Men's health: a population-based study on social inequalities

This study evaluates social inequalities in health according to level of schooling in the male population. This was a cross-sectional, population-based study with a sample of 449 men ranging from 20 to 59 years of age and living in Campinas, Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The chi-square test was used to verify associations, and a Poisson regression model was used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios. Men with less schooling showed higher rates of alcohol consumption and dependence, smoking, sedentary lifestyle during leisure time, and less healthy eating habits, in addition to higher prevalence of bad or very bad self-rated health, at least one chronic disease, hypertension, and other health problems. No differences were detected between the two schooling strata in terms of use of health services, except for dental services. The findings point to social inequality in health-related behaviors and in some health status indicators. However, possible equity was observed in the use of nearly all types of health services.

Physical Activity In Daily Life In Brazilian COPD Patients During and After Exacerbation

Background: Although hospitalization is recognized as an important cause of reduction in physical activity in daily life (PADL) in COPD, there is only one study evaluating this effect, and it was performed in European COPD patients who have a lower PADL than that of South American COPD patients. Objectives: To investigate the effect of hospitalization due to acute exacerbation of PADL in Brazilian COPD patients and to evaluate the factors that determines the physical activity levels during hospitalization and after discharge. Methods: PADL was quantified using a 3-axis accelerometer on the 3rd day of hospitalization and 1 month after discharge in Brazilian COPD patients who were hospitalized due to disease exacerbation. Six-minute walking distance (6MWD), lower limb strength and pulmonary function were also evaluated. Results: A total of 20 patients completed the study. During hospitalization, patients spent most of the time (87%) lying down or sitting; however, 1 month after they were walking >40 min/day. In addition, patients with prior hospitalization had a lower level of physical activity compared to those without a previous history of hospitalization. The time spent walking during hospitalization was significantly explained by the quadriceps strength (r(2) = 0.29; p < 0.05), while 1 month after, the time spent walking was only significantly explained by the 6MWD (r(2) = 0.51; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Brazilian COPD patients are inactive during hospitalization but become active 1 month after discharge. Previously hospitalized are more inactive both during and after exacerbation. The quadriceps strength and 6MWD explain the physical activity levels during hospitalization and at home, respectively.

Genetic and environmental influences on blood pressure and physical activity: a study of nuclear families from Muzambinho, Brazil

Blood pressure (BP) and physical activity (PA) levels are inversely associated. Since genetic factors account for the observed variation in each of these traits, it is possible that part of their association may be related to common genetic and/or environmental influences. Thus, this study was designed to estimate the genetic and environmental correlations of BP and PA phenotypes in nuclear families from Muzambinho, Brazil. Families including 236 offspring (6 to 24 years) and their 82 fathers and 122 mothers (24 to 65 years) were evaluated. BP was measured, and total PA (TPA) was assessed by an interview (commuting, occupational, leisure time, and school time PA). Quantitative genetic modeling was used to estimate maximal heritability (h²), and genetic and environmental correlations. Heritability was significant for all phenotypes (systolic BP: h² = 0.37 ± 0.10, P < 0.05; diastolic BP: h² = 0.39 ± 0.09, P < 0.05; TPA: h² = 0.24 ± 0.09, P < 0.05). Significant genetic (r g) and environmental (r e) correlations were detected between systolic and diastolic BP (r g = 0.67 ± 0.12 and r e = 0.48 ± 0.08, P < 0.05). Genetic correlations between BP and TPA were not significant, while a tendency to an environmental cross-trait correlation was found between diastolic BP and TPA (r e = -0.18 ± 0.09, P = 0.057). In conclusion, BP and PA are under genetic influences. Systolic and diastolic BP share common genes and environmental influences. Diastolic BP and TPA are probably under similar environmental influences.

Percepción de los residentes de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ante el turismo de cruceros

[ES] El turismo de cruceros ha reaparecido con fuerza desde los años ochenta, acelerándose su implantación en Europa -y en particular en Canarias-, desde la siguiente década. Gran parte de los estudios sobre el turismo de cruceros se han centrado en las características de la demanda (el perfil del turista, la capacidad de gasto, los impactos que causa, etc.). Sin embargo, la literatura sobre la percepción que tienen los residentes sobre este turismo es más bien escasa y donde se centra el actual estudio, en particular en el espacio más inmediato al Puerto de La Luz y de Las Palmas.[EN] Cruise tourism is a way of taking leisure time in our society. It is an activity that has become very popular since the eighties, accelerating its presence in Europe and, particularly,in the Canary Islands since the following decade. Many of the studies on cruise tourism have focused on the characteristics of the demand (including the profile of tourists, spending power, the impacts that this activity causes, etc.). However, the literature on the residents’ perception about this tourism where this study focuses on, is rather scarce is rather scarce, particularly in the space immediately to the Port of La Luz and Las Palmas.

Wohlfahrtswirkung und Freizeitnutzung von öffentlichem Grün am Beispiel der Stadtparks in Mainz

Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht die Wohlfahrtswirkung und die Freizeitnutzung des öffentlichen Grüns durch die einheimische Bevölkerung in Mainz am Beispiel von Volkspark, Stadtpark und Hartenbergpark und formuliert relevante Folgerungen für die Planung zur Verbesserung des Freizeitwertes. Zunächst wurde der aktuelle Stellenwert des öffentlichen Grüns für die Freizeit analysiert. Dies erfolgte im Rahmen einer Umfrage mit geschlossenen Fragebögen. In Mainz besteht ein großer Bedarf an öffentlichem Grün. Die Grünausstattung wird von der Stadtbevölkerung nur zurückhaltend beurteilt. Einen besonderen Stellenwert für die Freizeit nehmen ausgedehnte Parkanlagen und Wälder ein; dies muss in der Freizeitplanung für Mainz berücksichtigt werden.Die Freizeitnutzung der Besucher der drei Parks wurde durch eine Fragebogenaktion direkt vor Ort ermittelt. Außerdem wurde an verschiedenen Tagen die Besucherfrequenz erhoben. Es wurde das Besucherverhalten bezüglich Verkehrsmittel, Entfernung des Wohnortes, Dauer und Häufigkeit der Besuche analysiert. Darüber hinaus wurde die Zufriedenheit der Besucher mit den Parks bezüglich verschiedener Einrichtungen und der Grüngestaltung untersucht.Die Besucherfrequenz wurde an drei verschiedenen Tagen von 9-19 Uhr in jedem der drei Parks erhoben. Mit Hilfe dieser Daten wurde die Anzahl der Besucher am Tage erhoben, und die Besuchergruppen bezüglich Alter und Gruppengröße erfasst.Im Unterschied zu früheren Studien anderer Parks benutzen immer mehr Besucher das Auto zum Erreichen des Parks, und immer weniger Besucher kommen zu Fuß. Nachmittags werden die Parks am stärksten frequentiert.Alle drei Parks werden überwiegend von Mainzern besucht. Der beachtliche Besucheranteil von außerhalb der Stadt Mainz in Volkspark und Stadtpark gegenüber dem Hartenbergpark weist auf die überregionale Bedeutung beider Parks hin. Aus den Ergebnissen wurden planungsrelevante Folgerungen für die Ausstattung abgeleitet. Verbesserungswürdig erscheint besonders der Volkspark, dessen nördliche Hälfte durch mangelhafte Ausstattung nur wenig genutzt wird, seine südliche Hälfte, auf welche sich die gesamte Ausstattung konzentriert, wird stark frequentiert. Mit Hilfe der aus den Untersuchungen abgeleiteten Folgerungen erhalten die Planungsträger im Bereich der Freizeitnutzung aktuelle Entscheidungsgrundlagen.

The role of proactive coping strategies and perceived health status for Social well-being and life-project in old age.

The latter part of the 20th century was a period characterized by a fundamental demographic transition of western society. This substantial and structural demographic change proposes several challenges to contemporary society and fosters the emergence of new issues and challenges. Among these, none is more crucial than the comprehension of the mechanisms and the processes that lead people to positive aging. Rowe and Kahn’s model of successful aging highlights the interplay between social engagement with life, health, and functioning for a positive aging experience. Other systemic models of successful aging (Kahana et al., 1996; 2003; Stevernik et al., 2006) emphasize the role of internal and external resources for attaining positive aging. Among these, the proactive coping strategies are indicated as important active strategies for avoiding the depletion of resources, counterbalancing the declines and maintaining social and civic involvement. The study has analyzed the role of proactive coping strategies for two facets of positive aging, the experience of a high social well-being and the presence of personal projects in fundamental life domains. As expected, the proactive coping strategies, referred to as the active management of the environment, the accumulation of resources and the actualization of human potentials are confirmed as positive predictors of high level of social well-being and of many personal projects focused on family, culture, leisure time, civic and social participation. Perceived health status give a significant contribution only to the possession of many personal projects. Gender and level of school education give also a significant contribution to these two dimensions of positive aging, highlighting how positive aging is rooted not only in the possession of personal resources, but also in historical models of education and in positive longitudinal chains related to early development.

Landscape and well-being: a scoping study on the health-promoting impact of outdoor environments

OBJECTIVES: The present literature review conceptualises landscape as a health resource that promotes physical, mental, and social well-being. Different health-promoting landscape characteristics are discussed. METHODS: This article is based on a scoping study which represents a special kind of qualitative literature review. Over 120 studies have been reviewed in a five-step-procedure, resulting in a heuristic device. RESULTS: A set of meaningful pathways that link landscape and health have been identified. Landscapes have the potential to promote mental well-being through attention restoration, stress reduction, and the evocation of positive emotions; physical well-being through the promotion of physical activity in daily life as well as leisure time and through walkable environments; and social well-being through social integration, social engagement and participation, and through social support and security. CONCLUSION: This scoping study allows us to systematically describe the potential of landscape as a resource for physical, mental and social well-being. A heuristic framework is presented that can be applied in future studies, facilitating systematic and focused research approaches and informing practical public health interventions.

Caregivers' Social Capital and Satisfaction with their Children's Service Providers

The authors examine children's access to and caregiver's satisfaction with organizations that provide leisure time activities for children on Saturdays. The authors argue that access and satisfaction are a function of familie's financial, cultural and social capital. Using data on 1,036 households in the Phoenix metropolitan area in 2003-04, the authors found that families' financial and cultural capital affected whether or not children participate din activities organized by organizations, but family ties to the organization directly (e.g., either worked there, volunteered, donated) resulted in caregivers being more satisfied with the services. The authors also found that the benefits of network closure (caregivers knowing the parents of other children on site) were greater the riskier the activities of the child (e.g., sports or cheerleading). Contrary to the authors expectations, having family or friends in the area did not affect caregiver's satisfaction with the child's provider.

Levels and determinants of inflammatory biomarkers in a Swiss population-based sample (CoLaus study)

Objective to assess the levels and determinants of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and C-reactive protein (CRP) in a healthy Caucasian population. Methods population sample of 2884 men and 3201 women aged 35 to 75. IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were assessed by a multiplexed particle-based flow cytometric assay and CRP by an immunometric assay. Results Spearman rank correlations between duplicate cytokine measurements (N = 80) ranged between 0.89 and 0.96; intra-class correlation coefficients ranged between 0.94 and 0.97, indicating good reproducibility. Among the 6085 participants, 2289 (37.6%), 451 (7.4%) and 43 (0.7%) had IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels below detection limits, respectively. Median (interquartile range) for participants with detectable values were 1.17 (0.48–3.90) pg/ml for IL-1β; 1.47 (0.71–3.53) pg/ml for IL-6; 2.89 (1.82–4.53) pg/ml for TNF-α and 1.3 (0.6–2.7) ng/ml for CRP. On multivariate analysis, greater age was the only factor inversely associated with IL-1β levels. Male sex, increased BMI and smoking were associated with greater IL-6 levels, while no relationship was found for age and leisure-time PA. Male sex, greater age, increased BMI and current smoking were associated with greater TNF-α levels, while no relationship was found with leisure-time PA. CRP levels were positively related to age, BMI and smoking, and inversely to male sex and physical activity. Conclusion Population-based levels of several cytokines were established. Increased age and BMI, and to a lesser degree sex and smoking, significantly and differentially impact cytokine levels, while leisure-time physical activity has little effect.

Stress and burnout among Swiss dental residents

Stress and burnout have been well-documented in graduate medical and undergraduate dental education, but studies among dental graduate students and residents are sparse. The purpose of this investigation was to examine perceived stressors and three dimensions of burnout among dental residents enrolled in the University of Bern, Switzerland. Thirty-six residents enrolled in five specialty programmes were administered the Graduate Dental Environment Stress (GDES30) questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Individual stress items and overall GDES30 scores were used to quantify perceived stress. To measure burnout, proportions of burnout "cases" and MBI subscale scores were computed in the domains of emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and reduced personal accomplishment (PA). Analyses relied on descriptive and bi-variate methods. The mean GDES30 score was 2.1 (SD = 0.4). "Lack of leisure time", "meeting the research requirement of the programme" and "completing graduation requirements" emerged as the top three stressors. Thirty-six percent of respondents were burnout "cases" on the PA scale, while this proportion was 17% for EE and 8% for DP. Both stress and burnout levels increased according to year of study, whereas younger residents and females had consistently higher stress and burnout scores compared to older ones and males. Overall, low levels of perceived stress and burnout were found among this group of Swiss dental residents.

Design and Impact of Awareness Functions – A Study about Social Media in Virtual Teams

The usage of social media in leisure time settings has become a prominent research topic. However, less research has been done on the design of social media in collaboration settings. In this study, we investigate how social media can support asynchronous collaboration in virtual teams and specifically how they can increase activity awareness. On the basis of an open source social networking platform, we present two prototype designs: a standard platform with basic support for information processing, communication and process – as suggested by Zigurs and Buckland (1998) – and an advanced platform with additional support for activity awareness via specialfeed functions. We argue that the standard platform already conveys activity awareness to a certain extent, however, that this awareness can be increased even more by the feeds in the advanced platform. Both prototypes are tested in a field experiment and evaluated with respect to their impact on perceived activity awareness, coordination and satisfaction. We show that the advanced design increases coordination and satisfaction through increased perceived activity awareness.

Television viewing, C-reactive protein, and depressive symptoms in older adults

There is emerging evidence for a link between sedentary behavior and mental health, although the mechanisms remain unknown. We tested if an underlying inflammatory process explains the association between sedentary behavior and depressive symptoms. We conducted a two year follow-up of 4964 (aged 64.5 ± 8.9 years) men and women from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a cohort of community dwelling older adults. Self-reported TV viewing time was assessed at baseline as a marker of leisure time sedentary behavior. The eight-item Centre of Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale was administered to measure depressive symptoms at follow-up. At baseline, TV time was associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), adjusted geometric mean CRP values were 2.94 mg/L (<2 h/d TV); 3.04 mg/L (2–4 h/d TV); 3.29 mg/L (4–6 h/d TV); 3.23 mg/L (>6 h/d TV). We observed both a direct association of TV time on CES-D score at follow-up (B = 0.08, 95% CI, 0.05, 0.10) and indirect effects (B = 0.07, 95% CI, 0.05, 0.08). The indirect effects were largely explained through lack of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol, but not by CRP or body mass index.

Children's and adolescents' moral emotion attributions and judgments about exclusion of peers with hearing impairments

Children and adolescents with hearing impairments are at risk of being excluded from activities with hearing peers. Moral emotion attributions may represent important indicators for children’s identification with the moral norm not to exclude peers based on disability. Against this background, we investigated how 10-, 12- and 15-year-olds (N = 215) feel and judge about social exclusion of peers with hearing impairments. Emotion attributions and moral judgements were assessed using four different hypothetical scenarios about the exclusion of peers with hearing impairments (school vs. leisure time, group vs. dyad). Moreover, children’s and adolescents’ inclusive behaviour was assessed by a peer nomination procedure. Results revealed that moral emotion attributions differed as a function of exclusion context and grade. Moreover, participants with inclusive behaviour attributed moral emotions more often than participants with less inclusive behaviour. Implications of the results for moral education are discussed.

Zur interindividuellen Variabilität affektiver Reaktionen im Verlauf von Freizeit- und Gesundheitssportprogrammen

Positive Effekte sportlicher Aktivität auf das aktuelle Befinden sind meta-analytisch gut dokumentiert. Eine Generalisierung der Befunde wird dadurch eingeschränkt, dass zunehmend eine hohe interindividuelle Variabilität beobachtet wird und Prozesse während der Aktivität defizitär berücksichtigt wurden. Dieser Beitrag geht den Fragen nach, wie groß das Ausmaß interindividueller Variabilität affektiver Reaktionen im Verlauf von gruppenbasierten Freizeit- und Gesundheitssportaktivitäten ist und welchen Einfluss personale Voraussetzungen (Fitnesszustand) und Faktoren der Auseinandersetzung mit der Aktivität (Beanspruchungserleben, Kompetenzwahrnehmung, positives Gruppenerleben) nehmen. Speziell interessiert, inwieweit affektive Reaktionen in Abhängigkeit vom Zeitpunkt sowie in Abhängigkeit der Intensität von unterschiedlichen Faktoren beeinflusst werden. Dazu wurden 110 Universitätsangestellte (M = 49.5 Jahre) wiederholt im Rahmen von mehrwöchigen Programmen befragt. An insgesamt sechs Terminen wurden Handheld-PC-Befragungen vor, zweimal während und nach der Kursstunde durchgeführt, mit denen das aktuelle Befinden und mögliche Einflussfaktoren erfasst wurden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Variabilität affektiver Reaktionen im ersten Abschnitt der Sportprogramme am größten ist, während die Reaktionen am Ende der Kursstunde insgesamt positiver und homogener ausfallen. Im ersten Abschnitt sind personale Voraussetzungen noch wichtige Einflussfaktoren, während die Bedeutung der wahrgenommenen Kompetenz und des positiven Gruppenerlebens im Verlauf der Sportaktivität größer wird. Im Einklang mit der Dual Mode Theory weist die Kompetenzwahrnehmung bei anstrengender Intensität im Vergleich zu moderater Intensität einen größeren Zusammenhang mit dem Befinden auf.

Digital Personal Assistant for Cognitive Cities: A Paper Prototype

This chapter presents an evaluation and initial testing of a meta-application (meta-app) for enhanced communication and improved interaction (e.g., appointment scheduling) between stakeholders (e.g., citizens) in cognitive cities. The underlying theoretical models as well as the paper prototype are presented to ensure the comprehensibility of the user interface. This paper prototype of the meta-app was evaluated through interviews with various experts in different fields (e.g., a strategic consultant, a small and medium-sized enterprises cofounder in the field of online marketing, an IT project leader, and an innovation manager). The results and implications of the evaluation show that the idea behind this meta-app has the potential to improve the living standards of citizens and to lead to a next step in the realization and maturity of the meta-app. The meta-app helps citizens more effectively manage their time and organize their personal schedules and thus allows them to have more leisure time and take full advantage of it to ensure a good work-life balance to enable them to be the most efficient and productive during their working time.