Suchergebnisse

To investigate the activities of daily living (ADL) and influencing factors, this survey study was conducted in Shangrao of Jiangxi. A total of 1087 elderly subjects in a long-term care (LTC) program participated in this study and their physical function, cognitive ability, self-rated health, and chronic disease were recorded during March 2017 and April 2018. The ADL scale was used to evaluate the health status of the elderly. F-test and multiple linear regression showed that the average ADL of the participants was 15.12 ± 17.59. The incidence of visual and verbal impairment was 68.6% and 14.1%, respectively. Over 74% of the elderly had severe cognitive impairment; and the prevalence of chronic disease was 84.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, education, BMI (Body Mass Index), low income, verbal and cognitive ability, visual status, health self-evaluation, and some chronic diseases were related to self-care ability (p < 0.05). In summary, this study revealed that the ADL score is lower in this region and identified several influencing factors. These new findings will be useful for the local government to enhance the current LTC program for the elderly population.

Chinese gay men are preferentially vulnerable to mental health problems because of deep-rooted, traditional social influence that overemphasizes heterosexual marriage, fertility, and filial piety. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2017 using the Chinese version of the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) to assess the status of, and factors associated with the mental health of Chinese gay men. Unadjusted associations between demographic factors and the total score of SCL-90-R were examined using t/F tests or person correlation analysis. The main factors that were most predictive of the aggregate score of SCL-90-R were identified by multiple linear regressions. A total of 367 gay men participated in this survey with an average score of SCL-90-R of 180.78 ± 79.58. The scores of seven dimensions (OCS, INTS, DEPR, ANX, HOS, PHOA, PARI) for Chinese gay men were found to be significantly higher than the national norm (all p < 0.001). Age (B = −1.088, SE = 0.478, p = 0.023), educational level (B = −14.053, SE = 5.270, p = 0.008), and degree of coming out publicly (B = −23.750, SE = 4.690, p < 0.001) were protective factors for participants' mental health status. A gay man who is the only child in his family was more likely to obtain a higher total score of SCL-90-R in China (B = 59.321, SE = 7.798, p < 0.001). Our study reveals the worrying mental health status of Chinese gay men. Shifts in familial, governmental, and societal normas are suggested to improve the current social acceptance towards sexual minority men, as well as to reduce detrimental health effects.

To assess the status of, and factors associated with, residents' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to air pollution and respiratory health of children in Shanghai, we conducted a cross-sectional survey. Demographic factors associated with residents' knowledge were identified by multiple logistic regressions. The questionnaires were completed by 972 participants, half from the Shanghai Children Hospital and the other half from the Jiading communities. Half of the participants' scores of knowledge and attitudes were equal or greater than 8.0 on a 9-point scale, over 75% of respondents' practice scores were equal to or less than 4.0. Our studies demonstrated a significant difference of average knowledge scores between the two groups (t = 1.27, p < 0.05). The parents' educational level (OR = 1.89, 2.48) and average annual household income (AAHI) (OR = 2.37, 2.40, 2.12) were the two strongest factors on knowledge awareness. In addition, statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups in their attitudes towards air quality and their perception of the government's efforts to alleviate it. The hospital and community groups also showed significant differences in practices geared towards protecting their children's health. Nearly 90% of the respondents agreed that improving air quality is the responsibility of every citizen, and the joint action of governments and all citizens should be utilized for enhanced control. In addition, more resources should be allocated towards providing citizens with appropriate practices to help lessen the effects of poor air quality.

To understand the heavy metal pollution in agricultural soils along the East River basin and assess the pollution related health effect to local residents, interviews and archived data were obtained to identify the study sites affected by polluted tailing. Soil samples were collected and tested for heavy metal content and the Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI). The degree of pollution of agricultural soils in the area was assessed using GIS-based Spatial distribution map of heavy metals and the trend of soil heavy metal risk. Two villages (Matian and Zhudui) near the East River were included in this study for health effect assessment. A total of 193 residents aged 15 or above from each village were tested for the present status of chronic diseases. Convenient sampling method was used to collect blood samples from 78 residents for heavy metal concentration. The contents of Pb, Cd, As, Zn, and Cu in the agricultural soils were all over the standards with a moderate to severe CPI. Among these metals, Cd was the highest followed by Pb, and Cu was the lowest. The contents of Pb, Cd, As, and Zn tend to be higher in soils closer to the river. The prevalence of chronic diseases was over 30%, which is significantly higher than the report from the national central region (23.15%). The average blood lead level (BLL) among children under 14 years is 7.42 μg/dL. Although the adults in Matian village had a significantly higher BLL (χ(2) = 8.70, p = 0.03) as compared to Zhudui village, there was no significant difference for the prevalence of chronic diseases between the two villages (χ(2) = 3.23, p = 0.09). The mean BLL of children and the proportion of children with BLL ≥ 10 µg/dL in this study are equivalent to the national average. The higher BLL concentration and prevalence of chronic diseases in adults might be due to their long-term exposure to heavy metal contamination environment and higher background level of heavy metals. Findings from this study will form the baseline information for local government to the ...