Participation In Social Activities Research Articles

EVALUATION OF ONLINE AEROBIC TRAINING AND RESISTANCE TRAINING IN OLDER ADULTS WITH MCI: A THREE-ARM RCT

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the effects of online aerobic and resistance training programs in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment. A total of 108 participants (60~87 years) were recruited, and equally randomized to aerobic group (3-5 times/week, 30-50min/section), resistance group (2 times/week, 5 to 6 exercises/section), or control group. Cognitive functions were evaluated at baseline, the 13rd week (T1) and 26th week (T2). Effects were evaluated by linear mixed effects model (LME) after controlling for covariates. Inter-individual differences on the cognitive effects were explored. After six-month intervention, 15 (13.89%) participants dropped out, and the median compliance rates were 80.77% for aerobic group and 96.15 for resistance group. LME revealed that ADAs-cog scores in aerobic group decreased by 2.14 at T1 and 1.68 at T2 more than the control group. And the ADAs-cog scores in resistance group decreased by1.43 more than the control group at T1. For executive function, the Stroop time interference in resistance group at T2 declined 11.12 seconds more than the control group, and 13.85 seconds more than the aerobic group. For memory performance, the RAVLT scores at T1 in aerobic group tended to increase 5.15 (p = 0.065) more than the control group. There existed true inter-individual differences in the responses to exercise. Compliance rates, social activity participation, cognitive function and physical function at baseline were the significant factors. Overall, our study confirmed the positive effects of both aerobic and resistance exercise on global cognition, while their effects on specific cognitive domains were different.

SOCIAL PARTICIPATION AND DEPRESSION AMONG HONG KONG OLDER ADULTS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT

Abstract Depression is a significant public health issue among older adults. Active social participation is crucial for older people to promote mental well-being. Previous studies mainly focused on the impacts of offline social activities on older people’s mental health, despite that digital participation has substantially changed their patterns of social participation in the context of Covid-19 pandemic. Extending the use of Activity Theory to digital context, this study investigated how social participation in three types of activities (i.e., formal, informal and solitary activities) and digital engagement independently and jointly influenced mental health among Hong Kong older adults. Data from 5,007 participants were drawn from the baseline survey of the Panel Study of Active Ageing and Society, a biannual longitudinal survey conducted with a representative sample of ageing Chinese adults aged 50 years and above in Hong Kong. Exploratory factor analysis, ordinary least squares regression analysis and mediation analysis were conducted. The results showed that participation in informal and solitary activities was related to less depressive symptoms, while participation in formal activities was related to more depressive symptoms but higher life satisfaction. Although the main effect of digital engagement on depressive symptoms was not significant, more digital engagement reduced the negative effect of formal activities and decreased the effect of informal activities in reducing depressive symptoms. The findings have implications for policy-making and intervention development to encourage and balance social and digital participation among ageing populations.

FACTORS INFLUENCING COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG THE US OLDEST-OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Previous studies have identified factors that influence cognition in older adults (aged ≥ 65); however, the findings cannot be generalized to the oldest-old adults (aged ≥ 80), who face different physical and functional challenges. This study aimed to examine the association between potential influencing factors and cognitive function in community-dwelling oldest-older adults using the National Health Aging Trends Study (NHATS) dataset, a nationally representative sample from 2015. We conducted linear multilevel modeling (MLM) to examine the association between participation in physical activity (PA) and social activity, everyday technology use, mental health, and self-reported health with cognitive function (immediate and delayed word recall), adjusting for five sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education). A total of 2779 community-dwelling oldest-old adults from the NHATS were included. Most of study participants were 80-84 years old (47%), female (61%), Non-Hispanic White (70%), not married (63%), and did not obtain a college degree (75%). In the MLM, participating in physical and social activities, using technology, and poorer mental health were significantly associated with higher word-recall scores (better cognitive function). Self-reported health was not associated with word recall. Results from our study suggest that interventions aimed at promoting physical and social activities and improving mental health may help maintain cognitive function among the oldest-old population. Our findings also suggest the potential positive impact of technology use on cognition, although further study is needed to support the evidence.

Leisure Participation for Mental Health Promotion in Later Life: A Six-Year Longitudinal Study.

Engaging in leisure activities is essential for mental health in older adults. This longitudinal study (n = 1,101, mean age = 69.20 ± 6.23 years at baseline) examined the associations between leisure participation and mental health over 6 years in three waves: 2016, 2018, and 2020. Pearson's correlation analyses and generalized estimating equations were performed for data analyses. The frequency of participation in physical and social activities was significantly positively associated with happiness, life satisfaction, and self-rated health, and significantly negatively associated with depression. Passive activities were significantly positively associated with happiness, life satisfaction, and self-rated health but not with depression. The time effect had no significant association with any mental health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of leisure activities in promoting mental health among older adults. Policy makers should encourage older adults to engage in physical and social leisure activities.

SOCIAL ISOLATION AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION: FOCUSING ON RACE/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES FROM THE NHATS STUDY

Abstract Social isolation has negative associations with various health outcomes including cognitive function. However, limited research exists delineating the effect of social isolation on cognition using population-based longitudinal data. Moreover, little is known whether there are any race/ethnic differences in this social isolation-cognition relationship. We examined the effects of social isolation on cognitive function and explored the moderating role of race/ethnicity using longitudinal data of 4381 older adults from two waves of NHATS (2015 and 2018). Social isolation was measured by addressing four domains of network and integration: (a) marriage or partnership, (b) family and friends, (c) church participation, and (d) club participation (score range: 0 - 6). A higher score indicates more social isolation. Cognitive function was measured using the composite score of three domains: memory, orientation, and executive function (range: 0 - 33), with higher scores indicating better cognitive function. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant relationship between social isolation and cognitive function. Specifically, the greater the social isolation, the lower the cognitive function. We found significant differences in cognitive function scores across race/ethnic groups. Non-Hispanic White showed higher cognitive function than non-Hispanic black, Hispanics, and other races. Non-Hispanic black and other races also showed significantly higher scores than Hispanics. The findings also showed that the cognitive function score significantly decreased over a 4- year period. There was no moderating effect of race/ethnicity found between social isolation and cognitive function. Interventions are needed to reduce social isolation by facilitating social participation in community activities, thereby protecting against cognitive decline.

GOOD FOR HEALTH, BAD FOR SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING: EFFECT OF CONTINUING WORK ON JAPANESE OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Recently, the labor force rate of Japanese older adults has been increasing. The white paper of Japan’s Cabinet Office shows that half of the people in their late 60s are employed in 2022. Previous literature has indicated that work has positive effects on health and cognitive functions; however, the work environment is not age-friendly. Most companies set the mandatory retirement age at 60, after which people must work under a worse labor contract. This study aims to explore the effect of work on Japanese older adults’ subjective well-being and to examine whether social participation and civic activity can buffer work’s negative effects. Random sampling survey was conducted in 2019 on people living in the Tokyo and Hyogo prefectures. The response rate was 43.0% (N = 1,063, aged 50–74). Analyses of covariance were conducted on well-being, depression, anxiety, loneliness, and life satisfaction. We found that work has negative effects on anxiety and life satisfaction, with civic activity moderating the negative effect on life satisfaction. Gender differences were observed regarding anxiety and loneliness. Women showed higher anxiety, and men showed higher loneliness. Regarding age difference, people in their late 60s exhibited the lowest depression and those in their late 50s higher anxiety. It is argued that Japan’s third agers live in more difficult work circumstances than ever before, and it is thus necessary to explore age-friendly labor conditions for older adults.

Effects of lifestyle and its interaction with anemia on cognitive function in older adults: A longitudinal study.

A better understanding of the impact of lifestyle factors on cognitive function in older adults is critical for developing intervention strategies to achieve successful aging. Moreover, older adults who fulfill the World Health Organization criteria for anemia have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. In the current study, we aimed to assess the buffering effects of lifestyle on cognitive function in older Chinese adults through a nationally representative survey. The sample consisted of 1201 participants (mean age: 82.39 ± 12.08 years, 52.1% female) from the 2011/2012 and 2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between changes in lifestyle factors and the rate of cognitive function changes, as well as the effects of the interaction between lifestyle factors and anemia on cognitive function changes. Increased levels of participation in leisure activities, social activities, and dietary diversity delayed cognitive decline. Persistent anemia accelerated cognitive decline, while frequent participation in leisure activities delayed cognitive decline due to anemia. The increased levels of participation in leisure activities, social activities, and dietary diversity can alleviate the cognitive decline caused by aging itself, and more frequently participation in leisure activities can also alleviate the adverse effects of anemia on cognitive function in older adults.

FARMERS’ KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF ORANGE FLESHED SWEET POTATO IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.

The socio-economic and health benefits of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato (OFSP) were the foremost and scientifically proven advantages of cultivation and consumption OFSP respectively. The present study seeks to understand farmers’ knowledge of health and socio-economic benefits of orange fleshed sweet potato in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 139 sweet potato farmers were sampled. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Data collected were analyzed with frequency count, percentages, mean, standard deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings showed that majority (87.1%) had knowledge of socio-economic benefits of growing OFSP. Most of the respondents (63.3%) had moderate knowledge of the socio-economic benefits of growing OFSP. The respondents agreed that consumption of OFSP improve digestion (46.8%), boost immune system (31.7%) and improve vision (12.2%). Respondents additionally agreed that growing OFSP had mainly increased household income (34.5%), improved food security (47.5%) and increased participation in social activities (33.1%). Inadequate access to planting materials (79.1%) was the leading challenges to growing OFSP. PPMC analysis indicated that household size, family members involved in farming, years of experience, number of plots, income and knowledge of OFSP were the factors that influence farmers’ perception on health/socioeconomic benefits of OFSP at p≤0.05 level of significance. This study concluded that farmers had moderate knowledge level on health and socio-economic benefits of cultivating and consumption of OFSP. Therefore, agricultural extension agents should intensify efforts in the supply of planting materials and enlightenment of health benefits for improved vision.

Quality of Life in Chinese Youth Following Open Thyroid Surgery

Background Because of the increased incidence of thyroid cancer and good survival rates and with research into scarless techniques, it is increasingly important to understand the quality of life of thyroid cancer patients and identify areas for improvement. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the importance of neck appearance after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer survivors in China. Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of scarring after open thyroid surgery on the quality of life of young patients. Methods A descriptive qualitative design was used. Data were collected using face-to-face semistructured interviews and analyzed using directed content analysis. Results Five men and 19 women participated in the study. The following 3 broad themes and 9 subthemes emerged, which were (1) emotional functioning, including low self-esteem due to high visibility of scars, concerns and helplessness about scarring lesions, and feelings of isolation due to lack of support; (2) social functioning, including restricted choice of employment, avoidance of socializing with others, and reduced participation in social activities; and (3) information seeking, acceptance, and living with the scar, including bargaining, seeking professional help, and use of social media. Conclusions After open surgery for thyroid cancer, patients experience a variety of scarring features that affect their quality of life. Therefore, preoperative communication and long-term postoperative care should be emphasized in clinical practice and research. Implications for practice Understanding the experience of carrying scars after thyroid cancer surgery helps provide adequate information, expectation management, and informed decision-making.

Formation of a healthy lifestyle in surgical medical workers

It is completely justified that recently, close attention has been directed to a healthy lifestyle of both the population as a whole, and certain categories of citizens, which include medical workers. This is due to the fact that a healthy lifestyle is a prerequisite for the successful development of various aspects of human life, achievement of active longevity, full performance of social functions, and participation in labor, social, family, household, and leisure activities. Target. To determine the attitude of surgical medical workers towards their own health and assess their level of healthy lifest yle. Results. The attitude of medical workers to their health and the desire to develop it have been determined, and the reasons that impede the preservation of the health of surgical medical workers have been identified.

Communications in the activity of a nursing director

It is completely justified that recently, close attention has been directed to a healthy lifestyle of both the population as a whole, and certain categories of citizens, which include medical workers. This is due to the fact that a healthy lifestyle is a prerequisite for the successful development of various aspects of human life, achievement of active longevity, full performance of social functions, and participation in labor, social, family, household, and leisure activities. Target. To determine the attitude of surgical medical workers towards their own health and assess their level of healthy lifest yle. Results. The attitude of medical workers to their health and the desire to develop it have been determined, and the reasons that impede the preservation of the health of surgical medical workers have been identified. Conclusion. Considering that medical workers, by virtue of their profession, have the most profound knowledge about maintaining health and the occurrence of illnesses, they should not only bring people knowledge about a healthy lifestyle, but also be an example of this.

Exploring trajectories of depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults: Effects of gender and social activity participation

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to analyze the trajectory of late‐life depressive symptoms and to explore the effect of gender and social activity participation on that trajectory. Data from 4943 older adults aged 60 and above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018) were analyzed using the Latent Growth Curve Model (LGCM) in Mplus. The results were (1) late‐life depressive symptoms increased during the survey; (2) at the initiation level, depression was higher in women than men, while there was no gender difference in the rate of change; and (3) lower social activity participation significantly negatively affected the increase of depressive symptoms in old age at that time. The findings implicated that, first, it is essential to screen for depressive symptoms and prevent or slow the growth of depressive symptoms in geriatric services on time. Second, services to improve depressive symptoms in older adults do not simply work separately by gender. Finally, welfare policymakers should consider how to support older adults to actively participate in social activities to prevent or slow down the growth of depressive symptoms.

The Perceptions of Generation Z University Students about Their Futures: A Qualitative Study

This study explored the future-oriented perceptions of Generation Z students in a foundation university. This study was conducted using qualitative research and a phenomenological design. The study sample consisted of 11 university students over the age of 18 who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected online through individual interviews in Türkiye. Colaizzi’s phenomenological analysis method was used in the data analysis. The content analysis determined three main themes and eleven sub-themes. The first theme was the students’ knowledge acquisition about the “current situation of the country.” Under this theme were four sub-themes: economic problems, the immigrant situation, the education and justice system, and the country’s agenda. In the second theme, students shared their opinions about “being a student in the country.” This theme included economic impossibilities, their participation in limited social activities, and housing problems. In the last theme, “future anxiety,” the sub-themes of the students were found to include experiences hopelessness versus hope. Uncertainty caused anxiety, as did going abroad, finding a job, and improving themselves. It was determined that the participants were worried about the current situation in the countries they lived in during this period due to economic problems; while some were hopeful about the future, some were hopeless and would go abroad. This study might contribute to the literature on determining the future-oriented perceptions, possible stressors and hope levels of Generation Z university students in Türkiye. Additionally, intervention programs can be developed for the management these stressors to protect the mental health of Generation Z university students. On the other hand, it is necessary to protect the mental health of young people, who are the adults of the future, and to create policies for the youth of this country where social opportunities are maintained.

Willingness to vaccinate among adults, and factors associated with vaccine acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in a nationwide study in Poland between March 2021 and April 2022.

Despite the availability, safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, Poland remains one of the six countries of the European Union with the lowest cumulative uptake of the vaccine's primary course in the general population. This study examined willingness to vaccinate and the associated factors in samples of unvaccinated and vaccinated adults between March 2021 and April 2022. Data were collected using OBSER-CO, a nationwide, repeated cross-sectional study, conducted at four different time points (rounds). Data on willingness to vaccinate among the unvaccinated (at all rounds) and willingness to receive another dose in the vaccinated (at 2 rounds-after booster introduction), reasons for reluctance, sociodemographic, health, and behavioral factors were collected using a uniform questionnaire via computer-assisted telephone interviewing. In each round, more than 20,000 respondents were interviewed. To assess associations between factors and willingness to vaccinate, separate multivariable logistic regression models were fitted for each factor at each round and adjusted for confounders. Between rounds 1 and 4 (March 2021-April 2022), in the unvaccinated, willingness to vaccinate declined from 73 to 12%, whereas in the vaccinated, willingness to receive another dose declined from 90 to 53%. The highest magnitude of decline between subsequent rounds occurred during the Omicron wave. Overall, concerns about side effects, effectiveness, and vaccine adverse effects were common but decreased over time. Age, gender, employment, place of residence, COVID-19 diagnosis or exposure, hospitalization, and participation in social activities were among the factors associated with willingness. However, associations changed over rounds highlighting the influence of different pandemic waves and variants. We observed a declining and multifactorial willingness to vaccinate in Poland, with vaccine attitudes dynamically changing across subsequent rounds. To address vaccine concerns, sustained health communication about COVID-19 vaccines is essential, especially after the emergence of new variants.

Oral health knowledge is associated with oral health-related quality of life: a survey of first-year undergraduate students enrolled in an American university

BackgroundOral health knowledge forms part of oral health literacy that enables individuals to inform appropriate oral health decisions and actions. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) characterizes self-perception of well-being influenced by oral health. This study aimed to examine the relationship between oral health knowledge and OHRQoL.MethodsA random sample of 19-to-24-year-old first-year undergraduate students (n = 372) in Minnesota, United States of America was used. Each student was assessed with an online survey using the Comprehensive Measure of Oral Health Knowledge (CMOHK) and the OHRQoL items of the World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Questionnaire for Adults. Relationships between OHRQoL parameters and CMOHK together with other covariates were assessed using ordinal regression models. Associations between OHRQoL parameters were examined with the Kendall’s tau-b method.ResultsDry mouth (45%) was the most reported OHRQoL issue. The respondents showing good oral health knowledge were less likely to experience speech or pronunciation difficulty (β=-1.12, p = 0.0006), interrupted sleep (β=-1.43, p = 0.0040), taking days off (β=-1.71, p = 0.0054), difficulty doing usual activities (β=-2.37, p = 0.0002), or reduced participation in social activities due to dental or oral issues (β=-1.65, p = 0.0078).ConclusionsThis study suggested a protective effect of better oral health knowledge on specific OHRQoL issues. In addition to provision of affordable dental services, university-wide oral health education can be implemented to improve OHRQoL in undergraduate students.

Understanding Health, Subjective Aging, and Participation in Social Activities in Later Life: A Regional Finnish Survey.

To understand health and well-being in later life, it is vital to consider the meaning of subjective aging. This study aimed to explore how perceived health, self-perceptions of aging, and participation in social activities relate to each other among older persons in the Bothnia region and Åland islands in Finland. Data were analyzed using Spearman's and polychoric correlation and multinomial logistic regression analyses. The perceived good health and the younger physical, psychological, and social dimensions of subjective age were found to be associated with each other and with participation in social activities outside one's home.

The Social Stereotype of Children With Physical Disability

Children with physical disability often face stereotypes and stigmatization that affect society's perception of their abilities and potential. The aim of this research is to investigate the stereotypes experienced by children with physically handicapped, find out where the source of these stereotypes comes from, how they impact children, and what efforts have been made to reduce these stereotypes. This article uses a literature review method to explore the dimensions of these stereotypes, including their sources, their impact, and efforts to reduce them. The results show that stereotypes stem from assumptions about physical and intellectual disabilities, which are reflected in the media, personal experiences, and a general lack of understanding. These stereotypes can negatively impact children's psychological, emotional, and social well-being, and limit their participation in social activities. Efforts to reduce stereotypes through community education, family support, and inclusive approaches in schools are needed to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with motor disabilities. In conclusion, raising public awareness and ensuring the adaptation of individuals with disabilities in social life are key steps to prevent stigmatization.

The Importance of Persuasion Strategies in Doctors’ Social Media Messages

This study investigates how doctors employ persuasion strategies (Ethos, logos, and pathos) on Instagram to influence the health behaviors of their followers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyzing three influential doctors on social media (DSMIs), the research applies Aristotle's persuasive strategies to understand how these doctors craft messages that drive behavior change and enhance COVID-19 awareness among their 581 followers. Employing a mixed methods approach within the pragmatism paradigm, the study utilizes interviews, literature reviews, content analysis, and surveys for comprehensive data collection. The study reveals that approximately 41% of followers demonstrated a firm intention, with an additional 43% showing a solid intention to change their attitudes and behaviors. About 84% expressed a strong commitment to adopting a healthier lifestyle. The research also identified followers who initially had doubts or confusion about COVID-19 due to misinformation. However, it became convinced of its existence after following the DSMIs' posts, mainly through engaging video content. Engagement is more significant for video content than photos, with pathos, Ethos, and logos effectively fostering engagement. Around 52,438 (314,000) DSMI followers shifted from initial skepticism to meaningful positive attitude transformations, driven by successful engagement through pathos, Ethos, and logos. The study underscores the significance of delivering persuasive and appealing messages to influence behaviors positively. It suggests active social media participation can extend beyond the pandemic, fostering ongoing health awareness.

작업치료 대학생의 여가활동 참여와 정서조절능력 및 자아탄력성 간의 관계

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the participation of occupational therapy students in leisure activities and to examine the relationship between leisure activities and emotional regulation and resilience.
 Method: The study's subjects were 104 occupational therapy university students. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0 program, and frequency analysis and descriptive statistics were performed on the general characteristics, types of leisure activities, emotional regulation, and resilience of the subjects, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed on the correlation between the factors.
 Results: The most frequent leisure activities of students were low-intensity exercise, participatory hobbies, and relaxation, and the least frequent leisure activities were high-intensity exercise, creative activities, and educational activities. Factor correlations showed that higher frequency of high-intensity exercise and social engagement in leisure activities was associated with higher emotional regulation, and higher frequency of IADL, low-intensity exercise, high-intensity exercise, and watching hobbies was associated with higher resilience.
 Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, it is suggested to develop a leisure program based on low- and high-intensity exercise, social participation, and hobby activities to improve emotional regulation and resilience in occupational therapy university students.

공동체 탄력성이 재난피해자의 사회적응에 미치는 영향

The resilience of these communities plays a significant role in helping disaster victims recover from damage and adapt to their daily lives. Furthermore, the active social participation of disaster victims is essential for their social adaptation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between community resilience and social adaptation among individuals affected by disaster damage, while also examining the moderating effect of social participation. Using data obtained from the survey results of the National Disaster and Safety Research Institute’s “Disaster Victim Safety Service Establishment” study, this research employed SPSS 22.0 statistical programs to analyze responses from 1,738 disaster victims. The analysis revealed that community resilience and social participation were positively related to social adaptation. Additionally, the level of social participation was found to moderate the relationship between community resilience and social adaptation. Based on the study’s findings, several suggestions were put forth.