Unfavorable Health Conditions Research Articles

“Women are Able”: A Photovoice Study of Patriarchal Culture and Psychological Impact of Domestic Violence on Women in West Timor

ABSTRACT Patriarchal culture still dominates in certain societal cultures and causes gender gaps and injustices that can affect the unequal treatment of men and women. Culture can be one of the triggering factors for violence. Cases of domestic violence increase every year, which can impact unfavorable mental health conditions for victims of violence. Women who experience violence sometimes just stay silent in the face of what happened to them without putting up any resistance or help. This study aims to determine patriarchal culture, domestic violence, and their impact on women’s mental health in Kefamenanu. The method used in this research is a qualitative method using photovoice techniques. Eight participants were involved in photo-taking, interviews, focus group and online photo dissemination session. The results of this study indicate that patriarchal culture has many negative impacts on women, one of which is that it can cause physical and mental violence. The application of patriarchal culture still overlaps, sometimes it is fair or not between men and women, and there is also resistance to the application of patriarchal culture.

Associação entre iniquidades raciais e condição de saúde bucal: revisão sistemática

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the association between racial iniquities and oral health status. This is a systematic review with a protocol registered on the Prospero Platform (CRD42021228417), with searches carried out in electronic databases and in gray literature. Our study identified 3,028 publications. After applying the eligibility criteria and risk of bias analysis, 18 studies were selected. The results indicate that individuals of black/brown race/skin color have unfavorable oral health conditions, mainly represented by self-rated oral health, tooth loss, caries, and periodontitis. The results showed racial iniquities in oral health in different countries, for all analyzed indicators, with a greater vulnerability of the black population.

Dietary patterns from mid-through later-life in relation to sarcopenia risk over 20 years among Chinese community-dwelling oldest old individuals

Evidence regarding how dietary patterns (DPs) from mid- (60 years old) to later-life (over 80 years old) affect sarcopenia risk in old age is scarce. We included 7267 participants aged ≥80 years from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey in 2018. The Simplified Healthy Eating Index (SHE index) based on nine dietary variables was used to measured DPs and changes in DPs, with a higher score indicating better diet quality. The term "Mid-life" DPs denoted dietary habits at the age of 60 whereas "Later-life" DPs referred to dietary habits acquired over 80 years old. Sarcopenia risk was evaluated using the SARC-CalF questionnaire. We applied multivariable adjusted logistic regression models to investigate the cross-sectional association between DPs in a life course and sarcopenia risk in 2018 after adjusting for potential confounders including sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle risk factors, and unfavorable health conditions. Several sensitivity analyses were conducted to verify the robustness of the results. We found that healthier DPs during both mid- and later-life were associated with a decreased odds of sarcopenia risk, with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-0.88) and 0.84 (95% CI: 0.71-0.99), respectively. The odds of sarcopenia risk were also decreased among those with healthier DPs over a period of 20 years (OR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.69-0.93). For each nutrient consumption, participants who had high-quality fish consumption both in mid- and later-life had a 23% decreased odds of sarcopenia risk (OR=0.77, 95% CI: 0.67-0.88) compared with those who had low-quality fish consumption all the time. The results were largely unchanged in sensitivity analyses. Our findings highlight the importance of maintaining healthy dietary habits throughout life to reduce the risk of sarcopenia in old age.

Comparison Between Urban and Rural of Anthropometry Indices in Women of Reproductive Age in Kano, Nigeria State

Recently, new indices have been developed for better prediction of health status. This study aimed to compare the new indices of anthropometric measurements of women of reproductive age (WRA) in urban and rural settings in Kano state. A cross sectional descriptive community-based study was performed in 240 WRA (15-49 years) in 4 randomly selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) in urban and rural settings each. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics. Anthropometric indices which include body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), Conicity index (CI), a body shaped index (ABSI), a body shaped index z score (ABSI z score), hip index (HI), body roundness index (BRI) and ponderal index (PI) were measured. Socio-demographic result shows that age, occupation and monthly income were found to be significantly associated between the urban and rural participants whereas education, number of children and pregnancy status were not significantly associated. Urban and rural participants had a significant association in BAI (p=0.006), AVI (p=0.010), HI (p=0.030), BRI (p=0.003) and PI (p=0.002). There were no significant association in CI (p=0.219), ABSI (p=0.498) and ABSI z score (p=0.680). Further investigation of these indices and their association with nutritional status and different diseases could assist in efforts to prevent unfavorable health conditions among women of reproductive health.

Daytime napping and risk of liver cancer: A large population-based prospective cohort study

Introduction and ObjectivesLiver cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Japan and worldwide. Daytime napping is a common behavior, especially among older adults, that was related in previous research to unfavorable health conditions. Herein, we investigated the association between daytime napping and liver cancer risk. Materials and MethodsIn this prospective cohort study, data from 51,185 participants aged 40–79 years and registered in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study (JACC Study) were analyzed. Incident cases of liver cancer were diagnosed using cancer registries, hospital records, and death certificates. Daytime napping was assessed using the JACC baseline self-administered questionnaire. We used the Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of incident liver cancer among participants in the age categories of the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s who reported daytime napping compared with their counterparts who did not. ResultsWithin 669,734 person-years of follow-up, 341 participants developed liver cancer. Daytime napping was associated with a higher risk of liver cancer among participants who were in their 60s and 70s of age after adjusting for sex: HRs (95% CIs) 1.88 (1.35–2.61) and 1.96 (1.18–3.26), lifestyle and medical history: 1.76 (1.27–2.47) and 1.82 (1.07–3.09), and history of liver diseases: 1.66 (1.18–2.34) and 1.72 (1.01–2.94), respectively. No associations were detected among participants from the 40s and 50s age groups. ConclusionsDaytime napping was associated with a higher risk of liver cancer among older adults.

Multidimensional analysis of frailty in older people of a Brazilian community: a cross-sectional study

In Brazil, the aging process takes place under unfavorable economic, social and health conditions. Therefore, a better understanding of the functionality patterns of different elderly populations becomes essential, especially in times of Covid-19. The objective of study is to assess the functionality of institutionalized and community older people. Cross-sectional study with 51 older people, divided into two groups: Institutionalized Older People Group (GII) and Community Older People Group (GIC), assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination, Clinical Functional Vulnerability Index-20 (IVCF-20), Barthel Scale, Lawton Scale and Tinneti Scale, descriptive analysis, multivariate multiple correspondence technique, multinomial and binomial logistic regression, with the R software were performed. The results showed: the quartiles: robust GIC (IVCF-20=6.75), independent (Lawton=21/Barthel=100). The fragile GII (IVCF-20=18), partially dependent (Lawton=13/Barthel=100). In GII association of frail older people and high risk of falls. In the GIC there is no association. The GIC showed more chances compared to the GII: 198.34 cognitively normal; 5.48 robust; more than 100,000 independents; and 14 low risk of falls. In this way, it is concluded that older people in the community have better functional performance than older people living in the two Long Term Care Institutions.

Association of Oral Health Conditions in Adolescents with Social Factors and Obesity.

This study aimed to investigate associations between psychosocial factors, obesity, and oral health in a study population of 10- to 18-year-old adolescents who participated in the LIFE Child study. Psychosocial information (socioeconomic status (SES) based on parents’ education, occupation and household income, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), health-related quality of life) and physical activity behavior were obtained. Nutritional status was classified based on age- and sex-adjusted body mass index into underweight, overweight, normal weight and obese. Clinical dental examinations were performed and scored with respect to caries experience (CE), oral hygiene (OH), and periodontal status (periodontal health score: PERIO-S). Age-adjusted regression analysis under the assumption of a double Poisson distribution was performed with and without adjusting for SES (α = 5%). A total of 1158 study participants (590 girls, 568 boys; mean age 13.2 ± 2.3 years) were included (17.2% were classified as obese). CE was 20% higher for moderate and 60% higher for low SES compared to high SES (p < 0.05). PERIO-S was 10% higher for moderate and 30% higher for low compared to high SES (p < 0.05). Poor OH was associated with higher CE (Ratio R = 2.3, p < 0.0001) and PERIO-S (R = 3.1, p < 0.0001). Physical activity in a sports club was associated with lower CE-S and PERIO-S (R = 0.85, p < 0.001). Obesity was associated with increased CE (R = 1.3, p < 0.001) compared to normal weight. For low but not high SES, more reported difficulties were associated with higher CE. In conclusion, low SES, poor OH, and obesity are associated with unfavorable oral health conditions, whereas physical activity and high SES are potentially protective.

Factors Associated with Happiness in Rural Older Adults: An Exploratory Study.

.Introduction: Aging is a phenomenon that has increased worldwide as a result of a higher life expectancy, evidencing situations typical of this stage, which can impact the happiness of individuals, who deserve attention and approach from mental health and public health.Objective: to explore the association between sociodemographic characteristics, medical history and symptoms, emotional state, social support, cognitive performance, and functional dependence, in relation to happiness in older adults in a rural area of Túquerres, Nariño.Method: cross-sectional study of association. Results: There were 252 records in total, corresponding to the data of rural older adults. A multivariate linear regression was performed, finding an association with happiness in the variables of age (βa = .41; CI95% .09 - .73), socioeconomic level (βa = -.22; CI95% -.58 - .13), education level (βa = .41; CI95% .68 - 1.49), occupation (βa = .59; CI95% -.48 - 1.67), having chronic disease (βa = .42; CI95% .12 - .73), breathing difficulties (βa = -.25; CI95% -.51 - .02), joint pain (βa = .55; CI95% .26 - .83), depression symptoms (βa = -.21; CI95% -.48 - .06]) or anxiety (βa = .40; CI95% .72 - .07), and social support (βa = -.27; CI95% -.52 - -.02). Discussion: this population has unfavorable socioeconomic and health conditions that impact their perception of happiness. Conclusion: happiness is a multicausal phenomenon that in older adults is part of the result of the interaction of variables and historical decisions at a political, economic, and social level.

Implications of health conditions on rural soybean workers' quality of life.

to analyze the implications of health conditions on rural workers' quality of life in the context of soybean production. a cross-sectional study, with an intentional sample of 299 male rural workers. Data collection took place between October and December 2019. The following instruments were used: World Health Organization Quality Life-bref; Rural Workers' Living & Health Conditions questionnaire; International Physical Activity Questionnaire; Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener. They were analyzed via descriptive and inferential statistics, using bivariate (Mann-Whitney; Kruskal-Wallis) and multivariate tests (generalized additive models for location, scale and shape). the presence of a diagnosis of morbidity, alcohol dependence, occupational accidents and absenteeism implied a decrease in workers' quality of life scores. the existence of unfavorable health conditions has a negative impact on rural soybean workers' quality of life.

Depression Mediates the Relationship between Food Insecurity and Pain Interference in College Students.

Food insecurity (FI) typically produces unfavorable health conditions. Research shows the high prevalence of FI among college students, and depression is one of the adverse effects of FIamong them. It is possible that FI may increase the risk of pain via depression; however, it is currently unclear whether FI is linked to pain among college students. Therefore, this study compared pain experiences between students with and without FI, and examined the relationship between FI, depression, and pain. One hundred seventy-six college students at a Hispanic-serving institution in the southwestern region of US completed self-report measures to assess FI, depression, pain severity, and pain interference. Results indicated that approximately 24% of the students were categorized as food insecure, and those students scored higher on pain interference compared to food-secure students. FI was positively associated with depression and pain interference scores, and depression scores were positively associated with pain interference scores. The mediation analyses based on the counterfactual framework demonstrated a significant mediation effect of depression, where 50.59% of the total effect of FI on pain interference was attributable to the depression. These results suggest that FI extends its negative effects into pain interference among college students, but better management of depression may help alleviate the effects of FI on pain interference.

Headache in girls and boys growing up from age 11 to 20 years: the Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study.

The striking difference between men and women in headache prevalence is suggested to develop in adolescence. Although headaches are common and affect quality of life and daily functioning, the evidence needed to develop effective counselling and preventive approaches is still limited. Using data collected at age 11, 14, 17, and 20 years in the Dutch Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy birth cohort study (n = 3064 with ≥ 1 questionnaire), we assessed headache prevalence and incidence in girls and boys and explored associations with early life, environmental, lifestyle, health, and psychosocial factors. Associations were analysed longitudinally with generalized linear mixed models and discrete time hazard models. From age 11 to 20 years, the prevalence of headache increased from 9.4% to 19.8% in girls and hardly changed in boys (7.6%-6.1%). Headache commonly co-occurred with other unfavorable health and psychosocial conditions. Eighty-eight percent of the girls and 76% of boys with headache also reported at least one of the following at age 17: sleeping problems, asthma, hay fever, musculoskeletal complaints, fatigue, low mental health, or worrying. Results suggest higher headache prevalence in adolescents following lower educational tracks, in those who skip breakfast ≥2 days per week, and in boys exposed to tobacco smoke in infancy. In girls, sleeping problems and musculoskeletal complaints were associated with higher odds of incident headache and residential greenness with lower odds of incident headache. The high prevalence and strong female predominance of headache, already in adolescence and often with comorbidities, deserve recognition by professionals in (preventive) health care settings and schools.

Utilitarian walking and walking as exercise among community-dwelling older adults: what factors influence it?

Abstract Objective : to investigate the association between utilitarian walking and walking as exercise, and socio-demographic, clinical and functional covariates related to these walking types. Methods : a cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted with 148 older adults (aged 60 and over). Walking frequency and duration was assessed using the IPEQ-W (Incidental and Planned Exercise Questionnaire - Version W). Socio-demographic, clinical conditions, level of disability and mobility were also assessed. Types of walking were compared among the variables using the Mann-Whitney test and non-parametric Spearman rho correlations were used to investigate the association between the types of walking and the variables. Results : the participants performed a mean of 1.1 (±2.1) h/week of walking as exercise and 2.2 (±2.3) h/week of utilitarian walking. Older adults who had diabetes (p=0.015) did fewer h/week of walking as exercise. Participants who were older (p=0.014), reported poor self-rated health (p&lt;0.001), poor disability levels (p&lt;0.001), hypertension (p=0.048), strokes (p&lt;0.001), heart disease (p=0.026), urinary incontinence (p&lt;0.001), dizziness (p=0.008), or sleep disorders (p=0.042) spent fewer hours performing utilitarian walking. Correlations between the covariates and types of walking varied from very weak to weak. Conclusion : chronic diseases and unfavorable health conditions decreased walking time. Utilitarian walking was the most frequent type of walking performed by the older adults. Health care professionals and public policy managers should use utilitarian walking as a way of increasing levels of physical activity and to promote healthy aging.

A vaccination campaign in a Roma community in Rome: an experience of the Local Health Autority Roma1

Abstract Issue/problem About 8,000 Roma and Sinti live in the city of Rome, distributed in 33 settlements. This population is particularly at risk of health problems, due to social marginality and reduced access to health and social services. An important challenge for public health is therefore to guarantee and improve the right to health and the availability of health care. In Italy, a new vaccination law was approved in July 2017 and 10 vaccinations became mandatory for minors attending schools. Description of the problem In 2018 the District 14 of the Local Health Authority Rome1 (LHA Rome1) organized a vaccination campaign for the Roma and Sinti community being in its area. The aim of the campaign was to analyse the vaccination status of children under-18 living in the camp, based on the local police census data, crossed with the web based regional vaccination registry, to offer free vaccination for those without a regular status, in order to allow school attendance. Results Among 109 children living in the targeted Roma and Sinti camp, only 6 (5.5%) had a regular vaccination status according to the Italian law. Two different vaccination opportunity were offered to the community during 2018: a dedicated vaccination session in the local vaccination center, during which 6 children were vaccinated; four vaccination days offered directly at the Roma camp (a total of 53 children were vaccinated). At the end of 2018, the new Police census identified 114 minors resident in the camp instead of 109; of these, 48 (42.1%) had reached a regular vaccination status. Lessons Addressing hard-to-reach communities in order to improve the access to health and social services is one of the LHA objectives. The intervention performed in the Roma camp was also an opportunity to promote the importance of vaccination and to inform the target community about various LHA services, in particular maternal and infant services, including those for Temporarily Present Foreigners. Key messages The interventions performed straight into communities living in unfavorable health and social conditions are useful to improve the access to health and social services. Vaccination of people living in a social marginality is an important challenge for public health in order to guarantee specific protection measures and promoting the right to health.

Favorable and unfavorable health conditions within OECD countries: An exploratory study.

Objectives:This study compared the physical, mental, and social health levels among Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.Methods:We sampled from 34 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development member countries and divided physical, mental, and social health into three domains based on World Health Organization health definitions.Results:A multivariate hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to group countries that were similar in terms of health. Regarding physical health, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, and ten more countries reported favorable health conditions. For mental health, Australia, Canada and eight more countries revealed favorable conditions. Finally, in terms of social health, Austria, Finland, Iceland, and seven more countries reported favorable conditions. Sweden and Switzerland reported the best health conditions aggregated across all three domains. Conversely, Estonia, Hungary, and Turkey reported comparatively poorer health across all three domains when compared with other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries.Conclusions:We suggested that mental health policy should be further strengthened in cases of Korea and Japan. In case of the Eastern Bloc countries, health policies should be established focusing on health equity for effective improvement of indicators.

High Hospitalization Rates in Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study Using Medical Record Linkage.

Hospitalization rates over time of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) provide insight into the burden of unfavorable health conditions on CCS and health care resources. The objective of our study was to examine trends in hospitalizations of CCS and risk factors in comparison with the general population. We performed a medical record linkage study of a cohort of 1564 ≥five-year CCS with national registers. We obtained a random sample of the general population matched on year of birth, gender and calendar year per CCS retrieved. We quantified and compared hospitalization rates of CCS and reference persons from 1995 until 2005, and we analyzed risk factors for hospitalization within the CCS cohort with multivariable Poisson models. We retrieved hospitalization information from 1382 CCS and 25583 reference persons. The overall relative hospitalization rate (RHR) was 2.2 (95%CI:1.9–2.5) for CCS compared to reference persons. CCS with central nervous system and solid tumors had highest RHRs. Hospitalization rates in CCS were increased compared to reference persons up to at least 30 years after primary diagnosis, with highest rates 5–10 and 20–30 years after primary cancer. RHRs were highest for hospitalizations due to neoplasms (10.7; 95%CI:7.1–16.3) and endocrine/nutritional/metabolic disorders (7.3; 95%CI:4.6–11.7). Female gender (P<0.001), radiotherapy to head and/or neck (P<0.001) or thorax and/or abdomen (P = 0.03) and surgery (P = 0.01) were associated with higher hospitalization rates in CCS. In conclusion, CCS have increased hospitalization rates compared to the general population, up to at least 30 years after primary cancer treatment. These findings imply a high and long-term burden of unfavorable health conditions after childhood cancer on survivors and health care resources.

Age-related Decline in Handgrip Strength and Loss of Forearm Muscle Size and/or Muscle Quality in Men

Age-related decline in handgrip strength (HGS) is associated with several unfavorable health conditions and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. In general, muscle strength declines at a higher rate than muscle mass. Thus, an age-related decline in muscle strength/mass ratio (i.e., muscle quality) would be expected, however, it is unknown whether muscle quality in the forearm associates with HGS in the aging process. PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships between age-related declines in HGS and loss of forearm muscle size and/or muscle quality in men. METHODS: Two hundred fifty men aged 20-89 had muscle thickness (MT) measured by ultrasound at the anterior forearm of the dominant hand. MT was measured as the perpendicular distance between the subcutaneous adipose tissue-muscle interface and muscle-bone interface of the ulna (MT-ulna). HGS was also measured for the dominant hand with a hand dynamometer. Muscle quality (MQ) was defined as a ratio of HGS to MT-ulna. A one-way ANOVA determined differences between age groups for each variable and Pearson correlation coefficients were performed for all variables. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: HGS was similar among younger groups (47.6 [7.5] kg in aged 20-29 (n=34), 48.8 [7.7] kg in aged 30-39 (n=23) and 47.5 [7.2] kg in aged 40-49 (n=25)) and it decreased (p<0.001) gradually with age (43.8 [6.7] kg in aged 50-59 (n=47), 40.6 [6.7] kg in aged 60-69 (n=46), 36.7 [5.1] kg in aged 70-79 (n=47) and 33.4 [4.6] kg in aged 80-89 (n=28). MT-ulna was similar among young and middle-aged groups (3.92 [0.30] cm in aged 20-29, 3.85 [0.38] cm in aged 30-39, 3.83 [0.35] cm in aged 40-49, 3.82 [0.33] cm in aged 50-59 and 3.81 [0.29] cm in age 60-69) and was lower (p<0.01) in aged 70-79 (3.66 [0.26] cm) and aged 80-89 (3.58 [0.32] cm) compared to the aged 20-29. MQ was similar among younger groups (aged 20-29 to aged 40-49) and it decreased (p<0.01) gradually with age. MQ was strongly correlated to HGS in each age group (r=0.767-0.873), while MT-ulna was low to moderately correlated to HGS in each age group (r=0.344-0.759). CONCLUSIONS: Age-related decline in HGS is associated with MQ, but it appears to be accelerated after age 70 due to forearm muscle loss. Future research could investigate this further by looking at the association between loss of forearm muscle mass/MQ and mortality.

Prevalência e fatores associados a sarcopenia em mulheres idosas residentes em comunidade

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia and factors associated with it in a population of elderly women living in the community in the Northeast of Brazil. This was a cross-sectional study of 173 women aged 60 years or older living in the urban zone of the municipality of Lafaiete Coutinho, Bahia, Brazil. Associations between sarcopenia (defined as reduced muscle mass plus reduced muscle strength and/or reduced muscle performance) and independent variables including sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral variables and health status were tested using logistic regression techniques. The significance level was set at 5%. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the study population was 17.8%. The logistic regression technique only identified the variables advanced age (p = 0.005) and hospital admission during the previous 12 months (p = 0.009) as statistically significant. It was concluded that there was a significant prevalence of sarcopenia among elderly women resident in a community with unfavorable health conditions and the findings showed that the strongest associations were with age over 80 years and hospital admission during the previous 12 months.

The right infant nutrition: do nutrition and growth matter in the 6 to 24 month period?

In the last decades several studies tested the hypothesis that at early developmental stages certain foods or nutrients, in specific amounts, fed during limited sensitive periods, may lead to clinical alterations that take place decades later ( early nutritional programming of long term health). In spite of suggestions from different early dietary habits, epidemiologic data show that episodes of rapid growth (growth acceleration hypothesis), whichever the dietary habits, are associated with later unfavorable health conditions and should be prevented. Early fast weight gain may be associated with increased likelihood of developing insulin resistance, dyslipidemic conditions, obesity, elevated blood pressure, and endothelial dysfunction. Accordingly, infant’s growth pattern may represent the interaction between genetic background and environment, inclusive of nutrition. The branch of science focusing on these aspects is known as epigenetics . Different studies have shown on the other hand a reduced growth in infants with specific disorders (milk allergy, HIV) even before the overt clinical symptoms of the disease. Within this context the nutritionist’s task is the prevention of deficiencies, but intervention strategies to prevent malnutrition should emphasize improvements in linear growth in the first 2-3 years of life rather than aim at gaining weight, to prevent the event of rapid early weight gain. The present constraints of the global economic crisis require cost/benefit analyses for all the interventions to optimize nutrition and growth in early years. Recent indications for complementary feeding indicate the beneficial effects of introducing earlier food items such as egg and fish, together with breastfeeding continuation through the first year, in reducing the later risk of immune allergic disorders and metabolic impairments. Proceedings of the 10 th International Workshop on Neonatology · Cagliari (Italy) · October 22 nd -25 th , 2014 · The last ten years, the next ten years in Neonatology Guest Editors: Vassilios Fanos, Michele Mussap, Gavino Faa, Apostolos Papageorgiou

Fatores associados à satisfação com a vida em idosos cuidadores e não cuidadores

This article seeks to investigate associations between satisfaction with life and sociodemographic variables, health conditions, functionality, social involvement and social support among elderly caregivers and non-caregivers, as well as between satisfaction and the intensity of stress in the caregiver group. A sample of 338 caregivers was selected according to two items of the Brazilian version of the Elders Life Stress Inventory. A comparison-group of elderly non-caregivers was selected at random, with a similar gender, age and income profile. Data were derived from self-reported questionnaires and scales. Elderly caregivers with low levels of satisfaction and high levels of stress revealed more symptoms of insomnia, fatigue, diseases and worse IADL performance. Those with greater satisfaction and less stress revealed a good level of social support. Insomnia, depression and fatigue were associated with low satisfaction among caregivers, and with fatigue, depression and low social support among non-caregivers. It was considered relevant that instrumental, psychological and informative support can improve the quality of life and the quality of care provided by elderly caregivers, especially if they are affected by unfavorable health and psychosocial conditions and low satisfaction with life.

Perception of Brazilian Adolescents about the Influence of Oral Health on Biological and Social Functions

Objetivo: Analisar a interferencia da saude bucal em funcoes biologicas e sociais, segundo a percepcao de adolescentes brasileiros de 15 a 19 anos. Metodo: Estudo transversal a partir do banco de dados do levantamento epidemiologico “SB Brasil 2003” (n=16.112). O banco foi recategorizado, tendo como variaveis dependentes a percepcao em relacao a saude bucal e como esta e classificada; a aparencia; se ha interferencia na mastigacao; influencia na fala e o quanto a saude bucal interfere nos relacionamentos pessoais. Realizaram-se associacoes bivariada e multivariada entre variaveis sociodemograficas e de condicao de saude bucal com o desfecho relacionado as funcoes biologicas (mastigacao e fala) e sociais (aparencia e relacoes pessoais). Utilizou-se o modelo de regressao de Poisson, ajustado pela amostragem do tipo complexa, sendo o municipio sorteado a Unidade Primaria de Amostragem. Empregou-se a Razao de Prevalencia com IC 95%. Resultados: A mastigacao foi considerada pessima ou ruim entre negros e pardos (RP=1,31), com ma oclusao (RP=1,52), doenca periodontal (RP=1,33), necessidade de exodontia (RP=1,59) e dor (RP=3,92). A fala pior ou ruim foi associada a jovens com dentes ausentes (RP=1,42), ma oclusao (RP=2,14), necessidade de exodontia (RP=1,32) e dor (RP=3,27). A pior aparencia foi identificada por negros e pardos (RP=1,20), com dentes ausentes (RP=1,19), ma oclusao (RP=1,52), doenca periodontal (RP=1,56), carie dentaria (RP=1,49), necessidade de exodontia (RP=1,54) e dor (RP=2,12). A saude bucal afetou os relacionamentos pessoais de negros e pardos (RP=1,20), com dentes ausentes (RP=1,37), ma oclusao (RP=1,27), necessidade de exodontia (RP=1,24) e dor (RP=1,80). Conclusao: Condicoes desfavoraveis de saude bucal e de caracterizacao sociodemografica tiveram reflexos negativos nas percepcoes de saude bucal e influenciaram a qualidade de vida dos adolescentes brasileiros.