Modelling social determinants of self-evaluated health of poor older people in a middle-income developing nation

Over the last 2 decades (1988-2007), poverty in Jamaica has fallen by 67.5%, and this is within the context of a 194.7% increase in inflation for 2007 over 2006. It does not abate there, as Jamaicans are reporting more health conditions in a 4-week period (15.5% in 2007) and at the same time this corresponds to a decline in the percentage of people seeking medical care. Older people’s health status is of increasing concern, given the high rates of prostate cancer, genitourinary disorders, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and the presence of risk factors such as smoking. Yet, there is a dearth of studies on the health status of older people in the two poor quintiles. This study examined 1) the health status of those elderly Jamaicans who were in the two poor quintiles and 2) factors that are associated with their health status. A sample of 1,149 elderly respondents, with an average age of 72.6 years (SD = 8.7 years) were extracted from a total survey of 25,018 Jamaicans. The initial survey sample was selected from a stratified probability sampling frame of Jamaicans. An administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics were used to examine background information on the sample, and stepwise logistic regression was used to ascertain the factors which are associated with health status. The health status of older poor people was influenced by 6 factors, and those factors accounted for 26.6% of the variability in health status: Health insurance coverage (OR = 13.90;95% CI: 7.98-24.19), age of respondents (OR = 7.98;95% CI: 1.02-1.06), and secondary level education (OR=1.82;95% CI: 1.35-2.45). Males are less likely to report good health status than females (OR = 0.56;95% CI: 0.42-0.75). Older people in Jamaica do not purchase health insurance coverage as a preventative measure but as a curative measure. Health insurance coverage in this study does not indicate good health but is a proxy of poor health status. The demand of the health services in Jamaica in the future must be geared towards a particular age cohort and certain health conditions, and not only to the general population, as the social determinants which give rise to inequities are not the same, even among the same age cohort.

Self-evaluated health of married people in Jamaica

Background: In the Caribbean in particular Ja-maica, no study has been done to examine married respondents in order to understand reasons for their greater health status. The ob-jectives of the current study are: 1) examine the sociodemographic characteristics of married people in Jamaica;2) evaluate self-rated health status of married people in Jamaica;3) deter-mine factors that account for good health status of married people and 4) provide public health practitioners with empirical studies that can be used to formulate policies for men in particular non-married men in Jamaica. Materials and me- thods: Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 6,783 respondents. It was a nationally representative sample. Logistic re-gression analysis was used to ascertain the correlates of health status. Results: The mean age for women in marriage in Jamaica was 6 years lower than that of men. The correlates of good health status (including moderate health) of respondents in descending order were self- reported illness (OR = 0.12, 95%CI = 0.01- 0.17);age (OR = 0.94, 95%CI = 0.93-0.96);income (OR = 1.32, 95%CI = 1.05-1.66) and sex of respon-dents (Or = 1.14-2.32)—χ2(df = 4) = 383.2, P < 0.05. The four variables accounted for 44.4% of the explanatory power of the model;with self-reported illness accounting for 32.5% of the explanatory power. Conclusion: Marriage pro-vides greater access to more socioeconomic resources for its participants as well as increase men’s unwillingness to visit medical care prac-titioners.

全健康(One Health)视角下绿色健康社区景观设计体系构建

以全健康(OneHealth)视角为出发点,保障人、环境和动物的健康对于社区健康环境规划与设计具有重要意义。在现有健康社区景观设计体系中,人、环境、物种三者关系虽被提及,但未被系统探究,健康社区建设实践也需要系统性的景观设计体系支持。基于全健康理念中人、环境和物种的相互关系,结合生态系统服务功能、康复景观理论和园艺疗法,进一步探讨人、环境、物种健康之间的关联途径。通过对全健康理念视角下的3个层次进行演绎发展,归纳总结了人的健康、环境健康和物种健康的组成要素及内容,构建了以人的健康需求为导向的社区健康设计框架,提出了以人与人际、人与环境和人与物种为三大圈层的健康社区景观设计体系。全健康视角为社区健康环境设计提供了一个系统性、整合性且具有操作性的框架,未来应重视健康社区体系中各类疗愈空间的设计与使用,以增进社区居民共享的健康福祉。

Preventing Health Anxiety:The Role of Self-Evaluation,Sense of Coherence,Self-Rated Health and Perceived Social Support

Background:Components of Self,completed with the perceived social support determine the individual differences in theevaluation of a stressor and the behavioral responses toward it,such as health-related anxiety.The study set as a goal theanalysis of associations between the components of Self,such as self-evaluation,sense of coherence,perceived social support,and reported health-related anxiety in an adult sample.Methods:147 adults from the 18–73 age group(mean age 37.5)voluntarily completed the questionnaire through Qualtrics online platform containing the Short Health Anxiety Inventory,Core Self-Evaluation Scale,Social Support Assessing Scale,and one Health Self-Evaluation Item.Results:ANOVA foundrelevant differences in total scores and subscales’scores of the health anxiety scale depending on the positive self-evaluation.Linear regression shows that the analyzed variables were responsible for the prediction of a higher value on the“Perceivedprobability of becoming ill”subscale in a proportion of 45.6%and for the“Perceived consequence of illness”subscale in aproportion of 20.2%The predictive value of the linear regression model for the total score on the health anxiety scale was46.3%.Our findings show that negative Core Self-Evaluation is linked with perceived health anxiety.Conclusions:Selfevaluation,sense of coherence and perceived social support influence the perceived health and can explain the differences inthe reported health-related anxiety.

Alexa,let's train now!——A systematic review and classification approach to digital and home-based physical training interventions aiming to support healthy cognitive aging

Background:There is mounting evidence that regular physical activity is an important prerequisite for healthy cognitive aging.Consequently,the finding that almost one-third of the adult population does not reach the recommended level of regular physical activity calls for further public health actions.In this context,digital and home-based physical training interventions might be a promising alternative to center-based intervention programs.Thus,this systematic review aimed to summarize the current state of the literature on the effects of digital and home-based physical training interventions on adult cognitive performance.Methods:In this pre-registered systematic review(PROSPERO;ID:CRD42022320031),5 electronic databases(PubMed,Web of Science,Psyclnfo,SPORTDiscus,and Cochrane Library)were searched by 2 independent researchers(FH and PT)to identify eligible studies investigating the effects of digital and home-based physical training interventions on cognitive performance in adults.The systematic literature search yielded 8258 records(extra17 records from other sources),of which 27 controlled trials were considered relevant.Two reviewers(FH and PT)independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias using a modified version of the Tool for the assEssment of Study qualiTy and reporting in EXercise(TESTEX scale).Results:Of the 27 reviewed studies,15 reported positive effects on cognitive and motor-cognitive outcomes(i.e.,performance improvements in measures of executive functions,working memory,and choice stepping reaction test),and a considerable heterogeneity concerning study-related,population-related,and intervention-related characteristics was noticed.A more detailed analysis suggests that,in particular,interventions using online classes and technology-based exercise devices(i.e.,step-based exergames)can improve cognitive performance in healthy older adults.Approximately one-half of the reviewed studies were rated as having a high risk of bias with respect to completion adherence(≤85%)and monitoring of the level of regular physical activity in the control group.Conclusion:The current state of evidence concerning the effectiveness of digital and home-based physical training interventions is mixed overall,though there is limited evidence that specific types of digital and home-based physical training interventions(e.g.,online classes and step-based exergames)can be an effective strategy for improving cognitive performance in older adults.However,due to the limited number of available studies,future high-quality studies are needed to buttress this assumption empirically and to allow for more solid and nuanced conclusions.

Challenges and opportunities for battery health estimation:Bridging laboratory research and real-world applications

Addressing climate change demands a significant shift away from fossil fuels,with sectors like electricity and transportation relying heavily on renewable energy.Integral to this transition are energy storage systems,notably lithium-ion batteries.Over time,these batteries degrade,affecting their efficiency and posing safety risks.Monitoring and predicting battery aging is essential,especially estimating its state of health(SOH).Various SOH estimation methods exist,from traditional model-based approaches to machine learning approaches.

Effect of health education based on information-motivationbehavioral skills model on patients with unilateral vestibular dysfunction

BACKGROUND Vestibular dysfunction(VH)is a common concomitant symptom of late peri-pheral vestibular lesions,which can be trauma,poisoning,infection,heredity,and neurodegeneration,but about 50%of the causes are unknown.The study uses the information-motivation-behavioral skills(IMB)model for health education,effectively improve the quality of life,increase their self-confidence,reduce anxiety and depression,and effectively improve the psychological state of patients.AIM To explore the effect of health education based on the IMB model on the degree of vertigo,disability,anxiety and depression in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction.METHODS The clinical data of 80 patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the retrospective research objects,and they were divided into the control group and the observation group with 40 cases in each group according to different nursing methods.Among them,the control group was given routine nursing health education and guidance,and the observation group was given health education and guidance based on the IMB model.The changes in self-efficacy,anxiety and depression,and quality of life of patients with unilateral VH were compared between the two groups.RESULTS There was no significant difference in General Self-Efficacy Scale(GSES)scale scores between the two groups of patients before nursing(P>0.05),which was comparable;after nursing,the GSES scale scores of the two groups were higher than those before nursing.The nursing group was higher than the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the scores of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS)and anxiety and depression subscales between the two groups before nursing(P>0.05).After nursing,the HADS score,anxiety,and depression subscale scores of the two groups of patients were lower than those before nursing,and the nursing group was lower than the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).After nursing,the Dizziness Handicap Inventory(DHI)scale and DHI-P,DHI-E and DHI-F scores in the two groups were decreased,and the scores in the nursing group were lower than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Health education based on the IMB model can effectively improve patients'quality of life,increase self-efficacy of patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction,enhance patients'confidence,enable patients to resume normal work and life as soon as possible,reduce patients'anxiety and depression,and effectively improve patients'psychological status.

Mental health in the virtual world:Challenges and opportunities in the metaverse era

Current rates of mental illness are worrisome.Mental illness mainly affects females and younger age groups.The use of the internet to deliver mental health care has been growing since 2020 and includes the implementation of novel mental health treatments using virtual reality,augmented reality,and artificial intelligence.A new three dimensional digital environment,known as the metaverse,has emerged as the next version of the Internet.Artificial intelligence,augmented reality,and virtual reality will create fully immersive,experiential,and interactive online environments in the metaverse.People will use a unique avatar to do anything they do in their“real”lives,including seeking and receiving mental health care.In this opinion review,we reflect on how the metaverse could reshape how we deliver mental health treatment,its opportunities,and its challenges.

Charting the course:India's health expenditure projections for 2035

Objectives Understanding past trends and forecasting future changes in health spending is vital for planning and reducing reliance on out-of-pocket(OOP)expenses.The current study analyzed health expenditure patterns in India and forecasted future trends and patterns until 2035.Methods Data on health expenditure in India from 2000 to 2019 was collected from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)iLibrary and National Health Accounts 2019 databases.Gross domestic product(GDP)data from the World Bank was also utilized.Descriptive statistics analyzed the composition and pattern,while the exponential smoothing model forecasted future health expenditures.Results The findings revealed that expenditure made by OOP is the primary health financing source,followed by government and pre-paid private spending.The percentage of GDP allocated to total health expenditure remains stable,while the per capita health expenditure fluctuates.Variations in expenditure among states are observed,with Karnataka relying heavily on pre-paid private coverage.Future projections suggest a decline in per capita and total health expenditure as a share of GDP,with a slight increase in the government’s share.Pre-paid private expenditure per capita and OOP health expenditure as a share of the total is projected to remain relatively constant but still high in absolute terms.Conclusion The study highlights variations in health spending in India,characterized by high OOP spending,limited public coverage,and a need for investments,and reforms to improve healthcare access and equity.

How University Athletics Can Impact Mental Health among Student Athletes at the University of Evansville

In recent years, the NCAA student athlete population in the United States has surpassed 500,000, and is continuing to rise each year [1]. These student athletes work their entire lives academically and athletically to reach the ultimate goal: competing in university athletics. However, when these athletes reach university, they are met with non-stop training, homework, exams, and evolving social lives. We have conducted a study at the University of Evansville evaluating how participation in university athletics may impact mental health status among these student athletes, as well as measuring players’ awareness of accessible mental health resources. Over fifty percent of participants reported experiencing at least one mental health condition while competing in their sport;eighty percent reported having knowledge of the mental health resources available to them on campus, however, nearly thirty percent of those knowledgeable reported not knowing how to access these resources. This has indicated a gap in awareness and utilization of mental health resources among student athletes at the University of Evansville.

Health Systems Strengthening to Tackle the Global Burden of Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease: A Diagonal Approach

1 Background Congenital heart disease(CHD)is the most common major congenital anomaly,affecting approximately one in every 100 live births[1].Among congenital anomalies,66%of preventable deaths are due to CHD,and 58%of the avertable morbidity and mortality due to congenital anomalies would result from scaling congenital heart surgery services[2].Every year,nearly 300,000 children and adults die from CHD,the majority of whom live in low-and middle-income countries(LMICs)[3].Approximately 49%of all individuals with CHD will require surgical or interventional care at some point in their lifetime[4];as a result of advances in access to and the delivery of such services,over 95%of children born with CHD in high-income countries now live into adulthood[3].Here,adults have surpassed children in the number of CHD cases at a ratio of 2:1[5].

世界动物卫生组织One Health总体框架及最新关注方向

近年来,人兽共患病在全球越来越多的地方影响人类和动物的健康。在此背景下,由联合国粮食及农业组织(FAO)、世界卫生组织(WHO)和世界动物卫生组织(WOAH)三方国际组织提出了“One Health”的概念。2021年底,FAO、WOAH、WHO和联合国环境规划署(UNEP)共同成立了One Health高级别委员会(One Health High Level Expert Panel,OHHLEP),并将“One Health”重新定义。论文就“One Health”的概念、提出的背景、重要发展进程、总体框架和协调机制以及未来应用展望进行了全面的介绍和阐述,为我国进一步深入了解“One Health”理念,实践并更好地应用“One Health”方法,从而解决我国人兽共患病、抗生素耐药等对人类、动物和环境危害严重的问题提供思路和参考。

Investigation of the Oral Health Status of Patients Based on Rehabilitation Nursing

Objective: To investigate the current situation of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of oral health among rehabilitation nursing patients, and provide some reference for implementing oral health intervention measures for rehabilitation nursing patients. Method: A total of 231 nursing patients in the rehabilitation department of a tertiary hospital in this city from January 2023 to October 2023 were selected as the research subjects. Their oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were investigated, and the oral health behavior habits of patients with different genders, education levels, and disease situations were compared. Result: The total awareness rate of oral health knowledge among patients was 73.16%, and the average score of oral health knowledge was 6.58 ± 1.25 points. The overall positive rate of oral health attitude among patients is 55.70%, and the average score of oral health attitude is 5.01 ± 1.04 points. The average score for oral health behavior is 16.87 ± 5.23 points. Only 8.48%, 3.3%, 1.3%, 2.6%, and 0.87% of patients seek timely medical treatment for bleeding tooth roots, gum swelling and pain, gum bleeding, tooth pain, and dental calculus, respectively;Only 5.19% of people change their toothbrush every 3 months, and only 10.39% use the vertical brush method to brush their teeth. The scores of oral health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of patients are related to age, educational level, disease type, and smoking situation. The oral health knowledge and attitude scores of elderly patients were lower than those of younger patients, and the difference was statistically significant (P P P P P < 0.05). Conclusion: The oral health status of rehabilitation nursing patients is not optimistic, with a moderate level of oral health knowledge, weak awareness of oral health, and a low qualification rate of oral health behaviors. Strengthening oral health education for rehabilitation nursing patients and incorporating oral health care procedures into rehabilitation nursing procedures is of great significance.

Statistical Analysis of Abilities to Give Consent to Health Data Processing

The recent pandemic crisis has highlighted the importance of the availability and management of health data to respond quickly and effectively to health emergencies, while respecting the fundamental rights of every individual. In this context, it is essential to find a balance between the protection of privacy and the safeguarding of public health, using tools that guarantee transparency and consent to the processing of data by the population. This work, starting from a pilot investigation conducted in the Polyclinic of Bari as part of the Horizon Europe Seeds project entitled “Multidisciplinary analysis of technological tracing models of contagion: the protection of rights in the management of health data”, has the objective of promoting greater patient awareness regarding the processing of their health data and the protection of privacy. The methodology used the PHICAT (Personal Health Information Competence Assessment Tool) as a tool and, through the administration of a questionnaire, the aim was to evaluate the patients’ ability to express their consent to the release and processing of health data. The results that emerged were analyzed in relation to the 4 domains in which the process is divided which allows evaluating the patients’ ability to express a conscious choice and, also, in relation to the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients themselves. This study can contribute to understanding patients’ ability to give their consent and improve information regarding the management of health data by increasing confidence in granting the use of their data for research and clinical management.

美国《保健物理》(Health Physics)杂志英文摘要(2023年126卷第2期)

Statistical Analysis of Radioactivity:Lamprecht Uranium Mine in Texas Mark C.Harvey1 and Nancy L.Glenn Griesinger2(1.Department of Physics,Texas Southern University,Houston,TX 77004;2.Department of Mathematical Sciences,Texas Southern University,Houston,TX 77004)Abstract:The former Lamprecht uranium mine facility in Texas ceased operations well before the new millennium.However,decommissioning activities were never completed by the licensee.Consequently,a legal proceeding was authorized between state and licensee representatives.Meanwhile,state funds were used to hire an independent contractor to perform radiological surveys and assess the magnitude of residual radioactivity across the terrain at the site.The purpose of this study was to apply advanced spatial statistical methods to the survey data measured by contractors at the Lamprecht site to precisely predict remaining radioactive hotspot locations post soil remediation activities.

Socio-Economic and Health Indicators’ Relation to Self-Assessed Health: A Case Study of Phai Tha Pho, Phichit Province, Thailand

Background: Self-assessed health (SAH) is used as a common method of sociology research to understand the implications of self-reported health and the link to social factors like education, income, and occupation. The paper explores the impact of socio-economic and health indicators on self-assessed health in the middle-aged to the senior population in a rural community in Thailand. Methods: Primary data were collected after conducting a randomized sampling for 100 people using direct interviews in two locations within the sub-district of Phai Tha Pho, Thailand. The target demographic was the middle-age to elderly population. A logit model was applied to the collected samples. Results: The study highlights that higher education, income, and sleep are high predictors for positive SAH while high blood sugar level has significant adverse effects on SAH. Detection of metabolic syndrome further indicates degraded overall health perception over time. Conclusion: The study demonstrated the relationship between socio-economic indicators and illnesses alongside individual SAH in rural Thailand. Accordingly, policies have been proposed that include targeted subsidies for healthy food alternatives, promoting work-rest balance at all levels, and an expansion of sub-district education up to secondary school. SAH can be performed regularly and expanded across communities including areas of low-income living due to its low implementation costs. It could also be used as a tool to support the government’s public health initiatives complementing the existing five-year direct health check-up programme. A comparative study of SAH across regions is recommended for future research.

Observation on the Effect of Health Education in Health Management of Chronic Disease Patients

Objective: By the end of 2021, the aging rate of China’s population is 18.9%, and the prevalence rate of chronic diseases in the elderly population is increasing year by year, and chronic diseases have become the main causes of death and health threats of Chinese residents. Therefore, how to manage this huge group well is crucial. This paper analyzes the value of health education in the process of health management for patients with chronic diseases. Methods: 102 patients with chronic diseases treated from January 2021 to December 2021 were divided into control group and experimental group by random number table method. The control group was given routine health management while the experimental group was given health education based on the control group, and the implementation effect was analyzed. Results: After management, the scores of chronic disease knowledge in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the dimensions of ESCA were higher than those in the control group, and P < 0.05;Conclusion: The implementation of health education in the process of chronic disease health management is helpful to improve patients’ self-care ability and better control disease progression.

Understanding the eff ect of recreational drug use on bone health and musculoskeletal disease in the establishment of pain regimens

BACKGROUND:The widespread use of recreational drugs has raised concerns regarding their eff ects on various organ systems.The use of cannabis and opioids in chronic pain management increases their prevalence among patients with musculoskeletal conditions whose bone health may already be compromised.This article aims to review the pathophysiology and toxic eff ects of recreational drug use on musculoskeletal health to establish appropriate pain regimens for patients with substance use.METHODS:Medical literature published from 1970 until 2022 was identifi ed utilizing MEDLINE/PubMed and the Cochrane Library.In addition to the databases,references were obtained through the use of reference lists of published articles identifi ed by the aforementioned databases.The initial search terms included opioids,inhalants,hallucinogens,cannabis,stimulants,and bone health.There were no methodological limitations in relation to the initial acquisition and analysis of data.RESULTS:A total of 55 research articles were included in this review.Cannabis,stimulants,opioids,and inhalants impact bone maintenance,specifically osteoblast and osteoclast activity,as well as impede hormone production.These substances inhibit bone remodeling and development,manifesting as lower bone mineral density and increased fracture risk in chronic users.CONCLUSION:Although the current literature suggests a deleterious effect of recreational drugs on bone health and musculoskeletal disease,further research is warranted to evaluate the clinical effects of long-term substance use.The evaluation of such effects will aid in establishing appropriate pain regimens,as well as appropriate screening and treatment plans for recreational drug users.

A Blockchain and CP-ABE Based Access Control Scheme with Fine-Grained Revocation of Attributes in Cloud Health

The Access control scheme is an effective method to protect user data privacy.The access control scheme based on blockchain and ciphertext policy attribute encryption(CP–ABE)can solve the problems of single—point of failure and lack of trust in the centralized system.However,it also brings new problems to the health information in the cloud storage environment,such as attribute leakage,low consensus efficiency,complex permission updates,and so on.This paper proposes an access control scheme with fine-grained attribute revocation,keyword search,and traceability of the attribute private key distribution process.Blockchain technology tracks the authorization of attribute private keys.The credit scoring method improves the Raft protocol in consensus efficiency.Besides,the interplanetary file system(IPFS)addresses the capacity deficit of blockchain.Under the premise of hiding policy,the research proposes a fine-grained access control method based on users,user attributes,and file structure.It optimizes the data-sharing mode.At the same time,Proxy Re-Encryption(PRE)technology is used to update the access rights.The proposed scheme proved to be secure.Comparative analysis and experimental results show that the proposed scheme has higher efficiency and more functions.It can meet the needs of medical institutions.

美国《保健物理》(Health Physics)杂志英文摘要(2023年125卷第6期)

Evaluation of the Performance of Different Types of Radiation Protection Gloves: A Cross-sectional Study Mitsuyoshi Yasuda1,2 , Syoji Manabu2 , Tomoki Fuji2 , Noritaka Seino3 , Hiroyuki Watanabe1,2 , Hisaya Sato1,4 , Kyoichi Kato1,5 (1. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Showa University, 1865 Tokaichiba, Midori- ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226 - 0025, Japan;2. Department of Radiological Technology, Showa University Hospital, 1- 5- 8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa - ku, Tokyo 142 - 8666, Japan;3. Department of Radiology, Showa University, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8666, Japan;4. Department of Radiology, Showa University Fujigaoka Hospital, 1-30 Fujigaoka Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 227-8501, Japan;5. Department of Radiological Technology, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan)