Family Lifestyle Research Articles

Thyroid dysfunction and breast cancer risk among women in the UK Biobank cohort.

This study aimed to evaluate the association between thyroid dysfunction and breast cancer risk. We included 239,436 females of the UK Biobank cohort. Information on thyroid dysfunction, personal and family medical history, medications, reproductive factors, lifestyle, and socioeconomic characteristics was retrieved from baseline self‐reported data and hospital inpatient databases. Breast cancer diagnoses were identified through population‐based registries. We computed Cox models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of breast cancer incidence for thyroid dysfunction diagnosis and treatments, and examined potential confounding and effect modification by comorbidities and breast cancer risk factors. In our study, 3,227 (1.3%) and 20,762 (8.7%) women had hyper‐ and hypothyroidism prior to the baseline. During a median follow‐up of 7.1 years, 5,326 (2.2%) women developed breast cancer. Compared to no thyroid dysfunction, there was no association between hypothyroidism and breast cancer risk overall (HR = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84–1.02, 442 cases), but we found a decreased risk more than 10 years after hypothyroidism diagnosis (HR=0.85, 95%CI 0.74–0.97, 226 cases). There was no association with hyperthyroidism overall (HR=1.08, 95%CI 0.86–1.35, 79 cases) but breast cancer risk was elevated among women with treated hyperthyroidism (HR=1.38, 95%CI: 1.03–1.86, 44 cases) or aged 60 years or more at hyperthyroidism diagnosis (HR=1.74, 95%CI: 1.01–3.00, 113 cases), and 5–10 years after hyperthyroidism diagnosis (HR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.06–2.33, 25 cases). In conclusion, breast cancer risk was reduced long after hypothyroidism diagnosis, but increased among women with treated hyperthyroidism. Future studies are needed to determine whether the higher breast cancer risk observed among treated hyperthyroidism could be explained by hyperthyroidism severity, type of treatment or aetiology.

The potential contribution of bloggers to change lifestyle and reduce plastic use and pollution: A small data approach

Awareness raising and public engagement are key steps towards the reduction of demand, use and pollution related to plastic in everyday life. However, people not already active in this respect, nor seeking information about, may remain excluded from the main information flow. We therefore involved a professional blogger-posting on family lifestyle and travel with children- in the preparation of six thematic posts, each one dealing with a specific plastic-related topic. Given the size and the target of the initiative, results were considered in a small data approach: social-media parameters such as reaches and engagements overall aligned with blog followers' expected response in terms of engagement rates. However, high fluctuations were recorded, depending on the post topic. Such potential to reach blog readers and to highlight gaps at fine scale is encouraging the collaborations of professional bloggers with thematic campaigns, developed together with specialists of the topics considered.

Abstract P034: Family Lifestyles And Home Environments Associated With Youth Cardiovascular Health: The Multidimensional Assessment Of Preschoolers Study

Introduction: The importance of healthy family lifestyles and home environments (e.g. environments that support healthy choices for food, physical activity, and sleep) on health behaviors and obesity risks are well-recognized. Less is known about the association of family factors with cardiovascular health (CVH) in youth. We examined the cross-sectional association of family factors (reported by youth and their parents) with youths’ CVH. Methods: Analyses included data from the Multidimensional Assessment of Preschoolers Study. Parents and youth (11.3± 0.7 years old) reported the frequency of ten family factors (e.g. breakfast intake, monitoring of screen time, etc.). The outcome was a 10-point score of youths’ CVH that included 5 CVH metrics (diet, physical activity, smoking, BMI, and blood pressure) summed using the AHA criteria. Pearson correlations were used to compare youth and parents’ reports of family factors and adjusted multivariable linear regression models to examine the association of both reports with youths’ CVH scores. Results: Study included 177 parent-youth dyads, and 22% of youth had ideal, 74% intermediate, and 5% poor CVH. Correlations between parents and youths’ reports of family factors were moderate. Based on parents’ reports, support of healthy beverage choices (i.e. limit sweet and soda beverages and support low fat dairy intake) associated with youths’ CVH scores (β= -0.10, p<0.01). The association of family’ support of youths’ physical activity (i.e. encourage youth's physical activity during leisure time and support enrollment in organized sports/activities) with youths’ CVH scores was nearly significant based on parents’ reports (β= 0.04, p=0.055) and significant based on youths’ reports (β= 0.05, p=0.04). Youths’ CVH scores were not associated with other family factors. Conclusion: Youths’ CVH scores were associated with healthy beverage choices and family support of youths’ physical activity, but not other family factors. These important family factors require further research.

A review of the challenges facing people with hearing loss during the COVID-19 outbreak: toward the understanding the helpful solutions

Background and Aim: COVID-19 is a pandemic infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus has made dramatic changes in people's individual, family, and social lifestyle. Most countries have implemented some regulations including wearing face masks, face shields, and gloves and physical, and social distance in public places to reduce the spread of the virus. However, these global recommendations may be associated with significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges for hearing-impaired people. This review explains the problems that hearingimpaired people may experience in the COVID19 outbreak and also some helpful solutions that can be implemented by audiologists, healthcare professionals, and other members of the society that somehow interact with these people in such conditions that communication barriers increase. Recent Findings: Recent findings indicate that wearing face masks, physical, and social distancing, e-learning and virtual communications during COVID-19 pandemic have provided some problems for people with hearing loss. This can, in turn, have negative consequences including increased feelings of loneliness, isolation and also some limitations in access to educational materials and rehabilitation training of lockdowns of schools and rehabilitation centers or some challenges of online learning at home. Conclusion: People with hearing loss may experience problems during COVID-19 pandemic. There are some strategies that can be implemented to partially solve some communicative and social problems in this group. The use of transparent face masks, compensatory strategies, as well as optimization of virtual, and telehealth, telerehabilitation and tele-education services can be helpful for hearing-impaired people during this pandemic era. Keywords: COVID-19; face mask; social distancing; hearing-impaired people; communication; compensatory strategies

Cost-effectiveness of risk-based breast cancer screening: A systematic review.

To analyse published evidence on the economic evaluation of risk-based screening (RBS), a full systematic literature review was conducted. After a quality appraisal, we compared the cost-effectiveness of risk-based strategies (low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk) with no screening and age-based screening. Studies were also analysed for modelling, risk stratification methods, input parameters, data sources and harms and benefits. The 10 modelling papers analysed were based on screening performance of film-based mammography (FBM) (three); digital mammography (DM) and FBM (two); DM alone (three); DM, ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (one) and DM and US (one). Seven studies did not include the cost of risk-stratification, and one did not consider the cost of diagnosis. Disutility was incorporated in only six studies (one for screening and five for diagnosis). None of the studies reported disutility of risk-stratification (being considered as high-risk). Risk-stratification methods varied from only breast density (BD) to the combination of familial risk, genetic susceptibility, lifestyle, previous biopsies, Jewish ancestry and reproductive history. Less or no screening in low-risk women and more frequent mammography screening in high-risk women was more cost-effective compared to no screening and age-based screening. High-risk women screened annually yielded a higher mortality rate reduction and more quality-adjusted life years at the expense of higher cost and false positives. RBS can be cost effective compared to the alternatives. However, heterogeneity among risk-stratification methods, input parameters, and weaknesses in the methodologies hinder the derivation of robust conclusions. Therefore, further studies are warranted to assess newer technologies and innovative risk-stratification methods.

Ethnodemographic Information As A Source In Population Censes (On The Example Of Uzbekistan)

This article analyzes ethno-demographic data, their study and, in turn, is based on population censuses. Historical aspects of ethno-demographic data in population censuses are presented. The analysis of family data in the censuses reflects the historical context of the family's lifestyle and social status, while also focusing on the ethnic composition of the population. An independent final opinion on the topic is given.

Cardiovascular risk in an adolescent population of Timbío, Colombia

<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide and the scientific evidence suggests that they have an origin at early ages, so reducing from adolescence the risks that contribute to their appearance is indispensable. <strong>Objective</strong>: To determine cardiovascular risk in the adolescent population of an educational institution in Timbío, Cauca, 2015 - 2016. <strong>Methodology</strong>: Quantitative, descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study. Sample: 100 students (47 females, 53 males), aged 10 to 19 years. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, biological, biochemical (glycemia), personal and family history, lifestyles and oral contraceptive use variables were evaluated. <strong>Results</strong>: A higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk was found in the adolescent age group (15-18 years) with 84.6%; the female gender presented a greater possibility of having cardiovascular risk (OR: 2.8, 95% CI 1.17 - 6.87); 7% reported regular tobacco use and 12% were passive smokers. The presence of unhealthy eating habits generated a higher cardiovascular risk (OR: 5.57, 95% CI 1.95-15.90). 67% (n= 67) have cardiovascular risk. <strong>Conclusions</strong>: Female gender, adolescent group (15-18 years), consumption of alcoholic beverages and unhealthy eating habits are associated with a higher possibility of having cardiovascular risk. Cardiovascular risk was found in a large percentage of the study population.</p>

Parent Experiences With Electronic Medication Monitoring in Pediatric Asthma Management: Qualitative Study.

BackgroundElectronic medication monitoring (EMM) is a digital tool that can be used for tracking daily medication use. Previous studies of EMM in asthma management have been conducted in adults or have examined pediatric interventions that use EMM for less than 1 year. To understand how to improve EMM-enhanced interventions, it is necessary to explore the experiences of parents of children with asthma, recruited from outpatient practices, who completed a 12-month intervention trial.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to use qualitative inquiry to answer the following questions: (1) how did using an EMM-enhanced intervention change parents'/caregivers’ experiences of managing their child’s asthma, and (2) what do parents recommend for improving the intervention in the future?MethodsParents were recruited from the intervention arm of a multicomponent health intervention enhanced by Bluetooth-enabled sensors placed on inhaler medications. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 parents of children aged 4-12 years with asthma. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and inductively analyzed using a constant comparative approach.ResultsInterview participants reflected an even mix of publicly and privately insured children and a diverse racial-ethnic demographic. Parents discussed 6 key themes related to their experience with the EMM-enhanced intervention for the management of their child's asthma: (1) compatibility with the family's lifestyle, (2) impact on asthma management, (3) impact on the child’s health, (4) emotional impact of the intervention, (5) child’s engagement in asthma management with the intervention, and (6) recommendations for future intervention design. Overall, parents reported that the 12-month EMM intervention was compatible with their daily lives, positively influenced their preventive and acute asthma management, and promoted their child's engagement in their own asthma management. While parents found the intervention acceptable and generally favorable, some parents identified compatibility issues for families with multiple caregivers and frustration when the technology malfunctioned.ConclusionsParents generally viewed the intervention as a positive influence on the management of their child's asthma. However, our study also highlighted technology challenges related to having multiple caregivers, which will need to be addressed in future iterations for families. Attention must be paid to the needs of parents from low socioeconomic households, who may have more limited access to reliable internet or depend on other relatives for childcare. Understanding these family factors will help refine how a digital tool can be adopted into daily disease management of pediatric asthma.

PAGYVENUSIO AMŽIAUS MOTERŲ SAVIJAUTAI ĮTAKOS TURINTYS VEIKSNIAI

A changing socio-economic situation, constant stress at work and in personal life, receding retirement age and increasing tension in the world in general highly influence well-being of people. Secondary analysis of literary sources revealed that well-being of elderly women was impacted by the following factors: low social and economic status; stress caused by physical or psychological load at work, unfavourable interaction between work and family, genetic and biological factors, women’s participation in the system of health care, influence of family circumstances, lifestyle and personal self-expression. The narrative research (a narration created on the ground of the life stories of five women) does not contradict the factors found in the scientific study, but rather complements them, it is revealed in new aspects, with a different content. The interaction of the factors is emphasised.

Barriers to a healthy postpartum lifestyle and the possibilities of an information technology-based intervention: A qualitative study

Being overweight or obese is associated with higher risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including gestational diabetes and childhood obesity. Many women exceed the gestational weight gain recommendations. Thus, it is important to focus on the women's lifestyle between their pregnancies to lower the risk of weight retention before the next pregnancy as well as in a life course perspective. The objective of this study was to explore barriers postpartum women experience with respect to a healthy lifestyle during the postpartum period, and to assess whether an IT-based intervention might be a supportive tool to assist and motivate postpartum women to healthy lifestyle. A systematic text condensation was applied to semi-structured focus groups. Five focus group interviews were carried out with a total of 17 postpartum women and two interviews with a total of six health professionals. Participants were recruited through the municipality in Svendborg, Denmark, and at Odense University Hospital in Odense, Denmark, during a four-month period in early 2018. The results were analysed within the frame of the capability, opportunity, motivation and behaviour model (COM-B). From the women's perspective, better assistance is needed from the health professionals to obtain or maintain a healthy lifestyle. The women need tools that inform and help them understand and prioritize own health related risks, and to motivate them to plan and take care of their own health. There is room for engaging the partner more in the communication related to the baby and family's lifestyle. Lastly, the women already use audiobooks and podcasts to obtain information. Postpartum women need tools that inform and motivate for a healthy lifestyle postpartum. The tools should allow access to high quality information from health care professionals when the information is needed and also allow engagement from the partner. An IT-based intervention could be a way to support and motivate postpartum women for a healthy lifestyle.

Prevalence of early-onset androgenetic alopecia and its relationship with lifestyle and dietary habits.

Early-onset androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of alopecia in men under 30 years of age; however, its prevalence and non-genetic risk factors are not well documented. The aim of our study was to determine the early-onset AGA prevalence and to evaluate its relationship with lifestyle and dietary habits. This study was conducted on 1507 male university students aged 18-30 years. Students with AGA were grouped as mild and moderate-severe according to the Hamilton-Norwood classification. They were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding information about lifestyle and dietary habits including the Adolescent Food Habits Checklist (AFHC) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form. The prevalence of early-onset AGA was 19.2% in the students. Each year over the 18 years age, positive family history, unhealthy vegetable-fruit and red meat consumption, presence of a hair disease apart from AGA and smoking were associated with increased risk for early-onset AGA. The median score of AFHC was lower than those without early-onset AGA which reflects the unhealthy dietary habit. Students with moderate-severe AGA had a higher body mass index and waist circumference than those with mild AGA (P<0.05). In addition to family history, lifestyle and dietary habits have roles in early-onset AGA. Therefore, regulation of lifestyle and dietary habits may have a possible contribution in the prevention of early-onset AGA.

The dependence of the help of grandparents on the distance of household: on the example Russia, the United States, and Brazil

The key goals of this research consists in assessment and comparative analysis of the help of family in large postindustrial societies. For this purpose, the author carries out a cross-cultural comparative study of the frequency of family contacts in the three countries: Russia, the United States, and Brazil. Based on the 2019 online survey, the author collected quantitative data on the involvement of grandparents into upbringing process of their grandchildren in Russia (N=620), USA (N=308) and Brazil (N=603). In addition to the basic biosocial demographic parameters, the survey included two target questions on the frequency of communication between grandparents and grandchildren. Intensive migration processes and the resulting distance of households between the two generations in the indicated countries substantially reduces the traditional help of grandparents in upbringing the younger generation. The acquired data demonstrate the significant differences that take place in these three countries, and their correlation with the peculiarities of the family lifestyle in other countries. For example, the help of grandparents in Brazil is much lower than in Russia. Comprehensive analysis is also conducted on the factors that reduce the involvement of grandparents in upbringing of their grandchildren in Brazil. The decrease in the frequency of family contacts may be associated with the intensive urbanization processes unfolding in Brazil over the few recent decades. At the same time, the acquired data may reflect the in-depth processes of feminization of migration from less developed regions of the world to more economically prosperous countries. The analysis of the observed consequences of accelerated urbanization in Brazil is of applied importance for understanding the future prospects for the development of modern family.

The effects of age-related macular degeneration on quality of life in a Brazilian population

BackgroundTo evaluate the impact of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) on the quality of life (QoL) in a Brazilian population using The National Eye Institute-Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ-25).MethodsThis observational study included 462 participants from the Departments of Ophthalmology of the University of Campinas and Conderg-Divinolândia. The NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire and Rasch analysis were used to assess the vision-related quality of life (VRQoL). Patients with macular neovascularization were interviewed at enrollment and after three loading doses of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment.ResultsOne hundred thirty-three patients were excluded because they had another ophthalmic disease, for a total of 349 patients included in the study (177 in the AMD group, 172 in the control group; 56.4% were women; mean ± standard deviation age, 70.6 ± 9.5 years). Most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores were significantly lower in the AMD group compared with the control group. The Rasch-calibrated NEI-VFQ-25 median score in the visual-functioning component was 56.41 for the AMD group and 61.53 for the control group, a difference of ± 4.00 (P = 0.0001). Separate analyses of the sociodemographic and ocular characteristics showed that the NEI-VFQ-25 scores were affected mostly by family income, educational level, descent, diet (vegetables/fruits), physical activity, and visual acuity (VA). The longitudinal component assessed a different group of 48 patients with exudative disease treated with anti-VEGF drugs. The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution change in VA in treated eyes was a 0.16 decrease (P = 0.01). The mean change in the optical coherence tomography macular thickness was a 36.74-μm decrease (P = 0.012) from baseline to 4 months. The mean NEI-VFQ-25 scores improved significantly from baseline to follow-up at 4 months in almost all subscales.ConclusionsIn a Brazilian community, patients with AMD had a worse VRQoL than controls. The AMD severity and bilaterality were associated with decreased NEI-VFQ-25 scores. Higher family income, educational level, descent, and lifestyle significantly improved several subscales of the NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire. Treated patients with exudative AMD had improvements in the VA, macular thickness, and most NEI-VFQ-25 subscale scores.

The Role of Genetics, Epigenetics and Lifestyle in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Development: the State of the Art

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine-metabolic disease affecting about 20-25% of women in reproductive age. Different mechanisms could contribute to the development of its typical clinical features (i.e. hirsutism, acne, oligo-amenorrhea, alopecia). Some genetic and epigenetic aspects and lifestyle changes seem to be involved in PCOS development. In this review, we shall summarize data from principal studies evaluating the impact of major genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors on the appearance of this female disorder. Literature review and analysis of the most relevant data until May 2020. Current data suggest the importance of genetics and epigenetics in the appearance of PCOS. Several genes, including those related to adrenal and ovarian steroidogenesis as well as those associated with hormonal response to gonadotrophins, androgens and insulin, have been demonstrated to be associated with PCOS. Besides, the phenomenon of methylation of genes and the presence of specific microRNA (miRNA) could take part in PCOS aetiology. Intrauterine exposure to androgens, glucocorticoids and/or some stressful conditions for foetus could contribute to the development of PCOS and other disorders observed in adolescence and later (e.g. premature adrenarche, atypical puberty, metabolic syndrome). Emerging studies report a theoretical role of endocrine disruptors, intestinal dysbiosis and Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) in PCOS. PCOS is a polygenic and multifactorial hormonal and metabolic dysfunction. An appropriate knowledge of personal and/or family history, lifestyle and nutritional habits of PCOS patients has a great importance to early identify and manage this syndrome.

Religious community and family lifestyle. The concept of homo eligens in postmodernity

Religious community and family lifestyle. The concept of homo eligens in postmodernity

Positive Family Atopy, Family Lifestyle and Development of Allergy Diseases

Positive Family Atopy, Family Lifestyle and Development of Allergy Diseases

Factors that influence buying houses for consumers

This study aims to examine the influence of family, economic and lifestyle factors on consumer decisions. This research was conducted at the Royal Spring Housing, located in Gowa Regency. The population chosen is all home consumers at the Royal Spring Housing PT. Buana Sentosa Asri in Makassar. The number of samples is calculated using the Slovin formula, and the number of samples to be studied is 82 household samples and is determined by simple random sampling. Data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires to all respondents. The analysis tool uses multiple linear regression. The results of the study found that family factors, economic factors, and lifestyle have a positive and significant effect on consumer decisions

Promoting emotional wellness in children with cystic fibrosis, Part I: Child and family resilience.

Attention should be given to individual and family well-being from a child's first interaction with the medical team and continuing throughout development, especially for families who experience chronic illnesses, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). While much attention has been given to the mental health of people with CF 12 years and older, this paper explores various areas for CF teams to assess and provide additional resources during the first 12 years of a child's life to promote child and family wellness. In this paper, we discuss parental mental health, social determinants of health, adherence/self-care, nutrition, attention to family lifestyle factors, engagement with school and peers, and modulator therapy for this age group of people with CF. This is the first of two companion papers which examines emotional wellness of children during the early years. The second paper examines mental health assessment and intervention for children under 12. Both encourage teams to strive to promote optimal child and family emotional health and wellness, emphasizing holistic health promotion and prevention, early identification, and intervention.

Testing the feasibility of a sustainable preschool obesity prevention approach: a mixed-methods service evaluation of a volunteer-led HENRY programme

BackgroundOver the last 10 years HENRY has been working to reduce and prevent child obesity by training health and early years professionals to deliver its evidence-based programme to parents. The aim and unique contribution of this study was to evaluate whether training volunteers to deliver this programme on a one-to-one basis was feasible.MethodsMixed-methods service evaluation with parent-reported pre- and post-programme outcomes and focus groups conducted with parents and volunteer facilitators. The programme consisted of 8 one-to-one sessions delivered weekly by volunteers (n = 18) to build food and activity-related knowledge, skills, and understanding, and improve parenting efficacy, and parent and child eating and physical activity. Programmes took place at parent’s (n = 69) home or local community venues in four London boroughs, United Kingdom. Parent-reported parenting efficacy, emotional wellbeing, eating, and physical activity data were captured, alongside parent ratings of the programme and volunteer ratings of the training. Parent and volunteer focus groups explored involvement, expectations, and experiences of the programme, training and delivery, feedback, and impact.ResultsParents were mostly female, had varied ethnic backgrounds, and were often not working but well educated. There were statistically significant improvements of a medium-to-large size in parent and child emotional wellbeing, parenting efficacy, fruit and vegetable consumption, family eating and food purchasing behaviours. Parent ratings of the programme were positive and qualitative data highlighted the holistic nature of the programme, which focused on more than just food, and the relationships with volunteers as key facets. Volunteers were also mostly female, had varied ethnic backgrounds, and were often well educated, but more likely to be employed than parents. Volunteers rated the training and delivery as useful in enabling them to deliver the programme confidently and for their own wellbeing. Despite finding some sessions challenging emotionally, volunteers reported positive family lifestyle improvements by parents and children and that the experience would be useful for future employment.ConclusionsIt is feasible to recruit and train volunteers to deliver a structured preschool obesity prevention programme, which parents considered acceptable and enjoyable, with preliminary reports of parent and child benefits.

Factors That Influence Women to Be Involved in Entrepreneurship: A Case Study in Malaysia

Women’s entrepreneurship has been growing in recent years. Past studies have shown the push and pull factors influencing women entrepreneurship in general. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate how these factors influence women’s entrepreneurship in one district in Malaysia. Interviews conducted with five successful female entrepreneurs revealed positive kappa value for push factors as compared to pull factors. The push factors found are interconnected to the necessities which include unemployment, redundancy, financial condition, lack of family financial gain, discontentment with present-day job and the needs to fulfill accommodation of work and home roles. The push factors identified are family factor, opportunity to change family lifestyle and family background. This study also focuses on the full factors which influence women to become entrepreneurs. These factors are family support, family economic status, self-independence and the desire to own a business, which contributes to the start and the sustainability of their businesses was also found in this current study.