scholarly journals Sex differences in the association between salivary telomere length and multimorbidity within the US Health & Retirement Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (5) ◽  
pp. 703-710 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire L Niedzwiedz ◽  
Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi ◽  
Jill P Pell ◽  
Daniel J Smith
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Telomere Length ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Multinomial Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Us ◽  
Psychiatric Conditions ◽  
Psychiatric Problems ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Background Telomere length is associated with several physical and mental health conditions, but whether it is a marker of multimorbidity is unclear. We investigated associations between telomere length and multimorbidity by sex. Methods Data from adults (N = 5,495) aged ≥50 years were taken from the US Health and Retirement Study (2008–14). Telomere length was measured in 2008 from salivary samples. The cross-sectional associations between telomere length and eight chronic health conditions were explored using logistic regression, adjusting for confounders and stratified by sex. Logistic, ordinal and multinomial regression models were calculated to explore relationships between telomere length and multimorbidity (using a binary variable and a sum of the number of health conditions) and the type of multimorbidity (no multimorbidity, physical multimorbidity, or multimorbidity including psychiatric problems). Using multilevel logistic regression, prospective relationships between telomere length and incident multimorbidity were also explored. Results In cross-sectional analyses, longer telomeres were associated with reduced likelihood of lung disease and psychiatric problems among men, but not women. Longer telomeres were associated with lower risk of multimorbidity that included psychiatric problems among men (OR=0.521, 95% CI: 0.284 to 0.957), but not women (OR=1.188, 95% CI: 0.771 to 1.831). Prospective analyses suggested little association between telomere length and the onset of multimorbidity in men (OR=1.378, 95% CI: 0.931 to 2.038) nor women (OR=1.224, 95% CI: 0.825 to 1.815). Conclusions Although telomere length does not appear to be a biomarker of overall multimorbidity, further exploration of the relationships is merited particularly for multimorbidity including psychiatric conditions among men.

The practices of performance management and low performers in the US Federal Government

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 417-433
Author(s):  
Hyung-Woo Lee ◽  
Dong-Young Rhee
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Federal Government ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
News Article ◽  
Multinomial Regression ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
Us Federal Government

Purpose Addressing low performers has been an important issue for government. The purpose of this paper is to examine what practices of performance management are effective in reducing the proportion of low performers in the US federal government. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted the binary logit regression analysis and multinomial regression analysis. Findings Analyzing the Merit Principle Survey 2016, the authors found that the dismissal of low performing employees and the formal performance improvement plan (PIP) is the most effective in reducing the proportion of low performers. To the contrary, the within-grade-increase did not have a significant influence on the proportion of low performers. Moreover, using the performance appraisal for the purpose of reassigning employees to the position that better match employees’ talent increased the number of low performers in work units. Research limitations/implications Research limitations are as follows. First, the performance measure for this study was the percentage of employees rated as unsuccessful. Second, the pseudo-R2 indicated that the proposed model explained only the small, albeit significant, portion of the total variance in employee performance. Lastly, this study used a cross-sectional research design that may impede the validity of inference of causalities. Practical implications According to a recent news article (Rein, 2018), Trump signed an executive order that limits the stable benefits associated with government employment such as, limiting pay associated with union work and negotiating more stringent union contracts. These measures are largely aimed at eliminating low performing employees rather than attempting to improve their performances through carefully designed training programs. Although removing low performers may be an option, the results indicate that providing assistance in order to develop employee knowledge and skills through the PIP have a comparable impact on reducing low performers. Originality/value These findings imply that the use of performance evaluation for developmental or sanctioning purpose is more effective than reassignment or incentive purpose.

scholarly journals Exercise participation : sleep quality in Thai older adults

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Chantra Promnoi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Social Network ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Exercise Participation

Physical activity and social interaction may be related to sleep quality in older adults. This study aimed to explore differences in sleep quality among older adults who performed exercise at elder clubs, older adults who exercised at home, and older adults who did not exercise, as well as identify factors associated with sleep quality in this population. The Symptom Management Model was adopted to guide this study. Using a cross-sectional correlational design, three groups of participants (60 persons per group) who met inclusion criteria were recruited from senior clubs and communities from HatYai District, Songkha Province, Thailand. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the differences in sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index and the Insomnia Severity Index among three groups. Logistic regression was used to estimate the extent to which health conditions, pain, depressive symptoms, social connectedness (social network and social support), and self-reported physical activity predicted sleep quality. No significant differences in sleep quality scores were found among the three groups, although the non-exercise group reported scores indicating poorer sleep quality, compared to the other two groups. Sleep quality was associated with number of health conditions, pain level, depressive symptoms, social connectedness (social network), and physical activity. The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that pain and depressive symptoms were significant predictors of sleep quality when controlling for age, gender, education, and marital status. The findings suggest that exercising can positively influence sleep. Healthcare providers should evaluate sleep quality in older adults within the context of their physical and mental health, as well as their social connections.

scholarly journals Yoga practice in the UK: a cross-sectional survey of motivation, health benefits and behaviours

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e031848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Cartwright ◽  
Heather Mason ◽  
Alan Porter ◽  
Karen Pilkington
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Yoga Practice ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Positive Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesDespite the popularity of yoga and evidence of its positive effects on physical and mental health, little is known about yoga practice in the UK. This study investigated the characteristics of people who practise yoga, reasons for initiating and maintaining practice, and perceived impact of yoga on health and well-being.Design, setting and participantsA cross-sectional online anonymous survey distributed through UK-based yoga organisations, studios and events, through email invites and flyers. 2434 yoga practitioners completed the survey, including 903 yoga teachers: 87% were women, 91% white and 71% degree educated; mean age was 48.7 years.Main outcome measuresPerceived impact of yoga on health conditions, health outcomes and injuries. Relationships between yoga practice and measures of health, lifestyle, stress and well-being.ResultsIn comparison with national population norms, participants reported significantly higher well-being but also higher anxiety; lower perceived stress, body mass index and incidence of obesity, and higher rates of positive health behaviours. 47% reported changing their motivations to practise yoga, with general wellness and fitness key to initial uptake, and stress management and spirituality important to current practice. 16% of participants reported starting yoga to manage a physical or mental health condition. Respondents reported the value of yoga for a wide range of health conditions, most notably for musculoskeletal and mental health conditions. 20.7% reported at least one yoga-related injury over their lifetime. Controlling for demographic factors, frequency of yoga practice accounted for small but significant variance in health-related regression models (p<0.001).ConclusionThe findings of this first detailed UK survey were consistent with surveys in other Western countries. Yoga was perceived to have a positive impact on physical and mental health conditions and was linked to positive health behaviours. Further investigation of yoga’s role in self-care could inform health-related challenges faced by many countries.

scholarly journals Prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in Medicare-enrolled, autistic older adults

Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 755-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany N Hand ◽  
Amber M Angell ◽  
Lauren Harris ◽  
Laura Arnstein Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Conditions

While there is emerging evidence on the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions among autistic adults, less is known about this population’s needs during older adulthood (aged 65+). We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective cohort study of 2016–2017 Medicare data to compare the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions in a national sample of autistic older adults (N = 4685) to a matched population comparison (N = 46,850) cohort. Autistic older adults had significantly greater odds of nearly all physical health conditions including epilepsy (odds ratio = 18.9; 95% confidence interval = 17.2–20.7), Parkinson’s disease (odds ratio = 6.1; 95% confidence interval = 5.3–7.0), and gastrointestinal conditions (odds ratio = 5.2; 95% confidence interval = 4.9–5.5). Most mental health conditions were more common among autistic older adults, including schizophrenia and psychotic disorders (odds ratio = 25.3; 95% confidence interval = 22.4–28.7), attention deficit disorders (odds ratio = 24.4; 95% confidence interval = 16.2–31.0), personality disorders (odds ratio = 24.1; 95% confidence interval = 17.8–32.5), and suicidality or self-inflicted injury (odds ratio = 11.1; 95% confidence interval = 8.9–13.8). Health conditions commonly associated with advanced age in the general population (e.g. osteoporosis, cognitive disorders, heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, osteoarthritis) were also significantly more common among autistic older adults. By highlighting the significant physical and mental health needs for which autistic older adults require care, our findings can inform healthcare systems, healthcare providers, and public health initiatives seeking to promote well-being in this growing population.

scholarly journals Factors Associated to Health Needs from Homeless Perspective in Spain

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
David Martin-Baena ◽  
Isabel Montero-Pinar ◽  
Maria Isabel Fuertes-Lanzuela
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Poor Mental Health ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Mental Health Conditions

<p>Purpose: This pilot study aims to identify factors associated to roofless own health self-perception.<br />Design: Cross-sectional study with a sample of homeless people (n=68) who come for help to one of the homeless service centers founded by a non-profit organization. Socio-demographic characteristics, years living on streets, unhealthy habits, chronic morbidity, basic needs and self-reported physical and mental health were described. To identify factors related to mental and physical health from roofless own perspective, a binary logistic analysis was held. <br />Findings: The majority of participants were under 40 years, male and Spanish, alcohol or drug consumers, 80% have lived in the street for one to five years with high levels of pain and poor mental health conditions. Living on the street over a year, exposure to violence, lack of hygiene and female gender, affect negatively the own perception of physical and mental health conditions.<br />Conclusions: Our results show the different and complex homeless health needs. Given the duration of homelessness affected their health condition, recent roofless homeless should be identified as soon as possible.<br />Clinical relevance and further research: Those providing care for homeless people must promote a more coordinated care, maximizing flexibility and fostering relationships to better response to the multiple and different needs of this one vulnerable population. Further study is needed to allow identify the different experiences of homeless women and men.</p>

scholarly journals COGNITION AND HISTORY OF MULTIPLE HEALTH CONDITIONS OVER 20 YEARS: EVIDENCE FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S317-S317
Author(s):  
Rebecca Bendayan ◽  
Alex D Federman ◽  
Richard J Dobson
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Previous History ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
History Of ◽  
Multiple Health ◽  
Retirement Study

Abstract Research to date on multimorbidity and cognitive impairment is mainly cross-sectional or with limited history information of the health conditions. The present study explores the association between cognitive performance and previous history of health conditions over 24 years in a sample of 4858 respondents of the Health Retirement Study. Data from health conditions between 1998 and 2014 included self-reports for hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, stroke, cancer, lung and heart diseases and psychiatric problems. Duration of the health condition was categorized as more than 10 years, between 4 and 10 years, less than 4 years and no condition. Cognition was assessed using a summary index of cognitive performance including measures of memory, working memory, speed processing, knowledge, and language. ANOVA and post hoc tests were performed to explore the association between cognition and the duration of each health condition independently. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to explore the association between multiple health conditions and cognitive performance. Results showed significant independent associations between cognitive performance in 2014 and each health condition, except for cancer [F(1,4)=2.60; p =.51]. When all the health conditions were considered in the regression models, we found that cognitive performance is negatively associated with high blood pressure and stroke (independently of the duration of the condition), long-term diabetes and lung diseases (i.e., for more than 10 years) and recent cancer (i.e., in the last 4 years). Our findings highlight that considering duration of co-existent health conditions is key for identifying individuals at greater risk of cognitive impairment.

scholarly journals PredictMed: A logistic regression–based model to predict health conditions in cerebral palsy

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 2105-2118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo M Bertoncelli ◽  
Paola Altamura ◽  
Edgar Ramos Vieira ◽  
Sundaraja Sitharama Iyengar ◽  
Federico Solla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Predictive Performance ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Children With Cerebral Palsy

Logistic regression–based predictive models are widely used in the healthcare field but just recently are used to predict comorbidities in children with cerebral palsy. This article presents a logistic regression approach to predict health conditions in children with cerebral palsy and a few examples from recent research. The model named PredictMed was trained, tested, and validated for predicting the development of scoliosis, intellectual disabilities, autistic features, and in the present study, feeding disorders needing gastrostomy. This was a multinational, cross-sectional descriptive study. Data of 130 children (aged 12–18 years) with cerebral palsy were collected between June 2005 and June 2015. The logistic regression–based model uses an algorithm implemented in R programming language. After splitting the patients in training and testing sets, logistic regressions are performed on every possible subset (tuple) of independent variables. The tuple that shows the best predictive performance in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity is chosen as a set of independent variables in another logistic regression to calculate the probability to develop the specific health condition (e.g. the need for gastrostomy). The average of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity score was 90%. Our model represents a novelty in the field of some cerebral palsy–related health outcomes treatment, and it should significantly help doctors’ decision-making process regarding patient prognosis.

scholarly journals Determining Physical and Mental Health Conditions Present in Older Adult Refugees: A Mini-Review

Gerontology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 209-215
Author(s):  
Caren J. Frost ◽  
Nathaniel J. Morgan ◽  
Hayder Allkhenfr ◽  
Susan Dearden ◽  
Rebekah Ess ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
The Us ◽  
Health Related ◽  
History Of ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Refugee Men

In 2017, there were over 65 million displaced persons at the global level, with approximately 23 million of these people living as refugees around the world. In this same year, the US resettled 53,716 refugees, with the State of Utah receiving 954 of those refugees. Refugees, in general, often face health-related challenges upon resettlement. Since the health of aging refugee men and women is of growing concern, host communities face significant challenges in accommodating the health needs of a diverse refugee population. This study, a review of physical and mental health data from the Utah Department of Health, was undertaken in an effort to ascertain the prevalence of health conditions among refugee men and women 60 years and older arriving in Utah. Findings include information on diseases correlated with increasing age, such as hypertension, decreases in vision, arthritis, and low back pain, which are common among this population of refugees aged 60 years and older. Overall, most of the health conditions assessed affect women and men with a similar prevalence. Some notable exceptions are a history of torture and violence, and a propensity for tobacco use. When dealing with refugee men older than 60 years, providers should consider the psychological ramifications of having endured such atrocities, as well as introduction to evidence-based tobacco cessation programs. When working with refugee women of the same age, an increase in the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and urinary tract infections should be considered.

Attitudes to aging in midlife are related to health conditions and mood

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 2061-2071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna M. Thorpe ◽  
John F. Pearson ◽  
Philip J. Schluter ◽  
Janet K. Spittlehouse ◽  
Peter R. Joyce
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Physical Aging ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negative Attitudes ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTBackground:Health is an important aspect of individuals’ lives as they age. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of sociodemographic factors, diagnosed chronic health conditions, and current depression with attitudes to aging in midlife.Methods:A cross-sectional baseline analysis was conducted on the first 300 participants from the Canterbury Health, Ageing and Life Course study in New Zealand, a stratified randomized community longitudinal study of adults recruited between 49 and 51 years. Attitudes were measured using the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ) and analyzed with a range of prevalent diagnosed chronic conditions, current depression, and sociodemographic variables.Results:Individuals perceived their physical aging more negatively after a diagnosis of hypertension, arthritis or asthma. Diagnosed lifetime depression and anxiety, and current depression, showed strong relationships with attitudes to aging across domains. After controlling for sociodemographic factors and current depression, individuals with diagnosed hypertension, arthritis, asthma, lifetime depression or anxiety continued to report significantly more negative attitudes to aging. Current depression showed the strongest associations with attitudes to aging and mediated relationships of health on attitudes to aging.Conclusions:Physical and mental health are related to attitudes to aging. Most chronic conditions examined are significantly associated with attitudes toward aging in the physical change domain. Diagnosed lifetime depression and anxiety, and current depression, are negatively related across attitudinal domains. Individuals can feel positive about aging while experiencing poorer health, but this is more difficult in the presence of low mood.

scholarly journals Health Conditions and Psychotic Experiences: Cross-Sectional Findings From the American Life Panel

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hans Oh ◽  
Lee Smith ◽  
Ai Koyanagi
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
The United States ◽  
Health Conditions ◽  
Psychotic Experiences ◽  
Psychotic Experience ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
American Life ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression

Background: People with psychotic disorders have poor health, but studies have shown that people who have a milder and more prevalent form of psychosis (psychotic experiences) are also at risk for health problems. More research is needed to examine a broad range of health conditions to discover new relations with psychotic experiences.Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the American Life Panel, a nationally representative sample of the United States adult population. Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the associations between health conditions (categories of conditions, specific conditions, count of conditions) and lifetime psychotic experiences.Results: Approximately 71% of the weighted sample reported at least one health condition, and around 18% reported a lifetime psychotic experience. Using multivariable logistic regression, we found that several health conditions were associated with psychotic experiences, including pain due to other causes, neck pain, other injury, any gastrointestinal/kidney problem, liver diseases/cirrhosis, any nervous/sensory problem, migraine, nerve problem causing numbness/pain, any other disorder, specifically sleep disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, and chronic pain. Further, the count of specific health conditions and the count of categories were associated with greater odds of psychotic experiences.Conclusion: We found that numerous health conditions were associated with psychotic experiences.

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