Adaptive responses among Dutch elderly: the impact of eight chronic medical conditions on health-related quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the impact of eight common chronic medical conditions on functional, social, and affective domains of health-related quality of life among community-based Dutch elderly (n = 5279). METHODS: Health-related quality of life was measured with six domains of the MOS Short-Form General Health Survey. The impact of the selected chronic conditions on health-related quality of life was analyzed by means of Student's t tests, analyses of variance, and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Compared with other domains of health-related quality of life, mental health was the least affected by chronic medical conditions. Back problems and rheumatoid arthritis/other joint complaints accounted for relatively high proportions of the variance in health-related quality of life (from 35.5% to 68.3%), except for health perceptions (22.6%), indicating that health-related quality of life is most affected by these two conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Subjective well-being is by far the domain least affected by chronic medical conditions, while physical functioning and health perceptions are most affected. Back problems and rheumatoid arthritis/other joint complaints affect health-related quality of life strongly.     

Fatigue in the U.S. workforce: prevalence and implications for lost productive work time

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to estimate fatigue prevalence and associated health-related lost productive time (LPT) in U.S. workers. METHODS: Fatigue prevalence, LPT due to fatigue, and LPT for any health-related reason (in hours and dollars) were measured in a national cross-sectional telephone survey of U.S. workers. RESULTS: The 2-week period prevalence of fatigue was 37.9%. Of workers with fatigue, 65.7% reported health-related LPT compared with 26.4% of those without fatigue. Workers with fatigue cost employers 136.4 billion dollars annually in health-related LPT, an excess of 101.0 billion dollars compared with workers without fatigue. Fatigue frequently co-occurs with other conditions and, when present, is associated with a threefold increase, on average, in the proportion of workers with condition-specific LPT. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue is prevalent in the U.S. workforce. When occurring with other health conditions, it is associated with significantly more condition-specific LPT.     

东莞市外来工生理健康生存质量现状及其影响因素

目的 探讨东莞外来工生理健康生存质量现况及其影响因素。 方法 分层随机抽样抽取东莞740名外来工,采用与健康相关的生存质量测量量表(36-Item Short Form, SF-36)调查,多重线性回归分析东莞市外来工生理健康生存质量状况的影响因素。 结果 东莞市外来工生理内容综合测量得分为(57.99±10.63)分。单因素分析显示家庭人均月收入、营养状况、饮酒、熬夜、居住条件满意度、疾病及经历负性事件均有统计学意义(均P<0.10)。经多重线性回归分析,回归方程检验(F=11.172,P<0.000 1,R²=0.243)结果显示家庭人均月收入、营养状况、居住条件满意度和疾病(P<0.05)影响生理健康生存质量。 结论 家庭人均月收入、营养状况、居住条件满意度和疾病为外来工生理健康生存质量的影响因素。     

Inequality in Workplace Conditions and Health Outcomes

This paper examines the relationship between the inequality in workplace conditions and health-related outcomes in Japan. It analyzes the effect of changes in the work conditions and work arrangements on the subjective health, activity restriction, and depression symptoms, using the Japanese Life Course Panel Survey (JLPS). The 2007 JLPS consists of nationally representative sample of the youth (20 to 34 yr old) and the middle-aged (35 to 40 yr old). The original respondents were followed up in 2008, and 2,719 respondents for the youth panel and 1,246 for the middle-aged panel returned the questionnaires. The first major conclusion is that there are substantial changes in health conditions between the two waves even though the distributions of health-related outcomes are very similar at two time points. The second major conclusion is that the effects of work conditions depend on different health-related outcomes. Self-reported health and depression symptoms are affected by a variety of job-related factors. The atmosphere of helping each other and the control over the pace of work are two important factors which affect both depression and self-reported health. All these findings suggest that the workplace conditions and job characteristics have profound influence on the workers’ health.     

Does obesity contribute as much to morbidity as poverty or smoking?

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in America, but its impact on morbidity relative to other health risks is unclear. This paper compares the effects of overweight, poverty, smoking and problem drinking on occurrence of chronic conditions and health-related quality of life. The data were collected from a nationally representative household telephone survey of 9585 adults fielded in 1998, using self-reported measures of height and weight, poverty, smoking status, problem drinking, chronic conditions and SF-12 global scales. Regression analyses were used to estimate effects of health risk factors on morbidity. Thirty-six percent of adults are overweight but not obese (25< or =BMI<30) and another 23% are obese (BMI> or =30). Controlling for demographics, obesity is associated with more chronic conditions and worse physical health-related quality of life (P<0.01). Smoking history and poverty predict having chronic conditions, but their effect sizes are significantly smaller. Even after controlling for chronic conditions, obesity predicts physical health-related quality of life, in that case with an effect size similar to poverty. The effect of problem drinking is always smaller. Obesity is highly prevalent and associated with at least as much morbidity as are poverty, smoking and problem drinking. Nevertheless, the latter have achieved more consistent attention in recent decades in clinical practice and public health policy.     

Health-Related Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Oldest-Old in China

The oldest old population has become the fastest growing segment with excess need of care and social support, it is crucial to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of these populations. This study seeks to evaluate the health status and to investigate modifiable factors associated with health-related quality of life for oldest old adults in China. A cross-sectional population-based study. Hainan Province in the south of China. 1,278 adults aged 80 years or older. HRQoL was assessed by three-level EuroQol-5D scale (EQ-5D-3L) and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Demographic and health-related variables were analysed by estimating mean values and standard deviations for continuous variables, percentages and standard deviations for categorical variables. Tobit regressions, ordinary least Squared (OLS) regressions and ordered probit regressions were adopted to determine the associated factors for overall HRQoL and for each health dimension. Anxiety/depression was the least reported problem while mobility was the most frequently reported with problem. Female respondents had lower EQ-5D score (0.76 vs. 0.86) and VAS score (66.55 vs. 69.84) than male respondents. Better health-related quality of life was significantly associated with higher BMI, no drinking habit, more leisure activities, living with family members, good sleeping quality, closer social and family connections, fewer numbers of drugs consumed per day, without having hearing or visual impairment, and fewer chronic conditions, after controlling for potential confounders. Findings from this study suggested that quality of life was not only associated with age-related diseases, but also correlated with a range of health-related lifestyles, and factors indicating social and family support.     

Are mental health problems associated with use of Accident and Emergency and health-related harm?

BACKGROUND: Previous findings indicate that mental health problems are common in Emergency departments; however, there are few studies of the extent of health-related problems and emergency service use in mental health populations as a whole. METHODS: Record linkage methods were used to map the association between mental health, age, gender, and health-related harm across total health and mental health care populations in one geographical area, over three years. By examining patterns of health-related harm, an accurate profile of mentally ill Emergency patients was generated enabling identification of factors that increased vulnerability to harm. RESULTS: Of the total population of 625 964 individuals, 10.7% contacted Accident and Emergency (A&E) over three years, this proportion rose to 28.6% among the total secondary care mental health population. Young men and older women were more likely to contact A&E, both overall and within mental health populations and were also more likely to be frequent attendees at A&E. Four distinct groups (typologies) of mental health patients attending A&E emerged: young, male frequent attendees with self-inflicted and other traumatic injuries; young females also presenting with self-harm; older patients with multiple medical conditions; and very old patients with cardiac conditions and fractures. CONCLUSION: The study indicates increased A+E service use and unmet health-related need within a total mental health population. It identifies specific 'care populations' particularly vulnerable to accidents and self-harm and highlights the need for targeted services for mentally ill groups who may not access traditional health and social care services effectively.     

Salud y conductas relacionadas con la salud según la atracción y la conducta sexual

Objectiveto Describe perceived health, mental health and certain health-related behaviors according to sexual attraction and behavior in the population residing in Barcelona in 2011.MethodsPerceived health, mental health, chronic conditions and health-related behaviors were analyzed in 2675 people aged 15 to 64 years. The Barcelona Health Survey for 2011 was used, which included questions on sexual attraction and behavior. Multivariate robust Poisson regression models were fitted to obtain adjusted prevalence ratios.ResultsPeople feeling same-sex attraction reported a higher prevalence of worse perceived and mental health. These people and those who had had sex with persons of the same sex more frequently reported harmful health-related behaviors.ConclusionsLesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people may have health problems that should be explored in depth, prevented, and attended.     

Hygienic characteristics of the air and air microflora in the weaving mill of the wool textile industry

Modern wool textile factories are characterized by hygienically inadequate labour conditions which include exceeding dust and microbe contamination of the air in the working zone and poor microclimate conditions in some shops. Basing on the studies of the air contamination sources, the contributors propose recommendations for health-related improvement of the air conditions.     

Predictors of Functional Disability in Disability Welfare Claimants

Background People unemployed and claiming welfare due to poor health are by definition functionally disabled. Understanding the factors associated with such disability is crucial in the development of biopsychosocial formulations and associated occupational rehabilitation. Method A cross-sectional design in a sample of claimants (n?=?4,119) of health-related welfare, unemployed due to mental or physical health problems. Participants provided socio-demographic information and completed validated measures of psychological distress, self-efficacy and disability. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses then tested which psychological and socio-demographic factors were associated with disability. Results Despite equal rates of functional disability across health condition groups, differing variables were associated with disability for mental and physical health conditions. Psychological distress was the strongest predictor of disability across all health conditions. For physical conditions, lack of previous employment was the only additional variable associated with current disability and for mental health conditions age and self-efficacy were additional factors. Conclusion Results are discussed in terms of biopsychosocial formulations of health-related unemployment, the potential mechanisms by which psychological distress can influence disability, the methodological limitations of cross sectional regression analyses and the implications for condition-specific occupational rehabilitation.     

The effects of different health risk appraisal feedback on health-related behaviors in a worksite population

Three commonly used health risk appraisals (HRAs) and a controlwere utilized in a worksite population to determine their impacton employees' health-related behaviours. A generic questionnairewas developed which included non-redundant items from threedifferent HRA instruments, and was distributed to all 495 employeesof an insurance company. Two hundred employees returned usablequestionnaires and were randomly allocated into three HRA groupsand a control. Each HRA group received different HRA-generatedcomputer feedback while the control group received general healthinformation. A follow-up questionnaire was distributed 3 weeksafter employees received HRA or control feedback to measurereported health-related behaviours and satisfaction with thefeed back. Statistical analyses revealed no differences betweenthe HRA feedback conditions and the control with regard to changesin employees' reported health behavior.     

Evaluation of health-related quality of life using EQ-5D in Takamatsu,Japan

Objectives  

Healthy Japan 21 (Japanese National Health Promotion in the 21st Century) was started in 2000 to promote extension of healthy life expectancy and improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The present study aims to describe HRQOL of Japanese subjects using the EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D) and investigate the influence of social background, health-related behaviors, and chronic conditions on HRQOL using representatives in Takamatsu, Japan.     

Distress,Work Satisfaction,and Work Ability are Mediators of the Relation Between Psychosocial Working Conditions and Mental Health-Related Long-Term Sickness Absence

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation - Purpose This study investigated the effects of psychosocial working conditions on mental health-related long-term sickness absence and whether distress,...     

Personale, familiäre und soziale Schutzfaktoren und gesundheitsbezogene Lebensqualität chronisch kranker Kinder und Jugendlicher

INTRODUCTION: The present publication describes chronic conditions of children and adolescents (asthma, ADHD, obesity) in relation to personal, familial and social resources and to health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A database of these investigations is the German health interview and examination survey of children and adolescents (KiGGS), which is representative for 0 to 17 year-olds. The above mentioned chronic conditions occur frequently in this age group and are assumed to have an influence on quality of life and to be related to a lower level of protective factors. METHODS: The investigations used the data of 6813 children and adolescents within the age group of 11 to 17 who participated in the KiGGS study. Information about diagnosed chronic conditions was given by the parents within the framework of the computerassisted medical interview (CAPI) and by completing questionnaires. The personal, familial and social protection factors as well as the quality of life were assessed by the questionnaires, filled in by the adolescents themselves. Instruments used were the Social Support Scale, the Family Climate Scale and KINDL-R. RESULTS: Children and adolescents with asthma seem to have no deficits in the health-related quality of life and in the field of protective factors. This differs from the situation of the obese children as well as from the children with ADHD. Both groups show significant deficits in the health-related quality of life and protection factors. DISCUSSION: The chronic conditions investigated show remarkable differences in the scale values for measuring protective factors and health-related quality of life. Possible explanations are: For asthma as a chronic disease with somatic manifestation effective treatments and therapies exist, so that it has nearly no influence on the self-assessed quality of life. ADHD and obesity result in a decrease of quality of life and in the field of protective factors, possibly caused by social stigmatisation, isolation and demotivation of the concerned children and adolescents. Therefore it is important to support those children and adolescents to cope with their disease-related problems. The results illustrate that in addition to the immediate effects of chronic conditions on the concerned children and their families, it is the quality of life and the familial and social environment that should be specifically addressed in further studies.     

A comparison of urban and non-urban African American older adults on health-related characteristics

ABSTRACT

Although residential geographic health disparities have been noted in the previous literature, studies are specifically lacking on intra-group health comparisons of African American older adults by residential geography. The purpose of this study was to determine if health-related characteristics of African American older adults varied by residential geography. Socioeconomic demographics, medical conditions, primary care use, and self-ratings of general health, social activity, and physical activity were compared in a community-dwelling sample of 327 urban and non-urban African American older adults. Urban and non-urban African American older adults were compared on health-related factors. Compared to urban African American older adults, those in non-urban areas had lower incomes, lower self-ratings of general health, social activity, and physical activity, and a higher frequency of arthritis and gastroenterological and urological conditions. Despite poorer general health and medical conditions, non-urban African American older adults were less likely to visit the doctor when needed. Study findings suggest residential geography may be an underappreciated underlying contributing factor to inter-group health disparities between African American and white older adults and not race alone. Therefore, social workers in public health, health care, and clinical settings should be aware of the interaction between race and residential geography.     

Health-related quality of life in neonates and infants: a conceptual framework

Quality of Life Research - With reduced mortality of neonatal conditions, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important clinical outcome. However, since the meaning of HRQOL in...     

Suburban sprawl and physical and mental health

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between objective measures of suburban sprawl and chronic medical conditions and mental health disorders in the USA. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of survey data merged with objective measures of suburban sprawl. Outcomes are self-reported medical conditions, mental health disorders and health-related quality of life. RESULTS: Sprawl significantly predicts chronic medical conditions and health-related quality of life, but not mental health disorders. An increase in sprawl from one standard deviation less to one standard deviation more than average implies 96 more chronic medical problems per 1000 residents, which is approximately similar to an aging of the population of 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: A robust association between sprawl and physical (but not mental) health suggests that suburban design may be an important new avenue for health promotion and disease prevention.     

The effect of whole body vibration on health-related quality of life in patients with chronic conditions: a systematic review

Quality of Life Research - To identify the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic conditions. Five databases (the Cochrane Library,...     

Occupational hygiene at solar-energy electric power plants]

The labour conditions of the personnel engaged in servicing an experimental solar electric power station in warm seasons of the year were characterized by the unfavourable environmental factors peculiar of working out-doors (heliostat sites) and in the station's shops (solar radiation, heating microclimate, noise). Combinations and activity of those factors were professionally determined. Established was the role of the labour conditions and respective occupational peculiarities in the individual response formation to work overload. A set of health-related preventive measures was also proposed.     

高校在校学生健康素养现况调查及影响因素分析

目的 了解全国高校在校学生健康素养水平现况.方法 采用分阶段目的 抽样和方便抽样混合的抽样方法,对全国7省市内28所不同类型高校非毕业年级学生5070人使用自编问卷进行健康素养现况的横断面调查,用SPSS 13.0软件进行统计学分析.结果 5070名调查对象健康素养基本知识和技能得分百分制平均分为(74.139±12.0223)分,38.4%具有基本健康素养(≥80分);在健康素养基本知识与技能的5个维度中,慢性病预防维度及格率最低(1.1%).健康素养基本知识与技能总分及5个维度得分的及格率在不同性别、不同地区高校和不同高校类型间的分布差异有统计学意义(P＜O.05);高校所处地区、高校类型是影响学生健康素养水平的重要因素(P＜0.05).结论 高校在校学生中低健康素养流行率较高,在慢性病预防、基本医疗知识等维度尤为突出;低健康素养在其不同人群中分布存在差异.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the status on health-related knowledge and skills among the college students. Methods 5070 Chinese students from 28 universities or colleges were sampled, using the multiple-stage stratified, purposive and convenient mixed sampling method. A cross-sectional investigation on health literacy was conducted with self-designed questionnaire, and SPSS 13.0 was used to statistically analyze the data. Results The average scores on health-related related knowledge and skills among the subjects was 74.139 ± 12.0223, with 38.4% on basic health-related literacy (scores≥80). The rate (1.1%) of passing the margin line set for the awareness on chronic disease prevention appeared to be the lowest. And there noticed significant differences (P＜0.05) in different regions, types, and genders on the basic health-related knowledge and skills as well as on the prevalence rates of total and each dimensional health-related literacy among universities and colleges. Regions and types of universities and colleges were the main influencing factors on the levels of health-related knowledge and skills among the college students. Conclusion The prevalence of basic health-related knowledge and skills was low and the prevalence rates of health-related knowledge and skills were differently distributed among student populations under study.