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Objectives The relationship between smoking and RA has been confirmed. Most nations have ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. However, there are considerable regional differences in how effectively tobacco control measures were implemented. This study was carried out to estimate the spatiotemporal trends of smoking-related RA burdens. Methods Data were available from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and were analysed by age, sex, year and region. Joinpoint regression analysis was applied to the analysis of temporal trends in the RA burden resulting from smoking over 30 years. Results From 1990 to 2019, the number of global RA cases increased each year. The age-standardized prevalence, death and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates also increased. However, there was a wave in the changing trend of the age-standardized death rate, with the lowest point in 2012 and the highest point in 1990. Smoking, in particular, was responsible for 11.9% of total RA deaths and 12.8% of total DALYs in 1990 but only 8.5% of total RA deaths and 9.6% of total DALYs in 2019. A greater burden from smoking exposure was borne by men, older adults and people living in high-middle and high sociodemographic index (SDI) countries and regions. Moreover, the UK demonstrated the highest reduction in age-standardized death and DALY rates over the three decades. Conclusion There were reductions in the age-standardized burdens of RA caused by smoking worldwide. Nevertheless, this continues to be an issue in some areas, and efforts to reduce smoking should be made to lessen this growing burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During pregnancy and early fatherhood, men are at higher risk of poor health, exacerbated by low engagement by healthcare services. Yet the transition to fatherhood presents an opportunity for men to improve their health and health behaviours. Health literacy refers to individuals' competence in accessing and applying health information. Poor health literacy is associated with poor health and low help-seeking. The aim of this study was to identify health literacy strengths, needs and profiles among fathers. Men who were expecting a baby ('antenatal') or had become fathers in the past 18 months ('postnatal') were recruited through an international, online paid survey platform. The survey included the nine-scale Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Of 889 survey respondents (n  = 416, 46.5% antenatal; n  = 473, 53.5% postnatal), 274 (31.0%) were residing in the USA and 239 (27.0%) in the UK. Relatively higher scores were reported for HLQ scales relating to having sufficient information and finding and understanding this information, as well as social support for health. Relatively lower scores were obtained for scales relating to actively managing one's own health and navigating the health care system. Three scale scores were significantly lower among nulliparous than multiparous men. Seven health literacy profiles were identified. In conclusion, while fathers have some health literacy strengths, they also experience some barriers, particularly first-time fathers. Awareness of diverse health literacy profiles among fathers may assist in developing strategies to strengthen health services' capacity to meet fathers' needs and reduce risks to their health at this critical juncture in families' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood dust is an established carcinogen also linked to several non malignant respiratory disorders. A major limitation in research on wood dust and its health effects is the lack of (historical) quantitative estimates of occupational exposure for use in general population-based case-control or cohort studies. The present study aimed to develop a multinational quantitative Job Exposure Matrix (JEM) for wood dust exposure using exposure data from several Northern and Central European countries. For this, an occupational exposure database containing 12653 personal wood dust measurements collected between 1978 and 2007 in Denmark, Finland, France, The Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom (UK) was established. Measurement data were adjusted for differences in inhalable dust sampling efficiency resulting from the use of different dust samplers and analysed using linear mixed effect regression with job codes (ISCO-88) and country treated as random effects. Fixed effects were the year of measurement, the expert assessment of exposure intensity (no, low, and high exposure) for every ISCO-88 job code from an existing wood dust JEM and sampling duration. The results of the models suggest that wood dust exposure has declined annually by approximately 8%. Substantial differences in exposure levels between countries were observed with the highest levels in the United Kingdom and the lowest in Denmark and Norway, albeit with similar job rankings across countries. The jobs with the highest predicted exposure are floor layers and tile setters, wood-products machine operators, and building construction labourers with geometric mean levels for the year 1997 between 1.7 and 1.9 mg/m3. The predicted exposure estimates by the model are compared with the results of wood dust measurement data reported in the literature. The model predicted estimates for full-shift exposures were used to develop a time-dependent quantitative JEM for exposure to wood dust that can be used to estimate exposure for participants of general population studies in Northern European countries on the health effects from occupational exposure to wood dust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To characterize the incidence of clinically diagnosed Paget's disease of bone in the UK during 1999–2015 and to determine variations in the incidence of disease by age, sex, geography and level of deprivation. Methods Incident cases of Paget's disease occurring between 1999 and 2015 were identified from primary care records. Overall crude incidence and incidence stratified by age and sex was calculated each year from 1999 to 2015. Direct age- and sex-standardized incidence was also calculated. We used Poisson regression to look at variations in incidence by deprivation and UK region. Results A total of 3592 incident cases of Paget's disease were identified between 1999 and 2015. Incidence increased with age and at all ages was greater in men than women. In women and men, respectively, crude incidence increased from 0.037 and 0.074/10 000 population per year among those 45–49 years of age to 3.7 and 6.3/10 000 population per year among those ≥85 years. The overall standardized incidence decreased from 0.75/10 000 person-years in 1999 to 0.20/10 000 person-years in 2015. After adjustment for age and sex, incidence was >30% higher in the most- compared with least-deprived quintile of deprivation. There was evidence of geographic variation, with the highest incidence in the North West of England, which persisted after adjustment for age, sex and level of deprivation. Conclusion The incidence of clinically diagnosed Paget's disease has continued to decrease since 1999. The reason for the decline in incidence remains unknown, although the rapidity of change points to an alteration in one or more environmental determinants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To produce national and regional estimates and trends for gabapentinoid–opioid co-prescribing rates in patients with OA, both in absolute terms and relative to matched controls without OA. Methods Using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink database we first constructed age–sex–practice–date 1:1 matched cohorts of patients aged ≥40 years with and without a new diagnosis of OA between 1995–2017 and estimated the relative incidence of a first gabapentinoid prescription. Incident gabapentinoid users in both cohorts were followed to estimate and compare the event rate of gabapentinoid–opioid co-prescription (prescription from both classes within the same 28-day window). Results The incidence of first gabapentinoid prescription was 3-fold higher in patients with OA than in matched controls [ n  = 215 357; incidence rate ratio (IRR) 2.93; 95% CI: 2.87, 3.00]. Among incident gabapentinoid users with OA (n  = 27 374, median follow-up 3.9 years) the event rate of gabapentinoid–opioid co-prescription was 4.03 (4.02–4.05) per person-year. The rate was higher in OA patients classed as long-term gabapentinoid users (6.24; 6.22–6.26). These rates were significantly higher than in incident gabapentinoid users without OA [adjusted-IRR: 1.29 (1.28–1.30)]. This elevated risk was observed across age, sex, geographic regions, and calendar years, when restricted to strong opioids and to long-term gabapentinoid users, and when co-prescription was defined as within 14 days and same-day prescribing. Conclusions Patients with OA not only have a higher risk of being prescribed a gabapentinoid but, once prescribed a gabapentinoid, are also at greater risk of opioid co-prescription. Strict restriction of gabapentinoid–opioid co-prescription, and improved access to, and uptake of, effective non-pharmacological and surgical alternatives for OA are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background there is little research on how people with dementia are involved in treatment decisions at diagnosis. Objective to measure shared decision making when starting cholinesterase inhibitors, investigate associations with contextual factors and explore satisfaction and experience of the diagnostic meeting. Setting nine UK memory clinics in two geographical locations. Subjects 74 people receiving dementia diagnoses (with 69 companions) and 21 doctors. Methods we video-recorded 74 memory clinic consultations and rated doctor-shared decision making behaviours using the Observing Patient Involvement in Decision Making scale (OPTION-5 scale). Patients and companions rated their satisfaction and experience. Mixed-effects regressions investigated involvement and (i) number people present, meeting length, capacity, cognitive functioning, diagnosis; and (ii) patient/companion satisfaction and consultation experience. Results mean consultation time was 26.7 min. Mean OPTION-5 score was 22.5/100 (Standard Deviation = 17.3). Doctors involved patients in decisions more often when patients had mixed dementia (β = 10.13, 95% confidence interval 1.25–19.0, P = 0.025) and in shorter meetings (β = −0.51, 95% CI −0.87 to −0.15, P = 0.006). Patient and companion satisfaction were high and not associated with whether doctors invited patient involvement. Half of patients and one-third companions were uncertain about the meeting outcome, experienced communication barriers and negative emotions. Conclusions consultations scored low on shared decision making, but were comparable to other settings and were not lower with more cognitively impaired patients. Negative patient and companion experiences reflect the importance of supporting healthcare providers to address patient and companion emotions and need for information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The objectives of this study were to examine changes in the incidence and prevalence of RA between 1990 and 2014 and to explore if there is any geographic variation in the incidence and prevalence of RA in the UK. Methods. This was a primary care-based prospective cohort study. People contributing acceptable data to Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2014 were included. Read codes were used to identify RA cases ≽18 years of age. The prevalence and incidence rates for each year were standardized to the 2014 population and the regional incidence and prevalence of RA for the year 2014 were standardized to the overall population. Results. The incidence and prevalence of RA was 3.81/10 000 person-years and 0.67%, respectively, in 2014. The annual incidence of RA decreased by 1.6% (95% CI 0.8, 2.5) between 1990 and 2014, with significant joinpoints at 1994 and 2002. The prevalence of RA increased by 3.7%/year (95% CI 3.2, 4.1) from 1990 to 2005 and decreased by 1.1%/year (95% CI 2.0, 0.2) between 2005 and 2014. There were significant differences in the occurrence of RA throughout different regions of the UK, with the highest incidence in East Midlands, Yorkshire and Humber and the highest prevalence in North East, Yorkshire and Humber. Conclusion. The incidence of RA is decreasing, with a reduction in prevalence in recent years. There is significant geographic variation in the occurrence of RA in the UK. Further research is required to identify the reasons underlying this phenomenon so that public health interventions can be designed to further reduce the incidence of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Our aim was to conduct a national audit assessing the impact and experience of early management of inflammatory arthritis by English and Welsh rheumatology units. The audit enables rheumatology services to measure for the first time their performance, patient outcomes and experience, benchmarked to regional and national comparators. Methods. All individuals >16 years of age presenting to English and Welsh rheumatology services with suspected new-onset inflammatory arthritis were included in the audit. Clinician- and patient-derived outcome and patient-reported experience measures were collected. Results. Data are presented for the 6354 patients recruited from 1 February 2014 to 31 January 2015. Ninety-seven per cent of English and Welsh trusts participated. At the first specialist assessment, the 28-joint DAS (DAS28) was calculated for 2659 (91%) RA patients [mean DAS28 was 5.0 and mean Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID) score was 5.6]. After 3 months of specialist care, the mean DAS28 was 3.5 and slightly >60% achieved a meaningful DAS28 reduction. The average RAID score and reduction in RAID score were 3.6 and 2.4, respectively. Of the working patients ages 16-65 years providing data, 7, 5, 16 and 37% reported that they were unable to work, needed frequent time off work, occasionally and rarely needed time off work due to their arthritis, respectively; only 42% reported being asked about their work. Seventy-eight per cent of RA patients providing data agreed with the statement 'Overall in the last 3 months I have had a good experience of care for my arthritis'; <2% disagreed. Conclusion. This audit demonstrates that most RA patients have severe disease at the time of presentation to rheumatology services and that a significant number continue to have high disease activity after 3 months of specialist care. There is a clear need for the National Health Service to develop better systems for capturing, coding and integrating information from outpatient clinics, including measures of patient experience and outcome and measures of ability to work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Within the European Union (EU), substantial efforts are being made to achieve economic and social cohesion, and the reduction of health inequalities between EU regions is integral to this process. This paper is the first to examine how self-reported conditions and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) vary spatially between and within countries. Methods: Using 2014 European Social Survey (ESS) data from 20 countries, this paper examines how regional inequalities in self-reported conditions and NCDs vary for men and women in 174 regions (levels 1 and 2 Nomenclature of Statistical Territorial Units, 'NUTS'). We document absolute and relative inequalities across Europe in the prevalence of eight conditions: general health, overweight/obesity, mental health, heart or circulation problems, high blood pressure, back, neck, muscular or joint pain, diabetes and cancer. Results: There is considerable inequality in self-reported conditions and NCDs between the regions of Europe, with rates highest in the regions of continental Europe, some Scandinavian regions and parts of the UK and lowest around regions bordering the Alps, in Ireland and France. However, for mental health and cancer, rates are highest in regions of Eastern European and lowest in some Nordic regions, Ireland and isolated regions in continental Europe. There are also widespread and consistent absolute and relative regional inequalities in all conditions within countries. These are largest in France, Germany and the UK, and smallest in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. There were higher inequalities amongst women. Conclusion: Using newly available harmonized morbidity data from across Europe, this paper shows that there are considerable regional inequalities within and between European countries in the distribution of self-reported conditions and NCDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies that explore associations between the local food environment and diet routinely use global regression models, which assume that relationships are invariant across space, yet such stationarity assumptions have been little tested. We used global and geographically weighted regression models to explore associations between the residential food environment and fruit and vegetable intake. Analyses were performed in 4 boroughs of London, United Kingdom, using data collected between April 2012 and July 2012 from 969 adults in the Olympic Regeneration in East London Study. Exposures were assessed both as absolute densities of healthy and unhealthy outlets, taken separately, and as a relative measure (proportion of total outlets classified as healthy). Overall, local models performed better than global models (lower Akaike information criterion). Locally estimated coefficients varied across space, regardless of the type of exposure measure, although changes of sign were observed only when absolute measures were used. Despite findings from global models showing significant associations between the relative measure and fruit and vegetable intake (β = 0.022; P < 0.01) only, geographically weighted regression models using absolute measures outperformed models using relative measures. This study suggests that greater attention should be given to nonstationary relationships between the food environment and diet. It further challenges the idea that a single measure of exposure, whether relative or absolute, can reflect the many ways the food environment may shape health behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Differences in dietary habits have been suggested as an important reason for the large health gap between Eastern and Western European populations. Few studies have compared individual-level nutritional data directly between the two regions. This study addresses this hypothesis by comparing food, drink and nutrient intakes in four large population samples. Methods: Czech, Polish and Russian participants of the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) study, and British participants in the Whitehall II study, altogether 29 972 individuals aged 45-73 years, were surveyed in 2002-2005. Dietary data were collected by customised food frequency questionnaires. Reported food, drink and nutrient intake data were harmonised and compared between cohorts using multivariable adjusted quantile regression models. Results: Median fruit and vegetable intakes were lower in the pooled Eastern European sample, but not in all country cohorts, compared with British subjects. Median daily consumption of fruits were 275, 213, 130 and 256 g in the Czech, Polish, Russian and Whitehall II cohort, respectively. The respective median daily intakes of vegetables were 185, 197, 292 and 246 g. Median intakes of animal fat foods and saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol nutrients were significantly higher in the Czech, Polish and Russian cohorts compared with the British; for example, median daily intakes of saturated fatty acids were 31.3, 32.5, 29.2 and 25.4 g, respectively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there are important differences in dietary habits between and within Eastern and Western European populations which may have contributed to the health gap between the two regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To estimate the mortality associated with SLE during the period 1999-2012 by age, gender and region; and to ascertain the cause of death for people with SLE. Methods. A retrospective cohort study using the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Incident SLE cases diagnosed between 1999 and 2012 were matched by age, sex and practice to four controls. Age-, gender- and region-specific mortality rates were calculated per 1000 person-years and compared with control mortality rates using mortality rate ratios (MRRs). For individuals with linked Office of National Statistics data, cause of death was summarized by International Classification of Disease-10 chapter heading. Results. Of 2740 incident cases, 227 died, giving a mortality rate of 15.84/1000 person-years (95% CI 13.91, 18.04). This was 67% higher than in controls (MRR 1.67, 95% CI 1.43, 1.94, P< 0.001). Men with SLE had higher rates of mortality than females with SLE. Compared with controls, the mortality rate for males with SLE was 1.80 times that of male controls (95% CI 1.32, 2.45, P< 0.001); for females the mortality rate was 1.64 times higher (95% CI 1.37, 1.96, P< 0.001). The age-specific mortality rates increased significantly with age; however, the MRR diminished from 3.81 (95% CI 1.43, 10.14) in those aged <40 years to 0.82 (95% CI 0.36, 1.83) in those ≥90 years. There was no significant difference in mortality between regions. Circulatory system disease and malignancy were the most frequent causes of death in both cases and controls. Conclusion. There remains an increased mortality for people with SLE compared with matched controls, particularly at younger ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]