Physical activity, health and well-being among a nationally representative population-based sample of middle-aged and older adults in India, 2017-2018

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the association between physical activity (PA) and health and well-being in middle-aged and older community-dwelling adults in India.

METHODS

The cross-sectional sample consisted of 72,262 individuals (≥45 years) from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 in 2017-2018. Logistic regression, adjusted for relevant confounders, was used to predict associations between PA levels and 23 health indicators.

RESULTS

In all 23.8% of participants were inactive, 12.9% had low, 7.6% moderate, and 55.7% high PA. In the final adjusted logistic regression analyses, higher PA levels were associated with better mental health (less insomnia symptoms, less depressive symptoms, less loneliness, and better cognitive functioning), and better well-being (self-rated health status, life satisfaction, happiness, functional ability, and hand grip strength). Moreover, moderate and/or high PA were negatively associated with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, chronic lung disease, vision impairment, cataract, chronic renal failure, and Alzheimer's disease/dementia. While in unadjusted analysis, moderate and/or high PA were protective against major depressive disorder and bone or joint diseases, this became non-significant in the adjusted model. PA was not significantly associated with abdominal obesity and cancer.

CONCLUSION

Overall, higher PA levels were positively associated with 10 of 11 mental health and well-being indicators as well as being protective against 9 of 12 chronic conditions.

Successful ageing among a national community-dwelling sample of older adults in India in 2017-2018

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of successful ageing in older community-dwelling adults in India. The cross-sectional sample included 21,343 individuals (≥ 65 years) from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 in 2017-2018. Successful ageing was assessed utilizing a multidimensional concept, including five components: (1) absence of major illness, (2) free of disability, (3) no major depressive disorder, (4) social engagement and (5) life satisfaction. Overall, 27.2% had successful ageing, including 83.3% had no major diseases, 51.0% free from disability, 91.8% had no major depressive disorder, 73.6% were socially engaged and 74.6% had high life satisfaction. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, male sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR 1.40, 95% Confidence Interval-CI 1.21-1.26), married (AOR 1.48, 95% CI 1.22-1.79), having formal education (AOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.23-1.74), high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.29-2.01), urban residence (AOR 1.42, 95% CI 1.19-1.70), Sikhs (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.38-2.24), high physical activity (AOR 1.65, 95% CI 1.38-1.97), and daily Yoga practice (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.11-1.61) increased the odds of successful ageing, while increasing age (AOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.79), poor childhood health (AOR: 0.47, 95% CI 0.29-0.75), and underweight (AOR 0.70, 95% CI 0.61-0.81) decreased the odds of successful ageing. Almost one in three older adults in India were successfully ageing. Factors associated with successful ageing included, male sex, married, having formal education, high subjective socioeconomic status, urban residence, Sikhs, physical activity, Yoga practice, younger age, good childhood health, and not having underweight.

Associations of loneliness with poor physical health, poor mental health and health risk behaviours among a nationally representative community-dwelling sample of middle-aged and older adults in India

OBJECTIVES

Loneliness may negatively impact on health outcomes. The study aimed to estimate the associations between loneliness and poor physical health, poor mental health, and health risk behaviours in middle-aged and older adults in a national population survey in India.

METHODS

The sample included 72,262 middle-aged and older adults from a cross-sectional national community-dwelling survey in India in 2017-2018.

RESULTS

Results indicate that the prevalence of moderate loneliness was 20.5%, and severe loneliness was 13.3%. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, moderate and/or severe loneliness was significantly positively associated with fair or poor self-rated health status, and significantly negatively associated with life satisfaction and cognitive functioning. Furthermore, loneliness was associated with stroke, angina, physical injury, difficulty of Activities of Daily Living, difficulties of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living and multi-morbidity. Loneliness increased the odds of major depressive disorder and insomnia symptoms. The associations between loneliness and current tobacco use and body mass index were negative and between loneliness and physical inactivity and underweight were positive.

CONCLUSIONS

Loneliness is associated with poor physical health, poor mental health and health risk behaviour (physical inactivity), emphasising the need to consider loneliness in various physical and mental health contexts.

Polysubstance use among national samples of in-school adolescents in Tonga and Vanuatu

The study aimed to provide estimates on current polysubstance use among adolescents in Tonga and Vanuatu. Cross-sectional and national school health survey data were analyzed from 5028 adolescents (mean age 15.4 years) in Tonga and Vanuatu in 2016-2017. Polysubstance use was defined as currently using two or three substances of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis. Results indicate that 72.9% of students reported zero current substance use, 14.5% single current substance use, and 12.6% current polysubstance use (2 or 3 types of substance use). In the adjusted multinational logistic regression analysis factors associated with current single and polysubstance included older adolescents (15-18 years or older), male sex, bullied, passive smoking, high psychological distress, and low peer support, whereby the associations with current polysubstance use were stronger than with current single substance use. In addition, parental tobacco use was associated with single substance use, and school truancy and frequent soft drink consumption (≥3 times/day) were associated with current polysubstance use, and high parental support was negatively associated with polysubstance use. More than one in ten of the participating students engaged in current polysubstance use. Several factors associated with current single and polysubstance use were found which can help in designing intervention strategies.

Health risk behaviours among adolescents in Argentina: trends between 2007, 2012 and 2018 national cross-sectional school surveys

Background

The aim of this study was to assess trends of various health risk behaviours among adolescents across three different surveys in Argentina.

Methods

Data from 115,697 adolescents (mean age:14.6 years, SD=1.2) that participated in three cross-sectional national school surveys in 2007, 2012 and 2018 were analysed. In all, 27 health risk behaviours were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. Significance of a linear trend was tested by treating study year as categorical variable in logistic regression analyses, adjusted by age group and food insecurity for boys and girls separately

Results

Among both sexes, four health risk behaviours (current cigarette use, passive smoking, trouble from alcohol use, and physically attacked) significantly reduced from 2007 to 2018. Among boys five health risk behaviours (experience of hunger, parental tobacco use, current alcohol use, involvement in physical fighting, and multiple sexual partners), and among girls, inadequate physical activity significantly reduced over time. Among both sexes, the prevalence of four health risk behaviours (overweight/obesity, obesity, leisure-time sedentary behaviour and insufficient fruit intake) significantly increased among both sexes, and among girls ten health risk behaviours (not walking/biking to school, current other tobacco use, bullying victimisation, lifetime drunkenness, having no close friends, suicide plan, suicidal ideation, worry-induced sleep disturbance, loneliness, and ever sexual intercourse) significantly increased over time.

Conclusion

Nine health risk behaviours among boys and five health risk behaviours among girls decreased, and four health risk behaviours among boys and 14 health compromising behaviours among girls increased over a period of 11 years. School health programmes for adolescents should be strengthened in Argentina.

Perceived discrimination and health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults in India: results of a national survey in 2017-2018

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to estimate the associations between perceived discrimination and poor physical health, poor mental health, and health risk behaviours in middle-aged and older adults in a national population survey in India.

METHODS

The sample included 72,262 middle-aged and older adults from a cross-sectional national community dwelling survey in India in 2017-2018.

RESULTS

The prevalence of moderate (1-2 types) perceived discrimination was 10.7%, and high (3-6 types) perceived discrimination was 6.6%. In the final adjusted logistic, linear or Poisson regression analyses, moderate and/or high perceived discrimination was significantly positively associated with poor mental health (low life satisfaction, poor cognitive functioning, insomnia symptoms, and depressive symptoms), poor physical health (pain conditions count, and functional limitations), and health risk behaviours (heavy episodic drinking and physical inactivity).

CONCLUSION

Perceived discrimination is associated with poor mental health, poor physical health, and health risk behaviour, emphasising the need to consider perceived discrimination in various physical and mental health contexts.

Utilization of complementary and traditional medicine practitioners among middle-aged and older adults in India: results of a national survey in 2017-2018

BACKGROUND

Lack of information exists about the use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) use among middle-aged and older adults in India, which led to studying the estimates of past-12-month Ayurveda/Yoga/Naturopathy/Unani/Siddha/Homeopathy (AYUSH) practitioner and traditional health practitioner (THP) utilization in India.

METHODS

The study included 72,262 individuals (45 years and older) from the cross-sectional 2017-2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1.

RESULTS

The prevalence of past 12-month AYUSH practitioner utilization was 6.5%, THP use 7.0%, and AYUSH or THP use 13.0%. The rate of AYUSH practitioner utilization was determined by older age (≥60 years) (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 1.20, 95% Confidence Interval-CI: 1.07-1.34), having pain (AOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.29-1.69), any bone or joint diseases (AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.35-1.82), current tobacco use (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.12-1.50), male sex (AOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.68-0.85), high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60-0.87), urban residence (AOR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57-0.88), diabetes (AOR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.55-0.81), chronic heart disease (AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37-0.73), and having a health insurance cover (AOR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.30-0.44). The rate of THP utilization was determined by depressive symptoms (AOR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.35), sleep problems (AOR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.08-1.51), having pain (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.55-2.15), current tobacco use (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.22-1.51), having health insurance cover (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.33-0.51), hypertension (AOR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71-0.95), diabetes (AOR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.39-0.65), urban residence (AOR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.19-0.34), and high subjective socioeconomic status (AOR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.58-0.85).

CONCLUSION

A moderate prevalence of AYUSH practitioner and THP use among middle-aged and older adults in India was found and several factors associated with AYUSH practitioner and THP use were identified.

Prevalence and associated factors of self-reported ischaemic heart disease and/or stroke: a cross-sectional nationally representative community-based study of adults in Malawi in 2017

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and/or stroke among adults in Malawi.

DESIGN

Population-based cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Nationally representative sample of general adult population in Malawi.

PARTICIPANTS

The sample included 4187 persons aged 18-69 years (32 years of median age) that participated in the '2017 Malawi STEPwise Approach to Non-Communicable Disease Risk-Factor Surveillance survey.'

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported history of IHD and/or stroke, along with biological, behavioural, psychosocial stress and sociodemographic covariates. Multivariable logistic regression calculated OR with 95% CI for IHD and/or stroke.

RESULTS

The prevalence of IHD and/or stroke was 6.5%, 4.4% among men and 8.4% among women. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age (50-69 years) (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.49, 95% CI 1.75 to 6.94), female sex (AOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.01), Chewa speaking (AOR 4.62, 95% CI 1.32 to 16.22), English speaking (AOR 5.63, 95% CI 1.43 to 22.19), suicidal ideation, plan and/or attempt (AOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.13) and sedentary behaviour (AOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.59) were associated with IHD and/or stroke. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, non-paid or unemployed, urban residence, overweight, obesity and having hypertension were associated with IHD and/or stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men aged 18-69 years had IHD and/or stroke in Malawi. Several risk and protective factors were found that can be targeted in population health interventions.

Past 12-month history of single and multiple suicide attempts among a national sample of school-going adolescents in Tonga

INTRODUCTION

Suicide attempt may be common among adolescents. Less is known about this in the Pacific Island country, Tonga. Therefore, this analysis estimated the frequency of suicide attempts as well as its associated factors among adolescents in Tonga.

METHOD

Cross-sectional data of 3333 adolescents (median age = 14 years) that took part in the "2017 Tonga Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)" were analyzed.

RESULTS

Almost one in seven students (16.5%) had attempted suicide in the past year (8.8% once and 7.7% more than once). Female sex, loneliness, having no close friends, often bullied, frequently in a physical fight, frequently truant from school, ever amphetamine use, and past-month tobacco use were associated with ≥2 suicide attempts. Multiple suicide attempts increased with an increase in psychosocial distress, health risk behaviors, and social-environmental factors.

CONCLUSION

Almost one in seven students attempted suicide in the past year and several risk variables were found.

Prevalence and correlates of suicidal behavior among a national population-based sample of adults in Kiribati

INTRODUCTION

Suicidal behavior is an underresearched cause of death in the Western Pacific region. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behavior in a population-based survey among 18-69 year-old persons in Kiribati.

METHOD

Cross-sectional nationally representative data of 2156 18-69 year old persons (37 years were the median age) from the "2015-16 Kiribati STEPS survey" were analyzed.

RESULTS

The results indicate that 5.1% of participants had ever attempted suicide and 9.5% engaged in past 12-month suicidal behavior (ideation, planning, and/or attempts). In adjusted logistic regression analysis, cohabiting, psychological distress, and having had a heart attack, angina, or stroke were associated with lifetime suicide attempts. Female sex, younger age, lower education, psychological distress, heart attack, angina or stroke, and high physical activity were positively associated with past 12-month suicidal behavior. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, alcohol family problems, alcohol dependence, family members attempted suicide, and sedentary behavior (3 to <6 hours/day) were associated with lifetime suicide attempts and/or past 12-month suicidal behavior.

CONCLUSION

Almost one in 10 participants were engaged in suicidal behavior in the past 12 months and several factors were detected which could be targeted in intervention activities.

Male Partner Involvement and Development of HIV-exposed Infants in Rural South Africa

Male partner involvement (MPI) during the prenatal and postnatal periods has been proven to have a beneficial effect on infant development. Infants born to HIV seropositive mothers with lacking or no prenatal and postnatal male partner support may be at a higher risk for adverse developmental outcomes. This study examined the effect of MPI on cognitive, communicative, fine, and gross motor development in 160 infants born to HIV seropositive mothers attending Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) services in rural South Africa. Results of the bivariate logistic regression showed that both prenatal (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.01, 1.26; p < 0.05) and postnatal MPI (at 12 months) (1.19; 1.07, 1.31; p < 0.005) were associated with risk for delayed gross motor development in HIV exposed infants. Decreased postnatal MPI (0.85; 0.75, 0.98; p < 0.05) was significantly associated with risk for delayed cognitive development. Not living together with a male partner (2.01; 1.06, 3.80; p < 0.05) was significantly associated with risk for delayed cognitive development. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, decreased postnatal MPI (0.85; 0.75, 0.98; p < 0.05) was significantly associated with risk for delayed cognitive development. On the other hand, postnatal MPI (1.30; 1.12, 1.50; p < 0.005) was associated with risk for delayed gross motor development among HIV exposed infants. Increased MPI can have beneficial effects on infants’ cognitive development. Interventions in PMTCT programs should promote increased prenatal and postnatal MPI to improve cognitive development in HIV exposed infants.

Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among a national population-based sample of adults in Solomon Islands

BACKGROUND

Psychological distress is an undersearched cause of poorer health in the Pacific island countries.

AIMS

The study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of psychological distress in a population-based survey among 18-69 year-old persons in Solomon Islands.

METHOD

Cross-sectional nationally representative data of 2,533 18-69 year-old persons (38 years were the median age) from the 2015 Solomon Islands STEPS survey were analysed.

RESULTS

The results indicate that 18.9% of participants had psychological distress (⩾20 scores), 13.4% had mild (20-24 scores), 4.3% moderate (25-29 scores) and 1.1% severe (30-50 scores) psychological distress. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, being divorced, separated, or widowed (AOR: 2.76, 95% CI: 1.60-4.78), having had a heart attack or stroke (AOR: 3.34, 95% CI: 2.23-4.99), alcohol dependence (AOR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.04-2.84), and sedentary behaviour (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.28-2.84), were positively and the consumption of 3-4 servings of fruit and vegetables (AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.42-0.92), were negatively associated with psychological distress (⩾20 scores). In addition, in a sex stratified adjusted logistic regression analysis among men, current smokeless tobacco use (AOR: 4.95, 95% CI: 1.66-14.75), was associated with psychological distress. Furthermore, in the overall unadjusted analysis, stop smoking attempts in the past 12 months and consumption of too much salt was associated with psychological distress.

CONCLUSION

Almost one in five participants were reported psychological distress and several factors were detected which could be targeted in intervention activities.

Elder abuse and health outcomes among community-dwelling older adults in India: results of a national survey in 2017-2018

The study aimed to estimate the associations between elder abuse and poor physical health, poor mental health, and health risk behaviors in older adults in a national community-based survey in India. The study sample included 31,477 older adults (≥60 years) from a cross-sectional national community dwelling survey in India in 2017-2018. Results indicate that the prevalence of elder abuse in the past 12 months was 5.2%. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, elder abuse was significantly positively associated with poor mental health and poor well-being (low life satisfaction, not happy, insomnia symptoms, depressive symptoms, loneliness, neurological or psychiatric problems, and lower self-rated health status), poor physical health (bone or joint disease, physical pain, gastrointestinal problems, incontinence, functional disability, underweight, and persistent headaches), fall and health care utilization. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, elder abuse was associated with poorer cognitive functioning, current tobacco use, and dizziness. Elder abuse among older adults in India is associated with poor physical health, poor mental health, and health care utilization, emphasizing the need to consider elder abuse in various physical and mental health contexts.

Ethnic and Gender Disparities in Healthy Ageing among People 50 Years and Older in South Africa

OBJECTIVE

this study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of healthy ageing in older adults living in the community in South Africa.

METHODS

the cross-sectional sample consisted of 3734 individuals (≥50 years) from the cross-sectional South African National Health and Nutrition Survey (SANHANES-1) in 2011-2012. Healthy ageing was assessed using a multidimensional concept, which includes five components: (1) absence of major illness, (2) absence of disability, (3) good mental health, (4) social engagement and (5) well-being or good health.

RESULTS

in general, 36.6% had a healthy ageing, including 73.3% had no major diseases, 87.1% were free of disability, 62.3% had good mental health, 73.0% were socially engaged and 64.0% had a high well-being. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, male sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio-AOR: 1.33, 95% confidence interval-CI: 1.03-1.72), white population group (AOR: 3.46, 95% CI: 2.29-5.22) and coloured population group (AOR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.34-2.47), were positively associated with healthy ageing, while increasing age (AOR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.97), daily tobacco use (AOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.42-0.74), perceived underweight (AOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.34-0.66) and perceived overweight (AOR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34-0.81) were negatively associated with associated with healthy ageing.

CONCLUSION

almost two in five older adults in South Africa were successfully ageing. Factors associated with healthy ageing included, younger age, male sex, population group (Whites, Coloureds), not daily tobacco users, not having underweight and overweight.

Geriatric Conditions and Functional Disability among a National Community-Dwelling Sample of Older Adults in India in 2017-2018

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of geriatric conditions and their association with disability in older community-dwelling adults in India. The cross-sectional sample consisted of 31,477 individuals (≥60 years) from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) Wave 1 in 2017–2018. Geriatric conditions assessed included injurious falls, impaired cognition, underweight, dizziness, incontinence, impaired vision and impaired hearing. More than two in five participants (44.3%) had no geriatric condition, 32.7% had one, 15.9% two and 7.1% had three or more geriatric conditions; 26.9% were underweight, 14.5% dizziness, 13.7% had impaired vision, 9.6% impaired hearing, 9.3% impaired cognition, 8.2% major depressive disorder, 5.7% injurious falls, 4.0% incontinence, and 7.4% had Activity of Daily Living (ADL) dependencies. In logistic regression analysis, adjusted by sociodemographic factors and the number of chronic conditions, we found a higher number of geriatric conditions, and a higher number of chronic conditions were associated with ADL dependencies. In a model adjusted for sociodemographic factors and the type of chronic conditions, we found that a higher number of geriatric conditions and heart disease, stroke, and bone or joint disorder were positively associated with ADL dependencies. The odds of ADL dependencies increased with impaired cognition, impaired vision, impaired hearing, and major depressive disorder. Impaired cognition, incontinence, impaired vision and major depressive disorder were positively associated with dressing, bathing, eating, transferring, and toileting dependency. In addition, impaired hearing was associated with transferring and toileting dependency. More than half of older adults in India had at least one geriatric condition. The prevalence of geriatric conditions was as high as the prevalence of chronic conditions, which in some cases were associated with disability. Geriatric conditions should be included in health care management.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Self-rated Oral Health among a National Population-based Sample of Adults in Sudan: Results of the 2016 STEPS Survey

PURPOSE

To estimate the prevalence and correlates of self-rated oral health (SROH) among adults in a national population-based survey in Sudan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nationally representative data were analysed from the cross-sectional 2016 Sudan STEPS survey. In all, 7722 18- to 69-year-old individuals (median age 31 years) were assessed with questions on SROH, physical measurements, and medical conditions.

RESULTS

The prevalence of poor SROH was 8.0%, with 12.4% among females and 4.4% among males. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, ages 50-69 years, higher household income, urban residence, pain in the teeth/mouth, impaired Oral Health Related Quality of Life, dental visit, having overweight or obesity and elevated total cholesterol were positively associated with poor SROH, and male sex, primary or less education and having 20 or more natural teeth were negatively associated with poor SROH. In addition, in the unadjusted analysis, having dentures, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, or heart attack were positively associated with SROH, and engaging in moderate or high physical activity were negatively associated with poor SROH.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost one in ten participants reported poor SROH. Several factors associated with poor SROH were found that can aid in designing programmes to improve SROH in Sudan.

Multiple behavioural risk factors of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in four Caribbean countries: prevalence and correlates

OBJECTIVES

The study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of behavioural risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents in four Caribbean countries.

CONTENT

In all 9,143 adolescents (15 years = median age) participated in the cross-sectional "2016 Dominican Republic, 2016 Suriname, 2017 Jamaica, and 2017 Trinidad and Tobago Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)". Eight behavioural risk factors of NCDs were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire.

SUMMARY

Prevalence of each behavioural NCD risk factor was physical inactivity (84.2%), inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (82.2%), leisure-time sedentary behaviour (49.6%), daily ≥2 soft drinks intake (46.8%), ever drunk (28.6%), twice or more days a week fast food consumption (27.6%), having overweight/obesity (27.4%), and current tobacco use (13.8%). Students had on average 3.6 (SD=1.4), and 79.0% had 3-8 behavioural NCD risk factors. In multivariable linear regression, psychological distress and older age increased the odds, and attending school and parental support decreased the odds of multiple behavioural NCD risk factors.

OUTLOOK

A high prevalence and co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors of NCDs was discovered and several factors independently contributing to multiple behavioural NCD risk factors were identified.

Participants' Views on Lifestyle Intervention Program Enhancing Long-Term Health-Related Behaviors Improvement among Prehypertension and/or Prediabetes Mellitus Older Adults: A Qualitative Study Examined in Thailand at Health Promoting Hospitals

This study aimed to investigate the view of prediabetes and prehypertension elderly patients living around temple on long-term self-management in proficient way underneath the lifestyle intervention program based on both focus-group discussion and In-depth interview methods to fill the gap in partially successful intervention. 62 participants were selected from 220 participants of the quantitative published study by 2 researchers. The triangulation method was used to put great emphasis on the consistency and the credibility of the results. Almost all of the participants had benefited from the program regarding proper foods, suitable exercise and an inspiration of lifestyle modification. They made changes of eating behavior and exercise behavior during program attendance, however, after the program had finished, they had minimal concern to take care of themselves. Nonetheless, more than half of them demonstrated some health-related behaviors changes due to they gave the value of the suggestion in different aspects. Moreover, high-frequency program attendance was not related to blood results improvement. The knowledge obtained from program intervention together with adequate contact between the patient and the program staff, personal problems solving, personal attitude, practice and acceptable played a key role for long-term lifestyle modification and completely successful intervention.

Prevalence and correlates of suicidal behaviour among adults in Malawi: a nationally representative cross-sectional survey in 2017

Background

The study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behaviour (SB) among adults in Malawi.

Methods

Data were analysed from 4187 persons aged 18–69 years (median age: 32 years) that took part in the nationally representative cross-sectional “2017 Malawi STEPS survey.”

Results

The prevalence of ever suicide attempt was 0.8%, and the prevalence of SB (ideation, plan and/or attempt) in the past year was 7.9% (6.0% among men and 9.6% among women). In adjusted logistic regression analysis, among men, being 30 years and older and having an alcohol family problem were positively and obesity was negatively associated with SB in the past year. Moreover, in univariate analysis, early smoking initiation was positively and not using active transportation was negatively associated with SB in the past year. Among women, having an alcohol family problem, death from suicide of a close family member, having a cardiovascular incident (heart attack, stroke, or angina) and not using active transportation increased the odds of SB in the past year. In addition, in univariate analysis, low systolic blood pressure (< 100 mmHg), not taking antihypertensive medication, and current alcohol use were associated with past year SB.

Conclusion

Almost one in ten participants engaged in SB in the past year and several associated factors were identified that can inform intervention programmes.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13033-021-00483-x.

Underweight and overweight/obesity among adults in Afghanistan: prevalence and correlates from a national survey in 2018

BACKGROUND

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of underweight and overweight/obesity among adults in Afghanistan.

METHODS

National cross-sectional survey data of 3779 persons aged 18-69 years were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with underweight and overweight/obesity relative to normal weight.

RESULTS

In all, 7.8% of the study sample was underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m²), 49.5% had normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²), 25.5% overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m²), and 17.2% obesity. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression, factors negatively associated with underweight were male sex (adjusted relative risk ratio (ARRR): 0.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15-0.58) and hypertension (ARRR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27-0.95) and factors positively associated with underweight were sedentary behaviour (ARRR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.11-3.10) and current tobacco use (ARRR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.08-6.16). Factors positively associated with overweight/obesity were aged 30-44 years (ARRR: 2.00, CI: 1.51-2.66) and aged 45-69 years (ARRR: 1.58, CI: 1.09-2.31) (compared to 18-29 years) (ARRR: 1.28, CI: 1.14-2.18), hypertension (ARRR: 2.74, CI: 1.89-3.96), and type 2 diabetes (ARRR: 1.82, CI: 1.13-2.94), and high physical activity (ARRR: 0.70, CI: 0.50-0.98) was negatively associated with overweight/obesity.

CONCLUSION

Almost one in ten adult respondents were underweight and more than two in five were overweight/obese, confirming a dual burden of malnutrition in Afghanistan.