BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that married couples often share similar lifestyles, as well as lifestyle-associated conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. This study aims to prospectively investigate the association between an individual's development of a non-communicable disease and the subsequent development of the same condition in their spouse. METHODS: This population-based cohort study utilized 12 waves of annual prospective surveys from 2005 onwards in Japan, with a discrete-time design. A total of 9,417 middle-aged couples (18,834 participants; discrete-time observations = 118,876) were included. Each participant whose spouse had developed one of six conditions was propensity score-matched with five controls whose spouses had not been diagnosed with the condition: diabetes [n = 1374 vs n = 6870], hypertension [n = 2657 vs n = 13285], hypercholesterolemia [n = 3321 vs n = 16605], stroke [n = 567 vs n = 2835], coronary heart disease (CHD) [n = 1093 vs n = 5465] or cancer [n = 923 vs n = 4615]. Using conditional logistic regression, we assessed participants' development of the same condition within three years following their spouse's diagnosis. RESULTS: Participants whose spouses had developed diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, or CHD were more likely to develop the same condition within three years. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were: 1.96 (1.53-2.50), 1.20 (1.06-1.36), 1.63 (1.47-1.81) and 1.43 (1.05-1.95), respectively. No significant associations were observed in stroke [1.69 (0.80-3.58)] or cancer [1.08 (0.75-1.54)]. CONCLUSION Spouses of individuals recently diagnosed with certain metabolic conditions are at a higher risk of developing those conditions themselves. These findings may provide valuable guidance for targeting and personalizing chronic disease screening and prevention efforts.
Humans ; Spouses/statistics & numerical data* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Japan/epidemiology* ; Longitudinal Studies ; Noncommunicable Diseases/epidemiology* ; Prospective Studies ; Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology* ; Risk Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adult ; Hypertension/epidemiology*

Objective: To understand the current status of fertility safety cognition among married HIV-infected people aged 18-45 years and to provide evidence for fertility safety intervention in HIV-infected families. Methods: Six districts in Chongqing and Zigong City in Sichuan Province were selected. A questionnaire survey was conducted among married HIV-infected people aged 18-45 years who were followed up from November 2021 to April 2022 to collect their general demographic characteristics, histories of sex experience, fertility intention, and knowledge of birth safety. Unconditional logistic regression and Poisson regression were used to analyze the factors affecting the cognition of birth safety. Results: A total of 266 HIV-infected people were included in the study; 58.3% (155/266) were women, and 48.9% (130/266) had fertility desire. The cognition rate of knowledge of birth safety was 59.4% (158/266). The cognition rate of women's knowledge of birth safety was 2.14 (95%CI: 1.25-3.66) times that of men's. The cognition rate of knowledge of birth safety among HIV-infected persons with a high school education level or above was 1.88 (95%CI: 1.08-3.27) times that of those with a low education level. The cognition rate of knowledge of reproductive safety among HIV-infected people with fertility intention was 1.88 (95%CI: 1.10-3.22) times that of those without fertility intention. The cognition rate of knowledge of birth safety among HIV-infected persons who received AIDS knowledge promotion and education was 9.06 (95%CI: 2.46-33.32) times that of those who did not. The cognition rate of measures of birth safety was 5.3% (14/266). The Poisson regression analysis showed no significant difference in the cognition rate of specific measures among gender, age, education and other factors. Conclusions: HIV-infected people aged 18-45 years and married with a spouse have a low awareness of birth safety, and there are risks of HIV transmission between couples and mother-to-child in the family. Targeted birth safety education and intervention should be strengthened to reduce HIV transmission.
Male ; Humans ; Female ; HIV Infections ; Spouses ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; Fertility ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Cognition

This descriptive cross-sectional study presents the health-seeking behaviors among older adults in Central Aurora, Philippines. Using a survey questionnaire, 179 older adults from 4 municipalities were interviewed. Participants were mostly 60-64-year-old married females, living with spouse, children, and grandchildren, with an average monthly income of 1001-5000 pesos, working as farmers, were self-employed, were Roman Catholics, and with an elementary level of education. The health-seeking behaviors were described in terms of physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual dimensions, with the spiritual dimension garnering the highest average mean of 4.01 (scale of 1 or never to 5 or always), and physical and mental dimensions the lowest average means of 3.58 and 3.31, respectively. These results attest to the Filipino value for the spiritual realm as an important dimension of health seeking behaviors and the physical and the mental dimensions of lesser concern. Recommendations include creating a wellness program to enhance health-seeking behaviors in all dimensions.
Humans ; Female ; Child ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Spouses ; Catholicism ; Farmers ; Cities ; Philippines ; Marriage ; Health Behavior ; Family ; Health Promotion ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Educational Status

OBJECTIVE: To carry out preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for a couple where the husband was affected by osteogenesis imperfecta combined with balanced translocation using the karyomapping technique. METHODS: Blastocysts were detected using karyomapping, the carrier status of COL1A1 c.760G>A (p.Gly254Arg) variant and the carrier status of the translocated chromosome were analyzed simultaneously. RESULTS: For a total of 10 blastocysts, two euploid blastocysts were found to not carry the COL1A1 c.760G>A (p.Gly254Arg) variant but a balanced translocation. After transplanting one of the blastocysts, clinical pregnancy was achieved. Amniocentesis at 18th gestational week and prenatal genetic testing was in keeping with the result of PGT.A healthy female was born at 40+4 weeks gestation. CONCLUSION For patients simultaneously carrying genetic variant and balanced chromosomal translocation, PGT can be performed with efficiency by the use of karyomapping method.
Blastocyst ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Genetic Testing ; Humans ; Osteogenesis Imperfecta/genetics* ; Pregnancy ; Preimplantation Diagnosis ; Spouses ; Translocation, Genetic

This descriptive correlational study determined the level of hope and spiritual wellbeing among Filipino caregivers of terminally-ill cancer patients, and the relationship of hope and spiritual wellbeing to various patient and caregiver characteristics. The study involved 50 caregivers of terminally-ill-cancer patients, mostly belonging to 51-60 age group (42%) with mean age of 44 years (SD=15), mostly females (72%), married (62%), Roman Catholic (90%), high school graduates (50%), spouses of patients (28%), with an average of 18.36 hours of caregiving in a day for an average duration of 21.4 months. The hope and spirituality scores of caregivers were 3.24 (SD=0.28) and 3.25 (SD=0.46) respectively. Caregivers had high self-efficacy (3.29) but low social support (1.72). Patient's age was moderately correlated with caregiver's hope (r=0.3; p=0.03). Caregiver's educational attainment was significantly associated with hope (p<0.01) and spiritual wellbeing (p<0.01). Caregiver's self-efficacy was moderately correlated with their spiritual wellbeing (r=0.46, p<0.01). Caregiver's hopes were (1) for their patients to get well and recover from their illness, (2) to have strong spiritual faith and be healed with God's help (3) to be hopeful and positive, (4) hope for longer life, (5) resumption of family relations, and (6) free of pain and other discomforts. Caregivers' thoughts on spiritual wellbeing were to have: (1) stronger faith, (2) being prayerful, and (3) being positive. Compared to other studies, Filipino caregivers had lower hope scores, but higher spiritual wellbeing scores. Nursing interventions promoting hope and spiritual wellbeing should be conducted in patients' room, clinic appointments, or during home visits. Nursing care promoting hope and spiritual wellbeing should be part of patients' activities for daily living.
Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Caregivers ; Spirituality ; Family Relations ; Spouses ; Self Efficacy ; Catholicism ; Patients' ; Rooms ; House Calls ; Terminally Ill ; Hope ; Marriage ; Spiritual Therapies ; Social Support ; Neoplasms ; Pain ; Schools

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the interpersonal violence (IPV) epidemiology and mortality according to the violence victim-perpetrator relationships. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was done using the comprehensive data of the emergency department (ED)-based Jeju Injury Surveillance System from all EDs in Jeju Island. The demographic characteristics of the victims, the types of perpetrators (spouse, family members, acquaintance, and stranger), injury characteristics and clinical outcomes from the injury were collected. The IPV epidemiology was reported by descriptive statistics. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to analyze the association between the mortality and violence victim-perpetrator relationships. RESULTS: Among the 23,508 violent injury patients enrolled from January 1, 2008, and December 31 of 2016, 19,879 (84.6%) were analyzed; 16 (0.08%) died at the ED. The types of perpetrators were the spouse (10.1%), family members (3.9%), acquaintances (43.4%), and strangers (42.7%). The mortality of the violence victims was increased significantly by the spouse (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 6.336; P=0.043) or family members (IRR, 11.089; P=0.016) compared to strangers. On the other hand, there was no difference between the acquaintances and strangers. CONCLUSION: The epidemiology and mortality of IPV were associated with the violence victim-perpetrator relationships. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and apply prevention programs considering these differences, particularly for intimidate/ family violence because of its high fatality.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Domestic Violence ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Epidemiology ; Friends ; Hand ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Mortality ; Retrospective Studies ; Spouses ; Violence

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors of accidental falls by age in the Korean elderly. METHODS: The study subjects included 10,242 community-dwelling elders aged 65 or over. The data were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The risk factors of accidental falls in the younger old group (aged 65~74) include fear of falling (OR=16.28, 95% CI: 12.03~22.03), depression (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.06~1.44), and hearing impairment (OR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.01~1.43). The risk factors of accidental falls in the older old group (aged 75~84) include fear of falling (OR=11.54, 95% CI: 7.04~18.93), muscle strength (OR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.15~1.60), number of chronic disease (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.09~2.50), and presence of spouse (OR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.06~1.51). The risk factors of accidental falls in the oldest old group (aged 85 years old or older) include fear of falling (OR=8.05, 95% CI: 1.85~34.98) and exercise (OR=2.91, 95% CI: 1.36~6.24). Fear of falling is defined as a common factor in the all age groups. CONCLUSION: Different strategies should be developed for age groups to prevent elderly falls with understanding of contributing factors of falls in each group.
Accidental Falls ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chronic Disease ; Depression ; Hearing Loss ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Muscle Strength ; Risk Factors ; Spouses

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify factors of Korean female workers' childbirth plans and to establish measures to improve the childbirth plan. METHODS: Study subjects were selected part in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th year surveys of the Korean Longitudinal Panel Survey of Women and Families. The selection criteria were as follows: women who had a spouse; were salaried workers currently employed for the last one month; belonged to a childbearing age; and had less than 3 children. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate factors associated with childbirth plans. RESULTS: Childbirth plans by female workers decreased each year. The analysis of associated factors revealed that age, number of children were associated factors in all years. In addition, education, satisfaction about dividing household chores with the husband, and satisfaction about working environment were associated with the lack of planning for childbirth in female workers in the 1st survey year. Satisfaction about dividing household chores with the husband, family-work conflict, and satisfaction about the potential for personal development were associated factors in the 3rd survey year. Finally, family-work conflict, satisfaction about employment stability, and satisfaction about job task at work were associated factors in the 5th survey year. CONCLUSION: It is important to know the measures focusing on the lack of planning for childbirth, and hence these factors can be improved by assessing in general, family, and occupational characteristics. Additionally, employer policies regarding women employees who are pregnant or have children at home need to be reviewed.
Child ; Education ; Employment ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Fertility ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Parturition ; Patient Selection ; Pregnancy ; Spouses

PURPOSE: This study aims to provide base data for designing education and counseling programs for child-raising by identifying the types, characteristics and predictors of parenting behaviors of married immigrant women. METHODS: We used a self-report questionnaire to survey 126 immigrant mothers of young children, who agreed to participate, and who could speak Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Filipino, or English, at two children's hospitals and two multicultural support centers. Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis, K-means clustering, χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, one-way ANOVA, Schéffe's test, and multinominal logistic regression. RESULTS: We identified three clusters of parenting behaviors: ‘affectionate acceptance group’ (38.9%), ‘active engaging group’ (26.2%), and ‘passive parenting group’ (34.9%). Passive parenting and affectionate acceptance groups were distinguished by the conversation time between couples (p=.028, OR=5.52), ideology of motherhood (p=.032, OR=4.33), and parenting stress between parent and child (p=.049, OR=0.22). Passive parenting was distinguished from active engaging group by support from spouses for participating in multicultural support centers or relevant programs (p=.011, OR=2.37), and ideology of motherhood (p=.001, OR=16.65). Ideology of motherhood was also the distinguishing factor between affectionate acceptance and active engaging groups (p=.041, OR=3.85). CONCLUSION: Since immigrant women's parenting type depends on their ideology of motherhood, parenting stress, and spousal relationships in terms of communication and support to help their child-raising and socio-cultural adaptation, it is necessary to provide them with systematic education and support, as well as interventions across personal, family, and community levels.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Child ; Cluster Analysis ; Counseling ; Education ; Emigrants and Immigrants ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Mothers ; Parenting ; Parents ; Spouses

BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the relationship between health behaviors and marital adjustment in multicultural couples to evaluate their health status. METHODS: Married couples (70 Korean men and their immigrant wives) completed a structured interview on health behaviors and sociodemographic factors, the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS), and the Marital Intimacy Scale. Based on the cutoff value of the RDAS, respondents were classified into two groups: high or low dyadic adaptation groups. The collected data were compared with health behavior regarding smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, and weight. RESULTS: The odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) by logistic regression with adjustment for age, educational level, career, occupation, length of residence in Korea, nationality, religion, age difference between couple, number of children, monthly income, and proficiency in Korean was 1.279 (1.113–1.492) for unhealthy exercise and 1.732 (1.604–1.887) for unhealthy body weight in female immigrants with low marital adjustment. In Korean husbands with low marital adjustment, the OR (95% CI) was 1.625 (1.232–2.142) for smoking and 1.327 (1.174–1.585) for unhealthy exercise. No significant relationship was found between marital intimacy and health behaviors in female immigrants or Korean husbands. CONCLUSION: More desirable health behaviors were observed in highly adapted couples. Therefore, family physicians should be concerned with marital adjustment and other associative factors to evaluate and improve multicultural couples' health status.
Alcohol Drinking ; Body Weight ; Child ; Cultural Diversity ; Emigrants and Immigrants* ; Ethnic Groups ; Family Characteristics ; Female* ; Health Behavior* ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Marital Status ; Occupations ; Odds Ratio ; Physicians, Family ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Spouses ; Surveys and Questionnaires