Nationally-representative Sample Of Adults Research Articles

Drinking contexts, coping motive, simultaneous cannabis use, and high-intensity drinking among adults in the United States

Abstract Aims High-intensity drinking (HID), extreme drinking considerably above the level of heavy episodic drinking (HED), is associated with long-term health and social consequences. There is limited understanding of HID beyond young adulthood. This study aims to identify concurrent risk factors for HID, comparing age differences among all adults. Methods Multinomial logistic and linear regression modeling was performed using a nationally-representative sample of adults (analytic n = 7956) from the 2015 and 2020 National Alcohol Surveys. The outcomes were any HID of 8–11 drinks and 12+ drinks for men, and 8+ drinks for women, and corresponding frequencies. Concurrent risk factors included coping motive, sensation seeking, simultaneous use of alcohol and cannabis (SAC), and drinking at a bar or party. Analyses were stratified by age (18–29 vs. older) and sex. Results For younger men, sensation-seeking was significantly associated with HID (vs. no HED) at both levels and frequency of HID 8–11 drinks, while drinking to cope was only significant for 12+ drinks. For older men, drinking to cope was a consistent predictor for both HID level and its frequency, but sensation-seeking was not significant. Both coping and sensation-seeking were significantly associated with any HID for all women, while coping was significant for HID frequency for younger women. Frequent drinking at bars and parties were associated with greater odds of HID for all adults. With HED as referent, similar patterns of (though fewer significant) associations were observed. Conclusions Younger and older adults share similar risk factors for HID, with coping more consistent for older men.

Subjective memory complaints: Prevalence, associated factors and sex differences in the ELSI-Brazil study.

Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are a possible prodrome of cognitive decline but are understudied in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of SMCs in a large, nationally representative sample of older adults from Brazil and to identify sociodemographic and health-related factors that are associated with SMCs independently of objective memory. Baseline data (n=7831) from the ELSI-Brazil study, a national representative sample of adults aged 50 and over. They were asked to rate their memory and then divided into two groups - having or not having SMCs. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of demographic characteristics, health related factors, objective memory performance and disability in basic (b-ADL), instrumental (i-ADL), and advanced (a-ADL) activities of daily living associated with SMCs. Whether sex was an effect modifier of the association between age and objective memory performance and SMCs was also tested. Of the sample, 42% (95% CI; 39.9-43.9) had SMCs, and it was higher among women (46.9%) than men (35.9%). SMC prevalence decreased with age among women and increased among men, and for both it decreased with better cognitive performance. Fully adjusted logistic regression model showed that older age, higher education, higher b-ADL scores, and better cognitive performance were associated with decreased SMCs, while being female, with higher number of chronic conditions, higher i-ADL scores, worst self-rated health, and an increased number of depressive symptoms were associated with increased SMCs. However, the interaction test (p<0.001) confirmed that increased age was associated with decreased SMCs only among women, and that better objective memory performance was associated with decreased SMCs only among men. SMCs are common in the Brazilian older population and are associated with health and sociodemographic factors, with different patterns between men and women. There is a need for future studies looking at the cognitive trajectory and dementia risk in older adults with subjective cognitive complaints.

Racial, Ethnic, and Immigrant Generational Disparities in Physically Strenuous and Hazardous Work Conditions

Despite the importance of work in adult life, research on the social determinants of health often ignores its effects. We examine race/ethnic, immigrant generational, and gender differentials in exposure to work conditions associated with poor health outcomes, using a nationally-representative sample of adults. On average, Latino 1st generation workers are more exposed to strenuous and hazardous work conditions than other workers, even after adjusting for sociodemographic differences. Exposure is lower for 2nd and 3rd generation Latinos. In contrast, Asian 1st generation men often have the lowest exposure levels of all groups and Asian 2nd and 3rd generation men have higher levels of exposure than the first generation, primarily due to intergenerational differences in education. Asian 1st generation women have higher exposures than those in the 2nd or 3rd generation. These results illustrate the importance of considering work conditions in research and policy related to the social determinants of health.

Outpatient healthcare costs associated with overweight and obesity in Italy

BackgroundTo evaluate outpatient healthcare expenditure associated with different levels of BMI and glucose metabolism alterations.MethodsThe study is based on a representative national sample of adults, with data obtained from electronic clinical records of 900 Italian general practitioners. Data relative to the year 2018 were analyzed. The study population was classified according to BMI (normal weight, overweight, and obesity classes 1, 2, and 3) and glucose metabolism status (normoglycemia – NGT; impaired fasting glucose – IFG; diabetes mellitus – DM). Outpatient health expenditures include diagnostic tests, specialist visits, and drugs.ResultsData relative to 991,917 adults were analyzed. Annual per capita expenditure rose from 252.2 Euro among individuals with normal weight to 752.9 Euro among those with class 3 obesity. The presence of obesity determined an excess cost, particularly among younger individuals. Within each BMI class, the presence of IFG or DM2 identified subgroups of individuals with substantially higher healthcare expenditures.ConclusionsOutpatient healthcare costs markedly increased with increasing BMI in all age categories, particularly among individuals below 65. Addressing the double burden of excess weight and hyperglycemia represents a significant challenge and a healthcare priority.

Adherence to a Vegetarian Diet is not Associated With Depression: Results From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

Adherence to vegetarian diets has been associated with physical health benefits, whereas vegetarian mental health is less well documented. We sought to investigate whether adherence to a vegetarian diet was associated with depression in a nationally-representative sample of US adults. We used population-based data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys to examine said associations. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), vegetarian status was self-reported. Multivariate regression was used to measure the magnitude of associations, controlling for a range of covariables known to be associated with depressive symptoms. Our analysis included 9,584 individuals, of which 910 individuals had PHQ-9 scores suggestive of depression. Vegetarian diet was associated with reduced odds of PHQ-9 defined depression (odds ratio [OR]: 0.49 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 0.24-0.98], p=0.047) in a model adjusting for sex, age, ethnicity, income, and marital status. When adjusting for additional factors (educational level, smoking status, serum C-reactive protein, and body mass index) in a second model, the previously observed association was no longer significant (OR: 0.66 [CI: 0.34-1.26], p=0.203). Vegetarian diet was not associated with PHQ-9 defined depression in this nationally-representative sample of adults. Additional longitudinal examinations are warranted to evolve the understanding of the role of vegetarian diets in mental health.

Psychological Distress in the Republic of Serbia, the Association of Social Characteristics and Substance Use on a National Representative Sample of Serbia

This study examined the association between social characteristics, substance use, and psychological distress in a national representative sample of adults in Serbia. It was a secondary analysis of the National Survey on Lifestyles in Serbia: Substance Abuse and Gambling 2018. The study included a total of 2000 participants aged 18 to 65 from the general population in Serbia. Psychological distress was examined using the Kessler 6 questionnaire. There were a total of 945 male participants (47.3%) and 1055 (52.8%) female participants. The average age was 37.83 ± 13.61 years. The prevalence of a high risk of psychological distress was 5.2% (103/2000), while the prevalence of moderate risk of psychological distress was 15.2% (303/2000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being male, having poor self-rated health, having poor subjective financial status, binge drinking in the past year, and lifetime use of any illicit drug were associated with a higher likelihood of having a high risk of psychological distress. One in six adults in Serbia has a high risk of psychological distress, while one in twenty has a moderate risk. The findings of this study urge targeted actions to protect and improve the health of people in psychological distress and drug and alcohol users.

FRAILTY AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS MEDIATE THE IMPACTS OF FOOD INSECURITY ON SLEEP DEFICIENCY AMONG OLDER FILIPINOS

Abstract Although research has shown that food insecurity may lead to sleep problems due to mental illness, it remains unclear whether physical health also mediates this relationship in addition to poor mental health. We investigated whether frailty and depressive symptoms mediated the association of food insecurity with sleep deficiency (i.e., inadequate and poor sleep) among community-dwelling older adults. We analyzed the baseline data of the Longitudinal Study of Ageing and Health in the Philippines, a study with national representative sample of adults aged 60 years or older (Nf5,187). Sleep deficiency was conceptualized as self-reported sleeping less than 6 hours, complaining about trouble with falling asleep and staying asleep, and/or having non-restorative sleep. Food insecurity was defined as being hungry and not having enough food in the past three months in the household. Frailty was operationalized using modified definitions under Fried’s criteria. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale. Covariates included socio-demographics (age,sex,education,wealth,insurance,living arrangement,urbanity), health (pain,chronic diseases), and lifestyles (smoking,drinking). Mediation analysis was performed using PROCESS macro. The results from bootstrapping showed that the indirect effects from food insecurity through frailty (b=.024,SE=.009,95%CI=.009-.043) and depressive symptoms (b =.118,SE=.022,95% CI=.078-.166) onto sleep deficiency were significant, but the direct effect from food insecurity to sleep deficiency was not (b=.243,SE=.134,95% CI=-.018-.505). The results suggested that the effects of food insecurity on sleep deficiency were fully mediated through frailty and depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older Filipinos. Preventing frailty and depression may help improve sleep health among individuals being food insecure.

COVID-19 pandemic and mental health problems of adults in United States: mediating roles of cognitive concerns and behavioral changes.

ObjectivesWe examined the associations of statewide COVID-19 conditions (i.e., state-level case and death rates) with individual-level Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depression Disorder (MDD) focusing on the salient mediating roles of individual-level cognitive concerns and behavioral changes.MethodsUsing a national representative sample of adults in the United States (n = 585,073), we fitted logistic regressions to examine the overall associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and GAD/MDD. We employed a causal mediation analysis with two mediators: cognitive concerns (i.e., concerns on going to the public, loss of income, food insufficiency, housing payment, and the economy) and behavioral changes (i.e., taking fewer trips, avoiding eating-out, more online-purchase, more curbside pick-up, and cancelling doctor's appointments).ResultsWe found relationships of statewide COVID-19 cases with GAD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05, 1.07) and MDD (OR = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.07, 1.09). The ORs were mediated by cognitive concerns for GAD (OR = 1.02, proportion mediated: 29%) and MDD (OR = 1.01, 17%). Another salient mediator was behavioral changes for GAD (OR = 1.02, 31%) and MDD (OR = 1.01, 15%). Similar associations were found with statewide COVID-19 death.ConclusionsOur mediation analyses suggest that cognitive concerns and behavioral changes are important mediators of the relationships between statewide COVID-19 case/death rates and GAD/MDD. COVID-19 pandemic may involve individual-level concerns and behavior changes, and such experiences are likely to affect mental health outcomes. Public health approaches to alleviate adverse mental health consequences should take into account the mediating factors.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00127-022-02265-3.

The Relationship Between Perceived Age Discrimination in the Healthcare System and Health: An Examination of a Multi-Path Model in a National Sample of Israelis Over the Age of 50.

The present study aims to examine possible pathways that potentially account for the relationship between perceived age discrimination in healthcare settings (as one form of ageism) and health outcomes. We relied on 1570 complete surveys, which constitute a representative national sample of adults aged 50 and above in Israel. We found a direct link between perceived age discrimination and health outcomes. This link was partially mediated by self-perceptions of aging and subsequently by health behaviors (e.g., eating vegetables) and preventive health behaviors (e.g., medical check-ups). The link between perceived age discrimination and health behaviors was moderated by age, thus, particularly detrimental for older people over the age of 65 as compared with those between the ages of 50 and 65. This study adds to the literature as it examines comprehensive mechanisms to account for the path between perceived age discrimination and health status. Our findings point to the unique aspects associated with perceived age discrimination, which potentially make older people more susceptible to its negative effects.

The Effect of Nicotine Dependence on the Risk of Developing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.

It is evident that an association between smoking and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exists, but research is lacking in establishing the directionality of the relationship. We used longitudinal data from waves I (2001-2002) and II (2004-2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Individuals with nicotine dependence (ND) were matched to individuals without ND using propensity score matching to estimate the risk of developing PTSD after trauma. We also matched smokers (with or without ND) to lifetime nonsmokers to estimate their risk of developing PTSD after trauma. Lastly, we conducted a mediation analysis on the effect of ND severity on PTSD symptoms. Individuals with ND (n = 1514) were more likely to develop PTSD (odds ratio: 1.59; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-2.32; p = .017) compared with individuals without ND (n = 6047). Smokers (regardless of ND status) (n = 2335) compared with nonsmokers (n = 5226) had no significant effect on risk of PTSD (p = .26). Withdrawal was found to be a mediator of the effect of ND severity on PTSD symptoms. ND, but not smoking status, increases a smoker's risk of developing PTSD. This provides information that could aid in preventive strategies for individuals with ND who are exposed to trauma. This study provides evidence in a national representative sample of adults in the United States that ND may increase one's risk of developing PTSD after exposure to trauma. It also shows the directionality of the association between smoking and PTSD. Lastly, it demonstrates that withdrawal may be the link to the association between ND and PTSD. We hope that with these findings, preventative strategies are put in place for smokers who are dependent and are exposed to trauma, such that they do not develop PTSD.

Post-Traumatic Growth and Stress-Related Responses During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a National Representative Sample: The Role of Positive Core Beliefs About the World and Others.

Given the need to understand both the negative and positive psychological consequences of the current global COVID-19 pandemic (Brewin et al. in Perspectives in Public Health 10.1177/1757913920957365 2020), the aim of this study was to test a cognitive model of post-traumatic symptoms (PTS) and post-traumatic growth (PTG) during confinement caused by the SARS-COV-2 epidemic. In line with cognitive models of trauma elaboration (Park in Psychological Bulletin 10.1037/a0018301), we included in our model some beliefs associated to the world (e.g., primal beliefs about a good world), to the self (e.g., death anxiety or orientation toward the future) and to others (e.g., suspiciousness or identification with humanity). To evaluate the explanatory model, a national representative sample of adults between the ages of 18 and 75 (N = 1951) was surveyed between 7th and 13th April, 2020, in the middle of a strict 7-week national confinement. Structural equation modelling yielded a very similar model to the one initially specified. The results highlight the role of both negative and positive core beliefs, which are pertinent to the current pandemic threat, in the appearance of PTS and PTG, respectively. In short, primal beliefs about a good world, openness to the future and identification with humanity were associated with PTG; while suspiciousness, intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety about death and also identification with humanity were associated with PTS and consequent impairment. This is an innovative study of different pathways to traumatic responses and growth during a pandemic. Future research is needed to replicate its findings.

Associations between sleep duration and dietary quality: Results from a nationally-representative survey of US adults

Insufficient sleep duration is a recognized determinant of cardiometabolic disease, with poor diet quality as a likely intermediate. Yet, inconsistencies in findings on sleep duration and diet quality among adult populations remain, particularly regarding a potential non-linear relationship. Thus, within a nationally representative survey of US adults (2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Survey), we evaluated cross-sectional associations between sleep duration and diet quality. Self-reported typical sleep duration was categorized into four groups (≤5 h per night, 6 h, 7–8 h, and ≥9 h per night). Diet was assessed with two 24-h recalls (averaged), and diet quality was measured with the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (score range 0–100), which is comprised of 13 dietary components. Regression analyses that accounted for complex survey weights were used to compute multivariable-adjusted models of sleep duration categories and HEI-2015 overall scores, and individual HEI components. Within this nationally-representative sample of adults ≥18 years, 10% reported 5 or fewer hours of sleep, and 20% reported 6 h, while 12% obtained ≥9 h (long sleep duration). Compared to adults with 7–8 h of sleep, those with ≤5 h had 1.7 lower multivariable-adjusted HEI-2015 score (95% CI 0.6, 2.7), and those with ≥9 h had 1.2 lower adjusted HEI-2015 score (95% CI 0.2, 2.2). Upon examination of individual HEI-2015 components, short sleepers had lower consumption of healthier components (total fruits, whole fruits, total vegetables, greens and bean, whole grains, dairy, total protein, and seafood), while long sleepers had higher consumption of some unhealthier components (refined grains and added sugar) as well as some healthier components (dairy and total protein). In conclusion, within a nationally-representative US survey, a reverse U-shaped association was observed between sleep duration and dietary quality.

Participation in (non)violent protests and associated psychosocial factors: sociodemographic status, civic engagement, and perceptions of government’s performance

A national representative sample of adults is used to assess whether socioeconomic circumstances, civic engagement, and perceptions about government performance are associated with participation in (non)violent protests. Blacks and those who report high levels of poverty and civic engagement are likely to participate in non-violent protests. Individuals who have not completed schooling, are members of an organisation, view government as highly corrupt, and rate government’s service delivery very unfavourably are more likely to participate in violent protests than non-violent protests. The varying paths to protests including the psychosocial factors and motivational dynamics underlying individual’s participation in protests are discussed.

Association between daily level of objective physical activity and C-Reactive protein in a representative national sample of adults with self-reported diagnosed arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Examine the association between physical activity and sedentary time with high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels in adults with arthritis and fibromyalgia. We also investigated the dose of physical activity that was associated with lower clinical levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein (< 3mg/L). Observational design was used to evaluate the variables of interest-based on the Canadian Health Measures Survey cycle 1-3 (2007-2012). Generalized adjusted additive models were used to explore the shape of the association between high sensitivity C-Reactive protein, daily physical activity, step count and sedentary time. High sensitivity C-Reactive protein was measured with blood samples. Physical activity, number of steps and sedentary time were objectively assessed using an Actical accelerometer. Daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and step count were significantly associated with lower high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels, but daily light physical activity and sedentary time were not associated with high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels, even after controlling for age, sex, daily smoking, body mass index, household income, level of education levels, marital status, work year and accelerometer wear time and season of accelerometer. Non-linear dose-response patterns were observed between daily moderate to vigorous physical activity as well as step count with high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels. Lower high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels were associated with 1-150min of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and with daily step count starting at 4000 in people with arthritis. Adults with fibromyalgia had lower levels of high sensitivity C-Reactive protein when engaging in 10-35min of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and in 5000-9000 daily steps. Optimal and specific doses of daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and steps were independently related to lower high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels in adults with arthritis and fibromyalgia. Daily moderate to vigorous physical activity and step count were associated with high sensitivity C-Reactive protein levels that were below the clinical threshold. Given the positive outcomes of physical activity on health, adults with arthritis and fibromyalgia may benefit from these specific recommendations.

Understanding the evolving preferences for use of health information technology among adults with self reported anxiety and depression in the U.S

Abstract Recent evidence suggests consumer health information technologies are increasingly utilized among those with medical conditions towards improving health and recovery. However, there is also increasing evidence that many patients, especially those with mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, may struggle to utilize these apps given issues with usability and engagement. Further, there is a paucity of literature on differences in the preference for using technologies such as smartphone apps for mental health patients compared to other patient populations. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preferences and use of technology for health information exchange within a nationally-representative sample of adults with and without mental illness and to assess whether these preferences differ according to sociodemographic factors. For our analysis, we utilized data from the 2017 (HINTS 5 cycle 1) and 2018 (HINTS 5 cycle 2) iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey (n = 6789). We used multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with a higher or lower rate of using health information technology (HIT) in persons with or without mental illness. We adjusted these models for the sociodemographic variables of age, sex, household income, education level, employment status, health insurance status, marital status, and race. Of the 6789 participants, 1538 reported having depression and/or an anxiety disorder. In both the adjusted and unadjusted models, ownership of smartphones, tablet computers, health apps, and utilization of the internet did not differ by depression or anxiety status. Furthermore, in the adjusted models, those with depression and/or anxiety had a significantly higher likelihood of using electronic means such as computers and smartphones to search for health information, look up test results, communicate with a physician, and to share health information. However, these individuals were also more likely to withhold information from their health care providers due to concerns about the security or privacy of their medical records. Our analysis shows that while ownership rates for smartphones and the use of health apps did not differ by mental health status, there was an increased likelihood of those with mental illness to use health information tools in communicating with their health providers. However, concerns about data security and privacy may hinder the utilization and integration of these technologies in mental health care. Future efforts should focus on ensuring patient privacy and data protection to maximize the benefits of digital technology in mentally ill populations.

Associations between exposure to childhood bullying and abuse and adulthood outcomes in a representative national U.S. sample

BackgroundNegative childhood experiences are associated with poor health and psychosocial outcomes throughout one’s lifespan. ObjectiveWe examined associations between childhood bullying and maltreatment and several adulthood outcomes: psychological distress, functional impairment, generalized fear, and physician-diagnosed mental and physical health ailments. The potential mediating role of recent negative life events was also explored. Participants and SettingData were collected through web-based surveys of a U.S. representative national sample of adults. MethodsAt Wave 1 (N = 3,598), participants reported exposure to negative childhood experiences; at Wave 2 (N = 3,497), physician-diagnosed mental and physical health ailments were provided; at Wave 3 (N = 2,906), participants reported exposure to recent negative life events and psychosocial outcomes. ResultsOf the sample, 26.29% (weighted n = 946) reported childhood bullying, 15.02% (weighted n = 540) reported physical abuse, 15.56% (weighted n = 560) reported witnessing parental violence, 11.42% (weighted n = 411) reported sexual abuse, and 8.64% (weighted n = 311) reported parental neglect. Respondents who reported bullying, physical abuse, or sexual abuse during childhood reported greater distress, functional impairment, and fear of the future in adulthood, as mediated through recent negative life events, compared to those who did not (ßs: 0.04–.06). Those reporting bullying, neglect, physical abuse, or sexual abuse in childhood reported more mental health ailments in adulthood (IRRs: 1.44–1.66) compared to those who did not. Those reporting bullying or sexual abuse in childhood reported more physical health ailments (IRRs: 1.25–1.39). ConclusionsSpecific negative childhood experiences have unique links with poor outcomes in adulthood. Recent negative life events partially mediate these associations.

Abstract 225: Sudden Cardiac Arrest Messaging Study. The Public’s Motivation to Learn CPR/AED Skills and to Act in an Emergency Increases With a Clear Understanding of SCA and the Impact These Skills Have on Increasing Survival

Introduction: Survival from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) outside hospitals depends largely on immediate bystander intervention. We measured the impact a layperson-friendly definition of SCA has on increasing perceived importance of CPR/AED (automated external defibrillator) skills and the likelihood to act, plus messages that drive action. Hypothesis: Low public awareness of SCA contributes to low survival rates; a layperson-friendly definition of SCA could improve perceived importance of CPR/AED training and likelihood to act in emergencies; identifying messages that motivate action could help reveal an effective communications strategy. Methods: We conducted a quantitative/qualitative study with an online survey of a representative national sample of adults (n=2,232) and in-depth interviews (n=20). Online respondents were exposed to framing questions, then split into two matched panels. One panel was exposed to a layperson-friendly definition of SCA (n=1,128); the other was exposed to 11 discrete messages (n=1,104). Questions pre- and post-exposure to the definition measured lift in importance to learn skills and likelihood to give CPR/use an AED. Messages were tested on relative strength in motivating action and grabbing attention. Results: The public is confused/unfamiliar with SCA and the need for immediate intervention. Barriers to bystander intervention include lack of confidence (39%), concerns about hurting the victim (38%), belief another is more competent (37%), and liability (28%); notably, 18% of respondents indicate no barriers (n=2,232). A friendly definition of SCA increases the belief that learning CPR/AED skills is “extremely important.” Those “very likely” to give CPR/use AED jump 26% and 38% respectively (n=1,128). Including “sudden” in the definition proves important, conveying urgency. The messages that drive motivation to act and grab attention address doubling or tripling the chance of survival and saving the life of a loved one. Conclusions: Lack of awareness/understanding of SCA contributes to public apathy. A layperson-friendly definition of SCA significantly increases likelihood to give CPR and use an AED. Including “sudden” in the definition signals urgency. Two key messages show strength in driving action.

AGE DISCRIMINATION IN AUSTRALIAN WORKPLACES: EXPERIENCES OF OLDER WORKERS

Australia has conducted widely publicized campaigns to improve attitudes to ageing and combat ageism, however negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviours remain evident with implications for wellbeing, age equality and social inclusion. This paper examines perceptions and experiences of age discrimination in the workplace with a particular focus on those aged 55+ years. Data are from a representative national sample of adults in the Australian Attitudes to Ageing study conducted as a component of the 2015–2017 Australian Survey of Social Attitudes (n=2174). Participants responded to questions about their knowledge and experience of discrimination. Results show 23% of employed respondents experienced workplace-based discrimination, however the proportions varied by age group. Other factors with a statistically significant association with discrimination were self-assessed health status, marital status, location, and education level. The findings are discussed within public policy frameworks intended to maintain workforce participation and increase self-funded retirement as responses to population ageing.

Dose response association of objective physical activity with mental health in a representative national sample of adults: A cross-sectional study.

Although higher physical activity (PA) levels are associated with better mental health, previous findings about the shape of the dose–response relationship between PA and mental health are inconsistent. Furthermore, this association may differ according to sedentary levels. We investigated the cross-sectional dose-response associations between objectively measured PA and mental health in a representative national sample of adults. We also examined whether sedentary time modified the PA—mental health associations. Based on 2007–2013 Canadian Health Measures Survey data, PA and sedentary time were measured using accelerometry among 8150 participants, aged 20 to 79 years. Generalized additive models with a smooth function were fitted to examine associations between minutes per day of moderate and vigorous PA (MVPA), light PA (LPA), daily steps (combined or not with sedentary time) and self-rated mental health. A significant curvilinear relationship between average daily minutes of MVPA and mental health was observed, with increasing benefits up to 50 minutes/day. For LPA, a more complex shape (monotonic and curvilinear) was found. For daily steps, inverted U-shaped curve suggested increasing benefits until a plateau between 5 000 and 16 000 steps. The MVPA-LPA combination was significantly associated with mental health but with a complex pattern (p < 0.0005E-06). The tested PA-sedentary time combinations showed that increasing sedentary time decreased the positive PA-mental health associations. Non-linear dose-response patterns between the PA modalities and self-reported mental health were observed. Optimal doses of daily minutes of MVPA, LPA, MVPA combined with LPA and daily steps are independently associated with better mental health in adults. The results also suggest that PA-mental health associations could be hampered by daily sedentary time.

Lower catecholamine activity is associated with greater levels of anger in adults

Previous research has revealed a consistent association between heart rate at rest and during stress and behavioral problems, potentially implicating autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning in the etiological development of antisocial behavior. A complementary line of research has focused on the potential independent and interactive role of the two subsystems that comprise the ANS, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), on behavioral problems. The current study aims to contribute to the existing literature by examining the influence of heart rate (HR) reactivity, high-frequency heart rate variability (HF-HRV) reactivity, and catecholamine activity on a comprehensive measure of anger in a large, nationally-representative sample of adults from the United States. Results from a series of structural equation models (SEMs) revealed that catecholamine activity was most consistently linked to anger, while associations involving HR and HF-HRV reactivity were nonsignificant. Additional analyses revealed that HF-HRV did not significantly moderate the association between catecholamine activity and anger. These findings highlight the importance of SNS activity in the development of more reactive forms of aggression such as anger.