Unhealthy Lifestyle Practices Research Articles

Health Problems and Health Compliance among Taxi Drivers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Drivers are exposed to several health risks due to their work environment, including irregular working hours, sitting for long periods, poor posture, and an unhealthy diet, in addition to stressful work environments, which are further exacerbated by the personal characteristics of drivers. This study aims to identify health problems and health complaints among taxi drivers. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rania City. A Convenience sampling method was used to select 100 participants among 135 drivers. Sociodemographic, morbidity, and health compliance were collected from drivers. Data were gathered using a developed questionnaire and a stress-related health complaints questionnaire, through interviewing techniques. Result: Out of 100 participant drivers, less than half 48% were found to be healthy. 9% of drivers have musculoskeletal, and 8% have eye problems. Furthermore, the study also identified that taxi drivers have unhealthy lifestyle practices regarding smoking habits, using mobile phones during driving, and obesity. Obesity accounts for 25% of the study sample. Lastly, the study shows less than half of drivers an average of 41% had moderate health complaints. Conclusion and recommendation: Obesity, cell phone use, and speeding up driving are more prevalent among drivers. In terms of morbidity, the taxi drivers had complaints of various health issues, such as musculoskeletal problems and eye problems. Screening tests for drivers are needed to detect actual health problems in addition to vision tests every year. Increasing awareness and providing health education is essential regarding risks associated with occupational health among drivers.

A Descriptive Study to Assess the Unhealthy Lifestyle among Perimenopausal Women in a Selected Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru

Abstract Introduction The perimenopausal phase, also known as the menopausal transition, marks a crucial period in a woman's life, characterized by hormonal fluctuations and physiological changes. During this transitory period, lifestyle factors are critical in influencing health outcomes. Lifestyle Appraisal focuses on identifying the lifestyle factors and habits that may affect a woman's health throughout the perimenopausal period. Methods and Materials The objective of the study was to identify perimenopausal women with unhealthy lifestyle practices using a lifestyle appraisal questionnaire. The study used descriptive design to determine the unhealthy lifestyle among perimenopausal women in the age group of 45 to 55 years. A complete enumerative sampling was used to select the 148 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Every participant completed the self-reported lifestyle assessment questionnaire (LAQ), except for the questions where the researcher measured blood pressure, height, and weight (body mass index [BMI]) with standard protocol. Results Unhealthy lifestyle habits persist in women. The average lifestyle appraisal score was 19.17 ± 6.88, ranging from 8 to 35. The higher the score, the unhealthy their lifestyle. The tool's highest possible score is 73. The majority of the subjects did not engage in regular exercise (43.9%), recreational activities (62.8%), or relaxation exercises (81.1%). A substantial number (54.1%) of women had encountered one to two stressful events in the last 6 months, with friends and family occasionally available for support (64.7%). None of them received love and affection every day, but rather on an occasional basis (69.6%). Most (81.1%) reported consuming meals with fruits and vegetables only two to three times a week, while fatty foods or sweets were ingested daily (60.1%). Furthermore, most (45.3%) participants were classified as overweight, with a BMI falling between 23 and 24.9. Conclusion Simple screening methods can be used to evaluate health and lay the groundwork for understanding a person's lifestyle, which helps preserve and encourage a healthy way of life.

Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Its Associated Risk Factors among Medical Students in Two Countries.

PCOS, a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age, affects fertility and increases the risks of other diseases. Early detection, risk factor assessment, and intervention are crucial to prevent long-term complications. This study was conducted using a pre-validated questionnaire at two medical colleges in the UAE and Oman. The first study (UAE) results are already published. Here, we present the findings of the second study (Oman) and compare them. The prevalence of PCOS was 4.6% (n = 7) in Oman and 27.6% (n = 69) in the UAE using the NIH criteria. The most common symptoms were irregular periods, acne, and thinning of hair. Students showed acne as the most prevalent symptom of clinical hyperandrogenism. Omani students showed significantly more acne [70.1% (n = 108) vs. 41.6% (n = 104)], while Emirati students showed a higher prevalence of hirsutism [32% (n = 80) vs. 23.3% (n = 36)]. A higher number of students had irregular periods 30.8% (77/150) in the UAE, although the difference was not statistically significant. The prevalence of PCOS was significantly higher in Emirati medical students than in Omani students (p < 0.05). The prevalence was also lower among medical students in Oman compared to an unselected population, reported by a study that included all consecutive women between 12 and 45 years of age attending a hospital. An increased trend in unhealthy lifestyle practices was observed in the recent study. Obesity was a strong predictor of PCOS symptoms across the populations in both countries (p < 0.05). The prevalence of PCOS and clinical signs of hyperandrogenism vary significantly between countries in the MENA region. There is a need to identify specific risk factors associated with PCOS in different populations, explore the genetic basis, and undertake collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals from various disciplines to raise awareness about PCOS and its associated risks.

Lifestyle practices and associated factors among adults with hypertension: Conquering Hypertension in Vietnam-solutions at the grassroots level study

Background Vietnam is experiencing an increasing prevalence of hypertension in its adult population. In addition to medical therapy, modifying adverse lifestyle practices is important for effective blood pressure control. There are limited data on unhealthy lifestyle practices in patients with chronic diseases, however, particularly among hypertensive patients living in rural Vietnam. Our study objectives were to examine the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle practices and associated factors among rural Vietnamese adults with uncontrolled hypertension. Methods Data from the baseline survey of a cluster randomized trial among hypertensive Vietnamese adults (2017–2022) were utilized. Information on unhealthy lifestyle practices including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and inadequate fruit and vegetable intake was collected from study participants. The primary study outcome was having ≥2 unhealthy lifestyle practices. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine factors associated with the primary study outcome. Results The mean age of the 671 patients was 67 years and 45.0% were men. Nearly three out of every four participants had one or fewer unhealthy practices, 24.0% had two, and 3.3% had three or all four unhealthy lifestyle practices. Men, individuals who did unpaid work or were unemployed, and individuals with hypertension level III were more likely to have ≥2 unhealthy lifestyle practices, whereas individuals with higher education were less likely to have ≥2 unhealthy lifestyle practices compared with respective comparison groups. Conclusions We observed a high prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle practices among rural Vietnamese patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Several demographic factors were associated with a greater number of unhealthy lifestyle practices. Newer interventions and educational programs encouraging lifestyle modification practices are needed to control hypertension among adults living in rural settings of Vietnam.

Recent Advances in the Management of Diabetic Kidney Disease: Slowing Progression.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and it heightens the risk of cardiovascular incidents. The pathogenesis of DKD is thought to involve hemodynamic, inflammatory, and metabolic factors that converge on the fibrotic pathway. Genetic predisposition and unhealthy lifestyle practices both play a significant role in the development and progression of DKD. In spite of the recent emergence of angiotensin receptors blockers (ARBs)/angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptors antagonists (NS-MRAs), current therapies still fail to effectively arrest the progression of DKD. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), a promising class of agents, possess the potential to act as renal protectors, effectively slowing the progression of DKD. Other agents, including pentoxifylline (PTF), selonsertib, and baricitinib hold great promise as potential therapies for DKD due to their anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. Multidisciplinary treatment, encompassing lifestyle modifications and drug therapy, can effectively decelerate the progression of DKD. Based on the treatment of heart failure, it is recommended to use multiple drugs in combination rather than a single-use drug for the treatment of DKD. Unearthing the mechanisms underlying DKD is urgent to optimize the management of DKD. Inflammatory and fibrotic factors (including IL-1, MCP-1, MMP-9, CTGF, TNF-a and TGF-β1), along with lncRNAs, not only serve as diagnostic biomarkers, but also hold promise as therapeutic targets. In this review, we delve into the potential mechanisms and the current therapies of DKD. We also explore the additional value of combing these therapies to develop novel treatment strategies. Drawing from the current understanding of DKD pathogenesis, we propose HIF inhibitors, AGE inhibitors, and epigenetic modifications as promising therapeutic targets for the future.

Role of incompatible food and regimen in neurological disorders

Introduction: The burden of neurological disorders has gradually increased over last 30 years. Neurological disorders are becoming a leading cause of disability and mortality in worldwide population. Patients presenting with common neurological symptoms like headache, anxiety, behavioural changes, fatigue, unexplained pain, erectile dysfunction, have been increasing, most of which can be attributed to unhealthy lifestyle and dietary practices. Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine, evolved over 3 millennia through constant devotedness of its preachers &amp; learners. Viruddha Ahara is mentioned to cause various metabolic disorders and may even lead to neurological diseases. Food-food interaction is a serious issue requiring much attention. Hence it is of importance to ascertain role of Viruddha Ahara in the manifestation of different neurological disorders. Aim: To study role of incompatible food and regimen in neurological disorders. Material and Methods: This is a conceptual study for which various Ayurveda texts, Modern texts and published Articles are referred. Discussion: Although food combinations in present era are different in nature, principles remain the same and it is required to identify such food incompatibilities that can cause neurological disorders based on basic Ayurvedic principles. Conclusions will be made on basis of mentioned concepts.

Widowhood status, morbidity, and mortality in India: evidence from a follow-up survey.

A known health effect of widowhood is an increased mortality risk among surviving spouses, with gender- and age-specific observations. While morbidity conditions with socio-economic factors may exacerbate the effect of widowhood on mortality, no research has attempted to predict mortality among the widowed over the married population with the presence of morbidity in India. Thus, the present study concurrently examines marital status and health in the Indian setting, bringing substantial empirical evidence to explore the link between marital status, morbidity, and mortality. The study used prospective data from India Human Development Survey (IHDS) wave 1 (2004-2005) and wave 2 (2011-2012). In total, 82,607 individuals aged 25 years and above were considered for the analysis. To present the preliminary findings, descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used. Using multivariable logistic regression, the interaction effect of marital status and morbidity status was estimated to predict the likelihood of mortality. Across all socio-economic groups, widowed individuals reporting any morbidity had a higher mortality proportion than married people. Young widowers with any morbidity are more susceptible to increased mortality. Asthma among young widowers and cardiovascular diseases among elderly widowers significantly elevate the probability of mortality. However, older widowed women with diabetes had a lower probability of mortality than older married women with diabetes. The widowers' disadvantage in mortality and morbidity may be attributable to less care-receiving and the greater incidence of unhealthy lifestyle practices during the post-widowhood period, indicating the need for more research.

SAT444 Perceptions Of Endocrine Clinicians On Climate Change And Health

Abstract Disclosure: S. Steinmetz-Wood: None. K. Loomba: None. J. Hitt: None. A. Kennedy: None. M.P. Gilbert: Consulting Fee; Self; Novo Nordisk. K. Barrett: None. Introduction: Effects of climate change and pollution on the endocrine system are increasingly recognized, such as from EDCs, particulate matter, and the impact of malnutrition and unhealthy lifestyle practices. The Endocrine Society set a goal to increase awareness of the impact of climate change on endocrine health. Assessing perspectives is key in building climate change awareness, knowledge, preventative action and advocacy among health professionals. There are no existing surveys evaluating perceptions of endocrine clinicians on climate change. We aimed to 1) evaluate climate change awareness/knowledge among endocrine clinicians, 2) evaluate the motivation of endocrine clinicians to incorporate climate change concepts into practice, and 3) demonstrate the need for climate change curricula in endocrine training. Methods: We designed an online questionnaire including questions from existing surveys to healthcare professionals about climate change and endocrine-specific questions. The survey was shared to the endocrine community through social media and email. Study data were collected 9/20/2022 - 11/06/2022 and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools. Results: There were a total of 164 responses; 98% were physicians, of which 31% were program directors (PD) and 28.66% were fellows. The median age was 41 and 91% are employed in the US. The majority (95%) think that climate change is happening, and 52% are very worried about climate change. Responses were variable regarding knowledge level on climate change and health (6.7% very, 40% moderately, 35% modestly, and 17.7% not at all) and concern of effects on patient health (12.8% a great deal, 36% a moderate amount, 26% only a little, 8% not at all, 17% don’t know). The top 3 endocrine climate-health concerns were reduced exercise from motorized transport, malnutrition from food prices, and disruptions to healthcare services during weather events. The majority of respondents agree teaching about climate change and health impacts should be integrated into medical education (72.8% strongly agree or agree) and 82.7% of the PDs and fellows indicated their program does not cover this topic. The majority feel motivated to take action in their personal or professional life for climate change (68.88% strongly agree or agree). The 3 resources perceived most helpful were CME, patient education materials, and policy statements. Conclusion: The majority of endocrine clinicians surveyed are aware and worried about climate change, with varying levels of knowledge and concern about climate change and its health effects. Most respondents agree teaching about climate change and health effects should be integrated into medical education and most feel motivated to take action in some way for climate change. The results also reflect an untapped interest for a curriculum on climate change and endocrine health in fellowship programs and in CME. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Insufficient Workplace Infection Control and Unhealthy Lifestyle Behaviors Are Related to Poor Self-Rated Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study investigated whether workers who practiced unhealthy lifestyles but worked under organizations with insufficient control against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) would pose a synergistic risk of poor self-rated health (SRH). A total of 22,637 workers (men, 48.5%) were extracted from an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan (December 2020). Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate adjusted odds ratio (AOR) against poor (poor, fair) SRH. Accumulation of unhealthy lifestyle behaviors (AOR, 1.49 to 4.40; P < 0.05) and insufficient infection control (AOR, 1.80; P < 0.05) were independently related to poor SRH; however, when these factors were combined, SRH was additively worsened (AOR, 2.14 to 7.72; P < 0.05). This study highlights that not only unhealthy lifestyle practices but also poor organizational management against infection would worsen workers' SRH during the COVID-19 pandemic.

High prevalence of lack of knowledge and unhealthy lifestyle practices regarding premature coronary artery disease and its risk factors among the Saudi population

ObjectiveLiterature regarding coronary artery disease (CAD) and awareness of its risk factors is available in Saudi Arabia (SA). However, it is lacking with respect to premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the lack of knowledge of this underrepresented critical issue and to devise a well-constructed strategy for PCAD. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of PCAD and its risk factors in SA.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, SA between July 01, 2022, and October 25, 2022. A validated proforma was sent to the Saudi population. The sample size was 1046 participants.ResultsProforma results indicated that 46.1% (n = 484) of participants believed that CAD could occur in people under the age of 45, whereas 18.6% (n = 196) did not believe, and 34.8% (n = 366) did not know. There was a highly statistically significant association present between sex and the belief that CAD can affect people who are under the age of 45 (p < 0.001), with 355 (73.3%) females believing that CAD can affect people below the age of 45 compared to 129 (26.7%) males. The results also showed a highly statistically significant relationship between educational status and the belief that CAD can affect people who are under the age of 45 (bachelor’s degree, 392 participants, representing 81.1%; p < 0.001). Furthermore, having employment was notably positively associated with that belief (p = 0.049) as was having a health specialty (p < 0.001). In addition, 62.3% (n = 655) of participants were not aware of their lipid profile, 49.1% (n = 516) preferred using vehicles to get to nearby places, 70.1% (n = 737) did not undergo regular medical checkups, 36.3% (n = 382) took medications without consultations, 55.9% (n = 588) did not exercise weekly, 69.5% (n = 112) were E-cigarette smokers, and 77.5% (n = 810) consumed fast food weekly.ConclusionsIndividuals from SA have an evident lack of public knowledge and poor lifestyle practices regarding PCAD, which demonstrates the need for health authorities to take a more targeted and attentive approach toward PCAD awareness. In addition, extensive media involvement is required to highlight the severity of PCAD and its risk factors in the population.

A comparison of unhealthy lifestyle practices among adults with hypertension aware and unaware of their hypertensive status: results from the 2013 WHO STEPS survey in Burkina Faso

BackgroundWe compared the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle factors between the hypertensive adults who were aware and unaware of their hypertensive status and assessed the factors associated with being aware of one’s hypertension among adults in Burkina Faso.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of data from the World Health Organization Stepwise approach to surveillance survey conducted in 2013 in Burkina Faso. Lifestyle factors analysed were fruits and vegetables (FV) consumption, tooth cleaning, alcohol and tobacco use, body mass index and physical activity.ResultsAmong 774 adults living with hypertension, 84.9% (95% CI: 82.2–87.3) were unaware of their hypertensive status. The frequencies of unhealthy lifestyle practices in those aware vs. unaware were respectively: 92.3% vs. 96.3%, p = 0.07 for not eating, at least, five FV servings daily; 63.2% vs. 70.5%, p = 0.12 for not cleaning the teeth at least twice a day; 35.9% vs. 42.3%, p = 0.19 for tobacco and/or alcohol use; 53.9% vs. 25.4%, p = 0.0001 for overweight/obesity and 17.1% vs, 10.3%, p = 0.04 for physical inactivity. In logistic regression analysis, older age, primary or higher education, being overweight/obese [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.2; p < 0.0001], intake of adequate FV servings daily (aOR = 2.9; p = 0.023) and non-use of alcohol and tobacco (aOR = 0.6; p = 0.028) were associated with being aware of one’s hypertensive status.ConclusionUndiagnosed hypertension was very high among Burkinabè adults living with hypertension. Those aware of their hypertension diagnosis did not necessarily practise healthier lifestyles than those not previously aware of their hypertension. Current control programmes should aim to improve hypertension awareness and promote risk reduction behaviour.

Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a family strengthening program to prevent unhealthy weight gain among 5 to 11-year-old children from at-risk families: the Strong Families Trial

BackgroundObesity is an increasing health concern in Australia among adult and child populations alike and is often associated with other serious comorbidities. While the rise in the prevalence of childhood obesity has plateaued in high-income countries, it continues to increase among children from disadvantaged and culturally diverse backgrounds. The family environment of disadvantaged populations may increase the risk of childhood obesity through unhealthy eating and lifestyle practices. The Strong Families Trial aims to assess the effectiveness of a mixed behavioural and lifestyle intervention for parents and carers of at-risk populations, i.e. families from culturally diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds, in preventing unhealthy weight gain among children aged 5 to 11 years.MethodsEight hundred families from low socio-economic areas in Greater Western Sydney, NSW, and Melbourne, VIC, will be recruited and randomised into a lifestyle intervention or control group. The intervention comprises 90-minute weekly sessions for 6 weeks (plus two-booster sessions) of an integrated, evidence-based, parenting and lifestyle program that accounts for the influences of family functioning. Primary (anthropometric data) and secondary (family functioning, feeding related parenting, physical activity, consumption of healthy foods, health literacy, family and household costs) outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, immediately following the intervention, and 12 months post-intervention.DiscussionThis study will elucidate methods for engaging socially disadvantaged and culturally diverse groups in parenting programs concerned with child weight status.Trial RegistrationThis study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001019190). Registered 16 July 2019.

Obesity-Related Health Lifestyles of Late-Middle Age Black Americans: The Jackson Heart Study

This article examines the obesity-related health lifestyle practices of a late-middle age cohort of socioeconomically diverse Black Americans. Black people have the highest prevalence of obesity of any racial group in the U.S. Consequently, the obesity-related health lifestyles of this population is an important topic of investigation, including those in late-middle age for whom there is little data. This study employs latent class analysis (LCA) and multinomial logit models to investigate dietary habits, levels of exercise, alcohol use, and smoking. The analysis sample is from the first examination of the Jackson Heart Study (2000‒2004) analyzed in 2021 using LCA. The sample consists of 739 Black men and 1,351 women between the ages of 50 and 64 years. Three classes of lifestyles were found for both genders: healthy diet, unhealthy diet, and unhealthy smokers. For women only, a most healthy lifestyle was added. Major findings are the low levels of physical activity, a clear socioeconomic pattern in healthy lifestyles among Black men and women, and the association of diagnoses of diabetes and cardiovascular disease with healthier lifestyle practices among Black men but not among women. Obesity-related health lifestyles among late-middle aged Black Americans generally do not converge toward a healthier norm with impending old age. An exception is men who have been diagnosed as having diabetes or heart disease. Otherwise, healthy and unhealthy lifestyle practices remain aligned by social class during this period of the life course.

A cross sectional survey of 504 women regarding perceived risk factors and barriers to follow healthy lifestyle and association with sociodemographic factors and menopausal symptoms

Background and aimsMidlife women undergoing menopausal transition are predisposed to weight gain. Weight gain in midlife is driven by two modifiable risk factors: menopausal symptom's severity and lifestyle practices. The independent and interactive nature of menopausal symptoms and lifestyle practices as risk factors of weight gain has not been investigated yet. This study was undertaken to study menopausal symptoms and lifestyle practices as risk factors for weight gain in midlife women and identify midlife -related barriers in managing corrective lifestyle practices. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, menopausal symptom severity and lifestyle practices such as diet, exercise, and sleep were assessed using a pre-validated and reliable questionnaire on a convenience sample of midlife women (43–55 years) via an interview schedule. The association of lifestyle practices and its barriers with socio-demographics and menopausal symptoms were analysed. ResultA total of 504 women (mean age: 47.3 ± 4.1 years) were recruited. More than half of them followed corrective dietary practices, but only one-fourth engaged in moderate-intensity exercises. Total menopausal symptom severity was associated with increased food intake (P < 0.001), joint pain with limited physical activity and hot flashes and emotional volatility with sleep disturbances (P < 0.01). Demographic variables such as education, economic and employment status were associated with unhealthy lifestyle practices. ConclusionAssessment of menopausal symptoms and lifestyle practices as risk factors and associated barriers must be the pivotal component to devise comprehensive women-centric weight management modules. Similar studies should be carried out in future when there is no clear effect of COVID19 on lifestyle factors.

Alzheimer's Disease: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Interventions.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. Genetics, excessive exposure to environmental pollutants, as well as unhealthy lifestyle practices are often linked to the development of AD. No therapeutic approach has achieved complete success in treating AD; however, early detection and management with appropriate drugs are key to improving prognosis. The pathogenesis of AD was extensively discussed in order to understand the reasons for the interventions suggested. The interventions reviewed include the use of different therapeutic agents and approaches, gene therapy, adherence to healthy dietary plans (Mediterranean diet, Okinawan diet and MIND diet), as well as the use of medicinal plants. The potential of nanotechnology as a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach in the design of nano-formulations of AD drugs and the use of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) as theranostic tools for early detection of Alzheimer's disease were also discussed.

CORRELATION BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND BLOOD GLUCOSE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Young adults are have greater risk of developing weight gain and vulnerable to get increase glucose levels in the blood due to unhealthy dietary and lifestyle practices. The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to nd the correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) among undergraduate students in a selected nursing college, Mangaluru. Total 84 students both male and female having age from 18 to 22 years were selected by simple random sampling technique. Body weight, height and 12 hours fasting blood glucose were measured. A study results showed that there was no signicant Correlation between BMI and FBG ®= 0.138, p= 0.212) among undergraduate nursing students.

Management of Psychiatric Disorders in Patients with Hepatic and Gastrointestinal Diseases.

Management of Psychiatric Disorders in Patients with Hepatic and Gastrointestinal Diseases.

The Detrimental Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Infertility of Humans and Laboratory Animals: A Review

In recent decades, the decline in human fertility has become a major concern. However, unhealthy lifestyle practices, such as the use of addictive substances that contribute to infertility persist in society. Therefore, the current study reviewed the literature addressing the effects of alcohol consumption patterns on male and female fertility. Although alcohol intake is socially accepted, its detrimental influence on male and female fertility rates has been regularly observed in recent years. The findings have revealed that abstinence from chronic alcohol intake did not recover the testes from the negative effects of alcohol. Heavy drinking, defined as 8 or more glasses per week for a woman or 15 or more drinks per week for a man might impair female reproductive function. In conclusion, the implementation of an in vivo evidence strategy ranging from animal studies to preclinical ones has indicated that alcohol intake may be related to negative effects on reproductive parameters in both males and females. The present review deserves to be highlighted since it is significant for those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle, such as those who use alcohol.

The association between an energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index and inflammation in rural and urban Black South Africans.

To quantify the inflammatory potential of the diet of rural and urban Black South Africans using an adapted energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (AE-DII) and to investigate its relationship with inflammatory and cardio-metabolic disease risk markers. Dietary inflammatory potential has not been investigated in African populations. Cross-sectional investigation. Rural and urban sites in the North West province of South Africa. 1885 randomly selected, apparently healthy Black South Africans older than 30 years. AE-DII scores ranged from -3·71 to +5·08 with a mean of +0·37. AE-DII scores were significantly higher in men (0·47 ± 1·19) than in women (0·32 ± 1·29), and in rural (0·55 ± 1·29) than urban participants (0·21 ± 1·19). Apart from its dietary constituents, AE-DII scores are primarily associated with age, rural-urban status and education. Contrary to the literature, alcohol consumption was positively associated with AE-DII scores. Of the four tested inflammatory and thirteen cardio-metabolic biomarkers, the AE-DII was only significantly negatively associated with albumin and HDL cholesterol, and positively with waist circumference and fasting glucose, upon full adjustment. Rural men consumed the most pro-inflammatory diet, and urban women the least pro-inflammatory diet. The diet of the participants was not overtly pro- or anti-inflammatory and was not associated with measured inflammatory markers. The inflammatory potential of alcohol at different levels of intake requires further research. Understanding dietary inflammatory potential in the context of food insecurity, unhealthy lifestyle practices and lack of dietary variety remains limited.

Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among professional drivers in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

AimsDue to the nature of their work, professional drivers face a considerable risk of developing depression and other mental illnesses. We sought to assess the prevalence and the factors influencing depressive symptoms among professional drivers in Saudi Arabia.MethodUsing convenience sampling, we have conducted an interviewer-administered survey on 324 professional drivers in Qassim Region in Saudi Arabia using Depression subscale from the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). Participants were interviewed in their native language, and responses were outlined directly into an online form in English. Data were then extracted and analyzed using SPSS software.ResultParticipants’ mean age was 38.6 years, and mean driving hours per day were 9.86 hours/day. The mean DASS-21 depression score among the professional drivers was 2.88. Overall, 21.9% of the included drivers had variable degrees of depressive symptoms, with 7.4% suffered from extremely severe symptoms. Depressive symptoms were influenced by the driver's nationality, educational level, vehicle type, driving years, BMI, presence of chronic medical conditions, physical activity, and sexual activity. Moreover, poor sleep quality increased the risk of developing depressive symptoms among the drivers by 31.9 times (OR: 31.9, CI: 9.03–112.63, P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionNearly one-fifth of professional drivers in Saudi Arabia (Qassim region) suffer from depressive symptoms. Unhealthy lifestyle practices (i.e. being obese and physically inactive) have been closely related to depressive symptoms. Education, sexual activity, type of driven vehicle, and the number of chronic conditions were also associated with depressive symptoms. Also, poor and fair sleep quality was strongly associated with the development of depressive symptoms as compared with excellent sleep quality. As drivers are always on the move and hardly reachable, we would propose psychological support and counseling to be administered via telemedicine services. Future research is needed to better comprehend the needs of this vulnerable population.