{"title":"Determining the Protective Role of Grip Strength in Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease Risk Among Middle-Aged and Older Women in South Korea.","authors":"En-Joo Jung, Mee-Ri Lee","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00536-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00536-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength is a simple measure of muscle function and health outcomes in older adults. Here, we investigated whether higher handgrip strength is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular (CVD) and cerebrovascular (CeVD) diseases in middle-aged and older adults by focusing on its potential protective role in women. METHODS: We analyzed data for approximately 9,500 participants of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (aged ≥ 45 years, no CVD/CeVD at baseline). Handgrip strength was measured in multiple waves and treated as time-varying exposure. Cross-sectional logistic regression was used to evaluate baseline associations, while Cox regression models with time-varying handgrip strength were used to assess the 16-year incidences of CVD and CeVD after adjusting for major confounders. The analyses were stratified according to sex. RESULTS: A higher handgrip strength was inversely associated with baseline CVD and CeVD prevalence (odds ratio, ~ 0.94–0.96 per 1-kg increase; p < 0.001). Over a 16-year follow-up, each 1-kg increase in handgrip strength predicted a lower hazard of CeVD (hazard ratio [HR], ~ 0.98) that was driven by a significant protective effect in women (HR, ~ 0.95) versus no association in men. Similarly, a higher handgrip strength predicted a lower CVD risk in women (HR, ~ 0.97) but not men. CONCLUSION: Greater handgrip strength was associated with lower risks of CVD and CeVD later in life. Although the associations appeared stronger in women, these differences should be interpreted cautiously given potential scaling effects. Handgrip strength may be a simple and clinically practical functional marker for vascular risk stratification in middle-aged and older adults. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13057047/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147490891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tran Duc Anh Ly, Floriane Holi-Jamovski, Van Thuan Hoang, Ndiaw Goumballa, Meriem Louni, Thi Loi Dao, Michel Drancourt, Philippe Gautret
{"title":"Retraction Note: Screening Strategy of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Sheltered Homeless People in Marseille, 2019.","authors":"Tran Duc Anh Ly, Floriane Holi-Jamovski, Van Thuan Hoang, Ndiaw Goumballa, Meriem Louni, Thi Loi Dao, Michel Drancourt, Philippe Gautret","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00539-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00539-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13004773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147490817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ahmed Bihi Abdi, Seid Muhumed Abdilaahi, Mohammed Adem Maalin, Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim
{"title":"Epidemiological Measles Outbreaks Investigation in Nogob Zone, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia: Trends and Insights from 2019 To 2024.","authors":"Ahmed Bihi Abdi, Seid Muhumed Abdilaahi, Mohammed Adem Maalin, Ahmed Mohammed Ibrahim","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00523-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00523-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Measles remains a major vaccine-preventable cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-coverage settings. Measles remains endemic in Ethiopia, and Somali Regional State (SRS) experiences high incidence rates despite vaccination efforts. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate measles outbreaks and provide critical insights into the epidemiological trends. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using surveillance data from Nogob Zone. All reported measles cases (confirmed, epidemiologically linked, and clinically compatible; n = 2,214) were included through inclusion of complete line lists. WHO case definitions were applied. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, Epi-Info, and ArcGIS 10.8 to generate descriptive statistics, epidemiological curves, attack rates, and spatial maps. RESULTS: From 2019 to 2024, a total of 2,214 measles cases and 58 deaths were reported (case fatality rate: 2.6%), exceeding national rates. Children aged 5–14 years were most affected (42%), followed by those aged 15 years and older (33%). Geographically, Duhun and Garbo woredas had the highest attack rates (18 and 17 per 1,000 population, respectively). The outbreak peaked in 2023, with a decline thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that Nogob Zone has faced a substantial measles burden, reporting 2,214 cases and a 2.6% case fatality rate between 2019 and 2024. The notably high attack rates observed in Garbo and Duhun woredas, along with a major outbreak surge in early 2023, point to persistent gaps in vaccination coverage and systemic barriers. Strengthening routine immunization, improving surveillance, and implementing targeted catch-up campaigns are recommended to prevent future outbreaks. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13046983/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147486029","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdullah A Alrasheed, Majed Ali Almasaoud, Abdulelah Ibrahim Alrasheed, Abdullah Khaled Alqahtani, Khalid F Alsadhan, Haytham I AlSaif, Saad M Alsaad, Norah A AlShehri
{"title":"Perceived Confidence and Barriers of Family Physicians Toward Deprescribing Potentially Inappropriate and Preventive Medications in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.","authors":"Abdullah A Alrasheed, Majed Ali Almasaoud, Abdulelah Ibrahim Alrasheed, Abdullah Khaled Alqahtani, Khalid F Alsadhan, Haytham I AlSaif, Saad M Alsaad, Norah A AlShehri","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00529-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00529-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is common among older adults and increases the risk of inappropriate medication use and adverse outcomes. Deprescribing is a potential strategy to optimize treatment. This study evaluated family physicians’ confidence and perceived barriers toward deprescribing in primary care in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey from January 1 to December 31, 2024, among family physicians working in Riyadh primary care centers. Physicians with < 6 months of experience were excluded. Data were collected using paper-based or electronic questionnaires. Descriptive statistics summarized responses. Group comparisons used chi-square, Student’s t-test, and one-way ANOVA, as appropriate. Associations between confidence and attitude/barrier items were examined using Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) with two-sided p-values (< 0.05 considered significant). A total of 321 physicians were included, representing 83.6% of the planned sample (321/384). RESULTS: Overall, 64.2% of physicians reported confidence in deprescribing, but only 28.0% reported deprescribing at least weekly. Commonly reported barriers included lack of solid evidence, time constraints, and concern about withdrawal effects. Confidence was positively associated with support for deprescribing preventive medications in patients with limited life expectancy (r = 0.259, p < 0.001), willingness to deprescribe medications initiated by another physician (r = 0.508, p < 0.001), and perceived ease of motivating patients/caregivers (r = 0.506, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Family physicians in Riyadh reported substantial confidence in deprescribing, yet regular implementation was limited, indicating a confidence–practice gap. Addressing key barriers through practical guidance, workflow support, and targeted training may improve deprescribing uptake and medication safety for older adults. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13018489/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147480935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Faizan Ahmed, Muhammad Abdullah, Haris Bin Tahir, Haider Hussain Shah, Maheen Sheraz, Muhammad Faizan Tahir, Umer Sajid, Tehmasp Rehman Mirza, Kinza Raza, Mohamed Bakr, Swapnil Patel, Fawaz Alenezi
{"title":"National Mortality Trends, Disparities, and Forecasted Burden of Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure with Underlying Ischemic Heart Disease Among Older Adults in the United States, 1999-2023.","authors":"Faizan Ahmed, Muhammad Abdullah, Haris Bin Tahir, Haider Hussain Shah, Maheen Sheraz, Muhammad Faizan Tahir, Umer Sajid, Tehmasp Rehman Mirza, Kinza Raza, Mohamed Bakr, Swapnil Patel, Fawaz Alenezi","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00535-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00535-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and congestive heart failure (CHF) remain major contributors to cardiovascular mortality in the United States. When accompanied by underlying ischemic heart disease (IHD), mortality risk is amplified. Although IHD mortality declined in the early 2000s, recent data suggest a resurgence. METHODS: This population-based study used the CDC Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) database from 1999 to 2023. Deaths were identified using ICD-10 codes I48 (AF) and I50.0 (CHF) as multiple causes of death and I20–I25 (IHD) as the underlying cause. Adults aged ≥ 65 years were included. Crude mortality rates (CMRs) and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) were calculated. Temporal trends were analyzed using Joinpoint regression to estimate annual percent change (APC) and average annual percent change (AAPC). Future mortality trends were projected using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2023, AF, CHF, and IHD accounted for 219,188 deaths among adults ≥ 65 years. The overall AAMR increased from 193.8 per million in 1999 to 220.1 per million in 2023, with a decline from 1999 to 2010 followed by a sustained rise. Males (108,732 deaths) showed the steepest increase (AAPC + 1.40%, p < 0.001), whereas females (110,456 deaths) experienced a modest decline (AAPC − 0.55%, p < 0.001). Non-Hispanic Black adults had the largest racial increase (AAPC + 1.21%, p < 0.001). Non-metropolitan areas showed the greatest geographic rise (AAPC + 1.67%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Mortality involving AF and CHF with underlying IHD among U.S. adults ≥ 65 years declined only temporarily before reversing after 2010. Persistent racial and geographic disparities underscore gaps in prevention and acute cardiovascular care. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13057089/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147480885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sancho Pedro Xavier, Gelcídio Alfredo Pereira Rafael, Ana Raquel Manuel Ernesto Gotine, Mateus António Agostinho, Graciano Cumaquela, Zito António Joaquim Rocha, Audêncio Victor
{"title":"A Novel Clinical Nomogram for Predicting Unfavorable Tuberculosis Treatment Outcomes: A Logistic Regression Risk Model.","authors":"Sancho Pedro Xavier, Gelcídio Alfredo Pereira Rafael, Ana Raquel Manuel Ernesto Gotine, Mateus António Agostinho, Graciano Cumaquela, Zito António Joaquim Rocha, Audêncio Victor","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00532-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00532-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>INTRODUCTION: Communicable diseases remain one of the major public health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, with tuberculosis (TB) ranking among the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and significant economic impact. Mozambique is among the countries with the highest TB burden in the region. This study aimed to develop a clinical prediction model, in the form of a nomogram, to predict the probability of unfavorable treatment outcomes (UTO) among TB patients treated at a district health center in Nacarôa, Nampula Province, Mozambique. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using secondary data from patients diagnosed and treated for TB between 2021 and 2023. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with UTO, and a predictive nomogram was subsequently constructed. Model performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, accuracy, Brier Score (BS), calibration plot, and the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Clinical utility was evaluated through decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curves. RESULTS: UTO were observed in 26.8% of patients (55/205). The multivariable analysis identified as significant predictors of UTO being previously treated for TB, not receiving directly observed therapy (DOT), having a clinical or radiological diagnosis, and having a positive smear microscopy result. The nomogram showed good performance, with an AUC of 83.2% and an accuracy of 84.9%. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test indicated good model fit (p = 0.132), and the calibration plot demonstrated strong agreement between predicted and observed outcomes (BS = 0.119). DCA and clinical impact analyses confirmed the model’s potential to support and optimize clinical decision-making in TB management. CONCLUSION: The nomogram developed in this study represents a promising and practical tool for estimating the individual risk of UTO in tuberculosis care and may contribute to improved clinical management and resource allocation in high-burden settings. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13000036/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147480973","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tran Duc Anh Ly, Floriane Holi-Jamovski, Van Thuan Hoang, Thi Loi Dao, Michel Drancourt, Philippe Gautret
{"title":"Retraction Note: Preliminary Feasibility Study of Questionnaire-based Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Screening in Marseille Sheltered Homeless People, Winter 2018.","authors":"Tran Duc Anh Ly, Floriane Holi-Jamovski, Van Thuan Hoang, Thi Loi Dao, Michel Drancourt, Philippe Gautret","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00540-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00540-z","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12996502/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147474014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"G20 Country Burden of High BMI-Related Liver Cancer: Trends from 1990 to 2021 and Projections to 2050.","authors":"Yunshuo Chen, Meiling Huang, Yuanjia Huang","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00534-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00534-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Liver cancer associated with a high body mass index (BMI) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly within G20 nations characterized by elevated rates of Hepatitis B and C infections. This study aims to quantify the burden of liver cancer attributable to high BMI across G20 countries by employing the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data and advanced statistical modeling techniques, assessing key metrics such as disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), deaths, years of life lost (YLLs) and years lived with disability (YLDs) from 1990 to 2021, segmented by gender and age. METHODS: The burden of liver cancer attributable to high BMI was assessed using GBD 2021 data and advanced statistical modeling techniques. Estimates for DALYs, deaths, YLLs, and YLDs were generated and analyzed by gender and age. RESULTS: The results indicate a concerning increase in liver cancer burden, particularly in nations with high to high-middle socio-demographic indices, where Saudi Arabia exhibited the highest liver cancer rates linked to Hepatitis B and C. Alarmingly, individuals aged 60–69 experienced significantly elevated age-standardized rates of DALYs, deaths, YLDs, and YLLs, revealing a differential impact based on both age and underlying viral infections. Projections for 2022 to 2050 further signal an unsettling rise in liver cancer cases and mortality rates associated with high BMI, highlighting the urgent need for targeted public health initiatives. CONCLUSIONS: It is imperative that future health policies prioritize international collaboration, increase healthcare investments, and address obesity-related lifestyle factors in order to mitigate the impending health crisis posed by high BMI-associated liver cancer across G20 countries. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13057156/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147468333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Salma A Alamri, Mohammad Alwetaid, Nasser Alshawaish, Reffal Alkharan, Moudhi Altulayhi, Imtnan Alnajashi
{"title":"Temporal and Regional Trends of Foodborne Diseases in Saudi Arabia (2015-2023): A Nationwide Retrospective Analysis.","authors":"Salma A Alamri, Mohammad Alwetaid, Nasser Alshawaish, Reffal Alkharan, Moudhi Altulayhi, Imtnan Alnajashi","doi":"10.1007/s44197-025-00514-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-025-00514-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>OBJECTIVES: Foodborne diseases (FBDs) are a significant public health burden, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to analyze the incidence rate (IR), temporal trends, seasonal variations, and demographic and regional distribution of notifiable foodborne diseases in Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2023. METHODS: A nationwide retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing aggregate-level data obtained from the annual statistical reports published by the Saudi Ministry of Health on six notifiable foodborne and food-associated enteric diseases in Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2023: salmonellosis, enteric fever (paratyphoid and typhoid), amoebic dysentery, bacillary dysentery, hepatitis A, and brucellosis. IRs were stratified by age, gender, year, season, and administrative areas. Linear regression was used to assess temporal trends. Percentage difference (PD) and year-on-year (YoY) changes were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 16,956 FBD cases were reported between 2015 and 2023, corresponding to a period cumulative incidence of 50.58 per 100,000 population over the 9-year period. Among the study population, the highest burden was observed among individuals aged 20–49 years (44.4%), and males (52%). Public food sources accounted for 68.5% of reported infections. The administrative areas with the highest IR per 100,000 were Ha’il (3.15), Bishah (2.46), and Northern Region (2.25). Seasonal peaks occurred in summer and fall. From 2015 to 2023, Salmonellosis incidence increased by 123.2%, while Amoebic Dysentery declined by 49.8%. Bacillary Dysentery and Hepatitis A showed fluctuating trends, and Brucellosis showed an overall decrease of 11.4%. However, none of the annual trends reached statistical significance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: FBDs remain a substantial health concern in Saudi Arabia, with notable regional disparities, particularly in Ha’il, Bishah, and the Northern Region, which recorded the highest average event rates over the nine-year period. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance, public education, and targeted food safety interventions, especially in high-incidence administrative areas and among vulnerable populations, including young children, and males, each of whom exhibited elevated disease IR. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13047004/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147443939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jinjing Wu, Boshen Jiao, Jie Ma, Ruiyun Li, Jiaying Zhao
{"title":"Education Expands the Gender Gap in Blood Pressure in China: Evidence from a Comparative Analysis of Birth Cohorts.","authors":"Jinjing Wu, Boshen Jiao, Jie Ma, Ruiyun Li, Jiaying Zhao","doi":"10.1007/s44197-026-00516-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44197-026-00516-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: China has witnessed a greater increase in blood pressure across successive birth cohorts, especially among men, suggesting a widening gender gap in cardiovascular risk profiles. The expanded access to education since the mid-20th century and its differential impact on men’s and women’s cardiovascular health suggest that education may play an important role in this widening gender gap—a topic that remains under-explored. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the mediating effect of education years in the association between birth cohorts and systolic/diastolic blood pressure and examined whether this mediating effect varied by gender. METHODS: Data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (1991–2015) were analyzed using multilevel moderated mediation analysis among adults born between 1950 and 1975. RESULTS: Our estimates indicated that (1) education years had a greater increase among women across cohorts. (2) Higher education years were associated with lower systolic/diastolic blood pressure in women, whereas men did not exhibit similar benefits. (3) Consequently, education years mediated the association between cohorts and systolic/diastolic blood pressure differently by gender. More specifically, improving education years curbed the upward cohort trend in systolic/diastolic blood pressure among women but not among men. CONCLUSIONS: Education partially accounts for the widening gender gap in systolic/diastolic blood pressure across cohorts in China. Ensuring educational opportunities could potentially improve cardiovascular health for women. Factors that hinder men from achieving comparable cardiovascular health benefits from increased education years warrant further research. </p>","PeriodicalId":15796,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health","volume":"16 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12979702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147433197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}