Temporal trends of carbonated soft-drink consumption among adolescents aged 12-15 years from eighteen countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas

Carbonated soft-drink consumption is detrimental to multiple facets of adolescent health. However, little is known about temporal trends in carbonated soft-drink consumption among adolescents, particularly in non-Western countries. Therefore, we aimed to examine this trend in representative samples of school-going adolescents from eighteen countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas. Cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey 2009-2017 were analysed. Carbonated soft-drink consumption referred to drinking carbonated soft-drinks at least once per day in the past 30 d. The prevalence of carbonated soft-drink consumption was calculated for each survey, and crude linear trends were assessed by linear regression models. Data on 74 055 students aged 12-15 years were analysed (mean age 13·9 (sd 1·0) years; 49·2 % boys). The overall mean prevalence of carbonated soft-drink consumption was 42·1 %. Of the eighteen countries included in the study, significant decreasing, increasing and stable trends of carbonated soft-drink consumption were observed in seven, two and nine countries, respectively. The most drastic decrease was observed in Kuwait between 2011 (74·4 %) and 2015 (51·7 %). Even in countries with significant decreasing trends, the decrease was rather modest, while some countries with stable trends had very high prevalence across time (e.g. Suriname 80·5 % in 2009 and 79·4 % in 2016). The prevalence of carbonated soft-drink consumption was high in all countries included in the present analysis, despite decreasing trends being observed in some. Public health initiatives to reduce the consumption of carbonated soft-drink consumption among adolescents are urgently required.

National trends in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis prevalence in South Korea, 1998-2021

Studies on the trends in the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are limited, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to analyze the temporal trend of RA and OA in South Korean adults from 1998 to 2021, including the COVID-19 pandemic period. The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data on adults aged ≥ 19 years were analyzed to investigate the prevalence of RA and OA from 1998 to 2021. The prevalence trends were compared by the years, and βdiff (β difference) was calculated. Odds ratios (ORs) were computed for each disease to examine changes in disease prevalence before and during the pandemic in order to determine the impact of the pandemic on disease prevalence. Among 163,221 Korean adults, the prevalence of RA and OA showed a steady decrease from 2005 (RA: from 1.91% in 2005-2007 to 1.55% in 2016-2019 and OA: from 9.75% in 2005-2007 to 8.27% in 2016-2019), but there was a slight increased after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (RA: from 1.23% in 2020 to 1.36% in 2021 and OA: from 8.04% in 2020 to 8.27% in 2021). Vulnerable groups, including participants aged ≥ 60 years (versus 19-60 years, ratio of ORs: 1.222; 95% CI 1.011-1.477), urban residents (ratio of ORs: 1.289; 95% CI 1.007-1.650), and participants with higher education level (ratio of ORs: 1.360; 95% CI 1.119-1.653) showed higher ORs of OA, whereas no particularly vulnerable population was observed for RA. Our findings provide an insight into the long-term trends of RA and OA among adult population and highlight a novel perspective on the impact of COVID-19 on disease prevalence.

Relationship between severe mental illness and physical multimorbidity: a meta-analysis and call for action

BACKGROUND

People with severe mental illness (SMI) have a higher prevalence of several chronic physical health conditions, and the prevalence of physical multimorbidity is expected to rise. The aim of this study was to assess the strength of the association between SMI and physical multimorbidity.

STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS

We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and the behavioural sciences collection databases, from inception to 31 January 2023, for studies that investigated the association between SMI and physical multimorbidity. Humans of any age either clinically diagnosed and/or currently receiving treatment for SMI, specified as schizophrenia (and related psychotic disorders), bipolar disorder and psychotic depression, were eligible. Data from studies selected for inclusion were converted into ORs, with a subsequent meta-analysis conducted.

FINDINGS

We included 19 studies with a total of 194 123 patients with SMI with different diagnoses and drawn from the general population. The pooled OR for physical multimorbidity in people with versus without SMI was 1.84 (95% CI 1.33 to 2.54), with the analysis indicating a high level of heterogeneity (98.38%). The other 15 studies included in the systematic review for which it was not possible to conduct a meta-analysis showed strong associations between SMI and physical multimorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence highlights the link between SMI and physical multimorbidity. A multidisciplinary approach is now urgent to develop the best models of services tailored to patients with SMI with physical multimorbidities to improve physical, mental and social outcomes. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023395165.

Limitations in Activities of Daily Living among Older Adults with COPD, Asthma, or Asthma-COPD Overlap Residing in Spain

Activities of daily living (ADL) may be limited by the presence of chronic diseases, and limitations in ADL contribute to an increased risk of falling. In people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma-COPD overlap (ACO), ADL may be affected owing to poor asthma control and COPD ventilatory limitations. The aim of this study was to establish the differing prevalence of limitations in ADL among older Spanish adults with chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, asthma, and ACO). Data from the Spanish National Health Survey were analyzed. The sample was composed of 944 older adults aged ≥65 years and with a positive diagnosis of COPD (n = 502), asthma (n = 241), or ACO (n = 201). Five basic activities of daily living (BADL) and seven instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) were studied. Frequency and percentages were used to describe sample characteristics and limitations of ADL. Significant differences were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results revealed a significant higher number of older adults with COPD (34.8%) and asthma (32.5%) without limitations in doing hard housework in comparison to ACO (17.8%). Regarding meal preparation, a higher percentage of asthmatics without difficulties (77.7%) and a lower percentage with many difficulties (2.6%) were observed in comparison to ACO (64.8%-10.2%). No differences were found in BADL, with approximately 80-90% without limitations. It seems that limitations in IADL vary according to the type of chronic pulmonary diseases, but further research is needed to clarify why differences were found only for preparing meals and hard housework. These findings should be considered in the design of interventions to promote ADL in older adults with respiratory disease.

Perfectionism, Self-Esteem, and the Will to Win Among Adolescent Athletes: The Effects of the Level of Achievements and Gender

This study examined the relationships between perfectionism, self-esteem, and the will to win and the effects of gender and the level of achievement on these variables. A total of 318 adolescents in the age group of 12–19 years (M = 16.10 ± 1.01) completed the self-esteem questionnaire, the will-to-win questionnaire, and the perfectionism inventory. Interstate level (ISL) athletes obtained higher scores than interdistrict level (IDL) athletes on the following variables: self-esteem, the will to win, and four of the eight dimensions of perfectionism (i.e., concern over mistakes, the need for approval, organization, and planfulness). Further, male athletes obtained higher self-esteem and perfectionism (i.e., the need for approval and rumination) scores than female athletes. Self-esteem, the will to win, and the dimensions of perfectionism were positively and significantly interrelated. However, one dimension, namely, perceived parental pressure, was unrelated to any factor except striving for excellence. Further, the will to win, concern over mistakes, high standard for others, and planfulness were unrelated to striving for excellence. The results of the discriminant analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between ISL and IDL athletes (variance explained = 9.480%). Finally, using path analysis showed that Model 3 (perfectionism self-esteem will-to-win) has provided good model fit such as Bentler's comparative fit index (CFI) (0.987), Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) (0.876), normed fit index (NFI) (0.973), and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) (0.097).

Physical activity behavior in people with asthma and COPD overlap residing in Spain: a cross-sectional analysis

OBJECTIVES

To identify levels of physical activity (PA) among the Spanish population with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap (ACO). A further aim was to analyze differences in PA levels by sex, age, education, marital status, cohabiting, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

In this cross sectional study, data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analyzed. A total of 198 people with ACO aged 15-69 years were included in the analyses. The short version of the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure total PA (MET·min/week). PA was further classified as low, moderate and high, and analyzed according to sample characteristics. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test and chi squared test. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

People with ACO engaged in a mean volume of 2038.1 MET·min/week. Those aged 30-60 years and those with normal weight were significantly more active than those aged ≥60 and those with obesity. When classifying PA level in low, moderate and high, results showed no significant differences between sample characteristics. Overall, moderate and high levels of PA were the most and least frequent levels (48.0% and 16.2%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

More than three out of ten Spanish adults with ACO do not achieve PA recommendations. Therefore, it is recommended to implement programs that promote the importance and benefits of PA among the Spanish population with ACO, and such programs should focus on older adults and those who are obese.

Levels of Physical Activity in Spanish Asthmatics: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives: 339 million people in the world suffer from asthma. Regular physical activity (PA) could help in its control. Therefore, the aim of this research was to determine the level of PA in Spanish people with asthma considering variation by, age, sex, education, marital status, living together, smoking habits, alcohol intake and body mass index (BMI). Materials and Methods: 1014 Spanish people from 15 to 69 years were included in the study. Data of the Spanish Health Survey (year 2017) were analysed. PA levels were measure with the international physical activity questionnaire short version (IPAQ-SF). PA was categorized as low, moderate and high, and analyzed by sample characteristics. Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskall Wallis H and crosstabs were used to calculate statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: On average, Spanish asthmatics engaged in a weekly volume of 2228.9 metabolic equivalent of task (MET)·min/week. Males revealed significantly higher PA than females (2516.8 vs. 2019.5 MET·min/week; p = 0.005), younger participants (<30 years) compared to people aged 30–60 years and older than 60 years (2699.0; 2243.2; 1619.3 MET·min/week; p < 0.001) and those with tertiary level of education than those without secondary (2368.3 vs. 2168.3 MET·min/week; p = 0.001). Level of PA was lower in those married (p = 0.001) and/or living together (p = 0.010). Alcohol consumers showed a higher level than the participants who did not drink (2378.3 vs. 1907.9 MET·min/week; p = 0.001), but no significant differences were found within current, past and never smokers (p = 0.890). Obese asthmatics engaged in less PA than their normal weight and overweight peers (p < 0.001). Overall, moderate level was significantly the most frequent (47.7%), but 31.6% showed a low level. Conclusions: Three out of ten Spanish people with asthma do not achieve PA recommendations, so PA programs should be executed to make people aware of its benefits in asthma control, focusing on those groups with lower PA levels.

Imagen corporal en adolescentes lituanos de 11 a 19 años. Diferencias según actividad física e IMC

Se estudió la imagen corporal y las diferencias en la misma según actividad física e IMC, en 2942 adolescentes lituanos (1405 chicos y 1537 chicas), de 11 a 19 años. La imagen corporal se midió mediante el cuestionario HBSC, la actividad física mediante el cuestionario PACE y el IMC con la fórmula peso/altura2, clasificando a la población en Sobrepeso/Obesidad según el IOTF. Las chicas se veían más gordas que los chicos (t2935.50= 11.37; p=0.000; d=0.420). Los sujetos que realizaban menos actividad física (t2012.21= 2.57; p=0.010; d=0.115) y aquellos con sobrepeso/obesidad (t392.04= 14.86; p=0.000; d=1.501) tuvieron peor imagen corporal. Se recomienda implementar programas de actividad física y programas psicológicos para mejorar la imagen corporal y la composición corporal de los adolescentes lituanos, prestando especial atención a las chicas, a aquellos que realizan menos actividad física y a aquellos con sobrepeso/obesidad.

Sociodemographic and behavioural correlates of lifetime number of sexual partners: findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

BACKGROUND

No current data are available on correlates of lifetime sexual partners at older ages. This study aimed to explore correlates of the lifetime number of sexual partners in a sample of older adults.

METHOD

Data were from 3054 men and 3867 women aged ≥50 years participating in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants reported their lifetime number of sexual partners and a range of sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviours. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression was used to examine correlates of lifetime number of sexual partners, with analyses performed separately for men and women and weighted for non-response.

RESULTS

Younger age, being separated/divorced or single/never married, being a current or former smoker, and drinking alcohol regularly or frequently were independently associated with a higher number of sexual partners in both men and women. Homosexuality in men and bisexuality in women were also associated with a higher number of sexual partners. White ethnicity, regular moderate and vigorous physical activity, and the absence of limiting long-standing illness were independently associated with a higher number of sexual partners in women only, and being in the highest and lowest quintiles of wealth was independently associated with a higher number of sexual partners in men only.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher lifetime number of sexual partners is associated with a number of sociodemographic and behavioural factors. An understanding of who is more likely to have had more sexual partners may help health practitioners to identify individuals who are at greatest risk of sexually transmitted infection and their associated health complications across the life course.

Analysis of Perceived Physical and Motor Competence in 10- to 13-year-old Spanish Children

It was our objective to analyze the perceived physical and motor competence in 10- to 13-year-old Spanish children, and to validate to the Spanish language and context the questionnaire of Scrabis-Fletcher and Silverman (2010). The perception of competence was analysed in 27 schools of Albacete (Spain), with a total of 389 boys and 391 girls, whose age ranged from 10 to 13 (average=11.08 and SD=0.43). Different analyses were performed, starting with a forward analysis of the items, using graphics and statistics. After this, an internal consistence study was performed, through Cronbach's alpha, using a multilevel package, version 2.3. Finally, the constructs structure was analyzed through a factorial confirmatory analysis (FCA), which used a Lavaan package, version 0.5-11. The consistence was high as a whole (Cronbach's alpha: 0.74). There was a high correlation between all items, even those from different factors. Regarding the analysis of students´ perceived physical and motor competence, the best values were obtained in the perceptions they had about their teachers and classmates, although they had worse values about their own personal experiences. Two questionnaires of 2 and 3 factors, using 7 and 14 items, respectively were established. Therefore, the instrument Perception of Competence in Middle School Physical Education was validated within the Spanish social context. The main practical application is the possibility of using this questionnaire in the PE lessons in Spain to know and increase the perceived physical and motor competence of the children.

Hand grip strength and cognitive function among elderly cancer survivors

Background

We evaluated the associations of handgrip strength and cognitive function in cancer survivors ≥ 60 years old using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

Data in two waves of NHANES (2011–2014) were aggregated. Handgrip strength in kilogram (kg) was defined as the maximum value achieved using either hand. Two cognitive function tests were conducted among adults 60 years and older. The Animal Fluency Test (AFT) examines categorical verbal fluency (a component of executive function), and the Digital Symbol Substitution test (DSST) assesses processing speed, sustained attention, and working memory. Survey analysis procedures were used to account for the complex sampling design of the NHANES. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate associations of handgrip strength with cognitive test scores, adjusting for confounders (age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, smoking status, depressive symptoms and leisure time physical activity).

Results

Among 383 cancer survivors (58.5% women, mean age = 70.9 years, mean BMI = 29.3 kg/m²), prevalent cancer types were breast (22.9%), prostate (16.4%), colon (6.9%) and cervix (6.2%). In women, each increase in kg of handgrip strength was associated with 0.20 (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.33) higher score on AFT and 0.83 (95% CI: 0.30 to 1.35) higher score on DSST. In men, we observed an inverted U-shape association where cognitive function peaked at handgrip strength of 40–42 kg.

Conclusions

Handgrip strength, a modifiable factor, appears to be associated with aspects of cognitive functions in cancer survivors. Prospective studies are needed to address their causal relationship.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Developmental Milestones and Movement: Results From the Gemini Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Variability in the timing of infant developmental milestones is poorly understood. We used a twin analysis to estimate genetic and environmental influences on motor development and activity levels in infancy.

METHOD

Data were from the Gemini Study, a twin birth cohort of 2,402 families with twins born in the United Kingdom in 2007. Parents reported motor activity level for each of the twins at age 3 months using the Revised Infant Behavior Rating Scale and reported the ages at which they first sat unsupported, crawled, and walked unaided.

RESULTS

Activity level at 3 months and ages when first sitting and crawling were about equally influenced by the shared family environment (45%-54%) and genes (45%-48%). Genetic influences dominated for age when children took their first independent steps (84%).

CONCLUSION

Aspects of the shared family environment appear to be important influences on motor activity levels and early milestones, although the timing of walking may have a stronger genetic influence. Further research to identify the specific environmental and genetic factors that promote early activity may be important for longer-term health outcomes.

Correlates of children's independent outdoor play: Cross-sectional analyses from the Millennium Cohort Study

Time spent outdoors is associated with higher levels of physical activity. To date, correlates of independent outdoor play have not been investigated. This study aimed to identify potential demographic, behavioural, environmental and social correlates of children's independent outdoor play. Data were from the Millennium Cohort Study when children were aged 7 years. Parents reported whether their children played out unsupervised (yes/no) as well as the above mentioned correlates of unsupervised outdoor play. Children's physical activity levels were measured using waist worn accelerometry. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine associations between correlates and odds of independent (unsupervised) outdoor play. Adjusted multiple linear regression was used to estimate associations between independent outdoor play and objective measures of physical activity. Activity was measured as average daily moderate-to-vigorous activity, steps, and sedentary behaviour. 3856 (n = 29%) participants were categorised as engaging in independent outdoor play. Older age, being white British, being in poverty, living in close proximity to both family friends and family, having fewer internalising problems, having more externalising conduct problems and fewer pro-social behaviours were associated with higher odds of independent outdoor play. Independent outdoor play was associated with > 2 additional minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity (B = 2.21 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.34), > 330 additional steps per day (B = 336.66 95% CI 209.80 to 463.51), and nearly 5 min less time spent sedentary per day (B = - 4.91 95% CI - 7.54, - 2.29) Younger children, those from a higher socio-economic-status, those isolated in location from family friends and family, and those with high levels of prosocial behaviour have lower levels of independent outdoor play. Independent outdoor play was associated with higher levels of physical activity and less time sedentary. Future interventions to promote independent outdoor play should target such populations.

Efectos de un programa de actividad física en la condición física de escolares con TDAH

Este artículo se centra en estudiar los efectos de un programa de actividad física sobre la condición física de un grupo de escolares con TDAH.MÉTODO: Han participado 12 escolares (12 niños), entre los 7 y los 12 años de edad. La condición física se ha medido mediante dinamometría manual, salto horizontal y Course-Navette. El procedimiento ha sido: pre-test, intervención y pos-test. La intervención ha consistido en 2 días a la semana de actividad física, 60 minutos al día, durante 12 semanas. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: Se han producido mejoras significativas en condición física [capacidad músculo-esquelética del tren inferior (p=0.037) y capacidad aeróbica (p=0,011)]. CONCLUSIONES: El programa utilizado es eficaz para mejorar la condición física de niños con TDAH.