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Voluntary Unemployment Is Associated With Increased Prevalence of Stroke and its Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Adults. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e672-e676. [PMID: 35941742 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to investigate the association between the prevalence of stroke, its risk factors, and occupational status, with a differentiation between voluntary and involuntary unemployment. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study, which included 3013 individuals aged 40 to 65 years. We compared the prevalence of stroke, comorbidities, self-reported stroke-like symptoms, healthy behaviors, and knowledge about stroke among the voluntarily and involuntarily unemployed versus the employed. RESULTS Voluntary unemployment was associated with increased chances of stroke (odds ratio [OR], 1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-3.57), hypertension (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.32), diabetes (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.35), and obesity (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.05-1.29). Involuntary job loss was associated with increased odds of hypertension (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.16-2.50) and more frequent self-reported stroke-like symptoms. CONCLUSIONS We found higher chances of stroke among the voluntarily unemployed middle-aged adults, presumably because of increased prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.
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Acevedo P, Mora-Urda AI, Montero P. Social inequalities in health: duration of unemployment unevenly effects on the health of men and women. Eur J Public Health 2019; 30:305-310. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackgroundEmployment status is an important determinant of health inequalities. The aim of this article is to analyze the association between duration of unemployment and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, self-perception of health and presence of depression and anxiety, assessing differences in the effects of unemployment by sex and age.MethodsThe sample was composed of 12 123 people (52.4% men), 18 to 74 years old (mean age= 43.5 years, SD = 10.4). Logistic regression analyses were used to study the influence of duration of unemployment on health (‘0 days’, ‘≤11 months’ and ‘≥12 months’). Sex, age, level of education, employment status and time spent unemployed, as well as tobacco and alcohol use and physical activity, were considered. Morbidity variables were hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, depression and anxiety, and a subjective health assessment.ResultsThe results showed both unemployed men and women had worse outcome in health compared with their active counterparts. The risk of hypertension was presented in long-term unemployed men, which had 1.3 times more likely to suffer from hypertension. The risk of obesity was presented only in unemployed women, which had 1.5 times more risk of obesity, doubling the risk (OR= 2.2) among women under age 40. The unemployment had a protective effect against anxiety among younger women (OR = 0.53)ConclusionIt has been observed a different influence of unemployment time on men and women’s health. The employment status should be considered in public health policy agendas with the purpose of reducing inequalities in health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Acevedo
- Physical Anthropology, Biology Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Mora-Urda
- Physical Anthropology, Biology Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Montero
- Physical Anthropology, Biology Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Soliman EZ, Zhang ZM, Judd S, Howard VJ, Howard G. Comparison of Risk of Atrial Fibrillation Among Employed Versus Unemployed (from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study). Am J Cardiol 2017; 120:1298-1301. [PMID: 28822561 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Involuntary unemployment due to job loss has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. Whether it also is associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) is currently unknown. Therefore, we examined this association in 8,812 participants residing mainly in the Southeastern United States (mean age 58.1 ± 7.8 years; 63.2%; women; 43.2% black) with data on employment status who were enrolled in the REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke study between 2003 and 2007 after excluding those with voluntary unemployment (retiree, homemakers, and students). AF was identified by electrocardiogram and past medical history at the same period. The cross-sectional association between status and type of unemployment with AF was examined in multivariable logistic regression models. Additional analysis in 4,273 participants without baseline AF and with data on incident AF collected in a follow-up visit occurred after a median of 9.4 years from baseline was also conducted. In a model adjusted for socio-demographics, health insurance, income, perceived stress, and cardiovascular risk factors, unemployment was associated with 60% increased odds of AF (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.60 (1.24, 2.07)). This association was consistent in subgroups stratified by median age, gender, race, education, income, and health insurance status. Similarly, unemployment was associated with AF in those without AF at baseline who developed incident AF (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.54 (1.04, 2.37)). In conclusion, involuntary unemployment is associated with increased risk of AF. This may call for considering socioeconomic determinants such as unemployment as part of the preventive strategies for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsayed Z Soliman
- Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center (EPICARE), Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Cardiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
| | - Zhu-Ming Zhang
- Epidemiological Cardiology Research Center (EPICARE), Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Suzanne Judd
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Virginia J Howard
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - George Howard
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Roelfs DJ, Shor E, Blank A, Schwartz JE. Misery loves company? A meta-regression examining aggregate unemployment rates and the unemployment-mortality association. Ann Epidemiol 2015; 25:312-22. [PMID: 25795225 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Individual-level unemployment has been consistently linked to poor health and higher mortality, but some scholars have suggested that the negative effect of job loss may be lower during times and in places where aggregate unemployment rates are high. We review three logics associated with this moderation hypothesis: health selection, social isolation, and unemployment stigma. We then test whether aggregate unemployment rates moderate the individual-level association between unemployment and all-cause mortality. METHODS We use six meta-regression models (each using a different measure of the aggregate unemployment rate) based on 62 relative all-cause mortality risk estimates from 36 studies (from 15 nations). RESULTS We find that the magnitude of the individual-level unemployment-mortality association is approximately the same during periods of high and low aggregate-level unemployment. Model coefficients (exponentiated) were 1.01 for the crude unemployment rate (P = .27), 0.94 for the change in unemployment rate from the previous year (P = .46), 1.01 for the deviation of the unemployment rate from the 5-year running average (P = .87), 1.01 for the deviation of the unemployment rate from the 10-year running average (P = .73), 1.01 for the deviation of the unemployment rate from the overall average (measured as a continuous variable; P = .61), and showed no variation across unemployment levels when the deviation of the unemployment rate from the overall average was measured categorically. Heterogeneity between studies was significant (P < .001), supporting the use of the random effects model. CONCLUSIONS We found no strong evidence to suggest that unemployment experiences change when macroeconomic conditions change. Efforts to ameliorate the negative social and economic consequences of unemployment should continue to focus on the individual and should be maintained regardless of periodic changes in macroeconomic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Roelfs
- Department of Sociology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.
| | - Eran Shor
- Department of Sociology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Aharon Blank
- Department of Sociology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Zagożdżon P, Parszuto J, Wrotkowska M, Dydjow-Bendek D. Effect of unemployment on cardiovascular risk factors and mental health. Occup Med (Lond) 2014; 64:436-41. [PMID: 24727560 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqu044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the economic changes in Poland, increasing health discrepancies were observed during a period of 20 years, which may be partly attributable to the consequences of unemployment. AIMS To assess the association between unemployment, major cardiovascular risk factors and mental health. METHODS A cross-sectional study in which data were collected between 2009 and 2010 during preventive health examinations by an occupational medicine service in Gdansk, Poland. Data on blood pressure, resting heart rate, information about smoking habits, body mass index and history of use of mental health services were collected during these assessments. Multiple logistic regression was used during data analysis to adjust for age, gender, education and length of employment. RESULTS Study participants comprised 3052 unemployed and 2059 employed individuals. After adjustment for age, gender, education and number of previous employments, the odds ratio (OR) for hypertension in relation to unemployment was 1.02 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.84-1.23]. There was a statistically significant negative association between being overweight and unemployment (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.66-0.99). Smoking was positively associated with unemployment after adjustment for age and sex (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25-1.67). There was a positive relationship between mental ill-health and unemployment among study participants (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 0.91-4.65), but this was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The patterns of major cardiovascular risk factors differed between unemployed and employed individuals in Poland. Our observations suggest employment status is a predictor of specific disease risk profiles; consequently, specific preventive measures are needed in unemployed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Zagożdżon
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia 81-519, Poland,
| | - J Parszuto
- Regional Occupational Medicine Center, Gdansk 80-887, Poland
| | - M Wrotkowska
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia 81-519, Poland
| | - D Dydjow-Bendek
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdynia 81-519, Poland
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Lundin A, Falkstedt D, Lundberg I, Hemmingsson T. Unemployment and coronary heart disease among middle-aged men in Sweden: 39 243 men followed for 8 years. Occup Environ Med 2014; 71:183-8. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Leist AK, Glymour MM, Mackenbach JP, van Lenthe FJ, Avendano M. Time away from work predicts later cognitive function: differences by activity during leave. Ann Epidemiol 2013; 23:455-62. [PMID: 23889855 PMCID: PMC3832060 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2013.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We sought to examine how different activities performed during employment gaps are associated with later cognitive function and change. METHODS Five cognitive measures were used to indicate cognitive impairment of 18,259 respondents to the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (ages 50-73) in 2004/5 or 2006/7. Using complete employment histories, employment gaps of ≥6 months between ages 25 and 65 were identified. RESULTS Controlling for early life socioeconomic status, school performance, and education, higher risk of cognitive impairment was associated with employment gaps described as unemployment (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-1.35) and sickness (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.52-2.09). In contrast, lower risk of cognitive impairment was associated with employment gaps described as training (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52-1.01) or maternity leave (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.57-0.79). In longitudinal mixed effects models, training and maternity leave were associated with lower 2-year aging-related cognitive decline. DISCUSSION Periods away from work described as unemployment or sickness are associated with lower cognitive function, whereas maternity and training leaves are associated with better late-life cognitive function. Both causation and selection mechanisms may explain these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja K Leist
- Faculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Education, University of Luxembourg, Walferdange, Luxembourg.
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Modrek S, Stuckler D, McKee M, Cullen MR, Basu S. A Review of Health Consequences of Recessions Internationally and a Synthesis of the US Response during the Great Recession. Public Health Rev 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03391695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Socioeconomic inequalities in occupational, leisure-time, and transport related physical activity among European adults: a systematic review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2012; 9:116. [PMID: 22992350 PMCID: PMC3491027 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-9-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study systematically reviewed the evidence pertaining to socioeconomic inequalities in different domains of physical activity (PA) by European region. Methods Studies conducted between January 2000 and December 2010 were identified by a systematic search in Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Psychinfo, Sportdiscus, Sociological Abstracts, and Social Service Abstracts. English-language peer-reviewed studies undertaken in the general population of adults (18–65 years) were classified by domain of PA (total, leisure-time including sport, occupational, active transport), indicator of socioeconomic position (education, income, occupation), and European region. Distributions of reported positive, negative, and null associations were evaluated. Results A total of 131 studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted in Scandinavia (n = 47). Leisure-time PA was the most frequently studied PA outcome (n = 112). Considerable differences in the direction of inequalities were seen for the different domains of PA. Most studies reported that those with high socioeconomic position were more physically active during leisure-time compared to those with low socioeconomic position (68% positive associations for total leisure-time PA, 76% for vigorous leisure-time PA). Occupational PA was more prevalent among the lower socioeconomic groups (63% negative associations). Socioeconomic differences in total PA and active transport PA did not show a consistent pattern (40% and 38% positive associations respectively). Some inequalities differed by European region or socioeconomic indicator, however these differences were not very pronounced. Conclusions The direction of socioeconomic inequalities in PA in Europe differed considerably by domain of PA. The contradictory results for total PA may partly be explained by contrasting socioeconomic patterns for leisure-time PA and occupational PA.
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The impact of unemployment on heart rate variability: the evidence from the Czech Republic. Biol Psychol 2012; 91:238-44. [PMID: 22789730 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We examined the relationship between unemployment and heart rate variability (HRV) in a region of high unemployment in the Czech Republic. The study involved 21 involuntarily unemployed and 21 employed men and women aged 30-49 years, matched on number of potentially confounding factors, including age, gender, type of job, health related behavior and body mass index. HRV was assessed in response to a modified orthostatic test. Compared with the employed group, unemployed participants had decreased high frequency HRV (p=0.018), lower root mean square of successive differences (p=0.050), and lower total spectral variability (p=0.022). These findings suggest that unemployment is a potential chronic stressor that may lead to suppression of vagal activity. This may be one mechanism linking unemployment with cardiovascular disease risk.
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Le C, Jun D, Yichun L, Zhankun S, Keying Z. Multilevel analysis of the determinants of pre-hypertension and hypertension in rural southwest China. Public Health Rep 2011; 126:420-7. [PMID: 21553671 DOI: 10.1177/003335491112600316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cai Le
- Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health at Kunming Medical University, China.
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Hewitt S, Graff-Iversen S. Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in disability pensioners aged 40--42 years: a cross-sectional study in Norway. Scand J Public Health 2009; 37:280-6. [PMID: 19181824 DOI: 10.1177/1403494808101177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Few disability pensions at the age of 40 in Norway are granted due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) or diabetes, but disability pensioners have an excess mortality of these diseases. In this study, we aim to present risk factors for CVD and diabetes in young disability pensioners, compared with persons able to work. METHODS A population-based survey of Norwegian men and women aged 40-42 years was conducted in 1997-1999, with 62,778 participants. Disability pensioners (n= 2636) and other non-working persons (n = 5105) were compared with persons able to work. Risk factors were compared in persons without CVD and diabetes. RESULTS Prevalence of self-reported CVD and diabetes was markedly higher in disability pensioners than in persons able to work. In persons without these diseases, we found elevations of all measured risk factors were more prevalent in disabled men and women. Myocardial infarction risk was about 50% higher in disability pensioners. Disability pensioners were more physically inactive and obese; they smoked more and had lipid disorders with elevated total cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein (hdl)-cholesterol and elevated triglycerides. Other non-working persons had less pronounced elevations of most of the risk factors. CONCLUSIONS A high proportion of disability pensioners and others not working at the age of 40 had an elevated risk for CVD and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Hewitt
- Medical Department, Hospital of Østfold, Fredrikstad, Norway.
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Freidl W, Fazekas C, Raml R, Pretis M, Feistritzer G. Perceived social justice, long-term unemployment and health. A survey among marginalised groups in Austria. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2007; 42:547-53. [PMID: 17522748 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-007-0207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although socially disadvantaged groups are known to have a high risk of poor health the involved mechanisms and psychosocial dynamics are not fully understood. Long-term unemployment and the perception of social justice may both additionally endanger health. We therefore set out to explore the specific impact of these two context variables on self-reported health, health behaviour, and resources in marginalised groups. METHODS A structured interview survey was conducted in three federal provinces in Austria, which targeted a quota sample of 486 subjects in long-term unemployment. RESULTS Both, duration of long-term unemployment and low perceived social justice, are strongly associated with self-reported poor health and low personal (internal) and social (external) health resources. The best differentiation of dependent variables concerning the univariate analyses was found with respect to social health resources, as all variables on this level significantly correlated with perceived social justice but not with duration of long-term unemployment. CONCLUSION While this study does not allow to establish causal relationships, the associations we found suggest that also perceived social justice needs to be taken into account in interventions that are intended to foster equity in health among socially disadvantaged groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Freidl
- Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Medical University of Graz, Universitätsstrasse 6/1, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Le C, Chongsuvivatwong V, Geater A. Contextual socioeconomic determinants of cardiovascular risk factors in rural south-west China: a multilevel analysis. BMC Public Health 2007; 7:72. [PMID: 17480237 PMCID: PMC1871581 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-7-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2006] [Accepted: 05/05/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We examined independent influences of contextual variables on cardiovascular risk factors in Shilin county, Yunnan province, South-west China. METHODS Three villages were selected from each of the ten townships based on probability proportional to size. In each selected village, 200 individuals aged > or = 45 years were chosen based on simple random sampling method. From 6006 individuals, information on demographic characteristics, smoking and drinking status was obtained by interview. Blood pressure, height, weight, and waist and hip girth were measured. Fasting blood sugar was measured in a 10-percent subsample. Contextual data were from official reports. Multi-level regression modelling with adjustment for individual and contextual variables was used. RESULTS Contextual variables associated with CVD risk factors included: remoteness of village with higher blood pressure and fasting blood sugar, high proportion of Yi minority with drinking, high literacy rate with a lower rate of smoking and a lower mean waist-hip ratio, and high average income with lower systolic blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) but higher FBS. CONCLUSION While contextual SES is associated with a few CVD risk factors, villages with high level of income are worse off in fasting blood sugar. Strategies of economic development should be reviewed to avoid adverse effects on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Le
- 191 Western Renmin Road, Department of Health Information and Economics, Faculty of Public Health, Kunming Medical College, Kunming 650031, China
| | | | - Alan Geater
- Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla 90112, Thailand
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Nafziger AN, Stenlund H, Wall S, Jenkins PL, Lundberg V, Pearson TA, Weinehall L. High obesity incidence in northern Sweden: how will Sweden look by 2009? Eur J Epidemiol 2006; 21:377-82. [PMID: 16763883 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-006-9001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2005] [Accepted: 03/02/2006] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The study objective was to evaluate the incidence of overweight and obesity in two rural areas of Sweden and the U.S. Previously collected data were used from 1990 to 1999 Multinational Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease (MONICA) studies in northern Sweden. Health censuses of adults in Otsego County, New York were collected in 1989 and 1999. Adults aged 25-64 year in 1989 with reports from both surveys were included. The 10-year change in body mass index (BMI), overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI>or=30) were obtained from panel studies. Incidences of overweight and obesity were calculated and compared between countries. The 10-year incidence of obesity was 120/1000 in Sweden and 173/1000 in the U.S. (p<0.001 for difference between countries). In 1999, prevalence of obesity rose to 18.4% (Sweden) and 32.3% (U.S.). Cumulative distribution curves show that the BMI distribution in Sweden during 1999 is nearly identical to the U.S. during 1989. The obese proportions of these rural populations increased from 1989 to 1999. Sweden's obesity epidemic has a progression similar to that of the U.S., implying that by 2009, the prevalence of obesity in rural northern Sweden may mimic that present in rural New York during 1999. Attention should be paid to the increased obesity rates in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne N Nafziger
- Clinical Pharmacology Research Center, Bassett Healthcare, One Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326-1394, USA.
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