MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health' source. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:21:05 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655018&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F277%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Community-belonging was strongly related to health-behaviour change in Canada and may be an important component of population health prevention strategies. Efforts to increase community-belonging, however, need to be considered along with contextual factors. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655018 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655017&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F271%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Gender inequality in the domestic sphere seems to be an important determinant of psychological distress for both women and men. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655017 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655016&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F265%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Occupational class differences in physical functioning widened due to a faster decline of physical functioning in the lower occupational classes. Health behaviours, employment status and material conditions explained the widening class differences in physical functioning. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655016 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655015&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F259%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Higher rates of diabetes in the US old-age population than in England were largely accounted for by raised waist circumference and not BMI differences, especially among women. In addition, elevated diabetes risk associated with higher waist circumference in the USA as opposed to England could arise as a result of a number of different mechanisms. Investigation of the relative importance of such mechanisms is an important topic for further study. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655015 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655014&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F254%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions This study provides insight into dietary habit as one of the modifiers of health effects of air pollution. Our findings merit further studies to characterise the influence of diet on air pollution-related health and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655014 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655014 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655013&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F247%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Based on the results of the study a strategy to minimise the risk of attempted suicide among children and youths must be implemented. The strategy should mainly focus on children at high risk—that is, children from families with low socioeconomic status, and children with a psychiatric history, a history of previous suicide attempts and with an unstable somatic disease subsequently causing many admissions. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655013 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655012&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F240%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions There were persisting educational inequalities in stillbirth in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in the 1980s and 1990s. Inequalities were stable or decreasing except in Sweden, where an increase in inequality was observed. This increase was not solely attributable to a decreasing absolute risk of stillbirth as both the relative and absolute measures of inequality increased. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655012 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655011&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F233%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Parental morbidity and parental suicidal behaviour show the most detrimental effects on completed suicide among offspring when they appear early in life. Early interventions in families at risk are necessary to prevent suicide in offspring. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655011 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655011 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655010&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F225%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions High and low BMI from early adulthood were related to adult premature mortality suggesting that promoting a normal weight in early adulthood could prevent premature mortality. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655010 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655010 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655009&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F218%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Children whose development is already compromised (and especially children with less severe intellectual disabilities) are at increased risk of exposure to social conditions that are themselves inimical to healthy development. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655009 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655009 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655008&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F210%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The PCV10 universal infant immunisation programme is a cost-effective intervention (1–3 GDP per capita/DALY avoided). Owing to the uncertain burden of disease data, as well as unclear long-term vaccine effects, surveillance systems to monitor the long-term effects of this programme will be essential. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655008 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655007&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F204%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Possible methods for increasing vaccination levels in urban Hispanic communities include improving health literacy, making low-cost vaccination available and encouraging providers to use other office visits as opportunities to mention vaccination to patients. Registration number This study is registered at http://ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00448981). (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655007 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655006&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F194%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Half a century of research efforts indicate that approximately every sixth child shows signs of emotional or behavioural disorders, and conclusions regarding period effects are not robust. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655006 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5655005&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F3%2F193%3Frss%3D1 For those of us interested in socio-economic inequalities in healthy child development, this issue of the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health should strongly reinforce concerns we may have. As has been shown previously, there are large and avoidable inequalities in a wide range of healthy child development markers beginning at conception. In addition, it is well known that although not deterministic, conditions in early childhood cast a long shadow into later life, strongly shaping future trajectories of lifelong health, well-being and competence.1 What is striking is that for any given condition or deficit, as large as the inequalities are early in life, the differences tend only to widen as children grow and develop. Even in the more affluent countries of the world, these ineq... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5655005 Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5655005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541678&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F192%3Frss%3D1 This article was published in print with an incorrect DOI (10.1136/jech.2009.083576). It was published Online First with the correct DOI of 10.1136/jech.2008.083576. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541678 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541677&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F189%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The ability to locate, understand and use information related to the risks of smoking may impact one's decision to quit. Messaging should be designed with the goal of being easily understood by all individuals regardless of literacy level. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541677 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541676&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F181%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions In this contemporary UK cohort, proxy indicators of the home environment did not appear to explain socioeconomic inequalities in injuries. Research exploring alternative explanations for inequalities in injuries could help contribute to the design or adaptation of policies to reduce them. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541676 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541675&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F176%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The introduction of free bus travel for older residents of England appears to have increased public transport use and may have conferred a protective effect against obesity. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541675 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541674&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F170%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Results suggest that difficulties with complex activities or social participation could be used to identify and target women at high risk of dying. Interventions to facilitate complex activities or improve social participation may help to delay mortality in elderly women. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541674 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541673&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F166%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The requirement for people in the UK with capital resources to contribute to their care is a significant disincentive to institutional admission. This may place an additional burden on carers. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541673 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541672&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F160%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions While considerable evidence suggests that access to green space yields health benefits, we found no such evidence at the scale of the American city. In the USA, greener cities tend also to be more sprawling and have higher levels of car dependency. Any benefits that the green space might offer seem easily eclipsed by these other conditions and the lifestyles that accompany them. The result merits further investigation as it has important implications for how we increase green space access in our cities. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541672 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541671&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F155%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Sick leave with a psychiatric diagnosis is a major risk factor for subsequent DP, especially among men. Sick leave due to musculoskeletal or circulatory disorders was also a strong predictor of DP. Diagnosis-specific sick leave should be recognised as an early risk marker for future exclusion from the labour market. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541671 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541670&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F149%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The promotion of rapid length/height gain without excessive weight gain seems to be beneficial for long-term outcomes, but this requires confirmation from other studies. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541670 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541669&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F143%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The socioeconomic differential in height during childhood in this cohort of children born in the UK in the 1990s arises largely through inequalities in birth length, with small increases in the inequality from differences in growth in later childhood. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541669 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541668&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F136%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Birth order exerts a greater influence on birthweight than maternal age, with signficantly different effects across racial subgroups. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541668 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541667&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F127%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Mothers and infants have more adverse health outcomes if they are from poorer and less well-educated socioeconomic backgrounds in both Brazil and the UK. However, our findings demonstrate the dynamic nature of the association between SEP and health outcomes. Examining differential socioeconomic patterning of maternal and infant health outcomes might help understanding of mechanisms underlying such inequalities. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541667 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541666&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F121%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Maternal obesity significantly exacerbated the risk of prenatal PAH exposure in African-American newborns. Also, frequent dietary consumption of PAH-laden food items posed an independent risk on the reduced birth weight among African Americans. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541666 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541665&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F114%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Uptake of trace amounts of radionuclide in this incident was frequent. Occupational, behavioural and temporal gradients in contamination risk were mostly consistent with a priori site risk assessments. Utility of the investigation methods and findings for future accidental or deliberate environmental contamination incidents are discussed. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541665 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541664&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F106%3Frss%3D1 This study demonstrates that the general assumption that more disadvantaged populations have higher levels of exposure to environmental pollution does not always hold and requires further elucidation in different international settings. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541664 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541663&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F103%3Frss%3D1 Environmental exposures affecting human health range from complex mixtures, such as environmental tobacco smoke, ambient particulate matter air pollution and chlorination by products in drinking water, to hazardous chemicals, such as lead, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benz(a)pyrene. The exposome has been proposed to complement the genome and be the totality of all environmental exposures of an individual over his or her lifetime. However, if measurements of the exposome in biological samples are the sole tool for exposure assessment there are a number of limitations. First, it has limited utility for fully capturing the impact of complex mixtures such environmental tobacco smoke or particulate matter air pollution. Second, a number of relevant environmental exposures such ... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541663 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5541662&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F2%2F99%3Frss%3D1 Although chronic diseases are primarily environmental (ie, not genetic) in origin, the particular environmental causes of these diseases are poorly understood. A WHO study of worldwide cancer mortality identified nine diverse environmental factors, including pollution, diet, lifestyle factors and infections. However, the joint effect of these nine factors accounted for only about one-third of cancer mortality, indicating that about two-thirds are of unknown aetiology. One problem relates to the community of epidemiologists, which sorts environmental factors into marginally overlapping domains, thereby creating gaps in coverage. Also, information about environmental exposures in epidemiologic studies is generally derived from questionnaires that are ill suited for assessing thousands of pot... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5541662 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5541662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472974&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F95%3Frss%3D1 The final report from the WHO Commission on the social determinants of health recently noted: ‘For policy, however important an ethical imperative, values alone are insufficient. There needs to be evidence on what can be done and what is likely to work in practice to improve health and reduce health inequities.’ This is challenging, because understanding how to reduce health inequities between the poorest and better-off members of society may require a greater use of subgroup analysis to explore the differential effects of public health interventions. However, while this may produce evidence that is more policy relevant, the requisite subgroup analyses are often seen as tantamount to statistical malpractice. This paper considers some of the methodological problems with subgroup... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472974 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472973&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F89%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Mixture modelling for dietary pattern analysis has advantages over both factor and cluster analysis. In contrast to these other methods, it is easy to estimate pattern prevalence, to describe patterns and to use patterns to predict disease taking classification uncertainty into account. Owing to substantial error in food consumptions, any analysis will usually find some patterns that cannot be well validated. While knowledge of classification uncertainty may aid pattern evaluation, any method will better identify patterns from food consumptions measured with less error. Mixture models may be useful to identify individuals who under-report food consumption. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472973 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472973 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472972&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F81%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions From very early childhood, social disadvantage was associated with poorer outcomes across most measures of physical and developmental health and showed no evidence of either strengthening or attenuating at older compared to younger ages. Findings confirm the importance of early childhood as a key focus for health promotion and prevention efforts. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472972 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472971&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F75%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions These data suggest a marked secular increase in Thai heights in the second half of the 20th century probably reflecting improved childhood health and nutrition over this time. Rural-born Thais, who benefited to a lesser extent from the changes, may face future health challenges with greater risks of, among other things, obesity and its health consequences. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472971 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472970&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F69%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion This simple intervention improved STI knowledge in both sexes and STI testing in women, but had no impact on condom use. SMS and email are low cost, popular and convenient, and have considerable potential for health promotion. Clinical trial registration number Australian Clinical Trials Registry - ACTRN12605000760673. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472970 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472970 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472969&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F64%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion HIV testing routines in PDU should be completed at least by HBV and HCV detection given the poor validity of cross-sectional self-reports on hepatitis infections. HIV and hepatitis prevalence estimations in PDU gain by relying on multisite/setting data collection. Research should further investigate the validity of HIV and hepatitis self-reports from routine drug-monitoring systems versus cross-sectional surveys. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472969 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472969 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472968&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F57%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Boys' excess mortality was only partly explained by educational inequalities or by deaths from external causes. A more detailed analysis is needed to study whether the share of avoidable deaths is higher among children whose parents have had a shorter education time. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472968 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472967&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F49%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Children having their early gestational period in the pollen season for broad-leafed trees are more prone to sensitisation to food allergens than other children. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472967 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472966&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F41%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions At age 5 years cohort members born to mothers who drank up to 1–2 drinks per week or per occasion during pregnancy were not at increased risk of clinically relevant behavioural difficulties or cognitive deficits compared with children of mothers in the not-in-pregnancy group. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472966 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472966 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472965&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F37%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The HRs for low income status are larger for colon cancer (2.37, 95% CI 1.17 to 4.80), followed by stomach (1.67, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.78), liver (1.57, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.39) and lung cancers (1.46, 95% CI 0.99 to 2.14). In the model including the variable of healthcare utilisation, colon and stomach cancers exhibited a lower HR in the moderate healthcare utilisation groups (0.40, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.76 in colon; 0.59, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.96 in stomach), whereas for liver cancer, the high utilisation group exhibited a higher hazard (1.72, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.75). A lower income status is independently related to a shorter survival time in cancer patients, especially in less fatal cancers. Healthcare utilisation independently affects the likelihood of survival from colon and stomach cancers, ... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472965 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472965 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472964&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F30%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Consistent evidence in favour of both protective effects of long-lasting marriage and detrimental effects of marital dissolution were found. Studies would benefit from including marital history in the models instead of baseline marital status whenever possible, especially when studying male mortality. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472964 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472963&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F24%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Children who are exposed to negative socioenvironmental climates over time are more likely to have altered serum cortisol levels. This may be an adaptive mechanism to cope with stress; however, disrupted cortisol levels may have negative effects on general physical and mental health. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472963 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472963 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472962&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F18%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Pre-adult exposures are more strongly associated with cardiovascular morbidity than mortality, and they affect premature cardiovascular mortality more than later mortality. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472962 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472961&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F14%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion In São Paulo, the more egalitarian communities are among some of the poorest, with the worst health profiles. Propensity score matching was used to avoid inappropriate comparisons between the health status of unequal (but wealthy) neighbourhoods versus equal (but poor) neighbourhoods. Our methods suggest that, with proper accounting of heterogeneity between areas, income inequality is associated with worse population health in São Paulo. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472961 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472961 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472960&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F8%3Frss%3D1 It is becoming increasingly apparent that genetic factors are inadequate to fully explain many processes that shape development and disease. For example, monozygotic twin pairs, despite sharing identical DNA sequences, are often discordant for many traits and diseases, indicating that the same genotype can give rise to distinct phenotypes. This points towards the involvement of additional factors that cannot be explained solely by the sequence of the genome. Epigenetic modifications, defined as heritable changes that do not alter the nucleotide sequence, emerge as key factors that regulate chromatin structure and gene expression and, together with genetic factors, provide the mechanistic basis to understand the biological effects of various classes of environmental exposures. Epigenetic me... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472960 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472960 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5472959&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F66%2F1%2F1%3Frss%3D1 Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) use steadily increased in the Western world. In 2002, the early termination of the Women's Health Initiative trial due to an excess of adverse events attributable to HRT, led to a precipitous decline in its use. Breast cancer incidence began to decline soon thereafter in the USA and several other countries. However, the magnitude of the decline in breast cancer incidence, and its timing with respect to HRT cessation, shows considerable variability between nations. The impact of HRT cessation appears most significant and immediate in countries with the largest absolute decline in HRT use. In countries in which peak prevalence of HRT use was high, several studies have convincingly excluded decreasing rates of m... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5472959 Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5472959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394790&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1171%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Access distance to immunisation services was a critical determinant of immunisation coverage in a peri-urban area. Intervention via outreach services played an important role in averting the risk of missing out on immunisation. Optimal location analysis has the potential to contribute to efficient decision making regarding the delivery of immunisation services. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394790 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394789&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1166%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Street-based adolescents in Ukraine are at significant risk of contracting HIV due to involvement in injecting drug use and unprotected sex in personal and commercial exchanges, including male-to-male sex. This group initiates risk behaviours at early ages, and does not appear to have good access to prevention and other health services. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394789 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394788&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1159%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Strong evidence was found of geographical variation in infant mortality and low birth weight, unexplained by individual risk factors or by area-level deprivation. Geographical targeting or area-level interventions might look beyond deprivation scores, to other environmental and social factors. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394788 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394787&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1151%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Smoking during pregnancy is associated with subtly reduced motor competence, particularly on the non-dominant side. Statistically significant effect modification by sex was observed for only one test, providing equivocal evidence of a sex difference. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394787 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394786&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1145%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Results from this study provide evidence of an association between heavy MSP and long-term criminal offending. Any causal association is likely to be weak to moderate in strength. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394786 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394785&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1140%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Long-term residents, compared with newcomers, provide a unique comparison group that share the same physical and policy environment but in different time periods. Knowledge of differences such as these can improve the specificity in identifying target groups for particular interventions. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394785 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394784&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1132%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The non-significant impact of health on mobility inside employment may reflect the presence of the significant impact of health on mobility between employment and non-employment. This implies that the effect of health was not evenly spread over all social mobility, but rather tends to concentrate on some types of mobility. The effect of each predictor on social mobility is more concentrated among specific transitions, and health and age were likely to be substantial in moving into/out of the labour force, whereas education was a relevant predictor for mobility into/out of upper classes, in particular, classes I/II. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394784 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394783&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1123%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The association between SES and poor health may be attributed to differential distributions of several dimensions of material, occupational and psychosocial conditions across occupational groups. Interventions targeting different dimensions might result in a reduction in social inequalities in health. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394783 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394782&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1118%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Current iodine intakes are well below dietary recommendations. The impact of iodine fortification of bread would be greater for pregnant and postpartum women than has been previously estimated using general population intakes, but additional strategies to increase intakes by these groups are still needed. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394782 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394781&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1111%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Attendance at the high-quality Kindergarten Union preschools was associated with a reduction in the initial uptake of smoking and thus the probability of being a current smoker. Among their other potential social benefits, high-quality, universal preschool programmes have the potential to help reduce smoking prevalence across the population. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394781 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394780&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1104%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions These results suggest that long-term weight gain from early adulthood to middle-age increases risk of type 2 diabetes in men and women and that risk is further enhanced by weight gain in later life in women. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394780 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394779&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1097%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The association between early life socioeconomic circumstances and mortality depends on the socioeconomic indicator used and the cause of death examined. Height is not a straightforward measure of early life socioeconomic circumstances as taller people do not have a health advantage for all mortality outcomes. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394779 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394778&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1091%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Relative and absolute educational inequalities in extreme and moderate PTB have increased over time in Québec. Relative increases were largest for extreme PTB, and absolute increases were largest for moderate PTB. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394778 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394777&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1083%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Spontaneous conception and mode of delivery are most susceptible to increasing maternal age leading to involuntary childlessness and non-spontaneous labour. The increase in assisted reproduction technology, twin pregnancies and delivery complications results in higher costs along with fewer ongoing pregnancies at higher age. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394777 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394776&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1075%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions High numbers of children in Harare experience penetrative sexual abuse, and most present too late for PEP. More immediate presentation of sexual abuse can help to prevent HIV and recurrent abuse, and assist in examination and prosecution. Orphanhood emerged as a possible risk factor for sexual abuse and an important area for further research. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394776 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394776 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394775&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1070%3Frss%3D1 Current epidemiological and statistical theory about research methods and how to elicit causation from epidemiological studies is strongly influenced by counterfactual-manipulative thinking. However, thinking about how disease states develop is rooted in mechanistic ‘webs of causes’. After a tremendous growth of research in molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics, attention has increasingly been paid to environmental and socioeconomic factors as determinants of diseases. This led to conceiving of most pathologies as caused by multilevel mechanical systems. The nature of ‘mechanisms’ has been the subject of extensive philosophical reflection over the past couple of decades. The present paper will first present some of today's philosophical insights in what are c... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394775 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5394774&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F12%2F1065%3Frss%3D1 Since art and science went their separate ways in the 18th century, the purpose of science has been to generate true knowledge based on reason and objectivity. However, during the second half of the 20th century, opinions emerged within science that showed the impossibility of eliminating subjectivity in scientific practice. This paper describes the similarity of the subjective judgements that form part of the peer-review system—the method devised by the scientific community to guarantee truth and objectivity—and the subjective judgements involved in artistic evaluation. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5394774 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5394774 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309604&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F1059%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The birth cohort pattern has shaped the time trends of Helicobacter pylori-related disease similarly among different ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Its cause remains unknown and warrants further investigation. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309604 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309603&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F1053%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Smoking significantly increases mortality from colorectal cancer and its decreasing prevalence in the UK may partly explain falling mortality from the disease. Changes in health behaviours in response to early cancer symptoms may result in differential misclassification or ‘reverse causality’ unless early events are excluded. Although many individual cohort studies have not shown significant relationships between behavioural risk factors and colorectal cancer mortality, their contribution to meta-analyses remains important. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309603 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309602&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F1044%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Policy changes over the past two decades coincided with improved relative survival, without an increase in geographical variation. The north–south divide in relative survival became less pronounced over time but geographical inequalities persist. The reduction in geographical inequality in breast cancer survival may be followed by a similar trend for other cancers, provided government recommendations are implemented similarly. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309602 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309602 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309601&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F1037%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions A woman's risk of being diagnosed as having advanced breast cancer depends on where she lives, separate from the individual characteristics of the woman herself. Both the rurality and socio-economic characteristics of the geographical area in which women lived were important. The socio-economic factors contributing to advanced breast cancer, existing in both urban and rural environments, need to be investigated. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309601 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309600&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F1030%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Substantial inequalities between countries were evident on all health expectancies. However, these differed across the disablement process which could indicate environmental, technological, healthcare or other factors that may delay progression from disease to disability. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309600 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309599&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F1024%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions In these data, there was little difference between reflective and formative models of SES in their ability to elucidate pathways from childhood SES to adult health. Formative approaches to modelling SES seem appropriate theoretically, yet reflective models were equally informative. The outcome chosen here was self-rated health, but the models are extensible to other health outcomes. Results may differ in other data sets, suggesting that it is first appropriate to compare both strategies. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309599 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309598&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F1014%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Accumulating socio-economic disadvantage from childhood to adulthood is associated with slower walking time in old age, with mixed results for balance ability. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309598 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309598 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309597&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F1006%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Assessment of a broad range of childhood exposures to familial adversities may help to identify adolescents at particularly high risk of PDV and to guide prevention efforts. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309597 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309596&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F999%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The importance of financial difficulties in the household has probably not varied over time; in contrast, the heterogeneity of the findings regarding occupation and education of parents suggests that the importance of these indicators and, consequently, their aetiological pathways may differ depending on the gender and birth cohort of the study subjects. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309596 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309596 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309595&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F993%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The strong association between low school grades and suicide in youth and young adulthood emphasises the importance of both primary and secondary prevention in schools. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309595 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309594&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F986%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions SES over the life course influences the level of multi-systemic dysregulation in mid-adulthood, with the strongest support for the cumulative risk model. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309594 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309594 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309593&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F980%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The higher prevalence of unhealthy behaviour in lower socioeconomic groups in adulthood contributes moderately to socioeconomic disparities in incidence of hip fractures later in life. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309593 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309593 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309592&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F972%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Educational inequalities, favouring the higher educated, exist on both sides of the retirement eligibility age. Higher educated persons live longer in good health before retirement and can expect to live longer afterwards. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309592 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309591&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F964%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion These results on the relation between SEP and changes in HRQoL in older adults support the three models proposed to explain health inequalities over the life course: the existence of critical periods, the accumulation of adverse SEP and social mobility. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309591 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309590&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F958%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions This trend is consistent with the disuse hypothesis but requires independent replication before it can be accepted as supportive in this respect. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309590 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309589&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F949%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Statins may have multifactorial effects on dementia but not MCI risk. Future interventions may be warranted, and research should focus on optimal serum TC, HDL-C:TC ratio and TC change trajectories. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309589 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309589 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5309588&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F11%2F947%3Frss%3D1 While working in Scandinavia for a year during my first spell of economic migrancy, I was told by locals that the Danish calendar had 14 months owing to the recurrent "November, November, November"—an indication of the inevitably damp, cold and prolonged Copenhagen winter characterised by the desertion of all but the most hardened of drinkers from the hostelries and coffee shops of this picturesque city. No such bleak offerings in this, the penultimate issue for 2011 of the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health however, where we present the same eclectic collection of reports that have come to define the journal since its inception as the British Journal of Social Medicine in 1947. Divided into three invariably overlapping themes—ageing,1–5 lifecourse,6–12 ... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5309588 Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5309588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202474&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F941%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The news media's role as a disseminator of scientific information is particularly important in areas of risk perception. Despite a succession of health scares in recent years in which the media has been accused of exaggerating the risks and contributing to public misunderstandings of the issues, this analysis suggests that the UK newsprint reporting of swine flu in the 2009–10 outbreak was largely measured. The news media's role as disseminators of factual health information on swine flu is to be welcomed, particularly in relation to their handling and responsible reporting on scientific uncertainty. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202474 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202473&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F934%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The presence of the AD in Taiwan has fuelled competitive reporting of suicide news among traditional newspapers. This increase in the intensity of suicide news reporting has consequently had an impact on the actual number of suicides. This provides further empirical support for improving media reporting as a key element in suicide prevention. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202473 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202472&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F928%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Non-compliant suicide articles are prevalent in the newspapers of these three Chinese settings. The observed media misrepresentations may potentially mislead the public and the policy makers about the actual risk for suicide in some demographic groups. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202472 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202471&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F921%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The implementation of 20 mph zones targeted at deprived areas has mitigated widening socioeconomic differentials in road injury in London and to some degree narrowed them, but there is limited potential for further gain. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202471 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202470&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F915%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The challenges of complexity for economic evaluation appear in many community-based health interventions. A more extensive perspective for exploring other outcome measurements and evaluation methods to reflect a fair and appropriate value of the intervention's cost-effectiveness is needed. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202470 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202469&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F909%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions CfC showed some benefits for child receptive vocabulary, parenting and reducing jobless households and two adverse effects. Children living in the most disadvantaged households also benefited. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202469 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202468&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F902%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions While a statistically significant variation by ethnicity in the effect of price discounts on food purchasing was found, the authors caution against a causal interpretation due to likely biases (eg, attrition) that differentially affected Maori and Pacific people. The study highlights the challenges in generating valid evidence by social groups for public health interventions. The null findings for tailored nutritional education across all social groups suggest that structural interventions (such as price) may be more effective. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202468 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202468 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202467&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F896%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The educational intervention in healthy eating habits and physical activity in the school could contribute to lessen the current increase in child obesity. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202467 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202466&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F889%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The number of actions that secondary schools have in place to promote healthy eating is significantly associated with healthy food choices made by students. Further research is needed to identify which specific actions are most strongly associated with students' dietary behaviour, and the barriers to more widespread adoption of a whole school approach. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202466 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202465&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F881%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Studies outside of North America have failed to find that the physical availability of food plays a significant role in socioeconomic gradients in diet and nutrition. This study suggests that food availability in the Republic of Ireland plays a small but statistically significant role in influencing the diets of individuals and communities and, as such, may also influence socioeconomic inequalities in health. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202465 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202464&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F873%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Independent effects of lower individual-level socioeconomic characteristics and more frequent fast food purchasing for home consumption are demonstrated. Although evidence was suggestive of an independent association with area-level disadvantage this did not reach statistical significance. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202464 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202463&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F866%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The presence of potentially health-damaging factors and lack of potentially health-promoting factors do not seem to contribute significantly to the development of CHD. Other features of deprived neighbourhoods appear to play a greater role. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202463 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202462&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F859%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Risk for asthma was higher in areas of low socio-economic status, possibly due to unmeasured risk factors or chronic stress. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202462 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202461&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F853%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Associations between green space indicator and health were not sensitive to indicator origin and type. This raises the possibility of trans-European epidemiological studies. Larger green spaces may be the most important for health effects, but may also be less prevalent in more deprived areas. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202461 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202460&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F847%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Similar relationships between higher MVPA and higher landscape diversity and lower crime rate across sex and life stage suggest that application of these environment features may benefit broad populations. Sex-specific associations for street connectivity may partly account for the variation in findings across studies and have implications for targeting physical activity promotion strategies. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202460 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202459&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F841%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The positive associations seen between alcohol outlet density and both individual level binge drinking and alcohol-related problems appear to be independent of individual and neighbourhood SES. Reducing density of alcohol outlets may reduce alcohol-related harm among those who live nearby. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202459 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202458&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F834%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Existing evidence suggests that the dissemination of anti-illicit-drug PSAs may have a limited impact on the intention to use illicit drugs or the patterns of illicit-drug use among target populations. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202458 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5202457&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F10%2F833%3Frss%3D1 In this issue the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health addresses what I call the issue of environmental affordances, although none of the papers uses this term. This month's assemblage of papers includes several papers on the influence of neighbourhood and built environment characteristics, several studies on interventions intended to improve health and three papers on media coverage of health issues. To my mind, these topics all have to do with either describing environmental affordances or with understanding the impacts of interventions to manipulate environmental affordances on health outcomes. Let me explain what I mean. Arguably, a good deal of social epidemiology and the social sciences and health has become concerned with the ways in which behaviour and other aspects of hu... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5202457 Fri, 09 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5202457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101847&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F829%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Given these associations, we urge further exploration of ambulance response calls as a source of HRI morbidity data particularly given the increasing health concerns associated with climate change. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101847 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101846&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F825%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Non-fictional media coverage of a fatal accident appears to affect subsequent railway suicide numbers. Supposedly, media reports drew attention to railways as a means of suicide. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101846 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101845&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F820%3Frss%3D1 Background Disturbed sleep is common throughout the community and is associated with an increase in daytime sleepiness, both of which, in turn are associated with an increased risk of ischaemic vascular disease. The hypothesis that sleep disturbances are predictive of dementia, and in particular vascular dementia was tested in a large community-based cohort of older men. Methods A questionnaire on sleep disturbances was administered to 1986 men aged 55–69 years in the Caerphilly Cohort Study and 10 years later the men were examined clinically for evidence of dementia or cognitive impairment with no dementia (CIND). Findings Approximately 20% of the men reported disturbed sleep and 30% reported ‘severe’ daytime sleepiness. Ten years later 1225 men (75% of the surviv... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101845 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101845 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101844&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F814%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The association of blood pressure with IHD mortality is modified by age and body mass index. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101844 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101844 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101843&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F807%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The results support an inverse dose–response association between both LTPA and walking with mental health, over 3 years in older women without depression or anxiety. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101843 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101842&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F800%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion This study confirms that physical functioning is more strongly associated with SRH than mental health and social functioning, even where the relative associations between each dimension and SRH may be expected to differ, such as in those with depression. It suggests that the way people take account of physical, mental and social dimensions of function when rating their health may be relatively stable across groups. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101842 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101841&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F793%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Active labour policies and reliable social protection measures (eg, Scandinavian welfare regime) exert beneficial effects on the health and well-being of older workers. More emphasis on improving quality of work among this group is warranted. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101841 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101840&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F786%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion The evidence does not support the notion that the permanently sick are becoming less seriously ill. The persistence of the group's raised mortality suggests that measures aimed at encouraging later life employment should ensure provision of work environments suitable for people with chronic illnesses. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101840 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101839&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F780%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Although a homeless hospital admission is associated with a greater risk of death for young drug users, it is also a point in time when a young person is in contact with public services. An attempt to link their discharge with housing services would seem a potentially productive policy. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101839 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101838&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F775%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions This cohort study found that mothers with LBW and macrosomia offspring had an increased mortality risk of diabetes. This relationship could be attributable to the possible pathway of intergenerational effects or maternal insulin resistance due to maladaptation to pregnancy. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101838 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101837&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F770%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion There has been a moderate improvement in longer-term survival following an MI, distinct from improvements in short-term survival, although men may have benefited more than women. Increased medication prescribing in primary care may be a contributing factor. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101837 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101836&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F764%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The disadvantage of shorter gestational age on the chance of achieving higher grades in Swedish language was confined to children from families in which none of the parents had higher education. This suggests that the detrimental influence of shorter gestational age on school performance in language may be avoidable. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101836 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101836 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101835&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F757%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions While not without its problems, the ELFS may offer a useful additional and hitherto unexploited resource for the measurement of socio-economic inequalities in health across European countries and over time. Future research should try to understand how and why health inequality trends differ between different surveys as much as they appear to do in light of the present findings. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101835 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101835 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101834&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F751%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Systematic use of these tools will provide a stronger evidence base for public health policy in the future and will further direct a drive towards the use of quantitative tools. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101834 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101834 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101833&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F746%3Frss%3D1 This essay argues that work, and the socioeconomic class polarities it creates, plays a fundamental role in determining inequalities in the distribution of morbidity and mortality. This is by means of uneven exposure to physical hazards and psychosocial risks in the workplace, as well as by inequalities in exclusion from the labour market and the absence of paid work. Furthermore, this essay shows that the relationships between work, worklessness and health inequalities are influenced by the broader political and economic context in the form of welfare state regimes. This leads to the development of a model of the political economy of health inequalities, and how different types of public policy interventions can mitigate these relationships. This model is then applied to the case of work ... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101833 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101833 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101832&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F740%3Frss%3D1 Welfare states are important determinants of health. Comparative social epidemiology has almost invariably concluded that population health is enhanced by the relatively generous and universal welfare provision of the Scandinavian countries. However, most international studies of socioeconomic inequalities in health have thrown up something of a public health ‘puzzle’ as the Scandinavian welfare states do not, as would generally be expected, have the smallest health inequalities. This essay outlines and interrogates this puzzle by drawing upon existing theories of health inequalities—artefact, selection, cultural–behavioural, materialist, psychosocial and life course—to generate some theoretical insights. It discusses the limits of these theories in respect to... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101832 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101832 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5101831&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F9%2F737%3Frss%3D1 Introduction Since the 1980s, the number of obese people has increased steadily across the globe.1 Consequently, more patients have serious medical conditions2 3 such as cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes. As a result, medical expenses increase dramatically. An important cause of obesity is unhealthy dietary habits, such as increased size of portions, eating away from home and the consumption of high-energy dense foods.4 Measures have been taken to change these dietary habits to a more responsible pattern, but with limited success. A systemic perspective We analyse the problem from a systemic perspective, thereby acknowledging the interdependencies between the demand and the supply sides in the broader food system (see figure 1). The demand and supply sides can be viewed as sets ... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5101831 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5101831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996872&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F733%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion It is important to be able to distinguish precisely between population-level concepts, such as rates, and individual-level characteristics, such as employment status, when considering the development of evidence-based suicide prevention strategies. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996872 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996871&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F727%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion This study reported large declines in SIP prevalence, with a population effect similar to that expected following exposure to (Cochrane-defined) intensive behavioural interventions. However, no specially targeted public health efforts were made during this period to influence SIP, so that social norm change is the likely explanation for these population health changes. The relative decline in SIP was smaller among low-socioeconomic status mothers, by language spoken at home, Aboriginality and area of remoteness, suggesting that inequalities in SIP have increased over this 14-year period. This information informs equity-based approaches to targeting further smoking cessation programs for pregnant Australian women. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996871 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996870&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F722%3Frss%3D1 Discussion Increased risk of PPD in Chinese women who gave birth to a female infant can be explained to large extent by inadequate or poor postpartum support from family members, particularly husband and parents. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996870 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996869&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F715%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Our results suggest that in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, infants with lower SES (low to medium) are at higher risk of mortality when exposed to ambient PM10 and O3. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996869 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996868&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F709%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Socioeconomic differences in head and neck cancer are partially attributable to the distribution of tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption across socioeconomic strata. Additional mediating factors may explain the remaining variation of socioeconomic status on head and neck cancer. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996868 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996867&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F702%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions 3 years after a national smoke-free law was implemented, the trend in smoking prevalence in some population groups was unchanged; however, in others, the declining trend of previous years was reversed. The similarity of these findings to those observed in other countries suggests that clean indoor air laws, although effective in reducing exposure to second-hand smoke, may not achieve the secondary objective of reducing the prevalence of smoking in the population. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996867 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996866&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F696%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Important ethnic differences in fetal mortality exist, especially among women of African and South Asian origin. Ethnic minorities should be more acquainted with the significance of early start of prenatal care. Tailored prenatal care for women with African and South Asian origin seems necessary. More research on underlying cause of deaths is needed by ethnic group. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996866 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996866 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996865&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F688%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Datasets in which there is a small to moderate number of groups, with the majority of very small group size (n<5), size may fail to find or even consider a group-level effect when one may exist and also may be underpowered to detect fixed effects. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996865 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996865 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996864&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F682%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion A negative change in work organisation during an organisational merger may elevate the risk for postmerger psychiatric morbidity. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996864 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996864 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996863&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F676%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions If current IHD mortality trends continued, IHD would lose much of its importance as a cause of premature death in the near future. As the incidence and disabling impact of IHD might decline much less, prevention of IHD-related disability instead of mortality may become increasingly important in the future. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996863 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996863 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996862&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F671%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions This paper, to our knowledge, is the first attempt to analyse Tilly's theory in relation to ethnicity and health, and opens up a debate on refining the implications of these ideas prior to empirical testing. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996862 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996862 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996861&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F666%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Villermé was not only a forerunner of social epidemiology, he was also a scientific pioneer by relying on data, not opinions, to challenge or support medical hypotheses. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996861 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996861 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996860&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F661%3Frss%3D1 This article questions what will be required for PHC to flourish. PHC incorporates five key principles: equitable provision of services, comprehensive care, intersectoral action, community involvement and appropriate technology. This article considers intersectoral action and comprehensiveness and their potential to be implemented in the current global environment. It highlights the constraints to intersectoral action through a case study of nutrition in the context of globalisation of the food chain. It also explores the challenges to implementing a comprehensive approach to health that are posed by neoliberal health sector reforms and donor practices. The paper concludes that even well-designed health systems based on PHC have little influence over the broader economic forces that shape ... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996860 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996860 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996859&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F656%3Frss%3D1 Increasing focus on health inequities has brought renewed attention to two related policy discourses - primary health care and the social determinants of health. Both prioritise health equity and also promote a broad view of health, multisectoral action and the participation of empowered communities. Differences arise in the lens each applies to the health sector, with resultant tensions around their mutual ability to reform health systems and address the social determinants. However, pitting them against each is unproductive. Health services that do not consciously address social determinants exacerbate health inequities. If a revitalised primary health care is to be the key approach to organise society to minimise health inequities, action on social determinants has to be a major constit... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996859 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996858&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F653%3Frss%3D1 In this issue of JECH, authors from both the People's Health Movement1 and WHO2 agree that primary healthcare makes a considerable contribution to reducing the adverse impact of social inequalities on health. That is, primary healthcare is a ‘health equity-producing’ social policy. Both groups of authors agree that health systems do not exist in isolation from other social systems. Both provide examples of how the market orientation of neo-liberal globalisation has worked against improvements in general and equity in health specifically. The role of world trade agreements in compromising nutritional status of socially disadvantaged populations provides a powerful case for the importance of inter-sectoral approaches in health policy activities. Both papers speak of ‘primar... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996858 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996857&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F651%3Frss%3D1 Health inequalities are ubiquitous around the world.1 Thus, fresh perspectives to tackle inequalities are always welcomed by the research community invested in reducing and eventually eliminating health inequalities. Lorant and Bhopal discuss the ethnic and socioeconomic health inequalities in Europe where immigration is an important contributor to ethnic diversity. Specifically, they examine (1) how ethnicity and socioeconomic status interact to produce inequality and (2) the role of discrimination in this interaction.2 To elucidate ways to reduce these ethnic and socioeconomic health inequalities, Lorant and Bhopal use Charles Tilly's Durable Inequality theory (DIT).3 This social theory proposes that (1) socially constructed categories create or sustain inequality through four mechanisms... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996857 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996857 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4996856&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F8%2F649%3Frss%3D1 Introduction In October 2009, the US National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences announced 30 million dollars of funding for research on the hormone disrupting effects of bisphenol a (BPA).1 BPA is a building block of polycarbonate plastic and a widely used raw material for resins and coatings. The research focuses on the contribution of low-dose exposures of BPA to obesity, diabetes, reproductive disorders, asthma, cardiovascular disease and various cancers. This research represents a critical contribution to our scientific understanding of endocrine disrupting chemicals; however not a single dollar was committed to studying safer alternatives to BPA. BPA exemplifies the limits of our current reactive, chemical-by-chemical approach to chemical assessment and management. Under thi... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4996856 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4996856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919100&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F647%3Frss%3D1 This article was published with an incorrect DOI of 10.1136/jech.2009.083576. The DOI should be 10.1136/jech.2008.083576 as this is the DOI it published online first with. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919100 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919099&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F645%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Hospitalisation rates for the most frequent surgical procedures are significantly lower among immigrants compared to non-immigrant preschool children. Reduced surgery rates among immigrants might result from a complex interplay between parental attitudes and knowledge of paediatric conditions, language barriers and access to primary care. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919099 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919098&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F639%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions This study provides evidence that re-employment leads to improvement of self-perceived health within a short time window. This suggests that labour force participation should be considered as therapeutic intervention within health promotion programmes among unemployed persons. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919098 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919097&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F632%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions The contribution of the cause of death to socioeconomic inequality in mortality in South Korea differed from Western countries. To develop a policy to reduce the magnitude of socioeconomic inequality, an understanding of the major causes of death that contribute to mortality inequality is required. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919097 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919096&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F626%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Considerable decline in the magnitude of trachoma and its risk factors was observed in areas where the SAFE strategy was implemented. The coverage of services should be maintained or improved in order to eliminate blinding trachoma by the year 2020. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919096 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919095&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F621%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion These findings suggest that early nurturing and warmth have long-lasting positive effects on mental health well into adulthood. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919095 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919094&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F613%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions This algorithm can be used to estimate diabetes incidence and quantify the effect of interventions using routinely collected survey data. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919094 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919093&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F606%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion There was no statistically significant association between objective SES and diabetes incidence in this elderly population. This might be due to a larger socioeconomic homogeneity of elderly populations and to a strong driving force for diabetes, which outweighed the influence of SES, and which was indicated by an adverse baseline metabolic profile in participants developing diabetes in the follow-up. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919093 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919093 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919092&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F600%3Frss%3D1 Conclusions Disproportionate intensification of life stresses in Blacks renders them more vulnerable to long-term effects of heavy drinking. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919092 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919091&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F598%3Frss%3D1 We all believe that policies outside the traditional health sector have major impacts on health. But empirically demonstrating such social causation is another matter. Housing is one such example. There is a strong theoretical case for improved housing (eg, insulation, mould reduction) improving health (eg, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases).1 2 In some cases, one can conduct randomised trials. For example, we have previously reported that people randomised to homes that were then insulated had substantial and significant improvements (ie, about 50% reductions and highly statistically significant) on multiple self-reported health measures and visits to general practitioners. On the objective measure of respiratory hospitalisations, we found a rate ratio of 0.53 (95% CI 0.22 to 1.29) ... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919091 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919090&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F596%3Frss%3D1 Properly designed and conducted randomised controlled trials (RCTs) represent the most internally valid means of estimating the effectiveness of complex interventions.1 However, RCTs are often dismissed as being unsuitable for the evaluation of public health interventions, in a debate often dominated by arguments based on misunderstandings, misrepresentations and ideological objections. Macintyre2 counters many of these arguments and argues that ‘RCTs are both more possible than many objectors think, and more conclusive about the benefits and cost effectiveness of policies and interventions [than other designs]’. The paper by Bonell and colleagues (see page 582)3 and its companion paper by Cousens and colleagues (see page 576)4 provide welcome contributions to this debate, by s... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919090 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919090 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919089&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F594%3Frss%3D1 Mackenbach has thoughtfully and objectively critiqued the effect of the English 1997–2000 strategy to reduce health inequalities (see page 568).1 His analysis (consistent with others) is sobering; held up against endpoint targets of reducing inequalities in life expectancy and infant mortality, the strategy has not succeeded, despite a large government investment and effort that surpasses any other (European) country. However, it might be that inequalities would have deteriorated even further in the absence of the English strategy. Mackenbach proposes three ingredients for the way forward: more and better advocacy to ensure governments have the mandate for more fundamental policy shifts (eg, income redistribution); more research on the differential effectiveness of interventions; bet... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919089 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919088&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F588%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion A package of care that addresses housing conditions that impact on health and improves access to health and social services is associated with a reduced acute hospitalisation rate for 0–34 year olds. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919088 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919087&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F582%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion Non-randomised trials might provide adequate evidence to inform decisions when interventions are demonstrably feasible and acceptable, and where evidence suggests there is little potential for harm, but caution that such designs may not provide adequate evidence when intervention feasibility or acceptability is doubtful, and where existing evidence suggests benefits may be marginal and/or harms possible. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919087 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919086&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F576%3Frss%3D1 Conclusion For non-randomised designs, careful statistical analysis can help reduce bias by confounding in estimating intervention effects. However, investigators must report their methods thoroughly and be conscious and critical of the assumptions they must make whenever they adopt these designs. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health) Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919086 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919085&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F568%3Frss%3D1 England was the first European country to pursue a systematic policy to reduce socio-economic inequalities in health. This paper assesses whether this strategy has worked, and what lessons can be learnt. A review of documents was conducted, as well as an analysis of entry-points chosen, specific policies chosen, implementation of these policies, changes in intermediate outcomes, and changes in final health outcomes. Despite some partial successes, the strategy failed to reach its own targets, that is, a 10% reduction in inequalities in life expectancy and infant mortality. This is due to the fact that it did not address the most relevant entry-points, did not use effective policies and was not delivered at a large enough scale for achieving populationwide impacts. Health inequalities can o... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919085 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4919084&cid=s_28389_54_f&fid=28389&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjech.bmj.com%2Fcgi%2Fcontent%2Fshort%2F65%2F7%2F564%3Frss%3D1 In the 1970s Archie Cochrane noted that many healthcare procedures and forms of organisation lacked evidence of effectiveness and efficiency, and argued for improved methods of evaluation, moving from clinical opinion and observation to randomised controlled trials (RCTs). His arguments gradually became accepted in medicine, but there has been considerable resistance among policymakers and researchers to their application to social and public health interventions. This essay argues that opposition to RCTs in public health is often based on a false distinction between healthcare and community settings, and sometimes on a misunderstanding of the principles of RCTs in health care. It suggests that just as in medicine, good intentions and received wisdom are not a sufficient basis for making p... Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4919084 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4919084