Lifestyle Alterations Research Articles

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric and Adolescent ASCVD Risk Factors.

In this review, we provide insight into and raise awareness of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of acquired atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors in adolescents. We highlight data that could be used to guide the response to a future pandemic with the goal of reducing premature cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related morbidity and premature mortality. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals, including youth, voluntarily or were mandated to alter the usual lifestyle in order to limit exposure and reduce the spread of the virus. Some of these changes resulted in unintended consequences, particularly acquisition of risk factors such as excessive weight gain, insulin resistance/diabetes, and dyslipidemia, commonly associated with ASCVD. A study from China examined changes in the prevalence of obesity and found a 2.4% rise attributable to the pandemic. Adequate daily physical activity plays an important role in ASCVD risk reduction. A systematic review and meta-analysis showed a 20% (90% CI, -34 to -4%) reduction in physical activity from before vs. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another study of patients with type 2 diabetes found the mean HbA1c was significantly elevated during the COVID-19 pandemic (7.53 ± 1.02% in 2020) compared with the previous 2 years. In addition, there has been an alarming rise of childhood mental health concerns and suicide during the pandemic. Early identification and optimum management of CVD risk factors play an important role helping prevent future cardiovascular disease. Following the rapid spread of the virus, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11th, 2020. In an attempt to avoid infection and reduce the spread of the virus, many alterations in lifestyle were adopted on an international scale. While necessary, these modifications resulted in many adverse unintended health consequences in children and adolescents. This paper reviews the impact of the pandemic and the associated lifestyle changes on the prevalence of acquired atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors in youth. In addition to providing insight, we hope to raise awareness of the pandemic's impact, and highlight specific data that could be used to guide the response to a future pandemic.

Exploring the Link between Chronic Kidney Disease and Parkinson's Disease: Insights from a Longitudinal Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are common illnesses found in the geriatric population. A potential link between CKD and PD emergence has been hypothesized; however, existing conclusions are disputed. In this longitudinal research, we analyzed data acquired from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort. The dataset comprised the health information of 16,559 individuals clinically diagnosed with CKD and 66,236 control subjects of comparable ages, all aged ≥40 years. These subjects participated in health examinations from 2002 to 2019. To assess the correlation between CKD and PD, we employed overlap-weighted Cox proportional hazard regression models. The unadjusted, crude hazard ratio for PD was greater in the CKD group than in the control group (crude hazard ration (HR) 1.20; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.39; p = 0.011). However, the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, incorporating propensity score overlap weighting, revealed no significant discrepancy after considering confounding variables such as demographic factors, socio-economic status, lifestyle, and concurrent health conditions (adjusted HR (aHR), 1.09; 95% CI = 0.97-1.22; p = 0.147). Subgroup analyses showed a higher probability of PD development among certain CKD individuals, including those who resided in rural areas (aHR, 1.19; 95% CI = 1.03-1.37; p = 0.022), maintained a normal weight (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI = 1.08-1.56; p = 0.006), or had fasting blood glucose levels ≥100 mg/dL (aHR, 1.18; 95% CI = 1.00-1.39; p = 0.046). Therefore, these clinical or environmental factors may influence the incidence of PD in CKD patients. In conclusion, our results suggest that the general CKD population may not exhibit a greater propensity for PD than their non-CKD counterparts. However, this might be contingent upon specific lifestyle and comorbid conditions. Thus, certain lifestyle alterations could be crucial in mitigating the potential manifestation of PD in patients diagnosed with CKD.

A critical appraisal on the role of Agni in Amlapitta

Background: Ayurveda is a peculiar domain of medical science which has its remedies for different ailments; either in the form of dietary modifications, lifestyle alterations or treatment modalities. In modern era, due to over inclination towards materialistic life, people often tend to compromise on their lifestyle, which indeed leads to depletion in health causing several ailments. Such compromises in life style and food habits will lead to the manifestation of diseases mainly of Annavaha Srotas. Such a commonly encountered disease is Amlapitta. Along with Tridosha, another entity i.e., Agni also plays an important role in the manifestation of the same. Hence, it is worth a discussion to explore the role of Agni in the development of Amlapitta. Materials and Methods: Extensive literary research was conducted inclusive of electronic databases such as Pubmed, Pubmed central, index medicus And index in Services like Elsevier, Scopus, Embase etc along with classical textbooks of Ayurveda. Discussion: Amlapitta is such a frequently encountered pathological manifestation of Annavaha Srotas which is explained in Ayurveda classics; wherein the Shuktata of Pitta Dosha gets elevated. Agni is an important factor which is responsible for proper occurrence of metabolism, which is utmost important for a disease free life. Conclusion: An effort is made in this paper to emphasize the role of Agni in Amlapitta, which can decide the fate of treatment planned and the rationality behind it.

An Ayurvedic Approach to Palitya (Premature Greying of Hair)

Ayurveda is the most ancient among the holistic health science donated to humanity by the perfect Indian heritage. Palitya disease has been explained in all Samhitas in different context. So in Charaka Samhita kala Akala Palitya is mentioned under Sirogata vyadhi, whereas other authors explained it in Sirokapalagata roga and Kshudrarogadhikara. Akala Palitya has been mentioned in the Ayurvedic classics among Sirokapalagata vyadhi, Keshashauklatyam, Kalapurvapakava. Trichological Society defined Premature Canities (Akala Palitya) as a pigment deficiency frequently seen in middle aged people of either gender. Akala Palitya is an accompaniment of premature greying and possesses a clinical challenge to the medical practitioners. In present days because of altered lifestyle and stressful occupation signs of aging are seen much earlier. Increasing urbanization and industrialization has posed greater danger, due to pollution and contamination of water and air, with variable both exogenous and endogenous factors, there is definite increase in the incidence of Premature Greying of Hairs, especially in tropical and developing countries.

Effects of physical exercise on rehabilitation of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

According to the World Health Organization and American Cancer Society, cancer survivors should involve in mild-to-moderate intensity exercises and consume vegetarian diet. These lifestyle alterations show improvement in cancer recurrence, risk reduction, and quality of life (QOL). The purpose of this study was to study the effect of physical activity on health/behavioural changes among adult cancer survivors. The study is randomized controlled trial which included 100 patients (Group A - Exercise group - 50 patients and Group B - Control group - 50 patients). Assessment of cardiopulmonary fitness, endurance, and QOL was done. Significant improvement in pulse rate, SpO2 and endurance, mental health, and social dimension was found in exercising group with no significant improvement in spiritual dimension. Remodelling the lifestyle by diet adjustment, strength training, and exercises alters the incidence and prognosis of cancer.

Pathophysiological Appraisal of Amlapitta Samprapti - A Contemporary Outlook

Aim: Critical understanding of the disease Amlapitta by Samprapti Vighatana. The man of this era is becoming more susceptible to series of lifestyle disorders with an unprecedented increase in incidences related to Annavaha Srotas. Amlapitta is one of the commonest Annavaha Srotodushti Vyadhi that closely resembles with hyperacidity in modern science. The altered lifestyle activities i.e., fried food, night shifts, stress, addictions are the major risk factors for Amlapitta. Pitta and Kapha are the main Doshas that get afflicted leading to the formation of Ama due to Agnimandya caused by Mitya Ahara Vihara leading to the stasis of the food in Amashaya. The vitiated Dosha associates with the Ahara Rasa to form Vidagda Ahara, it undergoes Shuktata and cause the Lakshanas of Amlapitta. Various Nidanas acting on the GIT leads to the partial digestion of the food in the stomach and its stasis invites the growth of the bacteria by inhibiting the action of HCL. The impact of hormones and nervous stimulation supports the mechanism leading to the clinical exhibition of symptoms. The critical understanding of the disease manifestation is the fundamental to assess the Nidana majorly driving to the pathogenesis. Methodology: Manual and electronic search of available Ayurveda classics and related articles regarding Amlapitta. Discussion: The analysis of Samprapti of Ama Utpatti and Amlapitta with the contemporary understanding.

Evaluating the effect of yoga as an adjunct therapy in type 1 diabetes care: Study protocol for randomised control trial

BackgroundIndividuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) confront serious lifestyle alterations that include an absolute daily requirement for exogenous insulin, monitoring their glucose control, and paying attention to dietary intake. Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice increasingly recognized to have health benefits in various clinical and non-clinical conditions. The current trial was intended to evaluate the efficacy of yoga therapy on glycemic variability and physical activity among patients with T1DM. MethodsThis is a single-centre, parallel-group prospective, randomized, open-blind end-point trial to evaluate the effectiveness of yoga therapy as an adjunct to T1DM care. 88 Patients aged between 12 and 17 years will be recruited from a charitable hospital for patients with T1DM and randomly allocated either to the intervention or control arm with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The control group will continue the standard care provided by the treating physicians, and the yoga group will be administered an additional Yoga module for three months. The monitoring of glycemic fluctuation will be assessed by the continuous glucose monitor, HbA1c, C-peptide, Insulin dose, lipid profile, and using psychological questionnaires such as Peds QL 3.0 Type-1 Diabetes Module, Peds QL 4.0 Generic Core Sale, Hypoglycemic fear survey, Kutcher Adolescent depression scale, Type 1 Diabetes stress scale, Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents, will be done at baseline and three months. DiscussionThe study is intended to address the physical and other risk factors among patients with T1DM. The study is prospectively registered on the India Clinical Trial Registry.

CRITICAL STUDY OF ANGAMARDA PRASHMANA, SHOOLAHARA AND VEDNASTHAPANA MAHAKASHAYA OF ACHARYA CHARAKA: A REVIEW

Introduction: Ayurveda offers a holistic way of living life. An altered lifestyle today is totally against the principles of Ayurveda and hence is a bundle of diseases emerging today. PAIN is one of such challenges in the medical world today. According to Ayurveda texts, chronic pain is caused by imbalances in doshas and is influenced by many factors, like diet, digestion, toxic accumulation, stress, energy levels and daily routine. Angamarda prashmana mahakashaya, Shoolahara mahakashaya and Vedanasthapana mahakashaya of Acharya Charaka usually find their shadow under the broad umbrella of the concept of pain. The conceptual approach to all these in the management of pain not being same; hence needs conceptual and clinical exploration. The present paper discusses the role of the above three drug groups in managing pains of various origins. All the relevant texts, along with the introductory text of Charaka Samhita, were taken to explore the current topic. Angamarda prashmana mahakashaya finds its appropriate selectivity in Swatantra vata prakopa, while Shoolahara mahakashaya primarily aims at the pain of colic origins. Vedanasthapana drugs, on the other hand, have their action on pains of psychosomatic origin. The difference in the mode of action of Angamarda prashmana Mahakashaya, Shoolahara Mahakashaya and Vednasthapana Mahakashaya has also been discussed in the present article.

COVID-19 pandemic: Impact of quarantine on migraine and patients’ care in Lithuania

Objectivethere is a scarcity of data regarding the long-term (one year or more) impact of COVID-19 related quarantine on migraine burden. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the impact of quarantine on migraine course, and the implications of a shift in migraine patients’ care. MethodsAn anonymous online survey of 206 migraine patients in Lithuania was undertaken in April 2021. ResultsDuring quarantine, 42.2% of respondents reported migraine worsening, 17.0% – migraine improvement, and 40.8% reported no change. The most common causes of improvement specified by respondents were improved sleep, increased physical activity, and better eating habits. The most common reasons for migraine worsening were decreased physical activity, use of masks and respirators, and anxiety about own health. Logistic regression revealed that the changes in migraine course were associated not only with the migraine severity and educational level, but also with lifestyle alterations such as changes in sleep, the use of personal protective equipment, and increased home workload. A quarter of respondents were unable to consult a doctor. Patients who failed this started using more analgesics (65.0% and 55.0%, p = 0.004). Almost one-third of consultations were conducted over the telephone. Treatment changes were more common during face-to-face than remote consultations (63.6% and 18.2%, p = 0.009), however, the efficacy of treatment changes did not differ significantly (61.9% and 50.0%, p = 0.741). Conclusionwe found an overall rise in migraine burden because of lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 related quarantine. Inability to visit a doctor led to the emergence of remote consultations.

Unstimulated Gluteus Maximus Sphincteroplasty for Bowel Incontinence.

Background Gluteus maximus, by virtue of its continued adjunct contraction with the anal sphincter, has many characteristics and histomorphological features mimicking type I musculature. Hence, anal sphincter replacement therapy with gluteus maximus has all avenues for lasting successful results. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of unstimulated gluteus maximus sphincteroplasty for anal incontinence reconstruction and neosphincter reconstruction in perineal colostomy cases. Methods From March 2015 to March 2020, the records of patients who underwent gluteus maximus sphincteroplasty for fecal incontinence were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. The mean age was 31.55 years. Eleven patients (females = 4, males = 7) underwent anal incontinence reconstruction. All these cases were followed up for an average period of 28.46 months. Results Good continence was observed in all patients with an average Cleveland Clinic Florida Faecal Incontinence Score of 3.18 ( p = 0.0035). At the end of the follow-up period, the average median resting pressure found via manometry was 44.64 mm Hg, and the average median squeeze pressure was 103.55mm Hg. The mean of the average continence contraction time at the end of the follow-up period was found to be 3.64 minutes. None of our patients had complete continence failure. None of our patients used perineal pads or made any lifestyle alterations at the end of the follow-up period. Most of the patients expressed satisfactory continence. Conclusion Despite being untrained with implantable electrodes, the gluteus maximus muscle produced very good continence results with our way of construct. In addition, with its good lumen occluding effect, it achieves good resting and squeeze anal pressure around the anal canal/bowel with trivial reeducation. Hence, it has become our institution's procedure of choice for anal sphincter reconstruction.

De novo engineering of a bacterial lifestyle program.

Synthetic biology has shown remarkable potential to program living microorganisms for applications. However, a notable discrepancy exists between the current engineering practice-which focuses predominantly on planktonic cells-and the ubiquitous observation of microbes in nature that constantly alternate their lifestyles on environmental variations. Here we present the de novo construction of a synthetic genetic program that regulates bacterial life cycle and enables phase-specific gene expression. The program is orthogonal, harnessing an engineered protein from 45 candidates as the biofilm matrix building block. It is also highly controllable, allowing directed biofilm assembly and decomposition as well as responsive autonomous planktonic-biofilm phase transition. Coupling to synthesis modules, it is further programmable for various functional realizations that conjugate phase-specific biomolecular production with lifestyle alteration. This work establishes a versatile platform for microbial engineering across physiological regimes, thereby shedding light on a promising path for gene circuit applications in complex contexts.

Actual Benefits of Zinc for Cardiovascular Diseases: Mini Review

The leading causes of death, particularly among the elderly, are cardiovascular illnesses, which are frequently linked to altered lifestyle patterns. Numerous academic studies on health and disease have stressed the role of micronutrients like zinc. Furthermore, both healthy and unwell patients are increasingly consuming dietary supplements that contain micronutrients for wellbeing. Cardiovascular disease can be brought on by trace element deficiencies, particularly zinc insufficiency. This study's goal is to analyze current theories regarding the benefits of zinc supplementation for people with cardiovascular problems. We used reliable websites like Google Scholar, PubMed, and Research Gate to find the most recent papers. Preprints, review papers, and studies with meta-analyses were included, and search terms such as "zinc levels," "cardiovascular disorders," and "zinc homeostasis" were employed. In conclusion, decreasing serum zinc levels were associated with increased mortality and decreased physical activity in individuals with cardiovascular illnesses.

Proteomic analysis reveals proteins and pathways associated with declined testosterone production in male obese mice after chronic high-altitude exposure.

Obesity is common in highland areas owing to lifestyle alterations. There are pieces of evidence to suggest that both obesity and hypoxia may promote oxidative stress, leading to hypogonadism in males. These findings indicate an increased risk of hypogonadism in obese males following hypoxia exposure. However, the mechanisms underlying the disease process remain unclear. The current study aims to explore the mechanism of testosterone production dysfunction in obese male mice exposed to a chronic high-altitude hypoxia environment. An obese male mouse model was generated by inducing obesity in mice via a high-fat diet for 14 weeks, and the obese mice were then exposed to a high-altitude hypoxia environment for 24 days. Sera and testicular tissues were collected to detect serum lipids, sex hormone level, and testicular oxidative stress indicators. Morphological examination was performed to assess pathological alterations in testicular tissues and suborganelles in leydig cells. Proteomic alterations in testicular tissues were investigated using quantitative proteomics in Obese/Control and Obese-Hypoxia/Obese groups. The results showed that chronic high-altitude hypoxia exposure aggravated low testosterone production in obese male mice accompanied by increased testicular oxidative stress and histological damages. In total, 363 and 242 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the two comparison groups, Obese/Control and Obese-Hypoxia/Obese, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that several significant functional terms and pathways related to testosterone production were altered in the two comparison groups. These included cholesterol metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway, oxidative stress responses, as well as retinol metabolism. Finally, 10 representative DEPs were selected for parallel reaction monitoring verification. Among them, StAR, DHCR7, NSDHL, CYP51A1, FDPS, FDX1, CYP11A1, ALDH1A1, and GPX3 were confirmed to be downregulated in the two groups. Chronic hypoxia exposure could exacerbate low testosterone production in obese male mice by influencing the expression of key proteins involved in steroid hormone biosynthesis, cholesterol biosynthesis, oxidative stress responses and retinol metabolism.

Effectiveness of Vamana Karma in Kitibha Kustha with special reference to Psoriasis – A Case Study

Any disease pertaining to skin causes adverse impact on psychological and social well-being results in depression, social isolation, loneliness and reduce quality of life. WHO has classified skin diseases a psycho-cutaneous disease which emphasizes the relation between skin and psyche. Hence skin ailments are given high priority by the patients. Skin diseases are commonly observed thanks to altered lifestyle including improper and altered food habits, mental stress, improper sleeping habits and poor hygiene. In Ayurveda, the majority the skin diseases are incorporated under Kustharoga and are classified as Mahakustha (major skin disorders) and Kshudra kustha (minor skin disorders). Kitibha kustha is explained under Kshudra kustha in Ayurvedic Samhitas. The signs and symptoms of Kitibha kustha are same as that of psoriasis explained in modern science. Aim: The aim was to gauge the importance of Vamana karma (bio-purificatory measures) in Kustha. Materials and Methods: A male patient aged 18 years presented with the signs and symptoms of slightly raised well-defined brownish patches over upper middle back, behind both ears and around both alar nasal sulcus associated with itching diagnosed it as Kitibha kustha and was treated with Vamana karma (emesis) followed by prior Deepan karma and Bahya & Abhyantar snehan (internal & external oiling) followed by Swedan (fomentation). Results: At the conclusion of Vaman, Pittantik vamana was achieved. Patient had significant relief from Kandu (itching), scaling and reduction of erythema after the procedure. Photographic changes were kept for comparison. Conclusion: This present case study revealed the importance of Vamana karma in Kitibha kustha (Psoriasis).

The Management of Anxiety and Depression in Pediatrics.

Anxiety and depression are among the most common psychiatric conditions affecting children and adolescents, and physicians in primary care settings often represent the first point of contact for these patients. Therefore, it is critical to provide these clinicians with an overview of current, evidence-based approaches for treating these conditions in pediatric and adolescent patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an appropriate and effective first-line intervention for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents. For depressive disorders, treatment guidelines recommend either CBT or interpersonal therapy (IPT) as frontline treatment approaches. Pharmacologically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) represent the most efficacious treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders in young persons. Combination therapies consisting of a psychotherapy plus an SSRI have produced greater therapeutic effects than either treatment alone. In particular, CBT plus sertraline is most effective in those with anxiety, whereas combining CBT or IPT with fluoxetine has been identified as the most effective treatment for depression in this population. Clinically, these combination therapies are especially useful in patients showing an insufficient response to treatment with only an SSRI or psychotherapy. A physician should also recommend lifestyle alterations to aid in the management of anxiety and depression, including diet, exercise, adequate sleep, limiting screen time, and spending time in nature. When used to complement standard treatment approaches, these interventions may provide the patient with additional symptom reduction while decreasing the return of symptoms in the long term.

Evolution of geriatric Meniere's disease during the past two decades

BackgroundThis study compared the incidence of Meniere's disease (MD) in the elderly aged >65 years between the first (2001–2010) and second (2011–2020) decades to investigate the evolution of geriatric MD. MethodsTotally, 1605 and 2550 patients with definite MD were experienced at the neurotological clinic during the first and the second decades, respectively. All patients were divided into three groups by 30-year age band, namely elderly (aged 65–94 years), adult (aged 35–64 years) and young (aged 5–34 years) groups, and underwent an inner ear test battery. Factors relating to the incidence of MD during the past two decades were analyzed. ResultsThe elderly MD group comprised 198 (12.4%) of 1605 MD cases during the first decade, and 463 (18.2%) of 2550 MD cases during the second decade, showing a significantly increased incidence of elderly MD. Correlation between annual life expectancy (x) in Taiwan and annual prevalence (y) of the elderly MD in relation to total MD cases revealed y = 0.023x – 1.660 via linear regression analysis. In contrast, the adult MD group significantly differed in terms of age and gender ratio, but not incidence, between the two decades. Conversely, the young MD group exhibited significantly decreased incidence from the first decade (22.3%) to the second decade (13.8%). ConclusionEvolution of geriatric MD during the past two decades reveals an increased incidence of the elderly MD patients, likely due to increased life expectancy coupled with altered life style.

Demographic Spectrum of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Public Health Care Facility in Karachi Pakistan

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the spread and proportion of oral squamous cell carcinoma in oral lesions. Methods: Patient’s biopsies were collected from january2017 till July2017 from histopathology lab in public health care institute. Two types of specimens either submitted for diagnosis or post-operative analysis of the lesion were reported. The data of oral tissue biopsies was analyzed and cases were sorted on the basis of benign and malignant lesions. The incidence of cancer and benign lesions was reported as; gender, age and site. Results: Moderately differentiated histological subtype of oral squamous cell was found to be most prevailing in the middle age male population and the etiology and site were found to have the direct association. Conclusion: Our study reveals that male patients are more affected with the disease and the age group ranges from young to middle age individuals. The alteration in lifestyle, awareness and strict laws against the consumption of carcinogenic agents is necessary to address the problem. Keywords: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Benign Lesion, Malignant Lesions, Biopsies

Biomaterial-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Obesity and Its Comorbidities.

Obesity is a global public health issue that results in many health complications or comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and fatty liver. Pharmacotherapy alone or combined with either lifestyle alteration or surgery represents the main modality to combat obesity and its complications. However, most anti-obesity drugs are limited by their bioavailability, target specificity, and potential toxic effects. Only a handful of drugs, including orlistat, liraglutide, and semaglutide, are currently approved for clinical obesity treatment. Thus, there is an urgent need for alternative treatment strategies. Based on the new revelation of the pathogenesis of obesity and the efforts toward the multi-disciplinary integration of materials, chemistry, biotechnology, and pharmacy, some emerging obesity treatment strategies are gradually entering the field of preclinical and clinical research. Herein, by analyzing the current situation and challenges of various new obesity treatment strategies such as small-molecule drugs, natural drugs, and biotechnology drugs, the advanced functions and prospects of biomaterials in obesity-targeted delivery, as well as their biological activities and applications in obesity treatment, are systematically summarized. Finally, based on the systematic analysis of biomaterial-based obesity therapeutic strategies, the future prospects and challenges in this field are proposed.

Influence of grit and healthy lifestyle behaviors on anxiety and depression in US adults at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: Cross-sectional study.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic altered lifestyles and impacted mental health of many adults. Engaging in physical activity, avoiding prolonged sitting, and consuming a healthy diet improve mental health. The current study investigated the association between health-related lifestyle behaviors on feelings of anxiety and depression in adults during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Adults (n=796) living in the United States completed an internet-based survey in Spring 2020 that included validated survey instruments for moods, physical activity, sitting and dietary behaviors. Multivariate multiple regression models were used to assess the association between health-related lifestyle behaviors and feelings of anxiety and depression. Results: A majority (70.7%; 95% CI: [0.607, 0.807]) of participants met physical activity (PA) guidelines, 43.7% (95% CI: [0.287, 0.587]) sat for ≥ 8 hours per day, and 87.7% (95% CI [0.807, 0.947]) ate a healthy diet. Our final models explained 6.2% and 9.8% of the variance in anxiety and depression, respectively. Vigorous PA (anxiety: B=-0.111, 95% CI: [-0.171,0.000]; depression: B=-0.111, 95% CI: [-0.186,-0.037]) and dietary behaviors (anxiety: B=-0.112, 95% CI: [-0.180,-0.444]; depression: B=-0.112, 95% CI: [-0.213,-0.076]) were associated with reduced feelings of anxiety and depression while sitting time (anxiety: B=0.119, 95% CI: [0.000,0.199]; depression: B=0.119, 95% CI: [0.199,0.199]) were associated with greater feelings of anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Engaging in vigorous physically activity, reducing sitting time, and consuming a healthy diet was associated with reduced feelings of anxiety and depression during the early part of the pandemic. The aforementioned modifiable lifestyle behaviors are independent of each other suggesting improvements in one behavior may improve feelings of anxiety and depression.

Impacts des conditions de vie durant le confinement sur les personnes souffrant de maladies psychiatriques

IntroductionIndividuals with psychiatric disorders have been the focus of vigilance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of this retrospective study was to estimate the influence of the living conditions of these people, on the evolution of their mood during the first lockdown in spring 2020 in France. MethodA questionnaire was proposed to 86 patients with psychiatric illnesses followed in ambulatory care, in order to evaluate their living conditions, their psychological resources and their perception of the health crisis. Patients responded to scales designed to assess perceived changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms during confinement. Analyses of variance and comparison of means were performed in order to study the variables that were significantly explanatory on the evolution of the disorders. ResultsA majority of patients reported stability of anxiety and depression symptoms during confinement. Alterations in lifestyle, such as an increase in sleep disturbance and smoking, had an effect on anxiety or depression. Occupational activities such as self-care, sports or outings influenced symptomatology. The ability to build on past experiences or to project positively into the future had an effect on symptomatology. DiscussionThese data highlight the specificities of the constraints encountered in lockdown by individuals previously suffering from psychiatric illnesses. Our results point out resources to be considered in adjusting the care modalities of these patients.