ABSTRACT
This study assesses the mental well-being of young adults (18-25 year olds), a recognized weight gain time period, in relation to self-reported weight, diet, physical activity and other risky lifestyle behaviours. A questionnaire survey was conducted amongst young adults in the North-East of Scotland. Mental well-being was assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Demographic, diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, sexual relations and drug taking factors were investigated. Univariate analyses and generalised linear models explored the most informative factors with respect to mental well-being. One thousand one hundred and thirteen young adults responded. Lower mental well-being scores were associated with being underweight, those suffering from obesity, snacking habits and for drug takers. Increased physical activity (PA) was linked with better mental well-being even if PA was not enjoyed. Improved mental well-being was also associated with having or having had a sexual partner. Education, smoking and alcohol provided no additional information. This large cross community study utilised different factors altogether and consequently provides important information on emerging adults. The results indicate that adaptable behaviours (body weight, nutrition, exercise, personal relationships, attitudes towards drugs) affect mental well-being. Future interventions should consider these lifestyles and risky behaviours to promote not only future health but also positive mental health of this often neglected, vulnerable age group.
ABSTRACT
Over half the world’s population is exposed daily to very high levels of household air pollutants arising from burning biomass fuels; however the effects of these pollutants on cardiovascular health have not been fully established. This study aimed to compare the relationship between household indoor and outdoor air pollution with cardiovascular health in biomass and non-biomass exposed group. To compare the relationship between household indoor and outdoor air pollution with cardiovascular health in biomass and non-biomass exposed group. This cross-sectional study compared parameters of cardiovascular health in populations exposed to household indoor pollutants from biomass burning and non-biomass respectively among adults in Nepal. Data using an interviewer administered questionnaire including chest pain, blood pressure measurements and real-time measurements of household and ambient airborne particulate (PM2.5) concentrations were collected. Rural dwellers cooking with biomass fuels reported significantly more chest pain on exertion compared with non-biomass fuel users. 24-hour direct PM2.5 and CO measurements were not associated with changes in blood pressure as was the case for other measures of airborne particulate exposure except outdoor PM2.5 with men in non-biomass using households. Ambient temperature and seasonality was negatively associated with increase in blood pressure. The prevalence of both systolic (21% vs. 6%, p<0.001) and diastolic (32% vs. 7%, p<0.001) hypertension was higher amongst non-biomass fuel users compared with biomass users. There was no association between 24-hour real-time airborne pollutants data from biomass smoke and cardiovascular health effects but significantly more chest pain on exertion was found in those exposed to smoke from biomass fuel burning. Urban dwellers in Nepal were found to have higher blood pressure compared to rural dwellers, which was associated with their higher BMI levels and seasonality.