Sample Of Adult Population Research Articles

Populist votes, orientations, and the COVID‐19 pandemic in Italy: A latent growth study

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to predict the trend of populist orientations and votes in Italy before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodUsing the Consequences of COVID‐19 (COCO) data set (quota sample of the Italian adult population), we conducted a 3.5‐year, seven‐wave longitudinal study, with one wave before the pandemic (June 2019) and six waves during the pandemic (April and October 2020, April and October 2021, and April and October 2022).ResultsTwo latent growth analyses have shown that in the period we considered the degree of populism of the party chosen for the vote decreased linearly; this change was positively associated with the anxiety of the participants. Conversely, populist orientations remained stable.ConclusionThe COVID‐19 pandemic plausibly contributed to a superficial and temporary halt to the long populist wave that hit Italy in the last decades, as demonstrated by the decrease in populist vote choices concomitant with a persistent substrate of populist orientations.

Factors and Reasons Associated with Hesitating to Seek Care for Migraine: Results of the OVERCOME (US) Study.

Despite a variety of available treatment options for migraine, many people with migraine do not seek medical care, thereby reducing opportunities for diagnosis and effective treatment and potentially leading to missed opportunities to reduce the burden of disease. Understanding why people hesitate to seek care for migraine may help healthcare professionals and advocates address barriers and improve outcomes. The aim of this study, in a large adult population sample in the United States (US), was to identify factors associated with and reasons for hesitating to seek healthcare for migraine. The web-based OVERCOME (US) survey study identified adults with active migraine in a demographically representative US sample who answered questions about hesitating to seek care from a healthcare provider for migraine and reasons for hesitating. Supervised machine learning (random forest, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) identified factors associated with hesitation; logistic regression models assessed association of factors on hesitation. The study results show that of the 58,403 participants with active migraine who completed the OVERCOME (US) baseline survey and provided responses to the question on hesitating to seek care for migraine, 45.1% (n = 26,330/58,403) with migraine indicated that they had ever hesitated to seek care for migraine. Factors most associated with hesitating to seek care were hiding migraine (odds ratio [OR] = 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.50, 2.89), experiencing migraine-related stigma (OR = 2.13; 95% CI 1.95, 2.33), higher migraine-related disability (OR = 1.30; 95% CI 1.23, 1.38), and higher ictal cutaneous allodynia (OR = 1.26; 95% CI 1.19, 1.35). The most common reasons participants stated for hesitating included (1) 44.2% wanting to try and take care of migraine on their own, (2) 33.8% feeling that their migraine or headache would not be taken seriously, (3) 29.2% thinking that their migraine was not serious/painful enough, and (4) 27.4% not being able to afford it or not wanting to spend the money. The main limitation of the study includes the requirement for respondents to have internet, access which may have reflected cohort bias, and the quota sampling rather than random sampling to create a demographically representative sample. Hesitating to seek migraine care is common and is most strongly associated with hiding the disease and migraine-related stigma. Those experiencing higher migraine-related burden are more hesitant to seek the care that might alleviate the burden. These findings suggest that migraine's social context (e.g., stigma) is a major determinant of hesitance to seek migraine care.

Gendered trends in unpaid labour by educational level in Sweden 2004-2022

Abstract Background Unpaid labour has recently been recognised as an important yet neglected social determinant of health. Our aim was to investigate the gendered trends in unpaid labour/domestic work by educational level in prime working-age Swedish adults (30-49 years) from 2004-2022. Methods The study is based on a postal survey sent to a random general population sample of adults from central Sweden in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2017 and 2022. The 30-49-year age group included between 5,500 and 12,200 respondents depending on the survey year. Trends in hours spent in domestic work and in experiencing domestic work as burdensome by gender and educational level were estimated by age-standardised proportions with corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Results Women reported spending more time in domestic work than men throughout every survey period from 2004 to 2022. For example, in 2022, 31% of women spent more than 20 hours per week in domestic work compared to 20% of men. Over time, hours spent in domestic work decreased in women whereas no trend was observed in men. Among women, educational level appeared to make no difference to prevalence of high domestic work time whereas, among men, it was consistently greater among those with higher educational levels. In general, women experienced domestic work as burdensome to a higher degree than men did. Conclusions As gender differences in unpaid labour/domestic work persist in Sweden, more effort is needed to implement social policies to increase men’s participation in domestic work, especially among men with low and middle educational levels, which has the potential to reduce gendered health inequities. Key messages • Amongst Swedish adults aged 30-49 years, the gender gap in unpaid labour has declined during the last two decades, but this is only due to women reducing their domestic work time. • For men, prevalence of high domestic work time was consistently greater among those with higher educational levels, whereas no difference was observed among women.

The association between dietary polyphenol intake and the odds of metabolic syndrome

Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and one of the most important features of polyphenols is their antioxidant properties. However, there is no universal consensus on the effectiveness of polyphenols in treating Mets. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between polyphenols and MetS in an Iranian sample. This cross-sectional study was conducted on an adult population sample from Shiraz, in southern Iran. MetS was calculated using the criteria of the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III), which defines MetS as the presence of three or more of the specified risk factors. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure the participant’s food intake. The association between polyphenol intake and the odds on MetS and its components was assessed using logistic regression. In both univariate and multivariate models, the association between polyphenol intake and the risk of MetS was not significant. However, after adjusting for potential confounders in the multivariate model, each unit change in flavonol, flavanone and isoflavones intake was associated with a lower, higher, and higher odds of MetS, respectively (flavonols: odds ratio (OR) = 0.926, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.891–0.963, P < 0.001—flavanones: OR = 1.007, 95% CI: 1.001–1.014, P = 0.034—isoflavones: OR = 4.920, 95% CI: 1.057–22.894, P = 0.042). Additionally, no significant association was found between polyphenol intake and the risk of MetS components. However, in the multivariate model, after adjusting for potential confounders, a significant association was observed between polyphenol intake and lower odds of high waist circumference (OR = 0.998, 95% CI: 0.996–0.999, P = 0.032). The present study did not reveal a significant association between overall polyphenol intake and the odds of MetS. However, certain subclasses of polyphenols appear to be associated with the likelihood of MetS and its components.

Tobacco- and Nicotine-Containing Product Use in Italy: Results From Two Cross-Sectional Studies

BACKGROUND: Heated tobacco products (HTPs) are alternatives to cigarettes that heat rather than burn tobacco. The first HTP sold in Italy was _IQOS®_ (I-HTP), and while it has been available for nearly a decade, limited data are available on the use of these products. OBJECTIVE: To characterize how Italian adults (users of legal age) use tobacco- and nicotine-containing products (TNPs), including smoke-free products (SFPs), we surveyed this population about their current and past use of TNPs from 2018 to 2020. METHODS: Two consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted in representative samples of the general adult population (6,095 subjects from 2018 to 2019 and 6,118 from 2019 to 2020) and among adult I-HTP users (1,371 subjects from 2018 to 2019 and 1,401 from 2019 to 2020) in Italy. We assessed the prevalence of current TNP use in the general population sample and use patterns in the I-HTP_ _users sample. RESULTS: In the first cross-sectional study (2018-2019), cigarettes were the most used TNP (24.3%), while only a small proportion of the surveyed general population sample used e-cigarettes or I-HTPs (1.4% and 0.7%, respectively). Nearly all current I-HTP users were current adult cigarette smokers when they started using I-HTPs (98.0%). Both surveys showed low initiation, re-initiation, and relapse with I-HTPs, with the majority of current I-HTP users belonging to the intended audience of adults who already used TNPs. Some participants used both I-HTPs and combustible TNPs (38.6%); however, most (59.2%) used I-HTPs exclusively. I-HTP_ _users perceived the health risk (score 0 = no risk; score 100 = very high risk) associated with cigarette smoking higher (63.7) than that for I-HTP_ _use (42.6). Exclusive I-HTP users reported improved respiratory symptoms (reduced cough and phlegm) and exercise capacity compared to a year before they started using I-HTPs. Most current I-HTP users also reported improved smell and taste, better breath smell, and reduced stains or yellowing teeth. Overall, these results were more pronounced among exclusive I-HTP users. The results of the second cross-sectional study (2019-2020) were similar, except for an increase in I-HTP_ _use_ _(1.1% vs. 0.7% in 2018 to 2019). CONCLUSIONS: These studies show that most TNP users in Italy smoke cigarettes. The uptake of I-HTPs suggests that they are a viable alternative to cigarettes. Nearly all I-HTP users switched from cigarettes to I-HTPs. Furthermore, most I-HTP_ _users exclusively use the product. I-HTP users considered the health risk associated with I-HTP_ _use to be lower compared to cigarette smoking, but they did not perceive I-HTPs_ _as risk free. Study participants reported improvements on some health, hygiene, and appearance aspects after switching from cigarettes to I-HTPs. Our results suggest that SFPs can play a role in a harm reduction approach. Further studies are needed to continually monitor the prevalence of SFP use to provide long-term evidence of their impact.

Prevalence of psychosocial findings and their correlation with TMD symptoms in an adult population sample

Background and aimSome studies suggested an association between Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and psychosocial status, but most of them are focused on samples of patients looking for treatment or present limits of sample representativeness. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychosocial status in a large sample of adult population, further than to assess its association to TMD symptoms, oral behaviours, and self-reported facial trauma.Resultsthe study sample included 4299 subjects older than 18 years randomly recruited from general population in public spaces during their daily life (1700 Males, 2599 Females mean ± SD age = 40.4 ± 18.1). Psychosocial status and pain-related disability were assessed by means of Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4) and Graded Chronic Pain Scale (GCPS). TMD symptoms were assessed by RDC/TMD and validated screening tools for TMD pain. Oral Behaviours Checklist was used to investigate on oral behaviours. Logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association of the psychosocial status, TMD symptoms, trauma, and oral behaviours. The association was tested using both univariate and multivariate models. The PHQ4 evaluation showed a severe impairment in 4.6% of our sample, moderate in 18.8% and mild in 32.5%. We found a Characteristic Pain Intensity (CPI) level and Interference Score greater that 30 respectively in 36.2% and 22.2% of the study sample. The GCPS status revealed a high disability with severe limitation in 2.5% of the sample, high disability with moderate limitation in 7.0%, low disability high pain intensity in 7.4% and low disability low pain intensity in 37.8%. Anxiety and depression’s levels were significantly associated with gender, TMD pain, coexistence of TMD Pain and sound, and oral behaviours. GCPS status was significantly associated with age, TMD Pain, coexistence of TMD pain and sound, trauma, and oral behaviours.ConclusionsIn the general population, psychosocial impairment is associated to TMD pain, female gender, and report of oral behaviours. Hence, in adults with TMD accompanied by pain, psychosocial status should also be evaluated.

Estimating the Prevalence of Cognitive Impairment and Its Associated Factors in Albania: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Cognitive impairment is an intermediate state between normal aging and dementia, and its detection in the early stages is essential to prevent dementia, an incurable pathology. The aim of this study is to screen and estimate the prevalence of cognitive impairment, including dementia, and its correlated factors in a community-based sample of the Albanian population over 50 years old. We carried out a door-to-door neuropsychological screening of Albanian residents older than 50 years from November 2023 to June 2024 in 12 Albanian districts. Participants completed the Early Dementia Questionnaire (EDQ) and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The overall estimating prevalence of cognitive impairment and early dementia among the Albanian population over 50 years old was 14.04% using the MMSE, with 2.31% for MMSE ≤18 (serious cognitive impairment), 5.51% for MMSE 19-22 (mild cognitive impairment (MCI)), and 6.22 for MMSE 23-24 (suspected cognitive impairment or dementia),respectively. The prevalence of early dementia using the EDQ was significantly higher (53.99%).The number of male participants with MMSE scores of 23-24 (suspected cognitive impairment or early dementia) was 2.5 times higher with respect to female participants. Smoking and alcohol consumption decreased the MMSE scores. The number of participants with normal cognitive function (MMSE scores 25-30) was lower among participants with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and cerebral ischemia. A diagnostic evaluation, including a clinical examination, neuroimaging, and laboratory studies, is further required for a diagnosis. Despite limitations, the data provided in this study are the only ones reported for a large community-based sample of the older adult Albanian population, which can help health care providers to diagnose cognitive impairment.

Overcoming times of crisis: unveiling coping strategies and mental health in a transnational general population sample during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had an unparalleled impact, precipitating not only direct threats to physical health but also widespread economic and psychological challenges. This study aims to explore the dynamics of coping behaviour and psychological distress (PD) across different phases of the pandemic within an adult general population sample, spanning Austria and Italy.MethodsAn online questionnaire-based panel study was conducted between 2020 and 2023 including three measurements. We collected data on sociodemographic variables, coping responses (Brief COPE), and PD (Brief-Symptom-Checklist). Statistical analyses were conducted within a linear-mixed-model framework. Multiple imputation and sensitivity analysis were applied to validate the results obtained by complete case analysis.ResultsThe study follows 824 participants and reveals a marginal decrease in overall PD from the first to the second follow-up, particularly in clinically relevant phobic anxiety (35.6% and 34.5% to 25.4%). Most coping behaviours exhibited stable mean-levels with intra-individual variability across the study period. Maladaptive coping strategies were consistently linked to increased PD, whereas adaptive strategies were associated with decreased PD.ConclusionOur findings underscore the complex nature of coping behaviours and PD during and after the pandemic, suggesting that while mean-levels of PD and coping responses remained relatively stable, most coping strategies were subject to intra-individual change. Maladaptive strategies were associated with increased PD, pinpointing to the need for interventions that establish the foundation for adaptive coping mechanisms and promote their application. Further research should explore the reciprocal influences of mental health on coping behaviour, incorporating interventional designs to unravel the nuances of these relationships.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE OF CANALIS SINUOSUS IN THE ANTERIOR MAXILLA TO AVOID SURGICAL COMPLICATIONS

Aims: The study's objective was to evaluate the canalis sinuosus (CS) anatomical structure in the front maxilla in order to prevent surgical problems in an adult Yemeni population sample acquired using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to assess 226 participants' CBCT pictures. 452 sides in total were assessed. There were 140 females (61.9%) and 86 males (38.1%) among the samples. The age distribution was 18–34 years (65%) and over 35 years (35%), with a mean age of 32.13. Version 25 of the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for all statistical analyses. Result: It was discovered that 160 right (35.4%) and 175 left (38.7%) of the 226 patients and 452 sides had CS. Among these individuals, 117 (51.8%) had unilateral CS and 109 (48.2%) had bilateral CS. The CS was 8.12 mm from the nasal cavity floor (D1), 6.99 mm from the buccal cortical bone ridge (D2), and 13.47 mm from the crest of the alveolar ridge (D3), as the mean distances were measured. Males and females had somewhat higher mean values for the linear measurements D1 and D3, but females had slightly higher mean values for the linear measurement D2. The CS had a mean diameter of 1.11 mm. Left central incisor area was the most commonly observed location of CS, and palataly was the most frequently recorded location of CS. Conclusion: Since the CS is present in 100% of adult Yemenis, it is imperative that general practitioners and maxillofacial surgeons become more knowledgeable about the position and structure of the CS. Peer Review History: Received 19 May 2024; Reviewed 12 July 2024; Accepted 23 August; Available online 15 September 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Iman Muhammad Higazy, National Research Center, Egypt, imane.higazy@hotmail.com Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Gorkem Dulger, Duzce University, Turkey, gorkemdulger@yandex.com Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, sansan4240732@163.com

The association of material deprivation with major depressive disorder and the role of loneliness and social support: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundExisting research has highlighted the positive association of material deprivation, loneliness, and poor social support with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, there is limited information on the complex interplay between these risk factors. In this study, we investigated (1) whether loneliness and social support moderate the relationship between material deprivation and MDD and (2) whether social support moderates the association between material deprivation and loneliness. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing responses from a representative sample of the Spanish adult population, comprising 2790 individuals who were interviewed between 2019 and 2021. The 12-month prevalence of MDD was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Loneliness was measured using the three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale, and social support was evaluated with the Oslo social support scale. Material deprivation was measured using an instrument developed by the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE). Regression models were constructed to investigate moderating effects. ResultsAbout 25 % of participants experienced material deprivation and 2.8 % had MDD. Among those with lower levels of loneliness, the probability of MDD was almost 0.10 and no significant differences were found in relation to material deprivation. Conversely, differences depending on material deprivation ranged from 0.10 (95 % CI 0.03, 0.18) to 0.44 (95 % CI 0.24, 0.65) among those with higher levels of loneliness. Social support effectively moderated the association between material deprivation and loneliness. LimitationThe cross-sectional nature limits causal inferences. ConclusionSocial support has the potential to improve loneliness and mental health in individuals with economic difficulties.

Personal experiences with the national healthcare system and institutional trust in times of COVID‐19

AbstractWe conducted two studies to analyze the relations between dissatisfaction with experiences with the national healthcare system and trust in political (political parties and parliament), super partes (judiciary and police), and international (European Union [EU] and United Nations [UN]) institutions via the mediation of trust in the national healthcare system. Study 1 (longitudinal study on a quota sample of the Italian adult population, N = 689, surveyed in April 2021, T1, and in April 2022, T2) showed that dissatisfaction with experiences with the national healthcare system was negatively associated with trust in the national healthcare system, which, in turn, was positively associated with an increase in trust in political, super partes, and international institutions. Study 2 (between‐participant experimental design, N = 285) showed that priming a negative versus a positive experience with the national healthcare system decreased trust in this system, which, in turn, was positively associated with trust in political, super partes, and international institutions. The strengths, limitations, and possible development of this research are discussed.

P063 DIFFERENCES IN CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN THE GENERAL POPULATION OF LOW AND HIGH-ALTITUDE RESIDENTS IN PERU. HIGH ALTITUDE CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH – LATIN AMERICA POPULATION STUDY

Background and Objective. Previous data in a convenience sample of highlanders showed an elevated prevalence of masked hypertension. However, comparative studies describing the prevalence of blood pressure (BP) phenotypes in the general population atof different altitudes are lacking. Our aim was to compare the prevalence of BP phenotypes defined by office BP measurement and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in a population-based sample of Peruvian lowlanders and highlanders. Methods. Sex- and age-stratified random general adult population sample was recruited in urban areas at low (Lima, &lt;500m) and high altitude (Huancayo 3287m, Juliaca 3824m, Cerro de Pasco 4330m). Questionnaires, anthropometric data, conventional BP (3 seated measurements with a validated oscillometric device), 24-hour ambulatory BP (A&amp;D TM2430, Japan), and blood analyses were obtained. BP was defined as elevated if either systolic or diastolic BP was: 1) office (OBP) ≥140/90; 2) 24-hour ≥130/80; 3) Daytime ≥135/85; 4) Night-time ≥120/70 (all in mmHg). BP phenotypes were defined as: normotension (NT) – no BP values elevated; white coat hypertension (WCH) – only OBP elevated; masked hypertension (MH) – any ambulatory BP elevated, normal OBP; sustained hypertension (SH) – OBP and any ambulatory BP elevated Results. The analysis included 181 lowlanders and 553 highlanders. Highlanders had slightly lower age (45 vs. 47 years, p=0.005), BMI (26.7 vs. 28.6 kg/m2, p&lt;0.001), and oxygen saturation (88.9 vs. 97.8%, p&lt;0.001) but higher haemoglobin (17.5 vs. 14.4 g/l, p&lt;0.001) than lowlanders. Prevalence of elevated OBP was low at high altitude. Elevated ambulatory BP was much more frequent at both altitudes. Consequently there was a high prevalence of masked hypertension, which was a dominating high BP phenotype among highlanders. Main results are reported in the Table. The altitude of residence remained independently associated with elevated 24-hour BP (p&lt;0.001) in a multiple logistic regression model including age, sex and BMI as covariates. Conclusions. Many individuals in Peru, especially highlanders, are exposed to BP-related risk, which cannot be captured by office measurements alone.

Social disparities in access and quality of consultation in outpatient care in Germany

BackgroundOverall, research on social determinants of access and quality of outpatient care in Germany is scarce. Therefore, social disparities (according to sex, age, income, migration background, and health insurance) in perceived access and quality of consultation in outpatient care (primary care physicians and specialists) in Germany were explored in this study.MethodsAnalyses made use of a cross-sectional online survey. An adult population sample was randomly drawn from a panel which was recruited offline (N = 2,201). Perceived access was assessed by waiting time for an appointment (in days) and travel time to the practice (in minutes), while quality of consultation was measured by consultation time (in minutes) and quality of communication (scale of four items, Cronbach’s Alpha 0.89).ResultsIn terms of primary care, perceived access and quality of consultation was worse among women compared to men. Estimated consultation time was shorter among people with statutory health insurance compared to privately insured respondents. Regarding specialist care, people aged 60 years and older reported shorter waiting times and better quality of communication. Lower income groups reported lower quality of communication, while perceived access and quality of consultation was worse among respondents with a statutory health insurance. Variances explained by the social characteristics ranged between 1% and 4% for perceived access and between 3% and 7% for quality of consultation.ConclusionWe found social disparities in perceived access and quality of consultation in outpatient care in Germany. Such disparities in access may indicate structural discrimination, while disparities in quality of consultation may point to interpersonal discrimination in health care.

Facial soft tissue depth of a contemporary adult Greek population

Facial approximation is a technique that involves constructing the facial muscles and applying a suitable facial soft tissue depth (FSTD) dataset. To date, several FSTD studies have been conducted for varying population groups. This study aims to establish a FSTD dataset of an adult Greek population sample for the first time. The facial depths of subjects were measured on 100 head CT scans of 50 male and 50 female subjects aged from 18 to 99. The 3D head and skull models of subjects were segmented in Amira 6.1 by using histogram method. FSTDs were measured at 22 cranial landmarks (5 mid-sagittal, 17 bilateral). The FSTD dataset was generated by considering the age and sex of subjects. The impact of age and sex on the FSTD was limited. Slight inter-population depth variations were reported. Facial asymmetry calculated between the bilateral landmarks was insignificant for both male and female subjects.

Association between high risk of obstructive sleep apnea and inflammatory markers in a population sample of young and middle-aged adults in the Miami Heart Study.

There are limited data depicting the association between high risk of OSA and the levels of inflammatory markers in a population-based sample free from CVD. In a large U.S. cohort enriched with a Hispanic population and free of cardiovascular disease (CVD), we aimed to assess the association between high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and inflammatory markers. We analyzed data for 2359 clinical CVD-free participants from the Miami Heart Study, aged 40-65 (May 2015 - Sept 2018). High risk of OSA included those with a high risk using the Berlin questionnaire. Poisson regression analyses were utilized to examine the associations between high risk of OSA (reference: low risk of OSA) and hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels (continuous) in univariate and multivariate models (adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and BMI, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking). 552 (28%) participants were categorized as having a high risk of OSA. Patients with a high risk of OSA had higher median values of hs-CRP (2.3 vs. 1.0), IL-6 (1.9 vs. 1.4), and TNF-α (1.2 vs. 1.1) when compared to those with a low risk of OSA (all p < 0.001). When adjusting for age, sex, and race/ethnicity, the mean difference between patients with high and low risk of OSA in hs-CRP was 2.04 (95% CI 1.85, 2.23), and 0.73 (95% CI 0.57, 0.89) in IL-6. These differences were attenuated when further adjusting for CVD risk factors but remained statistically significant for hs-CRP: (0.38, 95% CI 0.21, 0.55). After accounting for CVD risk factors, individuals at high risk of OSA had significantly higher levels of hs-CRP, suggesting that OSA screening identified subclinical inflammation in this population sample of individuals free of CVD.

Chronic Procrastination Among Iranians: Prevalence Estimation, Latent Profile and Network Analyses.

Procrastination is the deliberate, unjustified postponing of an intended course of action despite its costs or unfavorable effects. The present study used a self-report online survey and collected data from a large convenience sample of the general adult population (N = 2,076; females = 55.73%; Mage = 35.1years [SD ± 12.7]) with diverse demographics. Following the ring-curve distribution, the results indicated a 15.4% prevalence rate of procrastination among the Iranian community, which was significantly higher among women and divorced individuals and lower among nomadic individuals and those with higher academic degrees. A latent profile analysis demonstrated two distinct profiles, one for procrastinators (high scores on chronic procrastination, psychological distress, neuroticism, and extraversion; and low scores on general self-efficacy, self-esteem, satisfaction with life, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and one for non-procrastinators (demonstrating a reverse pattern compared to procrastinators). Moreover, additional network analysis suggested that the examined networks were invariant across procrastination status and gender. The results indicate that procrastination differs by demographic characteristics and is associated with a unique psychological profile. However, none of the aforementioned key study variables were considered a potential vulnerability for procrastinators due to the finding that all variables were peripheral and none were central in the examined networks.Therefore, relying on the differences in mean scores on psychometric scales does not appear to be an optimal way of determining the most important variables in a therapeutic context when treating procrastination.

Health behavior and psychological treatment utilization in adults with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder symptoms

BackgroundAvoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), an eating disorder not associated with weight and shape concerns, results in nutrient or energy deficiencies related with further health consequences and a pronounced need for specialized treatment. These interventions need to be tailored to individual health behavior. However, research about health behavior and treatment utilization in ARFID is scarce, particularly in adults, as ARFID is more common in children despite occurring across the lifespan. One important aspect of health behavior is the individual’s health regulatory focus (i.e., health prevention and health promotion). Additionally, symptoms of eating disorders have generally been associated with various health risk behaviors, such as smoking, drinking, or unhealthy physical (in)activity. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate health behavior and psychological treatment utilization in adults with symptoms of ARFID.MethodsA representative adult population sample (N = 2415) completed several self-report questionnaires assessing symptoms of eating disorders and health behavior. Differences between groups (symptoms of ARFID vs. no symptoms of ARFID) were tested with analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney-U-tests, and binary logistic regression.ResultsIndividuals with symptoms of ARFID (n = 20) did not differ in their health regulatory focus, smoking status, physical activity or psychological treatment utilization from individuals without symptoms of ARFID (n = 2395). However, they reported higher alcohol misuse than individuals without symptoms of ARFID.ConclusionThe findings suggest a relevance of further exploration of the relationship between alcohol misuse and ARFID, given the preliminary nature of these results. This exploration could inform treatment strategies for addressing potential comorbid substance misuse. Furthermore, the low psychological treatment utilization in adults with symptoms of ARFID suggest a need for more specialized psychological treatment services, public education about ARFID being an indication for psychological treatment, and further research about treatment barriers.

A POSITIVE FAMILY HISTORY, PARTICULARLY IN THE MOTHER, IS AN IMPORTANT DETERMINANT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Objective: A positive family history is one of the non-modifiable risk factors directly linked to arterial hypertension (AH). This study aimed to show the influence of a positive family history of AH on the incidence of AH in the studied population. Design and method: A total of 1784 participants (a random sample of the general adult population in Croatia included in the ’Epidemiology of Hypertension in Croatia -2’ project) were examined. Data were systematically collected through a structured questionnaire. Results: Analysis showed a statistically significant difference in having a positive family history of AH in at least one parent between those having AH and the normotensive group (59.2% vs. 51.6%; p=0.002). Furthermore, 14.5% of subjects with AH and 9.4% of normotensive subjects reported at least one of the grandmothers with a history of AH (p=0.001). A significant correlation was observed for individuals reporting a positive history of AH in their paternal grandmother (p=0.004) and maternal grandfather (p=0.009), reported by 8.8% and 6.4% of subjects with AH, respectively, as opposed to 5.5% and 4.5% of the normotensive subjects. The most significant difference was found for a positive family history of AH in the mother, reported by 46.5% of subjects with AH and 38.5% of normotensive subjects (p&lt;0.001). Regression analysis indicated a statistically significant association between a positive family history of AH in the mother and an increased odds ratio for developing AH (OR 1.36 95% CI 1.11-1.66, p=0.003). Conversely, a positive family history on either the paternal or maternal side, at least one of the grandfathers, father, and paternal grandfather failed to exhibit a significant correlation with the occurrence of AH. Conclusions: Our study affirmed the importance of family history for arterial hypertension, which should be an elementary part of taking medical history. Subjects who had mothers with arterial hypertension were at higher risk of having AH themselves which is in line with the previous notion that the mother's hypertensive status is more important than the father's.

ASSOCIATION OF SOCIEOCONOMIC FACTORS, LIFE STYLE WITH CHOLESTEROL IN GENERAL ADULT POPULATION

Objective: The relationship between socioeconomic factors, behavior and LDL cholesterol values is a complex process that includes various aspects of an individual's life and environment. The aim of the work is to determine the association of socioeconomic factors and health behavior with LDL cholesterol values. Design and method: Through cross-sectional research, we analyzed 1,800 subjects from the general adult population of Croatia (random sample of general adult population in Croatia included in the Epidemiology of Hypertension in Croatia -2 project). For the purposes of the research, a structured questionnaire was used, which consists of data on socioeconomic status and lifestyle. Cholesterol and LDL values were determined from fasting blood samples. Results: In the whole group 58.2% of respondents had increased total cholesterol values. However, only 24.96% declare that they had dyslipidemia, which indicates a low awareness of the existence of risks. Total cholesterol values were positively correlated with personal monthly income (r=0,41 p=0.041), professional education (p=0.021), type of work (p=0.011) and are also associated with an unhealthy lifestyle. We found a negative correlation with physical activity (r=-0,10 p&lt;,05). Elevated LDL cholesterol showed association with socioeconomic factors such as personal monthly income, professional education, but there was no significant correlation with drinking black coffee, alcohol consumption, or physical activity. The consumption of fruits and vegetables was related to the occurrence of dyslipidemia and the correlation was statistically significant (r=-0,10, p &lt;0.05). Conclusions: Poor awareness for hypercholesterolemia was observed in our general population. Socioeconomic factors and health behavior are interrelated in influencing total and LDL cholesterol levels. General population should be more educated to increase awareness about this important cardiovascular risk factor.

INTEREST FOR HEALTH APPLICATIONS FOR SMARTPHONES IS DETERMINED WITH SOCIOECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL STATUS

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate viewpoints on the usage of health applications for smartphones and to determine which application patients would consider most useful. Design and method: This study included 1780 participants (random sample of general adult population in Croatia included in the ’Epidemiology of Hypertension in Croatia -2’ project). They completed a questionnaire which included questions about smartphone possession, opinion on health applications, monthly income and duration of education. Participants were then divided into two groups based on whether they considered usage of the health applications useful. Those who deemed them useful were further questioned about their opinion on three types of applications: reminder, keeping a blood pressure log, daily and weekly advice. Results: Out of 1780 participants, 1101 (61.9%) own a smartphone; 437 (24.6%) consider smartphone health applications not useful; 668 (37.5%) consider smartphone health applications useful. The prevalence of finding health applications useful varies by average monthly income: 24.8%, 41.9%, and 57.3% for the group with income &lt; €467, with income €467–€667, and with income &gt; €667, respectively. The prevalence of finding health applications useful varies by education duration: 15.7%, 38.4% and 53.3% in the group with &lt; 8 years of education, in the group with 8–12 years, and in the group with &gt; 12 years of education, respectively. Out of 668 participants who consider health applications useful, 215 (32.2%) would use an application for keeping blood pressure log; 295 (44.2%) would use a reminder application; 355 (53.1%) would use an application which offers daily and weekly advice. Conclusions: Our results show that interest in health applications is higher among those with higher monthly income and longer education. The biggest interest is shown for the application which would offer advice. However, the prevalence of smartphone possession may limit the utilization of health applications as part of the new healthcare approach.