Prevalence of lifestyle characteristics in glucocorticoid users and non-users: a Danish population-based cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Lifestyle may affect observed associations between glucocorticoid use and adverse events. This study aimed to investigate whether lifestyle differ according to use of systemic glucocorticoids.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

The Central Denmark Region.

Participants

30 245 adults (≥25 years of age) who participated in a questionnaire-based public health survey in 2010.

Outcome measures

Systemic glucocorticoid use was categorised as never use, current use (prescription redemption ≤90 days before completing the questionnaire), recent use (prescription redemption 91-365 days before completing the questionnaire), former use (prescription redemption >365 days before completing the questionnaire) and according to cumulative dose expressed in prednisolone equivalents (<100, 100-499, 500-999, 1000-1999, 2000-4999, ≥5000 mg). We computed the prevalence of lifestyle factors (body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, physical activity and dietary habits) according to glucocorticoid use. We then estimated age-adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs, comparing the categories of glucocorticoid users versus never users. All analyses were stratified by sex.

Results

Of the 30 245 participants (53% women, median age 53 years), 563 (1.9%) were current users, 885 (2.9%) were recent users, 3054 (10%) were former users and 25 743 (85%) were never users. Ever users of glucocorticoids had a slightly higher prevalence of obesity than never users (18% vs 14%, aPR=1.4, 95% CI 1.2 to 1.5 in women and 17% vs 15%, aPR=1.2, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4 in men). In women, ever users of glucocorticoids had a slightly lower prevalence of high-risk alcohol consumption compared with never users (17% vs 20%, aPR=0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.0). Smoking, diet and physical activity did not differ substantially according to use of glucocorticoids.

Conclusion

Our study provides a framework for quantifying potential uncontrolled confounding by lifestyle factors in studies of systemic glucocorticoids.

SUBMITTER: Laugesen K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6830647 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature