ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) represents a significant health threat worldwide. However, there are deficiencies in large-scale epidemiological research focusing on these issues, especially among young women. We aim to examine the trend of IBD in young females globally. METHODS: We utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study between 2010 and 2019 to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from IBD in young females (15-49 years), stratified by region, nation, and sociodemographic index (SDI). RESULTS: Globally, there were 1.27 million (95 % UI 1.10 to 1.45 million) cases and 314,120 (95 % UI 240,880 to 395,420) DALYs from IBD in young females in 2019. Geographically, Europe had the highest burden of IBD in young females (n = 421,320). From 2010 to 2019, the prevalence rate increased in Africa (APC 0.34 %, 95 % CI 0.25 to 0.44 %), the Eastern Mediterranean (APC 0.77 %, 95 % CI 0.74 to 0.81 %), Europe (APC 0.48 %, 95 % CI 0.44 to 0.51 %) and the Western Pacific region (APC 1.01 %, 95 % CI 0.89 to 1.14 %). Countries with lower SDI exhibited higher DALYs to prevalence ratio. Over the study period, the percentage of young women with IBD compared to young adults increased by 0.24 %. This percentage varies significantly between countries, from 26 % to 62 %. CONCLUSION: The burden of IBD in young females is high and increasing. Countries with lower SDIs generate higher disability per case. This necessitates immediate and inclusive measures to tackle the rising burden of IBD in this vulnerable group. LAY SUMMARY: From 2010 to 2019, in the largest global epidemiology database, prevalence rates of inflammatory bowel disease in young females increased in many regions. Countries with lower socioeconomic development, as indicated by sociodemographic index, generated a higher burden compared to countries with higher development.
ABSTRACT
Background & Aims: Alcohol-associated liver diseases (ALDs) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) pose a global health risk. AUD is underrecognized in the elderly, and the burden of AUD complications, including ALD, may increase with aging populations and rising alcohol intake. However, there is a lack of epidemiological evidence on AUD and ALD in the elderly. Methods: Using the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, we analyzed the prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), age-standardized rates (ASRs), and temporal change from 2000 to 2019 of ALD and AUD in the overall population and the elderly (65-89 years). The findings were categorized by sex, region, nation, and sociodemographic index. Results: The prevalence rates of ALD in the elderly were higher than those in adolescents and young adults, whereas AUD levels were lower than those in adolescents and young adults. In 2019, there were 9.39 million cases (8.69% of cases in the overall population) of AUD, 3.23 million cases (21.8% of cases in the overall population) of alcohol-associated cirrhosis, and 68,468 cases (51.27% of cases in the overall population) of liver cancer from alcohol among the elderly. ASRs of the prevalence of ALD and AUD in the elderly increased in most regions; on the contrary, ASRs of death and DALYs decreased in most regions. Nevertheless, ASRs of death and DALYs from liver cancer from alcohol increased in many areas. Conclusions: Our findings highlighted the increased prevalence of ALD in the elderly, with a burden of AUD comparable with that in the overall population. Public health strategies on ALD and AUD targeting the elderly are urgently needed. Impact and implications: The burden of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is increasing. Advances in healthcare and education have resulted in a remarkable spike in life expectancy and a consequential population aging. Nevertheless, little is known about the epidemiology of ALD and AUD in the elderly. Our study indicates the increasing burden of ALD and AUD in the elderly population, necessitating early detection, intervention, and tailored care to the unique needs and complexities faced by older individuals grappling with these conditions.
ABSTRACT
The deterioration of muscle strength in aging has been associated with fall risks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults were restricted from doing outdoor activities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Nine-Square Step Exercises (NSSE) on improving physical performance and balance in older adults at risk of falling. We conducted an open-labelled, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial in 46 (aged 65-84 years) community-dwelling older adults. They were randomly assigned to an NSSE group (n = 24) instructed to perform the program for at least 45 days over 8 weeks or a control group (n = 22). The outcomes were measured by the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand test (FTSS), and hand grip strength during the baseline, 4th and 8th weeks in both groups. A mixed-effect linear regression model analysis was performed to estimate the independent effect of NSSE by the intention-to-treat over the 8-week period. The NSSE group showed significant weekly changes in BBS (ß 0.57, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.84), TUG (ß -0.44, 95% CI: -0.74, -0.14), and FTSS (ß -0.52, 95% CI: -0.78, -0.25), demonstrating beneficial improvements in lower extremity and balance, whereas the control group did not demonstrate significant changes over time in any parameter.
