COVID-19 And Mental Health Outcomes Of Older Adults: Evidence From Mexico.

Estimates using data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study, a national longitudinal sample of older adults in Mexico, show elevated risk for negative mental health outcomes for those experiencing COVID-19 infection or major COVID-19-related adverse events. Predicted elevated probabilities were greater for a major adverse event than for COVID-19 infection, and they varied across sociodemographic groups defined by age, sex, education, and urban-rural residence.

[Functional dependence and support for the older persons in Mexico, 2001-2026Dependência funcional e apoio em idosos no México, 2001-2026]. / Dependencia funcional y apoyo para personas mayores de México, 2001-2026.

OBJECTIVES: Identify the factors associated with future functional dependence in the elderly in Mexico and with receiving or not receiving support for basic activities of daily living (ADLs); and project the prevalence of functional dependence in 2026. METHODS: Data from the 2001 National Health and Aging Study (ENASEM) and from the 2012 and 2015 follow-up rounds were used. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze factors associated with future dependence, and a logistic regression model was used for factors associated with receiving or not support. The projected number of older persons with functional dependence in 2026 was based on data from the 2015 ENASEM and on estimated rates from the model of future dependence. RESULTS: Older people, those with a lower educational level, those with hypertension, arthritis, or diabetes, those who had suffered a stroke or fall, and those with some degree of prior functional dependence had a significantly higher risk of mild or severe dependence and death within 11 years, compared to the reference group. Older people and those with severe dependence had higher odds of receiving support compared to reference groups. By 2026, it is estimated that 18.9% of older people in Mexico will have mild dependence and 9.3% will be severely dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with future dependence and death were age, educational level, certain chronic diseases, having fallen, and having prior functional dependence; the factors associated with receiving support for basic ADLs were severe dependence and age. It is estimated that the prevalence of dependence will increase 2.1 times over 25 years (2001-2026).

OBJETIVOS: Identificar os fatores associados à dependência funcional futura e a receber apoio para a realização das atividades básicas da vida diária (ABVD) em pessoas idosas e fazer uma projeção da dependência funcional nesta população no México em 2026. MÉTODOS: Analisaram-se dados obtidos no Estudo Nacional de Saúde e Envelhecimento do México (ENASEM) de 2001 e em rodadas subsequentes da pesquisa de 2012 e 2015. Utilizou-se um modelo de regressão logística multinomial para analisar os fatores associados à dependência funcional futura da pessoa idosa e um outro modelo de regressão logística para analisar os fatores associados a receber apoio. As projeções para 2026 de idosos em situação de dependência foram feitas com base nos dados do ENASEM de 2015 e nas estimativas do modelo de dependência futura. RESULTADOS: Idade avançada, nível de escolaridade mais baixo, ter hipertensão, artrite, diabetes, história de embolia cerebral ou quedas e possuir algum grau de dependência funcional anterior foram os fatores que se associaram a um risco significativamente maior de dependência funcional (leve ou grave) e morte nos 11 anos seguintes em comparação aos grupos de referência. Idosos com idade avançada ou dependência grave apresentaram uma maior probabilidade de receber apoio para a realização das ABVD em comparação aos grupos de referência. A projeção para 2026 no México é que 18,9% das pessoas idosas terão dependência leve e 9,3% dependência grave. CONCLUSÕES: Os fatores associados a dependência funcional futura e morte foram idade, nível de escolaridade, certas doenças crônicas, história de quedas e dependência funcional anterior. Ter idade avançada e dependência grave severa foram os fatores associados a receber apoio para a realização das ABVD. Estima-se que a prevalência de dependência funcional em pessoas idosas aumentará 2,1 vezes em 25 anos (2001-2026).

Family help received by Mexican older adults across socioeconomic strata: changes over a critical decade.

OBJECTIVE: To identify how patterns of family economic support help alleviate the cumulative effects of inequality, with focus on the financial support that children give their elderly parents. METHODS: This paper uses data from two cross-sections, 2001 and 2012, of the Mexican Health and Aging Study for the 50 years and older population. Analysis includes descriptive statistics to estimate differences in economic support based on family and individual characteristics; and a multinomial probit regression model, in each cross-section, to analyze the amount of money received for economic help and the associated characteristics. RESULTS: Economic help received was significantly reduced, both in proportion, from 20% to 10% between 2001 and 2012, and in the amount received, with differences by income quintile. In 2001, 14.9% of those in the lowest quintile (Q1) would move to Q4-Q5 with children's help; in 2012, this was 9.1%. The adjusted probability of receiving any amount of money from children decreased from 0.511 in 2001 to 0.340 in 2012. CONCLUSIONS: In Mexico, economic inequality in the 50 years and older population remains a constant. Economic help received from children varied by income quintile and plays an important role for those in the lowest income groups. More research is needed to understand the patterns of intergenerational exchanges as these cohorts of older adults continue to age and as future cohorts are entering old age with more pronounced changes than the current cohorts experienced over this critical decade.

Family help received by Mexican older adults across socioeconomic strata: changes over a critical decade

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To identify how patterns of family economic support help alleviate the cumulative effects of inequal-ity, with focus on the financial support that children give their elderly parents.Methods. This paper uses data from two cross-sections, 2001 and 2012, of the Mexican Health and Aging Study for the 50 years and older population. Analysis includes descriptive statistics to estimate differences in economic support based on family and individual characteristics; and a multinomial probit regression model, in each cross-section, to analyze the amount of money received for economic help and the associated characteristics.Results. Economic help received was significantly reduced, both in proportion, from 20% to 10% between 2001 and 2012, and in the amount received, with differences by income quintile. In 2001, 14.9% of those in the lowest quintile (Q1) would move to Q4–Q5 with children’s help; in 2012, this was 9.1%. The adjusted probability of receiving any amount of money from children decreased from 0.511 in 2001 to 0.340 in 2012.Conclusions. In Mexico, economic inequality in the 50 years and older population remains a constant. Eco-nomic help received from children varied by income quintile and plays an important role for those in the lowest income groups. More research is needed to understand the patterns of intergenerational exchanges as these cohorts of older adults continue to age and as future cohorts are entering old age with more pronounced changes than the current cohorts experienced over this critical decade.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Determinar la manera en que los modelos de apoyo económico familiar contribuyen a aliviar los efectos acumulativos de la desigualdad, haciendo especial hincapié en el apoyo financiero que los hijos brin-dan a sus padres ancianos.Métodos. Esta investigación emplea datos de dos secciones transversales, del 2001 y del 2012, del estudio mexicano de salud y envejecimiento en una población de 50 años o más. El análisis incluye estadísticas descriptivas para calcular las diferencias de apoyo económico de acuerdo con las características individ-uales y familiares; y un modelo de regresión probit multinomial en cada corte transversal para analizar la cantidad de dinero que se ha recibido a modo de ayuda económica y las características asociadas.Resultados. Entre el 2001 y el 2012, la ayuda económica recibida se redujo significativamente, tanto en la proporción, de 20% a 10%, como en la cantidad recibida, con diferencias según el quintil de ingresos. En el 2001, un 14,9% de las personas en el quintil más bajo (Q1) podían llegar a los quintiles Q4–Q5 con la ayuda de sus hijos; en el 2012, un 9,1% de las personas. La probabilidad ajustada de recibir cualquier cantidad de dinero de los hijos disminuyó de 0,511 en el 2001 a 0,340 en el 2012.Conclusiones. En México, la desigualdad económica en la población de 50 años o más sigue siendo una constante. La ayuda económica recibida por parte de los hijos ha variado según el quintil de ingresos y desempeña un papel esencial para las personas en los grupos de ingresos más bajos. Es necesario investi-gar más para comprender los modelos de los intercambios intergeneracionales a medida que estas cohortes de personas mayores envejecen y las futuras cohortes entran en la vejez con cambios más acusados que los que han sufrido las cohortes actuales durante este decenio crítico.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Identificar como os padrões de auxílio econômico dos familiares contribuem para diminuir os efeitos cumulativos da desigualdade, com enfoque no auxílio financeiro dos filhos aos pais idosos.Métodos. Este artigo se baseia em dados obtidos no Estudo de Envelhecimento e Saúde realizado em coortes transversais da população com 50 anos de idade ou mais no México, em 2001 e 2012. Estatísticas descritivas foram calculadas para estimar diferenças no auxílio financeiro segundo características individuais e familiares. Um modelo de regressão logística multinomial “probit” foi usado em cada iteração do estudo para analisar a quantia recebida na ajuda econômica e as características associadas.Resultados. Entre 2001 e 2012, houve uma redução significativa da ajuda econômica, tanto em termos pro-porcionais (de 20% a 10%) quanto em termos da quantia recebida, com diferenças por quintil de renda. Em 2001, 14,9% das pessoas no quintil de renda mais baixo (Q1) ascendiam aos quintis Q4–Q5 com a ajuda dos filhos; em 2012, este percentual caiu para 9,1%. Entre 2001 e 2012, a probabilidade ajustada de receber uma quantia em dinheiro dos filhos diminuiu de 0,511 para 0,340.Conclusões. A desigualdade econômica na população com 50 anos ou mais no México é persistente. A ajuda econômica recebida dos filhos variou segundo o quintil de renda e é importante nas faixas de menor renda. Outros estudos são necessários para entender os padrões de intercâmbio intergeracional, já que estes idosos continuam envelhecendo e as coortes futuras avançam em idade e se defrontarão com transfor-mações ainda maiores que as enfrentadas pelas coortes atuais ao longo desta década crucial.

Dependencia funcional y apoyo para personas mayores de México, 2001-2026

[RESUMEN]. Objetivos. Identificar los factores asociados con la dependencia funcional futura de las personas mayores en México, así como con recibir o no apoyo para la realización de actividades básicas de la vida diaria (ABVD), y proyectar la prevalencia de la dependencia funcional en 2026.Métodos. Se utilizaron los datos del Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento (ENASEM) del 2001 y las rondas de seguimiento de 2012 y 2015. Se estimó un modelo de regresión logística multinomial para analizar los factores asociados con la dependencia futura y un modelo de regresión logística para los factores asociados con recibir o no apoyo. Para las proyecciones de personas mayores en situación de dependencia en 2026 se utilizaron los datos del ENASEM del 2015 y los coeficientes estimados del modelo de dependencia futura.Resultados. Las personas de más edad, las que tenían un nivel de educación más bajo, las que padecían de hipertensión, artritis, diabetes, las que habían sufrido una embolia cerebral o alguna caída, y las que tenían algún nivel de dependencia funcional previa presentaron un riesgo significativamente mayor de dependencia (leve o severa) y de fallecer en los 11 años siguientes respecto a sus referencias. Las personas de mayor edad o con dependencia severa tuvieron mayores probabilidades de recibir apoyo respecto a sus referen-cias. Para el año 2026, se estima que el 18,9% de las personas mayores en México tendrá dependencia leve y el 9,3% dependencia severa.Conclusiones. Los factores asociados con la dependencia futura y con fallecer fueron la edad, el nivel educacional, algunas enfermedades crónicas, haberse caído y tener dependencia funcional previa; los factores asociados con recibir apoyo para la realización de ABVD fueron tener dependencia severa y la edad. Se estima que la prevalencia de la dependencia aumentará 2,1 veces en 25 años (2001-2026).

[ABSTRACT]. Objectives. Identify the factors associated with future functional dependence in the elderly in Mexico and with receiving or not receiving support for basic activities of daily living (ADLs); and project the prevalence of functional dependence in 2026.Methods. Data from the 2001 National Health and Aging Study (ENASEM) and from the 2012 and 2015 follow-up rounds were used. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze factors associated with future dependence, and a logistic regression model was used for factors associated with receiving or not support. The projected number of older persons with functional dependence in 2026 was based on data from the 2015 ENASEM and on estimated rates from the model of future dependence.Results. Older people, those with a lower educational level, those with hypertension, arthritis, or diabetes, those who had suffered a stroke or fall, and those with some degree of prior functional dependence had a significantly higher risk of mild or severe dependence and death within 11 years, compared to the reference group. Older people and those with severe dependence had higher odds of receiving support compared to reference groups. By 2026, it is estimated that 18.9% of older people in Mexico will have mild dependence and 9.3% will be severely dependent.Conclusions. Factors associated with future dependence and death were age, educational level, certain chronic diseases, having fallen, and having prior functional dependence; the factors associated with receiving support for basic ADLs were severe dependence and age. It is estimated that the prevalence of dependence will increase 2.1 times over 25 years (2001-2026).

[RESUMO]. Objetivos. Identificar os fatores associados à dependência funcional futura e a receber apoio para a reali-zação das atividades básicas da vida diária (ABVD) em pessoas idosas e fazer uma projeção da dependência funcional nesta população no México em 2026.Métodos. Analisaram-se dados obtidos no Estudo Nacional de Saúde e Envelhecimento do México (ENASEM) de 2001 e em rodadas subsequentes da pesquisa de 2012 e 2015. Utilizou-se um modelo de regressão logís-tica multinomial para analisar os fatores associados à dependência funcional futura da pessoa idosa e um outro modelo de regressão logística para analisar os fatores associados a receber apoio. As projeções para 2026 de idosos em situação de dependência foram feitas com base nos dados do ENASEM de 2015 e nas estimativas do modelo de dependência futura.Resultados. Idade avançada, nível de escolaridade mais baixo, ter hipertensão, artrite, diabetes, história de embolia cerebral ou quedas e possuir algum grau de dependência funcional anterior foram os fatores que se associaram a um risco significativamente maior de dependência funcional (leve ou grave) e morte nos 11 anos seguintes em comparação aos grupos de referência. Idosos com idade avançada ou dependência grave apresentaram uma maior probabilidade de receber apoio para a realização das ABVD em comparação aos grupos de referência. A projeção para 2026 no México é que 18,9% das pessoas idosas terão dependên-cia leve e 9,3% dependência grave.Conclusões. Os fatores associados a dependência funcional futura e morte foram idade, nível de escolari-dade, certas doenças crônicas, história de quedas e dependência funcional anterior. Ter idade avançada e dependência grave severa foram os fatores associados a receber apoio para a realização das ABVD. Esti-ma-se que a prevalência de dependência funcional em pessoas idosas aumentará 2,1 vezes em 25 anos (2001-2026).

Adultos mayores en riesgo de Covid-19 y sus vulnerabilidades socioeconómicas y familiares: un análisis con el ENASEM: Older adults at risk of Covid-19 and their socioeconomic and family vulnerabilities: an analysis with MHAS.

The objective of this manuscript is to analyze the socioeconomic and family characteristics of 50 years and older population who are at high risk of testing positive for Covid-19, being hospitalized or intubated in Mexico. We used two sources of information, the database of the Ministry of Health on Covid-19 and the Mexican Health and Aging Study in Mexico, in the first, regression models are estimated to calculate the risk and they are applied in the second to analyze socioeconomic and family vulnerabilities. Results show that gender and age are strong predictors of high risk. Those with less schooling, those who work without having a place, those who perceive their economic situation as fair or bad, as well as those who live in single-person households, receive financial and non-financial help from their children are presented as a highly vulnerable group to Covid-19 and its repercussions. It is necessary to develop strategies and support aimed to minimize the impacts of events such as the pandemic, ensure access to quality and timely health services, an economic income in accordance with the needs, and maintaining the standards of well-being of older adults.

Impact of Diabetes and Disease Duration on Work Status Among U.S. Older Adults.

Objectives: To examine the effects of diabetes and disease duration on work status over a 9-year period. Method: Multinomial logistic regression models examined the probability of retirement and disability impeding work, using data from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 5,576). Results: Among participants who had retired in 2012, almost 14% had incident diabetes (4.91 mean years with diabetes, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [4.67, 5.15]). Approximately 22% of participants who reported a disability impeded labor force participation had prevalent diabetes (17.1 mean years with diabetes, 95%CI = [16.41, 17.71]). Only prevalent diabetes that indicated longer disease duration was associated with disability (relative risk ratio [RRR] = 1.83, 95% CI = [1.30, 2.57]). There was evidence of effect modification among Hispanics only (p = .02). Discussion: Diabetes increased risk of exiting the workforce due to disability, and mean disease duration was associated with changes. Disease management and workplace interventions may enable older adults to continue being productive should they choose to remain in the workforce.

The effect of adult children living in the United States on the likelihood of cognitive impairment for older parents living in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: The increased risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes for older parents in Mexico who have an adult child living in the United States may contribute to an increased risk for cognitive impairment in this population. The objective of this study was to examine if older adults in Mexico who have one or more adult children living in the United States are more or less likely to develop cognitive impairment over an 11-year period compared to older adults who do not have any adult children living in the United States. DESIGN: Data for this study came from Wave I (2001) and Wave III (2012) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. The final sample included 2609 participants aged 60 and over who were not cognitively impaired in 2001 and had one or more adult children (age ≥15). Participants were matched using a propensity score that was estimated with a multivariable logistic regression model that included sociodemographic characteristics and migration history of the older parents. RESULTS: Having one or more adult children living in the United States is associated with lower socioeconomic status and higher number of depressive symptoms, but greater social engagement for older parents living in Mexico. No significant differences in the odds for developing cognitive impairment according to having one or more adult children living in the United States were detected. CONCLUSION: In summary, having one or more adult children living in the United States was associated with characteristics that may increase and decrease the risk for cognitive impairment. This may contribute to the non-significant relationship between migration status of adult children and likelihood for cognitive impairment for older parents living in Mexico.

Projecting diabetes prevalence among Mexicans aged 50 years and older: the Future Elderly Model-Mexico (FEM-Mexico).

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes has been growing as a major health problem and a significant burden on the population and on health systems of developing countries like Mexico that are also ageing fast. The goal of the study was to estimate the future prevalence of diabetes among Mexico's older adults to assess the current and future health and economic burden of diabetes. DESIGN: A simulation study using longitudinal data from three waves (2001, 2003 and 2012) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study and adapting the Future Elderly Model to simulate four scenarios of hypothetical interventions that would reduce diabetes incidence and to project the future diabetes prevalence rates among populations 50 years and older. PARTICIPANTS: Data from 14 662 participants with information on self-reported diabetes, demographic characteristics, health and mortality. OUTCOME MEASURES: We obtained, for each scenario of diabetes incidence reduction, the following summary measures for the population aged 50 and older from 2012 to 2050: prevalence of diabetes, total population with diabetes, number of medical visits. RESULTS: In 2012, there were approximately 20.7 million persons aged 50 and older in Mexico; 19.3% had been diagnosed with diabetes and the 2001-2003 diabetes incidence was 4.3%. The no-intervention scenario shows that the prevalence of diabetes is projected to increase from 19.3% in 2012 to 34.0% in 2050. Under the 30% incidence reduction scenario, the prevalence of diabetes will be 28.6% in 2050. Comparing the no-intervention scenario with the 30% and 60% diabetes incidence reduction scenarios, we estimate a total of 816 320 and 1.6 million annual averted cases of diabetes, respectively, for the year 2020. DISCUSSION: Our study underscores the importance of diabetes as a disease by itself and also the potential healthcare demands and social burden of this disease and the need for policy interventions to reduce diabetes prevalence.

Severe potential drug-drug interactions in older adults with dementia and associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main severe potential drug-drug interactions in older adults with dementia and to examine the factors associated with these interactions. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study. The enrolled patients were selected from six geriatrics clinics of tertiary care hospitals across Mexico City. The patients had received a clinical diagnosis of dementia based on the current standards and were further divided into the following two groups: those with severe drug-drug interactions (contraindicated/severe) (n=64) and those with non-severe drug-drug interactions (moderate/minor/absent) (n=117). Additional socio-demographic, clinical and caregiver data were included. Potential drug-drug interactions were identified using Micromedex Drug Reax 2.0® database. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients were enrolled, including 57 men (31.5%) and 124 women (68.5%) with a mean age of 80.11±8.28 years. One hundred and seven (59.1%) patients in our population had potential drug-drug interactions, of which 64 (59.81%) were severe/contraindicated. The main severe potential drug-drug interactions were caused by the combinations citalopram/anti-platelet (11.6%), clopidogrel/omeprazole (6.1%), and clopidogrel/aspirin (5.5%). Depression, the use of a higher number of medications, dementia severity and caregiver burden were the most significant factors associated with severe potential drug-drug interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Older people with dementia experience many severe potential drug-drug interactions. Anti-depressants, antiplatelets, anti-psychotics and omeprazole were the drugs most commonly involved in these interactions. Despite their frequent use, anti-dementia drugs were not involved in severe potential drug-drug interactions. The number and type of medications taken, dementia severity and depression in patients in addition to caregiver burden should be considered to avoid possible drug interactions in this population.

Severe potential drug-drug interactions in older adults with dementia and associated factors

OBJECTIVE: To identify the main severe potential drug-drug interactions in older adults with dementia and to examine the factors associated with these interactions. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study. The enrolled patients were selected from six geriatrics clinics of tertiary care hospitals across Mexico City. The patients had received a clinical diagnosis of dementia based on the current standards and were further divided into the following two groups: those with severe drug-drug interactions (contraindicated/severe) (n=64) and those with non-severe drug-drug interactions (moderate/minor/absent) (n=117). Additional socio-demographic, clinical and caregiver data were included. Potential drug-drug interactions were identified using Micromedex Drug Reax 2.0® database. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients were enrolled, including 57 men (31.5%) and 124 women (68.5%) with a mean age of 80.11±8.28 years. One hundred and seven (59.1%) patients in our population had potential drug-drug interactions, of which 64 (59.81%) were severe/contraindicated. The main severe potential drug-drug interactions were caused by the combinations citalopram/anti-platelet (11.6%), clopidogrel/omeprazole (6.1%), and clopidogrel/aspirin (5.5%). Depression, the use of a higher number of medications, dementia severity and caregiver burden were the most significant factors associated with severe potential drug-drug interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Older people with dementia experience many severe potential drug-drug interactions. Anti-depressants, antiplatelets, anti-psychotics and omeprazole were the drugs most commonly involved in these interactions. Despite their frequent use, anti-dementia drugs were not involved in severe potential drug-drug interactions. The number and type of medications taken, dementia severity and depression in patients in addition to caregiver burden should be considered to avoid possible drug interactions in this population.

Mortality and its association with chronic and infectious diseases in Mexico: A panel data analysis of the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: This study examines the relationship between chronic and infectious diseases on mortality risks under conditions of accelerated aging.The main hypothesis is that individuals who report both types of diseases experience higher mortality risks than those reporting only chronic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a nationally representative sample of 12 128 individuals aged 50 years and over included in the three waves of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. We estimated Cox regression models to assess the combined effect of self-reported chronic and infectious diseases on subsequent mortality. RESULTS: In the period under study there were 2 723 deaths, 22.5% of the baseline sample. Having reported chronic and infectious diseases significantly increases mortality risks compared to having reported only chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: In a context of socioeconomic inequality and a mixed epidemiological regime it is crucial to understand how diseases combine to generate excess mortality risks among the elderly.

Progression of aging in Mexico: the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) 2012.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the third wave of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), completed in 2012, and present preliminary results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Descriptive analyses by gender and age group of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health conditions and health behaviors, as well as social support and life satisfaction measures are presented. In addition, external validations are presented by comparing MHAS 2012 indicators with other national data sources. RESULTS: For the panel of older adults in the sample, the rate of health care insurance coverage increased greatly between 2001 and 2012, a significantly higher change in rural compared to urban areas. The results for 2012 are consistent with the previous two waves for the main indicators of health and physical disability prevalence, risk factors,and behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: The MHAS offers a unique opportunity to study aging in Mexico, as well as to complete cross-national comparisons. The cumulative number of deaths in the cohort should support the study of mortality and its association with health outcomes and behaviors over the life cycle. In addition, the sub-samples of objective markers will enable methodological research on self-reports and associations of biomarkers in old age with similar health outcomes and behaviors.

Progression of aging in Mexico: the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) 2012 / Progresión del envejecimiento en México: Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento en México (Enasem) 2012

Objective. To describe the third wave of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), completed in 2012, and present preliminary results. Materials and methods. Descriptive analyses by gender and age group of demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health conditions and health behaviors, as well as social support and life satisfaction measures are presented. In addition, external validations are presented by comparing MHAS 2012 indicators with other national data sources. Results. For the panel of older adults in the sample, the rate of health care insurance coverage increased greatly between 2001 and 2012, a significantly higher change in rural compared to urban areas. The results for 2012 are consistent with the previous two waves for the main indicators of health and physical disability prevalence, risk factors,and behaviors. Conclusions. The MHAS offers a unique opportunity to study aging in Mexico, as well as to complete cross-national comparisons. The cumulative number of deaths in the cohort should support the study of mortality and its association with health outcomes and behaviors over the life cycle. In addition, the sub-samples of objective markers will enable methodological research on self-reports and associations of biomarkers in old age with similar health outcomes and behaviors.

Objetivo. Describir la tercera ronda del Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento en México (Enasem), completada en 2012, y presentar algunos resultados preliminares. Material y métodos. Se presentan análisis descriptivos por género y grupo de edad, de las características demográficas y socioeconómicas, de las condiciones y comportamientos de salud, así como de las medidas de apoyo social y de satisfacción con la vida. Además, se presentan los resultados de validaciones externas realizadas comparando indicadores del Enasem 2012 con los de otras fuentes de datos nacionales. Resultados. Para el panel de los adultos mayores en la muestra, la tasa de cobertura de aseguramiento en salud aumentó considerablemente entre 2001 y 2012; el cambio fue significativamente mayor en zonas rurales en comparación con las urbanas. Los resultados de los principales indicadores de salud, prevalencia de la discapacidad física, factores de riesgo y comportamientos de salud son consistentes con los de las dos rondas anteriores. Conclusiones. El Enasem ofrece una oportunidad única para estudiar el envejecimiento en México así como para realizar comparaciones entre países. El número acumulado de muertes en la cohorte permitirá un mejor estudio sobre mortalidad y las consecuencias en salud de los comportamientos a lo largo del ciclo de vida. Además, los marcadores objetivos en la submuestra permitirán el análisis metodológico de los autorreportes y de las asociaciones de los biomarcadores con los resultados y los comportamientos de salud en la vejez.

Mortality and its association with chronic and infectious diseases in Mexico: A panel data analysis of the elderly / Mortalidad y su asociación con enfermedades crónicas e infecciosas en México: Análisis sobre adultos mayores con datos de panel

Objective. This study examines the relationship between chronic and infectious diseases on mortality risks under conditions of accelerated aging.The main hypothesis is that individuals who report both types of diseases experience higher mortality risks than those reporting only chronic diseases. Materials and methods. We used a nationally representative sample of 12 128 individuals aged 50 years and over included in the three waves of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. We estimated Cox regression models to assess the combined effect of self-reported chronic and infectious diseases on subsequent mortality. Results. In the period under study there were 2 723 deaths, 22.5% of the baseline sample. Having reported chronic and infectious diseases significantly increases mortality risks compared to having reported only chronic diseases. Conclusion. In a context of socioeconomic inequality and a mixed epidemiological regime it is crucial to understand how diseases combine to generate excess mortality risks among the elderly.

Objetivo. Se examina la relación entre el reporte de enfermedades crónicas e infecciosas y la mortalidad en un proceso de envejecimiento acelerado. El supuesto principal es que las personas que reportan ambos tipos de enfermedades son más propensas a morir que los que informan sólo enfermedades crónicas. Material y métodos. Se utiliza información de las tres rondas del Estudio Nacional sobre Salud y Envejecimiento en México para estimar la mortalidad a través de modelos de riesgos proporcionales de Cox. Resultados. Entre 2001 y 2012 se registraron 2 723 muertes, 22.5% de la muestra basal. Haber reportado enfermedades crónicas e infecciosas incrementa el riesgo de morir con respecto a aquellos pacientes que sólo reportaron tener enfermedad crónica. Conclusión. En un contexto de desigualdad socioeconómica y un régimen epidemiológico mixto, es fundamental conocer cómo la combinación de enfermedades crónicas e infecciosas genera exceso de mortalidad entre adultos mayores.

Mortality inequality among older adults in Mexico: the combined role of infectious and chronic disease.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of education and chronic and/or infectious disease, and the interaction between both variables, on the risk of dying among Mexicans 60 years and older. METHODS: Using data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), logistic regressions were performed to estimate the risk of mortality for older Mexicans between 2001 and 2003. Estimated mortality risks associated with chronic disease, infectious disease, and a combination of both were used to estimate additional life expectancy at age 60. RESULTS: Compared to the group with some schooling, the probability of dying over the twoyear inter-wave period was 26% higher among those with no schooling. Not having at least one year of formal education translated into a shorter additional life expectancy at age 60 by 1.4-2.0 years. Having chronic and/or infectious disease also increased the risk of mortality during the same period CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that 1) a mixed epidemiological regime (the presence of both chronic and infectious disease) adds to the mortality health burden experienced by older people, and 2) there are persistent inequalities in mortality risks based on socioeconomic status.

Mortality inequality among older adults in Mexico: the combined role of infectious and chronic disease / Desigualdad en cuanto a mortalidad en adultos mayores de México: el efecto combinado de las enfermedades infecciosas y las enfermedades crónicas

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of education and chronic and/or infectious disease, and the interaction between both variables, on the risk of dying among Mexicans 60 years and older. METHODS: Using data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), logistic regressions were performed to estimate the risk of mortality for older Mexicans between 2001 and 2003. Estimated mortality risks associated with chronic disease, infectious disease, and a combination of both were used to estimate additional life expectancy at age 60. RESULTS: Compared to the group with some schooling, the probability of dying over the twoyear inter-wave period was 26% higher among those with no schooling. Not having at least one year of formal education translated into a shorter additional life expectancy at age 60 by 1.4-2.0 years. Having chronic and/or infectious disease also increased the risk of mortality during the same period CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that 1) a mixed epidemiological regime (the presence of both chronic and infectious disease) adds to the mortality health burden experienced by older people, and 2) there are persistent inequalities in mortality risks based on socioeconomic status.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar los efectos del nivel de educación y de las enfermedades crónicas o infecciosas, y de la interacción entre ambas variables, sobre el riesgo de muerte en mexicanos de 60 años o mayores. MÉTODOS: Mediante la utilización de datos del Estudio Nacional de Salud y Envejecimiento en México (ENASEM), se llevaron a cabo análisis de regresión logística para calcular el riesgo de mortalidad en mexicanos de 60 años o mayores entre el 2001 y el 2003. Se usaron los riesgos calculados de mortalidad asociada con enfermedades crónicas, enfermedades infecciosas y una combinación de ambas para calcular la esperanza de vida adicional a los 60 años. RESULTADOS: En comparación con el grupo con cierto grado de escolaridad, la probabilidad de muerte en el período de dos años entre las dos fases de recopilación de datos fue 26% mayor en las personas sin escolaridad. La carencia de como mínimo un año de educación formal se tradujo en una esperanza de vida adicional a los 60 años de 1,4 a 2,0 años más corta. La presencia de una enfermedad crónica o infecciosa también aumentó el riesgo de mortalidad durante el mismo período. CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados indican que 1) un régimen epidemiológico mixto (la presencia de una enfermedad crónica y de una enfermedad infecciosa) incrementa la carga sanitaria en forma de mortalidad experimentada por las personas mayores y 2) siguen existiendo desigualdades en cuanto al riesgo de mortalidad basadas en el nivel socioeconómico.

Caregiver burden of Mexican dementia patients: the role of dysexecutive syndrome, sleep disorders, schooling and caregiver depression.

AIMS: As a result of the accelerated growth of the elderly population, reconfiguration of families and member roles, and the increase of mental disorders, it is necessary to investigate the effects of this set of factors on the caregivers of patients with dementia in Mexico. Mental disorders of individuals have a negative impact on their physical and emotional quality of life, leading to greater dependence and making the caring experience a heavy burden. Several studies (none in Mexico) have used either the characteristics of the patient or caregiver to determine the burden, but few studies have included both profiles within a single study. The objective of the present study was to analyze the characteristics of the patients and caregivers associated with caregiver burden. METHODS: A multicenter study was carried out in six health institutions located in Mexico City, including 175 patients (and their caregivers) diagnosed with different types of dementia. We used the Spanish Caregiver Burden Screen. Descriptive analysis and logistic regressions were used to estimate the effect of the covariates on the caregiver burden. RESULTS: The results showed that patient variables have a greater impact on caregiver burden than caregiver-associated variables. Dysexecutive syndrome, sleep disorders, schooling and caregiver depression are associated with a higher level of caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiver burden is a complex phenomenon. The results of the present study showed the need to implement multifactorial interventions targeting the caregiver to reduce the burden, strengthen the skills for patient management to avoid depression, improve patient health, and diminish functional dependence and future hospitalization.

Health impact: longitudinal analysis of employment at middle and old age in Mexico.

We use longitudinal data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study to analyze the relationship between health and labor force participation of population aged 50 years and older in Mexico. The results confirm that health, measured through chronic diseases and difficulty to perform activities of daily living, has a powerful influence on labor force participation. We also find important differences by gender; hypertension and diabetes have effects in both, men and women; heart disease and stroke only in men. We provide concrete evidence on economic participation and highlight the importance of public policies to create adequate jobs for the population at middle and old age.

Does the Hispanic Paradox in U.S. Adult Mortality Extend to Disability?

Studies consistently document a Hispanic paradox in U.S. adult mortality, whereby Hispanics have similar or lower mortality rates than non-Hispanic whites despite lower socioeconomic status. This study extends this line of inquiry to disability, especially among foreign-born Hispanics, since their advantaged mortality seemingly should be paired with health advantages more generally. We also assess whether the paradox extends to U.S.-born Hispanics to evaluate the effect of nativity. We calculate multistate life tables of life expectancy with disability to assess whether racial/ethnic and nativity differences in the length of disability-free life parallel differences in overall life expectancy. Our results document a Hispanic paradox in mortality for foreign-born and U.S.-born Hispanics. However, Hispanics' low mortality rates are not matched by low disability rates. Their disability rates are substantially higher than those of non-Hispanic whites and generally similar to those of non-Hispanic blacks. The result is a protracted period of disabled life expectancy for Hispanics, both foreign- and U.S.-born.