Journal Articles
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Item Less Animal-Based Food, Better Weight Status: Associations of the Restriction of Animal-Based Product Intake with Body-Mass-Index, Depressive Symptoms and Personality in the General Population(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2020-05) Medawar E; Enzenbach C; Roehr S; Villringer A; Riedel-Heller SG; Witte AVRestricting animal-based products from diet may exert beneficial effects on weight status; however, less is known about such a diet and emotional health. Moreover, personality traits, for example high neuroticism, may contribute to restrictive eating habits and potentially confound diet-health associations. We aim to systematically assess if restrictive dietary intake of animal-based products relates to lower weight and higher depressive symptoms, and if differences in personality traits play a significant role. Cross-sectional data from the baseline LIFE-Adult study were collected from 2011–2014 in Leipzig, Germany (n = 8943). Main outcomes of interest were dietary frequency of animal-derived products in the last year measured using a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), body-mass-index (BMI) (kg/m2), and the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Personality traits were assessed in a subsample of n = 7906 using the Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). Higher restriction of animal-based product intake was associated with a lower BMI, but not with depression scores. Personality, i.e., lower extraversion, was related to higher frequency of animal product intake. Moreover, personality traits were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, i.e., higher neuroticism, lower extraversion, lower agreeableness, lower conscientiousness, and with higher BMI. These findings encourage future longitudinal studies to test the efficacy of restricting animal-based products as a preventive and therapeutic strategy for overweight and obesity.Item Health Care Services Utilization and Health-Related Quality of Life of Syrian Refugees with Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Germany (the Sanadak Trial)(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-04-01) Grochtdreis T; Röhr S; Jung FU; Nagl M; Renner A; Kersting A; Riedel-Heller SG; König H-H; Dams JRefugees who have fled from the ongoing civil war in Syria that arrived in Germany often develop post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). The aim of this study was to determine health care services utilization (HCSU), health care costs and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) of Syrian refugees with mild to moderate PTSS without current treatment in Germany. The study was based on the baseline sample of a randomized controlled trial of a self-help app for Syrian refugees with PTSS (n = 133). HCSU and HrQoL based on the EQ-5D-5L and its visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) were assessed with standardized interviews. Annual health care costs were calculated using extrapolated four-month HCSU and standardized unit costs. Associations between health care costs, HrQoL and PTSS severity were examined using generalized linear models. Overall, 85.0% of the sample utilized health care services within four months. The mean total annual health care costs were EUR 1920 per person. PTSS severity was not associated with health care costs. The EQ-5D-5L index score and the EQ-VAS score was 0.82 and 73.6, respectively. For Syrian refugees with higher PTSS severity, the EQ-5D-5L index score was lower (−0.17; p < 0.001). The HCSU and the resulting health care costs of Syrian refugees with mild to moderate PTSS without current treatment are low and those with a higher PTSS severity had a lower HrQoL.Item Heart failure is independently associated with white matter lesions: insights from the population-based LIFE-Adult Study(John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Society of Cardiology, 2021-02) Stegmann T; Chu ML; Witte VA; Villringer A; Kumral D; Riedel-Heller SG; Roehr S; Hagendorff A; Laufs U; Loeffler M; Wachter R; Zeynalova SAims White matter lesions (WML) are common structural alterations in the white matter of the brain and their prevalence increases with age. They are associated with cerebral ischaemia and cognitive dysfunction. Patients with heart failure (HF) are at risk for cognitive decline. We hypothesized that the presence and duration of HF are associated with WML. Methods and results The LIFE-Adult Study is a population-based study of 10 000 residents of Leipzig, Germany. WML were quantitated in 2490 participants who additionally underwent cerebral MRI using the Fazekas score. Mean age was 64 years, and 46% were female; 2156 (86.6%) subjects had Fazekas score of 0–1, and 334 (13.4%) had Fazekas score of 2–3. Thirty participants had a medical history of HF, 1019 had hypertension, and 51 had a history of stroke. Median left ventricular ejection fraction of the participants with HF was 57% (interquartile ranges 54–62). Age, troponin T, NT-proBNP, body mass index, history of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, HF, and diabetes were positively associated with WML in univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, age, hypertension, stroke, and HF were independently associated with WML. The odd's ratio for the association of WML (Fazekas 2–3) with HF was 2.8 (95% CI 1.2–6.5; P = 0.019). WML increased with longer duration of HF (P = 0.036 for trend). Conclusions In addition to age, hypertension, and stroke, the prevalence and duration of HF are independently associated with WML. This observation sets the stage to investigate the prognostic value of WML in HF and the impact of HF therapies on WML.Item Prospective Associations between Single Foods, Alzheimer’s Dementia and Memory Decline in the Elderly(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2018-07) Fischer K; Melo van Lent D; Wolfsgruber S; Weinhold L; Kleineidam L; Bickel H; Scherer M; Eisele M; van den Bussche H; Wiese B; König H-H; Weyerer S; Pentzek M; Röhr S; Maier W; Jessen F; Schmid M; Riedel-Heller SG; Wagner MBackground: Evidence whether single “cognitive health” foods could prevent cognitive decline is limited. We investigated whether dietary intake of red wine, white wine, coffee, green tea, olive oil, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, red meat and sausages, assessed by a single-food-questionnaire, would be associated with either incident Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) or verbal memory decline. Methods: Participants aged 75+ of the German Study on Aging, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe) cohort were regularly followed over 10 years (n = 2622; n = 418 incident AD cases). Multivariable-adjusted joint modeling of repeated-measures and survival analysis was used, taking gender and Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE ε4) genotype into account as possible effect modifiers. Results: Only higher red wine intake was associated with a lower incidence of AD (HR = 0.92; P = 0.045). Interestingly, this was true only for men (HR = 0.82; P < 0.001), while in women higher red wine intake was associated with a higher incidence of AD (HR = 1.15; P = 0.044), and higher white wine intake with a more pronounced memory decline over time (HR = −0.13; P = 0.052). Conclusion: We found no evidence for these single foods to be protective against cognitive decline, with the exception of red wine, which reduced the risk for AD only in men. Women could be more susceptible to detrimental effects of alcohol.Item Predictors of psychological distress in Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress in Germany(Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2021-08-04) Renner A; Jäckle D; Nagl M; Hoffmann R; Röhr S; Jung F; Grochtdreis T; Dams J; König H-H; Riedel-Heller S; Kersting ASyria has been the main country of citizenship of refugees in Germany since 2013. Syrians face numerous human rights violations in their country that can be accompanied by the experience of potentially traumatic events, loss and displacement. Along the migration process, refugees are exposed to various factors that can have an impact on mental health. The aim of this study is to investigate sociodemographic, war- and flight-related as well as post-migration factors as predictors of posttraumatic stress, depression, somatization and anxiety in Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms based in Germany. Data were based on the baseline sample of the “Sanadak” randomized-controlled trial. A total of 133 adult Syrian refugees participated in the study. A questionnaire covered sociodemographic and flight-related questions as well as standardized instruments for symptoms of PTSD (PDS-5), depression (PHQ-9), somatization (PHQ-15), anxiety (GAD-7), generalized self-efficacy (GSE), religiousness (Z-Scale), social support (ESSI) and mental health stigma (SSMIS-SF). Linear regression models were executed to predict mental health outcomes. Sociodemographic predictors (i.e., female sex, higher education) and flight-related predicting factors (i.e., variability of traumatic events) have a negative impact on mental health in Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms in Germany. Mental health stigma predicts worse mental health outcomes. Post-migration factors have a major impact on mental health, such as low income, lack of social support, low life satisfaction or a strongly felt connection to Syria. Somatization is an important manifestation of mental distress in Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms. Our study showed a range of factors predicting the mental health of Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms. Measures to foster mental health could be securing financial security, promoting gender equality and tailored psychosocial programs addressing mental health stigma, loss and social support networks.Item HELP@APP: development and evaluation of a self-help app for traumatized Syrian refugees in Germany – a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial(BioMed Central Ltd, 2019-04-30) Golchert J; Roehr S; Berg F; Grochtdreis T; Hoffmann R; Jung F; Nagl M; Plexnies A; Renner A; König H-H; Kersting A; Riedel-Heller SGBackground Syrians represent the largest group among refugees in Germany. Many of them were exposed to sequential traumatizing events including war, escape and post-migration stressors, which significantly increase the risk to develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress and other mental disorders. However, there is a lack of adequate treatment options for traumatized refugees in Germany. Moreover, their access to psychosocial care is often restricted due to legal regulation, language barriers, and unclear cost coverage. We therefore aim to develop a low-threshold supportive self-help app for Syrian refugees with posttraumatic stress symptoms. By conducting a randomized controlled trial, we further aim to evaluate the apps’ efficacy, usability, acceptance, and economic health benefit/cost-effectiveness. Methods We will develop a modular, interactive self-help app in Arabic, which will be grounded on cognitive-behavioral models for the treatment of posttraumatic stress. Subsequently, screened positive (i.e., Syrian refugees, 18–65 years old, mild to moderate posttraumatic stress symptomatology as quantified by the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale for DSM-5/PDS-5) participants (ideally up to n = 234) will be randomly allocated to an intervention (IG) and control group (CG), respectively. Participants in the IG will gain access to the self-help app for one month, while participants in the CG will receive psychoeducational reading material in form of a comprehensive brochure on traumatization and posttraumatic stress. Measurements are scheduled before the intervention (T0), directly after the intervention (T1, one month later) and three months after the intervention (T2). Using linear mixed effect models, we will investigate change in posttraumatic symptomatology. We will also test for changes in secondary outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Moreover, we will inspect the usability and user acceptance of the app. To evaluate the app in terms of its economic health benefit, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio will be calculated. Discussion We plan to make the app freely available to the general public after evaluation. Thus, the app can help to add-on to routine care, which currently lacks sufficient and appropriate treatment options for Syrian refugees. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register/Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS). Registration ID: DRKS00013782. Registered: 06th of July 2018.Item Traumatized Syrian Refugees with Ambiguous Loss: Predictors of Mental Distress(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-04) Renner A; Jäckle D; Nagl M; Plexnies A; Röhr S; Löbner M; Grochtdreis T; Dams J; König H-H; Riedel-Heller S; Kersting ARefugees from war zones often have missing significant others. A loss without confirmation is described as an ambiguous loss. This physical absence with simultaneous mental persistence can be accompanied by economic, social or legal problems, boundary ambiguity (i.e., uncertainty about who belongs to the family system), and can have a negative impact on mental health. The aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic and loss-related predictors for prolonged grief, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and somatization in treatment-seeking Syrian refugees with post-traumatic stress symptoms in Germany experiencing ambiguous loss. For the present study, data were based on the treatment-seeking baseline sample of the “Sanadak” randomized-controlled trial, analyzing a subsample of 47 Syrian refugees with post-traumatic stress symptoms in Germany experiencing ambiguous loss. Sociodemographic and loss-related questions were applied, along with standardized instruments for symptoms of prolonged grief (ICG), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), PTSD (PDS-5) and somatization (PHQ-15). Linear regression models were used to predict mental health outcomes. Having lost a close family member and higher boundary ambiguity showed a statistically significant association with higher severity in prolonged grief. The overall model for somatization reached statistical significance, while no predictor independently did. Boundary ambiguity showed a statistically significant positive association with depression, while the overall model showed no statistically significant associations. Boundary ambiguity and missing family members seemed to be important predictors for prolonged grief. These findings support the importance of reunification programs and suggest an inclusion of the topic into psychosocial support structures, e.g., including psychoeducational elements on boundary ambiguity in support groups for traumatized individuals and families experiencing ambiguous loss. Further research is needed for a more detailed understanding of the impact of ambiguous loss on refugee populations.Item Driving status and health-related quality of life among the oldest old: a population-based examination using data from the AgeCoDe–AgeQualiDe prospective cohort study(Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2021-11) Hajek A; Brettschneider C; Lühmann D; van den Bussche H; Wiese B; Mamone S; Weyerer S; Werle J; Leve V; Fuchs A; Röhr S; Stein J; Bickel H; Mösch E; Heser K; Wagner M; Scherer M; Maier W; Riedel-Heller SG; Pentzek M; König H-HBackground It is almost unknown whether the driving status is associated with HRQOL among individuals in highest age. Aims Based on a multicenter prospective cohort study, the objective of this study was to examine whether the driving status is associated with health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among the oldest old in Germany. Methods Cross-sectional data from follow-up wave 9 (n = 544) were derived from the “Study on Needs, health service use, costs and health-related quality of life in a large sample of oldest-old primary care patients (85+)” (AgeQualiDe). Average age was 90.3 years (± 2.7; 86 to 101 years). The current driver status (no; yes) was used in our analysis. The EuroQoL EQ-5D questionnaire was used to assess HRQOL in this study. Results Regression analysis showed that being a current driver was associated with the absence of problems in ‘self-care’ [OR 0.41 (95%-CI 0.17 to 0.98)], and ‘usual activities’ [OR 0.48 (0.26 to 0.90)], whereas it was not significantly associated with problems in ‘pain/discomfort’ [OR 0.82 (0.47 to 1.45)] and ‘anxiety/depression’ [OR 0.71 (0.36 to 1.39)]. Being a current driver was marginally significantly associated with the absence of problems in ‘mobility’ [OR 0.60 (0.34 to 1.06)]. While being a current driver was not associated with the EQ-VAS in the main model, it was positively associated with the driving status (β = 5.00, p < .05) when functional impairment was removed from the main model. Discussion Our findings provide first evidence for an association between driving status and HRQOL among the oldest old. Conclusions Future longitudinal studies are required to evaluate a possible causal relationship between driving status and HRQOL in very old individuals.Item Determinants of Willingness to Pay for Health Insurance in Germany—Results of the Population-Based Health Study of the Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases (LIFE-Adult-Study)(Frontiers Media S.A, 2020) Hajek A; Enzenbach C; Stengler K; Glaesmer H; Hinz A; Röhr S; Stein J; Riedel-Heller SG; König H-HObjective: To investigate which factors are associated with the willingness to pay (WTP) for health insurance. Methods: The analysis (n = 1,248 individuals) is based on data of a large population-based study—the Health Study of the Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases (LIFE-Adult-Study). With regard to WTP for health insurance, a contingent valuation method with a payment card was used. Several explanatory variables were included. For example, personality factors (in terms of agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, and openness to experience) were assessed using the NEO-16 Adjective Measure. Results: Average WTP for health insurance per month equaled about €240 which corresponds to ~14% of household net equivalent income. Multiple regressions showed that an increased WTP was associated with lower age (β = −1.7, p < 0.001), higher (log) household net equivalent income (β = 153.6, p < 0.001), higher social support (β = 2.0, p < 0.05), and private health insurance (β = 131.1, p < 0.001). Furthermore, an increased WTP for health insurance was associated with higher openness to experience (β = 10.1, p < 0.05), whereas it was not associated with agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and neuroticism. Conclusion: The quite large amount of average WTP for health insurance may suggest that individuals accept current contributions to health insurances and would probably accept higher contributions. While previous studies mainly focused on individuals in late life, we identified a link between socioeconomic, health-related factors, and personality factors (in terms of openness to experience) and WTP in the general adult population.Item Do self-reported hearing and visual impairments predict longitudinal dementia in older adults?(Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The American Geriatrics Society, 2021-06) Pabst A; Bär J; Röhr S; Löbner M; Kleineidam L; Heser K; Hajek A; van der Leeden C; Wiese B; Maier W; Angermeyer MC; Scherer M; Wagner M; König H-H; Riedel-Heller SGBackground Sensory impairments have been associated with dementia in older adults. However, the contribution of different impairments and how they interact in the development of dementia is not clear. We examined the independent and interaction effects of hearing impairment (HI) and visual impairment (VI) on incident dementia. Design Multi-centric population-based prospective cohort study. Setting Data were taken from the AgeDifferent.de platform, pooling participants aged 75 and older from the German LEILA75+ and AgeCoDe/AgeQualiDe cohorts. Participants Older adults (N = 3497) with mean age 79.8 years, 67.2% female. Measurements Standardized interviews and questionnaires were used to assess self-reported HI and VI at baseline and all-cause dementia in 9 follow-ups, spanning over 20 years. Methods Competing risk regression models were conducted to test the main and interaction effects of HI and VI on dementia incidence, adjusting for established risk factors of dementia and accumulated mortality. Results HI and VI at baseline were reported by 30.3% and 16.6% of individuals, respectively. Adjusting for baseline information on sociodemographics, substance use, cognitive functioning and morbidity, and controlling for accumulated mortality risk, HI (sHR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.30, p = 0.011) but not VI (sHR 1.07, 95% CI 0.90–1.28, p = 0.462) was significantly associated with incident dementia. There was no interaction between HI and VI (sHR 1.09, 95% CI 0.81–1.46, p = 0.567). Conclusions Hearing impairment is associated with an increased incidence of all-cause dementia in older adults. There is no excess risk or risk compensation through the additional presence or absence of visual impairment. Early prevention measures for hearing impairment might help to reduce the long-term risk of dementia.