Yajun Liang

About me
Publications
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Public outreach and news

About me

I am an associate professor and a senior researcher in the Epidemiology and Public Health Intervention Research (EPHIR) group at the Department of Global Public Health (GPH).

Research

My main research interest is cardiovascular epidemiology from a life-course perspective. In addition, I work on other topics including
pharmaco-epidemiology, mental health, and aging-related diseases (e.g., geriatric syndrome, physical disability, and cognitive impairment).

Teaching

I am the course leader of "Applied Epidemiology 2 - Determinants of health" within Master Programe of Public Health Science and "Quantitative Research and Methods 1" within Master Programe of Global Health at the Department of Global Public Health.

Articles

Article: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS. 2025;15(1):9908
Low appendicular skeletal muscle mass is associated with the risk of mortality among adults in the United States
Cheng Y; Li T; Huang G; Hou D; Li S; Liang Y; Zhang T; Liu J
Article: PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE. 2025;7(1):44-52
The Dual Trajectories of Depressive Symptoms and Social Support-A Population-Based Cohort Study Among Swedish Adults Across 23 Years.
Ortmann J; Möller J; Forsell Y; Liang Y
Article: ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA. 2025;21(2):e14491
Estimated pulse wave velocity associated with cognitive phenotypes in a rural older population in China: A cohort study
Li J; Ren Y; Wang L; Zou X; Ding X; Hou T; Zhang Q; Tang S; Han X; Song L; Liang Y; Wang Y; Cong L; Du Y; Qiu C
Article: EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY. 2025;34(1):261-273
Association of preterm birth and birth size status with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in spontaneous births
Kong L; Nivins S; Chen X; Liang Y; Gissler M; Lavebratt C
Article: JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC CARDIOLOGY. 2024;21(10):944-953
Cardiometabolic and panvascular multimorbidity associated with motoric cognitive risk syndrome in older adults
She R; Yan Z-R; Wang P; Liang Y-J; Qiu C-X
Article: NUTRIENTS. 2024;16(16):2804
A Comprehensive Analysis of Bone Mineral Density Changes across the Lifespan: Insights from National Surveys
Li T; Huang G; Hou D; Cheng Y; Zhang T; Liang Y; Liu J
Article: METABOLIC SYNDROME AND RELATED DISORDERS. 2024;22(2):141-150
Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Macular Thickness and Volume in Older Adults: A Population-Based Optical Coherence Tomography Study
Zhang C; Zhang Q; Wang Y; Liu R; Dong Y; Shi Z; Sun Y; Ge Z; Liang Y; Zhang J; Du Y; Qiu C
Article: CLINICAL INTERVENTIONS IN AGING. 2023;17:947-956
Association of Cardiovascular Health Metrics with Dementia in Rural Chinese Older Adults: A Population-Based Study
Han X; Wang Y; Jiang Z; Li Y; Dong Y; Cong L; Hou T; Liang Y; Laukka EJ; Du Y; Qiu C
Article: JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE. 2023;10(10):426
The Association between Birthweight and Use of Cardiovascular Medications: The Role of Health Behaviors
Mo M; Thiesmeier R; Kiwango G; Rausch C; Moller J; Liang Y
Article: HEALTHCARE. 2023;11(14):2003
Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Older Adults-Prevalence, Trends and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia
Jabri FFF; Liang Y; Alhawassi TMM; Johnell K; Moller J
Article: ARCHIVES OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS. 2023;109:104963
Cardiovascular health profiles, systemic inflammation, and physical function in older adults: A population-based study
Fan D; Chen X; Fa W; Liang X; Han X; Wang Y; Cong L; Liang Y; Welmer A-K; Hou T; Du Y; Qiu C
Article: BMC GERIATRICS. 2023;23(1):296
Trends in intentional and unintentional poisonings among older adults-A national register-based study in Sweden
Moeller J; Lindholm E; Fredlund P; Vaez M; Liang Y; Laflamme L
Article: ANNALS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY. 2023;78:54-60
The joint effect between fetal growth and health behaviors on the risk of cardiovascular diseases in young adulthood
Mo M; Moller J; Laszlo KD; Liang Y
Article: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH. 2022;20(1):116
The Association between Apparent Temperature and Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular Disease in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Buehler JL; Shrikhande S; Kapwata T; Cisse G; Liang Y; Pedder H; Kwiatkowski M; Kunene Z; Mathee A; Peer N; Wright CY
Article: DRUG SAFETY. 2022;45(8):873-880
Short-Term Risk of Unintentional Poisoning After New Initiation of Central Nervous System Medications in Swedish Older Adults: A Register-Based Case-Crossover Study
Zhao Y; Liang Y; Laflamme L; Rausch C; Johnell K; Moller J
Article: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS. 2022;12(1):13042
Metabolic syndrome in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke: prevalence and association with coronary heart disease
Liang Y; Yan Z; Hao Y; Wang Q; Zhang Z; She R; Wang P; Du Y; Lau JTF; Dekker J; Bai B; Qiu C
Article: BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY. 2022;151:113152
Newly initiated cardiovascular medication and short-term risk of unintentional poisoning among Swedish middle-aged and older adults: A national register-based case-crossover study
Liang Y; Zhao Y; Johnell K; Rausch C; Laflamme L; Moller J
Article: JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE. 2022;88(1):263-271
Migraine, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia in Older Adults: A Population-Based Study
Liang Y; Gao Y; Wang R; Grande G; Monastero R; Dong Y; Jiang X; Lv P; Qiu C
Article: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGEING. 2022;19(1):19-25
Geriatric syndromes and subsequent health-care utilization among older community dwellers in Stockholm
Moller J; Rausch C; Laflamme L; Liang Y
Article: JAMA NETWORK OPEN. 2022;5(1):e2145719
Association of Preeclampsia and Perinatal Complications With Offspring Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Disorders
Kong L; Chen X; Liang Y; Forsell Y; Gissler M; Lavebratt C
Article: FRONTIERS IN AGING NEUROSCIENCE. 2022;14:887032
Comorbidity in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke: Disease patterns and their associations with cognitive and physical function
She R; Yan Z; Hao Y; Zhang Z; Du Y; Liang Y; Vetrano DL; Dekker J; Bai B; Lau JTF; Qiu C
Article: JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION. 2022;23(1):54-59.e2
Geriatric Syndromes and Incident Chronic Health Conditions Among 9094 Older Community-Dwellers: Findings from the Lifelines Cohort Study
Rausch C; van Zon SKR; Liang Y; Laflamme L; Moller J; de Rooij SE; Bultmann U
Article: LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH. 2021;9(12):e1667-e1678
Global trends in the prevalence of secondhand smoke exposure among adolescents aged 12-16 years from 1999 to 2018: an analysis of repeated cross-sectional
Ma C; Heiland EG; Li Z; Zhao M; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH. 2021;30(10):2907-2917
Health-related quality of life after first-ever acute ischemic stroke: associations with cardiovascular health metrics
She R; Yan Z; Hao Y; Zhang Z; Du Y; Liang Y; Vetrano DL; Dekker J; Bai B; Lau JTF; Qiu C
Article: JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE. 2021;44(5):622-629
Latent class growth modelling for the evaluation of intervention outcomes: example from a physical activity intervention
Lampousi A-M; Moller J; Liang Y; Berglind D; Forsell Y
Article: BMC PUBLIC HEALTH. 2021;21(1):1263
Informal care and the impact on depression and anxiety among Swedish adults: a population-based cohort study
Stratmann M; Forsell Y; Moller J; Liang Y
Article: PAEDIATRIC AND PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY. 2021;35(3):318-327
Maternal age at birth and neonatal mortality: Associations from 67 low-income and middle-income countries
Wu H; Zhao M; Liang Y; Liu F; Xi B
Article: BMJ OPEN. 2021;11(4):e043657
Death of a parent during childhood and blood pressure in youth: a population-based cohort study of Swedish men
Chen H; Hemmingsson T; Janszky I; Rostila M; Forsell Y; Meng L; Liang Y; Laszlo KD
Article: LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH. 2021;5(4):245-255
Prevalence and trends in tobacco use among adolescents aged 13-15 years in 143 countries, 1999-2018: findings from the Global Youth Tobacco Surveys
Ma C; Xi B; Li Z; Wu H; Zhao M; Liang Y; Bovet P
Article: BMC GERIATRICS. 2021;21(1):158
Sex disparities in cardiovascular health metrics among rural-dwelling older adults in China: a population-based study
Han X; Jiang Z; Li Y; Wang Y; Liang Y; Dong Y; Tang S; Du Y; Qiu C
Article: PLOS MEDICINE. 2020;17(12):e1003474
Cardiovascular health metrics from mid- to late-life and risk of dementia: A population-based cohort study in Finland
Liang Y; Ngandu T; Laatikainen T; Soininen H; Tuomilehto J; Kivipelto M; Qiu C
Article: PEDIATRIC OBESITY. 2020;15(11):e12665
Maternal body mass index and risks of neonatal mortality and offspring overweight and obesity: Findings from 0.5 million samples in 61 low- and middle-income countries
Wu H; Liu F; Zhao M; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: PLOS ONE. 2020;15(10):e0240804
Life-course blood pressure trajectories and cardiovascular diseases: A population-based cohort study in China
Xu Y; Moller J; Wang R; Liang Y
Article: JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH. 2020;56(10):1577-1583
Association between paternal age and offspring's under-5 mortality: Data from 159 surveys in 67 low- to middle-income countries
Wu H; Zhao M; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: BMC PUBLIC HEALTH. 2020;20(1):1062
Smoking, heavy drinking, physical inactivity, and obesity among middle-aged and older adults in China: cross-sectional findings from the baseline survey of CHARLS 2011-2012
Ding L; Liang Y; Tan ECK; Hu Y; Zhang C; Liu Y; Xue F; Wang R
Article: PEDIATRICS. 2020;145(5):e20192209
Breastfeeding and Mortality Under 2 Years of Age in Sub-Saharan Africa
Zhao M; Wu H; Liang Y; Liu F; Bovet P; Xi B
Article: JOURNAL OF HUMAN HYPERTENSION. 2020;34(4):319-325
Body mass index percentiles and elevated blood pressure among children and adolescents
Wang M; Kelishadi R; Khadilkar A; Hong YM; Nawarycz T; Krzywinska-Wiewiorowska M; Aounallah-Skhiri H; Motlagh ME; Kim HS; Khadilkar V; Krzyzaniak A; Ben Romdhane H; Heshmat R; Chiplonkar S; Stawinska-Witoszynska B; El Ati J; Qorbani M; Kajale N; Traissac P; Ostrowska-Nawarycz L; Ardalan G; Ekbote V; Yang L; Zhao M; Liu X; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: HYPERTENSION. 2019;74(6):1343-1348
Impact of the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Guideline on Hypertension Prevalence Compared With the Fourth Report in an International Cohort
Yang L; Kelishadi R; Hong YM; Khadilkar A; Nawarycz T; Krzywinska-Wiewiorowska M; Aounallah-Skhiri H; Motlagh ME; Kim HS; Khadilkar V; Krzyzaniak A; Ben Romdhane H; Heshmat R; Chiplonkar S; Stawinska-Witoszynska B; El Ati J; Qorbani M; Kajale N; Traissac P; Ostrowska-Nawarycz L; Ardalan G; Ekbote V; Zhao M; Heiland EG; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY. 2019;296:141-148
The age-related blood pressure trajectories from young-old adults to centenarians: A cohort study
Wang R; Vetrano DL; Liang Y; Qiu C
Article: BMC GERIATRICS. 2019;19(1):267
Social position and geriatric syndromes among Swedish older people: a population-based study
Rausch C; Liang Y; Bultmann U; de Rooij SE; Johnell K; Laflamme L; Moller J
Article: PLOS ONE. 2019;14(10):e0223778
Life-course trajectories of body mass index and subsequent cardiovascular risk among Chinese population
Islam MT; Moller J; Zhou X; Liang Y
Article: BMJ OPEN. 2019;9(7):e031132
Trajectories of sickness absence after road traffic injury: a Swedish register-based cohort study
Rissanen R; Liang Y; Moeller J; Nevriana A; Berg H-Y; Hasselberg M
Article: EAR AND HEARING. 2019;40(2):253-259
Heritability of Age-Related Hearing Loss in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese: A Population-Based Twin Study
Duan H; Zhang D; Liang Y; Xu C; Wu Y; Tian X; Pang Z; Tan Q; Li S; Qiu C
Article: PEDIATRIC OBESITY. 2019;14(3):e12468
Prevalence of underweight and overweight among young adolescents aged 12-15 years in 58 low-income and middle-income countries
Yang L; Bovet P; Ma C; Zhao M; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS. 2019;7:307
Hypertension Prevalence Based on Three Separate Visits and Its Association With Obesity Among Chinese Children and Adolescents
Zhang Q; Yang L; Zhang Y; Zhao M; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: BMC GERIATRICS. 2018;18(1):322
Prevalence, trend and contributing factors of geriatric syndromes among older Swedes: results from the Stockholm County Council Public Health Surveys
Liang Y; Rausch C; Laflamme L; Moller J
Article: JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION. 2018;19(7):577-583
Antihypertensive Medication Regimen Intensity and Incident Dementia in an Older Population
Tan ECK; Qiu C; Liang Y; Wang R; Bell JS; Fastbom J; Fratiglioni L; Johnell K
Article: LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH. 2018;2(6):415-429
Alcohol use among young adolescents in low-income and middle-income countries: a population-based study
Ma C; Bovet P; Yang L; Zhao M; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: BMC GERIATRICS. 2017;17(1):294
Serum total cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in old age: a population-based study
Liang Y; Vetrano DL; Qiu C
Article: JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY. 2017;65(11):2418-2424
Cardiovascular Risk Burden and Future Risk of Walking Speed Limitation in Older Adults
Heiland EG; Qiu C; Wang R; Santoni G; Liang Y; Fratiglioni L; Welmer A-K
Article: BMJ OPEN. 2017;7(8):e016996
Trends in disability of instrumental activities of daily living among older Chinese adults, 1997-2006: population based study
Liang Y; Welmer A-K; Moller J; Qiu C
Article: AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH. 2017;107(7):1095-1100
Consumption of Carbonated Soft Drinks Among Young Adolescents Aged 12 to 15 Years in 53 Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Yang L; Bovet P; Liu Y; Zhao M; Ma C; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: HYPERTENSION RESEARCH. 2017;40(5):496-503
Definition of pediatric hypertension: are blood pressure measurements on three separate occasions necessary?
Sun J; Steffen LM; Ma C; Liang Y; Xi B
Article: JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY. 2017;65(2):306-312
Trends in Incidence of Disability in Activities of Daily Living in Chinese Older Adults: 1993-2006
Liang Y; Welmer A-K; Wang R; Song A; Fratiglioni L; Qiu C
Article: LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH. 2016;4(11):e795-e805
Tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure in young adolescents aged 12-15 years: data from 68 low-income and middle-income countries
Xi B; Liang Y; Liu Y; Yan Y; Zhao M; Ma C; Bovet P
Article: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY. 2016;220:508-513
Effects of biological age on the associations of blood pressure with cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in old age: A population-based study
Liang Y; Fratiglioni L; Wang R; Santoni G; Welmer A-K; Qiu C
Article: BMC GERIATRICS. 2016;16:7
Interactive effects of diabetes and impaired kidney function on cognitive performance in old age: a population-based study
Yin Z; Yan Z; Liang Y; Jiang H; Cai C; Song A; Feng L; Qiu C
Article: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY. 2016;23(1):201-204
Carotid stenosis and cognitive impairment amongst older Chinese adults living in a rural area: a population-based study
Yan Z; Liang Y; Shi J; Cai C; Jiang H; Song A; Qiu C
Article: GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY INTERNATIONAL. 2015;15(12):1242-1248
Use of medications and functional dependence among Chinese older adults in a rural community: A population-based study
Liang Y; Johnell K; Yan Z; Cai C; Jiang H; Welmer A-K; Qiu C
Article: BLOOD PRESSURE. 2015;24(5):284-292
Cardiovascular target organ damage could have been detected in sustained pediatric hypertension
Meng L; Hou D; Zhao X; Hu Y; Liang Y; Liu J; Yan Y; Mi J
Article: JOURNALS OF GERONTOLOGY SERIES A-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES. 2015;70(6):739-745
Trends in Disability in Activities of Daily Living Among Chinese Older Adults, 1997-2006: The China Health and Nutrition Survey
Liang Y; Song A; Du S; Guralnik JM; Qiu C
Article: PLOS ONE. 2015;10(3):e0119582
Prevalence, Pharmacological Treatment, and Control of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Older People in Central Stockholm: A Population-Based Study
Wang R; Fratiglioni L; Liang Y; Welmer A-K; Xu W; Mangialasche F; Johnell K; Qiu C
Article: PLOS ONE. 2015;10(9):e0138521
Prevalence and Patterns of Chronic Disease Pairs and Multimorbidity among Older Chinese Adults Living in a Rural Area
Wang R; Yan Z; Liang Y; Tan ECK; Cai C; Jiang H; Song A; Qiu C
Article: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY. 2014;177(3):836-839
Cardiovascular remodeling relates to elevated childhood blood pressure: Beijing Blood Pressure Cohort Study.
Liang Y; Hou D; Shan X; Zhao X; Hu Y; Jiang B; Wang L; Liu J; Cheng H; Yang P; Shan X; Yan Y; Chowienczyk PJ; Mi J
Article: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY. 2014;21(10):1267-1274
Highly prevalent and poorly controlled cardiovascular risk factors among Chinese elderly people living in the rural community
Song A; Liang Y; Yan Z; Sun B; Cai C; Jiang H; Qiu C
Article: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE. 2014;21(4):590-596
Association Between Lipid Profile and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Older People: Mediation by Cardiovascular Diseases?
Liang Y; Yan Z; Cai C; Jiang H; Song A; Qiu C
Article: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE. 2014;21(4):597-604
Vascular Risk Factor Burden, Atherosclerosis, and Functional Dependence in Old Age: A Population-Based Study
Welmer A-K; Liang Y; Angleman S; Santoni G; Yan Z; Cai C; Qiu C
Article: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY. 2014;175(1):96-101
Trends in incidence of hypertension in Chinese adults, 1991-2009: The China Health and Nutrition Survey
Liang Y; Liu R; Du S; Qiu C
Article: PEDIATRICS. 2014;134(1):e106-e111
Hypertension Screening Using Blood Pressure to Height Ratio
Xi B; Zhang M; Zhang T; Liang Y; Li S; Steffen LM
Article: METABOLIC SYNDROME AND RELATED DISORDERS. 2014;12(5):269-276
Metabolic Syndrome and Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis Among Chinese Elderly People Living in a Rural Community
Yan Z; Liang Y; Jiang H; Cai C; Sun B; Qiu C
Article: PLOS ONE. 2014;9(1):e85927
Cardiovascular Risk Factor Profiles for Peripheral Artery Disease and Carotid Atherosclerosis among Chinese Older People: A Population-Based Study
Liang Y; Yan Z; Sun B; Cai C; Jiang H; Song A; Qiu C
Article: BLOOD PRESSURE. 2013;22(1):59-64
Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension based on repeated measurements in Chinese children and adolescents.
Meng L; Liang Y; Liu J; Hu Y; Yan Y; Mi J
Article: PEDIATRIC OBESITY. 2012;7(5):355-364
Trends in general and abdominal obesity among Chinese children and adolescents 1993-2009.
Liang YJ; Xi B; Song AQ; Liu JX; Mi J
Article: OBESITY REVIEWS. 2012;13(3):287-296
Secular trends in the prevalence of general and abdominal obesity among Chinese adults, 1993-2009.
Xi B; Liang Y; He T; Reilly KH; Hu Y; Wang Q; Yan Y; Mi J
Article: HYPERTENSION RESEARCH. 2011;34(11):1216-1220
Association of the CYP3A5 polymorphism (6986G>A) with blood pressure and hypertension.
Xi B; Wang C; Liu L; Zeng T; Liang Y; Li J; Mi J
Article: BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT. 2011;130(2):561-568
Association between polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system genes and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis.
Xi B; Zeng T; Liu L; Liang Y; Liu W; Hu Y; Li J
Article: BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT. 2011;130(2):517-529
Association between the p53 polymorphisms and breast cancer risk: meta-analysis based on case-control study.
He X-F; Su J; Zhang Y; Huang X; Liu Y; Ding D-P; Wang W; Arparkorn K
Article: BIOMEDICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES. 2011;24(5):459-466
Pubertal hypertension is a strong predictor for the risk of adult hypertension.
Liang Y; Mi J
Article: BLOOD PRESSURE. 2011;20(1):45-53
Trends in blood pressure and hypertension among Chinese children and adolescents: China Health and Nutrition Surveys 1991-2004.
Liang Y-J; Xi B; Hu Y-H; Wang C; Liu J-T; Yan Y-K; Xu T; Wang R-Q
Article: JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH. 2011;39(1):23-32
Increase in body mass index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio is associated with high blood pressure in children and adolescents in China.
Hu Y-H; Reilly KH; Liang Y-J; Xi B; Liu J-T; Xu D-J; Yan Y-K; Xie B; Li X-Y
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Employments

Principal Researcher, Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, 2023-

Degrees and Education

Docent, Karolinska Institutet, 2022

About me

Research

Teaching

Articles

Employments

Degrees and Education

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