Older Adults' Unmet Needs at the End of Life: A Cross-Country Comparison of the United States and England.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the end-of-life (EOL) experiences in concentration with place of death, for older adults in the U.S. and England. Methods: Weighted comparative analysis was conducted using harmonized Health and Retirement Study and English Longitudinal Study of Ageing datasets covering the period of 2006-2012. Results: At the EOL, more older adults in the U.S. (64.14%) than in England (54.09%) had unmet needs (I/ADLs). Home was the main place of death in the U.S. (47.34%), while it was the hospital in England (58.01%). Gender, marital status, income, place of death, previous hospitalization, memory-related diseases, self-rated health, and chronic diseases were linked to unmet needs in both countries. Discussion: These findings challenge the existing assumptions about EOL experiences and place of death outcomes, emphasizing the significance of developing integrated care models to bolster support for essential daily activities of older adults at the EOL.

Impact of Intensity of Vascular Care Preceding Major Amputation Among Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Lower-limb amputation rates in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia vary across the United States, with marked disparities in amputation rates by gender, race, and income status. We evaluated the association of patient, hospital, and geographic characteristics with the intensity of vascular care received the year before a major lower-limb amputation and how intensity of care associates with outcomes after amputation. METHODS: Using Medicare claims data (2016-2019), beneficiaries diagnosed with chronic limb-threatening ischemia who underwent a major lower-limb amputation were identified. We examined patient, hospital, and geographic characteristics associated with the intensity of vascular care received the year before amputation. Secondary objectives evaluated all-cause mortality and adverse events following amputation. RESULTS: Of 33 036 total Medicare beneficiaries undergoing major amputation, 7885 (23.9%) were due to chronic limb-threatening ischemia; of these, 4988 (63.3%) received low-intensity and 2897 (36.7%) received high-intensity vascular care. Mean age, 76.6 years; women, 38.9%; Black adults, 24.5%; and of low income, 35.2%. After multivariable adjustment, those of low income (odds ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.58-0.72]; P<0.001), and to a lesser extent, men (odds ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81-0.98]; P=0.019), and those who received care at a safety-net hospital (odds ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78-0.97]; P=0.012) were most likely to receive low intensity of care before amputation. High-intensity care was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality 2 years following amputation (hazard ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.74-0.85]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were of low-income status, and to a lesser extent, men, or those cared for at safety-net hospitals were most likely to receive low-intensity vascular care. Low-intensity care was associated with worse long-term event-free survival. These data emphasize the continued disparities that exist in contemporary vascular practice.

The intersection of welfare stigma, state contexts and health among mothers receiving public assistance benefits.

The stigmatizing nature of the US welfare system is of particular importance not only because it has shown to deter eligible applicants from participating in public assistance programs despite facing economic hardship, but also because stigma is an important fundamental cause of health inequities. Although scholars agree stigma is shaped by individual and contextual dimensions, the role of context is often overlooked. Given the heterogeneous nature of US state welfare environments, it may be critical to consider the ways in which state policy, social and economic contexts condition the relationship between welfare stigma and health. Using a multilevel lens, this study first examined the impact of experienced and perceived welfare stigma on self-reported health among female public assistance recipients with children. Second, we assessed the moderating effect of uneven state TANF policies, income inequality, and negative public welfare attitudes in shaping these associations. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study merged with state-level economic and social measures, we employed a series of multilevel logit models with random effects. Findings show experiences and perceptions of welfare stigma are significantly linked to poor health regardless of state contexts, and outcomes vary markedly by race, ethnicity and education. States with strong anti-welfare attitudes amplified the relationship between experienced welfare stigma and poor health for Black and Hispanic mothers, and state economic contexts modified the relationship between experienced welfare stigma and poor health for mothers with less than a high school education. TANF generosity had no moderating effect on health suggesting state policy environments have limited ability to protect welfare recipients against the stigmatizing effects of the US welfare system. Results have implications for explaining stigma related disparities in health within the context of U.S. welfare environments and informing policies that may be key levers for reducing health inequities.

The impact of socioeconomic position (SEP) on women's health over the lifetime.

The "social gradient of health" refers to the steep inverse associations between socioeconomic position (SEP) and the risk of premature mortality and morbidity. In many societies, due to cultural and structural factors, women and girls have reduced access to the socioeconomic resources that ensure good health and wellbeing when compared with their male counterparts. Thus, the objective of this paper is to review how SEP - a construct at the heart of the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) theory - shapes the health and longevity of women and girls at all stages of the lifespan. Using literature identified from PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL and EMBASE databases, we first describe the SDoH theory. We then use examples from each stage of the life course to demonstrate how SEP can differentially shape girls' and women's health outcomes compared with boys' and men's, as well as between sub-groups of girls and women when other axes of inequalities are considered, including ethnicity, race and residential setting. We also explore the key consideration of whether conventional SEP markers are appropriate for understanding the social determinants of women's health. We conclude by making key recommendations in the context of clinical, research and policy development.

A Cost-Effectiveness and Quality of Life Analysis of Different Approaches to the Management and Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer.

The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of active monitoring (AM), radical prostatectomy (PR), and external-beam radiotherapy with neoadjuvant hormone therapy (RT) for localized prostate cancer. Microsimulations of radical prostatectomy, 3D-conformal radiotherapy, or active monitoring were performed using Medicare reimbursement schedules and clinical trial results for a target population of men aged 50-69 years with newly diagnosed localized prostate cancer (T1-T2, NX, M0) over a time horizon of 10 years. Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs were assessed and sensitivity analyses performed. Monte Carlo simulations revealed that the mean cost for AM, PR, and RT were $15,654, $18,791, and $30,378, respectively, and QALYs were 6.96, 7.44, and 7.9 years, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $6,548 for PR over AM and $68,339 for RT over PR. Results were sensitive to the number of years of follow-up and procedure cost. With relaxed assumptions for AM, the ICER of PR and RT met the societal willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $50,000 per QALY. Compared with AM, PR was highly cost-effective. RT and PR for localized prostate cancer can be cost-effective, but RT must offer increased QALYs or decreased procedural costs to be cost-effective compared to PR. Newer and cheaper radiotherapy strategies like stereotactic body radiotherapy may play a crucial role in future early prostate cancer management.

Low birth weight and childhood health: the role of maternal education.

PURPOSE: Low birth weight (LBW) is associated with myriad health and developmental problems in childhood and later in life. Less well-documented is the variation in the relationship between LBW status and subsequent child health by socioeconomic status-such as education levels and income. This article examines whether differences exist in the relationship between LBW and subsequent child health by maternal education. METHODS: We used data from the 1998-2017 National Health Interview Survey to estimate multivariate logistic regression models to determine whether the association between LBW and subsequent child health as measured by general health status, developmental disability, and asthma diagnosis differed by maternal education, net of differences in children's sociodemographic factors, family background, and medical access. RESULTS: The negative association between LBW and subsequent health was typically weaker for children of mothers with less than high school education than it was for children of mothers with higher levels of education. CONCLUSIONS: The findings on the enduring impact of LBW status on child health for all children, especially those born to mothers with higher levels of education, suggest that all children born LBW should be provided appropriate medical and support services to reduce the lifelong repercussions of poor health at birth.

Ninety-day postoperative cost in primary total hip arthroplasty: an economic model comparing surgical approaches.

BACKGROUND: While primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a safe and effective procedure, it is unclear whether choice of surgical approach influences health care cost. METHODS: We developed an economic model in which patients receiving THA via the anterior approach (AA) by high volume anterior hip surgeons were compared to a propensity-score matched cohort of primary THA cases performed by high volume surgeons that were identified from Medicare claims (Control). Cost elements included the procedure and hospital stay, postacute care, readmission, and outpatient care through 90 days postoperatively. Costs were derived from Medicare claims and adjusted to account for nationwide payer mix. RESULTS: Health care costs over 90 days postoperative were $17,763 with AA and $23,969 with Control, a difference of $6,206 (95% CI: $5,210-$7,204) per patient. The cost savings with AA were mainly attributable to lower per-patient costs of the index hospitalization ($13,578 vs $16,017), postacute care ($3,123 vs $6,037), and hospital readmissions ($700 vs $1,584). CONCLUSION: The AA for primary THA was found to lower 90-day health care costs when compared to a matched sample of THA cases. These study findings may be used to inform hospitals and health care payers regarding the cost implications associated with selection of different surgical approaches to primary THA.

The relationship between low birthweight and childhood health: disparities by race, ethnicity, and national origin.

PURPOSE: Racial/ethnic disparities in rates of low birthweight (LBW) are well established, as are racial/ethnic differences in health outcomes over the life course. Yet, there is little empirical work examining whether the consequences of LBW for subsequent child health vary by race, ethnicity, and national origin. METHODS: Using data from the 1998-2016 National Health Interview Survey, we examined whether racial, ethnic, and national differences existed in the association between LBW and subsequent health outcomes, namely being diagnosed with a developmental disability, asthma diagnosis, and poorer general health. RESULTS: Children born with LBW consistently had poorer health relative to children born with normal birthweight. There was no systematic evidence that the linkages between LBW and subsequent health were weaker for one racial/ethnic/national origin group relative to others. CONCLUSIONS: LBW was associated with subsequent poorer health. There was no systematic evidence that the link between LBW and subsequent child health were weaker for one racial/ethnic/national origin group relative to others. Together, these findings highlight the importance of reducing race/ethnic disparities in rates of LBW as a way of eradicating inequalities in childhood health.

Mortality and costs associated with alcoholic hepatitis: A claims analysis of a commercially insured population.

Rising mortality in the United States due to alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and the dearth of effective treatments for ALD have led to increased research in this area, particularly in alcoholic hepatitis. To understand the burden of illness and potential economic value of effective treatments, we conducted a health care claims analysis of over 15,000 commercially insured adults who were hospitalized with alcoholic hepatitis (AH) between 2006 and 2013 and followed for up to 5 years. Their average age was 54 years and 68% were male. Over 5 years, about two-thirds of these adults died (44% in the first year), and fewer than 500 received liver transplants. There were nearly 40,000 re-hospitalizations, with over 50% of the survivors re-hospitalized within a year and nearly 75% through the second year. The total costs were nearly $145,000 per patient, with costs decreasing over time from over $50,000 in the first year (including the index hospitalization) to about $10,000 per year in the later years. Total costs for the cohort over 5 years were $2.2 billion. Patients who received a liver transplant averaged about $300,000 in transplant-related costs and over $1,000,000 in total health care costs over 5 years. Average costs in years following the index hospitalization were similar to diabetes. AH has a high mortality and is a high-cost condition.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of six therapies for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis from payers' perspectives of six treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and to examine positioning of these modalities in the marketplace for the best use of health care funds and quality-of-life benefits for patients. METHODS: The economic analysis was conducted with a Markov model to compare combination prescription drug therapy (ComboRx), minimally invasive therapies (MITs) including convective radiofrequency (RF) water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum®), conductive RF thermal therapy (Prostiva®), and prostatic urethral lift (UroLift®), and invasive surgical procedures including photovaporization of the prostate (Greenlight® PVP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Effects assessed with International Prostate Symptom Score, adverse events, and re-treatment rates were estimated from medical literature; treatments effects were modeled using a common baseline score. Starting with each therapy, patients' transitions to more intensive therapies when symptoms returned were simulated in 6-month cycles over 2 years. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated for pairs of treatments; uncertainty in ICERs was estimated with probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: ComboRx was least effective and provided one-third of the symptom relief achieved with MITs. UroLift was similar in effectiveness to Prostiva and Rezum but costs more than twice as much. The cheaper MITs were ~$900 more expensive than the cost of ComboRx generic drugs over 2 years. TURP and PVP provided slightly greater relief of LUTS than MITs at approximately twice the cost over 2 years; typically, they are reserved for treatment of more severe LUTS. CONCLUSION: The analysis evaluated the costs and symptom relief of six treatment options in the continuum of care from a common baseline of LUTS severity. Identification of treatments for LUTS/BPH that demonstrate cost-effectiveness and provide appreciable symptom relief is paramount as reimbursement for patient care moves from volume-based services to value-based services.

Child Overweight and Obesity in Shanghai, China: Contextualizing Chinese Socioeconomic and Gender Differences.

PURPOSE: Childhood overweight and obesity is on the rise in China and in Chinese cities in particular. The aim of this study is to explore the extent of income differences in childhood overweight in Shanghai, China, and examine demographic, social, and behavioral explanations for these differences. METHODS: Using the 2014 Child Well-Being Study of Shanghai, China-a survey that included extensive contextual information on children and their families in China's most populous city, prevalence rates and adjusted odds ratios of child overweight and obesity at age 7 were calculated by income tercile controlling for a wide variety of sociodemographic variables. RESULTS: District aggregate income increases the odds of child overweight/obesity, but only for boys. In contrast, rural hukou status was associated with lower odds of overweight/obesity for girls. CONCLUSIONS: Boys at age 7 are more likely to be overweight and obese than girls. District income further increases this likelihood for boys, while rural hukou status decreases this likelihood for girls, suggesting that preferences for boys and thinness ideals for girls may play a role in the income patterning of childhood overweight and obesity.

A Social Work Approach to Policy: Implications for Population Health.

The substantial disparities in health and poorer outcomes in the United States relative to peer nations suggest the need to refocus health policy. Through direct contact with the most vulnerable segments of the population, social workers have developed an approach to policy that recognizes the importance of the social environment, the value of social relationships, and the significance of value-driven policymaking. This approach could be used to reorient health, health care, and social policies. Accordingly, social workers can be allies to public health professionals in efforts to eliminate disparities and improve population health.

Pulmonary artery pressure-guided heart failure management: US cost-effectiveness analyses using the results of the CHAMPION clinical trial.

AIMS: Haemodynamic-guided heart failure (HF) management effectively reduces decompensation events and need for hospitalizations. The economic benefit of clinical improvement requires further study. METHODS AND RESULTS: An estimate of the cost-effectiveness of haemodynamic-guided HF management was made based on observations published in the randomized, prospective single-blinded CHAMPION trial. A comprehensive analysis was performed including healthcare utilization event rates, survival, and quality of life demonstrated in the randomized portion of the trial (18 months). Markov modelling with Monte Carlo simulation was used to approximate comprehensive costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) from a payer perspective. Unit costs were estimated using the Truven Health MarketScan database from April 2008 to March 2013. Over a 5-year horizon, patients in the Treatment group had average QALYs of 2.56 with a total cost of US$56 974; patients in the Control group had QALYs of 2.16 with a total cost of US$52 149. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was US$12 262 per QALY. Using comprehensive cost modelling, including all anticipated costs of HF and non-HF hospitalizations, physician visits, prescription drugs, long-term care, and outpatient hospital visits over 5 years, the Treatment group had a total cost of US$212 004 and the Control group had a total cost of US$200 360. The ICER was US$29 593 per QALY. CONCLUSIONS: Standard economic modelling suggests that pulmonary artery pressure-guided management of HF using the CardioMEMS™ HF System is cost-effective from the US-payer perspective. This analysis provides the background for further modelling in specific country healthcare systems and cost structures.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Low Birth Weight in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

OBJECTIVES: To compare associations between socioeconomic status and low birth weight across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, countries that share cultural features but differ in terms of public support and health care systems. METHODS: Using nationally representative data from the United States (n = 8400), the United Kingdom (n = 12 018), Canada (n = 5350), and Australia (n = 3452) from the early 2000s, we calculated weighted prevalence rates and adjusted odds of low birth weight by income quintile and maternal education. RESULTS: Socioeconomic gradients in low birth weight were apparent in all 4 countries, but the magnitudes and patterns differed across countries. A clear graded association between income quintile and low birth weight was apparent in the United States. The relevant distinction in the United Kingdom appeared to be between low, middle, and high incomes, and the distinction in Canada and Australia appeared to be between mothers in the lowest income quintile and higher-income mothers. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic inequalities in low birth weight were larger in the United States than the other countries, suggesting that the more generous social safety nets and health care systems in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia played buffering roles.

Office-Based HE-TUMT Costs Less than Medication over Four Years in Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Medications are first line treatment for mild-moderate BPH. Office-based minimally invasive therapies (MITs) are also acceptable early treatment options but comparisons of MIT to medications are limited. MIT may be equally effective and less costly compared to long-term medical therapy. We compared data from a medication trial to pooled data of high-energy transurethral microwave therapy (HE-TUMT) to evaluate differences in outcomes and costs between the modalities. STUDY DESIGN: Covariate-adjusted comparison of treatments from independent clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms (MTOPS) study arms were compared to Urologix pooled data from seven HE-TUMT studies at 25 centers. Improvements in voiding symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were determined and a repeated measure logistic regression analysis to control for baseline covariates was performed. Cost data were collected using published outcomes, Medicare 2013 national averages, and discount online pharmacy prices. RESULTS: HE-TUMT provided significant improvement in voiding symptoms and QoL compared to all MTOPS arms through two years. At four years, all therapies maintain similar improvements when adjusting for baseline covariates. Four year cumulative costs of HE-TUMT ($3,620) were less than combination medical therapy ($7,200). CONCLUSIONS: HE-TUMT provides better improvement of LUTS compared to medication for two years. At four years, all therapies provide comparable improvement but HE-TUMT is less expensive with better QoL. This suggests that HE-TUMT is an excellent alternative to medical therapy that should be routinely discussed and offered during detailed management of BPH.

Cost-effectiveness of the convergent procedure and catheter ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with persistent or longstanding atrial fibrillation have modest success achieving sinus rhythm with catheter ablation or rhythm control medications. Their high risk of stroke, bleed, and heart failure leads to significant morbidity and health care costs. The convergent procedure has been shown to be successful in this population, with 80% of patients in sinus rhythm after 1 year. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of the convergent procedure, catheter ablation, and medical management for non-paroxysmal AF patients. METHODS: A Markov micro-simulation model was used to estimate costs and effectiveness from a payer perspective. Parameter estimates were from the literature. Three patient cohorts were simulated, representing lower, medium, and higher risks of stroke, bleed, heart failure, and hospitalization. Effects were estimated by quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Single-variable sensitivity analysis was performed. RESULTS: After 5 years, convergent procedure patients averaged 1.10 procedures, with 75% of survivors in sinus rhythm; catheter ablation patients had 1.65 procedures, with 49% in sinus rhythm. Compared to medical management, catheter ablation and the convergent procedure were cost-effective for the lower risk (ICER <$35,000) and medium risk (ICER <$15,000) cohorts. The procedures dominated medical management for the higher risk cohort (lower cost and higher QALYs). The convergent procedure dominated catheter ablation for all risk cohorts. RESULTS were subject to simplifying assumptions and limited by uncertain factors such as long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm after successful procedure and incremental AF-associated event rates for AF patients relative to patients in sinus rhythm. In the absence of clinical trial data, convergent procedure efficacy was estimated with observational evidence. Limitations were addressed with sensitivity analyses and a moderate 5 year time horizon. CONCLUSION: The convergent procedure results in superior maintenance of post-ablation sinus rhythm with fewer repeat ablation procedures compared to catheter ablation, leading to lower cost and higher QALYs after 5 years.

Cost effectiveness of radiofrequency microremodeling for stress urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common and growing problem among adult women and affects individuals and society through decreased quality of life (QoL), decreased work productivity, and increased health care costs. A new, nonsurgical treatment option has become available for women who have failed conservative therapy, but its cost effectiveness has not been evaluated. This study examined the cost effectiveness of transurethral radiofrequency microremodeling of the female bladder neck and proximal urethra compared with synthetic transobturator tape (TOT), retropubic transvaginal tape (TVT) sling, and Burch colposuspension surgeries for treating SUI. METHODS: A Markov model was used to compare the cost effectiveness of five strategies for treating SUI for patients who had previously failed conservative therapy. The strategies were designed to compare the value of starting with a less invasive treatment. The cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from the health care system perspective. Efficacy and adverse event rates were obtained from the literature; reimbursement costs were based on Medicare fee schedule. The model cycle was 3 months, with a 3-year time horizon. Single-variable sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess stability of base-case results. RESULTS: Two of the five strategies employed the use of transurethral radiofrequency microremodeling and achieved 17-30 % lower mean costs relative to their comparative sling or Burch strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Superior safety and cost effectiveness are recognized when patients are offered a sequential approach to SUI management that employs transurethral radiofrequency microremodeling before invasive surgical procedures. This sequential approach is consistent with treatment strategies for other conditions and offers a solution for women with SUI who want to avoid the inherent risks and costs of invasive continence surgery.

Cost of neuromodulation therapies for overactive bladder: percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation versus sacral nerve stimulation.

PURPOSE: Conservative therapy and antimuscarinic agents are first line therapies for overactive bladder. Patients refractory to treatment are candidates for neuromodulation therapy. We estimated the costs and cost-effectiveness of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and sacral nerve stimulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Markov model was constructed to simulate the total costs and effectiveness of percutaneous tibial and sacral nerve stimulation during 2 years. Cost data used average Medicare national physician payments, and ambulatory payment classification and diagnosis related group payments for hospital based care and office visits. Clinical effectiveness, and the rates of patient adherence to treatment and adverse events were estimated by a review of the literature. RESULTS: The costs of initial therapy were $1,773 for 12 weekly percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation treatments and $1,857 for test sacral nerve stimulation. For ongoing therapy the cost of the sacral nerve stimulation surgical implant was $22,970. Cumulative discounted 2-year costs were $3,850 for percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and $14,160 for sacral nerve stimulation, including those who discontinued therapy. Of the patients 48% and 49%, respectively, remained on therapy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was $573,000 per additional patient on sacral nerve stimulation. When considering only patients who completed initial stimulation successfully, the costs were $4,867 and $24,342 for percutaneous tibial and sacral nerve stimulation with 71% and 90%, respectively, remaining on therapy for an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $99,872. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and sacral nerve stimulation are safe, effective neuromodulation therapies for overactive bladder. In this economic model percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation had substantially lower cost. An additional 1% of patients would remain on therapy at 2 years if sacral nerve stimulation were used rather than percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation but the average cost per additional patient would be more than $500,000.

Income inequality in health at all ages: a comparison of the United States and England.

OBJECTIVES: I systematically examined income gradients in health in the United States and England across the life span (ages birth to 80 years), separately for females and males, for a number of health conditions. METHODS: Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the United States (n = 36 360) and the Health Survey for England (n = 55 783), I calculated weighted prevalence rates and risk ratios by income level for the following health risk factors or conditions: obesity, hypertension, diabetes, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high cholesterol ratio, heart attack or angina, stroke, and asthma. RESULTS: In the United States and England, the income gradients in health are very similar across age, gender, and numerous health conditions, and are robust to adjustments for race/ethnicity, health behaviors, body mass index, and health insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Health disparities by income are pervasive in England as well as in the United States, despite better overall health, universal health insurance, and more generous social protection spending in England.

Race/Ethnic and Nativity Disparities in Child Overweight in the United States and England.

Child overweight is a growing problem in wealthy countries. There is also evidence that child overweight varies by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status. In this article, the authors use data from two recent birth cohort studies in the United States and England to address four questions: (1) Are race/ethnic and immigrant status associated with child overweight? (2) Is the association between socioeconomic status and child overweight similar across race/ethnic and nativity subgroups? (3) Does the age of immigrant mothers at migration moderate the association between immigrant status and child overweight? and (4) Does maternal obesity mediate the association between race/ethnicity and nativity and child overweight? Findings indicate that (1) race/ethnicity and immigrant status are risk factors for child overweight in both countries, (2) the influence of socioeconomic status differs by subgroup, (3) mother's age at migration does not moderate the association, and (4) mother's obesity mediates some of the race/ethnic disparities in child overweight.