Differences In Lifestyle Factors Research Articles

Mechanisms underlying the relationship between the intersectionality of multiple social identities with depression among US adults: A population-based study on the mediating roles of lifestyle behaviors

BackgroundDespite substantial efforts to investigate the inequalities in mental health among people with marginalized identities, most research has concentrated on single social identities rather than complete persons. The current study aimed to explore the mechanisms underlying the relationship between the intersectionality of multiple social identities with depression among US adults. MethodsData for this study came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey waves between 2015 and 2018, including a total of 11,268 US adults. A latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to identify latent subpopulations based on sex, race/ethnicity, immigrant status, disability, household income, employment status, and education level. Interclass differences in lifestyle factors and depression were examined. Multiple mediation analysis was used to examine the mediating roles of lifestyle behaviors. ResultsLCA identified four potential subpopulations: “least marginalized”, “immigrant minorities”, “disabled, less-educated non-workers”, and “low-income minorities” groups. There was enormous heterogeneity in mental health among immigrant minority individuals. The “disabled, less-educated non-workers” group had the highest rates of depression; in contrast, the “immigrant minorities” group had the best mental health, even better than that of the “least marginalized” group. Distributions of lifestyle factors followed a similar pattern. In addition, lifestyle behaviors significantly mediated the relationship between intersectional social identities and depression. LimitationsThe cross-sectional design prevented establishment of the causality of relationships. ConclusionsThis study suggests that applying a person-centered approach is important when examining intersectional inequalities in mental health and highlights the effects of structural social hierarchies on individuals' health behaviors and mental health.

Prevalence of and factors associated with symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome among resident physicians in standardised training in China: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study aims to investigate the incidence of and factors associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among resident physicians in standardised training at eight traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) hospitals in...

Diet, Physical Activity, and Smoking in Patients Living with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer

Background Modifiable lifestyle factors have been implicated in bladder cancer outcomes. Further study is warranted to inform future strategies in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Objective We aim to describe modifiable behaviors (smoking, diet, and physical activity) in a cohort of patients with NMIBC. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional study in patients undergoing surveillance for NMIBC. A comprehensive survey comprised of validated measures of physical activity, diet, and mutagen consumption was administered. We assessed a “healthy lifestyle score” consisting of body mass index (BMI) <25, smoking status, and physical activity (aerobic exercise minutes). We examined differences in lifestyle factors by stage, grade, recurrence, BMI, age, gender, and education level. Results In a cohort of 113 NMIBC patients, median age was 67 years (IQR: 59, 73) and median time since initial diagnosis was 26 months (IQR: 9, 42). Low levels of healthy habits are common among patients with NMIBC. Those with a BMI of ≥25 has greater red and processed meat intake, higher mutagen intake, and lower physical activity. Older patients reported more supplement use and lower physical activity. Low education level was associated with a less healthy lifestyle (higher processed meat consumption, higher Meiqx mutagen consumption, and lower physical activity). Conclusions In patients undergoing surveillance for NMIBC, 25% had all three components reflecting a healthy lifestyle. Older age, lower education, and higher body mass index were associated with fewer healthy habits. Education on healthy lifestyle changes should be a key component in NMIBC survivorship care.

Evidence that ovarian hormones, but not diet and exercise, contribute to the sex disparity in post-traumatic stress disorder

Females are twice as likely as males to receive a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One hypothesis for this sex disparity is that ovarian hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, contribute to PTSD risk. Alternatively, sex differences in lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, may play a role in PTSD risk. Using data from the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow's Health (PATH) cohort (n = 16,899), the relationship between endogenous hormone fluctuations (e.g., menarche, pregnancy, and menopause), exogenous hormone use (e.g., hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)) and lifestyle variables (diet and exercise habits, as measured by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, Healthy Eating Index, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire) with PTSD diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. While several hormonal variables, including contraceptive use, higher total number of pregnancies, younger menarche age, and having undergone menopause increased the risk of PTSD, no lifestyle variables contributed to an increased risk of PTSD diagnosis. These findings support the theory that ovarian hormones contribute to the sex-linked disparity in PTSD diagnosis.

General lifestyle factors explain young athletes’ mental health more than perceived coach autonomy support: a cross-sectional study on basketball players and gymnasts aged 10–22

ObjectivesThis study described differences in lifestyle factors (sleeping problems/fatigue, pressure/activation), perceived coach autonomy support and indicators of mental health (well-being and poor general mental health) across various age groups (children...

Spatial perspectives on student profiling to inform open distance e-learning (ODeL) in various geographical contexts: a case study from the Global South

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 underpins the other SDGs and emphasizes the importance of increasing access to inclusive, equitable, quality education. Equitable and inclusive access to education remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world, especially in the Global South. Developments and challenges experienced in the Global South have increased awareness of the potential of open distance e-learning to increase access to higher education. This potential has to be considered from the perspective of the digital divide. Analyzing student data can play an important role in obtaining insights into students' lives to improve the quality of the educational services provided.This paper aims to reflect on the use of spatial statistics in compiling a profile of the students registered for a Geography module at the University of South Africa. This paper has two objectives. The first is to specify the broad student profile in terms of the geographical location of students. The second objective is to reflect on the lifeworlds of the students in the different clusters and the challenges they may face in successfully completing their studies. Four representative student profiles could be compiled using lifestyle data. Marked differences in lifestyle factors between the four identified profile types were observed. These may directly impact students' ability to progress with their studies.

Sex-differences in COVID-19 diagnosis, risk factors and disease comorbidities: A large US-based cohort study.

Morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 are higher among men, however, underlying pathways remain controversial. We aim to investigate sex-gender differences in COVID-19 in a large US-based cohort, namely COVID-19 Research Database. More specifically, the objectives are to explore the socio-economic characteristics of COVID-19 male and female patients and to examine potential sex differences in lifestyle factors and disease comorbidities among diagnosed patients. This is a retrospective cohort study contrasting male vs. female patients with test-confirmed COVID-19. The study used Healthjump electronic medical records (e.g., demographics, encounters, medical history, and vitals) extracted from January 2020 to December 2021 (N = 62,310). Significant sociodemographic and comorbidity differences were observed between males and females (p < 0.05). For example, a significantly higher proportion of males (vs. females) were aged ≥70-year-old (17.04 vs. 15.01%) and smokers (11.04 vs. 9.24%, p < 0.0001). In addition, multiple logistic regression showed that hypertension and diabetes were significantly more frequent in males [adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 66.19 and ORa = 22.90]. Understanding the differences in outcomes between male and female patients will inform gender equity responsive approach to COVID-19 and enhance the effectiveness of clinical practice, health policy and interventions.

Lifestyle Factors Impact on Breath Hydrogen and Gastrointestinal Symptoms After Consumption of Gluten and Inulin in Adults With and Without IBS

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationships and differences in lifestyle factors including anxiety level, physical activity, diet, and sleep on breath hydrogen and gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with and without IBS after consumption of gluten and Inulin.MethodsA double-blind, randomized, controlled crossover design was conducted with 24 non-IBS and 14 IBS participants. Fasted participants consumed a control low FODMAP smoothie and treatment smoothies that consisted of the low FODMAP base and gluten (5g) or inulin (5g). Breath hydrogen was measured at Baseline, 1, 2, and 3 hours. GI symptoms were measured at baseline, .5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 12, and 24 hours. The STICSA and IPAQ-SF measured state and trait anxiety and physical activity (minutes and METS) during each treatment. The NCI Dietary Screener and PSQI surveys measured dietary intake and sleep at one time point as they assess behavior for the past 30 days. Independent t-tests were used to analyze dietary intake and sleep variables between the non-IBS and IBS groups. Spearman rho and multiple repeated ANOVA and Simple-Effect tests were used to analyze variables based on treatments. Significance was set at p < .05.ResultsDietary variables, physical activity minutes and METS, and sleep did not correlate to breath hydrogen or GI symptoms for any treatment (p > .05). There were no differences between non-IBS and IBS groups in any diet variable including fruits, vegetables, fiber, dairy, added sugar, whole grains, or sleep (p > .05). There were no differences in state-somatic, state-cognitive, state-total, trait-somatic, trait-cognitive, or trait-total in either treatment or non-IBS and IBS groups (p > .05), except for the inulin treatment saw a difference in state-cognitive between non-IBS and IBS groups (MD = 4.071; p = .043) with the IBS group having more state cognitive anxiety during the inulin treatment. However, state-cognitive anxiety was not related to breath hydrogen or GI symptoms for the inulin treatment (p > .05).ConclusionsIn this sample of individuals with and without IBS, lifestyle factors such as dietary intake, physical activity, anxiety, and sleep did not differ significantly between groups nor was related to breath hydrogen levels or GI symptoms. Lifestyle factors may not play a large role in the development of GI symptoms.Funding SourcesCSBSJU Undergraduate Research Grant.

Adherence to the healthy lifestyle guideline in relation to the metabolic syndrome: Analyses from the 2013 and 2018 Indonesian national health surveys

In this study, we aimed to investigate differences in lifestyle factors and prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the Indonesian population between 2013 and 2018. In addition, we investigated whether adherence to the 2015-released national healthy lifestyle guideline (‘GERMAS’) is associated with MetS in different sex, age, urban/rural, and BMI categories. We performed cross-sectional analyses in individuals aged >15 of the 2013 (n = 34,274) and 2018 (n = 33,786) Indonesian National Health Surveys. A stratified, multi-stage, systematic random sampling design and the probability proportional to size method were used to select households in the 34 provinces across the country. MetS was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement Criteria, and adherence to ‘GERMAS’ guideline was defined as fulfilling the national healthy lifestyle recommendations of ≥150 min/week physical activity (PA), ≥5 portions/day fruit and vegetable (FV), no smoking (NS), and no alcohol consumption (NA). We examined the associations of each lifestyle factor with MetS using logistic regression categorised by sex, age groups, urban/rural, and BMI, and adjusted for sociodemographic factors. We observed that men who adhered to the guideline had lower odds ratio of MetS [OR(95%CI) associated with PA: 0.85(0.75–0.97); NA: 0.75(0.56–1.00)] than non-adherent men. Middle-aged adults who adhered to the guideline had lower OR of MetS [PA: 0.85(0.72–1.01); FV: 0.78(0.62–0.99); NA: 0.66(0.46–0.93)] than non-adherent adults <45 years. The adherent urban population had lower OR of MetS [FV: 0.85(0.67–1.07); NA: 0.74(0.52–1.07)] than the non-adherent urban population. Those with overweight or obesity who adhered to the guideline had relatively lower odds of MetS than those who did not. In conclusion, in this nationally representative study, adherence to the ‘GERMAS’ guideline may confer cardiometabolic health benefits to several groups of the Indonesian population, particularly men, middle-aged, those with overweight and obesity, and potentially urban population.

Major research advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 2021

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disorder with a large spectrum of clinical presentations. Complex interactions of gene and environmental factors can modify disease risk and phenotype. As an example of this interplay, Henk-Jen Westeneng and colleagues 1 Westeneng HJ van Veenhuijzen K van der Spek RA et al. Associations between lifestyle and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis stratified by C9orf72 genotype: a longitudinal, population-based, case-control study. Lancet Neurol. 2021; 20: 373-384 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar showed that lifestyle factors in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, compared with population-based controls matched for age and sex, differed long before disease onset. Additionally, these authors noted differences in lifestyle factors between familial cases carrying repeat expansions in the C9orf72 gene, the most common amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-causing mutation, and sporadic cases.

Characterization of Lifestyle in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 and Association with Disease Severity.

Lifestyle could influence the course of hereditary ataxias, but representative data are missing. The objective of this study was to characterize lifestyle in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) and investigate possible associations with disease parameters. In a prospective cohort study, data on smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, physiotherapy, and body mass index (BMI) were collected from 243 patients with SCA3 and 119 controls and tested for associations with age of onset, disease severity, and progression. Compared with controls, patients with SCA3 were less active and consumed less alcohol. Less physical activity and alcohol abstinence were associated with more severe disease, but not with progression rates or age of onset. Smoking, BMI, or physiotherapy did not correlate with disease parameters. Differences in lifestyle factors of patients with SCA3 and controls as well as associations of lifestyle factors with disease severity are likely driven by the influence of symptoms on behavior. No association between lifestyle and disease progression was detected. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Differences in lifestyle factors based on latent class analysis cognitive profiles in non‐demented older adults

AbstractBackgroundModifiable lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity are associated with cognitive function in aging adults. However, less is known regarding the intersection between lifestyle factors and cognitive heterogeneity in this same population. Understanding the types of dietary and physical activity patterns that are associated with differing cognitive profiles in normal aging could provide clinically meaningful data to promote cognitive health. Therefore, we characterized cognitive subgroups within a community‐dwelling sample of non‐demented, non‐depressed older adults and examined whether resulting cognitive subgroups differed on dietary and physical activity measures.Method121 non‐demented, non‐depressed participants (M age=67.69; 49.6% female; 60% minority; MMSE=28.62) completed a neuropsychological evaluation. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) utilizing six cognitive scores (CVLT Delayed Free Recall &amp; Recognition Discriminability, ‘Animal’ and Letter Fluency, Letter‐Number Sequencing, &amp; Boston Naming) revealed 4 cognitive subgroups with 1) high‐normal cognition (50.4%); 2) normal cognition (25.6%); 3) poor memory (15.7%); and 4) poor executive functioning (8.3%). A subset of participants completed the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire and CHAMPS Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Adults (n=96), and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (n=89). Weekly sedentary behavior and weekly moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) total scores and a FFQ‐derived Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) score were calculated according to published criteria. Differences between the four cognitive subgroups and these lifestyle variables were examined using ANCOVA adjusting for age, sex, race, word reading, depressive symptoms, and body mass index.ResultThere was a significant difference between cognitive subgroups (p=.016) for MedDiet consumption. Post‐hoc analyses revealed participants with high‐normal cognition had higher MedDiet scores than those with normal cognition (p=.001). There were no significant differences between cognitive subgroups for sedentary behavior (p=.695) or MVPA (p=.731) scores.ConclusionLCA‐defined cognitive subgroups within non‐demented, non‐depressed older adults showed group differences in MedDiet consumption (participants with high‐normal cognition greater than those with normal cognition). No group differences were seen with sedentary behavior or physical activity. When choosing ‘one thing’ to advise non‐demented, non‐depressed older adults about maintaining cognitive health, adherence to a MedDiet may mean the difference between good, better, and best cognitive aging.

Associations between Diet, the Gut Microbiome, and Short-Chain Fatty Acid Production among Older Caribbean Latino Adults

BackgroundCaribbean Latino adults have disproportionately high prevalence of chronic disease; however, underlying mechanisms are unknown. Unique gut microbiome profiles and relation to dietary quality may underlie health disparities. ObjectivesTo examine the dietary quality of an underrepresented group of Caribbean Latino older adults with high prevalence of chronic disease; characterize gut microbiome profiles in this cohort; determine associations between dietary quality, gut microbiome composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production; examine associations of clinical factors (body mass index, type 2 diabetes [T2D] status, and laxative use) with gut microbiome composition. DesignThe study design was cross-sectional. Participants/settingRecruitment and interviews occurred at the Senior Center in Lawrence, MA, from September 2016-September 2017. A total of 20 adults aged ≥50 years, self-identified of Caribbean Latino origin, without use of antibiotics in 6 months or intestinal surgery were included in the study. Exposure and outcome measuresDiet was assessed by two, 24-hour recalls and dietary quality was calculated using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 and the Mediterranean Diet Score. The gut microbiome was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and fecal SCFA content. Anthropometrics (ie, weight and height) were measured by a trained interviewer, and self-reported laxative use, and other self-report health outcomes (ie, T2D status) were assessed by questionnaire. Statistical analysesFaith Phylogenetic Diversity (alpha diversity) and unique fraction metric, or UniFrac (beta diversity) and nonphylogenetic metrics, including Shannon diversity index (alpha diversity) were calculated. Spearman correlations and group comparisons using Kruskal-Wallis test between alpha diversity indexes and nutrient intakes were calculated. Patterns in the microbiome were estimated using a partitioning around medoids with estimation of number of clusters, with optimum average silhouette width. Log odds were calculated to compare predefined nutrients and diet score components between microbiome clusters using multivariable logistic regression, controlling for age and sex. Pearson correlation was used to relate SCFA fecal content to individual nutrients and diet indexes. Final models were additionally adjusted for laxative use. Differences in lifestyle factors by gut microbiome cluster were tested by Fisher's exact test. ResultsGenerally, there was poor alignment of participant’s diets to either the Mediterranean Diet score or Healthy Eating Index 2015. Range in the Healthy Eating Index 2015 was 36 to 90, where only 5% (n=1) of the sample showed high adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Mediterranean Diet scores suggested low conformance with a Mediterranean eating pattern (score range=2 to 8, where 45% scored ≤3 [poor adherence]). The gut microbiome separated into two clusters by difference in a single bacterial taxon: Prevotella copri (P copri) (permutational multivariate analysis of variance [PERMANOVA] R2=0.576, ADONIS function P=0.001). Significantly lower P copri abundance was observed in cluster 1 compared with cluster 2 (Mann-Whitney P<0.0001). Samples in the P copri dominated cluster 2 showed significantly lower alpha diversity compared with P copri depleted cluster 1 (Shannon diversity index P=0.01). Individuals in the P copri dominated cluster showed a trend toward higher 18:3 α-linolenic fatty acid intakes (P=0.09). Percentage of energy from total fat intake was significantly, positively correlated with fecal acetate (r=0.46; P=0.04), butyrate (r=0.50; P=0.03) and propionate (r=0.52; P=0.02). Associations between dietary intake and composition of the gut microbiome were attenuated by self-report recent laxative use. Individuals with T2D exhibited a significantly greater abundance of the Enterobacteriales (P=0.01) and a trend toward lower fecal content of butyric acid compared to subjects without T2D (P=0.08). Significant beta diversity differences were observed by weight (Mantel P<0.003) and body mass index (Mantel P<0.07). ConclusionsTwo unique microbiome profiles, identified by abundance of P copri, were identified among Caribbean Latino adults. Microbiome profiles and SCFA content were associated with diet, T2D, and lifestyle. Further research is needed to determine the role of P copri and SCFA production in the risk for chronic disease and associated lifestyle predictors.

Lifestyle Factors and Other Influences on Medical Students Choosing a Career in Emergency Medicine.

The purpose of this study was to determine which lifestyle factors influence medical students who choose a career in emergency medicine (EM). Final-year medical students from 10 medical schools were surveyed after the National Residency Match Program match but prior to graduation regarding preferred medical specialty and lifestyle preferences. Responses from students pursuing EM regarding importance of lifestyle factors were compared to students interested in other specialties. A total of 453 of 1,575 invited medical students completed an electronic survey. EM was the third most preferred specialty. Students selecting EM were less likely to endorse "having control of work schedule" as being important (p<0.005), but more likely to endorse "having time off work" as important (p<0.05). When students were asked what specific factors were important in choosing a specialty, EM students differed from other students in the importance of flexible work schedule, time outside of work, and balance between work and personal life (p<0.001). Fewer EM students endorsed that having a "low-stress work day" was an important consideration in their specialty choice (p<0.001). In this study representing 10 medical schools, graduating medical students who prefer EM as opposed to other specialties exhibit differences in lifestyle factors deemed important when choosing a specialty as a physician. Further investigation regarding any potential link to these factors and career longevity is warranted.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a musculoskeletal disease with a common genetic trait which responds to strength training: a translational intervention study.

Background:Clinical evidence suggests that body muscle mass is positively associated with bone mass, of significance for the elderly population at risk of osteoporosis (OP). Furthermore, muscle and bone interact mechanically and functionally, via local interactions as well as remotely via secreted components. Thus, it was of interest to compare muscle transcriptomes in postmenopausal OP and healthy women, and study effects of strength training on the muscle transcriptome, muscle stress proteins and bone mineral density (BMD).Methods:Skeletal muscle histological and genetic properties were compared in postmenopausal healthy (n = 18) and OP (n = 17) women before and after heavy-load strength training for 13–15 weeks. The cohorts were of similar age and body mass index without interfering diseases, medication or difference in lifestyle factors. Muscle biopsies obtained before and after intervention were studied histologically, and stress proteins and transcriptomes analyzed.Results:The OP women showed distinct muscle transcription profiles when compared with healthy women and had higher levels of the stress proteins HSP70 and α-β-crystalline. A set of 12 muscle transcripts, including ACSS3, FZD4, GNAI1 and IGF1, were differentially expressed before and after intervention (false discovery rate ⩽0.10, p ⩽0.001), and their corresponding bone transcripts were associated with BMD. Experimental data underline and describe the functionality of these genes in bone biology. OP women had 8% (p <0.01) higher proportion of type I fibres, but muscle fibre cross-sectional area did not differ. Muscle strength increased in both groups (p <0.01).Conclusions:Postmenopausal healthy and OP women have distinct muscle transcriptomes [messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) and microRNAs] that are modulated by strength training, translating into key protein alterations and muscle fibre changes. The function of common skeletal muscle and bone genes in postmenopausal OP is suggestive of a shared disease trait.

Factors Influencing a Medical Student's Decision to Pursue Surgery as a Career.

Recent match trends from the National Resident Matching Program suggest that the number of allopathic medical students (MD) pursuing general surgery is declining. This decline may have profound consequences given the surgeon shortage predicted by the Association of American Medical Colleges. Early exposure to surgery opportunities may increase a student's desire to pursue the specialty as a career. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect surgical activities have on promoting student interest in surgery. Medical students (years 1-3) at the University of Illinois at Rockford completed a two-component activity: a questionnaire and laparoscopic box activity. Differences in lifestyle factors, psychomotor aptitude, and future career interests were compared. A total of 64 medical students completed the activity. 45.3% of students reported that the activity positively influenced their decision to pursue a career in surgery. Rating of the importance of living in a rural versus urban community was an important lifestyle factor (p = 0.01) for students without rather than with an interest in surgery, 3.95 and 3.19, respectively. No differences were observed in other lifestyle factors. Early exposure to surgical activities may foster interest in students who lacked previous intention to pursue the specialty.

Effect of age and sex on the level of DNA strand breaks and oxidatively damaged DNA in human blood cells

DNA damage measured by the comet assay is a well-established biomarker in studies on environmental and occupational exposures, dietary factors and clinical outcomes. Age and sex are typically regarded as confounding factors that are controlled by either selective inclusion criteria of subjects or adjustment in the statistical analysis. This review assesses the influence of age and sex on levels of DNA damage in leukocytes in study populations of healthy subjects. Analysis of unadjusted results in the studies indicates that the level of DNA strand breaks increases by 1% per year (95% CI: 0.9%–1.1%, linear regression analysis weighted for the number of subjects in the individual studies). The studies also show a slightly higher level of DNA strand breaks in men than women (8%, 95% CI: 0.4%–17%) in unadjusted analyses, which is not robust in studies with adjusted analyses. The attenuation of effect in adjusted analyses of DNA strand breaks in leukocytes indicates that the effect of age and sex may be driven by differences in lifestyle factors or other exposures. There do not appear to be differences related to age and sex on basal levels of oxidatively damaged DNA in leukocytes. In summary, the results indicate influences of both age and sex on DNA damage in the comet assay, which may be mediated by lifestyle factors or external exposures rather than direct effects of age and sex.

The relationship between SF-6D utility scores and lifestyle factors across three life stages: evidence from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health.

To investigate how SF-6D utility scores change with age between generations of women and to quantify the relationship of SF-6D with lifestyle factors across life stages. Up to seven waves of self-reported, longitudinal data were drawn for the 1973-1978 (young, N = 13772), 1946-1951 (mid-age, N = 12792), 1921-1926 (older, N = 9972) cohorts from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Mixed effects models were employed for analysis. Young and mid-age women had similar average SF-6D scores at baseline (0.63-0.64), which remained consistent over the 16-year period. However, older women had lower scores at baseline at 0.57 which steadily declined over 15years. Across cohorts, low education attainment, greater difficulty in managing income, obesity, physical inactivity, heavy smoking, no alcohol consumption, and increasing stress levels were associated with lower SF-6D scores. The magnitude of effect varied between cohorts. SF-6D scores were lower amongst young women with high-risk drinking behaviours than low-risk drinkers. Mid-age women, who were underweight, never married, or underwent surgical menopause also reported lower SF-6D scores. Older women who lived in remote areas, who were ex-smokers, or were underweight, reported lower SF-6D scores. The SF-6D utility score is sensitive to differences in lifestyle factors across adult life stages. Gradual loss of physical functioning may explain the steady decline in health for older women. Key factors associated with SF-6D include physical activity, body mass index, menopause status, smoking, alcohol use, and stress. Factors associated with poorer SF-6D scores vary in type and magnitude at different life stages.

Abstract B72: Does prostate cancer risk vary by race after accounting for lifestyle factors in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study

Abstract Introduction: There are considerable differences in prostate cancer rates among white, black and Asian men, yet the underlying reasons for these differences are unknown. Our objectives were to study the association between race/ethnicity and prostate cancer risk, including aggressive cancer, accounting for differences in lifestyle factors and screening in a socioeconomically homogeneous population of US men. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective analysis using the Health Professionals Follow-up study (HPFS), a prospective cohort of 46,108 men that began in 1986 with follow-up through 2012. These men were followed-up through biennial questionnaires that collected lifestyle, medical history and demographic data. After 26 years of follow up, 6,072 new cases of prostate cancer were identified. We used Cox proportional hazards models to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between race/ethnicity and prostate cancer risk adjusting for potential confounders and PSA screening history. Results: At baseline in 1986, there were 44,795 Caucasian men, 470 black men and 834 Asian men. Black men had a significantly higher risk of overall prostate cancer (HR=1.38, 95% CI= 1.10 to 1.72) while Asian men had a lower risk (HR=0.73, 95% CI=0.58 to 0.92) compared to white men. These associations were independent of PSA testing history and family history. There was a suggestion of an increased risk of lethal and high-Gleason grade disease for both black (Lethal: HR=1.24, 95% CI= 0.68 to 2.28; High-grade: HR=1.12, 95% CI=0.58 to 2.18) and Asian men (Lethal: HR=1.29, 95% CI=0.75 to 2.23; High-grade: HR=1.43, 95% CI=0.86 to 2.37), compared to Caucasian men, despite the lower risk for overall prostate cancer among Asians. The positive associations with lethal cancer were even more striking in the era before PSA screening was common (before 1994). Conclusion: The increased incidence of prostate cancer overall among black men and reduced incidence in Asian men cannot be explained by differences in PSA testing, family history or other lifestyle factors. Citation Format: Nadine M. Hamieh, Sarah Markt, Sam Peisch, Edward Giovannucci, Kathryn Wilson, Lorelei Mucci. Does prostate cancer risk vary by race after accounting for lifestyle factors in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Ninth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2016 Sep 25-28; Fort Lauderdale, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2017;26(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B72.

Gender and Age Differences in Lifestyle Factors and Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; A Case-Control Study in Japan

Gender and Age Differences in Lifestyle Factors and Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis; A Case-Control Study in Japan