Determinants and indicators of successful aging as a multidimensional outcome: a systematic review of longitudinal studies.

Background: Successful aging (SA) has been coined as a term to describe the multidimensional aspects associated with achieving optimal combination of physical and mental health along with social well-being health, mental and social well-being at older age. In recent years there has been an increased interest in understanding the role of determinants of SA, such as demographic, biological, behavioral, psychological and social factors. To synthesize the recent evidence, we conducted a systematic review of longitudinal studies on a range of determinants and indicators of SA defined as a multidimensional outcome. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science for finding eligible papers published between August 2016 and June 2023 was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Registration number: CRD42021250200). The web-based automated screening tool-Rayyan-was used for title and abstract screening. The study quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Results: A total of 3,191 records were initially identified using the predefined search strategy. Out of 289 articles selected for full text screening, 22 were found eligible and included in the review. A variety of factors have been explored in relation to SA, ranging from socio-demographic factors, nutrition, lifestyle, biological pathways, psychological health, and well-being. Overall, the results of recent studies have confirmed the role of metabolic health, adherence to healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, non-smoking, and higher socio-economic status as main factors associated with higher odds for SA. Emerging research highlights the role of psycho-social factors and early life health as determinants of SA. Conclusion: In summary, this review highlights the importance of healthy living and monitoring metabolic risk along with sustaining psychological well-being in adult life as major determinants of SA. Further methodological and research work on SA would pave the way toward development of adequate health promotion policies in aging societies. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021250200, CRD42021250200.

Assessment of the vitamin D status and its determinants in young healthy students from Palestine.

The global prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is high. Poor vitamin D status, especially in women, has been reported in several countries in the Middle East despite adequate year-round sunlight for vitamin D synthesis. However, data on vitamin D status in Palestine are scarce. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate vitamin D status based on serum concentrations of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol [25-(OH)D] among young healthy Palestinian students (18-27 years) and to assess associations between 25-(OH)D concentrations and several predictors. The mean 25-(OH)D concentration of women (n 151) was 27⋅2 ± 14⋅5 nmol/l, with the majority having insufficient (31⋅1 %) or deficient (<60 %) 25-(OH)D status. Only 7 % of women achieved sufficient or optimal 25-(OH)D status. In contrast, men (n 52) had a mean 25-(OH)D concentration of 58⋅3 ± 14⋅5 nmol/l, with none classified as deficient, and most obtaining sufficient (55⋅8 %) or even optimal 25-(OH)D status (11⋅5 %). Among women, 98 % wore a hijab and 74 % regularly used sunscreen. Daily dietary vitamin D intake (3-d 24-h recalls) was 45⋅1 ± 36⋅1 IU in the total group (no sex differences). After adjustment, multiple linear regression models showed significant associations between 25-(OH)D concentrations and the use of supplements (B = 0⋅069; P = 0⋅020) and dietary vitamin D (B = 0⋅001; P = 0⋅028). In gender-stratified analysis, the association between supplement use and 25-(OH)D concentrations was significant in women (B = 0⋅076; P = 0⋅040). The vitamin D status of women in the present cohort is critical and appears to be mainly due to wearing a hijab, regular use of sunscreen and low dietary vitamin D intake. The vitamin D status of the women should be improved by taking vitamin D containing supplements or fortified foods.

Factors associated with positive body image among Palestinian university female students, cross-sectional study.

Background: Studies suggested that body image is influenced by biological, psychological, historical, individual, cultural, and social factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body image, lifestyle, social pressure, and social media in Palestinian female university students. Method: A sample of 905 female undergraduate students (mean age: 20 ± 1.55 years old) from Palestinian universities were included in this cross-sectional study. In this study, the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2) was used for measuring body appreciation. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. One-way ANOVA, independent t-test, Cohen's d and Partial Eta Square, Pearson's correlation, and simple linear regression tests were performed. In addition, a mixed regression model was used to identify the predictors of Body Appreciation. Results: It was found that higher BMI, following models and celebrities on social media, following models/celebrities' nutritional advice, self-perceived family and friends pressure, previous dieting, and longer daily phone time were associated with lower body appreciation among female university students. While physical activity was associated with higher body appreciation. Conclusion: Body appreciation was significantly associated to lifestyle, social pressure, and social media use in the study sample. A higher BMI, following models and celebrities on social media, family and friend pressure, dieting, and daily phone use time decreased body appreciation. While being more physically active was linked to a higher body appreciation.

Development and validation of a smartphone image-based app for dietary intake assessment among Palestinian undergraduates.

Accurate dietary assessment is required in a variety of research fields and clinical settings. Image-based dietary assessment using smartphones applications offer the opportunity to reduce both researcher and participant burden compared to traditional dietary assessment methods. The current study, conducted in Palestine, aimed to design an image-based dietary assessment application, to assess the relative validity of the application as a dietary assessment tool for energy and macronutrient intake using the 3-Day Food Record (3-DFR) as a reference method, and to test its usability among a sample of Palestinian university students. The development of a smartphone application (Ghithaona) designed to assess energy and macronutrient intake is reported. The application validity was tested among a sample of Palestinian undergraduates from An-Najah National University. Participants recorded their dietary intake using the Ghithaona application over 2 consecutive days and 1 weekend day. Intake from the Ghithaona application were compared to intake collected from 3-DFR, taken on 2 consecutive weekdays and 1 weekend day, in the second week following the Ghithaona application. At the end of the study, participants completed an exit survey to test assess application usability and to identify barriers to its use. Mean differences in energy, and macronutrients intake were evaluated between the methods using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Agreement between methods was ascertained using Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman plots. The Ghithaona application took 6 months to develop. The validation test was completed by 70 participants with a mean age of 21.0 ± 2.1 years. No significant differences were found between the two methods for mean intakes of energy or macronutrients (p > 0.05). Significant correlations between the two methods were observed for energy, and all macronutrients (r = 0.261-0.58, p ≤ 0.05). Bland-Altman plots confirmed wide limits of agreement between the methods with no systematic bias. According to the exit survey, it was found that majority of participants strongly agreed and agreed that the application saves time (94.2%), helps the participant to pay attention to their dietary habits (87.2%), and is easy to use (78.6%). The Ghithaona application showed relative validity for assessment of nutrient intake of Palestinian undergraduates.