0000000000077043
AUTHOR
Hans Oh
The association between objective vision impairment and mild cognitive impairment among older adults in low- and middle-income countries
Aim: The association between visual impairment and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has not been investigated to date. Thus, we assessed this association among older adults from six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (China, India, Ghana, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa) using nationally representative datasets. Methods: Cross-sectional, community-based data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. Visual acuity was measured using the tumbling ElogMAR chart, and vision impairment (at distance and near) was defined as visual acuity worse than 6/18 (0.48 logMAR) in the better-seeing eye. The definition of MCI was based on the National Institute on Aging…
Association of bullying victimization with overweight and obesity among adolescents from 41 low‐ and middle‐income countries
Background: Data on the association between overweight/obesity and bullying victimization among adolescents are scarce from low- and middle-income countries. Objectives: We assessed the associations between overweight/obesity and bullying victimization in 41 low- and middle-income countries. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey were analysed. Data on past 30-day bullying victimization (including type) and body mass index based on measured weight and height were collected. The 2007 WHO Child Growth reference was used to define overweight and obesity. Multivariable logistic regression (multinomial and binary) and meta-analyses based on country-wise …
Association between food insecurity and fall-related injury among adults aged ≥65 years in low- and middle-income countries: The role of mental health conditions
Purpose:\ud \ud We investigated the association between food insecurity and fall-related injury among older adults from six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and the extent to which this association is mediated by mental health.\ud \ud Methods:\ud \ud Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. Past 12-month food insecurity was assessed with two questions on frequency of eating less and hunger due to lack of food. Fall-related injury referred to those that occurred in the past 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and mediation analysis were conducted to assess association…
Psychotic experiences and subjective cognitive complaints among 224 842 people in 48 low- and middle-income countries.
Abstract Aims Cognitive deficits are an important factor in the pathogenesis of psychosis. Subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs) are often considered to be a precursor of objective cognitive deficits, but there are no studies specifically on SCC and psychotic experiences (PE). Thus, we assessed the association between SCC and PE using data from 48 low- and middle-income countries. Methods Community-based cross-sectional data of the World Health Survey were analysed. Two questions on subjective memory and learning complaints in the past 30 days were used to create a SCC scale ranging from 0 to 10 with higher scores representing more severe SCC. The Composite International Diagnostic Intervi…
Body mass index and mild cognitive impairment among middle-aged and older adults from low- and middle-income countries
Background: The effect of weight modification on future dementia risk is currently a subject of debate and may be modified by age. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) status with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (a preclinical stage of dementia) in middle-aged and older adults residing in six low- and middle-income countries using nationally representative data. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) were analyzed. MCI was defined using the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association criteria. BMI (kg/m2) was based on measured weight and height and categorized as: under…
Consumption of Fish and ω-3 Fatty Acids and Cancer Risk: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses of Observational Studies
Multiple studies have suggested that ω-3 fatty acid intake may have a protective effect on cancer risk; however, its true association with cancer risk remains controversial. We performed an umbrella review of meta-analyses to summarize and evaluate the evidence for the association between ω-3 fatty acid intake and cancer outcomes. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews from inception to December 1, 2018. We included meta-analyses of observational studies that examined associations between intake of fish or ω-3 fatty acid and cancer risk (gastrointestinal, liver, breast, gynecologic, prostate, brain, lung, and skin) and determined the level of evidence of…
Association between sarcopenia and quality of life among adults aged ≥ 65 years from low- and middle-income countries
Background Sarcopenia has been associated with a lower quality of life (QoL). However, studies on this association from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are scarce. Aims To examine the association between sarcopenia and QoL, in a large nationally representative sample of older adults from six LMICs. Methods Cross-sectional, community-based data from the WHO study on global ageing and adult health (SAGE) were analysed. Non-severe sarcopenia was defined as having low skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and weak handgrip strength but no slow gait speed, while severe sarcopenia was defined as having low SMM, weak handgrip strength, and slow gait speed. QoL was assessed with the 8-item WHO QoL in…
Food insecurity (hunger) and suicide attempts among 179,771 adolescents attending school from 9 high-income, 31 middle-income, and 4 low-income countries: A cross-sectional study
BACKGROUND: Data on food insecurity and suicide attempts in adolescence are scarce. Thus, the aim of the current study was to assess the association between food insecurity (hunger) and suicide attempts in adolescents from 44 countries. METHODS: Cross-sectional, school-based data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey were analyzed. Data on past 12-month suicide attempts and past 30-day food insecurity (hunger) were collected. Multivariable logistic regression, meta-analysis, and meta-regression were conducted to assess the associations. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 179,771 adolescents attending school. The prevalence of moderate (rarely/sometimes hungry) and severe (m…
Multimorbidity and anxiety symptoms among adults aged 50 years and over from six low- and middle-income countries
Currently, there are limited data on the association between multimorbidity (i.e., ≥ 2 chronic conditions) and anxiety, especially among the older population in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the association between multimorbidity and anxiety symptoms in a large sample of adults aged ≥ 50 years from six LMICs (China, India, Ghana, Mexico, Russia, South Africa). Cross-sectional, nationally representative, community-based data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) were analysed. A total of 11 chronic physical conditions were assessed. Anxiety symptoms referred to extreme/severe problems with worry or anxiety in the…
Fruit and vegetable consumption and sarcopenia among older adults in low- and middle-income countries
Fruit and vegetable consumption may protect against sarcopenia but there are no studies on this topic from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, we assessed this association among older adults from six LMICs. Community-based cross-sectional data of the Study on Global Aging and Adult Health were analyzed. Sarcopenia was defined as the presence of low skeletal muscle mass based on indirect population formula, and either slow gait or low handgrip strength. Quintiles of vegetable and fruit consumption were created based on the number of servings consumed on a typical day. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. The sample consisted of 14,585 individuals aged &ge
Chronic physical conditions, physical multimorbidity, and quality of life among adults aged ≥ 50 years from six low- and middle-income countries
Abstract Purpose Multimorbidity (i.e., ≥ 2 chronic conditions) poses a challenge for health systems and governments, globally. Several studies have found inverse associations between multimorbidity and quality of life (QoL). However, there is a paucity of studies from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), especially among the older population, as well as studies examining mediating factors in this association. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the associations, and mediating factors, between multimorbidity and QoL among older adults in LMICs. Methods Cross-sectional nationally representative data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. A total of 11 chroni…
Anxiety symptoms among informal caregivers in 47 low- and middle-income countries: A cross-sectional analysis of community-based surveys.
Background-\ud \ud There are no multi-country studies on the association between informal caregiving and anxiety from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Therefore, we investigated this relationship in a large predominantly nationally representative sample from 47 LMICs.\ud \ud Methods-\ud \ud Cross sectional data from the World Health Survey were analyzed. Anxiety symptoms referred to severe or extreme problems with worries or anxiety in the past 30 days.\ud \ud Information on caregiving in the past 12 months was obtained. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, sex, marital status, education, household size, employment, disability, and country was conducted. Da…
Chronic physical conditions, multimorbidity, and mild cognitive impairment in low- and middle-Income countries
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Chronic physical conditions and multimorbidity may be modifiable risk factors for dementia. However, data from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are lacking. This study thus assessed the association of chronic physical conditions and multimorbidity with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in LMICs. DESIGN: Nationally representative, cross-sectional, community-based. SETTING: Six countries which participated in the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health. PARTICIPANTS: 32,715 adults aged ≥50 years [mean (SD) age 62.1 (15.6) years; 51.7% females]. MEASUREMENTS: The definition of MCI was based on the recommendations of the National Institut…
Association between food insecurity and depression among older adults from low- and middle-income countries.
Background:\ud \ud To examine the association between self‐reported food insecurity and depression in 34,129 individuals aged ≥50 years from six low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa).\ud \ud Methods:\ud \ud Cross‐sectional, community‐based, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. Self‐reported past 12‐month food insecurity was assessed with two questions on frequency of eating less and hunger due to lack of food. Questions based on the World Mental Health Survey version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview were used for the endorsement of past 12‐month …
Chronic skin disease and levels of physical activity in 17 777 Spanish adults: a cross-sectional study
Background: To date there is limited literature on the prevalence of chronic skin conditions and its association with levels of physical activity (PA) in Spain. Aim: To determine the prevalence of chronic skin disease and to compare levels of PA between people with and without chronic skin disease in a large representative sample of Spanish adults aged 15–69 years. Methods: Data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analysed. Chronic skin disease was assessed using a yes/no question. PA was measured using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Total PA metabolic equivalent of task min/week were calculated, and PA was included in the analyses as a co…
Active Travel and Mild Cognitive Impairment among Older Adults from Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Active travel may be an easily achievable form of physical activity for older people especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), but there are currently no studies on how this form of physical activity is associated with a preclinical state of dementia known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between active travel and MCI among adults aged ≥50 years from six LMICs. Cross-sectional, community-based data from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. The definition of MCI was based on the National Institute on Ageing-Alzheimer’s Association criteria. Active travel (minutes/week) was as…
Body mass index categories and anxiety symptoms among adults aged =?50 years from low and middle income countries.
Background: Body weight may be a risk factor for anxiety; however, there is a scarcity of studies on this association in older adults especially from low and middle income countries (LMICs). Therefore, we investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and anxiety symptoms among adults aged ≥ 50 years from 6 LMICs. Methods: Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. The BMI was based on measured weight and height and was categorized as: < 18.5 kg/m2 (underweight), 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 (normal weight), 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 (overweight), 30.0–34.9 kg/m2 (obesity cla…
Perceived Stress and Mild Cognitive Impairment among 32,715 Community-Dwelling Older Adults across Six Low- and Middle-Income Countries
<b><i>Background:</i></b> Perceived stress may be a modifiable risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and ultimately dementia, but studies on this topic from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are lacking. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> We assessed the association between perceived stress and MCI in six LMICs (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa) using nationally representative data. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Cross-sectional, community-based data on individuals aged ≥50 years from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. The definition of MCI was base…
Food insecurity and physical multimorbidity among adults aged ≥ 50 years from six low- and middle-income countries
Abstract Purpose Food insecurity and multimoribidity (i.e., ≥ 2 chronic conditions) may be linked bidirectionally, but there are no studies on this topic from LMICs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the association between food insecurity and physical multimorbidity in a large representative sample of older adults from six LMICs. Methods Cross-sectional, community-based data on adults aged ≥ 50 years from the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) conducted in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa were analyzed. A total of 11 chronic physical conditions were assessed. Past 12 month food insecurity was assessed with tw…
Association between depression and subjective cognitive complaints in 47 low- and middle-income countries
People with depression and subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) may be at particularly high risk for developing dementia. However, to date, studies on depression and SCC are limited mainly to single high-income countries. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between depression and SCC in adults from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cross-sectional, community-based data were analyzed from the World Health Survey. Two questions on subjective memory and learning complaints in the past 30 days were used to create a SCC scale ranging from 0 (No SCC) to 100 (worse SCC). ICD-10 Diagnostic Criteria for Research was used for the diagnosis of subsyndromal de…
Food Insecurity Is Associated with Mild Cognitive Impairment among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in South Africa:Findings from a Nationally Representative Survey
There are no studies on the association between food insecurity and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Thus, cross-sectional, community-based data on individuals aged &ge
Psychotic experiences and psychiatric treatment utilization in Buenos Aires.
Objective: Psychotic experiences are associated with psychiatric treatment utilization, though findings have not been entirely consistent. Furthermore, it is unclear how psychotic experiences relate to specific types of psychiatric treatment, and whether mental illness moderates these associations. Methods: In total, 1,036 adult residents of Buenos Aires were recruited through convenience sampling in public places. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the associations between psychotic experiences and psychiatric treatment, adjusted for age, sex and education. Analyses were then stratified by diagnosis of mental illness. Results: Approximately 17.95% ( N = 186) of the sample re…
Table_S1 – Supplemental material for Psychotic experiences and psychiatric treatment utilization in Buenos Aires
Supplemental material, Table_S1 for Psychotic experiences and psychiatric treatment utilization in Buenos Aires by Hans Oh, Ai Koyanagi, Jordan E DeVylder and Eduardo A Leiderman in International Journal of Social Psychiatry
Association between cooking fuels and mild cognitive impairment among older adults from six low- and middle-income countries
AbstractThere is a small body of evidence suggesting that unclean cooking fuel use may be associated with cognitive decline. However, to date, no study has investigated the association between unclean cooking fuel and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Thus, we investigated the association between cooking fuel type or ventilation type and MCI among adults aged ≥ 65 years using nationally representative datasets from six low- and middle-income countries. Cross-sectional, community-based data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Study on global Ageing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. MCI was defined using the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association criteria. Unclean cookin…
Sleep problems and mild cognitive impairment among adults aged ≥50 years from low- and middle-income countries
Background-\ud \ud The limited available literature suggests that sleep problems are linked to an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, this association has been little studied to date in low-income settings.\ud \ud Objective-\ud \ud To investigate the association between sleep problems and MCI in a large sample of adults from six low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).\ud \ud Design-\ud \ud Cross-sectional.\ud \ud Setting-\ud \ud Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE).\ud \ud Subjects-\ud \ud 32,715 individuals aged ≥50 years with preservation in functional abilities [age range 50–114 years; 51.7% females].\ud \ud Methods-\ud \ud MCI was defined using the Nat…
Association of multimorbidity with higher levels of urinary incontinence: a cross-sectional study of 23 089 individuals aged ≥15 years residing in Spain
BackgroundOne can assume a relatively high prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in people with multimorbidity. However, literature in this area is scarce. There is a need for further robust research to aid GPs to identify patients at a particular risk for UI, and to initiate the early treatment and multidisciplinary management of this condition.AimTo examine the association between multimorbidity and UI in 23 089 individuals aged ≥15 years and residing in Spain.Design and settingThis study used data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017, a cross-sectional sample of 23 089 participants aged ≥15 years residing in Spain (54.1% female; mean [standard deviation] age = 53.4 [18.9] years…
Mild cognitive impairment is associated with fall-related injury among adults aged ≥65 years in low- and middle-income countries.
Abstract Objectives There is a scarcity of data on the association between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and falls, especially from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where 70% of all older adults reside. Thus, we investigated the association between MCI and fall-related injury among older adults residing in six LMICs (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa). Design Cross-sectional, community-based data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. Methods The definition of MCI was based on the National Institute on Ageing-Alzheimer's Association criteria, and information on past 12-month fall-related injury was also collected. Multivariable l…
The association of cooking fuels with depression and anxiety symptoms among adults aged ≥65 years from low- and middle-income countries
Background: We aimed to investigate associations of unclean cooking fuels with depression and anxiety symptoms in a large sample of adults aged ≥65 years from six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: Cross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) were analyzed. Unclean cooking fuel referred to kerosene/paraffin, coal/charcoal, wood, agriculture/crop, animal dung, and shrubs/grass. Depression referred to DSM-IV depression based on past 12-month symptoms or receiving depression treatment in the last 12 months. Anxiety symptoms referred to severe/extreme problems with worry or anxiety in the past 30 day…
Physical multimorbidity and depression: A mediation analysis of influential factors among 34,129 adults aged ≥50 years from low- and middle-income countries.
Background There is a scarcity of literature on the association between physical multimorbidity (i.e., >= 2 chronic physical conditions) and depression among older adults, especially from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In addition, the mediators in this association are largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to examine this association among adults aged >= 50 years from six LMICs (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia, and South Africa), and to identify potential mediators. Methods Cross-sectional, nationally representative data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health were analyzed. Depression was defined as past-12 months DSM-IV depression or receiving depression treat…
Association between physical multimorbidity and sleep problems in 46 low- and middle-income countries
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between multimorbidity (i.e., two or more chronic conditions) and sleep problems in the general adult populations of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, we aimed to assess this association among adults from 46 LMICs, and to quantify the extent to which anxiety, depression, stress, and pain explain this association. METHODS: Cross-sectional, predominantly nationally representative, community-based data from the World Health Survey were analyzed. Nine chronic physical conditions (angina, arthritis, asthma, chronic back pain, diabetes, edentulism, hearing problems, tuberculosis, visual impairment) were assessed. To be included in th…
Associations between mental and oral health in Spain: a cross-sectional study of more than 23,000 people aged 15 years and over.
Background:\ud \ud This study aimed to investigate associations between mental health and several parameters of oral health, controlling for a variety of important covariates, in a large representative sample of Spanish people.\ud \ud Methods:\ud \ud Data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017 were analysed. Mental (i.e., depression, chronic anxiety, other psychiatric disorders) and oral health (i.e., dental caries, dental extraction, dental filling, gingival bleeding, tooth movement, dental material, missing tooth) were evaluated. Control variables included sex, age, marital status, education, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical multimorbidity. Associations between psychiatric…
Association of objective visual impairment with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adults aged =50 years in low/middle-income countries.
BackgroundThere is currently limited literature on the association between visual impairment and suicidal thoughts and behaviours, especially among older adults from low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, we aimed to investigate the associations of objectively measured distance visual impairment with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among adults aged ≥50 years from six LMICs and to identify potential mediators.MethodsCross-sectional, community-based, nationally representative data from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health were analysed. Objective distance visual acuity was measured using the tumbling E logMAR chart, and vision impairment was categorised as none, mild, m…
Body Mass Index and Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults from Low- and Middle-Income Countries.
Background: The effect of weight modification on future dementia risk is currently a subject of debate and may be modified by age. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) status with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (a preclinical stage of dementia) in middle-aged and older adults residing in six low- and middle-income countries using nationally representative data. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) were analyzed. MCI was defined using the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association criteria. BMI (kg/m2) was based on measured weight and height and categorized as: under…
Sibship size, birth order and psychotic experiences: Evidence from 43 low- and middle-income countries.
Background: Sibship size and birth order may be contributing factors to the multifactorial etiology of psychosis. Specifically, several studies have shown that sibship size and birth order are associated with schizophrenia. However, there are no studies on their association with psychotic experiences (PE). Methods: Cross-sectional, community-based data from 43 low- and middle-income countries which participated in the World Health Survey were analyzed. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to identify four types of past 12-month PE. The association of sibship size and birth order with PE was assessed with multivariable logistic regression. Results: The final sample consi…
Sleep problems and subjective cognitive complaints among middle-aged and older adults in 45 low- and middle-income countries
Background: Currently, a small body of evidence suggests that sleep problems are positively associated with subjective cognitive complaints (SCC). However, no studies on this topic exist from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Thus, we investigated the association between sleep problems and SCC in a large sample of middle-age and older adults from 45 LMICs. Methods: Cross-sectional, predominantly nationally representative, community-based data were analyzed from the World Health Survey. Sleep problems (such as difficulties falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night or waking up too early in the morning) in the last 30 days were self-reported. Two questions on subjective me…