Javier Guillem Saiz

Background and Objectives: There is adherence to a healthy Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), but adherence varies widely. Precision nutrition is increasingly interested in individual characteristics influencing diet adherence, but few studies have examined personality traits. Our main aim was to investigate the association between personality traits and MedDiet adherence. Our secondary aims were to explore genome-wide genetic variants associated with neuroticism, including replication of previous findings, as well as to explore gene–MedDiet interactions. Methods: We analyzed participants (aged 55–75) in the PREDIMED-Plus-Valencia study and measured clinical, lifestyle, and genetic factors. The Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R) was used to measure neuroticism, psychoticism, and extraversion. Genotyping was undertaken, and associations with candidate SNPs, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genetic risk scores (GRS), and gene–MedDiet interactions were explored. Results: Neuroticism was inversely (beta = −0.09; p = 0.001) associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS-17). Likewise, the probability of low MedDiet adherence increased neuroticism (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.02–1.60; p = 0.031 per SD). In the GWAS for this trait, several SNPs surpassed the suggestive level of statistical significance. The most strongly associated was rs10181407-NDUFA10 (NADH dehydrogenase 1 alpha subcomplex subunit 10) (beta = −2.39; p = 2.70 × 10⁻⁶). The GRS for neuroticism was significantly associated with MedDiet adherence (beta = −0.18; p = 0.020), increasing the causality level. We replicated some candidate SNPs, and among them, the rs2243873-EHMT2 (euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2) gene. The analysis of gene–MedDiet interactions revealed the role of these dietary modulations. Conclusions: Neuroticism was the personality trait most inversely associated with MedDiet adherence, suggesting its integration in precision nutrition analysis. Moreover, neuroticism-related genetics and MedDiet modulations will also be important.

Objective Explore potential changes in the characteristics of patients requesting smoking cessation treatment at an outpatient setting in Spain before and after Law 42/2010was enacted. Design This is a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling. The information was obtained from the medical records of patients receiving smoking cessation treatment from January 2008 to December 2014. Setting Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia. Participants 423 patients who sought smoking cessation treatment 36 months before or 48 months after theenactment of the law. Results After the enactment of a comprehensive smoke-free law in Spain, the patients seeking smoking cessation treatment were older (p=0.003), had lower values of exhaled CO (p<0.0001), lower number of previous attempts to quit (p=0.027) and more history of medical problems related to smoking (p=0.002). Conclusion Our findings support the idea that society– nation level interventions could have an impact at the individual level, reflected by the change of patients’ characteristics. It seems that the Law 42/2010 mobilised certain group of patients to seek treatment.

La actividad física es uno de los hábitos clave que influyen en el envejecimiento saludable, según la OMS. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto en la esfera funcional de un programa de actividad física realizado en el contexto de un taller de envejecimiento activo. Se realizó un estudio de diseño de preintervención y postintervención en un solo grupo. Se incluyeron 54 adultos sanos, no institucionalizados, de edad igual o mayor a 60 años. El programa de actividad física consistió en 90 sesiones grupales bisemanales, de 45-60 minutos de duración, realizadas durante 45 semanas. Los participantes realizaron estiramientos y ejercicios aeróbicos y de tonificación muscular de intensidad progresiva a lo largo del programa. Valoramos la escala de Tinetti, la prueba cronometrada de levantarse y andar (Timed Up and Go Test, TUG) y el Senior Fitness Test (SFT) en las semanas 0 y 45 del programa. En la semana 45, objetivamos una mejoría significativa en la movilidad, de acuerdo con el TUG, y en la fuerza de los miembros inferiores, evaluada mediante el SFT. Adicionalmente, observamos un mantenimiento en la capacidad de la marcha y el equilibrio, determinados por la escala de Tinetti, y la fuerza de los miembros superiores, la resistencia aeróbica y la flexibilidad de los trenes superior e inferior, según el SFT. Los resultados del estudio sugirieron que los ejercicios de actividad física incluidos en nuestro programa podrían producir una desaceleración en la pérdida de los parámetros de la esfera funcional de los adultos mayores de 60 años.

The research on older adults and their experience during the pandemic, considering whether they have contracted COVID-19 or not, is limited. For this reason, this study aimed to examine the physical and emotional dimensions of older adults in the context of the pandemic, considering their history of virus infection. To carry out this analysis, we employed the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), the Gratitude Questionnaire (CG-6), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Visual Analog Scale for Pain Assessment (VAS), the Sleep Quality Scale (CS), and the Self-Reported Physical Activity Scale (FAF).This study was based on a sample of 71 individuals aged between 55 and 75 years (M= 63.07 years; SD= 5.49). The findings revealed that older adults who had previously been infected by the virus exhibited better mental health compared to their non-infected counterparts (p = .049, d = 0.48). Additionally, this group showed a higher tendency to engage in regular physical activities (p = .042; Phi = .250) and experienced an improved quality of life. However, it is noteworthy that stress and happiness levels in both groups were comparable, regardless of whether they had been exposed to the virus or not. In summary, this study suggests that older adults who had overcome COVID-19 infection demonstrated better outcomes in certain indicators of their physical and emotional well-being compared to those who had not been exposed to the virus.Keywords: older people, covid-19; mental health, quality of life, physical activity.

Las drogas de abuso alteran el estado de ánimo, percepción y funcionamiento, generando dependencia y síndrome de abstinencia. En España, el consumo de drogas ilegales es un problema de salud pública. Factores socioeconómicos, el nivel educativo de los progenitores pueden influir en el consumo. Analizar el consumo de drogas en universitarios y su relación con edad, sexo y nivel educativo de los progenitores. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal en estudiantes universitarios. Se aplicó una encuesta de salud para evaluar el consumo de sustancias y datos sociodemográficos. Se utilizó IBM-SPSS-25 para análisis estadístico. Se incluyeron 498 estudiantes (mediana de edad: 19 años; 68.7% mujeres). El 23% reportó consumo de drogas, siendo la marihuana la más frecuente (54.5%). Se hallaron diferencias significativas en el consumo de marihuana y hachís según el sexo, siendo mayor en hombres (p<0.001). El consumo de cocaína fue mayor en estudiantes de mayor edad (p=0.003). El consumo de marihuana se asoció con mayor nivel educativo materno, mientras que cocaína y benzodiacepinas fue más frecuente en estudiantes con progenitores de menor nivel educativo (p<0.05). El consumo de drogas en universitarios varía según sexo, edad y nivel educativo de progenitores. Es fundamental diseñar estrategias preventivas focalizadas.

Introducción. El ejercicio físico mejora la salud psicofísica de los adultos mayores. Sin embargo, existen variables sociodemográficas que favorecen o dificultan la práctica deportiva que han sido escasamente investigadas (educación, ingresos, género y estado civil), ni se ha prestado atención a estas variables en relación con los diferentes deportes practicados (gimnasia, actividades acuáticas, yoga, pilates y danza). Objetivo. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio ha sido conocer el perfil sociodemográfico de los adultos mayores que realizan algún deporte. Procedimiento. Se utilizó la escala de calidad de vida CUBRECAVI y un cuestionario sociodemográfico en una muestra de 358 personas mayores de 60 años (M = 69,66, DT = 4,74). Resultados. Los resultados han mostrado que entre los mayores que hacen gimnasia hay más participantes que tienen menor cualificación académica (p < 0,001), bajos ingresos (p < 0,001); y mujeres (p = 0,003); y que los solteros y divorciados realizan actividades de danza en mayor proporción que otras actividades (p = 0,004). Conclusiones. En conclusión, la actividad deportiva practicada por los adultos mayores está relacionada con el nivel de educación que tienen, los ingresos que perciben, el género y su estado civil. Palabras clave: Personas mayores; envejecimiento; deporte, actividad física; diferencias socioeconómicas; educación; ingresos; género. Introduction: Physical exercise enhances the psychophysical well-being of older adults. However, sociodemographic variables that may either facilitate or impede the engagement in physical activities, such as education, income, gender, and marital status, have been insufficiently explored. Furthermore, limited attention has been given to these variables concerning specific physical activities, including gymnastics, aquatic activities, yoga, pilates, and dance. Objective: The aim of this study is to delineate the sociodemographic profile of physically active older adults based on the specific type of physical activity they participate in. Procedure: A sample of 358 individuals aged over 60 years (M = 69.66, SD = 4.74) participated in the study, utilizing the Quality of Life Scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire, specifically the CUBRECAVI. Results: The findings indicate that older adults engaged in gymnastics are more likely to possess lower academic qualifications (p < .001), lower income (p < .001), and be women (p = .003). Additionally, single and divorced individuals participate in dance activities at a higher rate compared to other activities (p = .004).Conclusion: In summary, the choice of physical activity among older adults is associated with their educational level, income, gender, and marital status. Keywords: older adults; aging; physical activity; sport; socioeconomic differences; education; income; gender.

La investigación sobre personas mayores y su experiencia durante la pandemia, considerando si han contraído o no COVID-19, es limitada. Por este motivo, este estudio propuso analizar las dimensiones físicas y emocionales de las personas mayores en el contexto de la pandemia, teniendo en cuenta su historial de infección por el virus. Para llevar a cabo este análisis, se utilizaron la escala de felicidad subjetiva (SHS), el cuestionario de gratitud (CG-6), la escala de Percepción de Salud (SF-12), el cuestionario de Estrés Percibido (PSS), la Evaluación del Dolor (VAS), la Escala de Calidad de Sueño (CS) y la Actividad Física Autoreportada (FAF). Este estudio se basó en una muestra de 71 individuos con edades entre los 55 y 75 años (M= 63.07 años; Sd= 5.49). Los hallazgos revelaron que las personas adultas mayores que habían sido previamente infectados por el virus mostraban una mejor salud mental en comparación con sus pares no infectados (p = .049, d = 0.48). Además, este grupo tenía una mayor tendencia a participar en actividades físicas de manera regular (p = .042; Phi = .250) y experimentaba una mejor calidad de vida. Sin embargo, resulta destacable que los niveles de estrés y felicidad en ambos grupos eran comparables, independientemente de si habían estado expuestos al virus o no. En resumen, este estudio sugiere que las personas mayores que habían superado la infección por COVID-19 presentaban mejores resultados en ciertos indicadores de su bienestar físico y emocional en comparación con aquellos que no habían estado expuestos al virus. Palabras clave: personas mayores, covid-19; salud mental,calidad de vida, actividad física. The research on older adults and their experience during the pandemic, considering whether they have contracted COVID-19 or not, is limited. For this reason, this study aimed to examine the physical and emotional dimensions of older adults in the context of the pandemic, considering their history of virus infection. To carry out this analysis, we employed the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), the Gratitude Questionnaire (CG-6), the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Visual Analog Scale for Pain Assessment (VAS), the Sleep Quality Scale (CS), and the Self-Reported Physical Activity Scale (FAF).This study was based on a sample of 71 individuals aged between 55 and 75 years (M= 63.07 years; SD= 5.49). The findings revealed that older adults who had previously been infected by the virus exhibited better mental health compared to their non-infected counterparts (p = .049, d = 0.48). Additionally, this group showed a higher tendency to engage in regular physical activities (p = .042; Phi = .250) and experienced an improved quality of life. However, it is noteworthy that stress and happiness levels in both groups were comparable, regardless of whether they had been exposed to the virus or not. In summary, this study suggests that older adults who had overcome COVID-19 infection demonstrated better outcomes in certain indicators of their physical and emotional well-being compared to those who had not been exposed to the virus. Keywords: older people, covid-19; mental health, quality of life, physical activity.

Studies that analyze the predictors of satisfaction with the health of the elderly are scarce. That is the reason why the objective of this study is to analyze whether the physical-psychological state, sports practice, and the use of socio-health resources are factors that predict satisfaction with health status in physically active elderly people. The Physical Activity and Quality of Life questionnaires were applied to a sample of 397 elderly people in this cross-sectional observational study. The data have been analyzed using Student’s t-test chi-square test, Cohen’s d, Phi Coefficient and Cramer’s V. The results have shown that the lack of physical illnesses (OR = 3.920; p < 0.001) and psychological problems (OR = 1.940; p = 0.032), practicing a high level of physical activity (OR = 2.049; p = 0.001), having high scores in functional skills (OR = 8.059; p < 0.001) and using little social and health services (OR = 2.595; p < 0.001) are all predictors of being highly satisfied with one’s health. In conclusion, predictors associated with high health satisfaction of active older people have been found, such as functional abilities, the existence of physical illness, psychological problems, level of physical activity, frequency of use of health and social services and satisfaction with health and social services; but it is not associated with gender or age of participants.

Introducción: El tabaquismo es una de las principales causas de muerte prematura y de pérdida de calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Objetivo: La finalidad de este trabajo consistió en explorar y evaluar las respuestas formuladas a una pregunta de examen en los conocimientos adquiridos en mitos sobre el tabaco y su desmitificación, después de haber impartido una práctica de Epidemiología y Salud Pública a 344 alumnos de 1º curso Grado en Medicina (2019-2020). Método: Se realizó en una muestra de 344 alumnos de la Universidad de Valencia (curso 2019-2020), a los que se impartió una práctica en la que se dieron a conocer algunos de los mitos más populares sobre el tabaco, que consultan con frecuencia los pacientes. En la práctica se elegía, comentaba y exponía por parejas un mito de un manual, por elección libre de los alumnos y sin repetir los ya elegidos. La pregunta formulada en el examen versaba en exponer un mito de forma libre y redactar la respuesta que le darían a sus pacientes. Resultados: El grupo de mito más redactado fue el referido a los mitos de tabaco y salud, donde destacó “dejar de fumar engorda”. Menos del 1% de los alumnos eligieron el grupo de mitos relacionados con la economía. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos nos indican que los conocimientos sobre mitos presentados a los alumnos pueden trasladarse al resto de la sociedad dificultando la labor de los profesionales sanitarios en la deshabituación tabáquica. Además, la mayoría de alumnos manifiestan preocupación por temas de salud e imagen en relación al consumo de tabaco.

Vaccine hesitancy was one of the ten major threats to global health in 2019, according to the World Health Organisation. Nowadays, social media has an important role in the spread of information, misinformation, and disinformation about vaccines. Monitoring vaccine-related conversations on social media could help us to identify the factors that contribute to vaccine confidence in each historical period and geographical area. We used a hybrid approach to perform an opinion-mining analysis on 1,499,227 vaccine-related tweets published on Twitter from 1st June 2011 to 30th April 2019. Our algorithm classified 69.36% of the tweets as neutral, 21.78% as positive, and 8.86% as negative. The percentage of neutral tweets showed a decreasing tendency, while the proportion of positive and negative tweets increased over time. Peaks in positive tweets were observed every April. The proportion of positive tweets was significantly higher in the middle of the week and decreased during weekends. Negative tweets followed the opposite pattern. Among users with ≥2 tweets, 91.83% had a homogeneous polarised discourse. Positive tweets were more prevalent in Switzerland (71.43%). Negative tweets were most common in the Netherlands (15.53%), Canada (11.32%), Japan (10.74%), and the United States (10.49%). Opinion mining is potentially useful to monitor online vaccine-related concerns and adapt vaccine promotion strategies accordingly.