Logistic Regression Analysis on the Correlation between Physical Diseases and Life Events and Depression in the Elderly

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the effects of physical diseases and life events on depression among urban elderly people.[Methods]Five hundred urban elderly people in Shiyan City were selected using a convenient sampling method to investigate and diagnose depression using the Geriatric Mental State Schedule and its accompanying computer diagnostic system.The Minimum Data Set(MDS)and related factor survey form were used to investigate physical diseases and life events,and statistical analysis was conducted using methods such as logistic regression analysis and factor analysis.[Results]The prevalence rates of angina,stroke,or partial paralysis,migraine,vision problems,hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism,as well as the number of physical diseases were significantly higher in elderly depression patients than in objects free of depression.Stroke or partial paralysis[OR(95%CI)=6.389(1.684,24.237)],emotional trauma events[OR(95%CI)=1.438(1.069,1.934)]and adverse health and economic events[OR(95%CI)=1.652(1.099,2.483)]were risk factors for late life depression(LLD).[Conclusions]Some physical diseases and life events may affect the onset process of depression in urban elderly people,and various measures need to be taken to reduce the risk of physical diseases and life events on depression.

Unresolved conundrum of the role of physical activity in inflammatory bowel disease:What next?

There is considerable controversy on the role of physical activity in irritable bowel disease(IBD)since published reports are conflicting.It is well known that there is known relapse with specific treatment in IBD.This,in addition to onset of extraintestinal symptoms creates a need to think of alternate approaches.In this context,the current article describes the need of a multi-institutional study with standard protocol of physical activity for documenting its effect on both the primary disease and the extra alimentary manifestations.This paper also points out the possibility of using adjuvant complementary medicine such as yoga,whose effects have been documented in other diseases like irritable bowel syndrome.A third approach could be to focus on the intestinal dysbiosis in IBD and concentrate on research on restoring the microbial flora to normal,to see whether the extraintestinal symptoms are alleviated.

Co-Occurring Polysubstance Use and Physical Disease of Persons with Mental Disorders in Residential Treatment Program

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of co-occurring polysubstance use and to examine the differences in physical disease between polysubstance users and single/no substance users with mental disorders. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 1949 clinical records of psychiatric patients from 11 residential treatment programs between 2007 and 2011. Demographic variables, psychiatric diagnoses, and data on substance use and physical disease were obtained from the clinical records. Chi-square analyses were used to examine substance use difference in the prevalence of each physical disease category. This study found that the prevalence of co-occurring polysubstance use was 53.5%. Chi-square analyses identified that co-occurring polysubstance users reported more respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal, and HIV/AIDS diseases but less endocrine diseases than single/no substance users. Therefore, integrated treatment programs for treating patients with co-occurring substance use and physical disease should be developed and expanded for this high-risk group.