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The article focuses on findings of a study related to childhood survival in Great Britain, as of October 2010. It states that the Millennium Development Goal of United Nations have significantly helped improve childhood survival in the country by reducing mortality among children under the age of five, and cites the trends in child mortality in Great Britain and Europe. It mentions possible reasons for higher child and adolescent mortality like poverty and socioeconomic inequalities.

Background Modifiable behavioural risk factors--including exercise, obesity and smoking--have been causally associated with colorectal cancer mortality. However, results have been inconsistent and undiagnosed cancers may affect baseline risk factors, distorting the temporal relationship that is observed between them. Objective To determine whether risk factors for colorectal cancers available in the Whitehall I study were predictive of colonic or rectal cancer mortality. Methods Prospective cohort study over 40 years on Whitehall I men aged 40-69 on entry between 1967 and 1970. Associations between baseline risk factors and cause-specific mortality were tested with Cox proportional hazards models. Events within the first 10 years of follow-up were excluded to minimise 'reverse causality.' Results 329 colon and 121 rectal cancer deaths occurred among 17 949 men followed up for a total of 472 523 person-years. Age and smoking were associated with increased mortality from colorectal cancers. Compared with never-smokers, current smoking was associated with age-adjusted HRs for colon and rectal cancers of 1.45 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.03) and 1.97 (95% CI 1.02 to 3.80), respectively. A significant effect of current smoking on rectal cancer mortality was only apparent after events in the first 10 years of follow-up were excluded. No convincing evidence was found that body mass index, diabetes mellitus, blood pressure or physical activity were associated with colorectal cancer mortality. Conclusion Smoking significantly increases mortality from colorectal cancer and its decreasing prevalence in the UK may partly explain falling mortality from the disease. Changes in health behaviours in response to early cancer symptoms may result in differential misclassification or 'reverse causality' unless early events are excluded. Although many individual cohort studies have not shown significant relationships between behavioural risk factors and colorectal cancer mortality, their contribution to meta-analyses remains important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. We investigated whether exposure to negative aspects of close relationships was associated with subsequent increase in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Methods. Data came from a prospective cohort study (Whitehall II) of 9425 civil servants aged 35 to 55 years at baseline (phase 1: 1985-1988). We assessed negative aspects of close relationships with the Close Persons Questionnaire (range 0-12) at phases 1 and 2 (1989-1990). We measured BMI and waist circumference at phases 3 (1991-1994) and 5 (1997-1999). Covariates at phase 1 included gender, age, marital status, ethnicity, BMI, employment grade, smoking, physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and common mentaldisorder. Results. After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviors, participants with higher exposure to negative aspects of close relationships had a higher likelihood of a 10% or greater increase in BMI andwaist circumference (odds ratios per 1-unit increase 1.08 [95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02, 1.14; P=.007] and 1.09 [CI=1.04, 1.14; P£.001], respectively) as well as a transition fromthe overweight (25£BMI<30) to the obese (BMI‡30) category.Conclusions. Adverse social relationships may contribute to weight gain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors examined the extent to which socioeconomic position, behavior-related factors, cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory markers, and chronic diseases explain the association between poor lung function and mortality in 4,817 participants (68.9% men) from the Whitehall II Study aged 60.8 years (standard deviation, 5.9), on average. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was used to measure lung function in 2002–2004. A total of 139 participants died during a mean follow-up period of 6.4 years (standard deviation, 0.8). In a model adjusted for age and sex, being in the lowest tertile of FEV1/height2 was associated with a 1.92-fold (95% confidence interval: 1.35, 2.73) increased risk of mortality compared with being in the top 2 tertiles. Once age, sex, and smoking history were taken into account, the most important explanatory factors for this association were inflammatory markers (21.3% reduction in the FEV1/height2-mortality association), coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes (11.7% reduction), and alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, and body mass index (9.8% reduction). The contribution of socioeconomic position and cardiovascular risk factors was small (≤3.5% reduction). Taken together, these factors explained 32.5% of the association. Multiple pathways link lung function to mortality; these results show inflammatory markers to be particularly important. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

OBJECTIVE -- Although it is possible that the association between depression and the metabolic syndrome is a "two-way street," the metabolic syndrome as a predictor of depression has been little investigated. We examined whether the metabolic syndrome is associated with the onset of depressive symptoms in a cohort of middle-aged British civil servants. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--Analyses included 5,232 participants (41-61 years of age) from the Whitehall II prospective cohort study. Depressive symptoms were assessed in 1991-1993 and again 6 years later using the depression subscale from the 30-item General Health Questionnaire. Metabolic syndrome was assessed in 1991-1993, according to National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. RESULTS-- Presence of the metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased risk of future depressive symptoms, odds ratio 1.38 (95% CI 1.02-1.96) after adjustment for potential confounders. Of the five components, only central obesity, high triglyceride levels, and low HDL cholesterol levels predicted depressive symptoms. These components explained most of the association between the metabolic syndrome and the onset of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS -- Our results suggest that the metabolic syndrome, in particular the obesity and dyslipidemia components, is predictive of depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To further increase our understanding of socio-economic health inequalities, we need studies considering multiple socio-economic circumstances and comparing different cultural contexts. This study compared the associations of past and present socio-economic circumstances with physical functioning between employees from Finland and Britain. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data from the Helsinki Health Study (n=5866) and the Whitehall II Study (n=3052) were used. Participants were white-collar public sector employees aged 45-60 years. Physical functioning was measured with the SF-36 physical component summary. The socio-economic indicators were parental and own education, childhood and current economic difficulties, occupational class, income, housing tenure. Results: Childhood and current economic difficulties were independently associated with physical functioning in both cohorts, although in London women childhood difficulties did not reach statistical significance. Own education was independently associated with physical functioning in Helsinki. Occupational class showed associations with physical functioning in both cohorts. These were mainly attenuated by education and income, but in London women there was a strong independent association. The association of income with physical functioning was attenuated by education (Helsinki) and occupational class (London). Parental education and housing tenure showed no consistent associations. Conclusions: Past and present economic difficulties were independently associated with physical functioning. The conventional socio-economic indicators showed less consistent associations which were partly mediated through other indicators and modified by the national context. The associations that varied according to the indicators and between the cohorts highlight the importance of considering the multiplicity of socio-economic circumstances and comparing different cultural contexts in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the receipt of effective healthcare interventions in England by adults aged 50 or more with serious health conditions. Design: National structured surveyquestionnaírewith face to face interviews covering medical panel endorsed quality of care indicators for both publicly and privately provided care. Setting: Private households across England. Participants 8688 participants in the study of ageing, of whom 4417 reported diagnoses of one or more of 13 conditions. Main outcome measures Percentage of indicated interventions received by eligible participants for 32 clinical indicators and seven questions on patient centred care, and aggregate scores. Results: Participants were Eligible for 19 082 items of indicated care. Receipt of indicated care varied substantially by condition. The percentage of indicated care received by eligible participants was highest for ischaemic heart disease (83%, 95% confidence interval 80% to 86%), followed by hearing problems (79%, 77% to 76%), pain management (78%, 73% to 83%), diabetes (74%, 72% to 76%), smoking cessation (74%, 71% to 76%), hypertension (72%, 69% to 76%) , stroke (65%, 54% to 63%), depression (64%, 57% to 70%), patient centred care (58%, 47% to 54%), poor vision (58%, 54% to 63%), osteoporosis (53%, 49% to 54%), urinary incontinence (51%, 47% to 54%), falls management (44%, 37% to 51%), osteoarchritis (29%, 26% to 32%), and overall (62%, 62% to 63%). Substantially more indicated care was received for general medical (74%, 73% to 76%) than for conditions included in the general practice pay for performance contract (75%, 73% to 76%)than excluded from it (58%, 56% to 59%). Conclusion: Shortfalls in receipt of basic recommended care by adult aged 50 or more with common health conditions in England were most noticeable in areas associated with disability and frailty, but few areas were exempt. Effort to improve care have substantial scope to achieve better health outcomes and particularty need to include chronic conditions that affect quality of life of older people [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the position of Britain's Commission on Social Determinants of Health to achieve health equity around the world. The job of strengthening health equity means going beyond services offered, to the fundamental structure of the health care systems themselves. It is not just poor versus rich countries that see inequality in health. In Glasgow, Scotland life expectancy in a deprived area is 54 years as compared to Scots in a more affluent area who live to be 82 years old. Socioeconomic factors in all countries have the poor bearing the burden of disease.

The editorial comments on public health and the socioeconomic aspects of coronary heart disease (CHD). The Whitehall Study of British Civil Servants found there is a social gradiant in mortality that relates to health in developed countries such as the United States. Explanations are given for disparities in health, including social and economic inequality. The author calls on the medical profession to take a leadership role in reducing health inequalities.

Objectives: To compare the magnitude of socio-economic differences in sickness absence rates between a Japanese cohort and a British cohort. To assess the effects of self-rated health and behavioural risk factors on sickness absence in the two cohorts, and whether they explain socio-economic differences in sickness absence within and between cohorts. Methods: An 8 year follow up study of sickness absence in 2504 Japanese male employees in a factory in Japan and 6290 British male employees in civil service departments in London. The rates of first occurrences of long-term (>7 calendar days) sickness absence were determined and compared between these cohorts. Socio-economic status was measured with hierarchical employment grades. Results: The first time sickness absence rates were about two times higher among British men as compared with Japanese men. The rate ratio of lower to higher employment grade was 1.2, 1.3 and 2.1 among Japanese white-collar, Japanese blue-collar and British white-collar employees respectively. Baseline self-rated health and smoking habit predicted sickness absence in both cohorts. After adjusting for these factors a significant difference between the Japanese and British cohorts, and between employment grades remained. Conclusions: The rate of long-term sickness absence was higher in the British cohort than the Japanese cohort. We also demonstrated consistent socio-economic differences in long-term sickness absence in Japan, although these differences were smaller than in Britain. Behavioural risk factors and self-rated health at baseline were predictors of sickness absence within both cohorts. However, socio-economic differences in sickness absence were only partly explained by these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors investigated the relation between alcohol consumption and cognitive function in a United Kingdom cohort study (4,272 men, 1,761 women) with median follow-up of 11 years. Measures of alcohol consumption were obtained at baseline (1985–1988) and four subsequent phases of data collection. Cognitive function (memory test, AH4, Mill-Hill, phonemic and semantic fluency) was assessed at phase 5 (1997–1999), when participants were aged 46–68 years. Of people who reported drinking alcohol in the past year, those who consumed at least one drink in the past week, compared with those who did not, were significantly less likely to have poor cognitive function. The beneficial effect extended to those drinking more than 240 g per week (approximately 30 drinks). The effect was stronger for women than men and was not confined to those with evidence of vascular disease. Similar associations were found in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. The relations were not explained by confounding by smoking and by physical and mental health and, to a large extent, were not mediated by cholesterol or blood pressure. However, the relations were weakened when social position was added to the model. The authors concluded that for middle-aged subjects, increasing levels of alcohol consumption were associated with better function regarding some aspects of cognition. Nonetheless, it is not proposed that these findings be used to encourage increased alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goal. Assess the progress and pitfalls of current United Kingdom (U.K.) policies to reduce health inequalities. Objectives. (1) Describe the context enabling health inequalities to get onto the policy agenda in the United Kingdom. (2) Categorize and assess selected current U.K. policies that may affect health inequalities. (3) Apply the "policy windows" model to understand the issues faced in formulating and implementing such policies. (4) Examine the emerging policy challenges in the U.K. and elsewhere. Data Sources. Official documents, secondary analyses, and interviews with policymakers. Study Design. Qualitative, policy analysis. Data Collection. 2001–2002. The methods were divided into two stages. The first identified policies which were connected with individual inquiry recommendations. The second involved case‐studies of three policies areas which were thought to be crucial in tackling health inequalities. Both stages involved interviews with policy‐makers and documentary analysis. Principal Findings. (1) The current U.K. government stated a commitment to reducing health inequalities. (2) The government has begun to implement policies that address the wider determinants. (3) Some progress is evident but many indicators remain stubborn. (4) Difficulties remain in terms of coordinating policies across government and measuring progress. (5) The "policy windows" model explains the limited extent of progress and highlights current and possible future pitfalls. (6) The U.K.'s experience has lessons for other governments involved in tackling health inequalities. Conclusions. Health inequalities are on the agenda of U.K. government policy and steps have been made to address them. There are some signs of progress but much remains to be done including overcoming some of the perverse incentives at the national level, improving joint working, ensuring appropriate measures of performance/progress, and improving monitoring arrangements. A conceptual policy model aids understanding and points to ways of sustaining and extending the recent progress and overcoming pitfalls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which determined the predictors of early retirement in British civil servants. Details on labor force dynamics in industrialized countries; Estimated number of early retirees; Discussion on the retirement process; Methodology; Results and discussion.

Objectives. This study sought to examine the association between the psychosocial work environment and subsequent rates of sickness absence. Methods. The analyses were based on a cohort of male and female British civil servants (n = 9072). Rates of short spells (≤ 7 days) and long spells (>7 days) of sickness absence were calculated for different aspects of the psychosocial work environment, as measured by self-reports and personnel managers' ratings (external assessments). Results. Low levels of work demands, control, and support were associated with higher rates of short and long spells of absence in men and, to a lesser extent, in women. The differences were similar for the self-reports and external assessments. After adjustment for grade of employment, the differences were diminished but generally remained significant for short spells. The combination of high demands and low control was only associated with higher rates of short spells in the lower grades. Conclusions. The psychosocial work environment predicts rates of sickness absence. Increased levels of control and support at work could have beneficial effects in terms of both improving the health and well-being of employees and increasing productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study examined the association between two alternative job stress models--the effort-reward imbalance model and the job strain model--and the risk of coronary heart disease among male and female British civil servants. Methods. The logistic regression analyses were based on a prospective cohort study (Whitehall II study) comprising 6895 men and 3413 women aged 35 to 55 years. Baseline measures of both job stress models were related to new reports of coronary heart disease over a mean 5.3 years of follow-up. Results. The imbalance between personal efforts (competitiveness, work-related overcommitment, and hostility) and rewards (poor promotion prospects and a blocked career) was associated with a 2.15-fold higher risk of new coronary heart disease. Job strain and high job demands were not related to coronary heart disease; however, low job control was strongly associated with new disease. The odds ratios for low job control were 2.38 and 1.56 for self-reported and externally assessed job control, respectively. Work characteristics were simultaneously adjusted and controlled for employment grade level, negative affectivity, and coronary risk factors. Conclusions. This is apparently the first report showing independent effects of components of two alternative job stress models--the effort-reward imbalance model and the job strain model (job control only)--on coronary heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. This study measured the association between socioeconomic status and the eight scale scores of the Medical Outcomes Study short form 36 (SF-36) general health survey in the Whitehall II study of British civil servants. It also assessed, for the physical functioning scale, whether this association was independent of disease. Methods. A questionnaire containing the SF-36 was administered at the third phase of the study to 5766 men and 2589 women aged 39 through 63 years. Socioeconomic status was measured by means of six levels of employment grades. Results. There were significant improvements with age in general mental health, role-emotional, vitality, and social functioning scale scores. In men, all the scales except vitality showed significant age-adjusted gradients across the employment grades (lower grades, worse health). Among women, a similar relationship was found for the physical functioning, pain, and social functioning scales. For physical functioning, the effect of grade was found in those with and without disease. Conclusions. Low socioeconomic status was associated with poor health functioning, and the effect sizes were comparable to those for some clinical conditions. For physical functioning, this association may act both via and independently of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article emphasizes the need to create programs that will support early child development and reduce health and social inequalities in Great Britain. It examines the challenges posed by managing social development in rich and poor countries, along with the gradients in child development. An analysis of early child development programs is presented, including the benefits of such programs to disadvantaged children. The role of health care systems in early child development programs is explained. In addition, the article describes the commitment of the government to promote health equality in the country.

Discusses the contents of a report submitted by the Great Britain Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health led by Sir Donald Acheson as commissioned by the New Labour government. Differences among groups; Social gradient; Health selection; Recommendations to address social inequalities in health.

The author cites the three domains in which action is required to create the social conditions to create inequalities in health in Great Britain, early childhood education, welfare benefits, and housing. Topics discussed include the need to improve services for parents and children, the country's spending on social protection, and the importance of social housing.

The author discusses the inequalities in the public health in Great Britain. The author mentions that the health of the people could be damaged by depriving them of control over their lives and to lead lives of dignity. The author states that factors that are health damaging incoude lack of democracy, economic stagnation, and human agency's restrictions.

Examines the alcohol policy of the British Government. Description of policy; Implications of policy; Information on Royal Colleges of Physicians, Psychiatrists, and General Practitioners views on alcohol consumption.

Focuses on the medical debate regarding the plasma cholesterol content of eggs in Great Britain. Health risks attributed to cholesterol consumption; Epidemiological studies regarding low cholesterol as the major aspect in cardiovascular diseases; Case analysis on mortality resulting from plasma cholesterol.

The authors reflects on the importance of monitoring health inequalities, particularly in Great Britain. They claim that the country is the leader in terms of having the best data and in the development of policies to fight health inequalities. They cite, however, that such leading position is under threat due to the plan by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) to reduce the data it collects and the analyses that it produces in order to save money.

The article discusses the Whitehall II study which investigated the utility of genetic and non-genetic risk factors in prediction of type 2 diabetes in Great Britain. The study involved 5,535 initially healthy white participants in which the authors found that 302 developed type 2 diabetes during a 10-year follow-up. On the other hand, information on 20 type 2 diabetes associated genotypes failed to improve prediction of future diabetes. Main results and the role of chance and generalisability to other populations are also discussed.

We compared the pattern of socioeconomic inequalities in physical functioning and perceived health among male and female employees in Britain, Finland and Japan. Participants were male and female public sector employees in Britain, Finland and Japan, who were economically active and 40–60 year-olds at the time of data collection. We measured perceived health and physical functioning (SF-36 physical component summary) with standardized health questionnaires. The results obtained here reconfirm the similarity of the patterns of ill-health of those with lower socioeconomic status among non-manual men and women in Britain and Finland. These data also provide good evidence for a socioeconomic gradient in ill-health among Japanese non-manual men, although this gradient was less systematic. For Japanese men poorer health of manual workers as compared to non-manual workers was well demonstrated. However, among Japanese women socioeconomic differences in health were small and inconsistent. In conclusion, Britain, Finland and Japan—representing ‘liberal’, ‘Nordic’ and ‘conservative’ welfare state regimes—produce broadly similar patterns of socioeconomic differences in health among men. However, different patterns of labour force participation and welfare provision in different welfare regimes may bring about different patterns of socioeconomic differences in health for working women. This is exemplified by the lack of health inequalities among employed Japanese women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Examines the effect of family structure, socioeconomic indicators, and parental working and psychological status on children's psychological health in England using multivariate logistic regression models. Great Britain's policy response to changes in family structure; Socioeconomic circumstances of single parents; Strengths and difficulties questionnaire.

Objective: To explore national and socioeconomic differences in overall job satisfaction, we examined whether those differences can be explained by what job-related factors. Methods: Our datasets for this study are from the Whitehall II study and the Japan Civil Servant Study. Of the participants who were 5540 cases, with 3250 people from Great Britain and 2290 from Japan. Results: The odds ratio for job dissatisfaction was more than double in Japan compared with Britain. However. after adjusting the related factors-especially the facets of job satisfaction variables-the difference was reversed. Also, regarding the occupational differences. lower occupational grades had lower risks of overall job dissatisfaction. after adjusting for related factors, Conclusions: The national and socioeconomic differences in overall job satisfaction were strongly related to facets of job satisfaction rather than job stress factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effects of major organizational change and job insecurity on the health status of a cohort of 7419 white-collar civil servants in Great Britain. Details on the comparisons made on groups exposed to or anticipating exposure to this stressor; Discussion on the health related behavior in men as compared to women; Details on the wider consequence of job insecurity.

We examined whether relative occupational social class inequalities in physical health functioning widen, narrow or remain stable among white collar employees from three affluent countries. Health functioning was assessed twice in occupational cohorts from Britain (1997–1999 and 2003–2004), Finland (2000–2002 and 2007) and Japan (1998–1999 and 2003). Widening inequalities were seen for British and Finnish men, whereas inequalities among British and Finnish women remained relatively stable. Japanese women showed reverse inequalities at follow up, but no health inequalities were seen among Japanese men. Health behaviours and social relations explained 4–37% of the magnitude in health inequalities, but not their widening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In general, women report more physical and mental symptoms than men. International comparisons of countries with different welfare state regimes may provide further understanding of the social determinants of sex inequalities in health. This study aims to evaluate (1) whether there are sex inequalities in health functioning as measured by the Short Form 36 (SF-36), and (2) whether work characteristics contribute to the sex inequalities in health among employees from Britain, Finland, and Japan, representing liberal, social democratic, and conservative welfare state regimes, respectively. The participants were 7340 (5122 men and 2218 women) British employees, 2297 (1638 men and 659 women) Japanese employees, and 8164 (1649 men and 6515 women) Finnish employees. All the participants were civil servants aged 40–60 years. We found that more women than men tended to have disadvantaged work characteristics (i.e. low employment grade, low job control, high job demands, and long work hours) but such sex differences were relatively smaller among employees from Finland, where more gender equal policies exist than Britain and Japan. The age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) of women for poor physical functioning was the largest for British women (OR = 2.08), followed by for Japanese women (OR = 1.72), and then for Finnish women (OR = 1.51). The age-adjusted OR of women for poor mental functioning was the largest for Japanese women (OR = 1.91), followed by for British women (OR = 1.45), and then for Finnish women (OR = 1.07). Thus, sex differences in physical and mental health was the smallest in the Finnish population. The larger the sex differences in work characteristics, the larger the sex differences in health and the reduction in the sex differences in health after adjustment for work characteristics. These results suggest that egalitarian and gender equal policies may contribute to smaller sex differences in health, through smaller differences in disadvantaged work characteristics between men and women. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: We examined socioeconomic and ethnic differences in use of lipid-lowering drugs after deregulation of simvastatin in the UK for adults with moderate or high risk of coronary heart disease. Methods: 3631 participants in the Whitehall II cohort study (mean age 62.7years, 91% white) were informed of their risk of coronary heart disease, based on Framingham score, before deregulation (2002–2004). The use of prescribed lipid-lowering drugs and use of over-the-counter simvastatin were analysed as outcome variables, after deregulation (2005–2007). Results: 2451 participants were at high risk and 1180 at moderate risk. 20% moderate-risk and 44% high-risk participants reported using prescribed lipid-lowering drugs although no over-the-counter simvastatin was used. Prescribing rates did not differ between employment grades (an index of socioeconomic position), but was higher among South Asian high-risk compared with White high-risk participants (odds ratio 1.64, 95% CI 1.21–2.23). Of the high-risk participants, 44% recalled their increased coronary heart disease risk. South Asian high-risk participants were less likely to recall than White high-risk participants (odds ratio 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.93). Furthermore, high risk participants with middle (odds ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.61–0.89) and low (odds ratio 0.52, 95% CI 0.37–0.74) employment grades were less likely to recall than those with high grades. Conclusion: Socioeconomic and ethnic differences in reported use of lipid-lowering drugs were small, but the use of these drugs in general was much lower than recommended and the participants did not utilise over-the-counter statins. Ethnic minorities and lower socioeconomic position groups were less likely to be aware of their increased coronary risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aims to examine social class differences in smoking, heavy drinking, unhealthy food habits, physical inactivity and obesity, and work-related psychosocial factors as explanations for these differences. This is done by comparing employee cohorts from Britain, Finland and Japan. Social class differences in health behaviours are found in the two western European countries, but not in Japan. The studied psychosocial factors related to work, work–family interface and social relationships did not explain the found class differences in health behaviours. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study aims to evaluate whether the pattern of socioeconomic inequalities in physical and mental functioning as measured by the Short Form 36 (SF-36) differs among employees in Britain, Finland, and Japan and whether work characteristics contribute to some of the health inequalities. The participants were 7340 (5122 men and 2218 women) British employees, 2297 (1638 men and 659 women) Japanese employees, and 8164 (1649 men and 6515 women) Finnish employees. All the participants were civil servants aged 40–60 years. Both male and female low grade employees had poor physical functioning in all cohorts. British and Japanese male low grade employees tended to have poor mental functioning but the associations were significant only for Japanese men. No consistent employment-grade differences in mental functioning were observed among British and Japanese women. Among Finnish men and women, high grade employees had poor mental functioning. In all cohorts, high grade employees had high control, high demands and long work hours. The grade differences in poor physical functioning and disadvantaged work characteristics among non-manual workers were somewhat smaller in the Finnish cohort than in the British and Japanese cohorts. Low control, high demands, and both short and long work hours were associated with poor functioning. When work characteristics were adjusted for, the socioeconomic differences in poor functioning were mildly attenuated in men, but the differences increased slightly in women. This study reconfirms the generally observed pattern of socioeconomic inequalities in health for physical functioning but not for mental functioning. The role of work characteristics in the relationship between socioeconomic status and health differed between men and women but was modest overall. We suggest that these differences in the pattern and magnitude of grade differences in work characteristics and health among the 3 cohorts may be attributable to the different welfare regimes among the 3 countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adverse health behaviors and obesity are key determinants of major chronic diseases. Evidence on work-related determinants of these behavioral risk factors is inconclusive, and comparative studies are especially lacking. We aimed to examine the associations between job strain, working overtime, adverse health behaviors, and obesity among 45–60-year-old white-collar employees of the Whitehall II Study from London (n =3397), Helsinki Health Study (n =6070), and the Japanese Civil Servants Study (n =2213). Comparable data from all three cohorts were pooled, and logistic regression analysis was used, stratified by cohort and sex. Models were adjusted for age, occupational class, and marital status. Outcomes were unhealthy food habits, physical inactivity, heavy drinking, smoking, and obesity. In London, men reporting passive work were more likely to be physically inactive. A similar association was repeated among women in Helsinki. Additionally, high job strain was associated with physical inactivity among men in London and women in Helsinki. In London, women reporting passive work were less likely to be heavy drinkers and smokers. In Japan, men working overtime reported less smoking, whereas those with high job strain were more likely to smoke. Among men in Helsinki the association between working overtime and non-smoking was also suggested, but it reached statistical significance in the age-adjusted model only. Obesity was associated with working overtime among women in London. In conclusion, job strain and working overtime had some, albeit mostly weak and inconsistent, associations with adverse health behaviors and obesity in these middle-aged white-collar employee cohorts from Britain, Finland, and Japan. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To explore national and socioeconomic differences in overall job satisfaction, we examined whether those differences can be explained by what job-related factors., Methods: Our datasets for this study are from the Whitehall II study and the Japan Civil Servant Study. Of the participants who were 5540 cases, with 3250 people from Great Britain and 2290 from Japan., Results: The odds ratio for job dissatisfaction was more than double in Japan compared with Britain. However, after adjusting the related factors-especially the facets of job satisfaction variables-the difference was reversed. Also, regarding the occupational differences, lower occupational grades had lower risks of overall job dissatisfaction, after adjusting for related factors., Conclusions: The national and socioeconomic differences in overall job satisfaction were strongly related to facets of job satisfaction rather than job stress factors., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.)

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.