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AIM: To analyse the impact of an intervention combining ageing education with clinical practice in nursing homes on a nursing cohort's negative stereotypes and prejudices towards ageing. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted in September 2019-October 2020 in a population of health sciences students (n = 222). METHODS: Questionnaire of Negative Stereotypes towards Aging (CENVE) and Aging Semantic Differential (DSE) were used to examine negative stereotypes and prejudices towards ageing in the nursing cohort exposed to the ageing education and practice intervention compared to a medical cohort that received no intervention. Group-by-time interaction, controlled by sex and age, for the effect of the intervention on CENVE and DSE scores was determined by mixed-design ANOVA. RESULTS: The nursing cohort significantly reduced negative stereotypes and prejudices towards ageing when compared to the medical cohort in total (F = 26.926; p < 0.001), health factor (F = 16.812; p < 0.001), motivational and social factor (F = 11.266; p = 0.001), and character and personality factor (F = 19.202; p < 0.001) scores of CENVE scale and in DSE (F = 7.826; p = 0.006).
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Ageísmo , Estudiantes de Enfermería , Humanos , Estudios Prospectivos , Envejecimiento , EscolaridadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Since children are generally not achieving desirable levels of physical activity (PA), schools can provide an opportunity to increase their active time. This study aimed to describe individual- and social-level variables associated with PA at school recess in a culturally diverse primary school. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study included 131 children attending primary school. PA data were measured via accelerometry during school recess and analyzed in relation to data on sociodemographics, anthropometrics, and PA outside school. Data were analyzed using generalized linear modeling and logistic regression. FINDINGS: Girls were more sedentary and engaged in less moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) than boys (p < .001), while older girls were less active than younger girls (p < .001). Also, non-Caucasian children were less sedentary (p < .001) and engaged in more MVPA (p = .007). Belonging to ethnic minorities was also associated with lower socioeconomic status, higher body mass index, and less PA outside of school and on weekends. CONCLUSIONS: Girls (especially older girls) and children from lower socioeconomic contexts should be prioritized when promoting PA. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY: School recess can be used as an effective strategy aimed at increasing PA and reducing social inequalities.
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Ejercicio Físico , Instituciones Académicas , Acelerometría , Índice de Masa Corporal , Niño , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMEN
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) are two of the main components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Imbalanced RAS showing lower ACE2 has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, muscular pathologies, sarcopenia, frailty, other age-related pathologies and a poorer health status. However, its role in aging remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze the serum enzymatic activity of ACE and ACE2, the ACE/ACE2 ratio and its association with anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, physical function, dependence and frailty in older people living in nursing homes. This study is a secondary analysis of baseline data from two randomized clinical trials in a population of 228 older individuals living in nursing homes (Spain). Serum ACE and ACE2 enzymatic activities were measured by fluorimetry. Variables linked to cardiovascular risk, physical function, dependence and frailty were measured using validated tests, indexes and scales. Association between ACE, ACE2 serum activities, the ACE/ACE2 ratio and the rest of the quantitative variables were assessed by Pearson's correlations and by partial correlations controlled by age and sex. The association between serum ACE and ACE2 activities, the ACE/ACE2 ratio and frailty scores was analyzed by generalized linear models with and without controlling for sex and age. Differences in enzymatic activities between sexes and between frail and non-frail individuals were analyzed using Student's t-test and general linear models to control analysis by age and sex. We found that higher serum ACE2 activity was associated with a higher body mass index, worse physical function, greater dependence and increased frailty. This association is consistent with the elevation of circulating ACE2 in certain pathological conditions and in line with RAS deregulation in muscular dystrophies. Serum ACE2 activity, in combination with other molecules, could be proposed as a biomarker of poor physical function, higher dependence and frailty.
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Enzima Convertidora de Angiotensina 2 , Fragilidad , Anciano , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Humanos , Casas de Salud , Sistema Renina-AngiotensinaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Ageism is studied extensively in community-dwelling older adults, but remains poorly understood in institutionalized older adults. Here, we compared the physical, psychological, and social variables associated with self-reported age-based biases in community-dwelling older adults and in those living in nursing homes (NHs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants (n = 272) in this descriptive cross-sectional study lived in NHs (n = 126) or in their homes (n = 146), were 60 years or older, and had no cognitive or serious functional impairments. Those in NHs had been institutionalized for at least six months. The dependent variable was negative stereotypes toward aging (CENVE). We developed generalized linear models (GLMs) by place of residence and sex following the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment´s (CGA) methodology. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant relationship between negative stereotypes of aging and different multidimensional variables. These variables differ between institutionalized and non-institutionalized adults and between men and women. While some variables are non-modifiable (age and sex) others are potentially modifiable (educational level, participation in activities, length of NH stay, hand strength, autonomy, and depression). CONCLUSIONS: This study compared, for the first time, levels of ageism in older people living in two different social environments. Because most of the significant variables are modifiable in both environments, our results provide a framework to combat this type of discrimination. Promising strategies include anti-ageism policies and laws, educational interventions, and increased intergenerational contact.
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Ageísmo , Estereotipo , Anciano , Envejecimiento , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Medio SocialRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Even if women have intention to breastfeed, they do not always achieve a successful breastfeeding. AIM: This study aims to analyse factors affecting breastfeeding prevalence among mothers that intended to breastfeed. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study involving 401 pregnant women that intended to breastfeed (asked at the 20th week). Breastfeeding prevalence was evaluated in reference to health-related, socio-cultural factors and healthcare professionals' interventions at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after birth. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods, bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: Independent factors negatively affecting breastfeeding prevalence related to mothers' and newborns' health parameters and birth characteristics included smoking during pregnancy, anaemia and use of analgesia during labour. Regarding sociocultural parameters, being an immigrant, higher education level, intention to breastfeed before pregnancy, comfort with public breastfeeding and bedsharing were positively linked to breastfeeding, while teat or pacifier use in the first week was negatively linked. Regarding healthcare professionals' practices, mother and father/partner antenatal education course attendance and exclusive breastfeeding at the hospital were positively associated with breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding is a very complex phenomenon affected by multiple and diverse variables. Physiological factors only affect the short term (1st month), while middle and long term BF affecting variables are mainly identical and include mostly socio-cultural factors and also BF related practices, especially in the first days after birth. These data should help to develop more effective breastfeeding promotion strategies.
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Lactancia Materna , Trabajo de Parto , Femenino , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Intención , Madres , Embarazo , Estudios ProspectivosRESUMEN
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted daily activities worldwide. University students may have experienced substantial changes in daily living as a result of restrictions on university attendance. The return to normalcy may take a long time, and understanding the influence that shifts in daily routines have had on the lifestyles of university students may inform approaches to support overall well-being. We analyzed changes in the lifestyles of students enrolled at a health sciences university during the COVID-19 pandemic. This longitudinal study took place at the Faculty of Medicine and Nursing in the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the final sample consisted of 113 nursing students, 109 medical students, and 45 physiotherapy students. Our results demonstrate changes in lifestyles of university students during the pandemic. MedDiet adherence scores and the percentage of students with high adherence increased during the pandemic. This increase was due to the increased consumption of vegetables and nuts. In terms of physical activity, the practice of moderate and intense physical activity was maintained. These results provide important information for both public health authorities and educational institutions to guide strategies to maintain the well-being of students and enhance opportunities for young adults to lead a healthy lifestyle.
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COVID-19 , Dieta Saludable , Dieta Mediterránea , Ejercicio Físico , Conductas Relacionadas con la Salud , Estudiantes del Área de la Salud/psicología , Universidades , Adolescente , Femenino , Conocimientos, Actitudes y Práctica en Salud , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , España , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Serum alpha-klotho (s-klotho) protein has been linked with lifespan, and low concentrations of s-klotho have been associated with worse physical and cognitive outcomes. Although its significance in aging remains unclear, s-klotho has been proposed as a molecular biomarker of frailty and dependence. This study is a secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial performed in a population of 103 older individuals living in 10 nursing homes in Gipuzkoa (Spain). We aimed to elucidate associations between s-klotho (as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and body composition, physical fitness, and cognition, as well as frailty and dependence (determined using validated tests and scales). In addition, we investigated the association of s-klotho concentration with falls in the six months following the initial assessment. Low s-klotho levels were associated with a lower score in the psychological component of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, a worse score in the Coding Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and a greater dependence in activities of daily living. Moreover, participants with lower s-klotho concentrations suffered more falls during the 6 months after the assessment. Future translational research should aim to validate klotho's putative role as a biomarker that could identify the risk of aging-related adverse events in clinical practice.
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Accidentes por Caídas , Disfunción Cognitiva/sangre , Fragilidad/sangre , Glucuronidasa/sangre , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Composición Corporal , Disfunción Cognitiva/psicología , Femenino , Anciano Frágil/psicología , Evaluación Geriátrica , Humanos , Proteínas Klotho , Masculino , Casas de Salud , Aptitud FísicaRESUMEN
Understanding the modifiable factors that improve and maximize peak bone mass at an early age is necessary to design more effective intervention programs to prevent osteoporosis. To identify these modifiable factors, we analyzed the relationship of physical activity (PA), physical fitness, body composition, and dietary intake with bone stiffness index (SI), measured by quantitative ultrasonometry in young university students (18-21 years). Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was the strongest predictor of SI (ß = 0.184; p = 0.035). SI was most closely related with very vigorous PA in males (ß = 0.288; p = 0.040) and with the number of steps/day in females (ß = 0.319; p = 0.002). An association between thigh muscle and SI was consistent in both sexes (ß = 0.328; p < 0.001). Additionally, extension maximal force was a bone SI predictor factor in females (ß = 0.263; p = 0.016) independent of thigh muscle perimeter. Calcium intake was the only nutrition parameter that had a positive relationship with SI (R = 0.217; p = 0.022). However, it was not included as a predictor for SI in our regression models. This study identifies predictors of bone status in each sex and indicates that muscle and bone interrelate with PA and fitness in young adults.