Health Of Diverse Populations Research Articles

How Moral Distress Contributes to Depression Varies by Gender in a Sample of Sub-Saharan African Nurses

Although research has shown that moral distress harms mental health in diverse populations, information on potential moderators of such associations is scarce. In a sample of sub-Saharan African nurses, we examined the link between moral distress and depressive symptoms. We explored for whom and when such relationships may hold with regard to gender, age, and work experience. Participants consisted of 398 nurses drawn from a tertiary healthcare institution in southeastern Nigeria. Data were collected using the Moral Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) for clinical nurses, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale Revised (CEDS-R). Hayes regression-based macro results for the moderation effects indicated that the association of high moral distress with increased depressive symptoms was robust for women but not significant for men. Although older age and higher years of nursing experience were associated with reduced symptoms of depression, nurses’ age and years of work experience did not moderate the relationship between moral distress and depressive symptoms. To promote mental well-being and preserve the integrity of nurses, gender-based differentials in how morals contribute depressive symptoms should be considered in policy and practice.

236 Association Between Gait Limitation and Alzheimer’s Disease: Comparison among Elderly in Puerto Rico and Mainland U.S.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: In 2022, 116,000 Puerto Ricans were estimated to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Gait limitation (GL) has been associated with different stages of AD. We study the GL-AD association in two elderly populations: Hispanics residing in PR and Americans in the mainland U.S., and identify the effects, and social determinants of health. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We propose a cross-sectional study involving data analysis from elderly (>65 years) Hispanics in PR and Americans in the U.S. Data will come from the National Alzheimer Coordinating Center (NACC) and a cohort of AD in PR. Our analysis will consider gait parameters, cognitive performance assessments, and AD stage (mild, moderate, and severe) as determined by the Alzheimer’s Association. We will examine social determinants of health and their association with GL and cognitive performance by AD. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Our analysis will evaluate data about GL and AD stages to 1) investigate the association between GL and the distinct stages of AD and 2) evaluate the effects of social determinants of health in the association between GL and AD. We seek to profoundly understand how these factors interact within elderly populations. This exploration encompasses a diverse demographic, including elderly individuals in the U.S. and PR. We seek to identify disparities in social determinants among elderly individuals experiencing GL and AD by comparing PR and US populations. Through this association analysis, our study aspires to offer insight into the connections between GL and AD while considering the effects of social determinants of health in diverse populations. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The prevalence of AD is higher among Hispanic populations (e.g., Puerto Ricans) in the USA when compared to other ethnic groups. Experiencing GL may affect their daily lives, leading to exacerbating AD stages. The findings from this study will contribute to possible interventions to improve their GL and AD progression.

Age and sex differences in microvascular responses during reactive hyperaemia.

Microvascular impairments are typical of several cardiovascular diseases. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with a vascular occlusion test provides non-invasive insights into microvascular responses by monitoring skeletal muscle oxygenation changes during reactive hyperaemia. Despite increasing interest in the effects of sex and ageing on microvascular responses, evidence remains inconsistent. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of sex and age on microvascular responsiveness. Twenty-seven participants (seven young men and seven young women; seven older men and six older women; aged 26±1, 26±4, 67±3 and 69±4years, respectively) completed a vascular occlusion test consisting of 5min of arterial occlusion followed by 5min reperfusion. Oxygenation changes in the vastus lateralis were monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy. The findings revealed that both women (referring to young and older women) and older participants (referring to both men and women) exhibited lower microvascular responsiveness. Notably, both women and older participants demonstrated reduced desaturation (-38% and -59%, respectively) and reperfusion rates (-24% and -40%, respectively) along with a narrower range of tissue oxygenation (-39% and -39%, respectively) and higher minimal tissue oxygenation levels (+34% and +21%, respectively). Women additionally displayed higher values in resting (+12%) and time-to-peak (+15%) tissue oxygenation levels. In conclusion, this study confirmed decreased microvascular responses in women and older individuals. These results emphasize the importance of considering sex and age when studying microvascular responses. Further research is needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance of these findings, enabling the development of tailored strategies for preserving vascular health in diverse populations.

Associations of dietary patterns and longitudinal brain-volume change in Japanese community-dwelling adults: results from the national institute for longevity sciences-longitudinal study of aging

BackgroundThe association of dietary patterns and longitudinal changes in brain volume has rarely been investigated in Japanese individuals. We prospectively investigated this association in middle-aged and older Japanese community-dwelling adults.MethodsData with a 2-year follow-up from the sixth wave (July 2008 to July 2010; baseline) to the seventh (July 2010 to July 2012; follow-up) of the National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging project were analyzed. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day dietary record, and longitudinal volume changes (%) in the total gray matter (TGM), total white matter, and frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal, and insular lobes were assessed using 3-dimensional T1 magnetic resonance imaging scans. Multiple factor analysis and hierarchical clustering revealed sex-specific dietary patterns. Associations between dietary patterns and annual brain-volume changes (%) were evaluated using general linear models adjusted for age, apoprotein E genotype, body mass index, medical history, lifestyle behaviors, socioeconomic factors, and energy intake.ResultsAmong the 1636 participants (age: 40.3–89.2 years), three dietary patterns were determined for men (n = 815; Western; Vegetable-Fruit-Dairy; and Traditional Japanese diets) and women (n = 821; Western; Grain-Vegetable-Fruit; and Traditional Japanese diets). Compared to women following the Western diet, those on the Traditional Japanese diet had less TGM atrophy. Multivariable-adjusted β (95% confidence interval) of the annual change (%) of TGM was − 0.145 (-0.287 to -0.002; P = 0.047), which correlated with reduced parietal lobe atrophy. No association between dietary pattern and brain atrophy was observed in men.ConclusionsAdherence to healthy dietary patterns, with higher consumption of whole grains, seafood, vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, soybean products, and green tea, potentially confers a protective effect against brain atrophy in middle-aged and older Japanese women but not in men. Further research to confirm these results and ascertain the underlying mechanisms is required. This study highlights the importance of sex-specific effects on the relationship between dietary patterns and brain health in diverse populations.

Empirical Study on the Impact of Different Types of Forest Environments in Wuyishan National Park on Public Physiological and Psychological Health

Amidst the challenges of global environmental change and urbanization, the salutary effects of natural environments on public health are increasingly being recognized. This study investigates the specific effects of varied forest environments in China’s Wuyishan National Park on physiological and psychological health. Eight distinct forest environments were carefully selected, and a repeated-measures ANOVA approach was used to evaluate 41 participants over three days. Physiological assessments included Heart Rate Variability, Skin Conductance Level, and surface Electromyography, complemented by psychological evaluations using the Profile of Mood States. The key findings include the following: (1) Notable variations in physiological indicators were observed among different forest types. In valley tea gardens and broadleaf forest streamside, significant changes in heart rate indicators highlighted the influence of these settings on autonomic nervous activities. Skin Conductance Level and surface Electromyography also indicated varying emotional arousal and pleasure across the forests. The mixed broadleaf and coniferous forest valley, along with the rock-bedded streamscape, elicited emotions of low arousal but high pleasure, inducing feelings of calmness and pleasure. The valley’s tea gardens were associated with low arousal and pleasure, suggesting tranquility without positive emotional induction, while the broadleaf ridge forest induced high arousal and pleasure, reflecting an exciting and joyful environment. (2) The study found that different forest environments had a notable impact on participants’ mood states, indicating reductions in tension, anger, fatigue, and depression, along with an increase in vigor levels. In summary, forest environments offer unique psychological and physiological health benefits compared to urban settings. These findings underscore the importance of integrating forest environments into urban development and public health frameworks, and the need to further explore their impact on the health of diverse populations.

Differences in carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity and carotid intima media thickness between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis are known risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Vegetarian diets have been associated with cardiovascular benefits, including improvements in metabolic parameters. However, the impact of a vegetarian diet on cardiovascular parameters, specifically arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis, in healthy individuals remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to analyze differences in arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis between vegetarian and omnivorous diets in healthy subjects. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following established guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies examining the association between vegetarian and omnivorous diets with arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis. Cross-sectional studies reporting carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWv) as a measure of arterial stiffness and carotid intima media thickness (c-IMT) as a measure of atherosclerosis were included. Data were synthesized using random effects models, and sensitivity analyses, meta-regressions, and assessment of publication bias were performed. Results: Ten studies were included in the systematic review, and seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated that individuals following a vegetarian diet had differences in the levels of arterial stiffness (cf-PWv) compared to those following an omnivorous diet (MD: -0.43 m s-1; 95% CI: -0.63, -0.23). Similarly, atherosclerosis (c-IMT) was found to be different in individuals adhering to a vegetarian dietary pattern (MD = -29.86 mm; 95% CI: -58.41, -1.32). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that a vegetarian diet is associated with improved arterial stiffness and reduced atherosclerosis in healthy individuals. These results support the inclusion of a well-balanced vegetarian dietary pattern in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases. However, further research is needed to explore the effects of a vegetarian diet on arterial health in diverse populations and to assess long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

Micronutrient Supplementation to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk

BackgroundHealthy dietary patterns are rich in micronutrients, but their influence on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks has not been systematically quantified. ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to provide a comprehensive and most up-to-date evidence-based map that systematically quantifies the impact of micronutrients on CVD outcomes. MethodsThis study comprised a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled intervention trials of micronutrients on CVD risk factors and clinical events. ResultsA total of 884 randomized controlled intervention trials evaluating 27 types of micronutrients among 883,627 participants (4,895,544 person-years) were identified. Supplementation with n-3 fatty acid, n-6 fatty acid, l-arginine, l-citrulline, folic acid, vitamin D, magnesium, zinc, α-lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, melatonin, catechin, curcumin, flavanol, genistein, and quercetin showed moderate- to high-quality evidence for reducing CVD risk factors. Specifically, n-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased CVD mortality (relative risk [RR]: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88-0.97), myocardial infarction (RR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.78-0.92), and coronary heart disease events (RR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80-0.93). Folic acid supplementation decreased stroke risk (RR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72-0.97), and coenzyme Q10 supplementation decreased all-cause mortality events (RR: 0.68; 95% CI: 0.49-0.94). Vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and selenium showed no effect on CVD or type 2 diabetes risk. β-carotene supplementation increased all-cause mortality (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.05-1.15), CVD mortality events (RR: 1.12; 95% CI: 1.06-1.18), and stroke risk (RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.01-1.17). ConclusionsSupplementation of some but not all micronutrients may benefit cardiometabolic health. This study highlights the importance of micronutrient diversity and the balance of benefits and risks to promote and maintain cardiovascular health in diverse populations. (Antioxidant Supplementation in the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases; CRD42022315165)

Mindfulness-based intervention in Chinese pregnant women with recurrent miscarriage: A non-randomized controlled study

ObjectivePregnant women with recurrent miscarriage have high rates of anxiety and depression. Mindfulness-based interventions have shown benefits in improving mental health in diverse populations; however, few studies have explored their efficacy in pregnant women with recurrent miscarriage, which was investigated in the present study. DesignA nonrandomized controlled study was carried out from August 2019 to November 2020. SettingThe study was conducted at a regional teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China that provides leading care for recurrent miscarriage. ParticipantsA total of 158 pregnant women with recurrent miscarriage were recruited and allocated to the intervention group (n = 79) or the control group (n = 79); 131 women completed the study. InterventionThe mindfulness-based intervention consisted of a 1-h education session and daily mindfulness exercises guided by audio recordings during hospitalization. Measurements and findingsStudy outcomes included perceived stress measured with the Perceived Stress Scale; symptoms of anxiety and depression measured with the Self-rating Anxiety Scale and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, respectively; and positive and negative affect measured with the Positive Affect and Negative Affect Scale – Revised, respectively. Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group showed significant decreases in perceived stress, depression symptoms, and negative affect and an increase in positive affect after the intervention. Anxiety increased significantly in the control group during the study but remained unchanged in the intervention group. Key conclusionsA mindfulness-based intervention can reduce psychological symptoms and improve mental health in pregnant women with recurrent miscarriage. Implications for practiceA mindfulness-based intervention should be incorporated into routine care to help improve the mental health of pregnant women with recurrent miscarriage.

Birth weight for gestational age and later cardiovascular health: a comparison between longitudinal Finnish and indigenous Australian cohorts

Introduction Small or large birth weight for gestational age has been linked with later cardiovascular disease risk. However, cardiovascular risk markers from childhood to adulthood according to birth weight in diverse longitudinal settings globally have not been extensively studied. Objectives To examine the relationship between birth weight and cardiovascular risk profile from childhood until young adulthood in two geographically and socioeconomically distinct cohorts. Methods Data were derived from two longitudinal birth cohort studies; one from southern Finland (Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project, STRIP) and one from northern Australia comprising Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal Birth Cohort, ABC). The sample included 747 Finnish participants and 541 Indigenous Australians with data on birth weight, gestational age and cardiovascular risk factors (body mass index [BMI]), waist-to-height ratio [WHtR], lipid profile, blood pressure) collected at ages 11, 18 and 25 or 26 years. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) was assessed at age 18 or 19 years. Participants were categorised according to birth weight for gestational age (small [SGA], appropriate [AGA] or large [LGA]). Associations between birth weight category and cardiovascular risk markers were studied using a repeated measures ANOVA. Results Higher birth weight category was associated with higher BMI later in life in both cohorts (p=.003 for STRIP and p<.0001 for ABC). In the ABC, higher birth weight category was also associated with higher WHtR (p=.004). In the ABC, SGA participants had lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than AGA participants (p=.028 for systolic, p=.027 for diastolic) and lower systolic blood pressure than LGA participants (p=.046) at age 25. In the STRIP cohort, SGA participants had lower cIMT than LGA participants (p=.024). Conclusions Birth weight can predict future cardiovascular risk profile in diverse populations. Thus, it needs to be included in targeted public health interventions for tackling the obesity pandemic and improving cardiovascular health worldwide. Key messages The strongest association between birth weight and later cardiovascular risk profile was manifested as differences in body mass index in two culturally and geographically distinct cohorts. Foetal growth is a determinant for later cardiovascular health in diverse populations, indicating a need to focus on maternal and foetal health to improve cardiovascular health worldwide.

Abstract IA01: Clinical Trial Diversity: A Perspective from the FDA Office of Minority Health and Health Equity

Abstract The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE) aims to protect and promote the health of diverse populations though research, outreach, and communication that addresses health disparities. A key priority area for FDA OMHHE is advancing racial and ethnic minority participation in clinical trials. This presentation will provide an overview of FDA OMHHE’s efforts to advance diverse participation in clinical trials and highlight FDA policy strategies that support clinical trial diversity. Citation Format: Richardae Araojo. Clinical Trial Diversity: A Perspective from the FDA Office of Minority Health and Health Equity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr IA01.

Abstract 14813: Cardiovascular Stroke Nursing Best Abstract Award: Heterogeneity of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among Asian Immigrants: Insights From the 2010 - 2018 National Health Interview Survey

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US. Asians are the fastest-growing immigrant group in the US and are disproportionately affected by CVD risk factors, compared to Whites. Studies on CVD risk aggregate Asians into a homogenous group. It is unclear how Asian immigrants (Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Asia) differ with respect to CVD risks and in comparison, to Whites. Hypothesis: We hypothesize that there will be significant heterogeneity in CVD risk factors among Asian immigrant subgroups as compared to Non-Hispanics Whites. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative analysis of the 2010 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey was conducted among 508,941 participants. A generalized linear model using Poisson distribution was fitted to compare the prevalence of self-reported hypertension, overweight/obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, and smoking among Asian immigrants to Whites, adjusting for known confounders. Results: In this sample, 33,973 were Asian immigrants (26% Indian subcontinent; 45% Southeast Asia; 29% Asia) and 474,968 Whites; Indian subcontinent were the youngest (39 years; SE: 0.36). Compared to Whites, the Indian subcontinent had the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity (PR:1.22; 95% CI:1.19-1.25) and Southeast Asian had highest in high cholesterol (PR:1.16; 95% CI:1.10-1.23). Both, the Indian subcontinent (PR:1.69; 95% CI:1.49 - 1.93) and Southeast Asian (PR:1.38; 95%:1.26-1.52), reported a higher prevalence of diabetes. All Asian subgroups were more likely to be physically inactive and less likely to smoke than Whites (Table). Conclusion: Significant heterogeneity in CVD risk factors among Asian immigrants was observed compared to Whites. Providers caring for Asians should consider health behaviors and cultural beliefs influencing health outcomes and provide tailored and culturally informed care to improve the cardiovascular health of diverse populations.

Does green-blue space visibility improve physical activities and human health a systematic review

Background Research suggests that exposure to green and blue space (GBS) is significantly associated with improved health and wellbeing; however, the relationship between GBS visibility and health is still poorly understood. Objectives Conduct a systematic review to understand the strength and adequacy of the associations between GBS visibility and health. Identify the strengths and limitations of different approaches for measuring GBS visibility. Methods Following the PRISMA protocol, three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched systematically to identify relevant studies published up to August 15, 2019. Based on a critical selection process and carefully selected eligibility and exclusion criteria, 17 studies were included in the review and synthesised. Results The reviewed studies showed strong, significant positive relationships between GBS visibility and health and wellbeing. Increasing GBS visibility improved mental health (e.g., reduced depression) and wellbeing (e.g., increased happiness). Physical health evidence was mixed, as visibility did not significantly reduce body mass index values for males and children, but visibility did significantly increase physical activities in adults and reduce body mass index values in females. Few studies identified associations between the variables based on age, gender, and socioeconomic conditions. The review indicated heterogeneity in the measurement of health outcomes and visibility (e.g., viewshed, street-view-image analysis). No single method of measuring visibility showed absolute strengths over the other methods. Conclusion The association between visibility and improved health and wellbeing is positive and significant, but the evidence was inadequate. Future studies should focus on (i) associations between GBS visibility and health in diverse populations and different geographic locations, (ii) the development of better visibility measurement methods, (iii) the use of a more objective measurement for health outcomes.

The Digital Health Landscape in Addiction and Substance Use Research: Will Digital Health Exacerbate or Mitigate Health Inequities in Vulnerable Populations?

Novel and emerging digital health technologies are increasingly used in substance use and addiction-related self-management and treatment research. The promise of digital health is exciting, yet there are important factors regarding population characteristics to consider prior to using novel technologies with vulnerable populations. This paper reports a review of scientific literature published between 2015 and early 2020 on the use of digital health strategies in research focused on substance use and addiction in vulnerable populations. Using 13 search terms, three databases were screened for published literature meeting specific inclusion criteria. Common themes expressed across the 32 resulting publications included user acceptability, product reliability, and privacy and security concerns. Implementation of evidence-based frameworks and guidelines is needed to guide future digital health research in vulnerable populations. Guidance should involve robust evaluations of acceptability, feasibility, and clinically meaningful use of digital health in diverse populations experiencing addiction-related health concerns.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Biomarkers and Low-Grade Inflammation in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders: A Meta-Analytic Review.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) present positive effects on mental health in diverse populations. However, the detailed associations between MBIs and biomarkers in patients with psychiatric disorders remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of MBIs on biomarkers in psychiatric illness used to summarise the effects of low-grade inflammation. A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Effect sizes (ESs) were determined by Hedges’ g and the number needed to treat (NNT). Heterogeneity was evaluated. A total of 10 trials with 998 participants were included. MBIs showed significant improvements in the event-related potential amplitudes in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, the methylation of serotonin transporter genes in post-traumatic stress disorder, the salivary levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in depression, and the blood levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), IL-6, and TNF-α in generalised anxiety disorder. MBIs showed low but significant effects on health status related to biomarkers of low-grade inflammation (g = −0.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.41 to −0.01; NNT = 8.47), with no heterogeneity (I2 = 0; 95% CI 0 to 79). More trials are needed to establish the impact of MBIs on biomarkers in psychiatric illness.

Effects of Excessive Screen Time on Neurodevelopment, Learning, Memory, Mental Health, and Neurodegeneration: a Scoping Review

Evidence suggests that chronic sensory stimulation via excessive exposure to screen time may affect brain development in negative ways. Excessive smartphone use may increase the risk of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional disorders in adolescents and young adults that also has the potential to increase the risk of early onset dementia in late adulthood. This scoping review assessed theoretical and empirical evidence for the relationships between excessive screen time and (i) neurodevelopment, (ii) learning and memory, (iii) mental health, (iv) substance use disorders, and (v) neurodegeneration. Using Halas et al.’s (BMJ Open, 5(1), 1–6; 2015) five-stage scoping review methodology, we systematically identified articles meeting the following inclusion criteria: published in English between January 1999–July 2019; human or animal subjects; primary and secondary sources including original research, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, scoping reviews, and narrative reviews. Primary search terms focused on “smartphone,” “mental health,” “substance use,” “neurodevelopment,” and “neurodegeneration”; secondary search terms focused on “social media,” “anxiety,” “cannabis,” and “dementia”. We analyzed 44 articles across 16 countries in this review. Each article corresponded to one of four research questions investigating screen time and mental health (n = 13), mental health and substance use (n = 8), chronic stress and development (n = 14), and chronic stress and neurodegeneration (n = 9). Overall increased screen time is associated with negative outcomes such as lowered self-esteem, increased incidence and severity of mental health issues and addictions, slowed learning and acquisition, and an increased risk of premature cognitive decline. Future directions to better inform public policy should expand research methodologies and explore the prolonged effects of excessive screen time on cognition and mental health in diverse populations and contexts.

Transitions of care

Diverse population health needs have led the academic medical community to respond with unprecedented changes. The clinical relevance of cultural competence and psychosocial aspects of health and i...

Psycho-Social Predictors of Peripartum Depression among Nigerian Women

Although research evidence indicates that there are psycho-social factors that contributes to mental health in diverse populations, Impact of these psycho-social factors in developing peripartum depression has been given little research attention in Nigeria. The present study examined Psychosocial predictors of peripartum depression among Nigerian women. Participants were 350 neonates mothers drawn from health facilities in eastern Nigeria using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by means of self-report measures translated into the local dialect of the neonate mothers. Multiple regression results showed that marital status was a significant and negative predictor of peri-partum depression. Employment status, mode of delivery, social support, nature of pregnancy and pregnancy complications were significant and positive predictors of peripartum depression among pregnant women. Psycho-social based differential in developing peripartum depression should be addressed by researchers and healthcare practitioners.

Improving Health of Diverse Populations

The issue for July 2018 mainly focuses on health of underserved populations in the United States (US), except three articles - one from Vietnam, one from the United Kingdom (UK), and the other from Poland. Three of the articles from the US - “Physical Activity Education for Adults with Refugee Background in the United States” “Targeting Diet and Physical Activity: Reaching Homeless Adults through Customized Interventions,” and “Prevalence of Sarcopenia and Sarcopenic Obesity Vary with Race/Ethnicity and Advancing Age” studied lifestyle-related issues among diverse populations. Physical activity is very important to control weight and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. One of the negative health consequences from physical inactivity is obesity.

Measuring arterial blood pressure in humans: Auscultatory and automatic measurement techniques for human biological field studies.

Human biologists have been examining arterial blood pressure since they began studying the effects of the environment and culture on the health of diverse populations. The Korotkoff auscultatory technique with a trained observer and aneroid sphygmomanometer is the method of choice for blood pressure measurement in many bioanthropological field contexts. Korotkoff sounds (the first and fifth phases) are the preferred determinants of systolic and diastolic pressure, even in infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Training of observers, positioning of individuals, and selection of cuff size are all essential for obtaining standardized measurements. Automatic electronic devices are increasingly being used for blood pressure measurement in human biological studies. The automatic monitors often use the oscillometric method for measuring pressure, but must be validated before use. The emergence of automatic ambulatory blood pressure monitors has opened another avenue of research on blood pressure in human biology, where allostasis and circadian responses to environmental change and real life behavioral challenges can be defined and evaluated, largely because there is now the ability to make multiple measurements over time and in varying contexts. Stand-alone automatic monitors can also be substituted for manual auscultated readings in field contexts, although in studies where participants measure their own pressure, education about how the devices work and protocol specifics are necessary. Finally, computer-driven plethysmographic devices that measure pressure in the finger are available to evaluate short-term reactivity to specific challenges.

Improving Cardiovascular Health in Diverse Populations: A Conversation With Anushka Patel, MBBS, SM, PhD.

Anushka Patel is the Chief Scientist, The George Institute for Global Health, Professor of Medicine, University of Sydney and a Cardiologist, at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, all based in Sydney, Australia. She obtained her MBBS from the University of Queensland, a Master of Science degree in Epidemiology from Harvard University, and her PhD from the University of Sydney.