Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health最新文献

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the number of program types and CGA in community gathering places to gain valid insights into the provision of programs in community gathering places. The study is longitudinal in nature and uses prospective cohort data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. The participants were 8758 older adults recruited from 28 cities and towns. The dependent variable was the CGA using the KCL. The independent variable was the number of program types in community gathering places. The participants were classified under four groups, namely, No Participation, One Type, Two Types, and More Than Three Types. The study performed linear regression analysis. The mean of the KCL scores by the number of types was 3.8 ± 3.3, 3.5 ± 3.0, 3.3 ± 2.9, and 3.2 ± 2.8 points for the four groups, respectively. CGA was better for two and three or more types of program participation. CGA at 3 years was better when the community gathering places implemented two or more types of program.

Our study explored the link between body mass index (BMI) and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among university students in China. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 11 251 undergraduates from seven provinces. Body mass index, physical health status, economic status, depression and anxiety symptoms, and suicidality were self-reported using validated questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression models were fitted for males and females. Results showed that of 11 251 participants (mean age = 20.7 ± 1.3), 22.6% were with underweight, 6.1% with overweight, and 2.7% with obesity. Females with class III obesity had higher suicide risk (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.05) and suicide attempt history (aOR = 3.55). Males with overweight and class I obesity had lower odds of depressive symptoms. Suicide attempt history was associated with higher odds of overweight for males (aOR = 2.58). Clinicians and public health authorities should take into consideration the implications of overweight and obesity levels on suicidality.

This study evaluates the influence of smoking cessation policies and COVID-19 on the prevalence of smoking among Korean adolescents from 2011 to 2020. Based on the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, trends in adolescent smoking behaviors were examined, including the impact of cigarette price increases, Pictorial Warning Labels (PWLs), and the onset of COVID-19. We used joinpoint regression analysis to discern annual changes in the prevalence of adolescent smokers. Results indicate that the implementation of increased cigarette prices and pictorial warnings was associated with a significant decrease in smoking prevalence among adolescents. We found a yearly reduction in smoking prevalence by 10.5% for cigarette-only smokers, 10.3% for e-cigarette-only smokers, and 9.2% for those who used both. The onset of COVID-19 further accelerated the decline in adolescent smoking. The findings suggest that the Korean government's smoking cessation strategies and pandemic-related changes have effectively reduced smoking rates among adolescents.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major global health concern, affecting maternal and child health. Although genetic predispositions and individual medical histories are well-recognized risk factors, emerging research suggests a significant impact of external factors like neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics. This study systematically reviews and meta-analyzes the association between neighborhood deprivation and GDM incidence. We searched multiple databases up to January 10, 2024, for studies linking neighborhood deprivation with GDM. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined criteria, with the Nested Knowledge software assisting in screening and data extraction. Quality assessment utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and a random-effects model computed the pooled relative risk (RR) using R software, version 4.3. The review included six studies varying significantly in design, sample sizes, and deprivation assessment methods. The meta-analysis combined data from five studies totaling 15 827 participants from the least deprived and 18 147 from the most deprived neighborhoods, yielding an RR of 0.909 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.566, 1.461], P = .607), indicating a non-significant lower risk of GDM in more deprived groups. A substantial heterogeneity (I² = 70%) was observed, and sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these findings. This analysis suggests that living in a deprived neighborhood does not significantly alter GDM risk, underscoring the necessity for further research to refine public health strategies and interventions. The variability in neighborhood deprivation definitions and potential unaccounted confounding factors highlight the need for comprehensive studies, especially from low-income and middle-income countries, to elucidate the intricate links between socioeconomic factors and GDM.

In the Philippines, the co-occurrence of two or more types of malnutrition in an individual, also known as intra-individual double burden of malnutrition (DBM), has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and the factors associated with DBM at the individual level among Filipino women of reproductive age (WRA) using the data collected from the 2018 Philippine Expanded National Nutrition Survey. For this study, intra-individual DBM was defined as the co-existence of overweight or obesity and anemia in an individual. Analysis showed that a significantly high prevalence of intra-individual DBM was found among WRA aged 40 to 49 years old, widowed, and those with a waist circumference of ≥80 cm. Furthermore, a waist circumference of ≥80 cm was highly associated with the likelihood of having intra-individual DBM among this age group. On the contrary, being single had a significantly lower risk of having this condition.

The workplace is an important setting for improving population psychological health. This study aimed to identify priority industries and populations in Australia with highest adverse effects of psychological distress. The study included 5834 workers aged 18 to 64 years who participated in the 2020 to 2021 National Health Survey. Logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress by industry, age group, and gender. Productivity losses were analyzed using negative binomial regression. Increased odds of experiencing distress were found for younger workers 18 to 29 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2. 45, 95% CI [1.75, 3.43]) and female workers (OR = 1.52, 95% CI [1.16, 2.01]). Industry of employment did not impact distress once age and gender were accounted for (P = .956). Being highly/very highly distressed resulted in a mean of 21.56 more distress-related loss days per year (0.78 vs 22.34) compared with low/moderate distress. Targeted and tailored workplace intervention programs for these groups are required to build a healthy and productive future workforce.

Few longitudinal studies have examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal behaviors. This study investigated changes in four social behaviors among the Japanese public during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, using four-wave longitudinal data (2020-2023) from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey (JACSIS). In total, 8622 respondents continuously participated in the surveys. In JACSIS 2023, the percentage of individuals who always refrained from specific actions decreased compared with 2020: traveling (71.0%-30.9%), non-essential and non-urgent outings (60.6%-24.5%), crowded spaces (62.6%-28.0%), and eating out (49.5%-21.6%). Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis indicated that essential health care workers displayed more cautious behavior than other workers, and respondents were less likely to refrain from these actions in JACSIS 2023 compared with 2020. Understanding behavioral changes is crucial to evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 prevention measures and improving future pandemic response strategies.