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There is a lack of evidence about whether menopausal status influences the effect of smoking on lung function. This study examined the association between smoking and menopausal status and lung function independent of each other. Data were from a cohort of women attending the 21-year follow-up of the Mater University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy. The study was based on 2020 women who provided data on respiratory function, smoking, and menopausal status. A Spirobank G spirometer system was used to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second ([FEV.sub.1]), and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75% of forced vital capacity ([FEF.sub.25-75]). Smoking and menopausal status were assessed by self-report. Respiratory function was associated with cigarette smoking, menopausal status, and hormone replacement therapy. Regardless of smoking status, postmenopausal women had poorer lung function when compared with premenopausal women. In multivariate analysis, cigarette smoking was associated with lower FVC, [FEV.sub.1], and [FEF.sub.25-75], with the magnitude of effect being stronger for women who were postmenopausal. The data suggest that the impact of smoking intensifies after menopause. It seems plausible that effective quit-smoking programs, particularly after menopause, may lead to better lung function and reduced morbidity and mortality in women. Keywords Lung function * Women * Menopause * Smoking, Introduction The menopausal transition is associated with a series of hormonal and metabolic changes and has been linked to obstructive respiratory presentations, including asthma; however, the findings are inconsistent [1-4]. [...]

Objectives. We determined whether exposure to family poverty over a child's early life course predicts adolescent and young adult anxiety and depression. Methods. We used a birth cohort study of a sample of women in Brisbane, Australia, who were recruited in early pregnancy and whose children were followed up on at ages 14 and 21 years. Some 2609 mothers and adolescents provided usable data at the 14-and 21-year follow-ups. Results. After adjustment for poverty at other phases, poverty at the 14-year follow-up was the strongest predictor of adolescent and young adult anxiety and depression. The more frequently the child was exposed to poverty, the greater was the risk of that individual being anxious and depressed at both the 14- and 21-year follow-ups. Conclusions. Family poverty predicts higher rates of adolescent and young adult anxiety and depression. Increased frequency of child exposure to poverty is a consistent predictor of adolescent and young adult anxiety and depression. Repeated experiences of poverty over a child's early life course are associated with increased levels of poor mental health. (Am J Public Health. 2010;100: 1719-1723. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2009.180943)

This study examines, firstly, the association between school performance at 14 years and frequency of use of cannabis in early adulthood and, secondly, whether this association is explained by family and individual characteristics, including child cognitive capacity in childhood and adolescence. Data are from a cohort of 3,478 Australian young adults who were followed up from birth to age 21 years. Data on child school performance and use of cannabis were collected at the 14- and 21-year follow-ups, respectively. Child school performance was assessed at 14 years via self- and maternal-report. Potential confounding factors were measured between the child's birth and age 14 years. School performance at 14 years predicts young adults' use of cannabis. Children who had lower school performance had increased risk of frequent use of cannabis in young adulthood. Exploration of the pathway linking school performance and cannabis use in young people may help identify opportunities for preventive interventions.