Subjective Health Ratings Research Articles

Lifestyle-related signs of locomotive syndrome in the general Japanese population: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of locomotive syndrome (LS) risk in age groups using the LS risk test proposed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Based on this, this study identified the lifestyle-related signs that lead to LS, by clarifying the association between LS risk and lifestyle factors. MethodsA total of 728 individuals aged 20–91 years who were without specific mobility disorders were evaluated. Participants were asked to perform the LS risk test and complete a self-administered original questionnaire survey for this study. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to examine the relationships of sex and age with LS. The prevalence of LS by sex and age was compared using the Chi-squared test or Student's t-test, as appropriate. The Mantel–Haenszel test was used to examine the relationship of each component of the lifestyle factors. ResultsOverall, 36.4% of males and 49.1% of females were classified into the LS group; the prevalence of LS was significantly higher in females than males (p < .001). The prevalence of LS tended to increase with age in both males and females (p < .05). As for health condition, pain in the locomotive organs, knees, back, and hip joints was significantly associated with LS (p < .05). Of the lifestyle-related diseases, only hypertension (p < .05) was significantly associated with LS, and drug treatment was significantly associated with LS (p < .05). As for lifestyle, anxiety about physical fitness, self-assessed poor health, irregular dietary habits, and lack of exercise were also associated with LS (p < .05). ConclusionsInterventions to prevent LS are important during its early stages, especially for females, and lifestyle-related signs of LS, such as pain in the locomotive organs, lifestyle-related disease, drug treatment, and a lower subjective evaluation of health must not be overlooked.

Perceived discrimination is associated with poorer health and well‐being outcomes among Pacific peoples in New Zealand

AbstractOur study investigated the association between perceived discrimination and outcomes related to health and well‐being for Pacific adults in New Zealand. We examined personal and group discrimination from the 2013 wave of the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (n = 429 women and 196 men). Personal discrimination was associated with poorer health and well‐being outcomes (higher psychological distress and lower self‐esteem, subjective evaluation of health, satisfaction with life and personal well‐being). Group discrimination, in contrast, was associated with poorer well‐being but not health outcomes (lower subjective evaluation of health and personal well‐being). These findings corroborate previous research and highlight the corrosive effect of discrimination towards health and well‐being among Pacific communities in New Zealand.

From maintenance ECT to remission with rTMS–a case report

Electroconvulsive treatment (ECT) is often considered more effective than repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This case report concerns a patient with treatment resistant depression (TRD) on maintenance ECT since four years with only partial effect and debilitating side effects, who achieved full remission after a course of rTMS. This is a 30-year old woman, with recurrent depressive episodes (non-psychotic, non-melancholic) since five years, full-time working, mother of several children, without any co-morbidities. She had undergone treatment trials with seven different antidepressants from four different classes and four different augmenting medications including lithium, without reaching remission but experiencing troublesome side effects. She achieved remission after an initial trial of ECT four years ago, but after relapsing, subsequent ECT had only partial effect. Nevertheless, maintenance ECT at least offered some symptom alleviation, most importantly decreased suicidal ideation. She was experiencing subjective memory impairment affecting work performance and post-ECT somnolence often requiring over-night hospitalization. The past six months before rTMS she had no antidepressant medication, only maintenance ECT and weekly psychotherapy. One week after last ECT she was started on a 1 Hz rTMS protocol [1] over F4. In the first two weeks she experienced severe fatigue, but decreased memory complaints. However, since MADRS score deteriorated her treatment was changed to a conventional 10 Hz protocol over F3 [2] . She experienced a warm sensation during treatment sessions, fatigue persisted initially, and headache followed a few hours after each session. MADRS score gradually decreased though, and after three weeks she reached 50% reduction and remission after four weeks ( Figure 1 ). Memory complaints had vanished by then and over-all subjective health rating had increased by 40%. Remission status was maintained without other treatment for about four months and after five months another rTMS course was applied with equally good effect. Currently still in remission after seven months.

Incidence and features of preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery.

Due to its implications on postoperative outcomes and patient satisfaction, anxiety evaluation should be incorporated in the preoperative assessment of the patients. A series of consecutive patients undergoing elective surgery were included in the study. Preoperative anxiety was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), and the Visual Analogue (Face) Scale (VAFS). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to describe features of anxiety. 149 patients were included in the study, of whom 40.9% were scheduled for low, 47.7% for intermediate, and 11.4% for high-risk procedures. Based on HADS, 19 patients (12.6%) were positive for anxiety. VAFS revealed that 10.3% of patients experience medium/high intensity of anxiety. Patients were mostly concerned about the success (29.3%) and complications (11.4%) of the surgery APAIS score analysis revealed significantly higher anxiety (p < 0.01) and a need of information (p < 0.01) about surgery compared to anaesthesia. In contrast to age, education, or previous surgery, anxiety was associated with female sex (p < 0.01), surgical risk (p = 0.02), and subjective health evaluation (p < 0.01).Patients tended to choose a conversation with the doctor (45.6%) or a relative (44.8%) as a measure to relieve anxiety, and 18.4% would choose medication. Praying, music therapy, massage, or even sexual intercourse were among the measures suggested by patients. A significant part of patients experience anxiety before surgery, predominantly about the success of the surgery. According to the patients, conversation is the best option to reduce anxiety.

The monetary subjective health evaluation for commuting long distances in Chile: A latent class analysis

AbstractLong‐distance commuting (LDC) is a growing phenomenon in specialized countries in extractive industries such as Chile. There has also been a growing concern about the potential impacts on the health of long‐distance commuters. This paper formalizes the relationship between commuting distance and self‐assessed health status and shows the monetary valuation of health costs for commuting long distances using a latent class approach. This econometric approach allows us to capture both preference and threshold heterogeneity. The results show that there are two classes of workers: the first group is not sensitive to commuting distance, whereas the monetary valuation of workers in the second group is equivalent to CLP $431 (US$0.68).

Twenty years later: Oral health-related quality of life and standard of treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis.

To assess oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) after long-term (20 years) periodontal treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis (ChP) and to compare it with the current clinical outcome and oral health status. Twenty years after therapy, 63 patients were reexamined. The dental and periodontal status and OHRQoL using the Oral Health Impact Profile-G49 (OHIP-G49) were assessed. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and tests for differences were calculated. Up to 75% of patients showed no probing depths>5mm, bleeding on probing (BOP)≤25%, no pain and satisfactory function. A comparatively low perceived oral impact of ChP was represented by an OHIP-G49 overall score of 18.89±21.66. The most common reported impairment was physical pain followed by "functional limitation." A correlation between oral quality standard and the OHIP-G49 was limited to the physical pain subdomain. Satisfaction with oral status was perceived high by most patients treated for chronic periodontitis. A comparably high OHRQoL can be achieved and retained long-term after periodontal treatment. The objective and subjective evaluation of oral health only correlated in the subscale "physical pain."

PCN348 - QUALITY OF LIFE IN END-STAGE CANCER DISEASE

To measure the quality of life and estimate health state utility values (HSUV) in patients with end-stage cancer disease in Poland. Cancer patients of four hospices (Gdansk, Gdynia, Puck, Sopot) were asked to fill in the paper-and-pencil version of the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Polish EQ-5D-5L value sets [(1) directly measured, TTO/DCE-based; (2) indirect, based on cross-walk methodology] were used to estimate HSUVs. Patients results were compared to Polish general population normative data (published in 2017). Seventy-four patients (64% females), mean age 73 years (SD 11.6; range 42-95), with 18 different kinds of cancer and mean time 3.4 (SD 3.6) years from diagnosis, took part in the survey. Patients presented 61 different health states, with median severity index (sum of dimensions’ levels, range 5 – no problems to 25 – extreme problems in all dimensions) 18 (Q1 – Q3: 14 - 21). Severe or extreme problems were common: 68.9%, 67.6%, 59.5%, 41.9% and 32.4% within mobility, usual activities, self-care, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression dimensions, respectively. Only 1.4%, 6.8% and 8.1% patients presented with no problems within usual activities, mobility and self-care dimensions. Mean subjective health rating using visual analogue scale (VAS) - 52.0 (21.0) was 8.0 (SD 19.9) lower than in Polish general population. Mean HSUV measured with a direct value set: 0.360 (0.407) was higher than HSUV measured with a cross-walk value set 0.338 (0.378), but also presented with a greater range: -0.466 to 0.96 compared to -0.431 to 0.905. Mean HSUV based on cross-walk value set was 0.450 (0.368) lower than population norm according to age and gender. Patients with end-stage cancer constitute a disabled population, with severe limitations within the quality of life dimensions. A set of health state utility values was estimated to be used in economic evaluations of cancer-oriented interventions.

Subjective Well-being and Environmental Quality: The Impact of Air Pollution and Green Coverage in China

Rapid environmental degradation is a well-publicized issue, particularly in rapidly developing countries. This study examines the impact of air pollution and green coverage on people's subjective well-being (SWB) in China using self-reported life satisfaction (LS) from survey data combined with the city-level air quality index (AQI) and green coverage data. The results show that air pollution and green coverage are significantly negatively and positively correlated with LS, respectively. The total effect of green coverage on life satisfaction constitute of a direct effect of green space itself and indirect effects through improving air pollution and health. The implicit monetary valuations of a 1-unit reduction in the AQI and a 1% increase in green coverage according to the respondent's annual gross individual income are approximately 239–280 USD (1.7%–2.0%) and 420–444 USD (3.0%–3.2%), respectively. The results also indicate that the average benefit from a 1% change in green coverage for people with a poor subjective health evaluation is almost 2 times higher than that for their counterparts.

The Better Assessment of Illness Study for Delirium Severity: Study Design, Procedures, and Cohort Description

Background/Objectives: To describe the design, procedures, and cohort for the Better ASsessment of ILlness ­(BASIL) study, which is conducted to develop and test new delirium severity measures, compare them with existing measures, and examine related clinical outcomes. Methods: Prospective cohort study with 1 year follow-up of study participants at a large teaching hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. After brief cognitive testing and the Delirium Symptom Interview, delirium and delirium severity were rated daily in the hospital using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and CAM-Severity score, the Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R-98), and the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS). Other key study variables included comorbidity, physical function (basic and instrumental activities of daily living [ADL]), ratings of subjective health and well-being, and clinical outcomes (length of stay, 30 day rehospitalization, nursing home admission, healthcare utilization). Follow-up interviews occurred at 1- and 12-month with patients and families. In 42 patient interviews, inter-rater reliability for key variables was assessed. Results: Of 768 eligible patients approached, 469 were screened and 352 enrolled, yielding an overall study response rate of 67% for potentially eligible participants. The mean participant was 80.3 years old (SD 6.8) and 203 (58%) were female. The majority of patients were medically complex with Charlson Comorbidity Scores ≥2 (192 patients, 55%), and 102 (29%) met criteria for dementia. Inter-rater reliability assessments (n = 42 pairs) were high for overall ratings of presence or absence of delirium by CAM (κ = 1.0), delirium severity by DRS-R-98 and MDAS (weighted kappa, κ = 1.0 for each) and for ADL impairment (κ = 1.0). For eligible participants at each time point, 278 out of 308 (90%) completed the 1-month follow-up and 132 out of 256 (53%) have completed the 12-month follow-up to date, which is still in progress. Among those who completed interviews, there was only 1–3% missing data on most major outcomes (delirium, basic ADL, and readmission). Conclusion: The BASIL study presents an innovative effort to advance the conceptualization and measurement of delirium severity. Unique strengths include the diverse cohort with complete high quality data and longitudinal follow-up, along with detailed collection of multiple delirium measures daily during hospitalization.

Limited Health Literacy Is Associated With Worse Patient-Reported Outcomes in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face complex health tasks and decisions. Limited health literacy is a risk factor for poor health outcomes, but this has not been examined in IBD. This study aims to assess the role of health literacy for patients with IBD. We prospectively enrolled adults with IBD receiving care from the Section of Gastroenterology at the Boston Medical Center. In-person, standardized questionnaires were administered to measure health literacy with the Newest Vital Sign, self-efficacy with the Medication Use and Self-Efficacy Scale, quality of life with the 10-question Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, depression with the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System Short Form, and clinical disease activity for patients with Crohn's disease with the Harvey-Bradshaw Index and for patients with ulcerative colitis with the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI). The relationships between health literacy and these variables were subsequently examined. Of 112 patients invited to participate, 99 enrolled and completed the interview. Limited health literacy was identified in 40% (n = 40) of patients. Patients with limited health literacy reported significantly worse overall health (P = 0.03) and more depressive symptoms (P = 0.01). Of the 56 patients with Crohn's disease, those with adequate health literacy were more likely to be in clinical remission (mean Harvey-Bradshaw Index score < 5), compared with those with limited health literacy (odds ratio, 4.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.37 to 13.45; P = 0.01). There was no significant association between health literacy and clinical disease activity (SCCAI) in patients with ulcerative colitis. Limited health literacy is associated with lower ratings of subjective health and depression in IBD and more symptoms of active disease in patients with Crohn's disease.

Subjective Health Assessments Among Older Adults in Mexico

The validity of the general self-rated health (SRH) assessment is well established; however, there are empirical questions as to the utility of health assessment measures that employ more refined comparisons. The aim of this study is to examine subjective health assessment measures in comparison to the most widely used SRH measure (Global SRH) among men and women. We investigate agreement between these measures, by gender, and their correspondence with objective health conditions using a sample of adults over the age of 60 from the 2006 La Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutricion (ENSANUT). ENSANUT is a nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional Mexican survey (n = 5511) and advantageous given its inclusion of three distinct subjective health assessment questions including: global self-rated health, self-rated heath today, and 12-month self-rated health. First, we descriptively examine demographic characteristics of the sample and the degree of correspondence between health ratings. Then, we explore congruence between objective health conditions and subjective-health ratings within each SRH measure. We estimate three ordered logistic regression models testing responses on a three-point scale and use predicted probabilities for interpretation. Our findings reaffirm the role of physical health conditions as strong predictors of poor SRH and highlight the significance of mental health as a determinant of subjective health in this sample of older Mexican adults. We caution that future research examining older adults’ health should carefully consider the type of subjective health assessment used.

Quantifying the Gap in Self-Rated Health for Transition Countries Over 1989–2014

Previous literature has shown substantially lower levels of self-reported health in transition countries. The current paper provides the most recent estimates of the size of the transition gap in self-rated health by using up to 241,698 observations from the World Values Survey and the European Values Study collected between 1989 and 2014. The estimated gap is in the range of 12.7–23.7 percentage points lower probability of reporting ‘Very Good’ or ‘Good’ self-rated health which indicates that the process of transition is far from completion at least based on a subjective evaluation of health.

A New Brief Measure of Executive Function: Adapting the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders Task to Older Adults.

Executive function (EF) abilities are recognized as components of cognition most likely to show age-related declines. Measurement of EF in older adults is often computer-based, takes place in a laboratory setting, and thus lacks ecological validity. We sought to investigate a new way of measuring EF in older adults by adapting a brief, behavioral measure of EF in children, the Head-Toes-Knees-Shoulders task (HTKS). A sample of 150 community-dwelling older adults (Mean age = 68.55, SD = 6.34) completed the HTKS, NIH Toolbox: Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule. The HTKS showed adequate internal consistency, α = .84. Significant associations between HTKS variables and measures of attention and inhibitory control were robust to the influences of age, processing speed, and subjective health ratings. HTKS completion time exhibited the strongest associations to NIHTB-CB measures, suggesting that the time it takes older adults to complete the HTKS may be a better measure of EF than the total score. Nonsignificant associations between HTKS variables and positive and negative affect demonstrated discriminant validity. These results provide initial evidence for use of the HTKS as a brief, low-cost, easy to administer measure of EF in older adults. Further research is needed to determine its potential to identify individuals at risk for poor cognitive outcomes. A brief, valid measure may allow for wider screenings aimed at early intervention, when cognitive interventions are most effective.

Using Allostatic Load to Validate Self-rated Health for Racial/Ethnic Groups in the United States

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the validity of subjective health measurement for racial/ethnic comparisons in the United States, by assessing whether allostatic load (AL) is equally associated with poor/fair self-rated health (SRH) for different racial/ethnic groups. This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) for 2006–2010. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit and stratified by race/ethnicity to study the association between AL and poor/fair SRH. Higher levels of AL were associated with higher odds of reporting poor/fair SRH. However, this association differs by race/ethnicity. Analysis of interactions and racial/ethnic-stratified models suggest that AL is less associated with poor/fair SRH status for non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics populations. These results demonstrate that subjective health ratings potentially underestimate actual measures of biological health risk, especially for racial/ethnic minorities. As a result, population-based assessments of racial/ethnic health disparities based on SRH may be significantly understated.

Spectrum of outcomes following traumatic brain injury\u2014relationship between functional impairment and health-related quality of life

BackgroundThe outcome following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is heterogeneous and poorly defined and physical disability scales like the extended Glasgow Outcome Score (GOSE) while providing valuation information in terms of broad categorisation of outcome are unlikely to capture the full spectrum of deficits. Quality of life questionnaires such as SF-36 are emerging as potential tools to help characterise factors important to patients’ recovery. This study assessed the association between physical disability and subjective health rating. The relationship is of value as it may help evaluate the impact of TBI on patients’ lives and facilitate the delivery of appropriate neuro-rehabilitation services.MethodsA single-centre retrospective study was undertaken to assess the relationship between physical outcome as measured by GOSE and quality of life captured by the SF-36 questionnaire. Cronbach’s alpha was calculated for each of the eight SF-36 domains to measure internal consistency of the test. Multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to look at the association between GOSE and the physical (PCS) and mental (MCS) component scores on the SF-36. Finally, we performed a generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) to assess the relative contribution of GOSE score, age at the time of trauma, sex and TBI duration towards MCS and PCS rating.ResultsThere is a statistically significant difference in the MCS and PCS scores based on patients’ GOSE scores. The mean scores of the eight SF-36 domains showed significant association with GOSE. GLMM demonstrated that GOSE was the strongest predictor of PCS and MCS. Age was an important variable in the PCS score while time following trauma was a significant predictor of MCS rating.ConclusionsThis study highlights that patients’ physical outcome following TBI is a strong predictor of the subjective mental and physical health. Nevertheless, there remains tremendous variability in individual SF-36 scores for each GOSE category, highlighting that additional factors play a role in determining quality of life.

Normative and Subjective Oral Health Evaluation among Smoker and non-Smoker Adolescents of Qazvin, Iran, in 2015

Background: Smoking among adolescents is a universal matter. Several findings suggest that smoking can lead to impaired oral health. Objectives: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the normative and subjective oral health status of 13-year-old smokers and nonsmokers in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a multistage cluster sample of 519 adolescents in Qazvin, Iran, in 2015. A self-administered questionnaire comprising three parts pertaining to oral health behavior (frequency of tooth brushing and dental visits, snacking, and the use of fluoride toothpaste) was administered. The socio-demographic and subjective characteristics of the study participants, including self-reported smoking, gum bleeding, and halitosis, were determined. The simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) was used to evaluate their clinical condition. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed separately for the smokers and nonsmokers. Correlation, kappa agreement, sensitivity, and specificity between the subjective and normative measurements were calculated. Results: 26% of the male adolescents and 15% of the female adolescents claimed that they smoked cigarettes or used water pipe. Infrequent dental visits (≥ 2 years) [odds ratio (OR) = 3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–7.8, P = 0.030), frequent snacking (≥ 3 times between meals) (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.5 - 8.4, P = 0.001), and halitosis were significantly associated with poor self-perceived oral health. Poor oral hygiene index, which represents normative measurement, was similar among smokers and nonsmokers in this age group. Sensitivity and specificity were reported to be 81% and 85% for smokers and 30% and 21% for nonsmokers, respectively. Conclusions: Normative and subjective oral health evaluations were not in the same line among smoking and nonsmoking adolescents. Professional screening is necessary to evaluate oral health in this age group, especially in countries with developing oral health care systems.

Older adults must hurry at pedestrian lights! A cross-sectional analysis of preferred and fast walking speed under single- and dual-task conditions.

Slow walking speed is strongly associated with adverse health outcomes, including cognitive impairment, in the older population. Moreover, adequate walking speed is crucial to maintain older pedestrians’ mobility and safety in urban areas. This study aimed to identify the proportion of Swiss older adults that didn’t reach 1.2 m/s, which reflects the requirements to cross streets within the green–yellow phase of pedestrian lights, when walking fast under cognitive challenge. A convenience sample, including 120 older women (65%) and men, was recruited from the community (88%) and from senior residences and divided into groups of 70–79 years (n = 59, 74.8 ± 0.4 y; mean ± SD) and ≥80 years (n = 61, 85.5 ± 0.5 y). Steady state walking speed was assessed under single- and dual-task conditions at preferred and fast walking speed. Additionally, functional lower extremity strength (5-chair-rises test), subjective health rating, and retrospective estimates of fall frequency were recorded. Results showed that 35.6% of the younger and 73.8% of the older participants were not able to walk faster than 1.2 m/s under the fast dual-task walking condition. Fast dual-task walking speed was higher compared to the preferred speed single- and dual-task conditions (all p < .05, r = .31 to .48). Average preferred single-task walking speed was 1.19 ± 0.24 m/s (70–79 y) and 0.94 ± 0.27 m/s (≥80 y), respectively, and correlated with performance in the 5-chair-rises test (rs = −.49, p < .001), subjective health (τ = .27, p < .001), and fall frequency (τ = −.23, p = .002). We conclude that the fitness status of many older people is inadequate to safely cross streets at pedestrian lights and maintain mobility in the community’s daily life in urban areas. Consequently, training measures to improve the older population’s cognitive and physical fitness should be promoted to enhance walking speed and safety of older pedestrians.

Depression in older adults: prevalence and risk factors in a primary health care sample

Background: Depression in the geriatric population has been identified as a significant problem in view of the associated negative outcomes regarding poor functioning, increased perception of poor health and increased utilisation of medical services. Significantly associated with increased morbidity and mortality, depression has been found to be an independent cause of disability as well as adding to disability due to primary physical illnesses. Early identification and treatment of depression reduces medical costs and lessens caregiver burden. Epidemiological data and prevalence rates of geriatric depression in Africa are limited, although such data are vital to mobilise and plan government mental health initiatives aimed at screening and early intervention. Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression and associated clinical and socio-demographic factors amongst older adult patients attending a primary health care clinic in the Ethekwini District in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale and a socio-demographic questionnaire were administered in English to 255 geriatric outpatients, randomly selected, at a local community clinic in Durban. &#x0D; &#x0D; Data analysis: Data were analysed using SPSS version 23®. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the sample demographics and response rate and non-parametric statistics were used to test for associations and differences.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: A Cronbach’s alpha for the GDS was calculated (p = 0.793). Some 40% of participants screened positive for depression. Female gender, widowhood and a negative subjective health status rating were significantly associated with depression and marriage appeared to be protective (p &lt; 0.001). Participants with a poor subjective health rating were 21 times more likely to be depressed and widowhood conferred an almost fourfold increased risk of being depressed, with widows at greater risk than widowers. No association between depression and specific medical conditions was identified.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: There is a high rate of undetected depression among the elderly attending a local primary health care clinic with widowhood and poor subjective health being strong predictors of mood disorders. The findings warrant replication in bigger samples.&#x0D; &#x0D; (Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp)&#x0D; &#x0D; S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1272250

Assessing the validity and reliability of the Malagasy version of Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP): a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEvaluating health needs includes measures of the impact of state of health on the quality of life. This entails evaluating the psychosocial aspects of health. To achieve this, several tools for measuring the quality of life related to oral health have been developed. However, it is vital to evaluate the psychometric properties of these tools so they can be used in a new context and on a new population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Malagasy version of a questionnaire for studying the impacts of oral-dental health on daily activities (Oral Impacts on Daily Performance), and analyse the interrelations between the scores obtained and the oral health indicators.MethodA cross-sectional study was performed for the transcultural adaptation of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance questionnaire forward translated and back-translated from English to Malagasy and from Malagasy to English, respectively. The psychometric characteristics of the Malagasy version of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance were then evaluated in terms of internal reliability, test-retest, and construct, criteria and discriminant validity. Four hundred and six adults responded in face-to-face interviews to the Malagasy version of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance questionnaire.ResultsNearly 74% of the participants indicated impacts of their oral health on their performance in their daily lives during the 6 months prior to the survey. The activities most affected were: “smiling”, “eating” and “sleeping and relaxing”. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.87. The construct validity was demonstrated by a significant association between the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance scores and the subjective evaluation of oral health (p <0.001). Discriminant validity was demonstrated by the fact that the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance scores were significantly higher in subjects with more than ten missing teeth, compared to those with fewer than ten missing teeth (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe Malagasy version of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance index is a valid and reliable measure for use in Malagasy adults over 55 years old.

Research on the Impacts of Preventive Health Behaviors Using the Health Assessment Big Data

In the way of personal health assessment is a subjective health evaluation and objective evaluation of this study affect health behavior practices to target a sample of a national scale in order to mitigate the limitations with the existing research on each of the subjective health evaluation, objective health assessment the correlation between health behavior practices impact relationships, behavioral health practice in subjective health evaluation among health assessment and health practices and determine the impact of actions related to objective health assessment to confirm. This research was to find the association preventive health practice behavior using big data to health assessment. Of the preventive health behavior practices we studied, adequate sleep and regular exercise positively influenced self-rated health (SRH), whereas attempts to quit or restrict drinking negatively influenced it. And, of the preventive health behavior practices, the habit of eating breakfast and regular health check-up positively influenced a disease prevalence rate, i.e., an objective assessment of health. The findings suggest that people who make more efforts to quit or restrict drinking are more likely to assess their own health as poor. The finding that a disease prevalence rate increased with such preventive health behavior practices as eating breakfast and getting regular health check-up can be interpreted as showing that those behaviors were required by the physician instruction and the use of medication. The study shows that preventive health behavior practices can have a positive or negative relationship with SRH and also with objective health assessment.