Publications
176 results found
Filippidis FT, Gerovasili V, Laverty AA, 2016, Commentary on Farsalinos et al. (2016): Electronic cigarette use in the European Union: analysis of a representative sample of 27 460 Europeans from 28 countries., Addiction, Vol: 112, Pages: 544-545, ISSN: 1360-0443
Sridhar K, Millett C, Laverty AA, et al., 2016, Prevalence and correlates of achieving recommended physical activity levels among children living in rural South Asia—A multi-centre study, BMC Public Health, Vol: 16, ISSN: 1471-2458
Background: We report the prevalence of recommended physical activity levels (RPALs) and examine the correlatesof achieving RPALs in rural South Asian children and analyse its association with anthropometric outcomes.Methods: This analysis on rural South Asian children aged 5–14 years (n = 564) is a part of the Chronic Disease RiskFactor study conducted at three sites in India (Chennai n = 146; Goa n = 218) and Bangladesh (Matlab; n = 200). Dataon socio-demographic and lifestyle factors (physical activity (PA); diet) were collected using an interviewer-administeredquestionnaires, along with objective anthropometric measurements. Multivariate logistic regression models were used toexamine whether RPALs (active travel to school (yes/no); leisure-time PA ≥ 1 h/day; sedentary-activity ≤ 2 h/day) wereassociated with socio-demographic factors, diet and other forms of PA. Multivariate linear regression models were usedto investigate associations between RPALs and anthropometrics (BMI- and waist z-scores).Results: The majority of children (71.8 %) belonged to households where a parent had at least a secondary education.Two-thirds (66.7 %) actively travelled to school; 74.6 % reported ≥1 h/day of leisure-time PA and 55.7 % had≤2 h/day of sedentary-activity; 25.2 % of children reported RPALs in all three dimensions. Older (10–14 years,OR = 2.0; 95 % CI: 1.3, 3.0) and female (OR = 1.7; 95 % CI: 1.1, 2.5) children were more likely to travel activelyto school. Leisure-time PA ≥ 1 h/day was more common among boys (OR = 2.5; 95 % CI: 1.5, 4.0), children inMatlab, Bangladesh (OR = 3.0; 95 % CI: 1.6, 5.5), and those with higher processed-food consumption (OR = 2.3;95 % CI: 1.2, 4.1). Sedentary activity ≤ 2 h/day was associated with younger children (5–9 years, OR = 1.6; 95 % CI: 1.1, 2.4), children of Goa (OR = 3.5; 95 % CI: 2.1, 6.1) and Chennai (OR = 2.5; 95 % CI: 1.5, 4.3) and low household education(OR = 2.1; 95 % CI: 1.1, 4.1). In multivariat
Laverty AA, Vardavas C, Filippidis FT, 2016, Design and marketing features influencing choice of e-cigarettes and tobacco in the EU, European Journal of Public Health, Vol: 26, Pages: 838-841, ISSN: 1464-360X
Data were analysed from the 2014 Special Eurobarometer for Tobacco survey. We estimated self-rated importance of various factors in the choice of both tobacco and electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among tobacco smokers who had ever used an e-cigarette. Among ever users of tobacco and e-cigarettes (N = 2430), taste (39.4%), price (39.2%) and amount of nicotine (27.3%) were the most commonly cited reasons for choosing their brand of e-cigarettes. Those aged 15–24 were more likely to cite external packaging [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR = 2.06, 95% CI 1.00–4.23)] and design features (aPR = 1.99, 1.20–3.29) as important. As further legislation is debated and enacted enhanced regulation of price, design and marketing features of e-cigarettes may help to reduce the appeal of e-cigarettes.
Filippidis FT, Laverty AA, Gerovasili V, et al., 2016, Two year trends and predictors of e-cigarette use in 27 European Union member states, Tobacco Control, Vol: 26, Pages: 98-104, ISSN: 0964-4563
Objective: This study assessed changes in levels of ever use, perceptions of harm from e-cigarettes and socio-demographic correlates of use among EU adults during 2012-2014, as well as determinants of current use in 2014. Methods: We analysed data from the 2012 (n=26,751) and 2014 (n=26,792) waves of the adult Special Eurobarometer for Tobacco survey. Point prevalence of current and ever use were calculated and logistic regression assessed correlates of current use and changes in ever use and perception of harm. Correlates examined included age, gender, tobacco smoking, education, area of residence, difficulties in paying bills and reasons for trying an e-cigarette. Results: The prevalence of ever use of e-cigarettes increased from 7.2% in 2012 to 11.6% in 2014 (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]=1.91). EU-wide coefficient of variation in ever e-cigarette use was 42.1% in 2012 and 33.4% in 2014. The perception that e-cigarettes are harmful increased from 27.1% in 2012 to 51.6% in 2014 (aOR=2.99), but there were major differences in prevalence and trends between member states. Among those who reported that they had ever tried an e-cigarette in the 2014 survey, 15.3% defined themselves as current users. Those who tried an e-cigarette to quit smoking were more likely to be current users (aOR=2.82).Conclusion: Ever use of e-cigarettes increased during 2012-2014. People who started using e-cigarettes to quit smoking tobacco were more likely to be current users, but the trends vary by country. These findings underscore the need for more research into factors influencing e-cigarette use and its potential benefits and harms.
Laverty AA, 2016, Bus fare discounts for senior citizens should be taken and used, BMJ, Vol: 352, ISSN: 0959-8138
Filippidis FT, Laverty AA, 2016, Perceptions of opportunities for physical activity in 28 European countries., Preventive Medicine, Vol: 86, Pages: 136-140, ISSN: 1096-0260
INTRODUCTION: This study examined the relationship between perceptions of opportunities for physical activity in the local area and physical activity levels in European adults. METHODS: Data for 20,673 adults aged 18-64 were taken from the representative Eurobarometer survey (wave 80.2, 2013) of 28 European Union (EU) countries. Achieving recommended levels of physical activity and Metabolic Equivalent of Task-minutes (MET-mins) per week was constructed from self-reports of frequency and duration of walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity. Relationships between these outcomes and perceptions of opportunities for physical activity in the local area were assessed using logistic and linear regressions as appropriate; trends in these perceptions were measured between 2002 and 2013. RESULTS: Respondents stating that their local area offers opportunities for physical activity were more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=1.56). Across all EU countries the percentage of people reporting that their local area offers these opportunities increased slightly between 2005 (71.4%) and 2013 (79.3%, p<0.001). Reporting that the local area offers opportunities for physical activity was associated with more moderate (17min/week) and vigorous (15min/week) physical activity and with 23 more minutes of walking per week. CONCLUSION: Perceptions of opportunities for physical activity in the local area were associated with increased levels of all types of physical activity. Despite small improvements in perceptions of opportunities in the local area over the past decade, a variety of further interventions will be required to reduce the disease burden resulting from low physical activity levels.
Webb E, Laverty A, Mindell J, et al., 2016, Free Bus Travel and Physical Activity, Gait Speed, and Adiposity in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, American Journal of Public Health, Vol: 106, Pages: 136-142, ISSN: 1541-0048
Objectives. We investigated associations between having a bus pass, enabling free local bus travel across the United Kingdom for state pension–aged people, and physical activity, gait speed, and adiposity.Methods. We used data on 4650 bus pass–eligible people (aged ≥ 62 years) at wave 6 (2012–2013) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing in regression analyses.Results. Bus pass holders were more likely to be female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.38, 2.02; P < .001), retired (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = 2.10, 3.35; P < .001), without access to a car (OR = 2.78; 95% CI = 1.83, 4.21; P < .001), to use public transportation (OR = 10.26; 95% CI = 8.33, 12.64; P < .001), and to be physically active (OR = 1.43; 95% CI = 1.12, 1.84; P = .004). Female pass holders had faster gait speed (b = 0.06 meters per second; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.09; P = .001), a body mass index 1 kilogram per meter squared lower (b = –1.20; 95% CI = –1.93, –0.46; P = .001), and waist circumference 3 centimeters smaller (b = –3.32; 95% CI = –5.02, –1.62; P < .001) than women without a pass.Conclusions. Free bus travel for older people helps make transportation universally accessible, including for those at risk for social isolation. Those with a bus pass are more physically active. Among women in particular, the bus pass is associated with healthier aging.
Laverty AA, Cowling TE, Harris MJ, et al., 2015, Variation in patient experience between general practice contract types: multilevel analysis of a national cross-sectional survey, LANCET, Vol: 386, Pages: S14-S14, ISSN: 0140-6736
McKay AJ, Laverty AA, Shridhar K, et al., 2015, Associations between active travel and adiposity in rural India and Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study, BMC Public Health, Vol: 15, ISSN: 1471-2458
BackgroundData on use and health benefits of active travel in rural low- and middle- income country settings are sparse. We aimed to examine correlates of active travel, and its association with adiposity, in rural India and Bangladesh.MethodsCross sectional study of 2,122 adults (≥18 years) sampled in 2011–13 from two rural sites in India (Goa and Chennai) and one in Bangladesh (Matlab). Logistic regression was used to examine whether ≥150 min/week of active travel was associated with socio-demographic indices, smoking, oil/butter consumption, and additional physical activity. Adjusting for these same factors, associations between active travel and BMI, waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were examined using linear and logistic regression.ResultsForty-six percent of the sample achieved recommended levels of physical activity (≥150 min/week) through active travel alone (range: 33.1 % in Matlab to 54.8 % in Goa). This was more frequent among smokers (adjusted odds ratio 1.36, 95 % confidence interval 1.07–1.72; p = 0.011) and those that spent ≥150 min/week in work-based physical activity (OR 1.71, 1.35–2.16; p < 0.001), but less frequent among females than males (OR 0.25, 0.20–0.31; p < 0.001). In fully adjusted analyses, ≥150 min/week of active travel was associated with lower BMI (adjusted coefficient −0.39 kg/m² , −0.77 to −0.02; p = 0.037) and a lower likelihood of high waist circumference (OR 0.77, 0.63–0.96; p = 0.018) and high waist-to-hip ratio (OR 0.72, 0.58–0.89; p = 0.002).ConclusionsUse of active travel for ≥150 min/week was associated with being male, smoking, and higher levels of work-based physical activity. It was associated with lower BMI, and lower risk of a high waist circumference or high waist-to-hip ratio. Promotion of active travel is an important component of strategies to
Laverty AA, Capewell S, 2015, Merit of nagging policy makers as part of a comprehensive campaign to effect change, British Medical Journal, Vol: 351, ISSN: 1468-5833
Pizzo E, Laverty AA, Phekoo KJ, et al., 2015, A retrospective analysis of the cost of hospitalizations for sickle cell disease with crisis in England, 2010/11, JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Vol: 37, Pages: 529-539, ISSN: 1741-3842
Laverty AA, Palladino R, Lee JT, et al., 2015, Associations between active travel and weight, blood pressure and diabetes in six middle income countries: a cross-sectional study in older adults, International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Vol: 12, ISSN: 1479-5868
Hamilton FL, Laverty AA, Huckvale K, et al., 2015, Financial Incentives and Inequalities in Smoking Cessation Interventions in Primary Care: Before-and-After Study, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, Vol: 18, Pages: 341-350, ISSN: 1469-994X
Introduction: The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) is a financial incentive scheme that rewards UK general practices for providing evidence-based care, including smoking cessation advice mainly as a secondary prevention intervention. We examined the effects on smoking outcomes and inequalities of a local version of QOF (QOF+), which ran from 2008 to 2011 and extended financial incentives to the provision of cessation advice as a primary prevention intervention.Methods: Before-and-after study using data from 28 general practices in Hammersmith & Fulham, London, United Kingdom. We used logistic regression to examine changes in smoking outcomes associated with QOF+ within and between sociodemographic groups.Results: Recording of smoking status increased from 55.5% to 64.3% for men (P < .001) and from 67.9% to 75.8% for women (P < .001). All groups benefitted from the increase, but younger patients remained less likely to be asked about smoking than older patients. White patients were less likely to be asked than those from other ethnic groups. Smoking cessation advice increased from 32.7% to 54.0% for men (P < .001) and from 35.4% to 54.1% for women (P < .01) and there was little variation between groups for this outcome. Recorded smoking prevalence reduced from 25.0% to 20.8% for men (P < .001) and from 16.1% to 12.5% for women (P < .001). White patients and those from more deprived areas remained more likely to be smokers than other groups.Conclusion: The introduction of QOF+ was associated with general improvements in recording of smoking outcomes, but inequalities in ascertainment and smoking prevalence with respect to age, ethnicity, and deprivation persisted.
Oyebode O, Pape UJ, Laverty AA, et al., 2015, Rural, urban and migrant differences in noncommunicable disease risk-factors in middle income countries: a cross-sectional study of WHO-SAGE Data, PLOS One, Vol: 10, ISSN: 1932-6203
BackgroundUnderstanding how urbanisation and rural-urban migration influence risk-factors for non-communicable disease (NCD) is crucial for developing effective preventative strategies globally. This study compares NCD risk-factor prevalence in urban, rural and migrant populations in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa.MethodsStudy participants were 39,436 adults within the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE), surveyed 2007–2010. Risk ratios (RR) for each risk-factor were calculated using logistic regression in country-specific and all country pooled analyses, adjusted for age, sex and survey design. Fully adjusted models included income quintile, marital status and education.ResultsRegular alcohol consumption was lower in migrant and urban groups than in rural groups (pooled RR and 95%CI: 0.47 (0.31–0.68); 0.58, (0.46–0.72), respectively). Occupational physical activity was lower (0.86 (0.72–0.98); 0.76 (0.65–0.85)) while active travel and recreational physical activity were higher (pooled RRs for urban groups; 1.05 (1.00–1.09), 2.36 (1.95–2.83), respectively; for migrant groups: 1.07 (1.0 -1.12), 1.71 (1.11–2.53), respectively). Overweight, raised waist circumference and diagnosed diabetes were higher in urban groups (1.19 (1.04–1.35), 1.24 (1.07–1.42), 1.69 (1.15–2.47), respectively). Exceptions to these trends exist: obesity indicators were higher in rural Russia; active travel was lower in urban groups in Ghana and India; and in South Africa, urban groups had the highest alcohol consumption.ConclusionMigrants and urban dwellers had similar NCD risk-factor profiles. These were not consistently worse than those seen in rural dwellers. The variable impact of urbanisation on NCD risk must be considered in the design and evaluation of strategies to reduce the growing burden of NCDs globally.
Coronini-Cronberg S, Bixby H, Laverty AA, et al., 2015, English National Health Service’s Savings Plan May Have Helped Reduce The Use Of Three ‘Low-Value’ Procedures, Health Affairs, ISSN: 0278-2715
Laverty AA, Millett C, 2015, Potential impacts of subsidised bus travel for older people, JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH, Vol: 2, Pages: 32-34, ISSN: 2214-1405
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 10
Laverty AA, de Sa TH, Montiero C, et al., 2015, Getting sedentary people moving through active travel, British Medical Journal, ISSN: 1468-5833
Laverty AA, Laudicell M, Smith PC, et al., 2015, Impact of ‘high-profile’ public reporting on utilization and quality of maternity care in England: a difference-in-difference analysis, Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, ISSN: 1355-8196
Laverty AA, Elkin SL, Watt HC, et al., 2015, Impact of a COPD Discharge Care Bundle on Readmissions following Admission with Acute Exacerbation: Interrupted Time Series Analysis, PLOS ONE, Vol: 10, ISSN: 1932-6203
- Author Web Link
- Open Access Link
- Cite
- Citations: 28
Laverty AA, Diethelm P, Hopkinson NS, et al., 2015, Use and abuse of statistics in tobacco industry-funded research on standardised packaging, Tobacco Control, Vol: 24, Pages: 422-424, ISSN: 0964-4563
n this commentary we consider the validity of tobacco industry-funded research on the effects of standardised packaging in Australia. As the first country to introduce standardised packs, Australia is closely watched, and Philip Morris International has recently funded two studies into the impact of the measure on smoking prevalence. Both of these papers are flawed in conception as well as design but have nonetheless been widely publicised as cautionary tales against standardised pack legislation. Specifically, we focus on the low statistical significance of the analytical methods used and the assumption that standardised packaging should have an immediate large impact on smoking prevalence.
Abdalrahman B, Laverty AA, Beckett G, et al., 2015, Trends in hospital admissions for Varicella and Zoster viruses in England, 2001/2002-2010/2011: time trend study, JRSM Open, Vol: 6, ISSN: 2054-2704
OBJECTIVES: Varicella and Herpes Zoster are common infectious diseases. Various studies have estimated rates of infection for both manifestations of these infections; however rates of hospital admissions across the country have not previously been described. This paper presents data on hospital admissions in England for Varicella and Herpes Zoster from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011. DESIGN: Time trends study of all hospital admissions for Varicella and Herpes Zoster from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011 in England. SETTING: Hospital admissions across England from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011. PARTICIPANTS: We included all patients admitted to hospital from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011 diagnosed with Varicella and Zoster according to the International Classification of Diseases version 10 (ICD-10). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were admission rates by year and diagnosis and age-specific admission rates for Varicella and Zoster from 2001/2002 to 2010/2011. METHODS: We analysed data from Hospital Episode Statistics which include patient characteristics such as age which was used here in order to standardise rates to the relevant population. We also used mid-year population estimates from the Office for National Statistics for standardisation purposes. All analyses were conducted using Stata v12.0. RESULTS: The hospital admission rate for Varicella cases has risen by 1.8% over the 10-year study period. While the overall admission rates for Herpes Zoster have decreased by 4% from 2001/2002 levels. The vast majority of Varicella and Zoster admissions were not associated with any complications. CONCLUSION: The introduction of Herpes Zoster vaccine is anticipated to decrease hospital admissions in older age groups further. A repeat of this study after a further period of time would help to evaluate the impact of the introduction of Herpes Zoster vaccine in England on hospital admissions.
Barry E, Laverty AA, Majeed A, et al., 2015, Ethnic group variations in alcohol-related hospital admissions in England: does place matter?, ETHNICITY & HEALTH, Vol: 20, Pages: 557-563, ISSN: 1355-7858
- Author Web Link
- Cite
- Citations: 2
Coronini-Cronberg S, Bixby H, Laverty AA, et al., 2014, Financial austerity and disinvestment in low clinical value procedures in England: a time-trend analysis., 7th European Public Health Conference
Greaves F, Laverty AA, Pape U, et al., 2014, Primary care competition and the effect of new providers on quality of care in England, European Public Health Science Conference, Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC, Pages: 15-15, ISSN: 0140-6736
Coronini-Cronberg S, Bixby H, Laverty AA, et al., 2014, Financial austerity and disinvestment in low clinical value procedures in England: a time-trend analysis, Society for Social Medicine Annual Scientific Conference 2014
Coronini-Cronberg S, Bixby H, Laverty AA, et al., 2014, Are we squeezing the pips? Financial austerity and disinvestment in low clinical value procedures in England: a time-trend analysis, Society for Social Medicine Annual Meeting 2014
Laverty AA, Palladino R, Lee JT, et al., 2014, ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN ACTIVE TRAVEL AND WEIGHT AND HYPERTENSION IN SIX LOWER AND MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY, JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH, Vol: 68, Pages: A76-A76, ISSN: 0143-005X
Laverty AA, Millett C, 2014, Healthier commuting, British Medical Journal, Vol: 349, ISSN: 1468-5833
Laverty AA, Flint E, 2014, Retirement and physical activity, Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
Greaves F, Laverty AA, Ramirez Cano D, et al., 2014, Tweets about hospital quality: a mixed methods study, BMJ Quality & Safety, Vol: 23, Pages: 838-846, ISSN: 2044-5423
Background Twitter is increasingly being used by patients to comment on their experience of healthcare. This may provide information for understanding the quality of healthcare providers and improving services.Objective To examine whether tweets sent to hospitals in the English National Health Service contain information about quality of care. To compare sentiment on Twitter about hospitals with established survey measures of patient experience and standardised mortality rates.Design A mixed methods study including a quantitative analysis of all 198 499 tweets sent to English hospitals over a year and a qualitative directed content analysis of 1000 random tweets. Twitter sentiment and conventional quality metrics were compared using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.Key results 11% of tweets to hospitals contained information about care quality, with the most frequent topic being patient experience (8%). Comments on effectiveness or safety of care were present, but less common (3%). 77% of tweets about care quality were positive in tone. Other topics mentioned in tweets included messages of support to patients, fundraising activity, self-promotion and dissemination of health information. No associations were observed between Twitter sentiment and conventional quality metrics.Conclusions Only a small proportion of tweets directed at hospitals discuss quality of care and there was no clear relationship between Twitter sentiment and other measures of quality, potentially limiting Twitter as a medium for quality monitoring. However, tweets did contain information useful to target quality improvement activity. Recent enthusiasm by policy makers to use social media as a quality monitoring and improvement tool needs to be carefully considered and subjected to formal evaluation.
This data is extracted from the Web of Science and reproduced under a licence from Thomson Reuters. You may not copy or re-distribute this data in whole or in part without the written consent of the Science business of Thomson Reuters.