Adjustment For Sociodemographic Factors Research Articles

Out-of-pocket health care expenses for people with and without cancer, New South Wales, 2020: a cross-sectional study.

To investigate self-reported out-of-pocket health care expenses, both overall and by cost type, for a large population-based sample of Australians, by cancer status and socio-demographic and medical characteristics. Cross-sectional study. New South Wales residents participating in the 45 and Up Study (recruited aged 45 years or older during 2005-2009) who completed the 2020 follow-up questionnaire; survey responses linked with New South Wales Cancer Registry data. Proportions of respondents who reported that out-of-pocket health care expenses during the preceding twelve months exceeded $1000 or $10 000; adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for associations with socio-demographic and medical characteristics. Of the 267 357 recruited 45 and Up Study participants, 45 061 completed the 2020 survey (response rate, 53%); 42.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42.2-43.1%) reported that overall out-of-pocket health care expenses during the previous year exceeded $1000, including 55.4% (52.1-58.7%) of participants diagnosed in the preceding two years and 44.9% (43.7-46.1%) of participants diagnosed with cancer more than two years ago. After adjustment for socio-demographic factors, out-of-pocket expenses greater than $1000 were more likely to be reported by participants with cancer than by those without cancer (diagnosis in past two years: aOR, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.77-2.40]; diagnosis more than two years ago: aOR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.15-1.29]). The odds of out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $1000 increased with area-based socio-economic advantage and household income, and were higher for people with private health insurance (v people with Medicare coverage only: aOR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.53-1.75). Out-of-pocket expenses exceeding $10 000 were also more likely for participants diagnosed with cancer during the past two years (v no cancer: aOR, 3.30; 95% CI, 2.56-4.26). People diagnosed with cancer during the past two years were much more likely than people without cancer to report twelve-month out-of-pocket health care expenses that exceeded $1000. Out-of-pocket expenses for people with cancer can exacerbate financial strain at a time of vulnerability, and affect health care equity because some people cannot pay for all available treatments.

Association between cannabis potency and mental health in adolescence

IntroductionIn legal and illegal markets, high-potency cannabis (>10 % delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) is increasingly available. In adult samples higher-potency cannabis has been associated with mental health disorder but no studies have considered associations in adolescence. MethodsA population-wide study compared no, low and high potency cannabis using adolescents (aged 13–14 years) self-reported symptoms of probable depression, anxiety, and auditory hallucinations. ResultsOf the 6672 participants, high-potency cannabis was used by 2.6 % (n=171) and low-potency by 0.6 % (n=38). After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, tobacco and alcohol use, in comparison to participants who had never used cannabis, people who had used high-potency but not low-potency cannabis were more likely to report symptoms of depression (odds ratio 1.59 [95 % confidence interval 1.06, 2.39), anxiety (OR 1.45, 95 % CI 0.96, 2.20), and auditory hallucinations (OR 1.56, 95 % CI 0.98, 2.47). ConclusionsHigh-potency cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of probable mental health disorders. Services and programming to minimise drug harms may need to be adapted to pay more attention to cannabis potency.

Risk of severe mood and anxiety disorders in the adult children of parents with alcohol use disorder: a nationwide cohort study

BackgroundGrowing up with parental alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a risk factor for psychiatric disorders. This study investigated the risk of mood disorders and of anxiety disorders in the adult...

Factors associated with frailty in geriatric patients with and without sarcopenia in Vietnam.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sarcopenia and frailty and examine factors associated with frailty among older patients with and without sarcopenia. This cross-sectional study was conducted on older inpatients and outpatients in Vietnam. Participants aged 60 years or older were consecutively enrolled in the study. Sarcopenia was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria. Fried's frailty phenotype was applied to define frailty. Logistic regression models with frailty as the dependent variable were applied. A total of 835 patients (mean age: 71.3 years, SD 8.4) were recruited. The overall prevalence of frailty was 17%. Among participants with and without frailty, 92% and 47% had sarcopenia, respectively. In unadjusted analysis, sarcopenia was significantly associated with increased frailty (OR 12.3, 95% CI 6.7-22.6) and remained significant after adjustment for sociodemographic factors (OR 6.3, 95% CI: 3.0-12.6) and for both sociodemographic and clinical factors (OR 5.4, 95% CI: 2.4-12.2). Among participants with sarcopenia, older age, inpatient status, having a high risk for falls, malnutrition and a history of hospitalisation in the last year were significantly associated with frailty. Among participants without sarcopenia, the factors associated with frailty were older age, inpatient status, low educational level, high risk of falls and malnutrition. Our study results highlighted that sarcopenia and frailty are two related but distinct geriatric syndromes.

An Appraisal of the Preventive Effect of Statins on the Development of Graves' Ophthalmopathy: A Hospital-Based Cohort Study.

Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder observed in a substantial proportion of patients with Graves' disease (GD), with debilitating symptoms of disfiguring, periorbital pain, dry eyes, diplopia, and even visual disturbances. Previous studies involving Western populations have noted discrepancies in risk factors for GO. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the risk factors for GO development and the protective effect of statins in newly diagnosed patients with GD in Taiwan. This retrospective case-control study was based on a tertiary center cohort involving patients with GD diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 atthe National Taiwan University Hospital (n = 11,035). Patients who were diagnosed or treated elsewhere, had been followed up for less than 6months or were with a diagnosis of orbital tumor were excluded. Overall, 3578 patients with GD met the inclusion criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to ascertain the odds ratio (OR) of developing GO, with adjustment for sociodemographic factors, interventions for managing GD and thyroid hormone levels, to determine protective and risk factors for GO. In our multivariate model, the use of statins reduced the risk of GO development (OR 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.50; p < 0.001). Thyroid dysfunction including hyperthyroidism (OR 4.2; 95%CI 2.97-5.88; p < 0.001) and hypothyroidism (OR 4.7; 95%CI 3.02-7.19; p < 0.001) was associated with an increased risk of developing GO. Smoking status and lipid profile were not risk factors in our cohort. In newly diagnosed patients with GD, the use of statins decreased the risk of developing GO by 80%, whereas serum lipid levels were not considered risk factors. Further nationwide population-based studies may help clarify the differences in risk factors between various ethnic groups. This trial was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of National Taiwan University Hospital (202202066RINC), retrospectively registered from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2019.

Abstract 2227: Physical activity at breast cancer diagnosis and incident cardiovascular disease in the Pathways Study

Abstract Background: Breast cancer survivors are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to women without a history of breast cancer. Although cardiotoxic cancer treatments influence these risks, lifestyles that are associated with both breast cancer and CVD also contribute. With the number of breast cancer survivors expected to increase, a growing need exists to identify modifiable risk factors that protect against the development of CVD after diagnosis. Physical activity at breast cancer diagnosis is associated with lower cancer recurrence and mortality risk. However, associations between physical activity at diagnosis and incident CVD have yet to be investigated in detail. Methods: The Pathways Study is a prospective cohort study of 4,504 women who were members of Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) when diagnosed with first primary invasive breast cancer between 2005 and 2013. At enrollment, women self-reported their frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activities during the previous six months using the Arizona Activity Frequency Questionnaire. This information was used to dichotomize the women’s physical activity levels by the CDC’s Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (≥ 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week vs less). CVD events were obtained from electronic health records as part of the Pathways Heart Study and were defined as post-diagnostic incidence of ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and stroke. Deaths were documented through several sources, including the National Death Index. Women were followed until the first of disenrollment from the KPNC health plan, death, or December 31, 2021. Competing risk Cox regression models were used to estimate associations between meeting CDC physical activity guidelines and CVD. Results: In this cohort of breast cancer survivors, women who self-reported meeting physical activity guidelines at diagnosis experienced lower rates of post-diagnostic CVD events (8.6% vs 13.1%). After adjustment for socio-demographic factors, meeting physical activity guidelines remained associated with lower risk of CVD (HR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.61, 0.98); this association appeared to be driven by reduced risk of heart failure (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.50, 0.93) and cardiomyopathy (HR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.28, 0.92). Approximately 15% of the CVD risk reduction in Pathways Study participants can be attributed to meeting physical activity guidelines (population attributable risk percent: 14.5%, 95% CI: 8%, 21%). Conclusions: Compared to women who did not meet CDC physical activity guidelines, women who reported meeting guidelines near the time of their breast cancer diagnosis had decreased risk of future CVD, including heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Future studies investigating changes in post-diagnostic physical activity patterns and CVD risk are warranted. Citation Format: Jacob K. Kresovich, Alicia R. Richards, Isaac J. Ergas, Cecile A. Laurent, Rikki Cannioto, Jamal S. Rana, Janise M. Roh, Catherine Thomsen, Salma Shariff-Marco, Eileen Rillamas-Sun, Richard K. Cheng, Song Yao, Christine B. Ambrosone, Lawrence H. Kushi, Heather Greenlee, Marilyn L. Kwan. Physical activity at breast cancer diagnosis and incident cardiovascular disease in the Pathways Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 2227.

Assessing Physicians' Recommendations for Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Testing Among Minority Populations in Greater Philadelphia and New York City.

Deaths from liver cancer are on the rise and disproportionately affect minority racial/ethnic groups. In this study, we examined associations between physicians' recommendations for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors among minority populations in the areas of Greater Philadelphia and New York City. Using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, we evaluated potential associations for 576 Hispanic American (HA), African American (AA), and Asian Pacific American (APA) adults, using blood tests as an outcome measure, with adjustment for sociodemographic factors We found that APAs (34.2%) were most likely to have a physician recommend HBV and HCV screening tests (34.2% and 27.1%, respectively), while HAs were least likely to receive an HBV recommendation (15.0%) and AAs were least likely to receive an HCV recommendation (15.3%). HAs were significantly likely to have never received a blood test for either HBV or HCV (RR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.49). APAs were significantly more likely to receive a screening recommendation for HBV (RR = 1.10, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.20) and to have a blood test (RR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.33). Our findings show that, among HAs, AAs, and APAs, physician recommendations are strongly associated with patients undergoing blood tests for HBV and HCV and that minority populations should increasingly be recommended to screen for HBV and HCV, especially given their elevated risk.

Gender differences in the prevalence of anxiety and depression and care seeking for mental health problems in Nepal: Analysis of nationally representative survey data.

Assessing gender disparity in mental health is crucial for targeted interventions. This study aims to quantify gender disparities in mental health burdens, specifically anxiety and depression, and related care-seeking behaviors across various sociodemographic factors in Nepal, highlighting the importance of gender-specific mental health interventions. Data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey was utilized, employing the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scale (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scales for anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. Multiple logistic regression models assessed gender associations with these conditions and care-seeking behaviors. Women had a higher point prevalence of anxiety (21.9% vs. 11.3%) and depression (5.4% vs. 1.7%) than men. Large variations were noted in gender disparities in the prevalence of anxiety and depression, influenced by age, geographical areas, level of education and household wealth. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, women were more likely to experience anxiety (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96-2.43) and depression (aOR=3.21, 95% CI: 2.53-4.07). However, no difference was observed in the rates of seeking care for anxiety or depression (aOR=1.13, 95% CI: 0.91-1.40). Our findings show a higher point prevalence of mental health issues among women than men, influenced by sociodemographic factors, underscoring the need for gender-focused mental health interventions in Nepal and globally.

Maternal disability and initiation and duration of breastfeeding: analysis of a Canadian cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding as the best method for infant feeding. Known risk factors for breastfeeding non-initiation and early cessation of breastfeeding are diverse and include low breastfeeding self-efficacy, poverty, smoking, obesity, and chronic illness. Although women with disabilities experience elevated rates of these risk factors, few studies have examined their breastfeeding outcomes. Our objective was to examine breastfeeding non-initiation and early cessation of breastfeeding in women with and without disabilities.MethodsWe used data from the 2017–2018 Canadian Community Health Survey. Included were n = 4,817 women aged 15–55 years who had a birth in the last five years, of whom 26.6% had a disability, ascertained using the Washington Group Short Set on Functioning. Prevalence ratios (aPR) of breastfeeding non-initiation, and of early cessation of any and exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months, were calculated for women with versus without disabilities. We also examined disability by severity (moderate/severe and mild, separately) and number of action domains impacted (≥ 2 and 1, separately). The main multivariable models were adjusted for maternal age, marital status, level of education, annual household income level, and immigrant status.ResultsThere were no differences between women with and without disabilities in breastfeeding non-initiation (9.6% vs. 8.9%; aPR 0.88, 95% CI 0.63, 1.23). Women with disabilities were more likely to have early cessation of any (44.4% vs. 35.7%) and exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months (66.9% vs. 61.3%), with some attenuation in risk after adjustment for sociodemographic factors (aRR 1.15, 95% CI 0.99, 1.33 and aRR 1.07, 95% 0.98, 1.16, respectively). Disparities were larger for women with moderate/severe disabilities and disabilities in ≥ 2 domains, with differences attenuated by adjustment for socio-demographics.ConclusionsWomen with disabilities, and particularly those with moderate/severe and multiple disabilities, could benefit from tailored, accessible breastfeeding supports that attend to the social determinants of health.

Atopic dermatitis, cognitive function and psychiatric comorbidities across early childhood and adolescence in a population-based UK birth cohort.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) may affect cognitive function, but studies are limited and inconsistent. The effect of AD severity on cognition remains underexplored and few previous studies have examined clinically validated or repeated measures of cognition throughout childhood. To evaluate the relationship of AD activity and severity with validated measures of general cognition in a longitudinal birth cohort. We conducted cross-sectional analyses using data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a UK cohort of 14 975 individuals followed prospectively since their birth in 1991-92. AD was assessed 11 times between the age of 6 and 166 months. Mothers were asked if their child had an 'itchy, dry skin rash in the joints and creases', and AD status was time-updated accordingly as 'never', 'maybe', 'inactive', 'active/mild' or 'active/moderate-severe'. General cognition [i.e. intelligence quotient (IQ)] was measured at 18, 49, 103 and 186 months of age using the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS), Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI), respectively. Multivariable linear regression was used to compare IQ with respect to nearest time-updated AD status. Secondary analyses were stratified by the presence or absence of psychiatric or learning disorders. An exploratory longitudinal analysis of IQ across all four outcome assessments was conducted using generalized estimating equations. No significant associations between AD status and full-scale IQ scores on the GMDS, WPPSI, WISC and WASI were observed after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, atopic comorbidities and sleep characteristics. However, at 8 years of age, WISC Performance IQ was slightly, although statistically significantly, lower among children with active/moderate-severe AD [β coefficient -2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.12 to -0.19] and Verbal IQ was slightly, but statistically significantly, higher among those with inactive AD (β coefficient 1.31, 95% CI 0.28-2.34) compared with those without AD. Analyses stratified by psychiatric or learning disorders, and exploratory longitudinal analyses of cognition revealed similar findings. We did not find any clinically meaningful associations between AD activity and severity and general cognitive function during early childhood and adolescence. Future studies should incorporate objective measures of AD severity and investigate outcomes beyond IQ.

A cross-sectional analysis of biodiversity, publicly accessible green space and mental well-being in Wales using routinely collected data

There is a lack of studies investigating the effects of green space and biodiversity on mental well-being, across a large study area. Generally, exposure to natural environments promotes better physical health, mental health and well-being. This study investigated associations between publicly accessible green space, biodiversity and mental well-being for individuals living in Wales using routinely collected survey and biodiversity data. This study used the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) to measure mental well-being. The 2018–19 National Survey for Wales responses containing the WEMWBS scores and socio-demographic factors were linked to green space and biodiversity data in census areas. By utilising Generalised Additive Models this study found that all environmental metrics were associated with mental well-being. However, after adjustment for socio-demographic factors, only bird species richness remained associated with mental well-being, with a highly non-linear relationship. There was little to no evidence of associations between green space or biodiversity when stratifying by income group. When stratified by rural and urban areas, we found bird, plant and total species richness to be associated with mental well-being.Environmental interventions should consider promoting bird species richness in urban areas which may benefit mental well-being. Future areas of research could include longitudinal studies to explore causal links between green spaces, biodiversity and mental well-being, utilising individual-level exposure.

Impact of health-related behavioral factors on participation in a cervical cancer screening program: the lifelines population-based cohort

BackgroundRegular participation in cervical cancer screening is critical to reducing mortality. Although certain sociodemographic factors are known to be associated with one-time participation in screening, little is known about other factors that could be related to regular participation. Therefore, this study evaluated the association between health-related behavioral factors and regular participation in cervical cancer screening.MethodsThe Lifelines population-based cohort was linked to data for cervical cancer screening from the Dutch Nationwide Pathology Databank. We included women eligible for all four screening rounds between 2000 and 2019, classifying them as regular (4 attendances), irregular (1–3 attendances), and never participants. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between behavioral factors and participation regularity, with adjustment made for sociodemographic factors.ResultsOf the 48,325 included women, 55.9%, 35.1%, and 9% were regular, irregular, and never screening participants. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, the likelihood of irregular or never screening participation was increased by smoking, obesity, marginal or inadequate sleep duration, alcohol consumption and low physical activity, while it was decreased by hormonal contraception use.ConclusionAn association exists between unhealthy behavioral factors and never or irregular participation in cervical cancer screening.

Prevalence and predictors for fertility-related distress among 1010 young adults 1.5 years following cancer diagnosis – results from the population-based Fex-Can Cohort study

Background Cancer treatment during reproductive ages may negatively impact fertility and there is a need of firm knowledge about the prevalence and predictors of fertility-related distress. The aim was to examine fertility-related distress in a population-based sample of young women and men recently treated for cancer and to identify predictors for this outcome. Material and methods This nationwide cohort study included 1010 individuals (694 women and 316 men), mean age 34.5 ± 4.9 and 32.1 ± 5.5, respectively, diagnosed with breast, cervical, ovarian, testicular cancers, brain tumors or lymphoma at ages 18–39 in Sweden. Participants completed a survey 1.5-year post-diagnosis to assess fertility-related distress (RCAC), emotional distress (HADS) and self-efficacy, as well as sociodemographic and clinical factors and fertility preservation. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between explanatory factors and high fertility-related distress (RCAC subscale mean >4). Results Many participants (69% of women and 47% of men) had previous children and about half reported a wish for future children. High fertility-related distress was more prevalent among women (54%) than men (27%), and women were more likely than men to report distress concerning all but one RCAC dimension after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Use of fertility preservation was unevenly distributed (15% of women and 71% of men) and was not associated with decreased fertility-related distress. In multivariable logistic regression models, a wish for future children, being single, not having previous children, symptoms of anxiety and low self-efficacy regarding one’s ability to handle threats of infertility were associated with high fertility-related distress. Conclusion This nationwide study found a high prevalence of fertility-related distress in young women and men recently treated for cancer and identified sociodemographic and psychological predictors. Fertility preservation was not found to act as a buffer against fertility-related distress, indicating the continuous need to identify strategies to alleviate fertility distress following cancer.

COVID-19 mortality and use of intensive care among ethnic minorities – a Danish register study

Abstract Background Migrants and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic compared to the majority population. Therefore, we studied mortality and use of mechanical ventilation (MV) by country of birth and migrant status in a nationwide cohort in Denmark. Methods Nationwide register data on all cases hospitalized for &amp;gt; 24-hours with COVID-19 between February 2020 and March 2021. Main outcome measures were mortality and MV within 30 days of hospitalization for COVID-19. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by region of origin and migrant status using logistic regression analyses, adjusting for age, sex, comorbidity and sociodemographic factors. Results Of 6,406 patients, 977 (15%) died and 342 (5%) were treated with mechanical ventilation. Immigrants (OR:0.55;95%CI: 0.44-0.70) and individuals of non-Western origin had a lower odds (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.37-0.65) of death upon admission with COVID-19 compared to Danish born individuals. Immigrants and descendants (OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.22-2.15) as well as individuals of non-Western origin (OR: 1.83; 95% CI: 1.35-2.47) had a significantly higher odds of MV compared to Danish born individuals. Outcomes of individuals with Western origin did not differ. Conclusions Immigrants and individuals of non-Western origin had a significantly lower COVID-19 associated mortality compared to individuals of Danish origin after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and comorbidity. In contrast, the odds of MV was higher for immigrants and individuals of non-Western origin compared to individuals of Danish origin. Key messages • Immigrants and individuals of non-Western origin had a significantly lower COVID-19 associated mortality compared to individuals of Danish origin. • Risk of technical ventilation was higher for immigrants and individuals of non-Western origin compared to individuals of Danish origin.

A cross-sectional examination of post-myocardial infarction physical activity levels among US rural and urban residents: Findings from the 2017-2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

This study sought to examine the relationship between rural residence and physical activity levels among US myocardial infarction (MI) survivors. We conducted a cross-sectional study using nationally representative Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys from 2017 and 2019. We determined the survey-weighted percentage of rural and urban MI survivors meeting US physical activity guidelines. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between rural/urban residence and meeting physical activity guidelines, accounting for sociodemographic factors. Our study included 22,732 MI survivors (37.3% rural residents). The percentage of rural MI survivors meeting physical activity guidelines (37.4%, 95% CI: 35.1%-39.7%) was significantly less than their urban counterparts (45.6%, 95% CI: 44.0%-47.2%). Rural residence was associated with a 28.8% (95% CI: 20.0%-36.7%) lower odds of meeting physical activity guidelines, with this changing to a 19.3% (95% CI: 9.3%-28.3%) lower odds after adjustment for sociodemographic factors. A significant rural/urban disparity in physical activity levels exists among US MI survivors. Our findings support the need for further efforts to improve physical activity levels among rural MI survivors as part of successful secondary prevention in US high-MI burden rural areas.

Ultra-processed foods, dietary diversity and micronutrient intakes in the Australian population

PurposeThis cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between ultra-processed foods consumption and dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in Australia.MethodsAs part of the Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (2011–2012), 12,153 participants aged 2 years and above were recruited and interviewed. Dietary intake data were collected by two 24-h dietary recalls using the Automated Multiple-Pass Method. The NOVA classification system was used to group the food items based on the extent and purpose of industrial food processing. The mean micronutrient contents were calculated for the total diet, and for two diet fractions; one made up entirely of ultra-processed foods (NOVA group 4) and the other consisting of all non-ultra-processed foods (aggregation of NOVA food groups 1 to 3). The mean micronutrient content in the ultra-processed and non-ultra-processed food diet fractions were compared. Dietary diversity was measured using the ten Food Group Indicators (FGI) of the Food and Agriculture Organization and was defined as the sum number of FGIs per individual. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess the association between the quintiles of energy contribution of ultra-processed foods, dietary diversity, and micronutrient intake.ResultsA negative association was found between quintiles of energy contribution of ultra-processed foods and dietary diversity (β = − 0.43; p < 0.001). The overall micronutrient content was lower in the diet fraction dominated by ultra-processed foods compared to the non-ultra-processed food diet fraction in the study population. The dietary contents of vitamins A, E, C, B9, B12, zinc, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus were reduced significantly with increased consumption of ultra-processed foods, even after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and dietary diversity.ConclusionThe quintiles of energy contribution of ultra-processed foods were negatively associated with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in Australia.

Association Between Optimism and Incident Stroke Among Stroke Survivors: Findings From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.

Personality has been implicated in stroke death. However, the role of personality in stroke incidence is unclear. Our primary aim was to investigate associations between optimism, determination, control, and the "Big Five" personality traits on incident stroke. A secondary aim was to assess the potential mediating role of health behaviors in the personality-stroke relationship. A total of 3,703 stroke-free participants from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing provided data on personality using the Midlife Development Inventory at Wave 5 (2010/11). Self-reported incident stroke was assessed from Waves 6 to 8 (2012-2017). Associations were modeled using discrete-time survival proportional odds logistic models. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, history of other cardiometabolic diseases, and health behaviors. Over 6 years follow-up there were 125 incident strokes. Higher optimism (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53, 0.82), openness (HR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.53, 0.98), and conscientiousness (HR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.42, 0.84) were associated with reduced incident stroke risk in unadjusted models. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors and history of cardiometabolic disease, only the association between optimism and incident stroke remained significant (HR = 0.72; 95% CI 0.57, 0.92). The effect of optimism remained significant in a final model adjusting for health behaviors (HR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.60, 0.96). There was evidence of a small but significant mediating effect of physical activity. Higher trait optimism was associated with reduced stroke risk. This association was partially mediated by physical activity albeit the effect was small, and caution warranted inferring causality. The interplay of personality, behavior, and clinical risk factors in stroke incidence and survivorship needs further investigation.

Chronotype, Unhealthy Lifestyle, and Diabetes Risk in Middle-Aged U.S. Women : A Prospective Cohort Study.

Evening chronotype may promote adherence to an unhealthy lifestyle and increase type 2 diabetes risk. To evaluate the role of modifiable lifestyle behaviors in the association between chronotype and diabetes risk. Prospective cohort study. Nurses' Health Study II. 63 676 nurses aged 45 to 62 years with no history of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes in 2009 were prospectively followed until 2017. Self-reported chronotype using a validated question from the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. The lifestyle behaviors that were measured were diet quality, physical activity, alcohol intake, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and sleep duration. Incident diabetes cases were self-reported and confirmed using a supplementary questionnaire. Participants reporting a "definite evening" chronotype were 54% (95% CI, 49% to 59%) more likely to have an unhealthy lifestyle than participants reporting a "definite morning" chronotype. A total of 1925 diabetes cases were documented over 469 120 person-years of follow-up. Compared with the "definite morning" chronotype, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for diabetes was 1.21 (CI, 1.09 to 1.35) for the "intermediate" chronotype and 1.72 (CI, 1.50 to 1.98) for the "definite evening" chronotype after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, shift work, and family history of diabetes. Further adjustment for BMI, physical activity, and diet quality attenuated the association comparing the "definite evening" and "definite morning" chronotypes to 1.31 (CI, 1.13 to 1.50), 1.54 (CI, 1.34 to 1.77), and 1.59 (CI, 1.38 to 1.83), respectively. Accounting for all measured lifestyle and sociodemographic factors resulted in a reduced but still positive association (HR comparing "definite evening" vs. "definite morning" chronotype, 1.19 [CI, 1.03 to 1.37]). Chronotype assessment using a single question, self-reported data, and homogeneity of the study population. Middle-aged nurses with an evening chronotype were more likely to report unhealthy lifestyle behaviors and had increased diabetes risk compared with those with a morning chronotype. Accounting for BMI, physical activity, diet, and other modifiable lifestyle factors attenuated much but not all of the increased diabetes risk. National Institutes of Health.

Changes in Prostate-specific Antigen Screening after the 2018 United States Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations and Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

We analyzed trends in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer, with a focus on the impact of the 2018 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations and the COVID-19 outbreak. Using National Health Interview Survey data, we performed difference-in-difference (DID) analyses to examine the PSA screening trend for men aged 55–69 yr, the target population in the 2018 USPSTF update, with men aged >69 yr included as the reference and adjustment for sociodemographic factors. We found that PSA screening increased for men aged 55–69 yr (+4.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–7.5%) or >69 yr (+6.5%, 95% CI 2.7–10.4%) in 2019 (after the 2018 recommendations) in comparison to 2015. There was a decrease in PSA screening for men aged 55–69 yr in 2021 in comparison to 2019 (after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020) of −3.1% (95%CI −0.4% to −5.8%). Adjusted DID analysis revealed no significant variations in the rate of change in PSA screening between the two age groups following both events. Despite its observational nature, our design mitigates major challenges in inferring causal relationships. Our results suggest a causal relationship between the 2018 screening guidelines and an increase in screening rates for men aged 55–69 yr. Conversely, they also indicate that preventive care disruptions related to COVID-19 may have induced deceleration or potentially reversal of these advances. Patient summaryWe used data from a large national survey to study the rate of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer in the USA in response to the 2018 United States Preventive Services Task Force recommendations and to the COVID-19 pandemic. We found an increase in PSA screening in 2019 among men aged 55–69 yr, the target population in the 2018 recommendations, as well as men aged >69 yr. However, this increase was reduced after the COVID-19 outbreak. It remains to be seen how PSA screening continues to change as the world recovers from COVID-19.

Adherence to dietary guidelines and dental caries among children: a longitudinal cohort study.

Even though dietary sugars are the most important nutrient for caries development, the disease process is dependent on other dietary practices. The intake of individual nutrient components cannot be evaluated separately from the overall diet which includes other nutrients, foods and habits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between adherence to dietary guidelines and dental caries. This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, conducted in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. In total, 2911 children were included in the present analyses. Dietary intake at the age of 8 years was assessed using food-frequency questionnaires. Diet quality scores were estimated, reflecting adherence to Dutch dietary guidelines. Dental caries was assessed at the age of 13 years using intra-oral photographs. Associations were estimated using multinomial logistic regression analyses, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and oral hygiene practices. The prevalence of dental caries at the age of 13 years was 33% (n = 969). Better diet quality was associated with a lower occurrence of severe dental caries after adjustments for sociodemographic factors [e.g. highest vs. lowest quartile of diet quality: odds ratio (OR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.98]. After additional adjustments for oral hygiene practices, this association was not statistically significant (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.41-1.03). Adherence to dietary guidelines has the potential to reduce dental caries in children; however, with proper oral hygiene practices, this relationship might be attenuated. To understand the role of dietary patterns and dental caries, the contributing role of daily eating occasions needs to be studied further.