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ABSTRACT: Background: Early onset of menopause poses a risk for various health issues in women. This study aimed to primarily examine the link between early menopause and indoor air pollution (IAP) and demonstrate this association within the Indian population, considering their place of residence. Methods: This longitudinal study included 24,862 eligible participants out of 73,000 surveyed. Logistic regression analyses, both crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR), were used to examine the association between early menopause and various sociodemographic factors, IAP, and place of residence (rural/urban). Results: The study identified a significant correlation between early menopause and body mass index (BMI), educational status, marital status, occupation, physical activity, self-rated health, and smoking status. Women using unclean fuels did not show increased odds of early menopause (aOR: 1.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93-1.08). Poor ventilation was linked to a slightly higher incidence (28.1% vs. 26.9%, aOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 0.99-1.15). Exposure to pollution-generating sources was significantly associated with early menopause (28.8%, aOR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02-1.18), especially in urban areas (aOR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.01-1.36) but not rural (aOR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.99-1.17). Indoor smoking was linked to higher odds (aOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.17), particularly in rural areas (aOR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18). Overall, IAP was significantly associated with early menopause (aOR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15). Conclusion: The findings reveal that IAP, from sources such as smoke and pollutants, significantly increases the risk of early menopause among Indian women. Urban women are more affected by pollution, whereas indoor smoking impacts both urban and rural women. Enhancing indoor air quality could reduce early menopause and improve women's health in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Introduction: With increased urbanization the prevalence of important public health problems like road traffic accidents (RTA) and depression are surging. This study was aimed to determine the association between RTA and depression among Indian population aged ≥45 years. Methods: Using Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) dataset (April 2017–December 2018), we have conducted this study among older adults (45–59 years) and elderly (≥60 years) Indians. Bivariate analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence of RTA and depression nationally and across aspirants, achievers, and front runner states. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted between RTA and depression, adjusted with demographic and socioeconomic; health related and behavioral factors. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Prevalence of RTA was 1.84 (1.74-1.94)% nationally, highest among achiever states (2.04 (1.82–2.30)%). Prevalence of depression was 6.08 (5.90–6.26)% nationally, highest among aspirant states (7.02 (6.74–7.30)%). The adjusted odds of having accident was significantly 1.75 times higher among depressed (aOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.44–2.13) than non-depressed participants which was highest across front runners (aOR 1.86, 95%CI 1.26–2.72) followed by aspirant states (aOR 1.79, 95%CI 1.37–2.33). Conclusion: This study established the association between depression and road traffic accidents among older adults and elderly. Therefore, efforts must be taken to address mental health issues specially focusing on depression in them with proper policy implication more focused on front runners followed by aspirant states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Anemia is an important public health disorder. There is a significant chunk of India's population residing in poor housing quality with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, which might lead to higher anemia prevalence. The objective was to determine the association between anemia with poor housing quality among the older Indian adult population (≥45 years) as per residence. Methods: This study analyzed the nationally representative dataset of the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI 2017–18, Wave-1). Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were conducted to show the association of anemia (outcome variable) with poor housing quality (explanatory variable). Multivariable logistic regression was conducted by adjusting for covariates as per their models. P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. STATA version 17 was used for analysis. Results: Our study found that higher adjusted odds of having anemia among older Indian adults were observed among participants with overcrowding (AOR 1.30, 95%CI 1.19–1.42), having access to open/nonsanitary toilet facility (AOR 1.56, 95%CI 1.41–1.72), no electric supply (AOR 1.31, 95%CI 1.12–1.53), and overall poor housing quality (AOR 1.34, 95%CI 1.21–1.48). All of these associations were even higher in urban areas except for having access to open/nonsanitary toilet facilities, which was much higher in rural areas (AOR 1.61, 95%CI 1.45–1.79). Conclusion: Through a nationally representative large dataset, this study generated compelling evidence despite several obstacles indicating a positive association between anemia and poor housing quality among older Indian adults. It might raise awareness and assist individuals in steering clear of the negative effects of overcrowding, using open/nonsanitary toilet facilities, lack of electric supply, and overall housing quality on anemia status. It is advised to conduct additional research to determine temporality and causation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Background: Multimorbidity development is linked with the age at menopause. Fewer studies are available to support the findings. This study was conducted to find, how multimorbidity is associated with the natural age of menopause. Methodology: LASI-1, a longitudinal study, collected detailed information on the psychological, social, economic, and health aspects of aging in India. Wave-1 data collection was done in all 35 states and union territories in India. Baseline data was collected from year 2017–2019. As the current study was a secondary data analysis to find the association between multimorbidity and age of menopause, only eligible women's relevant data was analyzed. Results: A total of 25,256 women were analyzed, 67.8% of participants had at least one comorbidity. The mean age was 58.5 ± 10.17 years. 57.04% and 13.45% women had optimal or suboptimal menopause, while 7.4%, 17.5%, and 4.4% had premature, early, and delayed menopause. A significant association was found for the presence of multimorbidity and premature (AOR 1.19 (1.07–1.32)), early menopause (AOR 1.18 (1.10–1.27)), and optimal age of menopause (AOR 0.83 (0.78–0.88)). Conclusion: There is a high burden of multimorbidity and it is associated with the natural age of menopause. This study would be helpful for effective policymaking and a better primary healthcare approach to deal with the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatomyositis sine dermatitis (DMSD) is a rare form of dermatomyositis (DM). They present with subacute to chronic symmetrical proximal muscle weakness, with a female preponderance. It is distinguished from classical DM by the absence of typical skin manifestations. We present a rare case of DMSD in a 65-year-old male patient who had an atypical presentation of subacute swelling and proximal muscle weakness of bilateral upper limbs followed by lower limbs, associated with pain, frailty, and dependency for daily activities. The diagnosis of DMSD was based on the typical muscle biopsy findings in the absence of any skin manifestations aided by elevated muscle-related enzymes, and myopathic patterns on electromyography. The screening was negative for muscle-specific antigens, malignancy, and extra muscular involvement. Pulse steroid therapy followed by gradual tapering, methotrexate, and regular physiotherapy significantly improved functionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Introduction: An aging population is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Sleep duration, both excess and deficiency, is a risk factor for cognitive impairment. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the relationship between sleep duration and cognition in the Indian population. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of the first wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) conducted across India in all 34 states and union territories. Sleep duration was calculated using sleep and wake times, whereas cognition was measured as a composite cognitive index. Both univariable and multivariable linear regressions were performed on the composite cognitive score. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on sex and age groups (45-59 years and ≥60 years). Results: The median (IQR) cognition score was 25 (20-30). A sleep duration of ≤4 hours was associated with a decrease in cognition status of 1.15 points (1.57-0.72), and a sleep duration of ≥9 hours was associated with a decrease of 0.93 points (1.25-0.60). Subgroup analysis revealed that this relationship remained consistent across both genders and both age groups. Conclusion: Both long and short durations of sleep were seen to be associated with a decrease in cognition scores among Indian adults, in both sexes and both age groups. Thus, proper sleep duration can help in the prevention of declining cognition as one ages and the development of dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]