Smoking at football clubs with and without smoke-free policies in the Netherlands: an observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Research shows that smoking persists in sports clubs with smoke-free policies (SFPs). It is unknown to what extent smoking occurs at such clubs and how much that may differ from clubs without SFPs. This study aimed to determine whether and to what extent smoking differs at Dutch football clubs with and without SFPs. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study used a purposive sampling method to compare smoking indicators at 117 Dutch football clubs, with 49 clubs (41.8%) having an SFP. METHODS: Using a standardised checklist, three smoking indicators were observed (number of people smoking, smoking facilities, and cigarette butts) and combined in a total smoking score (scale 0-9). Multi-level linear regression analysis was used to analyse the association between club SFP, local tobacco control policies (TCPs), and smoking indicators. RESULTS: Significantly fewer smoking facilities were present at clubs with an SFP (-2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.61; -1.09), but no significant associations were found between SFP and the number of people smoking and cigarette butts. The total smoking score was 1.74 points lower for clubs with an SFP (95% CI: -2.53; -0.96) and 1.85 points lower for clubs in municipalities with strong local TCPs (95% CI: -2.98; -0.72). Strong local TCPs were associated with significantly fewer people smoking at clubs (-1.79, 95% CI: -3.41; -0.17). CONCLUSIONS: SFPs at sports clubs succeed in limiting the number of smoking facilities but do not show differences in terms of smoking rates or smoking-related litter when compared to clubs without SFPs. Our results highlight the need for enhancing implementation of comprehensive SFPs, including clear guidelines for compliance and enforcement.

The association of adolescents' smoking with the physical activity levels of their friends.

BACKGROUND: Smoking is inversely related to people's Physical Activity Level (PAL). As the behavior of friends may affect the choices and behavior of adolescents, having friends with a high PAL may potentially protect against adolescent smoking. This study aims to assess whether adolescents' smoking is associated with the PAL of their friends. METHODS: SILNE-R survey data of 11.918 adolescents from 55 different schools in 7 European cities was used to determine weekly smoking, individual PAL, PAL of friends, school PAL, and smoking of friends. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association between the PAL of friends and weekly smoking. Several socio-demographic variables were included as covariates in the analysis. RESULTS: Our results indicated that 10.8% of the respondents was smoking weekly. Weekly smoking was most common among adolescents whose friends had a PAL of 0-42.0 min per day (14.5%). Respondents were significantly more likely to be smoking weekly if their friends were on average 0-42 min vs. 80-180 min physically active (OR 1.27 [95% CI 1.04-1.55]). This association existed independently of the individual PAL of respondents. Stratification for smoking of friends yielded equal results, although the association appeared to be somewhat stronger for those with smoking friends (OR 1.38 [95% CI 1.06-1.82]). CONCLUSION: Adolescents are less likely to smoke weekly if they associate with friends who spend >80 min per day on physical activity. Initiatives aimed at the prevention of smoking among adolescents may benefit from organizing group-based physical activity programs.

The impact of smoke-free policies on smoking at outdoor sports clubs: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Smoking may still occur at sports clubs with an outdoor smoke-free policy (SFP). This study aims to map the occurrence of smoking at various sports clubs in the Netherlands and to understand why smoking occurs at some clubs but not at others. STUDY DESIGN: This was a qualitative design in the form of semistructured interviews. METHODS: Semistructured interviews (n = 34) were held online with smoking and non-smoking members of 17 Dutch outdoor sports clubs (in field hockey, korfball, football, and tennis) with an outdoor SFP. Data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: We identified four situations where smoking still occurred: (1) directly at the entrance, (2) at some distance from the entrance, (3) in particular places on the premises, and (4) in various places or on occasions when alcohol is consumed. Smoking directly at the entrance was most often perceived as a bothersome situation that was difficult to avoid. The occurrence of these situations differed per sports club depending on the scope of the SFP (the comprehensiveness of the SFP and the presence or absence of a smoking area) and factors influencing policy compliance (physical characteristics of the sports club's premises, the presence or absence of children, and several enforcement difficulties). CONCLUSION: In some sports clubs, smoking remained common on the premises despite an outdoor SFP. Exposure to second-hand smoke might be reduced by formulating a comprehensive SFP, improving policy compliance also in situations where children are absent, and organizing the enforcement of the policy.

Intergenerational transmission of parental smoking: when are offspring most vulnerable?

BACKGROUND: Previous literature has showed that the likelihood of smoking is higher among offspring with smoking parents. The aim of this cohort study is to investigate during which smoking initiation stages and at what ages adolescents are more likely to be influenced by parental smoking. METHODS: This study used the EPITeen Cohort, which recruited 13-year-old adolescents born in 1990, enrolled at schools in Porto, Portugal. Participants (n = 996) were followed across four waves at 13, 17, 21 and 24 years old. We computed the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals for the prevalence of the different smoking states (never smoking, experimenter, less than daily smoker, daily smoker and former smoker), and incidence transitions between these states (to smoking experimenter; to less than daily smoker, to daily smoker; to former smoker) as function of age, parental smoking status and their interaction. RESULTS: Compared with other participants, those with two smoking parents had an increased prevalence of experimentation at 13 years (OR for the interaction at 13 years compared with 24 years = 2.13 [1.50-3.01]) and daily smoking at all ages (OR for parental smoking =1.91 [1.52-2.40]). The latter increase is related to a significantly increased risk to transit from early smoking stages to daily smoking at all ages (OR for parental smoking = 1.83 [1.43-2.34]). CONCLUSIONS: Parental smoking influences offspring's daily smoking prevalence especially by increasing the risk to transit to daily smoking up to early adulthood. Prevention should focus on parents and parental influences especially among offspring who may transition to daily smokers.

The association between socioeconomic position and vigorous physical activity among adolescents: a cross-sectional study in six European cities.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between socioeconomic position (SEP) and adolescent physical activity is uncertain, as most evidence is limited to specific settings and a restricted number of SEP indicators. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of socioeconomic differences in adolescent vigorous physical activity (VPA) across various European countries using a wide range of SEP indicators, including family-based (education, family affluence, perceived social standing, parents' employment, housing tenure) and adolescent-based (academic performance and pocket money) ones. METHODS: We used data from a survey among 10,510 students aged 14-17 from 50 schools in six European cities: Namur (BE), Tampere (FI), Hannover (DE), Latina (IT), Amersfoort (NL), Coimbra (PT). The questionnaire included socio-demographic characteristics and the amount of time spent in VPA. RESULTS: The mean time spent practicing VPA was 60.4 min per day, with lower values for Namur (BE) and Latina (IT), and higher values for Amersfoort (NL). In the multivariable analysis, both categories of SEP indicators (family-based and adolescent based indicators) were independently associated with VPA. For each SEP indicator, lower levels of VPA were recorded in lower socioeconomic groups. In the total sample, each additional category of low SEP was associated with a decrease in mean VPA of about 4 min per day. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that across European cities adolescent VPA is positively related to both family-based SEP and adolescents' own SEP. When analysing socioeconomic differences in adolescent VPA, one should consider the use of multiple indicators of SEP.

Patient perspectives on priorities for research on conventional and sex- and gender-related cardiovascular risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Recently, cardiovascular disease (CVD) research has focused on sex- and gender-related cardiovascular risk factors, in addition to conventional risk factors. This raises the question which factors are perceived by the target group (patients with CVD) as priorities for further research. METHODS: We carried out a survey to study priority setting for more research into conventional and sex- and gender-related risk factors according to 980 men and women with CVD or those at increased risk of CVD in the Netherlands. Data on conventional and sex- and gender-related risk factors were descriptively analysed, stratified by gender group. RESULTS: The most frequently prioritised conventional factors according to men were heritability, overweight and unhealthy diet, while women most frequently listed stress, heritability and hypertension. The most frequently prioritised sex- and gender-related risk factors were depression or depressive feelings, migraine and having many caretaking responsibilities (men), and pregnancy complications, contraceptive pill use and early age at menopause (women). New research on sex- and gender-related risk factors was perceived roughly as relevant as that on conventional factors by men (mean 7.4 and 8.3 on a 1-10 scale, respectively) and women (8.2 and 8.6, respectively). Ethnic and gender minority groups placed more emphasis on risk factors related to sociocultural aspects (gender) than the majority group. CONCLUSION: Men and women with CVD or those at increased risk of CVD perceived new research on conventional and sex- and gender-related risk factors as a priority. These findings may guide researchers and funders in further prioritising new CVD research.

Ethnic differences in metabolic cardiovascular risk among normal weight individuals: Implications for cardiovascular risk screening. The HELIUS study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors may occur among a substantial proportion of normal weight individuals, particularly among some ethnic minorities. It is unknown how many of these individuals would be missed by commonly applied eligibility criteria for cardiovascular risk screening. Thus, we aim to determine cardiovascular risk and eligibility for cardiovascular risk screening among normal weight individuals of different ethnic backgrounds. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using the HELIUS study (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), we determined cardiovascular risk among 6910 normal weight individuals of Dutch, South-Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Ghanaian, Moroccan and Turkish background. High cardiovascular risk was approximated by high metabolic risk based on blood pressure, HDL, triglycerides and fasting glucose. Eligibility criteria for screening were derived from Dutch CVD prevention guidelines and include age ≥ 50 y, family history of CVD, or current smoking. Ethnic group comparisons were made using logistic regression. Age-adjusted proportions of high metabolic risk ranged from 12.6% to 38.4% (men) and from 2.7% to 11.5% (women). This prevalence was higher among most ethnic minorities than the Dutch, especially among women. For most ethnic groups, 79.9%-86.7% of individuals with high metabolic risk were eligible for cardiovascular risk screening. Exceptions were Ghanaian women (58.8%), Moroccan men (70.9%) and Moroccan women (45.0%), although age-adjusted proportions did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Even among normal weight individuals, high cardiovascular metabolic risk is more common among ethnic minorities than among the majority population. Regardless of ethnicity, most normal weight individuals with increased risk are eligible for cardiovascular risk screening.

Nicotine dependence among adolescents in the European Union: How many and who are affected?

BACKGROUND: Nicotine dependence during adolescence increases the risk of continuing smoking into adulthood. The magnitude of nicotine dependence among adolescents in the European Union (EU) has not been established. We aimed to estimate the number of nicotine dependent 15-year-old adolescents in the EU, and identify high-risk groups. METHODS: The number of nicotine dependent 15-year-olds in the EU was derived combining: (i) total number of 15-year-olds in the EU (2013 Eurostat), (ii) smoking prevalence among 15-year-olds (2013/2014 HBSC survey) and (iii) proportion of nicotine dependent 15-year-olds in six EU countries (2013 SILNE survey). Logistic regression analyses identified high-risk groups in the SILNE dataset. RESULTS: We estimated 172 636 15-year-olds were moderately to highly nicotine dependent (3.2% of all 15 years old; 35.3% of daily smokers). In the total population, risk of nicotine dependence was higher in males, adolescents with poor academic achievement, and those with smoking parents or friends. Among daily smokers, only lower academic achievement and younger age of smoking onset were associated with nicotine dependence. CONCLUSION: According to our conservative estimates, more than 172 000 15-year-old EU adolescents were nicotine dependent in 2013. Prevention of smoking initiation, especially among adolescents with poor academic performance, is necessary to prevent a similar number of adolescents getting addicted to nicotine each consecutive year.

The influence of gender concordance between general practitioner and patient on antibiotic prescribing for sore throat symptoms: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patient gender as well as doctor gender are known to affect doctor-patient interaction during a medical consultation. It is however not known whether an interaction of gender influences antibiotic prescribing. This study examined GP's prescribing behavior of antibiotics at the first presentation of patients with sore throat symptoms in primary care. We investigated whether GP gender, patient gender and gender concordance have an effect on the GP's prescribing behavior of antibiotics in protocolled and non-protocolled diagnoses. METHODS: We analyzed electronic health record data of 11,285 GP practice consultations in the Netherlands in 2013 extracted from the Nivel Primary Care Database. Our primary outcome was the prescription of antibiotics for throat symptoms. Sore throat symptoms were split up in 'protocolled diagnoses' and 'non-protocolled diagnoses'. The association between gender concordance and antibiotic prescription was estimated with multilevel regression models that controlled for patient age and comorbidity. RESULTS: Antibiotic prescription was found to be lower among female GPs (OR 0.88, CI 95% 0.67-1.09; p = .265) and female patients (OR 0.93, 95% 0.84-1.02; p = .142), but observed differences were not statistically significant. The difference in prescription rates by gender concordance were small and not statistically significant in non-protocolled consultations (OR 0.92, OR 95% CI: 0.83-1.01; p = .099), protocolled consultations (OR 1.00, OR 95% CI: 0.68-1.32; p = .996) and all GP practice consultations together (OR 0.92, OR 95% CI: 0.82-1.02; p = .118). Within the female GP group, however, gender concordance was associated with reduced prescribing of antibiotics (OR 0.85, OR 95% CI: 0.72-0.99; p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, female GPs prescribed antibiotics less often than male GPs, especially in consultation with female patients. This study shows that, in spite of clinical guidelines, gender interaction may influence the prescription of antibiotics with sore throat symptoms.

Ethnic disparities in estimated cardiovascular disease risk in Amsterdam, the Netherlands : The HELIUS study.

BACKGROUND: Ethnic differences have been reported in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. It is still unclear which ethnic groups are most at risk for CVD when all traditional CVD risk factors are considered together as overall risk. OBJECTIVES: To examine ethnic differences in overall estimated CVD risk and the risk factors that contribute to these differences. DESIGN: Using data of the multi-ethnic HELIUS study (HEalthy LIfe in an Urban Setting) from Amsterdam, we examined whether estimated CVD risk and risk factors among those eligible for CVD risk estimation differed between participants of Dutch, South Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Ghanaian, Turkish and Moroccan origin. Using the Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) algorithm, we estimated risk of fatal CVD and risk of fatal plus non-fatal CVD. These risks were compared between ethnic groups via age-adjusted linear regression analyses. RESULTS: The SCORE algorithm was applicable to 9,128 participants. Relative to the fatal CVD risk of participants of Dutch origin, South Asian Surinamese participants showed a higher fatal CVD risk, Ghanaian males a lower fatal CVD risk, and participants of other ethnic origins a similar fatal CVD risk. For fatal plus non-fatal CVD risk, African Surinamese and Turkish men also showed a higher risk. When diabetes was incorporated in the CVD risk algorithm, all but Ghanaian men showed a higher CVD risk relative to the participants of Dutch origin (betas ranging from 0.98-3.10%). The CVD risk factors that contribute the most to these ethnic differences varied between ethnic groups. CONCLUSION: Ethnic minority groups are at a greater estimated risk of fatal plus non-fatal CVD relative to the group of native Dutch. Further research is necessary to determine whether this will translate to ethnic differences in CVD incidence and, if so, whether ethnic-specific CVD prevention strategies are warranted.

Social neighborhood environment and sports participation among Dutch adults: does sports location matter?

Studies on the relation between the social neighborhood environment and sports participation have produced inconsistent results. Use of generic sports outcomes may have obscured associations only apparent for sports at certain locations. This study aims to assess the association between the social neighborhood environment and three location-specific sports outcomes. Repeated cross-sectional data on sports participation (any type of sports, sports at indoor sports clubs, sports at outdoor sports clubs, sports on streets) were obtained from 20 600 adults using the Dutch national health survey 2006-2009. Data on neighborhood social safety and social capital were obtained using the Dutch Housing Research 2006. Over 40% of Dutch adults participated in any type of sports. Indoor sports clubs were most popular. Multilevel logistic regression analyses revealed that neighborhood social safety was positively associated with sports at indoor sports clubs [odds ratio (OR) = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.48), but not with the other sports outcomes. Contrary, neighborhood social capital was positively associated with sports on streets only (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.17-2.44). The results suggest that a positive social neighborhood environment enhances sports participation, but that this impact depends on the location of the sports activity. This study highlights the importance of using location-specific sports outcomes when assessing environmental determinants.

Educational differences in associations of noticing anti-tobacco information with smoking-related attitudes and quit intentions: findings from the International Tobacco Control Europe Surveys.

This study examined educational differences in associations of noticing anti-tobacco information with smoking-related attitudes and quit intentions among adult smokers. Longitudinal data (N = 7571) from two waves of six countries of the International Tobacco Control (ITC) Europe Surveys were included. Generalized estimating equation analyses and multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted. Higher educated smokers noticed anti-tobacco information slightly more often than lower educated smokers (F(2) = 25.78, P < 0.001). Noticing anti-tobacco information was associated with more negative smoking-related attitudes (ß = 0.05, P < 0.001) and more quit intentions (OR = 1.08, P < 0.001). Among smokers without a quit intention at baseline, a positive association was found for noticing anti-tobacco information at baseline with follow-up quit intention (OR = 1.14, P = 0.003). No other longitudinal associations were found. No educational differences were found in the association of noticing anti-tobacco information with smoking-related attitudes but associations with quit intentions were found only among low (OR = 1.12, P = 0.001) and high educated respondents (OR = 1.11, P < 0.001) and not among moderate educated respondents (OR = 1.02, P = 0.43). Noticing anti-tobacco information may positively influence quit intentions and possibly smoking-related attitudes. Lower educated smokers were as likely to be influenced by anti-tobacco information as higher educated smokers but noticed anti-tobacco information less often; increasing reach of anti-tobacco information may increase impact in this group.

High diabetes risk among asylum seekers in The Netherlands.

AIMS: To map the prevalence and incidence of recorded diabetes among asylum seekers according to demographic factors and length of stay in the host country. METHODS: We used a nationwide database from the Community Health Services for Asylum Seekers. The study population included all asylum seekers aged 20-79 years who arrived in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2008. Case allocation was based on International Classification of Primary Care codes. A general practice registry was used to obtain reference data. Standardized prevalence and incidence ratios were calculated and their association with length of stay was explored with Cox regression. RESULTS: The study included 59 380 asylum seekers among whom there were 1227 recorded cases of diabetes. The prevalence of recorded diabetes was higher among asylum seekers compared with the reference population for both men (standardized prevalence ratio=1.85, 95% CI 1.71-1.91) and women (standardized prevalence ratio=2.26, 95% CI 2.08-2.45). The highest standardized prevalence ratios were found for asylum seekers from Somalia, Sudan and Sri Lanka. The standardized prevalence ratio was higher in asylum seekers aged ≥ 30 years. Incidence rates were higher compared with the reference population for all length-of-stay intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Asylum seekers from the majority of countries of origin were at higher risk of diabetes compared with the general population in the Netherlands. Asylum seekers from Somalia were particularly at risk. This emerging public health issue requires attention from policy-makers and care providers.

Social concordance and patient reported experiences in countries with different gender equality: a multinational survey.

BACKGROUND: Patient reported experiences (PREMs) are important indices of quality of care. Similarities in demography between patient and doctor, known as social concordance, can facilitate patient-doctor interaction and may be associated with more positive patient experiences. The aim of this research is to study associations between gender concordance, age concordance and PREMs (doctor-patient communication, involvement in decision making, comprehensiveness of care and satisfaction) and to investigate whether these associations are dependent on a countries' Gender Equality Index (GEI). METHODS: Secondary analysis on a multinational survey (62.478 patients, 7.438 GPs from 34 mostly European countries) containing information on general practices and the patient experiences regarding their consultation. Multi-level analysis is used to calculate associations of both gender and age concordance with four PREMs. RESULTS: The female/female dyad was associated with better experienced doctor-patient communication and patient involvement in decision making but not with patient satisfaction and experienced comprehensiveness of care. The male/male dyad was not associated with more positive patient experiences. Age concordance was associated with more involvement in decision making, more experienced comprehensiveness, less satisfaction but not with communication. No association was found between a country's level of GEI and the effect of gender concordance. CONCLUSION: Consultations in which both patient and GP are female are associated with higher ratings of communication and involvement in decision making, irrespective of the GEI of the countries concerned. Age concordance was associated with all PREMs except communication. Although effect sizes are small, social concordance could create a suggestion of shared identity, diminish professional uncertainty and changes communication patterns, thereby enhancing health care outcomes.

[Intraoperative guidance of anesthesia: Analgesie Nociception Index (ANI) vs. standard care for hysterectomy under anesthesia with sevoflurane : A randomized controlled simple blinded study on intraoperative opioid consumption, postoperative pain and patient satisfaction]. / Intraoperative Analgesiesteuerung: Analgesie Nociception Index (ANI) vs. "standard care" bei Hysterektomien unter Sevoflurannarkose : Eine randomisierte kontrollierte Einfachblindstudie zu intraoperativem Opioidverbrauch, postoperativen Schmerzen und Patientenzufriedenheit.

BACKGROUND: General anesthesia leads to different effects depending on the drugs used (hypnosis, analgesia, muscle relaxation). While there are validated methods for clinical monitoring and control of hypnosis and muscle relaxation in routine anesthesia, the assessment of analgesia is still mainly based on the interpretation of clinical vital parameters, such as heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration or intraoperative movements of the patient. The present clinical study investigated whether the use of a so-called nociception monitor to record the intraoperative need for analgesics is superior to the previous analysis of vital parameters. The analgesia nociception index (ANI; MDoloris, Lille, France) was used, which is one of several nociception monitors currently on the market for recording the sympathicovagal balance. In the case of the ANI, the measurement is based on the analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) as a function of breathing. The index is given in the form of a dimensionless score between 0 and 100, where 0 stands for a lack of parasympathetic activity and 100 for a very strong parasympathetic activity. According to the manufacturer, a value between 50-70 under anesthesia corresponds to sufficient intraoperative analgesia. METHODS: This was a clinical prospective randomized study in which 110 patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy under balanced anesthesia using propofol, fentanyl and atracurium for induction and sevoflurane and fentanyl for anesthesia maintenance, were divided into two groups. In the intervention group (ANI group), during the operation analgesics were administered with the aid of the ANI monitor (bolus of 0.1 mg fentanyl if the ANI was < 50), whereas in the comparison group analgesics were administered according to previous clinical parameters (vital parameters, intraoperative defensive movements). The groups were then compared with respect to intraoperative fentanyl consumption (primary outcome), postoperative pain and opioid-induced side effects (measured by the numeric rating scale [NRS]) as well as patient satisfaction on postoperative day 3 (secondary outcome). RESULTS: The observations showed a higher total intraoperative consumption of fentanyl in the intervention group, due to a significantly higher number of individual doses (0.54 vs. 0.44 mg, p < 0.001). With respect to the other observation points, there were hardly any differences between the groups, neither with respect to the pain score nor the side effects in the recovery room. At most there was a trend towards a slightly lower pain score at the first measurement point in the recovery room (NRS at 15 min). In the patient survey on the postoperative day 3, there was a difference with respect to the subjectively described reduction in vigilance in the ANI group, but not other side effects or overall satisfaction with the pain therapy. CONCLUSION: In this group of patients the additional use of the ANI monitor for intraoperative control of analgesia led to an increased consumption of fentanyl compared to the comparison group, without having an impact on the postoperative pain score, opioid-induced side effects or patient satisfaction. An optimization of pain therapy through intraoperative use of the ANI monitoring in hysterectomy patients under balanced anesthesia with sevoflurane and fentanyl could therefore not be proven. Transferability of the results to a much older and/or sicker patient collective remains questionable.

Usage of digital, social and goal-setting functionalities to support health behavior change: A mixed methods study among disadvantaged women during or after pregnancy and their healthcare professionals.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to gain insight into how and to what extent social (i.e. private/group chat) and goal-setting (e.g. rewards) functionalities in digital interventions for health behavior change were used by clients and nurses in a preventive care program for disadvantaged women during or after pregnancy, and which factors influenced usage. METHODS: We collected quantitative and qualitative data on usage of these functionalities in 'Kindle', a mHealth intervention to prepare for health behavior change. RESULTS: We found that nurses (n = 5) and clients (n = 20) scarcely used both functionalities. They sent 862 messages in the social functionality whose security they appreciated, but habitually used WhatsApp likewise. Moreover, nurses were hesitant to let their clients interact in the group chat. Clients formulated 59 personal goals, which they found difficult to do. Nurses rewarded 846 points for clients' progress on goal attainment, but found it hard to determine how many points to reward. Clients and nurses indicated that the functionality made it more fun and easy to discuss clients' personal goals. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, digital, social and goal-setting functionalities were used to a limited extent by nurses and clients, and need optimization before implementation to support disadvantaged groups to change their health behavior.

Contribution of overweight and obesity to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in a multi-ethnic cohort: population attributive fractions for Amsterdam.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the contribution of pre-pregnancy excessive weight to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes and to detect the differences in these contributions between different ethnic groups. DESIGN: Prospective multi-ethnic community-based cohort study. SETTING: The prevalence of excessive weight is increasing and in general higher in immigrant groups in many industrialised countries. Maternal excessive weight, like smoking during pregnancy, is an important risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. POPULATION: A total of 8266 pregnant women, living in the Netherlands, were included in the ABCD study between January 2003 and March 2004. METHODS: After applying the exclusion criteria, the analysis included 7871 pregnancies. Binomial log-linear regression analyses were performed to estimate relative risks (RRs) expressing the association between overweight/obesity and small-for-gestational-age (SGA), large-for-gestational-age (LGA), preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks of gestation) and extreme PTB (<32 weeks of gestation), controlling for parity, maternal age, education level and smoking. Next, the RRs were used to estimate population attributive fractions (PAF) for Amsterdam and separately for several ethnic groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The RRs and PAFs. RESULTS: The PAFs for overweight/obesity were: SGA -4.9%, LGA 15.3%, PTB 6.6% and extreme PTB 22.0%. In absolute terms, this corresponds to -47 SGA infants, 126 LGA infants, 35 PTB and 20 extreme PTB per year in Amsterdam. Except for SGA, these PAFs were higher than those for smoking (6.2%, -3.9%, 5.5% and 10.6%, respectively). The contribution of overweight/obesity to LGA and PTB was higher in non-Western immigrant groups. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight/obesity has become an important contributor to the occurrence of adverse pregnancy outcomes in Amsterdam. For most outcomes, these contributions are larger than those for smoking. Development of special obesity prevention programmes for young women is required, especially focused on immigrant groups.

Explaining educational differences in leisure-time physical activity in Europe: the contribution of work-related factors.

Although educational differences in leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) exist across Europe, the independent effect of educational level on leisure-time physical activity has rarely been explored. This study examines the relative contribution of occupational class, employment status, and educational level to LTPA across 12 European countries. The data were obtained from 12 European health surveys conducted at the turn of the century and identified in the EUROTHINE project. All information was self-reported. Logistic regression was applied and relative inequality index (RII) was calculated. Analyses were limited to those in the prime working-age (age 30-59; total N=137,646) men and women. In all 12 European countries, LTPA was more common in the high-educated than in the low-educated. The association between education and LTPA remained mostly unchanged after adjusting for marital status, urbanization, and self-rated health. After further adjusting for occupational class and employment status, the educational differences in LTPA were only slightly attenuated. An inverse association was found between educational level and LTPA across almost all 12 European countries. Occupational class and employment status had only a modest effect on educational differences in LTPA in most of the examined countries, suggesting that education remains an important predictor of LTPA.

Dutch versus English advantage in the epidemic of central and generalised obesity is not shared by ethnic minority groups: comparative secondary analysis of cross-sectional data.

BACKGROUND: Ethnic minority groups in Western European countries tend to have higher levels of overweight than the majority populations for reasons that are poorly understood. Investigating relative differences between countries could enable an investigation of the importance of national context in determining these inequalities. OBJECTIVE: To explore: (1) whether Indian and African origin populations in England and the Netherlands are similarly disadvantaged compared with the White populations in terms of the prevalence of overweight and central obesity; (2) whether the previously known Dutch advantage of relatively low overweight prevalence is also observed in Dutch ethnic minority groups and (3) the contribution of health behaviour and socio-economic position to the differences observed. METHODS: Secondary analyses of population-based studies of 16 406 participants from England and the Netherlands. Prevalence ratios were estimated using regression models. RESULTS: Except for African men, ethnic minority groups in both countries had higher rates of overweight and central obesity than their White counterparts. However, the Dutch minority groups were relatively more disadvantaged than English minority groups as compared with the majority populations. The Dutch advantage of the low prevalence of obesity was only seen in White men and women and African men. In contrast, English-Indian (prevalence ratio=0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81-0.93) and English-Caribbean (prevalence ratio=0.82, 95% CI: 0.76-0.89) women were less centrally obese than their Dutch equivalents. The Dutch-Indian men were very similar to the English-Indian men. The contribution of health behaviour and socio-economic position to the observed differences were small. CONCLUSION: Contrary to the patterns in White groups, the Dutch ethnic minority women were more obese than their English equivalents. More work is needed to identify factors that may contribute to these observed differences.

Serious games for smoking prevention and cessation: A systematic review of game elements and game effects.

OBJECTIVE: Serious health games might have the potential to prevent tobacco smoking and its health consequences, depending on the inclusion of specific game elements. This review aimed to assess the composition of serious games and their effects on smoking initiation prevention and cessation and behavioral determinants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Web of Science for publications that evaluated serious games aimed at changing smoking behavior or behavioral determinants. A taxonomy by King et al was used to classify game elements. RESULTS: We identified 15 studies, evaluating 14 unique serious games. All games combined multiple game elements (mean 5.5; range, 3-10). Most frequently used were general and intermittent rewards, theme and genre features, and punishments. Six studies on smoking prevention together assessed 20 determinants and found statistically significant positive effects for 8 determinants (eg, attitude, knowledge, intention). Of 7 studies on smoking cessation, 5 found positive, statistically significant effects on smoking cessation or status. These studies found statistically significant positive effects for 6 of 12 determinants (eg, self-efficacy, attitude, intention). The majority of included studies had poor or fair methodological quality, lacked follow-up measures, and had fixed (as opposed to free, on-demand) play sessions. CONCLUSIONS: Serious games included multiple types of game elements. The evidence from a number of studies suggests that games may have positive effects on smoking-related outcomes, particularly smoking cessation. However, as most studies had important methodological limitations, stronger designs are needed to demonstrate, quantify, and understand the effects of serious games.