Common Physical Health Problems Research Articles

Poor Physical Health in Caregivers of Children with ADHD or ASD and its Association with Health Risk Behaviours: NHIS 2016-2018.

There is a dearth of evidence regarding physical health problems and health risk behaviours (e.g., drinking, physical inactivity, smoking, and suboptimal sleep behaviour) in caregivers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder (CCAA). The purposes of the current study were to examine differences in physical health problems between CCAA and caregivers of children without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder (CCWAA) and to explore health risk behaviours associated with those problems. Data from the 2016-2018 National Health Interview Survey were used in the current study. 10 common physical health problems were compared between CCAA and CCWAA by using multivariable logistic regressions. In addition, in order to detect associated health risk behaviours, decision tree analysis was performed for physical health problems in CCAA. Of the 10 physical health problems, caregivers of children with ADHD showed significantly higher likelihood of experiencing nine (arthritis, asthma, back pain, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart problems, hypertension, neck pain, obesity), compared to CCWAA. Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) showed significantly higher likelihoods of experiencing two physical health problems compared to CCWAA. The decision tree analysis revealed that age (> 42 years), and suboptimal sleep behaviour (not 7-8hours), and smoking (current smoker) were the frequent predictors for physical health problems in CCAA. The results of the current study represent an important milestone in further investigating physical health problems in CCAA.

Common maternal health problems and their correlates in early post-partum mothers.

Mothers experience a wide range of maternal health problems after childbirth, which in turn, affect their well-being and ability to care for their newborn. These problems may be influenced by factors such as mode of delivery or socio-economic status. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of common maternal health problems and their correlates in a public primary healthcare institution in Singapore. This was a cross-sectional study, based on a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 373 mothers (mean age 31.9 years) who accompanied their infants for their 4- to 8-week development assessments at a public primary care clinic in Singapore completed a self-administered questionnaire from June 2021 to December 2021. The questionnaire assessed demographic factors, mode of delivery, number of children, number of individuals providing significant help, and the frequency of common physical and mental maternal health problems using a 5-point Likert-type scale. The five most common maternal health problems were fatigue (77.7%), lower back pain (59.3%), Caesarean wound pain (54.3%), upper back pain (53.0%) and vaginal pain (41.2%). The prevalence of depression and anxiety was 22.0% and 11.3%, respectively. With respect to the symptoms' correlates, pain on passing urine was more frequent after assisted vaginal deliveries than all other forms of deliveries (all pairwise p < 0.01), and pain on passing motion was more frequent in vaginal deliveries than in Caesarean deliveries (all pairwise p < 0.05). Mothers having a larger number of children more frequently experienced headaches (β = 0.17, SE = 0.05, p = 0.002) and less frequently experienced breastfeeding difficulties (β = -0.28, SE = 0.08, p < 0.001). Mothers experienced a high prevalence of maternal health problems in multiple domains during the first 8 weeks after childbirth. Mode of delivery and number of children were associated with increased prevalence of certain problems. Mothers' physical and mental well-being should be investigated early after delivery and addressed with adequate treatments and resources.

Accessing health and health behaviour interventions by people with severe and multiple disadvantage

Abstract Populations facing severe and multiple disadvantage (SMD) - co-occurring homelessness, substance misuse and offending, have high level of physical and mental ill-health. Poor oral health is one of the three common physical health problems among this population, and is closely linked with use of drugs, alcohol and smoking. However, little is known about pathways that improve access to health interventions for people living with SMD. This study examines organizational and individual factors that restrict access to health interventions and provides actionable suggestions for improving engagement of health services by people living with SMD. Between August 2021 and March 2022, interviews/focus group discussions were conducted with people experiencing SMD in Newcastle and with frontline staff, policy makers, and commissioners from London, Plymouth and Newcastle upon Tyne. Data were analysed iteratively using thematic analysis and were organized and coded using NVivo 1.6.1. 19 people with lived experience of SMD (age range: 27-65 years; 79% male) and 78 service providers (age range: 28-72 years; 37% male) were interviewed. The access to health interventions was reported to be affected by location, integration between services, use of technology, knowledge of services and inter-personal relationships. Furthermore, individual factors such as fear of seeking treatment, health behaviours and socio-economic disadvantage of the service user, and past experiences of treatment were common themes identified. People with SMD have complex health needs with co-occurring and linked conditions making usual pathway of care difficult to access. Reducing the number of appointments, sign posting services and coordinating with support workers may help alleviate the individual factors. Improving their health may require action across multiple domains to integrate care. Findings from our study could also be extrapolated to the planning and delivery of other health services for people with SMD. Key messages • Pathway of care for people with SMD can be improved through interventions that addresses organizational limitations and accounts for individual situations. • Integrated services and engagement of people with lived experiences may improve the engagement of health services by people with SMD.

KARAKTERISTIK KONDISI KESEHATAN PADA PASIEN KORBAN TINDAK PIDANA PERDAGANGAN ORANG: TINJAUAN LITERATUR SISTEMATIS

Background: Human trafficking is a crime that degrades human dignity, involving hundreds or even thousands of victims per year both on a global and local scale. In the human trafficking, various types of violence often occur. It is important to identify that the patient is a victim of human trafficking when a doctor encounter a patient due to sexual violence. Doctor must pay more attention to collect evidence through anamnesis, physical examination, and advance examination. Thus, the next strategy to help victims of human trafficking can be carried out. Aim: To identify the characteristics of physical, mental, and sexual health conditions in patients victims of TPPO as well as medical measures taken. Method: This is a systematic literature review of the literature obtained from four databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Sage Journal, and Semantic Scholar. A literature search using the SPIDER method is initial screening and screening before downloading. Selected literatures then put for further selection with criteria of inclusion and exclusion to obtain eligible literature. The next step is ecstraction by conducting a critical review using a checklist according to the design of literature research. Result: Five literatures are eligibile with 2 literature conduct medical examinations, 4 literature discussing physical health issues, 3 literature discussing reproductive health issues, and 4 literature discussing mental health issues. Some of the literatures show the most common physical health problems are tired, memory impairment, and headaches or dizziness. Sexual health problems are sexually transmitted infections, urination pain in women and the risk of pregnancy. Mental health problems are PTSD, anxiety, and depression, desire and even suicide attempts, substance or alcohol use. Conclusion: Victims of human trafficking (men, women, and children) experience physical, sexual, and mental health problems.

Intergenerational transmission of the effects of maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment in the USA: a retrospective cohort study

Childhood maltreatment is associated with adverse health outcomes and this risk can be transmitted to the next generation. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to maternal childhood maltreatment and common childhood physical and mental health problems, neurodevelopmental disorders, and related comorbidity patterns in offspring. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program, which was launched to investigate the influence of early life exposures on child health and development in 69 cohorts across the USA. Eligible mother-child dyads were those with available data on maternal childhood maltreatment exposure and at least one child health outcome measure (autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], internalising problems, obesity, allergy, and asthma diagnoses). Maternal history of childhood maltreatment was obtained retrospectively from the Adverse Childhood Experiences or Life Stressor Checklist questionnaires. We derived the prevalence of the specified child health outcome measures in offspring across childhood and adolescence by harmonising caregiver reports and other relevant sources (such as medical records) across cohorts. Child internalising symptoms were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist. Associations between maternal childhood maltreatment and childhood health outcomes were measured using a series of mixed-effects logistic regression models. Covariates included child sex (male or female), race, and ethnicity; maternal and paternal age; maternal education; combined annual household income; maternal diagnosis of depression, asthma, ADHD, allergy, or autism spectrum disorder; and maternal obesity. Two latent class analyses were conducted: to characterise patterns of comorbidity of child health outcomes; and to characterise patterns of co-occurrence of childhood maltreatment subtypes. We then investigated the association between latent class membership and maternal childhood maltreatment and child health outcomes, respectively. Our sample included 4337 mother-child dyads from 21 longitudinal cohorts (with data collection initiated between 1999 and 2016). Of 3954 mothers in the study, 1742 (44%) had experienced exposure to abuse or neglect during their childhood. After adjustment for confounding, mothers who experienced childhood maltreatment were more likely to have children with internalising problems in the clinical range (odds ratio [OR] 2·70 [95% CI 1·95-3·72], p<0·0001), autism spectrum disorder (1·70 [1·13-2·55], p=0·01), ADHD (2·09 [1·63-2·67], p<0·0001), and asthma (1·54 [1·34-1·77], p<0·0001). In female offspring, maternal childhood maltreatment was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity (1·69 [1·17-2·44], p=0·005). Children of mothers exposed to childhood maltreatment were more likely to exhibit a diagnostic pattern characterised by higher risk for multimorbidity. Exposure to multiple forms of maltreatment across all subtypes of maternal childhood maltreatment was associated with the highest risk increases for most offspring health outcomes, suggesting a dose-response relationship. Our findings suggest that maternal childhood maltreatment experiences can be a risk factor for disease susceptibility in offspring across a variety of outcomes and emphasise the need for policies focusing on breaking the intergenerational transmission of adversity. Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health.

Association between cannabis use and physical health problems in Norwegian adolescents: a cross-sectional study from the youth survey Ungdata

BackgroundCannabis use is increasing among young Norwegians and several studies show a high incidence of common physical health problems. An association has previously been found between cannabis use and mental health problems. Since physical and mental health problems often co-occur, the aim of this study is to explore the relationship between cannabis use and physical health problems.MethodsIn 2017–2019, the Norwegian youth survey Ungdata collected data from 249,100 Norwegian adolescents, which equalled around 80% of all lower secondary school pupils (13–15 years) and about 50% of upper secondary pupils (16–19 years) in Norway. Descriptive analysis was used to calculate the prevalence of cannabis use and bi- and multivariate logistic regression analysis to examine the association between cannabis use and physical health problems, controlled for sociodemographics and mental health problems.ResultsAlmost 10% of Norwegian adolescents had used cannabis once or more in the previous 12 months. The use of cannabis increased with age and it was more prevalent among boys. There is a clear connection between physical health problems and cannabis use (OR = 1.582 (CI: 1.527–1.638)) even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and mental health problems (OR = 1.366 (CI: 1.312–1.423)).ConclusionMore studies are needed to explore if there might a bidirectional relationship between cannabis use and physical health problems where physical problems increase cannabis use and cannabis use increases the risk of physical health problems. More knowledge on the effect of and motivation for cannabis use are important for policy makers and health care professionals involved in young people.

Mainstream Health Care for Adults with Intellectual Disability due to Rare Causes

At least half of adults with intellectual disability are estimated to have diagnosed or undiagnosed chromosomal or DNA mutations as the cause of their intellectual disability, which, by definition, are rare. Mostly however, associated physical health problems are not rare. An unintended consequence of focus on the rareness of the cause of the intellectual disability, no matter how useful that is to understanding the syndrome, is that it deflects attention away from the relatively common physical health problems that occur in this population, creates a barrier to mainstream health access, and may contribute to the excessive preventable mortality and morbidity observed in this population.

A study to assess the prevalence of common physical health problems among senior citizens at Sarojininagar, Lucknow

Background: Aging is a universal process. Aging is generally defined as a process of deterioration in the functional capacity of an individual that results from structural changes, with advancement of age. Aging is a normal, inevitable, biological and universal phenomenon, and it affects every individual irrespective of caste, creed, rich and poor. It is the outcome of certain structural and functional changes takes place in the major parts of the body as the life years increases.Methods: A quantitative research approach and a non-experimental descriptive cross sectional research design was used. The sample size of 150 senior citizens was selected by using non-probability purposive sampling technique. Initially the investigator Obtained permission from concerned authority of Sarojininagar, primary health care (PHC), Lucknow. The tools used were, Performa of demographic variables, checklist to screen the history of common physical health problems and checklist to assess the existing common physical health problems of senior citizens.Results: The results of the study revealed that majority of the elders were suffering from vision problem (93.3%), hearing problems (56.0%), hypertension (42.7%), diabetes mellitus (42.7%) and obesity (30.7%).Conclusions: The study concluded that majority of the elders were suffering from one or the other common health problems while only few reported to be completely healthy. There was a need to create awareness regarding the reasons for common physical health problems, to encourage practicing a healthy lifestyle.

Health of mothers of children with a life-limiting condition: a comparative cohort study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to quantify the incidence rates of common mental and physical health conditions in mothers of children with a life-limiting condition.MethodsComparative national longitudinal cohort study using linked primary...

Focus on Mainstream Health Care Access and Participation for Adults with Intellectual Disability due to Rare Causes

At least half of adults with intellectual disability are estimated to have diagnosed or undiagnosed chromosomal or DNA mutations as the cause of their intellectual disability, which, by definition, are rare. Mostly however, associated physical health problems are not rare, and are well within the scope of mainstream health professional competencies. An unintended consequence of focus on the rareness of the cause of the intellectual disability, no matter how useful that is to understanding the syndrome, is that it deflects attention away from optimal care provision of the relatively common physical health problems that occur in this population, creates a barrier to inclusion into mainstream health access, and may contribute to the excessive preventable mortality and morbidity observed in this population. In this brief communication, a mainstream physician with experience in healthcare provision for adults with and without intellectual disability, a policy maker, researcher and educator in relation to healthcare for adults with intellectual disability offers a reasoned perspective that focusing on implementation of ways to optimize access to and participation in mainstream healthcare by adults with intellectual disability may lead to better quality and quantity of life for this population, instead of wholly focusing on development of separate services dedicated to exploration of the rareness of their cause of intellectual disability. In thinking about the place of rare syndrome organisations, the author proposes that within this mainstream model a small core of expert consultants who work within mainstream health who would oversee quality service, participate in development and implementation of reasonable adjustments within mainstream health settings and professionals, the health interface with the disability sector, support colleagues who are looking after adult patients with intellectual disability, and who are informed resources or researchers on rare syndromes of intellectual disability is consistent with the disability values of inclusion while also acknowledging the functional and biochemical aspects of syndrome of intellectual disability. The specialist skills of scientist and clinician experts and organisations in rare causes of intellectual disability in collaboration with mainstream clinicians, health services and the disability sector may contribute to better health outcomes with longer and better quality of life for adults living with rare causes of intellectual disability.

Arizona Twin Project: Specificity in Risk and Resilience for Developmental Psychopathology and Health.

The Arizona Twin Project is an ongoing longitudinal study designed to elucidate gene-environment interplay underlying the development of risk and resilience to common mental and physical health problems during infancy, childhood and adolescence. Specificity of risk is carefully examined across mental and physical health and how these influences vary across socioeconomic and sociocultural environments. Participants are a sample of approximately 700 twins (31% Latinx) recruited from birth records in the state of Arizona, USA. Twins are 32% monozygotic twins, 36% same-sex dizygotic (DZ), 32% opposite-sex DZ, currently 10-11 years of age. Primary caregivers were interviewed on twins' development and early physical and social environments when twins were 1, 2 and 5 years of age. In-depth objective measurement commenced in middle childhood, with in-person assessments at 8-11 years of age, with plans to continue to follow the sample across adolescence. Middle childhood measures focus on children's physical and mental health, including diurnal cortisol, actigraphy-based measures of sleep and activity, cold pressor task assessing acute pain, and reaction time tasks assessing executive functioning. Preliminary findings illustrate that objective assessments of children's health are highly heritable, but they do not always share genetic etiology with more commonly used subjective assessments. Exposure to early adversity moderates genetic influences on both executive functioning and health, with higher heritability typically seen under adverse conditions. Future directions include an examination of how pubertal stage affects genetic and environmental influences on diurnal cortisol, sleep, chronic pain, and mental health.

Common maternal health problems among Australian-born and migrant women: A prospective cohort study.

BackgroundMigrant women of non-English speaking background make up an increasing proportion of women giving birth in high income countries, such as Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of common physical and psychosocial health problems during pregnancy and up to 18 months postpartum among migrant women of non-English speaking background compared to Australian-born women.MethodsProspective pregnancy cohort study of 1507 nulliparous women. Women completed self-administered questionnaires or telephone interviews in early and late pregnancy and at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months postpartum. Standardised instruments were used to assess incontinence, depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence.FindingsMigrant women of non-English speaking background (n = 243) and Australian-born mothers (n = 1115) reported a similar pattern of physical health problems during pregnancy and postpartum. The most common physical health problems were: exhaustion, back pain, constipation and urinary incontinence. Around one in six Australian-born women (16.9%) and more than one in four migrant women (22.5%) experienced intimate partner abuse in the first 12 months postpartum. Compared to Australian-born women, migrant women were more likely to report depressive symptoms at 12 and 18 months postpartum.ConclusionPhysical and mental health problems are common among women of non-English speaking background and Australian-born women, and frequently persist up to 18 months postpartum. Migrant women experience a higher burden of postpartum depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence, and may face additional challenges accessing appropriate care and support.

Physical health problems among the geriatric population in Perambalur municipality, Tamil Nadu: a community-based cross-sectional study

Background: Aging is a complex process that occurs by an increase in cellular injury that occurs at the biological level over a period. These injuries lead to decline in the capacity of the individual due to a gradual reduction in physiological reserves. The objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of common physical health problems and to assess the effect of aging influencing them among the geriatric population.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 9 randomly selected wards among 400 elderly subjects of aged 60 years or above by using probability proportionate to size (PPS) sampling method in urban residents of Perambalur municipality, Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu using semi structured questionnaire. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0.Results: The mean age of the study population was 71.28±7.85. Three-fourths of the study subjects were not doing any work and the majority of them (80%) was living with family members and looked after by their family members (88%). In our study, it was found that the most prevalent common physical health problem among the geriatric population was dental diseases (85.75%) followed by diseases of the locomotor system (81.75%). Almost 99% of the elderly have at least a single system involvement.Conclusions: The preventive and rehabilitative services planned by the government have to be elder-friendly. To improve the health status of the elderly various health schemes, policies and programs can be designed based on the study findings.

\u201cBecause if we talk about health issues first, it is easier to talk about human trafficking\u201d; findings from a mixed methods study on health needs and service provision among migrant and trafficked fishermen in the Mekong

BackgroundHuman trafficking in the fishing industry or “sea slavery” in the Greater Mekong Subregion is reported to involve some of the most extreme forms of exploitation and abuse. A largely unregulated sector, commercial fishing boats operate in international waters far from shore and outside of national jurisdiction, where workers are commonly subjected to life-threatening risks. Yet, research on the health needs of trafficked fishermen is sparse. This paper describes abuses, occupational hazards, physical and mental health and post-trafficking well-being among a systematic consecutive sample of 275 trafficked fishermen using post-trafficking services in Thailand and Cambodia. These findings are complemented by qualitative interview data collected with 20 key informants working with fishermen or on issues related to their welfare in Thailand.ResultsMen and boys trafficked for fishing (aged 12–55) were mainly from Cambodia (n = 217) and Myanmar (n = 55). Common physical health problems included dizzy spells (30.2%), exhaustion (29.5%), headaches (28.4%) and memory problems (24.0%). Nearly one-third (29.1%) reported pain in three or more areas of their body and one-quarter (26.9%) reported being in “poor” health. Physical health symptoms were strongly associated with: severe violence; injuries; engagement in long-haul fishing; immigration detention or symptoms of mental health disorders. Survivors were exposed to multiple work hazards and were perceived as disposable when disabled by illness or injuries. Employers struggled to apply internationally recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) practices in Thailand. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) encountered challenges when trying to obtain healthcare for uninsured fishermen. Challenges included fee payment, service provision in native languages and officials siding with employers in disputes over treatment costs and accident compensation. Survivors’ post-trafficking concerns included: money problems (75.9%); guilt and shame (33.5%); physical health (33.5%) and mental health (15.3%).ConclusionFishermen in this region are exposed to very serious risks to their health and safety, and their illnesses and injuries often go untreated. Men who enter the fishing industry in Thailand, especially migrant workers, require safe working conditions and targeted protections from human trafficking. Survivors of the crime of sea slavery must be provided with the compensation they deserve and the care they need, especially psychological support.

The opinions of Turkish mental health nurses on physical health care for individuals with mental illness: A qualitative study.

Individuals with mental illness have significantly higher mortality and morbidity than the general population due to physical illnesses. Mental health nurses play a key role in providing care for common physical problems and protecting and promoting healthy lifestyles. Little is known from previous studies in the international literature about the attitudes, behaviours and thoughts of mental health nurses on providing physical health care. Mental health nurses mostly focus on the existing physical health problems of individuals with mental illness. However, mental health nurses do not include practices of disease prevention and physical health promotion for individuals with mental illness. The desire to see positive changes in individuals with mental illness, receiving positive feedback, feeling useful and happy, and feeling satisfied with their profession motivate mental health nurses in terms of providing physical health care. The knowledge and skill required of mental health nurses to provide physical health care need to be increased. Institutions should employ expert nurses who are able to guide mental health nurses to provide physical health care. It is important to provide adequate physical infrastructure and human resources to provide better physical health care in mental health services. Background Mental health nurses play an important role in improving the physical health of individuals with mental illnesses. However, there are limited studies of their attitudes and practices about physical health. Therefore, there is a need for qualitative studies to clarify the issue. The aim of this study was to determine mental health nurses' opinions about physical health care for individuals with mental illness. This study was carried out in Turkey. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken in the study. The sample consisted of twelve mental health nurses selected by purposeful sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview format. A thematic analysis was used to evaluate the interviews. Four main themes were determined. (1) The barriers to physical healthcare theme included barriers related to patients, illness and treatment, barriers related to patients' caregivers, barriers related to health professionals and barriers related to the healthcare system. (2) The physical healthcare practices theme included common physical health problems and current nursing practices. (3) Motivators theme included the desire to see positive changes in a patient, receiving positive feedback, feeling useful and happy, having a sense of conscience and feeling satisfied with their profession. (4) The needs for better physical healthcare theme included the nurses' recommendations for better physical health care. Mental health nurses believe that the physical health care provided to individuals with mental illness is not adequate. Many barriers to providing care for physical health, such as having psychiatric symptoms that are not seen as a priority by patients and health personnel, were determined. Mental health nurses should integrate physical healthcare practices into their routine care. In addition, mental health nurses' knowledge and skills about physical health care should be improved.

Common Health Problems and Risk Behaviors among Adolescent Males in Governmental Secondary Schools, Assuit Governorate

AbstractBackground: During adolescence, males have higher rates of morbidity and suffer from various health problems and risk behaviors.Aim of the Study: To assess the most common health problems and risk behavior performed by adolescent males in Governmental Secondary Schools.Subject and Methods: A descriptive cross sectional design was utilized in this study.Setting: Gamal Farghaly Soultan Governmental Secondary School for males Assuit City.Sample: One hundred fifty five students were chosen randomly from 3 different grades.Tools: One questionnaire sheet composed of 3 parts: Part I: Demographic characteristic of the students, part II: Common health problems (physical, social and psychological), part III: Risk health behavior performed by secondary male students.Results: Physically, 23.9% of the students had medical health problems, out of them the most common were respiratory problems (48.6%). Regarding psychological problems frus-tration was common among (25.8%), while the most common social health problem was peer pressure to perform risk behaviors (52.9%). The most common risk behavior was violence at school (27.7%). Smoking was correlated positively with age (p=0.001).Conclusion: The most common physical, psychological and social health problems were as follow, respiratory prob-lems, frustration and peer pressure to perform risk behaviors while the most common risk behavior was violence at school.Recommendation: More health educational programs to raise the awareness of secondary male students about how to avoid being engaged in health risk behaviors.

Health Status of Traffic Police in Kathmandu Valley

Background: Traffic Policeman are constantly exposed to health hazards due to their occupation. They are at risk of developing various diseases due to exposure to noises, dust, gases, fumes etc. during their work. Objectives of this study was to find out the health status of traffic police and common health problems due to their occupation.&#x0D; Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among Traffic Police of Kathmandu Valley. Convenient sampling technique was used. A structured questionnaire was used to assess prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, acute respiratory tract infection, skin allergy, eye problems, ear problems, utilization of safety measures and health seeking practice. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used for the assessment of status of depression. Clinical Examination was done by medical doctors to determine common physical health problems. Data were entered and analyzed in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20.&#x0D; Results: A total of 296 traffic police were enrolled in the study with mean age of 31.07 years. Burning Eyes or Tearful Eyes was complaining of 72.3% of the respondents and almost two-fifth complained of some problem in vision. Nearly nine out of 10 respondents (87.8%) had musculoskeletal pain in at least one part of the body (neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hands, upper back, lower back, hip/thigh, knee and ankle) with major problem being upper and lower back pain. Based on PHQ-9 Questionnaire, it was found that 58.8% of the respondents were in state of some kind of depression.&#x0D; Conclusion: Traffic Police are constantly exposed to health hazards due to their occupation. The prevalence of musculoskeletal, ocular and hearing problems was higher among them. Awareness progarmmes should be carried out targeting them regarding the preventive measure, use of personal protective devices and regular health check-up.

The role of physical and mental health multimorbidity in suicidal ideation

BackgroundPrevious research has focused on the separate roles of mental illness and physical health conditions in suicide risk, with relatively few studies investigating the importance of physical and psychiatric disorder co-occurrence. We aimed to investigate whether suicidal ideation might be influenced by physical and mental ill-health multimorbidity. MethodsData from the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey of England were analysed. Participants who responded to the suicidal thoughts question were grouped into four distinct categories based on their health conditions (Common mental disorders (CMD) only, physical health conditions only, CMD/physical health multimorbidity and a control group with neither physical nor mental health conditions). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted and odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs are presented. ResultsIn the fully adjusted model, both the multimorbidity and CMD-only groups were associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation relative to the control group. LimitationsSecondary analyses of cross-sectional data. ConclusionsAlthough multimorbidity was associated with suicidal thoughts, it does not appear to elevate risk beyond the independent effects of common mental disorders or physical health problems. Primary care and mental health clinicians should consider assessment of suicidal ideation among patients with multimorbid physical/mental health conditions.

Health conditions of prisoners in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

We present the results of a quantitative and qualitative study on the living conditions and health of prisoners in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The goal was to produce strategic information to support the action of public officials who work in prisons. The results show that prisoners are young (average age: 30 years), poor, mostly black and brown (70.5%), have little education (only 1.5% of them have a higher education), and have been in prison for less than four years. Among the problems that indirectly affect their health, we emphasize: overcrowding (1.39 prisoners per one vacancy), idleness (only 4.4% of them work), lack of perspective, violence and relationships of conflict. The most common physical health problems include: musculoskeletal problems, such as pain in the neck, back, and spine (76.7%), joint dislocation (28.2%), bursitis (22.9%), sciatica (22, 1%), arthritis (15.9%), bone fracture (15.3%), problems with bone and cartilage (12.5%), and muscle and tendon injuries (15.7%); respiratory problems, such as sinusitis (55.6%), allergic rhinitis (47%), chronic bronchitis (15.6%), tuberculosis (4.7%) and others (11.9%); and skin diseases. Despite legal requirements that include prison health care among the Universal Health System's (SUS) obligations, services are scarce and inefficient and a major cause of inmate dissatisfaction.

Managing physical and mental health conditions: Consumer perspectives on integrated care

ABSTRACTDespite the growing trend of integrating primary care and mental health services, little research has documented how consumers with severe mental illnesses (SMI) manage comorbid conditions or view integrated services. We sought to better understand how consumers perceive and manage both mental and physical health conditions and their views of integrated services. We conducted semi-structured interviews with consumers receiving primary care services integrated in a community mental health setting. Consumers described a range of strategies to deal with physical health conditions and generally viewed mental and physical health conditions as impacting one another. Consumers viewed integration of primary care and mental health services favorably, specifically its convenience, friendliness, and knowledge of providers, and collaboration between providers. Although integration was viewed positively, consumers with SMI may need a myriad of strategies and supports to both initiate and sustain lifestyle changes that address common physical health problems.