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Vodden A, Holdroyd I, Bentley C, Marshall L, Barr B, Massou E, Ford J. Evaluation of the national governmental efforts between 1997 and 2010 in reducing health inequalities in England. Public Health 2023; 218:128-135. [PMID: 37019028 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The pandemic has compounded existing inequalities. In the UK, there have been calls for a new cross-government health inequalities strategy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of national governmental efforts between 1997 and 2010, referred to as the National Health Inequalities Strategy (NHIS). STUDY DESIGN population-based observational study. METHODS Using Global Burden of Disease data, age-standardised years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLL) rates per 10,000 were extracted for 150 Upper Tier Local Authority (UTLA) regions in England for every year between 1990 and 2019. The slope index of inequality was calculated using YLL rates for all causes, individual conditions, and risk factors. Joinpoint regression was used to assess the trends of any changes which arose before, during or after the NHIS. RESULTS Absolute inequalities in YLL rates for all causes remained stable between 1990 and 2000, before decreasing over the following 10 years. After 2010, improvements slowed. A similar trend can be observed amongst inequalities in YLLs for individual causes, including ischaemic heart disease, stroke, breast cancer and lung cancer amongst females, and ischaemic heart disease stroke, diabetes and self-harm amongst males. This trend was also observed amongst certain risk factors, notably blood pressure, cholesterol, tobacco and dietary risks. Inequalities were generally greater in males than in females; however, trends were similar across both sexes. The NHIS coincided with significant reductions in inequalities in YLLs due to ischaemic heart disease and lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the NHIS coincided with a reduction in health inequalities in England. Policy makers should consider a new cross-government strategy to tackle health inequalities drawing from the success of the previous NHIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vodden
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK
| | - I Holdroyd
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK
| | - C Bentley
- Independent Population Health Consultant, UK
| | - L Marshall
- The Health Foundation, 8 Salisbury Square, London EC4Y 8AP, UK
| | - B Barr
- Department of Public Health, Policy and Systems, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L693GB, UK
| | - E Massou
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SR, UK
| | - J Ford
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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2
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Zhu Y, Dekker LH, Mierau JO. Socio-economic gradients in diagnosed and undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes and its related health complications. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2023; 33:90-94. [PMID: 36336549 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2022.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Diagnosed and undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) remains a challenge in high-income countries. In addition, the presence of T2D can cause further disease burden because of its high susceptibility to complications. Nevertheless, there is limited evidence of socio-economic gradients in undiagnosed T2D and its complications in a large population cohort. We investigated this using the Dutch Lifelines Cohort Study (Lifelines). METHODS AND RESULTS Within Lifelines, baseline data of 102 163 adults aged 30 and above were collected from 2007 to 2013. The associations of Socio-Economic Status (SES), indicated by monthly household income, with the prevalence of T2D status and the number of T2D complications were assessed using multinomial Poisson and linear regressions with adjustments for age and sex. The prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed T2D was, respectively, 3.0% and 3.0% in the low SES group compared to 1.1% and 1.8% in the high SES group. Individuals with lower SES were at higher risk of having undiagnosed T2D (relative risk ratio (rrr) [95% CI]: 1.63 [1.47-1.81] for low SES and 1.16 [1.05-1.29] for middle SES) and diagnosed T2D, compared with those with high SES. Lower SES was positively associated with the number of T2D complications (low SES vs. high SES (ref); B [95% CI]: 0.15 [0.13-0.16]). CONCLUSION Complementing the known socio-economic gradients in diagnosed T2D, we document socio-economic gradients in undiagnosed T2D and T2D complications in a single, large general representative population. Furthermore, individuals with low SES with diagnosed or undiagnosed T2D were more susceptible to T2D complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjie Zhu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Centre Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Louise H Dekker
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jochen O Mierau
- Department of Economics, Econometrics & Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, University Complex, 9747 AJ, Groningen, the Netherlands; Lifelines Cohort Study and Biobank, Groningen, the Netherlands; Team Strategy & External Relations, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
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3
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Holdroyd I, Vodden A, Srinivasan A, Kuhn I, Bambra C, Ford JA. Systematic review of the effectiveness of the health inequalities strategy in England between 1999 and 2010. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063137. [PMID: 36134765 PMCID: PMC9472114 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this systematic review is to explore the effectiveness of the National Health Inequality Strategy, which was conducted in England between 1999 and 2010. DESIGN Three databases (Ovid Medline, Embase and PsycINFO) and grey literature were searched for articles published that reported on changes in inequalities in health outcomes in England over the implementation period. Articles published between January 1999 and November 2021 were included. Title and abstracts were screened according to an eligibility criteria. Data were extracted from eligible studies, and risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool. RESULTS The search strategy identified 10 311 unique studies, which were screened. 42 were reviewed in full text and 11 were included in the final review. Six studies contained data on inequalities of life expectancy or mortality, four on disease-specific mortality, three on infant mortality and three on morbidities. Early government reports suggested that inequalities in life expectancy and infant mortality had increased. However, later publications using more accurate data and more appropriate measures found that absolute and relative inequalities had decreased throughout the strategy period for both measures. Three of four studies found a narrowing of inequalities in all-cause mortality. Absolute inequalities in mortality due to cancer and cardiovascular disease decreased, but relative inequalities increased. There was a lack of change, or widening of inequalities in mental health, self-reported health, health-related quality of life and long-term conditions. CONCLUSIONS With respect to its aims, the strategy was broadly successful. Policymakers should take courage that progress on health inequalities is achievable with long-term, multiagency, cross-government action. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021285770).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Holdroyd
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alice Vodden
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Akash Srinivasan
- Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Isla Kuhn
- Medical Library, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Clare Bambra
- Newcastle University Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John Alexander Ford
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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4
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Lahelma E. Book Review: Johan P. Mackenbach, Health Inequalities. Persistence and Change in European Welfare States. Health (London) 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1363459320944733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eero Lahelma
- Professor, Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Hierarchical Models for International Comparisons: Smoking, Disability, and Social Inequality in 21 European Countries. Epidemiology 2021; 31:282-289. [PMID: 31868828 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND International comparisons of social inequalities in health outcomes and behaviors are challenging. Due to the level of disaggregation often required, data can be sparse and methods to make adequately powered comparisons are lacking. We aimed to illustrate the value of a hierarchical Bayesian approach that partially pools country-level estimates, reducing the influence of sampling variation and increasing the stability of estimates. We also illustrate a new way of simultaneously displaying the uncertainty of both relative and absolute inequality estimates. METHODS We used the 2014 European Social Survey to estimate smoking prevalence, absolute, and relative inequalities for men and women with and without disabilities in 21 European countries. We simultaneously display smoking prevalence for people without disabilities (x-axis), absolute (y-axis), and relative inequalities (contour lines), capturing the uncertainty of these estimates by plotting a 2-D normal approximation of the posterior distribution from the full probability (Bayesian) analysis. RESULTS Our study confirms that across Europe smoking prevalence is generally higher for people with disabilities than for those without. Our model shifts more extreme prevalence estimates that are based on fewer observations, toward the European mean. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the utility of partial pooling to make adequately powered estimates of inequality, allowing estimates from countries with smaller sample sizes to benefit from the increased precision of the European average. Including uncertainty on our inequality plot provides a useful tool for evaluating both the geographical patterns of variation in, and strength of evidence for, differences in social inequalities in health.
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Smith CE, Hill SE, Amos A. Impact of population tobacco control interventions on socioeconomic inequalities in smoking: a systematic review and appraisal of future research directions. Tob Control 2020; 30:tobaccocontrol-2020-055874. [PMID: 32994297 PMCID: PMC8666809 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-055874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While price increases and targeted cessation support have been found to reduce inequalities in smoking by socioeconomic status (SES), evidence on other measures is mixed. We aimed to update the most recent (2014) previous review by identifying and appraising evidence published since 2013 on the equity impact of population tobacco control measures. METHODS Systematic searching of 10 electronic databases and hand-searching of four key journals identified 68 primary research articles published since 2013 that sought to examine the equity impact of population tobacco control measures in high-income countries with a negative socioeconomic gradient in smoking. Reported equity impacts were categorised as positive (greater impact among lower SES), neutral (no difference by SES), negative (greater impact among higher SES) or mixed/unclear. RESULTS There was substantial growth in research seeking to evaluate the equity impact of tobacco control interventions, but the majority of new studies showed mixed/unclear results. Findings for price increases and targeted cessation support continue to suggest an equity-positive impact, but limitations in the available evidence make further assessment difficult. Substantial differences in the context, scale and implementation of tobacco control policies make straightforward comparison of findings from the previous 2014 and current reviews problematic. CONCLUSION Researchers need to adopt more sophisticated, multidisciplinary approaches in evaluating the equity impact of tobacco control measures-developing robust measures of equity effect and using frameworks that take account of context, existing systems/processes and the likely mechanisms of action. Socioeconomic differences in intervention impact within low-income and middle-income countries require evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah E Hill
- Global Health Policy Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Amanda Amos
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Lahelma E, Pietiläinen O, Pentala-Nikulainen O, Helakorpi S, Rahkonen O. 36-year trends in educational inequalities in self-rated health among Finnish adults. SSM Popul Health 2019; 9:100504. [PMID: 31720362 PMCID: PMC6838467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2019.100504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Health inequalities exist across countries and populations, but little is known about their long-term trends and even less about factors shaping the trends. We examined the magnitude of absolute and relative educational inequalities in self-rated health over 36 years among Finnish adults, considering individual covariates and macro-economic fluctuations. Our data were derived from representative annual cross-sectional surveys in 1979-2014 conducted among adult men and women. Participants aged 25-64 were included and nine periods used (n = 8870-14235). Our health outcome was less-than-good self-rated health (SRH) and our socioeconomic indicator was completed years of education as a continuous variable. Educational inequalities in self-rated health were analysed using the relative index of inequality (RII) and the slope index of inequality (SII). Nine time-variant sociodemographic and health-related covariates were included in the analyses. Linear trends suggested stable or slightly curvilinear overall trends in both absolute and relative health equalities over 36 years. Among men, absolute and relative inequalities narrowed immediately after economic recession in Finland in 1993-1994. Among women, inequalities narrowed during financial crisis in 2008-2009. Adjusting for most covariates reduced the magnitude of inequalities throughout the nine periods, but affected little the temporal patterning of health inequalities. Educational inequalities in self-rated health remained during 36 years in Finland. While among men and women health inequalities narrowed during and after recessions, they widened soon back to the pre-recession level. The perseverance of the trends calls for novel and powerful measures to tackle health inequalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eero Lahelma
- Department of Public Health, P.O.Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8 2B), 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Pietiläinen
- Department of Public Health, P.O.Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8 2B), 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Satu Helakorpi
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ossi Rahkonen
- Department of Public Health, P.O.Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8 2B), 00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Tatulashvili S, Fagherazzi G, Dow C, Cohen R, Fosse S, Bihan H. Socioeconomic inequalities and type 2 diabetes complications: A systematic review. DIABETES & METABOLISM 2019; 46:89-99. [PMID: 31759171 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabet.2019.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A socioeconomic gradient related to type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevalence has been demonstrated in high-income countries. However, there is no evidence of such a socioeconomic gradient regarding diabetes complications. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to collect data on risk of complications according to socioeconomic status in patients with T2D. METHODS PubMed and EMBASE were searched for English-language observational studies evaluating the prevalence or incidence of micro- and macrovascular complications according to individual and geographical socioeconomic status (SES). Observational studies reporting the prevalence and risk of micro- and macrovascular diabetes complications, according to an individual or geographical index of deprivation, were selected, and estimated crude and adjusted risks for each complication were reported. RESULTS Among the 28 included studies, most described a clear relationship between SES and diabetes complications, especially retinopathy (in 9 of 14 studies) and cardiopathy (in 8 of 9 studies). Both individual and area-based low SES was associated with an increased risk of complications. However, very few studies adjusted their analyses according to HbA1c level. CONCLUSION Evaluation of SES is necessary for every T2D patient, as it appears to be a risk factor for diabetes complications. However, the available studies are insufficient for gradation of the impact of low socioeconomic level on each of these complications. Regardless, strategies for the improved screening, follow-up and care of high-risk patients should now be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tatulashvili
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Disease, Avicenne Hospital, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CRNH-IdF, Paris 13 University, AP-HP, 93000 Bobigny, France
| | - G Fagherazzi
- Inserm U1018, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), Paris-Sud Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - C Dow
- Inserm U1018, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), Paris-Sud Paris-Saclay University, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - R Cohen
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Delafontaine Hospital, 93205 Saint-Denis, France
| | - S Fosse
- French National Public Health Agency, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - H Bihan
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolic Disease, Avicenne Hospital, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CRNH-IdF, Paris 13 University, AP-HP, 93000 Bobigny, France; Health Education and Practice Laboratory, EA 3412, UFR SMBH Léonard de Vinci, Paris 13 University, 93017 Bobigny, France.
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9
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Reeves A, Mackenbach JP. Can inequalities in political participation explain health inequalities? Soc Sci Med 2019; 234:112371. [PMID: 31254964 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Inequalities in health are pervasive and durable, but they are not uniform. To date, however, the drivers of these between-country patters in health inequalities remain largely unknown. In this analysis, we draw on data from 17 European countries to explore whether inequalities in political participation, that is, inequalities in voting by educational attainment, are correlated with health inequalities. Over and above a range of relevant confounders, such as GDP, income inequality, health spending, social protection spending, poverty rates, and smoking, greater inequalities in political participation remain correlated with higher health inequalities. If 'politicians and officials are under no compulsion to pay much heed to classes and groups of citizens that do not vote' then political inequalities could indirectly affect health through its impact on policy choices that determine who has access to the resources necessary for a healthy life. Inequalities in political participation, then, may well be one of the 'causes of the causes' of ill-health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Reeves
- International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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10
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Robinson T, Brown H, Norman PD, Fraser LK, Barr B, Bambra C. The impact of New Labour's English health inequalities strategy on geographical inequalities in infant mortality: a time-trend analysis. J Epidemiol Community Health 2019; 73:564-568. [PMID: 30890592 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2018-211679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The English health inequalities strategy (1999-2010) aimed to reduce health inequalities between the most deprived local authorities and the rest of England. The multifaceted strategy included increased investment in healthcare, the early years, education and neighbourhood renewal. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the strategy was associated with a reduction in geographical inequalities in the infant mortality rate (IMR). METHODS We used segmented regression analysis to measure inequalities in the IMR between the most deprived local authorities and the rest of England before, during and after the health inequalities strategy period. RESULTS Before the strategy was implemented (1983-1998), absolute inequalities in the IMR increased between the most deprived local authorities and the rest of England at a rate of 0.034 annually (95% CI 0.001 to 0.067). Once the strategy had been implemented (1999-2010), absolute inequalities decreased at a rate of -0.116 annually (95% CI -0.178 to -0.053). After the strategy period ended (2011-2017), absolute inequalities increased at a rate of 0.042 annually (95% CI -0.042 to 0.125). Relative inequalities also marginally decreased during the strategy period. CONCLUSION The English health inequalities strategy period was associated with a decline in geographical inequalities in the IMR. This research adds to the evidence base suggesting that the English health inequalities strategy was at least partially effective in reducing health inequalities, and that current austerity policies may undermine these gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomos Robinson
- Institute for Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Heather Brown
- Institute for Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Lorna K Fraser
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Ben Barr
- Institute of Psychology Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Clare Bambra
- Institute for Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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11
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Currie J, Guzman Castillo M, Adekanmbi V, Barr B, O'Flaherty M. Evaluating effects of recent changes in NHS resource allocation policy on inequalities in amenable mortality in England, 2007-2014: time-series analysis. J Epidemiol Community Health 2018; 73:162-167. [PMID: 30470698 PMCID: PMC6352397 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2018-211141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health investment in England post-2010 has increased at lower rates than previously, with proportionally less being allocated to deprived areas. This study seeks to explore the impact of this on inequalities in amenable mortality between local areas. METHODS We undertook a time-series analysis across 324 lower-tier local authorities in England, evaluating the impact of changes in funding allocations to health commissioners from 2007 to 2014 on spatial inequalities in age-standardised under-75 mortality rates for conditions amenable to healthcare for men and women, adjusting for trends in household income, unemployment and time-trends. RESULTS More deprived areas received proportionally more funding between 2007 and 2014, though the reorganisation of commissioning in 2012 stalled this. Funding increases to more deprived local areas accounted for a statistically significant reduction in inequalities in male amenable mortality between local areas of 13 deaths per 100 000 (95% CI 2.5 to 25.9). Funding changes were associated with a reduction in inequalities in female amenable mortality of 7.0 per 100,000, though this finding did not reach significance (p=0.09). CONCLUSION Current National Health Service (NHS) resource allocation policy in England appears to be contributing to a convergence in health outcomes between affluent and deprived areas. However, careful surveillance is needed to evaluate whether diminished allocations to more deprived areas in recent years and reduced NHS investment as a whole is impacting adversely on inequalities between groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Victor Adekanmbi
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Neuadd Meirionnydd, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ben Barr
- Department of Public Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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12
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Tseng E, Zhang A, Shogbesan O, Gudzune KA, Wilson RF, Kharrazi H, Cheskin LJ, Bass EB, Bennett WL. Effectiveness of Policies and Programs to Combat Adult Obesity: a Systematic Review. J Gen Intern Med 2018; 33:1990-2001. [PMID: 30206789 PMCID: PMC6206360 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-018-4619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review identifies programs, policies, and built-environment changes targeting prevention and control of adult obesity and evaluates their effectiveness. METHODS We searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EconLit from January 2000 to March 2018. We included natural experiment studies evaluating a program, policy, or built-environment change targeting adult obesity and reporting weight/body mass index (BMI). Studies were categorized by primary intervention target: physical activity/built environment, food/beverage, messaging, or multiple. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias for each study using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. RESULTS Of 158 natural experiments targeting obesity, 17 reported adult weight/BMI outcomes. Four of 9 studies reporting on physical activity/built environment demonstrated reduced weight/BMI, although effect sizes were small with low strength of evidence and high risk of bias. None of the 5 studies targeting the food/beverage environment decreased weight/BMI; strength of evidence was low, and 2 studies were rated high risk of bias. DISCUSSION We identified few natural experiments reporting on the effectiveness of programs, policies, and built-environment changes on adult obesity. Overall, we found no evidence that policies intending to promote physical activity and healthy eating had beneficial effects on weight/BMI and most studies had a high risk of bias. Limitations include few studies met our inclusion criteria; excluded studies in children and those not reporting on weight/BMI outcomes; weight/BMI reporting was very heterogeneous. More high-quality research, including natural experiments studies, is critical for informing the population-level effectiveness of obesity prevention and control initiatives in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Tseng
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, & Clinical Research, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Allen Zhang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Kimberly A Gudzune
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, & Clinical Research, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Renee F Wilson
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hadi Kharrazi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lawrence J Cheskin
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric B Bass
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Wendy L Bennett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, & Clinical Research, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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13
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Bennett WL, Wilson RF, Zhang A, Tseng E, Knapp EA, Kharrazi H, Stuart EA, Shogbesan O, Bass EB, Cheskin LJ. Methods for Evaluating Natural Experiments in Obesity: A Systematic Review. Ann Intern Med 2018; 168:791-800. [PMID: 29710087 DOI: 10.7326/m18-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the obesity pandemic, rigorous methodological approaches, including natural experiments, are needed. PURPOSE To identify studies that report effects of programs, policies, or built environment changes on obesity prevention and control and to describe their methods. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and EconLit (January 2000 to August 2017). STUDY SELECTION Natural experiments and experimental studies evaluating a program, policy, or built environment change in U.S. or non-U.S. populations by using measures of obesity or obesity-related health behaviors. DATA EXTRACTION 2 reviewers serially extracted data on study design, population characteristics, data sources and linkages, measures, and analytic methods and independently evaluated risk of bias. DATA SYNTHESIS 294 studies (188 U.S., 106 non-U.S.) were identified, including 156 natural experiments (53%), 118 experimental studies (40%), and 20 (7%) with unclear study design. Studies used 106 (71 U.S., 35 non-U.S.) data systems; 37% of the U.S. data systems were linked to another data source. For outcomes, 112 studies reported childhood weight and 32 adult weight; 152 had physical activity and 148 had dietary measures. For analysis, natural experiments most commonly used cross-sectional comparisons of exposed and unexposed groups (n = 55 [35%]). Most natural experiments had a high risk of bias, and 63% had weak handling of withdrawals and dropouts. LIMITATION Outcomes restricted to obesity measures and health behaviors; inconsistent or unclear descriptions of natural experiment designs; and imperfect methods for assessing risk of bias in natural experiments. CONCLUSION Many methodologically diverse natural experiments and experimental studies were identified that reported effects of U.S. and non-U.S. programs, policies, or built environment changes on obesity prevention and control. The findings reinforce the need for methodological and analytic advances that would strengthen evaluations of obesity prevention and control initiatives. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Institutes of Health, Office of Disease Prevention, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (PROSPERO: CRD42017055750).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy L Bennett
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
| | - Renee F Wilson
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
| | - Allen Zhang
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
| | - Eva Tseng
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
| | - Emily A Knapp
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
| | - Hadi Kharrazi
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
| | - Elizabeth A Stuart
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
| | - Oluwaseun Shogbesan
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
| | - Eric B Bass
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
| | - Lawrence J Cheskin
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (W.L.B., R.F.W., A.Z., E.T., E.A.K., H.K., E.A.S., O.S., E.B.B., L.J.C.)
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Lampert T, Kroll LE, Kuntz B, Hoebel J. Health inequalities in Germany and in international comparison: trends and developments over time. JOURNAL OF HEALTH MONITORING 2018; 3:1-24. [PMID: 35586261 PMCID: PMC8864567 DOI: 10.17886/rki-gbe-2018-036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Social epidemiological research has consistently demonstrated that people with a low socioeconomic status are particularly at risk of diseases, health complaints and functional limitations, and die at younger ages than those with a higher socioeconomic status. Greater stresses and strains in the workplace, family and living environment are under discussion as possible explanations. Health-related behaviours, psycho-social factors and personal resources, which are important in coping with everyday demands, certainly also play a role. From a public health and health policy perspective, reducing these health inequalities is an important goal. Insights into developments and trends in health inequalities over time can contribute towards highlighting new and emerging problems, and can thus help identify possible target groups and settings for relevant interventions. At the same time, these insights provide a basis upon which the success of policies and programmes that have already been implemented can be analysed and measured. Against this background, this review examines how health inequalities in Germany have developed over the last 20 to 30 years and places its findings within the context of the latest international research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lampert
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring
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15
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Reeves A. Commentary: Uncertainties in addressing the 'health gap'. Int J Epidemiol 2017; 46:1324-1328. [PMID: 28938761 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyx183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Reeves
- International Inequalities Institute, London School of Economics and Political Science, Tower 1, Clement's Inn, London WC2A 2AZ
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16
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Barr B, Higgerson J, Whitehead M. Investigating the impact of the English health inequalities strategy: time trend analysis. BMJ 2017; 358:j3310. [PMID: 28747304 PMCID: PMC5527348 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j3310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate whether the English health inequalities strategy was associated with a decline in geographical health inequalities, compared with trends before and after the strategy.Design Time trend analysis.Setting Two groups of lower tier local authorities in England. The most deprived, bottom fifth and the rest of England.Intervention The English health inequalities strategy-a cross government strategy implemented between 1997 and 2010 to reduce health inequalities in England. Trends in geographical health inequalities were assessed before (1983-2003), during (2004-12), and after (2013-15) the strategy using segmented linear regression.Main outcome measure Geographical health inequalities measured as the relative and absolute differences in male and female life expectancy at birth between the most deprived local authorities in England and the rest of the country.Results Before the strategy the gap in male and female life expectancy between the most deprived local authorities in England and the rest of the country increased at a rate of 0.57 months each year (95% confidence interval 0.40 to 0.74 months) and 0.30 months each year (0.12 to 0.48 months). During the strategy period this trend reversed and the gap in life expectancy for men reduced by 0.91 months each year (0.54 to 1.27 months) and for women by 0.50 months each year (0.15 to 0.86 months). Since the end of the strategy period the inequality gap has increased again at a rate of 0.68 months each year (-0.20 to 1.56 months) for men and 0.31 months each year (-0.26 to 0.88) for women. By 2012 the gap in male life expectancy was 1.2 years smaller (95% confidence interval 0.8 to 1.5 years smaller) and the gap in female life expectancy was 0.6 years smaller (0.3 to 1.0 years smaller) than it would have been if the trends in inequalities before the strategy had continued.Conclusion The English health inequalities strategy was associated with a decline in geographical inequalities in life expectancy, reversing a previously increasing trend. Since the strategy ended, inequalities have started to increase again. The strategy may have reduced geographical health inequalities in life expectancy, and future approaches should learn from this experience. The concerns are that current policies are reversing the achievements of the strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Barr
- Department of Public Health and Policy, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK
| | - James Higgerson
- Department of Public Health and Policy, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK
| | - Margaret Whitehead
- Department of Public Health and Policy, Institute of Psychology, Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK
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