Post-traumatic stress disorder as a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events: a cohort study of a South African medical insurance scheme.

AIMS: Prior research, largely focused on US male veterans, indicates an increased risk of cardiovascular disease among individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data from other settings and populations are scarce. The objective of this study is to examine PTSD as a risk factor for incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in South Africa. METHODS: We analysed reimbursement claims (2011-2020) of a cohort of South African medical insurance scheme beneficiaries aged 18 years or older. We calculated adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for associations between PTSD and MACEs using Cox proportional hazard models and calculated the effect of PTSD on MACEs using longitudinal targeted maximum likelihood estimation. RESULTS: We followed 1,009,113 beneficiaries over a median of 3.0 years (IQR 1.1-6.0). During follow-up, 12,662 (1.3%) persons were diagnosed with PTSD and 39,255 (3.9%) had a MACE. After adjustment for sex, HIV status, age, population group, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, major depressive disorder, sleep disorders and the use of antipsychotic medication, PTSD was associated with a 16% increase in the risk of MACEs (aHR 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.28). The risk ratio for the effect of PTSD on MACEs decreased from 1.59 (95% CI 1.49-1.68) after 1 year of follow-up to 1.14 (95% CI 1.11-1.16) after 8 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our study provides empirical support for an increased risk of MACEs in males and females with PTSD from a general population sample in South Africa. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring cardiovascular risk among individuals diagnosed with PTSD.

A tool to assess risk of bias in studies estimating the prevalence of mental health disorders (RoB-PrevMH).

Objective: Biases affect how certain we are about the available evidence, however no standard tool for assessing the risk of bias (RoB) in prevalence studies exists. For the purposes of a living systematic review on prevalence of mental health disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a RoB tool to evaluate prevalence studies in mental health (RoB-PrevMH) and tested interrater reliability. Methods: We reviewed existing RoB tools for prevalence studies until September 2020, to develop a tool for prevalence studies in mental health. We tested the reliability of assessments by different users of RoB-PrevMH in 83 studies stemming from two systematic reviews of prevalence studies in mental health. We assessed the interrater agreement by calculating the proportion of agreement and Kappa statistic for each item. Results: RoB-PrevMH consists of three items that address selection bias and information bias. Introductory and signaling questions guide the application of the tool to the review question. The interrater agreement for the three items was 83%, 90% and 93%. The weighted kappa was 0.63 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.73), 0.71 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.85) and 0.32 (95% CI -0.04 to -0.63), respectively. Conclusions: We developed a brief, user friendly, and adaptable tool for assessing RoB in studies on prevalence of mental health disorders. Initial results for interrater agreement were fair to substantial. The tool's validity, reliability, and applicability should be assessed in future projects.

Tool to assess risk of bias in studies estimating the prevalence of mental health disorders (RoB-PrevMH).

OBJECTIVE: There is no standard tool for assessing risk of bias (RoB) in prevalence studies. For the purposes of a living systematic review during the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a tool to evaluate RoB in studies measuring the prevalence of mental health disorders (RoB-PrevMH) and tested inter-rater reliability. METHODS: We decided on items and signalling questions to include in RoB-PrevMH through iterative discussions. We tested the reliability of assessments by different users with two sets of prevalence studies. The first set included a random sample of 50 studies from our living systematic review. The second set included 33 studies from a systematic review of the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorders, major depression and generalised anxiety disorder. We assessed the inter-rater agreement by calculating the proportion of agreement and Kappa statistic for each item. RESULTS: RoB-PrevMH consists of three items that address selection bias and information bias. Introductory and signalling questions guide the application of the tool to the review question. The inter-rater agreement for the three items was 83%, 90% and 93%. The weighted kappa scores were 0.63 (95% CI 0.54 to 0.73), 0.71 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.85) and 0.32 (95% CI -0.04 to 0.63), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: RoB-PrevMH is a brief, user-friendly and adaptable tool for assessing RoB in studies on prevalence of mental health disorders. Initial results for inter-rater agreement were fair to substantial. The tool's validity, reliability and applicability should be assessed in future projects.

Urban Governance, Multisectoral Action, and Civic Engagement for Population Health, Wellbeing, and Equity in Urban Settings: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To identify the validated and reliable indicators and tools to assess good governance for population health, wellbeing, and equity in urban settings, and assess processes of multisectoral action and civic engagement as reported by peer-reviewed articles. Methods: We conducted a systematic review searching six databases for observational studies reporting strategies of either urban health, multisectoral action or civic engagement for wellbeing, health, or equity. Results: Out of 8,154 studies initially identified we included 17. From the included studies, 14 presented information about high-income countries. The general population was the main target in most studies. Multisectoral action was the most frequently reported strategy (14 studies). Three studies used Urban Health Equity Assessment and Response Tool (Urban HEART). Health indicators were the most frequently represented (6 studies). Barriers and facilitators for the implementation of participatory health governance strategies were reported in 12 studies. Conclusion: Data on the implementation of participatory health governance strategies has been mainly reported in high-income countries. Updated and reliable data, measured repeatedly, is needed to closely monitor these processes and further develop indicators to assess their impact on population health, wellbeing, and equity.

Life years lost associated with mental illness: A cohort study of beneficiaries of a South African medical insurance scheme.

BACKGROUND: People with mental illness have a reduced life expectancy, but the extent of the mortality gap and the contribution of natural and unnatural causes to excess mortality among people with mental illness in South Africa are unknown. METHODS: We analysed reimbursement claims from South African medical insurance scheme beneficiaries aged 15-85 years. We estimated excess life years lost (LYL) associated with organic, substance use, psychotic, mood, anxiety, eating, personality, developmental or any mental disorders. RESULTS: We followed 1,070,183 beneficiaries for a median of three years, of whom 282,926 (26.4 %) received mental health diagnoses. Men with a mental health diagnosis lost 3.83 life years (95 % CI 3.58-4.10) compared to men without. Women with a mental health diagnosis lost 2.19 life years (1.97-2.41) compared to women without. Excess mortality varied by sex and diagnosis, from 11.50 LYL (95 % CI 9.79-13.07) among men with alcohol use disorder to 0.87 LYL (0.40-1.43) among women with generalised anxiety disorder. Most LYL were attributable to natural causes (men: 3.42, women: 1.94). A considerable number of LYL were attributable to unnatural causes among men with bipolar (1.52) or substance use (2.45) disorder. LIMITATIONS: Mental diagnoses are based on reimbursement claims. CONCLUSIONS: Premature mortality among South African individuals with mental disorders is high. Our findings support interventions for the prevention, early detection, and treatment of physical comorbidities in this population. Targeted programs for suicide prevention and substance use treatment, particularly among men, can help reduce excess mortality from unnatural causes.

Systematic Review of Physical Activity Trajectories and Mortality in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: The role of lifestyle physical activity (PA) trajectories in the mortality risk of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the association of longitudinal PA trajectories with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients with CHD. METHODS: Longitudinal cohorts reporting the association of PA trajectories with mortality in patients with CHD were identified in April 2021 by searching 5 databases without language restrictions. Published HRs and 95% CIs were pooled using random effects models and bias assessed by Egger regression. RESULTS: A total of 9 prospective cohorts included 33,576 patients. The mean age was 62.5 years. The maximum follow-up was 15.7 years. All of the studies assessed PA through validated questionnaires, and mortality was well documented. Changes in PA defined 4 nominal PA trajectories. Compared with always-inactive patients, the risk of all-cause mortality was 50% lower in those who remained active (HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.39-0.63); 45% lower in those who were inactive but became active (HR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.44-0.7); and 20% lower in those who were active but became inactive (HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.64-0.99). Similar results were observed for CVD mortality, except for the category of decreased activity (HR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.67-1.24). The overall risk of bias was low. No evidence of publication bias was found. Multiple sensitivity analyses provided consistent results. CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates how patients with CHD may benefit by preserving or adopting an active lifestyle. The observation that the benefits of past activity can be weakened or lost if PA is not maintained may be confounded by disease progression.

Mental health of migrants with pre-migration exposure to armed conflict: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to armed conflict has been associated with negative mental health consequences. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder among migrants exposed to armed conflict. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched online databases (Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, PsycInfo [via Ovid], PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection) for relevant observational studies published between Jan 1, 1994, and June 28, 2021. We included studies that used standardised psychiatric interviews to assess generalised anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder among migrants (refugees or internally displaced persons; aged ≥18 years) with pre-migration exposure to armed conflict. We excluded studies in which exposure to armed conflict could not be ascertained, studies that included a clinical population or people with chronic diseases that can trigger the onset of mental disease, and studies published before 1994. We used a random effects model to estimate each mental health disorder's pooled prevalence and random effects meta-regression to assess sources of heterogeneity. Two independent reviewers assessed the risk of bias for each study using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence Studies. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020209251. FINDINGS: Of the 13 935 studies identified, 34 met our inclusion criteria; these studies accounted for 15 549 migrants. We estimated a prevalence of current post-traumatic stress disorder of 31% (95% CI 23-40); prevalence of current major depressive disorder of 25% (17-34); and prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder of 14% (5-35). Younger age was associated with a higher prevalence of current post-traumatic stress disorder (odds ratio 0·95 [95% CI 0·90-0·99]), lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (0·88 [0·83-0·92]), and current generalised anxiety disorder (0·87 [0·78-0·97]). A longer time since displacement was associated with a lower lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (0·88 [0·81-0·95]) and major depressive disorder (0·81 [0·77-0·86]). Migrating to a middle-income (8·09 [3·06-21·40]) or low-income (39·29 [11·96-129·70]) country was associated with increased prevalence of generalised anxiety disorder. INTERPRETATION: Migrants who are exposed to armed conflict are at high risk of mental health disorders. The mental health-care needs of migrants should be assessed soon after resettlement, and adequate care should be provided, with particular attention paid to young adults. FUNDING: Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (Horizon 2020-COFUND), MinCiencias (Colombia), and Swiss National Science Foundation.

Psychosocial Risk Factors in Cardiac Rehabilitation: Time to Screen Beyond Anxiety and Depression.

Background: Although it is well acknowledged that psychosocial risk factors (PSRF) such as low socio-economic status, stress, social isolation, negative emotions and negative personality patterns may contribute to the development and adverse outcome of cardiovascular disease (CVD), screening for PSRF in CVD patients is usually limited to anxiety and depression, mainly for feasibility reasons. We therefore aimed to develop a user-friendly screening battery for routine assessment of PSRFs and to evaluate this instrument regarding feasibility of application, PSRF results and attendance of psychological counselling if recommended to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients. Methods: This is a prospective single center cohort study including 609 consecutive CR patients. We first developed a screening instrument based on seven validated scales for the most relevant PSRFs with totally 90 questions presented in a uniform graphical design to facilitate completion called Psychocardiogram® (PCG) and applied the instrument in consecutive patients attending CR. Patients with positive screening results were invited to a psychological counseling session. Results: Six hundred and nine consecutive patients, aged 34 to 86 years (mean 60.7 years), 85% men, entering the CR program at the Bern University Hospital with ischemic heart failure (CHF), coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease, were included in this study. Eighty-three point three percent of the patients completed the PCG within 40 minutes. Vital exhaustion and Type-D personality were the most prevalent PSRFs (56.9% and 51.1%, respectively), whereas low social support (14.4%) and elevated depressive symptoms (15.9%), were the least prevalent ones. After screening, 120 patients (52.86%) with at least one PSRF made use of psychological counseling. Conclusions: We found the PCG to be a useful screening tool for PSRF in CR patients with the potential to get new insights into the prevalence of particular PSRF in specific populations and to better study their impact on occurrence and outcome of CVD.

COVID-19: The forgotten priorities of the pandemic.

The zoonotic virus now named SARS-CoV-2 first infected humans in China, and COVID-19 has rapidly become pandemic. To mitigate its impact on societies, health systems and economies, countries have adopted non-pharmacological preventive practices such as 'spatial' or 'social' distancing, the use of protective masks, and handwashing; these have been widely implemented. However, measures aimed at protecting physical health and healthcare systems have side-effects that might have a big impact on individuals' wellbeing. As the pandemic reaches low- and middle-income countries, weaker health systems, limited resources and the lower socioeconomic status of their populations make halting the pandemic more challenging. In this article, we explore the impact of COVID-19 and its prevention measures on the wellbeing of vulnerable populations. Special attention must be given to homeless, indigenous, migrant and imprisoned populations, as well as people living with disabilities and the elderly. More than just resolute governmental action will be required to overcome the pandemic. Links between science and political actions have to be strengthened. Fighting COVID-19 is a collective endeavour and community action, on a global scale, is of paramount importance.

Efectos tempranos de un programa integral de prevención cardiovascular guiado por el riesgo de aterosclerosis sobre la edad vascular / Short-term effects on vascular age of an integrated atherosclerosis risk-guided cardiovascular prevention program

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar a corto plazo el efecto de un programa integral de prevención cardiovascular guiado por el riesgo de aterosclerosis sobre la edad vascular y factores de riesgo mayores. Métodos: estudio de intervención cuasi-experimental que incluyó 190 pacientes con múltiples comorbilidades y dos o más factores de riesgo cardiovascular, entre 2013 y 2015. Los casos analizados (n = 177) presentaban múltiples factores de riesgo o síndrome metabólico, razón por la cual recibieron un programa integral de tratamiento guiado por una estratificación clínica de aterosclerosis. Se hizo un seguimiento durante tres meses y se compararon: presión arterial, perfil lipídico, HbA1c, medidas antropométricas, riesgo cardiovascular global a 10 años y edad vascular, antes y después de la intervención. Resultados: se observó disminución en la presión arterial sistólica de 6,9 mm Hg (IC 95%; 4,6- 9,3; p < 0,001), presión arterial diastólica de 2,8 mm Hg (IC 95%; 1,3-4,3; p < 0,001), colesterol total de 10,1 mg/dl (IC 95%; 2,5-17,7; p = 0,010), colesterol LDL de 9,9 mg/dl (IC 95%; 2,1- 17,6; p = 0,013) y HbA1c de 0,4% (IC 95%; 0,2-0,6; p < 0,001). Además, reducción del riesgo cardiovascular global a 10 años del 4,8% (IC 95%; 3,2-6,5; p < 0,001), así como de la edad vascular de 1,4 años (IC 95%; 0,6-2,3; p < 0,001). Conclusiones: a corto plazo, en pacientes con múltiples comorbilidades, el programa integral de prevención cardiovascular implementado, guiado por el riesgo de aterosclerosis, mostró una reducción en las cifras de presión arterial, colesterol total, colesterol LDL, HbA1c, puntaje de riesgo cardiovascular global a 10 años y edad vascular.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the short-term effects on vascular age and other major risk factors of an integrated atherosclerosis risk-guided cardiovascular prevention program. Methods: A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted between the years 2013 to 2015 on 190 patients with multiple comorbidities and two or more cardiovascular risk factors. Of the cases analysed, the 177 patients that had multiple risk factors or metabolic síndrome entered the integrated atherosclerosis clinical stratification-guided program. The variables measured before and after the intervention during a three months follow-up, included blood pressure, lipid profile, HbA1c, anthropometric measurements, overall 10-year cardiovascular risk, and vascular age. Results: Decreases were observed in, the mean systolic blood pressure (6.9 mmHg, 95% CI; 4.6-9.3, P<.001), diastolic blood pressure (2.8 mmHg, 95% CI; 1.3-4.3, P<.001), Total Cholesterol (10.1 mg/dl, 95% CI; 2.5-17.7; P=.010), LDL Cholesterol (9.9 mg/dl, 95% CI; 2.1-17.6; P=.013), and HbA1c (0.4%, 95% CI; 0.2-0.6, P<.001). There was also a reduction in the overall 10-year cardiovascular risk (4.8%, 95% CI; 3.2-6.5, P<.001)), as well as vascular age (1.4 years, 95% CI; 0.6-2.3, P<.001)). Conclusions: In the short-term, the integrated atherosclerosis risk-guided cardiovascular prevention program implemented in patients with multiple comorbidities showed a reduction in blood pressure levels, as well as those for Total Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, HbA1c, the overall 10-year cardiovascular risk score, and vascular age.