Slit-Robo signalling establishes a Sphingosine-1-phosphate gradient to polarise fin mesenchyme.

Immigration of mesenchymal cells into the growing fin and limb buds drives distal outgrowth, with subsequent tensile forces between these cells essential for fin and limb morphogenesis. Morphogens derived from the apical domain of the fin, orientate limb mesenchyme cell polarity, migration, division and adhesion. The zebrafish mutant stomp displays defects in fin morphogenesis including blister formation and associated loss of orientation and adhesion of immigrating fin mesenchyme cells. Positional cloning of stomp identifies a mutation in the gene encoding the axon guidance ligand, Slit3. We provide evidence that Slit ligands derived from immigrating mesenchyme act via Robo receptors at the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) to promote release of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P subsequently diffuses back to the mesenchyme to promote their polarisation, orientation, positioning and adhesion to the interstitial matrix of the fin fold. We thus demonstrate the coordination of the Slit-Robo and S1P signalling pathways in fin fold morphogenesis. Our work introduces a mechanism regulating the orientation, positioning and adhesion of its constituent cells.

Public awareness of war on diabetes campaign and its association with behavioural outcomes.

The War on Diabetes campaign was launched in 2016, encouraging Singapore residents to engage in regular exercise, adopt healthy dietary habits and screen for early detection of diabetes. This study aims to examine campaign awareness and its associations with sedentary behaviour, dietary habits and identifying diabetes. Data were obtained from the nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices study on diabetes in Singapore. A total of 2895 participants responded to a single question assessing campaign awareness. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet screener assessed dietary habits, and the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) measured sedentary behaviour. Recognition of diabetes was established using a vignette depicting a person with diabetes mellitus. Logistic and linear regression models were used to measure the associations. Most participants were 18- to 34-years old (29.9%) and females (51.6%). About 57.4% identified the campaign. Campaign awareness exhibited positive associations with identifying diabetes based on the vignette [odds ratio (OR): 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-2.2; P = 0.022], lower odds of sedentary behaviour ≥7 h/day (OR: 0.7; CI: 0.5-0.9; P = 0.018) and higher DASH scores (ß = 1.3; P < 0.001). The study recognized early significant associations between the behavioural outcomes and the campaign, emphasizing the need for ongoing campaign sustainability and evaluation of its long-term impact on population health.

Factors influencing uptake of diabetes health screening: a mixed methods study in Asian population.

BACKGROUND: Health screens are the cornerstones for health promotion and preventive interventions at a community level. This study investigated the barriers and facilitators to the uptake of diabetes health screening in the general population of Singapore. METHODS: In this mixed methods study, participants without diabetes were recruited from the general population. The quantitative phase (n = 2459) included face to face survey of participants selected through disproportionate stratified random sampling. Those who participated in the quantitative survey were then randomly chosen for a one-to-one semi-structured interview (n = 30). RESULTS: Among the survey respondents, 73.09% (n = 1777) had attended a diabetes health screening in their lifetime whilst 42.36% (n = 1090) and 57.64% (n = 1328, p < 0.0001) attended the health screens regularly (every 12 months) and irregularly, respectively. A significantly higher proportion of older adults (≥ 40 years) attended regular diabetes health screening compared to younger adults (less than 40 years; 55.59% vs 24.90%, p < 0.001). The top 3 reasons for attending regular health screens were to detect diabetes early, to make lifestyle changes in case of a diagnosis and being health conscious. Qualitative interviews identified similar issues and complex nuances that influenced the uptake of regular diabetes health screening. Several personal factors (laziness, self-reliance, psychological factors, etc.), competing priorities, fatalistic beliefs, affordability, misconceptions about the screens, and appointment related factors (inconvenient location, time, etc.) were identified as barriers, while affordable screens, sense of personal responsibility, perception of susceptibility /risk, role of healthcare team (e.g. reminders and prescheduled appointments) and personal factors (e.g. age, family, etc.) were facilitators. Age, household income, ethnicity and educational level were associated with the uptake of regular diabetes health screening. CONCLUSION: The uptake of regular diabetes health screening can be improved. Several barriers and enablers to the uptake of diabetes health screening were identified which should be addressed by the policy makers to alleviate misconceptions and create greater awareness of the importance of the programme that will improve participation.

A cross-sectional study on the perceived barriers to physical activity and their associations with domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour have detrimental consequences to the individual and the economy. Our study examined the prevalence of perceived barriers to physical activity in Singapore's adult population and their associations with physical activity and sedentary behaviour. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis utilised data from a nationwide survey in Singapore. Participants (n = 2867) were recruited from February 2019 to March 2020. The independent variables were internal (e.g. fatigue, age) and external (e.g. weather, cost) perceived barriers to physical activity. The outcomes were domain-specific physical activity (work, transport and leisure) and sedentary behaviour, all of which were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. The associations were examined using zero-inflated negative binomial regressions for physical activity and linear regression for sedentary behaviour. RESULTS: The median (Interquartile range) for work-related, transport-related and leisure-related physical activity were 0 (0 - 1440), 600 (160 - 1120) and 360 (0 - 1080) MET (metabolic equivalent)-minutes per week. The median sedentary behaviour (IQR) was 360 (240 - 540) minutes per day. The top three barriers were lack of time (65.3%), fatigue (64.7%) and pollution (56.1%). After adjustment, the level of transport-related physical activity was lower for respondents who cited lacking pavement or parks as a barrier, but higher for those who indicated cost and safety concerns. Respondents who reported pollution as a barrier were more likely to engage in transport-related physical activity. The level of leisure-related physical activity was lower for respondents indicating weather, lack of time and age as barriers, but higher for those reporting safety concerns. The odds of engaging in leisure-related physical activity was lower for those citing age, cost and fatigue as barriers, but higher for those indicating the weather. Sedentary behaviour was positively associated with work and limited accessibility to exercise facilities, but negatively with safety concerns. CONCLUSION: Individuals can be motivated to overcome internal barriers (fatigue, lack of time, cost and age) through social support and emphasis on exercise benefits. External barriers (weather and lack of pavements or parks) can be reduced by raising awareness of existing infrastructure. Sedentary behaviour can be improved by implementing workplace measures, such as reducing the time spent sitting.

Acceptance of healthy lifestyle nudges in the general population of Singapore.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, behaviourally driven policies such as nudges have been increasingly implemented to steer desired outcomes in public health. This study examines the different nudges and the socio-demographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviours that are associated with public acceptance of lifestyle nudges. METHODS: The study used data from the nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices study (KAP) on diabetes in Singapore. Three types of nudges arranged in increasing order of intrusiveness were examined: (1) information government campaigns, (2) government mandated information and (3) default rules and choice architecture. Acceptance was assessed based upon how much respondents 'agreed' with related statements describing heathy lifestyle nudges. Multivariable linear regressions were performed with socio-demographics and lifestyle behaviours using scores calculated for each nudge. RESULTS: The percentage of respondents who agreed to all statements related to each nudge were: 75.9% (information government campaigns), 73.0% (government mandated information), and 33.4% (default rules and choice architecture). Respondents of Malay/Others ethnicity (vs. Chinese) were more likely to accept information government campaigns. Respondents who were 18 - 34 years old (vs 65 years and above), female, of Malay/Indian ethnicity (vs Chinese), were sufficiently physically active, and with a healthier diet based on the DASH (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension) score were more likely to accept nudges related to government mandated information. Respondents of Malay/Indian ethnicity (vs Chinese), and who had a healthier diet were more likely to accept default rules and choice architecture. CONCLUSION: Individuals prefer less intrusive approaches for promoting healthy lifestyle. Ethnicity and lifestyle behaviours are associated with acceptance of nudges and should be taken into consideration during the formulation and implementation of behaviourally informed health policies.

Sources of information on diabetes and its demographic correlates: a nationwide survey among Singapore residents.

Diabetes is a major public health concern in Singapore, and the Singapore Government declared a 'War on Diabetes', which included a nationwide public health campaign. It is important to identify what sources of diabetes information reach the general population, whether this differs by socio-demographic characteristics and if the sources of information influence knowledge of diabetes to aid the successful dissemination of health information. Two thousand eight hundred ninety-five respondents were part of a population-based cross-sectional study conducted from February 2019 to September 2020. Respondents rated on a five-point scale whether they had obtained information on diabetes from eight different information sources, and responses were dichotomized into 'endorsed receiving information' or 'not endorsed receiving information'. Poisson regression models were conducted with the 'endorsement of receiving information' from each source as the outcome and socio-demographic variables as predictors. 95.9% of the study population had received information on diabetes from at least one source, and the mean number of sources was 4.2 ± 2.0. The leading source was media articles (82.1%), followed by health promotion videos/advertisements (77.9%), online websites (58.5%), books (56.5%), healthcare professionals (55.0%), radio (54.4%), public forums (27.7%) and support groups (15.5%). Endorsing a greater number of informational sources was associated with being younger, belonging to Malay or Indian instead of Chinese ethnicity, and having diabetes. An intensive nationwide diabetes awareness campaign successfully reached the public in Singapore with specific sources of information depending on socio-demographic characteristics. Findings suggest that diabetes information campaigns should utilize multiple channels for dissemination considering the different socio-demographic subgroups.

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and smoking status among psychiatric patients in Singapore - a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy behaviours such as physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour and smoking have been found to be more prevalent in people with psychiatric disorders than in the general population, leading to increased mortality risk. The present study seeks to identify correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour among psychiatric patients in Singapore, as well as investigate differences in their physical activity patterns by smoking status. METHODS: Participants (n = 380) were recruited from a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Singapore as part of a study on the prevalence and correlates of smoking among psychiatric patients. Physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour were measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and analysed based on GPAQ guidelines. Chi-square analyses were conducted to examine differences in physical activity by smoking status, and logistic regression analyses to yield sociodemographic correlates of meeting physical activity guidelines (as recommended by the World Health Organization) and sedentary behaviour. RESULTS: Education was found to be significantly associated with meeting recommended physical activity levels, while age and marital status were significantly associated with excessive sedentary behaviour. Additionally, while no significant differences were found among current, former and non-smokers across all types of physical activity engagement levels, there was a high prevalence of inadequate physical activity (43.2%) and excessive sedentary behaviour (38.8%) among participants. CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of inadequate physical activity and excessive sedentary behaviour among current, former and non-smokers with psychiatric disorders, programmes aimed at increasing physical activity and lowering sedentary behaviour levels should be integrated into targeted treatment plans to improve clinical outcomes.

Readiness and Acceptance of eHealth Services for Diabetes Care in the General Population: Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes management is a growing health care challenge worldwide. eHealth can revolutionize diabetes care, the success of which depends on end user acceptance. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to understand the readiness and acceptance of eHealth services for diabetes care among the general population, perceived advantages and disadvantages of eHealth, and factors associated with eHealth readiness and acceptance in a multiethnic Asian country. METHODS: In this cross-sectional epidemiological study, participants (N=2895) were selected through disproportionate stratified random sampling from a population registry. Citizens or permanent residents of Singapore aged >18 years were recruited. The data were captured through computer-assisted personal interviews. An eHealth questionnaire was administered in one of four local languages (English, Chinese, Malay, or Tamil), as preferred by the participant. Bivariate chi-square analyses were performed to compare the sociodemographic characteristics and perception of advantages and disadvantages of eHealth services between the diabetes and nondiabetes groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with eHealth readiness and acceptance. All analyses were weighted using survey weights to account for the complex survey design. RESULTS: The sample comprised participants with (n=436) and without (n=2459) diabetes. eHealth readiness was low, with 47.3% of the overall sample and 75.7% of the diabetes group endorsing that they were not ready for eHealth (P<.001). The most acceptable eHealth service overall was booking appointments (67.4%). There was a significantly higher preference in the diabetes group for face-to-face sessions for consultation with the clinician (nondiabetes: 83.5% vs diabetes: 92.6%; P<.001), receiving prescriptions (61.9% vs 79.3%; P<.001), referrals to other doctors (51.4% vs 72.2%; P<.001), and receiving health information (34% vs 63.4%; P<.001). The majority of both groups felt that eHealth requires users to be computer literate (90.5% vs 94.3%), does not build clinician-patient rapport compared with face-to-face sessions (77.5% vs 81%), and might not be credible (56.8% vs 64.2%; P=.03). Age (≥35 years), ethnicity (Indian), and lower education status had lower odds of eHealth readiness. Age (≥35 years), ethnicity (Indian), lower education status (primary school), BMI (being underweight), and marital status (being single) were associated with a lower likelihood of eHealth acceptance. Among only those with diabetes, a longer duration of diabetes (4-18 years), higher education (degree or above), and younger age (23-49 years) were associated with eHealth readiness, whereas younger age and income (SGD 2000-3999 [US $1481-$2961]) were associated with acceptance. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, an unfavorable attitude toward eHealth was observed, with a significantly higher number of participants with diabetes reporting their unwillingness to use these services for their diabetes care. Sociodemographic factors associated with acceptance and readiness identified a group of people who were unlikely to accept the technology and thus need to be targeted for eHealth literacy programs to avoid health care disparity. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037125.

Identification and in vivo functional characterization of novel compound heterozygous BMP1 variants in osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) comprises a heterogeneous group of disorders that are characterized by susceptibility to bone fractures, and range in severity from a subtle increase in fracture frequency to death in the perinatal period. Most patients have defects in type I collagen biosynthesis with autosomal-dominant inheritance, but many autosomal-recessive genes have been reported. We applied whole-exome sequencing to identify mutations in a Korean OI patient who had an umbilical hernia, frequent fractures, a markedly short stature, delayed motor development, scoliosis, and dislocation of the radial head, with a bowed radius and ulna. We identified two novel variants in the BMP1 gene: c.808A>G and c.1297G>T. The former variant caused a missense change p.(Met270Val) and the latter variant caused the skipping of exon 10. The hypofunctional nature of the two variants was demonstrated in a zebrafish assay.

Attenuated BMP1 function compromises osteogenesis, leading to bone fragility in humans and zebrafish.

Bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP1) is an astacin metalloprotease with important cellular functions and diverse substrates, including extracellular-matrix proteins and antagonists of some TGFß superfamily members. Combining whole-exome sequencing and filtering for homozygous stretches of identified variants, we found a homozygous causative BMP1 mutation, c.34G>C, in a consanguineous family affected by increased bone mineral density and multiple recurrent fractures. The mutation is located within the BMP1 signal peptide and leads to impaired secretion and an alteration in posttranslational modification. We also characterize a zebrafish bone mutant harboring lesions in bmp1a, demonstrating conservation of BMP1 function in osteogenesis across species. Genetic, biochemical, and histological analyses of this mutant and a comparison to a second, similar locus reveal that Bmp1a is critically required for mature-collagen generation, downstream of osteoblast maturation, in bone. We thus define the molecular and cellular bases of BMP1-dependent osteogenesis and show the importance of this protein for bone formation and stability.

Roles and Dynamics within Community Mental Health Systems During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography.

Globally, COVID-19 had an immense impact on mental health systems, but research on how community mental health (CMH) systems and services contributed to the pandemic mental health response is limited. We conducted a systematic review and meta-ethnography to understand the roles of CMH services, determinants of the quality of CMH care, and dynamics within CMH systems during COVID-19. We searched and screened across five databases and appraised study quality using the CASP tool, which yielded 27 qualitative studies. Our meta-ethnographic process used Noblit and Hare's approach for synthesizing findings and applying interpretive analysis to original research. This identified several key themes. Firstly, CMH systems played the valuable pandemic role of safety nets and networks for the broader mental health ecosystem, while CMH service providers offered a continuous relationship of trust to service users amidst pandemic disruptions. Secondly, we found that the determinants of quality CMH care during COVID-19 included resourcing and capacity, connections across service providers, customized care options, ease of access, and human connection. Finally, we observed that power dynamics across the CMH landscape disproportionately excluded marginalized groups from mainstream CMH systems and services. Our findings suggest that while the pandemic role of CMH was clear, effectiveness was driven by the efforts of individual service providers to meet demand and service users' needs. To reprise its pandemic role in the future, a concerted effort is needed to make CMH systems a valuable part of countries' disaster mental health response and to invest in quality care, particularly for marginalized groups.

The impact of media reporting of suicides on subsequent suicides in Asia: A systematic review.

Introduction: This systematic review is aimed at (1) evaluating the association between media portrayals of suicides and subsequent copycat suicides or attempts among the general public in Asia, (2) understanding the factors associated with copycat suicides and (3) determining the positive impacts of the media reporting of suicides (e.g. increased help-seeking, coping). Method: A systematic review and narrative synthesis of English and Chinese articles from 8 electronic databases (i.e. PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Ariti, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and OpenGrey) from January 2000 to May 2023 was conducted. Observational studies were included, and the data were analysed through narrative synthesis. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021281535). Results: Among the 32 studies included (n=29 for evidence synthesis) in the review, there is good-quality evidence to show that copycat suicides and suicide attempts increase after media reports of a suicide, regardless of country, celebrity status, study design, type of media, mode of suicide or follow-up period. Females, younger age groups and those sharing similar characteristics as the deceased in publicised suicides (age, gender) were more susceptible to negative impact. Reporting of the mode of death of the deceased increased suicides by the same method among the public. Conclusion: Media portrayals of suicide appear to have a negative impact on copycat suicides at the population level in Asia. Thus, in addition to tighter media control, healthcare systems, professional medical bodies and community outreach services should work collaboratively to promote early help-seeking in those with psychological distress.

The relationship between therapeutic alliance, frequency of consultation and uptake of telemedicine among patients seeking treatment for early psychosis: A moderated mediation model.

Background: Telehealth services ensure the delivery of healthcare services to a wider range of consumers through online platforms. Nonetheless, the acceptance and uptake of telehealth remain elusive. This study aims to understand the (a) uptake and (b) acceptability of telemedicine, (c) if therapeutic alliance mediates the relationship between the frequency of consultations with clinicians and the uptake of telemedicine in patients with early psychosis, and (d) role of education in moderating the relationship between therapeutic alliance and the uptake of telemedicine for their mental healthcare. Methods: A convenience sample of outpatients (n = 109) seeking treatment for early psychosis and their care providers (n = 106) were recruited from a tertiary psychiatric care centre. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, therapeutic alliance (Working Alliance Inventory), and telemedicine use were captured through self-administered surveys. The moderated mediation analysis was performed using PROCESS macro 3.4.1 with therapeutic alliance and level of education as the mediating and moderating factors, respectively. Results: The acceptance of telemedicine was high (possibly will use: 47.7%; definitely will use: 26.6%) whilst the uptake was low (11%). Therapeutic alliance mediated the relationship between the frequency of consultation and the uptake of telemedicine (ß: 0.326; CI: 0.042, 0.637). This effect was moderated by the level of education (ß: -0.058; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Therapeutic alliance mediates the relationship between the frequency of consultations and the uptake of telemedicine services with the level of education moderating this mediation. Focusing on the patients with lower education to improve their telemedicine knowledge and therapeutic alliance might increase the uptake.

Prevalence of consumption of illicit drugs and associated factors from a nationwide epidemiological survey: The Singapore Health and Lifestyle Survey.

Introduction: The primary aims of the current nationwide study were to establish the lifetime and 12-month prevalence of consumption of illicit drugs and its correlates in the general population of Singapore. Method: A representative sample of 6509 Singapore residents (Singapore citizens and permanent residents) aged between 15 and 65 years were randomly selected for participation. Questionnaires were administered to assess the consumption of illicit drugs and collect information on correlates. All analyses were weighted to produce prevalence estimates for the consumption of drugs and other measured outcomes. Rao-Scott chi-square test and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics with lifetime consumption of illicit drugs. Results: The study was completed with a response rate of 73.2%. The lifetime prevalence of consuming illegal drugs was 2.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-2.8) (n=180). Compared to individuals aged 15-34, those aged 50-65 (odds ratio [OR] 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.7) had lower odds of lifetime drug consumption. Current smokers (OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.7-8.3) and ex-smokers (OR 5.9, 95% CI 3.2-11.1) had significantly higher odds of lifetime drug consumption than non-smokers. Individuals with hazardous alcohol use (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7-6.5) had higher odds of lifetime drug consumption than those without hazardous alcohol use. Conclusion: This is the first nationwide study to examine the prevalence of illicit drug consumption in the general population of Singapore. The results highlight the need to increase awareness of drug consumption in Singapore, especially among parents, teachers, healthcare workers and others who work with young people.

Exploring views and experiences of the general public's adoption of digital technologies for healthy lifestyle in Singapore: a qualitative study.

Objective: Little is known about the general adult population's adoption of digital technology to support healthy lifestyle, especially when they are expected to take greater personal responsibility for managing their health and well-being today. The current qualitative study intended to gain an in-depth understanding of determinants of digital technology adoption for healthy lifestyle among community-dwelling adults in Singapore. Design: A qualitative study design, with thematic framework analysis was applied to develop themes from the data. Setting: Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with participants either face-to-face or online through a videoconferencing platform. Participants: 14 women and 16 men from the general population who were between the ages of 22 and 71 years. Results: Three major themes were developed: (1) digitally disempowered (2) safety and perceived risks and harm; (3) cultural values and drives. Adoption of technology among the general population is needs-driven, and contingent on individual, technological and other cross-cultural contextual factors. Conclusion: Our findings highlight there is no one solution which fits all individuals, emphasizing the challenges of catering to diverse groups to reduce barriers to adoption of digital technologies for healthy lifestyle. Digital guidance and training, as well as social influences, can motivate technological adoption in the population. However, technical problems as well as data security and privacy concerns should first be adequately addressed. This study provides rich cross-cultural insights and informs policy-making due to its alignment with government public health initiatives to promote healthy lifestyle.

Benefits of leisure-related physical activity and association between sedentary time and risk for hypertension and type 2 diabetes.

Introduction: Lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension. Our study investigated whether domain-specific physical activity (such as work, transport and leisure) and sedentary behaviour were associated with T2DM and hypertension, and whether these associations were moderated by sex and age. Method: For this cross-sectional study, data were obtained from a population survey in Singapore (n=2,867) conducted from February 2019 to March 2020. T2DM and hypertension were self-reported. Global physical activity questionnaire was used to assess domain-specific physical activity (in metabolic equivalent of task [MET]-minutes) and sedentary time (in hours). Logistic regression models were generated to examine the abovementioned associations, and adjusted for age, sex, education, ethnicity, personal income, body mass index, diet and hypertension/diabetes. Interaction terms were included individually to investigate whether age and sex moderated the associations. Results: Individuals with >826 MET-minutes of leisure-related physical activity per week had lower odds of having T2DM (odds ratio [OR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.24-0.86) and hypertension (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37-0.94) than those with no leisure-related physical activity. Individuals with >8 hours of sedentary time daily had higher odds of having hypertension (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.06-2.69) than those with 0-5 hours of sedentary time. Logistic regression models including interaction terms showed that the association between leisure-related physical activity and hypertension was significant for those aged 18-34 (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.66) and 50-64 years (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.91). The association between sedentary time and hypertension was significant for those aged 18-34 years (OR 15.07, 95% CI 1.69-133.92). Conclusion: Our results support the widespread promotion of an active lifestyle to lower the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in Singapore.

Purpose in Life in Older Adults: A Systematic Review on Conceptualization, Measures, and Determinants.

Purpose in life (PIL) is a psychological construct that reflects one's life goals and the desire or determination to pursue them. Having a purpose provides an intrinsic motivation to adopt healthy behaviors as we age, which will help us to achieve positive health outcomes. Thus, promoting PIL is the cornerstone for successful aging and better health outcomes. This systematic review aims to identify how PIL is conceptualized, measured in the existing literature and what are the determinants of PIL in older adults (≥65 years). Electronic searches were conducted in five databases (Medline, PsychInfo, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science). A total of 44 studies were included in the review. PIL was conceptualized in six different ways: health and well-being, meaningful goals and purpose, inner strength, social relationships, mattering to others, and spirituality and religiousness. There were six main questionnaires and semi structured interviews used to capture PIL. Female gender, higher education and income, being married, ethnicity, health and well-being, inner strength, social integration and spirituality were associated with PIL. Majority of the included studies had low to moderate Risk of Bias (RoB) assuring confidence in the results. The conceptual frameworks of PIL identified in the review underscore the complexity of the construct. Several sociodemographic and other determinants of PIL were identified.

Prevalence and Correlates of Physical Comorbidities in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): a Pilot Study in Treatment-Seeking Population.

This study aimed to understand the prevalence of physical comorbidities, undiagnosed and inadequately controlled chronic physical conditions and correlates of high cholesterol, hypertension and liver enzyme abnormalities in those with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Participants (n = 101) with AUD were recruited from a tertiary care centre through convenient sampling. The prevalence of physical and psychiatric comorbidities in the sample was 83.17% and 51.49%, respectively. Around 53.47% had two or more chronic physical conditions (multimorbidity). Hypertension (44.55%), asthma (23.76%), high cholesterol (22.77%) and liver enzyme abnormalities (21.78%) were the top four physical comorbidities. The prevalence of undiagnosed and inadequately controlled chronic physical conditions was 61.4% and 32.7%, respectively. Gender, education and body mass index (BMI) were associated with hyperlipidaemia while age and education were associated with hypertension. Higher waist-hip ratio was associated with liver enzyme abnormalities. Routine clinical care must include regular screening and follow-up of the risk groups to monitor their physical and mental health.

Barriers and facilitators for adopting a healthy lifestyle in a multi-ethnic population: A qualitative study.

A healthy lifestyle is defined as 'a way of living that lowers the risk of being seriously ill or dying early.' Although barriers and facilitators of healthy lifestyles have been well-studied among populations like those with chronic non-communicable diseases, adolescents, and older adults in Asia, less information is available on barriers and facilitators perceived by the general adult population. Using a qualitative methodology and leveraging the socio-ecological model, the current study aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators of a healthy lifestyle in a sample of Singapore residents. Overall, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted in English and other local languages from August 2020 to March 2021. Transcripts were analysed using framework analysis. Five main themes pertaining to personal, interpersonal, environmental, socio-cultural, and policy-level factors were classified under the two overarching categories of barriers and facilitators of healthy lifestyles. The results of this study offer important insights into understanding the barriers and facilitators to the adoption of a healthy lifestyle among people in Singapore. Furthermore, our findings illustrate the complex interplay between individuals, social relationships, environment, and policy that can act as either a barrier or a facilitator to adopting a healthy lifestyle.

Recognition of diabetes and sociodemographic predictors: results of a cross-sectional nationwide population-based survey in Singapore.

OBJECTIVE: To assess recognition of diabetes among a nationally representative multiethnic sample of Singapore's general public. Also, to explore the sociodemographic predictors associated with the ability to correctly recognise diabetes. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional vignette-based survey. Respondents were instructed to read the vignette, then answer the open-ended question, 'What do you think the person in the vignette is suffering from?' PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 2895 household residents aged 18 years and above, of which 436 were persons with diabetes. RESULTS: 82.7% could correctly recognise diabetes in the vignette. Overall, recognition was significantly higher among respondents aged 35-49 years (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.98), 50-64 years (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.19 to 3.56), ethnic Malays (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.89) and persons with diabetes (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.38 to 5.08). By contrast, male (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.90), ethnic Others (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.93) and the unemployed (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.92) were significantly associated with poor recognition of diabetes. CONCLUSION: Overall public recognition of diabetes was high, but the significant gaps in knowledge in certain demographic groups were of concern. Public health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling diabetes should continue to target all members of the population with accurate and appropriate information. Ongoing efforts of diabetes awareness and screening programmes need to be improved, particularly for young adults, males and the unemployed.