Public Health Commons^™

A Scoping Review Of Randomised Controlled Trials Of Vaccines That Recruited Care Home Residents: Lessons For Future Trials, Selvarani Selvarani Subbarayan, Imogen Smith-Dodd, Gabriel Nicolson, Jennifer Kirsty Burton, Janet T. Scott, Seshadri S. Vasan, Susan D. Shenkin, Roy L. Soiza

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Older care home (CH) residents are particularly vulnerable to infections and often experience adverse outcomes. Despite this group being frequently prioritised for vaccinations, trials of vaccines rarely recruit CH residents. Given that the social and biological characteristics of CH residents may influence vaccine effectiveness, it is crucial to test vaccines in this population.

Methods: The Widening Access to Trials in Care Homes project was established to develop best practice guidance on designing and conducting vaccine trials in the CH population. As part of this project, a scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was conducted to identify vaccine trials …

Epidemiological Principles In Claims Of Causality: An Enquiry Into Repetitive Head Impacts (Rhi) And Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (Cte), Lauren V. Fortington, J. David Cassidy, Rudolph J. Castellani, Andrew J. Gardner, Andrew S. Mcintosh, Michael Austen, Zachary Yukio Kerr, Kenneth L. Quarrie

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Determining whether repetitive head impacts (RHI) cause the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)-neuropathological change (NC) and whether pathological changes cause clinical syndromes are topics of considerable interest to the global sports medicine community. In 2022, an article was published that used the Bradford Hill criteria to evaluate the claim that RHI cause CTE. The publication garnered international media attention and has since been promoted as definitive proof that causality has been established. Our counterpoint presents an appraisal of the published article in terms of the claims made and the scientific literature used in developing those claims. We conclude that …

Metadata Makes Big Data Useful For Ai/Ml-Ready, Equitable Pandemic Response, Sudarshan Anand, Miae Lee, Seshadri S. Vasan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

While genomic data helps understand the pathogen and its evolution, patient metadata is critical to get the host side of the picture, so that the pandemic response is effective and equitable.

Clinical Relevance: We highlight the importance of patient stratification and metadata to help develop diagnostics, therapies and vaccines as the pathogen (virus) evolves.

Associations Between Flavonoid-Rich Food And Flavonoid Intakes And Incident Unhealthy Aging Outcomes In Older United States Males And Females, Nicola P. Bondonno, Yan Lydia Liu, Francine Grodstein, Eric B. Rimm, Aedín Cassidy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Our knowledge of the importance of flavonoid-rich foods in preventing unhealthy aging across its different domains is limited. Objectives: This study aimed to examine prospective associations between flavonoid-rich food and flavonoid intakes and indicators of unhealthy aging, namely frailty, impaired physical function, and poor mental health. Methods: We followed up 62,743 females and 23,687 males, all aged ≥60 y, from the Nurses’ Health Study (1990–2014) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (2006–2018), respectively. Both time-updated and change in intakes of a flavodiet score (an aggregate of intakes of major flavonoid-rich foods and beverages) and individual flavonoid-rich foods and beverages and …

Hospital Volunteer Programs For Older People: A Systematic Scoping Review, Rosemary Saunders, Francine Antoinette Ocampo, Renée Graham, Angela Christiansen, Michelle Gay, Karla Seaman

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Volunteers play an important role in supporting patients in hospitals, especially older adult patients who may have increased care needs. This systematic scoping review aimed to synthesise evidence related to qualitative evaluations of hospital-based therapeutically oriented volunteer programs for older patients from the perspective of clinicians (nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals), and stakeholders (patients, families, and volunteers). Methods: Nine databases were searched from January 2002 to November 2022. Of the 549 articles identified, 15 were included in the final review. Results: The evidence demonstrated that clinicians, patients, families, and volunteers could all see the benefits of volunteer programs …

Investigating Falls Risk Awareness In Hospitals Using The Self-Awareness Of Falls Risk Measure (Safrm): Empirical Research Quantitative, Elissa Dabkowski, Simon J. Cooper, Jhodie Duncan, Karen Missen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: The overarching aim of this study was to explore patients' falls risk awareness in hospitals using section A of the validated Self Awareness of Falls Risk Measure (SAFRM). Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study design. Setting: Three rural/regional hospitals in the State of Victoria, Australia. Methods: Using a purposive sampling strategy, patients were eligible to participate if aged ≥ 40 years, English-speaking, and have ambulatory capacity prior to hospital admission. Participants were excluded from the study if they returned a Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) score < 18. Falls risk awareness data was collected from both patient and health professionals using section A of the SAFRM. Patient demographic data was collected from patient medical records. Results: A total of 77 patients (72.9 years ±11.2) and 58 health professionals were recruited. Patients had a significant difference in falls risk awareness when compared to their clinician (z = −2.08, p = 0.038). Regression analyses showed that patients were more likely to overestimate their falls risk if they used anticoagulant medication and if their highest education level was less than or equal year 11. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a three-factor solution from section A of the SAFRM, which were labelled Physical Activity Awareness, Cognitive Awareness and Balance Awareness. Conclusions: There was a significant difference in patients' falls risk awareness compared to a health professional. The independent associations of variables with falls risk awareness, such as age, education level and medication use, further our understanding of the differences in falls risk awareness. The findings also establish that the 15-item section A SAFRM is a reliable and feasible falls risk perception measure for use in hospitals, with future research recommended to evaluate the proposed three-factor model with the addition of tailored hospital falls education. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: The findings from this study establish a significant difference in patients' falls risk awareness compared to their health professional. Section A of the SAFRM is a reliable tool for nurses and other health professionals to establish the presence of a falls risk disparity. The ability to empirically measure this disparity and to determine an under- or overestimation of falls risk is a useful addition to clinical practice. The SAFRM facilitates a person-centred approach to falls prevention by providing opportunities for the clinician to collaborate with the patient and tailor fall prevention strategies. Impact: Problem: Inpatient falls in hospital settings. Main Findings: There was a significant difference in patients' falls risk awareness compared to a health professional. Section A of the Self-Awareness of Falls Risk measure is a reliable and feasible tool to identify under- or overestimation of falls risk perception in hospitals. Patients were more likely to overestimate their falls risk if they used anticoagulant medication and if their highest education level was less than year 11. The findings for a three factor-model Physical Activity Awareness, Cognitive Awareness and Balance Awareness could inform future hospital falls education. Impact: Registered nurses, health professionals, inpatients. Reporting Method: STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies. Patient or Public Contribution: This study involved the collection of data from patient participants and registered nurses.

Decolonising Outcome Measurement: A Systematic Review Of Health And Wellbeing Measures For Māori, Margaret Sandham, Maree Roche, Melissa Carey, Richard J. Siegert, Rebecca J. Jarden

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The objective of the study is to conduct a systematic review and methodological quality appraisal on studies reporting the development of health and wellbeing outcome measures for Māori (Indigenous people of New Zealand), identify common features and processes, and critically appraise the measures using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Key databases were searched using key terms in May 2022 without date limiters. English or Māori language publications were included if they reported Māori health and wellbeing outcome measure development. Studies were then appraised using the COSMIN. Seven publications developed outcome measures and seven reported …

The Impact Of Opening A Private Hospital Emergency Department On The Hospital And Patient Characteristics, Christiana Mustac, John Maxwell, Paola Chivers, Gordon Laing, Terry Bayliss

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction Australian public hospital emergency departments (EDs) are under increasing pressure with higher patient volumes, failure to meet triage target times and increased ambulance wait times. Further, there is limited literature exploring how the opening of an ED affects Australian hospitals. This study focuses on Hollywood Private Hospital (HPH), a large private hospital in Western Australian which opened their ED in November 2021. The research aimed to examine how the introduction of the ED influenced the hospital’s service demands and resourcing. Method This study investigated hospital inpatient characteristics including admissions, clinical deterioration episodes, deaths, aft er-hours theatre activity and companion …

Multifactorial Fall Interventions For People Over 65 Years In The Acute Hospital Setting: Pre–Post-Test Design, Allison Wallis, Christina Aggar, Deb Massey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Falls are the most reported patient safety incident for patients >65 years in acute hospital settings worldwide. While multifactorial fall interventions reduce the number of falls in subacute and rehabilitation settings, fall interventions in acute hospital settings are unknown. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of multifactorial fall interventions on the number of falls using codesigned education targeting staff and the patient and review the environment in acute hospital settings in NSW, Australia for patients over 65 years of age. Method: A pre–post-test design with a non-equivalent group was conducted. All acute hospital inpatient falls occurring both pre- and post-intervention …

Association Between Hypertension And Dementia Risk In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review, Josephine E. Lindhout, Marieke P. Hoevenaar-Blom, Jan Willem Van Dalen, Manshu Song, Dong Lin, Wei Wang, Edo Richard, Eric P. Moll Van Charante, Tessa Van Middelaar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Dementia prevalence is rising most rapidly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet most evidence on risk factors such as hypertension stems from high-income settings. In LMICs, hypertension may have a greater impact due to its high prevalence and poor control. We systematically reviewed evidence on the association between blood pressure and dementia and cognition in LMICs, and compared findings across regions. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, and Global Index Medicus and reviewed reference lists for relevant studies. We included longitudinal studies (follow-up ≥6 months) from LMICs on the association between systolic blood pressure or hypertension and incident …

Exploring Drivers Of Women’S Well-Being In Hospitals: Mapping The Landscape, Mitra Faghihi, Aliasghar Farshad, Nasim Salehi, Dean Whitehead, Masoud Motalebi Ghayen, Bahar Izadi, Morteza Mansourian

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background and purpose: The workplace plays a key role in impacting the health and well-being of employees at various levels, including physical, psychological, and social aspects of health. This study aims to identify the drivers of a healthy environment that promotes the well-being of women employed in hospitals. Materials & methods: This qualitative study used purposive sampling to recruit a total of 48 working women across a diverse range of participants with different job categories and socio-demographic statuses. These include clinical health (e.g., nurse, head nurse, practical nurse, supervisor, physicians); allied health (e.g., diagnostic services); public health (e.g., health promotion …

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Obesity Among Undergraduate Student Population In Ghana: An Evaluation Study Of Body Composition Indices, Christian Obirikorang, Evans A. Adu, Enoch O. Anto, Anthony A. A. Awuah, Angela N. B. Fynn, George Osei-Somuah, Patience N. Ansong, Alexander O. Boakye, Ivy Ofori-Boadu, Yaa Obirikorang, Austin G. Adobasom-Anane, Eric N. Y. Nyarko, Lois Balmer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Obesity is a classified risk factor for several of the world’s leading causes of death. In this study, we combined information contained in body mass index (BMI), total percentage body fat (TPBF) and relative fat mass (RFM) to estimate obesity prevalence and examine the risk factors associated with obesity. Methods: The study recruited 1027 undergraduate students aged between 16 and 25 years using a cross-sectional study design and two-stage stratified random sampling between January and April 2019 from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Demographic, lifestyle, and family history of chronic disease data, were collected …

Co-Design Of A Personalised Digital Intervention To Improve Vegetable Intake In Adults Living In Australian Rural Communities, Katherine M. Livingstone, Jonathan C. Rawstorn, Laura Alston, Stephanie R. Partridge, Amber Bastian, Kate Dullaghan, Sarah A. Mcnaughton, Gilly A. Hendrie, Lauren C. Blekkenhorst, Ralph Maddison, Yuxin Zhang, Scott Barnett, John C. Mathers, Stephanie L. Godrich

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Diets low in vegetables are a main contributor to the health burden experienced by Australians living in rural communities. Given the ubiquity of smartphones and access to the Internet, digital interventions may offer an accessible delivery model for a dietary intervention in rural communities. However, no digital interventions to address low vegetable intake have been co-designed with adults living in rural areas. This paper describes the co-design of a digital intervention to improve vegetable intake with rural community members and research partners. Methods: Active participants in the co-design process were adults ≥ 18 years living in three rural Australian …

Cohort Profile: The Origins Pregnancy And Birth Cohort, Jacqueline Davis, Zenobia Talati, Sarah Whalan, Wesley Billingham, Nina D'Vaz, Lisa Gibson, Susan L. Prescott, Desiree T. Silva

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

Associations Of Metabolic Changes And Polygenic Risk Scores With Cardiovascular Outcomes And All-Cause Mortality Across Bmi Categories: A Prospective Cohort Study, Cancan Li, Xiaoni Meng, Jie Zhang, Haotian Wang, Huimin Lu, Meiling Cao, Shengzhi Sun, Youxin Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Associations between metabolic status and metabolic changes with the risk of cardiovascular outcomes have been reported. However, the role of genetic susceptibility underlying these associations remains unexplored. We aimed to examine how metabolic status, metabolic transitions, and genetic susceptibility collectively impact cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality across diverse body mass index (BMI) categories. Methods: In our analysis of the UK Biobank, we included a total of 481,576 participants (mean age: 56.55; male: 45.9%) at baseline. Metabolically healthy (MH) status was defined by the presence of < 3 abnormal components (waist circumstance, blood pressure, blood glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Normal weight, overweight, and obesity were defined as 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 kg/m2, 25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2, and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, respectively. Genetic predisposition was estimated using the polygenic risk score (PRS). Cox regressions were performed to evaluate the associations of metabolic status, metabolic transitions, and PRS with cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality across BMI categories. Results: During a median follow-up of 14.38 years, 31,883 (7.3%) all-cause deaths, 8133 (1.8%) cardiovascular disease (CVD) deaths, and 67,260 (14.8%) CVD cases were documented. Among those with a high PRS, individuals classified as metabolically healthy overweight had the lowest risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratios [HR] 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65, 0.76) and CVD mortality (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.50, 0.64) compared to those who were metabolically unhealthy obesity, with the beneficial associations appearing to be greater in the moderate and low PRS groups. Individuals who were metabolically healthy normal weight had the lowest risk of CVD morbidity (HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.51, 0.57). Furthermore, the inverse associations of metabolic status and PRS with cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality across BMI categories were more pronounced among individuals younger than 65 years (Pinteraction < 0.05). Additionally, the combined protective effects of metabolic transitions and PRS on these outcomes among BMI categories were observed. Conclusions: MH status and a low PRS are associated with a lower risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality across all BMI categories. This protective effect is particularly pronounced in individuals younger than 65 years. Further research is required to confirm these findings in diverse populations and to investigate the underlying mechanisms involved. Graphical abstract: (Figure presented.)

Dual-Trajectory Of Tyg Levels And Lifestyle Scores And Their Associations With Ischemic Stroke In A Non-Diabetic Population: A Cohort Study, Hui Zhou, Xiong Ding, Yulong Lan, Wei Fang, Xiaojie Yuan, Yan Tian, Shuohua Chen, Shouling Wu, Dan Wu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, has been implicated in the risk of ischemic stroke. However, the interplay between TyG levels, lifestyle factors, and their collective impact on stroke risk in non-diabetic populations remains inadequately explored. This study aims to evaluate the association of ischemic stroke with the joint development of the TyG index and lifestyle in the non-diabetic population. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, data was collected across three consecutive biennial surveys of the Kailuan Study from 2006 to 2011. The dual-trajectory model was used to determine the temporal development of TyG levels …

The Impact Of Armed Conflicts On Hiv Treatment Outcomes In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Hafte Kahsay Kebede, Hailay Abrha Gesesew, Amanuel Tesfay Gebremedhin, Paul Ward

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Despite the fact that Sub-Saharan Africa bears a disproportionate burden of armed conflicts and HIV infection, there has been inadequate synthesis of the impact of armed conflict on HIV treatment outcomes. We summarized the available evidence on the impact of armed conflicts on HIV treatment outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2002 to 2022. Methods: We searched four databases; MEDLINE, PubMed, CINHAL, and Scopus. We also explored grey literature sources and reviewed the bibliographies of all articles to identify any additional relevant studies. We included quantitative studies published in English from January 1, 2002 to December 30, 2022 that reported …

Association Between Inflammatory Bowel Disease And Cancer Risk: Evidence Triangulation From Genetic Correlation, Mendelian Randomization, And Colocalization Analyses Across East Asian And European Populations, Di Liu, Meiling Cao, Haotian Wang, Weijie Cao, Chenguang Zheng, Yun Li, Youxin Wang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), has been associated with several cancer risks in observational studies, but the observed associations have been inconsistent and may face the bias of confounding and reverse causality. The potential causal relationships between IBD and the risk of cancers remain largely unclear. Methods: We performed genome-wide linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), standard two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), and colocalization analyses using summary genome-wide association study (GWAS) data across East Asian and European populations to evaluate the causal relationships between IBD and cancers. Sensitivity analyses for the MR approach …

Scoping Review Of Review Methodologies Used For Guiding Evidence-Based Practice In Critical Care: A Protocol, Hugh Davies, Paige Marie Watkins, Amy Freeman-Sanderson, Marc Richard Nickels, Melissa Ankravs, Emma J. Ridley, Kate Brooks, Andrew A. Udy, Debbie Massey

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: A literature review provides a synthesis on a selection of papers about a specific topic. This is used by health practitioners in critical care as in other specialities when making clinical practice decisions. The task of knowledge transfer through the review process of scientific papers involves a variety of methodologies with differing expectations on the quality and rigour that is applied. Exploration on the types of review methodologies selected by the authors of critical care literature may reveal the extent that choice of methodology has on how papers are selected and appraised may influence evidence-based practice recommendations. This scoping …

Impact Of Quality Of Care On Outcomes In Survivors Of Stroke With Aphasia: A Linked Registry And Hospital Data Observational Study, Tharshanah Thayabaranathan, Sarah J. Wallace, Joosup Kim, Monique F. Kilkenny, Muideen T. Olaiya, Nadine E. Andrew, Emily Brogan, Caroline Baker, Erin Godecke, David A. Copland, Miranda L. Rose, Mulugeta M. Birhanu, Dominique A. Cadilhac

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The impact of hospital care quality on patient outcomes in post-stroke aphasia remains unclear. We investigated the impact of nationally-endorsed acute stroke treatments on outcomes post-stroke, by aphasia status. Methods: Patient-level data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2009–2013) linked to national deaths, hospital emergency presentations and admissions data were used. Aphasia was identified for the index stroke event (ICD-10 diagnosis code R47.0). Impact of receiving an optimal stroke care bundle (stroke unit care, antihypertensive medication at discharge and discharge care plan) and an acute ischemic stroke (AIS) care bundle (stroke unit care, intravenous thrombolysis and aspirin within 48 …

Functional Measures In Non-Copd Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Systematic Review, Camile Ludovico Zamboti, Heloise Angélico Pimpão, Larissa Dragonetti Bertin, Gabriela Garcia Krinski, Tathielle Garcia, Sandro Laerth Souza Dos Santos Filho, Vinicius Cavalheri, Fabio Pitta, Carlos Augusto Camillo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background/Objectives: The extensive range of instruments designed for evaluating functional performance (FP) in chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) other than chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents a challenge in selecting the most appropriate one. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to summarise FP instruments, their measurement properties, their minimum clinically important differences, and their associations with CRD course-related events or prognosis in non-COPD CRD. Methods: Studies employing patient-reported or performance-based instruments to assess FP in non-COPD CRD were systematically identified in the PubMed, PEDro, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. COPD-exclusive studies or those solely reporting exercise capacity tests were excluded. Examination focused …

Characterising The Chemical Composition Of Bushfire Smoke And Implications For Firefighter Exposure In Western Australia, Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study evaluates bushfire smoke as a workplace hazard for firefighters by characterising its chemical composition and potential health risks in Western Australia. Portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry was used to measure airborne chemical concentrations at prescribed burns across five regions, including peat (acid sulphate) fire events. Samples were collected during both flaming and smouldering phases, as well as in perceived “clear” air resting zones. Results indicated that carbon monoxide (CO) was the dominant gas, reaching concentrations of 205 ppm at the fire front, followed by nitrogen monoxide (26 ppm) and methane (19 ppm). Peat fires produced distinct profiles, …

Prevalence Trends Of Foodborne Pathogens Bacillus Cereus, Non-Stec Escherichia Coli And Staphylococcus Aureus In Ready-To-Eat Foods Sourced From Restaurants, Cafés, Catering And Takeaway Food Premises, Nicole Foxcroft, Edmore Masaka, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Foodborne pathogens of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), non-STEC Escherichia coli (non-STEC E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are currently non-notifiable in Australia unless attributed to a food poisoning outbreak. Due to the lack of data around individual cases and isolations in foods, any changes in prevalence may go undetected. The aim of this study was to determine any changes in the prevalence of B. cereus, non-STEC E. coli and S. aureus in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods sampled from Western Australian restaurants, cafés, catering facilities and takeaway food premises from July 2009 to June 2022. A total of 21,822 microbiological test …

Access To Waitlisting And Posttransplant Outcomes In Patients With Failed Kidney Allografts Secondary To Recurrent Glomerulonephritis, Ryan Gately, Germaine Wong, Armando Teixeira-Pinto, Helen Pilmore, Carmel Hawley, Scott Campbell, William Mulley, Wai H. Lim

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background. Recurrent glomerulonephritis (GN) is an important cause of allograft loss after transplantation when GN is the primary cause of kidney failure. Retransplantation after allograft loss from recurrent disease requires careful consideration. We aimed to determine the probability of relisting and the risk of allograft loss after retransplantation in recipients with prior allograft loss from recurrent GN. Methods. Using data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry and multivariable Cox modeling, we compared the probability of waitlisting and allograft loss after second transplantation between those with and without prior allograft loss from recurrent disease. Results. Of 3276 …

Burden Of Disease Attributable To High Body Mass Index: An Analysis Of Data From The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021, Xiao Dong Zhou, Qin Fen Chen, Wah Yang, Mauricio Zuluaga, Giovanni Targher, Christopher D. Byrne, Luca Valenti, Fei Luo, Christos S. Katsouras, Omar Thaher, Anoop Misra, Karim Ataya, Rodolfo J. Oviedo, Alice Pik-Shan Kong, Khalid Alswat, Amedeo Lonardo, Yu Jun Wong, Adam Abu-Abeid, Hazem Al Momani, Arshad Ali, Gabriel Alejandro Molina, Olivia Szepietowski, Nozim Adxamovich Jumaev, Mehmet Celal Kızılkaya, Octavio Viveiros, Carlos Jesus Toro-Huamanchumo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Obesity represents a major global health challenge with important clinical implications. Despite its recognized importance, the global disease burden attributable to high body mass index (BMI) remains less well understood. Methods: We systematically analyzed global deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to high BMI using the methodology and analytical approaches of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021. High BMI was defined as a BMI over 25 kg/m2 for individuals aged ≥20 years. The Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) was used as a composite measure to assess the level of socio-economic development across different regions. Subgroup analyses considered age, …

Adherence To A Healthful Plant-Based Diet And Risk Of Mortality Among Individuals With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Prospective Cohort Study, Alysha S. Thompson, Martina Gaggl, Nicola P. Bondonno, Amy Jennings, Joshua K. O'Neill, Claire Hill, Nena Karavasiloglou, Sabine Rohrmann, Aedín Cassidy, Tilman Kühn

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Plant-rich dietary patterns may protect against negative health outcomes among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), although aspects of plant-based diet quality have not been studied. This study aimed to examine associations between healthful and unhealthful plant-based dietary patterns with risk of all-cause mortality among CKD patients for the first time.

Methods: This prospective analysis included 4807 UK Biobank participants with CKD at baseline. We examined associations of adherence to both the healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) and unhealthful plant-based diet index (uPDI), calculated from repeated 24-h dietary assessments, with risk of all-cause mortality using multivariable Cox proportional hazard …

Forecasting The Effects Of Smoking Prevalence Scenarios On Years Of Life Lost And Life Expectancy From 2022 To 2050: A Systematic Analysis For The Global Burden Of Disease Study 2021, Dana Bryazka, Marissa B. Reitsma, Yohannes Habtegiorgis Abate, Abdallah H H.A. Abd Al Magied, Atef Abdelkader, Arash Abdollahi, Meriem Abdoun, Rizwan Suliankatchi Abdulkader, Roberto Ariel Abeldaño Zuñiga, E. S. Abhilash, Olugbenga Olusola Abiodun, Olumide Abiodun, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Lucas Guimarães Abreu, Dariush Abtahi, Hasan Abualruz, Bilyaminu Abubakar, Niveen Me Abu-Rmeileh, Salahdein Aburuz, Ahmed Abu-Zaid, Mesafint Molla Adane, Akindele Olupelumi Adebiyi, Oyelola A. Adegboye, Victor Adekanmbi, Habeeb Omoponle Adewuyi, Ali Fatehizadeh

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Smoking is the leading behavioural risk factor for mortality globally, accounting for more than 175 million deaths and nearly 4·30 billion years of life lost (YLLs) from 1990 to 2021. The pace of decline in smoking prevalence has slowed in recent years for many countries, and although strategies have recently been proposed to achieve tobacco-free generations, none have been implemented to date. Assessing what could happen if current trends in smoking prevalence persist, and what could happen if additional smoking prevalence reductions occur, is important for communicating the effect of potential smoking policies. Methods: In this analysis, we use …

Flavonoid-Rich Foods, Dementia Risk, And Interactions With Genetic Risk, Hypertension, And Depression, Amy Jennings, Alysha S. Thompson, Anna Tresserra-Rimbau, Joshua K. O'Neill, Claire Hill, Nicola P. Bondonno, Tilman Kühn, Aedín Cassidy

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Importance: A composite score of flavonoid-rich foods (flavodiet) may provide a clear public health message regarding the range of foods with the potential to lower dementia risk. Objective: To examine associations of flavodiet score and intakes of flavonoid subclasses with dementia risk according to genetic risk and presence of depression and hypertension. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective, population-based cohort study included dietary data from adults aged 40 to 70 years in the UK Biobank, recruited between 2006 and 2010, with a mean (SD) follow-up of 9.2 (1.5) years. The data analyses were conducted from September 1 to 30, 2023. …

Preliminary Assessment Of Tunic Off-Gassing After Wildland Firefighting Exposure, Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Evidence has previously shown that outer tunics (turnout coats) worn by firefighters at structural fires are contaminated with harmful chemicals which subsequently off-gas from the material. However, there is limited research on whether this phenomenon extends to wildland firefighter uniforms. This pilot study aimed to explore if the tunics of volunteer bushfire and forestry firefighters in Western Australia off-gas any contaminants after exposure to prescribed burns or bushfires, and whether there is a need to explore this further. Nine tunics were collected from firefighters following nine bushfire and prescribed burn events, with a set of unused tunics serving as a …

Effects Of Increased Nitrate Intake From Beetroot Juice On Blood Markers Of Oxidative Stress And Inflammation In Older Adults With Hypertension, Rebeka Fejes, Nina Pilat, Martin Lutnik, Stefan Weisshaar, Anna M. Weijler, Karsten Krüger, Agnes Draxler, Laura Bragagna, Jonathan M. Peake, Richard J. Woodman, Kevin D. Croft, Catherine P. Bondonno, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Karl Heinz Wagner, Michael Wolzt, Oliver Neubauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Vascular oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation are important in the pathology of cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension. Cell culture and animal studies suggest that inorganic dietary nitrate may attenuate oxidative stress and inflammation through nitric oxide (NO), and there is a need to investigate whether this translates to humans. Aim: In this randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study, by measuring a combination of multiple blood biomarkers, we evaluated whether previously reported benefits of dietary nitrate translate to a reduced oxidative stress and an improved inflammation status in 15 men and women (age range: 56–71 years) with treated hypertension. Methods: We investigated the …