Prevalence Of Lifestyle-related Risk Factors Research Articles

What health risk factors are brought by the most popular Lithuanian influencers in social networks?

Abstract Background Considering that content created by influencers in social networks might act as risk factor to health, we aimed to assess the prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors in posts published by Lithuanian influencers on Facebook and Instagram. Material and methods All publicly available posts created by 12 most popular Lithuanian influencers on Facebook or Instagram between 1 Jan and 31 Dec of 2022 were included. The content analysis of the posts was performed in the structured manner. Information about foods, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, body type and mental health factors was registered and compared between the networks. Results A total number of 4075 posts were analysed. 30% of the posts presented foods. Among these posts, fast food was presented in 8.9%, sweets - in 45%, fried food - in 60%, vegetables - in 67%, fruits and berries - in 45%, cereals - in 44%, milk and dairy products - in 10%, eggs - 3%, meat - in 28%, seafood - in 14% and food supplements - in 1%. Sweets more often were presented on Facebook (15% vs 12%), fast food - on Instagram (4% vs 2%). Alcoholic beverages were presented in 3% of posts, more frequently - on Instagram (7% vs 1%). Smoking was presented in 0.4% of the posts, more frequently - on Instagram (0.8% vs 0.2%). Physical activity was presented in 10% of the posts. Slim body was presented in 2% of the posts, overweight body - in 16%, obese - in 2%. Barely covered body was presented in 10% of posts, more frequently - on Instagram (15% vs 6%). Aesthetic procedures were presented in 31% of posts, more frequently - on Instagram (46% vs 20%). Luxury was presented in 10% of posts, more frequently - on Instagram (17% vs 6%). Bullying was observed in 4% of posts, more frequently - on Facebook (5% vs 3%). Conclusions Presentation of fast food, smoking, alcohol, slim body, aesthetic procedures and luxury was more frequent on Instagram, sweets, overweight body, bullying and physical activity - on Facebook. Key messages • Both healthy and unhealthy foods are presented with similar frequency on social networks – this might lead to the overconsumption of unhealthy foods. • Although the prevalence of risk factors was observed on both social networks, some of them were more often in Facebook, some – on Instagram. This should be taken into account during the interventions.

Cholesterol, Exercise and Diet: A Cross-sectional Survey of Middle-aged Maltese Adults

Researchers have shown that poor lifestyle habits like unhealthy dietary intake, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption exert negative effects on the cholesterol levels and risk of adverse health outcomes in most segments of the population. For middle-aged adults, specifically, high cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, represents a key risk factor in the onset of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are considered to be the leading cause of death in this age cohort and result in substantial public health care costs at both a European and local level. Maltese researchers have meanwhile posited that poor awareness exists in the local population about the harmful effects of unhealthy lifestyle factors on cholesterol levels. Given the generally high obesity rates in Malta and the prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors, like smoking and physical inactivity in particular, a cross-sectional survey was designed to explore risk factors for hypercholesterolemia in a sample of 37 middle-aged adults having undergone a cholesterol test in the previous 12 months. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to ascertain the effects of exercise, diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption on the total cholesterol ratio (TCR). The findings suggest that exercise constitutes a particularly vital component of any intervention aimed at improving cholesterol levels due to its significant influence on TCR. Furthermore, the effect of exercise on lowered TCR values was not dependent on diet. The findings also do not support the idea that popular unhealthy foods unique to the Maltese context have any significant effects on cholesterol levels while controlling for overall dietary habits.

THE ECONOMIC BURDEN OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH UNHEALTHY DIET IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN 2016

Abstract Objective: To estimate the economic burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) attributable to unhealthy diet in the Russian Federation (RF) in 2016. Design and method: According to the ESSE-RF epidemiological study, the prevalence of excess consumption of salt, processed red meat and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in the Russian population was recorded in 49.9%, 22.5 %, 8.6% surveyed, respectively. We first obtained CVD risk estimates for intakes of harmful foods (salt, processed red meat, SSB). The relative risks (RRs) of morbidity and mortality from CVD associated with unhealthy diet were identified through a literature search. Based on the data on the prevalence of excess salt intake, processed red meat and SSB consumption in the Russian population and RRs, the population attributable fractions (PAFs) was calculated for CVD. Associations were presented as RRs and PAFs with 95% CIs. To assess the economic burden, the proportion of the analyzed risk factors in the morbidity and mortality from CVD was determined, and then the proportion in the economic burden of the CVD. The direct costs of the health care system and losses in the economy due to morbidity and mortality from CVD associated with unhealthy diet were determined. The calculations were performed in Microsoft Excel 10.0. (Microsoft, USA). Results: The calculated PAR, associated with excess salt intake, for CVD mortality and morbidity was 5% and 7% respectively; for stroke: in mortality — 17%, in morbidity — 10%. The daily of processed red meat consumption determine 8.6% contribution to the morbidity of coronary heart disease. PAR of SSB consumption for CVD mortality and morbidity – 2%. The economic burden of CVD associated with an unhealthy diet in the Russian Federation in 2016 amounted to 204.2 billion rubles (2.9 billion €). Excessive salt intake makes the largest contribution to this burden. The losses in the economy due to premature mortality (177.2 billion rubles) prevail in the structure of the main burden. Direct medical expenses amounted to 26.9 billion rubles. Conclusions: The significant economic burden associated with preventable disease provides an economic rationale for action to reduce the prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors.

ECONOMIC BURDEN OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH TOBACCO USE IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN 2016

Abstract Objective: To estimate the economic burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) associated with tobacco use in the Russian Federation (RF) in 2016, including the direct costs and the economic losses caused by reduced productivity. Design and method: The prevalence of tobacco use in the Russian population was determined in a ESSE-RF epidemiological study - 23.6%. The relative risks (RRs) of morbidity and mortality from CVD associated with tobacco use were identified through meta-analyzes and large studies. Based on the data on the prevalence of tobacco use in the Russian population and relative risks (RRs), the population attributable fractions (PAFs) was calculated for CVD. Associations were presented as RRs and PAFs with 95% CIs. PAF (%) = (P_exp (RR-1))/([P_exp (RR-1)] + 1), where: P_exp - the proportion of individuals in a population who are exposed to tobacco; RR - the relative risk of a specific outcome for a given exposure to a risk factor; To assess the economic burden, the proportion of the analyzed risk factor in the morbidity and mortality from CVD was determined, and then the proportion in the economic burden of the CVD. Then we estimated attributable costs by multiplying PAFs outcomes with estimated 2016 annual direct health care and indirect costs for CVD. We used data from the Federal State Statistics Service, parameters of Annual Forms of Federal Statistical Monitoring, the results of Program of state guarantees for free medical care and the corresponding diagnosis-related groups for 2016. The calculations were performed in Microsoft Excel 10.0. (Microsoft, USA). Results: The calculated PAFs, associated with tobacco use, for CVD mortality and morbidity was 13% and 9%, respectively. Economic burden of CVD associated with tobacco use in 2016 in the RF reached 335 billion rubles (4.7 billion €). The losses in the economy due to premature mortality (313.8 billion rubles) prevail in the structure of the main burden. Estimated direct costs were responsible up to 21 billion rubles. Conclusions: The significant economic burden associated with cardiovascular diseases provides an economic rationale for action to reduce the prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors.

Lifestyle-related risk factors among patients with coronary artery disease in Nepal.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death and morbidity globally. South Asia, including Nepal, has higher risks for CAD due to relatively higher exposures to risk factors. This study evaluated the prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors and the associations of risk factors with socio-demographic variables among CAD patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted among CAD patients (n=224) admitted to a national heart centre in Nepal. Data on dietary habits, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, physical activity, overweight or obesity and adherence to medication were collected using standard questionnaires. The numbers of risk factors were categorised into three groups (1-2=low, 3=medium, 4-7=high). Data analysis was performed by cross-tabulation and multinomial logistic regression. Prevalence odds ratios (POR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used as the measure of the associations. The prevalence of risk factors among patients varied from 23% to 97%, with stress being the most prevalent, and current alcohol consumption the least. The majority of study patients had multiple lifestyle-related risk factors. Male patients (POR for medium vs. low 2.83; 95% CI 1.3, 6.18) and patients with high incomes (POR for high vs. low 2.53; 95% CI 1.10, 5.83) had higher odds of being in the medium- and high-risk group, respectively. Lifestyle-related risk factors were highly prevalent among CAD patients. Various socio-demographic variables were associated with the risk groups. Intervention studies on lifestyle risk factor modifications among this target group are recommended.

Current status of health among workers in Japan: Results from the Japan Epidemiology Collaboration on Occupational Health Study.

Data are limited on the sex-specific prevalence of diseases and their risk factors in middle-aged and older workers in Japan. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the age- and sex-specific prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome (defined using joint statement criteria), obesity, underweight, abdominal obesity, and smoking among approximately 70,000 to 90,000 Japanese workers (predominantly men) aged 20–69 years in 2014. We also investigated the prevalence of low cardiorespiratory fitness in 2012 and no leisure-time exercise in 2014. In both sexes, the prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and abdominal obesity, was increased with aging. In contrast, the prevalence of underweight was decreased with aging. Smoking prevalence exceeded 30% in men regardless of age, whereas the prevalence was around 10% in women of all age groups. Prevalence of no leisure-time exercise exceeded 50% among middle-aged and older workers in both sexes. Among workers aged 50–64 years, less than half of men had low fitness, whereas more than half of women had low fitness. Given the high prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors among middle-aged and older workers, effective strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease in this age group are needed in Japan.

Importance Attributed to Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Competencies by Public Sector Physical Therapists in Kuwait: A Population-based Exploratory Study.

Indications for cardiovascular and pulmonary (CVP) physical therapy competencies are changing with the epidemic of non-communicable diseases in Kuwait, particularly lifestyle-related conditions. The degree to which the country's physical therapists (PTs) perceive the importance of CVP competencies (assessment/evaluation and clinical and laboratory investigation interpretation) in professional practice is relevant. Our study objectives were to (1) explore the importance attributed to specific CVP competencies by PTs to professional practice in Kuwait and (2) establish whether these are related to practitioner traits, for example, age, sex, practice setting and specialty. The study design was exploratory with a stratified random sample. Questionnaires (n = 221) were distributed to PTs practicing in the facilities of the Ministry of Health, the primary employer of PTs in Kuwait. Questions included participants' demographics and perceived importance of specific CVP competencies (Likert rating scale 1-not important to 5-highly important). Response rate was 87% (n = 193). Participant mean age was 36(±9) years, 63% were women and 48% were Kuwaiti. Ratings of moderately important or higher were 84% for cardiac assessment/intervention skills, 78.8% for cardiac clinical/laboratory investigations interpretation, 77.2% for pulmonary assessment/intervention skills and 73.6% for pulmonary clinical/laboratory investigations interpretation. PTs in the musculoskeletal area attributed less importance to the competencies than those in other specialties. Participants perceived CVP competencies as generally relevant to practice. However, greater importance was attributed to these competencies in relation to management of CVP conditions (e.g. those that address lifestyle-related conditions) rather than across practice areas. Research is needed to elucidate whether this finding reflects the profession's commitment to holistic care, the prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors and conditions irrespective of a patient's primary complaint presenting to the PT, best evidence-based, non-pharmacologic practice to address these or some combination. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Trends in modifiable lifestyle-related risk factors following diagnosis in breast cancer survivors.

Evidence suggests that high-risk lifestyle behaviors exacerbate the health of cancer survivors and increase cancer mortality. This study examined the prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors among female breast cancer survivors by duration of survivorship in the United States. We analyzed data from 7,443 women aged ≥18years who participated in the 2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and reported having ever-diagnosed breast cancer. Adjusted prevalence with 95% confidence interval for lifestyle-related risk factors (including current smoking, excessive alcohol drinking, obesity, engaging in physical activity ≥150min/week, and consuming fruits and vegetables ≥5 times/day) was estimated using log-linear regression while controlling for confounders. Overall, the prevalence estimates for lifestyle-related risk factors were 10.2% for current smoking, 6.8% for excessive alcohol drinking, 24.7% for obesity, 53.8% for engaging in physical activity ≥150min/week, and 33.9% for consuming fruits and vegetables ≥5 times/day among female breast cancer survivors. After adjustment for covariates, with increasing years of survivorship, a linearly increasing trend was observed for current smoking (P = 0.038), and quadratic trends were observed for excessive alcohol drinking (P < 0.001) and obesity (P = 0.048). The adjusted prevalence estimates for engaging in physical activity ≥150min/week and consuming fruits and vegetables ≥5 times/day did not vary significantly by duration of survivorship. Continuing efforts on counseling and encouraging breast cancer survivors to adopt healthy lifestyles are needed to improve their health. Understanding the trends of modifiable lifestyle-related risk factors among breast cancer survivors with varying duration of survivorship may assist health care providers to provide appropriate counseling for breast cancer patients to improve their health. Clinical and public health intervention programs should seek to maximize the number of recommended healthy behaviors especially in those women who are at high risk for failing to comply with the healthy lifestyle guidelines.

Trends in the Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Cardiovascular Risk Factors across Educational Level in the 1995–2005 Period

To determine the differences and trends in the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle variables across educational level in the 1995-2005 period in a country with a universal free health care system. Data from three consecutive independent population-based surveys were used. Cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle variables, and self-reported educational level were collected in 9646 individuals ages 35-74 years throughout the decade. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was inversely associated with education. An increase in the proportion of hypertension and dyslipidemia awareness, treatment, and control in all educational level groups was observed. This increase was greater among the lowest education group, reducing the disparities between groups. The prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors decreased in the greatest but increased in the lowest education group, widening the disparities between groups. A universal free health care system is effective in avoiding inequalities in the diagnosis, treatment, and control of cardiovascular risk factors. However, other social determinants seem to explain the social inequalities in the prevalence of these risk factors and in the adoption of healthy lifestyles.