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Abstract Background Vulnerable social groups have greater difficulty in accessing care and a lower quality of care. Health systems focused on primary care appear to be more effective, efficient and equitable. However, difficulties in accessing primary care are persisting. We focused on primary care screening for cervical cancer through Cervico-Uterine Smear (CUS), which has been shown to be effective in reducing disease incidence and mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the characteristics of women who undergo CUS according to the category of health professionals (general practitioners or gynaecologists) performing CUS and to analyse potential differences in access to care in terms of socioeconomic and geographical characteristics. Methods This was a retrospective observational study based on data from the main health insurance schemes in France, allowing analysis of health care consumption according to socioeconomic levels and proximity to health care services. We included women aged 25 to 64 years in 2012 for whom CUS would be a relevant procedure (695,694). The sociodemographic and territorial indicators were age, geographical area deprivation, and the availability of gynaecological care. The analysis was performed using multinomial logistic regression. Results A total of 202,271 (29%) patients underwent CUS; of whom 68% underwent CUS administered by gynaecologists and 28% were administered by general practitioners (GPs). However, inequalities in CUS screening rates were observed, with a decrease in the number of CUSs performed with increased age, a rural location, deprivation, and sparse health care provisions. Deprived people seemed less penalised by GPs. Conclusions Involvement of General Practitioners may improve cervical screening equality in France. The organisation of health systems around primary care may allow a better access to care and to account for the specific needs of deprived populations.

Abstract Background Like other countries in Europe and around the world, France was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, although it had also experienced several social crises since 2017. This study assessed the evolution of self-reported health and activity limitations and explored the dynamics of their socio-territorial inequalities among the French population aged 18–75 years between 2017 and 2021. Methods Self-reported health (SRH) and global activity limitation indicator (GALI) were assessed in the same way in the four last editions of the French Health Barometer surveys conducted in the general population in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2021, with between 9,200 and 24,500 subjects interviewed depending on the year. The prevalence of good or very good SRH and GALI (any limitation) and their evolution between 2017 and 2021 were studied according to sex, age, main socioeconomic positions (SEP), and regions. Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios and potential modification effects of sociodemographic and geographic characteristics. Results Between 2017 and 2021, SRH and GALI deteriorated in adults in France in a continuous way. Very good or good SRH decreased from 75.2% (CI95% [74.5–75.9]) of subjects in 2017 to 68.5% (CI95% [67.7–69.3]) in 2021. In parallel, GALI increased from 21.5% (CI95% [21.0–22.2) in 2017 to 25.2% (CI95% [24.5–26.0]) in 2021.The deterioration of indicators affected both sexes, all age classes (except 65–75 years), especially younger age classes (18–24 and 25–34 years), all geographical regions, and all SEP variables, with groups with a higher SEP deteriorating more than others. Negative variations exceeding 20% (8–10 percentage points on the absolute scale of indicators) were observed in several population groups from 2019 onwards. Conclusion The previously observed deterioration of the SRH and GALI continued in France between 2017 and 2021, with narrowing socio-territorial gradients of inequalities. The impact of successive social and health crises on the poor evolution of self-reported health and activity limitations warrants further investigation over time and across locations using complementary and possibly more detailed indicators.

Abstract Background Health-Related Quality of life (HRQoL) in cancer survivors can be significantly affected in the long-term by various consequences resulting from differing levels of severity of cancer and its treatments. Our objective was to identify factors associated with HRQoL in breast cancer survivors (BCSs) and cancer-free women (CFWs). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in Seintinelles volunteers who answered online questionnaires between September 15, 2020 and February 5, 2021. HRQoL was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF questionnaire. We collected data on sociodemographic and health-related factors, lifestyle habits, coping mechanisms, locus of control, and health literacy. SAS version 9.4 statistical software was used for analyses. We performed descriptive analyses of the characteristics of the participants in each group and compared these characteristics between the two groups using the Chi2 test or the Student t-test. The adjusted means of the scores of different psychometric scales were calculated and compared using the method of least squares to fit general linear models (GLM) while adjusting for various factors. Multiple linear or multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the factors associated with WHOQOL-BREF scores, separately, in the two groups of participants. Results The study involved 722 BCSs and 1359 CFWs aged 26–75 years. BCSs had significantly lower physical health scores and were less likely to be satisfied with their health compared to CFWs (59.5 vs. 63.2, p 22) of internal locus of control); or inversely associated (neurological and sleep problems, over two medical consultations/year). In BCSs, treatment by mastectomy or radiation therapy/brachytherapy, a short-time since diagnosis, current cancer therapy, and presence of sequalae were inversely associated with physical health. BCSs’ health satisfaction was diminished with lower values of coping by positive thinking (≤ 14) and seeking social support (≤ 18). Conclusions HRQoL can be improved by developing strategies that increase internal locus of control and coping (positive thinking, problem-solving and seeking social support), and through health literacy.

Abstract Background With the increase in the number of long-term survivors, interest is shifting from cancer survival to life and quality of life after cancer. These include consequences of long-term side effects of treatment, such as gonadotoxicity. Fertility preservation is becoming increasingly important in cancer management. International recommendations agree on the need to inform patients prior to treatments about the risk of fertility impairment and refer them to specialized centers to discuss fertility preservation. However, the literature reveals suboptimal access to fertility preservation on an international scale, and particularly in France, making information for patients and oncologists a potential lever for action. Our overall goal is to improve access to fertility preservation consultations for women with breast cancer through the development and evaluation of a combined intervention targeting the access and diffusion of information for these patients and brief training for oncologists. Methods Firstly, we will improve existing information tools and create brief training content for oncologists using a qualitative, iterative, user-centred and participatory approach (objective 1). We will then use these tools in a combined intervention to conduct a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial (objective 2) including 750 women aged 18 to 40 newly treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer at one of the 6 participating centers. As the primary outcome of the trial will be the access to fertility preservation counselling before and after using the combined intervention (brochures and brief training for oncologists), we will compare the rate of fertility preservation consultations between the usual care and intervention phases using linear regression models. Finally, we will analyse our approach using a context-sensitive implementation analysis and provide key elements for transferability to other contexts in France (objective 3). Discussion We expect to observe an increase in access to fertility preservation consultations as a result of the combined intervention. Particular attention will be paid to the effect of this intervention on socially disadvantaged women, who are known to be at greater risk of inappropriate treatment. The user-centred design principles and participatory approaches used to optimize the acceptability, usability and feasibility of the combined intervention will likely enhance its impact, diffusion and sustainability. Trial registration Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial registration number: NCT05989776. Date of registration: 7th September 2023. URL: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05989776 . Protocol version Manuscript based on study protocol version 2.0, 21st may 2023.

Abstract Background The aims of the “médecin traitant” or referring physician (RP) reform, introduced in France in 2004, were to improve the organisation and quality of care and to allow for greater equity, particularly in terms of prevention. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of having a declared RP on the uptake of screening for breast and cervical cancers, and to explore the mechanisms involved. Methods We used an existing dataset of 1,072,289 women, which combines data from the Health Insurance information systems, with census data. We built multivariable logistic regression models to study the effect of having a RP on the uptake of mammography and pap smear, adjusted for age, socio-economic level, health status and healthcare provision. We secondarily added to this model the variable “having consulted a General Practitioner (GP) within the year”. Finally, we evaluated the interaction between the effect of having a referring physician and the area of residence (metropolitan/urban/rural). Results Patients who had a declared RP had a significantly higher uptake of mammography and pap smear than those who did not. The strength of the association was particularly important in very urban areas. The effect of having visited a GP seemed to explain a part of the correlation between having a RP and uptake of screening. Conclusions Lower rates of gynaecological screening among women without an RP compared to those with an RP may partly reflect a specific behaviour pattern in women less adherent to the health care system. However, this result also shows the importance of the RP, who assumes the key role of relaying public health information in a more personalised and adapted way.

Abstract Context It is widely recognised that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted individuals’ mental health. However, little emphasis has been put on the possible influence of socio-economic factors in the relationship. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, our objectives were (i) to assess the relationship between education level and mental health in French adults, and (ii) to study the influence of the economic, social, health and the COVID-19-related factors in men and women respectively. Method Data are from 32,581 individuals representative of the French population who responded to the weekly survey “Baromètre COVID-19” between April 7th and May 31st 2020. Education level was self-reported (university degree, high school qualification, vocational certificate/qualification, no diploma). Anxiety-depressive state was derived from four items related to the frequency of occurrence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and summarized in an overall validated anxiety-depressive score. Multivariate linear regression analyses were carried out with nested adjustments of variables related to economic, social, health and COVID-19 contexts to assess the relationship between education and anxiety-depressive state. Results In total, 45% of individuals reported symptoms of anxiety-depressive state (53% in women versus 36% in men). Among men, those with a vocational certificate/qualification and those with no diploma had a greater risk of having a higher anxiety-depressive state compared to those with a university degree (βVocational certificate/qualification = 0.16 [0.04; 0.27]; βNo diploma = 0.75 [0.43; 1.07]) while among women, the risk of anxiety-depressive state increased as education level decreased (βBaccalaureate = 0.37 [0.25; 0.49]; βVocational certificate/qualification = 0.41 [0.28; 0.54]; βNo diploma = 0.8 [0.49; 1.12]). For both men and women, economic, health, and COVID-19 factors partly attenuate these associations while social factors marginally modified the relationship. After accounting for confounders and intermediate variables, the absence of a diploma remained associated with anxiety-depressive state among men, while the whole educational gradient of anxiety-depressive state persisted among women. Conclusion In France, at the end of the first wave of COVID-19, individuals with a lower level of education had a higher risk of anxiety-depressive state. This association was more pronounced for women, highlighting a process of social inequality in health possibly related to gender. This should be considered in future prevention and public health interventions.

Abstract Background The principal aim of this study was to explore if biological differences between men and women can be explained by gendered mechanisms. Methods We used data from the 1958 National Child Development Study, including all the living subjects of the cohort at the outcome collection wave (44–45 years). We explored several biomarkers as outcomes: systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HbA1c, CRP, and cortisol. Three conceptualizations of gender have been used to define methodological strategies: (a) Gender as an individual characteristic; (b) Gender as an effect of sex on socio-behavioural characteristics; (c) Gender as an interaction between sex and the social environment, here the early-life social environment. We estimated the total effect of sex and the proportion of total effect of sex at birth eliminated by gender, measured by 3 different ways according to these 3 concepts, using g-computation. Results The average level of each biomarker was significantly different according to sex at birth, higher in men for cardiometabolic biomarkers and higher in women for inflammatory and neuroendocrine biomarkers. The sizes of the differences were always smaller than one standard deviation but were larger than differences due to early-life deprivation, except for CRP. We observed gender mechanisms underlying these differences between men and women, even if the mediation effects were rarely statistically significant. These mechanisms were of three kinds: (1) mediation by socio-behavioural characteristics; (2) attenuation by gendered mechanisms; (3) interaction with early social environment. Indeed, we observed that being born into a deprived rather than non-deprived family increased metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers levels more strongly in females than in males. Conclusions The biological differences between men and women seem to not be purely explained by biological mechanisms. The exploration of gender mechanisms opens new perspectives, in terms of methodology, understanding and potential applications.

Abstract Background To promote improved coordination between general practice and hospital, the French clinical trial CREDO (“Concertation de REtour à DOmicile”) is testing an innovative experimental consultation for patients with metastatic cancer who are returning home. This consultation involves the patient, the patient’s referring GP (GPref) and a GP with specific skills in oncology (GPonc) in a specialized care center. The objective of our study is to explore the satisfaction of GPsref about this consultation, in the phase of interaction between GPonc and GPref. Methods This observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study explored the satisfaction of GPsref who had participated in this type of consultation, via a telephone survey. Results One Hundred GPsref responded to the questionnaire between April and September 2019 (overall response rate: 55%). 84.5% were satisfied with the consultation, and the majority were satisfied with its methods. Half of the GPsref learned new information during the consultation, three-quarters noted an impact on their practice, and 94.4% thought that this type of coordination between the GPref and the oncology specialist could improve general practice - hospital coordination. Conclusions For GPs, the CREDO consultation seems to be practical and effective in improving the coordination between general medicine and hospital. GPs would benefit from such coordination for all patients with cancer, several times during follow-up and at each occurrence of a medically significant event.

Abstract Background In France, we lack knowledge about factors influencing chiropractors’ use of French guideline for managing neck pain and associated disorders (NAD). In particular, we know little about how chiropractic interns use clinical practice guidelines during their training. Objectives We aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a cross-sectional study of chiropractic interns to determine their utilization and conformity with clinical practice guidelines when managing patients with NAD in France. Method We developed a web-based questionnaire which included 3 sections: (1) clinical vignettes; (2) determinants of practice and (3) socio-demographic and current practice information. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase included 2 groups: chiropractors and students (interns). Ten chiropractors reviewed and made recommendations on content (especially clinical vignettes), readability, and flow of the survey. Fifteen interns were invited to pretest the proposed recruitment strategy and determine time needed to survey completion, assess completeness of data collection, and evaluate its readability and flow in students. Due to the low participation of students during the first phase, 20 additional interns were invited to participate and pilot the revised recruitment strategy during the second phase. A group of 20 interns were invited to participate and pilot the revised recruitment strategy during the second phase. Qualitative feedbacks about the recruitment strategy, the content of the questionnaire and the survey process were collected by phone to improve all these steps if necessary. Results We collected data from November 2020 to February 2021. In phase 1, 70% of chiropractors (7/10) reviewed the survey and one intern responded (7% participation rate). A revised recruitment strategy was designed and 70% of interns agreed to participate in phase 2. Time to complete the questionnaire was on average 48 m:22 s. Interns evaluated survey content as relevant, comprehensive, covering the range of 4 grades of NAD, and adapted to an intern sample. Five main modifications were recommended by (1) Adjusting survey support; (2) Enhancing communication strategy; (3) Considering interns’ comments about the length of the questionnaire; (4) Modifying 2 determinants not adapted to a French context; (5) Adding a proposal when determinants deal with multidisciplinary management. Conclusion Conducting a web-based cross-sectional study of chiropractic interns to assess their utilization and conformity to clinical practice guideline is feasible.

Abstract Background In a context where the economic burden of HIV is increasing as HIV patients now have a close to normal lifespan, the availability of generic antiretrovirals commonly prescribed in 2017 and the imminence of patent expiration are expected to provide substantial savings in the coming years. This article aims to assess the economic impact of these generic antiretrovirals in France and specifically over a five-year period. Methods An agent-based model was developed to simulate patient trajectories and treatment use over a five-year period. By comparing the results of costs for trajectories simulated under different predefined scenarios, a budget impact model can be created and sensitivity analyses performed on several parameters of importance. Results The potential economic savings from 2019 to 2023 generated by generic antiretrovirals range from €309 million when the penetration rate of generics is set at 10% to €1.5 billion at 70%. These savings range from €984 million to €993 million as the delay between patent and generic marketing authorisation varies from 10 to 15 years, and from €965 million to €993 million as the Negotiated Price per Unit (NPU) of generics at market-entry varies from 40 to 50% of the NPU for patents. Discussion This economic savings simulation could help decision makers to anticipate resource allocations for further innovation in antiretrovirals therapies as well as prevention, especially by funding the Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) or HIV screening.

Abstract Background In out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), bystander initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) increases the chance of return of spontaneous circulation and survival with a favourable neurological status. Socioeconomic disparities have been highlighted in OHCA field. In areas with the lowest average socioeconomic status, OHCA incidence increased, and bystander CPR decreased. Evaluations were performed on restricted geographical area, and European evaluation is lacking. We aimed to analyse, at a national level, the impact of area-level social deprivation on the initiation of CPR in case of a witnessed OHCA. Methods We included all witnessed OHCA cases with age over 18 years from July 2011 to July 2018 form the OHCA French national registry. We excluded OHCA occurred in front of rescue teams or in nursing home, and patients with incomplete address or partial geocoding. We collected data from context, bystander and patient. The area-level social deprivation was estimated by the French version of the European Deprivation Index (in quintile) associated with the place where OHCA occurred. We assessed the associations between Utstein variables and social deprivation level using a mixed-effect logit model with bystander-initiated CPR. Results We included 23,979 witnessed OHCA of which 12,299 (51%) had a bystander-initiated CPR. More than one third of the OHCA (8,326 (35%)) occurred in an area from the highest quintile of social deprivation. The higher the area-level deprivation, the less the proportion of bystander-initiated CPR (56% in Quintile 1 versus 48% in Quintile 5). The In the multivariable analysis, bystander less often began CPR in areas with the highest deprivation level, compared to those with the lowest deprivation level (OR=0.69, IC95%: 0.63-0.75). Conclusions The level of social deprivation of the area where OHCA occurred was associated with bystander-initiated CPR. It decreased in the more deprived areas although these areas also concentrate more younger patients.

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer burden worldwide. In France, it is the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Systematic uptake of CRC screening can improve survival rates. However, people with limited health literacy (HL) and lower socioeconomic position rarely participate. Our aim is to assess the impact of an intervention combining HL and CRC screening training for general practitioners (GPs) with a pictorial brochure and video targeting eligible patients, to increase CRC screening and other secondary outcomes, after 1 year, in several underserved geographic areas in France. Methods We will use a two-arm multicentric randomized controlled cluster trial with 32 GPs primarily serving underserved populations across four regions in France with 1024 patients recruited. GPs practicing in underserved areas (identified using the European Deprivation Index) will be block-randomized to: 1) a combined intervention (HL and CRC training + brochure and video for eligible patients), or 2) usual care. Patients will be included if they are between 50 and 74 years old, eligible for CRC screening, and present to recruited GPs. The primary outcome is CRC screening uptake after 1 year. Secondary outcomes include increasing knowledge and patient activation. After trial recruitment, we will conduct semi-structured interviews with up to 24 GPs (up to 8 in each region) and up to 48 patients (6 to 12 per region) based on data saturation. We will explore strategies that promote the intervention’s sustained use and rapid implementation using Normalization Process Theory. We will follow a community-based participatory research approach throughout the trial. For the analyses, we will adopt a regression framework for all quantitative data. We will also use exploratory mediation analyses. We will analyze all qualitative data using a framework analysis guided by Normalization Process Theory. Discussion Limited HL and its impact on the general population is a growing public health and policy challenge worldwide. It has received limited attention in France. A combined HL intervention could reduce disparities in CRC screening, increase screening rates among the most vulnerable populations, and increase knowledge and activation (beneficial in the context of repeated screening). Trial registration Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial registration number: 2020-A01687-32 . Date of registration: 17th November 2020.

Abstract Context Many clinical practice guidelines have been developed for the management of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, there is a gap between evidence-based knowledge and clinical practice, and reasons are poorly understood. Understanding why healthcare providers use clinical practice guidelines is essential to improve their implementation, dissemination, and adherence. Aim To identify determinants of clinical practice guidelines’ utilization by health care providers involved in the assessment and management of MSDs. Method A scoping review of the literature was conducted. Three databases were searched from inception to March 2021. Article identification, study design, methodological quality, type of healthcare providers, MSDs, barriers and facilitators associated with guidelines’ utilization were extracted from selected articles. RESULTS: 8671 citations were retrieved, and 43 articles were selected. 51% of studies were from Europe, and most were quantitative studies (64%) following a cross-sectional design (88%). Almost 80% of articles dealt with low back pain guidelines, and the most studied healthcare providers were general practitioners or physiotherapists. Five main barriers to guideline utilization were expressed by providers: 1) disagreement between recommendations and patient expectations; 2) guidelines not specific to individual patients; 3) unfamiliarity with “non-specific” term, or with the bio psychosocial model of MSDs; 4) time consuming; and 5) heterogeneity in guideline methods. Four main facilitators to guideline utilization were cited: 1) clinician’s interest in evidence-based practice; 2) perception from clinicians that the guideline will improve triage, diagnosis and management; 3) time efficiency; and 4) standardized language. Conclusion Identifying modifiable determinants is the first step in developing implementation strategies to improve guideline utilization in clinical practice.

Abstract Background Frailty and hemoglobin concentration, above what would be considered clinical anemia, are two common findings in older patients that lead to an increased risk of negative health outcomes. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether hemoglobin concentration is an independent predictor of frailty and investigate possible causal pathways with a focus on the relationship between inflammation or nutrition and hemoglobin concentration. Methods 1829 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years or older who visited the Toulouse frailty day hospital during 2011 and 2016 were included in this analysis. Patients underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment and had a blood sample taken. A series of multivariate logistic regression models were performed after minimizing potential influence from age, gender, kidney function, inflammation, cognition, nutritional status and certain socio-economic factors. Results Hemoglobin concentration and frailty are significantly associated after minimizing potential influence from other covariates (p 0.005). Conclusions Hemoglobin concentration is strongly associated with frailty in older adults. These results can have potentially important implications for prevention policies targeting frailty by identifying potential patients with high risk of adverse outcomes and functional outcomes.

Abstract Background Evidences support social inequalities in cancer survival. Studies on hematological malignancies, and more specifically Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), are sparser. Our study assessed: 1/ the influence of patients’ socioeconomic position on survival, 2/ the role of treatment in this relationship, and 3/ the influence of patients’ socioeconomic position on treatment utilization. Methods This prospective multicenter study includes all patients aged 60 and older, newly diagnosed with AML, excluding promyelocytic subtypes, between 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2014 in the South-West of France. Data came from medical files. Patients’ socioeconomic position was measured by an ecological deprivation index, the European Deprivation Index. We studied first, patients’ socioeconomic position influence on overall survival (n = 592), second, on the use of intensive chemotherapy (n = 592), and third, on the use of low intensive treatment versus best supportive care among patients judged unfit for intensive chemotherapy (n = 405). Results We found an influence of patients’ socioeconomic position on survival (highest versus lowest position HRQ5: 1.39 [1.05;1.87] that was downsized to become no more significant after adjustment for AML ontogeny (HRQ5: 1.31[0.97;1.76] and cytogenetic prognosis HRQ5: 1.30[0.97;1.75]). The treatment was strongly associated with survival. A lower proportion of intensive chemotherapy was observed among patients with lowest socioeconomic position (ORQ5: 0.41[0.19;0.90]) which did not persist after adjustment for AML ontogeny (ORQ5: 0.59[0.25;1.40]). No such influence of patients’ socioeconomic position was found on the treatment allocation among patients judged unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Conclusions Finally, these results suggest an indirect influence of patients’ socioeconomic position on survival through AML initial presentation.

Abstract Background When studying the influence of socioeconomic position (SEP) on health from data where individual-level SEP measures may be missing, ecological measures of SEP may prove helpful. In this paper, we illustrate the best use of ecological-level measures of SEP to deal with incomplete individual level data. To do this we have taken the example of a study examining the relationship between SEP and breast cancer (BC) stage at diagnosis. Methods Using population based-registry data, all women over 18 years newly diagnosed with a primary BC in 2007 were included. We compared the association between advanced stage at diagnosis and individual SEP containing missing data with an ecological level SEP measure without missing data. We used three modelling strategies, 1/ based on patients with complete data for individual-SEP (n = 1218), or 2/ on all patients (n = 1644) using an ecological-level SEP as proxy for individual SEP and 3/ individual-SEP after imputation of missing data using an ecological-level SEP. Results The results obtained from these models demonstrate that selection bias was introduced in the sample where only patients with complete individual SEP were included. This bias is redressed by using ecological-level SEP to impute missing data for individual SEP on all patients. Such a strategy helps to avoid an ecological bias due to the use of aggregated data to infer to individual level. Conclusion When individual data are incomplete, we demonstrate the usefulness of an ecological index to assess and redress potential selection bias by using it to impute missing individual SEP.

Abstract Background In aggregate studies, ecological indices are used to study the influence of socioeconomic status on health. Their main limitation is ecological bias. This study assesses the misclassification of individual socioeconomic status in seven ecological indices. Methods Individual socioeconomic data for a random sample of 10,000 persons came from periodic health examinations conducted in 2006 in 11 French departments. Geographical data came from the 2007 census at the lowest geographical level available in France. The Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves, the areas under the curves (AUC) for each individual variable, and the distribution of deprived and non-deprived persons in quintiles of each aggregate score were analyzed. Results The aggregate indices studied are quite good “proxies” for individual deprivation (AUC close to 0.7), and they have similar performance. The indices are more efficient at measuring individual income than education or occupational category and are suitable for measuring of deprivation but not affluence. Conclusions The study inventoried the aggregate indices available in France and evaluated their assessment of individual SES.

Abstract Background Lifecourse studies suggest that the metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be rooted in the early life environment. This study aims to examine the pathways linking early nutritional and psychosocial exposures and the presence of MetS in midlife. Methods Data are from the National Child Development Study including individuals born during 1 week in 1958 in Great Britain and followed-up until now. MetS was defined based on the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III classification. Mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was used as a proxy of the early nutritional environment and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) as a proxy for early psychosocial stress. Socioeconomic characteristics, pregnancy and birth conditions were extracted as potential confounders. Adult health behaviors, BMI, socioeconomic environment and psychological state were considered as mediating variables. Multivariate models were performed by including variables sequentially taking a lifecourse approach. Results 37.5 % of men and 19.8 % of women had MetS. Participants with an obese/overweight mother presented a higher risk of MetS than those whose mother had a normal pre-pregnancy BMI. Men exposed to two ACE or more, and women exposed to one ACE, were more at risk of MetS compared to unexposed individuals. After including confounders and mediators, mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI was still associated with MetS in midlife but the association was weakened after including participant’s adult BMI. ACE was no longer associated with MetS after including confounders in models. Conclusions The early nutritional environment, represented by mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI, was associated with the risk of MetS in midlife. An important mechanism involves a mother-to-child BMI transmission, independent of birth or perinatal conditions, socioeconomic characteristics and health behaviors over the lifecourse. However this mechanism is not sufficient for explaining the influence of mother’s pre-pregnancy BMI which implies the need to further explore other mechanisms in particular the role of genetics and early nutritional environment. ACE is not independently associated with MetS. However, other early life stressful events such as emergency caesarean deliveries and poor socioeconomic status during childhood may contribute as determinants of MetS.