Self-perceived Health Status Research Articles

Defining digital health literacy profiles in Spanish adults: a latent class analysis

Abstract Background According to different reports, Spain is among the European countries that use digital health technologies the most. However, to develop inclusive and fair digital health services, there is the need to feature digital health knowledge, skills, confidence, and a positive attitude about their significance. This work aims to draw a picture of digital health literacy levels in Spain. Methods A stratified sample of the Spanish population regarding gender, age group and area of residence was used. Participants were recruited from an online panel and by direct approach to balance quotas. Between May 2021- May 2022, participants filled a self-administered online survey, including the Spanish version of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) and the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS). Results Digital health literacy showed similar mean scores, between 2.6-2.7 out of 5 with similar SD on each of the 7 dimensions of the eHLQ. The highest scores were related to knowledge about filling data in digital health services and knowledge about health and how the body works, and feelings about the usefulness of digital technology for health. In contrast, lower scores were related to sharing health information by technology, thinking that using technology gives access to better health services, and the possibility to contact usual health professionals with technology. Latent profile analysis identified 5 user profiles. Significant differences were found according to age, inhabitants per municipality, technology use, self-perceived health status, educational level, socioeconomic index and eHEALS scores; not by gender. Conclusions As the scores are similar in the different subscales, competencies, attitudes and confidence in digital health that they measure are balanced. However, the main challenge appears in granting users access to digital services that work, which involves the definition and monitoring of strategies until the final implementation. Key messages • Digital Health literacy in Spain differs according to different aspects, not only age, educational or socioeconomic level. • Confidence in usefulness is a common denominator among the five digital health service user profiles identified.

The value of healthy ageing: Estimating the economic value of health at older ages using time use data

Abstract While health naturally has intrinsic value and maintaining health as people age seems to make good economic sense, making the case for investing in health at older ages can be challenging. Much economic growth is historically attributed to the working-age population; however, maintaining good health as people age also enables older people to contribute meaningfully to the economy. Investing in health at older ages, therefore, can be strategic economic policy. We develop a novel method to quantify the economic value of health through time use data. Using data from the United Kingdom Time Use Survey (UKTUS) 2014-15 for individuals aged 65 years-old and older, we apply survey-weighted generalized linear models to predict the time spent in non-market productive activities based on age and self-perceived health. We then quantify the monetary value of time spent engaging in these activities and simulate the monetary impact of health gains at older ages. Both age and self-perceived health status were associated with minutes spent in many non-market productive activities. Being in ‘very good’ instead of ‘very bad’ self-perceived health is associated with an additional production of 439£, 629£, and 598£ per month for an average individual aged 65 to 74 years-old, 75 to 84 years-old, and 85 years-old and older, respectively. Our simulation model indicates that improving the health of 10% of older people in ‘very bad’ health could lead to an economic increase of up to 278£ million through non-market activities. Health at older ages creates considerable economic value which is not captured using standard national accounting measures. Our work highlights the importance of health for functional capacity as people age, allowing them to engage more in non-market activities. Our method to quantify the monetary value of health can be adapted to other settings to make the economic case for investing in healthy ageing.

Work ability data management in multisectoral services for people with disabilities: a cross-sectional study

Successful collaboration between professionals working in multisectoral services for people with disabilities requires access to data on the client’s work ability. This study examines work ability data needs, availability, and acquisition in social and health care services and employment services and explores possible differences between these service sectors. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a self-developed questionnaire based on Choo’s information management process model, the Work Ability House model and previous research on work ability data. The questionnaire was targeted at physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and experts who support the work ability of people with disabilities and who work in primary health care, specialised health care, social services or employment services. The findings indicate that data on clients’ self-perceived health status is more frequently available than data on self-perceived work ability. This variability in data availability exists across professional sectors, highlighting the need for enhanced data management practices related to work ability assessment and support among professionals in social and health care services and employment services. The study underscores the importance of increasing professionals’ willingness to discuss work ability issues with working-age clients, particularly in primary health care and social services. These findings are pertinent in terms of enhancing multisectoral collaboration among professionals who need to comprehensively assess and support the work ability and employment of people with disabilities. Also, the study provides a diverse list of individual pieces of data related to work ability.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicidal Ideation and Depression in Community-Dwelling Elderly.

This study examined the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on depression and suicidal ideation in community-dwelling elderly in Korea. Data were employed from a survey on elderly mental health in Jeollanam-do (southwest province in Korea), conducted by the Jeollanam-do Provincial Mental Health and Welfare Center. A total of 2423 people were recruited from all 22 cities in Jeollanam-do from April to October, 2021. We used self-reported questionnaires including sociodemographic factors, COVID-19-related stress, the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form Korean Version, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Satisfaction With Life Scale and the Brief Resilience Scale. Logistic regression was performed to examine the factors of depression and suicidal ideation. Of the 2423 subjects, 622 (25.7%) reported depressive symptoms and 518 (21.4%) reported suicidal ideation. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that living alone, poor perceived health status, worry of COVID-19 infection, and restriction of daily activities due to COVID-19 pandemic are significantly associated with depression. Female gender, poor perceived health status, inability to perform household chores, and depressive symptom are risk factors of suicidal ideation. These findings show that old age, negative perception of health, and restriction of daily activities due to COVID-19 are risk factors of depression in community-dwelling elderly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Female gender, poor self-perceived health status, and depression increase the risk of suicidal ideation among the elderly. Social support and life satisfaction are protecting factors of both depression and suicidal ideation. Resilience decreased risk of depression but not in suicidal ideation.

Individual Characteristics Associated with Fears and Prevention Behaviors Related to Respiratory Infectious Disease among South Korean Adults Using Complex Sample Design.

This study aimed to identify the relationships among individual characteristics, COVID-19-related fears, and infection-prevention behaviors using data from 228,932 adults (weighted to 43,583,798.71) aged 19 and older who participated in the 2021 Community Health Survey conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The complex sample design analysis using SPSS 20.0 revealed the following. Women had statistically significantly higher COVID-19-related fears and a higher level of preventive behaviors compared to men. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of physical activity among men was higher than that of women. Compared to the period before COVID-19, the frequency of smoking and drinking decreased for both men and women, with the reduction being more pronounced in men than in women. The high-exercise group had a lower level of COVID-19-related fears. Self-perceived health status was inversely and significantly related to COVID-19-related fears. The low-exercise group had a lower score for self-perceived health status than the high-exercise group. This study demonstrated that maintaining sufficient physical activity positively influences self-perceived health and reduces anxieties related to COVID-19 infection and fatalities. The results highlight the importance of physical activity and the need to identify strategies that effectively maintain regular exercise while adhering to infection-prevention measures during pandemics.

Health-Related Behaviors and Perceived Health Status According to Water and Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake in Korean Adolescents.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between water and sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake, health behaviors, and self-perceived health status using data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS). The subjects included in this analysis were 57,302 Korean adolescents from the 7th to 12th grades. The intake patterns of water and SSBs were categorized into four groups: Group I, adequate water intake (≥4 cups/day) and low frequency of SSB intake (≤1-2 times/week); Group II, adequate water intake and high frequency of SSB intake; Group III, inadequate water intake (<4 cups/day) and low frequency of SSB intake; Group IV, inadequate water intake and high frequency of SSB intake (≥3 times/week). Complex sample analyses were used for considering strata, clusters, and weights for samples. Significant differences were observed in the distribution of sociodemographic characteristics between the water and SSB intake groups. As grade levels increased or if students were female, there was a significant increase in the proportion of students characterized by low water intake and high consumption of SSB. Adolescents with healthier beverage habits, characterized by adequate water intake and low frequency of SSB consumption (Group I), generally abstained from smoking and alcohol, were more physically active, and maintained a desirable diet, reporting a better perceived health status. In contrast, those with higher SSB consumption and inadequate water intake (Group IV) were more likely to perceive their health as poor, with higher rates of smoking and alcohol use, lower physical activity levels, and poorer dietary habits compared to Group I. In conclusion, adolescents with desirable beverage consumption habits differed by sex and grade and they reported positive health behaviors and better overall health status. This suggests that there is a need for more active education and intervention in schools and families, as well as increased efforts by adolescents to promote healthy beverage habits.

Socioeconomic determinants and self-rated health among hotel housekeepers in the Balearic Islands (Spain).

Hotel housekeepers constitute an important occupational group in the Balearic Islands (Spain). Housekeeping is considered low-skilled and precarious and typically involves high physical demands and time pressure. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between the socioeconomic determinants of health and hotel housekeepers' self-rated health. This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Primary Health Care in the Balearic Islands (November 2018-February 2019). Hotel housekeepers over 18 years of age with free access to the Balearic Public Health System who had been employed during 2018 were eligible. We enrolled 1,043 hotel housekeepers; the mean score of health perceived status was 72.4/100 (SD 19.0). Those with a lower self-perceived health were statistically significant older, had Spanish nationality, lower level of studies, permanent or recurring seasonal contract, financial difficulties, a higher level of occupational stress, an external locus of control, reported work-life balance difficulties, were former smokers, insufficiently physical active and obese. We found lower scores in self-perceived health status score of -7.159 (CI95% -10.20- -4.12) among hotel housekeepers with osteoarthritis; -6.858 (CI95% -11.89- -1.82) among those with chronic depression; -3.697 (CI95% -6.08- -1.31) among those who reported difficulties in work-life balance; -2.414 (CI95% -4.69- -0.13) among participants who performed insufficient physical activity; -2.107 (CI% -4.44- -0.23) among those who reported financial strain. Lower self-rated health was also associated to a higher perceived stress, -1.440 (CI95% -2.09- -0.79); BMI (kg/m2), -0.299 (CI95% -0.53- -0.07); and longer time working as HH -0.177 (CI95% -0.33- -0.03). Our results underscore the importance of psychosocial (such as difficulties in work-life balance and occupational stress) and material factors (such as financial difficulties) when explaining differences in self-perceived health. Public health interventions aimed at improving health status must consider inequalities in material and working conditions.

Self-perceived health status, psychological resilience, and life satisfaction of healthcare workers after 2 years of COVID-19 pandemic

Self-perceived health status, psychological resilience, and life satisfaction of healthcare workers after 2 years of COVID-19 pandemic

Unmet community care needs among older adults in China: an observational study on influencing factors

BackgroundWith the rapidly aging population in China, there is an urgent need to understand and address the community care needs of older adults. This study sought to examine these unmet community care needs of older adults in China and the factors influencing them, with the goal of providing essential groundwork for the development of community care health policies.MethodsThis study used data from the 2018 China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey of 8,870 adults aged 65 years and older. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to unmet community care needs.ResultsThe results showed that lower number of children, increased years of schooling, poorer self-perceived economic and health status, residing in an institution rather than living with household members, not having public old-age pensions, and not having activity due to daily living impairments were associated with a higher likelihood of unmet community care needs among older adults.ConclusionsThese findings indicate the necessity for crafting policies that consider the factors affecting unmet community care needs of older adults, including their health vulnerabilities and individual needs. Implementing national initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of services delivered to older adults is crucial, along with establishing programmes to proactively address their vulnerabilities and individual needs. This study can contribute to the formulation of policy measures aimed at enhancing community care services of older adults in China.

Effects of aircraft noise exposure on self-reported health through aircraft noise annoyance: Causal mediation analysis in the DEBATS longitudinal study in France.

Previous studies reported an association between transportation noise and self-reported health status (SRHS). They also suggested a mediating role of noise annoyance using conventional statistical methods. These methods are subject to bias in longitudinal studies with time-dependent exposure, mediator and confounding factors. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of aircraft noise annoyance in the effect of aircraft noise on SRHS using a causal inference approach to address time-dependent variables issues. We used data from 881 participants in all three visits in the DEBATS longitudinal study conducted around three French airports. Participants over 18 years of age reported their self-perceived health status, aircraft noise annoyance, and noise sensitivity by completing a questionnaire at three visits in 2013, 2015 and 2017. Noise maps were used to estimate aircraft noise levels outside their homes. Marginal structural models with inverse probability weighting were used to estimate the total effect of aircraft noise levels on SRHS and its decomposition into direct and indirect effect through aircraft noise annoyance. This study showed a deleterious effect of aircraft noise on SRHS. The odds ratio (OR) corresponding to the total effect and comparing the highest aircraft noise category (≥60 dBA) to the reference category (<50 dBA) was significant (ORpoor/fair_SHRS = 1.25 (95%CI: 1.06 to 2.08)). It also showed no direct effect of aircraft noise levels on SRHS, but an indirect effect through annoyance. This indirect effect increased as aircraft noise levels increased, with a statistically significant OR when comparing the highest noise category (≥60 dBA) to the lowest (<50 dBA) (ORpoor/fair_SHRS = 1.16 (95%CI: 1.03 to 1.52)). Nearly 66% of aircraft noise's effect on SRHS was mediated by aircraft noise annoyance. This study supports the deleterious causal effect of aircraft noise on SRHS. The results highlight the important mediating role of aircraft noise annoyance in the causal pathway from exposure to aircraft noise to poor/fair SRHS.

Association between air temperature and self-perceived health status in Southern Germany: Results from KORA FIT study

BackgroundShort-term exposure to low and high air temperatures can cause serious harmful effects on human health. Existing literature has mostly focused on associations of ambient air temperature with mortality and the need for health care in population-level studies. Studies that have considered self-perceived health status as an outcome when examining the effects of air temperature on health are scarce. In this study, we explored the short-term association of daily mean air temperature with various measures of self-perceived health status. MethodsThis cross-sectional analysis is based on the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) FIT study conducted in 2018/2019 and included participants from the Augsburg region of Southern Germany. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was evaluated by using the 5-level EuroQol Five Dimension (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire, including the EuroQol visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). Self-rated health (SRH) and comparative self-rated health (CSRH) were each assessed using a single question. Daily mean air temperature data was estimated using a spatiotemporal model and assigned to participants' home addresses at a resolution of 1 × 1 km. Regression models with a Distributed Lag Non-linear Modeling (DLNM) approach were used to investigate the associations between daily mean air temperature and self-perceived health measures. ResultsWe found no association of heat or cold with the HRQOL, SRH or CSRH. Nevertheless, there was a significant protective association of low air temperature with the EQ-5D-5L dimension “usual activities.” ConclusionThere was no evidence of daily mean air temperature adversely affecting participants' self-perceived health status.

Assessment of treatment needs, barriers, and self-perception regarding oral health among female university students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe study aimed to compare the self-perceived oral health status measured through a self-administered questionnaire with clinically determined oral health status measured by decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT) and community periodontal index of treatment need (CPITN) indices in university going females. In addition, access barriers to treatment related to oral healthcare were also determined.MethodsA 3-month analytical cross-sectional study was designed for consenting university going females (aged 18–22 years) in Islamabad, Pakistan. The self-perceived oral health was recorded through a questionnaire requesting information regarding socio-demographics, self-perception of oral health, frequency of dental visits and barriers to seeking oral health. Seven independent examiners performed intraoral clinical examination and assessed the oral health status using globally standardized oral health assessment indices (DMFT and CPITN).ResultsA total of 400 students were included in the final sample. The study revealed a significant disparity between self-perceived oral health and clinical assessment. Although perceived oral health was considered “good” by 80.0% of the respondents, clinical examination revealed moderate DMFT scores (mean 2.95 ± 1.41) and periodontal disease requiring treatment in 89.5% of the individuals. The most common barriers in seeking dental care were lack of knowledge, dental phobia, affordability issue and false self-perception.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated a notable discrepancy between self-perception of oral health and clinically assessed oral health. These results emphasize the importance of focused educational programs and community outreach programs, especially directed towards this demographic. Prioritizing such initiatives will help individuals to recognize their actual oral health condition thus encouraging positive oral health behaviors and outcomes.

Older adults and use of video games

Digital technologies are having a profound impact on all aspects of our lives and are driving major societal changes. The use of information and communication technologies in education is one of the fastest developing areas of research, but there is still a digital divide and a need for action in lifelong learning to empower older adults. Our aim was to understand the profile of older adults who use videogames and to identify the factors behind their use and their relationship with certain aspects of health and well-being (self-perceived health status, cognitive and physical functioning, psychological and social well-being). With this aim, we assessed the use and acceptance of different types of technology and how these might be influenced by different factors, such as older adults' age, gender and level of education. Results obtained suggest that there are significant differences between the frequency of video game use and age, gender, educational level and previous experience with digital technology, but no significant differences by gender were found in overall technology use. In conclusion, this study could contribute to the design of lifelong learning approaches for older people that can take advantage of the benefits offered by video games and other technologies to leave no one behind.

Health literacy strengths and needs among migrant communities from Portuguese-speaking African countries in Portugal: a cross-sectional study.

Health literacy among migrants is a matter of public health and social justice. Migrants from diverse backgrounds encounter challenges such as linguistic barriers, cultural disparities, restricted access to health services, and heterogeneous migration statuses. Addressing these challenges requires careful consideration of their unique experiences and needs to promote equitable health outcomes. This can hinder their ability to navigate the healthcare system, understand health information, and engage in health-promoting behaviours. However, there is still a significant gap in our understanding of health literacy within migrant communities. This study has a dual aim: to identify health literacy strengths and needs among migrants from Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP) countries in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and to examine associations between demographic, socioeconomic, migration and health condition characteristics and the health literacy domains. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Data were collected from 506 PALOP migrants using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). We also collected demographic, socioeconomic, migration, and health condition data. We employed multiple linear regression to understand the relationship between the HLQ nine domains and these characteristics. The HLQ scores revealed distinct patterns of health literacy between the groups. Health literacy needs were particularly evident in the domains related to feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers and navigating the healthcare system. Conversely, higher scores and potential strengths were observed in actively managing one's health and understanding enough health information to make informed decisions. However, in these, the average scores suggest that a high proportion of people recognised difficulties. 'The results also indicated that a higher educational level was associated with increased health literacy. In contrast, low self-perceived health status, living alone, shorter duration of residence in Portugal, and being either undocumented or in the process of obtaining legal status were associated with lower health literacy. Our study highlights the importance of migration-related variables and self-reported health status in understanding health literacy among migrant communities. Factors such as length of stay and low self-perceived health status are associated with potentially disadvantageous levels of health literacy, which could exacerbate health inequalities. Assessing these variables is critical to identify gaps in health literacy and develop tailored interventions to reduce health inequalities.

Identification of the health education targeted susceptible population of tuberculosis in Ningxia, Northwest China

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey, as an effective measure tool, is of practical significance for identifying the susceptible population in high-incidence regions of tuberculosis (TB). We aim to identify the health education targeted susceptible population of TB and discuss the acting pathway of KAP in Ningxia. A multistage random sampling method was used to conduct a face-to-face questionnaire survey for residents. The latent class analysis (LCA) model was used to classify susceptible populations of TB, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) model was also employed to investigate the interaction mechanisms of KAP (mediation analysis). We further applied the ordered logistic regression model to explore the associated factors. A total of 973 residents were enrolled, 70.6% were male, aged from 16 to 89. The LCA analysis demonstrated that 3 categories of susceptible populations of TB ("overall good", "positive attitude" and "overall poor") have optimal goodness of fit (BIC = 7889.5, Entropy = 0.923). SEM model indicated that the attitude plays a significant mediation effect from knowledge to practice toward TB (an indirect effect of 0.038, and a direct effect of 0.138). The ordered logistic regression results found that age, sex, marital status, education level, occupation, family income, self-perceived health status, having a family member or friend with TB, and knowing the DOTS strategy were significantly associated with classifications of KAP level towards TB. Based on the LCA model, we accurately classified the susceptible population of TB into 3 groups with different degrees of KAP. We found that TB attitude plays a mediating role between knowledge and practice. Therefore, we should pay more attention and carry out targeted health education in the community to these populations with overall poor KAP towards TB, and develop effective strategies and measures to realize the End TB Plan.

Correlation of indicators of heart rate autonomic regulation and socio-economic well-being in young people 16–18 years old living in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation

Background. The impact of natural and climatic factors on human health may change under the influence of other factors related to his socio-economic well-being. The aim of the study. To determine the correlation between indicators of heart rate variability and parameters of socio-economic well-being, quality of life of young people living in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (Arkhangelsk).Materials and methods. Parameters of Heart rate variability in 36 young men (16–18 years old) were determined at entry (5 minutes) and at a fixed breath rate (5 minutes). We used the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version of questionnaire, Family Affluence Scale (FAS II) and a questionnaire reflecting the financial situation, composition, and large number of children in the participants’ families.Results. According to correlation analysis, a decrease in the number of family vacations per year and FAS-II scores is accompanied by an increase in sympathetic activity. Indicators of self-perceived health status, number of cars in the family, FAS-II score and family financial status are positively correlated with indicators of vagal activity. Parameters of the psychological sphere of life quality and family composition were negatively correlated with sympathetic activity; parameters of the physical sphere of life quality and the number of family vacations per year were negatively correlated with vagal activity (fixed breath rate).Conclusion. We identified specific indicators of socio-economic well-being that are most closely related to both the tension of the cardiac activity mechanisms and the decrease in vagal reserves of autonomic regulation in young men living in the Russian Arctic.

Post-recovery experience among COVID-19 patients: A population-based online survey in India.

Patients who recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 experience several post-COVID-19 health and social problems. This study was therefore done to explore the living experiences and the various health problems experienced by people and their determinants during the post-recovery phase of COVID-19. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Mangalore in March 2022. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire designed as a Google Doc. Post-COVID-19 conditions were defined as adverse health consequences returning, new, or persistent beyond 1 month after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The experiences in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19 were assessed based on a scoring system for the related items in the questionnaire. Out of 235 participants, 204 (86.8%) reported post-COVID-19 health problems between 1 and 6 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection. The majority of them reported fatigue [114 (55.9%)]. Self-perceived health status and social relationships were significantly poorer among participants in the post-COVID-19 phase than before infection. In the multivariable analysis, unmarried/divorced/widow status, staying within city limits, and history of being admitted to the hospital due to various COVID-19-related emergencies were independently associated with the presence of post-COVID-19 conditions among the participants. The living experience in the post-recovery phase was positive only among 22 (9.4%) participants and was found to be significantly associated with the severe status of COVID-19 at the time of disease presentation. Post-COVID-19 health problems were present among several participants. Those identified to be at risk of developing these conditions need to be periodically screened and managed with a multi-disciplinary care and rehabilitation program. There is also a need to address social problems and encourage positive living experiences among COVID-19 patients during the post-recovery phase of the disease.

Self-perception of health and physical activity levels among the youth and adults before and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emerging research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions led to decreased physical activity levels and poorer health globally. However, most studies on this topic have focused on advanced countries, leaving a gap in understanding the impact in countries like Ghana. This study aimed to fill this gap by assessing self-perceived health status and physical activity levels among youth and adults in Ghana before, during, and after the COVID-19 restrictions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informing public health interventions and policies to promote well-being during and beyond the pandemic. A cross-sectional survey using online data collection methods was conducted, involving 937 participants. Data included demographic information, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Analysis was done using SPSS version 25, with descriptive statistics and multinomial regression. Most participants (89.6%) reported good health. Male participants were significantly more likely to engage in moderate (1.78 times) and high (3.17 times) physical activity during the COVID-19 period compared to females. This study highlights gender disparities in physical activity levels during the pandemic in Ghana. Addressing these disparities and promoting healthier lifestyles, especially during crises, is crucial for general and mental health. Further research should explore socio-demographic factors' role in health behaviors during pandemics.

Analysis of questionnaires from the perspective of hospitalization risk prediction. Systematic review

One of the key tasks facing the medical community and health professionals is the identification of patients at high risk of hospitalization, including emergency one. Currently, various approaches are used to obtain information about certain predictors in a patient that are as­sociated with an increased hospitalization risk, but there is no consensus on which of them are most effective.Aim. To summarize data from studies that has analyzed the prognostic value of various predictors used in questionnaires or patient surveys associated with an increased hospitalization risk.Material and methods. We search for full-text articles in 8 Russian and foreign electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, BMC Health Services Research, BMJ Research, Google Scholar, e-library, Oxford Academic, Wiley Online Library), published in the period from January 1, 1993 to January 1, 2023 and containing information about questionnaires on hospitalization risk prediction. The study was carried out in 4 following stages: 1 — search for articles using keywords in electronic databases; 2 — duplicate elimination; 3 — search for full-text versions of articles and their assessment for compliance with inclusion/ exclusion criteria; 4 — data analysis, systematization of hospitalization predictors used in questionnaires.Results. In total, out of 28133 initial publications, 13 full-text papers describing studies that fully met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were admitted to stage 4 and were included in the final analysis. These studies were devoted to the description of 11 questionnaires, their modification or testing. The majority of the articles found (53,8%) were conducted in the United States. When analyzing questionnaires to assess the hospitalization risk, among 61 identified predictors, the following were most often used In questionnaires: "age ≥75 years"; "≥1 hospitalization within one to two years preceding filling out the questionnaire"; "taking ≥5 prescription medications"; "male sex"; "history of diabetes", and "satisfactory/unsatisfactory self-perceived health status". A more detailed analysis of questionnaires to assess the risk of one-year hospitalization among people ≥65 years old found that the following predictors were most often used: "age ≥75 years", "≥1 hospitalization in the period from one to two years before filling out the questionnaire", and "taking ≥3 prescription medications".Conclusion. Evidence is summarized on predictors used in questionnaires on hospitalization risk assessment. Additional research is needed to validate established predictors in the Russian population, their cause-and-effect relationship, and to search for novel predictors influencing the hospitalization risk among the working age and post-working age population.

Dental Health Diagnosis in Quilombola Communities in Northern Minas Gerais - Minas Gerais

Objective: The aim was to diagnose the oral health situation in two quilombola communities in the North of Minas Gerais, Monte Alto and Dos Nogueiras. Method:A cross-sectional, population-based, descriptive study was conducted. A questionnaire was administered to assess socioeconomic, cultural, and oral health conditions using the Oral Health Impact Profile. Information such as gender, age, skin color, education level, water supply, sanitation, family income, daily habits, tobacco and alcohol use, and self-perceived health conditions were collected. Through clinical examinations by calibrated examiners, prevalent oral diseases in both communities were identified. The data underwent descriptive and bivariate analysis, using Pearson's chi-squared test (X²) with a 95% confidence level and a significance level (α) of 5%. Results: In the Monte Alto quilombola community, absence of sewage treatment, low education levels, limited access to healthcare services, high rates of edentulism, and carious lesions were identified. In the Dos Nogueiras quilombola community, a high percentage of smokers, consumption of cariogenic foods, carious lesions, and periodontal diseases were observed. Conclusion: Oral health problems were attributed to poor sanitation conditions, limited access to healthcare services, consumption of cariogenic foods, and a high prevalence of smokers.