Shimokihara S, Tabira T, Maruta M
… +6 more, Han G, Sagari A, Iso N, Okabe T, Minami T, Kawagoe M
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39369279
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This study explored the longitudinal connection between dialysis therapy in older adults and the incidence of cognitive impairment, and trends of general abilities. We conducted a retrospective propensity score matching...This study explored the longitudinal connection between dialysis therapy in older adults and the incidence of cognitive impairment, and trends of general abilities. We conducted a retrospective propensity score matching (PSM) analysis of data from the care-needs certification survey in City A, Japan, spanning 2017 to 2021. Our sample comprised 11 443 initially cognitively intact older adults from the baseline year 2017. Among them, individuals had received dialysis therapy at baseline, and 216 individuals were included after PSM. The dialysis group had a significantly lower incidence of cognitive impairment during follow-up than the control group ( = 0.02). The competing risk of death was significantly higher in the dialysis group than in the control group ( < .001). Both groups showed a decline in their comprehensive ability over the time. There have been several reports of a negative association between dialysis and cognitive impairment, but more detailed investigation of the longitudinal relationship may be needed. Comprehensive support remains critical for both dialysis and non-dialysis older adults.
Phakdeechanuan K, Kellett U, Henderson S
… +3 more, Corones-Watkins K, Saito A, Thiangchanya P
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2025 Jan · PMID 39354841
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Thailand is one of the Southeast Asia countries that has been significantly impacted by Registered Nurse (RN) workforce shortages. This integrative review aimed to critically analyze factors influencing the attrition and...Thailand is one of the Southeast Asia countries that has been significantly impacted by Registered Nurse (RN) workforce shortages. This integrative review aimed to critically analyze factors influencing the attrition and retention of RNs practicing in Thailand's hospital sector. The databases searched included CINAHL (via EBSCOhost), EMBASE, Nursing Allied (via ProQuest), Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, and Medline. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) were utilized to record the search strategy findings in compliance with the review standards, while the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was used to appraise quality. Sources for review totaled 35, using quantitative methods (n = 30), qualitative methods (n = 3), and mixed methods (n = 2). Thematic analysis revealed factors that challenge RNs' job motivation fueled by a lack of autonomy, a loss of confidence and sense of competence, and negative workplace relations with co-workers, resulting in poor job satisfaction. Future research is needed to elicit an understanding of "how" Thai RNs sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in their workplace practice provides insight into "why" they choose to remain employed or leave the nursing workforce.
Mohd Hatta H, Musa KI, Mohd Fuzi NMH
… +1 more, Moraga P
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39344715
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Leptospirosis and enteric fever are prevalent tropical acute bacterial febrile illnesses in Kelantan, Malaysia, that exhibit overlapping features and shared transmission dynamics, yet their spatial relationship remains u...Leptospirosis and enteric fever are prevalent tropical acute bacterial febrile illnesses in Kelantan, Malaysia, that exhibit overlapping features and shared transmission dynamics, yet their spatial relationship remains understudied. This study aimed to analyze their spatial distribution, investigating potential interactions and intersecting patterns. A total of 212 laboratory-confirmed cases of enteric fever and 1106 of leptospirosis between 2016 and 2022, were retrieved from the national e-Notifikasi registry. Point pattern analysis revealed clustering of both diseases in the northern region, but leptospirosis was predominant in the south, exhibiting higher spatial risk. Seven co-infection cases were identified in overlapping hotspot areas. Spatial dependence between the diseases was identified within 4 km distance on average, with varying patterns over time and regions. Recognizing spatial dependence has implications for accurate diagnosis, timely intervention, and tailored public health strategies. The findings underscore the need for multi-disease interventions to address shared risk factors and co-infections in similar geographical contexts.
Tseng PC, Lin TY, Cheng LH
… +5 more, Kuo CT, Chen IM, Chien YL, Chen HC, Liao SC
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39344643
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This study examined the relationship between perceived social status, COVID-19-related discrimination, and sleep quality among 158 migrant care workers in Taiwan. Data were collected via computer-assisted interviews, ass...This study examined the relationship between perceived social status, COVID-19-related discrimination, and sleep quality among 158 migrant care workers in Taiwan. Data were collected via computer-assisted interviews, assessing perceived social status with the MacArthur scale and sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The results revealed that higher perceived social status in reference to the destination country (B = 0.31) and experience of media stigmatization (B = 0.52) were associated with higher global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores, whereas perceived social status in reference to the home country and others forms of pandemic-related discrimination were not associated with PSQI scores. The study concluded that social comparison and stigmatization were linked to sleep health of migrant care workers. Understanding these factors can inform the development of targeted interventions to address inequalities faced by migrants.
Khaw WF, Chan YM, Alias N
… +4 more, Tan L, Nasaruddin NH, Tham SW, Ahmad NA
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39342425
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The relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes has garnered significant attention. However, there is a limited amount of research exploring the association between SES and the risk of metabolic s...The relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health outcomes has garnered significant attention. However, there is a limited amount of research exploring the association between SES and the risk of metabolic syndrome in Malaysian adults. This study aimed to determine the association between SES and risk of hypertension, diabetes and obesity. By using data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), SES was derived through principal component analysis involving six variables. Two different SES components were identified and labeled as "social status" and "wealth status." Among the participants, 36% were diagnosed with hypertension, 18% with obesity, and 21% with diabetes. Adults with high wealth and social status showed a significantly increased risk of obesity. Meanwhile, high social status was significantly associated with a reduction in the risk of hypertension and diabetes. A comprehensive understanding of the associations between SES and noncommunicable diseases could facilitate initiatives that promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, thereby enhancing the holistic well-being of Malaysians.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39340176
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Cancer screening is the most cost-effective prevention strategy that enables improved cancer morbidity and mortality rates. However, there was a significant decline in cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic worldw...Cancer screening is the most cost-effective prevention strategy that enables improved cancer morbidity and mortality rates. However, there was a significant decline in cancer screening during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. This study aimed to measure regional differences in cancer screening by comparing screening rates before and during COVID-19 and to examine factors explaining the regional difference in cancer screening. All variables including the differences in cancer screening rate before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were collected from 229 administrative subregions in South Korea and joined with each community in ArcGIS environment. Factors explaining regional difference in cancer screening were analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and interactive decision tree modeling. Cancer screening rates decreased in all regions during the COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea. The findings revealed that national health insurance premiums, the number of cancer screening facilities, livelihood benefit recipients, and the population aged 65+ could be classified as variables highly affecting the decrease in cancer screening rate. These findings highlight the efforts to appraise different barriers to cancer screening in each community. In addition, it is important to promote sustainable cancer screening strategies from regional perspectives based on regional vulnerabilities and their complex impact on cancer screening.
Pallewaththa P, Kandegedara P, Wickramasinghe R
… +4 more, Humpita Pathirannehelage G, Heiyanthuduwage S, Prakash S, Manfra L
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39318139
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Adolescence is a crucial phase of growth and development in the life course, and healthy nutrition is essential during this period. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions regarding the implementation...Adolescence is a crucial phase of growth and development in the life course, and healthy nutrition is essential during this period. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions regarding the implementation of relevant nutrition policies for adolescents in Sri Lanka. The study is qualitative, employing a "phenomenology" approach. The study was conducted in the central province of Sri Lanka, with participants including adolescents (n = 18), public health inspectors (n = 3), parents (n = 12), canteen owners (n = 3), schoolteachers (n = 3), and principals (n = 3). Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using the framework analysis method. Results indicated that adolescents' awareness of relevant policy statements is poor. Implementing nutrition policies related to adolescents in school settings and at the community level remains insufficient. In conclusion, future research should further evaluate the overall implementation of nutrition policies directed at adolescents. This will help policymakers to enhance and improve relevant policy guidelines.
Chan SY, Lai HH, Lai YJ
… +5 more, Huang CM, Chen CC, Chang SS, Yen YF, Chiu YC
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39311433
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Predictors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-specific and non-COVID-19-specific deaths have not been extensively studied. This cohort study in Taiwan investigated predictors for COVID-19-specific and non-COVID-19-s...Predictors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-specific and non-COVID-19-specific deaths have not been extensively studied. This cohort study in Taiwan investigated predictors for COVID-19-specific and non-COVID-19-specific deaths among hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. From January to July 2022, 2196 COVID-19 patients at Taipei City Hospital were consecutively recruited in this cohort study. Among the 175 deceased COVID-19 patients, 147 (84.0%) and 28 (16.0%) had COVID-19-specific and non-COVID-19-specific deaths, respectively. After controlling for other covariates, multinomial logistic regressions showed that age ≥ 65 was significantly associated with higher risks for both COVID-19-specific, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.21; and non-COVID-19-specific deaths (AOR = 6.06). Fully vaccinated individuals (AOR = 0.50) and Paxlovid recipients (AOR = 0.45) had lower COVID-19-specific death risks, while comorbid cancer or end-stage renal disease patients faced higher risks of non-COVID-19-specific deaths. Our study findings suggest that vaccination and Paxlovid treatment are crucial for reducing SARS-CoV-2-specific mortalities, while comorbid patients need careful monitoring to reduce non-COVID-19-specific deaths.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39257040
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The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms and perceived stress among people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nepal. Using a cross-sectional design, we collect...The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms and perceived stress among people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nepal. Using a cross-sectional design, we collected data from 481 participants with T2DM in Kavrepalanchok and Nuwakot districts of Nepal. Depressive symptoms and perceived stress were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Perceived Stress Scale, respectively. Associated independent variables were examined using binary logistic regression analyses. Of 481 participants, 123 (25.8%) had depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥5) and 156 (32.4%) experienced perceived stress. Low monthly income (<USD 215.52) and low diabetes medication adherence were significantly associated with both depressive symptoms and perceived stress. Mandatory screening and timely treatment for mental health conditions and assessment of medication adherence should be incorporated in the routine primary care of T2DM patients. A person-centred approach to T2DM management, considering the socio-economic determinants of the disease, should be prioritized by the healthcare system. Future studies should identify integrated care for the prevention and management of mental health comorbidities.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39256933
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Little is known about vaping and its associated factors among Asian adolescents worldwide. We did a scoping review of the international literature on vaping among Asian adolescents. The prevalence of Asian adolescent vap...Little is known about vaping and its associated factors among Asian adolescents worldwide. We did a scoping review of the international literature on vaping among Asian adolescents. The prevalence of Asian adolescent vaping varied by the country's e-cigarette policies: the highest prevalence in Indonesia 32.2% (ever vapers) and 11.8% (current vapers) in 2019 and the lowest in Japan with 2.1% to 3.5% (ever vapers) and 0.7% to 1.0% (current vapers) in 2017. In New Zealand, a Western country with strong tobacco control but liberal policies on vaping, the prevalence of ever vaping was 20.4%, regular vaping 4.2%, and weekly vaping 2.8% in 2019. The most common reasons for vaping in both contexts were curiosity and peer influence. The internet as a popular source of information on vaping was identified mostly in Asian studies. In Asian contexts, the most common reasons for more frequent vaping were the desire to quit smoking and the ability to vape indoors, whereas in Western countries, the top three reasons were nicotine concentration, nicotine dependence, and more daily vaping sessions. Regular monitoring and more targeted research to understand adolescents' vaping behaviors will need to be undertaken on this heterogeneous population to inform appropriate policies and regulations.
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39252428
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Eating behaviors, which are shaped during childhood, are one of the important factors influencing children's growth. This study aimed to investigate the variations in eating behaviors among Vietnamese preschool children...Eating behaviors, which are shaped during childhood, are one of the important factors influencing children's growth. This study aimed to investigate the variations in eating behaviors among Vietnamese preschool children aged 3 to 6 years using the Children Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) and their association with anthropometric -scores. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 172 children from 36 to 72 months old, recruited from three different socioeconomic regions of Hanoi. Differentiation of eating behaviors between two sexes was observed across all age groups, but most obvious at 36 to 48 months of age. The subscales of emotional overeating (EOE), enjoyment of food (EF), and desire to drink (DD) were higher in 60- to 72-month age groups and vice versa for slowness in eating (SE) and emotional undereating (EUE) subscales. Analyses using the general linear model showed that CEBQ subscales were associated with anthropometric -scores in both girls and boys.
Apalasamy YD, Awang H, Mansor N
… +4 more, Othman A, Jani R, Nik Osman NNA, Tan CL
Asia Pac J Public Health
· 2024 Nov · PMID 39212135
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Older adults are at greater risk of mental health issues. This study examined the factors influencing mental well-being among 2230 Malaysian older adults, using data from the 2018 to 2019 Malaysia Ageing and Retirement S...Older adults are at greater risk of mental health issues. This study examined the factors influencing mental well-being among 2230 Malaysian older adults, using data from the 2018 to 2019 Malaysia Ageing and Retirement Survey. The World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) was used to assess mental well-being, and linear regression analysis identified the significant factors. Women had lower mental well-being scores than men ( = .012, β = -0.016). Chinese ( = .024, β = -0.020), Indian ( < .001, β = -0.043), and other ethnicities ( < .001, β = -0.031) reported lower scores than Malays. The factors associated with better well-being were secondary ( = .001, β = 0.032) and tertiary education ( < .001, β = 0.063), and good ( < .001, β = 0.081) and moderate ( < .001, β = 0.038) health status. Diseases-limiting activities were associated with poor well-being ( < .001, β = -0.030). Support from family ( < .001, β = 0.062) and friends ( < .001, β = 0.032), social activity participation ( < .001, β = 0.026), and functional ability ( < .001, β = 0.043) were significant positive factors. There is a need for targeted interventions to enhance mental health among Malaysian older adults.