scholarly journals Regional variations in the economic burden attributable to excess weight, physical inactivity and tobacco smoking across British Columbia

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 76-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Krueger ◽  
J.M. Koot ◽  
D.P. Rasali ◽  
S. E. Gustin ◽  
M. Pennock

Introduction Prevalence rates of excess weight, tobacco smoking and physical inactivity vary substantially by geographical region within British Columbia (B.C.). The purpose of this study is to determine the potential reduction in economic burden in B.C. if all regions in the province achieved prevalence rates of these three risk factors equivalent to those of the region with the lowest rates. Methods We used a previously developed approach based on population-attributable fractions to estimate the economic burden associated with the various risk factors. Sexspecific relative risk and age/sex-specific prevalence data was used in the modelling. Results The annual economic burden attributable to the three risk factors in B.C. was about $5.6 billion in 2013, with a higher proportion of this total attributable to excess weight ($2.6 billion) than to tobacco smoking ($2.0 billion). While B.C. has lower prevalence rates of the risk factors than any other Canadian province, there is significant variation within the province. If each region in the province were to achieve the best prevalence rates for the three risk factors, then $1.4 billion (24% of the $5.6 billion) in economic burden could be avoided annually. Conclusion There are notable disparities in the prevalence of each risk factor across health regions within B.C., which were mirrored in each region’s attributable economic burden. A variety of social, environmental and economic factors likely drive some of this geographical variation and these underlying factors should be considered when developing prevention programs.

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 241 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Krueger ◽  
E.N. Andres ◽  
J.M. Koot ◽  
B.D. Reilly

ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to calculate the proportion of cancers in Canada attributable to tobacco smoking (ts), alcohol use (au), excess weight (ew), and physical inactivity (pia); to explore variation in the proportions of those risk factors (rfs) over time by sex and province; to estimate the economic burden of cancer attributable to the 4 rfs; and to calculate the potential reduction in cancers and economic burden if all provinces achieved rf prevalence rates equivalent to the best in Canada.Methods We used a previously developed approach based on population-attributable fractions (pafs) to estimate the cancer-related economic burden associated with the four rfs. Sex-specific relative risk and age- and sex-specific prevalence data were used in the modelling. The economic burden was adjusted for potential double counting of cases and costs.Results In Canada, 27.7% of incident cancer cases [95% confidence interval (ci): 22.6% to 32.9%] in 2013 [47,000 of 170,000 (95% ci:38,400–55,900)] were attributable to the four rfs: ts, 15.2% (95% ci: 13.7% to 16.9%); ew, 5.1% (95% ci: 3.8% to 6.4%); au, 3.9% (95% ci: 2.4% to 5.3%); and pia, 3.5% (95% ci: 2.7% to 4.3%). The annual economic burden attributable to the 47,000 total cancers was $9.6 billion (95% ci: $7.8 billion to $11.3 billion): consisting of $1.7 billion in direct and $8.0 billion in indirect costs. Applying the lowest rf rates to each province would result in an annual reduction of 6204 cancers (13.2% of the potentially avoidable cancers) and a reduction in economic burden of $1.2 billion.Conclusions Despite substantial reductions in the prevalence and intensity of ts, ts remains the dominant risk factor from the perspective of cancer prevention in Canada, although ew and au are becoming increasingly important rfs. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. S. Teh ◽  
Y. L. Woon

Abstract Background This is a systematic assessment of the burden of cancers in Malaysia in 2018 using epidemiologic approach. The purpose of this study was to identify the proportion of cancers in Malaysia that were attributable to the modifiable risk factors of excess weight, alcohol intake, physical inactivity, tobacco smoking and to estimate the number of cancer cases that could be prevented if the exposure to the modifiable risk factor was reduced. Methods We estimated the Population Attributable Fraction (PAF) of the modifiable risk factors to cancers incidences in Malaysia. The two parameters used for the estimation were exposure prevalence from national representative surveys and the relative risk of getting the cancers from worldwide literature review. Results Among 38,426 cancer incidences in 2018 from Globocan data, we estimated that 22.2% (95% confidence interval (CI):14.9 to 29.6%) of the cancer incidences included in this study were attributable to the investigated modifiable risk factors. 39.1% (95% CI:27.2 to 49.7%) and 10.5% (95% CI:5.8 to 15.7%) of cancers in male and female respectively, were attributable to the studied modifiable risk factors. The top main cancers attributed by the risk factors were lung cancer (65.1%; 95% CI:56.4 to 72.9%), laryngeal cancer (63.6%; 95% CI:39.9 to 80.5%), and oesophageal cancer (51.5%; 95% CI:39.9 to 62.0%). For each risk factor studied across genders, tobacco smoking contributed the most (14.3%; 95% CI:9.9 to 17.3%), followed by excess weight (7.0%; 95% CI:4.1 to 10.2%), physical inactivity (1.0%; 95% CI:0.4 to 1.7%) and alcohol intake (0.6%; 95% CI:0.2 to 1.0%). Conclusion Findings from this study suggests that tobacco smoking and excess weight are the two predominant factors out of the four studied risk factors for cancer cases in Malaysia. Nationwide public health prevention campaigns tailored to these risk factors are recommended. However, the other risk factors such as physical inactivity and alcohol intake shall not be neglected. PAFs are estimated based on the best available data that we have currently. Regular collection of other risk factor exposure prevalence data is vital for future analyses.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-283 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Krueger ◽  
S. L. Goldenberg ◽  
J. Koot ◽  
E. Andres

Few studies have assessed differences in the prevalence of and economic burden attributable to tobacco smoking, excess weight, physical inactivity, and alcohol use by gender. This article examines these gender differences in Canadians between the ages of 30 and 64 years. It also estimates the potential cost avoidance if the prevalence of the four risk factors (RFs) were reduced modestly in males. Data on the prevalence of the RFs and the relative risk of disease associated with each of the RFs were combined to calculate population-attributable fractions. A prevalence-based cost-of-illness approach was used to estimate the economic burden associated with the four RFs. Middle-aged Canadian males are more likely to smoke tobacco (26.4% vs. 20.2%), consume hazardous or harmful levels of alcohol (14.6% vs. 8.2%), and have excess weight (65.6% vs. 47.1%) than middle-aged Canadian females, resulting in an annual economic burden that is 27% higher in males than females. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of males who are physically inactive (48.4% vs. 49.4%). Modelling only a 1% annual relative reduction each year through to 2036 would result in a cumulative cost avoidance between 2013 and 2036 of $50.7 billion. The differences in RF prevalence between middle-aged males and females have an important effect on the population’s economic burden. A modest annual reduction in the four RFs in males can significantly affect population health and the economy over time.


Author(s):  
Abdulmohsen Al-Zalabani

A rise in colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is expected around the globe. This study aimed to determine the population attributable fractions (PAFs) of CRC cases contributed by modifiable risk factors in Saudi Arabia. The PAF was calculated for modifiable risk factors with strong evidences of a causal association with CRC. CRC incidence was obtained from the National Cancer Registry, relative risks were retrieved from recent meta-analysis studies, and the prevalence of exposure to risk factors was obtained from national surveys. Conventional statistical formulas were used to calculate PAFs from registered CRC cases, stratified by sex. Three scenarios were proposed to make projections and present the expected effects of prevention interventions on the number of CRC cases in Saudi Arabia for 2025–2040. The results showed the largest fraction of attributable CRC cases among men and women was contributed by physical inactivity (16.13% and 16.45%), followed by excess weight (obesity: 9.71% and 6.93%; overweight: 6.05% and 1.9%); and tobacco smoking (current smoker: 3.04% and 0.18%; former smoker: 3.29% and 0.12%). We estimated that the number of projected cases attributable to physical inactivity, smoking, and excess weight in men and women would increase from 807 and 315 in 2025 to 1360 and 556 in 2040, respectively. In conclusion, physical inactivity, being overweight or obese, and tobacco smoking are major lifestyle factors affecting the incidence of CRC in Saudi Arabia. Prevention interventions and public health programs to reduce their prevalence are warranted.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Erfan Taherifard ◽  
Mohammad Javad Moradian ◽  
Ehsan Taherifard ◽  
Abdolrasool Hemmati ◽  
Behnaz Rastegarfar ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Refugees are highly vulnerable to many health-related risks. Monitoring non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is of overriding importance in these populations. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs amongst Afghan refugees in a refugee camp located in southern Iran. Methods This cross-sectional sturdy was conducted in 2018. Risk factors such as inadequate nutrition, physical inactivity, tobacco smoking, obesity and overweight, hypertension (HTN), elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and dyslipidaemia were assessed. Data were gathered with a modified WHO STEPS procedure. Prevalence and age-standardized prevalence and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Results The estimated prevalence were 94% for inadequate fruit/vegetable consumption, 18% for physical inactivity, 9% for tobacco smoking, 3% for FPG, 20% for HTN, 51% for central obesity, 24% for overweight, 19% for obesity, and 69% for dyslipidaemia. Conclusions Except for inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and dyslipidaemia, the prevalence of other NCD risk factors was low among Afghan refugees in Iran. Raising awareness about healthy diet and its importance and the provision of more affordable fruit and vegetables are two effective measures toward improving the health of refugees in Iran.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wyllians Vendramini Borelli ◽  
Vanessa Bielefeldt Leotti ◽  
Matheus Zschornack Strelow ◽  
Márcia Lorena Fagundes Chaves ◽  
Raphael Machado Castilhos

Author(s):  
Meriam El Ghardallou ◽  
Jihene Maatoug ◽  
Imed Harrabi ◽  
Sihem Ben Fredj ◽  
Sahli Jihene ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction: A better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of subgroups, which have a high risk to develop chronic diseases, is essential to develop more efficient interventional programs especially for youth. This study aimed to determine the association between clusters of non communicable diseases (NCDs’) risk factors and the socio-demographic characteristics among a sample of Tunisian school children. Materials and methods: We conducted, in 2013/2014, a cross-sectional study among a proportional and stratified school children sample, selected in 17 elementary public schools in Sousse (Tunisia). A cluster analysis was used to identify different NCDs risk factors clusters, based on tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Subsequent χ2-tests were used to identify differences between the NCDs risk factors clusters in regards to socio-demographic characteristics. Results: Four clusters of NCDs risk factors were found: 1) Cluster 1: physical inactivity behavior with normal weight, 2) Cluster 2: physical inactivity behavior associated to excess weight, 3) Cluster 3: unhealthy diet associated to excess weight and low practice of physical activity, and 4) Cluster 4: smoking behavior with physical activity behavior. The pattern of cluster membership differed across sex (<10–3), school level, and socioeconomic level (<10–3) but there was no significant difference between clusters for mother’s education levels and household tenure. Conclusion: This study can have important implications for health policy and practice. Indeed, it found that many subjects have simultaneous multiple NCDs risk factors which leads to identify groups at risk and implement integrated intervention program.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. S271-S272
Author(s):  
J. Runhaar ◽  
M. Hall ◽  
D. Schiphof ◽  
F. Saberi Hosnijeh ◽  
J. van Meurs ◽  
...  

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