Michel Vernay

Background: Interest in Internet-based epidemiologic research is growing given the logistic and cost advantages. Cohort recruitment to maximally diversify the sociodemographic profiles of participants, however, remains a contentious issue. Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize the sociodemographic profiles according to the recruitment mode of adult volunteers enrolled in a Web-based cohort. Methods: The French NutriNet-Santé Web-based cohort was launched in 2009. Recruitment is ongoing and largely relies on recurrent multimedia campaigns. One month after enrollment, participants are asked how they learned about the study (eg, general newscast or a health program on television, radio newscast, newspaper articles, Internet, personal advice, leaflet/flyers) The sociodemographic profiles of participants recruited through operative communication channels (radio, print media, Internet, advice) were compared with the profiles of those informed through television by using polytomous logistic regression. Results: Among the 88,238 participants enrolled through the end of 2011, 30,401 (34.45%), 16,751 (18.98%), and 14,309 (16.22%) learned about the study from television, Internet, and radio newscasts, respectively. Sociodemographic profiles were various, with 14,541 (16.5%) aged ≥60 years, 20,166 (22.9%) aged <30 years, 27,766 (32.1%) without postsecondary education, 15,397 (19.7%) with household income <€1200/month, and 8258 (10.6%) with household income €3700/month. Compared to employed individuals, unemployed and retired participants were less likely to be informed about the study through other sources than through television (adjusted ORs 0.56-0.83, P<.001). Participants reporting up to secondary education were also less likely to have learned about the study through radio newscasts, newspaper articles, Internet, and advice than through television (adjusted ORs 0.60-0.77, P<.001). Conclusions: Television broadcasts appear to permit the recruitment of e-cohort participants with diverse sociodemographic backgrounds, including socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals who are usually difficult to reach and retain in long-term epidemiologic studies. These findings could inform future Web-based studies regarding the development of promising targeted or general population recruitment strategies.

Objectives The main objective was to estimate, in France, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to investigate the association between socioeconomic position and MetS. Methods The French National Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS) cross-sectional national multistage sampling was carried out in 2006–2007. Data collection included waist circumference and blood pressure measurements, blood sample and sociodemographic and medication information. The prevalence of MetS was assessed using several definitions, including Joint Interim Statement (JIS). Association with sociodemographic covariates was assessed using logistic regression models. Results Among the 1,856 participants 18–74 years of age, MetS prevalence was found to vary from 14.6 % (National Cholesterol Education Program definition) to 21.1 % (JIS), with no difference between genders. After adjustment, risk of MetS increased with age in both men and women. In women, MetS risk was inversely associated with education level. Risk of MetS was higher in men born outside France than in French-born males. Conclusions MetS prevalence appeared to be lower in France than in most industrialised countries. The promoting of public health measures to reduce MetS, for example, lifestyle changes, is of utmost importance, particularly among less favourable socioeconomic categories and among migrants.

Objective: Dietary recommendations to reduce blood pressure (BP) have been widely disseminated. We investigated associations between dietary intake and BP in a national sample of adults living in France. Methods: The survey included 1968 18–74-year-old participants in the French Nutrition and Health Survey (Etude Nationale Nutrition Santé), a cross-sectional national multistage sampling study. Dietary intake and SBP and DBP were assessed using three 24-h recalls and three measurements, respectively. Mean dietary intake was compared across BP categories: previously diagnosed hypertensive and among undiagnosed optimal (SBP P = 0.03) and lower seafood and alcohol intake (P < 0.03 and P = 0.002, respectively) in previously diagnosed hypertensive. After exclusion of them, dairy products (milk especially), fruit and vegetables, fiber and whole-grain food consumption were inversely and linearly associated with SBP (P < 0.04), whereas alcohol intake was positively associated with SBP (P < 10⁻³) and DBP (P = 0.005). Modification effect of sex was observed for saturated fatty acids intake (positive association with DPB in women) and calcium (negative association with SBP in men). Conclusion: Adherence to nutritional recommendations still needs to be improved in hypertensive adults even if they are aware of their condition. In the rest of the population, proper habits regarding milk, fruit and vegetables, fiber and alcohol should decrease the risk of hypertension onset.

Identification of subpopulations at high risk of overweight and obesity is crucial for prevention and management of obesity in different socioeconomic status (SES) categories. The objective of the study was to describe disparities in the prevalence of overweight and obesity across socioeconomic status (SES) groups in 18–74 year-old French adults.