Review
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Niamh Kelly, Lewis Winning, Christopher Irwin, Fionnuala T. Lundy, Dermot Linden, Lorcan McGarvey, Gerard J. Linden, Ikhlas A. El Karim
Summary: This systematic review explores the association between poor periodontal health and frequency of COPD exacerbations. Research suggests that periodontal treatment can reduce exacerbation frequency in COPD patients, leading to improved quality of life.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Florian Beese, Julia Waldhauer, Lina Wollgast, Timo-Kolja Pfoertner, Morten Wahrendorf, Sebastian Haller, Jens Hoebel, Benjamin Wachtler
Summary: This study found that socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 outcomes remained stable or increased over the course of the pandemic, with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations being the most affected. Furthermore, the study revealed temporal dynamics in these inequalities, with higher COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates initially observed in better-off populations and subsequently crossing over to higher rates in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations (in 41.9% of all analyses).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Pamela Gongora-Salazar, Maria Sofia Casabianca, Paul Rodriguez-Lesmes
Summary: The negative association between income inequality and health is present across all income quintiles in Colombia, indicating that reducing income disparities can potentially contribute to improving individual's health. However, the magnitude of this association may decrease when using inequality measures with greater sensitivity to income differences among the rich.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR EQUITY IN HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Cheryl R. Clark, Mark J. Ommerborn, Kaitlyn Moran, Katherine Brooks, Jennifer Haas, David W. Bates, Adam Wright
Summary: Using machine learning algorithms to predict self-rated health, our study found that socioeconomic factors are important predictors in mid-life populations.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marijke Veenstra, Marja Aartsen
Summary: This study aims to explore the impact of income over the life course, finding significant associations between persistent low income and decreased self-rated health in later life.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Emily A. Greenfield, Sara Moorman, Annika Rieger
Summary: This study utilized data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study to investigate the relationship between childhood socioeconomic status and older adults' cognition. The findings suggest that adolescent scholastic performance and midlife status attainment mediate the association between childhood SES and later-life cognition, highlighting the importance of considering multiple factors across the life course when examining cognitive health.
JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES B-PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Economics
Martyna Kobus, Radoslaw Kurek
Summary: We propose new methods to measure socioeconomic inequalities in health based on dominance ordering and measures that consider both between-group heterogeneity and within-group homogeneity. We demonstrate that accounting for increased bipolarity substantially increases the level of inequality but does not affect country rankings.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xueqing Zhang, Gerry Veenstra
Summary: This study used data from the 2017 Chinese General Social Survey to investigate how Chinese parents use their socioeconomic resources to facilitate their children's acquisition of socioeconomic resources, and how this in turn affects the self-rated health of the adult children. The results showed that the father's type of work unit and membership in the Chinese Communist Party were not independently associated with survey respondents' self-rated health. However, father's education was associated with the self-rated health of women, especially younger women, and self-reported childhood social class was associated with the self-rated health of men and older women, particularly younger men. Personal socioeconomic resources played a significant role in explaining the associations between father's education and self-rated health among younger women, as well as between self-reported childhood social class and self-rated health among younger men.
SSM-POPULATION HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Marina Guecamburu, Anaelle Coquelin, Amandine Rapin, Nelly Le Guen, Agnes Solomiac, Pauline Henrot, Marie Erbault, Sandrine Morin, Maeva Zysman
Summary: This study using the French nationally exhaustive health insurance database shows that the uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation after a severe COPD exacerbation is remarkably low and must become a high-priority management strategy.
RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ahmed Nabil Shaaban, Maria Rosario O. Martins, Barbara Peleteiro
Summary: This study aims to identify factors influencing self-perceived health status among a representative sample in Portugal. The findings indicate that factors such as gender, age, educational level, income, employment status, healthcare utilization, mental health, and social support are significantly associated with poor/very poor self-perceived health status.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hafifa Siddiq, Babak Najand
Summary: Socioeconomic status indicators have a protective effect on health, but this effect is less pronounced for marginalized groups, including immigrants. This study examined the effects of education, income, and parental education on self-rated health in immigrant and native-born individuals, finding differences in the impact of these indicators between the two groups.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chien -Yu Lin, Manoj Chandrabose, Nyssa Hadgraft, Sungkavi Selvakumaran, Neville Owen, Koichiro Oka, Ai Shibata, Takemi Sugiyama
Summary: This study examined the potential mediating roles of domain-specific physical activities and sedentary behaviors in the relationship between area-level socioeconomic status (SES) and cardiometabolic risk. The results showed that higher SES was associated with a lower cardiometabolic risk score, while lower SES was associated with less frequent walking, lower recreational physical activity, and higher TV viewing, all of which were associated with higher CCR scores. This study suggests that physical activities and sedentary behaviors may partially explain the relationship between SES and cardiometabolic risk.
ANNALS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jakob Dirksen, Monica Pinilla-Roncancio, Fernando C. Wehrmeister, Leonardo Z. Ferreira, Luis Paulo Vidaletti, Katherine Kirkby, Theadora Swift Koller, Anne Schlotheuber, Heriberto Tapia, Cecilia Vidal Fuertes, Sabina Alkire, Aluisio J. D. Barros, Ahmad Reza Hosseinpoor
Summary: This article introduces a new measure of socioeconomic deprivation status (SDS) and demonstrates its negative association with health indicators. The SDS measure allows for breakdown and decomposition of different dimensions and components, facilitating in-depth analysis of health inequalities and their correlates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR EQUITY IN HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hirokazu Tanaka, Johan P. Mackenbach, Yasuki Kobayashi
Summary: Despite high life expectancy in Japan, there is relatively poor self-rated health compared to other high-income countries. Trends and socioeconomic inequalities in self-rated health were studied using nationally representative data, revealing variations over time and between socioeconomic groups. In-depth studies on the role of socioeconomic conditions may help explain the high prevalence of poor self-rated health in Japan.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kamelia Mollestam, Martin Englund, Isam Atroshi
Summary: This study found a significant association between clinically relevant CTS and type of work and education level, with a dose-response pattern between increasing manual work load and lower education level in both women and men. These findings could be important in designing and implementing preventive measures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Letter
Health Care Sciences & Services
C. Mary Schooling, McKaylee M. Robertson, Heidi E. Jones
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Baoting He, Albert M. Li, Man Ki Kwok, Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Gabriel M. Leung, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: The study found that rapid infant and pubertal growth were associated with disproportionate lung and airway growth, as well as increased risk of asthma.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Guoyi Yang, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: Mendelian randomization analysis showed that commonly used lipid modifiers, such as statins and ezetimibe, may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, with a significant mediation effect by higher BMI. However, no significant associations were found between PCSK9 inhibitors and type 2 diabetes risk or BMI.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Guoyi Yang, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: In this study, the associations of apoB, TG, and Lp(a) with type 2 diabetes and metabolic traits were examined using Mendelian randomization (MR). The results showed that apoB and Lp(a) had little association with type 2 diabetes and metabolic traits, while higher TG levels were associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and higher glycemic traits, especially in women. The study also found that sex hormones may play a role in the relationship between TG and type 2 diabetes.
CARDIOVASCULAR DIABETOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ying Yue Huang, Wei Sen Zhang, Chao Qiang Jiang, Feng Zhu, Ya Li Jin, Kar Keung Cheng, Tai Hing Lam, Lin Xu
Summary: We have shown for the first time using MR and conventional multivariable linear regression that higher BMI causes vitamin D deficiency in Chinese. Our findings emphasize the importance of weight control and suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be needed in individuals with overweight or obesity.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shiu Lun Au Yeung, Maria Carolina Borges, Tommy Hon Ting Wong, Deborah A. Lawlor, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: A study using Mendelian randomization (MR) found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is likely to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in both Europeans and East Asians. Additionally, there may be differential effects on coronary artery disease (CAD) between Europeans and East Asians.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kathy Leung, Eric H. Y. Lau, Carlos K. H. Wong, Gabriel M. Leung, Joseph T. Wu
Summary: We tracked the effective reproduction number (R-t) of the Omicron BF.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in Beijing from November to December 2022. After China's shift from the zero-COVID policy, R-t increased to 3.44, and the infection incidence peaked on December 11. The cumulative infection attack rate in Beijing was estimated to be 75.7% on December 22, 2022, and 92.3% on January 31, 2023.
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
C. M. Schooling, J. V. Zhao
Summary: This review summarizes the causal risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) using Mendelian randomization (MR) to obtain unbiased estimates. MR studies confirm the role of major CVD risk factors and provide insights into the linear relation with alcohol, the importance of diastolic blood pressure, and the major target lipid apolipoprotein B. However, identifying a healthy diet and the role of early life influences remains challenging. The use of MR has helped validate intervention targets for CVD, and incorporating more global diversity and an overarching framework would enhance the informativeness of MR studies.
CURRENT CARDIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
C. Mary Schooling, Kezhen Fei, Mary Beth Terry
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tim K. Tsang, Ranawaka A. P. M. Perera, Vicky J. Fang, Jessica Y. Wong, Eunice Y. Shiu, Hau Chi So, Dennis K. M. Ip, J. S. Malik Peiris, Gabriel M. Leung, Benjamin J. Cowling, Simon Cauchemez
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jack C. M. Ng, C. Mary Schooling
Summary: Observationally, the association between basal metabolic rate (BMR) and mortality is uncertain. This study used Mendelian randomization methods to examine the causal effect of BMR on parental attained age. The results suggest that higher BMR may reduce lifespan, particularly in women.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Jie Zhao, Bohan Fan, Jian Huang, Benjamin John Cowling, Shiu Lun Ryan Au Yeung, Andrea Baccarelli, Gabriel M. Leung, C. Mary Schooling, Sihoon Lee
Summary: Through an environment-wide association study and an epigenome-wide association study, this research systematically assessed the factors associated with obesity at the onset and end of puberty. The study identified several factors, such as maternal second-hand smoking, maternal weight, and birth weight, that were consistently associated with obesity. It also found that factors like diet, physical activity, snoring, binge eating, and earlier puberty were positively associated with BMI at the end of puberty. These findings provide important information for future interventions to improve population health in Hong Kong and similar Chinese settings.
Article
Substance Abuse
Ying Yao, Derek Yee Tak Cheung, Tzu Tsun Luk, Tai Hing Lam, Yongda Socrates Wu, Man Ping Wang
Summary: Smoking behaviors have changed due to the perceived risk of COVID-19 infection. More smokers have reduced smoking on the streets than at home. The perceived increased susceptibility to COVID-19 due to smoking is associated with smoking reduction at home but not on the streets.
TOBACCO INDUCED DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
C. Mary Schooling, Man Ki Kwok, Jie Zhao
Summary: This study used uni- and multi-variable Mendelian randomization to assess the association between major fatty acids and their sub-species and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) overall and sex-specifically, as well as lifespan sex-specifically. The results showed a negative association between PUFAs and IHD and lifespan in men, while no association was found in women. Similar findings were observed for omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid. The independent associations of SFAs, mono-unsaturated fatty acids, or omega-3 fatty acids with IHD or lifespan were limited. In conclusion, specific subspecies of PUFAs may contribute to disparities in lifespan by sex, and sex-specific dietary advice could help address these inequities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Carlos King Ho Wong, Lung Yi Mak, Ivan Chi Ho Au, Wing Yiu Cheng, Ching Hei So, Kristy Tsz Kwan Lau, Eric Ho Yin Lau, Benjamin J. Cowling, Gabriel M. Leung, Man Fung Yuen
Summary: A self-controlled case-series study was conducted to evaluate the risk and severity of acute liver injury (ALI) associated with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment for COVID-19. The study found that the risk of ALI was elevated before treatment initiation but not during the five-day treatment period. ALI cases in nirmatrelvir/ritonavir users were generally less severe than those in non-users and had a lower risk of all-cause death.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Samantha Horn, Yana Litovsky, George Loewenstein
Summary: This study suggests that curiosity can be a useful tool in increasing demand for and engagement with aversive health information. By manipulating curiosity through various methods, researchers found that participants were more likely to view and engage with information about their drinking habits, cancer risk, and the sugar content in drinks. Overall, curiosity prompts provide a simple and effective way to increase engagement with aversive health information.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sandra Gillner
Summary: Despite high expectations, the extensive and rapid adoption of AI in medical diagnostics has not been realized. This study investigates the perception and navigation of AI providers in complex healthcare systems, revealing their self-organization to increase adaptability and the practices utilized to mitigate tensions within the healthcare subsystems.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Fabian Duartea, Alvaro Jimenez-Molina
Summary: This study found that violence related to social protest has a significant impact on depressive symptoms, leading to an increase in depression among the population in Chile. The effect varies by gender and age, with a stronger influence on men and young adults.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nick Graetz, Carl Gershenson, Sonya R. Porter, Danielle H. Sandler, Emily Lemmerman, Matthew Desmond
Summary: Investments in stable, affordable housing may be an important tool for improving population health. This study, using administrative data, found that high rent burden, increases in rent burden during midlife, and evictions were associated with increased mortality.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Wan Wei
Summary: This study explores the phenomenon of other patient participation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), uncovering the various roles that third parties can assume during medical interactions. The findings contribute to existing research on patient resistance and triadic medical interactions, providing insights into the dynamics and implications of third-party involvement in medical consultations.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Harry Scarbrough, Katie Rose M. Sanfilippo, Alexandra Ziemann, Charitini Stavropoulou
Summary: This paper examines the contribution of pilot implementation studies to the wider spread and sustainability of innovation in healthcare systems. Through an empirical examination of an innovation intermediary organization in the English NHS, the study finds that their work in mobilizing pilot-based evidence involves configuring to context, transitioning evidence, and managing the transition. The findings contribute to theory by showing how intermediary roles can support the effective transitioning of pilot-based evidence, leading to more widespread adoption and sustainability of innovation.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Marta Seiz, Leire Salazar, Tatiana Eremenko
Summary: This study examines the impact of maternal educational selection on birth outcomes during an economic recession, and finds that more educated mothers are more likely to give birth during high unemployment periods. Additionally, maternal education mitigates the adverse effects of unemployment on birth outcomes and is consistently associated with better perinatal health.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jingyuan Shi, Hye Kyung Kim, Charles T. Salmon, Edson C. Tandoc Jr, Zhang Hao Goh
Summary: This study examines the influence of individual and collective norms on COVID-19 vaccination intention across eight Asian countries. The findings reveal nuanced patterns of how individual and collective social norms influence health behavioral decisions, depending on the degree of cultural tightness-looseness.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Elliot Friedman, Melissa Franks, Elizabeth Teas, Patricia A. Thomas
Summary: This study found that positive relations with others have a significant impact on functional limitations and longevity in aging adults, independent of social integration and social support.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zhuolin Pan, Yuqi Liu, Ye Liu, Ziwen Huo, Wenchao Han
Summary: This study examines the effects of age-friendly neighbourhood environment and functional abilities on life satisfaction among older adults in urban China. The findings highlight the importance of transportation, housing, and social and physical environment factors in influencing functional abilities and life satisfaction. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers in enhancing older adults' life satisfaction in the Chinese urban context.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2024)