Frontiers in Public Health最新文献

Introduction: Age-related decline in muscle strength and performance significantly impact morbidity and mortality. Various factors including genetics have been investigated to better understand this decline. This study aimed to investigate longitudinal changes in physical performance and strength and their association with genetic variants in genes involved in the vitamin D pathway.

Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in the Prishtina region, Kosovo, with community-dwelling adults over 40 years of age. Genomic DNA was extracted from saliva samples to assess single nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene (rs7975232, rs2228570, rs731236, also referred to as ApaI, FokI, and TaqI, respectively) and the vitamin D binding protein (GC) gene (rs4588, rs2282679). Physical performance was assessed by isometric handgrip strength, 30-s chair stand, timed up and go and 6-min walk test. Vitamin D levels were assessed from blood samples only at follow-up.

Results: A total of 138 participants (65.1 ± 9.0 years, 52.2% female) were included. Over a 2.7-year period, significant declines in the 30-s chair stand test (p < 0.001) and timed up and go performance (p < 0.001) were observed, whereas BMI increased. Only female participants experienced a decrease in handgrip strength (p < 0.001). Genotyping showed significant associations of the ApaI variant with changes in BMI and handgrip strength. Participants with the minor CC genotype showed a greater increase in BMI and a greater decrease in absolute and relative handgrip strength. No significant interactions were observed for FokI and TaqI in the VDR gene, or rs4588 and rs2282679 in the GC gene. Vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) was prevalent in 47.5% of participants, with significant differences in 25(OH)D levels observed between genotypes of the GC gene (rs4588, p = 0.039; rs2282679, p = 0.036).

Conclusion: Physical fitness declined significantly over time, with female participants experiencing a greater decline in handgrip strength. The ApaI variant in the VDR gene was associated with changes in muscle strength, while variants in the GC gene were associated with vitamin D levels. These findings suggest that genetic factors related to the vitamin D pathway may contribute to the age-related decline in muscle strength. Therefore, genetic predisposition should be considered when developing individual interventions for healthy aging.

Background: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) and gustatory dysfunction (GD) are common among adults, with prevalence increasing significantly in older age groups. Both dysfunctions have negative effects on appetite, nutrition, social functioning and even environmental safety. OD and GD frequently coexist, indicating a possible close association between these conditions. At present, there is a lack of large-sample epidemiological studies on the relationship between OD and GD. Our study aims to investigate the relationship between OD and GD using both measurement and questionnaire data from the 2013-2014 NHANES for US adults aged 40 years and older.

Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). OD and GD were both assessed by measurements and questionnaires. The association between OD and GD was investigated with logistic regression models by adjusting for demographic characteristics, systemic diseases, and diseases of the nose and pharynx. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are presented.

Results: Participants with complete olfactory and gustatory measurements and questionnaires (n = 2,582) were included. Using whole-mouth measurements, anosmia OD significantly increased the odds of hypogeusia and ageusia GD after adjusting for confounding factors. Similarly, the questionnaire data revealed that OD significantly increased the odds of GD. However, hyposmia OD decreased the odds of hypogeusia GD using the tongue-tip taste measurement.

Conclusion: Our findings highlighted that OD was closely associated with GD in a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Burnout is a growing phenomenon among medical professionals due to aging patient populations and an increasing burden of chronic disease, in a resource constrained environment. We aim to quantify the prevalence of burnout in surgical specialists and registrars at a tertiary center in New Zealand and identify contributory factors, using a New Zealand based tool, the McEwan Burnout Questionnaire. Of the 110 people surveyed, 55% respondents had concern or high risk of burnout. Contributory factors were frustration with management, lack of resources and long working hours, with predominance toward fatigue and service provision over career progression among the registrar group. Bullying and harassment were reported more in the sub-specialty groups. More time in private practice appeared to be associated with less concern for burnout. These high rates of burnout require targeted interventions toward contributory factors to protect our workers and to maintain a sustainable workforce.

Introduction: The number of global crises increased in recent years, significantly affecting the health and well-being of children and adolescents worldwide. Awareness of these global crises and their impact on health and well-being has risen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Research indicates that some children and adolescents are more vulnerable to the challenges resulting from these crises than others. This study examines the risk and resources factors for multiple health complaints (MHC) in children and adolescents in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We analyzed data from the German population-based longitudinal COPSY (COvid-19 and PSYchological Health) study. A total of 1,673 children and adolescents aged 11 years and older and their parents participated in at least one of the five survey waves between 2020 and 2022. We assessed MHC using the international Health Behavior in School-aged Children Symptom Checklist (HBSC-SCL), which includes four somatic complaints (e.g., headache, abdominal pain) and four psychological complaints (e.g., feeling low, sleeping difficulties). We conducted a mixed model panel regression analysis to examine longitudinal changes in MHC and identified sociodemographic, psychosocial, and pandemic-related risk factors and resources.

Results: Our results revealed increased MHC throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Girls, single-parent children and adolescents, as well as children and adolescents of mentally ill or highly burdened parents, were at particular risk. A higher subjective perceived burden of the pandemic and COVID-19-related worries were significantly associated with a higher level of MHC. Personal resources, a positive family climate, and more perceived social support were significantly associated with a lower level of MHC.

Discussion: This paper highlights the vulnerability of children and adolescents in a global crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide a scientific foundation for targeted health promotion and intervention strategies to protect and maintain the health and well-being of young people in future crises.

Objectives: To estimate the rate of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and associated factors among Lebanese adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in February-April 2022; 1,202 Lebanese adults were enrolled. The sample was collected among several Lebanese governorates through an anonymous online self-reported questionnaire. The STOP-BANG questionnaire was used as a screening tool to estimate the OSA risk. "Low OSA risk" is established with 0-2 positive answers, "Intermediate OSA risk" is established by 3-4 positive answers while "High OSA risk" is established by 5-8 positive answers.

Results: This study showed that 743 (62.4%) of the sample had low risk for OSA, 357 (30.0%) had moderate, and 90 (7.6%) had high risk for OSA. Older age (aOR = 1.05) and having hypertension (aOR = 7.80) were associated with higher odds of moderate OSA. Female sex (aOR = 0.04) was significantly associated with lower odds of moderate OSA compared to males. Older age (OR = 1.17), higher BMI (OR = 1.14), hypertension (OR = 18.55), and having severe COVID-19 infection compared to mild (OR = 4.30) were significantly associated with higher odds of high OSA, whereas female sex (OR = 0.002) and being married compared to single (aOR = 0.23) were associated with lower odds of high OSA.

Conclusion: This study showed that most Lebanese adults have low risk for OSA. It also confirmed that sex, age, obesity, hypertension, and severe COVID-19 were associated with high OSA risk. These associated factors call for future research exploring the causes including the potential effect of social, economic, and political instability, local customs, and environmental factors. Moreover, future health campaigns should be assigned to increase awareness among Lebanese population regarding the prevention of OSA through lifestyle modifications.

With the development of information technology and the popularization of the O2O business model, food delivery services have become a primary dietary choice for university students. This study, based on the social-ecological model, environmental psychology, and behavioral decision theory, aims to explore the mechanisms by which food delivery culture and campus dining environments influence obesity risk among university students, providing a basis for campus dietary management and public health policies. The study involved eight universities in Changsha, collecting 518 questionnaires on dietary behaviors, self-reported BMI, and weight change data. It also integrated data from Gaode Maps and food delivery platforms to assess the characteristics of dining environments. Multiple regression and logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationships between dining environments, food delivery frequency, and health outcomes. The results showed that food delivery frequency was significantly associated with economic status (regression coefficient = 0.418, p < 0.001), with students with higher living expenses being more likely to opt for food delivery. There was a significant negative correlation between healthy food delivery option scores and BMI (standardized coefficient = -0.110, p < 0.05), indicating that students who chose healthier food delivery options had lower BMI. Longer food delivery times (regression coefficient = -0.257, p = 0.052) and poorer cafeteria accessibility (regression coefficient = 0.433, p < 0.001) significantly increased food delivery frequency. Additionally, students in suburban universities had higher BMI (23.45 kg/m²) than those in urban universities (22.23 kg/m²), primarily due to lower availability of healthy dining options in suburban areas. The study indicates that food delivery culture, through its convenience and diversity, reinforces a tendency to consume high-calorie foods, increasing the risk of obesity. It is recommended to optimize on-campus healthy dining facilities and introduce health-focused recommendation systems on food delivery platforms to promote healthier behaviors among university students.

Introduction: With growing concerns about climate change and the healthcare sector's carbon footprint, integrating sustainable practices into physiotherapy could not only reduce this impact but also enhance patient outcomes. This study explores the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physiotherapists in Iceland regarding climate change and their role in promoting sustainability.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to active members of the Icelandic Physiotherapy Association. A total of 114 physiotherapists participated (17.1% response rate). The survey, consisting of 21 questions across four themes-knowledge, attitudes, behavior, and obstacles-captured insights on respondents' understanding of climate change, their environmental practices, and the challenges they encounter.

Results: The results revealed a strong awareness of the relevance of climate change to health, though many respondents acknowledged limited knowledge on the topic. A majority expressed a sense of responsibility to mitigate climate change and reported taking actions such as reducing waste and promoting energy conservation. However, many identified a need for more guidance and training to integrate sustainable practices effectively. The primary obstacle was insufficient knowledge on implementing environmental strategies, with respondents indicating that education and resources would help overcome this barrier.

Discussion: This study highlights the potential for physiotherapists to contribute significantly to the healthcare sector's sustainability goals. The respondents' desire to enhance their environmental practices suggests an opportunity for professional associations and educational institutions to provide targeted training and support. By fostering greater environmental literacy, physiotherapists could not only contribute to reducing the healthcare sector's carbon footprint but also promote sustainable health behaviors in patients. Enhanced knowledge and support could help physiotherapists become key contributors to sustainability in healthcare.

Background: Cervical cancer poses a serious threat to women's health globally, especially in China. HPV vaccination and screening are crucial prevention and control measures. However, the screening coverage among Chinese women remains low, and there is a need to better understand the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and information needs of Chinese HPV-vaccinated women regarding cervical cancer prevention to optimize prevention and control strategies.

Objectives: To explore the knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and information needs of women vaccinated with the HPV vaccine regarding cervical cancer prevention.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling method from October 1 to December 30, 2023. A questionnaire survey was administered to 439 women vaccinated with the HPV vaccine at the Shu Shan District Community Health Service Center in Hefei, Anhui Province. The survey tool was self-designed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression.

Results: The average age of the 439 participants was 27.82 ± 6.42 years. The average cervical cancer prevention knowledge score was 35.01 ± 5.76. 434 (98.9%) women held a positive attitude towards cervical cancer screening, and 320 (72.9%) women had undergone cervical cancer screening after receiving the HPV vaccine. Educational levels such as college (OR = 2.995, 95%CI: 1.233-7.279, p = 0.015), bachelor's degree (OR = 3.694, 95%CI: 1.718-7.943, p = 0.001), and postgraduate and above (OR = 4.826, 95%CI: 2.176-10.707, p < 0.001), as well as occupation as medical workers (OR = 4.660, 95%CI: 2.292-9.474, p < 0.001), were associated with higher knowledge of prevention and treatment scores. Individuals aged 26-35 years (OR = 7.431, 95%CI: 2.856-19.331, p < 0.001), 36-45 years (OR = 11.466, 95%CI: 2.279-57.694, p = 0.003), married individuals (OR = 4.307, 95%CI: 1.455-12.750, p = 0.008), and participants who had received health education related to cervical cancer prevention (OR = 2.125, 95%CI: 1.169-3.863, p = 0.013) and possessed good knowledge of prevention (OR = 16.770, 95%CI: 8.667-32.451, p < 0.001) were more inclined to undergo cervical cancer screening. Among the 254 participants who had received health education, 34.2% still had unmet information needs regarding cervical cancer prevention, and 29.5% hoped to receive health education services from professionals.

Conclusion: Chinese HPV-vaccinated women have a good understanding of cervical cancer prevention and a positive attitude and behavior towards cervical cancer screening. However, their knowledge of cervical cancer screening is not sufficient, and their information needs have not been fully met.

Introduction: Under the background of COVID-19, people's mental health problems are concerned by researchers. Network analysis is a new method of exploring the interactions between mental health issues at the symptom level. This study investigates the network structure of generalized anxiety symptoms among Chinese residents during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of "society-family-personality," and explores its relationship with the Big Five personality traits and perceived social support.

Methods: A multi-stage random sampling cross-sectional survey was conducted in 120 cities across China Mainland from July 10, 2021 to September 15, 2021, based on the PBICR database. The Big Five Scale (BFI-10), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and Generalized Anxiety Scale (GAD-7) were used for measurement. Pearson correlation analysis was used to examine the variables mentioned in this research, and network analysis was used to estimate the psychopathological network of the three variables.

Results: A total of 11,031 subjects were included in the study, with 17% of individuals suffering from severe generalized anxiety symptoms. The results showed a correlation between the three research variables, and it was found that perceived social support in both dimensions and agreeableness of the Big Five personality traits were at the center of the network, with a significant impact on the overall network. There is a positive correlation between agreeableness and family support, but a negative correlation with generalized anxiety symptoms. Agreeableness serves as an indicator linking the other two variables; No significant gender differences were found through gender network testing.

Conclusion: According to this study, we believe that interventions in family atmosphere and social interaction can be used to prevent symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. The limitation of this study is that it cannot determine the causal relationship between variables and its generalizability in general contexts has not been confirmed. Future research can further explore its directionality based on this study and consider the influence of cultural factors to extend its applicability to other backgrounds.