Enhancing cognitive performance and mitigating dyslipidemia: the impact of moderate aerobic training on sedentary older adults.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 24 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise on lipids and lipoprotein levels; Lipo (a) markers, and their association with cognitive performance in healthy older adults. METHODS: A total of 150 healthy subjects (100 males and 50 females; age range: 65-95 years) were recruited for this study. Based on the LOTCA test score, subjects were classified into two groups: the control group (n = 50) and the cognitive impairment group (n = 100). Cognitive functioning, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), lipid profile, total cholesterol, TG, HDL-c, LDL-C, and lipo(a) were assessed at baseline and post-24-week aerobic exercise interventions using LOTCA battery, pre-validated Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) version II, colorimetric, and immunoassay techniques, respectively. RESULTS: Significant improvements in cognitive function and modulation in lipid profile and lipoprotein (a) markers were reported in all older subjects following 24 weeks of moderate exercise. LOTCA-7-sets scores significantly correlated with physical activity status and the regulation of lipids and Lipo (a) markers. Physically active persons showed higher cognitive performance along with a reduction in the levels of T-Cholest., TG, LDL-C, Lipo (a), and an increase in the levels of HDL-C and aerobic fitness VO2max compared with sedentary participants. Cognitive performance correlated positively with increased aerobic fitness, HDL-C, and negatively with T-Cholest., TG, LDL-C, and Lipo (a). However, a significant increase in the improvement of motor praxis, vasomotor organization, thinking operations, attention, and concentration were reported among older adults. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings revealed that supervised moderate aerobic training for 24 weeks significantly enhances cognitive functions via mitigating older adults' lipid profiles and lipoprotein (a). Cognitive performance is positively correlated with aerobic fitness and HDL-C level and negatively with T-Cholest., TH, LDL-C, and Lipo (a).

Variables associated with poor health-related quality of life among patients with dyslipidemia in Jordan.

PURPOSE: The study aim was to evaluate HRQOL and to explore the variables associated with poor HRQOL among patients with dyslipidemia in Jordan. METHODS: The present study utilized the EQ-5D questionnaire which evaluates HRQOL in terms of mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression. Responses to the five dimensions were presented using the value set, which ranges from 1 for full health to - 0.594 for severe problems in all five dimensions. Multiple linear regression analysis was implemented to identify the variables that best predicted the total EQ-5D score and hence HRQOL in the study population. RESULTS: The mean age of the 228 participants was 60.23 (SD = 10.64). The mean of the total EQ-5D score was 0.675 (SD = 0.14). Regression analysis identified necessity for dyslipidemia medication (B = 0.18, P < 0.01) and patients with controlled lipid profile (B = 0.28, P < 0.01) were positively associated with HRQOL, while having concerns about dyslipidemia medications (B = - 0.16, P < 0.01), number of medication (B = - 0.13, P = 0.02), duration of dyslipidemia (B = - 0.22, P < 0.01), receiving high-intensity statin (B = - 0.18, P < 0.01) or statin in combination with fibrate (B = - 0.15, P < 0.01) were associated with lower HRQOL. CONCLUSION: HRQOL has considerable scope for improvement in patients with dyslipidemia in Jordan. Improving dyslipidemia medications' beliefs and simplifying medication regimen by prescribing less medications, particularly for patients with longer disease duration and those on statin therapy, should be considered in future management programs aim at improving HRQOL in patients with dyslipidemia.

Evaluation of health-related quality of life in adults with and without dyslipidaemia in rural areas of central China.

PURPOSE: Dyslipidaemia is a common chronic disease in China but is among the list of diseases treated by basic public health services. In this study, we aimed to use the European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5L) and visual analogue scale (VAS) to compare differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between dyslipidaemic and non-dyslipidaemic individuals in rural China and to explore possible causes for the underlying differences. METHODS: This study examined 10,115 participants from 22 rural communities in Xinxiang County, Henan Province, China. The study participants were interviewed between March and June 2017. Generalised linear and Tobit regression models were used to analyse factors affecting participants' HRQoL. RESULTS: Of 10,115 participants, 4355 had dyslipidaemia. The mean utility index was 0.953 (standard deviation = 0.119). Pain/discomfort (20.83%) and problems with mobility (15.91%) and self-care (3.75%) were frequently reported. Regression models revealed that patients with low utility index scores were older, ex-smokers, non-tea drinkers, and less active, consumed less fruit, lived in areas with a low socioeconomic status; and were less educated. Patients also had poorer sleep quality and mental health scores and suffered from chronic diseases. Cohen's D effect size for age, sleep quality, non-communicable diseases, and depression was ≥ 0.4. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of dyslipidaemia was 43.05%, and it was correlated with a lower HRQoL. Age, sleep quality, non-communicable diseases, and depression may be significant predictors of the utility index and VAS scores. Patients were unaware of the risks of dyslipidaemia caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.

Psychosocial aspects and self-reporting of cardiovascular diseases in Brazilian adults.

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of psychosocial aspects on self-reporting of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The hypotheses were that psychosocial aspects have a direct or indirect effect on health behaviors, cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRFs) and CVDs. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with a representative sample of 1100 adults from the urban area of a medium-sized municipality in southern Brazil. Structured interviews were conducted using a standardized and pre-tested questionnaire. The psychosocial aspects included scales of resilience, quality of life, sense of coherence and social support. The outcomes were CVDs and CVDRFs measured by single items asking participants whether a physician had stated that they had heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol/triglycerides or were overweight (BMI≥25 kg/m2). Data analysis was based on structural equation models. The final model exhibited good fit : (χ2[57] = 155, p < 0.001, root-mean-square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.042, confirmatory fit index [CFI] = 0.902 and standardized root-mean-square residual [SRMR] = 0.042). Consistent with our direct effect hypothesis, favorable psychosocial aspects were inversely associated with CVDRFS (ß = -0.15, p = 0.011) and with CVDs (ß = -0.10, p = 0.048). The indirect effect through health behaviors was not confirmed. The findings suggest that psychosocial aspects may influence the presence of self-reported CVDs or CVDRFS.

Management of cardiovascular disease risk in teens with type 1 diabetes: Perspectives of teens with and without dyslipidemia and parents.

Hypertension and dyslipidemia are often suboptimally managed in teens with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Teen and parent perspectives on hypertension and dyslipidemia management need further study to enhance the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor management plans. We sought to describe barriers to and strategies for CVD risk factor management. Teens with T1D with and without dyslipidemia and parents of teens with T1D with and without dyslipidemia underwent one-on-one semi-structured interviews conducted by trained personnel at a diabetes center; interviews continued until thematic saturation was reached. Teens and parents of teens described their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding heart health and CVD risk factors (hypertension and dyslipidemia). Researchers undertook a content analysis and categorized central themes as strategies and barriers. In total, 22 teens and 25 parents completed interviews. Teens were 17.4 ± 1.7 years old with T1D duration 9.7 ± 4.0 years; 45% had dyslipidemia. Parents were between 41 and 60 years old, 84% were mothers, and 40% had teens with dyslipidemia. Barriers to heart health included an obesity-promoting environment, parental distrust of medications, and limited teen knowledge about hypertension and dyslipidemia. Strategies included specific and realistic guidance from providers, family support of teen lifestyle management, and having exercise partners. While teen and parent perspectives were often similar, some themes applied only to teens or parents. Central themes provide actionable guidance to enhance hypertension and dyslipidemia management. Providers should consider teen and parent perspectives when managing CVD risk factors to enhance engagement with CVD risk management.

The association of religious affiliation with cholesterol levels among South Asians: the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America study.

BACKGROUND: South Asians have disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia, a contributing factor, may be influenced by lifestyle, which can vary by religious beliefs. Little is known about South Asian religions and associations with dyslipidemia. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses of the MASALA study (n = 889). We examined the associations between religious affiliation and cholesterol levels using multivariate linear regression models. We determined whether smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and dietary pattern mediated these associations. RESULTS: Mean LDL was 112 ± 32 mg/dL, median HDL was 48 mg/dL (IQR:40-57), and median triglycerides was 118 mg/dL (IQR:88-157). Muslims had higher LDL and triglycerides, and lower HDL, while participants with no religious affiliation had lower LDL and higher HDL. The difference in HDL between Muslims and those with no religious affiliation was partly explained by alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS: Religion-specific tailoring of interventions designed to promote healthy lifestyle to reduce cholesterol among South Asians may be useful.

Comorbidity burden in systemic sclerosis: beyond disease-specific complications.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, systemic disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, vasculopathy, and auto-immune activation. On the top of severe organ involvement such as interstitial lung and myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and renal crisis, individuals diagnosed with SSc may suffer from a number of comorbidities. This is a narrative review according to published recommendations and we searched the online databases MEDLINE and EMBASE using as key words the following terms: systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, myocardial fibrosis in combination with micro- and macro-vascular disease, cardiac involvement, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and coronary arteries, infections, cancer, depression, osteoporosis, and dyslipidemia. Although data are usually inconclusive it appears that comorbidities with significant impact on life expectancy, namely cardiovascular disease, infections, and cancer as well as phycological disorders affecting emotional and mental health are highly prevalent in SSc population. Thereafter, the aim of this review is to summarize the occurrence and the clinical significance of such comorbidities in SSc population and to discuss how rheumatologists can incorporate the management of these conditions in daily clinical practice.

[Effect of a Physical activity program on self-esteem in subjects with chronic diseases. 'Pas a Pas' community intervention trial]. / Efecto de un Programa de actividad física sobre la autoestima en sujetos con enfermedades crónicas. Ensayo de intervención comunitaria «Pas a Pas¼.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 9 months of supervised Physical Activity (PA) Program with sociocultural activities, on self-esteem and its association on the control of chronic diseases in adult primary care users. DESIGN: Multicenter, randomized, controlled community intervention. LOCATION: 4 Primary care centers in Reus-Tarragona, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: 364 subjects, randomized to the Control Group (CG=104) and Intervention Group (IG=260). INTERVENTION: Supervised walking program of 120min/week with sociocultural activities once a month. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: At baseline and at post-intervention we assessed: PA (IPAQ-S), self-esteem (Rosenberg scale) and cardiovascular indicators: smoking, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, serum LDL and HDL cholesterol, and serum glucose. Sociodemographic characteristics and diagnostic of chronic diseases are recorded. RESULTS: The Program increased the PA in the IG (P=.001), while it decreased in the CG (P=.002), and also the self-esteem in the group of participants (1.28 points, P=.006) and in the groups with diagnoses of hypertension (1.60 points, P=.005), dyslipidemia (1.62 points, P=.012), excess weight (1.24 points, P=.011) or anxiety/depression (1.53 points, P=.045), assessed by multivariate statistical models. The increase in self-esteem during the intervention decreased SBP -0.5mmHg (P=.030) in the hypertension group, regardless of baseline SBP and the effect of the intervention. CONCLUSION: The PA program increased the PA and self-esteem in adult primary care users. The increase of self-esteem improved the control of SBP in hypertensive patients.

Partners and Alerts in Medication Adherence: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Poor medication adherence is common and limits the effectiveness of treatment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how social supports, automated alerts, and their combination improve medication adherence. DESIGN: Four-arm, randomized clinical trial with a 6-month intervention. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 179 CVS health employees or adult dependents with CVS Caremark prescription coverage, a current daily statin prescription, a medication possession ratio less than 80%, and Internet access. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to control, social support (partner), automated adherence alert messages (alert), or both social support and alerts (partner + alert). Participants in the social support arms were asked to name a medication adherence partner (MAP) to help them take their medication. Participants in the alert arms were sent emails, text messages, or automated phone calls if they had failed to adhere on the previous day and on one or both of the 2 days before that. In partner + alert, both participants and fully enrolled MAPs received alerts. MAIN MEASURES: Adherence measured by wireless pill bottle opening. KEY RESULTS: Compared to 36.0% adherence in control, adherence was significantly greater in the alert arm (52.9%, difference vs. control of 17.0%, 95% CI for difference 6.3 to 27.6%, P = 0.002) and the partner + alert arm (54.5%, difference vs. control of 18.6%, 95% CI for difference 6.6 to 30.5%, P = 0.003). Adherence in the partner arm was not statistically significantly greater than control (43.2%, difference vs. control of 7.2%, 95% CI of difference - 5.2% to 19.5%, P = 0.25). There were no statistically significant differences among the three treatment arms. Fewer participants invited a MAP in the partner + alert arm than the partner arm (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Automated alerts were effective at improving medication adherence. Assigning a medication adherence partner did not statistically significantly affect adherence rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Number NCT01890018 [ https://clinicaltrials.gov /].

Should statin guidelines consider patient preferences? Eliciting preferences of benefit and harm outcomes of statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in the sub-Saharan African and European contexts.

BACKGROUND: Patient preferences are key parameters to evaluate benefit-harm balance of statins for primary prevention but they are not readily available to guideline developers and decision makers. Our study aimed to elicit patient preferences for benefit and harm outcomes related to use of statins for primary cardiovascular disease prevention and to examine how the preferences differ across economically and socio-culturally different environments. METHODS: We conducted preference-eliciting surveys using best-worst scaling designed with a balanced incomplete-block design (BIBD) on 13 statins-related outcomes on 220 people in Ethiopia and Switzerland. The participants made tradeoff decisions and selected the most and least worrisome outcomes concurrently from each scenario generated using the BIBD. The design yielded 34,320 implied paired-comparisons and 2860 paired-responses as unit of analysis for eliciting the preferences that were analyzed using a conditional-logit model on a relative scale and surface under the cumulative ranking curve from multivariate random-effects meta-analysis model on a scale of 0 to 1. RESULTS: There was high internal consistency of responses and minimal amount of measurement error in both surveys. Severe stroke was the most worrisome outcome with a ceiling preference of 1 (on 0 to 1 scale) followed by severe myocardial infarction, 0.913 (95% CI, 0.889-0.943), and cancer, 0.846 (0.829-0.855); while treatment discontinuation, 0.090 (0.023-0.123), and nausea/headache, 0.060 (0.034-0.094) were the least worrisome outcomes. Preferences were similar between Ethiopia and Switzerland with overlapping uncertainty intervals and concordance correlation of 0.97 (0.90-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides much needed empirical evidence on preferences that help clinical guidelines consider for weighing the benefit and harm outcomes when recommending for or against statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The preferences are consistent across the disparate settings; however, we recommend inclusion of more countries in future studies to ensure the generalizability of the preferences to all environments.

Dyslipidemia prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and risk factors in Chinese rural population: the Henan rural cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of dyslipidemia continue to increase in recent decades in China, however, little is known about the recent prevalence, awareness, treatment, control, and potential risk factors of dyslipidemia in the rural areas of China. METHODS: A total of 39,207 participants aged 18-79 years were recruited for the epidemiological research from the Henan Rural Cohort study. The age- and sex-adjusted means (95% confidence intervals, CI) of serum lipid levels or percentages of prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control overall and in various population subgroups were estimated and compared by multiple linear regression or logistic regression. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to explore the associations between the socio-demographic factors and the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of dyslipidemia. RESULTS: The age- and sex-adjusted mean levels (95%CI) of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were 4.76(4.75-4.77), 1.68(1.67-1.69),1.33(1.32-1.33), and 2.87 (2.86-2.88) mmol/L, respectively. Overall, the age-standardized prevalence of dyslipidemia was 32.21% (42.85% in men vs. 26.16% in women) in Chinese rural adults, with 5.11, 16.00, 19.27, and 4.76% for high TC, high TG, low HDL-C and high LDL-C, respectively. The age-standardized awareness, treatment and control of dyslipidemia were 15.07, 7.23, and 3.25%, respectively, which were higher in women than men, and increased steeply with age (P trend < 0.05). The proportion of prevalence, awareness, treatment, control of dyslipidemia differed significantly among various subpopulations while the awareness, treatment, and control rates were universally low in all subgroups (< 54, 36, and 15%, respectively). Increasing age, men, unhealthy lifestyles, positive family history of dyslipidemia, abnormal weight, type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension were independent risk factors of dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemia was common with unacceptably low awareness, treatment and control rates in rural China. Therefore, effective strategies are necessary for improving the status of the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, control of dyslipidemia in Chinese rural residents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699.

The prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia in northeast China: a population-based cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is an important independent modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to explore the current prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of dyslipidemia and its associated influence factors in northeast China. METHODS: In this population-based cross-sectional study, we adopted a multi-stage, stratified sampling method to obtain a representative sample of 4052 permanent residents aged 40 years and over from different urban and rural regions in Dehui City of Jilin Province. All subjects completed a questionnaire and were examined for risk factors. Continuous data were presented as means ± standard deviations (SD) and compared using the Student's t-test. Categorical variables were presented as proportions and compared using the Rao-Scott-χ 2 test in different subgroups. The associated influence factors for the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of dyslipidemia were evaluated through multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 62.1% overall, with 33.5, 43.9, 0.6, and 8.8% for high total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, respectively. Among those with dyslipidemia, the proportion of subjects who were aware, treated, and controlled was 14.4, 33.9, and 19.9%, respectively. Overweight or obesity (OR = 2.156; 95% CI: 1.863, 2.533), hypertension (OR = 1.643; 95% CI: 1.425, 1.893), or diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.173; 95% CI: 1.661, 2.844) increased the prevalence of dyslipidemia, also these participants were more likely to be aware of their condition, however, this did not increase the likelihood of treatment and control. Living in urban areas and higher education level also increased the awareness of dyslipidemia. Personal history of coronary heart disease was the strongest influence factors associated with better awareness, treatment and control of dyslipidemia. Overweight or obesity (OR = 0.404; 95% CI: 0.235, 0.695) and lack of exercise (OR = 0.423; 95% CI: 0.215, 0.830) were associated with poor control of dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dyslipidemia among adults aged 40 years and over in northeast China was high, however, the awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia was measured at far from desirable levels. Renewed efforts taking influence factors into account are needed to improve the current unsatisfactory condition.

What is wrong with 'being a pill-taker'? The special case of statins.

In an interview study of decision-making about statins, many participants said they took pills regularly, yet described themselves as 'not really pill-takers'. This paper explores this paradox and its implications. The practice of pill-taking itself can constitute a challenge to the presentation of moral adequacy, beyond the potential for rendering stigmatised illnesses visible. Meeting this challenge involves a complex process of calibrating often-conflicting moral imperatives: to be concerned, but not too concerned, over one's health; to be informed, but not over-informed; and deferential but not over-deferential to medical expertise. This calibration reflects a broader tension between rival tropes: embracing medical progress and resisting medicalisation. Participants who take statins present them as unquestionably necessary; 'needing' pills, as opposed to choosing to take them, serves as a defence against the devalued identity of being a pill-taker. However, needing to take statins offers an additional threat to identity, because taking statins is widely perceived to be an alternative strategy to 'choosing a healthy lifestyle'. This perception underpins a responsibilising health promotion discourse that shapes and complicates the work participants do to avoid presenting themselves as 'pill-takers'. The salience of this discourse should be acknowledged where discussions of medicalisation use statins as an example.

Apolipoprotein E genotyping and questionnaire-based assessment of lifestyle risk factors in dyslipidemic patients with a family history of Alzheimer's disease: test development for clinical application.

The cholesterol-raising properties of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) epsilon-4 (ε-4) allele has been validated in the South African population. Mounting evidence supports the added value of APOE genotyping for the evaluation of cardiovascular risk in dyslipidemic patients beyond its established role in the diagnosis of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to determine the potential benefits of combining AD family history with questionnaire-based lifestyle assessment to facilitate the clinical interpretation of APOE genotyping results. A total of 580 unrelated South African individuals prospectively enrolled in a chronic disease screening program incorporating a genetic component (2010-2015) was selected for inclusion in this study based on the presence (75) or absence (505) of AD family history. Biochemical assessment of their lipid profiles was performed according to standard laboratory protocols. All study participants were genotyped for the APOE ε-2/ε-3/ε-4 alleles using allele-specific TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction technology. In patients without a family history of AD, APOE genotype modified the relationship between alcohol intake and body mass index (p = 0.026), with a significant positive correlation noted between these parameters being limited to ε-4 allele carriers. APOE genotype also modified the association between alcohol intake and total serum cholesterol in patients with a positive family history of AD (p = 0.026). We demonstrated the benefits of a questionnaire-based approach for assessment of lifestyle risk factors to facilitate clinical interpretation of APOE genotyping results for targeted intervention in a genetic subgroup of dyslipidemic patients at increased risk for AD.

Association between serum lipids and membrane fatty acids and clinical characteristics in patients with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: Earlier reports indicate that patients with schizophrenia have altered lipid levels in serum and cell membranes. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between clinical characteristics and serum and membrane lipids. METHOD: Fifty-five patients with schizophrenia and 51 healthy controls were included. The patients were characterized with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). Serum lipids [high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL, LDL) and triglyceride (TG)] and erythrocyte polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were measured. RESULTS: Among the participants with schizophrenia, there was a significant correlation between serum triglyceride levels and PANSS-positive symptoms (r = 0.28, P = 0.04), GAF-S (r = -0.48, P = 0.001) and GAF-F (r = -0.32, P = 0.01), and between HDL level and GAF-S (r = 0.37, P = 0.008) and GAF-F (r = 0.28, P = 0.04). Long-chain PUFA were significantly associated with PANSS-negative symptoms (r = 0.52, P < 0.001), GAF-S (r = -0.32, P = 0.02), and GAF-F (r = -0.29, P = 0.04). The patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher TG (P < 0.001) and lower HDL (P < 0.001) levels than healthy controls. HDL was also lower in the subgroup (n = 11) not receiving antipsychotic medication (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The results suggest associations between lipid profile and clinical characteristics. This may indicate a role for lipid biology in schizophrenia pathophysiology.

The association between mental health, chronic disease and sleep duration in Koreans: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Sleep duration holds considerable importance as an indicator of mental/physical health. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between sleep duration, mental health, and chronic disease prevalence in Koreans. METHODS: Of 31,596 subjects eligible for the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010-2012), 17,638 participants who answered items on sleep duration (aged ≥ 19 yrs) were analyzed in a cross-sectional study. Association between sleep duration, mental health, and chronic disease prevalence was assessed using logistic regression, and adjusted for various socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics. RESULTS: Short or long sleep duration showed correlations with mental health, and items of significance showed gender-specific patterns. Women displayed significant associations with stress and depressive symptoms, and men with stress, thoughts of suicide, and psychiatric counseling. While stress was related with short sleep duration in both genders, depressive symptoms showed a relationship with long duration in men, and short duration in women. Prevalence of any chronic disease was associated with ≤ 6 h sleep when adjusted for factors including mental health, and among chronic diseases, cancer and osteoarthritis showed associations with short sleep duration, while diabetes and dyslipidemia were associated with normal sleep duration. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health problems were associated with sleep duration with gender-specific patterns. Associations with osteoarthritis, cancer, diabetes, dyslipidemia and abnormal sleep duration persisted after adjustment for mental health.

Effectiveness of motivational interviewing in patients with dyslipidemia: a randomized cluster trial.

BACKGROUND: It is known that making people change their habits is challenging. It is crucial to identify the most effective approach that general practitioners (GPs) should use to help their patients change unhealthy habits. The objective this study was to assess the efficacy of a multifactorial intervention based on Motivational Interviewing performed by general practitioners to enhance lipid levels in patients with dyslipidemia, as compared to standard care. METHODS: A multicenter, controlled, randomized, cluster, two-parallel arm trial with a 12-month follow-up conducted in 25 community health centers of the Spanish. 38 GPs and 227 primary care patients with uncontrolled dyslipidemia were included in the trial. GPs performed an intervention based either on Motivational Interviewing (MI) or standard practice. Lipid levels were measured, and the control degree was analyzed based on the criteria of clinical guidelines. RESULTS: 107 were assigned to the Experimental Group (EG) and 120 to the Control Group (CG). An overall improvement was achieved in total cholesterol levels (Mean Difference -MD- = -19.60; 95 % CI: -15.33 at -23.87 mg/dl; p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol levels (MD = -13.78; 95 % CI: -9.77 at -17.79 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and triglycerides (MD = -19.14; CI 95 %: -11.29 at -26.99 mg/dl; p < 0.001). No differences were found between the two groups. However, when we assessed the degree of lipid control by combining cholesterol <200 mg/dl and LDL-cholesterol < 130 mg/dl parameters, it was observed that a higher percentage of patients achieved target figures in the EG versus CG (13.1 % vs. 5.0 %; adjusted OR = 5.77, 95 % CI: 1.67-19.91). CONCLUSION: A Motivational Interviewing-based approach conducted by Primary Care physicians aimed at patients with dyslipidemia, achieved a significant reduction in all lipid parameters, cardiovascular risk, weight reduction and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, similar to that obtained with the usual intervention and superior in the proportion of patients achieving combined lipid control goals and the level of physical exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: the trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT01282190 ; January 21, 2011).

Psychological impact of lifestyle-related disease disclosure at general checkup: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about psychological impact of disclosing lifestyle-related diseases. Previous studies discussed the long-term psychological impact of disease disclosure, and a significant psychological impact was not observed. This study clarified the psychological impact on anxiety state of patients when lifestyle-related diseases are disclosed at general checkups for local residents. In particular, this study evaluated the short-term impact on patients, and how the notification of abnormal values and the disclosure of disease at general checkups affect patients' subsequent behavioral changes. METHODS: The study design was a prospective cohort study. We compared the anxiety state of participants using a self-administered anxiety assessment scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), before and after Physician's explanation of abnormal values in markers of lifestyle-related diseases. The participants were those between the age of 40 and 75 years who underwent general checkups at two primary care facilities. In addition, we assessed the effects on lifestyle habits and the psychological impact caused by general checkup using STAI and a survey on behavioral changes one month after the checkup. RESULTS: The valid response rate at the survey of the general checkup was 92% (534/578). Of those who showed abnormal levels in markers of lifestyle-related diseases, anxiety was augmented significantly among those who responded that the physician had told them of their diagnosis compared to those who responded that the physician had not told them of their diagnosis (Wilcoxon rank-sum test, P < 0.007). The percentage of patients whose state anxiety scale of STAI increased ≥5 points was 30% in the disease disclosed group (33/111) and 17% in the disease undisclosed group (27/159), respectively. The risk ratio was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-2.0). One month after the general checkup, overall anxiety diminished regardless of whether diagnosis of lifestyle-related diseases was disclosed to patients notified of abnormal values. In addition, improvements in daily life behaviors as a result of notification of abnormalities or disclosure of diagnosis at general checkup were not observed. CONCLUSION: Even in a general checkup for the general population, disclosing non-critical diseases such as lifestyle-related diseases exacerbated anxiety as a short-term psychological impact.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and cardiometabolic disease.

The need for addressing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among combat veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq is a growing public health concern. Current PTSD management addresses psychiatric parameters of this condition. However, PTSD is not simply a psychiatric disorder. Traumatic stress increases the risk for inflammation-related somatic diseases and early mortality. The metabolic syndrome reflects the increased health risk associated with combat stress and PTSD. Obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease are prevalent among PTSD patients. However, there has been little appreciation for the need to address these somatic PTSD comorbidities. Medical professionals treating this vulnerable population should screen patients for cardiometabolic risk factors and avail themselves of existing preventive diet, exercise, and pharmacologic modalities that will reduce such risk factors and improve overall long-term health outcomes and quality of life. There is the promise that cardiometabolic preventive therapy complementing psychiatric intervention may, in turn, help improve the posttraumatic stress system dysregulation and favorably impact psychiatric and neurologic function. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Self-management education for hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease: Insights from stakeholders' experiences and expectations.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of premature death, with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia as major risk factors. Effective self-management (SM) is crucial for controlling these conditions and improving quality of life. This study examines stakeholders' experiences and expectations of SM education to enhance program development. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative grounded theory approach to explore the perspectives of three stakeholder groups: 19 patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia, 11 primary healthcare providers, and five provincial health policymakers and managers. Data were collected via semi-structured patient interviews and focus group discussions(FGDs) with health professionals. Coding and analysis were conducted separately using Corbin and Strauss principles with ATLAS. ti version 9.0 software. RESULTS: Most patients were women (68%) aged 50-60 years (37%), with education levels from illiterate to master's degree; 32% had completed primary school. Most were housewives (52%), and 12 had multiple chronic diseases. Healthcare providers included six community health workers and five primary care physicians, with average experience of 12 and 19 years, respectively. Health policymakers and managers averaged 25 years of experience. Patient interviews and FGDs resulted in 12 and 13 subthemes, respectively, with five subthemes common to both sources. These subthemes were grouped into broader main themes, including "effective content design," "effective presentation and delivery," "characteristics and conditions of involved parties," and "educational needs," collectively reflect the central concept of "effective self-management education". CONCLUSION: Although the core concept and its main themes were evident and consistent across stakeholder groups, significant variations in subthemes from each stakeholder emerged. This underscores the importance of considering diverse viewpoints and highlights that, while overarching concepts may seem uniform, exploring the details of stakeholder perspectives is crucial for understanding their nuanced opinions. Effective education should integrate these insights, focusing on tailored communication, interactivity, and active monitoring.