Anthony A Laverty
Biographic Data
| ID | 6080717 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Anthony A Laverty |
| GIVEN NAMES | Anthony A |
| FAMILY NAME | Laverty |
| SIGNATURE | LAVERTY A A |
| AFFILIATIONS | Imperial College London |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-1318-8439 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 40 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 16 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 40 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2012 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Framing of ultra-processed foods in UK news media (2022–2023) and associations with quoted actors’ interests
Increasing attention on “ultra-processed” foods (UPFs) and their health effects has sparked policy debate. News media influences public perceptions yet understanding of UPF framing and industry influence remains limited. This study analysed UPF framing in UK news media and trade press, exploring interests of quoted individuals and organisations. We systematically searched UK media for UPF articles in 2022–23, identifying 188 articles for mixed-me…
Street space reallocation under austerity
Street space reallocation measures, such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), have attracted substantial controversy in the UK and elsewhere, for instance around reported poor engagement with residents and local actors. However, limited attention has been given to the political-economic context shaping scheme implementation, such as the impacts of reduced resources or the use of short-term, contingent funding. Based on 37 interviews with officer…
Impacts of rising food prices on nutritional outcomes and mortality of children in low and middle-income countries
BACKGROUND: Estimates indicate that 45% of mortality among children under 5-year old is linked to nutrition. Increased food prices can reduce access to nutritious foods, increasing nutritional and health risks for children, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). We synthesised evidence on the relationship of rising food costs with nutritional outcomes and mortality in children in LMICs. METHODS: EMBASE, MEDLINE, Global Health, E…
Association between tobacco advertising policies, health warning mandates and adolescents’ exposure to tobacco advertising and warning labels in 80 countries
We found that, in the context of varying implementation levels, bans on point-of-sale advertisements were associated with lower exposure to advertisements
Advertising exposure and the appeal of emerging nicotine-containing products among people who have never used nicotine
Advertising exposure was associated with higher appeal of nicotine-containing products among people who have never used nicotine. Given the risk of initiation, EU-wide advertising restrictions could protect this group and limit the impact of these products on health
Changes in diet and physical activity following a community-wide pilot intervention to tackle childhood obesity in a deprived inner-London ward
Local authorities have substantial powers to make positive changes to the obesogenic environment but programmes remain under-evaluated. Results from the ambitious Go-Golborne intervention demonstrated mixed results in health behaviours following programme implementation. These results underline the importance of a coordinated and comprehensive policy response to support changes in wider environmental and social conditions as well as appropriate a…
Association between the implementation of standardised tobacco packaging legislation and illicit tobacco and cross-border purchasing in England
In contrast to the tobacco industry's argument that the legislation would lead to an increase in the illicit tobacco and cross-border market, this study demonstrates that the implementation of the policy is associated with a decline in illicit tobacco and cross-border purchases in England
Natural experiments for the evaluation of place-based public health interventions
Introduction Place-based public health evaluations are increasingly making use of natural experiments. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the design and use of natural experiment evaluations (NEEs), and an assessment of the plausibility of the as-if randomization assumption. Methods A systematic search of three bibliographic databases (Pubmed, Web of Science and Ovid-Medline) was conducted in January 2020 to capture publications …
Impact of health risk factors on healthcare resource utilization, work-related outcomes and health-related quality of life of Australians
Background Health risk factors, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, overweight, obesity, and insufficient physical activity, are major contributors to many poor health conditions. This study aimed to assess the impact of health risk factors on healthcare resource utilization, work-related outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Australia. Methods We used two waves of the nationally representative Household, Income, an…
Typology of how ‘harmful commodity industries’ interact with local governments in England
INTRODUCTION: Industries that produce and market potentially harmful commodities or services (eg, tobacco, alcohol, gambling, less healthy foods and beverages) are a major influence on the drivers of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases. The nature and impact of interactions between public bodies and 'harmful commodity industries' (HCIs) has been widely recognised and discussed at national and international levels, but to date l…
Equity impacts of cycling investment in England
Living in an intervention area was associated with greater uptake of cycle commuting among women but not men. Potential gender differences in the determinants of transport mode choice should be considered in the design and evaluation of future interventions to promote cycling
Multistate transition modelling of e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking among youth in the UK
This study found that although overall nicotine product use was relatively rare, participants were more likely to experiment with e-cigarette use than cigarette smoking. This was mostly not persistent over time; however, approximately one in seven transitioned to cigarette smoking. Regulators should aim to deter all nicotine product use among children
Changing awareness and sources of tobacco and e-cigarettes among children and adolescents in Great Britain
This study provides evidence that current policies to limit awareness of and access to both tobacco and e-cigarettes among adolescents in the UK may not be effective. UK policies on the advertising, promotion and sale of both tobacco and e-cigarettes need to be reinforced to deter use among children and adolescents
Dietary quality of school meals and packed lunches
Objective: School lunches represent a key opportunity to improve diets and health of schoolchildren. No recent nationally representative studies have examined the nutritional differences between school meals and packed lunches in the UK. This study aimed to characterise and compare the nutritional quality of school meals and packed lunches among primary and secondary school-age children. Design: A pooled cross-sectional analysis of the UK’s Natio…
Cigarette taxation and neonatal and infant mortality
Previous studies on the associations between cigarette taxes and infant survival have all been in high-income countries and did not examine the relative benefits of different taxation levels and structures. We evaluated longitudinal associations of cigarette taxes with neonatal and infant mortality globally. We applied country-level panel regressions using 2008–2018 annual mortality and biennial WHO tobacco taxation data. Complete data was availa…
Inequalities in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Brazilian slum populations
Background Social and environmental risk factors in informal settlements and slums may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study assesses the socioeconomic inequalities in CVD risk factors in Brazil comparing slum and non-slum populations. Methods Responses from 94,114 individuals from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey were analysed. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme definition of a slum was use…
Legislative provisions for standardised tobacco packaging and changes in public support in 27 European countries
Public support for standardised packaging regulations increased in countries implementing and legislating for these measures, particularly among non-smokers. An overall increase in support provides reassurance for policymakers defending policy action on tobacco packaging, as well as for those seeking to implement standardised packaging in their own countries
Is the healthy start scheme associated with increased food expenditure in low-income families with young children in the United Kingdom
This study did not find evidence of an association between Healthy Start participation and FV expenditure. Moreover, inequalities in FV purchasing persist in the UK. Higher participation and increased voucher value may help to improve programme performance and counteract the harmful effects of poverty on diet
Cigarette taxation and price differentials in 195 countries during 2014–2018
Total levels of taxation and specific excise taxes were associated with smaller price differentials. Implementing high specific excise taxes may reduce price differentials and improve health outcomes
Associations between cigarette prices and consumption in Europe 2004–2014
These analyses suggest that even in Europe, where tobacco taxes are relatively high compared with other regions, differential cigarette pricing strategies may undermine tobacco control. Further research is needed on links between tobacco price structures and consumption, and policy design to maximise the effectiveness of tobacco taxation
Smoke-free legislation and neonatal and infant mortality in Brazil
Strengthening smoke-free legislation in Brazil is associated with improvements in infant health outcomes-particularly under comprehensive legislation. Governments should accelerate implementation of comprehensive smoke-free legislation to protect infant health and achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal three
Quantifying the impact of the Public Health Responsibility Deal on salt intake, cardiovascular disease and gastric cancer burdens
BACKGROUND: In 2011, England introduced the Public Health Responsibility Deal (RD), a public-private partnership (PPP) which gave greater freedom to the food industry to set and monitor targets for salt intakes. We estimated the impact of the RD on trends in salt intake and associated changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and gastric cancer (GCa) incidence, mortality and economic costs in England from 2011-2025. METHODS: microsimulation model t…
Euphoria” or “Only Teardrops”? Eurovision Song Contest performance, life satisfaction and suicide
The good news for participating countries is that just competing at the ESC is associated with higher life satisfaction among the population. As improved performance is linked to Ooh Aah Just a Little Bit of improved life satisfaction, further research into how such international competitions may impact public health is needed
Trends and correlates of unhealthy dieting behaviours among adolescents in the United States, 1999–2013
Prevalence of UDBs is persistently high, and highest among females across all racial groups. UDBs may elevate undesired weight gain and weight loss in individuals who are obese/overweight and underweight respectively. Further research into weight status perceptions among adolescents may inform efforts to reduce UDBs
Changes in smoking cessation assistance in the European Union between 2012 and 2017
These findings highlight the need for approaches that ensure that smokers get support to quit smoking across the EU. The question of whether the availability of e-cigarettes will displace other methods, and the impact of such a displacement, should be closely evaluated
The Impact of a Free Older Persons’ Bus Pass on Active Travel and Regular Walking in England
Objectives. We assessed the potential public health benefit of the National Bus Pass, introduced in 2006, which permits free local bus travel for older adults (≥ 60 years) in England. Methods. We performed regression analyses with annual data from the 2005–2008 National Travel Survey. Models assessed associations between being a bus pass holder and active travel (walking, cycling, and use of public transport), use of buses, and walking 3 or more …
Free Bus Travel and Physical Activity, Gait Speed, and Adiposity in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Objectives. We investigated associations between having a bus pass, enabling free local bus travel across the United Kingdom for state pension–aged people, and physical activity, gait speed, and adiposity. Methods. We used data on 4650 bus pass–eligible people (aged ≥ 62 years) at wave 6 (2012–2013) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing in regression analyses. Results. Bus pass holders were more likely to be female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67; …
Quantifying the impact of the Public Health Responsibility Deal on salt intake, cardiovascular disease and gastric cancer burdens
BACKGROUND: In 2011, England introduced the Public Health Responsibility Deal (RD), a public-private partnership (PPP) which gave greater freedom to the food industry to set and monitor targets for salt intakes. We estimated the impact of the RD on trends in salt intake and associated changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and gastric cancer (GCa) incidence, mortality and economic costs in England from 2011-2025. METHODS: microsimulation model t…
Retirement and physical activity
A recent analysis of the EPIC-Norfolk cohort by Barnett et al found that retirement was associated with a decline in overall levels of physical activity as decreases in occupational and transport-related activity were not compensated for by increases in household and recreational activity.1 This study adds more accurate assessment of physical activity with a larger sample size than previous studies2 and allows the breakdown of physical activity a…
OP36 A Cross-Sectional Assessment of the Effect of the Free Older Persons’ Bus Pass On Active Travel and Regular Walking Among Adults ≥60 Years in England Using Data from the National Travel Survey 20…
Background The benefits of physical activity for all age groups is well-documented and there is increasing interest in the promotion of incidental physical activity, such as active transport, which includes walking, cycling and use of public transport. For older adults, even small increases in activity may have significant benefits: for example, the relative risk of disability is reduced by 7% for each additional hour of relatively gentle physica…
The Impact of a Free Older Persons’ Bus Pass on Active Travel and Regular Walking in England
Objectives. We assessed the potential public health benefit of the National Bus Pass, introduced in 2006, which permits free local bus travel for older adults (≥ 60 years) in England. Methods. We performed regression analyses with annual data from the 2005–2008 National Travel Survey. Models assessed associations between being a bus pass holder and active travel (walking, cycling, and use of public transport), use of buses, and walking 3 or more …
PP23 Variation of Primary Care Quality with Contract type
Background Since 2004, policy reforms in the English NHS have allowed new contracting mechanisms for provision of general practice services. A wider variety of provider organisations were allowed under the alternative provider of medical services (APMS) contract. In addition, Primary Care Trusts have been able to directly provide general practice services via the PCTMS contract. These new contracts were introduced to challenge existing models of …
OP23 Associations between Active Travel to Work and Overweight, Hypertension and Diabetes in the United Kingdom
Background Increasing active travel (walking & cycling, including to/from public transport) is increasingly seen as integral to strategies to raise population levels of physical activity. This study examined: (1) socio-demographic correlates of active travel to work; (2) associations between active travel and cardiovascular disease risk factors in the United Kingdom. Methods Data come from Understanding Society, a nationally representative survey…
Ethnic group variations in alcohol-related hospital admissions in England
Geographical location may be an important determinant of within and between ethnic group variations in alcohol-related hospital admissions in England. While a number of factors were not examined here, this descriptive analysis suggests that this heterogeneity should be taken into account when planning interventions and services for the prevention and management of alcohol misuse
Retirement and physical activity
A recent analysis of the EPIC-Norfolk cohort by Barnett et al found that retirement was associated with a decline in overall levels of physical activity as decreases in occupational and transport-related activity were not compensated for by increases in household and recreational activity.1 This study adds more accurate assessment of physical activity with a larger sample size than previous studies2 and allows the breakdown of physical activity a…
Do patients’ information requirements for choice in health care vary with their socio‐demographic characteristics
OBJECTIVES: This study examines whether the information used to inform hospital choice, and the sources of that information, varies with patients' socio-demographic characteristics. It also examines whether information used by patients to inform choice is associated with attending their local hospital. METHODS: A survey of 1033 patients who were offered a choice of hospital provider for elective treatment in England. Logistic regression was used …
Associations between active travel and adiposity in rural India and Bangladesh
Use of active travel for ≥150 min/week was associated with being male, smoking, and higher levels of work-based physical activity. It was associated with lower BMI, and lower risk of a high waist circumference or high waist-to-hip ratio. Promotion of active travel is an important component of strategies to address the growing prevalence of overweight in rural low- and middle- income country settings
Use and abuse of statistics in tobacco industry-funded research on standardised packaging
In this commentary we consider the validity of tobacco industry-funded research on the effects of standardised packaging in Australia. As the first country to introduce standardised packs, Australia is closely watched, and Philip Morris International has recently funded two studies into the impact of the measure on smoking prevalence. Both of these papers are flawed in conception as well as design but have nonetheless been widely publicised as ca…
Prevalence and correlates of achieving recommended physical activity levels among children living in rural South Asia—A multi-centre study
Only one quarter of children in these rural areas achieved RPAL in active travel, leisure and sedentary activity. Improved understanding of RPAL in rural South Asian children is important due to rapid socio-economic transition
Two-year trends and predictors of e-cigarette use in 27 European Union member states
Ever use of e-cigarettes increased during 2012-2014. People who started using e-cigarettes to quit smoking tobacco were more likely to be current users, but the trends vary by country. These findings underscore the need for more research into factors influencing e-cigarette use and its potential benefits and harms
Free Bus Travel and Physical Activity, Gait Speed, and Adiposity in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Objectives. We investigated associations between having a bus pass, enabling free local bus travel across the United Kingdom for state pension–aged people, and physical activity, gait speed, and adiposity. Methods. We used data on 4650 bus pass–eligible people (aged ≥ 62 years) at wave 6 (2012–2013) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing in regression analyses. Results. Bus pass holders were more likely to be female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67; …
Correlates of self-reported exposure to advertising of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes across 28 European Union member states
Ten years after ratification of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control, self-reported exposure to tobacco and e-cigarette advertising in the EU is higher in e-cigarette and tobacco users, as well as those with internet access. The implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive may result in significant changes in e-cigarette advertising, therefore improved monitoring of advertising exposure is required in the coming years
Euphoria” or “Only Teardrops”? Eurovision Song Contest performance, life satisfaction and suicide
The good news for participating countries is that just competing at the ESC is associated with higher life satisfaction among the population. As improved performance is linked to Ooh Aah Just a Little Bit of improved life satisfaction, further research into how such international competitions may impact public health is needed
Trends and correlates of unhealthy dieting behaviours among adolescents in the United States, 1999–2013
Prevalence of UDBs is persistently high, and highest among females across all racial groups. UDBs may elevate undesired weight gain and weight loss in individuals who are obese/overweight and underweight respectively. Further research into weight status perceptions among adolescents may inform efforts to reduce UDBs
Changes in smoking cessation assistance in the European Union between 2012 and 2017
These findings highlight the need for approaches that ensure that smokers get support to quit smoking across the EU. The question of whether the availability of e-cigarettes will displace other methods, and the impact of such a displacement, should be closely evaluated
Child awareness of and access to cigarettes
Tobacco point-of-sale display bans in England reduced the exposure of children to cigarettes in shops and coincided with a decrease in buying cigarettes in shops. However, children do not report increased difficulty in obtaining cigarettes from shops, highlighting the need for additional measures to tackle tobacco advertising, stronger enforcement of existing laws and measures such as licencing for tobacco retailers
Implications of Brexit on the effectiveness of the UK soft drinks industry levy upon CHD in England
Objective An industry levy on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) was implemented in the UK in 2018. One year later, Brexit is likely to change the UK trade regime with potential implications for sugar price. We modelled the effect of potential changes in sugar price due to Brexit on SSB levy impacts upon CHD mortality and inequalities. Design We modelled a baseline SSB levy scenario; an SSB levy under ‘soft’ Brexit, where the UK establishes a free t…
Smoke-free legislation and neonatal and infant mortality in Brazil
Strengthening smoke-free legislation in Brazil is associated with improvements in infant health outcomes-particularly under comprehensive legislation. Governments should accelerate implementation of comprehensive smoke-free legislation to protect infant health and achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal three
Quantifying the impact of the Public Health Responsibility Deal on salt intake, cardiovascular disease and gastric cancer burdens
BACKGROUND: In 2011, England introduced the Public Health Responsibility Deal (RD), a public-private partnership (PPP) which gave greater freedom to the food industry to set and monitor targets for salt intakes. We estimated the impact of the RD on trends in salt intake and associated changes in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and gastric cancer (GCa) incidence, mortality and economic costs in England from 2011-2025. METHODS: microsimulation model t…
Associations between cigarette prices and consumption in Europe 2004–2014
These analyses suggest that even in Europe, where tobacco taxes are relatively high compared with other regions, differential cigarette pricing strategies may undermine tobacco control. Further research is needed on links between tobacco price structures and consumption, and policy design to maximise the effectiveness of tobacco taxation
Is the healthy start scheme associated with increased food expenditure in low-income families with young children in the United Kingdom
This study did not find evidence of an association between Healthy Start participation and FV expenditure. Moreover, inequalities in FV purchasing persist in the UK. Higher participation and increased voucher value may help to improve programme performance and counteract the harmful effects of poverty on diet
Cigarette taxation and price differentials in 195 countries during 2014–2018
Total levels of taxation and specific excise taxes were associated with smaller price differentials. Implementing high specific excise taxes may reduce price differentials and improve health outcomes
Cigarette taxation and neonatal and infant mortality
Previous studies on the associations between cigarette taxes and infant survival have all been in high-income countries and did not examine the relative benefits of different taxation levels and structures. We evaluated longitudinal associations of cigarette taxes with neonatal and infant mortality globally. We applied country-level panel regressions using 2008–2018 annual mortality and biennial WHO tobacco taxation data. Complete data was availa…
Inequalities in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Brazilian slum populations
Background Social and environmental risk factors in informal settlements and slums may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study assesses the socioeconomic inequalities in CVD risk factors in Brazil comparing slum and non-slum populations. Methods Responses from 94,114 individuals from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey were analysed. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme definition of a slum was use…
Medicine (33 works) · Environmental health (29 works) · Demography (21 works) · Public health (20 works) · Population (16 works) · Smoking Behavior and Cessation (16 works) · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet (15 works) · Demography (13 works) · Logistic regression (13 works) · Gerontology (12 works)