Changes in prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of tobacco and nicotine use in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sales of tobacco and nicotine replacement therapy products, especially nicotine pouches, increased in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: Some previous studies suggest that the consumption of tobacco and nicotine products overall declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the results are mixed. We investigated tobacco and nicotine product sales in Finland, including the sales of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Our particular focus was on nicotine pouches used as NRT. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sales of tobacco and NRT products in 2020 by comparing the sales to the previous year. Methods: The data were derived from a large sales group (S group) in Finland, representing 46% of the market share in grocery trade in 2020. The gross weekly sales of tobacco (cigarettes, loose tobacco) and NRT (patches, inhalers, tablets, gum and "other", consisting mainly of nicotine pouches) were retrieved from February to December 2020 from 1062 points of sale throughout the country and compared to the same period in 2019. Results: During this period, there was a significant increase in cigarette sales. Moreover, the sales of NRT were significantly higher throughout 2020 compared with 2019. Specifically, the sales of nicotine pouches sold as NRT increased, especially after the travel restrictions in Finland were initiated and the national boundaries closed in the spring of 2020. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland, the sales of cigarettes and NRT products increased, especially those of nicotine pouches sold as NRT. Our findings call for further research to reveal the factors leading to this increase and to determine whether the situation is long-standing.

The global burden of cataracts and its attributable risk factors in 204 countries and territories: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study

Introduction

The global distribution and trends in the attributable burden of cataract risk have rarely been systematically explored. To guide the development of targeted and accurate cataract screening and treatment strategies, we analyzed the burden of cataract disease attributable to known risk factors.

Method

This study utilized detailed cataract data from the Global Burden of Disease e 2019, and we analyzed disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) e each risk factor from 1990 to 2019. Additionally, we calculated estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) during the study period.

Results

The results revealed that from 1990-2019, the global age-standardized DALYs of e attributable to particulate matter pollution, smoking, high fasting glucose plasma and high BMI showed steady downward trends (1990-2009: EAPC = -0.21 [-0.57 -0.14]); 2000-2009: EAPC = -0.95 [-1.01 -0.89]; 2010-2019: EAPC = -1.41 [-1.8 -1.02]). The age-standardized DALYs and mortality caused by each risk factor were highest in the low-middle sociodemographic index (SDI) region (EAPC = -1.77[(-2.19--1.34)]). The overall disease burden of cataracts is lower in males than in females. When analyzing the EAPCs of cataract disease burden for each risk factor individually, we found that the age-standardized disability-adjusted life years caused by particulate matter pollution and smoking decreased (PMP1990-2009: EAPC = -0.53 [-0.9--0.16]; 2000-2009: EAPC = -1.39 [-1.45--1.32]; 2010-2019: EAPC = -2.27 [-2.75--1.79]; smoking 2000 to 2009: EAPC = -1.51 [-1.6--1.43], 2009 to 2019: EAPC = -1.34 [-1.68--1])), while high fasting plasma glucose and high body mass index increased annually (HFPG1990 to 1999: EAPC = 1.27 [0.89-1.65], 2000 to 2009: EAPC = 1.02 [0.82-1.22], 2010-2019: EAPC = 0.44 [0.19-0.68]; HBMI 1990 to 1999: EAPC = 1.65 [1.37-1.94], 2000 to 2009: EAPC = 1.56 [1.43-1.68], 2010-2019: EAPC = 1.47 [1.18-1.77]).

Disscussion

The burden of cataracts caused by ambient particulate matter and smoking is increasing in low, low-middle SDI areas, and specific and effective measures are urgently needed. The results of this study suggest that reducing particulate matter pollution, quitting smoking, controlling blood glucose, and lowering BMI could play important roles in reducing the occurrence of cataracts, especially in older people.

Assessing the causal relationship between COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome: A Mendelian randomisation study

Background

In the aftermath of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we sought to explore the causal association between COVID-19 and 17 prevalent post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) symptoms using Mendelian randomisation (MR) methodology.

Methods

We used 22 extensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) data sets, incorporating genetic variants as instrumental variables. Univariate Mendelian randomisation (UVMR) analyses involved 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for COVID-19 patients, 33 for hospitalised COVID-19 patients, and 29 for patients with severe respiratory symptoms due to COVID-19. Furthermore, we further used multivariable Mendelian randomisation (MVMR) analyses based on 93 SNPs for COVID-19 patients, 105 for hospitalised COVID-19 patients, and 99 for patients with severe respiratory symptoms due to COVID-19. With these analyses, we aimed to assess the causal associations between varying levels of COVID-19 infection and 17 prevalent PCS symptoms while accounting for the influence of educational and income levels.

Results

UVMR analysis identified potential causal effects of COVID-19 genetic susceptibility on myalgia and pain in various regions. Hospitalised COVID-19 was potentially linked to erectile dysfunction and alopecia areata. Very severe respiratory confirmed patients exhibited increased pain and tobacco use. Meanwhile, the MVMR analysis demonstrated a potential causal link between hospitalised COVID-19 and heart arrhythmia, and a protective effect of COVID-19 on tobacco use after adjusting for educational and income levels.

Conclusions

Our MR analysis provides compelling evidence of causal associations between genetic susceptibility to COVID-19 and specific PCS symptoms, in which educational and income levels play a mediating role. These findings shed light on PCS pathogenesis and underscore the importance of considering social factors in its management. Tailored interventions and policies are crucial for PCS-affected individuals' well-being. Further research is needed to explore the impact of social determinants on COVID-19 patients and the wider population.