Body image perception, smoking, alcohol use, indoor tanning, and disordered eating in young and middle-aged adults: findings from a large population-based Swedish study.

BACKGROUND: Body image concerns may give rise to a multitude of risk behaviors, such as unhealthy weight control practices, disordered eating behaviors (e.g., compensatory purging or preoccupation with food), smoking, excessive alcohol intake, or sunbed use. However, the distribution of these risk behaviors across adulthood has rarely been studied. METHODS: The aim of this study was to explore health risk behaviors as correlates of body image perception in a randomly selected study population of 30,245 individuals aged 30-66 in Stockholm, Sweden, utilizing data from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort. Bivariate correlations were explored and a hierarchic binary logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of body image discrepancy was higher among smokers and respondents displaying disordered eating behaviors. In contrast, alcohol and sunbed use were inversely correlated to body image discrepancy. Body mass index was the substantially strongest explanatory factor behind the observed variance in body image discrepancy, followed by loss-of-control eating. Notably, no major gender differences in body image perception were detected. Some unexpected patterns of association between variables other than body image perception, such as those between smoking, alcohol use, and sunbed use, were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the patterns differ substantially from what has previously been found in adolescent and young adult samples, indicating that the synergy and aggregation of risk behaviors observed among younger individuals may not apply to adults aged 30-66.

Symptoms of disordered eating among adult international adoptees: A population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: There is a paucity of data on disordered eating among adoptees. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence of symptoms of disordered eating and body image concerns among international adoptees in a large representative community survey on health-related behaviours. METHOD: Combining survey data from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort and Swedish population data, adult international adoptees were compared with total participant data to assess differences in disordered eating and body dissatisfaction. RESULTS: International adoptee women displayed significantly higher levels of self-induced vomiting, loss-of-control eating, food preoccupation, underweight, and wish for thinness compared with nonadoptee women, albeit with small or very small effect sizes. No significant differences were found in terms of mean body mass index, cognitive restraint, or emotional eating. CONCLUSION: International adoptee women were disproportionally affected on several measures of disordered eating, although the magnitude of these differences were generally small in absolute terms.

Trends in levels of self-reported psychological distress among individuals who seek psychiatric services over eight years: a comparison between age groups in three population surveys in Stockholm County.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric service use has increased in Sweden and in other developed countries, particularly among young people. Possible explanations include lower threshold for help-seeking among young people, but evidence is scarce. METHODS: We analysed the 2002, 2006 and 2010 Stockholm public health surveys for changes in the mean level of psychological distress among adult users of psychiatric in- and outpatient services in four age groups: 18-24, 25-44, 45-64 and ≥65 years. Psychological distress was measured via the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), using the Likert scoring method 0-1-2-3. In- and out-patient psychiatric service use within 6 months from the surveys was obtained from registers. RESULTS: The mean level of distress among young adults 18-24 years who utilize psychiatric services decreased between 2002 (mean GHQ-12 score, 95% confidence interval 20.5, 18.1-23.0) and 2010 (16.2, 14.6-17.7), while it remained fairly stable in older age groups. Results were similar in sex-stratified analyses, although the decrease was statistically significant only among young women 18-24 years. At the end of the follow-up, the level of distress among patients was similar for all age-groups. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences between age groups in the level of distress when seeking care at the end of the follow-up period, supporting that there is no age-specific over- or under-consumption of psychiatric care in later years. However, the lowered threshold for help-seeking among young adults over time might have contributed to increases in psychiatric service use in the young age group. Public health policy and service delivery planning should consider the needs of the widening group of young users of psychiatric services.

Use of Scandinavian moist smokeless tobacco (snus) and the risk of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Snus is a smokeless tobacco product, widely used among Swedish men and increasingly so elsewhere. There is debate as to whether snus is an acceptable "harm-reduction" tobacco product. Since snus use delivers a dose of nicotine equivalent to cigarettes, and has been implicated in cardiac arrhythmia because of associations with sudden cardiovascular death, a relation with atrial fibrillation is plausible and important to investigate. METHODS: To assess the relation between use of snus and risk of atrial fibrillation, we carried out a pooled analysis of 7 prospective Swedish cohort studies. In total, 274,882 men, recruited between 1978 and 2004, were followed via the National Patient Register for atrial fibrillation. Primary analyses were restricted to 127,907 never-smokers. Relative risks were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of snus use was 25% among never-smokers. During follow-up, 3,069 cases of atrial fibrillation were identified. The pooled relative risk of atrial fibrillation was 1.07 (95% confidence interval = 0.97-1.19) in current snus users, compared with nonusers. CONCLUSION: Findings from this large national pooling project indicate that snus use is unlikely to confer any important increase in risk of atrial fibrillation.

Migration background, eating disorder symptoms and healthcare service utilisation: findings from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort.

BACKGROUND: From a global perspective, eating disorders are increasingly common, probably because of societal transformation and improved detection. However, research on the impact of migration on the development of eating disorders is scarce, and previously reported results are conflicting. AIMS: To explore if eating disorder symptom prevalence varies according to birth region, parents' birth region and neighbourhood characteristics, and analyse if the observed patterns match the likelihood of being in specialist treatment. METHOD: This study uses data from a large population-based health survey (N = 47 662) among adults in Stockholm, Sweden. A general linear model for complex samples, including adjustment for gender and age, was used to explore self-reported eating disorder symptoms. Odds ratios were calculated for individual symptoms. RESULTS: Eating disorder symptoms are substantially more common in individuals born abroad, especially for migrants from a non-European country. This holds true for all surveyed symptoms, including restrictive eating (odds ratio 5.5, 95% CI 4.5-6.7), compensatory vomiting (odds ratio 6.1, 95% CI 4.6-8.0), loss-of-control eating (odds ratio 2.6, 95% CI 2.3-3.1) and preoccupation with food (odds ratio 2.3, 95% CI 1.9-2.8). Likewise, symptoms are more common in individuals with both parents born abroad and individuals living in districts with a high percentage of migrant residents. A gap exists between district-level symptom scores and the likelihood of being in specialist eating disorder treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings call for oversight of current outreach strategies, and highlight the need for efforts to reduce stigma and increase eating disorder symptom recognition in broader groups.

Use of snus and acute myocardial infarction: pooled analysis of eight prospective observational studies.

The use of snus (also referred to as Scandinavian or Swedish moist smokeless tobacco), which is common in Sweden and increasing elsewhere, is receiving increasing attention since considered a tobacco smoke "potential reduction exposure product". Snus delivers a high dose of nicotine with possible hemodynamic effects, but its impact on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate whether snus use is associated with risk of and survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Data from eight prospective cohort studies set in Sweden was pooled and reanalysed. The relative risk of first time AMI and 28-day case-fatality was calculated for 130,361 men who never smoked. During 2,262,333 person-years of follow-up, 3,390 incident events of AMI were identified. Current snus use was not associated with risk of AMI (pooled multivariable hazard ratio 1.04, 95 % confidence interval 0.93 to 1.17). The short-term case fatality rate appeared increased in snus users (odds ratio 1.28, 95 % confidence interval 0.99 to 1.68). This study does not support any association between use of snus and development of AMI. Hence, toxic components other than nicotine appear implicated in the pathophysiology of smoking related ischemic heart disease. Case fatality after AMI is seemingly increased among snus users, but this relationship may be due to confounding by socioeconomic or life style factors.

Consumption of fruit and vegetables and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a 4-year longitudinal study among Swedish adults.

A low intake of fruit and vegetables is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease. The aim of this study was to estimate the size of the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) of a low intake and to investigate possible sex differences. In this regard, this study used a longitudinal data from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort located in Sweden, collected in 2010 and 2014. The analysis included 14 718 men and 20 589 women aged 25 to 84 years. Fruit and vegetable intake, separately <2 servings/d or combined <4 servings/d (one serving corresponding to 100 g) was set as a cut-point for low intake. The sex difference at baseline was examined. Sex-stratified logistic regression was performed with onset of T2D as the outcome and fruit and vegetable intake at baseline as the exposure with adjustment for other known risk factors. Results indicate that men consumed significantly (P < 0⋅001) less fruit and vegetables compared with women. A 62 % higher risk to develop T2D over the 4-year period was observed in men who had low vegetable intake compared with high intake after adjusting for age, education, BMI, smoking, alcohol and physical activity (OR 1⋅62; 95 % CI 1⋅00, 2⋅63). In women, a significantly higher risk of T2D was also observed with a low intake of vegetables, but not after adjustment. The present study suggests that higher consumption of vegetables seems to be protective for the onset of T2D in men. Thus, increasing the intake of vegetables in men should be a public health priority.

Prevalence of Voice Disorders in the General Population, Based on the Stockholm Public Health Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of voice disorders in the general population. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of data from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort. METHODS: A public health survey was distributed to an open cohort of 114,538 adults >18 years of age in the area of Stockholm County, Sweden. The survey included one question about voice problems, estimating the extent of occurrence of voice problems, excluding voice problems during colds/upper airway infections. The question was tested for validity and reliability in n = 166 voice healthy individuals and n = 183 patients with benign voice lesions. The construct validity was tested against two established self-assessment questionnaires. The question was established to correspond to tiring, strain, and hoarseness. Prevalence of voice problems and correlations with age, gender, occupation, hearing, smoking, and socio-economic status were calculated. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of voice disorders in the entire group was estimated to 16.9%, where 15.5% voice problems were rated to occur to a small extent and 1.4% to a great extent. Women were significantly more prone to report voice problems than men. The highest ratings of a great extent of voice problems were found in both women and men >85 years of age. As for occupation, the highest prevalence of voice problems was found in teaching and service occupations. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of voice problems was estimated to 16.9% in the entire group. Women reported significantly more voice problems than men and voice problems were significantly more common in ages >65. This study of self-reported voice problems in a general population is one of the largest of its kind.

Is cumulative exposure to economic hardships more hazardous to women's health than men's? A 16-year follow-up study of the Swedish Survey of Living Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has shown an association between cumulative economic hardships and various health outcomes. However, the cumulative effects of economic hardships in regard to gender differences have not been given enough attention. METHODS: 1981 women and 1799 men were followed up over a period of 16 years (1981-1997), using data from the Swedish Survey of Living Conditions panel study. The temporal association between economic hardships and self-rated health, psychological distress and musculoskeletal disorders was analysed. RESULTS: A dose-response effect on women's health was observed with increasing scores of cumulative exposure to financial stress but not with low income. Women exposed to financial stress at both T(1) and T(2) had an increased risk of 1.4-1.6 for all health measures compared with those who were not exposed. A similar consistent dose-response effect was not observed among men. CONCLUSIONS: There is a temporal relationship between cumulative economic hardships and health outcomes, and health effects differ by gender. Financial stress seems to be a stronger predictor of poor health outcomes than low income, particularly among women. Policies geared towards reducing health inequalities should recognise that long-term exposure to economic hardships damages health, and actions need to be taken with a gender perspective.

Work load and work hours in relation to disturbed sleep and fatigue in a large representative sample.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between work and background factors on the one hand and disturbed sleep and fatigue on the other. METHOD: A representative national sample of 58,115 individuals was selected at regular intervals over a period of 20 years and interviewed on issues related to work and health. The data were subjected to a multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The number of cases was 18,828 (32.8%) for fatigue and 7347 (12.8%) for disturbed sleep. For disturbed sleep, the significant predictors became: female gender, age above 49 years, present illness, hectic work, physically strenuous work, and shift work. For fatigue, the significant predictors became female gender, age below 49 years, high socioeconomic status, present illness, hectic work, overtime work, and physically strenuous work. CONCLUSION: Work stress, shift work, and physical workload interfere with sleep and are related to fatigue.

Ischemic heart disease in female cleaners.

Review of the literature regarding ischemic heart disease (IHD) among female cleaners in Medline and NIOSHTIC for 1990-2001 yielded one specifically relevant study, three surveys of several occupations, and one case-referent study. All showed minor increases of standardized mortality ratios or relative risks regarding diseases of the circulatory system, IHD, or myocardial infarction among female cleaners. Many determinants might explain the female cleaners' increased risk for IHD, e.g., imbalances regarding job strain and effort-reward, anxiety and depression, periodontal disease, smoking habits and air pollutants. These factors need further exploration.

School performance and the risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults: population-based study.

Although low school performance is related to attempted and completed suicide, its relationship with suicidal thoughts has been less clear. We conducted a population-based study including 10081 individuals aged 18-29 years in Stockholm, Sweden, and found a clear positive gradient in the risk of lifetime suicidal thoughts with decreasing levels of compulsory school leaving grades. This relationship was somewhat attenuated but remained significant in multivariate models accounting for family background, severe adult psychopathology and adult socioeconomic conditions. School failure is associated with an increased risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts and may also increase the tendency of acting upon them.

Cohort profile: The Stockholm Public Health Cohort.

The Stockholm Public Health Cohort was set up within the Stockholm County Council public health surveys to inform on determinants and consequences of significant contributors to the current burden of disease. Participants are 89 268 randomly selected individuals from the adult population of Stockholm County. Baseline surveys took place in 2002, 2006 and 2010 via self-administered questionnaires. So far, participants recruited in 2002 were re-surveyed twice, in 2007 and 2010, and those enrolled in 2006 were re-surveyed once, in 2010. Self-reported data are regularly supplemented by information from national and regional health data and administrative registers, for study participants and their relatives (including their offspring). Available data are extensive and include a wide array of health, lifestyle, perinatal, demographic, socio-economic and familial factors. The cohort is an international resource for epidemiological research, and the data available to the research community for specific studies obtained approval from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort Steering Committee and the Stockholm Regional Ethical Review Board.

Immigration, transition into adult life and social adversity in relation to psychological distress and suicide attempts among young adults.

BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of mental health problems among young people is a major concern in many Western countries. The causal mechanisms underlying these trends are not well established, but factors influenced by current societal changes ought to be implicated. Such factors include immigration and social adversity as well as the timing of taking on adult social roles (e.g. gainful employment, parenthood and own housing tenure). We therefore examined relationships between these factors and the risks of psychological distress as well as suicide attempts in young adults, with a focus on gender differences. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study including 10,081 individuals aged 18-29, recruited in 2002 and 2006 in Stockholm, Sweden. Data were collected by record linkage and questionnaires. RESULTS: Non-European immigrants had an increased risk of distress, and female non-European immigrants had a markedly higher risk of suicide attempts. Both early parenthood (≤ 24 years) and not being a parent, being a student and the lack of own housing tenure were associated with distress, but only in women. In both sexes, financial strain was associated with the increased risk of distress and suicide attempts, while unemployment was only associated with distress. CONCLUSIONS: Immigration from outside Europe and social adversity are associated with mental health problems in young adults, especially females. Postponed transition into adulthood is associated with poor mental health in young women. These factors are influenced by current societal changes, and may have contributed to the increasing incidence of mental health problems among young people in Western countries.

Who takes paternity leave? A cohort study on prior social and health characteristics among fathers in Stockholm.

Progress towards gender equality involves changes in the traditional parental division - female caring and male breadwinning. One aspect is increased parental leave for fathers, which may benefit the health of mothers, children, and fathers themselves. We examined how social and health characteristics (2002) were associated with paternity leave in excess of the 'father quota' of 60 days (2003-2006) in the Stockholm Public Health Cohort. Generally, fathers with stable social position, fit lifestyles, and good health had increased chances of paternity leave uptake. Our findings may contribute to identifying target groups for parental leave strategies among fathers; they indicate also that research on gender equality and public health must carefully address the problems of confounding and health-related selection.