Who Gets Sick From COVID-19? Sociodemographic Correlates of Severe Adult Health Outcomes During Alpha- and Delta-Variant Predominant Periods: September 2020-November 2021.

BACKGROUND: Because COVID-19 case data do not capture most SARS-CoV-2 infections, the actual risk of severe disease and death per infection is unknown. Integrating sociodemographic data into analysis can show consequential health disparities. METHODS: Data were merged from September 2020 to November 2021 from 6 national surveillance systems in matched geographic areas and analyzed to estimate numbers of COVID-19-associated cases, emergency department visits, and deaths per 100 000 infections. Relative risks of outcomes per infection were compared by sociodemographic factors in a data set including 1490 counties from 50 states and the District of Columbia, covering 71% of the US population. RESULTS: Per infection with SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality were higher among non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native persons, non-Hispanic Black persons, and Hispanic or Latino persons vs non-Hispanic White persons; males vs females; older people vs younger; residents in more socially vulnerable counties vs less; those in large central metro areas vs rural; and people in the South vs the Northeast. DISCUSSION: Meaningful disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality per infection were associated with sociodemography and geography. Addressing these disparities could have helped prevent the loss of tens of thousands of lives.

Sociodemographic characteristics associated with cervical cancer screening participation by send-to-all and opt-in HPV self-sampling: Who benefits? Results from a randomized controlled trial among long-term non-attending women in Norway.

With the objective to investigate associations between sociodemographic characteristics and participation in interventions designed to increase participation in cervical cancer screening among under-screened women, we randomized a random sample of 6000 women in Norway aged 35-69 years who had not attended cervical screening for ≥10 years to receive either (i) a reminder to attend regular screening (control), (ii) an offer to order a self-sampling kit (opt-in), or (iii) a self-sampling kit unsolicited (send-to-all). We analyzed how sociodemographic characteristics were associated with screening participation within and between screening arms. In the send-to-all arm, increased screening participation ranged from 17.1% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 10.3% to 23.8%) to 30.0% (95% CI = 21.5% to 38.6%) between sociodemographic groups. In the opt-in arm, we observed smaller, and at times, non-significant increases within the range 0.7% (95% CI = -5.8% to 7.3%) to 19.1% (95% CI = 11.6% to 26.7%). In send-to-all versus control comparisons, there was greater increase in participation for women in the workforce versus not (6.1%, 95% CI = 1.6% to 10.6%), with higher versus lower income (7.6%, 95% CI = 2.2% to 13.1%), and with university versus primary education (8.5%, 95% CI = 2.4% to 14.6%). In opt-in versus control comparisons, there was greater increase in participation for women in the workforce versus not (4.6%, 95% CI = 0.7% to 8.5%), with higher versus lower income (6.3%, 95% CI = 1.5% to 11.1%), but lower increase for Eastern European versus Norwegian background (-12.7%, 95% CI = -19.7% to -5.7%). Self-sampling increased cervical screening participation across all sociodemographic levels, but inequalities in participation should be considered when introducing self-sampling, especially with the goal to reach long-term non-attending women.

Trends in pancreatic cancer mortality in the United States 1999-2020: a CDC database population-based study.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. This study aimed to investigate pancreatic cancer mortality trends and disparities in the United States (US) from 1999 to 2020. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database. Mortality rates were age-adjusted and standardized to the year 2000 US population. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze temporal trends in age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) by sociodemographic and geographic variables. RESULTS: Between 1999 and 2020, pancreatic cancer led to a total of 810,628 deaths in the US, an average mortality of nearly 39,000 deaths per year. The AAMR slightly increased from 10.6 in 1999 to 11.1 in 2020, with an associated annual percent change (APC) of 0.2. Mortality rates were highest among individuals aged 65 and older. Black individuals experienced the highest overall pancreatic cancer-related AAMR at 13.8. Despite this, Black individuals experienced a decreasing mortality trend over time (APC -0.2) while White individuals experienced an increasing trend in mortality (APC 0.4). Additionally, individuals residing in rural areas experienced steeper rates of mortality increase than those living in urban areas (APC 0.6 for rural vs -0.2 for urban). White individuals in urban and rural populations experienced an increase in mortality, while Black individuals in urban environments experienced a decrease in mortality, and Black individuals in rural environments experienced stable mortality trends. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality from pancreatic cancer continues to increase in the US, with racial and regional disparities identified in minorities and rural-dwelling individuals. These disparate findings highlight the importance of ongoing efforts to understand and address pancreatic cancer treatment and outcomes disparities in the US, and future studies should further investigate the underlying etiologies of these disparities and potential for novel therapies to reduce the mortality.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the influence of sociodemographic factors on amputation in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

OBJECTIVE: To identify disparities in sociodemographic factors that are associated with major lower limb amputation in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies that reported major lower limb amputation rates in patients with PAD among different sociodemographic groups. Data that compared amputation rates on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, income, insurance, geography, and hospital type were collected and described. Outcomes were then aggregated and standardized, and a meta-analysis was performed to synthesis data into single odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Forty-one studies were included in the review. There was no association found between males and females (OR, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.00). Compared with Whites, higher rates of amputation were seen among Blacks/African Americans (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.81-2.26) and Native Americans (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.45). No significant association was found between Whites and Asians, Native Hawaiians, or Pacific Islanders (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00-1.33). Hispanics had higher rates of amputation compared with non-Hispanics (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.22-1.52). Compared with private insurance, higher rates of amputation were seen among Medicare patients (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.27-1.50), Medicaid patients (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.44-1.76), and noninsured patients (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02-1.95). Compared with the richest income quartile, higher rates of amputation were seen among the second income quartile (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.15), third income quartile (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.35), and bottom income quartile (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.24-1.49). There was no association found between rural and urban populations (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.92-1.97) or between teaching and nonteaching hospitals (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.91-1.12). CONCLUSIONS: Our study has identified a number of disparities and quantified the influence of sociodemographic factors on major lower limb amputation rates owing to PAD between groups. We believe these findings can be used to better target interventions aimed at decreasing amputation rates, although further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind our findings.

Factors affecting continuous participation in follow-up evaluations during a lifestyle intervention programme for type 2 diabetes prevention: The Feel4Diabetes-study.

AIMS: Community- and school-based lifestyle interventions are an efficient method of preventing type 2 diabetes in vulnerable populations. Many participants, however, fail to complete the necessary follow-ups. We investigated factors affecting the continuous participation in follow-up evaluations during the Feel4Diabetes-study, a multilevel intervention programme implemented across Europe. METHODS: Socioeconomic, sociodemographic and clinical factors were assessed for 2702 participants within six participating countries: Bulgaria and Hungary (low-to-middle-income countries, LMIC), Belgium and Finland (high-income countries, HIC) and Greece and Spain (high-income countries under austerity measures, HICAM). RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were detected with respect to sex, control group, education level, employment status, BMI and blood pressure measurements (systolic and diastolic blood pressure). Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences within socioeconomic regions. Higher levels of education were associated with significantly lower attrition in HIC (p < 0.05) and HICAM (p < 0.001), higher employment status was associated with lower attrition in HICAM (p < 0.001) and being female was associated with lower attrition in LMIC (p < 0.001). Surprisingly, the intervention group exhibited higher-than-expected attrition in HIC (p < 0.001) and HICAM (p = 0.003), and lower attrition in LMIC (p = 0.007). When tested together in the same multivariable predictive model, all sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables along with higher BMI retained their statistical significance, while systolic and diastolic blood pressure failed to remain significant. CONCLUSIONS: Key socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors along with BMI play a significant role in determining continuous participation in follow-up evaluations during school- and community-based intervention programmes.

Determinants of dysmenorrhoea among female adolescents: results from a community-based cohort study in Amsterdam.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the contribution of sociodemographic, psychosocial, lifestyle and reproductive factors up to the age of 11-12 years to the occurrence of dysmenorrhoea at age 15-16 years within the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development (ABCD) study? DESIGN: Data of 1038 female adolescents were used. Participants' baseline characteristics were obtained using self-reported questionnaires up to the age of 11-12 years, as well as the obstetric information of their mothers during pregnancy. Dysmenorrhoea was assessed at the age of 15-16 years, and was deemed to be present if an adolescent reported menstrual abdominal and/or back pain and therefore took medication and/or hormonal contraception. Using a backward selection approach, potential determinants of dysmenorrhoea were selected and multivariable associations were determined. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of dysmenorrhoea was 49.5% among the participants. Intake of 3-4.5 sugar-sweetened beverages/day (P = 0.035) and higher gynaecological age (i.e. years since menarche) (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher occurrence of dysmenorrhoea in the final model, which explained 8.1% of the total variance in the occurrence of dysmenorrhoea. No significant associations were found between the occurrence of dysmenorrhoea and sociodemographic or psychosocial factors. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation of various potential risk factors for dysmenorrhoea suggests that diet and reproductive factors are particularly important predictors of the occurrence of dysmenorrhoea among young adolescents. Specifically, intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and higher gynaecological age were predictive of the occurrence of dysmenorrhoea. Other lifestyle factors were also identified as possible risk factors. Using this knowledge, effective strategies can be developed to reduce the burden of dysmenorrhoea among adolescents, and to provide appropriate care for those suffering from the condition.

Sociodemographic inequities in food allergy: Insights on food allergy from birth cohorts.

A large and growing corpus of epidemiologic studies suggests that the population-level burden of pediatric FA is not equitably distributed across major sociodemographic groups, including race, ethnicity, household income, parental educational attainment, and sex. As is the case for more extensively studied allergic disease states such as asthma and atopic dermatitis epidemiologic data suggest that FA may be more prevalent among certain populations experiencing lower socioeconomic status (SES), particularly those with specific racial and ethnic minority backgrounds living in highly urbanized regions. Emerging data also indicate that these patients may also experience more severe FA-related physical health, psychosocial, and economic outcomes relating to chronic disease management. However, many studies that have identified sociodemographic inequities in FA burden are limited by cross-sectional designs that are subject to numerous biases. Compared with cross-sectional study designs or cohorts established later in life, birth cohorts offer advantages relative to other study designs when investigators seek to understand causal relationships between exposures occurring during the prenatal or postnatal period and the atopic disease status of individuals later in life. Numerous birth cohorts have been established across recent decades, which include evaluation of food allergy-related outcomes, and a subset of these also have measured sociodemographic variables that, together, have the potential to shed light on the existence and possible etiology of sociodemographic inequities in food allergy. This manuscript reports the findings of a comprehensive survey of the current state of this birth cohort literature and draws insights into what is currently known, and what further information can potentially be gleaned from thoughtful examination and further follow-up of ongoing birth cohorts across the globe.

Exploring the role of cancer fatalism and engagement with skin cancer genetic information in diverse primary care patients.

OBJECTIVE: To broaden the currently limited reach of genomic innovations, research is needed to understand how psychosocial and cultural factors influence reactions to genetic testing in diverse subgroups. Cancer fatalism is important in cancer prevention and deserves theoretical and empirical attention in the context of genomics and behavior change. METHODS: The current study employed data from a randomized controlled trial (N = 593) offering skin cancer genetic testing (using the melanocortin-1 receptor [MC1R] gene) in primary care in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. We examined interrelations of cancer fatalism with demographics, general health beliefs, perceived risk, perceived control, sun protection and skin screening behaviors and cancer worry in the skin cancer context stratified across Hispanic versus non-Hispanic ethnicity, and examined cancer fatalism as a moderator of intervention effects on study primary outcomes, including 3-month sun protection, cancer worry and perceived risk. RESULTS: Cancer fatalism was significantly related to the perception of control over skin cancer risk behaviors (ps ≤ 0.01) and demographics (ethnicity, education, health literacy; ps < 0.05), but not consistently related to general health beliefs or risk perception. Cancer fatalism did not moderate intervention effects on primary outcomes, except those with higher cancer fatalism randomized to intervention had higher levels of 3-month cancer worry (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: These findings will guide future work considering the role of cancer fatalism in use of genomic technologies in the general population. This work anticipates strategies required to address cancer fatalism as translational genomics becomes more commonly available to diverse general population subgroups.

Determinants of the consumption of ultra-processed foods in the Brazilian population.

This article aims to evaluate the sociodemographic determinants of ultra-processed foods (UPF) consumption in the Brazilian population ≥ 10 years of age. The study used data from the personal and resident food consumption module of the Family Budget Surveys, grouping foods according to the NOVA classification of food processing. The classification and regression tree (CART) was used to identify the factors determining the lowest to highest percentage participation of UPF in the Brazilian population. UPF accounted for 37·0 % of energy content in 2017-2018. In the end, eight nodes of UPF consumption were identified, with household situation, education in years, age in years and per capita family income being the determining factors identified in the CART. The lowest consumption of UPF occurred among individuals living in rural areas with less than 4 years of education (23·78 %), while the highest consumption occurred among individuals living in urban areas, < 30 years of age and with per capita income ≥ US$257 (46·27 %). The determining factors identified in CART expose the diverse pattern of UPF consumption in the Brazilian population, especially conditions directly associated with access to these products, such as penetration in urban/rural regions. Through the results of this study, it may be possible to identify focal points for action in policies and actions to mitigate UPF consumption.

Prescriber Adherence to Antihypertensive Prescription Guidelines and the Impact of Patient Socioeconomic Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Data From the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.

PURPOSE: Uncontrolled hypertension causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several prescribing guidelines have been created to address this, however, prescriber adherence to guidelines is influenced by various sociodemographic patient factors. This study aims to determine the effects of these patient factors on prescriber adherence to antihypertensive prescription guidelines. METHODS: A secondary analysis of data from the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), was conducted. Participants were included if they reported previous hypertension diagnoses. Antihypertensive medication regimes were compared with the prescribing guidance in the 2011 NICE hypertension guidelines. The effects of patient sociodemographic factors on prescriber adherence to guidelines, and the effect of prescriber adherence on blood pressure control (≥ 140/90 mmHg), were determined using binomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 2992 participants were included in this analysis; 54.9% female with mean age 65.7 years (±9.23). Male sex and older age, and lower socioeconomic status were associated with increased prescriber guideline adherence. Prescribers were less likely to adhere to guidelines in female patients ≥ 55 years (Relative Risk [RR] 0.75 [0.62, 0.91]), and female patients across all age groups (RR 0.80 [0.67, 0.95]). Better blood pressure control was seen with medication regimes adherent to prescription guidelines (140.38 (±18.98)/83.09 (±11.02) mmHg adherent vs. 141.66 (±19.86)/84.77 (±11.71) mmHg non-adherent). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the effect of patient sex on prescriber adherence to antihypertensive prescription guidelines, emphasizing a larger issue of systemic undertreatment of females observed within healthcare. Further research is needed to determine the reasons for such differences in hypertensive care.

Breakfast quality and its sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates among Italian children, adolescents, and adults from the Italian Nutrition & HEalth Survey (INHES) study.

BACKGROUND: Breakfast quality, together with regularity of breakfast, has been suggested to be associated with cardiometabolic health advantages. We aimed to evaluate the quality of breakfast and its socioeconomic and psychosocial correlates in a large sample of the Italian population. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses on 7,673 adult and 505 children/adolescent regular breakfast eaters from the Italian Nutrition & Health Survey (INHES; 2010-2013). Dietary data were collected through a single 24-h dietary recall. Breakfast quality was assessed through the Breakfast Quality Index (BQI) combining intake of ten food groups, energy, and nutrients of public health concern, and potentially ranging from 0 to 10. The association of sociodemographic and psychosocial factors with BQI were analyzed by multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. RESULTS: The average BQI was 4.65 (SD ± 1.13) and 4.97 (SD ± 1.00) in adults and children/adolescents, respectively. Amongst adults, older age (ß = 0.19; 95%CI 0.06 to 0.31 for > 65 vs. 20-40 years) and having a high educational level (ß = 0.13; 0.03 to 0.23; for postsecondary vs. up to elementary) were independent predictors of better breakfast quality, while men reported lower BQI (ß = -0.08; -0.14 to -0.02 vs. women). Perceived stress levels at home and work and financial stress were inversely associated with BQI. Children/adolescents living in Central and Southern Italian regions had lower BQI compared to residents in Northern Italy (ß = -0.55; -0.91 to -0.19 and ß = -0.24; -0.47 to -0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In adults, breakfast quality was associated with age, sex, and educational level. Perceived stress levels were inversely associated with the quality of breakfast. In children/adolescents, a north-south gradient in breakfast quality was observed.

Ethnic inequalities in coverage and use of women's cancer screening in Peru.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess ethnic inequalities in the coverage and utilization of cancer screening services among women in Peru. METHODS: Data from the 2017-2023 Demographic and Family Health Survey in Peru were analyzed to evaluate ethnic disparities in screening coverage for breast and cervical cancer, including clinical breast examination (CBE), Pap smear test (PST), and mammography. Measures such as the GINI coefficient and Slope Index of Inequality (SII) were used to quantify coverage and utilization disparities among ethnic groups. RESULTS: The study included 70,454 women aged 30-69. Among women aged 40-69, 48.31% underwent CBE, 84.06% received PST, and 41.69% underwent mammography. It was found inequalities in coverage for any cancer screening (GINI: 0.10), mammography (GINI: 0.21), CBE (GINI: 0.19), and PST (GINI: 0.06), in 25 Peruvian regions. These inequalities were more pronounced in regions with larger populations of Quechua, Aymara, and Afro-Peruvian women. In rural areas, Quechua or Aymara women (SII: -0.83, -0.95, and - 0.69, respectively) and Afro-Peruvian women (SII: -0.80, -0.92, and - 0.58, respectively) experienced heightened inequalities in the uptake of CBE, mammography, and PST, respectively. Like Quechua or Aymara women (SII: -0.50, SII: -0.52, and SII: -0.50, respectively) and Afro-Peruvian women (SII: -0.50, SII: -0.58, and SII: -0.44, respectively) with only a primary education. CONCLUSION: Ethnic inequalities affect breast and cervical cancer screening coverage across regions in Peru. In Quechua, Aymara, and Afro-Peruvian women the uptake of mammography, CBE, and PST was less frequently than their white or mestizo counterparts. These inequalities are attributed to sociodemographic conditions such as lower education levels and residence in rural or non-capital areas.

Posttraumatic growth and its associations with perceived stress and core beliefs in women after traumatic childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic added new challenges and stressors to the childbirth period, potentially increasing the risk of traumatic childbirth experiences. There is little known about posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a childbearing population. This study describes PTG in women after traumatic childbirth during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with sociodemographic, birth-related characteristics, traumatic childbirth events, perceived stress, and core beliefs, as well as explores what factors predict PTG. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 202 women who self-identified as having experienced traumatic childbirth. Measures included sociodemographic and birth-related characteristics, traumatic childbirth events, self-reported stress during childbirth, the PTG Inventory, and the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI). RESULTS: Perceived stress at the time of birth was very high in 70% of the respondents. CBI showed moderate disruption of core beliefs. 41.6% of mothers indicated substantial PTG. Education and type of birth were related to perceived stress levels; higher disruption of core beliefs was observed in individuals who experienced perineal trauma and lack of partners' presence during childbirth, and higher disruption of core beliefs was positively associated with PTG. Predictive models showed that perceived stress had a minimal effect, while the disruption of core beliefs showed a significant positive association with PTG. CONCLUSION: Traumatic childbirth experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic were positively related to PTG. Health professionals should create an environment where women can explore their feelings and emotions. Changes in current practices are also necessary as cesareans have been shown to be highly associated with high levels of perceived stress.

Smoking among immigrants in Norway: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Smoking among immigrants varies by country background and is high in some groups. More detailed information about smoking prevalence by country background and sociodemographic factors is needed to target interventions. METHODS: Data from the Survey on Living Conditions among immigrants 2016 were used, including immigrants from 12 countries and with ⩾2 years of residence (N = 3565). Data on smoking (daily and occasional) by country of birth, sex, age group, education, duration of residence, age at immigration, proficiency in the Norwegian language, and social support were reported. RESULTS: The highest proportions of daily smokers were seen among immigrants from Turkey (36%), Poland (34%), and Vietnam (29%) for men, and from Turkey (22%), Bosnia-Herzegovina (18%), and Poland (17%) for women. Differences in smoking by sociodemographic factors varied with country background, but for several groups of men, the lowest proportions of smokers were seen among those with the highest educational level, those who were employed, and those who immigrated during childhood or adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: Policies are warranted that target smoking among immigrant men in general, and particularly among men from Turkey, Poland, and Vietnam, as well as for women from Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Poland.

Collating the voice of people with autoimmune diseases: Methodology for the Third Phase of the COVAD Studies.

INTRODUCTION: The growing recognition of holistic patient care highlights the various factors shaping the quality of life of individuals with autoimmune and rheumatic diseases (AIRDs). Beyond the traditional disease measures, there is an emerging acknowledgment of the less-explored aspects, including subjective well-being, social determinants of health, comorbidities, mental health, and medication adherence. Moreover, digital health services have empowered patients to engage actively in decision-making alongside clinicians. To explore these domains within the context of AIRDs, the "Collating the Voice of People with Autoimmune Diseases" COVAD survey was conceived, a successor of the previous two COVAD surveys. In this document, we present the study protocol in comprehensive detail. METHODS: The COVAD-3 survey is a cross-sectional patient self-reported e-survey incorporating multiple widely accepted scales/scores to assess various aspects of patients' lifestyles objectively. To ensure the survey's accuracy and usability across diverse regions, it will be translated into multiple languages and subjected to rigorous vetting and pilot testing. It will be distributed by collaborators via online platforms and data will be collected from patients with AIRDs, and healthy individuals over eight months. Data analysis will focus on outcome measures related to various social, demographic, economic, and psychological factors. CONCLUSION: With the increasing awareness to adopt a holistic treatment approach encompassing all avenues of life, the COVAD-3 survey aims to gain valuable insights into the impact of social, demographic, economic, and psychological determinants of health on the subjective well-being in patients with AIRDs, which will contribute to a better understanding of their overall health and well-being.

Trust in scientific institutions and experts during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland.

AIMS: To explore variations in trust in science and scientific institutions in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the factors influencing trust in experts of a key institution in the management of the pandemic, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). These results are contrasted with trust in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. METHODS: Five surveys were conducted between April 2020 and March 2022 (n=5448). The changes were tested with the chi-square test. Predictors of trust in THL and the ministry was examined with binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Trust in science and key scientific institutions remained consistently high throughout this period. In the early pandemic, trust in the ministry declined. The most significant explanatory factors for trust in THL and the ministry were being a supporter of some other party than the right-wing Finns Party and belonging to the age groups over 50 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the pandemic, marked by unpredictability, did not weaken trust in science and THL, whereas trust in the ministry responsible for managing the pandemic and university experts weakened. In increasingly politically polarised societies, the impact of political sentiments on health-related perceptions and choices should be analysed more in future public health studies.

Trends in prevalence of adverse childhood experiences by sociodemographic factors in the United States: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2009-2022.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exists on trends in prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) at the national level and sociodemographic correlates of having ACEs. This study examined trends in ACE prevalence and sociodemographic correlates in US adults over 14 years using nationally representative data. METHODS: Data on 447,162 adults from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) across four timepoints (2009-2010; 2011-2012; 2019-2020; 2021-2022) was analyzed and weighted for population estimates. The primary outcome was ACEs with 3 groups used (0 vs. 1 + ACEs; <4 vs. 4 + ACEs; 0 vs. 1 vs. 2 vs. 3 vs. 4 + ACEs). Sociodemographic factors included age, sex, race/ethnicity, employment, education, marital status, income and insurance status. Prevalence trends were examined by estimating prevalence of ACE groupings (0/1+; <4/4+; 0,1,2,3,4+) across the four timepoints and trend analysis was performed to determine if the differences over time were statistically significant. Unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios were estimated using log-binomial regression models with ACE groupings as the outcome and timepoints as the primary independent variable with sociodemographic factors as covariates. RESULTS: Across the four time points, prevalence of ACEs was higher across groupings of ACEs by time. For ACEs 1+, prevalence was 62.2% (2009-2010); 62.2% (2011-2012); 64.5% (2019-2020); and 67.2% (2021-2022). For ACEs 4+, prevalence was 17.4% (2009-2010); 18.1% (2011-2012); 20.4% (2019-2020); and 22.6% (2021-2022). Prevalence of ACE 1 + was higher for older adults, Non-Hispanic Black adults, Non-Hispanic Other adults, and those with higher education. Prevalence of 4 + ACEs was higher for females, and lower for those with higher education and those with higher annual incomes. CONCLUSION: This study shows an increased prevalence of having ACEs over a 14-year period and identified independent sociodemographic correlates of having ACEs in a nationally representative study. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce burden of ACEs using population-based approaches.

The mediating role of depressive symptoms among Turkish population related to gender and low back pain: evidence from a national health survey.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP), though non-life-threatening, burdens healthcare with treatment expenses and work hours lost. Globally, 70-84% experience it, with risk factors tied to societal structure, income, and living conditions, making it a leading cause of disability. METHODS: This study utilized data from the 2019 Türkiye Health Survey, which consisted of 17,084 individuals aged 15 and above. Our study focused on investigating the factors related to low back pain through a cross-sectional analysis. To analyze these factors, we employed binary multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, we conducted post-hoc analyses to assess the potential mediating effect of depressive symptoms on the relationship between low back pain and gender. RESULTS: We found that 31.9% of the population experienced low back pain, with women being 58% more likely [aOR = 1.58; 95% CI (1.45-1.73)] than men to report symptoms. Individuals aged 55 + years old had a 90% [aOR = 1.90; 95% CI (1.61-2.23)] chance of experiencing low back pain, indicating an age-related increase. In the general population, having depressive symptoms was 2.49 [95% CI (2.23-2.78)] times more likely associated with low back pain. Our mediation analysis showed that gender (i.e., women vs. men), indicated by direct effects with ß-estimates e = 0.78, predicted the likelihood of low back pain. Additionally, the relationship between gender and low back pain, mediated through a history of depressive symptoms, had a significant total indirect effect (i.e., ß-estimate given as e = 0.49). Specifically, a history of depressive symptoms accounted for 17.86% [95% CI (9.67-20.10)] of the association between women having a higher likelihood of low back pain compared to men. CONCLUSION: We observed that a higher likelihood of low back pain associated with gender and aging. Additionally, BMI served as a significant predictor, particularly in adults. Depression mediated the association between gender and low back pain. Acknowledging these associations may help identify and address contributing factors to LBP, potentially increasing awareness and alleviating the burden. Policymakers and healthcare professionals may consider these findings when developing prevention and treatment programs for low back pain.

Prevalence, sociodemographic risk factors, and coverage of myopia correction among adolescent students in the central region of Portugal.

BACKGROUND: Knowing the prevalence of myopia at school age is essential to implement preventive measures and appropriate interventions, ensure access to vision care, promote a healthier educational environment and improve academic performance. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of myopia and its associated sociodemographic risk factors, as well as to estimate the coverage of myopia correction among adolescents in center of Portugal. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated 1115 adolescents from the 5th to the 9th year of school, with an average of 12.9 years (SD = 1.5) ranging from 10.0 to 18.0 years. Optometric evaluations were carried out in a school environment and consisted of the evaluation of distance visual acuity, assessed using a logarithmic visual acuity chart (ETDRS charts 1 and 2) at 4 m, and measured by refractive error with a pediatric autorefractometer (Plusoptix), by non-cycloplegic. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent (SE ≤ -0.50 diopter (D)) and uncorrected visual acuity (UVA ≤ 95VAR). Adjusted logistic regression analysis was applied to investigate risk factors. RESULTS: We found a myopia rate of 21.5% and a high myopia rate of 1.4%. Higher school level and attendance at urban schools were associated with myopia, but no association was found with age or sex. Only 34.6% of myopic adolescents use the best optical correction and 26.4% do not use any type of optical correction. CONCLUSIONS: Data on the prevalence of refractive problems in Portugal are scarce and heterogeneous. This study, although regional, provides a valuable contribution with a clear and reproducible methodology, following international guidelines and filling gaps in the existing literature. The results show that the rate of myopia in this age group is similar to reports from other European studies. The high rate of adolescents with uncorrected or under-corrected myopia in Portugal is a problem that deserves attention.

Prevalence of hazardous alcohol consumption and evaluation of associated factors in university students.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hazardous alcohol consumption (HAC) according to gender among university students and associated factors. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on undergraduate students. We used a stratified sampling technique to represent 26036 students from all grade levels and 11 faculties, and the survey was administered to 2349 undergraduate students. The prevalence of HAC was determined with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). HAC was defined as getting 8 points or more from the AUDIT. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine HAC related factors in both genders. RESULTS: In this study, 53.2% of the participants were male. The prevalence of HAC in the study group was 13.5% and prevalence of lifetime drinker was 65.3%. In males; those whose fathers [OR = 1.72; 95% CI: (1.17-2.52)], mothers [1.49; (1.02-2.18)], close friends [2.42; (1.28-4.60)] drink alcohol and smoking [3.16; (2.09- 4.77)], use illicit substance [2.35; (1.66-3.34)], have mental health problems [1.65; (1.04-2.62)] were more likely to report HAC. Meanwhile in females, those whose fathers [OR = 1.92; 95%CI: (1.03-3.57)], close friends [5.81; (1.73-19.45)] drink alcohol and smoking [4.33; (2.31-8.15)], use illicit substance [4.34; (2.34-8.06)] have mental health problems [3.01; (1.67-5.43)] were more likely to report HAC. CONCLUSIONS: HAC prevalence is high among university students. The risk of HAC increases with the use of alcohol in family and circle of friends, smoking, illicit substance use and mental health problems. The factors associated with the risk of HAC in both genders are similar.