ABSTRACT
Obesity is an increasingly prevalent disease around the world and is becoming one of the main public health problems in developed countries. The relationship between obesity and psychological distress continued to be debated by researchers and clinicians alike. This study aimed at assessing depression and body image disturbances in obese patients seeking treatment for obesity. A case-control design was adopted in the study. A total of [236] obese women, selt-referred to a residential weight-loss facility for weight control, were invited to participate in this study. Obese women were compared with [296] of a control group [of the same age range, but with normal weight]. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory for depressive symptoms, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire for body-image satisfaction and The Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire. Results revealed that obesity was more common among older than younger females, among married than single females, and among those with lower level of education than those with higher level. Obese women as compared with non-obese reported significantly more symptoms of depression and signiticantly more negative body image
Conclusions: The present results indicate a high frequency of depressive symptoms, and concern with body image among obese patients. Therefore, obese women who seek treatment should be screened for depression and body image dissatisfaction
ABSTRACT
Cognitive dysfunctions as part of dementia syndrome have emerged as a leading public health problem among the elderly. Its early detection is important for the management of patients. and for support of other family members. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of cognitive impairment and its associated factors among elderly living in geriatric names in Alexandria. The study utilized a cross sectional approach targeting elderly in 4 geriatric homes selected at random. The sample included 114 elderly; 70 females and 44 males with a mean age of 70.4+/- 8.23 years. A predesigned interviewing questionnaire was completed for all participants and included socio-demographic data, family history for dementia; chronic diseases; and drug history, previous exercise, and smoking history. Functional capacities were assessed by ADL and IADL. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini Mental Status Examination. The results revealed that 38.6% of the elderly had cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment was significantly higher among older age group, among females, among illiterates, and those of lower education, and was significantly lower among professionals and business personnet. Cognitive impairment was also significantly higher among those with cardiac diseases. those who were not previously practicing physical exercise, and those who were dependent in ADL and IADL. Stepwise logistic regression revealed that older age [75+], primary education or less, history of cardiac disease, and dependency in telephone use were the significant predictors of cognitive impairment. In conclusion, cognitive impairment is highly prevalent among the elderly in geriatric homes in Alexandria. Older age, primary education or les, history of cardiac disease, and dependency in telephone use are significant predictors of cognitive impairment. Further community-based studies are recommended. Governmental and non-governmental efforts aiming at improving the educational level in the community and different strategies for preventing cardiac diseases should be adopted. Combination of cognitive and functional scales are important in screening for cognitive impairment