Number Of Close Friends Research Articles

A cross-sectional study of factors related to gastrointestinal drug use in Korean adolescents

Adolescence is critical in the habituation of diverse lifestyles and is a base for future physical well-being. Although gastrointestinal disorders are frequently reported in adolescents, studies related to GI drug use or related factors in Korean adolescents are rare. Thus, this study examined Korean adolescents for the use of GI drugs for abdominal symptoms and analyzed the associated factors. This cross-sectional study was done with a total of 2,416 students who completed a given questionnaire. The health-related questions included GI medication intake, smoking, alcohol, caffeine, regular exercise, self-cognitive health level, GI symptom, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) intake, and sleep problems. In questions about GI medication intake, drugs included digestives and antacids. And the intake of GI drugs more than once during the past 1 month was regarded as taking GI drugs. The sociodemographic questions included age, gender, grade, number of close friends, extracurricular activities, and school performance. The overall prevalence for taking GI drugs, including antacids and digestives, was 17.4 %. When students taking GI drugs were compared with those not taking GI drugs, the former group showed higher rates of girls (P < 0.001) and participants in extracurricular activities (P < 0.05) than the latter group. Factors including alcohol, caffeine, self-cognitive health levels, and GI symptoms showed statistical significance with the rate of GI drug intake. The rate of GI drug intake in NSAID users was 2.7 times higher than that in non-users (P < 0.001). The prevalence rate of every sleep problem was higher in students taking GI medications except snoring, witnessed apnea, and teeth grinding. From the multiple regression, it was found that gender (female), extracurricular activities, alcohol intake, self-cognitive health levels, NSAIDs intake, and nightmares were related factors to GI drug intake. Based on the results, it was conclude that encouragement to build healthy lifestyle habits in adolescents is very important for their academic performances and health status in adulthood.

Resilience to bullying victimization: The role of individual, family and peer characteristics

Little research attention has been paid to bullied students who function better than expected and are therefore defined as “resilient”. The present longitudinal study aimed to identify individual, family and peer factors that predict fewer than expected levels of depression and delinquency following experiences of bullying victimization. The sample consisted 3,136 adolescents. Self-report data were used to measure bullying victimization at age 13 and 14 and depression and delinquency at age 14. We examined the effects of gender, self-esteem, social alienation, parental conflict, sibling victimization and number of close friends on levels of emotional and behavioral resilience following bullying victimization. The resilience measures were derived by regressing depression and delinquency scores at age 14 on levels of bullying victimization at age 13 and 14, respectively. The adolescents who reported low depression despite frequently experiencing bullying tended to be male, had higher self-esteem, were feeling less socially alienated, were experiencing low levels of conflict with parents and were not victimized by siblings. On the other hand, the adolescents who reported low delinquency despite frequently experiencing bullying tended to be female, had higher self-esteem, were experiencing low levels of conflict with parents, were not victimized by siblings and had less close friends. Relationships with parents and siblings continue to play some role in promoting emotional and behavioral adjustment among victims of bullying and, therefore, interventions are more likely to be successful if they target both the psychosocial skills of adolescents and their relationships with their family.

Use of Social Networking Sites among University Students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates

Note: a new paragraph 'What this study adds:' was added to page 250 on 27 March 2014.Background Social networking sites are web-based services through which individuals can create a public or semi-public profile within a bounded system, connect with a list of other linked users, and view and interact with a list of their connections and with those made by others within the system. To estimate the proportion of university students using social networking sites (SNS) and to determine the association between SNS use and age, gender, nationality, course and year of study, living context, family size, number of close friends, close relationships, stress related to studies and interpersonal relationships. Materials and Methods A cross sectional study was carried out among 300 students from two universities in Ajman, UAE. A self-administered, content-validated and pilot-tested questionnaire was used. The participants answered questions related to their use of social networking sites and details of socio-demographic variables. The data collected were entered into Microsoft Excel and transferred to PASW 18.0 version. Data were analyzed as frequencies, percentages, means and SDs, and Chi-square test used for associations. The odd ratio was calculated for the significant variables to find the degree of association. The SNS usage was categorized as average, moderate or high based on mean and SD on the SNS test score. Results The study population was comprised of 41.6% males and 58.3% females. 89% used social networking sites (SNS) and 11% were non-users. Of the 267 users of SNS, 58.8% were average users, 37.8% moderate users and 3.4% high users. Students in the first and second years of study, small family size, age below 20 years, male gender, being in a non-medical study program, friends in close relationship were found to be associated with higher SNS use. Conclusion Social networking sites were found to be popular among a large number of university students in the UAE, this being more so among males and non-medical students of first two years of study. DOI: http://doi.dx.org/10.3126/nje.v3i2.8512

1739 THE ASSOCIATION OF SUICIDAL IDEATION, DEPRESSION AND LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS, DATA FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION SURVEY (NHANES), 2005-2006 AND 2007-2008

You have accessJournal of UrologyBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Epidemiology & Natural History/Evaluation & Markers1 Apr 20131739 THE ASSOCIATION OF SUICIDAL IDEATION, DEPRESSION AND LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS, DATA FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND NUTRITION EXAMINATION SURVEY (NHANES), 2005-2006 AND 2007-2008 Benjamin Breyer, Stacey Kenfield, and Bradley Erickson Benjamin BreyerBenjamin Breyer San Francisco, CA More articles by this author , Stacey KenfieldStacey Kenfield San Francisco, CA More articles by this author , and Bradley EricksonBradley Erickson Iowa City, IA More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2013.02.2909AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES To examine the association between self-reported lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and suicidal ideation or depression in a large cross-sectional population-based study. METHODS The study included 2890 men participating in the 2005-2006 or 2007-2008 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), who were ≥ 40 years old and without a history of prostate cancer. Men were considered to have LUTS if they reported nocturia, urinary hesitancy and/or incomplete bladder emptying and were examined by number of LUTS symptoms. Men reported frequency of suicidal ideation in the prior two weeks (frequency categories) and depression status was determined using the 9 item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Logistic regression was used to measure association. Multivariate models were adjusted for demographic factors (age, race, education), lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity, alcohol use, BMI), comorbidities, health care utilization, and other factors associated with depression including depression medications. Suicidal ideation adjusted models also included emotional/financial support and number of close friends. RESULTS The prevalence of LUTS was 43.3% and 5.6% for men reporting 1 symptom and ≥ 2 symptoms, respectively. Moderate to severe depression and suicidal ideation were reported by 181 (6.3%) and 109 (3.8%), respectively. Men with depression were more likely to be younger, have less than a college degree, were more likely to smoke, and were less likely to exercise and consume alcohol on a weekly basis. Men with ≥ 2 LUTS symptoms were more likely to report moderate to severe depression (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.1, 95% Confidence Interval (95%CI) 1.2-8.1 and a trend was observed across higher (worse) depression scores (p=0.02). Men with ≥ 2 LUTS symptoms had a 1.8-fold greater odds of suicidal ideation (95% CI, 0.9-3.7), with a significant trend observed with greater LUTS symptoms (Ptrend=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Having LUTS increases risk for reporting major depression and may increase risk of suicidal ideation. © 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 189Issue 4SApril 2013Page: e714-e715 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2013 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Benjamin Breyer San Francisco, CA More articles by this author Stacey Kenfield San Francisco, CA More articles by this author Bradley Erickson Iowa City, IA More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Self-rated health among Greenlandic Inuit and Norwegian Sami adolescents: associated risk and protective correlates

Objectives. Self-rated health (SRH) and associated risk and protective correlates were investigated among two indigenous adolescent populations, Greenlandic Inuit and Norwegian Sami.Design. Cross-sectional data were collected from “Well-being among Youth in Greenland” (WBYG) and “The Norwegian Arctic Adolescent Health Study” (NAAHS), conducted during 2003–2005 and comprising 10th and 11th graders, 378 Inuit and 350 Sami.Methods. SRH was assessed by one single item, using a 4-point and 5-point scale for NAAHS and WBYG, respectively. Logistic regressions were performed separately for each indigenous group using a dichotomous measure with “very good” (NAAHS) and “very good/good” (WBYG) as reference categories. We simultaneously controlled for various socio-demographics, risk correlates (drinking, smoking, violence and suicidal behaviour) and protective correlates (physical activity, well-being in school, number of close friends and adolescent–parent relationship).Results. A majority of both Inuit (62%) and Sami (89%) youth reported “good” or “very good” SRH. The proportion of “poor/fair/not so good” SRH was three times higher among Inuit than Sami (38% vs. 11%, p≤0.001). Significantly more Inuit females than males reported “poor/fair” SRH (44% vs. 29%, p≤0.05), while no gender differences occurred among Sami (12% vs. 9%, p≤0.08). In both indigenous groups, suicidal thoughts (risk) and physical activity (protective) were associated with poor and good SRH, respectively.Conclusions. In accordance with other studies of indigenous adolescents, suicidal thoughts were strongly associated with poorer SRH among Sami and Inuit. The Inuit–Sami differences in SRH could partly be due to higher “risk” and lower “protective” correlates among Inuit than Sami. The positive impact of physical activity on SRH needs to be targeted in future intervention programs.

Social Relationships and Oral Health Among Adults Aged 60 Years or Older

This study assessed associations between social relationships and oral health outcomes and whether these associations were explained by demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors, and physical health. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004) data on 4014 adults aged 60 years or older. Oral health outcomes were edentulism, number of decayed teeth, root decay, number of sound or filled teeth, and self-rated oral health. Social relationships referred to social networks (marital status, number of close friends) and social support (emotional support need, provision of financial support). Analyses consisted of regression models sequentially adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and physical health confounders. In fully adjusted models, widowed or divorced/separated individuals had fewer sound or filled teeth than those married or living with a partner: rate ratio (95% confidence interval)=0.89 (0.82 to 0.97) and 0.90 (0.83 to 0.97), respectively. People with four to six close friends had fewer decayed teeth and lower probability for root decay than those with fewer friends. Emotional support need was associated with 1.41 (1.05 to 1.90) higher odds for root decay and 1.18 (1.04 to 1.35) higher odds for poorer self-rated oral health. Lack of financial support was associated with more decayed teeth. Edentulism was not related to any social network and social support markers. Social relationships are associated with clinical measures of current disease, markers of good oral function, and subjective oral health, but not with clinical measures of a lifetime history of oral disease among older Americans.

The importance of social support in the associations between psychological distress and somatic health problems and socio-economic factors among older adults living at home: a cross sectional study

BackgroundLittle is known of the importance of social support in the associations between psychological distress and somatic health problems and socio-economic factors among older adults living at home. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the associations of social support, somatic health problems and socio-economic factors with psychological distress. We also examined changes in the association of somatic health problems and socio-economic factors with psychological distress after adjusting for social support.MethodsA random sample of 4,000 persons aged 65 years or more living at home in Oslo was drawn. Questionnaires were sent by post, and the total response was 2,387 (64%). Psychological distress was assessed using Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-10) and social support with the Oslo-3 Social Support Scale (OSS-3). A principal component analysis (PCA) included all items of social support and psychological distress. Partial correlations were used, while associations were studied by logistic regression.ResultsAfter adjusting for socio-demographics and somatic health problems, we reported a statistically significant association between psychological distress and social support: “Number of close friends”, OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.47-0.80; “Concern and interest”, OR 0.68; 95% CI 0.55-0.84. A strong association between lack of social support and psychological distress, irrespective of variables adjusted for, indicated a direct effect. The associations between psychological distress and physical impairments were somewhat reduced when adjusted for social support, particularly for hearing, whereas the associations between somatic diagnoses and psychological distress were more or less eliminated. Income was found to be an independent determinant for psychological distress.ConclusionsLack of social support and somatic health problems were associated with psychological distress in elders. Social support acted as a mediator, implying that the negative effect of somatic health problems, especially hearing, on psychological distress was mediated by low social support. We hypothesize that physical impairments reduced social support, thereby increasing psychological distress to a greater extent than the selected diagnoses. The combination of poor social support, poor somatic health and economic problems may represent a vulnerable situation with respect to the mental health of older persons. Free interventions that highlight social support should be considered in mental health promotion.

Neighborhood safety as a correlate of tobacco use in a sample of urban, pregnant women

ObjectivesEnvironmental context has been increasingly recognized as an important determinant of health behavior. This study examined the effects of self-reported neighborhood violence and perceived safety on tobacco use in a sample of low-income, pregnant women. MethodsPregnant women (N=1521) being treated at an urban emergency room completed a baseline interview where neighborhood safety (self-reported neighborhood violence and perceived safety) as well as individual (demographics, depression symptoms, stress, tobacco use, substance abuse) and social variables (prenatal social environment and number of close friends) were evaluated cross-sectionally. Tobacco use was measured again in a telephone interview at 22weeks gestation. ResultsIn a logistic regression model of baseline smoking status, self-reported neighborhood violence was significantly associated with being a smoker independent of age, education status, attendance to prenatal care, gestational age and lifetime use of cocaine and marijuana. In a regression model estimating the relationship between these baseline variables and continued prenatal smoking, baseline smoking emerged as the strongest correlate of continued smoking during pregnancy. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that self-reported neighborhood violence had a stronger association with early pregnancy cigarette use compared to ongoing cigarette use in a sample of low-income, pregnant women. Prospective trials are needed to fully elucidate the relationship between individual and social-environmental determinants of tobacco use in this high-risk population.

Socioeconomic conditions and number of pain sites in women

BackgroundWomen in deprived socioeconomic situations run a high pain risk. Although number of pain sites (NPS) is considered highly relevant in pain assessment, little is known regarding the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and NPS.MethodsThe study population comprised 653 women; 160 recurrence-free long-term gynecological cancer survivors, and 493 women selected at random from the general population. Demographic characteristics and co-morbidity over the past 12 months were assessed. Socioeconomic conditions were measured by Socioeconomic Condition Index (SCI), comprising education, employment status, income, ability to pay bills, self-perceived health, and satisfaction with number of close friends. Main outcome measure NPS was recorded using a body outline diagram indicating where the respondents had experienced pain during the past week. Chi-square test and forward stepwise logistic regression were applied.Results and ConclusionThere were only minor differences in SCI scores between women with 0, 1-2 or 3 NPS. Four or more NPS was associated with younger age, higher BMI and low SCI. After adjustment for age, BMI and co-morbidity, we found a strong association between low SCI scores and four or more NPS, indicating that there is a threshold in the NPS count for when socioeconomic determinants are associated to NPS in women.

Social Factors Explaining Children’s Subjective Happiness and Depressive Symptoms

In this study happiness and depression in 737 12-year-old Finnish children were predicted by relationships with family members and other people, the number of close friends and their experiences of parental fighting and drinking. There were no differences in happiness between the genders, but the girls were more depressed than the boys. Low happiness was predicted by confidential family relationships and the number of close friends in both genders. High happiness was predicted by confidential family relationships and confidential relationships with other people in the girls, and confidential family relationships and the number of close friends in the boys. Depression was accounted for by poor family relationships, the number of close friends and parental fighting in the girls. In the boys, depression was related to poor family relationships and the number of close friends. Thus, the factors explaining happiness and depression were partly different and not necessarily interrelated. The results confirm that the correlates of well-being differ between the genders already at the age of 12 and the girls are more sensitive to family discord than the boys.

Parental supply of alcohol and adolescent risky drinking

In Australia, 20% of 14- to 19-year-olds drink at least weekly. Some parents supply alcohol to their adolescent children with the intention of limiting the quantity consumed, but it is possible that such supply facilitates risky drinking. We sought to determine whether there is an association between parental supply and risky drinking. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in seven high schools in New South Wales, Australia. Five hundred and thirty students (mean age 16.0 years, SD 1.3) completed survey items relating to their alcohol consumption, sources of alcohol, circumstances of parental supply, and peers' consumption. Among respondents (response rate 43%), 93% of participants had tried alcohol, 66% had consumed at least a full glass, and 40% had consumed more than four drinks on a single occasion in the preceding month (risky drinking). Risky drinkers obtained alcohol mainly from friends (48%) and parents (19%). After controlling for school year and gender, and adjusting for clustering, parental supply for drinking under 'other' supervision (P = 0.004) and with no supervision (P = 0.007), the number of close friends believed to have consumed alcohol in the past month (P < 0.001), and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status (P = 0.02) were all significantly associated with risky drinking. Parental supply of alcohol for unsupervised drinking is associated with risky drinking among 13- to 17-year-olds. Longitudinal studies would assist in studying the temporal sequence and controlling for confounding.

Abstract B25: The role of psychosocial clusters in explaining disparities among sexual minority women

Abstract Introduction: Sexual minority women (SMW) are a group that experience health disparities, including disparities in cancer risk, according to the recent Institute of Medicine report on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender health. Differences in SMW's psychosocial functioning, and an examination of how psychosocial concepts cluster in this group, could inform us about their health disparities. Individual psychosocial concepts can be clustered to represent underlying factors that function as health indicators. Cluster patterns and function could differ among disparities groups like SMW due to exposures to minority stress. Minority stress is germane here because it influences the individual concepts that comprise clusters. SMW's exposure to minority stressors such homophobia, and prejudice and discrimination, may influence self esteem, stress, happiness, and social functioning. A first step in understanding the health disparities among SMW, could be to examine psychosocial clustering patterns and cluster associations with health outcomes, among this group. The current study sought to investigate the form and function of psychosocial clusters among SMW and heterosexual women (HW) participating in a population-based study of health and aging. The first objective was to explore and compare how psychosocial concepts cluster among these two groups of women. The second objective was to test for associations between clusters and SMW's physical and mental health compared to HW. Methods: This study used data from the National Social Life Health and Aging Project, a U.S., population-based, sample of 1550 women, aged 57–89. This included 1369 HW and 62 SMW. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify the existence of clusters from nine psychosocial concepts: happiness, self esteem, stress, loneliness, emotional support from family, emotional support from friends, number of close relatives, number of close friends, number of social connections on a social network roster. Multivariate linear regression was used to test for significant associations between clusters and physical health, measured with a chronic disease comorbidity index, and mental health, measured with the, Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression, scale. Results: Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed differences according to sexual orientation. Among HW, a two-cluster solution emerged: A Well-being Cluster, comprised of happiness, stress, loneliness, and self esteem; and a Social Cluster, comprised of all five of the social concepts. Among SMW, a three-cluster solution emerged: a Stress Cluster, comprised of, loneliness, self esteem and stress; a Social Cluster comprised of, number of close relatives, number of social connections on a social network roster, number of close friends, and emotional support from family; and a Friendship Cluster, comprised of happiness and emotional support provided by friends. Among HW, the Well-being Cluster was significantly associated with physical health (p &amp;lt; .001) and mental health (p &amp;lt; .001). Among SMW, the Stress Cluster was significantly associated with physical health (p = .04) and mental health (p&amp;lt; .001). Conclusion: Hierarchical cluster analysis made it possible to consider how psychosocial concepts cluster empirically and relate to health. We identified differences in psychosocial clusters among HW and SMW and determined significant associations between clusters and health among both groups. These results extend our understanding about SMW health by finding evidence for differences in psychosocial clustering patterns and by relating these differences to health outcomes. These findings are significant as they may highlight the most important components for enhancing SMW's health and reducing health and cancer disparities. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):B25.

Suicidal ideation among adults with arthritis: Prevalence and subgroups at highest risk. Data from the 2007–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

To evaluate the prevalence, correlates, and subgroups at highest risk for suicidal ideation among adults with arthritis. We used data on US adults with arthritis, ages ≥40 years, participating in the 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Suicidal ideation was assessed by item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and comorbid conditions were examined as potential correlates. Depression was measured by the PHQ-8 score (range 1-24). We used random forests to identify subgroups at highest risk for suicidal ideation. To determine if any correlates were unique to arthritis, we compared results to those for persons with diabetes mellitus and cancer. The prevalence ± SEM of suicidal ideation was 5.6% ± 0.8% among persons with arthritis and 2.4% ± 0.4% among those without. The most important correlates for suicidal ideation in adults with arthritis were depression, anxiety, duration of arthritis, age, income:poverty ratio, number of close friends, pain, alcohol, excessive daytime sleepiness, and comorbidities. Eleven of the 16 most important contributors for suicidal ideation among adults with arthritis were also important for people with diabetes mellitus and cancer. Among persons with arthritis, subgroups at highest risk for suicidal ideation were those with a PHQ-8 score between 18 and 24 and less than 4.5 years of arthritis (96.5%), and those with a PHQ-8 score between 7 and 17, ≥1.24 days of binges/month, and either an income of ≥$45,000/year (85.4%) or an income of <$45,000/year and >3 comorbidities (70.8%). Depression, short duration of arthritis, binge drinking, income, and >3 comorbidities identified subgroups of adults with arthritis at greatest risk for suicidal ideation.

Do shared etiological factors contribute to the relationship between sexual orientation and depression?

Gays, lesbians and bisexuals (i.e. non-heterosexuals) have been found to be at much greater risk for many psychiatric symptoms and disorders, including depression. This may be due in part to prejudice and discrimination experienced by non-heterosexuals, but studies controlling for minority stress, or performed in very socially liberal countries, suggest that other mechanisms must also play a role. Here we test the viability of common cause (shared genetic or environmental etiology) explanations of elevated depression rates in non-heterosexuals. A community-based sample of adult twins (n=9884 individuals) completed surveys investigating the genetics of psychiatric disorder, and were also asked about their sexual orientation. Large subsets of the sample were asked about adverse childhood experiences such as sexual abuse, physical abuse and risky family environment, and also about number of older brothers, paternal and maternal age, and number of close friends. Data were analyzed using the classical twin design. Non-heterosexual males and females had higher rates of lifetime depression than their heterosexual counterparts. Genetic factors accounted for 31% and 44% of variation in sexual orientation and depression respectively. Bivariate analysis revealed that genetic factors accounted for a majority (60%) of the correlation between sexual orientation and depression. In addition, childhood sexual abuse and risky family environment were significant predictors of both sexual orientation and depression, further contributing to their correlation. Non-heterosexual men and women had elevated rates of lifetime depression, partly due to shared etiological factors, although causality cannot be definitively resolved.

The relationship between social network, social support and periodontal disease among older Americans.

The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship between social network, social support and periodontal disease among older American adults and to test whether social network and support mediates socioeconomic inequality in periodontal disease. Data pertaining to participants aged 60 years and over from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004 were used. Periodontal disease variables were extent loss of periodontal attachment ≥3 mm and moderate periodontitis. Social support and networks were indicated by the need for emotional support, number of close friends and marital status. Widowed and those with lowest number of friends had higher rates of the extent of loss of periodontal attachment (1.27, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.58) and (1.22, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.45), respectively. Marital status and number of friends were not significantly associated with moderate periodontitis after adjusting for behavioural factors. The need for more emotional support was not related to periodontal disease in this analysis. Social networks and support had no impact on socioeconomic inequality in periodontal disease. Certain aspects of social network, namely being widowed and having fewer friends, were linked to the extent of loss of periodontal attachment but not to the definition of moderate periodontitis, in older adults.

The influence of peer social networks on toothbrushing behaviour in Iranian adolescents in Mashhad

This study aimed to assess the association between the quality and quantity of peer social networks and toothbrushing behaviours of Iranian adolescents in Mashhad. The second objective was to examine whether peer social networks go some way to explain the sex difference in toothbrushing behaviours in Iranian adolescents in Mashhad. A representative stratified random sample of 1132 sixth grade Iranian students in Mashhad, with an average age of 12.4 (SD = 0.8) years, answered a 37-item questionnaire. The questionnaire had items on sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex and parents' education level), education achievement (last year's final average mark), frequency of toothbrushing behaviours and peer social networks (number of close friends, frequency of meeting friends, club membership and quality of peer groups). Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to test the association between toothbrushing frequency and peer social networks. Adolescents who met their friends moderately often and had stronger ties with their friends were more likely to brush their teeth twice or more a day; P = 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively. Club membership and number of close friends were not associated with toothbrushing frequency. Girls were significantly more likely to brush their teeth twice or more a day. They had weaker peer social networks than boys (P < 0.001). When adjusted for sex and father's education level, all peer social networks variables were significantly associated with toothbrushing frequency. However, the interaction between sex and peer social networks variables was not significant. Peer social networks are related to toothbrushing frequency among Iranian adolescents in Mashhad but do not explain the differences in toothbrushing frequency between sixth grade Iranian boys and girls.

Global HIV surveillance among MSM: is risk behavior seriously underestimated?

This opinion piece focuses upon the risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) and the reliance upon the respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method as the global epidemiological evidence base for HIV-related surveillance and research among MSM. It states that although the RDS method is a promising sampling methodology it questions the validity of important RDS study outcomes in the MSM population. It concludes that currently there is considerable bias in HIV-related RDS studies among MSM which results in an underestimation of the proportion of the population with high partner numbers and provides recommendations to improve this issue.

Religious Involvement, Social Engagement, and Subjective Health Status of Older Residents of Informal Neighborhoods of Nairobi

Although past research has extensively documented the effects of religious involvement and social integration on the health outcomes of older people, relatively little research has examined the relationship among older Africans. In this article, we examined the effects of religious affiliation and participation as well as forms of social engagement, including social support, sociability, and community participation on self-reported health. The study used data from a sample of older men and women (50 years and above) from two informal settlements in Nairobi Kenya. Differences in religious groups were statistically significant. Frequency of religious attendance was negatively associated with health, while the number of close friends, social support, and frequency of community participation were positively and independently related to self-reported health.

Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Deployed US Male Marines

BackgroundCombat exposure has been reported as one of the strongest risk factors for postdeployment posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military service members. Determining the impact of specific deployment-related exposures on the risk of developing PTSD has not been fully explored. Our study objective was to explore the relationship between specific combat exposures and other life experiences with postdeployment PTSD.MethodsThis study consisted of male Marines who completed a Recruit Assessment Program (RAP) survey during recruit training at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California as well as a follow-up survey several years after recruit training. Study participants included those Marines who deployed to the current operations in Iraq or Afghanistan between the baseline and follow-up surveys. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine which significant exposures and experiences were associated with postdeployment PTSD.ResultsOf the 706 study participants, 10.8% screened positive for postdeployment PTSD. Those who reported feeling in great danger of death (odds ratio [OR] = 4.63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.46-8.73), were shot or seriously injured (OR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.58-7.77), saw someone wounded or killed (OR = 2.47, 95% CI: 1.08-5.67), and baseline (before recruit training) prior violence exposures (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.46-6.10) were at increased odds for reporting PTSD symptoms. Number of deployments, number of close friends or relatives reported at follow-up, and enlisted pay grade were also significantly associated with postdeployment PTSD.ConclusionsCombat exposures, specifically the threat of death, serious injury, and witnessing injury or death are significant risk factors for screening positive for postdeployment PTSD among male Marines as well as violence exposures prior to entering the Marine Corps, which are independent of future combat exposures. A thorough history of lifetime violence exposures should be pursued when considering a clinical diagnosis of PTSD.

Personal and Psychological Correlates of Happiness Among a Sample of Kuwaiti Muslim Students

This study explores the personal, social, and personality correlates of happiness among a Kuwaiti sample (N = 234) of undergraduates. It found that happiness as assessed by the Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI) was significantly and positively correlated with optimism, self-rating of happiness with a single item, self-esteem, satisfaction with life, positive affect, self-rating of mental health, hope, self-rating of both physical health and religiosity, and number of close friends. Conversely, the OHI had significant and negative correlations with pessimism, negative affect, alcohol consumption, and prior suicide attempts. A single, bipolar, and high-loaded factor extracted from the personality questionnaires was labeled Subjective Well-Being Versus Negative Orientation. The multiple stepwise regression revealed the best predictors of the OHI to be optimism, the self-rating of happiness, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life, respectively. By and large, personality traits played the more important role i...