Therefore, in this study we aimed to examine the relationship between suicidal thoughts (ST) and suicidal attempts (SA) with PA among elderly people in five LMICs. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from WHO’s Study of Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) with 2,861 participants aged 50 years or above. Variables included: self-reported occurrence of ST and SA during past 12 months and four types of PA (vigorous physical activity (VPA), moderate physical activity (MPA), walking/bike riding, moderate leisure time physical activity (MLPA)). Results The overall prevalence of taking >75 min of VPA/week, >150 min/week, MLPA and walking/bike riding were, respectively, 85.4% (95% CI [81.3–88.7]), 61.6% (95% CI [52.9–69.6]), 9.6% (95% CI [7.2–12.6]) and 75.1% (95% CI [68.7–80.6]). Respectively, 31.0% (95% CI [24.3–38.7]) and 5.5% (95% CI [3.9–7.5]) of the respondents reported having morbid thoughts and SA during last 12 months. In adjusted multivariable regression analysis, not engaging in PA revealed positive association with higher odds of having morbid thoughts and SA, however, with varying degrees for different types of PA among men and women and across countries. The adjusted odds ratio among elderly who encountered ST increased significantly with PA levels (1.265 in male and 1.509 in female with VPA, 1.292 in male and 1.449 in female with MPA, 1.669 in female with LMPA and 3.039 in women with walk/bike); similarly, with SA (1.526, 1.532, 1.474 and 1.392 in women with VPA, MPA, LMPA and Walk/bike, respectively). The degree of adjusted odds ratio varied between genders and among countries. Conclusion Although the data were cross-sectional, and no linear dose-response relationship was observed between PA and morbid thought and suicide ideation, the findings provide important indications of potential harmful effects of no/inadequate PA on psychological morbidities among older individuals. Promoting adequate PA among older individuals through community-based suicide prevention programs can potentially contribute to reduction in the burden of PA in LMICs.

Download Full-text

Epidemiology of hypertension in selected towns of Wollega zones, Western Ethiopia, 2019: A community-based cross-sectional study

SAGE Open Medicine ◽

10.1177/20503121211024519 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. 205031212110245

Author(s):

Getu Mosisa ◽

Bikila Regassa ◽

Bayise Biru

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Care Providers ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Community Based ◽

Cross Sectional

Introduction: Hypertension remains an emerging public health problem globally, particularly in developing countries. Age, income level, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, vegetables and fruit consumption, physical activity and chat chewing were some risk factors of hypertension. However, there are limited data on the epidemiology of hypertension in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess Epidemiology of Hypertension among the community of selected towns of Wollega zones. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 June 2019 in selected towns of Wollega zones. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 840 study participants. Data were collected using the WHO STEP wise approach. The data were coded and entered into EpiData 3, and exported to SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. Results: The study included a total of 838 respondents with a response rate of 99.7%. The prevalence of hypertension was found to be 189 (22.6%) (95% confidence interval = 19.9%–25.2%). Of this, 108 (12.9%) and 81 (9.7%) of female and male were hypertensive, respectively. Age groups of 30–44 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.65 (1.43, 4.89)), 45–59 years (adjusted odds ratio = 3.55 (1.79, 7.04)), above 60 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.97 (1.43, 6.18)), having history of alcohol consumption (adjusted odds ratio = 4.29 (2.4, 7.66)), involving in vigorous physical activity (adjusted odds ratio = 0.096 (0.028, 0.33)), not walking to and from the work (adjusted odds ratio = 13.12 (8.34, 20.67)), being overweight (adjusted odds ratio = 1.98 (1.21, 3.25)), inadequate fruits serving per day (adjusted odds ratio = 2.93 (1.75, 4.88)) were significantly associated with hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be high in the study area. Older age, alcohol consumption, not engaging in vigorous activity, physical inactivity, being overweight and inadequate intake of fruits were found to be risk factors for hypertension. Therefore, health care providers should provide extensive health education and promotion on recommended lifestyle modification to tackle the burden of hypertension.

Download Full-text

Cross-sectional and prospective relationships of passive and mentally active sedentary behaviours and physical activity with depression

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.2019.60 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 217 (2) ◽

pp. 413-419 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mats Hallgren ◽

Thi-Thuy-Dung Nguyen ◽

Neville Owen ◽

Brendon Stubbs ◽

Davy Vancampfort ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behaviour ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Vigorous Activity ◽

Light Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sedentary Behaviours ◽

Potential Impact

BackgroundSedentary behaviour can be associated with poor mental health, but it remains unclear whether all types of sedentary behaviour have equivalent detrimental effects.AimsTo model the potential impact on depression of replacing passive with mentally active sedentary behaviours and with light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. An additional aim was to explore these relationships by self-report data and clinician diagnoses of depression.MethodIn 1997, 43 863 Swedish adults were initially surveyed and their responses linked to patient registers until 2010. The isotemporal substitution method was used to model the potential impact on depression of replacing 30 min of passive sedentary behaviour with equivalent durations of mentally active sedentary behaviour, light physical activity or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Outcomes were self-reported depression symptoms (cross-sectional analyses) and clinician-diagnosed incident major depressive disorder (MDD) (prospective analyses).ResultsOf 24 060 participants with complete data (mean age 49.2 years, s.d. 15.8, 66% female), 1526 (6.3%) reported depression symptoms at baseline. There were 416 (1.7%) incident cases of MDD during the 13-year follow-up. Modelled cross-sectionally, replacing 30 min/day of passive sedentary behaviour with 30 min/day of mentally active sedentary behaviour, light physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous activity reduced the odds of depression symptoms by 5% (odds ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.94–0.97), 13% (odds ratio 0.87, 95% CI 0.76–1.00) and 19% (odds ratio 0.81, 95% CI 0.93–0.90), respectively. Modelled prospectively, substituting 30 min/day of passive with 30 min/day of mentally active sedentary behaviour reduced MDD risk by 5% (hazard ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.91–0.99); no other prospective associations were statistically significant.ConclusionsSubstituting passive with mentally active sedentary behaviours, light activity or moderate-to-vigorous activity may reduce depression risk in adults.

Download Full-text

Factors Associated with Objectively Measured Physical Activity in Patients with Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17239008 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (23) ◽

pp. 9008

Author(s):

Sandra Haider ◽

Michael Sedlak ◽

Ali Kapan ◽

Igor Grabovac ◽

Thomas Lamprecht ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Work Ability ◽

Disease Duration ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Functional Disabilities

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, which is associated with low levels of physical activity (PA). However, the factors related to low physical activity levels have rarely been studied. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 70 seropositive RA patients were included. Physical activity was objectively assessed with an ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometer. In addition, body mass index, smoking status, work ability, and clinical parameters (functional disabilities, disease activity, disease duration, pain, and inflammation parameters) were measured. Results: RA patients performed a mean of 215.2 (SD: 136.6) min a week of moderate physical activity and 9.1 (SD: 26.3) min of vigorous physical activity. The total amount of moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was associated with BMI, and functional disabilities. In addition, non-smokers and patients with better work ability did more MVPA. No association could be seen with disease activity, disease duration, pain, and inflammatory markers. After mutual adjusting of all the variables, only BMI showed a significant relationship with MVPA. Conclusions: RA patients perform de facto no physical activity with vigorous intensity. Factors related to low physical activity are BMI, functional disabilities, workability and smoking status, whereas due to the study design no causal and temporal link could be made.

Download Full-text

Environmental Influences on Physical Activity in Rural Adults: The Relative Contributions of Home, Church, and Work Settings

Journal of Physical Activity and Health ◽

10.1123/jpah.9.7.996 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 996-1003 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Michelle C. Kegler ◽

Deanne W. Swan ◽

Iris Alcantara ◽

Louise Wrensford ◽

Karen Glanz

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Social Support ◽

Rural Communities ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Activity Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Home Setting ◽

Relative Contribution

Background:This study examines the relative contribution of social (eg, social support) and physical (eg, programs and facilities) aspects of worksite, church, and home settings to physical activity levels among adults in rural communities.Methods:Data are from a cross-sectional survey of 268 African American and Caucasian adults, ages 40–70, living in southwest Georgia. Separate regression models were developed for walking, moderate, vigorous, and total physical activity as measured in METs-minutes-per-week.Results:Social support for physical activity was modest in all 3 settings (mean scores 1.5–1.9 on a 4-point scale). Participants reported limited (<1) programs and facilities for physical activity at their worksites and churches. An interaction of physical and social aspects of the home setting was observed for vigorous and moderate physical activity and total METs. There were also interactions between gender and social support at church for vigorous activity among women, and between race and the physical environment at church for moderate physical activity. A cross-over interaction was found between home and church settings for vigorous physical activity. Social support at church was associated with walking and total METs.Conclusions:Homes and churches may be important behavioral settings for physical activity among adults in rural communities.

Download Full-text

Association between physical activity pain and injuries in children

10.21203/rs.2.16774/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

João Paulo de Aguiar Greca ◽

Thomas Korff ◽

Jennifer Ryan

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Status ◽

Negative Binomial ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Lower Limbs ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Moderate Activity ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Paediatric Obesity

Abstract Background Children are advised to engage in physical activity to improve health. However, recent literature suggests an association between weight bearing activities, e.g. walking, and excessive joint loading in lower limbs of children. Excessive stress in joints of children may lead to pain or even cause injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pain, injury and physical activity in children.Methods This study had a cross-sectional design. 112 children aged 8-12 yr. (68 with normal weight, 38 with overweight or obesity) participated in the study. Moderate and vigorous physical activity were assessed using accelerometry over 7 days. Questionnaires were used to report pain (over 7 days) and injuries (over 12 months). Linear regression and negative binomial models were used to examine association between moderate activity, vigorous activity, and pain and injuries, respectively. Models were adjusted for potential confounders. Effect modification according to weight status was explored.Results There was no association between moderate physical activity and pain (β=0.0004, 95% CI -0.007 to 0.008; p=0.915) or between vigorous physical activity and pain (β=0.0069, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.22; p=0.354). Similarly, no association was found between moderate physical activity and injuries (Rate Ratio [RR]=1.00, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.01; p=0.995) or vigorous physical activity and injuries (RR=1.00, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.02; p=0.798). There was no evidence that associations between physical activity and pain or physical activity and injuries, respectively, differed according to weight status.Conclusions Although paediatric obesity is linked to a higher incidence of pain and injuries in children, this study did not find that moderate and vigorous physical activity are associated with pain or injuries in children, regardless of their weight status.

Download Full-text

Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome in Older Adults

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16183358 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (18) ◽

pp. 3358 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Gallardo-Alfaro ◽

Bibiloni ◽

Mateos ◽

Ugarriza ◽

Tur

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Older Adults ◽

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Energy Expenditure ◽

Leisure Time ◽

Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis and diabetes mellitus type 2 which may be reduced by practicing regular physical activity. Objective: To assess the leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of older adults with MetS and without MetS. Methods: Cross-sectional study of older adults (55–80 years old) from Balearic Islands (Spain) with MetS (n = 333; 55% men) and without MetS (n = 144; 43.8% men). LTPA was assessed with the validated Spanish version of the Minnesota LTPA Questionnaire. Two criteria of physically active were used: >150 min/week of moderate physical activity or >75 min/week of vigorous physical activity or a combination of both, and total leisure-time energy expenditure of >300 MET·min/day. Sociodemographic and lifestyle characteristics, anthropometric variables, MetS components, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) were also measured. Results: MetS subjects showed lower energy expenditure in LTPA, lower adherence to the MD, higher obesity and waist circumference, and were less active than non-MetS peers. LTPA increased as participants got older and there was higher LTPA intensity as educational level increased. Adherence to MD was as high as LTPA was. Conclusions: MetS is associated with physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. To increase LTPA recommendations and raise awareness in the population about the health benefits of PA and high adherence to MD is highly recommended.

Download Full-text

Cross-sectional analysis of self-reported sedentary behaviors and chronic knee pain among South Korean adults over 50 years of age in KNHANES 2013-2015

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-7653-9 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sook-Hyun Lee ◽

Chihyoung Son ◽

Sujung Yeo ◽

In-Hyuk Ha

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Sedentary Behavior ◽

Knee Pain ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Activity Level ◽

Sedentary Behaviors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Chronic Knee Pain

Abstract Background An increasing amount of evidence supports an association between sedentary behaviors and chronic knee pain. However, the association between the total daily duration of sedentary behavior and chronic knee pain in the general population remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the association between sedentary behavior and chronic knee pain in a study population representative of the general Korean population aged > 50 years while also considering the physical activity or body mass index (BMI). Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the 6th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI) of 2013–2015, which was completed by 22,948 Korean adult participants aged > 50 years. The participants were divided into two groups based on the status of the chronic knee pain. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression after adjustment for age, sex, and individual factors. Results Longer sedentary behavior was correlated with chronic knee pain (p for trend = 0.02). Sedentary behavior exceeding 10 h/day was significantly associated with chronic knee pain (adjusted odds ratio, 1.28; p = 0.03). Participants with high levels of physical activity were less likely to suffer from chronic knee pain (adjusted odds ratio, 0.78; p = 0.00), and women with over 10 daily hours of sedentary behavior with high levels of physical activity were more likely to have chronic knee pain. A significant association was noted between chronic knee pain and obesity (≥30.0 kg/m2) individuals (adjusted odds ratio, 3.48; p = 0.04). Conclusions Longer duration of sedentary behaviors was correlated with chronic knee pain. Our study suggests the need to encourage reductions in overall sedentary behavior to < 10 h daily. A high physical activity level is recommended, particularly for women > 50 years and those with obesity.

Download Full-text

Physical Activity among Adults Residing in 11 Countries during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18137056 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (13) ◽

pp. 7056

Author(s):

Kele Ding ◽

Jingzhen Yang ◽

Ming-Kai Chin ◽

Lindsay Sullivan ◽

J. Larry Durstine ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽

The Novel ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Policy Responses ◽

Health Measures ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Country Specific

During the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, physical activity (PA) behaviors were altered worldwide due to public health measures such as “lockdown.” This study described PA among adults residing in 11 countries during COVID-19 lockdown and examined factors associated with PA engagement. We conducted a cross-sectional anonymous survey among adults (≥18 years old) in 11 countries (Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Ireland, Malaysia, North Macedonia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, United States). Of 11,775 participants, 63.7% were female and 52.8% were 18–34 years old. More than 40% of participants were insufficiently active (43.9%) and reported a decrease in their PA during lockdown (44.8%). Statistically significant differences were observed in (1) proportions of participants being insufficiently active, (2) level of PA, and (3) decrease in PA across the 11 countries. More stringent governmental policy responses were associated with greater likelihood of being insufficiently active during lockdown (adjusted odds ratio = 1.22, 95% confidence interval = 1.03, 1.45). Higher depression or anxiety scores were associated with greater likelihood of decreased level of PA during lockdown. We found substantial reductions in PA levels during COVID-19 lockdown across countries. Country-specific PA promotion interventions are needed during this and similar global emergencies.

Download Full-text

Adolescent’s substance use and suicidal thoughts in Tunisia

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckz187.197 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽

Author(s):

M El Ghardallou ◽

J Sahli ◽

M Mellouli ◽

M Limam ◽

C Zedini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cannabis Use ◽

Suicidal Thoughts ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Related ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background Experimentation with substance use is common during adolescence. Substance use may result in many health-related problems and contribute to adolescent suicidal behavior. We conducted this study to examine the relationship between substance use and suicidal ideation. Methods This is a cross sectional study conducted among a representative sample of 2020 adolescents enrolled in Tunisian secondary schools using a self-administered questionnaire. Results The prevalence of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis use was respectively 3.7% (95% CI [2.87%-4.52%]), 4.4% (95% CI [3.5%-5.29%]) and 0.8% (95% CI [0.40%-1.18%]) Overall, 17.0% (95% CI [15.3%-18.6%]) reported having suicide ideation during the past 12 months. Tobacco (Odds Ratio = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.59–4.29), alcohol (Odds Ratio = 2.77; 95% CI = 1.76–4.36), and cannabis use (Odds Ratio = 4.98; 95% CI = 1.85–13.96) were significantly associated with suicidal thoughts among adolescents (p < 10-3). Conclusions This cross study has shown a significant association between substance use and suicidal ideation. This relationship can be bidirectional and suicidal ideation and substance use may affect each other. Key messages In his study, the prevalence of substance use was relatively low and was associated with suicidal ideations. The reciprocal link between the two problems and their co-occurrence should be taken into account when planning preventive substance use and suicide programs.

Download Full-text

Physical Activity Interacts With Adiposity in Determining Cardiometabolic Risk in Adolescents

Pediatric Exercise Science ◽

10.1123/pes.24.4.537 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 537-548 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Laura Banks ◽

Cedric Manlhiot ◽

Stafford W. Dobbin ◽

Don Gibson ◽

Karen Stearne ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Cardiometabolic Risk ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Hdl Cholesterol ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Obese Adolescents ◽

Activity Questionnaire

Background: Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) has been negatively associated with cardiometabolic risk. We sought to determine if MVPA interacts with body-mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) in determining cardiometabolic risk in adolescents. Methods: This cross-sectional study included cardiometabolic risk (blood pressure [BP], nonfasting lipids) screening and a 7-day recall physical activity questionnaire in 4,104 adolescents (51% male; mean age: 14.6 ± 0.5 years old). WC- and BMI- percentiles were used to define anthropometric categories (including obese adolescents: 390th WC, 385th BMI). Results: Obesity in adolescents was associated with lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol (Estimate [EST]: -0.28(0.07) mmol/L, p < .001) and higher non-HDL cholesterol (EST: +0.38(0.14) mmol/L, p = .008). Each additional day with 320 min of MVPA was associated with lower non-HDL cholesterol (EST: −0.014(0.005) mmol/L/days/week, p = .003), independent of anthropometric category. Each additional day with 320 min of MVPA was associated with an increased odds ratio (OR) for higher BP category in obese adolescents (OR: 1.055, 95% CI: 1.028−1.084, p < .001) and a lower odds ratio for higher BP category in presumably-muscular adolescents (OR: 0.968, 95% CI: 0.934−0.989, p = .005). Conclusions: An increase in MVPA was associated with an increased likelihood for higher BP category in obese adolescents. The dose-response relationship between physical activity and cardiometabolic risk needs to be evaluated in adolescents of varying anthropometry categories.

Download Full-text