Envejecimiento
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Item Gender differences in perceived stress and its relationship to telomere length in Costa Rican adults(Frontiers in Psychology, vol.13, 2022) Méndez Chacón, ErickaIntroduction: Stress is associated with disease and reduced leukocyte telomere length (LTL). The objective of this research is to determine if self-perceived stress is associated with telomere length in Costa Rican adults and the gender differences in this association. Findings may help explain how some populations in apparent socioeconomic disadvantage and with limited access to specialized medical services have a remarkably high life expectancy. Methodology: Data come from the pre-retirement cohort of the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES), a population based survey conducted in the households to 2,327 adults aged 53 to 66 years. The DNA to measure LTL was extracted from blood cells in laboratories of the University of Costa Rica whereas the Blackburn laboratory at the University of California performed the telomere length measurement applying the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). The relationship between telomere length and perceived stress was measured using least-squares multiple regression. Perceived stress was measured by a set of questions about family, job, finances and, health reasons to be stressed. Models included the control variables: (1) age and sex of the participant, (2) whether he or she resides in the Nicoya area, a “blue zone” known for its high longevity, and (3) the aforementioned sociodemographic, health and lifestyles characteristics. Results: Stress perception and LTL are significantly different by sex. Women perceived higher stress levels than men in almost all aspects studied, except work. Women have significantly longer telomeres. Shorter telomeres are significantly associated with caregiving stress in men and with parental health concerns in women. Counter-intuitive telomere lengthenings were observed among women who feel stressed about caring for family members; and among men who feel stressed due to their family relationships as well as concerns about their own health. Discussion: Results confirm that people with self-perceived stress due to caregiving or health issues have shorter telomeres. The relationship between stress and telomere length differs between men and women. Gender relations exert a strong modifier effect on the relationship between stress and LTL: gender is related to perceived stress, telomere length, and apparently also to the way stress and LTL are related.Item Comparación de los resultados de pruebas de laboratorio seleccionadas de un estudio poblacional de adultos mayores de Costa Rica(Población y Salud en Mesoamérica; Volumen 5, Número 1, 2007) Méndez Chacón, Ericka; Rosero Bixby, Luis; Fernández Rojas, Xinia Elena; Barrantes Jiménez, KeniaEste artículo valora las diferencias en la medición entre laboratorios de siete biomarcadores de un estudio poblacional de adultos mayores en Costa Rica, denominado CRELES. Usa los datos de ensayos replicados en varios laboratorios para la misma muestra biológica. Encuentra una alta estabilidad (medida por el coeficiente de correlación) para casi todas las pruebas, sin embargo se observan diferencias significativas en los promedios entre laboratorios, es decir existen sesgos en la medición de los biomarcadores. Los sesgos son especialmente grandes para creatinina y hemoglobina glicosilada. Las diferencias observadas entre los distintos laboratorios refuerzan el concepto de la variabilidad dependiente tanto del analito como del paciente y del método de análisis. Dadas las diferencias encontradas se definieron ecuaciones para ajustar los datos emitidos por dos laboratorios con el fin de que sean comparables con un tercer laboratorio usado como referencia. Las dicotomías en riesgo o no derivadas de los resultados de laboratorio luego del ajuste, no presentan diferencias entre laboratorios.Item Estilos de vida y factores de riesgo para la salud de las personas adultas mayores del proyecto CRELES - Costa Rica 2004-2006(Población y Salud en Mesoamérica; Volumen 5, Número 1, 2007) Fernández Rojas, Xinia Elena; Méndez Chacón, ErickaEnvejecimiento saludable es sinónimo de envejecimiento sin discapacidad. Este ha sido asociado a mejoras en la nutrición, la actividad física y al control adecuado de factores de riesgo como el hábito de fumar, consumo de bebidas alcohólicas, así como el evitar o reducir el aislamiento social y mental. El presente artículo describe los estilos de vida y riesgos de la salud de las personas adultas mayores del Estudio Longitudinal de Envejecimiento Saludable de Costa Rica (CRELES), obtenidos de los participantes de la primera ronda realizada entre el 2004 y el 2006. Los resultados obtenidos describen características de riesgo diferenciadas por sexo, donde las mujeres presentan mayor obesidad, circunferencia abdominal, depresión o riesgo de depresión, deterioro cognitivo, mayor numero de limitaciones físicas, mayor numero sin pareja, y en general una auto percepción de su salud como de regular a mala. Por su parte los hombres, presentan menor obesidad, menor circunferencia abdominal, un porcentaje mayor con consumos menores a 2000 calorías por día, y son más activos, todo esto a pesar de reprtar mayor fumado y mayor consumo de bebidas alcohólicas. En general, los resultados apuntan a menores riesgos para la salud en los adultos mayores de sexo masculino.Item Factors associated with hypertension prevalence, unawareness and treatment among Costa Rican elderly(BMC Public Health 8(275), 2008) Méndez Chacón, Ericka; Santamaría Ulloa, Carolina; Rosero Bixby, LuisBackground: Reliable information on the prevalence of hypertension is crucial in the development of health policies for prevention, control, and early diagnosis of this condition. This study describes the prevalence of hypertension among Costa Rican elderly, and identifies co-factors associated with its prevalence, unawareness and treatment. Methods: The prevalence of hypertension is estimated for the Costa Rican elderly. Measurement error is assessed, and factors associated with high blood pressure are explored. Data for this study came from a nationally representative sample of about 2,800 individuals from CRELES (Costa Rica: Longevity and Healthy Aging Study). Two blood pressure measures were collected using digital monitors. Self reprts of previous diagnosis, and medications taken were also recorded as part of the study. Results: No evidence of information bias was found among interviewers, or over time. Hypertension prevalence in elderly Costa Ricans was found to be 65% (Males = 60%, Females = 69%). Twenty-five percent of the studied population did not reprt previous diagnoses of hypertension, but according to our measurement they had high blood pressure. The proportion of unaware men is higher than the proportion of unaware women (32% vs. 20%). The main factors associated with hypertension are: age, being overweight or obese, and family history of hypertension. For men, current smokers are 3 times more likely to be unaware of their condition than non smokers. Both men and women are less likely to be unaware of their condition if they have a family history of hypertension. Those women who are obese, diabetic, have suffered heart disease or stroke, or have been home visited by community health workers are less likely to be unaware of their hypertension. The odds of being treated are higher in educated individuals, those with a family history of hypertension, elderly with diabetes or those who have had heart disease. Conclusion: Sex differences in terms of hypertension prevalence, unawareness, and treatment in elderly people have been found. Despite national programs for hypertension detection and education, unawareness of hypertension remains high, particularly among elderly men. Modifiable factors identified to be associated with prevalence such as obesity and alcohol intake could be used in educational programs aimed at the detection and treatment of those individuals who have the condition