Conectar
Local public health organisations require information about local variations in healthy life expectancy (HLE) and associated risks to inform decisions about how and where to intervene to improve HLE, a key indicator of population health. We aimed to estimate both HLE and levels of risk in small areas and quantify associations between them.
Cross-sectional population-based study.
Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System.
128 Middle Layer Super Output Areas and eight Lower Tier Local Authority Areas.
HLE (estimated using self-reported health status from the 2021 UK Census) in each Middle layer Super Output Area and levels of 10 risk factors (selected based on existing evidence of association with lower life expectancy or self-reported health and availability of local risk information): index of multiple deprivation; weekly net income; urban area; diet not meeting five portions of fruit and vegetables on a usual day; physical inactivity; older person living alone; falls admissions rate; alcohol mortality rate; road casualties and air pollution.
HLE in 2021 was 66.5 years for men (range 52–73) and 67.5 years for women (range 56–74). The difference between areas was 21 years for men and 18 years for women. Higher income was strongly associated with all healthy life expectancies: £100 higher weekly income was associated with 4.4 (95% confidence limits 3.5 to 5.2) and 4.6 (3.8 to 5.4) years greater HLE at birth in males and females respectively and with 1.7 (1.3 to 2.2) and 2.0 (1.5 to 2.5) greater HLE at age 65. Higher percentage of older adults living alone was associated with lower HLE at birth in males and females. Physical inactivity was associated with lower HLE at 65 in males and at birth in females.
This approach uses standard methods and publicly available data to estimate both HLE and risk exposures in small areas to find areas with low life expectancy and high risks, where local organisations may prioritise the implementation of cost-effective interventions. It could be replicated in other areas to target interventions and inequalities. More accurate data on risk exposures in small areas would allow a broader range of risk factors, including smoking, to be considered.
To examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on body mass index (BMI) and obesity status among Canadian residents and explore how this association varied by sociodemographic and health status.
Prospective cohort study.
Canada.
41 302 adults, aged 45–85 at baseline, participating in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.
BMI and BMI-defined obesity were measured at baseline, follow-up 1 and follow-up 2 (FUP2), with 33% of FUP2 data (n=13 444) gathered after 16 March 2020, when COVID-19 restrictions began. Correction factors were applied for self-reported BMI and weighted generalised estimating equations assessed BMI changes before and during the pandemic.
We found a significant interaction between follow-up time and timing of FUP2 data collection (before or during the pandemic). Participants measured during the pandemic had an excess BMI increase of 0.21 kg/m² (95% CI 0.15 to 0.28) and 1.06 times higher odds of obesity (95% CI 1.03 to 1.09) compared with prepandemic trends. Increases were more pronounced among females, middle-aged adults and those without diabetes.
The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a modest increase in BMI and obesity among Canadian adults. Ongoing research is needed to assess long-term trends.
by Areeya Madsusan, Saowaluk Krainara, Wantanasak Suksong, Kittithat Sudchoo, Nadeyah Tohmoh, Pattharaporn Jonggrijug, Chomkaeo Maipunklang, Chanitsara Chadaram, Kholeeyoh Samaeng, Piyadhida Kurdthongmee, Uratit Noosab, Arun Nakapong, Yanawut Udomsri, Suttiporn Kanaso, Natee Sakorn, Ng Yee Guan, Sukrit Sangkhano
Gross anatomy dissection is an essential component of medical and health science education, yet it presents notable occupational hazards, particularly from formaldehyde (FA) exposure and microbial contamination. These risks may be intensified in anatomy dissection halls located in tropical monsoon (Am) climates, where elevated humidity and temperature promote both chemical volatility and microbial persistence. This study assessed the combined effects of such climatic conditions on FA concentrations and microbial ecology within a naturally ventilated dissection hall in southern Thailand. FA levels were measured through personal and area air sampling across seven anatomical regions, while microbial contamination on cadaver-contact surfaces was evaluated using culture-based methods and high-throughput sequencing. Functional prediction of microbial communities was performed using PICRUSt2 to assess their metabolic adaptation to environmental stressors. The results revealed that both personal and indoor FA concentrations (mean 1.17 ± 0.39 ppm and 1.09 ± 0.45 ppm, respectively) exceeded several international occupational exposure limits, with the highest levels observed during dissections involving deep or adipose-rich anatomical regions. Microbial analyses identified stress-tolerant and potentially pathogenic genera, including Bdellovibrio, Aequorivita, and Aspergillus spp., along with enriched pathways involved in aromatic compound degradation and environmental resilience. These findings highlight the limitations of natural ventilation in controlling occupational exposures and microbial contamination in Am climate anatomy laboratories. The study supports the implementation of climate-responsive engineering controls and laboratory management strategies that address chemical safety, thermal regulation, and biosafety to promote healthier and more sustainable dissection environments in similar high-risk settings.
FreshRSS 