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Neurobiology of Disease Feb 2020Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose pathogenesis depends on a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The aim of the present review... (Review)
Review
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose pathogenesis depends on a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The aim of the present review was to provide an updated description of the findings emerging from prospective longitudinal cohort studies on the possible risk/protective factors underlying the development, progression and clinical subtypes of PD. We reviewed all the environmental, lifestyle, dietary, comorbid and pharmacological factors that have been investigated as possible modifiable protective/risk factors for PD by longitudinal studies. Only a few factors have the epidemiological evidence and the biological plausibility to be considered risk (pesticides, dairy products, β2-adrenoreceptor antagonists) or protective (smoking, caffeine and tea intake, physical activity, gout, vitamin E intake, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and β2-adrenoreceptor agonists) factors for PD. Caffeine intake and physical activity also seem to slow down the progression of the disease, thus representing good candidates for primary prevention and disease modifying strategies in PD. Possible modifiable risk factors of PD subtypes is almost unknown and this might depend on the uncertain biological and neuropathological reliability of clinical subtypes. The results of the present review suggest that only eleven risk/protective factors may be associated with the risk of PD. It may be possible to target some of these factors for preventive interventions aimed at reducing the risk of developing and the rate of progression of PD.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Caffeine; Disease Progression; Exercise; Humans; Life Style; Longitudinal Studies; Parkinson Disease; Prospective Studies; Protective Factors; Risk Factors
PubMed: 31706021
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104671 -
Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology Jun 2022While symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) and psychological distress are directly linked, indirect effects are also apparent. The aim of the present study was to develop an...
OBJECTIVES
While symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) and psychological distress are directly linked, indirect effects are also apparent. The aim of the present study was to develop an explanatory model for the effect of FM on women's psychological distress and identify possible protective and risk factors.
METHODS
This study comprised of total of 293 women aged 20-68 (M= 34.3, SD = 12.1), of which 141 were women with FM and 152 healthy peers (HP), who completed questionnaires regarding demographic characteristics, anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), body appreciation (BAS-2), social comparison strategies, and pain assessment (SF-MPQ).
RESULTS
FM patients demonstrated higher psychological distress, i.e., depression and anxiety and lower body appreciation. Body appreciation significantly correlated with social comparison coping strategies. Body appreciation and social comparison strategies mediated the link between FM and psychological distress. Among FM patients, body appreciation moderated the links between pain intensity and aspects of social comparison strategies, thus explaining the link between pain intensity and psychological distress.
CONCLUSIONS
Women with FM demonstrated higher levels of anxiety and depression symptoms and lower body appreciation compared to HP. The unique role of body appreciation in moderating the indirect link between pain and psychological distress appears to be protective.
Topics: Anxiety; Depression; Female; Fibromyalgia; Humans; Male; Pain; Protective Factors; Psychological Distress; Social Comparison; Social Perception; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 35579091
DOI: 10.55563/clinexprheumatol/2otrk6 -
Palliative Medicine Jul 2023Medical Aid in Dying is an end-of-life option that allows a physician to provide a patient with a prescription to end their life. Though Medical Aid in Dying intends to... (Review)
Review
An examination and proposed theoretical model of risk and protective factors for bereavement outcomes for family members of individuals who engaged in medical aid in dying: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Medical Aid in Dying is an end-of-life option that allows a physician to provide a patient with a prescription to end their life. Though Medical Aid in Dying intends to reduce suffering for a patient, opponents argue Medical Aid in Dying may increase suffering for the family members during bereavement. To better understand the bereavement outcomes for family members/friends following Medical Aid in Dying, an exhaustive review of the risk and protective factors for bereavement outcomes is warranted.
AIM
This systemic review aimed to identify studies that examined bereavement outcomes of family members of individuals who engage in Medial Aid in Dying, identify risk and protective factors for bereavement outcomes, and propose a theoretical model to enhance conceptual clarity.
DESIGN
A mixed-method systematic review.
DATA SOURCES
Ten databases were searched on June 16, 2021 and later conducted two updates (latest April 25, 2022).
RESULTS
Thirteen articles met inclusion criteria. Risk and protective factors were identified pre-Medical Aid in Dying and risk factors post-Medical Aid in Dying. Few studies compared bereavement outcomes for family members of individuals utilizing Medical Aid in Dying to family members who lost someone to natural loss.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides equivocal results about the effects of Medical Aid in Dying on family members following the loss. The theoretical model outlines potential risk and protective factors. This model provides a greater understanding of possible universal risk and protective factors for family members of individuals who engaged in Medical Aid in Dying.
Topics: Humans; Suicide, Assisted; Protective Factors; Bereavement; Grief; Family
PubMed: 37129287
DOI: 10.1177/02692163231172242 -
The Psychiatric Quarterly Mar 2020PTSD has profound personal, social and economic impact. Understanding factors that influence strong recovery is a priority for informing the use of limited treatment...
PTSD has profound personal, social and economic impact. Understanding factors that influence strong recovery is a priority for informing the use of limited treatment resources. This study follows up a preliminary finding from Hoelterhoff and Cheung Chung, Psychiatr Q, 88, 635-651, [30] which found that death anxiety is related to PTSD and suggested that self-efficacy may mediate this relationship. Specifically, this study examined self-efficacy as a protective factor in the context of people who have experienced a life-threatening event. 109 undergraduate university students completed self-report questionnaires on, self-efficacy, death anxiety, trauma and well-being as well as a number of demographic factors. Self-efficacy was found that to be significantly and inversely related to death anxiety and psychiatric co-morbidity, but not PTSD. Results were discussed in light of literature regarding death anxiety. It seems that self-efficacy is related to death anxiety and well-being; however, it interacts with these processes independently and not as a mediating factor. More research is needed to understand coping mechanisms that help develop resilience against the negative effects of death anxiety against PTSD and minimize its detrimental impact on mental health.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety; Attitude to Death; Comorbidity; Female; Humans; Life Change Events; Male; Protective Factors; Self Efficacy; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Students; Universities; Young Adult
PubMed: 31802409
DOI: 10.1007/s11126-019-09694-5 -
Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority... Oct 2022Indigenous knowledge and practices promote American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN; Native) communities' health and well-being. Historical losses and continued oppression... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Indigenous knowledge and practices promote American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN; Native) communities' health and well-being. Historical losses and continued oppression have resulted in disproportionately higher AI/AN youth suicide rates. This article describes the development of a new national resource guide titled "CULTURE FORWARD" for tribal leaders and stakeholders to support youth suicide prevention efforts through cultural strengths.
METHOD
The CULTURE FORWARD guide was developed over 6 months through a community-engaged process. We conducted nine roundtables and eight interviews with a wide variety of community members, leaders, and providers representing 36 diverse tribal communities and geographic regions. Participants discussed AI/AN youth risk and protective factors, successful community efforts to prevent suicide, and content and dissemination ideas. A comprehensive literature review complemented qualitative findings. A diverse and representative National Advisory Editorial Board guided content and design throughout development.
RESULTS
Qualitative data were analyzed iteratively and thematically. Across all listening sessions, culture was identified as a key protective factor against AI/AN youth suicide. Five themes related to cultural strengths informed guide chapters. Each chapter includes an introduction; how that theme helps prevent Native youth suicide; a review of academic literature, community stories and programs; action steps; and additional resources.
CONCLUSIONS
CULTURE FORWARD honors and empowers communities by weaving strands of knowledge, stories, and practical resources highlighting Native communities' strengths to protect against Native youth suicide. The guide is free online and print copies are being distributed nationally. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Indians, North American; Alaska Natives; Protective Factors; Suicide Prevention
PubMed: 35771514
DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000546 -
BMC Geriatrics Aug 2022Physical activity may be both a risk and protective factor for falls and fall-related fractures. Despite its positive effects on muscle and bone health, physical...
BACKGROUND
Physical activity may be both a risk and protective factor for falls and fall-related fractures. Despite its positive effects on muscle and bone health, physical activity also increases exposure to situations where falls and fractures occur. This paradox could possibly be explained by frailty status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the associations between physical activity and both falls and fractures, and to determine whether frailty modifies the association of physical activity with falls, and fractures.
METHODS
Data of 311 community-dwelling participants aged 75 years or older from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, who participated in a three-year longitudinal study with five nine-monthly measurements between 2015/2016 and 2018/2019. Their mean age was 81.1 (SD 4.8) years and frailty was present in 30.9% of the participants. Physical activity in minutes per day was objectively assessed with an inertial sensor (Actigraph) for seven consecutive days. Falls and fractures were assessed every nine months using self-report during an interview over a follow-up period of three years. Frailty was determined at baseline using the frailty index. Associations were estimated using longitudinal logistic regression analyses based on generalized estimating equations.
RESULTS
No association between physical activity and falls was found (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.99-1.00). Fall risk was higher in frail compared to non-frail adults (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.33-3.68), but no effect modification was seen of frailty on the association between physical activity and falls. Also no relation between physical activity and fractures was found (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.99-1.01). Fracture risk was higher in frail compared to non-frail adults (OR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.02-7.75), but also no effect modification of frailty was present in the association between physical activity and fractures.
CONCLUSIONS
No association between physical activity and neither falls nor fractures was found, and frailty appeared not to be an effect modifier. However, frailty was a risk factor for falls and fractures in this population of older adults. Our findings suggest that physical activity can be safely recommended in non-frail and frail populations for general health benefits, without increasing the risk of falls.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Exercise; Fractures, Bone; Frail Elderly; Frailty; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Protective Factors
PubMed: 35996101
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03383-y -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2021Considerable research has been undertaken regarding the mental health inequalities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) youth as a... (Review)
Review
Considerable research has been undertaken regarding the mental health inequalities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) youth as a consequence of societal and individual prejudice, stigma and discrimination. Far less research has focussed on protective factors that promote wellbeing for this population. A scoping review was conducted using a six-stage methodological framework, and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR statement. This explored the extent, range and nature of the peer-reviewed, published, academic literature on what is known about the protective factors that promote LGBTI+ youth wellbeing. Six databases were systematically searched applying Population-Concept-Context key inclusion criteria, complemented by contact with authors to identify additional sources, reference checks and hand searches. Ninety-six individual research records were identified and analysed, drawing from Honneth's Recognition Theory. Interpersonal relations with parents ( = 40), peers ( = 32) and providers ( = 22) were associated with indicators of enhanced wellbeing, as were LGBTI+ community relations ( = 32). Importantly, online ( = 10), faith ( = 10) and cultural ( = 5) communities were potentially protective. Content and thematic analysis highlighted the importance of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) ( = 23) offering powerful protective opportunities through intersecting interpersonal, community and legal forms of recognition. GSAs enhance allyship by peers and providers ( = 21), facilitate access to LGBTI+ community networks ( = 11) and co-exist alongside inclusive policies ( = 12), curricular ( = 5) and extracurricular activities ( = 1). This scoping review underscores the need to move beyond the predominant focus on risk factors for LGBTI+ youth, which subsequently inform protectionist approaches. It concludes with an appeal to develop mechanisms to apply recognitive justice to policy, practice and, importantly, future research directions. This emphasises the salience of enhanced understandings of inclusion, which is rights-based, universally available and of potential benefit to all.
Topics: Adolescent; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Humans; Protective Factors; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 34770199
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111682 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2021This paper examines the association between media reporting on suicides and the subsequent suicides. Scientific papers from two online bibliographic sources Medline... (Review)
Review
This paper examines the association between media reporting on suicides and the subsequent suicides. Scientific papers from two online bibliographic sources Medline (PubMed) and PsycINFO were searched. The sample included 108 research papers examining the impact of different types of media stories on suicides. The review revealed that although the media can be a double-edged sword and serve both as a risk and a protective factor, the vast majority of research suggests that the relationship between the media reporting and the actual suicide rates is causal and real. Moreover, both the quantity and the quality of media reporting may trigger additional suicides in society. Simultaneously, research suggests that especially non-fictional presentations of celebrities' suicides in newspapers and on television news have the biggest influence on the subsequent suicides. Additionally, a strong modelling effect of media reporting on suicide is based on nationality, age, and gender. However, research shows that because a negative reporting style can be modifiable and improved, the media can also have an educative or preventive effect and can reduce the risk of contagion. Consequently, it is important to monitor the implementation of media recommendations for the reporting of suicide, and continuous education of reporters is needed.
Topics: Famous Persons; Humans; Mass Media; Protective Factors; Suicide; Television
PubMed: 33804527
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052396 -
Development and Psychopathology Aug 2023Externalizing psychopathology is a strong risk factor for substance use, whereas the role of internalizing manifestations of distress, and anxiety in particular, in... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Externalizing psychopathology is a strong risk factor for substance use, whereas the role of internalizing manifestations of distress, and anxiety in particular, in predicting substance use remains unclear. Studies have suggested that anxiety may be either a protective or risk factor for substance use. The present study aimed to clarify evidence for anxiety-specific associations with substance use, examining sex and developmental period (adolescence vs. adulthood) as potential moderators that may help explain conflicting results in the literature. In a longitudinal twin sample, cross-sectional associations of anxiety with substance use differed in adolescents and adults and in girls/women and boys/men. Controlling for externalizing psychopathology and depression, anxiety was associated with reduced substance use in adolescent girls and increased substance use in adult women. In contrast, anxiety-specific associations with substance use were not significant in boys and men. Possible explanations for these contrasting results across development and sex are discussed.
Topics: Substance-Related Disorders; Anxiety; Protective Factors; Humans; Adolescent; Adult; Risk Factors; Internal-External Control; Mediation Analysis; Sex Factors; Male; Female; Psychopathology
PubMed: 35491700
DOI: 10.1017/S0954579422000232 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Oct 2023Bisexual-identifying individuals appear to be at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to people of other sexualities. The purpose of... (Review)
Review
Bisexual-identifying individuals appear to be at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to people of other sexualities. The purpose of this systematic scoping review was to examine risk and protective factors for the perpetration of IPV against bisexual victims and to provide a preliminary quality assessment of the included studies. A systematic search of academic and grey literature was conducted in February 2021. Inclusion criteria specified that study participants identified as bisexual, that the study examined risk or protective factors for IPV, and that findings were disaggregated by sexual identity. All potentially eligible references were independently screened by two reviewers, and conflicts settled by a third reviewer. Nine articles published between 2013 and 2021 met criteria for inclusion. Data extraction was completed for all included studies, and findings presented in a narrative synthesis. The review identified a number of risk factors, including bisexual identity, internalised homophobia, discrimination, partner gender, negative childhood experiences and non-monogamy. One study included consideration of a potentially protective factor. The majority of the included studies were cross-sectional in design. More longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporality of the associations identified and better inform support and prevention efforts. Further implications for future research, policies and practise are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Protective Factors; Sexual Behavior; Intimate Partner Violence; Bisexuality; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35435063
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221084749