Table 2.
Cross-sectional associations between ultra-processed food intake and hsCRP concentration (MCCS, 1990–1994).
| Main Analyses | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variable | n | Estimated Relative Change in hsCRP Concentration (mg/L) for Each Energy-Adjusted 100 (g) Increase in Ultra-Processed Food Intake (95%CIs) | p-Value | R2 |
| Model 1 a | 2018 | 3.6% (1.7–5.5%) | <0.001 | 6% |
| Model 2 b | 1899 | 4.2% (2.3–6.0%) | <0.001 | 11.3% |
| *Model 3 c | 1852 | 4.0% (2.1–5.9%) | <0.001 | 15.1% |
| **Model 4 d | 1850 | 2.5% (0.8–4.3%) | 0.004 | 27.7% |
Regressions performed with hsCRP on a logarithmic scale. a Model 1 = unadjusted. b Model 2 = additionally adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics: sex (men and women), age (continuous), education ((in)complete tertiary degree or diploma, completed high/technical school, (in)complete high/technical school, completed primary school, and (in)complete primary school), country of birth (Australia/New Zealand/Other, United Kingdom/Malta, Italy, and Greece), marital status (married, de facto, divorced, separated, and widow), and SEIFA quintiles (Q1–Q5). Change to n due missing values for confounders marital status and SEIFA quintiles. c *Model 3 = main model additionally adjusted for lifestyle- and health-related behaviours: smoking status (never smoked, current smoker, and former smoker), physical activity over the last 6 months (0 (none), >0 and <4 (low), ≥4 and <6 (moderate), and ≥6 (high)), and alcohol intake (g/day) (lifetime abstainers, ex-drinkers, and up to 19, 20–29, 30–39, and 40+). Change to n due missing values for confounder alcohol intake. d **Model 4 = supplementary analyses additionally adjusted for body mass index (kg/m2). Change to n due missing values for confounders alcohol intake and body mass index. SEIFA—Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas, 95%CIs—95% confidence intervals.