RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The shared provider responsibility between married couples does not translate to equally shared division of childcare (CC) and household labor. While some marriages contain highly positive aspects, marriages may also simultaneously contain both positive and negative aspects. The negativity in these relationships can negate the positivity and could potentially lead to the detriment of mothers' health. PURPOSE: We examined mothers' ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) associated with their marital relationship quality and perceived equity with her spouse on CC and household tasks. METHODS: We investigate these associations using a mixed multilevel model analysis on a sample of 224 mothers in heterosexual marriages, all of whom had children under the age of 18 years currently living in the home. RESULTS: Mothers' perception of equity in the division of CC responsibilities contributed to lower ABP. Additionally, mothers in supportive marital relationships (low negativity and high positivity) had lower ABP than those in ambivalent relationships (both high negativity and positivity). There was a crossover interaction such that the effect of relationship quality on ABP was moderated by the perception of equity in the division of CC. For mothers who report doing all the CC, they had lower ABP if they had a supportive marital relationship compared with mothers in ambivalent relationships. Whereas mothers who report more equity in CC and have a supportive relationship have higher ABP compared with mothers in ambivalent relationships. CONCLUSIONS: This study has implications related to dynamics within marital relationships. These results demonstrate important relational influences on mothers' ABP.
Married mothers disproportionately shoulder the responsibilities of childcare (CC) and household labor. This inequity of the division of family responsibilities can negatively affect the relationship between husbands and wives with marital satisfaction being higher when the load is more equally shared between partners. Additionally, marital satisfaction is associated with numerous health benefits including lower blood pressure. We examined mothers' ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) associated with their marital relationship quality and perceived equity with her spouse on CC and household tasks on a sample of 224 mothers in heterosexual marriages. Mothers' perception of equity in the division of CC responsibilities contributed to lower ABP. Additionally, mothers in supportive marital relationships had lower ABP than those reporting less supportive relationships. There was an interaction between the perception of equity in the division of CC and the effect that relationship quality had on mothers' ABP. Mothers who reported doing all the CC had lower ABP if they had a supportive marital relationship compared with mothers in less supportive relationships. Whereas mothers who reported more equity in CC and had a supportive relationship had higher ABP compared with mothers in less supportive relationships.
Assuntos
Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Casamento , Feminino , Criança , Humanos , Adolescente , Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Comportamento Social , MãesRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Cancer impacts both patients and their family caregivers. Evidence suggests that caregiving stress, including the strain of taking on a new role, can elevate the risk of numerous health conditions, including high blood pressure (BP). However, the caregiver's psychosocial experiences, including their interpersonal relationship with the patient, may buffer some of the negative physiological consequences of caregiving. PURPOSE: To examine the influence of psychosocial contextual variables on caregiver ambulatory BP. METHODS: Participants were 81 spouse-caregivers of patients with advanced gastrointestinal or thoracic cancer. For an entire day at home with the patient, caregivers wore an ambulatory BP monitor that took readings at random intervals. Immediately after each BP reading, caregivers reported on physical circumstances (e.g., posture, activity) and psychosocial experiences since the last BP measurement, including affect, caregiver and patient disclosure, and role perceptions (i.e., feeling more like a spouse vs. caregiver). Multilevel modeling was used to examine concurrent and lagged effects of psychosocial variables on systolic and diastolic BP, controlling for momentary posture, activity, negative affect, and time. RESULTS: Feeling more like a caregiver (vs. spouse) was associated with lower systolic BP at the same time point. Patient disclosure to the caregiver since the previous BP reading was associated with higher diastolic BP. No lagged effects were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Caregivers' psychosocial experiences can have immediate physiological effects. Future research should examine possible cognitive and behavioral mechanisms of these effects, as well as longer-term effects of caregiver role perceptions and patient disclosure on caregiver psychological and physical health.
Assuntos
Cuidadores , Neoplasias , Pressão Sanguínea , Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Cuidadores/psicologia , Comunicação , Humanos , Neoplasias/psicologia , Estresse Psicológico/psicologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Despite the well-established association between self-rated health (SRH) and health, little is known about the potential psychobiological mechanisms responsible for such links and if these associations differ by age. The main goals of this study were to investigate the links between SRH and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP), if age moderated the risk, and the health behavior/affective mechanisms responsible for such links. METHODS: A total of 188 men and women (94 married couples; ages, 18-63 years) completed a standard measure of SRH and a 1-day ABP assessment. Multilevel models were run to examine whether SRH was associated with daily ABP and whether these links were moderated by age. The Monte Carlo method was used to construct confidence intervals for mediation analyses. RESULTS: Results indicated that poor SRH was associated with higher ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP; b = 3.14, SE = 0.68, p < .001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; b = 1.34, SE = 0.43, p = .002) levels. Age also moderated the links between SRH and ambulatory SBP (b = 0.19, SE = 0.08, p = .011) and DBP (b = 0.14, SE = 0.05, p = .004), with links being stronger in relatively older individuals. However, only daily life negative affect significantly mediated the age by SRH interaction for both ambulatory SBP and DBP. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the potential psychobiological mechanisms linking SRH to longer-term health outcomes. Such work can inform basic theory in the area as well as intervention approaches that target such pathways.
Assuntos
Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Autoavaliação Diagnóstica , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Adolescente , Adulto , Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Feminino , Nível de Saúde , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Cônjuges , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to substantial public discussion. Understanding these discussions can help institutions, governments, and individuals navigate the pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze discussions on Twitter related to COVID-19 and to investigate the sentiments toward COVID-19. METHODS: This study applied machine learning methods in the field of artificial intelligence to analyze data collected from Twitter. Using tweets originating exclusively in the United States and written in English during the 1-month period from March 20 to April 19, 2020, the study examined COVID-19-related discussions. Social network and sentiment analyses were also conducted to determine the social network of dominant topics and whether the tweets expressed positive, neutral, or negative sentiments. Geographic analysis of the tweets was also conducted. RESULTS: There were a total of 14,180,603 likes, 863,411 replies, 3,087,812 retweets, and 641,381 mentions in tweets during the study timeframe. Out of 902,138 tweets analyzed, sentiment analysis classified 434,254 (48.2%) tweets as having a positive sentiment, 187,042 (20.7%) as neutral, and 280,842 (31.1%) as negative. The study identified 5 dominant themes among COVID-19-related tweets: health care environment, emotional support, business economy, social change, and psychological stress. Alaska, Wyoming, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Florida were the states expressing the most negative sentiment while Vermont, North Dakota, Utah, Colorado, Tennessee, and North Carolina conveyed the most positive sentiment. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified 5 prevalent themes of COVID-19 discussion with sentiments ranging from positive to negative. These themes and sentiments can clarify the public's response to COVID-19 and help officials navigate the pandemic.
Assuntos
Infecções por Coronavirus/economia , Infecções por Coronavirus/psicologia , Coleta de Dados , Aprendizado de Máquina , Pandemias/economia , Pneumonia Viral/economia , Pneumonia Viral/psicologia , Opinião Pública , Mídias Sociais/estatística & dados numéricos , COVID-19 , Infecções por Coronavirus/epidemiologia , Humanos , Pneumonia Viral/epidemiologia , Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Higher quality relationships have been linked to improved outcomes; however, the measurement of relationship quality often ignores its complexity and the possibility of co-occurring positivity and negativity across different contexts. The goal of this study is to test the added benefit of including multiple dimensions, contexts, and perspectives of relationship quality from both individuals in predicting marital functioning. The Social Relationships Index assessed positive and negative dimensions of relationship quality under neutral, positive, and support-seeking contexts for 183 heterosexual married couples. Models showed that the inclusion of multiple dimensions of relationship quality across all three contexts improved prediction of marital functioning for both women and men. The use of multidimensional multicontextual relationship quality assessments is highly recommended.
Assuntos
Relações Interpessoais , Cônjuges/psicologia , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infects millions of men and women annually and is a substantial contributing factor in many cancers including oral, penile, anal, and cervical. Vaccination can reduce risk but adherence nationwide and, particularly in highly religious states, is suboptimal. Religious principles of abstinence before marriage and total fidelity following marriage may create a belief of protection through adherence to religious guidelines. However, while one partner may remain monogamous, one cannot be assured of their partner's behavior both before and after marriage. These misconceptions may create a barrier to religious youth's adherence to vaccine recommendations. METHODS: We sampled single young adults, age 18 to 25 years, from a Christian university classified as highly religious and a university not categorized as highly religious. RESULTS: Highly religious young adults demonstrated low knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccination. High religious beliefs were associated with lower HPV vaccination adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the role religious beliefs have on vaccine adherence can help in the creation of campaigns that specifically address these issues. Campaigns to increase vaccination should address misconceptions of religious youth's feelings of imperviousness to sexually transmitted diseases.
Assuntos
Cristianismo/psicologia , Conhecimentos, Atitudes e Prática em Saúde , Infecções por Papillomavirus/prevenção & controle , Vacinas contra Papillomavirus , Aceitação pelo Paciente de Cuidados de Saúde , Religião e Psicologia , Neoplasias do Colo do Útero/prevenção & controle , Vacinação/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto JovemRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Marriage is associated with lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but quality matters. Marriages characterized by ambivalent behaviors (containing both highly positive and highly negative behaviors concurrently) may not confer the same cardiovascular benefits as characterized by purely positive behavior. Ambivalence is assumed to take time to develop but couples in the early years of marriage may already exhibit ambivalent behaviors and thus be at increased risk for future cardiovascular events. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of spouse and own ambivalent behavior, the impact on interpersonal (i.e., responsiveness, disclosure, affective interactions) processes, and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in individuals in the early years of marriage. METHODS: In 84 young married couples, objective and subjective ambivalence, interpersonal functioning, and ABP over a 24-hr period were assessed. RESULTS: As predicted, ambivalence developed early in marriage. Regarding interpersonal processes, spousal and own objective ambivalent behavior was associated with lower spousal responsiveness (p < .01), disclosure (p < .05), and more negative (p < .03) and less positive interactions (p < .001). Physiologically, ambivalent spousal behavior was associated with higher systolic blood pressure (p = .02) and higher diastolic blood pressure (p = .04). Measures of subjective ambivalence were congruent. CONCLUSIONS: Early marriages already contain ambivalent behavior; in such cases, individuals may not receive the cardiovascular protection of a supportive marriage.
Assuntos
Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Emoções/fisiologia , Relações Interpessoais , Cônjuges , Adulto , Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Casamento , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Ambivalent social ties, i.e., whereby a relationship is evaluated simultaneously in positive and negative terms, are a potential source of distress and can perturb health-relevant biological functions. Social interactions at the workplace, in particular with supervisors, are often described in ambivalent terms, but the psychological and psychobiological impact of such interactions has received little scientific attention. The current study examined associations between ambivalent attitudes towards one's supervisor, perceived distress (general and work-related), and diurnal dynamics of the stress hormone cortisol. 613 employees evaluated their supervisor in terms of positive and negative behaviors, which was combined into an ambivalent index. Higher ambivalence was associated with higher perceived distress and work-related stress (p < .001), and with a larger cortisol awakening response and higher day-time secretion post-awakening (p < .01). The present study is the first to identify ambivalence towards supervisors as a predictor of employee distress and stress-related endocrine dysregulation. In consequence, focusing solely on positive or negative leader behavior may insufficiently capture the true complexity of workplace interactions and attempts to compensate negative behaviors with positive are unlikely to reduce distress-but quite the opposite-by increasing ambivalence.
Assuntos
Afeto/fisiologia , Hidrocortisona/análise , Liderança , Estresse Ocupacional/psicologia , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estresse Ocupacional/fisiopatologia , Saliva/química , Local de Trabalho/psicologiaRESUMO
Genetic test results have important implications for close family members. Indeterminate negative results are the most common outcome of BRCA1/2 mutation testing. Little is known about family members' understanding of indeterminate negative BRCA1/2 test results. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate how daughters and sisters received and understood genetic test results as shared by their mothers or sisters. Participants included 81 women aged 40-74 with mothers or sisters previously diagnosed with breast cancer and who received indeterminate negative BRCA1/2 test results. Participants had never been diagnosed with breast cancer nor received their own genetic testing or counseling. This Institutional Review Board-approved study utilized semi-structured interviews and surveys. Descriptive coding with theme development was used during qualitative analysis. Participants reported low amounts of information shared with them. Most women described test results as negative and incorrectly interpreted the test to mean there was no genetic component to the pattern of cancer in their families. Only seven of 81 women accurately described test results consistent with the meaning of an indeterminate negative. Our findings demonstrate that indeterminate negative genetic test results are not well understood by family members. Lack of understanding may lead to an inability to effectively communicate results to primary care providers and missed opportunities for prevention, screening, and further genetic testing. Future research should evaluate acceptability and feasibility of providing family members letters they can share with their own primary care providers.
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Neoplasias da Mama/diagnóstico , Genes BRCA1 , Genes BRCA2 , Adulto , Idoso , Neoplasias da Mama/genética , Comunicação , Aconselhamento , Família/psicologia , Feminino , Aconselhamento Genético/métodos , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Testes Genéticos/métodos , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Núcleo Familiar , Irmãos , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
This study examined the role of relationship quality on physical and psychological health among older adults. It included 2,298 adults aged 50 and older who participated in the Midlife in the US national longitudinal study of health and well-being. We assessed the effect of spousal support and strain on psychological and physical health, controlling for age, education, income, depression levels and prior health. Results indicated that spousal support and strain affected psychological health but not physical health. Despite prior research showing an association between marital quality and physical health, this study did not support the conceptualization that relationship quality measured by spousal support or strain has a direct effect on long-term health in this sample of older adults. This study does not preclude the presence of a mediated or moderated association between relationship quality and physical health. Higher levels of spousal support are associated with positive psychological health among adults over age 50 while spousal strain is associated with negative psychological health. This study supports the premise that relationship quality has an ongoing impact on the psychological health of mature adults, bolstering arguments to include psychological health screening and couples relationship education among health services provided to older adults.
Assuntos
Nível de Saúde , Saúde Mental , Cônjuges/psicologia , Adaptação Psicológica , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Feminino , Humanos , Estudos Longitudinais , Masculino , Casamento/psicologia , Casamento/estatística & dados numéricos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Apoio Social , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Estados UnidosRESUMO
The shared social context created in a marriage may be important in motivating engagement in health behaviors, but spousal influence may not be uniformly applied. Our goal was to examine how spouses discuss health behaviors relevant for colorectal cancer (CRC) risk-reduction to better understand how spouses exert or fail to exert influence. In this pilot study, first degree relatives of CRC patients and their spouses completed demographic and self-reported health questionnaires. After a genetic counseling session regarding risk and risk reduction, couples engaged in a semi-structured discussion task to discuss lifestyle choices they currently undertake or could undertake to reduce risk. Demographic and health data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Using a directed content analysis based on the transtheoretical model of behavior change, we coded discussion transcripts for depth and direction of talk for seven behavioral CRC risk factors. Spouses engaged in several strategies to reduce their risk for CRC, and problem-solved together to increase these preventative efforts. All couples mentioned diet and exercise as important factors in CRC risk; however, other risk factors received less attention. Despite evidence of support and encouragement, spouses ignored, minimized, or negated the importance of some health behaviors. Spousal influence could be an important tool to improve participation in health behaviors, but more guidance may be necessary to hold couples accountable to evidence-based guidelines to reduce risk. Health care providers should address couples as a unit to assess and address health behaviors.
Assuntos
Neoplasias Colorretais/prevenção & controle , Comunicação , Comportamento de Redução do Risco , Apoio Social , Cônjuges , Anti-Inflamatórios não Esteroides/uso terapêutico , Aspirina/uso terapêutico , Dieta , Dieta Saudável , Detecção Precoce de Câncer , Exercício Físico , Feminino , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Humanos , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , Casamento , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Motivação , Sobrepeso , Projetos Piloto , Resolução de Problemas , Fatores de Risco , Fumar , Meio Social , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Understanding the pathways by which interventions achieve behavioral change is important for optimizing intervention strategies. PURPOSE: We examined mediators of behavior change in a tailored-risk communication intervention that increased guideline-based colorectal cancer screening among individuals at increased familial risk. METHODS: Participants at increased familial risk for colorectal cancer (N = 481) were randomized to one of two arms: (1) a remote, tailored-risk communication intervention (Tele-Cancer Risk Assessment and Evaluation (TeleCARE)) or (2) a mailed educational brochure intervention. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling showed that participants in TeleCARE were more likely to get a colonoscopy. The effect was partially mediated through perceived threat (ß = 0.12, p < 0.05), efficacy beliefs (ß = 0.12, p < 0.05), emotions (ß = 0.22, p < 0.001), and behavioral intentions (ß = 0.24, p < 0.001). Model fit was very good: comparative fit index = 0.95, root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.05, and standardized root-mean-square residual = 0.08. CONCLUSION: Evaluating mediating variables between an intervention (TeleCARE) and a primary outcome (colonoscopy) contributes to our understanding of underlying mechanisms that lead to health behavior change, thus leading to better informed and designed future interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT01274143.
Assuntos
Colonoscopia/psicologia , Neoplasias Colorretais/psicologia , Comportamentos Relacionados com a Saúde , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto/métodos , Adulto , Idoso , Detecção Precoce de Câncer/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Modelos Psicológicos , Adulto JovemRESUMO
The prevalence and chronic nature of arthritis make it the most common cause of disability among U.S.A adults. Family support reduces the negative impact of chronic conditions generally but its role in pain and depression for arthritic conditions is not well understood. A total of 844 males (35.0%) and 1567 females (65.0%) with arthritic conditions (n = 2411) were drawn from the 2012 Health and Retirement Study to examine the effect of family support on pain and depressive symptoms. Using regression analysis and controlling for age, ethnicity, gender, marital/educational status and employment/income, physical function/disability status, pain and antidepressant medications, and other clinical indicators of chronic health conditions, we examined the effects of family support (spouse, children, other) on pain and depression levels. Results indicated that depressive symptoms decreased significantly with strong family and spousal support (p < .05). Pain decreased as support levels increased, but was non-statistically significant. This study provides new insights into the relationship between family support, pain, and depression for individuals with arthritis. Future longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate family support and relationships over a wider spectrum of demographics.
Assuntos
Envelhecimento/psicologia , Artralgia/psicologia , Artrite/psicologia , Depressão/psicologia , Família/psicologia , Apoio Social , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Artralgia/epidemiologia , Artrite/epidemiologia , Depressão/epidemiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Estados Unidos/epidemiologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic status is robustly associated with rates of death and disease. Psychophysiological stress processes are thought to account for a portion of this association. PURPOSE: Although positive and supportive relationships can buffer psychophysiological stress responses, no studies have examined whether the quality of a primary adult relationship-marriage-may buffer the negative association between socioeconomic status and stress-related disease processes. METHODS: The current study examines the interaction between income and marital quality (supportive vs. ambivalent) on individuals' daily ambulatory blood pressure, a valid and reliable indicator of cardiovascular risk. RESULTS: Results revealed that supportive marital relationships buffered the otherwise higher ambulatory diastolic blood pressure associated with low income. CONCLUSIONS: Results are consistent with the buffering hypothesis of social support and suggest that a supportive spouse may buffer stress-related autonomic processes linking low socioeconomic status to risk for cardiovascular disease.
Assuntos
Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Casamento/psicologia , Classe Social , Adulto , Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Socioeconômicos , Cônjuges/psicologia , Estresse Psicológico/fisiopatologia , Estresse Psicológico/psicologiaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Relatives of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are at increased risk for the disease, yet screening rates still remain low. Guided by the Extended Parallel Process Model, we examined the impact of a personalized, remote risk communication intervention on behavioral intention and colonoscopy uptake in relatives of CRC patients, assessing the original additive model and an alternative model in which each theoretical construct contributes uniquely. METHODS: We collected intention-to-screen and medical record-verified colonoscopy information on 218 individuals who received the personalized intervention. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling showed poor main model fit (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.109; standardized root mean residual (SRMR) = 0.134; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.797; Akaike information criterion (AIC) = 11,601; Bayesian information criterion (BIC) = 11,884). However, the alternative model (RMSEA = 0.070; SRMR = 0.105; CFI = 0.918; AIC = 11,186; BIC = 11,498) showed good fit. Cancer susceptibility (B = 0.319, p < 0.001) and colonoscopy self-efficacy (B = 0.364, p < 0.001) perceptions predicted intention to screen, which was significantly associated with colonoscopy uptake (B = 0.539, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide support of the utility of Extended Parallel Process Model for designing effective interventions to motivate CRC screening in persons at increased risk when individual elements of the model are considered. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Marriage decreases cardiovascular morbidity although relationship quality matters. While some marriages contain highly positive aspects (supportive), marriages may also simultaneously contain both positive and negative aspects (ambivalent). Individuals whose spouses or own behavior is ambivalent may not experience the same cardiovascular-protective benefits of marriage. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to elucidate the physiological pathways by which marital quality may influence long-term health and examine ambivalent behavior on interpersonal-functioning and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP). METHODS: Interpersonal functioning and ABP were examined in 94 couples. RESULTS: Spousal and own ambivalent behavior was associated with lower intimacy (ps < .01) and higher systolic ABP (ps < .01). Spousal ambivalent behavior was associated with lower ratings of partner responsiveness (p < .01) and less self- and spousal-disclosure (ps < .05). Mediational analyses indicated that own behavior mediated links between spousal ambivalent behavior and ABP. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the positivity in relationships, individuals whose spouses' or own behavior is ambivalent may not receive cardiovascular protection from this positivity.
Assuntos
Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Relações Interpessoais , Cônjuges/psicologia , Adolescente , Adulto , Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Epidemiological research suggests that different indicators of socioeconomic status (SES) such as income and education may have independent and/or interactive effects on health outcomes. In this study, we examined both simple and more complex associations (i.e., interactions) between different indicators of SES and ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) during daily life. Our sample consisted of 94 married couples who completed a one-day ABP protocol. Both income and education were independently related to systolic blood pressure and only income was significantly related to diastolic blood pressure. There were also statistical interactions such that individuals with high levels of both income and education evidenced the lowest ABP. Gender moderated these findings. Three-way interactions revealed that, in general, women appear to benefit from either indicator of SES, whereas men appear to benefit more from income. The findings are consistent with epidemiological research and suggest one important physiological mechanism by which income and education may have independent and interactive effects on health.
Assuntos
Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Escolaridade , Renda/estatística & dados numéricos , Classe Social , Adolescente , Adulto , Análise de Variância , Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Fatores Sexuais , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Marital relationships offer health benefits, including a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, quality of the relationship matters; ambivalent behaviors may increase CVD risk by affecting blunted nocturnal blood pressure (BP) dipping. This study tracked daytime and nocturnal SBP and DBP in 180 normotensive individuals (90 couples; participant mean age 25.04; 91.58% white) over a 24 h period using ambulatory blood pressure monitors to explore the impact of martial quality. Results showed that perceptions of spousal ambivalence were associated with blunted nocturnal BP dipping. Perceptions of one's own behavior as ambivalent also showed blunted nocturnal dipping. When in an ambivalent relationship, a gender interaction was found such that women were most likely to have blunted SBP dipping, but men were more likely to have blunted nocturnal DBP dipping. Overall, this study found an association between ambivalence and BP dipping, thus uncovering one virtually unexplored pathway by which marital relationships may have adverse effects on health.
Assuntos
Pressão Sanguínea , Casamento , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Adulto , Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Casamento/psicologia , Adulto Jovem , Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Sono/fisiologia , Ritmo Circadiano/fisiologia , Cônjuges/psicologiaRESUMO
Close relationships have been linked to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. More research is needed, however, on the social and biological processes responsible for such links. In this study, we examined the role of relationship-based attitudinal processes (i.e., attitude familiarity and partner importance) on ambulatory blood pressure during daily life. Forty-seven married couples completed a questionnaire regarding their own attitudes, perceptions of their partner's attitudes, and perceptions of partner importance. They also underwent a 1-day ambulatory assessments of daily spousal interactions and blood pressure. Partner importance was related to better interpersonal functioning (e.g., partner responsiveness) and lower ambulatory systolic blood pressure. More interestingly, partner importance moderated the links between attitude familiarity and both ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure. This statistical interaction revealed that simply knowing a partner's attitudes was not enough as partner knowledge was primarily related to lower ambulatory blood pressure when they were also viewed as more important. These data are discussed in light of how attitude familiarity and spousal importance may jointly influence health outcomes and the social-cognitive mechanisms potentially responsible for such links.
Assuntos
Atitude , Pressão Sanguínea/fisiologia , Relações Interpessoais , Parceiros Sexuais , Cônjuges/psicologia , Adulto , Monitorização Ambulatorial da Pressão Arterial , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Percepção , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The strong association between family history and prostate cancer (PCa) suggests a significant genetic contribution, yet specific highly penetrant PCa susceptibility genes have not been identified. Certain single-nucleotide-polymorphisms have been found to correlate with PCa risk; however uncertainty remains regarding their clinical utility and how to best incorporate this information into clinical decision-making. Genetic testing is available directly to consumers and both patients and healthcare providers are becoming more aware of this technology. Purchasing online allows patients to bypass their healthcare provider yet patients may have difficulty interpreting test results and providers may be called upon to interpret results. Determining optimal ways to educate both patients and providers, and strategies for appropriately incorporating this information into clinical decision-making are needed. METHODS: A mixed-method study was conducted in Utah between October 2011 and December 2011. Eleven focus group discussions were held and surveys were administered to 23 first-degree relatives of PCa patients living in Utah and 24 primary-care physicians and urologists practicing in Utah to present specific information about these assessments and determine knowledge and attitudes regarding health implications of using these assessments. RESULTS: Data was independently coded by two researchers (relative Kappa = .88; provider Kappa = .77) and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results indicated differences in attitudes and behavioral intentions between patient and provider. Despite the test's limitations relatives indicated interest in genetic testing (52%) while most providers indicated they would not recommend the test for their patients (79%). Relatives expected providers to interpret genetic test results and use results to provide personalized healthcare recommendations while the majority of providers did not think the information would be useful in patient care (92%) and indicated low-levels of genetic self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Although similarities exist, discordance between provider and patient attitudes may influence the effective translation of novel genomic tests into clinical practice suggesting both patient and provider perceptions and expectations be considered in development of clinical decision-support tools.