Evidence that ovarian hormones, but not diet and exercise, contribute to the sex disparity in post-traumatic stress disorder
Females are twice as likely as males to receive a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using data from the Atlantic Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health (PATH) cohort of 16,899 participants, the relationship between endogenous hormone fluctuations (e.g., menarche, pregnancy, and menopause), exogenous hormone use (e.g., hormonal contraception and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)) and lifestyle variables (diet and exercise habits, as measured by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener, Healthy Eating Index, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire) with PTSD diagnosis and treatment were analyzed. While several hormonal variables, including contraceptive use, higher total number of pregnancies, younger menarche age, and having undergone menopause increased the risk of PTSD, no lifestyle variables contributed to an increased risk of PTSD diagnosis.
Relationship between diet quality and antihypertensive medication intensity among adults with metabolic syndrome-associated high blood pressure
This study aimed to investigate whether there’s a relationship between diet quality and the intensity of medication used to manage high blood pressure in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Using data from 915 CARTaGENE participants with MetS-associated high blood pressure, of whom 677 were using blood pressure-lowering medication, researchers found that, overall, there wasn’t a clear link between diet quality and medication intensity. However, in younger individuals and those with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, better diet quality was associated with lower medication intensity.
Relationship between diet quality and statin use among adults with metabolic syndrome from the CARTaGENE cohort.
This study investigated how the use of statins, a type of cholesterol-lowering medication, impacts diet quality in adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS) who are free of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Using data from 2481 CARTaGENE participants, researchers revealed that adults using statins tended to have slightly lower diet quality, particularly characterized by reduced consumption of vegetables and whole grains. This effect was more pronounced in older individuals and those with lower incomes or a history of high blood pressure.
Relationship between diet quality and glucose-lowering medication intensity among adults with type 2 diabetes: results from the CARTaGENE cohort
This study aimed to understand if there’s a relationship between diet quality and the amount of medication used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. Using data from 352 CARTaGENE participants, the researchers found no clear link between diet quality and medication intensity. In younger adults, better diet quality was associated with lower medication intensity, so there may be importance of diet in managing diabetes in young adults.
Factors associated with mental health service use during the pandemic: Initiation and barriers
This study aimed to understand the factors associated with initiating new mental health service use (MHSU) during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as distinguishing between different reasons for not seeking mental health services. The research found that several factors influenced MHSU, such as age, living situation, income, and health professional status. The study suggests the need for awareness campaigns targeting older adults to explain the importance of seeking treatment and for sensitizing health professionals to facilitate access to mental health care for individuals at risk of social isolation and lower socioeconomic status.
Impact of successive office blood pressure measurements during a single visit on cardiovascular risk prediction: analysis of CARTaGENE
The researchers sought to assess the long-term impact of multiple office blood pressure (BP) readings and whether they improve cardiovascular risk prediction. Using data from CARTaGENE participants, they found that cardiovascular risk prediction is improved by successive office systolic BP values, especially when the first reading is discarded. These findings reinforce the necessity of using multiple office BP readings.
The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Canada: a time-series study, 2020-2023
This study used data from the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, which includes CanPath data, to track the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the Canadian population over the pre-vaccination period, the vaccine rollout, and the emergence of the Omicron variant. By March 2023, over three-quarters of the population had detectable antibodies, with the most substantial increases seen after the arrival of the Omicron variant. However, variations in immunity by age and geography highlight the importance of tailoring public health policies and clinical decisions to local patterns of population immunity, considering factors like potential antibody decline and the emergence of new variants that might evade immunity.
Depression, anxiety, and the risk of cancer: An individual participant data meta-analysis
Researchers performed meta-analyses within the Psychosocial Factors and Cancer Incidence (PSY-CA) consortium to develop a stronger foundation for addressing associations between depression, anxiety, and the incidence of various cancer types. They found that depression and anxiety are not related to increased risk for most cancer outcomes, except for lung and smoking-related cancers.
Importance of accounting for timing of time-varying exposures in association studies: Hydrochlorothiazide and non-melanoma skin cancer
The researchers used different models to determine how non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) risk varies with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) exposure and explored how the results may be contingent on modeling strategies. Data was collected from study participants who were part of the Ontario Health Study cohort. In parametric models considering all exposures, longer duration of past HCTZ use was linked to a higher risk of NMSC, while cumulative dose did not show a consistent association. However, weighted cumulative exposure model results indicated that only exposures occurring 2.5–4 years ago were associated with the current hazard of NMSC.
Assessing skin cancer risk factors, sun safety behaviors and melanoma concern in Atlantic Canada: a comprehensive survey study
Using data from 7,861 Atlantic PATH participants, this study sought to understand sun exposure, sun protection, and level of worry for cutaneous melanoma (CM), a deadly form of skin cancer, among Atlantic Canadians. The researchers found that provinces with high CM incidence had higher rates of sunburns, total sun exposure, recreational sun exposure, and tanning. However, they also displayed more protective behaviours.