Geographic variation and socio-demographic determinants of the co-occurrence of risky health behaviours in 27 European Union member states.

BACKGROUND: Risky health behaviours such as tobacco and alcohol abuse, physical inactivity and poor diet may play an important role in disease development. The aim of the present study was to assess the geographical distribution and socio-demographic determinants of risky health-related behaviours in 27 member states (MSs) of the European Union (EU). METHODS: Data from the 2009 Eurobarometer survey (wave 72.3; n = 26 788) were analysed. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity and fruit consumption were assessed through a self-reported questionnaire provided to participants from 27 EU MSs. Within the analyses, participants with three or more lifestyle risk factors were classified as individuals with co-occurrence of risk factors. RESULTS: Among respondents aged 15 or older, 28.2% had none of the aforementioned behavioural risk factors, whereas 9.9% had three or more lifestyle risk factors. Males [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.50; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.17-2.88] and respondents of middle (aOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.36-1.89) or lower income (aOR = 2.63; 95% CI: 2.12-3.26) were more likely to report co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors, as well as respondents in Northern (aOR = 1.43; 95% CI: 1.14-1.78), Western (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.06-1.56) and Eastern Europe (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.06-1.55), when compared with Southern European respondents. CONCLUSIONS: The above analyses indicate significant geographical and social variation in the distribution of the co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors for disease development.

A global assessment of knowledge of dental students about nicotine replacement therapy: findings from 43 countries.

OBJECTIVES: Knowledge of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a competency that is expected from receiving training in the treatment for tobacco dependence. This study therefore assessed the knowledge of dental students in 43 countries about NRT. METHODS: The 2005-2011 dental Global Health Professions Student Survey data were analysed for 13,040 third-year dental students from 43 countries. Knowledge about NRT was self-reported and country-specific prevalence estimates were calculated. To assess for correlates of knowledge about NRT amongst dental students, a multivariate logistic regression model was fitted (P < 0.05), with pooled data from all 43 countries. The model assessed for geographical location, gross national income, tobacco cessation training in school, sex, current tobacco use and survey year. RESULTS: Amongst all dental students, the proportion that knew about NRT ranged from 37.0% (Mongolia) to 97.6% (Slovakia). The odds of knowing about NRT were lower amongst dental students in the Eastern Mediterranean region (aOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34-0.79) compared to those in the European region. Dental students in upper-middle-income (aOR = 2.46; 95% CI: 1.57-3.85) and high-income countries (aOR=4.55; 95% CI: 2.28-9.09) both had higher odds of knowing about NRT compared to dental students in low-income countries. Also, current use of any tobacco product and receipt of tobacco cessation training in school were both associated with higher likelihood of knowing about NRT. No significant gender differences in knowledge of NRT were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of dental students in several countries knew about NRT. However, disparities in knowledge existed across regions. Enhanced efforts are needed to formally train dental students on tobacco cessation techniques.