Are the differences in adulthood ill-health across the north-south divide and between Scotland and England also evident in early childhood health indicators?

Regional differences in adult morbidity and mortality within England (i.e., north-south divide or gradient) and between England and Scotland (i.e., Scottish effect) are only partly explained by adult levels of socioeconomic status or risk factors. This suggests variation in early life, and is supported by the foetal origins and life-course literature which posits that birth outcomes and subsequent, cumulative exposures influence adult health. However, no studies have examined the north-south gradient or Scottish effect in health in the earliest years of life. The aims of the study were: i) to examine health indicators in English and Scottish children at birth and age three to establish whether regional differences exist; and ii) to establish whether observed changes in child health at age three were attributable to birth and/or early life environmental exposures. Respondents included 10,639 biological Caucasian mothers of singleton children recruited to the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) in the year 2000. Outcome variables were: gestational age and birth weight, and height, body mass index (BMI), and externalising behavioural problems at age three. Region/country was categorised as: South (reference), Midlands, North (England), and Scotland. Respondents provided information on child, maternal, household, and socioeconomic characteristics. Results indicated no significant regional variations for gestational age or birth weight. At age three there was a north-south gradient for externalising behaviour and a north-south divide in BMI which attenuated on adjustment. However, a north-south divide in height was not fully explained by adjustment. There was also evidence of a 'Midlands effect', with increased likelihood of shorter stature and behaviour problems. Results showed a Scottish effect for height and BMI in the unadjusted models, and height in the adjusted model, but a decreased likelihood of behaviour problems. Findings indicated no regional differences in health at birth, but some regional variation at age three supports the cumulative life-course model.

Large panel-survey data demonstrated country-level and ethnic minority variation in consent for health record linkage.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate individual, household, and country variation in consent to health record linkage. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Data from 50,994 individuals aged 16-74 years recruited to wave 1 of a large UK general purpose household survey (January 2009-December 2010) were analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 70.7% of respondents consented to record linkage. Younger age, marriage, tenure, car ownership, and education were all significantly associated with consent, although there was little deviation from 70% in subgroups defined by these variables. There were small increases in consent rates in individuals with poor health when defined by self-reported long-term limiting illness [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.11; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.06, 1.16], less so when defined by General Health Questionnaire score (adjusted OR = 1.05; 95% CIs: 1.00, 1.10), but the range in absolute consent rates between categories was generally less than 10%. Larger differences were observed for those of nonwhite ethnicity who were 38% less likely to consent (adjusted OR = 0.62; 95% CIs: 0.59, 0.66). Consent was higher in Scotland than England (adjusted OR = 1.17; 95% CIs: 1.06, 1.29) but lower in Northern Ireland (adjusted OR = 0.56; 95% CIs: 0.50, 0.63). CONCLUSION: The modest overall level of systematic bias in consent to record linkage provides reassurance for record linkage potential in general purpose household surveys. However, the low consent rates among nonwhite ethnic minority survey respondents will further compound their low survey participation rates. The reason for the country-level variation requires further study.

Temporal stability of the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity short-form: test-retest data over one week.

This study evaluated the test-retest reliability of the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity short-form. 39 Northern Irish undergraduate students completed the measure on two occasions separated by one week. Stability across the two administrations was high, r = .92, and there was no significant change between Time 1(M = 25.2, SD = 5.4) and Time 2 (M = 25.7, SD = 6.2). These data support the short-term test-retest reliability of the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity short-form.