Young Adults' Hopes Regarding Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) Prevention and Management After the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Pandemic: Reflections From the NCD Child #YouthCOVIDCHAT Campaign.

PURPOSE: The SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic has left a massive global death toll in its wake. Associated restrictions, precautions and lockdowns have disrupted daily routines, which has been associated with social isolation and major health implications for the world's youth. This paper shares young adults' visions for life beyond the pandemic as it relates to the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). METHODS: NCD Child hosted a global Twitter campaign for young adults, some of whom are living with NCDs, to express their reflections on life beyond the pandemic. Contributions were subjected to qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: 52 responses from the campaign described six main themes: Health system strengthening; Access to care; Issues of sustainability, including the environment and the economy; Human rights, equity, and social issues; Mental health, and NCD prevention. DISCUSSION: Young adults expressed optimism about postpandemic life and emphasized the importance of comprehensive intersectoral approaches to create resilient health systems.

Estimating the effect of anticipated depression treatment-related stigma on depression remission among people with noncommunicable diseases and depressive symptoms in Malawi.

PURPOSE: While mental health stigma research is sparse in Malawi, research in other settings suggests that stigma represents a barrier to mental health treatment and recovery. Accordingly, we conducted an analysis to understand the role of treatment-related stigma in depression care in Malawi by estimating the effect of patients' baseline anticipated treatment-related stigma on their 3-month probability of depression remission when newly identified with depression. METHODS: We conducted depression screening and treatment at 10 noncommunicable disease (NCD) clinics across Malawi from April 2019 through December 2021. Eligible cohort participants were 18-65 years with depressive symptoms indicated by a PHQ-9 score ≥5. Questionnaires at the baseline and 3-month interviews included a vignette-based quantitative stigma instrument that measured treatment-related stigma, i.e., concerns about external stigma because of receiving depression treatment. Using inverse probability weighting to adjust for confounding and multiple imputation to account for missing data, this analysis relates participants' baseline levels of anticipated treatment stigma to the 3-month probability of achieving depression remission (i.e., PHQ-9 score < 5). RESULTS: Of 743 included participants, 273 (37%) achieved depression remission by their 3-month interview. The probability of achieving depression remission at the 3-month interview among participants with high anticipated treatment stigma (0.31; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.23, 0.39)) was 10 percentage points lower than among the low/neutral stigma group (risk: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.45; RD: -0.10; 95% CI: -0.19, -0.003). CONCLUSION: In Malawi, a reduction in anticipated depression treatment-related stigma among NCD patients initiating depression treatment could improve depression outcomes. Further investigation is necessary to understand the modes by which stigma can be successfully reduced to improve mental health outcomes and quality of life among people living with depression.

Expectativas en salud de las personas mayores que acuden a la atención primaria / Health expectations of older people attending primary care

INTRODUCCIÓN: Desde la última década se ha evidenciado el aumento de la población de personas mayores en Chile. Muchos de ellos son usuarios regulares del sistema público de salud el cual se caracteriza por entregar una atención de tipo integral. En este sentido, resulta relevante conocer los requerimientos en salud desde la perspectiva de las experiencias de las personas mayores con respecto al uso de este servicio. OBJETIDO: El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las expectativas de las personas mayores que asisten a los centros de APS. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Este es un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, donde la muestra fue de 13 personas mayores de 65 años y más, autovalentes, de tres centros APS, los cuales fueron entrevistados mediante instrumento semiestructurado, con análisis cualitativo de datos método que incluyó codificación abierta y focalizada. RESULTADOS: Las expectativas de las personas mayores fueron categorizadas como requerimiento de una atención profesional integral, oportunidad de atención, accesibilidad de la atención, promoción de salud sobre el autocuidado, explicación de cambios en el envejecimiento con enfoque biológico y alfabetización en salud. CONCLUSIONES: Las expectativas de las personas mayores en este estudio dan cuenta de una atención profesional integral poco efectiva, además de la necesidad de un trato especializado al grupo poblacional específico, no sólo de los profesionales, sino también del personal administrativo de los centros de APS, considerándolos una barrera en la calidad de la atención.

INTRODUCTION: Since the last decade there has been evidence of an increase in the population of older people in Chile. Many of them are regular users of the public health system (PHS) which is characterized by providing comprehensive care. In this sense, it is relevant to know the health requirements from the perspective of the experiences of the older people regarding the use of this health service. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the needs and expectations of older people attending PHS centers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It were a qualitative and descriptive study. The sample was compounded by 13 people over 65 years and over, self-sufficient, from three PHS centers. It was used a semi-structured instrument. RESULTS: The main needs of the elderly were categorized as a requirement for comprehensive professional care, the opportunity for care, accessibility of care, health promotion on self-care, explanation of changes in aging with a biological focus and health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: The needs and expectations of the older people in this study account for an ineffective comprehensive professional care, in addition to the need for specialized treatment of the specific population group, not only of professionals but also of the administrative staff of the centers of PHS, considering them a barrier in the quality of care.

Awareness of non-communicable diseases in women: a cross-sectional study.

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the major reason for death, morbidity, loss of independency and public health cost. NCD prevalence could be significantly reduced by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This cross-sectional cohort study (online survey) in 221 women aimed to assess NCD awareness, knowledge about NCD prevention and willingness to adopt a healthier lifestyle in women. Overall, NCD awareness level was quite high with, however, information mainly originating from lay media, probably being one reason for false estimations of age groups mainly affected by NCD, impact of NCD on quality of life, NCD mortalities, and the extent of NCD prevention by lifestyle interventions, respectively. Furthermore, also due to mainly lay media, half of women knew online NCD risk calculators, most of them would like to know their NCD risk, but only few had been offered NCD risk calculation by their physician. The mean threshold for willing to adopt a healthier lifestyle was a roughly calculated 37% 5-10 years risk to develop a certain NCD. Acceptance of non-pharmacological interventions for NCD prevention was high, however, major barriers for not implementing a healthier lifestyle were lack of expert information and lack of time. In conclusion, future public health strategies should focus on distributing better understandable and correct information about NCD as well as meeting the individuals' request for personalized NCD risk calculation. Furthermore, physicians should be better trained for personalized NCD prevention counseling.

Domínios analisados na avaliação da resiliência em indivíduos com doenças cardiovasculares crônicas: revisão de escopo / Domains analyzed in the assessment of resilience in individuals with chronic cardiovascular diseases: a scoping review / Dominios analizados en la evaluación de la resiliencia en individuos con enfermedades cardiovasculares crónicas: revisión de escopo

OBJETIVO: Mapear as evidências científicas sobre os instrumentos utilizados na avaliação da resiliência em indivíduos adultos com doenças cardiovasculares crônicas e explorar seus domínios. MÉTODO: Revisão de escopo para responder à questão: Quais os instrumentos ou questionários utilizados para avaliação da resiliência em indivíduos adultos com doenças cardiovasculares crônicas? Foi realizada pesquisa nas bases de dados LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, CINAHL e literatura cinzenta. Os estudos foram adicionados ao gerenciador Mendeley e a seleção realizada por dois revisores independentes (Kappa=0.86). RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 164 estudos e incluídos 14, sendo utilizados seis instrumentos para avaliação da resiliência. A avaliação da resiliência ocorreu em indivíduos com cardiopatia isquêmica, infarto do miocárdio, acidente vascular cerebral e insuficiência cardíaca. CONCLUSÃO: Os instrumentos não são adaptados para uso em indivíduos com doenças cardiovasculares crônicas. Faz-se necessária a formulação de instrumentos específicos que contemplem domínios individuais, mas que considerem o contexto social deste indivíduo.

OBJECTIVE: To map the scientific evidence on the instruments used to assess resilience in adult individuals with chronic cardiovascular disease, and explore their domains. METHOD: A scoping review to meet the question: What are the instruments or questionnaires used to assess resilience in adult individuals with chronic cardiovascular disease? The search was conducted in LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, CINAHL databases and the grey literature. Studies were uploaded to Mendeley and the selection was performed by two independent reviewers (Kappa=0.86). RESULTS: A total of 164 studies were identified and 14 were included; six instruments were used to assess resilience. The resilience assessment occurred in individuals with ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure. CONCLUSION: The instruments were not adapted for use in individuals with chronic cardiovascular diseases. The development of specific instruments that include individual domains and consider the social context of these individuals is necessary.

OBJETIVO: Mapear la evidencia científica sobre los instrumentos utilizados para evaluar la resiliencia en adultos con enfermedades cardiovasculares crónicas y explorar sus dominios. MÉTODO: Revisión de escopo para responder a la pregunta: ¿Que instrumentos o cuestionarios se utilizan para evaluar la resiliencia en personas adultas con enfermedades cardiovasculares crónicas? Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed, CINAHL y literatura gris. Los estudios fueron agregados al medidor Mendeley y la selección fue realizada por dos revisores independientes (Kappa=0.86). RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 164 estudios y se incluyeron 14, utilizando seis instrumentos para evaluar la resiliencia. La evaluación de la resiliencia se llevó a cabo en personas con cardiopatía isquémica, infarto del miocardio, accidente vascular cerebral e insuficiencia cardíaca. CONCLUSIÓN: Los instrumentos no están adaptados para su uso en personas con enfermedades cardiovasculares crónicas. Es necesario formular instrumentos específicos que contemplen dominios individuales, pero que consideren el contexto social de este individuo.

Suicidal Risk in Older Patients with Depression During COVID-19 Pandemic: a Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare older adults with late-life depression (LLD) and healthy controls in terms of suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to determine predictors of suicidal ideation. METHODS: Between March and April 2020, old adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder (single or recurrent episode) as defined by the DSM-5 were recruited from psychiatric clinics or inpatient wards, whereas 31 healthy older adults without a history of depression or other psychiatric illnesses were recruited from voluntary organisations or elderly community centres. Their depressive symptoms, perceived severity of the pandemic, perceived time spent on receiving related information, perceived health, levels of loneliness, perceived coping efficacy, suicidal ideation, and the level of symptomatic responses to a specific traumatic stressor in the past week were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 21 men and 43 women aged 61 to 89 years were interviewed through telephone by trained research assistants. Of them, 33 were older adults with LLD (cases) and 31 were healthy older adults (controls). Older people with LLD had a higher level of suicidal ideation than healthy controls, after controlling for the level of depression and medical comorbidity (F (1, 59) = 5.72, p = 0.020). Regression analyses showed that coping efficacy and loneliness accounted for a significant portion of the variance in suicidal ideation, and loneliness significantly predicted the level of stress. Mediation analyses reveal an indirect effect between group and suicidal ideation through coping efficacy (Z = 2.43, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Older people with LLD are at increased suicidal risk and require timely mental health support. Coping efficacy and loneliness are important predictors for suicidal ideation and stress.

Maintaining Sense of Purpose Following Health Adversity in Older Adulthood: A Propensity Score Matching Examination.

OBJECTIVES: Research has demonstrated sense of purpose predicts better health in older adulthood. However, work is limited with respect to understanding how experiencing a health event or illness diagnosis impacts older adults' sense of purpose. METHOD: The current study employed a propensity score matching approach to compare older adults who did or did not experience an adverse health event on changes in sense of purpose across 3 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. Sense of purpose was assessed at each wave, and changes were compared between people who did versus did not experience one of 7 diagnoses and health events. RESULTS: When propensity score matching was employed, no differences in trajectories of change for sense of purpose were found with respect to all 7 events. Individual differences in trajectories, however, were evidenced across groups. DISCUSSION: The current findings suggest that even when health events impact older adults' physical functioning or place limitations on their activity, they may hold little ramifications for their sense of purpose. Future research should consider this potential for resilience, focusing on how adults compensate for losses.

Health-related quality of life among adults living with HIV: a cross-sectional survey in Armenia.

Few studies have examined health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 180 PLWHIV aged 18 years+ in Armenia who were on cART and used the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey to assess HRQoL. The highest HRQoL domain score was 85.3 (SD 24.7) for physical functioning, followed by 82.1 (SD 25.0) for pain, 77.9 (SD 24.2) for social functioning, 76.4 (SD 39.6) for emotional role-functioning, 71.1 (SD 39.7) for physical role-functioning, and 64.0 (SD 20.3) for energy/fatigue, 63.7 (SD 22.7) for emotional well-being and 63.4 for general health 63.4 (SD 21.2). In the physical domain, chronic comorbidities and low emotional support were associated with worse physical functioning, physical role-functioning, general health and pain scores (p < 0.05). Unemployment and hepatitis C coinfection were associated with worse physical role functioning and pain scores (p < 0.01). As for mental HRQoL, we found that unemployment, chronic comorbidities, and lower emotional support were associated with poorer emotional well-being, energy, and emotional role-functioning scores (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that improved social support, employment opportunities, mental health services and integrated care for noncommunicable comorbidities may improve HRQoL in Armenia and similar settings.

A relação entre hipertensão arterial, ansiedade e estresse: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / La relación entre hipertensión arterial, ansiedad y estrés: una revisión bibliográfica integrativa / The relationship of high blood pressure, anxiety and stress: an integrative literature review

RESUMO. Este estudo teve por objetivo realizar uma revisão integrativa de literatura para verificar o que os estudos têm abordado sobre a relação entre estresse e ansiedade em pessoas hipertensas. Para tanto, o levantamento dos estudos foi realizado nas bases PsycINFO, Portal da Capes, Scielo e Medline BVS-PSI, utilizando os descritores 'hipertensão arterial' and 'estresse' and 'ansiedade', e seus correspondentes na língua inglesa 'arterial hypertension' and 'stress' and 'anxiety' e espanhola 'hipertensión' and 'estrés' and 'ansiedad', considerando os últimos seis anos (2013 a 2018). Foram selecionados 14 estudos. Os resultados foram agrupados em três categorias: a) o impacto causado pelo diagnóstico de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, b) fatores psicológicos associados à hipertensão arterial e c) relação saúde física versus saúde mental: uma questão também de método. Os resultados mostraram que ansiedade e estresse, além da depressão podem apresentar-se como aspectos moduladores da hipertensão arterial. Portanto, considera-se necessária a desmistificação da lógica cartesiana entre mente e corpo, para que sejam efetivadas ações de cuidado integral dos sujeitos e de promoção à saúde. Espera-se que os resultados obtidos reafirmem a importância de considerar os aspectos psicológicos e emocionais nas doenças crônicas e que estudos futuros com diferentes delineamentos sejam desenvolvidos na área da psicologia.

RESUMEN. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar una revisión bibliográfica integradora para verificar lo que los estudios han abordado sobre la relación entre estrés y ansiedad en personas hipertensas. Para ello, el levantamiento de los estudios fue realizado en las bases PsycINFO, Portal da Capes, Scielo y Medline BVS-PSI, utilizando los descriptores 'hipertensión arterial' y 'estrés' y 'ansiedad', y sus correspondientes en la lengua inglesa 'arterial hipertension' y 'ansiedad' y 'ansiedad', considerando los últimos seis años (2013 a 2018). Se seleccionaron 14 estudios. Los resultados fueron agrupados en tres categorías: a) el impacto causado por el diagnóstico de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, b) factores psicológicos asociados a la hipertensión arterial y c) Relación entre salud física y mental: una cuestión también de método. Los resultados mostraron que la ansiedad y el estrés, además de la depresión pueden presentarse como aspectos moduladores de la arterial hipertension. Por lo tanto, se considera necesaria la desmistificación de la lógica cartesiana entre mente y cuerpo, para que se efectúen acciones de cuidado integral de los sujetos y de promoción a la salud. Se espera que los resultados obtenidos reafirmen la importancia de considerar los aspectos psicológicos y emocionales en las enfermedades crónicas, y que estudios futuros con diferentes delineamientos se desarrollen en las demas áreas de salud, ademas del área médica.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to conduct an integrative literature review to verify which studies addressed the relationship between stress and anxiety in hypertensive patients. To do so, the study was carried out at the bases PsycINFO, Portal da Capes, Scielo and Medline BVS-PSI, using the descriptors 'arterial hypertension' and 'stress' and 'anxiety', and their correspondents in the English language 'arterial hypertension' and 'stress' and 'anxiety' and Spanish 'hypertension' and 'anxiety', considering the last six years (2013 to 2018). The results were grouped into three categories: a) The impact caused by the diagnosis of chronic non communicable diseases, b) Psychological factors associated with arterial hypertension and c) Deconstructing the dichotomy: physical health vs. mental health. The search resulted in the inclusion of 14 empirical studies. The results showed that anxiety and stress, in addition to depression, may present as modulatory aspects of arterial hypertension. Therefore, it is considered necessary the demystification of the cartesian logic between mind and body, so that actions of integral care of the subjects and promotion of health are carried out. It is hoped that the results obtained reaffirm the importance of considering the psychological and emotional aspects in chronic diseases, and that future studies with different designs be developed in the other areas of health, besides the medical area.

Impact of COVID-19 on loneliness, mental health, and health service utilisation: a prospective cohort study of older adults with multimorbidity in primary care.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the psychological health and health service utilisation of older adults with multimorbidity, who are particularly vulnerable. AIM: To describe changes in loneliness, mental health problems, and attendance to scheduled medical care before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN AND SETTING: Telephone survey on a pre-existing cohort of older adults with multimorbidity in primary care. METHOD: Mental health and health service utilisation outcomes were compared with the outcomes before the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong using paired t-tests, Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, and McNemar's test. Loneliness was measured by the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. The secondary outcomes (anxiety, depression, and insomnia) were measured by the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire, the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder tool, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Appointments attendance data were extracted from a computerised medical record system. Sociodemographic factors associated with outcome changes were examined by linear regression and generalised estimating equations. RESULTS: Data were collected from 583 older (≥60 years) adults. There were significant increases in loneliness, anxiety, and insomnia, after the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak. Missed medical appointments over a 3-month period increased from 16.5% 1 year ago to 22.0% after the onset of the outbreak. In adjusted analysis, being female, living alone, and having >4 chronic conditions were independently associated with increased loneliness. Females were more likely to have increased anxiety and insomnia. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial health of older patients with multimorbidity markedly deteriorated and missed medical appointments substantially increased after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Non-Communicable Diseases-Related Stigma: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review.

This systematic review examines and consolidates existing evidence on stigma associated with the top four non-communicable diseases (NCDs)-cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes-and its impact on the lives of people affected. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, PsycINFO, JSTOR, Science Direct, and Web of Science for original research in English that explored health-related stigma among people living with either of the four NCDs. A three-step integrative synthesis of data was conducted. Twenty-six articles (qualitative = 15; quantitative = 11) were selected, with most (n = 15) related to cancers, followed by diabetes (n = 7), chronic respiratory diseases (n = 3), and cardiovascular diseases (n = 1). Blame, shame, and fear were the main causes of stigma, the origin and nature of which differed according to the disease-specific features. The manifestations (enacted and felt stigma) and consequences (social, behavioral, psychological, and medical) of stigma across NCDs were similar. Inconsistencies existed in the conceptualization of stigma processes. To fill this gap, we developed an NCD-related stigma framework. People living with NCDs can experience stigma, which can negatively impact their health, management of their disease, and quality of life. The new framework can help in improving the understanding of the processes and experiences of stigma related to NCDs.

Behavioural activation therapy for depression in adults with non-communicable diseases.

BACKGROUND: Depression is common in people with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. The co-existence of depression and NCDs may affect health behaviours, compliance with treatment, physiological factors, and quality of life. This in turn is associated with worse outcomes for both conditions. Behavioural activation is not currently indicated for the treatment of depression in this population in the UK, but is increasingly being used to treat depression in adults. OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of behavioural activation compared with any control group for the treatment of depression in adults with NCDs. To examine the effects of behavioural activation compared with each control group separately (no treatment, waiting list, other psychological therapy, pharmacological treatment, or any other type of treatment as usual) for the treatment of depression in adults with NCDs. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CCMD-CTR, CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, four other databases, and two trial registers on 4 October 2019 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of behavioural activation for depression in participants with NCDs, together with grey literature and reference checking. We applied no restrictions on date, language, or publication status to the searches. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs of behavioural activation for the treatment of depression in adults with one of four NCDs: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions. Only participants with a formal diagnosis of both depression and an NCD were eligible. Studies were included if behavioural activation was the main component of the intervention. We included studies with any comparator that was not behavioural activation, and regardless of reported outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane, including independent screening of titles/abstracts and full-text manuscripts, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments in duplicate. Where necessary, we contacted study authors for more information. MAIN RESULTS: We included two studies, contributing data from 181 participants to the analyses. Both studies recruited participants from US hospital clinics; one included people who were recovering from a stroke and the other women with breast cancer. For both studies, the intervention consisted of eight weeks of face-to-face behavioural therapy, with one study comparing to poststroke treatment as usual and the other comparing to problem-solving therapy. Both studies were at risk of performance bias and potential conflict of interest arising from author involvement in the development of the intervention. For one study, risks of selection bias and reporting bias were unclear and the study was judged at high risk of attrition bias. Treatment efficacy (remission) was greater for behavioural activation than for comparators in the short term (risk ratio (RR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98 to 2.38; low-certainty evidence) and medium term (RR 1.76, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.08; moderate-certainty evidence), but these estimates lacked precision and effects were reduced in the long term (RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.23; moderate-certainty evidence). We found no evidence of a difference in treatment acceptability in the short term (RR 1.81, 95% CI 0.68 to 4.82) and medium term (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.25 to 3.10) (low-certainty evidence). There was no evidence of a difference in depression symptoms between behavioural activation and comparators (short term: MD -1.15, 95% CI -2.71 to 0.41; low-certainty evidence). One study found no difference for quality of life (short term: MD 0.40, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.96; low-certainty evidence), functioning (short term: MD 2.70, 95% CI -6.99 to 12.39; low-certainty evidence), and anxiety symptoms (short term: MD -1.70, 95% CI -4.50 to 1.10; low-certainty evidence). Neither study reported data on adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this review was not sufficient to draw conclusions on the efficacy and acceptability of behavioural activation for the treatment of depression in adults with NCDs. A future review may wish to include, or focus on, studies of people with subthreshold depression or depression symptoms without a formal diagnosis, as this may inform whether behavioural activation could be used to treat mild or undiagnosed (or both) depressive symptoms in people with NCDs. Evidence from low-resource settings including low- and middle-income countries, for which behavioural activation may offer a feasible alternative to other treatments for depression, would be of interest.

Cardiorenal metabolic biomarkers link early life stress to risk of non-communicable diseases and adverse mental health outcomes.

Stress is one of the most critical determinants of lifetime health and increases the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. To gain insight into underlying environment-gene interactions, we analyzed the cardiorenal metabolome of adult mice exposed to multidimensional early-life transportation stress. Using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, we show that early life stress permanently programs metabolic pathways in somatic organs linked to cardiorenal and mental health disorders in later life. Heart and kidneys of stressed mice revealed robust metabolic markers linked to abnormal energy metabolism, branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis and degradation, methylhistidine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycine and serine metabolism, and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. These markers were strongly associated with anxiety-like behaviours. Dysregulation of energy and protein metabolism suggests an increased risk of metabolic diseases like insulin resistance, cardiorenal syndrome, diabetes, and obesity. These findings provide novel insights into the direct effects of early life stress on cardiorenal metabolism and are consistent with prior observations of increased non-communicable disease risk in stressed populations. Thus, stress-associated metabolic signatures in somatic organs may provide early predictors of health risks in later life and reveal new candidates for peripheral biomarker detection with diagnostic value.

Trend in health-related quality of life and health utility and their decrements due to non-communicable diseases and risk factors: analysis of four population-based surveys between 1998 and 2015.

PURPOSE: To revisit the population norms of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health utility for the Hong Kong general population, compare these scores over past health surveys, and assess the association of scores with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors. METHODS: HRQoL data measured by the standard Short Form 12 Health Survey-version 2 (SF-12v2) were extracted from the surveys in 1998, 2003/2004, 2008/2009 and 2014/2015. SF-12v2 data were mapped to the Short-form 6-dimension (SF-6D) preference-based measure to generate the health utility scores. Population weighting based on the sex and age in the second quarter of 2015 was applied when generating population normative values. Linear regression models were fitted to assess the effect of the number of NCDs and modifiable lifestyle factors on HRQoL and health utility. RESULTS: The general population mean scores of SF-12v2 domains and SF-6D in 2014/15 were higher compared to past surveys. Linear increases in General Health, Vitality and Mental Health domains were observed from 1998 to 2014/15. More doctor-diagnosed NCDs, insufficient physical activity and fruit/vegetable consumption, poor sleep quality and insufficient or excessive amount of sleep (< 6/≥ 10 h) were all associated with worse physical- and mental-related HRQoL and health utility. CONCLUSION: This study compared HRQoL and health utility in the Hong Kong general population derived from multiple surveys and found an improving trend over twenty years. More NCDs were associated with worse HRQoL. It is suggested that promoting adequate physical activity, consumption of fruit/vegetable and 6-9 h of sleep could improve health.

A qualitative study on knowledge, perception, and practice related to non-communicable diseases in relation to happiness among rural and urban residents in Bhutan.

PURPOSE: Bhutan, known as a country of happiness, has experienced rapid social changes and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that can impact health and happiness. To inform future NCD prevention programs in Bhutan, this study explores knowledge, perception, and the practices of Bhutanese related to NCDs in the context of the philosophy of happiness. METHODOLOGY: Research was conducted in rural and urban communities of Bhutan in 2017 among 79 inhabitants of both genders, aged ≥18. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling with the data collected by in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Across participants, health was considered as an important element of "happiness". However, lifestyle-related NCD risk factors prevailed due to the lack of effective education programs on NCDs and thus the lack of practical knowledge for NCD prevention across society. We further found that the value of happiness "finding happiness in any situation is virtue" was universal as well as other traditional values and customs, shaping people's health behaviors. From these observations, it is recommended that more practical NCD education/prevention programs should be urgently introduced in Bhutan that involve multiple generations, religion authorities, educational settings, and medical services. ORIGINALITY: This is the first comprehensive qualitative study on the NCD-related lifestyle risks among Bhutanese concerning the concept of happiness.

Economic and humanistic burden associated with noncommunicable diseases among adults with depression and anxiety in the United States.

Aims: This study estimated the economic and humanistic burden associated with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCCDs) among adults with comorbid major depressive and/or any anxiety disorders (MDD and/or AAD).Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data (2010-2015). The analytic cohort included adults (≥18 years) with MDD only (C1), AAD only (C2), or both (C3). The presence of either of 6 NCCDs (cardiovascular diseases [CVD], pulmonary disorders [PD], pain, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity) were assessed. Study outcomes included healthcare costs, activity limitations, and quality of life. Multivariate regressions were conducted in each of the 3 cohorts to evaluate the association between the presence of NCCDs and outcomes.Results: The analytic sample included 9,160,465 patients: C1 (4,391,738), C2 (3,648,436), C3 (1,120,292). Pain (59%) was the most common condition, followed by CVD (55%), high cholesterol (50%), obesity (42%), PD (17%), and diabetes (14%). Mean annual healthcare costs were the greatest for C3 ($14,317), followed by C1 ($10,490) and C2 ($7,906). For C1, CVD was associated with the highest increment in annual costs ($3,966) followed by pain ($3,617). For C2, diabetes was associated with the highest incremental annual costs ($4,281) followed by PD ($2,997). For C3, cost trends were similar to those seen in C2. NCCDs resulted in a significant decrease in physical quality of life across all cohorts. Pain was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of self-reported physical, social, cognitive, and activity limitations compared to those without pain.Conclusions: 60% of patients with MDD and/or AAD had at least one additional NCCD, which significantly increased the economic and humanistic burden. These findings are important for payers and clinicians in making treatment decisions. These results underscore the need for development of multi-pronged interventions which aim to improve quality of life and reduce activity limitations among patients with mental health disorders and NCCDs.

Non-communicable Disease among Homeless Men in Nagoya, Japan: Relationship between Metabolic Abnormalities and Sociodemographic Backgrounds.

Objective To examine the degree of metabolic abnormalities and their association with the sociodemographic background or mental illness/cognitive disability among homeless men in Nagoya, Japan. Methods We interviewed 106 homeless men (aged 54.2±12.7 years) and measured their metabolic parameters. Mental illness and cognitive disability were diagnosed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III test, respectively. Associations between metabolic abnormalities and the sociodemographic background or mental illness/cognitive disability were analyzed. Results There were significant correlations of liver dysfunction (AST≥35 IU, ALT≥35 IU, γ-GTP≥75 IU), hypertension [systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mmHg], and dyslipidemia (HDL <40 mg/dL) with the history/duration of homelessness (over 2 times/year) and residence status (living on the streets). Although the mean body mass index (BMI), BP, HbA1c, and LDL in participants living in temporary residences were similar to those obtained from the general population data from National Health Nutrition Survey (NHNS) 2016, the systolic/diastolic BP in those living on the street was significantly higher than in the general population, and the HDL in those living in temporary residences was significantly lower than in those reported in the NHNS 2016 data. In the group with cognitive disability, the ALT, TG, and BMI values were significantly higher and the HDL level significantly lower in those living in temporary residences than in those living on the streets. Conclusion Stressful conditions while living on the streets may exacerbate hypertension and liver dysfunction, and unhealthy food habits when living in a temporary residence may exacerbate low HDL levels. In addition, an inability to self-manage due to cognitive disability may increase the ALT, TG, and BMI values. The provision of homeless people with the skills to sustain independent living conditions and ensure a healthy diet is required.

An international, Delphi consensus study to identify priorities for methodological research in behavioral trials in health research.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable chronic diseases are linked to behavioral risk factors (including smoking, poor diet and physical inactivity), so effective behavior change interventions are needed to improve population health. However, uptake and impact of these interventions is limited by methodological challenges. We aimed to identify and achieve consensus on priorities for methodological research in behavioral trials in health research among an international behavioral science community. METHODS: An international, Delphi consensus study was conducted. Fifteen core members of the International Behavioral Trials Network (IBTN) were invited to generate methodological items that they consider important. From these, the research team agreed a "long-list" of unique items. Two online surveys were administered to IBTN members (N = 306). Respondents rated the importance of items on a 9-point scale, and ranked their "top-five" priorities. In the second survey, respondents received feedback on others' responses, before rerating items and re-selecting their top five. RESULTS: Nine experts generated 144 items, which were condensed to a long-list of 33 items. The four most highly endorsed items, in both surveys 1 (n = 77) and 2 (n = 57), came from two thematic categories:"Intervention development" ("Specifying intervention components" and "Tailoring interventions to specific populations and contexts") and "Implementation" ("How to disseminate behavioral trial research findings to increase implementation" and "Methods for ensuring that behavioral interventions are implementable into practice and policy"). "Development of novel research designs to test behavioral interventions" also emerged as a highly ranked research priority. CONCLUSIONS: From a wide array of identified methodological issues, intervention development, implementation and novel research designs are key themes to drive the future behavioral trials' research agenda. Funding bodies should prioritize these issues in resource allocation.