The shifts in intergenerational relations in Cameroon and their potential impact on the health of older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Africa is experiencing a gradual demographic shift due to rising life expectancy and increasing urbanisation. In sub-Saharan Africa, elderly individuals typically reside with their children. The rise in life expectancy by almost a decade and the prevalence of precarious living conditions raise concerns about the sustainability of the healthcare system, which has traditionally relied on intergenerational solidarity. METHODS: The research aims to analyse the evolving role of older adults in Cameroonian society and to examine the potential impact of this change on intergenerational relationships and the health of older adults. A qualitative methodology was employed, using intergenerational focus groups in Cameroon. RESULTS: Traditionally, older adults held a central role in knowledge transmission through discourse. However, the modernisation of society is challenging this position.The emergence of new technologies, particularly communication tools, is leading to a questioning of older adults' experiential knowledge. Societal changes are contributing to a decline in respect for older adults in discourse. Older adults deplore these societal changes and fear for their place in society while young people are questioning the central role of older people in society. DISCUSSION: These changes could reduce the sense of usefulness of older people, with negative consequences for their health. Several studies have highlighted the impacts of ageism on the health of older adults in industrialised countries. However, there are little data on the impact of the marginalisation of older adults on their health in industrialising societies. Further research is needed to study the impact on the health of older adults.

Poor quality of sleep and musculoskeletal pains among highly trained and elite athletes in Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies reported that poor sleep quality (PSQ) was associated with musculoskeletal pains (MSP) and poor physical performance in athletes. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed at determining PSQ and its associations with MSP in some sub-Saharan athletes. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 205 highly trained and 115 elite athletes (aged: 25 ± 2 years, Body mass index: 22.8 ± 0.9 kg/m2) in Dakar, Senegal, during a competitive season in a variety of sport disciplines including athletics, basketball, football, rugby, wrestling, tennis. Quality of sleep and MSP were assessed using the French version Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and French version of Nordic questionnaire respectively. Pain on body joints during a week was defined as seven-day MSP (MSP-7d) and PSQ for a PSQI > 5. RESULTS: 27.8% (95%CI: 23.2-32.9) of the overall sample suffered PSQ, with 33.7% (95%CI: 24.7-44.0) in basketball and 24.7% (95%CI: 16.9-34.6) in football. According to athletic status and gender, PSQ was more prevalent among highly trained (66.3; 95%CI: 55.9-75.3) and men (69.7%; 95%CI: 59.5-78.7). Among athletes with PSQ 43.8% (95%CI: 33.9-54.2) suffered MSP-7d, with 36.6%; highly trained (95%CI: 23.7-42.9) and 28.1% female. Considering body region, hips/thigh (14.6%; 95% CI: 8.74-23.4) and upper back (13.5%; 95%CI: 7.88 -21, 1) were more affected. Basketball players were more affected from MSP (MSP-7d = 38.5%; 95%CI: 24. 9-54.1) on high on wrists/hands (MSP-7d = 44.4%; 95%CI: 18.9 -73.3; P = 0.04). Based on athletic status, MSP-7d were higher on highly trained necks (100%; 95%CI: 56.1-100; p = 0.04). PSQ was associated with basketball (OR: 3.062, 95%CI: 1.130-8.300, p = 0.02) compared to Athletic. PSQ and MSP-7d were associated on Wrist/hands (OR: 3.352, 95%CI: 1.235-9.099, p = 0.01), and at the upper back (OR: 5.820, 95%CI: 2.096-16.161, p = 0.0007). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that PSQ is considerable among Senegalese athletes and is associated with MSP during a week. Hence, we recommend to look for strategies optimizing good quality of sleep in order to reduce pains, to improve health.

Decreasing hospitalizations through geriatric hotlines: a prospective French multicenter study of people aged 75 and above.

BACKGROUND: The Emergency unit of the hospital (Department) (ED) is the fastest and most common way for most French general practitioners (GPs) to respond to the complexity of managing older adults patients with multiple chronic diseases. In 2013, French regional health authorities proposed to set up telephone hotlines to promote interactions between GP clinics and hospitals. The main objective of our study was to analyze whether the hotlines and solutions proposed by the responding geriatrician reduced the number of hospital admissions, and more specifically the number of emergency room admissions. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter observational study from April 2018 to April 2020 at seven French investigative sites. A questionnaire was completed by all hotline physicians after each call. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 4,137 individuals who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the 4,137 phone calls received by the participants, 64.2% (n = 2 657) were requests for advice, and 35.8% (n = 1,480) were requests for emergency hospitalization. Of the 1,480 phone calls for emergency hospitalization, 285 calls resulted in hospital admission in the emergency room (19.3%), and 658 calls in the geriatric short stay (44.5%). Of the 2,657 calls for advice/consultation/delayed hospitalization, 9.7% were also duplicated by emergency hospital admission. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the value of hotlines in guiding the care of older adults. The results showed the potential effectiveness of hotlines in preventing unnecessary hospital admissions or in identifying cases requiring hospital admission in the emergency room. Hotlines can help improve the care pathway for older adults and pave the way for future progress. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered under Clinical Trial Number NCT03959475. This study was approved and peer-reviewed by the Ethics Committee for the Protection of Persons of Sud Est V of Grenoble University Hospital Center (registered under 18-CETA-01 No.ID RCB 2018-A00609-46).

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and components in rural, semi-urban and urban areas in the littoral region in Cameroon: impact of physical activity.

BACKGROUND: Living areas in developing countries impact seriously lifestyle by modifying energy consumption and energy expenditure. Thus, urbanization is associated with less practice of physical activity (PA), a leading cause of metabolic syndrome (MetS) which prevalence vary in African countries. The present study aimed to assess the effect of PA on MetS according to urbanization level in the littoral region, Cameroon. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three geographical settings (urban, semi-urban, and rural) in the littoral region in Cameroon. A total of 879 participants were included (urban: 372, semi-urban: 195 and rural: 312). MetS was defined according to the International Federation of Diabetes 2009. The level of PA was assessed using the Global Physical Activity questionnaire. RESULTS: Low level of PA was (P < 0.0001) reported in urban (54.5%), semi-urban (28.7%) and rural (16.9%) and high level in rural area (77.9%). The prevalence of MetS was higher in urban areas (37.2%), then rural (36.8%) and finally semi-urban (25.9%). Hyperglycemia (p = 0.0110), low HDL-c (p < 0.0001) and high triglyceridemia (p = 0.0068) were most prevalent in urban residents. Participants with low level of PA were at risk of MetS (OR: 1.751, 95% CI 1.335-2.731, p = 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR: 1.909, 95% CI 1.335-2.731, p = 0.0004) abdominal obesity(OR: 2.007, 95% CI 1.389-2.900, p = 0.0002), low HDL-c (OR: 1.539, 95% CI 1.088-2.179, p = 0.014) and those with moderate level of PA were protected against high blood pressure(OR: 0.452, 95% CI 0.298-0.686, p = 0.0002) and compared to those with high level of PA. Urban dwellers were at the risk of MetS compared to rural residents (OR: 1.708, 95% CI. 1.277-2.285, p = 0.003) and protected against high blood pressure (OR:0.314, 95% CI 0.212-0.466, p < 0.0001), abdominal obesity (OR: 0.570, 95% CI 0.409-0.794, p = 0.0009), and low HDL-c (OR: 0.725, 95% CI 0.534-0.983, p = 0.038) compared to rural residents. CONCLUSIONS: MetS was more prevalent in urban dwellers and was associated with a low level of PA.

[Effect of a fall prevention program on subjective age in older people]. / Effet d'un programme de prévention des chutes sur l'âge subjectif des personnes âgées.

OBJECTIVE: This study tested whether the subjective age tends to decrease after following a fall preventive program. This study also examines whether physical abilities and psychological resources at baseline are associated with this decrease in subjective age. Finally, this study tested to what extent the evolution of subjective age is concomitant with the evolution of these physical abilities and psychological resources between the beginning and the end of the program. METHOD: A sample of 42 individuals over 65 years (M = 71) took part in a program comprising 12 balance sessions. These people answered a questionnaire to assess subjective age and fear of falling, at the beginning and at the end of the program. Participants also completed Time Up and Go test, before and after the program. In addition, demographic factors, chronic diseases, subjective health, as well as depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline, and included as covariates in the analyses. RESULTS: Wilcoxon signed rank analyzes showed that participants felt younger after the intervention than before (W = 334; p < 0.05). Concretely, participants feeling younger from 6.43% at baseline to 9.63% at the end of the program. The multiple linear regression analyzes reveal that a more favorable perceived health as well as a better mobility function at baseline are associated with an increase of feeling younger at the end of the program. Finally, an improvement in functional mobility between the start and the end of the program is also associated with an increase of feeling younger. DISCUSSION: This study highlights the benefits of a fall prevention program on feeling younger for old people. In view of the benefits generated by feeling younger than one's chronological age, this study increases the interest of preventive actions to reduce the loss of functional independence in aging.

Relationship between moderate-to-vigorous, light intensity physical activity and sedentary behavior in a prospective cohort of older French adults: a 18-year follow-up of mortality and cardiovascular events ─ the PROOF cohort study.

Background: It is well documented that moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) is effective in the prevention of major chronic diseases. Even though the current international physical activity (PA) guidelines still mainly focus on MVPA, the topic of the most recent epidemiological studies has shifted from MVPA to light intensity physical activity (LPA), owing to the necessity of promoting all activities vs. sedentary behavior (SB). However, the evidence remains currently limited. Thus, the clarification of the effects of LPA and the close relationship with SB is crucial to promote public health. Method: PA and SB were assessed by a validated self-administered questionnaire (POPAQ) investigating 5 different types of PA during the 7 previous days. PA was measured in metabolic equivalent of task (MET)-h, which refers to the amount of energy (calories) expended per hour of PA. SB was measured in hour/day. Medical histories and examinations were taken during each clinical visit to determine clinical events. All-cause mortality was established using the same procedure and by checking local death registries. The relationships between the intensity of PA (light, moderate to vigorous) and mortality and between the periods of SB and mortality or CV events were analyzed by splines and COX models, adjusted for sex and year of birth. Results: From the 1011 65-year-old subjects initially included in 2001 (60% women), the last 18-year follow-up has been currently completed since 2019. A total of 197 deaths (19.2%, including 77 CV deaths) and 195 CV events (19.3%) were reported. Averages (standard deviation) of MVPA, LPA and SB were, respectively, 1.2 h/d (0.3), 5.8 h/d (1.1), and 6.6 h/d (2.3). For all-cause deaths, as well as CV deaths, the splines were significant for LPA (p = 0.04 and p = 0.01), and MVPA (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001), but not for SB (p = 0.24 and p = 0.90). There was a significant reduction in CV events when SB was decreasing from 10.9 to 3.3 h/d. Conclusion: The PROOF cohort study shows a clear dose-response between the dose of LPA, MVPA, SB and risk of mortality. These findings provide additional evidence to support the inclusion of LPA in future PA guidelines.

Impact of influenza, herpes zoster, and pneumococcal vaccinations on the incidence of cardiovascular events in subjects aged over 65 years: a systematic review.

This systematic review aims to summarize the impact of vaccination against influenza, shingles, and pneumococcus on the incidence on the risk of cardiovascular events in the elderly. This protocol was developed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We conducted a literature search and identified all relevant articles published regarding the matter up to September 2022. We retrieved 38 studies (influenza vaccine = 33, pneumococcal vaccine = 5, and zoster vaccine = 2). A total of 28 and 2 studies have shown that influenza and pneumococcal vaccines significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly. Also, repeated influenza vaccination shows a consistent and dose-dependent protective effect against acute coronary syndromes and stroke. Moreover, dual influenza and pneumococcal vaccination was associated with lower risks of some cardiovascular events (stroke, congestive heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and myocardial infarction). However, the impact of PCV13 on cardiovascular events has not been studied, nor has the currently recommended vaccination schedule (PCV13 + PPV23). As for herpes zoster vaccination, only the protective effect against stroke has been studied with the live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine, but no studies have been conducted with the recombinant subunit herpes zoster vaccine. This review outlines the benefits of the vaccines mentioned above beyond their preventive action on infectious diseases. It is intended for health professionals who wish to inform and advise their elderly patients.

Musculoskeletal pains among amateur and professional athletes of five disciplines in Senegal: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pains (MSPs) in sport are cause of poor performances and loss of competition in athletes. The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSPs with regard to sport disciplines and athletic status. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 320 Senegalese professional and amateur athletes practicing football, basketball, rugby, tennis, athletics, and wrestling. Rates of MSPs in the past year (MSPs-12) and week (MSPs-7d) were assessed using standard questionnaires. RESULTS: Overall proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d were 70 and 74.2%, respectively. MSPs-12 were more frequently reported on shoulders (40.6%), neck (37.1%) and hips/thigh (34.4%), while MSPs-7d were predominant on hips/thigh (29.5%), shoulders (25.7%), and upper back (17.2%). Proportions of MSPs-12 and MSPs-7d varied significantly by sport disciplines, with highest values among basketball players. Again, highest MSPs-12 proportions on shoulders (29.7%, P = 0.02), wrists/hands (34.6%, P = 0.001), (40.2%, P = 0.0002), and knees (38.8%, P = 0.002) were seen among basketball players. High proportions of MSPs-7d were seen on shoulders (29.6%, P = 0.04) for tennis players, wrists/hands (29.4%, P = 0.03) for basketball and football players, and hips/thigh (38.8%, P < 0.00001) for basketball players. Football players had reduced risk of MSPs-12 by 75% on lower back (OR = 0.25; 95% CI. 0.10-0.63; P = 0.003) and by 72% on knees (OR = 0.28; 95% CI. 0.08-0. 95; P = 0.04). In contrast, tennis players were more at risk of MSPs-12 on shoulders (OR = 3.14; 95% CI. 1.14-8.68; P = 0.02), wrists/hands (OR = 5.18; 95% CI.1.40-11.13; P = 0.01), and hips/thigh (OR = 2.90; 95% CI. 1.1-8.38; P = 0.04). Professionals were protected from MSPs-12 on neck pain with a significant reduction of risk by 61% (OR = 0.39, 95% CI. 0.21-0.75, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: MSPs are a reality among athletes and their risk is modulated by sport disciplines, athletic status and gender.

The Acti-Pair program helps men with prostate cancer increase physical activity with peer support: a mixed method pilot study.

Background: Although the health benefits of physical activity (PA) are recognized, prostate cancer patients do not follow PA recommendations. Barriers to PA, whether physical, environmental or organizational, are known. Furthermore, even when these barriers are overcome, this achievement is not systematically accompanied by lifestyle change. Many strategies have shown to be effective in increasing patient adherence to PA. This study aims to assess the feasibility and the viability of the Acti-Pair program which combines three strategies: peer support, a personalized and realistic PA project, and support from health and adapted physical activity professionals in a local context. Methods and analysis: We conducted a pilot study utilizing a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology, employing feasibility and viability assessments. Quantitative assessments included recruitment, retention adherence rates, process and potential effectiveness (PA and motivation) indicators; while qualitative methods were used to evaluate the program's practicality, suitability and usefulness. Indicators of potential effectiveness were assessed before and after the intervention using a Wilcoxon test for matched data. Qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews conducted by two researchers with various program stakeholders. The study lasted for 3 years. Results: Twenty-four patients were recruited over a 25-month period. Forty-two percent of patients completed the program 3 months after the beginning. We recruited 14 peers and trained nine peers over a 10-month period. The program was coordinated extensively by adapted PA professionals, while health professionals were involved in recruiting patients and peers. Self-reporting of moderate to vigorous PA was increased after the Acti-Pair program initiation [42.86 (30.76) at baseline to 53.29 (50.73)]. Intrinsic motivation significantly increased after participation in the Acti-Pair program [1.76 (1.32) before the intervention vs. 2.91 (1.13) after the intervention]. The key player to support the Acti-Pair program in the field has been the PA support system. The main challenge has been the difficulty of health professionals in promoting PA. Discussion: This pilot study has shown that the Acti-Pair program is feasible and viable. It will allow us to extend the peer support intervention to other contexts and assess the effectiveness of this intervention and its generalization.

What obstacles to nursing home for Dependent older adults' entry? Analysis of 186 situations resulting from an Inter-Establishment Resident Orientation Commission / Quels freins à l'entrée en Établissement d'hébergement pour personnes âgées dépendantes ? Analyse de 186 situations issues d'une Commission d'orientation des résidents inter-établissement

The decision to admit an older adult with loss of autonomy to an institution is complex. There are many obstacles to the decision to be referred to an institution and it partly explain long hospital stays and inadequate health care spending. Several of these obstacles have been identified in the literature (medical complexity, psycho-behavioural disorders, social vulnerability, etc.). This work is based on an experiment that aimed at coordinating the players during an "inter-hospital consultation meeting" dedicated to the decision to admit older patients who cannot find a solution immediately. This work aim to identify the obstacles to the referral of patients to HITH services. This is a single-centre descriptive study. It analyses prospective data collected between January 2017 and the end of June 2019. The average length of hospitalisation before leaving the institution is relatively homogeneous according to the different complexity criteria defined, except for heavy dependence and obesity, where in these situations there are longer average lengths of hospitalisation. The absence of complexity criteria is not necessarily associated with a shorter hospital stay. The commission makes it possible to create synergies between players in the same gerontological basin and facilitates the admission of complex cases to hospital.

La décision d'entrée en établissement d'un sujet âgé en perte d'autonomie est complexe. Les freins à la décision d'orientation en établissement expliquent en partie des durées d'hospitalisation longues et à l'origine de dépense de santé inadéquates. Plusieurs de ces freins ont été identifiés dans la littérature (complexité médicale, troubles psycho-comportementaux, vulnérabilité sociale…). À partir d'une expérimentation qui vise la coordination des acteurs lors d'une « réunion de concertation inter-établissement ¼ dédiée à la décision d'entrée de patients âgés ne trouvant pas de solution dans l'immédiat, l'objectif de ce travail est d'identifier les freins à l'orientation des patients en Ehpad. Il s'agit d'une étude descriptive mono-centrique analysant des données prospectives recueillies entre janvier 2017 et fin juin 2019. Les durées moyennes d'hospitalisation avant le départ en institution sont relativement homogènes en fonction des différents critères de complexité définis sauf pour la dépendance lourde et l'obésité où dans ces situations il existe des durées moyennes d'hospitalisation plus longues. L'absence de critère de complexité n'est pas obligatoirement associée à un raccourcissement du séjour hospitalier. La CORIE permet de créer des synergies entre les acteurs d'un même bassin gérontologique et facilite l'entrée en établissement des cas complexes.

Subjective Age and Falls in Older Age: Evidence From Two Longitudinal Cohorts.

OBJECTIVES: Falls are a common and serious health problem. The present study examined the association between subjective age (i.e., feeling younger or older than one's chronological age) and falls in 2 large national samples. METHOD: Participants aged 65-105 years old were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Data on falls, subjective age, and demographic factors were available from 2,382 participants in HRS and 3,449 in NHATS. Falls were tracked for up to 8 (HRS) and 7 (NHATS) years. RESULTS: Cox regression analyses that included demographic covariates indicated that older subjective age increased the risk of falling in HRS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-1.27) and in NHATS (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.00-1.13). When compared to people who felt younger, people who reported an older subjective age had a higher risk of fall (HRS: HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.33-2.04; NHATS: HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.15-1.79). The associations remained significant after accounting for depressive symptoms, handgrip strength, chronic diseases, and cognitive impairment in HRS only. DISCUSSION: These results confirm the role of subjective age as an important health marker in the aging population. Subjective age assessment can help identify individuals at greater risk of falls.

Therapeutic Fasting: Are Patients Aged 65 and Over Ready?

While being the main potential beneficiaries of therapeutic fasting's health benefits, the elderly are frequently thought of as being too fragile to fast. The main objective of our survey was to review the knowledge, practices, and acceptability of therapeutic fasting in subjects aged 65 years and over. From September 2020 to March 2021, an online questionnaire was sent to subjects aged 65 and over, using the mailing list of local organizations working in the field of aging. The mean age of the 290 respondents was 73.8 ± 6.5 years, 75.2% were women and 54.1% had higher education. Among the respondents, 51.7% had already fasted and 80.7% deemed therapeutic fasting interesting, 83.1% would be willing to fast if it was proven beneficial for their health, and 77.2% if it was proven to decrease the burden of chronic diseases. Subjects aged 65 to 74 years considered themselves as having the greatest physical and motivational abilities to perform therapeutic fasting. People aged 65 years, or more, are interested in therapeutic fasting and a large majority would be ready to fast if such practice was proven beneficial. These results pave the way for future clinical trials evaluating therapeutic fasting in elderly subjects.

COVID-19 Health Crisis Workloads and Screening for Psychological Impact in Nursing Home Staff: A Qualitative and Quantitative Survey.

Background: Nursing homes were particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively with the use of a self-reported questionnaire as a tool for screening for mental disorders in nursing home staff. Methods: A multicenter epidemiological study was conducted in 12 nursing homes in France with 1117 nursing home staff eligible. Socio-demographic, occupational, and medical data were collected by anonymous self-reported questionnaire using validated scales to assess anxiety/depressive symptoms (HAD scale) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-5). A total of 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted to assess acceptance and expectations for the use of the questionnaire. Results: The participation rate was 34.5%. Data from 373 questionnaires were included in the analysis. The questionnaire was well accepted by the participants and met their wishes for prevention action. The sample was 82% female. More than half reported a feeling of powerlessness and lack of time or staffing. The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 22%, depressive symptoms 10%, and post-traumatic stress 7%. Conclusions: This study underlines the interest in screening for mental disorders by self-reported questionnaire and deploying preventive actions in the workplace to reduce stress and facilitate the reconciliation of family and working life in this context of the pandemic.

Prospective associations between subjective age and fear of falling in older adults.

OBJECTIVE: Subjective age has been implicated in a range of health outcomes but its associations with Fear of Falling (FoF) are unknown. The present study examined the relation between subjective age and FoF in large national sample. METHODS: Participants were drawn from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS, 2011-2017). 1,679 participants provided data on FoF, subjective age, demographic factors, depressive symptoms, prior falls, self-rated health and measures of the Short Physical Performance Battery. FoF was assessed again 7 years later. RESULTS: Regression analyses revealed that an older subjective age was related to a 24% higher likelihood to develop FoF 7 years later. This association was independent of age, sex, educational attainment, race and prior falls. In addition, depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and physical inactivity mediated the associations between subjective age and FoF. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that an older subjective age is related to the development of FoF over time, and further identified psychological and functional pathways that may explain this association. These results confirm the role of subjective age on one of the markers of frailty in the aging population.

Musculoskeletal disorders among secondary school teachers in Douala, Cameroon: The effect of the practice of physical activities.

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent an important threat to public health in both developed and developing countries, and are present in many occupational sectors including education. Regular practice of physical activity (PA) is known elicit preventive effects on the occurrence of MSDs. Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSDs and the preventive impact of PA on their occurrence among secondary school teachers. Participants and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 179 teachers in five government secondary schools in Douala, Cameroon. The Nordic and Ricci-Gagnon questionnaires were used to determine MSDs and to assess the level of PA, respectively. Results: The 12-month and 7-day prevalence of MSD (PMSD-12m and PMSD-7d) were 84.3% and 69.3%, respectively. The most affected body regions by MSDs were neck (PMSD-12m = 54.2%, PMSD-7d = 33.5%), lower back (PMSD-12m = 43%, PMSD-7d = 33%), and shoulders (PMSD-12m = 35%, PMSD-7d = 22.9%). Compared to female, males were protected against MSDs during the last 12 months (OR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.16-0.93; p = 0.04). The risk of MSDs during the last seven days was higher in teachers aged 30-40 years (OR = 2.86; 95% CI 1.14-7.14; p = 0.02) and 40-50 years (OR = 4.28; 95% CI 1.49-16.29; p = 0.008) than those under 30 years. This risk was tripled in inactive teachers (OR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.40-6.78; p = 0.005), compared to their active counterparts. Conclusion: MSDs are prevalent among secondary school teachers and associated with aging, gender, and lower level of PA.

Social Marketing Intervention to Engage Older Adults in Balance Workshops for Fall Prevention: A Multicenter Quasi-Experimental Protocol Study.

Background: Falls affects one of three people after 65 years old, and it can lead to serious consequences. Scientific evidence point out that physical exercise is the most efficient way to prevent falls among older adults. Objective: The main objective of this study is to determine if a social marketing program can increase the attendance rate of people aged 60 and over at group balance workshops. Methods: This quasi-experimental multicenter study is being conducted in three French Regions (Loire, Haute-Loire and Rhône) over a period of 18 months. The Social Marketing Campaign will be done in three ways. Firstly, a Communication Campaign will take place in the two Test Areas but not in the Control Area. Secondly, flyers have been designed to be distributed by local partners. Finally, conferences for older people will be organized in the areas of intervention in order to reach the target audience for the program. The study will include people aged 60 and older who want to participate in the Balance Program. Results: The Crédit Agricole Loire/Haute-Loire Foundation funded the study and the Jean Monnet University of Saint-Etienne reviewed it. The Ethics Committee of the University Teaching Hospital of Saint-Etienne approved and peer-reviewed it on September 6, 2019, under Reference Number IRBN622019/CHUSTE. Conclusion: The results of this first study will demonstrate whether or not social marketing for promoting group balance workshops in the elderly will increase their attendanceship in adapted physical activity sessions, especially those that prevent falls. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04136938, identifier NCT04136938.

Understanding Experiences of Fibromyalgia Patients Involved in the Fimouv Study During COVID-19 Lockdown.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic implied a period of lockdown for the general population, increasing the risk to develop some physical or mental disorders. In fibromyalgia patients, these disorders are part of the large clinical picture of the syndrome. Fibromyalgia management is especially based on a regular practice of physical activity. Lockdown imposed a break in rhythms, requiring a restructuring of scheduling. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the experiences of fibromyalgia patients during COVID-19 lockdown using a qualitative analysis. Method: 19 patients (52 ± 9 years old) who completed a 3-month therapeutic education and/or supervised physical activity program were invited to participate (Fimouv study, Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04107948). A sociologist collected data by means of semi-structured interviews and analyzed them using thematic content analysis. Results: Lockdown exacerbated the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, but adjusting the rhythms of life to fluctuations of these symptoms allowed a better quality of life. Patients felt the lack of physical activity and 68% found alternatives to remain physically active. The reduction of social constraints allowed them to better contend with their pathology. Fibromyalgia stopped being a main priority. Conclusion: Lockdown was positively experienced by fibromyalgia patients. They linked the absence of physical activity with increased pain and fatigue. Nevertheless, reducing social constraints could be a key for fibromyalgia management, where symptoms seemed to take less space in everyday life. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04107948.

Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Disorders among the Teaching Staff of the University of Douala, Cameroon: Association with Physical Activity Practice.

The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the teaching staff of the University of Douala and determine their association with physical activity (PA) practice. The Nordic questionnaire was used to assess MSDs. Ricci-Gagnon questionnaire was used to determine the level of PA. We recruited 104 participants mean-aged 42 ± 8 years, 80% male. Previous 7 days and 12 months prevalence were 56.7% and 80.8%, respectively. The most affected body regions were neck, shoulders and lower back. No significant association was found between MSDs and PA. Celibacy was significantly associated with previous 7-days MSDs (p = 0.048) while age ≥ 45 years and job seniority ≥ 10 years were significantly associated with a reduced risk of previous 12-months MSDs (p = 0.039 and p = 0.016, respectively). The prevalence of MSDs among university of Douala teaching staff showed no significant effect with the practice of PA.

[Compliance with recommendations during a stay in follow-up and rehabilitation care in the elderly, comparison of three intervention strategies]. / SSR, observance des recommandations : trois stratégies d'intervention.

The objective of this study was to compare three hierarchical intervention strategies of an educational program for the prevention of falls in elderly people in a follow-up and rehabilitation care facility, and to evaluate the compliance with the recommendations related to extrinsic risk factors for falls, behavioral and environmental.