Well-being Of Community-dwelling Adults Research Articles

Public libraries to promote public health and wellbeing: a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults

BackgroundLibraries in the UK have evolved from traditional book-lending institutions into dynamic community hubs, This study aims to explore the potential of libraries to act as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults, drawing on insights from both library users and library staff in England.DesignA mixed-method, cross-sectional study using online survey and interviews with community-dwelling adults and library staff.MethodsWe collected data using a 14-item electronic survey and interviews with library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes.ResultsWe included 605 respondents from the survey and interviewed 12 library users and staff. Libraries remain popular and are considered a ‘safe place by members of the community, regardless of their frequency of service usage irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. However, a lack of awareness among library users about community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of libraries’ services, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers, drivers and practical recommendations were identified to leverage libraries as hubs to promote community health and wellbeing.ConclusionLibraries already offer a variety of resources that directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people. However, public awareness of these services is limited. As we navigate post-pandemic recovery, libraries can serve as platforms for community engagement, fostering resilience, mental health support and reducing social isolation. Recognising libraries’ untapped potential can lead to healthier communities and improved wellbeing.

109 Impact of Transport Mode on Psychosocial Wellbeing in Community-dwelling Adults Aged ≥50 years: Results from TILDA

Abstract Background Older adults with access to a car report increased social participation, better quality of life and better mental health. Existing research often compares the car to public transport, however we hypothesise that individuals who drive themselves or are driven by spouses have better outcomes compared to those driven by family or friends or taking public transport. This study examined how differences in transport mode affect psychosocial wellbeing in community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years in Ireland. Methods Data were collected from 8092 adults during wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), a nationally representative cohort study. Participants indicated their most frequent mode of transport: car, car (driven by partner/spouse), car (driven by family/friends/taxi), public transport. Regression analysis was used to examine associations between transport mode with depressive symptoms, quality of life and loneliness. Results 89.8% of adults travel most frequently by car with 72.2% driving themselves. Driving was independently associated with lower depressive symptoms (beta=-1.9, 95% CI: -2.59, -1.30, p<0.001) and loneliness (beta =-0.45, 95% CI: -0.70, -0.21, p<0.001) and better quality of life OR=4.11, 95% CI: 3.13, 5.08, p<0.001) compared to relying on lifts from family/friends/taxi. Being driven by a spouse/partner or taking public transport were also associated with more positive effects although to a lesser extent. Interaction analysis showed that men who regularly travelled by public transport had higher loneliness scores than women (beta=0.67, 95% CI: 0.16, 1.18, p<0.05). Conclusion Most adults aged ≥50 years in Ireland rely on the car for transport. Driving, being driven by a spouse/partner or taking public transport are associated with better psychosocial wellbeing compared to being driven by others, highlighting the importance or independent travel, whether by car or public transport. Opportunities to support this should be considered when planning the future transport needs of ageing populations.

Exercise and global well-being in community-dwelling adults with fibromyalgia: a systematic review with meta-analysis

BackgroundExercise has been recommended for improving global-well being in adults with fibromyalgia. However, no meta-analysis has determined the effects of exercise on global well-being using a single instrument and when analyzed separately according to intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. The purpose of this study was to fill that gap.MethodsStudies were derived from six electronic sources, cross-referencing from retrieved studies and expert review. Dual selection of randomized controlled exercise training studies published between January 1, 1980 and January 1, 2008 and in which global well-being was assessed using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) were included. Dual abstraction of data for study, subject and exercise program characteristics as well as assessment of changes in global well-being using the total score from the FIQ was conducted. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane bias assessment tool. Random-effects models and Hedge's standardized effect size (g) were used to pool results according to per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses.ResultsOf 1,025 studies screened, 7 representing 5 per-protocol and 5 intention-to-treat outcomes in 473 (280 exercise, 193 control) primarily female (99%) participants 18-73 years of age were included. Small, statistically significant improvements in global well-being were observed for per-protocol (g and 95% confidence interval, -0.39, -0.69 to -0.08) and intention-to-treat (-0.34, -0.53 to -0.14) analyses. No statistically significant within-group heterogeneity was found (per-protocol, Qw = 6.04, p = 0.20, I2 = 33.8%; intention-to-treat, Qw = 3.19, p = 0.53, I2 = 0%) and no between-group differences for per-protocol and intention-to-treat outcomes were observed (Qb = 0.07, p = 0.80). Changes were equivalent to improvements of 8.2% for per-protocol analyses and 7.3% for intention-to-treat analyses.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that exercise improves global well-being in community-dwelling women with fibromyalgia. However, additional research on this topic is needed, including research in men as well as optimal exercise programs for improving global well-being in adults.

Exercise And Global Well Being In Community Dwelling Adults With Fibromyalgia

The effects of exercise on the range of problems experienced by those with fibromyalgia are not well known. PURPOSE: Use the meta-analytic approach to determine the effects of exercise on global well-being in community-dwelling adults with fibromyalgia. METHODS: Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) randomized controlled trials with the unit of assignment at the participant level, (2) adults > 18 years of age, (3) an exercise-only intervention group (aerobic, strength training, or both), (4) community accessible exercise interventions > four weeks, (5) a non-intervention control group, (6) English-language studies, (7) published and unpublished (master's theses and dissertations) studies, (8) studies published between January 1, 1973 and August 29, 2007, and (9) data for the overall score from the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) available. A random-effects model and Hedge's standardized effect size (g), adjusted for small sample sizes, was used to pool results according to either per-protocol or intention-to-treat analyses. RESULTS: Of the 1,025 studies screened, 7 representing 8 groups and 14 outcomes in 470 (280 exercise, 190 control) primarily female participants, 18 to 73 years of age were included. Both per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses resulted in statistically significant (small to moderate) improvements in global well-being (per protocol, g and 95% confidence interval, -0.39, -0.70 to -0.09; intention-to-treat, -0.34, -0.53 to -0.14). No statistically significant heterogeneity was observed for either analysis (per protocol, I2 = 36.8%, p = 0.16; intention-to-treat, I2 = 0%, p = 0.53). CONCLUSION: Exercise improves global well-being in community-dwelling adults with fibromyalgia. Supported under a cooperative agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through the Association of American Medical Colleges, grant number U36/CCU319276, AAMC ID number MM-0944-06/06.