How infodemic intoxicates public health surveillance: from a big to a slow data culture
Abstract Too much data? Too much information? The COVID-19 pandemic has made the case. The WHO coined the term ‘infodemic’ to describe the issue of overabundance of information, including misinformation, disseminated in real time via multiple channels.1 2 A related concept is ‘datademic’ to describe the overabundance of data. I argue in this essay that infodemic intoxicates public health surveillance and decision-making, and that we need to revisit how we conduct surveillance in the age of big data by fostering a slow data culture. Why too much data intoxicate public health surveillance Surveillance...
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Chiolero, A. Tags: COVID-19 Essay Source Type: research

Why we need population data on gender norms, and why this is important for population health
Gender norms are essential barometers of gender equality; inequitable gender norms are indicative of core inequalities in society that undermine the health of many groups. Fundamentally embedded in the gender system, prescriptive and restrictive gender norms have been shown to have deleterious effects on the health of women, men, girls and boys, as well as gender and sexual minorities. Gender norms are mutable, and there is potential to target and transform harmful and inequitable gender norms to drive gender equality. Gender-transformative approaches are needed, but a necessary first step is to identify and benchmark rest...
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: King, T., Perales, F., Sutherland, G. Tags: Research agenda Source Type: research

Dietary patterns and birth outcomes in the ELSPAC pregnancy cohort
This study supports the recommendation to eat a healthy and balanced diet during pregnancy. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Mikes, O., Brantsaeter, A. L., Knutsen, H. K., Torheim, L. E., Bienertova Vasku, J., Prusa, T., Cupr, P., Janak, K., Dusek, L., Klanova, J. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Residential mobility and potentially avoidable hospitalisations in a population-based cohort of New Zealand children
Conclusion This study found a linear association between higher residential mobility and an increased likelihood of PAH in young children. Avenues for further investigation are suggested. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Nathan, K., Robertson, O., Atatoa Carr, P., Howden-Chapman, P., Pierse, N. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Head injuries in early childhood in the UK; is there a social gradient?
Conclusion We observed no social gradients in early childhood head injuries. However, at ages 3 and 5 years, head injuries were more frequently reported for children living in more deprived areas. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Letelier, A., Watt, R. G., Heilmann, A. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Effect of smoking on physical function in older adults: a Mendelian randomisation analysis
Conclusions This study demonstrates smoking behaviour to be a potential causal risk factor for physical function during ageing in the UK population. Accordingly, the benefits of smoking cessations may extend to physical function. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Gaggero, A. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

Equity impact of participatory learning and action community mobilisation and mHealth interventions to prevent and control type 2 diabetes and intermediate hyperglycaemia in rural Bangladesh: analysis of a cluster randomised controlled trial
Conclusion Large impacts of PLA across all strata indicate a highly effective and equitable intervention. mHealth may be more suitable for targeting higher risk, younger populations. Trial registration number ISRCTN41083256. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Pires, M., Shaha, S., King, C., Morrison, J., Nahar, T., Ahmed, N., Jennings, H. M., Akter, K., Haghparast-Bidgoli, H., Khan, A. K. A., Costello, A., Kuddus, A., Azad, K., Fottrell, E. Tags: Open access Original research Source Type: research

Work incapacity among family caregivers: a record linkage study
Discussion Higher number of SADP days due to mental disorders in caregivers suggests that family caregiving has an adverse effect on work capacity and that caregivers are at increased risk for mental disorders. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Mikkola, T. M., Mänty, M., Kautiainen, H., von Bonsdorff, M. B., Haanpää, M., Koponen, H., Kröger, T., Eriksson, J. G. Tags: Open access Original research Source Type: research

Measuring older peoples socioeconomic position: a scoping review of studies of self-rated health, health service and social care use
Conclusion Poor choice of measures of socioeconomic position risk underestimating the size of health inequalities in older populations. Choice of measures should be shaped by considerations of theory, context and response categories that detect subtle, yet important, inequalities. Further evidence is required to ascertain the validity of some measures identified in this review. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Spiers, G. F., Liddle, J. E., Stow, D., Searle, B., Whitehead, I. O., Kingston, A., Moffatt, S., Matthews, F. E., Hanratty, B. Tags: Open access, Editor's choice Original research Source Type: research

Effects of depression on employment and social outcomes: a Mendelian randomisation study
Conclusions Depression liability appears to cause increased non-employment, particularly by increasing disability. There was little evidence of depression affecting early retirement, hours worked or household income, but power was low. Effective treatment of depression might have important economic benefits to individuals and society. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Campbell, D., Green, M. J., Davies, N., Demou, E., Howe, L. D., Harrison, S., Smith, D. J., Howard, D. M., McIntosh, A. M., Munafo, M., Katikireddi, S. V. Tags: Open access Original research Source Type: research

Mental health and behavioural factors involved in road traffic crashes by young adults: analysis of the Raine Study
Conclusion Measures of mental health scores at age 17 were not predictive of subsequent RTC, after adjusting for measures of driving-risk activities. We need to better understand the determinants of externalising and risky driving behaviours if we are to address the increased risk of RTC. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Tait, R., Ivers, R., Marino, J. L., Doherty, D., Graham, P. L., Cunich, M., Sanci, L., Steinbeck, K., Straker, L., Skinner, S. R. Tags: Original research Source Type: research

COVID-19 infection and outcomes in a population-based cohort of 17 203 adults with intellectual disabilities compared with the general population
Conclusion Adults with ID had more COVID-19 infections, and worse outcomes once infected, particularly adults under 65 years. Non-pharmaceutical interventions directed at formal and informal carers are essential to reduce transmission. All adults with ID should be prioritised for vaccination and boosters regardless of age. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Henderson, A., Fleming, M., Cooper, S.-A., Pell, J. P., Melville, C., Mackay, D. F., Hatton, C., Kinnear, D. Tags: COVID-19 Original research Source Type: research

Social capital and geographical variation in the incidence of COVID-19: an ecological study
Conclusions Social capital is an important public health resource, which should be considered in future pandemic preparedness. Its importance may be greatest during times when social activity is most restricted. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Saville, C. W. N., Thomas, D. R. Tags: COVID-19 Original research Source Type: research

Occupational health, frontline workers and COVID-19 lockdown: new gender-related inequalities?
Conclusions The exceptional situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to revalue essential sectors and to dignify such employment and working conditions, especially among women. There is an urgent need to improve working conditions and reduce occupational risk, particularly among frontline workers. In addition, this study highlights the public health problem posed by tranquilisers and opioid analgesics consumption, especially among frontline women. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Utzet, M., Bacigalupe, A., Navarro, A. Tags: COVID-19 Original research Source Type: research

Comparing population-level mental health of UK workers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study using Understanding Society
Conclusions GHQ-12 caseness increases during the pandemic were concentrated among ‘professional and technical’ and ‘hospitality’ industries and ‘small employers/self-employed’ and ‘sales and customers service’ workers. Female workers often exhibited greater differences in risk by industry and occupation. Policies supporting these industries and groups are needed. (Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health)
Source: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health - May 10, 2022 Category: Epidemiology Authors: Kromydas, T., Green, M., Craig, P., Katikireddi, S. V., Leyland, A. H., Niedzwiedz, C. L., Pearce, A., Thomson, R. M., Demou, E. Tags: Open access, COVID-19 Original research Source Type: research