Modeling Poverty and Health for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander and Asian Ethnic Populations.

This study examined differences in poverty and health among Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI) and 6 disaggregated Asian ethnic subgroups and an aggregated Other Asian category. Participants were followed longitudinally for 2 years using data from 2009 to 2019 from the Current Population Survey, a monthly survey conducted by the Census Bureau. Having 2 years of data enabled the study to assess both prevalence of poverty and fair/poor health in only 1 of the 2 years and in both years. For NHPI, 13.5% were in poverty 1of the 2 years and 7.1% in both years. Asian ethnicities showed high variability ranging from a low of 6.4% for 1 year and 1.9% for 2 years among Asian Indians to 16.0% for 1 year and 6.3% for 2 years among Vietnamese. Fair/poor health also showed ethnic variability, made most apparent after age-sex adjustment in regression models. For poverty, after adjustment, Asian Indians, Filipinos and Japanese had significantly lower odds of being in poverty at least 1 year than NHPI. For having fair/poor health, Asian Indians and Japanese experienced lower odds than NHPI for both 1 and 2 years and Filipinos for 1 year, after age/sex adjustment. The results emphasize the diversity of Asian and Pacific Islander populations, the variability of poverty over time, and the importance of using disaggregated data to understand ethnic differences in poverty and health. These findings can be used to inform future modeling of social determinants on poverty and health among NHPI and Asian subgroups.

Examining neighbourhood-level disparities in Black, Latina/o, Asian, and White physical health, mental health, chronic conditions, and social disadvantage in California.

Racial/ethnic minority individuals in the U.S. experience numerous health disparities versus Whites, often due to differences in social determinants. Yet, limited large-scale research has examined these differences at the neighbourhood level. We merged 2021 PLACES Project and 2020 American Community Survey data across 3,211 census tracts (neighbourhoods) defined as majority (>50%) Black, Latina/o, Asian or White. T-tests and hierarchical linear regressions were used to examine differences and associations between neighbourhoods on key health (general health, mental health, obesity, diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke), and social outcomes (income, unemployment, age, population density). Results indicated that minority neighbourhoods in California exhibited stark health and social disparities versus White neighbourhoods, displaying worse outcomes on nearly every social and health variable/condition examined; particularly for Black and Latina/o neighbourhoods. Moreover, regression findings revealed that, after considering income, unemployment, and population density, (1) fair/poor mental health and higher percentages of Black, Latina/o and Asian residents in neighbourhoods independently associated with greater neighbourhood fair/poor physical health, and (2) fair/poor mental health significantly associated with greater prevalence of obesity and COPD. This study thus underscores the need to address the profound health and social disparities experienced by minority neighbourhoods for more equitable neighbourhoods.

Emociones, resiliencia y salud autopercibida en trabajadores venezolanos en tiempos de pandemia por COVID-19 / Emotions, resilience and self-perceived health in Venezuelan workers in times of the COVID-19 pandemic

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación entre las emociones, resiliencia y la salud autopercibida en trabajadores venezolanos del sector salud y educación. Investigación de tipo no experimental con un diseño transversal, se recolectó una muestra de 374 trabajadores (70.5% mujeres, 29.5% hombres), con una edad promedio de 42.13 años (D.S. 12.99), quienes fueron escogidos por un muestreo no probabilístico. Para la medición de las variables se emplearon tres instrumentos: Escala de Resiliencia para Adultos de Hernández y Lezama (2016), Escala PANAS de Watson, Clark y Tellegen (1988) y el Cuestionario de Salud General de Goldberg y Hillier (1979). Los resultados permitieron identificar elevados niveles de resiliencia, una autopercepción favorable de salud y presencia de afectos positivos, asimismo, se encontró que, a menor edad, mayor fue el reporte de emociones negativas, ansiedad, somatizaciones. Aquellos trabajadores que reportaron el fallecimiento de amigos y familiares por COVID-19, experimentaron emociones negativas, ansiedad, somatizaciones y búsqueda de apoyo social. Se identificaron tres grupos de trabajadores: en el primero predominaron mayores niveles de ansiedad, somatizaciones y afectos negativos, en el segundo, poca perseverancia, bajo interés en la búsqueda de apoyo social y mayores afectos positivos y en el tercero, perseverancia, búsqueda de apoyo social y afectos positivos, siendo este último el de mayor proporción al superar y adaptarse a las situaciones adversas y percibir de manera positiva su salud(AU)

This study aimed to determine the relationship between emotions, resilience and self-perceived health in venezuelan workers in the health and education sectors. This research was nonexperimental with a cross-sectional design, and a sample of 374 workers (70.5% women, 29.5% men), with a mean age of 42.13 years (S.D. 12.99), who were chosen by non-probabilistic sampling. Three instruments were used to measure the variables: the Adult Resilience Scale by Hernandez and Lezama (2016), the PANAS Scale by Watson, Clark and Tellegen (1988) and the General Health Questionnaire by Goldberg and Hillier (1979). The results allowed identifying high levels of resilience, a favorable self-perception of health and the presence of positive affects, it was found that the younger the age, the greater the report of negative emotions, anxiety and somatizations. Those workers who reported the death of friends and family due to COVID-19 tended to experience negative emotions, anxiety, somatizations and seeking social support. Three groups of workers were identified; in the first one: higher levels of anxiety, somatizations and negative affects predominated; in the second low perseverance, limited interest in seeking social support and higher positive affects; and in the third one: perseverance, seeking of social support and positive affections. The latest group was the one with the highest proportion of overcoming and adapting to adverse situations, and perceiving their health in a positive way(AU)

Combined effects of cumulative stress and daily stressors on daily health.

OBJECTIVE: It has been proposed that cumulative stress, one's experience of chronic stressors across multiple domains, worsens health by altering the extent to which daily stressors impact daily affect and physical symptoms. Recent work confirms that high cumulative stress exacerbates the association between daily stressor exposure and increased daily negative affect, though it remains untested the extent to which cumulative stress and daily stressor exposure interact to predict daily symptoms. METHOD: We employed data from the second wave of the midlife in the U.S. Survey (N = 2,022; Mage = 56.2; 57.2% female) to examine whether levels of cumulative stress compound daily symptoms on days with (vs. without) stressful events. Experiences of life stressors across eight domains, occurrence of daily stressors, and occurrence, number, and severity of daily physical symptoms were analyzed using multilevel modeling. RESULTS: Greater cumulative stress and experiencing (vs. not experiencing) a daily stressor independently increased the odds of occurrence, number, and severity of daily symptoms (ps ≤ .016). Moreover, after adjusting for covariates (e.g., sociodemographic characteristics, chronic health conditions, percent of days with reported stressors, and health behaviors), the associations between daily stressor exposure and odds of occurrence, number, and severity of daily symptoms were potentiated as levels of cumulative stress increased (ps ≤ .009). CONCLUSIONS: The negative implications of daily stressor exposure for daily health may be most pronounced in those who report higher levels of cumulative stress across multiple life domains and across time. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Work-life interference and health by race/ethnicity and sex in the United States.

Work-life interference has detrimental impacts on health outcomes. However, there are potential differences in these associations at the intersection of race/ethnicity and sex. The aim of this study was to examine whether race/ethnicity moderates the associations of work-life interference with health outcomes among women and men. Using data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey on adults (age ≥ 18 years) who self-identified as non-Hispanic Asian, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, or non-Hispanic White in the U.S. (n = 17,492), the associations of work-life interference with self-rated health, psychological distress, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed using multiplicative interaction terms. Work-life interference was associated with higher log-odds of worse self-rated health (log-odds = 0.17, standard error (s.e.) = 0.06) and more psychological distress (ß = 1.32, s.e. = 0.13) in men. Work-life interference was similarly positively associated with worse self-rated health (log-odds = 0.27, s.e. = 0.06) and psychological distress (ß = 1.39, s.e. = 0.16) among women as well. A stronger association between work-life interference and psychological distress was observed among non-Hispanic Asian women compared to non-Hispanic White women (ß = 1.42, s.e. = 0.52) and a stronger association between work-life interference and BMI was observed among non-Hispanic Black women compared to non-Hispanic White women (ß = 3.97, s.e. = 1.93). The results suggest detrimental impacts of work-life interference on self-rated health and psychological distress. Yet, the variation in the associations of work-life interference with psychological distress and BMI among women suggest that an intersectional lens should be applied. Efforts to understand and address the negative effects of work-life interference on health should consider potentially unique associations across race/ethnicity and sex.

Connecting the dots: The state of arts and health in Singapore.

Background: This article examines the state of the field of arts and health in Singapore and identifies the drivers that have shaped its development to date, adding new insights from Asia to the growing international literature in this area. Methods: Various methods, including an online survey and in-depth focus groups were used. Results: We find that the field in Singapore is rapidly growing, with a proliferation of activities across the arts and culture, healthcare, and social care sectors in recent decades fostered by various policy developments, increased funding and new peer-to-peer networking. Nevertheless, several issues persist, including inconsistent understanding and conceptualisation of the field as a whole across multiple stakeholders, limited research capacity and training platforms, and lack of professional recognition. Conclusions: We provide recommendations for further action, including developing arts and health literacy and research capacity, investing in efforts to bridge education and practice, and focusing on formalising and elevating professional standards.

Egg consumption and health effects: A narrative review.

This study was planned and conducted to investigate the effects of egg consumption on metabolic syndrome components and potential mechanisms of action on humans. Egg, an important source of animal protein, is defined as a functional food containing various bioactive compounds that can affect the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways. As a matter of fact, the egg can show immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, or antihypertensive effects with its bioactive components. It is claimed that egg consumption may protect individuals against metabolic syndrome by increasing HDL-C levels and reducing inflammation. The increase in egg consumption creates the perception that it may lead to cardiovascular diseases due to its cholesterol content. However, there is insufficient evidence as to whether dietary cholesterol-lowers LDL-C. The possible potential mechanisms of egg impact on human health, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central, www.ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and selected websites including) and databases were examined in this regard. With a view to delving into the rather mysterious relationship between egg cholesterol and blood cholesterol, it is necessary to understand the absorption of cholesterol from the egg and to know the functioning of the intestinal microbiota. Studies conducted to date have generally yielded inconsistent results regarding egg consumption and risks of CVD, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Exploring the relationship between functional limitations of the older adults and the health-related quality of life of their spouse in Shaanxi Province, China.

BACKGROUND: With trends towards longer life expectancy, lifetime with disability has also been prolonged. It is increasingly recognized that not only the person with disability but also those around them are affected. The relationship between functional limitation (FL) of the older adults and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of their spouse is of interest. So too is the determination of the factors aside from FL that influence HRQoL. METHODS: The sample was derived from the 2013 National Health Service Survey conducted in Shaanxi Province in China. Married couples aged ≥ 60 years were selected (n = 3463). The European quality of life five dimensions (EQ-5D) and visual analogue scale were used to measure HRQoL. RESULTS: Both wife and husband reported lower HRQoL if either the male or female partner had some or serious FLs (P < 0.001). Other factors associated with lower HRQoL of the spouse included age, lower educational level, presence of chronic disease, and lower household economic status. Family size was associated with wife's HRQoL only when the male had no FL and lived with another 1-2 persons, or when the male had some FLs and lived in a larger family (n ≥ 5). Residential status did not relate to the HRQoL of spouses regardless of FL status. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults in Shaanxi province who have partners with FLs tend to report poorer EQ-5D, suggesting that couples amongst whom one has FL may be particularly vulnerable to lower HRQoL.

Rapid and sound assessment of well-being within a multi-dimensional approach: The Well-being Numerical Rating Scales (WB-NRSs).

The assessment of well-being remains an important topic for many disciplines including medical, psychological, social, educational, and economic fields. The present study assesses the reliability and validity of a five-item instrument for evaluating physical, psychological, spiritual, relational, and general well-being. This measure uniquely utilizes a segmented numeric version of the visual analog scale in which a respondent selects a whole number that best reflects the intensity of the investigated characteristic. In study one, 939 clinical (i.e., diagnosed with cancer and liver disease with cirrhosis) and non-clinical (i.e., undergraduate students and their family and acquaintances) participants between the ages of 18 to 87 years (M = 47.20 years, SD = 19.62, 54% males) were recruited. Results showed items have strong discriminant ability and the spread of threshold parameters attests to the appropriateness of the response categories. Moreover, convergent and discriminant validity were found with other self-report measures (e.g., depression, anxiety, optimism, well-being) and the measure showed responsiveness to two separate interventions for clinical populations. In study two, 287 Canadian (ages ranged from 18 to 30 years; M = 20.78, SD = 3.32; 23% males) and 342 Italian undergraduate psychology students (age ranged from 18 to 29 years, M = 21.21 years, SD = 1.73, 38% males) were recruited to complete self-report questionnaires. IRT-based differential item functioning analyses provided evidence that the item properties were similar for the Italian and English versions of the scale. Additionally, the validity results obtained in study one were replicated and similar relationships between criterion variables were found when comparing the Italian- and the English-speaking samples. Overall, the current study provides evidence that the Italian and English versions of the WB-NRSs offer added value in research focused on well-being and in assessing well-being changes prompted by intervention programs.

Causal Inference in Studying the Long-Term Health Effects of Disasters: Challenges and Potential Solutions.

Two frequently encountered but underrecognized challenges for causal inference in studying the long-term health effects of disasters among survivors include 1) time-varying effects of disasters on a time-to-event outcome and 2) selection bias due to selective attrition. In this paper, we review approaches for overcoming these challenges and demonstrate application of the approaches to a real-world longitudinal data set of older adults who were directly affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami (n = 4,857). To illustrate the problem of time-varying effects of disasters, we examined the association between degree of damage due to the tsunami and all-cause mortality. We compared results from Cox regression analysis assuming proportional hazards with those derived using adjusted parametric survival curves allowing for time-varying hazard ratios. To illustrate the problem of selection bias, we examined the association between proximity to the coast (a proxy for housing damage from the tsunami) and depressive symptoms. We corrected for selection bias due to attrition in the 2 postdisaster follow-up surveys (conducted in 2013 and 2016) using multivariable adjustment, inverse probability of censoring weighting, and survivor average causal effect estimation. Our results demonstrate that analytical approaches which ignore time-varying effects on mortality and selection bias due to selective attrition may underestimate the long-term health effects of disasters.

Accuracy of resting metabolic rate prediction equations among healthy adults in Trinidad and Tobago.

BACKGROUND: Over 50% of adults in Latin America and the Caribbean have a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 suggesting excess energy intakes relative to energy expenditure. Accurate estimation of resting metabolic rate (RMR), the largest component of total energy requirements, is crucial to strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence and incidence of overweight and obesity. AIM: We evaluated the accuracies of established and locally developed RMR prediction equations (RMRP) among adults. METHODS: Four hundred adult volunteers ages 20 to 65 years had RMR measured (RMRM) with a MedGem® indirect calorimeter according to recommended procedures. RMRP were compared to RMRM with values ± 10% of RMRM deemed accurate. Anthropometry was measured using standard procedure. Linear regression with bootstrap analyses was used to develop local RMRP equations based on anthropometric and demographic variables. The University of the West Indies Ethics Committee approved the study. RESULTS: Males had higher mean absolute RMR (p < 0.001) but similar mean age-adjusted measured RMR per kg of body (20.9 vs. 21.5 kcals/day; p = 0.1) to females. The top performing established anthropometry-based RMRP among participants by sex, physical activity (PA) level and BMI status subgroups were Mifflin-St Jeor, Owen, Korth, Harris-Benedict, and Livingston, while Johnstone, Cunningham, Müller (body composition (BC)), Katch and McArdle, Mifflin-St Jeor (BC) were the most accurate BC-based RMRP. Locally developed RMRP had accuracies comparable to their top-ranked established RMRP counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Accuracies of established RMRP depended on habitual PA level, BMI status, BC and sex. Furthermore, locally developed RMRP provide useful alternatives to established RMRP.

Brain foods - the role of diet in brain performance and health.

The performance of the human brain is based on an interplay between the inherited genotype and external environmental factors, including diet. Food and nutrition, essential in maintenance of brain performance, also aid in prevention and treatment of mental disorders. Both the overall composition of the human diet and specific dietary components have been shown to have an impact on brain function in various experimental models and epidemiological studies. This narrative review provides an overview of the role of diet in 5 key areas of brain function related to mental health and performance, including: (1) brain development, (2) signaling networks and neurotransmitters in the brain, (3) cognition and memory, (4) the balance between protein formation and degradation, and (5) deteriorative effects due to chronic inflammatory processes. Finally, the role of diet in epigenetic regulation of brain physiology is discussed.

Is Conscientiousness Always Associated With Better Health? A U.S.-Japan Cross-Cultural Examination of Biological Health Risk.

In Western societies, conscientiousness is associated with better health. Here, we tested whether this pattern would extend to East Asian, collectivistic societies. In these societies, social obligation motivated by conscientiousness could be excessive and thus health-impairing. We tested this prediction using cross-cultural surveys of Americans (N = 1,054) and Japanese (N = 382). Biomarkers of inflammation (interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) and cardiovascular malfunction (systolic blood pressure and total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio) were adopted to define biological health risk (BHR). Among Americans, conscientiousness was associated with lower BHR. Moreover, this relationship was mediated by healthy lifestyle. In contrast, among Japanese, the relationship between conscientiousness and BHR was not significant. Further analysis revealed, however, that conscientiousness was associated with a greater commitment to social obligation, which in turn predicted higher BHR. These findings suggest that conscientiousness may or may not be salubrious, depending on health implications of normatively sanctioned behaviors in varying cultures.

Religion, Age, Education, Lifestyle, and Health: Structural Equation Modeling.

This study aimed to analyze the moderating effect of religion between sociodemographic variables, lifestyle, and self-referred physical and mental health. Cross-sectional study with non-randomized sample of 392 participants. The Eight Natural Remedies Questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle. Religion was found to be positive predictor between age, education and lifestyle, better physical and mental health. Being an Adventist positively influenced the lifestyle (r = 0.680; p < 0.05) and consequently physical (r = 0.222) and mental health (r = 0.220). Belonging to a religion that emphasizes a healthy lifestyle is a contributing factor toward better lifestyle, physical and mental health.

Low-calorie sweeteners and human health: a rapid review of systematic reviews.

INTRODUCTION: Low-calorie sweeteners are increasingly prevalent in the food supply and their consumption has increased in recent decades. Although low-calorie sweeteners approved for use are considered safe from a toxicological perspective, their short- and long-term impacts on chronic disease risk remain uncertain. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence from systematic reviews on low-calorie sweetener use and chronic conditions and risk factors in children and adults. METHODS: MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify systematic reviews of randomized and nonrandomized studies that considered low-calorie sweeteners in relation to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, anthropometric measures, hypertension, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and dental caries. Data were extracted from 9 reviews deemed of moderate or high quality on the basis of AMSTAR-2. RESULTS: Narrative synthesis suggested inconsistent evidence on low-calorie sweetener use in relation to chronic conditions and associated risk factors, with nonrandomized studies suggesting positive associations and randomized studies suggesting negative or no associations. CONCLUSION: Continued research on the long-term health impacts of low-calorie sweeteners across all life stages is warranted.

Effect of an intervention in decreasing of the perception of barriers for bicycle use in the commuting to work / Efeito de uma intervenção na redução da percepção de barreiras para o uso de bicicleta no deslocamento ao trabalho

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of an intervention on perceptions of barriers for the bicycle use in commuting to work by industrialists. 876 men (mean age = 35.4 ± 9.5 years) from a metallo-mechanical company participated. The sample was randomized into a control and intervention group (438 participants in each group) considering the use or not of the bicycle when commuting to work. The intervention had 23 meetings of approximately 30 minutes each, spread over six months, based on the Transteoric Model of Behavior Change (TMBC). The perception of barriers to bicycle use was assessed using the "scale to assess the perception of barriers to bicycle use". Descriptive statistics, chi-square, Wilcoxon test, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney were applied for analysis, adopting p < 0.05. There was a statistical decline in perception of barriers to bicycle use in the intervention group (Z = -2.218; p = 0.027). When stratified by age group, greater effectiveness of the intervention was observed in reducing in the perception of barriers in individuals aged 30-39 years (Z = -2.637; p = .008). For the other age groups, there were no significant differences. It is concluded that interventions based on TMBC are effective to decrease the perception of barriers for bycicle use in the commuting to work.

RESUMO Esse estudo investigou o efeito de uma intervenção na percepção de barreiras para o uso de bicicleta no deslocamento ao trabalho de industriários. Participaram 876 homens (idade média = 35,4 ± 9,5 anos) de uma empresa metalomecânica. A amostra foi randomizada em grupo controle e intervenção (438 participantes em cada grupo), considerando o uso ou não da bicicleta ao trabalho. A intervenção contou com 23 encontros de 30 minutos cada ao longo de seis meses, baseados no Modelo Transteórico de Mudança de Comportamento (MTMC). A percepção de barreira para uso de bicicleta foi avaliada por meio da "escala de percepção de barreiras para o uso de bicicleta". Para análise foi aplicada estatística descritiva, qui-quadrado, teste de Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney adotando p < 0,05. Houve redução estatística na média da percepção de barreiras para uso de bicicleta no grupo intervenção (Z=-2,218; p=0,027). Quando estratificado por faixa etária, observou-se maior eficácia da intervenção na redução da percepção de barreiras em indivíduos na faixa etária de 30-39 anos (Z=-2,637; p=0,008). Para as demais faixas etárias, não houveram diferenças significativas. Conclui-se que intervenções baseadas no MTMC são eficazes na redução da percepção de barreiras para o uso da bicicleta para o deslocamento ao trabalho.